Non-obese Ones Research Articles

Metabolically “extremely unhealthy” obese and non-obese people with diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular adverse events: the Silesia Diabetes - Heart Project

BackgroundThere is a growing burden of non-obese people with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, their cardiovascular risk (CV), especially in the presence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) comorbidities is poorly characterised. The aim of this study was to analyse the risk of major CV adverse events in people with DM according to the presence of obesity and comorbidities (hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and dyslipidaemia).MethodsWe analysed persons who were enrolled in the prospective Silesia Diabetes Heart Project (NCT05626413). Individuals were divided into 6 categories according to the presence of different clinical risk factors (obesity and CKM comorbidities): (i) Group 1: non-obese with 0 CKM comorbidities; (ii) Group 2: non-obese with 1–2 CKM comorbidities; (iii) Group 3: non-obese with 3 CKM comorbidities (non-obese “extremely unhealthy”); (iv) Group 4: obese with 0 CKM comorbidities; (v) Group 5: obese with 1–2 CKM comorbidities; and (vi) Group 6: obese with 3 CKM comorbidities (obese “extremely unhealthy”). The primary outcome was a composite of CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), new onset of heart failure (HF), and ischemic stroke.Results2105 people with DM were included [median age 60 (IQR 45–70), 48.8% females]. Both Group 1 and Group 6 were associated with a higher risk of events of the primary composite outcome (aHR 4.50, 95% CI 1.20-16.88; and aHR 3.78, 95% CI 1.06–13.47, respectively). On interaction analysis, in “extremely unhealthy” persons the impact of CKM comorbidities in determining the risk of adverse events was consistent in obese and non-obese ones (Pint=0.824), but more pronounced in individuals aged < 65 years compared to older adults (Pint= 0.028).ConclusionBoth non-obese and obese people with DM and 3 associated CKM comorbidities represent an “extremely unhealthy” phenotype which are at the highest risk of CV adverse events. These results highlight the importance of risk stratification of people with DM for risk factor management utilising an interdisciplinary approach.

Investigation of physical parameters influencing body awareness in adults with obesity: An observational, controlled study

AimThe primary aim was to compare the body awareness (BA) level in adults with obesity and non-obese adults. The secondary aim was to investigate the physical parameters associated with BA and compare them between adults with obesity and non-obese adults. MethodThirty-two adults with obesity and age and sex-matched 32 non-obese adults were included in the study. The outcome measures were the Body Awareness Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and Functional Reach Test to detect BA, physical activity (PA), and dynamic balance level, respectively. Reaction time was assessed by the Nelson Foot Reaction Test and knee and trunk position error by inclinometer. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the obese and non-obese group in terms of BA score (p = 0.18) and PA level (p = 0.50). Lower dynamic balance was observed in the obese group (p = 0.003). Only the trunk position error was higher in the obese group in the measurement of joint position error (p = 0.010). There were no significant differences in the right and left feet reaction times between the groups (p = 0.68 and p = 0.23). There were no relationships between BA score and PA level (p = 0.93), dynamic balance (p = 0.82), joint position error (p = 0.14), and right (p = 0.33) and left (p = 0.25) reaction times. ConclusionThere was no significant difference in body awareness between the non-obese and the obese group and there was no association between body awareness and the physical parameters. However, adults with obesity had impaired balance and proprioception compared to non-obese ones.

Impact of Obesity on Target Organ Damage in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetSy) is characterized by the presence of obesity, hypertension, altered glucose metabolism, and/or increased non-HDL cholesterol. This study aimed at elucidating the association between obesity with subclinical target organ damage and biochemical parameters included in MetSy pathogenesis. This study included 130 apparently healthy subjects. Plasma levels of oxidized-LDL-cholesterol (ox-LDL-Chol), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured. Non-invasive assessment of liver disease included fatty liver index (FLI) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score. Carotid artery plaques were assessed by color Doppler imaging. A total of 65 patients with MetSy were included in the MetSy group, while 65 without MetSy entered the control group. Ox-LDL-Chol levels were higher in the MetSy group compared to the control group, regardless of obesity. Levels of NO metabolites were similar in obese and non-obese patients with MetSy, but lower than in the control group. Obese patients with MetSy had higher iNOS values compared to non-obese ones, with similar PAI-1 levels. NAFLD was present in all obese patients with MetSy compared to 70% of non-obese subjects. Hypertension, higher values of waist-to-hip ratio, PAI-1, and remnant cholesterol were associated with NAFLD. Finding of asymptomatic carotid plaques was associated with patients' age, hypertension, and higher waist-to-hip ratio. MetSy and obesity significantly alter the levels of NO metabolites, iNOS, ox-LDL-Chol, and PAI-1. High prevalence of NAFLD in obese patients with MetSy requires active screening and treatment of potential risk factors.

