Lower Percent Body Fat Research Articles

Resistant starch type 4-enriched diet lowered blood cholesterols and improved body composition in a double blind controlled cross-over intervention

A metabolic health crisis is evident as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Effects of resistant starch type 4 (RS4), a prebiotic fiber, in comprehensive management of metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unknown. This study examined the effects of a blinded exchange of RS4-enriched flour (30% v/v) with regular/control flour (CF) diet on multiple MetS comorbidities. In a double blind (participants-investigators), placebo-controlled, cluster cross-over intervention (n = 86, age≥18, 2-12 week interventions, 2-week washout) in the United States, individuals were classified as having MetS (With-MetS) or not (No-MetS) following International Diabetes Federation (IDF)-criteria. RS4 consumption compared with CF resulted in 7.2% (p = 0.002) lower mean total cholesterol, 5.5% (p = 0.04) lower non-HDL, and a 12.8% (p < 0.001) lower HDL cholesterol in the With-MetS group. No-MetS individuals had a 2.6% (p = 0.02) smaller waist circumference and 1.5% (p = 0.03) lower percent body fat following RS4 intervention compared to CF. A small but significant 1% increase in fat-free mass was observed in all participants combined (p = 0.02). No significant effect of RS4 was observed for glycemic variables and blood pressures. RS4 consumption improved dyslipidemia and body composition. Incorporation of RS4 in routine diets could offer an effective strategy for public cardio-metabolic health promotion.

Sports anthropological investigation of male basketball players of different performance classes

The present study focused on somatotypical and sports anthropological differences in German basketball players of different position and performance classes. German basketball players (n=64) from Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia (the mean age 26.8±6.3 years) were divided by league affiliation in 3 pools (2./3. Division, 4./5. Division and 6./7. Division) and differentiated to their positions (center, winger, guards). They were measured according to the standardized guidelines of sports anthropology. The body height of the pool 1 guards averaged 187.2±5.3 cm, the body height of the center players 205.4±5.7 cm, and the body height of the wingers 191.5±4.7 cm (p<0.001 relative to the position, p<0.01 with respect to the performance level). Calipermetry showed a significantly higher percentage of the body fat of the lower divisions. In the top divisions, the body fat percentages were 13.2% for the guards, 20% for the centers and 18.3% for the wingers (p<0.001). The mean somatotypes were 4.0 – 4.4 – 2.8 for all the guards, 5.7 – 4.5 – 2.5 for all the center players and 4.5 – 4.5 – 2.6 for all the wingers. Today’s German basketball players are tall and leggy. The athletes of the middle and lower levels have a higher fat content. With respect to the playing position the guards are relatively smaller players with the lower percentage of body fat. The center players show the highest body weight and the body height dimensions, wherein the wingers are classified as player somatotypes therebetween.

Abstract P2-05-07: Resveratrol blocks the protumorigenic effects of obesity in a postmenopausal breast cancer model

Abstract Background: In the U.S., the prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with over two-thirds of the population being overweight and one-third being obese. Epidemiological data suggests that women who maintain a healthy weight have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and a better prognosis if diagnosed than those that are obese. Of the various breast cancer subtypes, claudin-low is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to standard chemotherapeutic regimens, Our lab has previously shown that a diet-induced obesity (DIO) regimen enhanced tumor progression and promoted the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)- and tumor–initiating cell (TIC)-associated markers in a murine claudin-low tumor model. Resveratrol is an antiinflammatory natural polyphenol that can decrease expression of markers indicative of stem cells and prevent EMT. Therefore, we hypothesized that resveratrol would impede the protumorigenic nature of obesity through its effects on EMT in a stem cell-enriched tumor model. The present study evaluated the effect of resveratrol supplementation on tumor growth in a DIO regimen in the murine M-Wnt breast cancer model. Methods: Eight-week-old ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice were randomized (n = 15 per group) to receive one of the following three dietary regimens: control diet (10%kcal from fat), DIO regimen (60% kcal from fat), or DIO regimen supplemented with resveratrol (0.5% wt/wt). Mice consumed the experimental diets ad libitum for 6 weeks prior to orthotopic injection of 2.5×105 GFP-luciferase labeled M-Wnt murine mammary tumor cells (derived from MMTV-Wnt-1 tumor). Transplanted tumors grew for five additional weeks while diets were continued. Tumors were measured weekly with calipers and in vivo growth was monitored by the In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS). Mice were killed, serum was collected and stored at -80C and tissues were either fixed in 10% neutral-buffered saline or or flash-frozen. Results: Using the M-Wnt model of claudin-low breast cancer, we found that resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced body weight (p&amp;lt;0.0001), caloric intake (p&amp;lt;0.05) and tumor burden (weight and volume)(p = 0.021 and p = 0.007, respectively) within the DIO regimen although it had no effect on fasting glucose. Control maintained a significantly lower body fat percentage (p&amp;lt;0.001) than DIO regardless of resveratrol supplementation. Despite weighing significantly more (p&amp;lt;0.0001), mice that consumed the resveratrol-supplemented diet had comparable tumor burden to the lower calorie, control diet. Discussion: We conclude that resveratrol supplementation circumvented the protumorigenic nature of the DIO regimen equivalent to the lower calorie, lower fat control diet. Thus, dietary supplementation with resveratrol in the high-risk, obese population could break the obesity-cancer link. Keywords: epithelial to mesenchymal transition, resveratrol, mammary tumor, diet-induced obesity, stem cells. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-05-07.

