Obese Korean Women Research Articles

Assessing the Risk of Normal Weight Obesity in Korean Women across Generations: A Study on Body Composition and Physical Fitness.

Normal weight obesity (NWO) refers to a condition in which the body mass index falls within the normal range, but the percent of body fat is excessive. Although there are reports of a high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in NWO, analyses regarding physical fitness have been lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the age-related prevalence of NWO and to examine physical fitness across generations. Our study utilized a dataset comprising 119,835 participants for analysis. The prevalence of NWO across ages was examined using cross-tabulation analysis. For body composition and physical fitness, medians and group differences were assessed by generation through Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Additionally, univariate logistic regression was adopted to analyze the odds ratio. The prevalence of NWO in Korean women was 18.3%. The fat-free mass of the NWO group was consistently lower than that of both the group with normal body mass indexes (Normal) and obese body mass indexes (Obesity) across all generations. Additionally, the waist circumference and blood pressure were greater in the now group than in the Normal group. When considering maximal strength, muscle endurance, power, balance, and coordination, the NWO group exhibited lower levels compared to the Normal group. The NWO group showed lower muscle mass than both the Normal and Obesity groups, resulting in significantly reduced physical fitness compared to that of the Normal group, similar to the Obesity group. This condition may increase not only the risk of posing a potentially more serious health concern than obesity but also the risk of falls in elderly people. Therefore, based on this study, it is crucial to not only define obesity using BMI criteria but also to diagnose NWO. Public health policies and preventive measures must be implemented accordingly.

Effects of Recreational Physical Activity on Abdominal Obesity in Obese South Korean Adults.

This study investigated the effects of general characteristics, health behaviors, and level of physical activity on abdominal obesity in obese adults (BMI (body mass index) ≥ 25 kg/m2) using data from the seventh period (2016-2018) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We also prepared basic data on the improvement and management of abdominal obesity. The participants were 2343 obese adults (men, 1338; women, 1005) from the KNHANES. Factors relevant to abdominal obesity in obese Korean women were general characteristics (age, marital status, occupation, education, and menopause) and health behaviors (time for recreational physical activities and energy intake). In men, these factors tended to be health behaviors, including time spent on leisure physical activity, and sitting. It was found that over 600 Mets/week of recreational physical activity for both adult men and women reduced the incidence of abdominal obesity after adjusting for general characteristics and health behaviors (odds ratio (95% CI); men 0.69 (0.51-0.92); women, 0.61 (0.40-0.94)). Therefore, to prevent or improve abdominal obesity in obese adults in Korea, it is necessary to consider general characteristics and health behaviors according to sex. In addition, maintaining a physical activity rate of over 600 Mets/week is also recommended.

Effects Of An Online Weight Management Program On Weight And Physical Activity Changes.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of an online weight management program through only online education(OO) or tailored video feedback with online education (OF) or control(CO). METHODS: This intervention included 60 overweight and obese Korean women aged 19 -39 years old. Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) 20 women in OO group (online education video and self-monitoring application), (2) 20 women in OF group (online education video, self-monitoring application, and 1:1 tailored video feedback), and (3) 20 women in CO group (only self-monitoring application). Online education included nutrition, physical activity, psychological factors, and medical knowledge for weight loss, goal-setting, and cognitive/behavioral strategies. Tailored feedback helped to motivate weight loss and give solutions for weight loss through real-time video coaching once a week for 10 minutes per session. Effectiveness was assessed using repeated measure ANOVA to compare outcome changes between groups and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were performed. RESULTS: After 6-weeks, a total of 17(85%) of OO group, 17(85%) of OF group, and 19(95%) of CO group completed the post-measurement at 6 weeks. In the intention-to-treat analysis including all 60 participants, there was a significant difference in weight change at 6 weeks in OO and OF groups with a mean weight change of -0.86 kg (95%CI, -1.72 to -0.1) in OO group and -2.23 kg (95%CI, -2.93 to -1.52) in OF group, while no significant change was observed in CO group with a mean weight change of 0.08 kg (95%CI, -0.65 to 0.8). Changes in waist circumference were -2.29 cm (95% CI, -3.48 to -1.11) in OF group, -1.64 cm (95 CI, -3.14 to -0.09) in OO group, and 0.03 cm (95% CI, -1.05 to 1.11) in CO group. In the post-hoc analysis, there was a significant difference only between OF group and CO group in body weight and waist circumference (P > 0.001, P = 0.039, respectively). However, no significant group × time effects were found for the moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior (P = 0.979, P = 0.578, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our online weight management program showed significant weight loss and waist circumference reduction in overweight or obese Korean women. Further research is needed to track the long term effects.

