Higher BMI Values Research Articles

Disordered eating in Sami and non-Sami Norwegian populations: the SAMINOR 2 Clinical Survey.

The present study aimed to investigate disordered eating (DE) among Sami compared with non-Sami residing in northern Norway. In a cross-sectional design, stratified by sex and ethnicity, associations were tested between DE (Eating Disturbance Scale; EDS-5) and age, education level, BMI category, anxiety and depression, physical activity and consumption of snacks. The SAMINOR 2 Clinical Survey (2012-2014) based on the population of ten municipalities in northern Norway. Adults aged 40-69 years; 1811 Sami (844 male, 967 female) compared with 2578 non-Sami (1180 male, 1398 female) individuals. No overall significant ethnic difference in DE was identified, although comfort eating was reported more often by Sami individuals (P=0·01). Regardless of ethnicity and sex, symptoms of anxiety and depression were associated with DE (P<0·001). Furthermore, DE was more common at lower age and higher BMI values. Education levels were protectively associated with DE among Sami men (P=0·01). DE was associated (OR, 95% CI) with low physical activity in men in general and in non-Sami women (Sami men: 2·4, 1·4, 4·0; non-Sami men: 2·2, 1·4, 3·6; non-Sami women: 1·8, 1·2, 2·9) and so was the consumption of snacks (Sami men: 2·6, 1·3, 5·0; non-Sami men: 1·9, 1·1, 3·1; non-Sami women: 2·1, 1·3, 3·4). There were no significant differences regarding overall DE comparing Sami with non-Sami, although Sami more often reported comfort eating. There were significant sex and ethnic differences related to DE and physical activity, snacking and education level.

P.4.e.001 - Brain incorporation of different polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio and anxiety-like symptoms development in young rats supplemented with omega-3/-6

Elevated oxidative stress in mitochondria and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with weight gain in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients. Glutathione S-transferase kappa 1 (GSTK1) protects cells against exogenous and endogenous oxidative stress in the mitochondria. This exploratory study investigated the possible effects of a common GSTK1 polymorphism (rs1917760, G-1308T) on the risk for overweight status among 329 SCZ patients and 305 age- and gender-matched controls and on the GSTK1 mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among 14 SCZ patients. The GSTK1 T/T genotype was associated with having a higher BMI value among SCZ male patients, whereas this genotype tended to be associated with a lower BMI value among female patients. Conversely, these associations were not observed among the controls. The GSTK1 T/T genotype was associated with decreased GSTK1 mRNA level among SCZ patients. The GSTK1 T/T genotype may be a novel risk factor for the prediction of overweight status in SCZ male patients, although the results of this pilot study should be verified by a larger study.

Echocardiographic reference ranges in older children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundEchocardiographic reference ranges are important to identify abnormalities of cardiac dimensions. Reference ranges for children in sub-Saharan Africa have not been established. The aim of this study was to establish echocardiographic z-score references for Black children in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods282 healthy subjects aged 6–16years (143 [51%] males) with no known history of cardiac disease were enrolled in the study in Harare, Zimbabwe between 2014 and 2016. Standard M-mode echocardiography was performed and nine cardiac chamber dimensions were obtained. Two non-linear statistical models (gamma weighted model and cubic polynomial model) were tested on the data and the best fitting model was used to calculate z-scores of these cardiac chamber measures. The reference ranges are presented on scatter plots against BSA. ResultsNormative data for the following cardiac measures were obtained and z-scores calculated: right ventricular diameter at end diastole (RVEDD); left ventricular diameter at end diastole (LVEDD) and systole (LVESD); interventricular septal wall thickness at end diastole (IVSd) and systole (IVSs); left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end diastole (LVPWd) and systole (LVPWs); left atrium diameter at end systole (LA) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Girls had higher values for BMI and heart rate than boys (p=0.048 and p=0.001, respectively). Mean interventricular septal and left ventricular posterior walls thickness was higher than published normal values in predominantly Caucasian populations. ConclusionThese are the first echocardiographic reference ranges for children from sub Saharan Africa and will allow accurate assessment of cardiac dimensions in clinical practice.

