High Prevalence Of Obesity Research Articles

Obesity in Pregnancy as a Risk Factor in Maternal and Child Health-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen dramatically in the last few years. This has led to an increase in both conditions in pregnant women. Obesity and overweight are associated with complications for both the mother and the newborn. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity and its association with the risk of complications during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women who delivered from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2018. Results: A higher prevalence of obesity is observed in the group of women aged 35 or older. Women with a BMI > 25 present a higher risk of cesarean section (aOR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.37-1.61), preeclampsia (aOR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.19-2.26), high-risk pregnancy (aOR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.68-2.6), Apgar < 7 at one minute (aOR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.25-1.89) and macrosomia (aOR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.83-2.37). Maternal overweight and obesity are important determinants of the risk of complications for both the mother and the newborn.

Assessment of Overweight, Obesity and Lifestyle-Related Factors Among Women Aged 18-49 Years in Kizinda, Bushenyi District

The trend of overweight and obesity was growing with shifts in individual and behavioral factors. Globally, overweight and obesity becoming a major problem, yet extensive data especially in Africa is still lacking. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence, socio-economic, and lifestyle-related factors associated with overweight and obesity among women aged 18-49 years in Kizinda in Bushenyi district. A cross-sectional analytical study design was used. Data on prevalence was collected through anthropometric measurements using the BMI (Body Mass Index) while those of socio-economic and individual factors were collected with a structured questionnaire. 271 women aged 18-49 years in Kizinda Trading Center, Bushenyi district were sampled. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Bushenyi town was 47.24% and 19.92% respectively. Housewives were twice as likely to be overweighed and obese [AOR: 2.10, 95% CI (0.87- 3.15)]. Unemployed women have 74% [AOR: 1.26, 95% CI (0.50-2.36)] higher odds of being overweight or obese and those who earn &gt;700000 shillings have 37% [AOR: 1.63, 95% CI (0.56-2.25)] higher odds to be overweight and obese. Compared with women who live in rented houses, those who live in their own houses were 48% [AOR: 1.52, 95% CI (0.78-2.94)] higher odds of being overweight or obese. Women who engaged in physical activity had 65% [AOR: 0.35, 95% CI (0.17-1.27)] less odds of being overweight or obese compared to those who did not. Participants whose food intake is mostly rice and ghee had 55% [AOR: 1.45, 95% CI (0.40-1.27)] and 44% [AOR: 1.56, 95% CI (0.53-2.11)] more odds of being overweight or obese respectively compared to those who take Posho. Women whose food intake was mostly milk were two times [AOR: 2.01, 95% CI (0.55-2.75)] more likely to be overweighed or obese compared to those who take Posho. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Bushenyi calls for serious attention. Public health interventions through awareness programs about the consequences of overall and abdominal obesity should be implemented. Keywords: Overweight, Obesity, Posho, Women, Housewives.

Determinants of the adherence to Mediterranean diet: application of the k-means cluster analysis profiling children in the Metropolitan City of Bari

The transition to sustainable food systems and the achievement of SDGs 2 and 12 entails the adoption of sustainable consumption and production patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet and its impact on nutritional status and health have been the focus of recent research. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, BMI (kg/m2), and age of children. The geographical area is the Metropolitan City of Bari (Apulia region, southern Italy), which is involved in the development of an effective food policy aimed at ensuring a sustainable food transition. An online survey was filled out by parents or guardians responsible for the dietary patterns of children between 2 and 15 years of age to collect data about their Mediterranean diet adherence through the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) and sociodemographic features, food habits and lifestyles, and anthropometric variables. Descriptive statistics and k-means cluster analysis were applied for profiling children, contributing to identifying the main factors that might affect individual Mediterranean diet adherence. Four clusters were characterized, taking into account food habits and lifestyle index, socioeconomic index, children’s age, and body mass index (BMI). Results showed an association between low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and high prevalence of overweight and obesity in children. The factors positively associated with following an optimal Mediterranean diet adherence were the mother’s education level and level of income; skipping breakfast is linked to low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, targeted strategies should be put in place to improve Mediterranean diet adherence among children, promoting healthy dietary habits.