Effects of Circuit Training Program on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Vascular Inflammatory Markers, and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in Elderly Obese Women with Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenic obesity is caused by a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat due to aging, and has been the cause of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and arteriosclerosis and high inflammatory conditions. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of long-term exercise training as regards to the body composition and blood-related physiological indicators. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influences the effect of circuit exercise training for 12 weeks on cardiovascular risk factors, vascular inflammatory markers, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in elderly obesity women with sarcopenia. A total of 28 elderly obese Korean women with sarcopenia (75.0 5.1 years) were randomly assigned either to a control group (CG, n = 14) or an exercise group (EG, n = 14). The EG performed circuit exercise training for 25-75 minutes (gradually incremental) three times per week over a period of 12 weeks, while the CG maintained their usual daily lifestyle during the intervention period. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were performed on selected cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers, and IGF-1. The EG group exhibited improved body composition (i.e., body mass index, fat-free mass, % fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio; all p 0.030, 2 0.169), Cardiovascular risks factor (i.e., heart rate, systolic blood pressure, rate pressure product, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, triglyceride/HDL-C ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, fasting plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance; all p 0.042, 2 0.150), Inflammatory markers (i.e., high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6; all p 0.045, 2 0.146), and IGF-1 (p = 0.037, 2 = 0.157). Conversely, there were no significant changes observed in CG. Twelve weeks of circuit training had a positive effect on the improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, vascular inflammatory markers, and IGF-1 in elderly obese women with sarcopenia.

Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods Increases the Likelihood of Having Obesity in Korean Women.

This study aimed to determine the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity among Korean adults. We used the data of 7364 participants (men 3219, women 4145) aged 19–64 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2016–2018. Food items were classified using the NOVA food classification system, depending on the extent and purpose of food processing: (1) unprocessed or minimally processed foods, (2) processed culinary ingredients, (3) processed foods, and (4) ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods accounted for 26.8% of the total energy intake. After adjusting for potential confounders including sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, subjects with the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods (fourth quartile of % energy intake from ultra-processed foods) had 0.61 kg/m2 higher body mass index (BMI; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.99, p-trend 0.0047), 1.34 cm higher waist circumference (WC; 95% CI 0.35–2.34, p-trend 0.0146), 51% higher odds of being obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2; odds ratio [OR] 1.51, 95% CI 1.14–1.99, p-trend 0.0037), and 64% higher odds of abdominal obesity (men: WC ≥ 90 cm, women: WC ≥ 85 cm; OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.24–2.16, p-trend 0.0004) than those with the lowest consumption (first quartile) among women. However, no association was found in men. These findings provide evidence that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is positively associated with obesity in Korean women. Further studies with a large-scale cohort or intervention trial are needed to identify the mechanism of associations between consumption of ultra-processed foods and health-related outcomes including obesity in Korea.

Effects of intragastric balloon on obesity in obese Korean women for 6 months post removal.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe prevalence of morbid obesity in Korean women has consistently been increasing, while the overall prevalence rate of obesity in Korean women seems to be stable. In addition to bariatric surgery, intragastric balloons (IGBs), as a nonsurgical therapy, have been reported to be effective in weight loss. However, the beneficial effects of IGB in Korean women with obesity have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in fat mass in Korean women with obesity who had undergone IGB treatment for 6 mon.SUBJECTS/METHODSSeventy-four women with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) were recruited. Clinical data, including general information, comorbidities with obesity, anthropometric data, and changes in the body fat composition before and after IGB treatment, were obtained from the subjects.RESULTSMost subjects had one or more comorbidities, such as osteoarthropathy and woman's disease, and had poor eating behaviors, including irregular mealtimes, eating quickly, and frequent overeating. Body composition measurements showed that weight, fat mass, and waist-hip circumference ratio decreased significantly at 6 mon after IGB treatment. In particular, women with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) showed 33% excess weight loss. There was no significant difference in skeletal muscle mass and mineral contents after IGB treatment.CONCLUSIONSThis study suggested that 6 mon of IGB treatment can be a beneficial treatment for obesity without muscle mass and bone mineral loss.

Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity is Effective in Boosting Neurotrophic Factors and Alleviating Menopause Symptoms.