Sedentary Patterns In People with Intellectual Disability

INTRODUCTION: Adults and older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) have low physical activity levels (PALs) and very little is known about the patterns of sedentary time (ST) among them. PURPOSE: To analyze ST patterns of adults and older adults with ID. METHODS: A group of 42 adults and 42 older adults with mild to severe ID were recruited. A health screening questionnaire was completed by each participant and/or legal guardian. Height and weight were obtained to calculate BMI. ST patterns were assessed with ActiGraph accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. RESULTS: Non-significant differences in ST throughout the week were observed. Non-significant differences between gender groups were found for ST. A significant difference was found for age groups where adults present a higher number of breaks per sedentary hour than older adults (P = 0.048) and the obese participants spent more time on SB than those participants with a normal BMI (P = 0.042). We also found that the number of bouts in SB per day increased in those participants with higher BMI values (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: These groups of subjects with ID showed a high prevalence of ST (79,4% of monitoring time). Interestingly, when comparing age and/or gender groups, no differences were observed for ST. Our findings provide novel and valuable information to be considered in future interventions aiming to increase PAL and reduce ST. Well-designed interventions and preventive health strategies in this specific population are recommended. Partially supported by: MEC (Ref: DEP2012-35335) & AGAUR (Ref: 2013FI_B2 00091)Table 1: Descriptive characteristics of the participants.Table 2: Time in sedentary, percentage of sedentary behavior·day-1, number of sedentary bouts·day-1, and number of breaks per sedentary hour.

Obesity paradox in stroke - Myth or reality? A systematic review.

Background and purposeBoth stroke and obesity show an increasing incidence worldwide. While obesity is an established risk factor for stroke, its influence on outcome in ischemic stroke is less clear. Many studies suggest a better prognosis in obese patients after stroke (“obesity paradox”). This review aims at assessing the clinical outcomes of obese patients after stroke by performing a systematic literature search.MethodsThe reviewers searched MEDLINE from inception to December 2015. Studies were eligible if they included outcome comparisons in stroke patients with allocation to body weight.ResultsTwenty-five studies (299’750 patients) were included and none was randomised. Ten of 12 studies (162’921 patients) reported significantly less mortality rates in stroke patients with higher BMI values. Seven of 9 studies (92’718 patients) ascertained a favorable effect of excess body weight on non-fatal outcomes (good clinical outcome, recurrence of vascular events). Six studies (85’042 patients) indicated contradictory results after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), however. Several methodological limitations were observed in major part of studies (observational study design, inaccuracy of BMI in reflecting obesity, lacking body weight measurement, selection bias, survival bias).ConclusionMost observational data indicate a survival benefit of obese patients after stroke, but a number of methodological concerns exist. No obesity paradox was observed in patients after IVT. There is a need for well-designed randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of weight reduction on stroke risk in obese patients.

Labour in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) constitutes one of the most common pregnancy complications and affects 3-5% of all pregnancies, with its incidence still growing. Due to possible maternal and fetal complications, the peripartum management of GDM patients continues to be a debatable issue. The aim of the study was to analyse the course and final way of delivery in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. The effectiveness of induction of labour (IOL) was also assessed and factors predisposing to cesarean section were identified. The study group consisted of 204 women with GDM who delivered in the Academic Centre for Woman's and Neonate's Health in Warsaw over the years 2013 and 2014. The indications and ratios of elective and intrapartum cesarean sections were analysed. Patients qualified for induction of labour were compared depending on their final way of delivery. Over a half of all deliveries in the study group (53%) were cesarean sections. Elective surgeries accounted for 70% of all cesarean sections, predominantly due to a history of previous operational deliveries. Only 12% of the study group developed spontaneous uterine contractions and delivered vaginally. A comparison of the vaginal delivery group (n = 96) with cesarean section group (n = 108) pointed to high pregestational BMI value and advanced maternal age as factors increasing the patient's risk for surgical delivery (p = 0.0000 and p = 0.048 accordingly). The comparison of women undergo-ing IOL vs. omen with spontaneous uterine contractions showed no increase in the ratio of intrapartum cesarean sections in the IOL group - in both subgroups vaginal delivery was achieved in 75% of cases. Patients with GDM are more likely to undergo cesarean section, but the implementation of induction of labour at term does not further aggravate this risk. Major risk factors for operational delivery in GDM population included: advanced maternal age, high pregestational BMI value and undergoing insulin therapy.

