Obesity Research Articles

Association of Obesity With Psychological Distress in Young Adults: Patterns by Sex and Race or Ethnicity

BackgroundRecent studies have emphasized the intricate relationship between obesity and psychological distress, unraveling the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. However, a conspicuous knowledge gap persists in understanding the association between obesity severity and psychological distress, particularly in young adults, marked by limited empirical data. ObjectivesThis study comprehensively investigates the link between obesity and psychological distress among young adults, emphasizing potential variations based on gender and race or ethnicity. Addressing this gap is crucial for informing targeted interventions and understanding the nuanced impact of obesity on mental health in this demographic. MethodsUtilizing data from the 2013 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey, individuals aged 18 to 26 years were analyzed. Body mass index served as the primary exposure variable, with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale assessing the primary outcome. Fully-adjusted ordinal regression models were employed for analyses. ResultsAmong the 20,954 participants included in this study, representing 35,564,990 adults, 27% were overweight and 24% had obesity. In class III obesity, individuals experienced 1.4 times more psychological distress than those with normal weight (OR: 1.393; 95% CI: 1.181-1.644; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent trends in non-Hispanic White (OR: 1.615; 95% CI: 1.283-2.032; P < 0.001) and female participants (OR: 1.408; 95% CI: 1.408-2.096; P < 0.001). ConclusionsThis study underscores the association between obesity and psychological distress in young adults, notably impacting non-Hispanic White and female populations. The findings bear significant implications for shaping future health policies, addressing the mental health crisis, and mitigating the increasing prevalence of obesity among young U.S. adults.

Puerarin Affects 1HMR Spectroscopy Quantified Hepatic Fat Signal Fraction in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Rats.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of puerarin early intervention on growth parameters and Hepatic Fat Signal Fraction (HFF) quantification in Intrauterine Growth Restricted(IUGR)rats through Proton Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Pregnant rats were divided into three groups: control, IUGR with puerarin treatment, and IUGR without treatment. The treatment and nontreatment groups were received a low-protein diet during pregnancy, while the control group received a normal diet. After birth, pups in the treatment group received a unilateral intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg/d puerarin. Male rats were evaluated at 3,8 and 12 weeks, including measurements of weight, body length and waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). Conventional magnetic resonance imaging and 1HMRS were conducted using a 3.0 T whole-body MR scanner. Newborn pups in the treatment and non-treatment groups showed significantly lower body weight, BMI, and body length at 3 weeks compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in HFF and waist circumference between the three groups at 3 weeks. At 8 and 12 weeks post-delivery, significant differences in body weight, BMI, waist circumference were observed in newborn pups of IUGR non-treatment rats compared to the control group. In contrast, there were no significant differences in body weight, BMI, waist circumference between the treatment group and the control group at 8 and 12 weeks. Moreover, the treatment group exhibited notably higher HFF compared to the control group at both time points. At 12 weeks post-birth, a significant difference in HFF was observed between the IUGR non-treatment and treatment groups, although no significant difference was found at 8 weeks. Early intervention with puerarin following birth has a significant impact on liver fat content and may potentially reduce adult obesity among IUGR rats.

Mapping and projections of obesity in the Brazilian adult population assisted in Primary Health Care: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: To map the temporal evolution of overweight and obesity in Brazilian adults and estimate the prevalence of obesity for 2025 and 2030, evaluating the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Data were collected on the nutritional status of adults from 2008 to 2021 from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN), from which we calculated the prevalence and average annual rates of the variation of overweight and obesity. The projection of obesity, using linear regression, was analyzed in three scenarios: PP: with data from the pre-pandemic period (2008- 2019); outlier: with adjustment of the data trend (2008-2021), including the pandemic period, considering a return of scenario PP for projections from 2022; P: adjustment of pandemic data (2019-2021) to estimate the projection. Result: In the period 2008– 2021, we observed an average annual rate of overweight increase of 0.48 %/year. The prevalence of obesity more than doubled during this period, from 14.5% in 2008 to 32.9% in 2021 (i.e., an increase of 1.42). In the outlier scenario, the prevalence projections for obesity are 38.8% and 45.5% for 2015 and 2030, respectively. In the PP scenario (without the pandemic), the expected prevalence for the same period would be approximately 36.8% and 43.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Obesity and overweight follow an increasing trend. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the increase in the prevalence of obesity in Brazil and impacted its projections for the coming years.