Anthropometry, Somatotypes, and Aerobic Power in Ballet, Contemporary Dance, and DanceSport

This study compared anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity between three groups of dancers: classical ballet dancers (M 33, F 56), contemporary dancers (M 28, F 109), and dancesport dancers (M 30, F 30). The assumption was that different functional requirements should produce differences in the anthropometric and aerobic capacity variables among the three groups. Anthropometric data for body mass index (BMI) and somatotypes were measured. Body fat percentage was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Maximal oxygen consumption and aerobic power were measured during an incremental treadmill test until exhaustion. Dancesport athletes were taller compared with same gender contemporary dancers (p<0.05). Female ballet dancers had a lower body mass and BMI compared with their contemporary dance and dancesport equivalents (p<0.001). There was significant difference between dance styles in endomorphy (F2,221 = 8.773, p<0.001) and mesomorphy (F2,221 = 21.458, p<0.001) scores. Dancesport dancers had significantly greater VO2max values (p<0.01). It was concluded that female contemporary dancers are generally more muscular than their ballet counterparts, while dancesport dancers are taller and heavier, less muscular, with slightly greater adioposity compared to the classical ballet dancers. Ballet dancers had the lowest body fat percentage, weight, and BMI values. Dancesport dancers had greater aerobic capacity than the ballet dancers. Based on this study, we conclude that dancers in these three styles differ in some aspects of anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity, but we cannot say is it because of the training or selection or both.

Association between sugar consumption, sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical profiles

BackgroundThe increase in prevalence of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and abnormal blood lipid levels has raised the question of a possible relationship between these conditions and the consumption of sugar.ObjectivesThis study investigated the sugar consumption of financially-restricted Black women in Mangaung, South Africa.MethodFive hundred women were selected randomly and divided into younger (25–34 years) and older (35–44 years) groups. Dietary intake, sociodemographic status, anthropometry and biochemical data were obtained. Total sugar (TS) and added sugar (AS) consumption were compared between older and younger women as well as sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical categories.ResultsAS intake contributed 12% and 13% of total energy intake in younger and older women, respectively. AS consumption was higher in younger women living in brick houses and those who possessed a microwave oven. In older women, it was higher in husband-headed households. Underweight women with the lowest body mass index had higher sugar consumption than overweight and/or obese women. Women with a lower body fat percentage had a higher AS consumption than women with a high body fat percentage. Sugar consumption was significantly lower in younger women with elevated serum lymphocyte counts. TS and AS consumption was higher in younger women with elevated serum glucose levels. Older women with elevated serum insulin had a significantly higher TS consumption compared to those with normal insulin concentrations.ConclusionThe amounts of TS and AS consumed by women in this observational study were unlikely to contribute to overweight and/or obesity.

Influence of Apolipoproteins on the Association Between Lipids and Insulin Sensitivity

