Trends In Obesity Research Articles

The role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio in determining the severity of pre-eclampsia in antenatal women: A case control study

Pre-eclampsia (PE) remains a significant global health concern, affecting 2-8% of pregnancies and contributing to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, PE often involves systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Its exact etiology is multifactorial, involving immune dysregulation and vascular abnormalities. Early identification of high-risk pregnant women is crucial to mitigate adverse outcomes. In India, PE affects 8-10% of pregnancies.Inflammatory markers such as the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) have emerged as potential indicators of systemic inflammation. Elevated NLR and PLR levels in PE suggest a role in the disorder's pathophysiology, reflecting immune responses to placental ischemia and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.This study aims to compare NLR and PLR levels between PE patients and normotensive pregnant women, evaluate their association with PE severity, and discuss their potential as predictive biomarkers. A case-control study was conducted with 84 participants, following eligibility criteria via convenient sampling. Demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and CBC-derived biomarkers were assessed.Among 84 pregnant women, 42 had preeclampsia (PE) and 42 were normotensive. The PE group had significantly higher Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratios (5.11 ± 2.88 vs. 2.74 ± 0.78) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios (108 ± 46.7 vs. 85.4 ± 29.4) compared to controls. PE incidence peaked between 34-38 weeks. Higher PLR and NLR values were linked to severe PE. ANC booking was lower in the PE group. Obesity trends were not statistically significant.Significant associations were found between elevated NLR and PLR and PE severity, highlighting their potential clinical utility.Our findings indicate NLR and PLR as valuable biomarkers for predicting and managing PE. Integration of these markers into routine prenatal care could enhance clinical management and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.

Pediatric obesity is a serious global health challenge. In East Asia, rapid socioeconomic changes have increased obesity rates. This study examines weight distribution and obesity trends in East Asian children using WHO criteria. Data from the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration was used to analyze weight categories (thinness, normal weight, overweight, and obesity) among children aged 5 to 19 in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Data were collected through probabilistic sampling and national surveys and classified using WHO BMI standards. Age standardized prevalence rate enabled cross-country comparisons for boys and girls from 2010 to 2022. Statistical methods included arithmetic statistics, linear regression, and time series analysis using the ARIMA model, with SAS 9.4 and SPSS for analysis. Significant trends were found (p for trend < 0.05). Taiwan and South Korea showed increased thinness, while China and Japan showed decreases. Normal weight prevalence declined, notably among South Korean boys. Overweight and obesity rates rose, especially among South Korean boys and Chinese girls. Japan's rates remained stable, while Taiwan showed minor fluctuations. Boys had higher overweight and obesity rates than girls in all countries. The highest rates were among children aged 10 to 11 years. East Asia, particularly South Korea and China, has seen rising obesity rates. Increasing thinness in South Korea and Taiwan also requires attention. The decline in healthy-weight children is concerning. Interventions should target children before ages 10 to 11. Urgent, tailored public health interventions are needed.

The method of determining abdominal obesity by waist circumference in Ukrainian children

Background. The prevalence of obesity in children has a trend of constant growth. A third of the pediatric population suffers from excess body weight and obesity, which are associated with such pathological conditions as hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MS) and early cardiovascular dysfunction. Waist circumference (WC) measurement is a simple noninvasive screening tool to identify children with abdominal obesity, MS, and increased cardiovascular risk. The purpose of the study was to develop age- and gender-specific WC percentiles for Ukrainian children aged 10–17 years and to determine possible WC cut-offs for detecting abdominal obesity. Materials and methods. 1566 children aged 10–17 were examined, 759 boys and 807 girls. According to the WHO protocol, WC was measured using a flexible centimeter tape in a standing position midway between the lower rib and the upper front edge of the ilium. The threshold point for detecting abdominal obesity was WC ≥ 90th percentile of the distribution according to age and sex (IDF Consensus, 2007). Results. Age and gender percentiles of WC and cut-off at the level of the 90th percentile in Ukrainian children and adolescents are presented. The importance of gender assessment of WC lies in the reliable difference of indicators in children aged 10–12 and 15–17 years and growth of parameters with age in both boys and girls. The need for age assessment of WC is due to increasing the 90th percentile indicators in girls aged 10–17 from 76 to 90.5 cm and in boys from 75.9 to 94 cm. The data obtained can serve as a source for screening and identifying children with abdominal obesity, increased metabolic risk and a better understanding of current trends in childhood obesity. It has been suggested that new WC reference values should be added to clinical examinations to help pediatricians and family physicians reduce cardiovascular risk in children. Conclusions. In the diagnosis of MS in children, it is recommended to use the proposed specific percentiles of WC for sex and age, the values of which ≥ 90th percentile of the distribution should be utilized for detection of abdominal obesity and further diagnosis of MS. Measuring and evaluating WC in routine pediatric examinations is important.