Esophageal cancer: a twenty-four-year experience at a tertiary care center with an evaluation of the prognostic significance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio

BackgroundA high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be associated with worse survival in esophageal cancer (EC). Our aims were to describe the demographic and clinical data of EC in a tertiary referral center in Lebanon and to determine the prognostic value of NLR.MethodsA retrospective cohort study based on chart review of patients diagnosed with EC was conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). The demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and outcomes were described and compared between squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and adenocarcinomas (EAC). Data about esophageal cancer incidence were obtained from the National Cancer Registry, the Ministry of Public Health and GLOBOCAN 2020. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine whether the NLR is an independent predictor of survival, using variables based on clinical knowledge and previously established data.Results110 patients were diagnosed with EC, which was the least common among other gastrointestinal malignancies. Our follow up rates reached 86.4%. The median survival was 9 months (IQR 3–25.5.) and was comparable between ESCC (median of 7 months, IQR 2–25) and EAC (median of 9 months, IQR 3–26.3), p = 0.803. Advanced stage was associated with a worse prognosis (p = 0.037). The mean NLR(±SD) was 5.20 ± 6.8, with no significant difference between EAC and ESCC (4.5 ± 3.4 vs. 5.9 ± 9.2, p = 0.420) or between early or advanced stages (5.4 ± 8.1 vs. 4.7 ± 6.8, p = 0.732). The area under the curve for the NLR was 0.560 (95% CI: 0.374–0.746, p = 0.488). After adjusting for age, gender, TNM staging and grading, cox regression analysis showed that an increased NLR was a significant predictor of mortality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.095 (p = 0.011).ConclusionEC is quite uncommon in Lebanon despite a high prevalence of smoking and obesity. Advanced stage and high NLR were associated with a negative prognostic value.

Predominance of overweight and obesity in workers at the San José de Chincha Hospital, Peru 2023

The study reveals a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among workers at the San José de Chincha Hospital, with significant implications for occupational health. A worrying distribution of weight was identified, with the majority of workers not eating lunch or dinner at the appropriate time. In addition, the nutritional quality of meals provided in the workplace is monitored for poor quality, which can contribute to overweight and obesity problems. Nutrition education programs, regular physical activity, and psychological support are recommended to prevent obesity among hospital workers.

Dietary inflammatory index related to knee osteoarthritis symptomatology

Proinflammatory diet contributes to greater symptomatology in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, in Mexico there seems to be no evidence of the dietary inflammatory role, being a country with high prevalence of overweight and obesity with an inclination towards a Western diet. To analyze the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and KOA symptomatology in Mexican patients. Analytical cross-sectional study in 100 patients aged 40 to 70 years. Pain, stiffness, and functionality were evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the DII was calculated from the semi-quantitative food consumption frequency questionnaire (QFCFQ). For its analysis, linear regression was calculated. DII was significantly associated with pain (p = 0.001, R² = 0.118), functionality (p = 0.003, R² = 0.087) and WOMAC score (p = 0.001, R² = 0.099). In the second linear regression model with the dependent variable functionality, waist circumference (WC) was adjusted obtaining an R² = 0.144 and higher significance p = 0.001. Proinflammatory DII was related to greater pain, lower functionality and a high WOMAC score, which is why the anti-inflammatory diet could be considered as a support for the treatment of the patient with KOA.

The Characteristics and Outcomes of Nonhospitalized Patients With Heart Failure in Saudi Arabia: A Contemporary Single-Center Study.

