Importance Of Weight Control Research Articles

Prepregnancy body mass index and glycated albumin in the third trimester may predict infant complications in gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study.

Maternal hyperglycemia,obesity, and hypertension with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are risk factors for infant complications. This study aimed to investigate maternal factors and glycemic control indicators that affect infant complications in GDM. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including112 mothers with GDM and their infants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the variables associated with good and adverse infant outcomes. We determined the cutoff values of variables that showed a significant difference in the multivariate logistic regression analysis for predicting infant complications by performing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Inthe multivariate logistic regression analysis, prepregnancyBMI and GA in the third trimester were significantly related to good and adverse infant outcomes(adjusted odds ratios [aORs], 1.62; 95% CIs 1.17-2.25, p = 0.003 and aORs, 2.77; 95% CIs 1.15-6.64, p = 0.022, respectively). The cutoff values for prepregnancyBMI and GA in the third trimester were 25.3kg/m2 and13.5%, respectively. The importance of weight control before pregnancy and the usefulness of GA in the third trimester to predict infant complications weresuggested in this study.

The Importance of Weight Control at Rearing in the Productive Aspects of Free-Range Hens

The Importance of Weight Control at Rearing in the Productive Aspects of Free-Range Hens

Weight Change and the Association with Adherence and Persistence to Diabetes Therapy: A Narrative Review.

PurposeType 2 diabetes (T2D) medication adherence is poor and is impacted by individual drug characteristics. Treatment-associated weight change can affect medication-taking behavior. This review aimed to explore weight change on T2D therapy and consider its impact on adherence and discontinuation.MethodsSearches were conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE (2005 to September 2020), and among recent congress abstract books for studies providing data on medication adherence or discontinuation and weight change in people with T2D (PwD).ResultsNine studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified from 9188 bibliographic records. All three studies exploring weight change and discontinuation reported weight loss to be associated with higher persistence. Seven studies of varying design explored weight change and adherence. Four reported absolute weight change (kg) and adherence: one pooled data from different diabetes medications and demonstrated that self-reported adherence was significantly associated with weight loss; however, three studies found that weight change in adherent PwD was in the direction of the known weight profile (loss/gain) of the evaluated drug. Categorical weight loss (≥3%) and adherence were reported in two studies: one reported that numerically more adherent versus non-adherent PwD lost ≥3% weight regardless of the drug’s weight profile, the other showed that early weight loss with a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist was significantly associated with better adherence. One study reported adherence by categorical weight change; as weight loss increased, adherence scores improved, regardless of drug type.ConclusionFindings suggest that discontinuation rates may be lower in PwD who lose as compared to those who gain weight on T2D treatment. The evidence base on adherence and weight change is more challenging to interpret due to the range of study designs. Given the importance of weight control in T2D, further research exploring the individual’s treatment, weight journey, and behaviors over time should be undertaken.

P–110 Does the Body Mass Index affect sperm quality?

Abstract Study question Does the body mass index (BMI) have an impact on semen analysis results? Summary answer The increase in BMI has a negative impact on sperm motility. What is known already Obesity is an increasingly prevalent health condition worldwide and can affect male fertility in various ways. It is known that obesity can cause testicular inflammation, higher testicular temperature, hypogonadism, sperm DNA fragmentation, and erectile dysfunction. However, there are still conflicting data regarding the correlation between BMI and semen parameters in the seminal analysis. Study design, size, duration Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study using data from 1147 patients seen at a private infertility clinic between 2010 and 2020. The data were collected from electronic records in a prospective database. Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients were divided according to BMI (healthy weight, overweight, obesity classes I, II, III), and their seminal profiles were compared, according to 2010’s World Health Organization’s parameters. Cancer, cryptorchidism, viral orchitis, altered karyotype, Y chromosome microdeletions, vasectomy reversion, and testosterone use were excluding factors. Student t-tests and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. The results were adjusted for age, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, medication intake, physical activity, comorbidities, and scrotum heat factors. Main results and the role of chance From a total of 1384 patients, 219 were excluded. The BMI varied between 18,9 and 50,8 kg/m². From the 1147 patients, 297 had BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m² (healthy weight, group 1), 611 had BMI 25–29.9 kg/m² (overweight, group 2), 179 had BMI 30–34.5 kg/m² (obese, group 3), 60 had BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² (extremely obese, group 4). The mean age for groups 1 through 4 was 37.6, 38.5, 38.2, and 36.5 years old. The comparison of the groups’ seminal parameters shows a significant decrease in progressive and total motility in patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m².The progressive motility was 43.8% in group 1, 44.1% in group 2, 42.4% in group 3, and 35.2% in group 4 (p = 0.07) and the total motility was 54.4%, 54.1%, 53.6%, and 45.9%, respectively (p = 0.012). The complementary analysis determined BMI 29 kg/m² as the cutoff for negative impact on progressive motility (p = 0.044) and 31 kg/m² on total motility (p = 0.036). The results were still significant after age, use of cannabis, and hypertension adjustments – the other possible interfering factors were not significant. Limitations, reasons for caution Besides the fact that this was a retrospective study, it also has a smaller sample size of patients with extreme obesity. This is probably related to the fact that the patients seeking reproductive treatment in a private clinic have a greater purchasing power and lower prevalence of obesity. Wider implications of the findings: In this study, sperm quality is negatively affected by BMI, with impairment since 29 kg/m² for progressive and 31 kg/m² for total motility. Our data support the potential deleterious role of obesity on semen parameters, reinforcing the importance of weight control in infertility prevention. Trial registration number Not applicable