Background: The study investigated the effects of regular leisure-time physical activity on the parameters of cognitive function (plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and cathepsin B) and menopausal symptoms (the climacterium, depression, and cognitive impairment) in obese middle-aged women. Methods: All subjects were middle-aged and obese women (n = 52, % body fat > 30%). The participants were divided into premenopausal (PRM) (n = 18, age = 47.56 ± 6.11 years) and postmenopausal (POM) (n = 34, age = 57.79 ± 5.68 years) groups. The participants completed a survey questionnaire related to depression and the climacterium, as well as cognitive tests. Physical activity was performed for 12 weeks. Blood samples from the forearm vein were analyzed after 12 h of fasting. Blood levels of BDNF, NGF, and cathepsin B were analyzed using an R&D kit. Results: Regular leisure-time physical activity had a positive effect on reducing the percentage of body fat in premenopausal and postmenopausal obese women. In addition, the results of the questionnaire showed that regular exercise had a positive effect on body composition caused by lifestyle change and enhanced psychological stability. The BDNF concentration was significantly lower in postmenopausal than in premenopausal obese women. In addition, regular physical activity significantly increased the cathepsin B and NGF levels in postmenopausal obese women. Conclusions: Continuous leisure-time physical activity improved body composition and neurotrophic factors and alleviated menopausal symptoms in obese Korean women.

Exploring the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine on Korean obese women with or without metabolic syndrome risk factors: A study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, multi-center, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The prevalence of obesity among women is increasing. Obesity is associated with various metabolic syndromes; conventional treatments are limited and may induce serious adverse events due to polytherapy regimens. Currently, demands for complementary and alternative medicine that has a proven safety profile for the treatment of obesity with or without metabolic risk factors are increasing.Our team of preclinical experts reported a significant anti-obesity effect of the Korean herbal medicine, Galgeun-tang (GGT). Thus, we designed this trial to explore the effects of GGT among obese women to accumulate optimal clinical evidence.Obesity is not only a component of metabolic syndrome and a factor associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease but is also related to insulin resistance. Previous research has confirmed that an increasing body mass index is highly related with increased risk of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese individuals. The effectiveness of the Korean medicine herbal formula, GGT on obesity has been previously reported. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of GGT for weight loss among obese Korean women with or without high risk for metabolic syndrome. This study is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial. A total of 160 participants will be randomly distributed in 2 groups, the GGT group or the placebo group in a 1:1 ratio using a web-based randomization system. Each group will be administered GGT or placebo 3 times a day for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint is to assess the change in weight from baseline. The secondary endpoints are the following: the changes in body composition measurements, anthropomorphic measurements, obesity screening Laboratory tests, patient self-reported questionnaires, and economic evaluation outcomes. Adverse events will also be reported. The findings of this study will confirm methodologies regarding the efficacy and safety of GGT for weight loss among obese Korean women with or without metabolic risk factors.

Twelve Weeks of Aerobic Exercise at the Lactate Threshold Improves Autonomic Nervous System Function, Body Composition, and Aerobic Performance in Women with Obesity.

BackgroundThe present study examined the effects of a prolonged exercise intervention at the lactate threshold (LT) on body composition, aerobic performance, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in women with obesity.MethodsA total of 36 obese Korean women aged 36 to 55 years (mean±standard deviation, 44.8±5.2 years) were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, n=18) or an experimental group (EXP, n=18); and EXP underwent aerobic exercise training three times a week at a heart rate corresponding to the LT (HR_LT) for 12 weeks. All dependent variables (body composition, aerobic performance, and ANS function parameters) were evaluated before and after training.ResultsCompared with the CON group, the EXP group showed significant improvement in body composition (body weight, −4.57 vs. −2.40 kg; body mass index, −1.79 vs. −0.96 kg/m2; %body fat, −4.63 vs. −1.41; fat-free mass, 3.24 vs. –0.08 kg), aerobic performance (oxygen consumption at LT, 5.74 vs. 0.12 mL/kg/min; maximal oxygen consumption, 5.41 vs. 2.14 mL/kg/min; treadmill speed at HR_LT, 1.40 vs. 0.29 km/hr; bicycle load at HR_LT, 18.62 vs. 4.52 w; and ANS function (mean RR, 50.83 vs. −15.04 ms; standard deviation of NN intervals, 5.08 vs. −0.55 ms; root mean square of successive differences, 6.42 vs. 1.87 ms; total power, 0.34 vs. 0.10 ms2; high frequency, 0.32 vs. −0.04 ms2; low frequency/high frequency, −0.09 vs. 0.01).ConclusionAerobic exercise at the LT for 12 weeks is a practical method of improving body composition, aerobic performance, and ANS function for women with obesity.

