Improved Anthropometric Measures Research Articles

The Effect of Intermittent Fasting Diet in Comparison With Low-Calorie Diet on Inflammation, Lipid Profile, Glycemic Index, Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent condition with significant health and economic burdens. Dietary interventions, such as intermittent fasting (IF) and low-calorie diets (LCD), have shown promise in managing MAFLD, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear. This 10-month, parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a 16:8 IF diet with an LCD on 52 patients with MAFLD. Anthropometric, biochemical, liver enzyme, steatosis, fibrosis, inflammatory, and oxidative status parameters were assessed before and after the interventions. Both diets led to improvements in anthropometric measures and liver enzyme levels, with no significant differences between groups. However, the LCD group showed superior outcomes in reducing liver steatosis (-52.40 vs -44.63 dB/m; P < 0.001) and fibrosis (-0.74 vs -0.004 Kpa; P = 0.01) compared to the IF group. LCD also led to a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (-24.08 vs 11.22 mg/dL; P = 0.02), while neither intervention significantly affected inflammatory markers or oxidative status. While both IF and LCD can be effective in managing MAFLD, LCD may offer additional benefits in terms of liver fat reduction and improvement in certain lipid parameters. These findings highlight the complexity of dietary interventions in MAFLD and the need for personalized approaches.

Evaluation of the Impact of Enteral Nutrition Support on Anthropometric Measurements and Micronutrient Levels in Malnourished Children.

Malnutrition is a critical clinical condition that requires early intervention due to its potential for causing preventable fatalities and complications. This study aims to assess the impact of outpatient enteral nutrition support (ENS) as a therapeutic intervention on anthropometric measurements, intolerance, and micronutrient values in malnourished children. This observational study included 344 patients in ages 1 to 18 treated with standard enteral nutrition (1.5 kcal/mL energy with fiber). Patient data recorded at admission, in 3 and 6 months, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), intolerance symptoms, and micronutrient levels. Data were also compared by age groups (1-2, 3-5, 6-12, and 13-18 years of age). Malnutrition was prevalent in the 1- to 5-year age group (63.6%). Age-based analysis showed significant height and BMI z-score improvement in all age groups (P = .009 and P < .001, for all age groups, respectively), except the 13- to 18-year age group (P = .102 and P = .091, respectively). Micronutrient values remained within healthy ranges with minimal fluctuations. The ENS was well tolerated by 62.5% of patients, and the most common intolerance symptoms were constipation (15.4%), vomiting (8.1%), and nausea (7.3%). This study demonstrates that outpatient ENS therapy for 6 months significantly improved anthropometric measurements in malnourished children and was well tolerated. The 1 to 2 age group exhibited the most substantial response to treatment, whereas the 1 to 5 age group required at least 6 months of nutritional therapy to prevent stunting. However, the effect of ENS therapy on height and BMI z-scores in the 13 to 18 age group appeared insufficient after 3 months.

The Role of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 5 (Sfrp5) in Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence.

Background/Objective: Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) is an anti-inflammatory adipokine that has been implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity and its metabolic complications. Despite the fact that numerous studies have been carried out in adults, limited data on Sfrp5 exist for youth, especially in relation to overweight and obesity. Methods: In our study, we assessed the concentrations of Sfrp5, total oxidative (TOS) and antioxidative (TAS) status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and several cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α) in 120 children and adolescents (mean age ± SE: 11.48 ± 0.25 years; 48 prepubertal, 72 pubertal; 74 males and 46 females) before and 1 year after the implementation of a personalized, structured, lifestyle intervention program of healthy diet, sleep, and physical exercise. Results: Based on the body mass index (BMI), participants were categorized as having morbid obesity (n = 63, 52.5%), obesity (n = 21, 17.5%), overweight (n = 22, 18.33%), or normal BMIs (n = 14, 11.67%), based on the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Following the 1-year lifestyle intervention program, a significant improvement in anthropometric measurements (BMI, BMI-z score, diastolic blood pressure, WHR, and WHtR), body-composition parameters, hepatic enzymes, lipid profile, inflammation markers, and the insulin-sensitivity profile (HbA1C, HOMA index) was observed in all subjects. Sfrp5 decreased in subjects with obesity (p < 0.01); however, it increased significantly (p < 0.05) in patients with morbid obesity. Linear regression analysis indicates that TNF-α and systolic blood pressure were the best positive predictors and hs-CRP was the best negative predictor for Sfpr5 concentration at initial assessment and glucose concentration for ΔSfrp5, while TNF-α and TAS were the best positive predictors for Sfpr5 concentration at annual assessment. Conclusions: These results indicate that Sfrp5 is associated with severe obesity and is increased following weight loss in children and adolescents with morbid obesity. It is also related to metabolic homeostasis, as well as inflammation and oxidative status.