Food choice motives and the nutritional quality of diet during the COVID-19 lockdown in France

To limit the transmission of COVID-19, nationwide lockdown was imposed in France between March, 17th and May 10th, 2020. This disruption in individuals’ daily routines likely altered food consumption habits. We examined how changes in food choice motives related to changes in nutritional quality during the lockdown compared to before. A convenience sample of 938 French adults completed online questionnaires on the Qualtrics platform at the end of April 2020. Participants were retrospectively asked about their food choice motives and food consumption during the month before and in the first month of the lockdown. The importance of nine food choice motives was assessed: health, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, ethical concern, weight control, mood, familiarity, and price, scoring from 1 to 4. Food intakes were recorded using a food frequency questionnaire including 110 foods, 12 non-alcoholic beverages and 4 alcoholic beverages. Adherence to the French dietary recommendations before and during the lockdown was estimated using the simplified PNNS-GS2, scoring from −17 to 11.5. The nutritional quality of diet was lower during the lockdown compared to before (−0.32, SD 2.28, p < 0.001). Food choice motives significantly changed and an increase in the importance of weight control was associated with increased nutritional quality (β = 0.89, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.032), whereas an increase in the importance of mood was associated with decreased nutritional quality (β = −0.43, p = 0.021, partial η2 = 0.006). The lockdown period in France was related to a decrease in nutritional quality of diet on average, which could be partly explained by changes in food choice motives. The lockdown was indeed related to modification of food choice motives, notably with an increase of mood as a food choice motive for 48% of the participants, but also with an increase of health (26%), ethical concern (21%) and natural content (19%) suggesting a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable food choices in some participants.

Factors Associated with Hypertension Among Men in Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In Mongolia, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, and prevalence of hypertension is very high. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hypertension and sociodemographic factors and health-related behaviors among men in Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2015 and January 2016. Men whose wives were pregnant with ≤ 20 weeks gestation and had attended antenatal health checkups at public health facilities were recruited in this study. The data were collected as part of a survey of pregnant women and their partners. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, anthropometry, and spot urine samples. A total of 224 men participated in the survey, and data from 209 participants were included in the analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that men with higher BMI had higher odds of hypertension than those with lower BMI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.26). Those with urinary cotinine > 100 ng/ml (smokers) had a lower risk of hypertension (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09–0.67) compared to participants with urinary cotinine/ml (nonsmokers). This is the first study to investigate the association between hypertension and sociodemographic factors and health-related behaviors among men in Mongolia. Based on the findings of this study, clinicians responsible for public health in Mongolia should provide health education regarding the importance of weight control in preventing hypertension.