Circulating microRNA expression profiling in young obese Korean women.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThis study investigates correlations between circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and obesity-related parameters among young women (aged 20–30 years old) in Korea.SUBJECTS/METHODSWe analyzed TaqMan low density arrays (TLDAs) of circulating miRNAs in 9 lean (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m2) and 15 obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2) women. We also performed gene ontology (GO) analyses of the biological functions of predicted miRNA target genes, and clustered the results using the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery.RESULTSThe TLDA cards contain 754 human miRNAs; of these, the levels of 8 circulating miRNAs significantly declined (> 2-fold) in obese subjects compared with those in lean subjects, including miR-1227, miR-144-5p, miR-192, miR-320, miR-320b, miR-484, miR-324-3p, and miR-378. Among them, miR-484 and miR-378 displayed the most significant inverse correlations with BMI (miR-484, r = −0.5484, P = 0.0056; miR-378, r = −0.5538, P = 0.0050) and visceral fat content (miR-484, r = −0.6141, P = 0.0014; miR-378, r = −0.6090, P = 0.0017). GO analysis indicated that genes targeted by miR-484 and miR-378 had major roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.CONCLUSIONOur result showed the differentially expressed circulating miRNAs in obese subjects compared to lean subjects. Although the mechanistic study to reveal the causal role of miRNAs remains, these miRNAs may be novel biomarkers for obesity.

Consumption of black food decreases the risk of abdominal obesity in Korean women.

The association between black-colored foods (black foods) such as black beans, known for their high antioxidant capacity, and the prevention of metabolic diseases has been explored, but not in a large population. Therefore, this study examined relationships between the consumption of black foods and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. Data from 9,499 40-65-year old subjects (3,675 men and 5,824 women) from the 2010-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in the analysis. Black food consumption was estimated using 24-h dietary recall data, and analyses were performed according to black food consumer and non-consumer groups. The average total consumption of black foods was higher in women than men. The total black food consumer group in women had a 24% reduced risk of abdominal obesity than the non-consumer group (p=0.007). Furthermore, waist circumference decreased significantly with an increase in total black food consumption in women. High consumption of total black foods and black beans reduced the risk of abdominal obesity by 26% (p for trend=0.012) and 29% (p for trend=0.003) compared with no consumption. No risk factors for metabolic syndrome were associated with black food consumption in men. In conclusion, black foods, including black beans, may have beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome components, especially abdominal obesity.

Differences in dietary intakes, body compositions, and biochemical indices between metabolically healthy and metabolically abnormal obese Korean women.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThere are various factors that affect metabolic abnormalities related to obesity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences in dietary intakes and body compositions of obese women according to metabolic risks and to classify them as metabolically healthy obese (MHO) or metabolically abnormal obese (MAO).SUBJECTS/METHODSThis study was conducted on 59 obese Korean women aged 19 to 60 years. NCEP-ATPIII criteria were applied and the women classified as MHO (n = 45) or MAO (n = 14). Body composition of each subject was measured by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Three-day food records were used to analyze dietary intake. Eating habits and health-related behaviors were determined through questionnaires. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure resting metabolic rate and respiratory rate.RESULTSThe average age of the subjects was 43.7 years. The analysis of body composition according to phenotype revealed significantly higher body fat mass (P < 0.05), arm fat mass (P < 0.05), and android fat mass (P < 0.05), as measured by DEXA, in the MAO group than in the MHO group. There was no significant difference in the dietary intake of the two groups. However, eating behaviors differed. Compared to the MHO group, the MAO women had a shorter meal time (less than 10 minutes), a preference of oily foods, and a tendency to eat until full. Therefore, the eating habits of MHO women were more positive than those of MAO women.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that fat distribution in each body region affects various metabolic abnormalities. A high level of arm fat mass in obese Korean women may increase metabolic risk. In addition, eating habits of obese Korean women are considered to be environmental factors affecting the metabolic phenotype of obese Korean women.

Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Hand Massage on Body Composition and Serum Lipids According to Serum Cholesterol Level in Korean Women

Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigates the effects of six-week (twice a week, 12 sessions total) extracorporeal shockwave therapy (SWT) and hand massage therapy (HT) on body composition and serum lipids in overweight and obese Korean women aged between 35 and 59, according to their serum cholesterol level (≥200 mg/dL versus <200 mg/dL). After the program, weights decreased significantly in both the HT Group and SWT Group (p < 0.05); weights of those with cholesterol < 200 mg/dL significantly decreased in the HT Group (p = 0.038), while weights of those with cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL significantly decreased in the SWT Group (p = 0.001). BMIs decreased significantly in both the HT Group and the SWT Group (p < 0.05); BMIs of those with cholesterol < 200 mg/dL significantly decreased in the HT Group (p = 0.018), while BMIs of those with cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL significantly decreased in the SWT Group (p = 0.001). The body fat percentage of subjects significantly decreased only in the SWT Group (p = 0.027); the waist-hip ratio significantly decreased only in HT Group (p = 0.034). Serum cholesterol levels significantly decreased in those with cholesterol < 200 mg/dL in the HT Group (p < 0.05) and those with cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL in SWT Group (p = 0.055). Triglyceride significantly decreased in both those with cholesterol < 200 mg/dL and those with cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, but did not significantly decrease in either subgroup of the HT Group. The study results suggest that SWT is effective in improving body measurements and serum lipids in those with cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, while HT therapy is effective in those with cholesterol < 200 mg/dL. In conclusion, SWT and HT improved abdominal obesity by reducing body weight and waist circumference and helped improving serum lip index, suggesting the benefit for managing body measurements and serum lipids of overweight and obese individuals.

Association between serum ferritin and metabolic risks in korean obese women

Association between serum ferritin and metabolic risks in korean obese women

Comparison of Predicted and Measured Resting Energy Expenditure in Overweight and Obese Korean Women

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare predictions and measurements of the resting energy expenditure (REE) of overweight and obese adult women in Korea. Methods: The subjects included 65 overweight or obese adult women ranging in age from 20~60 with a recorded body mass index (BMI) of...

Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Obesity in Korean Women.

Instant coffee mixes that contain sugar and non-dairy creamer account for 80–90% of the total coffee market in Korea. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and obesity in Korean women. We included 5995 women who participated in a health screening examination at the Korean National Cancer Center between 2007 and 2016. Daily coffee consumption and the use of sugar and creamer in coffee was evaluated using a 106-item food frequency questionnaire. Obesity was assessed by body mass index (BMI), and abdominal obesity was assessed by waist circumference (WC). A multiple logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of obesity according to coffee consumption. After multivariate adjustment, high coffee consumption was positively associated with obesity as measured by BMI (≥3 cups vs. no drinks, OR = 2.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.91–3.34; p for the trend < 0.001) and abdominal obesity as measured by WC (≥3 cups vs. no drinks, OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.59–2.79; p for the trend < 0.001). The positive association between daily coffee consumption and obesity prevalence was not altered by menopause. The amount of coffee with additives consumed per day by Korean women was positively correlated with the prevalence of obesity, but causation cannot be determined due to the cross-sectional nature of the study design. The mechanism underlying the observed relationship is yet to be elucidated.

Self-Management Program for Heart Healthy Behavior Among Middle- and Old-Aged Korean Women at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been increasing among Koreans, and middle-aged and older women are at risk of metabolic syndrome. Effective strategies to promote lifestyle modification need to be developed. We examined the effects of a self-management program on improving the cardiovascular health status and promoting healthy behaviors among overweight or obese Korean women at risk of metabolic syndrome. A pretest and posttest intervention design was used. Sixty women participated in a group teaching session. They also received a pedometer and a diary for self-monitoring. On the basis of blood test results, women's metabolic syndrome status was identified. Thirty women with metabolic syndrome received additional tailored counseling and weekly follow-up calls for 4 weeks, whereas 30 women without metabolic syndrome did not receive any tailored counseling or follow-up calls. Twenty-three women in the MetS group and 22 women in the non-MetS group completed the posttest. Overall, women significantly improved their cardiovascular health status including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, number of metabolic syndrome risk factors, and 10-year risk estimates from pretest to posttest. Seventy-eight percent of the MetS group (n = 18) no longer had metabolic syndrome, whereas 5% of the non-MetS group (n = 1) became to have metabolic syndrome. Women significantly increased frequency and duration of walking per week and significantly decreased the time spent sitting. Promoting self-management for healthy behaviors might be effective for obese or overweight women to prevent metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, if it is tailored to their health needs.