Fibroblast growth factor-21 and Visfatin as potential predictors for metabolic risk factors in obese children

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and Visfatin are associated with obesity. However; reviewing the literature; no studies were found to assess their role as potential markers for the metabolic disorders related to obesity in children. Assess the relations between serum FGF-21 and Visfatin with obesity and its metabolic disorders, and their use as potential predictors for metabolic risk factors in a sample of Egyptian obese children. This cross-sectional study included 111 Egyptian children (45 males and 66 females); aged 6–10 years to avoid the effect of puberty (prepubertal). The exclusion criteria (by full History taking and clinical examination) were the presence of any sign of puberty according to Tanner stage, the presence of identified causes of obesity (genetic syndromes, chromosomal or endocrinal disorders), chronic diseases (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory), or drug use like steroids; that would interfere with the type of obesity and affect the normal growth of the children. Also, any child with a BMI between 85 and 95th percentiles (overweight) was excluded from the study. All participating obese children were suffering from exogenous simple obesity. They were classified according to their body mass index (BMI) percentiles into 72 obese (BMI ≥ 95th), and 39 control non-obese ones (BMI > 15th to < 85th), based on the Egyptian Growth Charts for children and adolescents. Ethical approvals were granted from both the Ethics Committee of the “National Research Centre” and the “Faculty of Postgraduate Childhood Studies” (Approval No. 17/125). Also, informed written consent was taken from either of the parents and assent from the participating children. They were subjected to blood pressure assessment, anthropometric measurements (weight [Wt], height [Ht], BMI, waist [WC], and hip [HC] circumferences), and laboratory evaluation (Visfatin, FGF-21, LDL, HDL, TG, cholesterol, fasting glucose, insulin, and calculation of HOMA-IR). Mann–Whitney test and Spearman’s correlation test were applied. Obese children had significantly higher values than control ones regarding all the studied clinical (SBP, DBP), anthropometric parameters (Wt, Ht, BMI, WC, and HC), FBG, Insulin, HOMA-IR, Visfatin, and FGF-21, and had significantly lower values regarding HDL and Cholesterol. Among obese children, both FGF-21 and Visfatin had significant negative correlations with BMI and HC. At the same time, serum FGF-21 had a highly significant positive correlation with HDL. Visfatin and FGF-21 had highly significant positive correlations with each other. In the control group, both serum Visfatin or FGF-21 had insignificant correlations with each other and with all the studied clinical and anthropometric parameters. FGF-21 and Visfatin are related to the obesity markers, but they cannot be used as potential predictors for metabolic disturbance in obese prepubertal children; both had insignificant correlations with the metabolic risk factors.

Gut microbiota of Suncus murinus, a naturally obesity-resistant animal, improves the ecological diversity of the gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

The global population of obese individuals is increasing, affecting human health. High-fat diets are a leading cause of this epidemic, and animal models, such as mice, are often used in related research. Obese individuals have a different gut microbiota composition from non-obese ones, characterized by a sizeable population of certain bacteria associated with fat storage. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating human physiological and metabolic functions. Links between obesity, high-fat diets and gut microbiota have become hot topics of discussion. Recently, research on the modulation of the gut microbiota has focused on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which has been recognized as an effective method of studying the function of gut microbiota. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the gut microbiota of Suncus murinus, a naturally obesity-resistant animal, through FMT, affected the ecology of the gut microbiota of high-fat diet induced obese mice. In this study, Suncus murinus was used as a donor for FMT. High-fat diet induced C57BL/6NCrSIc mice were used as recipients, the body weight changes were measured and changes in their gut flora were analyzed using a 16S rRNA gene analysis. The study found that, after the FMT procedure, the FMT group tended to have a lower body weight than the control group. At the phylum level, the most predominant phyla in all groups were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while Deferribacteres was not detected in the FMT or antibiotic administration groups, and Bacteroidetes was not present in the antibiotic administration group. At the genus level, the FMT group had significantly lower OTU richness than the control group but greater diversity than the control group. These results indicate that FMT from Suncus murinus can help reorganize and improve the gut microbiota of mice in a balanced and diverse ecosystem.

