Measures Of Abdominal Obesity Research Articles

The predictive ability of ABSI compared to BMI for mortality and frailty among older adults.

To study the utility of A Body Shape Index (ABSI) alongside body mass index (BMI) to predict mortality and frailty in an aging community population. Participants (n = 1,580) were drawn from the first Israeli national health and nutrition survey of older adults ("Mabat Zahav") conducted from 2005 to 2006, constituting adults aged ≥65 years. Socio-demographic, clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial data were collected. Baseline weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were measured and expressed as the allometric indices BMI (kg/m2) and ABSI, a BMI-independent measure of abdominal obesity [WC/(BMI2/3*m1/2)]. Mortality follow-up lasted through 2019. Frailty was assessed in 2017-2019 by the Fried Biological Phenotype in a sub-cohort of 554 survivors. Cox and logistic regression models assessed associations of BMI and ABSI with mortality and frailty. At baseline, mean [SD] age was 74.5 [6.1] years, and 52.4% were women. The correlation between BMI and WC Z scores was 0.71, reduced to -0.11 for BMI and ABSI. Over a median follow-up of 13 years, 757 deaths occurred. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for mortality per standard deviation increase in BMI and ABSI were 1.07 (0.99;1.17) and 1.13 (1.05;1.21), respectively. Among participants assessed for frailty, 77 (14%) met the frailty criteria. After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios (95% CIs) for frailty were 0.83 (0.69-1.01) for BMI and 1.55 (1.34-1.79) for ABSI. In a nationwide cohort of older adults, ABSI was independently associated with mortality risk. Furthermore, ABSI, but not BMI, was a strong predictor of frailty.

Healthy lifestyle in the first 1000 days and childhood overweight and obesity in 4 European cohorts

Abstract Background The high prevalence of overweight and obesity in young children suggests the involvement of early life exposures. Based on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease paradigm, we investigated associations of healthy lifestyle (HL) behaviours around the first 1000 days of life with adiposity and weight status throughout childhood. Methods Cohort-specific analyses were conducted in four European birth cohorts (EDEN, Elfe, France; Generation R, the Netherlands; Lifeways, Ireland), implementing a harmonized data and analysis approach. Composite HL scores were calculated during pregnancy (maternal/parental) and infancy periods based on parental diet quality, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption; and for infant score breastfeeding, age of solid food introduction and exposure to passive smoking. Associations with child BMI (measure of overweight and obesity) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR, measure of abdominal obesity) at age 5 and 9 were assessed using linear (BMI z-scores and WHtR) and logistic regression (IOTF categories). Results Current results are based on the Lifeways data; other cohort-specific analyses are ongoing. Depending on the period, up to 50% of the sample had unfavourable lifestyle factors, determined by a HL score of less than half of the possible points. Lower maternal and parental pregnancy HL scores, indicating lower adherence to HL factors, were associated with a higher child BMI at age 5 and 9. Associations with WHtR were non-significant. A low infancy HL score was strongly and consistently associated with both a higher child BMI and WHtR at age 5 and 9. Conclusions A low adherence to HL factors around the first 1000 days of life was associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity. If confirmed in the other birth cohorts, these findings will inform the development of future early family-based lifestyle obesity prevention interventions. Key messages • Low adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours around the first 1000 days of life is associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity and abdominal adiposity. • If confirmed in the other cohorts, these results call for further research exploring family and multi-behavioural approaches to prevention of childhood obesity.