Leptin is a potential biomarker of childhood obesity and an indicator of the effectiveness of weight-loss interventions.

Childhood obesity represents a significant public health concern, imposing a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Furthermore, weight-loss programs often exhibit reduced effectiveness in adults who have a history of childhood obesity. Therefore, early intervention against childhood obesity is imperative. Presently, the primary method for diagnosing childhood obesity relies on body mass index (BMI), yet this approach has inherent limitations. Leptin, a satiety hormone produced by adipocytes, holds promise as a superior tool for predicting both childhood and subsequent adulthood obesity. In this review, we elucidate the tools employed for assessing obesity in children, delve into the biological functions of leptin, and examine the factors governing its expression. Additionally, we discuss maternal and infantile leptin levels as predictors of childhood obesity. By exploring the relationship between leptin levels and weight loss, we present leptin as a potential indicator of the effectiveness of obesity interventions.

Obesity in Adults: Causes, Health Consequences, and Treatment Methods

Introduction Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat that can negatively affect a person's physical as well as mental health. It results not only from excessive caloric intake relative to energy expenditure, but also from a myriad of genetic, metabolic, environmental and behavioral factors. Obesity poses the risk of a number of chronic diseases that impair quality of life and increase the risk of death. Understanding the causes of obesity, the consequences it brings, and learning about treatments can help improve health and public awareness. Aim of the Study This study aims to analyze the causes, health consequences, and available treatment methods for obesity in adults, providing a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the subject. Materials and Methods This review utilized data from recent literature published over the last 15 years, sourced primarily from PubMed. The focus was on identifying and synthesizing information related to the epidemiology, risk factors, health consequences, and treatment strategies for adult obesity. Keywords such as "obesity," "adult," "treatment," "epidemiology," and "health consequences" were used to search relevant studies. Conclusions Obesity in adults is a multifaceted issue requiring a comprehensive approach to treatment. Addressing this epidemic necessitates a combination of dietary changes, increased physical activity, behavioral therapies, pharmacological interventions, and surgical options when necessary. Ongoing support and monitoring are essential for achieving long-term success in weight management and improving overall health outcomes.

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

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

Effect of Intake of Bifidobacteria and Dietary Fiber on Resting Energy Expenditure: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Comparison Study.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 in combination with inulin has been shown to have several health benefits, including an improvement in the intestinal microbiota and a reduction in human visceral fat. Previous studies have suggested that the visceral fat reduction of GCL2505 and inulin may be achieved by improving daily energy expenditure. This parallel, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the effects of GCL2505 and inulin on resting energy expenditure (REE) in overweight or mildly obese Japanese adults (n = 44). Participants ingested 1 × 1010 colony forming units of GCL2505 and 5.0 g of inulin daily for 4 weeks. REE score at week 4 was set as the primary endpoint. At week 4, the REE score of the GCL2505 and inulin group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group, with a difference of 84.4 kcal/day. In addition, fecal bifidobacteria counts were significantly increased in the GCL2505 and inulin group. Our results indicated that the intake of GCL2505 and inulin improves energy balance, which is known to be a major factor of obesity, by modulating the microbiota in the gut. This is the first report to demonstrate the effects of probiotics and dietary fiber on REE in humans.

Feasibility and Safety of an Eight-Week Exercise Program with the Additional Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation of the Abdominal Muscles.