Central Obesity Diminishes Circulating Betatrophin Level in Middle-aged Male Subjects

Central adiposity presents an important risk factor for advancing insulin insensitivity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Betatrophin, a liver or adipocyte-derived hormone, was assumed to improve islet insulin secretion and compensate insulin resistance but its level during obesity is still conflicted. This study aimed to explore serum betatrophin level in centrally-obese middle-aged men with diabetic potentials compared with age-matched non-obese ones. Sixty-eight male subjects of 40-60 years of age, residing in North Okkalapa Township, Yangon, Myanmar, were recruited and classified into centrally-obese group (n=34) and non-obese group (n=34). Fasting blood samples were obtained to quantify plasma glucose by glucose oxidase method, and serum insulin and betatrophin levels by ELISA. Plasma glucose levels were comparable between the two groups, while insulin concentration of obese group was significantly greater than that of non-obese group. Therefore, HOMA-IR was markedly increased in obese subjects when compared to non-obese ones (4.87±0.28 vs 1.90±0.14, p&lt;0.001) and so did HOMA-β (310.88±26.58 vs 149.00±11.83, p&lt;0.001). Interestingly, betatrophin hormone level was significantly reduced in obese group than non-obese group (1.72±0.21 vs 2.72±0.26 ng/ml, p&lt;0.01). Moreover, betatrophin had a strong negative correlation with glucose and insulin levels (p&lt;0.05) as well as with the indicator of central adiposity, waist circumference (p&lt;0.05), among the subjects. However, significant correlation between betatrophin and HOMA-IR and HOMA-β was not observed in both groups (p=0.14 and 0.20 respectively). Taken together, betatrophin hormone has been found to decrease in adult central obesity, which is noticeably associated with insulin resistance and compensatory beta-cell hyperfunction. Betatrophin, previously regarded as beta-cell mitogen, has been denied in this study, owing to lack of correlation with HOMA indexes of diabetes.

A study of blood pressure and pulse rate between obese and non-obese adults in Bangladesh

According to reports, obesity is linked to a range of cardiovascular ailments. According to some researchers, obesity may increase the prevalence of high blood pressure in young adults. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Filaria and General Hospital, Savar Bangladesh from May to July 2023 to compare the pulse rate and blood pressure between young obese and non-obesity people. Participants who were obese were aged (mean±SD) 41.76±4.35 (range, 32-54) and those who were not obese were aged 36.43±3.12 (range, 31-52) years. In the obese group, there were 26 (65%) males and 14 (35% females), compared to 24 (60%) males and 16 (40%) females in the non-obese group. The BMI (mean±SD) of the participants who were obese was 27.8±1.56 (range 18-31.3) Kg/m2, while the BMI of the participants who were not obese was 19.9±1.03 (range 16.7-28.0) Kg/m2. The resting pulse rate was higher significantly in obese compared to non-obese participants. The SBP was higher significantly in obese compared to non-obese participants along with same trend in result during DBP measurement. The obese subjects' resting pulse rates were higher than those of the non-obese ones.

Determination of Pregnant Women's Physical Activity and Exercise Status During Pregnancy and Affecting Factors

Objective: This study aims to determine pregnant women's physical activity and exercise status during pregnancy and affecting factors. Methods: The research was conducted in a cross-sectional design with 220 low-risk pregnant women who were in their third trimester between March 3 and June 29 2022 at Training and Research Hospital. Research data were collected by face-to-face interview method using the forms developed by the authors. Results: It was seen that among the pregnant women who participated in the research, 35.9% exercised regularly before pregnancy and 25.9% regularly exercised during pregnancy. The most common exercises performed during pregnancy were walking and pilates. The assessment of the physical activity of pregnant women revealed that 80.5% were sedentary. The rate of exercising during pregnancy was 4.04 times (aOR 4.04, 95% CI 1.33-12.27) higher in women with planned pregnancies compared to unplanned pregnancies and 30.57 times higher in women who exercised regularly before pregnancy compared to those who did not do so (aOR 30.57, 95% CI 12.53-74.55). Likewise, compared to those who were obese during pregnancy, non-obese ones were 0.36 times more physically active (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16-0.84). Similarly, it was established that women who exercised before pregnancy were 10.51 times more physically active than those who did not (aOR 10.51, 95% CI 4.60-24.02). Conclusion: In the research, it was concluded that the rates of exercising and being physically active during pregnancy were low, that planned pregnancy and regular exercise before pregnancy increased exercise behavior during pregnancy, and that obesity decreases physical activity.

The effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on intracranial pressure in obese and non-obese severe brain injury patients: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundThe effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on intracranial pressure (ICP) had never been studied in obese patients with severe brain injury (SBI). The main aim was to evaluate the effect of PEEP on ICP in SBI patients with mechanical ventilation according to obesity status.MethodsSBI patients admitted to the ICU with mechanical ventilation between 2014 and 2015 were included. Demographic, hemodynamic, arterial blood gas, and ventilator data at the time of the paired PEEP and ICP observations were recorded and compared between obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese SBI patients. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to assess the relationship between PEEP and ICP in obese and non-obese SBI patients, respectively.ResultsSix hundred twenty-seven SBI patients were included, 407 (65%) non-obese and 220 (35%) obese patients. A total of 30,415 paired PEEP and ICP observations were recorded in these patients, 19,566 (64.3%) for non-obese and 10,849 (35.7%) for obese. In the multivariable analysis, a statistically significant relationship between PEEP and ICP was found in obese SBI patients, but not in non-obese ones. For every cmH2O increase in PEEP, there was a 0.19 mmHg increase in ICP (95% CI [0.05, 0.33], P = 0.007) and a 0.15 mmHg decrease in CPP (95% CI [-0.29, -0.01], P = 0.036) in obese SBI patients after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionsThe results suggested that, contrary to non-obese SBI patients, the application of PEEP may produce an increase in ICP in obese SBI patients. However, the effect was modest and may be clinically inconsequential.

Is Habitual Dietary Intake of Fats Associated with Apelin Gene Expression in Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues and Its Serum Levels in Obese Adults?

Introduction: Apelin could be one of the last protective defenses before developing obesity-related disorders, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, which can be modified by dietary intake. The present study investigated the association of habitual intake of total fatty acids (TFAs), saturated-, monounsaturated-, polyunsaturated FAs, n-3, and n-6 FAs with Apelin expression in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Methods: We obtained VAT and SAT from 168 participants (64 nonobese and 104 obese) who had undergone open abdominal surgery. Dietary intake information was gathered with a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. The mRNA expression of the Apelin gene was analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: Apelin serum levels were increased in the obese subjects compared to the nonobese group (p = 0.016). The SAT and VAT Apelin mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the obese participants compared to the nonobese ones (p < 0.05). Based on BMI status, only obese subjects indicated a positive association between SAT and VAT Apelin expression and TFA intake (p < 0.001). However, this association was observed between SAT and VAT Apelin gene expression and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 FA intakes in both obese and nonobese groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High Apelin gene expression was associated with TFA intake in obese subjects in both fat tissues. However, habitual intake of PUFA and n-3 FA was associated with Apelin gene expression in obese and nonobese individuals. Our results indicate a determinative role of the quality and quantity of FA intake on adipose tissue.

Different Expression of Micro-RNA in the Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue of Obese Subjects.

Obesity is a pathology characterized by an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and it is a condition associated with complex alterations affecting different organs and systems. Obesity has great influences on cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, and impairs the multiple aspects of metabolism. Since micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are thought to play a role in the regulation of various pathological processes, in this complex framework, the investigation of these classes of noncoding regulatory RNA seems to be promising. Selected group of obese subjects was recruited. We analyzed the expression of seven miRNAs from obese adipose tissue supposed to have a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and respiratory disease related to obesity and we compared it with the expression of the same miRNAs in a group of nonobese controls. In this study what emerged is miR-27b and miR-483 significant downregulation in subcutaneous adipose tissue from obese group compared with nonobese ones. For visceral adipose tissue, a significant decrease in miR-27b and miR-223 expression was observed in obese group. Moreover, a different expression of miR-26a and miR-338 in the obese group was found. Those findings could help the individuation of previously unknown key players in the development of different diseases usually associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Clinical Trials.gov ID: Ref 17/CE/2014.