OBJECTIVEWe evaluated whether the association of insulin sensitivity with HDL cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides is influenced by major plasma apolipoproteins, as suggested by recent experimental evidence.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSThis study included a cross-sectional analysis of the RISC Study, a multicenter European clinical investigation in 1,017 healthy volunteers balanced in sex (women 54%) and age strata (range 30–60 years). Insulin sensitivity (M/I in µmol ⋅ min−1 ⋅ kgFFM−1 ⋅ nM−1) was measured by the clamp technique and apolipoproteins (ApoB, -C3, -A1, and -E) by Multiplex Technology.RESULTSThe center-, sex-, and age-adjusted standardized regression coefficients (STDβ) with M/I were similar for HDL and triglycerides (+19.9 ± 1.9 vs. −20.0 ± 2.0, P < 0.0001). Further adjustment for triglycerides (or HDL), BMI, and adiponectin (or nonesterified fatty acid) attenuated the strength of the association of M/I with both HDL (STDβ +6.4 ± 2.3, P < 0.01) and triglycerides (−9.5 ± 2.1, P < 0.001). Neither ApoA1 nor ApoE and ApoB showed any association with M/I independent from plasma HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. ApoC3, in contrast, in both men and women, was positively associated with M/I independently of plasma lipids. A relative enrichment of plasma lipids with ApoC3 is associated with lower body fat percentage and lower plasma alanine amino transferase.CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that HDL cholesterol modulates insulin sensitivity through a mechanism that is partially mediated by BMI and adiponectin but not by ApoA1. Similarly, the influence of triglycerides on insulin sensitivity is in part mediated by BMI and is unrelated to ApoE or ApoB, but it is significantly modulated by ApoC3, which appears to protect from the negative effect of plasma lipids.

Dietary Behaviour in Students with Different Body Fat Percent

Abstract Eating habits with uniform food preferences and increased energy intake can contribute to increased gain of body fat. An adequate diet, body self-evaluation, and recognition of unhealthy nutrition patterns should promote appropriate corrective actions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether energy intake, food diversity and corrective modification of body mass differed among student groups with low, normal and high body fat percentage. The study involved 737 (158 male and 579 female) students of the Rîga Stradiòð University (age 18-49 years). Dietary behaviour was determined using self-administered questionnaire. Body fat percentage was determined with a Tanita MC-180 bioimpedance analyser. Fluid and food intake, as well as physical activity before the test was restricted. The results showed that 15% of students in the low, 38% in the normal and 62% in the high body fat percentage groups considered that they eat too much. In the low, normal and high body fat percentage groups of students, 27%, 37% and 42%, respectively, agreed that they do restrict food intake. There were no significant differences in normalised energy intake and food diversity indexes between these student groups. Students in the high body fat percentage group more frequently admitted eating to much, and their corrective behaviour was associated more with reduced amounts of eaten food rather than minimisation of energy intake and increased food diversity. In all fat percentage groups, female students more frequently admitted that they eat too much and more often tended to restrict food intake than male students.

Amount of maternal body fat significantly affected the quality of isolated mouse preimplantation embryos and slowed down their development

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of maternal obesity on the quality and developmental capabilities of in vivo-derived preimplantation embryos. A two-generation dietary model, based on mice overfeeding during intrauterine and early postnatal development, was used to produce four types of female animals: with physiological (7%–8%), slightly elevated (8%–11%), highly elevated (>11%), and low (<7%) amounts of body fat. Spontaneously ovulating females (5–6 weeks old) were mated with male animals and subjected to embryo isolation at Day 4. Stereomicroscopical evaluation of collected embryos showed that the amount of maternal body fat did not affect the average number of collected embryos per dam. However, significant differences were found in the stage-distribution of isolated embryos: dams with highly elevated body fat and dams with low fat delivered decreased numbers of blastocysts and increased numbers of lower-stage or degenerated embryos compared with dams with physiological or slightly elevated fat value. Fluorescence staining showed that blastocysts isolated from dams with high and low percentage of body fat contained significantly higher numbers of dead cells. Most of such dead cells were of apoptotic origin. In contrast, the amount of maternal body fat did not affect blastocyst growth—the average numbers of cells per blastocyst were comparable in all groups. In conclusion, highly elevated or decreased amount of maternal body fat slowed down the development and negatively affected the quality of naturally in vivo-derived preimplantation embryos. No negative effect of slightly elevated fat was observed.

Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in the Adult Population

Our aim was to analyze the variables associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the adult population. We conducted a cross-sectional study in an established cohort of 1,553 healthy study participants (mean age=55±14 years; 60.3% women). Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated based on a 14-item questionnaire and the Mediterranean diet adherence screener, which defines adequate adherence as a score of ≥9. Physical activity was evaluated using the 7-day physical activity record. Sociodemographic, biological, and anthropometric variables were also evaluated. The differences between Mediterranean diet compliers and noncompliers are defined by the consumption of fruit, red meats, carbonated beverages, wine, fish/shellfish, legumes, pasta, and rice (P<0.01). Adherence was lower among individuals younger than 49 years of age. In the first age tertile, adherence was greater in women and in nonobese individuals, and the triglyceride levels were lower among compliers. In the second age tertile, the compliers exercised more and had a lower body fat percentage. In the third age tertile, the compliers also possessed less body fat. The logistic regression analysis revealed the following factors associated with improved Mediterranean diet adherence: more physical exercise (odds ratio=1.588), older age (odds ratio=2.162), and moderate alcohol consumption (odds ratio=1.342). The factors associated with improved Mediterranean diet adherence included female sex, age older than 62 years, moderate alcohol consumption, and more than 17 metabolic equivalents (METs)/h/wk of physical exercise. Poorer adherence was associated with males and obesity.

