Independent Risk Factor For Obesity Research Articles

The prevalence and independent influencing factors of obesity and underweight in patients with schizophrenia: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

Few studies have investigated the weight of patients with schizophrenia in China. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence, clinical characteristics and influencing factors of obesity and underweight in patients with chronic schizophrenia in China. A total of 325 patients with schizophrenia and 172 sex- and age-matched healthy controls from the community were recruited. Socio-demographic data and laboratory measurements were collected for all subjects. Using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), we evaluated the psychiatric symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. According to the body mass index (BMI) criteria in China, BMI ≥ 28kg/m2 indicates obesity, and BMI < 18.5kg/m2 indicates underweight. Of the patients with schizophrenia, 16.3% were obese, and 6.8% were underweight; 11.0% of the healthy controls were obese, and 3.5% were underweight. There was no difference between the two groups in the prevalence of obesity and underweight. After controlling for relevant variables, the obesity rate remained non significant, but the underweight rate appeared to be different. The multinomial regression analysis revealed that among the patients with schizophrenia, female sex, triglyceride level and LDL level were independent risk factors for obesity and that HDL level was an independent protective factor against obesity. In contrast, male sex and HDL level were independent risk factors for underweight. We found that the patients with schizophrenia had an increased rate of underweight and some factors related to weight. Level V, descriptive study.

Does vitamin D status predict weight gain or increase in waist circumference? Results from the longitudinal Health 2000/2011 Survey.

To investigate whether vitamin D status predicts weight gain or increase in waist circumference during the 11-year follow-up in general adult population. A population-based longitudinal study. The study was conducted using data from the nationally representative Health 2000/2011 Survey. The analyses were based on regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Weight, waist circumference and vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration analysed with radioimmunoassay) were measured from 2924 participants aged 30-64 years at baseline. In men, low vitamin D status at baseline predicted ≥10 % increase in waist circumference during the follow-up when adjusted for age only (OR for sufficient v. deficient S-25(OH)D 0·41; 95 % CI 0·25, 0·67; P for trend <0·01), but the association with weight gain was only borderline significant. After adjustment for potential confounders, low vitamin D status remained a significant predictor of increase in waist circumference, but the association with weight gain was further attenuated. In women, vitamin D status at baseline did not predict weight gain or increase in waist circumference. Our results suggest that vitamin D insufficiency may be a risk factor of abdominal obesity among men but not among women. In men, it may also increase the risk of weight gain. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and examine potential mechanisms behind them. There is also a possibility that vitamin D is a biomarker of healthy lifestyle rather than an independent risk factor for obesity.

Prevalence and lifestyle-related risk factors of obesity and unrecognized hypertension among bus drivers in Ghana

Obesity and hypertension are public health problems associated with cardiovascular events worldwide. Bus drivers, whose lifestyle is primarily sedentary and characterized by poor eating habits are at increased risk. This study determined the prevalence and lifestyle-related risk factors of obesity and hypertension among Inter-Regional Metromass Bus Drivers (IRMBDs) in Ghana. This cross-sectional study recruited 527 professional drivers from Metromass Bus stations in Accra and Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics from all participants. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure (BP) were determined. The prevalence of unrecognized hypertension was 38.7%. The prevalence of obesity using BMI, WC, and WHR as obesity indices were 19.0%, 19.9%, and 19.4%, respectively. Use of sleep inhibitors, long-duration sitting and eating late at night were independent risk factors for obesity, regardless of the obesity index used (p < 0.05). Physical inactivity, high caloric intake and eating at stressful periods were independent risk factors for obesity based on WC and WHR measurements (p < 0.05). Ageing, smoking history, alcoholic beverage intake, sleep inhibitor drug use, high calorie intake, long-duration sitting, eating late and under stressful conditions were independent risk factors for hypertension (p < 0.05). There is a high prevalence of unrecognized hypertension and obesity among IRMBDs which were associated with individual lifestyle and behaviours. Increased awareness through educational and screening programs will trigger lifestyle modifications that will reduce cardio-metabolic disease onset and offer clues for better disease predictive, preventive and personalized medicine.

