Improved Anthropometric Measures Research Articles

Is Conservative Interventions in Binge Eating Disorder Genuinely Paying off: A Review

Sufferers from Binge Eating Disorder (BED) underestimate the severity risk of their illness and thereforepostpone seeking professional help for years.The purpose of this paper is to provide the rationale for currenttreatment approaches. The aim of the study is to outline the specific methods and procedures and to determinewhether the physical exercise and dietary therapy (PED-t) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or both arebeneficial in the treatment of BED. Subjects of age group 18-75 years and body mass index (BMI) 25 kg/m2 were included in the study. The method of the study is review. Google scholar, PubMed, Science Direct andCochrane Library were systemically searched between January 2013 to January 2023 in which females had bingeeating disorders and from that we only included the females who were obese. Total of 8 article were includedbased on the inclusion criteria in there were total 553 females. The result of the study was that the women in bothintervention groups achieved major improvements in anthropometric measures, eating disorder symptoms, andexercise capacity, and both interventions similarly improved BED symptoms. In conclusion, our findings suggestthat both interventions similarly improved BED symptoms but the addition of Combined Anaerobic AerobicExercise Training (CAAET) provides additional benefit in improving the effects of the dietary, exercise, andCognitive Behavioural Therapy program. However, it could be important in the long-term maintenance of bothbody weight loss and reduction in binge eating episodes in BED patients, thus improving the eating disorder.As PED-t is producing a faster impact on the subjects dealing with Binge Eating Disorder, a multidisciplinaryapproach can improve quality of life on the physical and psychological parameters.

Protein Quality, Glycemic and Metabolic Indices and Anthropometric Features Among Overweight and Obese Adults.

Various studies have shown an inverse relationship between the quality of protein intake based on essential amino acids (EAAs) with obesity and its complications. We assumed that increasing EAAs-based protein intake quality improves glycemic and metabolic markers and anthropometric measurements in obese and overweight people. This cross-sectional study included 180 obese and overweight participants aged 18 to 35. Dietary information was obtained using an 80-item food frequency questionnaire. The total intake of EAAs was calculated using the United States department of agriculture (USDA) database. Quality protein was defined as the ratio of EAAs (gr) to total dietary protein (gr). Sociodemographic status, physical activity (PA), and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using a valid and reliable method. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests adjusted for sex, PA, age, energy, and body mass index (BMI) were used to measure this association. Protein quality intake was highest among the group with the lowest weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and fat mass (FM); and on the other hand, the fat-free mass (FFM) has increased; also Increasing the quality of protein intake improved the lipid profile and some glycemic indices and insulin sensitivity, although this association was not significant. Increasing the quality of protein intake significantly improved anthropometric measurements, and also improved some glycemic and metabolic indices although, their relationship was not significant.

Efficiency of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Anorexia Nervosa Treatment- Case Report

Abstract Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation with considerable potential as a treatment for many CNS disorders. Individuals suffering from eating disorders have elevated rates of lifetime depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, also affecting specific brain regions. More studies assess the effect of brain modulation in anorexia nervosa (AN). This study aimed to evaluate the effect, tolerability and safety of tDCS stimulation in the patient with an AN diagnosis. Material and method: The therapy was implemented in an 18-year-old female hospitalized at the I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention Medical University of Lublin. The simulation was performed twice daily for 25 minutes for two weeks, 20 sessions. To assess a. anthropometric measures, bioelectrical impedance analysis was conducted; b. biological factors fasting venous blood was drawn; c. psychological aspects: Eating Attitudes Test, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, Perceived Stress Scale were used. Results: The patient responded well to stimulation - apart from a mild headache. After tDCS sessions, improvement in anthropometric measurements, mood, and body self-esteem was observed. No severe changes in blood parameters were observed after the intervention. Conclusions: Described study case offer preliminary support for achieving meaningful clinical outcomes using transcranial stimulation. However, future clinical studies compared to the placebo group are necessary for proposing a new type of AN therapy.