Effectiveness of a supervised PA programme on behavioural and motivational profiles and health in obese and non-obese patients with chronic disease

ABSTRACT Physical Activity is a cornerstone in the management of obesity and prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases. Supervised PA training effectively increases PA levels, but long-term PA is difficult to maintain because of psychological and physical barriers. The aim of this study was, first, to characterise the spontaneous initial behavioural, intentional and motivational incentives to practice PA, as well as the health profiles of obese and non-obese patients with chronic diseases and, secondly, to assess the effect of a 3-month PA training programme on these profiles. Twenty-seven participants 59 years of age completed the survey, at baseline (T0), at the end of the training (T3), and three months after the programme ended (T6). Before training, obese patients differed from non-obese ones in pain perception, self-efficacy to manage their pain, perceived physical condition and walking distance . Training improved the stage of change and global health perception, increased intrinsic regulation, time spent in leisure and occupational activities, and decreased introjected regulation. Moreover, there were more obese patients in the relapse stage at T6, but they felt less heavy and increased their leisure PA time. These results suggested that BMI influenced joint pain, perception of the physical condition and, consequently, walking distance. The 3-month supervised PA training was effective to improve global health perception, the stage of change, profile motivation and PA behaviours. Both BMI groups spent more time in leisure PA at the end and 3 months after the training , but obese patients were more frequently in the relapse stage at T6.

Optimal dosage of vitamin D supplementation in obese patients with low serum levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D. A systematic review

The purpose of this study was to assess the evidence for an appropriate dose-response of vitamin D supplementation in patients with obesity with inadequate vitamin D serum levels. We performed a systematic review consulting Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library up to September 2020 to identify studies that included (1) adult obese individuals with vitamin D serum levels below 75 nmol/l, (2) receiving cholecalciferol or calcidiol therapy (3) vitamin D serum levels assessment. The electronic search identified 705 potentially eligible studies, 11 of which were included and analysed. The heterogeneity of the studies did not permit a meta-analysis. Five studies (45.5%) were of high quality. Oral daily cholecalciferol resulted the route of administration that prevailed in most studies. We found that a minimum dose of =>2000UI/day might be needed to normalize 25OHD serum levels. Conversely, oral calcidiol <300IU/day failed to achieve 25OHD sufficiency. Exposed evidence suggests that vitamin D requirements remain higher in patients with obesity compared to lean patients. In order to normalize 25OHD serum levels, patients taking cholecalciferol might need to triple the actual recommended vitamin D doses. In contrast, calcidiol doses are still to be clarified. • Cholecalciferol ’treatment dose in patients with obesity might triple the requirements of non-obese ones. • Calcidiol optimal oral dosage is still to be elucidated. • Recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D may need to take into account patients' body weight and body mass index.

Secondary School Male Students Perception Towards Their Weight, Almethnab Town, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

ObjectiveTo determine the perception of Almethnab town secondary school male students towards their body weights.MethodologyWe surveyed male secondary school students in Almethnab town in Qassim using a self-administered questionnaire and weighing/height scale. All of the four secondary schools were targeted. The calculated sample size was 256 students. A stratified cluster sampling technique was used to select research participants. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and interpreted using web-based CDC childhood and adolescent BMI calculator. Weight status perception was assessed by comparing students' opinions about their weight against BMI percentile status.ResultsOut of 363 selected students, all of the available 270 students participated, with a response rate of 74%. Thirty-two (12.2%) of the students were underweight, 143 (54.6%) were normal, 30 (11.5%) were overweight, and 57 (21.8%) were obese. Students perception towards their weight was correct for 159 (65%) of students. Out of the 87 overweight/obese students, 16 (18.4%) perceived their weight as appropriate, 17 (53.1%) of 32 underweight students look at their bodies as normal, while 29 (20.4%) of normal weight students perceive themselves as overweight. Obese students exercise less both in frequency and duration than non-obese ones. Sweetened drinks, fast food and frequent snacks are weakly associated with obesity.ConclusionPrevalence of obesity is very high among male secondary school students in Almethnab town.One-third of students have misperceptions about weight status.