The effect of mild sleep deprivation on diet and eating behaviour in children: protocol for the Daily Rest, Eating, and Activity Monitoring (DREAM) randomized cross-over trial

BackgroundAlthough insufficient sleep has emerged as a strong, independent risk factor for obesity in children, the mechanisms by which insufficient sleep leads to weight gain are uncertain. Observational research suggests that being tired influences what children eat more than how active they are, but only experimental research can determine causality. Few experimental studies have been undertaken to determine how reductions in sleep duration might affect indices of energy balance in children including food choice, appetite regulation, and sedentary time. The primary aim of this study is to objectively determine whether mild sleep deprivation increases energy intake in the absence of hunger.MethodsThe Daily, Rest, Eating, and Activity Monitoring (DREAM) study is a randomized controlled trial investigating how mild sleep deprivation influences eating behaviour and activity patterns in children using a counterbalanced, cross-over design. One hundred and ten children aged 8–12 years, with normal reported sleep duration of 8–11 h per night will undergo 2 weeks of sleep manipulation; seven nights of sleep restriction by going to bed 1 hr later than usual, and seven nights of sleep extension going to bed 1 hr earlier than usual, separated by a washout week. During each experimental week, 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, physical activity, sedentary behaviour) will be measured via actigraphy; dietary intake and context of eating by multiple 24-h recalls and wearable camera images; and eating behaviours via objective and subjective methods. At the end of each experimental week a feeding experiment will determine energy intake from eating in the absence of hunger. Differences between sleep conditions will be determined to estimate the effects of reducing sleep duration by 1–2 h per night.DiscussionDetermining how insufficient sleep predisposes children to weight gain should provide much-needed information for improving interventions for the effective prevention of obesity, thereby decreasing long-term morbidity and healthcare burden.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001671257. Registered 10 October 2018.

The association between television viewing time and percent body fat in adults varies as a function of physical activity and sex

BackgroundData suggest that sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for obesity; however, the extent to which physical activity (PA) and sex alter this relationship remains unclear. To address this gap, the current study examined the association between television (TV) viewing time and percent body fat (%BF) as a function of PA level and sex.MethodsTrained interviewers assessed 454 adults at their place of residence. Participants completed questionnaires to determine h of TV watched per week, PA level (inactive = not meeting PA guidelines vs. active = meeting PA guideline), and covariates including demographics (e.g., sex), depression symptoms, perceived stress, fruit and vegetable intake, and environmental support for PA. Foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance (Tanita TBF-300, Tokyo, Japan) was used to assess %BF. Mixed models were generated to examine the association between TV h/wk. and %BF as a function of PA level and sex while accounting for the multi-level nature of the data (neighborhood- and individual-levels) and covariates.ResultsParticipants were 44.4 ± 14.0 (Mean + Standard Deviation) years of age with 33.2 ± 11.1%BF, and watched 19.3 ± 15.5 h/wk. of TV. Most were female (70.9%) and inactive (63.2%). Mixed model regression demonstrated that among inactive participants, each additional h of TV viewed/wk. was associated with a 1.03% increase in %BF; TV h/wk. and %BF were not associated in active adults. When models were further stratified by sex, h of TV viewed/wk. were significantly associated with %BF only in inactive females. Each additional h of TV viewed/wk. was associated with an increase in %BF of 1.14%. Conclusion: Interventions targeting PA and/or TV viewing time may be a high-priority to curb excess BF accumulation especially among inactive females.

Trends in the prevalence of obesity among young Thai men and associated factors: from 2009 to 2016

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity has been increasing in both males and females worldwide. In Thailand, the National Health Examination Surveys reported that the prevalence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) among Thai male adults aged 20–59 years increased from 1.7% in 1991 to 6.8% in 2009. Obesity has been confirmed to lead to health problems, including noncommunicable diseases. In the present study, we report trends in the prevalence of obesity among new conscripts from 2009 to 2016. We also investigated the associated factors of obesity.MethodsSerial cross-sectional studies were conducted from 2009 to 2016 among male Royal Thai Army (RTA) conscripts whose weight and height had been measured to determine BMI after being inducted. Each subject completed a detailed risk factor questionnaire. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2.ResultsA total of 26,540 young Thai males conscripted into the RTA were included in this study. The prevalence of obesity was 2.2% in 2009, 3.4% in 2010, 2.5% in 2011, 2.9% in 2012, 3.4% in 2013, 4.4% in 2014, 5.0% in 2015, and 4.8% in 2016 (P for trend < 0.0001). The independent risk factors for obesity were coming from the north central and south regions compared with the northeast, higher education level, indoor occupation and no regular exercise.ConclusionsOur data emphasized that obesity constitutes a serious problem among young Thai men. We could apply these findings in military units to other groups at any age. Regular exercise should be provided to young adults and other age groups to slow the process of obesity, so that associated complications, especially noncommunicable diseases, will cease.

Prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Eastern Turkey: A cross-sectional study with a review of the local literature.

The World Health Organization defines obesity as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can damage health. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and risk factors in high school students in Erzurum City Center. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The number of students participating in the study was 845, including 47.6% females and 52.4% males. Data collection was done by surveys filled in under supervision. Anthropometric measurements were performed by the researchers. Predictions of the Extended International Obesity Task Force were used for body mass index. Parents' body mass indexes were calculated by self-report and classified according to cut-off points for adults in the world health community. A systematic review of the local literature published between 2004 and 2013 was drafted. In girls and boys, the frequency of overweight was 26.9% and 25.7%, respectively, while the frequency of obesity was 12.4% and 9.5%. A logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal significant risk factors for overweight/obesity. Weekly exercise status [odds ratio = 3.0, 95% confidence interval CI (1.2-7.8)] and school transfer % CI = (1.1-7.2) were important independent risk factors for obesity. The local literature showed a 4.3-fold increase in the prevalence of obesity within 10 years. The prevalence of obesity and overweight in adolescents requires the implementation of effective programs to fight this epidemic. Health education targeting peers and their parents, peer education, screening of risk groups, and controlling the sale of unhealthy foods can be some interventions.

Association between kindergarten and first-grade food insecurity and weight status in U.S. children.

The aim of this study was to determine if food insecurity is an independent risk factor for obesity in U.S. children. We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of children participating in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort 2011. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate longitudinal associations between food security and body mass index (BMI) z-score. All regression models included race/ethnicity, household income, and parental education. Survey and anthropometric data was collected from teachers and parents of 8167 U.S. children entering kindergarten in fall 2010 with regular follow-up through third grade. Complete data regarding food security, socioeconomic assessment, and BMI z-score data were included for statistical analyses. All analyses were weighted to be nationally representative. Children with household food insecurity had increased obesity prevalence from kindergarten through grade 3; for example, at kindergarten, with food insecurity 16.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.7-19) versus food secure 12.4% (95% CI, 11.3-13.6). Adjusted means analysis showed first-grade food insecurity was significantly correlated with increased BMI z-score in first through third grades; for example, at first grade, with food insecurity 0.6 (95% CI, 0.5-0.7) versus food secure 0.4 (95% CI, 0.4-0.5). Logistic regression showed first-grade food insecurity was correlated with increased risk for obesity in that grade (odds ratio 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-2). Obesity is more prevalent among food-insecure children. First-grade food insecurity is an independent risk factor for longitudinal increases in BMI z-score. There are differences in the association between food insecurity and weight status between kindergarten and first grade.

Identification of serum metabolites associated with obesity and traditional risk factors for metabolic disease in Chinese adults

Background and aimsObesity is a major worldwide health problem and is often associated with many metabolic diseases. Levels of several serum-specific metabolites may be altered in patients with these metabolic diseases. We aimed to investigate the associations of serum metabolite levels with obesity and traditional risk factors for metabolic disease in Chinese individuals. Methods and resultsSix-hundred Chinese individuals undergoing annual physical exams were recruited and categorized into overweight/obese and control groups (1:1 ratio). We simultaneously quantified the serum lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), aromatic amino acids (AAA), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), and Gln/Glu ratio levels using our previously established targeted serum metabolomic method. The overweight/obesity group had significantly higher levels of BCAA, AAA, and Glu, as well as lower levels of unsaturated LPC, Gln, and Gln/Glu, than the control group. Correlation analyses revealed significant and positive relationships of saturated LPC, BCAA, AAA, and Glu with blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, while unsaturated LPC, Gln, Gln/Glu, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D exhibited an opposite trend. In the multifactor logistic regression model, low unsaturated LPC and Gln/Glu, as well as high BCAA and AAA levels, were found to be independent risk factors for obesity; the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile were 0.241 (0.139–0.417), 0.436 (0.252–0.755), 3.944 (2.094–7.430), and 2.357 (1.274–4.361) (P < 0.01), respectively. ConclusionLPC, BCAA, AAA, and Gln/Glu are significantly related to obesity development and risk factors of some metabolic diseases.