Nutrition Education via a Mobile Application on Weight Loss and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of nutrition education supported by MOtiVE mobile application on weight loss and quality of life (QoL). Methods: In this pilot randomized-controlled study, 79 overweight/obese patients who presented to University Hospital between March-September 2018 to consult a dietitian, were included. All the participants were provided with a weight-loss diet program. Then, participants were randomized to experimental and control groups. During the first interview, all participants completed the questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were done. BMI, the scores obtained from different QoL scales, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) were the dependent variables. Daily messages were sent to cases for 3 months via MOtiVE mobile application. All the participants were asked to be present three months later for a follow-up appointment. Using SPSS 25.0, change in BMI, QoL scores, and other variables within both groups were assessed via Wilcoxon signed-rank test and McNemar chi-square test. Results: 20 cases and 18 controls completed the study. The mean BMI decreased significantly in both groups being more predominant in cases (p=.001 for cases and p=.006 for controls). Waist circumference decreased (p=.029), self-esteem (p=.035) and healthy eating scores (p=.007) increased only in cases. Hence there were significant improvements in cases, in the final evaluation, there were no significant differences between the groups (p&gt;.05). Conclusions: Nutrition education supported by MOtiVE mobile application improved anthropometric measurements, self-esteem, quality of life, and healthy eating habits of the overweight/obese participants. Free mobile applications can be used in increasing motivation to adopt new behaviors to tackle obesity.

Effect of structured diet with exercise education on anthropometry and lifestyle modification in patients with type 2 diabetes: A 12-month randomized clinical trial

AimsLifestyle modification involving active engagement of specialised dietitian with diet and exercise education, can be effective as first-line treatment for diabetes. Methods192 patients were enrolled with diabetes in a randomised controlled trial and followed up for one year. Ninety-four patients in the intervention group participated in a comprehensive structured diet and exercise education conducted by a specialised dietitian at ambulatory centre in the United Arab Emirates. ResultsThe mean difference in the change in body mass index between study groups at study exit and baseline was statistically significant (BMI difference = -1.86, 95 % CI −2.68 – −1.04, P < 0.01). The intervention group reported significant decrease in total carbohydrate and daily energy intake compared to baseline (173.7 g vs 221.1 g and 1828.5 kcal vs 2177.9 kcal, respectively). Moreover, the mean metabolic equivalents (METs) in the intervention group increased significantly at study exit from baseline compared to control group METs, with mean difference between all between-group differences after baseline of 0.63 (95 % 0.29 – 0.97, P < 0.01). ConclusionsStructured diet and exercise counselling by specialised dietitian in ambulatory settings significantly reduced carbohydrate and daily energy intake, with improved anthropometric measurements and physical activity.

The potential of the Mediterranean diet to improve metabolic control and body composition in youths with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundA chronic autoimmune disease with an increasing incidence rate, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is typified by the degeneration of the pancreatic beta cells. Diabetes management is significantly impacted by nutrition. Although it has been demonstrated that following the Mediterranean diet (MD) improves metabolic control with type 2 diabetes in children and adults, its effects on children with T1DM have not received much attention.ObjectiveTherefore, the purpose of this study was to assess whether adherence to Mediterranean diet is associated with better metabolic control and body composition in youths with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. The study recruited T1DM patients aged 6-18 years at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospital's Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Outpatient Clinic for follow-up.MethodsIn addition to demographic variables, some anthropometric measurements, body composition and biochemical parameters such as: Trygliceride(TG), Total cholesterol (TC), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), (Aspartate aminotransferase) AST, Alanine transaminase (ALT) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was analyzed. The time in range (TIR) is a value obtained from continuous glucose monitoring. KIDMED was used to assess the participants' adherence with the MD.ResultsGood adherence to the MD resulted in much larger height SDS than poor adherence. Poor adherence to MD resulted in higher body fat than moderate and good adherence.There is positivite correlation between TIR and KIDMED score. Adherence to MD is negatively associated with HbA1c. The regression anaylsis showed that a one-point rise in the KIDMED score would result in a 0.314-unit reduction in the HbA1c value (p < 0.01).ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study found that adhering to MD led to improved anthropometric measurements, biochemistry, and diabetes outcomes. Awareness among children, adolescents with T1DM, and their parents about the benefits of MD compliance for glycemic and metabolic control should be raised.