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle, genetic susceptibility to abdominal obesity, cardiometabolic risk markers, and risk of coronary heart disease

BackgroundLittle is known about whether the association between genetic susceptibility to high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), a measure of abdominal obesity, and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) is modified by adherence to a healthy lifestyle. ObjectivesTo explore the interplay of genetic susceptibility to high WHR and adherence to a healthy lifestyle on incident CHD. MethodsThis study included 282,316 white British individuals from the UK Biobank study. Genetic risk for high WHR was estimated in the form of weighted polygenic risk scores (PRSs), calculated based on 156 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Lifestyle scores were calculated based on 5 healthy lifestyle factors: regular physical activity, no current smoking, a healthy diet, <3 times/wk of alcohol consumption and 7–9 h/d of sleep. Incident CHD (n = 11,635) was accrued over a median 13.8 y of follow-up, and 12 individual cardiovascular disease risk markers assessed at baseline. ResultsAdhering to a favorable lifestyle (4–5 healthy factors) was associated with a 25% (hazard ratio: 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.70, 0.81) lower hazard of CHD compared with an unfavorable lifestyle (0–1 factor), independent of PRS for high WHR. Estimated 12-y absolute risk of CHD was lower for a favorable lifestyle at high genetic risk (1.73%) and medium genetic risk (1.67%) than for an unfavorable lifestyle at low genetic risk (2.08%). Adhering to a favorable lifestyle was associated with healthier levels of cardiovascular disease risk markers (except random glucose and high-density lipoprotein), independent of PRS for high WHR. ConclusionsIndividuals who have high or medium genetic risk of abdominal obesity but adhere to a healthy lifestyle may have a lower risk of developing CHD, compared with those who have low genetic risk and an unhealthy lifestyle. Future clinical trials of lifestyle modification could be implemented for individuals at high genetic risk of abdominal obesity for the primary prevention of CHD events.

METABOLIC PREDICTORS OF TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: First, to verify the relationship between hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) and measures of abdominal obesity in essential hypertension. Secondly, to evaluate which condition between overweight (BMI&gt;25 kg/m2), high waist circumference (WC&gt;80/94 cm in females/males) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR&gt;0.54) is more predictive of HMOD. Design and method: We selected a cohort of adult treated essential hypertensive subjects followed at our Hypertension Center. Blood pressure (BP), height, weight and WC were measured in all subjects. Various investigations were also performed to identify HMOD, such as echocardiography, carotid ultrasound, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and fundoscopy. Results: 114 subjects were enrolled (46/68 females/males, mean age 69±2 years, mean BP 135/77±3/2 mmHg). WC and WHtR were higher in patients with all expressions of HMOD except for hypertensive retinopathy. In particular, left ventricular mass index (LVMi/BSA) correlates with WHtR (p&lt;0.05), while in obese subjects, in which ventricular mass was indexed as LVMi/h2.7, both WC and WHtR significantly correlate (p&lt;0.05). In subjects with WHtR&gt;0.54, there was a significant risk of increased arterial stiffness by PWVs (OR = 2.479, p = 0.04). This data is confirmed in subjects with BMI&gt;25 kg/m2 (OR = 2.888, p = 0.04) but not in subjects with BMI&lt;25 kg/m2, while no significance was observed for high WC. In the presence of HMOD, a significantly higher number of metabolic syndrome factors (MetS) was observed (3.1 vs. 2.06, p = 0.0008). An OR of 7.55 (p = 0.01) for the presence of HMOD was observed in subjects diagnosed with MetS. Conclusions: In our population, the presence of abdominal obesity may indicate a greater risk of developing HMOD (especially left ventricular hypertrophy and increased arterial stiffness) in essential hypertensive patients. WHtR may be a more sensitive indicator than WC. Furthermore, the significant increase in the risk of HMOD in the presence of MetS may indicate that the synergy between multiple risk factors correlates more strongly with the development of HMOD. Therefore, in the management of essential hypertension, it is of great importance to combine drug therapy with a strategy of reduction of abdominal adipose tissue and the other MetS factors.