Peripheral magnetic stimulation has recently been introduced as a non-invasive but effective physical agent to improve muscle strength and everyday function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of an exercise program focusing on the abdominal muscles in combination with the peripheral magnetic stimulation of the abdominal muscles. Male and female overweight and obese adults (n = 19) participated in an eight-week exercise program with the additional peripheral magnetic stimulation of the abdominal muscles. Outcome measures included changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness, trunk muscle strength, body composition, and self-reported body satisfaction. Subcutaneous fat thickness was significantly reduced after the intervention (p < 0.01-p < 0.001). Trunk flexion and left side flexion strength increased significantly after the intervention, although no significant changes were observed for trunk extension (p = 0.07) and right side flexion strength (p = 0.13). The body satisfaction self-assessment score significantly increased (p < 0.01), while body mass, body mass index, and fat mass significantly decreased after the intervention (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that an exercise program with the additional peripheral magnetic stimulation is feasible and safe for overweight and obese participants. These results support the use of peripheral magnetic stimulation as a safe adjunct to the voluntary abdominal muscle contraction. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of the additional peripheral magnetic stimulation of the abdominal muscles compared to the voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles alone.

Diet and the Gut Microbiome as Determinants Modulating Metabolic Outcomes in Young Obese Adults.

Obesity, along with metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, various cancers, and other non-communicable diseases, thereby contributing to higher mortality rates. The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and influencing human metabolism. This study enrolled 82 young obese individuals, who were stratified into groups with or without metabolic disturbances. No significant differences in the alpha or beta diversity of the microbiota were observed among the groups. Insulin resistance was characterized by an increase in the number of Adlercreutzia and Dialister as well as a decrease in Collinsella, Coprococcus and Clostridiales. The dyslipidemia and dyslipidemia+insulin resistance groups had no significant differences in the gut microbiota. Dietary patterns also influenced microbial composition, with high protein intake increasing Leuconostoc and Akkermansia, and high fiber intake boosting Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. The genus Erwinia was associated with increases in visceral fat and serum glucose as well as a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Our findings highlight a significant association between gut microbiota composition and metabolic disturbances in young obese individuals, and they suggest that dietary modifications may promote a healthy microbiome and reduce the risk of developing metabolic disorders.

Maternal genetics and diet modulate vitamin A homeostasis of the offspring and affect the susceptibility to obesity in adulthood in mice.

Perinatal nutrition exerts a profound influence on adult metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate whether increased maternal vitamin A (VA) supply can lead to beneficial metabolic phenotypes in the offspring. The researchers utilized mice deficient in the intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) transcription factor, which exhibits increased intestinal VA retinoid production from dietary β-carotene (BC). ISX-deficient dams were fed a VA-sufficient or a BC-enriched diet during the last week of gestation and the whole lactation period. Total retinol levels in milk and weanling livers were 2- to 2.5-fold higher in the offspring of BC-fed dams (BC offspring), indicating increased VA supplies during late gestation and lactation. The corresponding VA-sufficient and BC offspring (males and females) were compared at weaning and adulthood after being fed either a standard or high-fat diet (HFD) with regular VA content for 13 weeks from weaning. HFD-induced increases in adiposity metrics, such as fat depot mass and adipocyte diameter, were more pronounced in males than females and were attenuated or suppressed in the BC offspring. Notably, the BC offspring were protected from HFD-induced increases in circulating triacylglycerol levels and hepatic steatosis. These protective effects were associated with reduced food efficiency, enhanced capacity for thermogenesis and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in adipose tissues, and increased adipocyte hyperplasia rather than hypertrophy in the BC offspring. In conclusion, maternal VA nutrition influenced by genetics may confer metabolic benefits to the offspring, with mild increases in late gestation and lactation protecting against obesity and metabolic dysregulation in adulthood.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A genetic mouse model, deficient in intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) transcription factor, is used to show that a mildly increased maternal vitamin A supply from β-carotene feeding during late gestation and lactation programs energy and lipid metabolism in tissues and protects the offspring from diet-induced hypertrophic obesity and hepatic steatosis. This knowledge may have implications for human populations where polymorphisms in ISX and ISX target genes involved in vitamin A homeostasis are prevalent.