Relationship between obesity and psychosocial risk factors in hypertensive patients

Abstract Introduction: Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including sedentary behaviour and improper diet are major risk factors for obesity. Overweight is very frequent in hypertensive and type 2 diabetic patients. Psychosocial factors are associated with multiple health behaviors related to overweight/obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and psychosocial risk factors in hypertensive patients having different levels of education. Material and methods: 623 hypertensive patients, admitted to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic in Tîrgu Mureș were evaluated by weight, height, waist circumference, laboratory analyses and psychosocial risk based on a validated questionnaire on nine topics. Non-paired Student t test was used for statistical evaluation of the obtained data. Results: Obesity or overweight affected 86.9% of the studied hypertensive patients. Obesity was more frequent in subjects having type 2 diabetes as comorbidity. Mean BMI was significantly higher in the lower education group (p=0.007) compared to those with higher level of education. Average triglyceride and uric acid levels were significantly higher in obese subjects compared to those having lower BMI (p&lt;0.0001). Patients living alone had significantly lower mean BMI (p=0.006) and waist circumference values (p=0.001) compared to those living with their spouse. Conclusions: Weight excess in very frequent in the studied hypertensive patients, especially in those with type 2 diabetes as comorbidity and having lower educational level. Hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia occurred more frequently in obese subjects compared to non-obese ones. Overweight is less frequent in patients living alone.

Interaction effects between characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea and obesity on dyslipidemia

ObjectivesObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity often coexist, and both can increase the risk of dyslipidemia. However, the interaction effects between the characteristics of OSA and obesity on dyslipidemia are not yet known. This study was performed to investigate this issue. MethodsBasic characteristics, polysomnography data, and biochemical markers of patients with suspected OSA seen at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were collected. Serum lipid levels were compared after adjusting for multiple confounders. We used binary logistic regression models to assess the interaction effects of the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and obesity, and the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and obesity, on dyslipidemia. ResultsA total of 343 patients were included in the study. After adjusting for multiple confounders, there were no differences in serum lipid levels between non-obese or obese patients with an AHI ≤ 30 and AHI > 30, and no interaction effect between the AHI and obesity on dyslipidemia. Obese patients, but not non-obese ones, with an ODI > 37.5 had significantly higher total cholesterol (TC) levels, and higher TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios, than patients with an ODI ≤ 37.5. In addition, a significant positive multiplicative interaction effect between obesity and the ODI was found on hyper-TC (odds ratio [OR] = 3.459; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.104, 10.838; p = 0.03). ConclusionA positive interaction effect was detected between obesity and intermittent hypoxia on dyslipidemia. Therefore, further attention should be paid to dyslipidemia in obese patients with intermittent hypoxia.

Estimation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Normal BMI on Ultrasound

Background: Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease is common in adults and it is increasing in patients with normal BMI in Asian countries. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs not only in obese individuals but also in non-obese ones. The association between NAFLD and metabolic events in a non-obese population is also evident.. Objective: To estimate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with normal BMI on ultrasound. Methodology: Analytical Cross-sectional prospective study in which 59 patients were enrolled in the research. All the patient’s data had been composed from indoor of hospital, outdoor of hospital, DHA Medical Center, Lahore. After well-versed consent, data was composed through ultrasound machine. The data, such as patient characteristics, hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, were extracted from medical records, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The present study is retrospective cross sectional observational study.60 patients (29males 49.2% 31 female 50.8%) were enrolled in this study. According to abdominal ultrasonography, 72.9% of patients with normal BMI were diagnosed to have Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and identified to have fatty changes in the liver. Conclusion: In our study we estimated that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was present in patients with normal body mass index by imaging the echotexture of liver on ultrasound. Having increased echogenicity, due to poor diet and other associated diseases such as high blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose and low HDL cholesterol patients were getting NAFLD. Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Body Mass Index (BMI), Ultrasonography (USG). DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/92-03 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