Background Contemporary data on patients with heart failure (HF) in Saudi Arabia is limited. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients who were followed in the HF Clinic at our center after January 1, 2022. The study end date was August 31, 2023. Patients who were alive and followed for <6 months were excluded. We reported the clinical characteristics, utilization of established therapies for HF, proportion of potential candidates for ancillary HF treatments, and rates of HF events and mortality. Results A total of 202 patients met the study criteria. The mean age was 56.0 ± 15.2 years. The median follow-up from the initial visit to the study end date was 47 months (interquartile range {IQR}: 29-58 months). Coronary artery disease (CAD) was the cause of HF in 85 (42%) patients. At their latest visit, 103 (51%) patients had diabetes, 82 (41%) were obese, and 134 (66%) received quadruple therapy. Iron deficiency was present in 143 (71%) patients during follow-up. At their latest visit, moderate-to-severe or severe functional mitral regurgitation (MR) and hyperkalemia were present in 15 (7%) and 20 (10%) patients, respectively. The combined annual rate of HF hospitalization and emergency visits for HF was 20%. At least one hospitalization for HF within a year before the study end date occurred in 19 (9%) patients. The annual all-cause mortality was 1.8%. Conclusion This contemporary cohort of outpatients with HF was relatively young and had a high prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and iron deficiency. An estimate of potential candidates for iron replacement, transcatheter repair of the mitral valve, novel potassium binders, and the implantation of the pulmonary artery pressure monitorwas among the first reported regionally. All-cause mortality was low, yet the burden of HF-related events was significant.

Trends of physical fitness related to weight status: An analysis including over 412,000 Swiss young male conscripts from 2007 to 2022

ObjectiveThe high prevalence of obesity among young adults in the civilian population pose challenges in recruiting physically fit soldiers. We assessed the trend of physical fitness related to weight status among Swiss male conscripts. MethodsCross-sectional data of medical examination data during mandatory conscription for the Swiss Armed Forces, 2007–2022 (N = 412,186). The conscription physical test (CPT) assessed five aspects of physical fitness, each aspect scoring 0–25, one component being an endurance test (ET). CPT and ET categories were defined as per military guidelines: “Insufficient”, “Sufficient”, “Good”, “Very Good” and “Excellent”. Weight status was based on body mass index (BMI). ResultsConscripts with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI 25–29.99) had significantly (p < 0.001) lower CPT and ET scores compared to normal weight [multivariable-adjusted mean: 54.7 ± 0.1 and 66.5 ± 0.1, vs. 73.6 ± 0.1 for CPT; 8.8 ± 0.1 and 12.5 ± 0.1, vs. 15.3 ± 0.1 for ET] and a higher likelihood to be categorized as “Insufficient” [weighted relative-risk ratio and (95 %CI): 70.4 (63.7–77.7) and 2.35 (2.16–2.55) for CPT; 77.1 (71.0–83.7) and 3.05 (2.91–3.20) for ET] or “Sufficient” [7.67 (7.38–7.97) and 2.02 (1.99–2.06) for CPT; 8.93 (8.37–9.52) and 2.02 (1.98–2.06) for ET]. Compared to normal weight conscripts, the CPT and ET scores decreased over the conscription years for conscripts with obesity (multivariable-adjusted mean yearly change: −0.11 ± 0.02 for CPT; −0.032 ± 0.007 for ET) and overweight (−0.16 ± 0.01 for CPT and −0.044 ± 0.004 for ET). ConclusionMale Swiss conscripts with overweight and obesity have lower physical fitness than normal weight conscripts, and this condition tends to worsen over the conscription years.

Does the Prevalence of Obesity in the Different Regions of Spain Influence the Attitudes, Perception, and Barriers to Its Treatment?