Comparison of Short-Term Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training vs Moderate Intensity Continuous Training on Anthropometric Characteristics of Overweight Young Women

Objectives: To conduct a comprehensive research work in order to find out the (time bound) efficient way to bring about changes in anthropometric measures with weight/fat reduction. Methods: In this study the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) were compared to see the reduction in body fat percentage in young university girls age between 20 to 25 years. Thirty subjects were recruited in HIIT (n=15) and MICT group (n=15) for 8 weeks. Pre and post fat percentage was assessed to see the changes before and after work out of two different exercise regimens. Results: Statistically significant improvement was found in both groups for weight (Mean difference = 3.04, P value = 0.00), However in the same manner other factors also showed significant improvement, BMI (Mean difference = 1.20, P value = 0.00), Waist circumference (Mean difference = 1.67, P value = 0.001), Hip circumference (Mean difference = 1.73, P value = 0.00) and body fat (Mean difference = 2.92, P value = 0.00). Therefore, all anthropometric measures showed differences but HIIT group showed maximum reduction in weight after regime (P value < 0.00) Conclusion: Eight weeks of HIIT and MICT resulted in improvements in anthropometric measures along with changes in dietary habit intake. HIIT appears to be the predominant strategy for controlling weight because of its adherence and time efficiency. Keywords: Overweight Young women, Moderate intensity continuous training , Weight reduction, Abbreviations: High intensity interval training (HIIT), Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), Maximum Heart Rate (MHR), Body Mass index (BMI), Body Fat (BF)

Dietary and nutritional interventions in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic literature review.

Cerebral palsy is an extremely severe brain injury associated with multiple nutritional and clinical issues, such as underweight, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, and nutrient deficiency. Evidence-based dietary and nutritional interventions may improve the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy. Systematically review randomized clinical trials evaluating nutritional and dietary interventions in the clinical, nutritional, and neurodevelopmental aspects of children with cerebral palsy. A search was performed in electronic databases (LILACS, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, OpenGrey) using keywords. The search was firstly performed in May 2020 and updated on June 18th, 2021. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials, that included children between 2 and 12 years old, and evaluated the effect of nutritional or dietetic interventions on clinical, nutritional or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Risk of bias was investigated using the RoB-2 tool. The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020181284). Fifteen studies were selected. Positive results included the use of whey-based or pectin-enriched enteral formulas for gastroesophageal reflux (n = 6); 25-hydroxy-vitamin D supplementation for hypovitaminosis D (n = 2); supplementation with lipid mixture or diet with high-density energy for improvements in anthropometric measures (n = 2); supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics or magnesium for constipation (n = 2); nutritional support system for gross motor function (n = 1); lactoferrin and iron hydroxide polymaltose for iron deficiency anemia (n = 1); and educational intervention to improve feeding skills (n = 1). The overall risk of bias was high for 60% of the studies, and some concerns were raised for the remaining 40%. Some promising dietary and nutritional interventions may promote important clinical improvements for patients with cerebral palsy. However, evidence is weak, as few clinical trials have been published with many methodological errors, leading to a high risk of bias.

Effects of Multispecies Synbiotic Supplementation on Anthropometric Measurements, Glucose and Lipid Parameters in Children With Exogenous Obesity: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial (Probesity-2 Trial).

Studies on the effects of synbiotics on obesity in children are limited. The objective of this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was to test the effects of a multispecies synbiotic during 12 weeks on anthropometric measurements, glucose metabolism and lipid parameters in 61 children with exogenous obesity. All children were treated with a standard diet and increased physical activity and received once daily a synbiotic supplement (probiotic mixture including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium and fructo-oligosaccharides) or daily placebo for 12 weeks. At baseline, no statistically significant differences existed in anthropometric measurements, glucose and lipid parameters between both groups. We observed changes for anthropometric measures (% reduction comparing to baseline) in both synbiotic and placebo groups. After 12 weeks; changes (% reduction comparing to baseline) in weight (p < 0.01), BMI (p < 0.05), waist circumference (p < 0.05) and waist circumference to height ratio (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the children receiving the synbiotic supplement. There is no difference in glucose metabolism, lipid parameters, presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease between both groups after 12 weeks. The daily intake of a multispecies synbiotic in addition to diet and increased physical activity did improve anthropometric measurements: body weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist/height ratio. The supplementation of this synbiotic is an efficient weight-loss strategy above diet and exercise in pediatric obesity (Trial identifier: NCT05162209).

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the mental and physical health of children enrolled in a paediatric weight management clinic.