Ocena zaburzeń oddychania w czasie snu z wykorzystaniem rejestracji holterowskiej u pacjentów z tętniczym nadciśnieniem płucnym oraz nadciśnieniem płucnym wtórnym do dysfunkcji lewej komory serca

Introduction. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects approximately 2–12% of the general population and the prevalence among patients with heart failure due to left ventricular dysfunction (LV–HF) is even higher. SDB is an important determinant of worse clinical outcomes in such patients. In contrast, the prevalence of SDB in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and its implications remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare relations between estimated apnea-hypopnoea index (eAHI) and clinical parameters in patients with LV–HF and PAH, with particular attention to the consequences of SDB. Material and methods. Eighty-one patients were screened for SDB using commercial Holter electrographic monitoring software that allowed evaluation of eAHI. The study population consisted of 39 LV–HF patients and 42 PAH patients. Results. While similar N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were noted in both groups, LV–HF patients were characterized by higher age (63 vs. 50 years, respectively, p 15, was 64% in the LV–HF group and 36% in the PAH group. Parameters of time domain heart rate variability (HRV) analysis were lower in PAH vs. LV–HF. Patients with LV–HF had more ventricular arrhythmias than patients with PAH. In the LV–HF group, eAHI correlated positively with NT-proBNP level, and negatively with left ventricular ejection fraction and the mean heart rate. The median eAHI was 18.7, and patients with eAHI above the median had more supraventricular arrhythmias. In the PAH group, a negative correlation between eAHI and age was found. In the subgroup with eAHI < 15, rMSSD values were higher and idiopathic PAH predominated. The median eAHI was 8.4, and patients with eAHI above the median were younger and had higher BMI values. Conclusions. Sleep-disordered breathing was more frequent and eAHI was higher in patients with LV–HF compared to those with PAH, although it was present in more than one third of patients in the latter group. Higher eAHI values indicated more severe hemodynamic dysfunction in patients with LV–HF. In the PAH group, higher eAHI was associated with clinical presentation at a younger age. Patients with PAH seem to have worse HRV parameters compared to patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Role of MMP-1 (-519A/G, -1607 1G/2G), MMP-3 (Lys45Glu), MMP-7 (-181A/G), and MMP-12 (-82A/G) Variants and Plasma MMP Levels on Obesity-Related Phenotypes and Microvascular Reactivity in a Tunisian Population.

Aims The impact of MMP-1 (-519A/G, -1607 1G/2G), MMP-3 Lys45Glu (A/G), MMP-7 -181A/G, and MMP-12 -82A/G variants and plasma MMP levels on obesity and microvascular reactivity in Tunisians. Methods Our population included 202 nonobese and 168 obese subjects. Anthropometric, biochemical, and microvascular parameters were determined according to standard protocols. PCR-RFLP and ELISA were used to determine the genetic variants and levels of MMPs, respectively. Results The MMP-3 45Glu (G) allele associates with higher anthropometric values and MMP-3 levels compared to AA genotype carriers (BMI (kg/m2): 30 ± 0.51 versus 27.33 ± 0.8, P = 0.004; MMP-3 levels: 7.45 (4.77–11.91) versus 5.21 (3.60–10.21) ng/ml, P = 0.006). The MMP-12 -82G allele was also associated with higher BMI values when compared to subjects carrying the AA genotype (31.41 ± 0.85 versus 28.76 ± 0.43, P < 0.001). Individuals carrying the MMP-3 45G or MMP-12 -82G variants were also associated with a higher risk for severe forms of obesity (MMP-3: OR = 1.9, P = 0.002; MMP-12: OR = 2.63, P = 0.003). Similarly, the MMP-7 -181G allele was associated with a higher MMP-7 level and an increased risk for morbid obesity when compared to AA genotype carriers (0.32 (0.31–0.60) versus 0.18 (0.17–0.24) ng/ml, P = 0.01; OR = 1.67, P = 0.02, resp.). Conclusion MMP-3, MMP-7, and MMP-12 polymorphisms associate with obesity risk and its severity.

