Obese Adult Females Research Articles

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of body segment composition as an obesity assessment tool among Jordanians

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a body composition assessing technique for estimating body components; fat, and muscle mass, and body water (BW) by measuring the electrical resistance in ohm (Ω) of those components with response to the flow of a small electrical current through the body. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to investigate the relationships between segmental body composition, obesity and body mass index (BMI). The analysis in this study involved the use of InBody 370S equipment to conduct the body composition study of 48 adult participants (30 females and 18 males) at the Applied Science Private University (ASU) School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, between October, 2019 and January, 2020, Jordan. Anthropometric parameters such as weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip (W/H) ratio for each individual were measured. The values indicated that BMI of 26.5 for males and 25.42 for females and body composition such as body fat mass (BFM), protein, and visceral fat level (VFL) of females of BMI > 30 was 39.82 compared to 32.60 for males of the same category. The VFL for female individuals was higher than males (13.0 and 17.5) of the same BMI category. The results of BIA analysis, lean body mass, and body muscle mass were found to be significantly (p <0.05 ) correlated in obese adult females but not in obese males, where the body fat mass (BFM) of females with BMI > 30 was 39.82±4.35 compared to 32.6±3.67 for males of the same group. Additionally, the BFM (−3.86**), segmental muscle mass (SMM) was 0.784**, and total body water (TBW) of −0.658** were all indirectly correlated at (p <0.01) with the BIA impedance evaluated as Z(Ω) at 250 kHz. However, the lean mass of the left arm ( −0.662**) and left leg muscle (− 0.514**) were found to be significantly correlated (p < 0.01) and lower in identified obese females compared to non-obese individuals. The findings demonstrate the strong correlation between lean and fat segmental analysis values, and the level of obesity and segmental analysis for male and female individuals can be taken into consideration in obesity and disease prevention. Key words: BIA, obesity, segmental analysis, body composition, BMI, WHR, VFL

Gender difference in parasympathetic function by HRR1min after graded treadmill exercise in healthy obese young adults

Background: Heart rate recovery at 1st min (HRR1min) following exercise, an indicator of parasympathetic function is found to be impaired in obese children, adolescents, and elderly people. In children, adolescents and elderly people impaired that HRR1min was significantly associated with obese females (OF) than in males. This study aims at establishing the gender difference in HRR1min among obese young adults (18–30 years age). Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess parasympathetic function by HRR1min after graded exercise, in apparently healthy obese young adult males and females and to evaluate for gender difference in them. Materials and Methods: Fifty obese young adults (25 males and 25 females with body mass index [BMI] ≥30) and 50 age- and gender-matched controls (25 males and 25 females with BMI ≤24.9) were subjected to graded treadmill exercise. Maximum heart rate reached during exercise and heart rate at 1st min of recovery phase were recorded and HRR1min was calculated as the difference of above. The data were analyzed. Results: The study showed significant decrease in mean HRR1min in obese males compared to OF (mean 18.04±3.6 vs. 30.00±8.55, P<0.001), there is significant delay in HRR1min when OF and males were compared with their gender-matched controls. Conclusion: Parasympathetic function by HRR1min after exercise is significantly decreased in male obese young adults when compared with female obese young adults and are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders.

Efficacy of Triphala extracts on the changes of obese fecal microbiome and metabolome in the human gut model.

Triphala is a mixture of tree fruits obtained from Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, and Phyllanthus emblica. It is one of the Ayurveda medicinal recipes used to treat health diseases such as obesity. The chemical composition analysis of Triphala extracts obtained from an equal portion of three fruits was performed. The contents of total phenolic compounds (62.87±0.21mg gallic acid equivalent/mL), total flavonoids (0.24±0.01mg catechin equivalent/mL), hydrolyzable tannins (177.27±10.09mg gallotannin equivalent/mL), and condensed tannins (0.62±0.11mg catechin equivalent/mL) were observed in Triphala extracts. The 1mg/mL of Triphala extracts was applied to batch culture fermentation which contained the feces from voluntarily obese female adults (body mass index of 35.0-40.0kg/m2) for 24h. The extraction of DNA and metabolites was each conducted on the samples obtained from batch culture fermentation within and without Triphala extracts treatment. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analysis were carried out. There was no statistically significant difference between Triphala extracts and control treatments on the changes in microbial profiles (p-value <0.05). While the metabolomic analysis showed statistically significant differences of 305 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated metabolites in the treatment of Triphala extracts when compared with the control (p-value <0.05 and fold-change ≥2) belonging to 60 pathways. The pathway analysis revealed that Triphala extracts play an important role in the activation of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis. In this study, phenylalanine and tyrosine were identified metabolites which involve in the regulation of energy metabolism. The treatment of Triphala extracts possesses the induction of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis in fecal batch culture fermentation of obese adults and therefore it can be suggested as a probable herbal medicinal recipe for obesity treatment.