Causes and effects of childhood obesity

Abstract Background Childhood and adolescent obesity and overweight is a major public health crisis nationally and internationally.. Obesity in childhood increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders, including type 2 diabetes, abnormalities resulting from posture defects, and furthermore obesity in adulthood. Excessive body weight is also the cause of many emotional disorders related with lack of acceptance by oneself, family and peers. An analysis of the prevalence of obesity among children hospitalized in the Department of Rehabilitation was conducted in 2020-2023. Excessive body weight occurred in 23% of the examined patients. Purpose The aim of the study is to show the incidence of obesity and overweight among children hospitalized in the Department of Rehabilitation, to determine the cause of the disease based on the author's survey, which took into account the lifestyle of the examined patients, and to examine the relationship between body weight and elevated blood pressure values. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Methods The clinical trial was conducted on 1,283 pediatric patients. The data were analyzed: weight, height, BMI, blood pressure and then the obtained values were placed on percentile charts. An original questionnaire was also conducted - took into account the age, gender, lifestyle, eating habits and physical activity of the respondents. Results 23% of hospitalized patients indicated excessive body weight. 10% of patients were obese and 13% were overweight. Back pain was the reason for hospitalization in 76% of overweight and obese children. Among children with excessive body weight, 25% indicated higher blood pressure values, while in the control group, this problem affected only 1% of respondents. A relationship has been shown between lack of physical activity, excessive body weight and problems with the locomotor system - 72% of overweight and obese children didn’t engage in any regular physical activity. After school, children spent their time mainly in a sitting or semi-reclining position. Moreover, 60% of parents reported that they don’t know what their child's diet looks like. Most teenagers admitted to eating meals irregularly, snacking between meals, and drinking sweetened drinks and leaving home without breakfast. Conclusions Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents is a significant public health problem in both medical and social dimensions. Counteracting obesity should start in early childhood and should be based on the lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and physical activity. Factors contributing to overweight and obesity include: lack of daily physical activity, avoiding exercise during physical education classes, spending many hours in a sitting position and inappropriate eating habits.

Differences between non-obese and obese patients with hypertension according to gender

Abstract Introduction In recent years, obesity has escalated markedly, emerging as a one of major worldwide health issue. The frequency of obesity in both adults and children is rising at an alarming rate, leading to severe consequences for public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as much as 13% of the global population is grappling with obesity. Numerous research studies have established that obesity not only heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart failure, but also exacerbates complications in individuals already suffering from these conditions. Purpose The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the differences between non-obese and obese patients admitted to the cardiology department due to hypertension according to gender. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 486 medical records of patients who had been admitted to the Institute of Heart Diseases of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw (Poland) between January 2017 and June 2021. The study group was divided in two ways. The division of patients was into one of two groups based on the following cut-off BMI values: non-obese (BMI &amp;lt; 30) and obese (BMI ≥ 30). The study was conducted following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the independent Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University, protocol no. KB-837/2022. The significance level for all statistical tests was set to 0.05. R 4.3.0. was used for computations. Results Women accounted for 53% of the study group and were significantly older than men (64.7±12.8 vs. 60.5±11.8, p=0.466). Women with obesity had significantly higher triglycerides (TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations than women who were not affected by obesity. Men with obesity had significantly higher TG levels, lower HDL levels, more more frequent to have diabetes (DM) and less frequent stroke in the past compared to men without obesity. (Table 1 and 2) Conclusions This study highlights important differences between patients with hypertension without and with obesity, with notable gender differences. Women with obesity showed differences only in laboratory test results, while men with obesity showed differences in laboratory test results and comorbidities. These findings emphasize the need for gender-specific management strategies and research in hypertension and obesity, underscoring the distinct cardiovascular risks associated with obesity in both genders.