4950Adiposity gain from 17 to 25 years has a substantial effect on cardiac structure, independent of haemodynamics

Abstract Introduction Body mass index (BMI) is independently associated with increased left ventricle mass (LVM) and remodeling in children. However associations from adolescence to emerging adulthood are unknown. Purpose To investigate associations between the change (Δ) in BMI to Δ in cardiac structure from 17 to 25 yrs using a large population-based sample of echocardiography in youth, and to explore the role of possible haemodynamic mediators. Methods 901 participants (61% female) underwent echocardiography, anthropometry and sitting blood pressure (BP) measurements aged 17 yrs and had repeated measures aged 25 yrs. BMI, LVM, concentricity0.67 (LVM/end-diastolic volume0.67), total arterial compliance (TACI), peripheral resistance (TPR) and effective arterial elastance (Ea) were calculated. Regression analysis was used to investigate associations between ΔBMI and ΔLVM indexed to height2.7 (ΔLVMI) and Δconcentricity0.67. Results From 17 to 25 yrs BMI increased by 2.05±2.1 g/m2 in males and 1.80±3.1 kg/m2 in females, LVMI increased by 3.10±6.2g/m2.7 and 2.01±6.0g/m2.7 and concentricity0.67 increased by 0.91±1.2g/ml0.67 and 0.03±1.1g/ml0.67. ΔBMI was associated with ΔLVMI and Δconcentricity0.67 independently of age, socioeconomic status (SES) and smoking status. Haemodynamic measures did not substantially mediate these associations. Table 1 ΔLVMI (g/m2.7) ΔConcentricity0.67 (g/m0.67) Males Females Males Females Model 1: Age, SES and smoking @25 0.78±0.15** 0.53±0.08** 0.12±0.03** 0.083±0.02** + ΔSystolic BP (mmHg) 0.68±0.16** 0.46±0.09** 0.10±0.03* 0.069±0.016** + ΔDiastolic BP (mmHg) 0.83±0.16** 0.47±0.08** 0.12±0.03** 0.074±0.015** + ΔMean Arterial Pressure (mmHg) 0.77±0.17** 0.46±0.08** 0.11±0.03** 0.069±0.015** + ΔPulse Pressure (mmHg) 0.72±0.15** 0.54±0.08** 0.11±0.03** 0.083±0.015** + ΔTACI (ml/m2/mmHg) 0.68±0.16** 0.53±0.08 0.12±0.03** 0.091±0.015** + ΔTPR (mmHg/min/L) 0.76±0.17** 0.65±0.08** 0.10±0.03* 0.072±0.016** + ΔEa (mmHg/ml) 0.73±0.17** 0.54±0.08** 0.11±0.03** 0.083±0.015** Data are β±SE. *p&lt;0.01, **p&lt;0.0001. Discussion BMI gain from adolescence to emerging adulthood has a substantial effect on cardiac structure, independent of haemodynamics. These findings highlight the importance of weight control in early adulthood for good cardiovascular health. Acknowledgement/Funding BHF

Metabolic syndrome and some of its components in relation to risk of cataract extraction. A prospective cohort study of men.

PurposeTo evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and some of its components with the incidence of cataract extraction.MethodsA population‐based prospective cohort with a total of 45 049 men, aged 45–79 years, from the Cohort of Swedish Men completed in 1997 a self‐administered questionnaire concerning anthropometric measurements and lifestyle factors. The men were followed from 1 January 1998 through 31 December 2012, and the cohort was matched with registers of cataract extraction. The main outcome measure was incident cases of age‐related cataract extraction.ResultsOver the 15‐years of follow‐up, 7573 incident cases of cataract extraction were identified. After controlling for potential confounders, the association between single components of metabolic syndrome, abdominal adiposity, diabetes and hypertension and risk of cataract extraction was rate ratio (RR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99–1.10, RR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.64–1.92 and RR: 1.06; 95% CI 1.00–1.13, respectively. The risk of cataract extraction increased with increasing numbers of metabolic syndrome components (p < 0.0001). Men aged 65 years or younger at baseline with all three components of the metabolic syndrome had a relative risk of 2.43 (95% CI: 1.95–3.01) for cataract extraction.ConclusionIn this cohort of middle‐aged and elderly men, metabolic syndrome with the combination of abdominal adiposity, diabetes and hypertension was associated with an increased risk for cataract extraction, especially among men aged 65 years or younger. These findings put emphasis on the importance of weight control and healthy lifestyle behaviours in order to prevent cataract.