The association between body fatness and mortality among breast cancer survivors: results from a prospective cohort study

Evidence linking body fatness to breast cancer (BC) prognosis is limited. While it seems that excess adiposity is associated with poorer BC survival, there is uncertainty over whether weight changes reduce mortality. This study aimed to assess the association between body fatness and weight changes pre- and postdiagnosis and overall mortality and BC-specific mortality among BC survivors. Our study included 13,624 BC survivors from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, with a mean follow-up of 8.6 years after diagnosis. Anthropometric data were obtained at recruitment for all cases and at a second assessment during follow-up for a subsample. We measured general obesity using the body mass index (BMI), whereas waist circumference and A Body Shape Index were used as measures of abdominal obesity. The annual weight change was calculated for cases with two weight assessments. The association with overall mortality and BC-specific mortality were based on a multivariable Cox and Fine and Gray models, respectively. We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the potential causal association. Five-unit higher BMI prediagnosis was associated with a 10% (95% confidence interval: 5–15%) increase in overall mortality and 7% (0–15%) increase in dying from BC. Women with abdominal obesity demonstrated a 23% (11–37%) increase in overall mortality, independent of the association of BMI. Results related to weight change postdiagnosis suggested a U-shaped relationship with BC-specific mortality, with higher risk associated with losing weight or gaining > 2% of the weight annually. MR analyses were consistent with the identified associations. Our results support the detrimental association of excess body fatness on the survival of women with BC. Substantial weight changes postdiagnosis may be associated with poorer survival.

The association between daytime sleep and general obesity risk differs by sleep duration in Iranian adults

Background Sleep duration and daytime napping and obesity are related to adiposity; however, it is not clear whether the association between daytime napping and adiposity measures can differ by sleep duration. Aim To clarify the association between daytime napping and general and abdominal obesity based on sleep duration of participants. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,683 individuals (837 men and 846 women) aged ≥ 35 years. Height, weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured according to the standard protocols. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Self-reported sleep duration (in a 24-hour cycle) was recorded. The odds of general and abdominal obesity were compared between nappers and non-nappers, stratified by their sleep duration (≤ 6 h, 6–8 h, ≥ 8 h). Results The mean (SD) age of participants was 47.48 ± 9.35 years. Nappers with a short sleep duration (≤ 6 h) had greater BMI and higher risk for overweight/obesity compared with counterpart non-nappers after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.07–2.41). In subjects with moderate sleep duration (6–8 h), nappers had a tendency towards higher BMI in comparison with non-nappers (28.04 ± 0.25 vs. 26.93 ± 0.51 kg/m2; p = 0.05), however, no significant difference was observed for the risk of obesity. Daytime napping was not related to the risk of obesity in long sleepers. No significant association was observed for abdominal obesity measures. Conclusions Daytime napping is associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity in short sleepers. However, in subjects with longer sleep duration, it is not related to the risk of overweight/obesity.

Rest-Activity Rhythm Is Associated With Obesity Phenotypes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity continues to increase in spite of substantial efforts towards its prevention, posing a major threat to health globally. Circadian disruption has been associated with a wide range of preclinical and clinical disorders, including obesity. However, whether rest-activity rhythm (RAR), an expression of the endogenous circadian rhythm, is associated with excess adiposity is poorly understood. Here we aimed to assess the association of RAR with general and abdominal obesity.MethodsNon-institutionalized adults aged ≥20 years participating in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 who wore accelerometers for at least four 24-hour periods were included (N=7,838). Amplitude, mesor, acrophase and pseudo-F statistic of RAR were estimated using extended cosinor model, and interdaily stability (IS) and intradaily variability (IV) were computed by nonparametric methods. We tested the association between rest-activity rhythm and general obesity defined by body mass index and abdominal obesity by waist circumference. Waist-to-height ratio, sagittal abdominal diameter, and total and trunk fat percentages measured by imaging methods were also analyzed.ResultsIn multivariable analysis, low amplitude (magnitude of the rhythm), mesor (rhythm-corrected average activity level), pseudo-F statistic (robustness of the rhythm), IS (day-to-day rhythm stability), or high IV (rhythm fragmentation) were independently associated with higher likelihood of general or abdominal obesity (all Ps<.05). Consistently, RAR metrics were similarly associated with all adiposity measures (all Ps<.01). Delayed phase of RAR (later acrophase) was only significantly related to general and abdominal obesity in women.ConclusionsAberrant RAR is independently associated with anthropometric and imaging measures of general and abdominal obesity. Longitudinal studies assessing whether RAR metrics can predict weight gain and incident obesity are warranted.