The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism is associated with short leukocyte telomere length in nonobese individuals.

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism have been associated with the increased metabolic risk and mortality, irrespective of obesity. The mechanism underlying this association is not known. We aimed to evaluate whether the FTO rs9939609 risk variant is independently associated with metabolic risk factors and/or leukocyte telomere length (LTL). We further aimed to investigate whether this relationship is modified by obesity status.A total of 2133 participants were recruited from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. LTL was measured using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodology. The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped using DNA samples collected at baseline.The proportions of the TT, TA, and AA genotypes were 76.7%, 21.5%, and 1.8%, respectively, and obese subjects comprised 44.5% of the total subjects. Among the 1184 nonobese subjects, body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral fat area were higher in subjects with the FTO risk allele than in noncarriers. In contrast, only high-sensitive C-reactive protein level was associated with the FTO risk allele in the obese subjects. LTL was significantly shorter in carriers of the FTO risk allele compared with noncarriers after controlling for several confounding factors (P < .01). Of particular note, this significant association between the FTO risk allele and LTL appeared only in nonobese subjects (P = .03). Multivariate linear regression analyses identified older age, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and the presence of the FTO risk allele as independent risk factors affecting LTL. This finding was evident only in nonobese subjects.The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism is an independent risk factor for obesity and also for biological aging in the nonobese population.

Prevalence and risk factors of obesity among practicing nurses at three selected hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Prevalence and risk factors of obesity is increasing in several populations, and is becoming an enormous problem among occupational/professional groups. The study determined the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among practicing nurses in three selected hospitals in the Kumasi metropolis. This cross-sectional study recruited 825 nurses from Suntreso, Manhyia and Kumasi South Hospitals. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, and lifestyle behaviours of all participants. Obesity was assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratios (WHR) and Waist to height ratio (WHtR). The prevalence of obesity among nurses was 55.9% by WHtR, 35.7% by WC, 29.4% by BMI classification and 27.3% by WHR classification. The pattern of increased prevalence was higher among female nurses and nurses with high professional rank irrespective of the anthropometric parameters used. Logistic regression model indicates that taking meals late at night [odds ratio (OR) = 2.5 (1.1 to 5.7), p=0.0398], taking meals at stressful hours [OR=7.9 (2.1 to 29.8); p=0.0009], and fast food intake [OR=2.6 (1.1 to 6.0), p=0.0370) were independent risk factors of obesity classified by BMI. Taking meals at stressful hours [OR=3.33 (1.4 to 8.2); p=0.0091] and being female [OR=26.8 (3.5 to 207.7); p&lt;0.0001] were significant independent risk factors of obesity classified by WC. Using WHR, being a female [OR=22.1 (1.31 to 380.0); p=0.0009] was an independent risk factor for obesity. Taking meals late at night [OR=2.4 (1.2 to 4.7); p=0.0121], taking meals at stressful hours [OR=3.1 (1.3 to 7.4); p=0.0148], and physical inactivity [OR=2.2 (1.0 to 4.5); p=0.0478] and being a female [OR=4.6 (1.7 to 12.4), p=0.0024] were independent risk factors of obesity using WHtR. Obesity among nurses in the Kumasi metropolis is on a rise and of public health significance. The need to foster healthy lifestyle is essential in health profession and pertinent to prevent obesity and future morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular metabolic risk factors.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2016) 5(3), 45-55Keywords: Obesity, overweight, risk, practicing Nurses, Kumasi Metropolis

High fat diet exacerbates adipose tissue‐derived adipokines and hypertension in female C57BL/6 mice exposed to early life stress (ELS)