Height and Weight Measurement and Communication With Families in Head Start: Developing a Toolkit and Establishing Best Practices.

Background: Head start (HS) programs are required to collect children's height and weight data. Programs also communicate these results to families. However, no standardized protocol exists to guide measurements or communicate results. The purpose of this article was to describe the development of a measurement toolkit and best practices for communication. Methods: HS programs contributed to the development and pilot testing of a toolkit for HS staff to guide child measurement. We used a three-phase iterative approach and qualitative methods to develop and test the toolkit, which included a video and handout. In addition, we convened an advisory group to draft best practices for communication. Results: HS program staff appreciated the toolkit materials for their simplicity and content. The advisory group highlighted the importance of weight stigma and the need to be cautious in the way that information is communicated to families. The group underscored the role of emphasizing health behavior change, instead of focusing solely on BMI. Best practices were organized into (1) Policies and procedures for communicating screening results, (2) training for HS program staff to improve communication related to screening and health behaviors, and (3) other best practices to promote health behaviors and coordinate data systems. Conclusions: Our toolkit can improve anthropometric measurements of HS to ensure that potential surveillance data are accurate. Advisory group best practices highlight opportunities for HS to develop and implement policies, procedures, and trainings across the country to improve communication with HS families. Future research should test the implementation of these best practices within HS.

Short-term effects of Mediterranean diet on nutritional status in adults affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta: a pilot study

BackgroundOsteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders, characterized by varying degrees of skeletal fragility. Patients experience a range of comorbidities, such as obesity, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal complications, especially in adulthood. All aspects that could benefit from dietary intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-months restricted Mediterranean Diet (rMD) on nutritional status in adult patients affected by OI.We carried out a 6-months longitudinal pilot study. 14 adults (median age: 35 years; 7 women; 7 OI type III) where recruited in 2019 among the members of As.It.O.I., the Italian Association of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. As.It.O.I. All the evaluations were performed at the University of Milan, Italy. The rMD provided a reduction of 30% from daily total energy expenditure. 45% of calories derived from carbohydrates, 35% from fat and 0.7–1.0 g/kg of body weight from proteins. Comparisons of continuous variables after 6 months of intervention were performed by the paired t-test. All P-values were two-tailed, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsPatients showed significant improvement in anthropometric measurements (BMI = 30.5 vs 28.1 kg/cm2, p < 0.001; Body Fat % = 32.9 vs 29.9, p = 0.006; Waist circumferences = 83.6 vs 79.6 cm; p < 0.001; Arm Fat Area = 29.8 vs 23.07 cm2; p < 0.011) and energy expenditure (REE/kg = 27.2 vs 29.2 kcal/kg, p < 0.001). Glucose and lipid profiles improved (Δglycemia = − 8.6 ± 7.3 mg/dL, p = 0.003; ΔTC = − 14.6 ± 20.1 mg/dL, p = 0.036; ΔLDL = − 12.0 ± 12.1 mg/dL, p = 0.009). Adherence to the MD significantly increased, moving from a moderate to a strong adherence and reporting an increased consumption of white meat, legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables.ConclusionA rMD was effective in improving nutritional status and dietary quality in adults with OI. These results underscores the need to raise awareness of nutrition as part of the multidisciplinary treatment of this disease.

Impact of a 6-week dietary and lifestyle modification intervention on food cravings and eating behaviors in women.