Obesity is a global public health concern. Given the widespread disruption caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is important to evaluate its impact on children with chronic health conditions. This study examines the health of paediatric patients with obesity enrolled in a tertiary hospital weight management program, before and 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a retrospective chart review of patients aged 2 to 17 years enrolled in a paediatric weight management clinic. Mental health outcomes (i.e., new referrals to psychologist, social work, eating disorder program, incidence of dysregulated eating, suicidal ideation, and/or self-harm) and physical health (anthropometric measures) were compared before and 1 year into the pandemic. Among the 334 children seen in either period, there was an increase in referrals to psychologist (12.4% versus 26.5%; P=0.002) and the composite mental health outcome (17.2% versus 30.2%; P=0.005) during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic. In a subset of children (n=30) with anthropometric measures in both periods, there was a lower rate of decline in BMIz score (-1.5 [2.00] versus -0.3 [0.73]/year; P=0.002) and an increase in adiposity (-0.8 [4.64] versus 2.7 [5.54]%/year; P=0.043) during the pandemic. The pandemic has impacted the mental and physical health of children with obesity engaged in a weight management clinic. While our study provides evidence of a negative impact on mental health outcomes and less improvement in anthropometric measures, future research when patients return to in-person care will enable further examination of our findings with additional objective measures.

Effect of berberine and bicyclol on Chinese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective study

Objectives To compare the effect of berberine and bicyclol on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods Chinese non-alcoholic and non-viral hepatitis patients with a hepatic lipid content > 13% and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) ≥ 2 were treated with 500 mg berberine thrice daily, together with dietary modification (low-fat diet) and Tai Chi exercise for 4 months (BT cohort; n = 112), or 25 mg bicyclol thrice daily plus dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise for 4 months (CT cohort, n = 145), or dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise for 4 months (DT cohort, n = 128). Results Patients in the BT and the CT cohorts had improved anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio), biochemical parameters (blood sugar, lipid profile, and liver functions tests), liver/spleen computed tomography findings, and liver biopsy results after 4 months of intervention (p < 0.05 for all). Bicyclol decreased the NAS in the CT cohort to a significantly greater degree than berberine in the BT cohort (p < 0.0001, q = 3.879). Patients in the DT cohort had reduced body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05 for both). During the 4-month intervention, patients in the BT cohort had abdominal distension, mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and dyspepsia; patients in the CT cohort had dizziness and abdominal distension. Conclusions Berberine or bicyclol plus dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise could control NAFLD without serious adverse effects. Dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise alone for 4 months are insufficient for the management of NAFLD. It is possible to reduce body weight by administering berberine or bicyclol.

Improvement in Anthropometric Measurements of Malnourished Children by Means of Complementary Food and Nutritional Education in Fars Province, Iran: A Community-Based Intervention.

BackgroundChildhood malnutrition could have adverse impacts on the growth of child and eventually on fertility and general economic growth, and still, this issue remains a worldwide priority and a concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the national nutritional interventions program on the improvement and nutritional status of malnourished children children aged 6–59 months.MethodsThis community-based intervention study was conducted with 1288 acute and moderately malnourished children aged 6–59 months referred to health centers. Children received combined nutritional education and counseling with the provision of affordable complementary food for 10 months. Anthropometric measurements were assessed monthly according to the standard protocols.ResultsOur results showed the reduction in the risk of malnutrition among children after nutritional interventions for weight-for-height (WHZ) (P < 0.001), height-for-age (HAZ) (P < 0.001), and weight-for-age (WAZ) (P = 0.008). Total malnourished children indicated improvement in HAZ (<-3 SD: OR = 1.10, P = 0.026), WAZ (<-2SD: OR = 1.21, P < 0.001; <-3SD: OR = 1.60, P < 0.001), and WHZ (<-3SD: OR = 1.10, P = 0.030). Controlling potential confounders (socioeconomic status, childrens' birth supine length, and weight) showed a significant amelioration in HAZ (<-2 SD: OR = 6.20, P = 0.020; <-3 SD: OR = 9, P = 0.003) and WAZ (<-2 SD: OR = 5.85, P = 0.010; <-3 SD: OR = 7.50, P = 0.004). In urban areas, significant amelioration was observed in HAZ (<-3 SD: OR = 1.22, P = 0.010) and WAZ (<-2 SD: OR = 1.24, P = 0.003; <-3 SD: OR = 1.64, P < 0.001). In rural, considerable amelioration was observed in WAZ (<-2 SD: OR = 1.20, P = 0.010; <-3 SD: OR = 1.50, P < 0.001) and WHZ (<-3 SD: OR = 1.20, P = 0.020).ConclusionNutritional training and counseling as well as complementary food intervention among the malnourished children significantly improved the nutritional status of children. So community-based intervention is recommended to reduce the malnutrition among children.