Holistic Education through Athletics: Health and Health-Literacy of Intercollegiate Athletes and Active Undergraduate Students

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine select psychological (body awareness), educational (health, nutrition, and injury recovery knowledge) and physiological (height, weight, BMI, and body fat percentage) variables within a sample of university students (n = 914) and varsity athletes (n = 435) at three “Power 5” NCAA Division I institutions in an effort to explore the legitimacy of competitive athletics as a holistic educational endeavor worthy of fulfilling the mission of higher education. Data analysis revealed some support for Kolb’s experiential learning theory, with athletes demonstrating significantly greater nutrition, health, injury knowledge, and body awareness than non-athletes (p &lt; 0.01), though mean scores for both groups revealed limited knowledge. Athletes demonstrated overall superior health and lower susceptibility to future metabolic risk factors than their active non-athlete classmates as demonstrated by a significantly lower body fat percentage despite having higher BMI values. Despite a lack of structured traditional education, it appears that athletes are gaining knowledge and engaging in practices critical to holistic development. Practitioners must determine how to further cultivate these benefits through structured education for athletes and non-athletes.

Cholelithiasis in Patients with Gaucher Disease type 1: Risk Factors and the Role of ABCG5/ABCG8 Gene Variants.

Patients with Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) show an altered lipid profile and a certain degree of insulin resistance, which might contribute to cholelithiasis (CL) and could possibly be associated with ABCG5/ABCG8 gene variants. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of CL in Caucasian adult patients with GD1 and the possible risk factors, including gene variants of the ABCG5/ABCG8 genes. 61 Caucasian patients with GD1 (38 female/23male), aged 18-62 years and 61 healthy subjects matched for age, gender and BMI, without CL, for comparison of lipid profiles. Data before start of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) were recorded: clinical, haematological, severity parameters, splenectomy, genotype. Fasting lipid profiles before ERT, glycemia, insulinaemia, HOMA-IR at the last visit were documented. Genotyping for the gene variants D19H, Y54C, T400K, A632V (ABCG8); Q604E (ABCG5) was performed. CL occurred in 45.9% of patients. Risk factors were: age, family history of CL, higher BMI values, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), disease severity, splenectomy. A specific dyslipidemia was found in patients vs. controls. Total serum cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C were higher in patients with CL than in those without; no obvious influence of insulin-resistance to lithogenesis was found. Patients with the GG genotype of D19H and the CC genotype of T400K (ABCG8 gene) had significantly higher levels of TC and LDL-C. Patients with GD1 showed an increased prevalence of CL, which was associated with common and disease-specific risk factors. Starting ERT soon after clinical onset and avoiding splenectomy might reduce the risk of CL in GD1.

Relationship between vitamin D status, glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in Brazilians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

ObjectivesDetermine the prevalence and identify predictors of hypovitaminosis D in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); 2) correlate vitamin D levels with variables indicative of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk.Research design and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with consecutive patients treated at a University Hospital’s Endocrinology outpatient clinic located at 12°58′S latitude, between October 2012 and November 2013. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/mL (chemiluminescence).ResultsWe evaluated 108 patients with mean duration of T2DM of 14.34 ± 8.05 years and HbA1c of 9.2 ± 2.1%. Mean age was 58.29 ± 10.34 years. Most were women (72.2%), non-white (89.8%) and had hypertension (75.9%) and dyslipidemia (76.8%). Mean BMI was 28.01 ± 4.64 kg/m2; 75.9% were overweight. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 62%. In multiple logistic regression, independent predictors of hypovitaminosis D were female gender (OR 3.10, p = 0.02), dyslipidemia (OR 6.50, p < 0.01) and obesity (OR 2.55, p = 0.07). In multiple linear regression, only total cholesterol (β = −0.36, p < 0.01) and BMI (β = −0.21, p = 0.04) remained associated with levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.ConclusionsUsing currently recommended cutoffs, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Brazilians with T2DM was as high as that of non-tropical regions. Female gender, dyslipidemia and obesity were predictors of hypovitaminosis D. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were correlated with high cholesterol and BMI values. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether vitamin D replacement would improve these parameters and reduce hard cardiovascular outcomes.