The 20-Year Trend of Obesity and Recreational Screen Time Among Children Receiving Special Education Services

ABSTRACT This study examined obesity and recreational screen time trends in children receiving special education services from 1999 to 2018. We analysed data from 2565 children aged 5–17 years from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Their body mass index (BMI) and recreational screen time were analysed using ordinal and logistic regressions. The obesity prevalence (aOR = 1.043, 95% CI [1.006, 1.082]) and rate of recreational screen time guideline compliance (less than 2 hours [reference]; aOR = 1.082, 95% CI [1.041, 1.124]) in these children showed a small but significantly increasing trend during the two decades, respectively. This group of children also showed disparities in weight status, where growing trends were found in male, non-White, and 12–17 years old children. Children who did not meet the recreational screen time guideline were more likely to be obese compared to be in a healthy weight condition (aOR = 1.353, 95% CI [1.054, 1.736]). The findings point out the substantial need for sustainable and effective actions to reduce obesity and recreational screen time among children receiving special education services.

Trends in overall and abdominal obesity among Korean adults, 2007-2022: an Age-period-cohort analysis

Abstract Overall and abdominal obesity, often defined as having high body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), are associated with an increased risk of chronic disease. A comprehensive understanding of trends and contributing factors is necessary to reduce the disease burdens. This study investigated the nationwide trends and independent effects of age, period, and birth cohort on BMI and WC in Korean adults. We conducted hierarchical age-period-cohort (cross-classified random-effects models) analyses using measured BMI and WC data from 85,292 Korean adults (aged ≥19) in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2022. We also examined whether the age, period, and cohort effects varied by socioeconomic subgroups. In 2007-2022, the age-standardized mean BMI (23.6 to 24.2 kg/m2) and WC (81.7 to 83.5 cm) increased in the overall population. An upward trend was evident among men, while only a slight change was observed in women. The mean BMI was highest at age 47 (25.1 kg/m2) in men and age 60 (24.2 kg/m2) in women and it decreased at older ages. Controlling for age and period effects, mean BMI was lowest among the birth cohorts of 1960-1964 (24.15 kg/m2), with the highest mean BMI observed among the birth cohorts of 1919-1939 (24.97 kg/m2) and 1990-2003 (24.99 kg/m2). The mean WC was highest at age 55 (88.0 cm) in men and age 79 (83.4 cm) in women. Similar U-shaped birth cohort effect was observed with WC, with the lowest mean observed among the birth cohorts of 1960-1964 [82.92 (0.30)]. At most age, period, and birth cohorts, mean BMI and WC were consistently higher among adults at lower income and education. The overall period effect was consistently found in all socioeconomic subgroups, but the gap in BMI between income and education subgroups widened over time. Our findings suggest that BMI and WC slightly increased in overall Korean adults in 2007-2022, with some inequalities among age, sex, birth cohort, and socioeconomic subgroups. Key messages • The obesity indices increased from 2007 to 2022, but the cohort effect on BMI and WC showed a U-shaped pattern with the lowest mean among birth cohorts of 1960-1964. • The obesity prevalence is varied by socioeconomic status, suggesting that more intense interventions may be needed to target the susceptible groups.