IMPACT OF SOVA HEALTH PRECISION NUTRITION PROGRAM ON METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES AND DYSLIPIDEMIA - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Purpose: This retrospective study is aimed at evaluating the impact of the Sova Health Precision Nutrition Program (digital remote outpatient care program) on HbA1C, fasting blood sugar and lipid parameters over a period of 90 days. Additionally, the concurrent changes in anthropometric measurements, subjective improvements in quality of life were also assessed. Methods: A cohort of 75 participants with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia was included in the Sova Health Precision Nutrition Program over a period of 90 days. 70 participants participated fully in the program with all the relevant criteria being fullled. This study assessed changes in primary outcomes for Blood Glucose Parameters- HbA1C (%) and Fasting glucose (mg/dL), as well as Lipid parameters- Triglycerides (mg/dL), Total cholesterol (mg/dL), High density lipoprotein (HDL) (mg/dL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) (mg/dL). Secondary outcome measures included anthropometric measures weight (in kg) and waist circumference (in inches) and subjective parameters including energy levels (1-10 scale) and sleep quality (1-10 scale). Paired samples t-test was used to measure whether the change in all the above parameters was signicant from baseline to 90 days. Results: Signicant improvements were observed in participants' HbA1C (6.9 ± 1.6% to 6.4 ± 1%) and Fasting glucose levels (118.9 ± 50 mg/dl to 107.7 ± 38.1 mg/dl), Total Cholesterol (237.7 ± 27.4 mg/dL to 209.5 ± 32.5 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (142.94 ± 28.9 mg/dl to 129.9 ± 29.1 mg/dl) and Triglycerides (235.4 ± 143.1 mg/dL to 178.3 ± 81.3 mg/dL) on average. Anthropometric measures like Weight (78.9 ± 16.3 kg to 76.2 ± 16.1 kg) and Waist circumference (39.9 ± 4.6 inches to 37.9 ± 4.7 inches) saw a signicant reduction. Energy Levels and sleep quality also improved signicantly. Conclusion: The Sova Health Precision Nutrition Program has demonstrated a signicant role in the improvement and management of metabolic parameters in participants with Type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. Further, improvement in anthropometric measures and quality of life was also noted.

Improvements in anthropometric measures and gastrointestinal tolerance in patients with cystic fibrosis by using a digestive enzyme cartridge with overnight enteral nutrition.

BackgroundPatients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency are at risk for suboptimal fat absorption, inability to maintain weight, poor growth, and increased gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms due to malabsorption. Enteral nutrition (EN) is used to supplement caloric intake and requires pancreatic enzyme replacement for effective digestion. We evaluated the relationship between long‐term use of an in‐line digestive enzyme cartridge with EN and changes in anthropometric measures and GI symptoms in patients with CF.MethodsThis is a single‐center, retrospective case review of patients with CF using a digestive enzyme cartridge with EN. Data were collected from the patient medical records and included weight, height, body mass index, EN regimen, and reported GI symptoms.ResultsThirteen pediatric and five adult patients with a mean age of 12.6 years used a digestive enzyme cartridge with EN for a period of 3–27 months. Most patients (n = 14) had been using oral digestive enzymes with EN before using the digestive enzyme cartridge, whereas four started from the onset of EN. The indications to convert from oral enzymes to the digestive enzyme cartridge included poor growth (72.2%) and poor tolerance of EN (69.2%). There was a reduction in reported GI symptoms after initiating use of the digestive enzyme cartridge. After 12 months of digestive cartridge use, there were improvements in anthropometrics.ConclusionsThis real‐world experience with prolonged use of a digestive enzyme cartridge with EN demonstrated improved clinical outcomes and a reduction in GI symptoms in patients with CF.