Abstract 041: Smoking Cessation and Subsequent Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Three Large Prospective Cohort Studies of Americans

Background: The inter-relationships between smoking cessation, subsequent weight change, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk remain to be characterized. Methods: We prospectively followed 153,123 U.S. men and women from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1988-2012), Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, 1984-2012), and NHS II (1991-2013). Participants were followed biennially for smoking status, weight change, and diabetes risk. Self-reported T2D was confirmed using a validated supplementary questionnaire. Results: Compared with current smokers, T2D risk among quitters significantly increased and peaked after 5-7 years of quitting, and gradually decreased along extended durations. With a mean quitting duration of 9.9 years, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]) of T2D was 1.26 (1.14, 1.39) for recent quitters (≤6 consecutive years) and1.04 (0.95, 1.14) for longer-term quitters in three cohorts. The T2D risk approached that of never smokers after 30 years of quitting among older nurses. There was, on average, 5.5 kg weight gain within 6 years of smoking cessation whereas 2.2 kg was gained in the same period among current smokers. The weight change significantly modified the association of smoking cessation with T2D risk ( p for interaction = 0.04): for quitters without weight gain (≤0 kg), 0-5 kg weight gain, and ≥5 kg weight gain within 6 years of smoking cessation, the HRs (95% CIs) of T2D were 0.92(0.73, 1.14), 1.27(1.10, 1.46) and 1.47(1.29, 1.67), respectively, compared with current smokers. We estimated that for quitters who did not gain weight within the first 6 years, their T2D risk approached that of never smokers after 5 years of quitting. Weight change within 6 years of quitting explained 22% (14.8%, 30.1%) of the elevated risk of T2D. Conclusions: Weight gain after quitting smoking may significantly attenuate the benefits of smoking cessation by increasing T2D risk. Our findings underscore the importance of weight control after quitting in maximizing the benefits of smoking cessation.

Abstract OT3-07-02: Influence of exercise or educational programs on long-term physical activity by patients after surgery for primary breast cancer: A randomized trial

Abstract [Background] Past studies revealed that a moderate to high level of physical activity after diagnosis of breast cancer reduces both the risk of breast cancer-related death and death from all causes. Furthermore, some randomized studies suggested that exercise programs improve the percentage of patients who complete the chemotherapy and quality of life, and decrease fatigue, and adverse events. The issues to be determined include defining an established uniform exercise program and the efficacy of a long-term exercise program after breast cancer surgery. [Object] To elucidate the efficacy of a long-term exercise program and to verify the safety and feasibility of a uniform exercise program using an ‘existing social resource’ after primary therapy of breast cancer. [Design] A multi-center, randomized trial. [Method] Subjects: The subjects included patients who had completed treatment for primary breast cancer, including surgery and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with metastatic breast cancer were excluded. Randomization &amp; intervention: The patients were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group followed an exercise program at Curves® that involved 30 minutes of exercise, including aerobics, weight training, and stretching 3 times a week for 4 months. The second group was given life-style guidance at least once that patients participate in a lecture program about recommended exercise at this point and the importance of weight control after diagnosis of breast cancer using a brochure. The third group served as controls that the patients receive a brochure used same one in the second group. The variables included age and weight. Outcome: The primary endpoint is level of physical activity at 1 year after randomization, and the secondary endpoints are the percentage of those completing the exercise program, patient reported outcomes (QOL, cancer or treatment associated symptoms, fatigue, depression, and anxiety), body mass index, bone density, and level of lymphedema. Period of research: The study will last 2 years beginning March 2016. Sample size: We plan to enroll 400 patients to detect 20% difference with 90% power. Additional study: Some biochemical markers in the blood will be evaluated to determine the mechanism of the effect of exercise on the human body. Citation Format: Kawada K, Taira N, Hatono M, Takahashi Y, Miyoshi Y, Nogami T, Iwamoto T, Motoki T, Sien T, Matsuoka J, Doihara H, Ikeda M, Ogasawara Y, Takabatake D, Yoshitomi S, Kiyoto S, Yamamoto S, Mizota Y, Oka K. Influence of exercise or educational programs on long-term physical activity by patients after surgery for primary breast cancer: A randomized trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-07-02.