Declining trends of overweight and obesity in 4-year-olds during 2007-2022 in Northern Sweden

Abstract Background Overweight among preschool children is a huge public health issue. The prevalence of both childhood overweight and obesity increased during the COVID-19-pandemic. Our aim was to study the development of overweight and obesity among 4-year-olds in Västerbotten, Sweden, from 2007 until 2022 with special focus on the COVID-19-pandemic and the year after. Methods This is a repeated cross-sectional study that utilized individual data from most 4-year-old children living in Västerbotten County, Sweden in 2007-2022, implying that the children were born 2003-2108. We included encrypted and anonymized individual anthropometrical data from the routine 4-year-old Child Health Care visit. There were 47 004 4-year-old children living in the county and we included data from 42 584 children, 21 966 boys and 20 618 girls at the age of 46-51 months. Results Overweight and obesity decreased over the study period. In 2007 the prevalence of overweight was 13.4% for boys and 14.9% for girls and obesity 3.7% for boys and 2.7% for girls. In 2022 the prevalence of overweight had declined to 9.5% for boys and 12.1% for girls and the prevalence of obesity to 1.8% and 2.1%, respectively. During the COVID-19-pandemic the prevalence of overweight and obesity for both boys and girls increased and then rapidly returned to the pre-pandemic level in 2022. Conclusions In a setting with free standardized Child Health Care, we present a clear decline in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Swedish preschool children over time. As in other settings the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased during the COVID-19-pandemic, but we also report a rapid decline in overweight and obesity after the pandemic. It is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for this favorable trend. Key messages • We present clear decline in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children over time in a setting with free standardized Child Health Care. • It is important to understand the possible mechanisms of the favorable trend of decrease of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children pre- and post-pandemic.

An increasing trend of overweight and obesity in the Japanese incident end-stage kidney disease population.

The global prevalence of overweight/obesity has been rising, and this trend is apparent in US and European incident end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) populations. We aimed to examine temporal trends in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and underweight among adult incident ESKD patients in Japan by year of dialysis initiation between 2006 and 2019 in comparison with those observed in the Japanese adult population during the same period. Using data from the Japanese Society of Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry and the National Health and Nutrition Survey, the sex-specific prevalence of overweight/obesity and that of underweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and <18.5 kg/m2, respectively) were calculated, adjusted for age according to the 2019 Population Census via the direct method. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine trends. From 2006 to 2019, the age-adjusted prevalence of overweight/obesity in the incident ESKD population increased for males (AAPC 3.36 [95% CI, 2.70 to 4.09]) and females (AAPC 2.86 [95% CI, 1.65 to 4.19]). The age-adjusted prevalence of overweight/obesity in the general population increased for males (AAPC 0.87 [95% CI, 0.26 to 1.42]) but not for females (AAPC 0.01 [95% CI, -0.55 to 0.57]). The age-adjusted prevalence of underweight in the incident ESKD population significantly decreased but was higher than that in the general population for both sexes. An increasing trend of overweight/obesity was observed in the incident ESKD population in Japan. There is a pressing need to address both underweight and overweight/obesity in the incident ESKD population.

Trajectory of Obesity and the Impact of Eating Behaviors on Obesity in Preschool Children: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Korea

Background: Early childhood obesity is highly associated with obesity in adolescents and adults. However, studies on specific eating behaviors that have a decisive effect on obesity in early childhood (aged 3–5 years) are scarce. We hypothesized that critical risk factors associated with eating behaviors leading to obesity at ages of 3–5 years may be different. To confirm this hypothesis, we conducted a study on the risk factors of obesity related to eating behaviors in preschool children. Methods: Using the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSPIC) in Korea’s general population cohort, we found the obesity trends in 3–5-year-olds. The risk factors of obesity in 3–5-year-olds were analyzed through logistic regression. Results: Among children with obesity at 3 years old, but without obesity at 4 years old, only 10.1% (107/1063) transitioned to obesity at 5 years old, whereas among children with obesity at 3–4 years old, 62.7% (398/635) transitioned to obesity at 5 years old. The risk factors for obesity at 3 years old were inclusion of meat in complementary food, prolonged breastfeeding, and consumption of sweetened beverages; at ages 4–5 years, the risk factors were the inclusion of meat in complementary food and consumption of sweetened beverages. Conclusions: Obesity at 4 years is more likely to lead to obesity in the following year than obesity at 3 years. The dietary factor with the greatest impact on obesity in children aged 3–5 years has been found to be consumption of sweetened beverages.