Metabolic Response to Daytime Dry Fasting in Bahá’í Volunteers—Results of a Preliminary Study

Each year in March, adherents of the Bahá’í faith abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset for 19 days. Thus, Bahá’í fasting (BF) can be considered as a form of daytime dry fasting. We investigated whether BF decreased energy expenditure after a meal and whether it improved anthropometric measures and systemic and tissue-level metabolic parameters. This was a self-controlled cohort study with 11 healthy men. We measured anthropometric parameters, metabolic markers in venous blood and pre- and postprandial energy metabolism at systemic (indirect calorimetry) and tissue (adipose tissue and skeletal muscle microdialysis) level, both before and during BF. During BF, we found reduced body weight, body mass index, body fat and blood glucose. Postprandial increase in energy expenditure was lower and diet-induced thermogenesis tended to be lower as well. In adipose tissue, perfusion, glucose supply and lipolysis were increased. In skeletal muscle, tissue perfusion did not change. Glucose supply and lipolysis were decreased. Glucose oxidation was increased, indicating improved insulin sensitivity. BF may be a promising approach to losing weight and improving metabolism and health. However, outside the context of religiously motivated fasting, skipping a meal in the evening (dinner cancelling) might be recommended, as metabolism appeared to be reduced in the evening.

Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, Empagliflozin, is associated with significant reduction in weight, body mass index, fasting glucose, and A1c levels in Type 2 diabetic patients with established coronary heart disease: the SUPER GATE study

BackgroundEmpagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, yielded significant beneficiaries in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is particularly benefited the diabetic subjects with heart conditions.AimsWe aimed to obtain a real-world data about the effects of empagliflozin add-on treatment on metabolic parameters, cardiovascular risk factors, and anthropometric measures in patients with T2DM.MethodsType 2 diabetic patients with established coronary heart disease whom empagliflozin added to their treatment were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measures, clinical and laboratory data, were obtained before and at the 6th month of the empagliflozin treatment. All data before and at the 6th month were compared.ResultsBody weight (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001), waist (p < 0.001) and hip (p < 0.001) circumferences, systolic blood pressure (p = 0.006), heart rate (p = 0.01), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.01), fasting plasma glucose (p < 0.001), and HbA1c (p < 0.001) levels were significantly reduced on 6th month of empagliflozin treatment compared to the baseline values. Estimated GFR (p = 0.66), serum creatinine (p = 0.8), uric acid (p = 0.40), total cholesterol (p = 0.053), triglyceride (p = 0.057), and HDL (p = 0.09) levels were not significantly changed.ConclusionsWe suggest that empagliflozin treatment may improve anthropometric measures, metabolic parameters, and blood pressure and does not cause deterioration in kidney functions in type 2 diabetic patients with established coronary heart disease.

The association of dietary choline and betaine and anthropometric measurements among Iranian children: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that choline and betaine are associated with improved anthropometric measures including, BMI and waist circumference however, results are largely inconsistent and limited studies exist in children. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between dietary choline and betaine, and anthropometric measurements among Iranian children.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, dietary information was collected for 788 six-year-old children, who attended Tehran health centers in 2018. We measured dietary intakes using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The USDA database was used to calculate dietary choline and betaine. We assessed anthropometric characteristics, physical activity, and socio-demographic status based on a reliable and valid protocol. Logistic regression adjusted for energy, physical activity, socio-economic status, and maternal age, physical activity, BMI, and HEI2015 was used to assess this association.ResultsFree choline, glycero-phospho-choline, phospho-choline, phosphatidyl-choline, total choline, and total betaine, and choline were not related to overweight, obesity, underweight and wasting in the crude and adjusted model after controlling for children’s energy intake, children’s physical activity, socio-economic status, maternal physical activity, and BMI. Betaine intake was associated with mid-arm circumference and risk of overweight.ConclusionsWe did not find any evidence to support the association between dietary choline with anthropometric measurements among Iranian children. Further prospective studies with a large sample size in different populations are needed.