Is body fat percentage a better measure of undernutrition in newborns than birth weight percentiles?

Undernutrition in neonates increases the risk of serious morbidities. The objective of this study was to describe neonatal morbidity associated with low body fat percentage (BF%) and measure the number of undernourished neonates defined by BF% and compare this with birth weight percentiles (<10th). Eligibility included term (≥37 wk) neonates. BF% measurements were undertaken by air displacement plethysmography. Data on neonatal outcomes were extracted from medical records and used to develop a measure of neonatal morbidity. We assessed the association between neonatal morbidity and population-based birth weight percentiles compared with the BF% measurements. Five hundred and eighty-one neonates were included. Low BF% was defined by 1 SD below the mean and identified in 73 per 1,000 live births. Neonatal morbidity was found in 3.4% of neonates. Birth weight percentile was associated with neonatal morbidity (odds ratio (OR): 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.05); P = <0.001). BF% was associated with a higher risk of neonatal morbidity (OR: 1.30 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.47); P = <0.001). In this population, measuring BF% is more closely associated with identification of neonates at risk of neonatal morbidity as compared with birth weight percentiles. BF% measurements could assist with identifying neonates who are appropriately grown yet undernourished and exclude small neonates not at risk.

Customized Versus Population-Based Birth Weight Charts for the Detection of Neonatal Growth and Perinatal Morbidity in a Cross-Sectional Study of Term Neonates

Customized birth weight charts that incorporate maternal characteristics are now being adopted into clinical practice. However, there is controversy surrounding the value of these charts in the prediction of growth and perinatal outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the use of customized charts in predicting growth, defined by body fat percentage, and perinatal morbidity. A total of 581 term (≥37 weeks' gestation) neonates born in Sydney, Australia, in 2010 were included. Body fat percentage measurements were taken by using air displacement plethysmography. Objective composite measurements of perinatal morbidity were used to identify neonates who had poor outcomes; these data were extracted from medical records. The value of customized charts was assessed by calculating positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Customized versus population-based charts did not improve the prediction of either low body fat percentage (59% vs. 66% positive predictive value and 87% vs. 89% negative predictive value, respectively) or high body fat percentage (48% vs. 53% positive predictive value and 90% vs. 89% negative predictive value, respectively). Customized charts were not better than population-based charts at predicting perinatal morbidity (for customized charts, odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.04; for population-based charts, odds ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.05) per percentile decrease in birth weight. Customized birth weight charts do not provide significant improvements over population-based charts in predicting neonatal growth and morbidity.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and bone: is there a relationship in humans?

In animals, high fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) states improve insulin resistance but induce bone loss. Whether FGF21 relates to bone mineral density (BMD) is unknown in humans. Contrary to prediction from animal findings, we found higher FGF21 levels associating with greater BMD in women, independent of age and body composition. Recent laboratory studies suggest that FGF21 is involved in reciprocal regulation of bone and energy homeostasis. Systemic administration of FGF21 protects animals from obesity and diabetes but causes severe bone loss, smothering the enthusiasm over FGF21 as a potential antiobesity therapeutic. To date, there is no information on whether FGF21 relates to BMD in humans. We thus studied the relationship between plasma FGF21 levels and BMD in healthy adults. Fasting plasma FGF21 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Among 40 healthy volunteers (age 32 ± 10year, 16 women), men had significantly higher lean body mass (p < 0.01) and total BMD (p < 0.05), and lower percent body fat than women (p < 0.01). Median plasma FGF21 levels were not different between the sexes. While there was no association between FGF21 concentrations and body composition in men, FGF21 levels correlated positively with fat mass (p < 0.01) in women. In men, no significant correlation between FGF21 with BMD was observed. However, in women, FGF21 correlated positively with total BMD (R (2) = 0.69, p = 0.003) and spine BMD (R (2) = 0.76, p = 0.001); the correlation remained significant after adjusting for age, ethnicity, and body composition. This study reveals for the first time a strong positive association between plasma FGF21 levels and BMD in healthy women, suggesting the association between bone loss and high FGF21 states in animals may not be directly translated to humans in physiologic states. We hypothesize that FGF21 may increase bone mass particularly in women through paracrine mechanisms in the bone-adipose interface.