Effect of obesity on cardiovascular sympathetic parameters: A comparative study

Background: Obesity is a global health burden. Accumulation of fat in body is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities. It is the need of the hour to conduct various autonomic function tests among obese subjects and create awareness of the drawback of obesity as it is a reversible lifestyle disorder. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the autonomic cardiovascular parameters in obese adult males and females and compare the result with controls. Materials and Methods: Sympathetic cardiovascular parameters of both healthy obese and non-obese subjects were compared and correlated in a tertiary medical college and hospital. Criteria for obesity were according to the WHO criteria of body mass index. The tests were carried out with Mercury Sphygmomanometer. The data were collected; statistically analyzed and valid conclusions were drawn. Results: The baseline diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the change in DBP after isometric exercise and cold pressure test when compared between obese and non-obese subjects found to be significant. Conclusions: Obesity by causing instability in autonomic function makes disorder in cardiovascular system which may lead to disease like hypertension in later life.

A Study of Serum Creatinine and Urea in Adult Female Individuals and their Correlations with BMI

Background: The World Health Organization has announced overweight and obesity as a global epidemic that has strong associations with renal function impairment.&#x0D; Objectives: To evaluate the serum creatinine and urea status in adult female individuals with previous normal renal function and to observe the correlation of serum creatinine and urea with body mass index (BMI).&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur. After briefing about the objectives, adult female subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study with permission. The study included 90 subjects who were divided into three groups- apparently healthy adult females with normal weight (Group-A), apparently healthy overweight adult females (Group-B), and apparently healthy obese adult females (Group-C). The subjects were selected from different areas of Rangpur city. Their body mass index, serum creatinine, and urea were measured. For statistical analysis, one way ANOVA (post-Hoc) test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were performed as applicable by computer-based SPSS-25.0 for windows. Regarding the interpretation of results, p_0.05 was accepted as significant.&#x0D; Results: The mean serum creatinine level was significantly (p_0.001) higher in overweight and obese female adults than in normal-weight female adults. It was also significantly (p_0.05) higher in obese female adults than in overweight female adults. Again, the mean serum urea level was significantly (p_0.05) higher in overweight female adults than normal-weight female adults and in obese female adults than in overweight female adults. It was also significantly (p_0.001) higher in obese female adults than in normal-weight female adults. This study also found highly significant (p_0.001) positive correlation of serum creatinine (r=0.499) and urea (r=0.396) with body mass index.&#x0D; Conclusion: Serum creatinine and urea were elevated in overweight and obese female adults and both parameters were positively correlated with BMI. Regular body mass index screening is recommended to assess body weight easily and effectively.&#x0D; J Rang Med Col. September 2022; Vol. 7, No. 2:25-30

Assessing The Feasibility And Characterizing The Energy Expenditure And Relative Intensity Of A High-intensity Functional Training Regimen For Obese Female Adults: A Feasibility Study

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and characterize the energy expenditure and relative intensity of participation of an obese cohort in a signature 35-minute group-based HIFT regimen. The demand for efficient and effective exercises has grown in concert with increased attention to fitness as a determinant of overall health, especially in the obese populations. While past studies have examined the benefits of traditional conditioning exercises, there have been limited investigations of high intensity functional training (HIFT). METHODS: During the regimen, 12 obese female adults (body mass index (BMI): 33.7 + -1.9 kg/min2, 29.3 + -4.8 years) donned a portable breath-by-breath gas analyzer and a heart rate monitor. The session was led by a group instructor and consisted of 30, 1-minute rounds of work (i.e., 15 functional upper and lower body resistive exercises alternating with the last 15 seconds on an air bike) for a culmination of 35 minutes. RESULTS: Mean caloric expenditure (509 ± 79 kcal), maximum heart rate (173 ± 5 bpm), and metabolic equivalents (12.1 ± 1.4 kcal/kg/h) were characterized as a vigorous-intensity activity according to the Compendium of Physical Activities guidelines. The majority (92%) of participants reportedly enjoyed HIFT and would include it as part of a comprehensive weight-loss exercise program. CONCLUSIONS: These HIFT time-efficient workouts fulfill national exercise guidelines for weekly vigorous-intensity activities, as outlined by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Moreover, implementing this high energy expenditure session twice weekly may comport with Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans weekly physical activity recommendations. HIFT training may provide a feasible, safe, and time-efficient mode of exercise for those seeking weight loss.