Optimising weight-loss interventions in cancer patients-A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BackgroundExcess weight has been associated with increased morbidity and a worse prognosis in adult patients with early-stage cancer. The optimal lifestyle interventions to optimize anthropometric measures amongst cancer patients and survivors remain inconsistent.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of exercise and dietary interventions alone or in combination on anthropometric measures of adult cancer patients and survivors.MethodsA systematic search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Trials Registry was performed. Outcomes of interest included changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Screening and data collection were performed by two reviewers. Bayesian NMAs were performed.ResultsOverall, 98 RCTs were included; 75 were incorporated in NMAs (n = 12,199). Groups of intervention strategies included: 3 exercise interventions, 8 dietary interventions, 7 combination interventions of diet and exercise and standard care. Median intervention duration was 26 weeks. NMA suggested that diet alone (mean difference [MD] -2.25kg, 95% CrI -3.43 to -0.91kg) and combination strategies (MD -2.52kg, 95% CrI -3.54 to -1.62kg) were associated with more weight loss compared to standard care. All dietary interventions achieved a similar magnitude of weight loss (MD range from -2.03kg to -2.52kg). Both diet alone and combination strategies demonstrated greater BMI reductions versus standard care, and each of diet alone, exercise alone and combination strategies demonstrated greater reductions in waist circumference than standard care.ConclusionDiet and exercise alone or in combination are effective lifestyle interventions to improve anthropometric measures in cancer patients and survivors. All reputable diets appear to be similarly effective to achieve weight loss.

Anthropometric and blood pressure changes in patients with or without nutritional counselling during cardiac rehabilitation: a retrospective study.

Whether a patient's outcomes are better when receiving nutritional counselling during cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been scarcely described. We compared changes in weight, waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) in patients attending CR with and without nutritional counselling. A retrospective analytical study was conducted in which two groups of patients who completed a phase II CR (36 sessions) were compared: CONTROL [n=144, mean (SD) age=59(12)years, 17% females], comprising patients without nutritional counselling (attended between 2003 and 2009), and NUT [n=128, mean (SD) age=60(13)years, 27% females], comprising patients with dietitian-delivered nutritional counselling (attended between 2010 and 2019). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare changes in weight, WC, and BP during CR between groups. Logistic regression models determined the probability of reducing weight and systolic BP (SBP). NUT group decreased weight [-1.3(3.1)kg; P<0.0001] and WC [-3.0(3.8)cm; P<0.0001] to a greater extent than CONTROL [weight: -0.4(3.1)kg; P=0.51; WC: -1.4(4.5)cm; P=0.02]. In CONTROL, 7% reduced≥5% weight and 31% reduced≥10mmHg SBP, whereas, in the NUT group, 18% reduced≥5% weight and 47% reduced≥10mmHg SBP. Patients in NUT (versus CONTROL) were more likely to lose≥5% of weight (odds ratio=4.27, 95% confidence interval=1.69-10.80; P<0.01) and reduce SBP≥10mmHg (odds ratio=3.15, 95% confidence interval=1.58-6.27; P<0.01). Patients who received nutritional counselling during CR improved anthropometric measures and were more likely to lose weight and reduce SBP than patients without nutritional counselling.

Improving assessment of child growth in a pediatric hospital setting

BackgroundAccurate anthropometric measurements are essential for assessing nutritional status, monitoring child growth, and informing clinical care. We aimed to improve height measurements of hospitalized pediatrics patients through implementation of gold standard measurement techniques.MethodsA quality improvement project implemented computerized training modules on anthropometry and standardized wooden boards for height measurements in a tertiary children’s hospital. Heights were collected pre- and post-intervention on general pediatric inpatients under 5 years of age. Accuracy of height measurements was determined by analyzing the variance and by comparing to World Health Organization’s defined biologically plausible height-for-age z-scores. Qualitative interviews assessed staff attitudes.ResultsNinety-six hospital staff completed the anthropometry training. Data were available on 632 children pre- and 933 post-intervention. Training did not increase the proportion of patients measured for height (78.6% pre-intervention vs. 75.8% post-intervention, p = 0.19). Post-intervention, wooden height boards were used to measure height of 34.8% patients, while tape measures and wingspan accounted for 42.0% and 3.5% of measurements, respectively. There was no improvement in the quality of height measurements based on plausibility (approximately 3% height-for-age z-scores measurements flagged out of range pre- and post-intervention), digit preference (13.4% of digits pre- and 12.3% post-intervention requiring reclassification), or dispersion of measurements (height-for-age z-scores standard deviation 1.9 pre- and post-intervention). Staff reported that using the wooden board was too labor consuming and cumbersome.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that efforts to improve anthropometric measurements of hospitalized children have multiple obstacles, and further investigation of less cumbersome methods of measurements may be warranted.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the metabolic effects of modified-release hydrocortisone versus standard glucocorticoid replacement therapy in adults with adrenal insufficiency.