Development and Evaluation of the Innovative Smartphone Interface Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer

Development and Evaluation of the Innovative Smartphone Interface Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer

Longitudinal effects of weight loss and regain on cytokine concentration of obese adults

ObjectiveTo describe patterns of weight loss and regain and their effect on the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and anti-inflammatory cytokines adiponectin and IL-10 during a 24-month weight loss trial. Materials/MethodsParticipants were obese adults (N=66) who lost and regained ≥10lb during a 24-month clinical trial of behavioral weight loss treatment. Measurements of cytokines and weight were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24months. Linear mixed modeling was used to determine percent change in weight and cytokines from baseline. ResultsThe sample was predominantly female (80.3%) and White (86.4%), with a mean age of 48.4±7.3years and mean BMI of 34.5±4.4kg/m2. At baseline, men had higher waist circumference, body weight, and energy intake, and lower percent body fat and adiponectin. The largest decrease in weight was observed at 6months with a mean 11% decrease (p<.0001).A significant gender-by-weight change interaction on percent change in adiponectin was observed [b(se)=0.9 (0.2), p=.0003], with men having a larger increase in adiponectin with weight loss compared to women. There was a significant effect of weight gain over time with increases in IL-6 [b(se)=0.9 (0.3), p=.001]. ConclusionsOverall, weight loss was significantly associated with improvements in adiponectin and IL-6. Those improvements remained at 24months, following weight regain. The association between weight change and adiponectin was different between genders. Implementing strategies that support sustained weight loss can help prevent a state of chronic systemic inflammation and its associated adverse effects.

Predictive variables for half-Ironman triathlon performance

To examine the relationship between training, anthropometric characteristics, tapering, and time performance for a half-Ironman distance race. Cross sectional study in triathletes. Data were obtained for 209 participants (155 males; 54 females) competing in a half-Ironman triathlon. Participants provided information regarding triathlon experience, training, race preparation, and tapering. Participants were divided into three groups based on finish time for analysis. Males in the fastest group weighed less and had lower body fat percentage compared to males in the slower groups (p ≤ 0.01). Athletes in the fastest group had completed more half-Ironman races and took fewer rest days during training compared to athletes in the slower groups (p<0.01). The average time spent training was 13.9 ± 5.4 h per week, and this did not differ between groups. The faster group of athletes set lower race time goals (p<0.01) and placed greater importance on achieving goal time (p=0.04). Eighty-one percent reported performing a taper with a decrease in training volume of 58.5 ± 34.7% and a decrease in training intensity of 44.9 ± 40.8%. However, there were no differences in taper variables between the three groups. Age, previous best half-Ironman time, goal time, and goal importance predicted 58% of variance in finish time. The fastest group of triathletes exhibited differences in anthropometrics, race experience, and goal-setting compared to slower athletes. There were no differences in total training hours or tapering between groups. The best predictors of race performance were age, previous best half-Ironman time, goal time, and importance of reaching this goal.

Adiposity and Health Status among Adult Male Mundas and Oraons of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India

The present cross-sectional study was conducted among two male tribal groups Munda (n=106) and Oraon (n=104) aged 18–73 years of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. Objective was to evaluate the health status based on body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF). Measurements of weight, height, circumferences, and skinfolds were recorded. Results revealed that mean age of Mundas (36.2±13.3) and Oraons (35.1±15.3) in years were similar. Significant (P&lt;0.05) ethnic differences in mean chest circumference and anterior thigh skinfold were observed. Both Munda (50.0%) and Oraon (46.2%) males suffered from very high degree of chronic energy deficiency (CED) based on BMI. Similarly, for percent body fat (PBF), Mundas (29.3%) and Oraons (35.4%) had unhealthy (too low) PBF (i.e., ≤5%) levels. Significantly negative correlations were observed between age and BMI and positive correlations between age, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and conicity index (CI) (only Mundas) among Mundas and Oraons. In Linear regression, age had a significant impact on all derived central and overall adiposity measures. Prospective studies are required to determine the associations between health status and PBF as well as nutrition status and BMI in different indigenous ethnic groups of India and elsewhere.