Introduction: The differences in the prevalence of obesity between the various regions of Spain, partly attributed to socioeconomic differences, may influence the approach to this disease. The aim of this study was to compare differences in attitudes, perception, and barriers to the treatment of obesity between people with obesity (PwO) and health care professionals (HCPs), between the different regions of Spain. Methods: Sub-analysis of the ACTION-IO Spain study, which included 1,500 PwO and 306 HCP, was performed to identify differences in PwQ and HCPs belonging to regions with high prevalence of obesity (>16%, n = 9 regions, high prevalence of obesity [HPO] group) and low prevalence of obesity (<16%, n = 8 regions, low prevalence of obesity [LPO] group) (self-reported data), according to the 2017 National Health Survey of Spain. Statistics: comparison of proportions (χ2). Results: A total of 746 PwO belonged to HPO and 754 to LPO group. The PwO in HPO group were younger, had lower income, a lower level of higher education, higher unemployment rate, and fewer comorbidities. Obesity was considered a chronic disease to a higher extent in HPO compared to LPO group (62 vs. 56%), but this difference was not statistically significant. The PwO in HPO group discussed less with the HCPs about their excess weight (57 vs. 70%), did not feel motivated to lose weight in a higher percentage (26 vs. 18%), and felt less emotionally supported (16 vs. 24%). In HPO group, the preference for unhealthy food (51 vs. 36%), and the costs of healthy eating, anti-obesity drugs and bariatric surgery were perceived barriers to losing weight. A higher proportion of PwO in HPO group considered that exercise (58 vs. 40%) was more effective for achieving weight loss. In contrast, LPO group considered diet more effective (48 vs. 32%). HCPs in HPO group felt more motivated to treat obesity (83 vs. 68%) and a higher proportion (14 vs. 5%) identified the economic burden as one of the main reasons why PwO do not start conversations to lose weight. Conclusions: There is less concern and conversation about excess weight in PwO in regions with a higher prevalence of obesity, with socioeconomic limitations being one of the main perceived barriers to treatment.

Prevalence of obesity in students aged 5 to 9 years old in for rural schools at Ñuble region

Introduction: obesity is a relevant public health problem due to its multiple consequences. This problem has been barely studied in schoolchildren from rural sectors.Objective: determine the prevalence of obesity according to growth patterns with reference to the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), in schoolchildren aged 5-9 years who come from rural areas of the Ñuble region, Chile.Methods: observational, descriptive and transversal study, aimed at 100 schoolchildren from 5-9 years from four rural schools. Weight and height were measured to classify nutritional status according to the growth patterns provided by the Chilean Ministry of Health. The parents answered a questionnaire about the personal history of the student and the family. The data were processed with R, version 4.1.2.Results: the sample was made up of 41 % of children whose guardians reported an age between 30-39 years, 67 % attended high school and 61 % live in a household made up of 2-4 people. In relation to the nutritional status of children, 65 % of the sample was classified with malnutrition due to excess, of which 30 % were evaluated with obesity. 67 % had normal height and 20 % had abdominal obesity. More men were obese (35 %) than women. The prevalence of obesity increases with the age studied or if there is a chronic disease.Conclusions: a high prevalence of obesity is observed in schoolchildren from rural sectors and in some interest groups, which can serve as a guide to reorient prevention and promotion strategies of this disease in these groups

The changing epidemiology of adult liver transplantation in the United States in 2013-2022: The dominance of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and alcohol-associated liver disease.

The high prevalence of obesity in the United States drives the burden of NASH, recently renamed as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We assessed the most recent trends in liver transplantation in the United States. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR 2013-2022) was used to select adult (18 years or above) candidates who underwent liver transplant. There were 116,292 candidates who underwent liver transplant with known etiology of chronic liver disease. In candidates without HCC, the most common etiology was alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), increasing from 23% (2013) to 48% (2022), followed by NASH/MASH, which increased from 19% to 27%; the rates of viral hepatitis decreased (chronic hepatitis C: 28%-4%; chronic hepatitis B: 1.8%-1.1%) (all trend p<0.01). The proportion of HCC decreased from 25% (2013-2016) to 17% (2021-2022). Among HCC cohort, the proportion of chronic hepatitis C decreased from 60% (2013) to 27% (2022), NASH/MASH increased from 10% to 31%, alcohol-associated liver disease increased from 9% to 24% (trend p<0.0001), and chronic hepatitis B remained stable between 5% and 7% (trend p=0.62). The rapid increase in the proportion of NASH/MASH in HCC continued during the most recent study years [20% (2018), 28% (2020), 31% (2022)]; the trend remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Liver transplant etiologies in the United States have changed over the last decade. Alcohol-associated liver disease and NASH/MASH remain the 2 most common indications for transplantation among those without HCC, and NASH/MASH is the most common in patients with HCC.