The Asian Paediatric Pulmonology Society (APPS) position statement on childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

With recognition of the importance of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children, practice guidelines have been developed for the management of OSAS in the USA and Europe. A panel of experts in pediatric OSAS in Asia were appointed by the Asian Paediatric Pulmonology Society (APPS) to prepare a position statement for management of childhood OSAS in Asia. The purpose of this statement is to provide a reference standard in the diagnosis and management of childhood OSAS for doctors working in Asia. The expert panel determined the scope of this statement. Focused literature search related to the key topics was conducted by panel members. The final content of this statement was agreed on by all panel members and approved by the council of APPS. The current statement covered diagnostic approach, diagnostic criteria, management algorithm, drug-induced sleep endoscopy, medical treatment including medications and positive pressure ventilation, surgical treatment including adenotonsillectomy, orthodontic treatment, and orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT). Diagnostic criteria of childhood OSAS from 1 year to 18 years were presented that include both clinical (criteria A) and polysomnography findings (criteria B) in the diagnosis of childhood OSAS. The use of nocturnal pulse oximetry as a screening tool was suggested using the McGill oximetry score. Management of OSAS with medical treatment, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (TandA), positive airway pressure, orthodontic devices, nasal valves, and OMT were reviewed. Management of persistent OSAS after TandA was addressed, and the importance of weight control was emphasized. The position statement provides a guideline to the management of childhood OSAS in Asia.

Oligomeres Knorpelmatrixprotein in Serum und Synovialflüssigkeit – Konzentrationen bei früher und etablierter rheumatoider Arthritis

To assess cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels in serum and synovial fluid in patients with early and established rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to correlate the levels with clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics. The study included 24female RA patients. Full medical history was taken, thorough clinical examination and laboratory investigations performed, and body mass index (BMI) recorded. Radiological damage was assessed according to the modified Larsen score. Disease activity score28 (DAS28) was calculated. The control group comprised 30age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Serum and synovial COMP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mean patient age was 44.04 ± 10.5years. Of the 24patients, 12had early RA and 12had established disease with joint destruction; 5of each group had knee effusion. Serum COMP was significantly higher in patients (19.54 ± 5.47µg/ml) compared to controls (5.93 ± 1.95µg/ml; p < 0.001) and was also significantly higher in patients with established disease (23.9 ± 3.1µg/ml) compared to those in early stages (15.1 ± 3.2µg/ml; p < 0.001). Synovial COMP was also significantly increased in established compared to early-stage RA (31.2 ± 9.8µg/ml vs. 51.6 ± 10.4µg/ml; p = 0.013). Serum and synovial COMP significantly correlated with age, disease duration, BMI, DAS28 and modified Larsen score. On performing regression analysis in RA patients, only BMI could predict the serum level of COMP (p = 0.02). COMP is a promising biomarker for disease activity in RA, making it a potential therapeutic target. The obvious correlation with the BMI throws light on the importance of weight control not only in osteoarthritis (OA), but also in RA.

Abstract B08: Correlations between weight gain and physical health among African American breast cancer survivors

Abstract Purpose: Weight gain after diagnosis is common among women with breast cancer and may affect physical functioning and recurrence; yet few studies have addressed this problem among African American breast cancer survivors. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between weight gain and physical functioning in a population with disparities in overweight/obesity, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and breast cancer recurrence. Procedures: We examined the effects of weight gain in a cohort of 220 African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants completed a 45-minute assessment tool recording weight and breast cancer history, physical health and general well being. Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the association between weight gain (pounds) and HR-QoL. We also determined the moderating effects of demographic variables on post-breast cancer diagnosis weight gain. Results: More than half of the study sample (n=113) gained 10 pounds or more after breast cancer diagnosis. Predictors for weight gain included: 1) breast cancer recurrence-78% (p=0.0067); 2) annual income- from $25,000 to $49,999 55% (p=0.0167); 3) some college education-51% (0.0205), and 4) unmarried 46% (p=0.0007). Participants reporting poorer overall quality of life (p=0.0109), poorer physical health quality of life (p=0.0002), and poorer physical functioning (p=0.0263) were more likely to report weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis than those who reported a better quality of life. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of weight control for African American women after breast cancer diagnosis. Citation Format: Selina A. Smith, Mechelle D. Claridy, Mary S. Whitehead, Joyce Q. Sheats, Bakak Baban, Wonsuk Yoo, Ruben R. Gonzalez-Perez, Ernest Alema-Mensah. Correlations between weight gain and physical health among African American breast cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B08.