Trends in Abdominal Obesity and Central Adiposity Measures by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Among US Children: 2011-2018.

ObjectivePrevious studies that have reported trends on abdominal obesity among US children were usually based on anthropometric assessments. However, little is known about the recent trends in central adiposity measures by DXA and abdominal obesity since 2011–2012.Study DesignA serial cross-sectional analysis of US population-weighted data among children from NHANES 2011 to 2018 was conducted.ResultsBetween 2011–2012 and 2017–2018, there was a relatively stable trend among children aged 8–19 years in trunk fat and trunk fat percentage. During the same time periods, there were no significant changes in prevalence of abdominal obesity by waist circumference (18.6 vs. 21.1%) among those aged 2–19 years, and abdominal obesity by WHtR (34.1 vs. 36.2%) among those aged 6–19 years. However, a significant increase trend among boys aged 2–19 years was found in prevalence of abdominal obesity by waist circumference (16.1–22.7%; P = 0.004). For Mexican American youth and non-Hispanic Asian boys, there is a significant increase in mean trunk fat percentage and waist circumference.ConclusionBetween 2011–2012 and 2017–2018, there have been no significant changes in central adiposity measured by DXA and prevalence of abdominal obesity among US children. Our study further supports that there is an urgent need to improve their lifestyle to reduce abdominal obesity for US children, especially for Mexican American youth and non-Hispanic Asian boys.

Healthy Eating Index Scores, Body Mass Index and Abdominal Obesity Among Asian Americans: NHANES 2011-2018.

Obesity rates are increasing among Asian Americans so, the objective of this study was to examine associations between Healthy Eating Index scores (a measure of adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs)) and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (measure of abdominal obesity) among Asian American adults. Included in these analyses were Asian Americans ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-18) who had: (1) two 24 h diet recalls to calculate HEI and HEI subcomponent scores, (2) height and weight data to calculate BMI overweight ≥25 kg/m2 and obese ≥ 30kg/m (2), and (3) waist circumference data (high risk ≥ 80 cm for women and ≥ 90 cm for men; n = 1024 women and n = 904 men). Multinomial logistic regression models were run with BMI as the outcome and logistic regression models were run with waist circumference as the outcome, controlling for age, income, marital status, education, and physical activity. Among women, a diet with greater adherence to the DGAs for total fruit, fatty acids and total protein was associated with lower likelihood of developing obesity, but a diet with greater adherence to the DGAs in terms of whole grains and sodium (i.e., lower sodium intake) was associated with a higher likelihood of obesity. Among men, greater adherence to the DGAs for fatty acids was associated with a lower likelihood of obesity but greater adherence to the DGAs in terms of whole grains and sodium (i.e., lower sodium intake) was associated with a greater likelihood of obesity. Future research is needed to examine associations between consumption of specific foods and beverages and how they are associated with BMI and waist circumference among Asian American adults. Furthermore, there is a need culturally relevant obesity prevention interventions for Asian American adults, especially interventions that take into consideration cultural food norms of specific Asian American subgroups.

Accuracy of obesity indices alone or in combination for prediction of diabetes: A novel risk score by linear combination of general and abdominal measures of obesity.

Background:The predictive power of obesity measures varies according to the presence of coexistent measures. The present study aimed to determine the predictive power of combinations of obesity measures for diabetes by calculation of a linear risk score.Methods:Data from a population-based cross-sectional study of 994 representative samples of Iranian adults in Babol, Iran were analyzed. Measures of obesity including waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist–to–height ratio (WHtR), and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated, and diabetes was diagnosed by fasting blood sugar >126 mg/dl or taking antidiabetic medication. Multiple logistic regression model was used to develop a logit risk score based on BMI, WC, WHtR, and WHR. The ROC analysis was applied to determine the priority of every single index and combined logit score for the prediction of diabetes.Results:All four measures of general and abdominal obesity were predictors of diabetes individually in both sexes (P=0.0001). Calculation of risk score for a combination of all measures use full model improved predictive power. Adjustment for age resulted in further improvement in diagnostic power and combined novel risk score differentiated individuals with and without diabetes with an accuracy of 0.747 (95%CI: 0.690-0.808) in men and 0.789 (95%CI: 0.740, 0.837) in women.Conclusion:These findings indicate that the simultaneous calculation of age-adjusted risk score for all measures provides stronger diagnostic accuracy in both sexes. This issue suggests the calculation of combined risk scores for all obesity indices especially in a population at borderline risk.