Introduction: the multifaceted nature of food craving mirrors the complexity underlying the development of eating disorders. Objectives: the study aimed to investigate the impact of a 6-week dietary and lifestyle intervention on food cravings, eating behaviors, and changes in physical and biochemical measures among women. Methods: this study constitutes a behavior modification investigation involving a cohort of 35 female participants who sought consultation at a private nutrition counseling facility. At first, anthropometric and biochemical data were recorded; Information Form, Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait Scale (FCQ-T), Three-Factor Eating Scale (TFEQ-R21) were applied and 3-Day Food Consumption Records were taken. After 6 weeks of dietitian follow-up, the data collection tools were repeated and the individuals were compared with the baseline. Results: after 6-week follow-up, according to the examination of the food consumption records, differences in daily energy, fat, monounsaturated fatty acid, fibre, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron intake levels were found significant (p < 0.05). Differences in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist/height ratio, fat mass, fat ratio and fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, AST, TSH, free T3, free T4 levels were found significant (p < 0.05). According to the FCQ-T evaluation; differences in total and nine sub-dimension scores of the scale were found significant (p < 0.001). According to the TFEQ-R21 evaluation; differences in cognitive restraint, emotional eating and uncontrolled eating scores were found significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: a successful 6-week dietary and lifestyle intervention with improvement in anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters is effective in reducing food cravings and regulating eating behaviours.

Effects of weight loss through dietary intervention on pain characteristics, functional mobility, and inflammation in adults with elevated adiposity.

The relationship between adiposity and pain is complex. Excess weight increases the risk for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), driven by increased biomechanical load and low-grade systemic inflammation. Pain limits physical function, impacting energy balance contributing to weight gain. The primary aims of this study were to profile pain characteristics in participants with overweight or obesity and determine if weight loss through dietary-induced energy restriction, and presence of CMP, or magnitude of weight loss, was associated with changes in adiposity, pain, functional mobility, and inflammation. This was a secondary analysis of data from adults (25-65 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI 27.5-34.9 kg/m2) enrolled in a 3-month, 30% energy-restricted dietary intervention to induce weight loss (January 2019-March 2021). Anthropometric measures (weight, waist circumference and fat mass), pain prevalence, pain severity (McGill Pain Questionnaire, MPQ), pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), functional mobility (timed up and go, TUG) and inflammation (high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, hsCRP) were assessed at baseline and 3-months. One hundred and ten participants completed the intervention and had weight and pain assessed at both baseline and 3-months. Participants lost 7.0 ± 0.3 kg, representing 7.9% ± 3.7% of body mass. At 3-months, functional mobility improved (TUG -0.2 ± 0.1 s, 95% CI -0.3, -0.1), but there was no change in hsCRP. Compared to baseline, fewer participants reported CMP at 3-months (n = 56, 51% to n = 27, 25%, p < 0.001) and presence of multisite pain decreased from 22.7% to 10.9% (p < 0.001). Improvements in anthropometric measures and functional mobility did not differ between those presenting with or without CMP at baseline. Improvements in pain were not related to the magnitude of weight loss. Weight loss was effective in reducing pain prevalence and improving functional mobility, emphasizing the importance of considering weight-loss as a key component of pain management. identifier, ACTRN12618001861246.

Developing the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) awareness scale to assess an education module for improving dietary behavior among college students.

This study aimed to develop and validate the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) awareness scale and examine whether having a DOHaD education module may affect dietary behavior in college students. Some studies conducted within the scope of the DOHaD hypothesis show associations between early-life environmental factors, especially maternal health and nutritional status, with the next generation's health and disease status. Despite the increase in elucidating of the underpinning mechanisms of early life determinants and chronic disease risk, there is limited knowledge on how public perceive and understand DOHaD concepts. The study consisted of three phases: identification of DOHaD awareness scale components, development and validation, interrater reliability of the scale, and a confirmatory study. Two-hundred college students to confirm face validity of the scale, one-hundred for reproducibility and one-hundred for the confirmatory study. Confirmatory study included a pre-intervention period in which baseline parameters (such as anthropometric measurements, HEI-2015 (Healthy Eating Index-2015), physical activity levels, and DOHaD awareness scale scores) were measured at two different time points, and an educational module on DOHaD concepts was provided to the participants. The study was reported in accordance with the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies (GRRAS). Content validity ratio, exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha values indicated that a reliable and valid instrument to assess the awareness of DOHaD concepts in college students was developed. Despite the lack of a control group, DOHaD concept education was associated with improved anthropometric measurements, healthier eating parameters, increased physical activity levels, and a better understanding of DOHaD concepts. Translating DOHaD concepts into healthier behaviors can support improvements in lifestyle, and the use of the DOHaD awareness scale may serve as a valuable tool to encourage healthy behaviors among college students.