Early life stress (ELS) exposure has been recognized as an independent risk factor for obesity and cardiovascular disease. Maternal separation and early weaning (MSEW) during postnatal life show long‐lasting neuroendocrine and behavioral disturbances thereby is used as a mouse model of ELS. The goal of this study was to determine whether exposure to MSEW is associated with sex differences in adiposity, vascular function and blood pressure in response to high fat (HF) diet. MSEW was performed in C57BL/6 mice from postnatal days 2–16. Undisturbed litters served as control (C) group. Mice were placed on a low‐fat (LF, 10% kcal from fat) or HF (60% kcal from fat) diet for 16 weeks upon weaning. MSEW did not influence body weight gain in male and female mice fed a LF diet; however, MSEW increased fat mass with no changes in lean mass vs. C (p&lt;0.05). In response to HF diet, despite significant increases in fat mass in both sexes, only female MSEW displayed higher levels of adiposity vs. C (44±2 vs. 31±2 %, p&lt;0.05). In addition, MSEW exacerbated 24 hour mean arterial pressure (MAP) in both sexes; however, this increase in MAP was significantly greater in female (MSEW= 115.0±0.9 mmHg and C= 106.6±1.6 mmHg) than in male (MSEW= 121.2±1.3 mmHg and C=117.3±0.4 mmHg) mice (p sex&lt;0.05, p MSEW p&lt;0.05, p interaction &lt;0.05). Yet, heart rate was increased only in male MSEW vs. C (p&lt;0.05). Vascular reactivity assessed by wire myography showed increased serotonin‐induced vasoconstriction in female MSEW mice vs. C (73±15 vs. 36±3 %maximal constriction, p&lt;0.05) but not in male MSEW mice vs. C (59±8 vs. 51±3 %maximal constriction, p&lt;0.05). Plasma metabolic profile revealed that female, but not male, MSEW mice display hyperinsulinemia (1.3±0.1 vs. 0.5±0.1 ng/ml, p&lt;0.05), hyperleptinemia (37.4±1.9 vs. 26.5±1.4 ng/ml, p&lt;0.05), higher levels of plasma resistin (8.1±0.4 vs. 5.7±0.5 ng/ml, p&lt;0.05) and PAI‐1 (1.7±0.2 vs. 0.5±0.0 ng/ml, p&lt;0.05). Taken together, these data indicate that female mice exposed to MSEW are particularly susceptible to display fat expansion thereby increasing fat‐derived adipokines involved in vascular dysfunction and hypertension in response to HF diet.Support or Funding InformationHL111354

Contribution of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Ɣ2 gene in relation to obesity

Background and aimsPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Ɣ2 (PPARƔ2) gene Pro12Ala polymorphism has been extensively studied in relation to obesity and its associated metabolic complications but the results were inconclusive. This study aimed to identify the genotypic and allelic frequencies of PPARƔ2 gene and its association with anthropometric measurements, lipid profiles and the susceptibility for obesity in Malay subjects. Methods and resultsThis cross-sectional, comparative study involved 217 subjects (94 obese and 123 non-obese as controls). Anthropometric and lipid profiles were measured. Genotyping was performed by allele-specific PCR. Comparisons were made between the genotypes and the association of PPARƔ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism with obesity was evaluated. The Pro12Pro, Pro12Ala and Ala12Ala genotypic frequencies were significantly different between groups (88.3%/11.7%/0.0% vs. 97.6%/2.4%/0.0% respectively, P=0.006).The Ala12 allele was more frequent in obese than the non-obese (5.9% vs. 1.1%, P=0.007). Ala12 carriers were associated with higher BMI (P=0.016), BF% (P=0.019) and a trend towards higher BAI (P=0.055) than the non-carriers. Besides age, high level of triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, Ala12 allele (Adjusted OR=5.46, 95% CI=1.27–23.40; P=0.022) were regarded as independent risk factors for obesity. ConclusionsThis study indicates that the PPARƔ2 gene Pro12Ala polymorphism predisposes to obesity in Malay subjects and Ala12 allele could predict alterations in adipocyte and lipid metabolism among them. Age, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and Ala12 allele conferred to increased risk for obesity in this ethnicity.

The mediating role of energy intake on the relationship between screen time behaviour and body mass index in adolescents with obesity: The HEARTY study