Anthropometric measures and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation: a Swedish Cohort Study

AimsObesity is a risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is less clear whether overall fat or abdominal fat distribution are most important for risk of developing AF. This study investigates how different anthropometric measures correlate to the risk of developing clinical AF in the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort (MDC-cohort).MethodsThe MDC-cohort (n = 25,961) was examined in 1991–1996. The endpoint was clinical AF diagnosed in a hospital setting, and retrieved via linkage with national registers. Hazard Ratios (HR) for incident AF was calculated in relation to quartiles of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist hip ratio, waist height ratio, body fat percentage, weight and height, using Cox regression with adjustment for age, biological (e.g. blood pressure, diabetes, blood lipid levels), and socioeconomic risk factors.ResultsAfter adjustment for multiple risk factors, the risk of AF was significantly increased in the 4th versus 1st quartile of weight (HR for men/women = 2.02/1.93), BMI (HR = 1.62/1.52), waist circumference (HR = 1.67/1.63), waist to hip ratio (HR = 1.30/1.24), waist to height ratio (1.37/1.39) and body fat percentage (HR = 1.21/1.45) in men/women. Measures of overall weight (BMI, weight) were slightly more predictive than measures of abdominal obesity (waist hip ratio and waist height ratio) both in men and women.ConclusionAll measures of obesity were associated with increased risk of developing AF. Both overall obesity and abdominal obesity were related to incidence of AF in this population-based study, although the relationship for overall obesity was stronger.

The level of reactive oxygen species production by adipocytes of epicardial adipose tissue is associated with an increase in postprandial glycemia in patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis

The mechanisms of oxidative stress in adipocytes of local fat depots in patients with cardiometabolic diseases have been studied insufficiently.Purpose. To study the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in adipocytes of epicardial (EAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe coronary atherosclerosis who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting; to investigate the potential relationships between the levels of ROS production by EAT and SAT adipocytes and obesity parameters, EAT accumulation, basal and postprandial glycemia, and blood lipid transport function.Material and Methods. The study included 19 patients (12 men and 7 women including 6 patients (31.5%) with type 2 diabetes mellitus) aged 53–72 years with stable CAD and severe coronary atherosclerosis. The material for the study was EAT and SAT adipocytes obtained by the enzymatic method from intraoperative explants. The ROS level in adipocytes was determined using the fluorimetry with 2,3-dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate. Anthropometric parameters of obesity and EAT thickness were studied using echocardiography. The blood lipid transport function and the levels of basal and postprandial glucose were assessed.Results. The levels of ROS production by EAT and SAT adipocytes in the overall group of patients did not differ significantly and amounted to 1710 (1608; 2079) and 1876 (1374; 2215) arbitrary units, respectively. The level of ROS production by SAT adipocytes did not correlate with the parameters of obesity, EAT thickness, or biomarker levels. The level of ROS production by EAT adipocytes directly correlated with the level of postprandial glycemia (rs = 0.62, p &lt; 0.05), but did not correlate with measures of general and abdominal obesity, EAT thickness, and dyslipidemia. The level of ROS production by EAT adipocytes in patients with postprandial glycemia ≥ 7.7 mmol/L (n = 9) exceeded the corresponding value in patients with lower level of postprandial glycemia (n = 10): 2079 (1710; 2458) against 1625.5 (1332; 1699) arbitrary units (p = 0.015), respectively.Conclusion. We showed for the first time that the level of ROS production by EAT adipocytes in CAD patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis was directly associated with the level of postprandial glycemia. The highest level of ROS production in EAT adipocytes occurred in these patients when the level of postprandial glycemia exceeds 7.7 mmol/L.