Gut Microbiome Responses to a 4-Week High-Fiber Feeding: Preliminary Findings

ObjectivesDietary components high in fiber have been shown to uniquely influence the gut microbiome through growth of beneficial bacteria. To determine if fiber from a pulse source (pea fiber) improves microbiome profiles, we tested the hypothesis that a high-fiber (HiFi) diet will result in improvements in microbial composition and diversity compared to a low-fiber (LowFi) diet.MethodsIn a parallel arm, repeated-measures design, overweight or obese adult males and females with at least one characteristic of the metabolic syndrome, were randomly assigned to consume a standard diet consisting of 25g/d (HiFi) or 5g/d (LowFi) of added pea fiber for 4 weeks (HiFi: n = 5, mean ± SD, BMI 30.1 ± 2.4 kg/m2, 30.6 ± 9.9 y; LowFi: n = 5, BMI 28.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2, 32.2 ± 11.7 y). The intervention meals were matched for palatability, energy, and macronutrient composition. Fecal sampling was performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the intervention for a total of 50 samples. Gut microbiome composition was assessed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.ResultsAlpha diversity as assessed by the Shannon index remained unchanged in both the HiFi and LowFi groups after 4 weeks. Beta diversity analysis (by Principal Coordinates) demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference in microbial composition between the HiFi and LowFi group (p = 0.0001, F = 4.04) but no significant effect of time (p = 1, F = 0.28). There were differences seen in the microbial taxa in both groups at day 0 in comparison to the days after. For example, members of the genus Blautia, and Subdoligranulum (belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, known producers of short chain fatty acids (SCFA)) were low at day 0 in the HiFi group but increased from day 7 through day 28. These genera were unchanged in the LowFi group.ConclusionsThese preliminary results provide evidence of differential effects of HiFi compared to LowFi diets on the gut microbiome, particularly an increase in SCFA producers with HiFi.Funding SourcesUniversity of Missouri and NIH-K01- NHLBI.

Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations in the Adult Population of Jazan Region.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is an important determinant of health because of its role in preventing multiple chronic diseases. A better understanding of the relationship between PA and factors that promote or hinder PA is necessary for adherence to PA recommendations. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of adults of the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia adhering to PA recommendations and to examine the effects of socio-economic factors on meeting these recommendations.MethodThe official short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess PA. Participants aged 17-74 years (n = 709) were categorized into active or inactive categories. Independent associations between PA categories and socio-economic factors were explored using binary logistic regression.ResultsThe proportion of the adults of the Jazan region who were inactive, i.e., not adhering to the PA recommendations, was 58.3%. Those with body mass index >30 kg /m2 (OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.32-0.84) were less likely to be more active than those with normal weight. Participants who rated their health as very good (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.96) and good (OR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.22-0.70) were less likely to be more active than those who rated their health as excellent. ConclusionsMore than half of the adult population of the Jazan region did not adhere to the PA levels necessary to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. Such a high prevalence of low PA is a major health problem. Thus, efforts are warranted to promote PA in the Jazan region, particularly among obese female adults. High self-perceived health was an important correlate of PA among the adult population of Jazan. Because of the wide range of physical activity levels among population subgroups, a social-ecological approach for physical activity promotion may be warranted.

Effect of obesity on pulmonary function test: A comparative study

Background: Obesity is worldwide health problem, with increasing incidence and prevalence, high costs, and poor outcomes. Accumulation of adipose tissue mass is associated with respiratory abnormalities. There is a need to conduct pulmonary function tests (PFTs) among obese subjects and create awareness of the drawback of obesity as it is reversible lifestyle disorder. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the PFT in obese adult males and females and compare the result with controls. Materials and Methods: PFTs of healthy non-obese subjects and obese but healthy subjects were compared and correlated in a tertiary medical college and hospital. Criteria for obesity were according to the WHO criteria of body mass index. The PFTs were carried out with a computerized spirometer (Med-Spiror).The data were collected, statistically analyzed, and valid conclusions were drawn. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the value of forced expiratory volume (FEV) 1 and FEV3. Peak expiratory flow rate in obese males and females whereas forced vital capacity and force expiratory flow 25–75% significantly decreased anly in obese male subjects. Conclusions: Obesity influences respiratory functions. The cause of this reduction of various pulmonary functions is due to the inability of the chest wall and thoracic cavity to expand which lead to a decrease in ventilatory volumes and total lung capacity.