Adolescents spend up to 6–8 h/day in sedentary screen behaviour and screen time is an independent risk factor for obesity. However, the mechanisms by which screen time confers obesity risk remain unclear. Via community level recruitment this study examined whether the relationship between screen time behaviours and body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) was mediated by total energy intake or macronutrient consumption. In a cross-sectional study of post-pubertal adolescents (N = 283: 86M, 197F) with overweight or obesity at baseline of an intervention for weight control, we examined self-reported total energy intake (mean Calories from 3 day food diary), macronutrient intake (grams/day of carbohydrate, fat, protein) and total screen time (aggregate of hours/day watching TV, playing seated video games, and recreational computer use). BMI was objectively measured and converted to standardized scores (z-BMI). Simple and multiple mediation analyses were conducted using the bootstrapping approach described by Preacher and Hayes. Covariates included age, sex, ethnicity, parental education, Tanner stage, and self-reported physical activity. The relationship between screen time and z-BMI was significantly mediated by energy intake. Higher levels of carbohydrate intake, but not fat or protein intake, significantly mediated the relationship between screen time and z-BMI (95% bias-corrected and accelerated confidence interval [0.0004, 0.0074]). Higher carbohydrate intake mediated the relationship between TV viewing and z-BMI, and video gaming and z-BMI. In conclusion, the relationship between screen time and BMI appears to be mediated by increased energy intake, primarily in the form of higher carbohydrate intake. It is possible that reducing time spent watching TV and playing video games may reduce food intake and help promote dietary adherence needed for weight management in obese adolescents. Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00195858.

Before-school and after-school childcare and children's risk of obesity.

In the USA, half of children are regularly cared for before or after school by someone other than a parent. Describe the relationship between childcare arrangements and obesity among school-aged children. Data are from the fifth-grade wave of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Kindergarten Cohort 1998-1999, a nationally representative study of US children who were in kindergarten in 1998-1999 or first grade in 1999, collected in spring 2004 (analytic sample = 9617). We estimated survey-adjusted logistic regression models to examine the association between childcare arrangements before and after school and obesity. The prevalence of obesity was highest among fifth graders who received care from multiple sources and lowest among children who received care from adults not related to them in either the child's or the caregiver's home [29.9%, 95% confidence interval {CI}: 18.7%, 44.3%; and 17.3%, 95% CI: 12.1%, 24.0%]. Childcare arrangement was not an independent risk factor for obesity for most children. However, Hispanic children who were cared for by a person who was not a relative had significantly higher odds of obesity compared with non-Hispanics in similar care arrangements (odds ratio: 5.11, 95% CI: 2.00, 13.06). Type of childcare before or after school was not an independent risk factor for obesity in most fifth graders, but implications of childcare for Hispanic children should be explored further.

Obesity and Hyperglycemia in Korean Men with Klinefelter Syndrome: The Korean Endocrine Society Registry.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of obesity in Korean men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and the associated risk factors for obesity and hyperglycemia.MethodsData were collected retrospectively from medical records from 11 university hospitals in Korea between 1994 and 2014. Subjects aged ≥18 years with newly diagnosed KS were enrolled. The following parameters were recorded at baseline before treatment: chief complaint, height, weight, fasting glucose level, lipid panel, blood pressure, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, karyotyping patterns, and history of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.ResultsData were analyzed from 376 of 544 initially enrolled patients. The rate of the 47 XXY chromosomal pattern was 94.1%. The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) in Korean men with KS was 42.6%. The testosterone level was an independent risk factor for obesity and hyperglycemia.ConclusionObesity is common in Korean men with KS. Hypogonadism in patients with KS was associated with obesity and hyperglycemia.

The Placental Microbiome Varies in Association with Low Birth Weight in Full-Term Neonates.

Substantial evidence indicated that low birth weight was an independent risk factor for obesity, impaired glucose regulation, and diabetes later in life. However, investigations into the association between low birth weight and placental microbiome in full-term neonates are limited. Placentas were collected from low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) full-term neonates (gestational age 37 w0d–41 w6d) consecutively born at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The anthropometric measurements were measured and 16S ribosomal DNAamplicon high-throughput sequencing were utilized to define bacteria within placenta tissues. It showed that birth weight, ponderal index, head circumference, and placenta weight were significantly lower in LBW than NBW neonates (p < 0.05). The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (p < 0.05) and the estimators of community richness (Chao) indexes (p < 0.05) showed a significantly lower diversity in LBW than NBW neonates. There were significant variations in the composition of placenta microbiota between the LBW and NBW neonates at the phylum and genus level. Furthermore, it indicated that Lactobacillus percentage was positively associated with birth weight (r = 0.541, p = 0.025). In conclusion, our present study for the first time detected the relationship between birth weight and placental microbiome profile in full-term neonates. It is novel in showing that the placental microbiome varies in association with low birth weight in full-term neonates.

Self-perceived stress is associated with adiposity and atherosclerosis. The GEA Study.