Influence of Abdominal Obesity (Waist–Hip ratio) on Memory Consolidation in Adolescent Medical Undergraduates − A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), a measure of abdominal obesity is being co-related with memory consolidation based on its relation with stress and sleep. The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between WHR and memory consolidation in adolescent medical undergraduates. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a South Indian medical college. After obtaining ethics clearance, the study was conducted on 42 males and 63 females of 17–19 years of age. WHR was measured according to WHO guidelines using Gulick 2 plus inch tape. Sleep-dependent memory consolidation test was conducted in evening 3:00 pm followed by next morning 9:00 am. WHR between genders was compared using Student t test. The study population was divided into obese and non obese individuals, based on the calculated WHR. Then, the mean memory consolidation test scores were compared using Mann Whitney U test. The correlation between WHR and memory consolidation test scores was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation test. Results & Discussion: The average WHR of males (0.845 ± 0.058) was significantly higher than females (0.778 ± 0.051) (P

Measurement of visceral fat and abdominal obesity by single-frequency bioelectrical impedance and CT: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe measurement of visceral fat (VF) is clinically important for the identification of individuals at high risk of visceral obesity-related health conditions. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a widely available...

Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in 7-year-old children-WHO Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative.

Childhood obesity is a serious global health problem. Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) reflect body fat distribution in children. The objectives of this study were to assess WC and WHtR in 7-year-old children and to determine body mass index (BMI), WC, and WHtR differences in children from 10 selected countries across Europe (Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Norway, Spain, and Sweden) participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). The 50th and 90th percentile of WC (according to COSI and "Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS" (IDEFICS) cutoff values) and WHtR above 0.5 were used as measures of abdominal obesity in a unique sample of 38,975 children aged 7.00-7.99years. Southern European countries, including Greece and Spain, showed significantly higher BMI, WC, and WHtRin both genders (p<0.0001) than Eastern and Northern Europe. The highest values for WC were observed in Greece (60.8±7.36cm boys; 60.3±7.48cm girls), North Macedonia (60.4±7.91cm boys; 59.0±8.01cm girls), and Spain (59.7±6.96cm boys; 58.9±6.77cm girls). WC and WHtRin may add an information about the occurrence of central obesity in children.

Milk-Fat Intake and Differences in Abdominal Adiposity and BMI: Evidence Based on 13,544 Randomly-Selected Adults

The primary purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between milk-fat intake and obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, in 13,544 U.S. adults. A lesser objective was to measure the degree to which the association was influenced by multiple potential confounding variables. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Quantity of milk-fat regularly consumed was the exposure variable. Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), a measure of abdominal obesity, and body mass index (BMI) were the outcome variables. Sagittal abdominal diameter is a strong predictor of visceral abdominal fat, when measured by computed tomography, and has been shown to predict cardiometabolic disorders better than BMI. After controlling for age, race, gender, physical activity, leisure computer use and gaming, alcohol habits, and cigarette use, significantly lower BMIs were associated with consistent non-fat and full-fat milk consumption (F = 4.1, p = 0.0063). A significantly lower SAD was associated only with regular consumption of non-fat milk (F = 5.0, p = 0.0019). No significant differences were detected between the other milk-fat groups or milk abstainers. In this nationally representative sample, only 19.6% of adults regularly consumed low-fat milk. In conclusion, consistent non-fat milk intake was predictive of lower levels of abdominal adiposity compared to consumption of higher levels of milk-fat.