The impact of length and weight on survival after heart transplantation in children less than 24months of age.

Adults, older children, and adolescent patients with a BMI categorized as overweight or obese have decreased survival after HTx. Anthropometric correlates of survival after HTx in infants have not been well defined. In a retrospective analysis of the UNOS registry, patients age 0-24months were classified according to the WHO height-for-age and weight-for-age norms, as well as arbitrary BMI-for-age percentiles. Outcomes of 1-year survival, conditional long-term survival, and cause-specific mortality were examined. Infants with stunted growth according to the WHO definition had increased risks of early mortality, late mortality, and death due to graft failure after HTx. Secondary analysis of first-year survival demonstrated increased mortality in children who were underweight according to weight-for-age, but a survival disadvantage in the highest BMI-for-age category, likely due to short recumbent length leading to relatively high BMI values. Stunted growth relative to WHO standards predicts mortality following heart transplant in children less than 2years of age. The association between post-transplant mortality and high BMI-for-age, as demonstrated in older cohorts, was observed in the infant cohort only due to stunting, and not due to overweight classification.

C-type natriuretic peptide is closely associated to obesity in Caucasian adolescents

CNP is a natural regulator of adipogenesis playing a role in the development of obesity in childhood. Aim of the study was to evaluate CNP plasma levels in normal-weight (N), overweight (OW) and obese adolescents (O). Eighty two subjects (age:12.8±2.4, years) without cardiac dysfunction were enrolled and CNP plasma levels were measured by RIA. NT-proBNP, MR-proANP, AGEs, reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and standard clinical chemistry parameters were also measured. O and OW adolescents had higher values of BMI and fat mass than N. CNP levels were significantly lower in OW:4.79[3.29–21.15] and O:3.81[1.55–13.4] than in N:13.21[7.6–37.8]; p<0.0001N vs O, p=0.0003N vs OW). LogCNP values correlated significantly and inversely with BMI z-score, FM%, TF% and circulating levels of CRP, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, in addition to an inverse relationship with skin AGEs and a direct correlation with RHI. LogCNP was also inversely associated with LogNT-proBNP and LogMR-proANP values. Using ROC analysis the risk of obesity resulted significantly (p≪0.0001) associated with CNP values (AUC=0.9724). These results suggest that CNP may play a more important role than BNP and ANP related peptides, as risk marker of obesity, in addition to its involvement in adipogenesis and endothelial dysfunction.

Impact of Chemotherapy on Diet and Nutritional Status of Women with Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study.

Certain food groups are often rejected during chemotherapy (CT) due to the side effects of treatment, which may interfere with adequate diet and nutritional status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment impact on the diet and nutritional status of women with breast cancer (BC). In this prospective longitudinal study, conducted in 2014–2015, 55 women diagnosed with BC, with a mean age 51.5±10.1 years, were followed and data were collected at three different times. Anthropometric and dietary assessments were performed, the latter by applying nine 24h dietary recalls, by using the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised (BHEI-R), and calculating the prevalence of inadequacy by the EAR cut-off point method. Regarding the BHEI-R analysis, the majority of women had a “diet requires modification’, both at the beginning (T0, 58.2%, n = 32) and during treatment (T1, 54.5%, n = 30). However, after the end of the CT, the greater percentage of patients (T2, 49.1%, n = 27) were classified as having an "inadequate diet", since the Total Fruit consumption as well as the Dark Green and Orange Vegetable and Legume consumption decreased significantly during treatment (p = 0.043 and p = 0.026, respectively). There was a significant reduction in the intake of macro and micronutrients, with a high prevalence of inadequacy, of up to 100%, for calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin C and zinc. Assessment of the nutritional status indicated that 56% (n = 31) of patients were overweight at these three different times. Weight, BMI and Waist Circumference increased significantly, indicating a worse nutritional status, and there was a correlation between poor diet quality and higher values for BMI, Waist-Hip Ratio and Waist-to-Height Ratio. Chemotherapy interferes in the patients’ diet generating a negative impact on the quality and intake of micro and macronutrients, as well as an impact on their nutritional status, with an increase in anthropometric measurements.