Obesity Prevalence, Associated Factors and Complications among Adult Population Attending Family Medicine Clinic in Hatta Hospital, United Arab Emirates

Background: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced rapid economic growth in the last few decades, resulting in swift urbanization and an influx of foreign labor. This has facilitated an advanced, yet sedentary lifestyle characterized by increased reliance on technology, unhealthy dietary habits, and a reduction in physical activity levels. These factors significantly contributed to the rise in the prevalence of obesity. Objective: To determine the prevalence of obesity, it is associated factors, and complications among adults presenting to the primary care clinic at Hatta Hospital, located in the Hatta area UAE. Material &amp; Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled adult Emirati patients aged between 18-55 years. Body Mass Index (BMI) was categorized based on the World Health Organization’s threshold. Patients’ socio-demographic and clinical data was obtained and recorded. Results: A total of 600 Emirati patients were included in this study, with a median age of 33 (IQR=25-45) years. Gender distribution was kept equal with 50.5% male and 49.5% female participants. The median BMI among the participants was 28.2 (IQR=24.3-32.5) kg/m2. The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity was found as 4.3%, 23.5%, 33.7% and 38.5% respectively. After adjusting the co-variants in the multivariable model, lower education levels were found to be significantly associated with higher odds of obesity. Conversely, being single and adhering to a healthy lifestyle was associated with lower odds of obesity in the multivariable model. Conclusion: The present study identified that 38.5% of the adult population attending Hatta Hospital family medicine clinics were obese and 33.7% were overweight. Conclusively 72.2% of the adult population of the Hatta area have a BMI above normal, indicating a very high prevalence of obesity and overweight cases. Furthermore, a significant association of obesity was found with lower education levels, being married, having unhealthy dietary habits, and insufficient physical activity.

Reproductive toxicology: keeping up with our changing world.

Reproductive toxicology testing is essential to safeguard public health of current and future generations. Traditional toxicological testing of male reproduction has focused on evaluating substances for acute toxicity to the reproductive system, with fertility assessment as a main endpoint and infertility a main adverse outcome. Newer studies in the last few decades have significantly widened our understanding of what represents an adverse event in reproductive toxicology, and thus changed our perspective of what constitutes a reproductive toxicant, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals that affect fertility and offspring health in an intergenerational manner. Besides infertility or congenital abnormalities, adverse outcomes can present as increased likelihood for various health problems in offspring, including metabolic syndrome, neurodevelopmental problems like autism and increased cancer predisposition, among others. To enable toxicologic studies to accurately represent the population, toxicologic testing designs need to model changing population characteristics and exposure circumstances. Current trends of increasing importance in human reproduction include increased paternal age, with an associated decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and a higher prevalence of obesity, both of which are factors that toxicological testing study design should account for. In this perspective article, we highlighted some limitations of standard testing protocols, the need for expanding the assessed reproductive endpoint by including genetic and epigenetic sperm parameters, and the potential of recent developments, including mixture testing, novel animal models, in vitro systems like organoids, multigenerational testing protocols, as well as in silico modelling, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Assessment of lifestyle factors of doctors working in a medical college of Odisha, India

Background: Lifestyle plays one of the central roles in determining the overall health of a person, including health-care professionals. Despite their extensive medical knowledge, doctors are susceptible to lifestyle-related diseases due to the demanding nature of their profession. Assessing the lifestyle factors of doctors is essential for promoting healthier habits and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases within the medical community. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to explore the lifestyle factors of doctors working in a medical college in Odisha, India, using the FANTASTIC Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and observational survey study was conducted over a period of 6 months, involving 152 doctors (75 males and 77 females) aged 30–70 years. Convenience sampling was used, and participants provided written consent. Lifestyle factors such as food intake patterns, physical activity, stress management, and overall health were assessed using the FANTASTIC questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: The majority of doctors were classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index, with a higher prevalence of obesity among females. Most participants demonstrated good or fair lifestyle scores, indicating a positive trend toward healthier habits. However, a significant proportion had low lifestyle scores, particularly among female doctors. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of promoting healthier lifestyle habits among doctors to improve their well-being and enhance patient care. Targeted interventions aimed at improving dietary habits, physical activity levels, and stress management are essential for fostering a culture of health within the medical community.