EXPRESS: Association of exposure to non-persistent endocrine disruptors with sex hormones and metabolic health in US females.

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) are considered as the potential attributes for the increasing trend in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) through disruption of sex hormones, particularly in women. We evaluated the association of understudied EDC compounds with total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MS). A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets collected during the years 2013-2016. Women of age ≥15 years with urinary measurements of non-persistent EDCs including bisphenol, triclosan, triclocarban, dichlorophenol, and paraben compounds were included in this study. Data were analyzed using the modified Poisson models to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The associations were also validated by considering TT and SHBG concentrations as the outcomes. The study included 1974 women with 11% high TT, 10.5% low SHBG, 40% obesity, and 46.2% MS. A medium to high exposure to bisphenol-A (RR=1.64; 95%CI: 1.14, 2.35, p=0.009), bisphenol-F (RR=1.83; 95%CI: 1.35, 2.49, p<0.001), bisphenol-S (RR=1.83; 95%CI: 1.35, 2.49, p=0.041) and 2, 4- dichlorophenol (RR=1.61; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.45, p=0.026) were associated with low SHBG but not with high TT. In addition, high exposure to triclosan was also inversely associated with lower SHBG concentrations (regression coefficient=-0.09; 95%CI: -0.15, -0.02, p=0.013). However, these EDCs were found to be associated with SHBG, obesity, and MS according to menopausal status. High exposure to certain non-persistent EDCs was associated with low SHBG, obesity, and MS according to menopausal status.

Mapping Obesity Trends in Saudi Arabia: A Four-Year Description Study.

Our study aims to map the trends in obesity prevalence over the past four years and to describe the health, behavior, and psychological factors of people living with obesity in Saudi. This is a secondary data analysis using the Sharik Health Indicators Surveillance System (SHISS) from 2020 to 2023. The SHISS dataset comprises cross-sectional telephone interviews carried out quarterly across all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Recruitment of participants was restricted to Saudi resident adults only. The study analyzed data from 92,137 participants, with a balanced region and gender distribution. The average age of participants was 36.83 ± 13.68 years. The prevalence of obesity showed minor fluctuations over four years, with the highest at 22.2% in 2020 and lowest at 21.4% in 2023. This study showed that a slight decline in daily smoking rates was observed from 2020 to 2023 across all categories. Participants living with obesity reported a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables compared to their not with obesity counterparts. In addition, participants living with obesity engaged less frequently in physical activities compared to those without obesity. Moreover, people living with obesity have higher incidence rates of depression and anxiety, as well as various of chronic diseases. This study highlights the complex factors affecting obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Despite progress, ongoing health promotion and disease prevention are crucial to address the persistent challenges driven by behavioral and socio-economic factors. Continued surveillance and longitudinal studies are essential to track trends in obesity, smoking, and physical activity, ensuring that health initiatives align with population needs.

Global obesity epidemic and rising incidence of early-onset cancers.