Body Image Satisfaction, Eating Attitudes and Perceptions of Female Body Silhouettes in Rural South African Adolescents

This study aims to examine the associations between BMI, disordered eating attitude, body dissatisfaction in female adolescents, and descriptive attributes assigned to silhouettes of varying sizes in male and female adolescents, aged 11 to 15, in rural South Africa. Height and weight were measured to determine BMI. Age and sex-specific cut-offs for underweight and overweight/obesity were determined using the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs. Body image satisfaction using Feel-Ideal Discrepancy (FID) scores, Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and perceptual female silhouettes were collected through self-administered questionnaires in 385 adolescents from the Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System (HSDSS). Participants self-reported their Tanner pubertal stage and were classified as early pubertal (< = Tanner stage 2), and mid to post pubertal (Tanner stage > 2). Mid to post pubertal boys and girls were significantly heavier, taller, and had higher BMI values than their early pubertal counterparts (all p<0.001). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in the girls than the boys in both pubertal stages. The majority (83.5%) of the girls demonstrated body dissatisfaction (a desire to be thinner or fatter). The girls who wanted to be fatter had a significantly higher BMI than the girls who wanted to be thinner (p<0.001). There were no differences in EAT-26 scores between pubertal groups, within the same sex, and between boys and girls within the two pubertal groups. The majority of the boys and the girls in both pubertal groups perceived the underweight silhouettes to be “unhappy” and “weak” and the majority of girls in both pubertal groups perceived the normal silhouettes to be the “best”. These findings suggest a need for policy intervention that will address a healthy body size among South African adolescents.

The Relations Between Fitness and Obesity in Chinese Children

The increasing prevalence of obesity is a global health problem (WHO, 2013). Childhood obesity and decreased fitness are risk factors for chronic diseases. Previous research indicated that childhood obesity and fitness levels are negatively related (Aryana, 2012; Chi, 2014). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relations between obesity and measures of fitness in Chinese children. METHODS: A total of 457 Chinese students (54.5% male, 45.5% female) from grades 1 to 3 (age in years: 9.2 ± 0.89) were tested by physical education teachers in Shanghai, China. The tests included 50 Meters Run, Jump Rope, Sit and Reach, Pull up/Push up (only tested in grade 3) that separately reflected explosive force, coordination of upper and lower limbs, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, in which Pull up/Push up was separately tested for males (pull up) and females (push up). Based on Chinese standards, for all tests students were classified into four categories, Excellent, Good, Pass and Fail. Height and weight were measured and obesity status was classified as normal, overweight and obese using BMI cut-points. Results: The 50 Meters Run (r = 0.141, p < 0.05), Jump Rope (r = -0.158, p < 0.01), Pull up/Push up (r = -0.380, p 0.05). The Chi-square test was conducted to analyze the relations of fitness and obesity classifications. Obesity status was significantly related to the 50 Meters Run (χ2 = 36.94, p < 0.01), Jump Rope (χ2 = 20.70, p < 0.05) and Pull up/Push up (χ2 = 30.66, p < 0.01), but not the Sit and Reach (χ2 = 8.75, p > 0.05). The %fitness classification of Fail increased across normal, overweight and obese classifications for the 50 Meters Run (11.2% to 41.5%), the Jump Rope (5.0% to 9.8%) and the Pull up/Push up (2.0% to 26.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Performance on the 50 Meters Run, Jump Rope and Pull up/Push up was significantly related to obesity. Higher values of BMI and classified obesity status of Chinese children were related to poorer performance on some components of fitness. Future research on school based interventions to increase physical activity, improve fitness and decrease obesity would serve the public health of China.

Feasibility Study of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon Evaluation: Validation by Coronary Angiography.