The use of polyethylene glycol as a maintenance treatment of functional constipation in children living in Egypt

BackgroundConstipation is an underestimated but common health problem worldwide, decreasing the quality of life. Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric problem, with reported prevalence ranging from 0.7 to 29.6%. In Egypt, there are no established guidelines for the treatment of constipation in children.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a maintenance treatment for functional constipation (FC) in comparison with the classic treatment using (lactulose and senna) in children living in Egypt.Patients and methodThis is a randomized single-blinded clinical trial study on pediatric patients who presented with functional constipation at the outpatient clinic of Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital. The study was conducted on 80 children with functional constipation, who were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (40 children), who received polyethylene glycol as maintenance treatment; group 2 (40 children), who received classic treatment in the form of osmotic laxative (lactulose) with or without stimulant (senna-sennosides or senna-glycoside) according to the stool consistency.ResultsOur data showed significant improvement in the fecal masses and the number of defecation, fecal pseudo incontinence, painful or hard bowel movement, history of retentive posturing or excessive violation, and large fecal masses in the rectum between group 1 and group 2 after treatment. In group 1, there was a significant improvement in anthropometric measures, CBC parameters, abdominal circumference, and anal fissures and piles after treatment; also, there was a significant decrease in the number of patients that need to continue treatment in group 1 in comparison with group 2 and number of patients that had impaction during treatment. However, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of patients who complained of palatability in group 1.ConclusionPEG has long-term efficacy in the management of pediatric functional constipation. Significant improvement of results in comparison with the classic treatment (lactulose or senna-lax).

Beneficial Effects of RESMENA Diet on Anthropometric, Metabolic, and Reproductive Profile in Adolescents with Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Study

Introduction: The optimal dietary strategy to improve the metabolic and reproductive endocrine profile in adolescents with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is undefined. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the MEtabolic Syndrome REduction in NAvarra (RESMENA) diet versus a control diet based on American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for the treatment of PCOS in adolescents with PCOS. Methods: A total of 40 adolescents diagnosed with PCOS between the ages of 13–18 years were randomized to either a RESMENA or control diet for 6 months. Dietary status, anthropometry, body composition, biochemical parameters, and reproductive endocrine hormones were compared between the 2 groups before and after the intervention. Results: Both diet groups showed significant decreases in anthropometric parameters, whereas the RESMENA diet provided a greater decrease in all these parameters except neck circumference and fat percentage (p <0.05). At the end of the study, fasting insulin, ALT, and total cholesterol levels decreased in both control and RESMENA groups; HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP levels decreased; and QUICKI score increased in the RESMENA group (p <0.05). There was no statistical difference in the androgen levels of the control group compared to the baseline. In the RESMENA group, there were a significant decrease in total testosterone, free testosterone, 17-OH progesterone, androstenedione, LH levels and LH/FSH ratio, and free androgen index and a significant increase in SHBG levels (p <0.05). Conclusions: Both dietary patterns resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric measurements and body composition, but the RESMENA diet showed beneficial effects on insulin resistance parameters and androgen levels.

Associations of the MIND Diet with Cardiometabolic Diseases and Their Risk Factors: A Systematic Review.

Recent studies have expanded the scope of research on the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet beyond its impact on cognitive performance. These investigations have specifically explored its potential to provide protection against cardiometabolic diseases and associated risk factors, including obesity and dyslipidemia. We systematically summarized and evaluated all existing observational and trial evidence for the MIND diet in relation to cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors in adults. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to extract original studies on humans published until September 2023, without date restrictions. A total of 491 studies were initially retrieved, out of which 23 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Duplicated and irrelevant studies were screened out by five independent reviewers using the Rayyan platform. Quality assessment was ascertained using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) for randomized trials. Across the different study designs, the MIND diet was generally associated with an improvement in anthropometric measures and other cardiometabolic outcomes, such as blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid profile, inflammation and stroke. The effects of the MIND eating pattern on some cardiovascular diseases are less conclusive. The findings of this systematic review support the recommendation of the MIND diet as a strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk in adults. Further well-designed and long-term studies are warranted.