Effect of low caloric diet supplemented by fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds or black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds and its mixture on obese adult female patients

The present work was carried out to study the effect of low caloric diet supplemented with fennel seeds or black cumin seeds and their mixture on obese adult females. The control group (G1) used low caloric diet with 1000 kcal without supplementation, while groups (2 and 3) used low caloric diet supplemented with 5 g black cumin and 5g fennel seeds seeds, respectively. On the other hand, group (4) used low caloric diet supplemented a mixture of 2.5 g fennel seeds and 2.5g black cumin seeds. All supplementation were mixed with a cup of light yoghurt in dinner meal. The study was performed for 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and levels of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL and HDL were taken pre and post the study. Females taken low caloric diet supplemented with black cumin (G2) or mixture of black cumin and fennel (G4) recorded significant decrease in their BMI when compared to the control group. Cases supplemented with Fennel (G3) recorded insignificant decrease in their BMI. The total cholesterol decreased significantly in groups (2 and 4), while it was decreased insignificantly in group (3) compared to the control group. HDL levels increased significantly in groups (2 & 4) compared to group (1). Results of the present study indicated that significant decrease were in total body weight, BMI, WC, AC, TSF and AMC in group (2) which received black cumin seeds, followed by group (4) which received mixture of black cumin seeds and fennel seeds, followed by group (3) which received fennel seeds compared to the control group.

Body shapes and apparel fit for overweight and obese women in the US: the implications of current sizing system

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to categorize the whole body shapes of overweight and obese females in the US and examine apparel fit based on the current ASTM sizing standards related to the body shapes categorized.Design/methodology/approachBody scan data from 2,672 subjects were used. To categorize their whole body shapes using 97 body measurements, principal component analysis with varimax rotation, a hierarchical cluster analysis and K-means cluster analysis were used. To compare the ASTM sizing standards for plus sizes (curvy and straight) and missy sizes (curvy and straight), five body parts (bust, under bust, waist, top hip, hip) using the formula for fit tolerance (measurement plus half of the interval) were compared with the ASTM sizing standards to determine the size appropriate for each body part.FindingsFive whole body shapes among overweight and obese females in the US were categorized: Rectangle-curvy; parallelogram-moderately curvy; parallelogram-hip tilt; inverted trapezoid-moderately curvy and inverted trapezoid-hip tilt. When the body measurements in each body shape were compared with the current ASTM sizing systems for both misses and plus sizes, four-fifths or more of overweight and obese female adults in the US would find it difficult to obtain a perfect fit for both tops and bottoms.Originality/valueIdentifying whole body shapes among overweight and obese women in the US contributes significantly, as it will help apparel companies that target the markets of larger women develop a new sizing system. This study is the first attempt to analyze fit by comparing the ASTM sizing charts with body measurements in each body shape group. Further, the study contributes to the body-related literature by filling gaps in missing whole BS categories among overweight and obese females.

Association of plant-based diet index with inflammatory markers and sleep quality in overweight and obese female adults: A cross-sectional study.