This study aimed to assess echocardiography parameters in CSFP evaluation. This study enrolled 79 consecutive patients with CSFP validated by coronary angiography and control individuals with normal coronary flow. Coronary flow rates were determined by corrected CTFC. Clinical and coronary angiography data and coronary parameters assessed by echocardiography using the CFI were recorded. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Patients with CSFP were predominantly males, with higher BMI values, weights and triglyceride levels (p<0.05), but lower platelet counts (p<0.05). Conventional echocardiography parameters were similar in the two groups. However, echocardiographic measurements of the LAD, including PDV, MDV, PDP, MDP and VTI, in the CSFP group were lower compared with control values (p<0.05). BMI was positively correlated with CSFP. LAD's CTFC showed strong inverse correlations with PDV, MDV, PDP, and MDP in CSFP groups. ROC curve analysis revealed that coronary artery flow-related parameters occupied more than half of the AUC. CSFP could be identified with the help of echocardiography.

The prevalence and validity of high, biologically implausible values of weight, height, and BMI among 8.8 million children.

This study assessed the prevalence and consistency of high values of weight, height, and BMI considered to be biologically implausible (BIV) using cut points proposed by WHO among 8.8 million low-income children (13.7 million observations). Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed among 2- to 4-year-olds who were examined from 2008 through 2011. Overall, 2.7% of the body size measurements were classified as BIVs; 95% of these BIVs were very high. Among the subset of children (3.6 million) examined more than once, most of those who initially had a high weight or BMI BIV also had a high BIV at the second examination; odds ratios were >250. Based on several alternative classifications of BIVs, the current cut points likely underestimate the prevalence of obesity by about 1%. Many of the extremely high values of body size currently flagged as BIVs are unlikely to be errors. Increasing the z-score cut points or using a percentage of the maximum values in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, could improve the balance between removing probable errors and retaining those that are likely correct.

Glutathione S-transferase K1 genotype and overweight status in schizophrenia patients: A pilot study

Elevated oxidative stress in mitochondria and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with weight gain in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients. Glutathione S-transferase kappa 1 (GSTK1) protects cells against exogenous and endogenous oxidative stress in the mitochondria. This exploratory study investigated the possible effects of a common GSTK1 polymorphism (rs1917760, G-1308T) on the risk for overweight status among 329 SCZ patients and 305 age- and gender-matched controls and on the GSTK1 mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among 14 SCZ patients. The GSTK1 T/T genotype was associated with having a higher BMI value among SCZ male patients, whereas this genotype tended to be associated with a lower BMI value among female patients. Conversely, these associations were not observed among the controls. The GSTK1 T/T genotype was associated with decreased GSTK1 mRNA level among SCZ patients. The GSTK1 T/T genotype may be a novel risk factor for the prediction of overweight status in SCZ male patients, although the results of this pilot study should be verified by a larger study.

Socio-demographic inequalities in overweight and obesity among Lithuanian adults: time trends from 1994 to 2014.

The aim was to examine trends in socio-demographic differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Lithuanian adult population from 1994 to 2014. The data from 11 postal surveys were analysed. For every survey, a nationally representative random sample aged 20-64 was drawn from the National Population Register. The sample consisted of 3000 individuals in each of the 1994-2008 surveys and 4000 in the last three surveys. Altogether, 8738 men and 11,822 women participated in the surveys. Self-reported weight and height were used to calculate BMI. From 1994 to 2014, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased in all socio-demographic groups of men, reaching 58.6% and 19.5% respectively. Highly educated men and those living in cities had higher BMI values than lower educated and non-urban inhabitants without substantial changes in the differences in BMI over the study period. In women, the prevalence of overweight decreased from 51.7% to 46%, whereas the prevalence of obesity did not change being 19.2% in 2014. Overweight and obesity were more common among lower educated women and those living in non-urban areas than in the others. Educational inequalities in weight status of women increased due to the decrease of BMI only in women with university education. CONCLUSIONS TIME TRENDS IN BMI WERE MORE PRONOUNCED AMONG LITHUANIAN MEN THAN WOMEN, WHEREAS SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC INEQUALITIES WERE GREATER AMONG WOMEN THE STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF OBESITY SHOULD TARGET ALL MEN AND WOMEN WITH LOWER EDUCATION AND LIVING IN NON-URBAN AREAS OF LITHUANIA.