Incidence of early-onset cancers at multiple organ sites has increased worldwide in recent decades. We investigated whether such increasing trends could be explained by trends in obesity. We obtained incidence data for 21 common cancers among 25-49-year-olds during 2000-2012 in 42 countries from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database. Nine cancers we examined have been classified as obesity-related by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Estimates of overweight and obesity prevalence came from the Non-communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration. Using country-level data, we examined whether changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity combined were correlated with changes in cancer incidence, after accounting for various time lags (0-15 years) between exposure and cancer diagnosis. To test the validity of our approach, we conducted negative control analyses (using non-obesity-related cancers as the outcome variable, and per-capita gross national income as the exposure variable), and sensitivity and supplemental analyses using alternative data streams or processing. We found increased incidence for six of nine obesity-related and seven of twelve non-obesity-related cancers in 25-49-year-olds. These increases were more predominant in Western countries (particularly Australia, the USA, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, and Lithuania). For four obesity-related cancers displaying increased incidence (colon, rectum, pancreas, kidney), changes in cancer incidence were positively correlated with changes in overweight and obesity prevalence. When accounting for a 15-year lag, the estimated correlation was 0.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.04, 0.53; P = 0.090) for colon cancer, 0.33 (95% CI = 0.02, 0.58; P = 0.036) for rectal cancer, 0.39 (95% CI = 0.08, 0.64; P = 0.018) for pancreatic cancer, and 0.22 (95% CI = -0.10, 0.50; P = 0.173) for kidney cancer. Similar correlations were found in the sensitivity and supplemental analyses. We did not find similar correlations with excess body weight for the non-obesity-related early-onset cancers, nor correlations with per-capita gross national income for any cancer types, in the negative control analyses. Worldwide increases in early-onset colon, rectal, pancreatic, and kidney cancers may have been partly driven by increases in excess body weight. The increases in other early-onset cancers, however, were likely driven by other factors deserving of further investigation.

Trend analysis, gender-specific patterns, and age dynamics of childhood and adolescent obesity: insights from the Tehran lipid and glucose study

BackgroundChildhood and adolescent obesity pose significant challenges to global health, with escalating prevalence and associated short- and long-term health consequences. This longitudinal study leveraged data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) to investigate the trends of obesity among Tehranian children and adolescents over a 21-year period.MethodsUtilizing data from TLGS phases I to VII (1999–2021), we included 3845 participants aged 3–18 years at the beginning of phase I. Anthropometric measures, including height and weight, were collected, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Childhood obesity (2–19 years) was defined as BMI-for-age > 2SD based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards, and adult obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, prevalence calculations, odds ratios, and interaction analyses were employed for data interpretation.ResultsThe mean BMI increased from 18.46 ± 4.37 kg/m² at Phase I to 26.36 ± 5.03 kg/m² at Phase VII. Boys exhibited a greater increase in BMI than girls, and age at study entry influenced BMI trajectories. The prevalence of obesity rose from 6.4% at Phase I to 21.5% at Phase VII, with a more pronounced increase in boys. Odds ratios for obesity steadily increased across phases, indicating a growing risk. Interaction analyses revealed age-specific dynamics, with older participants demonstrating lower odds ratios initially but higher odds ratios in later phases.ConclusionOur study shows a worrisome increase in childhood obesity among Tehranian children and adolescents over 21 years. Sex- and age-specific trends emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions, informing policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and educators regarding public health strategies and interventions against the obesity epidemic.

Mapping the Landscape of Obesity Effects on Male Reproductive Function: A Bibliometric Study.