Inflammation and sleep disturbances increase the risk of multiple diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia. Since diet plays a significant role in inflammatory responses and sleep quality, this study aimed to investigate the association of a plant-based diet index (PDI) with sleep quality and inflammatory markers in overweight and obese women. 390 overweight and obese women aged 18-48 years participated in this cross-sectional study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to create an overall PDI, healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Higher scores on the PSQI were indicative of poor sleep. Anthropometric measurements and serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were evaluated. Linear regression models were used to determine the association between exposure and outcomes. After taking potential confounders into account, we found a significant inverse association between adherence to hPDI and hs-CRP (β = -0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.22,0.06, P = .001) and a significant positive association between uPDI and hs-CRP (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05,0.21, P = .001). Overall, PDI was significantly associated with TGF-β (β = 2.04, 95% CI: 0.54,3.55, P = .008). No association was detected between PDI indices and IL-1β. Higher adherence to uPDI was significantly associated with higher PSQI score (lower sleep quality) (β= 0.20, 95% CI:0.007,0.40, P = .04). A significant positive association was found between TGF-β (β = 0.05, 95% CI:0.005,0.10, P = .03) and hs-CRP (β = 0.32, 95% CI:0.02,0.62, P = .03) with PSQI. Our findings indicated a significant association between adherence to a plant-based diet with inflammation and sleep quality in obese and overweight females. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Sleep is an essential part of life, and sleep quality has a significant impact on individual well-being and performance. There is a bidirectional relationship between disturbed sleep and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Diet plays a major part in sleep quality and its related health consequences. Plant-based diets are associated with lower risk of chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes, obesity and reduced level of inflammation. WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE ADD?: Adherence to a healthful plant-based diet is associated with lower level of hs-CRP, while adherence to an unhealthful plant-based diet is associated with higher concentrations of hs-CRP. Adherence to an unhealthful plant-based diet is associated with lower sleep quality.

Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise Combined with Resistance Exercise on Neurocognitive Performance in Obese Women.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there have been no previous studies conducted on the effects of a combination of acute aerobic and resistance exercise on deficit of inhibitory control in obese individuals. The aim of this study was, thus, to examine the effect of a single bout of such an exercise mode on behavioral and cognitive electrophysiological performance involving cognitive interference inhibition in obese women. After the estimated VO2max and percentage fat (measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic, Bedford, MA, USA) were assessed, 32 sedentary obese female adults were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) and a control group (CG), with their behavioral performance being recorded with concomitant electrophysiological signals when performing a Stroop task. Then, the EG engaged in 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise, and the CG rested for a similar duration of time without engaging in any type of exercise. After the interventions, the neurocognitive performance was measured again in the two groups. The results revealed that although acute exercise did not enhance the behavioral indices (e.g., accuracy rates (ARs) and reaction times (RTs)), cognitive electrophysiological signals were improved (e.g., shorter N2 and P3 latencies, smaller N2 amplitudes, and greater P3 amplitudes) in the Stroop task after the exercise intervention in the EG. The findings indicated that a combination of acute moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise may improve the neurophysiological inhibitory control performance of obese women.

Adherence to Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) is associated with better sleep quality in overweight and obese women.

Previous studies have shown the connection between diet quality to sleep quality and weight status, although the relationship between Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS)-a fully food-based score that uses the 2015 Dutch Dietary Guidelines and underlying international literature-and sleep quality has not been evaluated in overweight and obese individuals yet. This observational study was conducted on overweight and obese adult females to assess the relationship between adherence to a LLDS pattern and sleep quality in Iran. A cohort of 278 overweight and obese women aged above 18years was enrolled and their dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item, semi-quantitative, validated food frequency questionnaire. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-reported questionnaire including 19-items, was applied to estimate sleep quality among the target population. Diet quality indices (LLDS) were calculated using the P.C. Vinke, et al. method, based on the 2015 Dutch Dietary Guidelines and the underlying literature. Subjects in the highest LLDS tertile (those who had adhered closely to the food-based score) were older, compared to the lowest tertile (37.57 ± 7.77 versus 34.57 ± 9; p = 0.01). It was shown that about 25.5% of our subjects have poor quality sleep and 39% have better sleep quality which were mostly in the third tertile with greater LLDS. The parallel values in the first tertile were 29.9% and 46.8%, respectively (p = 0.02). Binary logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between adherence of LLDS and sleep quality. The result has shown that the LLDS were correlated with lower risk poor sleep quality, wherein those who were in higher tertile (higher adherence to LLDS) had better sleep quality (odds ratio [OR]:0.586, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.285-1.207), p = 0.009) and the result was not affected by adjusting for potential cofounders including age, education levels, and economic levels, sleep quality remained significantly associated with [OR]: 0.531, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.248-1.138, p = 0.014). From this observational study, the higher LLDS can be related with better sleep quality in overweight and obese women. Level IV, evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies.