Study and prevalence of post-transplant diabetes mellitus; analysis on a group of kidney transplant recipients

The onset of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) among kidney recipients is associated with an increased risk of graft failure and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Minimize the risk of PTDM is a priority for improving long-term survival rates. Aims. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PTDM in a renal transplant patient population, to identify risk factors and assess the graft and patient survival. The sample consisted of 112 renal transplant patients , 69 men and 43 women , renal transplant , who attended for five years post-transplant consultation. Were analyzed as potential risk factors for PTDM : age , sex, body mass index (BMI ) , obesity , VHC , hypertension, dyslipidemia , total cholesterol (TC) , serum triglyceride and immunosuppressive therapy ( cyclosporine , tacrolimus , mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus ), also the prevalence of acute rejection episodes was evaluated. The prevalence of PTDM was 24.2 %, compared with 85 patients (75.8%) with standard glucose (PGN) . PTDM patients showed a higher BMI , a higher percentage of overweight , dyslipidemia , total cholesterol levels , triglycerides and performed a greater percentage of patients with PDMPT including Mycophenolate mofetil was administered. There is a high incidence of PTDM in kidney recipients , the importance of weight control and strict adherence to all identified risk factors , as well as in minimizing the doses of immunosuppressive therapies to prevent the onset of PTDM.

Ketogenic Diet for Obesity: Friend or Foe?

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and is a strong risk factor for a number of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and also certain types of cancers. Despite the constant recommendations of health care organizations regarding the importance of weight control, this goal often fails. Genetic predisposition in combination with inactive lifestyles and high caloric intake leads to excessive weight gain. Even though there may be agreement about the concept that lifestyle changes affecting dietary habits and physical activity are essential to promote weight loss and weight control, the ideal amount and type of exercise and also the ideal diet are still under debate. For many years, nutritional intervention studies have been focused on reducing dietary fat with little positive results over the long-term. One of the most studied strategies in the recent years for weight loss is the ketogenic diet. Many studies have shown that this kind of nutritional approach has a solid physiological and biochemical basis and is able to induce effective weight loss along with improvement in several cardiovascular risk parameters. This review discusses the physiological basis of ketogenic diets and the rationale for their use in obesity, discussing the strengths and the weaknesses of these diets together with cautions that should be used in obese patients.

Maternal nutritional profile and neonatal nutritional status in the city of Pará de Minas - MG

This retrospective study analyzing cross-references of medical records of pregnant women followed at the Woman and Child Healthcare Center at the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, in Para de Minas – MG between 2009/2010 assesses the influence of maternal nutritional status on neonate weight at birth. Gestational data considered included prenatal visits, gestation weeks, type of delivery, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) and gestational weight gain (according to the IOM, 2009), as well as the neonates’ weight at birth. Data analysis was carried out with Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 and statistic tests by chi-square, Student T and Pearson tests. 64 pregnant women (mean age 25.5±6.9 years) were evaluated. Regarding PPBMI, 73.4% (n=47) of pregnant women were classified as eutrophic, 3.1% (n=2) as underweight, 17.2% (n=11) as overweight and 6.3% (n=4) were obese. There was a high prevalence of underweight neonates ( 4.0 kg; 6.3%; n=4). Women with insufficient weight gain had babies with weight significantly lower (p<0.05) than others. There was a directly proportional correlation between the neonate weight and gestational weight gain (p<0.05) as well as gestational weight at the last appointment with the doctor (p<0.05). The relation between gestational weight gain and neonate weight at birth was analyzed. No significant differences have been found between the data assessed and weight at birth, which shows the importance of weight control during gestation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence--a therapeutic conundrum

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often presents in adolescence with menstrual disorders, acne and hirsutism. The early diagnostic signs are sometimes dismissed as 'normal' changes of adolescence, and the opportunity to save the teenager from the stigmata of the syndrome is missed. The finding that the metabolic syndrome is a possible long-term sequela of PCOS now presents a challenge to make an early diagnosis, educate patients regarding the importance of weight control and exercise, and treat accordingly both symptomatically and prophylactically. The use of long-term insulin sensitizers, particularly metformin, for these purposes in adolescents is now the subject of an inter-disciplinary debate. Good, hard supportive data are not yet forthcoming but, as in the adult, the establishment of metformin treatment for the hyperinsulinaemic adolescent with PCOS may precede the evidence.