Due to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits, the global population with obesity is increasing gradually, resulting in a significant rise in the number of individuals having obesity. Obesity is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and consumption, leading to excessive fat accumulation, which interferes with normal human metabolism. It is also associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, male reproductive endocrine regulation disorders, systemic and local inflammatory reactions, excessive oxidative stress, and apoptosis. All these factors can damage the internal environment for sperm generation and maturation, resulting in male sexual dysfunction, a decline in sperm quality, and lower fertility. This study analyzes the trends and priorities of the effects of obesity on male reproductive disorders from a bibliometric perspective. This study uses the Web of Science as the statistical source, covering all time spans. Tools like Web of Science, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace are used to analyze countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords in the field. Total publications, total citations, and average number of citations are selected for statistics. The results show that the research on the impact of obesity on male reproductive function can be roughly divided into three stages: the initial stage, the slow development stage, and the rapid development stage. Our statistical scope includes 463 highly relevant articles that we have screened. We found that the journal with the most publications in this field is Andrologia, and the institution with the highest total citations is the University of Utah. The most influential countries, institutions, and authors in this field are the United States, the University of Utah, and Carrell, Douglas. Currently, research related to the impact of obesity on male reproduction focuses mainly on three aspects: biochemistry, molecular biology, and reproductive biology. The keyword explosion results indicate that sperm, obesity, and male reproduction are at the forefront and trends of future research in this field. There has been a shift from basic biochemical and molecular research to research on molecular mechanisms relying on omics technologies. However, we have observed that the number of papers published in 2022 is lower than in 2021, indicating a growth interruption during this period. Considering that this deviation may be due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may hinder the progress of certain experiments in 2022. In recent years, China has rapidly developed research in this field. However, the average citation rate is relatively low, indicating the need for Chinese scholars to improve the quality of their articles further. Based on our research and in the context of global obesity, men are at risk of increased infertility. Addressing this issue relies on our continued research into the mechanisms of obesity-related male reproductive disorders. Over the past forty-three years, with the contributions of scientists worldwide, research in this field has flourished. The impact of obesity on male reproductive disorders has been extensively studied. Currently, research in this field primarily focuses on male sperm function, sperm quality, and the effects or mechanisms of cells on male reproduction. Future trends in this field should concentrate on the relationship between male fertility and energy metabolism, as well as the endocrine function of adipose tissue. This study comprehensively analyzes the current research status and global trends in obesity and male reproductive disorders. We also discuss the future developments in this field, making it easier for researchers to understand its developmental history, current status, and trends, providing valuable reference for effective exploration in this area.

Trends and social determinants of the obesity epidemic among reproductive-age women in ten Asian countries

The rapid epidemiological transition in Asian countries, resulting from the rising trend of urbanisation and lifestyle changes, is associated with an increasing risk of obesity in women of reproductive age. This is the first study to investigate the trends and population-attributable fraction (PAF) of obesity, and the interaction effects of education and wealth on obesity among reproductive-age women aged 15–49 years in ten Asian countries. This cross-sectional study examined the most recent (2000 to 2022) Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from ten Central and Southeast Asian countries. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were used to compute odds ratios (ORs). PAFs adjusted for communality were calculated using adjusted ORs and prevalence estimates for each risk factor. This study included a weighted sample of 743,494 reproductive-age women. All the countries showed an increasing trend for obesity and a decreasing trend for underweight, except for the Maldives. The highest PAFs of obesity were associated with women who were married (PAF = 22.2%; 95% CI 22.1, 22.4), aged 35–49 years (PAF = 16.4%; 95% CI 15.5, 17.1), resided in wealthy households (PAF = 14.5%; 95% CI 14.4, 14.5), watched television regularly (PAF = 12.5%; 95% CI 12.1, 12.8), and lived in urban areas (PAF = 7.8%; 95% CI 7.7, 8.0). The combined PAF showed that these five risk factors were associated with 73.3% (95% CI 71.8, 74.9) of obesity among reproductive-age women. Interaction analysis between women’s education and household wealth revealed that having a secondary or higher level of education and residing in a wealthier household was associated with a lower risk of obesity (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.66, 0.76). The findings of this study suggest that, in order to address the rising rate of obesity among women in Asian countries, education and lifestyle modifications in urban areas should be a priority. Pakistan and the Maldives need to be a priority given the rapidly increasing trends in obesity and underweight subpopulations in their respective countries.

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity Among Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, with significant implications for long-term health outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study is to highlight the prevalence and trend of obesity among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia over the last 24 years.This systematic review included participants aged 2 to 19 years without systemic disease, reporting the prevalence of obesity using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification and BMI calculation, from studies in English or Arabic published between January 2000 and April 2024. We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases including ProQuest, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, Embase via Ovid, and MEDLINE via Ovid, and reviewed references of included studies. Data were extracted and quality assessed independently by two authors, with any disagreements resolved through discussion with a third reviewer, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale modified for this study. This systematic review included 21 studies from Saudi Arabia, published between 2006 and 2023, with participants aged 2 to 19 years. The studies involved a total of 63,512 subjects. Among children, the prevalence of overweight ranged from 5% to 29%, while obesity ranged from 3.8% to 49.7%, classified using CDC criteria. Quality assessment rated 10 studies as Very Good, 10 as Good, and one as Unsatisfactory.The systematic review of childhood obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia over the past 24 years highlights alarming trends and significant public health implications. Our analysis emphasizes an increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents, revealing a complex link of socioeconomic, cultural, and lifestyle factors contributing to this epidemic.