Prevalence of overweight/obesity, anaemia and their associations among female university students in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

The present study assessed the associations of overweight, obesity and anaemia with selected lifestyle factors, total body fat and abdominal obesity among female university students in Dubai. A total of 251 female students from a national university in Dubai participated in the present study. Weight, height, waist circumference, Hb level and total body fat percentage were measured. Participants also completed a self-reported questionnaire that included items related to the factors of obesity, anaemia and lifestyle. The study was approved by the University Ethical Committee. Almost one-third of the participants were overweight/obese; 8⋅5 % had abdominal obesity while 18⋅1 % had anaemia. Out of the total, 71⋅7 % reported that they have irregular meals and the highest percentages were found among obese (89⋅3 %) and overweight (78⋅0 %) compared with normal-weight (65⋅4 %) students (P < 0⋅05). Overweight/obese students reported that they exercise more than those of normal weight (P = 0⋅05). Students with anaemia reported less exercise than students without anaemia (P = 0⋅05). Also, the percentage of total body fat was found to be the highest (38⋅9 %) among students with anaemia (P < 0⋅05). Overweight, obesity and anaemia are prevalent among female university students. Anaemia seems to be associated with the percentage of total body fat, lack of physical activity and junk food. Further studies are required to investigate the detailed dietary habits of overweight and obese young adult females with anaemia.

Thyroid function, metabolic parameters and anthropometric changes among Palestinian obese adult females

ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the associations between thyroid hormones, metabolic parameters and anthropometric changes among Palestinian obese adult females. Materials and methodsThis case-control study included 94 obese and 94 Non-obese female (20–50 years old). Body mass index was determined. Complete blood count, glucose, lipid, protein profile, kidney, liver function, Ca2+, TSH, T3 and T4 levels were evaluated. ResultsSignificant increase in the BMI of obese females compared to control (37.23 ± 4.7 vs. 23.4 ± 1.03, P ≤ 0.001). Hb, HCT MCV, MCH and RDW were decreased significantly in cases compared to control (P ≤ 0.001). The mean levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly increased in cases compared to control (P ≤ 0.01). TSH was significantly decreased (% difference = -32.984 and P ≤ 0.001) while, T3 and T4 were significantly increased among obese compared to non-obese females (% difference = 9.485 and 6.326, P < 0.05, respectively). Statistically significant correlations were reported between different parameters. ConclusionsObesity was correlated with thyroid hormones, metabolic parameters and anthropometric changes among Palestinian obese adult females. The levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, T3 and T4 increase while TSH were decrease with BMI increase. TSH, T3 and T4 are very important tests and frequent monitoring of lipid profile is necessary for obese females. Our findings recommend that obese individuals with relatively higher thyroid hormones, metabolic parameters might benefit more from body weight regulation using a diet intervention strategy for weight loss.

Relationship between individual ventilatory threshold and maximal fat oxidation (MFO) over different obesity classes in women.

ObjectiveThe use of the Individual Ventilatory Threshold (IVT), as parameter to prescribe exercise intensity in individuals with obesity, has become more frequent during the last years. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IVT and Maximal Fat Oxidation (MFO) in women with obesity.MethodsFifty-two obese female adults (age = 43.6±10.9 years; BMI = 38.5±5.2 kg/m2) were included in this study. According to the BMI classification, subjects were divided into three groups: Obese Class I (OBI, n = 16); Obese Class II (OBII, n = 20) and Obese Class III (OBIII, n = 16). All subjects performed an incremental graded exercise test to evaluate peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), IVT and MFO. MFO was evaluated using a stoichiometric equation. Fat max zone was determined for each subject within 10% of fat oxidation rates at MFO. For each HR, %HRmax, VO2 and %VO2peak variable, Pearson’s correlation test was done between IVT and MFO exercise intensity. When statistical correlation was found we used a comparative statistical analysis to assess differences between IVT and MFO. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsFor each HR, %HRmax, VO2 and %VO2peak variable there was a positive significant correlation (P<0.01) between IVT and MFO. No significant differences were found for HR, %HRmax, and VO2 between IVT and MFO. %VO2peak was significantly higher at IVT than at MFO (P = 0.03).MFO rates were significantly higher in OBIII women than in women of the other two classes. In all subjects, IVT was within the fat max zone.ConclusionThe use of HR and VO2 corresponding to IVT could be a useful parameter not only to improve cardiorespiratory fitness but also to prescribe physical activity that maximize fat oxidation in obese subjects.