Weight-loss practices and asthma: findings from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

To describe weight-control practices and receipt of weight-loss advice among obese people with asthma. We analyzed data from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Among 13953 participants with current asthma, 27.3% had a body mass index of >or=30 kg/m2. Overall, 48.1% of participants with asthma reported trying to lose weight (64.1% among overweight or obese participants and 72.9% among obese participants). Among participants with asthma who were trying to lose or maintain weight, 74.7% reported trying to reduce their energy and/or fat intake, and 57.8% reported using physical activity. Approximately 29.7% were using the recommended combination of energy and/or fat intake reduction and physical activity of >or=150 min/wk. During the 12 months before the interview, 16.2% of overweight and 44.9% of obese participants with asthma reported receiving advice to lose weight. Among obese participants receiving weight-loss advice, 82.9% reported trying to lose weight compared to 63.8% of participants who did not receive such advice. Health professionals can play an important role in educating their patients with asthma about the importance of weight control and assisting their overweight and obese patients in setting appropriate weight goals and helping them achieve those goals.

Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ Views on the Health Risks of Obesity

It is estimated that obesity has clinical and economic repercussions comparable to those of AIDS or cancer. To learn more about the opinions and attitudes of obstetricians-gynecologists concerning their obese patients, the authors conducted a survey of the fellows and junior fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The survey contained questions about weight management and assessment practices, the importance of weight control. to patient health, disease risks associated with obesity, and self-assessment of their own preparation for dealing with problems of weight management. More than 1100 surveys were sent to ACOG members. Five hundred twenty-five (47%) surveys were returned and analyzed. Most of the respondents (79%) practiced both obstetrics and gynecology in suburban (30%) or urban (28%) settings. The physicians reported a patient population that was, on average, 64% white, 15% African American, 14% Hispanic, 4% Asian, and 2% Native American. Nonpregnant patients were weighed at every visit in 60% of the practices and nearly every visit in an additional 34%. Ten percent of the respondents calculated the body mass index (BMI) for all of their nonpregnant patients; 20% indicated that they would determine a BMI only if the patient was concerned about her weight. Visual inspection was the most frequently indicated of the possible assessments of obesity (64%), but 56% of respondents reported using (either in addition to other methods or alone) a BMI of greater than 30 kg/m2 as the determinant of obesity. The physicians were asked to estimate the percentage of patients in their practices who were underweight, overweight but not obese, and obese. On average, the respondents reported 6% underweight, 36% overweight but not obese, and 21% obese patients. There was a positive correlation between the percentage of the patients in a practice who were Hispanic or African American and the prevalence of obesity in the practice (P <.001). Conversely, the percentage of obese patients was negatively correlated with the percentage of non-Hispanic white or Asian women in a practice (P =.003). Eight-two percent of the respondents said that weight management was an important (66%) or very important (16%) part of their practice, and nearly half indicated that they thought that this practice component would increase in importance in the next few years. Forty-nine percent of the respondents thought that a patient's weight was very important component of her overall health. Weight was rated a very important factor in the management of pregnant patients by 54%, in the management of hypertension by 76%, and in the management of diabetes by 84%. Almost 80% had referred patients to other professionals for weight management, and 36% had prescribed some form of weight loss medication to their patients. A large majority of the respondents agreed that obesity is a major health problem in the United States and in their own practices, the benefits of weight loss outweigh the risks (for nonpregnant patients), and obesity is an indicator of an unhealthy lifestyle. They also thought that weight reduction can improve health, that the health risks of obesity are real and not overstated, and that obesity is a condition that should be treated. Most responding physicians knew that obesity increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesteremia, hyperinsulinemia, menstrual irregularities, infertility, preeclampsia,, depression, and colon and breast cancer. They did not think that obesity was a factor in osteoporosis, ovarian cancer, preterm labor, lung cancer, endometriosis, intrauterine growth retardation, premenstrual syndrome, or birth defects. The respondents indicated that their medical school or residency training included little or no information on the risks of obesity or weight management for patients. They reported that their knowledge of obesity and weight management came from reading journals, ACOG

Vegetarianism and Eating-Disordered Thinking

Two studies compared food choice motives and symptoms of eating disorders among vegetarians and nonvegetarians. The participants filled in a food choice questionnaire and completed an eating attitude test (EAT, Study 1) and eating disorder inventory (EDI, Study 2). The vegetarians scored higher on EAT and on the ineffectiveness, interpersonal distrust, and maturity fears suhscales of EDI than the nonvegetarians. However, no difference was found in the reported importance of weight control among the two groups. The results indicate that vegetarianism and eating disorders are not independent but rather are intertwined phenomena. The potential common links, for example the possibility that vegetarianism is being used as a smokescreen for more severe eating pathology, are discussed.