The Association Between Antioxidant Status and Excess Weight in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: The prevalence of childhood obesity with its complications has increased in the world. Obesity, along with antioxidants deficiency (due to an unhealthy diet), might change the balance in favor of oxidative stress. Objectives: The current study aims to assess the literature on the relationship between obesity and antioxidant status through a systematic review and meta-analysis Results: β-Carotene levels was significantly lower in obese children than non-obese ones (mean difference: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.09-0.16, P&lt;0.001), with significant heterogeneity (P&lt;0.001, I2=85%). There was a significant difference between obese and non-obese children in both α-tocopherol (pooled mean difference respectively: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.04-0.96, P&lt;0.001 ) with non-significant heterogeneity (P&gt;0.05, I2=0.0% ) and α-tocopherol per lipoid (pooled mean difference: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.28-0.55, P&lt;0.001), with significant heterogeneity (P=0.048, I2=58.8%). There was no significant association between vitamin E level and obesity (pooled mean difference: 0.40, 95%CI: -0.05-0.85, P&gt;0.05), with significant heterogeneity (P&lt;0.001, I2=84.5%). There was significant association between zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium level and obesity (P&gt;0.05), with significant heterogeneity (P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: This review revealed a significant inverse relationship between childhood obesity and serum antioxidant levels. More studies are necessary to find the underlying mechanisms and clinical impacts of this finding. Data Sources: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed among English language articles published until September 2020 without any time limit. An electronic search was conducted in international databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane. Study Selection: First, 1255 papers were found. After removing duplicates and quality assessment, 46 were used in the systemic review, and 19 articles were entered into the meta-analysis. Data Extraction: Two researchers independently searched the following keywords in the databases: “Vitamin C”, “Vitamin E”, “Vitamin A”, “Carotenoids”, “Antioxidants”, “Selenium”, “Magnesium”, “Copper”, “Zinc”, “Ascorbic acid”, “Tocopherol”, “Obesity”, “Overweight”, “Childhood”, “Pediatric”, and “Adolescence”. Articles that examined the association between obesity and antioxidant status were included in the study. The research on animals, interventional studies, case studies, case reports, and irrelevant studies were excluded. The research team determined the quality of studies using the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) checklist. Heterogeneity of studies was evaluated using index (I2) and probability of diffusion bias by funnel plot and Begg’s and Egger’s tests.

Blood pressure percentiles and systemic hypertension-associated factors among children aged between 6 and 15 years in Southern Vietnam

Background: The present study determined blood pressure percentiles in children aged between 6 and 15 years in Southern Vietnam. Material and methods: Blood pressure was measured in a random sample of 1080 students aged 6–15 years who was studying at primary and secondary high schools in My Tho city, Vietnam. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to June 2020. To diagnose children systemic hypertension, the blood pressure must be above the 95 th percentile. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS statistics software version 20.0. The Chi-squared test was employed to evaluate the relationship between systemic hypertension and child demographic characteristics including gender and obesity. Results: The results showed that the 95 th percentiles of systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the children was 110/70 mm Hg in the 6-year-old group, 120/75 mm Hg in the 7 to12-year-old group and 125/80 mm Hg in the 13 to 15-year-old group, respectively. The rate of systemic hypertension in the children was 10% whereas boys had a 1.2 time higher risk of systemic hypertension than girls (p &gt; 0.05). Obese children had an 8.6 time higher risk of systemic hypertension than non-obese ones (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The blood pressure percentile chart of school children aged 6–15 years were reported here for the first time in Vietnam. The results provided useful information in early diagnosis and timely treatment of systemic hypertension in children.

Food literacy and food choice – a survey-based psychometric profiling of consumer behaviour

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchasing behaviour in a sample of Italian consumers.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (N = 194) completed an online survey including personal data, two questionnaires on purchase behaviour and food consumption, the General Trust Scale (GTS), a questionnaire assessing individual chronotype and two scales about food literacy: one investigating nutritional knowledge (short food literacy questionnaire, SFLQ) and the other focussing on procedural skills (self-perceived food literacy scale, SPFL). Associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchase behaviour were analysed with linear regression models.FindingsParticipants with specific education in nutrition reported higher scores in food literacy. The final score of food literacy was predicted by a greater attention to nutritional content and nutritional properties of products. Women paid more attention to nutritional properties than men, and they obtained higher scores in SFLQ. Evening types obtained lower scores in SFPL compared to intermediate and morning chronotypes. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated to SPFL score, while it was associated with the easy availability of a product, so that obese (BMI ≥ 30) subjects considered the easy availability of a product more important compared to non-obese ones (BMI &lt; 30).Originality/valueThis study investigates the influence of personal and psychometric variables of consumer profiling on food literacy and consequently on purchase behaviour, paving the way for implementing healthier food consumption policies. These findings reinforce the primacy of specific education in building healthy eating habits.