Insights into Rheumatoid Arthritis in Kuwait: The Prevalence of Comorbidities

Introduction Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and potential disability. (1). The relationship between comorbidities and RA is well-known and is associated with poor outcomes. (3,4, 5) Furthermore, patients with RA are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). (6) This study investigates the epidemiology of RA in Kuwait, focusing on the prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity using the Kuwait Rheumatoid Arthritis registry. Methods This retrospective study analyzes data from 2239 RA patients in Kuwait, enrolled from February 2012 to May 2024 Results As shown in Table 1, (71.0%) are females with a mean age of 55.6 years and a mean disease duration of 11.1 years. The average body mass index (BMI) is 29.2, with 39.2%% having a BMIˆ3 of 30 and 11.3% are active smokers. Analysis of comorbidities in RA patients shows that hypertension (23%) and diabetes Type 2 (20%) are the most prevalent conditions, followed by thyroid disease and hyperlipidemia (13%), as demonstrated in Figure 1. Conclusion This study reveals a high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity, all of which are modifiable risk factors for CVD. This finding emphasizes the importance of pre-emptive screening for these comorbid conditions, establishing a comprehensive care plan, and optimizing treatment protocol to improve patient outcome.

Распространенность отклонений физического развития у детей с сахарным диабетом 1-го типа в зависимости от степени его компенсации

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most common type of diabetes in children and adolescents. Patients with T1D have traditionally been thought to have lower BMI, however recent research has demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight and obesity with the development of metabolic syndrome. Objective. To study the characteristics of physical development of children with T1D depending on the degree of its compensation. Patients and methods. A retrospective analysis of medical records of children with T1D aged 7 to 17 years (n = 318) who underwent routine inpatient examination and treatment in the pediatric department of the Children’s Regional Clinical Hospital of Khabarovsk Krai between 2018 and 2023 was performed. Depending on the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), children were divided into three study groups: group 1 (n = 40) – HbA1c less than 7%, group 2 (n = 100) – HbA1c from 7.1 to 8.5%, group 3 (n = 178) – HbA1c over 8.5%. Physical development was assessed according to the WHO standards. Results. The analysis of physical development of all children without considering the degree of diabetes compensation showed that malnutrition was observed in 1.9% of patients, overweight in 17.0% and obesity in 1.6%, tall stature was diagnosed in 2.8%, reduced growth rate and short stature were determined in 11.6% and 1.9%, respectively. It should be emphasized that HAZ and BAZ values greater than +2 and less than -2 were not recorded in patients with achieved target HbA1c levels. The incidence of reduced growth rate and malnutrition was 3 and 2 times higher in the group of children with decompensated diabetes, respectively, compared to those with HbA1c below 8.5% (OR = 2.959, 95% CI: 1.403-6.239; OR = 2.076, 95% CI: 1.018-4.235). Conclusion. The data obtained indicate the predominance of anthropometric deviations in children with uncompensated diabetes, which requires the identification of measures to achieve target HbA1c levels for the prevention of developmental disorders. Key words: glycated hemoglobin, children, type 1 diabetes, physical development

A controlled weight loss intervention study among women of Somali background in Norway

BackgroundWomen of Somali background in Norway have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, compared with women in the general Norwegian population. For lifestyle interventions to be applicable for immigrants to Norway, it is important to culturally tailor interventions in collaboration with relevant communities. The primary outcome was a difference in weight change between the intervention and control groups. MethodsIn this interventional study, Somali women living in one borough of Oslo Municipality in Norway with body mass index (BMI) ≥27.0 kg.m-2 received a co-created, culturally tailored 12-month weight loss intervention consisting of 24 interactive sessions during the first three months, and monthly sessions for the next nine months, compared to a control group. Both groups were measured at baseline and 12 months. ResultsA total of 169 participants were recruited, and 101 participants completed the follow-up. After multiple imputation, the mean difference in weight change adjusted for baseline weight, age, education, employment, marital status, number of children in the household and length of Norwegian residency was -1.6 kg (95 % CI -3.57, 0.43, p = 0.12) in the intervention compared to the control group. ConclusionThis culturally tailored intervention study demonstrated a modest non-significant effect on weight change after 12 months, possibly due to the short intervention duration and COVID-19. Further studies of a longer duration and considering the provision of childcare are needed to understand whether this approach can be transferred to other immigrant groups and genders.Trial registration: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT04578067, 2020-09-29.