Bibliometric Insights into Research Hotspots and Trends in Obesity and Asthma from 2013 to 2023

Introduction: Obesity and asthma are closely linked, but the current state of research on this topic and future research directions have yet to be comprehensively explored. This study aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the research landscape in the field of obesity and asthma. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database to identify papers published on obesity and asthma between 2013 and 2023. VOSviewer software was utilized for statistical analysis and visualization of collaborative networks, research trends, literature sources, citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and keyword analysis. Results: A total of 3,406 records from 1,010 journals authored by 17,347 researchers affiliated with 4,573 institutes across 117 countries and regions were retrieved. The number of publications and citations increased annually. The USA and China contributed the majority of records. Major nodes in the collaboration network map included Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, University of Newcastle, Karolinska Institution, University of Toronto, and Seoul National University. Prolific authors included Anne E. Dixon, Erick Forno, Lisa G. Wood, Deepa Rastogi, and Fernando Holguin. Research trends and hotspots focused on metabolism studies, Mendelian randomization, gut microbiome, inflammation response, gene, biomarker research, and comorbidities were identified as potential future research frontiers. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current research status and trends in the field of obesity and asthma. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding collaboration patterns, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers to guide future research in this area.

Nexus between Anthropometric Indices in Hypertensive and Normotensive Adults: A Gender-Based Study in a Sprawling Urban Community

Adipose tissue in the body can be easily assessed using anthropometric measurements such as hip, waist, chest, and neck circumferences, waist-to-height ratio, body mass index (BMI), and subscapular skinfold thickness. Gender, age, lifestyle, ethnicity, genetics, and nutrition influence these measurements. Although extensive research exists on anthropometry, there is still a lack of data on the gender-specific correlations between anthropometric indices (or parameters), obesity, and blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the gender differences in anthropometric parameters in hypertensive and normotensive adults, and to assess the gender-based correlations between anthropometry and blood pressure. A cross-sectional, quantitative study involving 355 adults, aged 20-75 years was conducted in Enugu City, South-East Nigeria. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires, an electronic weighing scale, a stadiometer, a non-elastic fiber-glass tape, and an Accoson™ Desktop mercury sphygmomanometer. Student’s t-test was used to compare anthropometric parameters, and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to analyze the relationships between anthropometric parameters and blood pressure. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. The study found a 38.0% prevalence of hypertension. Gender comparisons revealed that more males were underweight (39.0%), with no cases of class 3 obesity. Females had higher rates of overweight (27.9%) and obesity (41.3%). In the hypertensive participants, all anthropometric parameters were higher when compared to normotensive participants, except for height in males, neck circumference and subscapular-triceps ratio in females. Hypertensive and normotensive males had greater weight, height, neck and chest circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and subscapular-triceps ratio than their female counterparts. Conversely, hypertensive and normotensive females had greater waist circumference, hip circumference, subscapular skinfold, triceps skinfold, BMI, and waist-to-height ratio compared to males. Anthropometric parameters are key indicators of obesity, a major global health issue due to its association with hypertension. The rising trend in obesity, driven by dietary changes, disproportionately affects women. Urgent interventions are needed to promote routine exercise, particularly among administrative workers, and to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical activity.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Meal-Based Dietary Anti-Oxidant Quality Score with Obesity in Apparently Healthy Adults Attended to Health Care Centers in Tehran.