BackgroundA growing body of evidence suggests that psychological stress is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Obesity prevalence shows accelerating trends worldwide, and is known to be associated with a range of comorbidities and survival. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between self-perceived psychological stress with parameters of adiposity, metabolic syndrome, and subclinical atherosclerosis in Mexican participants.MethodsMetabolic Syndrome was defined using the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, obesity was defined as BMI >30, subclinical atherosclerosis disease was determined by computed tomography, and carotid intima media thickness was determined by ultrasonography. Self-perceived psychological stress was assessed using a single-item questionnaire.ResultsA total of 1243 control subjects were included in the sample, mean age 54.2 ± 9 years old; the prevalence of chronic self-perceived psychological stress (>5 years) was 10.13 %, female gender (62.7 %), obesity prevalence (48.4 %), and self-reporting sedentary lifestyle (56.3 %). The chronic stressed cohort presented higher subcutaneous abdominal fat content (285 vs 319 cm2), and carotid intima media thickness (0.63 vs 0.66 mm; p < 0.01 for both). However, after adjustment for lifestyle/social covariates (Model 1) and biological mediators (Model 2), chronic self-perceived stress was independently associated with obesity in men (OR 2.85, 95 % CI 1.51 – 5.40) and carotid atherosclerosis in women (OR 2.262, 95 % CI 1.47 – 4.67; p < 0.01 for both).ConclusionOur study suggests that self-reported chronic stress is an independent risk factor for obesity in men. In addition, carotid atherosclerosis was also found to be an independent risk factor in women in a Mexican population sample.

Association between Objectively Measured Sleep Quality and Obesity in Community-dwelling Adults Aged 80 Years or Older: A Cross-sectional Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between objective measures of sleep quality and obesity in older community-dwelling people. This cross-sectional study included 189 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 80 yr (83.4 ± 2.5 yr [age range, 80-95 yr]). Participants wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) on their non-dominant wrist 24 hr per day for 7 consecutive nights. Sleep parameters measured included total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset (WASO) during the night. Associations between sleep parameters and obesity were investigated by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. In multivariate models, those with sleep efficiency lower than 85% had a 2.85-fold increased odds of obesity, compared with those with sleep efficiency of 85% or higher. Similarly, those with WASO of ≥ 60 min (compared with < 60 min) had a 3.13-fold increased odds of obesity. However, there were no significant associations between total sleep time or self-reported napping duration and obesity. We found that poor sleep quality was an independent risk factor for obesity in community-dwelling Japanese adults aged ≥ 80 yr, even after controlling for potential confounding factors, including daily physical activity.

Early Life Origins of Adult Disease and Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy

Johnson and Shoeni examined the relation between low birth weight (LBW) and childhood family socioeconomic disadvantage and disease onset in adulthood.1 They report that LBW independently predicted asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases by age 50 years. Disease prevalence was influenced also by childhood socioeconomic (SES) status. They conclude that these findings are consistent with the fetal origins hypothesis, which posits that adverse in utero influences increases the risk of disease later in life. We would like to stress the likely mediating effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy. In the study by Johnson and Shoeni, the smoking variable, parental smoking, increased disease risk in adulthood in univariate but not in multivariate analyses probably because it lacks specification (i.e., it did not distinguish which parent was a smoker and whether the mother smoked or not during her pregnancy). Maternal smoking during pregnancy is known to be associated with negative prenatal and birth consequences and LBW.2,3 Maternal smoking during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for obesity,4–6 type 2 diabetes mellitus,4 high blood pressure,7 and smoking,2 all known risk factors for cardiovascular disorders. Intrauterine exposure to maternal smoking is also associated with asthma even in offspring of nonsmoking mothers but who themselves were exposed in utero to maternal smoking,8 suggesting that smoking may induce genotoxicity. Moreover, maternal smoking during pregnancy dose-dependently increases the likelihood of psychiatric disorders and all cause mortality up to age 20 years.9 In addition, smoking, and in particular smoking during pregnancy, is known to be associated with low SES.10 Maternal smoking during pregnancy is the most important modifiable adverse fetal exposure risk.3 It is likely to mediate a significant part of the relation between LBW and disease onset in adulthood that was reported by Johnson and Schoeni.1 Full eradication of smoking among pregnant women may reduce the onset of several diseases in the next generation.