Sociodemographic characteristics are associated with prevalence of high-risk waist circumference and high-risk waist-to-height ratio in U.S. adolescents

BackgroundAdiposity status in adolescence is associated with various health outcomes in adulthood. Waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR] are measures of abdominal obesity and have shown to be valid predictors of future chronic diseases. However, the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and WC, as well as WHtR in U.S. adolescents remain unclear. Thus, the study aims to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and abdominal obesity among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents.MethodsThe sample included 4712 adolescents (12–19 years) in the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and abdominal obesity (WC and WHtR) were examined using multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for age, physical activity level, and sedentary activity.ResultsAround 18% of adolescents had high-risk WC (≥90th percentile) and 34% had high-risk WHtR (≥0.5). Females had higher odds of high-risk WHtR compared to males (OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.23–1.72). Mexican American adolescents had higher odds of high-risk WHtR compared to non-Hispanic White (OR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.24–2.20), non-Hispanic Black (OR = 1.73, 95%CI = 1.26–2.36), and other race/multi-racial adolescents (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.21–2.80). When their parent were college graduates, adolescents had lower odds for high-risk WC compared to when the parent had some college education (OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.49–0.93) or a high school degree or less (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.51–0.97). Similar associations were seen between parental education level and high-risk WHtR, as well as between household income and high-risk WHtR.ConclusionsMeasures of abdominal obesity should be considered to assess burden of adiposity, especially among female adolescents, adolescents from racial/ethnic minority and low socioeconomic status backgrounds. Additionally, future health interventions should consider including changes in WC and WHtR to measure the impact of these interventions.

Bidirectional temporal relationship between obesity and hyperinsulinemia: longitudinal observation from a Chinese cohort

IntroductionAlthough obesity and hyperinsulinemia are closely intercorrelated, their temporal sequence is still uncertain. This study aims to investigate the temporal relationship patterns between obesity measures and hyperinsulinemia in Chinese adults.Research...

Association of pericardial adipose tissue with left ventricular structure and function: a region\u2010specific effect?

BackgroundThe independent role of pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) as an ectopic fat associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial. This study aimed to determine whether PAT is associated with left ventricular (LV) structure and function independent of other markers of general obesity.MethodsWe studied 2471 participants (50.9 % women) without known CVD from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study, who underwent 2D-echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and computed tomography measurement for PAT.ResultsStudy participants with more PAT were more likely to be men and had higher cardiometabolic indices, including blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels (all P < 0.001). Greater pericardial fat levels across quartiles of PAT were associated with increased LV mass index and left atrial volume index (all P < 0.001) and decreased systolic (P = 0.015) and early diastolic (P < 0.001) TDI velocities, except for LV ejection fraction. These associations remained after a multivariable-adjusted model for traditional CV risk factors and persisted even after additional adjustment for general adiposity measures, such as waist circumference and body mass index. PAT was also the only obesity index independently associated with systolic TDI velocity (P < 0.001).ConclusionsPAT was associated with subclinical LV structural and functional deterioration, and these associations were independent of and stronger than with general and abdominal obesity measures.

Associations between social connections, their interactions, and obesity differ by gender: A population-based, cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

ObjectivesTo quantify the link between four different types of social ties and objective measures of abdominal and general obesity, and to explore their inter-relationships in association with obesity using a gender-sensitive analysis.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 28,238 adults (45–85 years) from the baseline Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Comprehensive cohort (2012–15). Social ties (marital status, living arrangement, social network size, and social participation) and measured anthropometry (body mass index, waist circumference) were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models with interaction terms conditioned on known confounders.ResultsWe found that being single, widowed or divorced/separated was associated with worse anthropometric outcomes in women, including higher odds of both abdominal and general obesity, and that associations were enhanced when combined with limited social participation, lone-living and greater social network size. Few clear associations were observed in men. Limited social participation (no social activities at least once/month) among women was associated with larger waist circumference (+4.19 cm [95% CI: 1.86, 6.52]) and higher odds of both abdominal and general obesity. By contrast, associations appeared to be reversed in men: lone-living and smaller social networks were associated with lower odds of obesity, compared to co-living and larger social networks. We also found that more regular social participation can potentially mitigate the adverse associations between non-partnership (single, divorced) and obesity in women. Overall, the combined influence of two types of social tie deficits on excess weight measures was more pronounced in women than men.ConclusionsResults highlight the importance of considering how the role of social ties for obesity prevention may differ for women and men. Frequent social participation and number of social contacts may matter for assessing whether divorced, single or lone-living older women are at risk of obesity while living arrangement and social contacts may matter for obesity in men.