Studying the dietary antioxidant quality (DAQ) score as a modifiable factor to lessen the negative effects of obesity on health is vital due to the rising global trend of obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how adult obesity and meal-based DAQ scores correlate. A cross-sectional study including 850 men and women in Tehran was conducted. Three 24-hour dietary recalls were used to evaluate dietary consumption. Based on the design of DAQs, the meal-based DAQ score was evaluated. Higher scores indicate better DAQ. The overall DAQ score varied from 0 to 5. To investigate the relationship between DAQs and obesity in each meal, logistic regression analysis was utilized. There was no correlation between a higher breakfast DAQ score and being overweight or obese (for overweight: OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.38-1.24/for obesity: OR = 0.65; CI 95%: 0.31-1.37). In the basic model, a higher lunch DAQ score was inversely related to probabilities of being overweight (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.99) Such a connection remained significant after relevant confounders were considered (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27-0.84). In both the raw and fully adjusted models, there was no discernible correlation between the meal DAQ score and overweight or obesity. We discovered that a higher DAQ score for lunch was substantially associated with a lower risk of being overweight but not obese. To verify our findings, additional prospective research in various populations is required.

Risk Factors and 20-Year Time-Trend in Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Switzerland: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objective: Even though global childhood obesity rates keep increasing, stabilization has been shown over the past decade in several countries, including Switzerland. We aimed to investigate the trends in childhood overweight and obesity over the past 21 years in Switzerland and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods: Using cluster sampling, we recruited a national sample of 6-12-year-old children in Switzerland (n = 1245). We conducted anthropometric measurements and assessed risk factors using a self-administered questionnaire. We investigated the time trend by including data from four comparable previous surveys conducted since 2002. Results: We found a prevalence of overweight, including obesity, of 16.1 (14.1-18.2)%, with a significantly higher proportion in boys (18.6 (15.5-21.6)%) compared to girls (13.7 (11.0-16.4)%). We found a small but significant reduction in the prevalence of overweight including obesity over time (p = 0.005), but not of obesity alone (p = 0.099). The most important risk factors for obesity were parental education, parental origin, media consumption, as well as several dietary factors. Conclusions: Despite a slight decreasing trend in childhood overweight in Switzerland, it remains a public health concern. Prevention programs should focus on migrant families and those with low education and emphasize the risks of sedentary behavior and the importance of a healthy diet.

Examining rurality and social determinants of health among women with GDM: a 15-year comprehensive population analysis

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication with long-term health consequences for mothers and their children. The escalating trends of GDM coupled with the growing prevalence of maternal obesity, a significant GDM risk factor projected to approach nearly 60% by 2030 in Kansas, has emerged as a pressing public health issue.MethodsThe aim of this study was to compare GDM and maternal obesity trends in rural and urban areas and investigate maternal demographic characteristics influencing the risk of GDM development over a 15-year period. Trend analyses and a binary logistic regression were employed utilizing 2005 to 2019 de-identified birth record vital statistics from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (N = 589,605).ResultsOver the cumulative 15-year period, a higher prevalence of GDM was observed across age, race/ethnicity, education, and insurance source. Throughout this period, there was an increasing trend in both GDM and obese pre-pregnancy BMI age-adjusted prevalence, with noticeable rural-urban disparities. From 2005 to 2019, women, including Asians (OR: 2.73, 95% CI 2.58%-2.88%), American Indian or Alaskan Natives (OR: 1.58, 95%, CI 1.44-1.73%), Hispanics (OR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.37%-1.48%), women residing in rural areas (OR: 1.09, 95%, CI 1.06-1.12%), with advanced maternal age (35–39 years, OR: 4.83 95% CI 4.47%-5.22%; ≥40 years, OR: 6.36 95%, CI 5.80-6.98%), with lower educational status (less than high school, OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.10%-1.20%; high school graduate, OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.06%-1.13%), Medicaid users (OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.06%-1.13%), or with an overweight (OR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.72%-1.84%) or obese (OR: 3.61, 95% CI 3.50%-3.72%) pre-pregnancy BMI were found to be at an increased risk of developing GDM.ConclusionsThere are persistent rural-urban and racial/ethnic disparities present from 2005 to 2019 among pregnant women in Kansas with or at-risk of GDM. There are several socioeconomic factors that contribute to these health disparities affecting GDM development. These findings, alongside with prominent rising maternal obesity trends, highlight the need to expand GDM services in a predominantly rural state, and implement culturally-responsive interventions for at-risk women.