Successful Physical Activity Maintainers: Strategies and Characteristics of Young African American Women

African American (AA) women have disproportionately high physical inactivity and obesity prevalence rates in comparison to their gender and racial counterparts. AA women experience unique barriers to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA); however, methods to overcome these barriers are less developed. Therefore, this study used semistructured interviews to explore strategies of young, active AA women that support LTPA maintenance and to identify their psychosocial and behavioral characteristics. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long was also administered to provide descriptors of participants’ LTPA. Ten women (age: M = 26.1, SD = 1.7 years) who met national guidelines for aerobic or muscle-strengthening LTPA at least 6 months (aerobic LTPA: M = 2,578.0, SD = 1,228.5 metabolic equivalent-minutes [MET-min]/week; muscle-strengthening physical activity: M = 4.0, SD = 1.9 days/week) completed the study. Four categories emerged from the interviews: (a) early-life contributors to LTPA participation, (b) characteristics of current LTPA, (c) initiating LTPA participation, and (d) maintaining LTPA participation. Findings revealed participants identified weightlifting as a preferred type of LTPA, identified various planning/preparation methods to overcome LTPA challenges, and relied on social media to initiate and maintain LTPA. This study identified several strategies used by young AA women to maintain regular LTPA and program preferences. These data are important in this understudied group as similar strategies may help inactive young AA women overcome LTPA challenges and promote long-term adherence. This could help prevent health and physical activity disparities in this population.

DOES AGE, SEX, AND BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AFFECT THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR OXYGEN CONSUMPTION (VO2MAX) IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS?

This study explored the connection between age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) and how they influence maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) among students at Gilgamesh University's College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences in Baghdad. The research involved 27 male and 14 female students aged 19 to 49, randomly selected. Physiological and anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, and BMI were taken using the World Health Organization's (2020) standards for assessing body mass, irrespective of gender differences. VO2max was estimated without fitness tests, based on resting heart rate (HRrest) and maximum heart rate (HRmax). Age-specific norms for peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) in men and women were determined using Cooper's VO2max criteria Heyward (1998). The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between weight gain percentage and VO2max decrease in both genders, with a more pronounced impact on males. The study also highlighted a high prevalence of obesity, poor cardiorespiratory fitness, and an inverse link between BMI and VO2max. Moreover, female students demonstrated higher VO2max compared to male students, possibly due to older and heavier male students in the Evening Study Session compared to both male and female students in the Morning Study Session.

Changes in Obesity Prevalence Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective Review of Body Mass Index

Background: The prevalence of obesity is high in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) due to the alterations in body composition that occur as a direct result of injury. Body mass index (BMI) is used to classify body habitus. In 2009, an adjusted BMI classification, with lower thresholds for obesity, was recommended for individuals with SCI. Objective: Determine obesity prevalence before and after SCI to examine the trajectory of obesity development. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges of applying a modified BMI classification system in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical record review. Adults with traumatic SCI were selected. Height and body weight measurements were used to calculate BMI two years before injury through two years after injury. Results: Obesity prevalence is high in SCI participants. However, we report no significant difference in BMI between motor complete and incomplete injuries, or between tetraplegic or paraplegic injuries. We report a decrease in BMI from one year before injury to one- and two-years after injury for all groups. With moderate obesity before injury, the transition to a new BMI classification system creates a challenge in reducing obesity prevalence. Conclusion: Obesity prevalence encompassed nearly all participants by the second year following SCI. The adjusted BMI classification system dictates the high obesity prevalence in this population and is best used as a screening tool to track the risk of developing obesity. Exceptions should be considered when using the SCI-adjusted BMI classification system, and tissue composition analysis is preferred.