Multilevel Correlates of Physical Activity for Early, Mid, and Late Adolescent Girls

We examined associations among multilevel variables and girls' physical activity to determine whether they vary at different adolescent ages. All field sites of the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls contributed participants from 6th (n = 1576) and 8th grades (n = 3085). The Maryland site contributed an 11th grade sample (n = 589). Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic and psychosocial information (individual- and social-level variables); height, weight, and triceps skinfold to assess body composition; interviews and surveys for school-level data; and geographical information systems and self-report for neighborhood-level variables. Moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes (MVPA) were assessed from accelerometers. Mixed models (13 individual, 5 social, 15 school, 12 neighborhood variables) were used to determine multilevel associations. Variables at individual, social, school, and neighborhood levels were associated with MVPA, but differed across grades. Lower percent body fat, higher social support from friends, and lower school math scores were associated with higher MVPA at 6th and 8th grade. Higher physical activity self-efficacy was associated with higher MVPA at 11th grade. Only lower physical activity barriers were associated with higher MVPA at all grades. MVPA is a complex behavior with fluid, multilevel correlates that differ among girls across middle and high school.

Dietary Protein Source Influence on Body Size and Composition in Growing Zebrafish

The importance of nutritional components on growth and body composition outcomes has been demonstrated in multiple model organisms. Although zebrafish (Danio rerio) have an established role in research laboratories for its utility in understanding developmental biology and genetics, the influence of diet composition on basic growth outcomes is less well demonstrated. In the current study, four protein sources were tested in isolation using isonitrogenous diets or combined using a defined lab diet. Fish (n≈60/group) were group housed (n≤10 fish/1.8 L tank) and fed ad libitum three times daily for 12 weeks. Fish were assessed for effects on length, body weight, and body composition (lean and fat mass). Individuals fed wheat gluten protein were significantly shorter in length, with significantly lower body weight and lean mass in both male and female fish, although percent body fat was high compared with other diets. Casein-fed fish similarly had significantly reduced body length, body weight, and lean and fat mass in both male and female fish, with a low percent body fat compared with other diets (leanest). Fish protein hydrolysate-fed fish had significantly lower lean mass and a high percent body fat, whereas soy protein isolate diet performed similarly to a mixed-protein control diet for all measured outcomes. These results suggest that the protein source, with accompanying amino acid ratios or additional protein source differences, has a significant impact on growth and body composition outcomes in zebrafish when fed in a semipurified, defined diet background.

Marathon performance in relation to body fat percentage and training indices in recreational male runners

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anthropometric characteristics and training indices on marathon race times in recreational male marathoners.MethodsTraining and anthropometric characteristics were collected for a large cohort of recreational male runners (n = 126) participating in the Basel marathon in Switzerland between 2010 and 2011.ResultsAmong the parameters investigated, marathon performance time was found to be affected by mean running speed and the mean weekly distance run during the training period prior to the race and by body fat percentage. The effect of body fat percentage became significant as it exceeded a certain limiting value; for a relatively low body fat percentage, marathon performance time correlated only with training indices.ConclusionMarathon race time may be predicted (r = 0.81) for recreational male runners by the following equation: marathon race time (minutes) = 11.03 + 98.46 exp(−0.0053 mean weekly training distance [km/week]) + 0.387 mean training pace (sec/km) + 0.1 exp(0.23 body fat percentage [%]). The marathon race time results were valid over a range of 165–266 minutes.

Características antropométricas, morfológicas e do somatotipo de atletas voleibolistas da seleção brasileira masculino: estudo descritivo de 11 anos (1995-2005).

This study analyzed the anthropometric and morphological characteristics of the adult male players in the Brazilian volleyball team for 11 years. The sample comprised 92 athletes selected for the national team from 1995 to 2005. Anthropometric measures were collected and body composition and somatotype components were estimated. One-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni test were used for descriptive statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. Along the 11 years, there was a significant increase in the flexed arm perimeter, humerus diameter and lean mass. Skinfold thickness and percent body fat tended to decrease. Height increased and was greater than 1.97 m. The somatotype of the volleyball players in the Brazilian team changed along the years. Ectomorphic and mesomorphic somatotypes were the most frequent. In 11 years, the athletes selected for the Brazilian team had an increase in body mass and a decrease in skinfold thickness and percent body fat. The most frequent anthropometric classifications were mesomorph-ectomorph for five years, followed by mesomorphic-ectomorph for three years, which suggests that taller athletes and those with a low body fat percentage were more frequently selected for the national team.