Relationship of salivary adipocytokines, diet quality, physical activity, and nutrition status in adult Emirati females in United Arab Emirates

AimsThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks as the fifth most obese country with increasing cardio-metabolic risks. In this paper, relationships of salivary adipocytokines (markers of cardio-metabolic syndrome), diet quality and physical activity in 90 normal-weight, overweight and obese (30 subjects in each group) Emirati adult females were investigated. MethodsA cross-sectional research design was adopted. Anthropometric measurements, diet quality and physical activity questionnaires were administered. Overnight fasting saliva was collected to determine levels of adiponectin, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). ResultsSalivary adiponectin was significantly lower, while TNF-α was higher in obese than normal-weight subjects. IL-10 displayed a lower trend in obese subjects. Though diet quality and physical activity did not exhibit significant differences among the three groups, better diet quality and higher physical activity level were reported among normal-weight subjects. Salivary TNF-α correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.37; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (r = 0.31; p < 0.001), while adiponectin correlated negatively with BMI (r = −0.28; p < 0.05). IL-10 showed negative trend in correlation with obesity measures. Correlations were not observed between diet quality and physical activity with salivary adipocytokines. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation emerged between diet quality and neck circumference (r = −0.24; p < 0.05). ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that salivary adipocytokines correlate with obesity measures and can serve as convenient adjunct method in predicting cardio-metabolic risks in the population.

Twelve Weeks of Yoga or Nutritional Advice for Centrally Obese Adult Females

Background: Central obesity is associated with a higher risk of disease. Previously yoga reduced the BMI and waist circumference (WC) in persons with obesity. Additional anthropometric measures and indices predict the risk of developing diseases associated with central obesity. Hence the present study aimed to assess the effects of 12 weeks of yoga or nutritional advice on these measures. The secondary aim was to determine the changes in quality of life (QoL) given the importance of psychological factors in obesity.Material and Methods: Twenty-six adult females with central obesity in a yoga group (YOG) were compared with 26 adult females in a nutritional advice group (NAG). Yoga was practiced for 75 min/day, 3 days/week and included postures, breathing practices and guided relaxation. The NAG had one 45 min presentation/week on nutrition. Assessments were at baseline and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons. Age-wise comparisons were with t-tests.Results: At baseline and 12 weeks NAG had higher triglycerides and VLDL than YOG. Other comparisons are within the two groups. After 12 weeks NAG showed a significant decrease in WC, hip circumference (HC), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI), a significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. YOG had a significant decrease in WC, sagittal abdominal diameter, HC, BMI, WC/HC, a body shape index, conicity index, AVI, BRI, HDL cholesterol, and improved QoL. With age-wise analyses, in the 30–45 years age range the YOG showed most of the changes mentioned above whereas NAG showed no changes. In contrast for the 46–59 years age range most of the changes in the two groups were comparable.Conclusions: Yoga and nutritional advice with a diet plan can reduce anthropometric measures associated with diseases related to central obesity, with more changes in the YOG. This was greater for the 30–45 year age range, where the NAG showed no change; while changes were comparable for the two groups in the 46–59 year age range. Hence yoga may be especially useful for adult females with central obesity between 30 and 45 years of age.Trial registration: (CTRI/2018/05/014077).

Effects of body weight loss program on parameters of muscle performance in female obese adults.

Body weight loss program may lead to a decrease in lean body mass affecting negatively muscle performance in obese subjects. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of weight loss on muscle performance in female obese subjects. Eighty obese female adults were enrolled for a 2-month unsupervised aerobic training (UAT) plus nutritional program. In the pre- and postintervention body composition was evaluated by hand-to-foot bioelectrical impedance method, body strength using handgrip test, and lower muscle power was assessed by a 5-repetition chair stand test (CST) and 30-s chair stand test (30sCST) wearing a dynamometer. Thirty-six subjects completed the protocol, 39% had high compliance (HC), while 61% had low compliance (LC) to exercise prescription. HC group showed a significant decreased body weight, percent of fat mass and lean muscle mass after training. Both groups significantly increased CST performance while only HC significantly increased 30sCST. No differences were found in CST muscle power in both groups between pre- and post-training. However, evaluation of muscle power during 30sCST showed significantly higher value in HC group than LC group after training. The results of our study show that although total lean muscle mass decreased after UAT, lower body muscle efficiency increased while muscle power did not change suggesting that in obese patients UAT can help to optimize weight loss and body efficiency. The data might be helpful for exercise professionals to evaluate correctly the muscle performance in obese adults after weight loss programs.