Relationship between duration of breast-feeding and obesity in korean women: The korea national health and nutrition examination survey (KNHANES) 2010–2012

ObjectiveBreast-feeding is associated with maternal health, such as electrolyte metabolism, lipid profile and body component change. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between duration of breast-feeding and obesity in postmenopausal women. MethodsWe analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010–2012, a cross-sectional study in a Korean population. A total of 6621 postmenopausal women were analyzed. ResultsBody mass index and waist circumference were greater in women who had breast-fed for 6 months or more than in those who had not (BMI: 23.7±0.1 vs 24.5±0.1, P<0.0001; WC: 80.6±0.4 vs 82.8±0.3, P<0.001). This association persisted after adjustment for confounding factors (BMI: odds ratio[OR]1.54, 95% confidence interval[CI] 1.19–2.0; WC: OR1.67, 95% CI 1.29–2.17). The duration of breast-feeding tended to increase with increasing BMI and WC (P for trend, 0.001 for each). The proportions of women with greater BMI and WC increased with increasing duration of breast-feeding (27.3% in ≤6 months vs 41.2% in >18months, P<0.0001). ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that prolonged breast-feeding may be associated with greater BMI and WC among postmenopausal women.

The Curves Exercise Suppresses Endotoxemia in Korean Women with Obesity.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome is a worldwide pandemic and associated with high cardiovascular risk. Metabolic endotoxemia (ME) is thought to be an underlying molecular mechanism. It triggers toll-like receptor 4-mediated inflammatory adipokines and causes a chronic low grade inflammatory status, which results in cardiovascular risk increase. Exercise is the best nonpharmacological treatment to improve prognosis. In this study, we examined the circulating endotoxin level in Korean obese women and investigated effects of exercise on it. Women over body mass index (BMI) 25 kg/m2 participated in a resistance training exercise, Curves. At baseline and after 12 weeks exercise, tests including blood samples were taken. In Korean obese women, the fasting endotoxin was 1.45 ± 0.11 EU/mL. Ingestion of a high calorie meal led to a peak level after 2 hours (postprandial 2 hours [PP2]) and a significant rise over the 4 hours (postprandial 4 hours [PP4]) in it (1.78 ± 0.15 and 1.75 ± 0.14 EU/mL for PP2 and PP4, P < 0.05 vs. fasting). After exercise, BMI and hip circumference were reduced significantly. The total cholesterol (TC) at fasting, PP2 and PP4 were decreased significantly. All levels of circulating endotoxin at fasting, PP2 and PP4 showed reduction. But, the peak change was only significant (baseline vs. 12 weeks for PP2; 1.78 ± 0.15 vs. 1.48 ± 0.06 EU/mL, P < 0.05). We report the circulating endotoxin level in Korean obese women for the first time. Also, we establish that energy intake leads to endotoxemia and exercise suppresses the peak endotoxemia after meal. It suggests an impact for a better prognosis in obese women who follow regular exercise.

Genome-wide association study for the interaction between BMR and BMI in obese Korean women including overweight.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThis is the first study to identify common genetic factors associated with the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and body mass index (BMI) in obese Korean women including overweight. This will be a basic study for future research of obese gene-BMR interaction.SUBJECTS/METHODSThe experimental design was 2 by 2 with variables of BMR and BMI. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was conducted in the overweight and obesity (BMI > 23 kg/m2) compared to the normality, and in women with low BMR (< 1426.3 kcal/day) compared to high BMR. A total of 140 SNPs reached formal genome-wide statistical significance in this study (P < 1 × 10-4). Surveys to estimate energy intake using 24-h recall method for three days and questionnaires for family history, a medical examination, and physical activities were conducted.RESULTSWe found that two NRG3 gene SNPs in the 10q23.1 chromosomal region were highly associated with BMR (rs10786764; P = 8.0 × 10-7, rs1040675; 2.3 × 10-6) and BMI (rs10786764; P = 2.5 × 10-5, rs10786764; 6.57 × 10-5). The other genes related to BMI (HSD52, TMA16, MARCH1, NRG1, NRXN3, and STK4) yielded P <10 × 10-4. Five new loci associated with BMR and BMI, including NRG3, OR8U8, BCL2L2-PABPN1, PABPN1, and SLC22A17 were identified in obese Korean women (P < 1 × 10-4). In the questionnaire investigation, significant differences were found in the number of starvation periods per week, family history of stomach cancer, coffee intake, and trial of weight control in each group.CONCLUSIONWe discovered several common BMR- and BMI-related genes using GWAS. Although most of these newly established loci were not previously associated with obesity, they may provide new insights into body weight regulation. Our findings of five common genes associated with BMR and BMI in Koreans will serve as a reference for replication and validation of future studies on the metabolic rate.