Published studies exploring the metabolic effects of Modified-Release Hydrocortisone (MR-HC) replacement in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). To compare metabolic effects of MR-HC with Standard Glucocorticoid (SG) replacement in adults with AI. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were meta-analysed; non-RCT studies described narratively with critical appraisal. PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched to identify relevant articles, published before Aug 2019. All study types that reported metabolic profile (including anthropometric, glucose and lipid-related parameters), on patients switched from SG to MR-HC replacement. Following independent screening from two reviewers, 390 studies were identified, of which 9 studies were included for review (RCT, n=2; non-RCT, n=7). Two independent reviewers assessed each paper for bias and data extraction. Meta-analysis from RCTs (n=2), 104 patients were switched from SG to MR-HC replacement. Combining treatment effects, at 3-months post-therapy switch there was significant reduction in body weight (-0.82kg; 95% CI: -1.24kg to -0.40kg; P<.001) and HbA1c (-0.13%; 95% CI: -0.214% to -0.045%; P=.003). In the sub-group with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), reduction in HbA1C was more pronounced (-0.52%; 95% CI: -0.82% to -0.23%; P<.001). Non-RCT studies showed improved anthropometric measures and glucose metabolism up to 48-months following switch from SG to MR-HC replacement. In adults with AI, replacement with MR-HC associates with significant improvements in anthropometric measurements and HbA1c compared with SG replacement, particularly those with DM.

Protective effects of a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern on obesity, abdominal obesity and large neck circumference in a cohort of Turkish children aged 6-9 years.

This study evaluated the association of the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED index) with neck circumference, obesity, and abdominal obesity in a national sample of Turkish children aged 6-9 years. It was hypothesized that the Mediterranean diet has beneficial effects on BMI and waist and neck circumferences in children. The study sample consisted of 900 children aged 6-9 years recruited from seven primary schools in Ünye District in Ordu, Turkey. Anthropometric data were collected. The KIDMED score was used to assess the children's adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Compared with girls, a higher percentage of boys were obese (27.9% vs 22.2%), and the KIDMED score differed between boys (4.89±2.0) and girls (5.27±2.48; p<0.05). Only 18.7% of children had optimal KIDMED scores, and 35.7% had poor KIDMED scores. Compared with boys and girls with medium and optimal KIDMED scores, boys and girls with poor KIDMED scores had higher body weight, height, BMI, and waist and neck circumferences (p<0.05). KIDMED scores of overweight boys and girls were higher than those of obese boys and girls (p<0.05). An inverse correlation was found between KIDMED scores and body weight, BMI, and waist and neck circumferences. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is significantly associated with improved anthropometric measurements in children. These results demonstrate that providing a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet can prevent obesity and related disorders in children.

Acute and chronic non-invasive radiofrequency intervention modulates inflammatory but non epigenetic makers in physically active women

The non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) intervention has been demonstrating to improve anthropometric variables in women. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this response were not elucidated. This study aimed verify the effect of RF on anthropometric measurements, inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1ra, monocyte chemoattractant protein type 1 (MCP-1)) and global histone H4 acetylation levels in the peripheral blood of healthy women. The volunteers were divided in sedentary (SED) and physically active (PA) groups and submitted to the intervention (4 sessions, 1 time per week). Blood samples were collected before (T1), after the first session (T2) and after the last session (T3). The anthropometric measures were checked before and after the intervention. A significant reduction in body mass and adipose mass was observed in the PA group at T3 when compared to T1; while reductions in supra-iliac and abdominal skinfolds and abdominal circumference were found in SED and PA groups after intervention. The PA group presented greater reductions in supra-iliac skinfold and abdominal circumference at T3 when compared to the SED group. The intervention did not alter IL-1β and IL-1ra and global histone H4 acetylation levels in both groups. A significant increase in MCP-1 levels was found at T3 compared to T1 in the SED group. In the PA group, a reduction in MCP-1 levels was observed at T2 compared to T1. However, there was an increase in this marker at T3 compared to T1. Non-invasive RF improved anthropometric measurements with more pronounced effects in the PA and this response might involve the modulation of MCP-1.