Effects of Health Insurance on Quality of Care in Low-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of health insurance on quality of care in low-income countries (LICs). Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched seven databases for studies published between 2010 and August 2022. We included studies that evaluated the effects of health insurance on quality of care in LICs using randomized experiments or quasi-experimental study designs. Study outcomes were classified using the Donabedian framework. Results: We included 15 studies out of the 6,129 identified. Available evidence seems to suggest that health insurance has limited effects on structural quality, and its effects on the process of care remain mixed. At the population level, health insurance is linked to improved anthropometric measures for children and biomarkers such as blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. Conclusion: Based on the currently available evidence, it appears that health insurance in LICs has limited effects on the quality of care. Further studies are required to delve into the mechanisms that underlie the impact of health insurance on the quality of care and identify the most effective strategies to ensure quality within insurance programs. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=219984, identifier PROSPERO CRD42020219984.

Intermittent energy restriction changes the regional homogeneity of the obese human brain.

Intermittent energy restriction (IER) is an effective weight loss strategy. However, the accompanying changes in spontaneous neural activity are unclear, and the relationship among anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators, and adipokines remains ambiguous. Thirty-five obese adults were recruited and received a 2-month IER intervention. Data were collected from anthropometric measurements, blood samples, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging at four time points. The regional homogeneity (ReHo) method was used to explore the effects of the IER intervention. The relationships between the ReHo values of altered brain regions and changes in anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators, and adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) were analyzed. Results showed that IER significantly improved anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators, and adipokine levels in the successful weight loss group. The IER intervention for weight loss was associated with a significant increase in ReHo in the bilateral lingual gyrus, left calcarine, and left postcentral gyrus and a significant decrease in the right middle temporal gyrus and right cerebellum (VIII). Follow-up analyses showed that the increase in ReHo values in the right LG had a significant positive correlation with a reduction in Three-factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ)-disinhibition and a significant negative correlation with an increase in TFEQ-cognitive control. Furthermore, the increase in ReHo values in the left calcarine had a significant positive correlation with the reduction in TFEQ-disinhibition. However, no significant difference in ReHo was observed in the failed weight loss group. Our study provides objective evidence that the IER intervention reshaped the ReHo of some brain regions in obese individuals, accompanied with improved anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators, and adipokines. These results illustrated that the IER intervention for weight loss may act by decreasing the motivational drive to eat, reducing reward responses to food cues, and repairing damaged food-related self-control processes. These findings enhance our understanding of the neurobiological basis of IER for weight loss in obesity.

Efficacy of curcumin plus piperine co-supplementation in moderate-to-high hepatic steatosis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem that can progress to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of curcumin + piperine on cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD patients with moderate-to-high hepatic steatosis. Patients diagnosed with moderate-to-high NAFLD by liver sonography were randomized to either curcumin + piperine (500 mg/day curcumin plus 5 mg/day piperine) for 12 weeks (n=30) or placebo groups (n=30). Liver fibroscan, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and liver enzymes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis was undertaken. Curcumin + piperine decreased waist circumference (p=0.026), systolic blood pressure (p=0.001), total cholesterol (p=0.004), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p=0.006), FBG (p=0.002), alanine transaminase (p=0.007) and aspartate transaminase (p=0.012) compared with placebo. However, fibroscan measurement did not differ between curcumin + piperine and placebo groups (p > 0.05). Fibroscan measurement as a marker of NAFLD improvement did not differ after 12 weeks of curcumin + piperine; however, curcumin + piperine may be considered as an adjunct therapy to improve anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, and liver function in NAFLD patients.

Evaluation of bone density and skeletal muscle mass after sleeve gastrectomy using computed tomography method

IntroductionSleeve gastrectomy is the most common surgical procedure to reduce weight and treat metabolic complications in patients with moderate-to-severe obesity; however, it affects the musculoskeletal system. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is commonly used to measure bone mineral density (BMD), may be affected by excess fat tissue around the bones, interrupting BMD measurement. Due to the strong correlation between DXA and the Hounsfield units (HU) obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans, BMD assessment using clinical abdominal CT scans has been useful. To date, there has been no report of detailed CT evaluation in patients with severe obesity after sleeve gastrectomy. ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of sleeve gastrectomy in severely obese patients on bone and psoas muscle density, and cross-sectional area using retrospective clinical CT scans. MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study that included 86 patients (35 males and 51 females) who underwent sleeve gastrectomy between March 2012 and May 2019. Patients' clinical data (age at the time of surgery, sex, body weight, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and preoperative and postoperative blood test results, HU of the lumbar spine and psoas muscle and psoas muscle mass index (PMI)) were evaluated. ResultsThe mean age at the time of surgery was 43 years, and the body weight and BMI significantly reduced (p < 0.01) after surgery. The mean hemoglobin A1c level showed significant improvement in males and females. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels remained unchanged before and after surgery. In CT analysis, HU of the lumbar spine and psoas muscle showed no significant decrease, but PMI showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01). ConclusionsSleeve gastrectomy could dramatically improve anthropometric measures without causing changes in serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Preoperative and postoperative abdominal CT revealed no significant difference in the bone and psoas muscle density, and the psoas muscle mass was significantly decreased after sleeve gastrectomy.

Dietary Intervention on Overweight and Obesity after Confinement by COVID-19.

Obesity has become a public health problem in our society and is associated with many diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, respiratory diseases, and cancer. Several studies relate weight loss in obese patients to improved anthropometric measurements and cardiometabolic risk. The objective of our study was to evaluate anthropometric changes, analytical parameters, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and metabolic scales, after a personalized weight loss program, through dietary advice to increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a motivational booster via mobile SMS messaging. Intervention study on a sample of 1964 workers, in which different anthropometric parameters were evaluated before and after dietary intervention: the metabolic score of insulin resistance; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using different scales; metabolic syndrome; atherogenic dyslipidemia; and the cardiometabolic index. A descriptive analysis of the categorical variables was performed, by calculating the frequency and distribution of the responses for each one. For quantitative variables, the mean and standard deviation were calculated, since they followed a normal distribution. Bivariate association analysis was performed by applying the chi-squared test (corrected by Fisher's exact statistic when conditions required it) and Student's t-test for independent samples (for comparison of means). The population subjected to the Mediterranean diet improved in all the variables evaluated at 12 months of follow-up and compliance with the diet. Dietary advice on a Mediterranean diet and its reinforcement with reminder messages through the use of mobile phones may be useful to improve the parameters evaluated in this study and reduce the cardiometabolic risk of patients.

Impact of nutrition counseling on anthropometry and dietary intake of multiple sclerosis patients at Kasr Alainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Cairo, Egypt 2019–2020: randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundFaulty dietary habits and overnutrition are prevalent among Egyptian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who do not receive nutrition care as part of treatment. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the effect of nutrition counseling on the nutritional status of patients with MS. This endeavor might provide evidence for the value of counseling in such a setting and advance the integration of nutrition counseling into the routine management of patients with MS.MethodsA single-blinded, parallel-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Kasr Alainy MS Unit on 120 eligible patients with MS from September 2019 to February 2020. Patients were randomly allocated to either the nutrition counseling intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). Allocation concealment was performed by using sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes. All patients were assessed initially and complied with the Kasr Alainy MS Unit standard management protocol for the study period. Only patients in the IG underwent initial nutrition counseling sessions followed by a monthly evaluation. All patients were assessed at the end of the 3-month follow-up period. Sociodemographic data were gathered through a structured interview. Nutritional status was assessed anthropometrically and via 24-h recall. The 2 groups were compared initially and at the end of the follow-up. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted.ResultsAt baseline assessment, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 31.7% and 32.5%, respectively, and the mean body mass index was 27.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Mean waist circumference was 93.5 ± 11.9 and 99.2 ± 13.1 cm for males and females, respectively. Approximately 27.3% of males and 83.9% of females showed abdominal obesity. After 3 months of counseling, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, nutrient intake and adequacy significantly improved in the IG (p < 0.05).ConclusionNutrition counseling significantly improved anthropometric measurements, dietary habits, nutrient intake and adequacy.Trial registrationThe study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov and was given a code (NCT04217564).