Ramadan Intermittent Fasting and Plasma Volume Variations in Individuals with Different Body Weights.

Background: There is increasing awareness of the physiological effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) in obese subjects. However, there are no data on the effects of RIF on plasma volume changes (ΔPV) in individuals with different body weights. Background and Objectives: This study investigated the effects of RIF on ΔPV in normal-weight (NW) and overweight (OW) adult men, and adult men with obesity (OB) and severe obesity (SO). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male subjects (32) were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (NW) (BMI < 25 kg/m2; age = 27.4 ± 3.8), overweight (OW) (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2; age = 26.8 ± 3.7), obese subjects (OB) (BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m2; age = 25.6 ± 2.9), and severely obesity (SO) (BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2; age = 24.0 ± 4.1). Blood samples were collected for 24 h on 4 different occasions, at T0 before the start of the Ramadan month, at T1 15 days after the start of Ramadan, at T2 one day after the end of Ramadan, and at T3 on the 21st day after the end of Ramadan to determine ΔPV. All groups completed their fasting rituals for the 30 days of Ramadan. Results: A significant group × time effect occurred for body mass (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), BMI (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), and body fat percentage (p = 0.001; ES = 0.52). Post hoc tests indicated reductions in body mass in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.12) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.31 and p = 0.02; ES = 0.23), reductions in BMI in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.03; ES = 0.42) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.52 and p = 0.005; ES = 0.48), and reductions in body fat percentage only in OB AT T1 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.31) and T2 (p = 0.001; ES = 0.17). A significant group × time effect occurred for hematocrit (p = 0.02; ES = 0.34), hemoglobin (p = 0.01; ES = 0.35), and ΔPV (p = 0.02; ES = 0.18). Post hoc tests indicated increases in hematocrit in OB at T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.36) and hemoglobin in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.32) and T2 (p = 0.003; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.33). There were also increases in ΔPV in OB at T1 and T2 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.25 and p = 0.003; ES = 0.22) and in SO only at T2 (p = 0.02; ES = 0.37). Contrast analysis indicated that NW was significantly lower than the grand mean of OW, Ob, and SO for all anthropometric and PVV variables (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effects of RIF on ΔPV and anthropometric characters was greater in obese individuals compared to normal-weight and overweight participants, suggesting that the improvements in body composition and ΔPV produced by RIF could positively influence obesity.

Environment driven changes in type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity in an isolated Mixe community in the Valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico.

This study focused on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a group of adult Mixe, an Indigenous population from Oaxaca, Mexico. Mixe comprised an estimated 9.4% (n ≅ 90 000) of the Indigenous population in Oaxaca. Mexico. This study focused on a group of adult Mixe, an Indigenous population from Oaxaca, Mexico. To compare the prevalence of T2DM, overweight (OW), obesity (OB), and hypertension (HTN) between 2007 and 2017 for a small, isolated Mixe community in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. We test whether or not environmental changes have affected T2DM prevalence. Demographic and medical record data were collected in the community in 2007 and 2017 from the medical clinic and the mayor's office. T2DM was medically diagnosed among adults (>34 years old), in 2007 (n = 730) and in 2017 (n = 829). T2DM crude prevalence increased from 6.7% to 12.1% (p < .001) from 2007 to 2017. The mean age of the sample analyzed was 60.6 (SD = 9.7). Age-adjusted T2DM prevalence increased from 6.7% to 10.8% (p < .002). T2DM was 5.7%-5.5% among males (p < .53) and 7.1%-13.6% among females (p < .001). Sex-specific OW and OB simulation studies indicate females had 7% less OW in 2007, and males were unchanged compared with 2017. OB among males and females was significantly higher in 2017 compared with 2007 (increased by 15.2% and 8.3%, males and females, respectively). Sexes combined OW + OB increased 12.7% among males but was unchanged in females (-0.5%). In the sexes combined analysis, OW prevalence increased 12.7% to 27.1% (p < .001) and OB prevalence increased 10.7%-27.9% (p < .001) from 2007 to 2017. HTN did not change significantly from 2007 to 2017 (15.4% and 14.6%, respectively) (p = .63) in adults. Among T2DM individuals, the frequency of HTN was not significantly different in 2007 and 2017 (57.1% and 37%, respectively) (p = .65). Transition to a Western diet consisting of high-carbohydrate foods occurred at the same time as increased T2DM from 2007 to 2017, with a higher prevalence of T2DM noted among females in 2017. An increased prevalence of T2DM, OW, and OB but not HTN was observed in the Mixe community from 2007 to 2017 and was associated with the adoption of a high-carbohydrate Western diet.

Seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity: results from a Nationwide Cohort Study

Background & aimsObesity has been linked to various detrimental health consequences. While there is established evidence of a negative correlation between seafood consumption and obesity in adults, the current research on the association between seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity is lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the association between seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity in a Chinese nationwide cohort.MethodsWe utilized data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from the year of 1997 to 2015. Seafood consumption was evaluated through 3-day 24-hour recalls. In our study, overweight/obesity status was determined based on the Chinese Criteria of Overweight and Obesity in School-age Children and Adolescents (WS/T 586–2018), while abdominal obesity status was determined according to the Chinese Criteria of Waist Circumference Screening Threshold among Children and Adolescents (WS/T 611–2018).ResultsDuring an average follow-up of 7.9 years, 404 cases developed overweight/obesity among 2206 participants in the seafood-overweight/obesity analysis, while 381 cases developed abdominal obesity among 2256 participants in the seafood-abdominal-obesity analysis. The high-consumer group was associated with 35% lower risk of overweight/obesity risk and 26% lower risk of abdominal obesity after fully adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, compared with the non-consumer group. Considering different cooking methods, boiled seafood consumption was associated with 43% lower risk of overweight/obesity and 23% lower risk of abdominal obesity in the fully adjusted model, while stir-fried seafood did not demonstrate a statistical significance.ConclusionHigher intake of seafood in childhood/adolescents, particularly in a boiled way, was associated with lower obesity risk.

The effectiveness of diet and exercise in the management of obesity

Background and objectives: Obesity is a growing global health problem and is becoming a significant challenge in the clinical and public health fields. One of the main concerns is the impact on an individual's quality of life. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions, including physical activity and diet, in the management of obesity. Methodology: The selected studies involved a population of adults who were obese (aged 18 years and over) and had made lifestyle modifications through pattern changes, eating, physical activity, or both. A total of 324 articles were screened, of which 25 were duplicates. After a screening process for suitability, 261 articles were excluded. A further 27 articles were excluded due to inappropriate study design or incomplete data. A total of 11 full-text articles were then reviewed and included in our analysis. The results showed that participants who followed a milk-based diet recorded a significant decrease in body weight of -1.16 kg (confidence interval -1.66, -0.66 kg; p &lt; 0.001) as well as a decrease in body fat mass of -1.49 kg (confidence interval -2.06, -0.92 kg; p &lt; 0.001). Participants who adopted an alternate day fasting (ADF) eating pattern achieved an average weight loss of -0.9% ± 0.6% in the low weight loss group and -9.9% ± 1.1% in the low weight loss group. Meanwhile, participants who restricted calorie intake (Caloric Restriction/CR) recorded a weight loss of -1.3% ± 0.7% in the low weight loss group and -9.2% ± 1.2% in the weight loss group tall body. Combining approximately 175 minutes of intense physical activity per week with a controlled diet results in significant weight loss of up to 5%. In conclusion, this systematic review confirms that the most effective approach in the management of obesity in adults is a combination of strength and cardiovascular training of at least 175 minutes per week and a low-calorie diet tailored to the individual's metabolic needs and health condition. Keywords: Obesity management; diet and exercise efficacy; obesity treatment; physical activity and weight loss

The infants' gut microbiome: setting the stage for the early onset of obesity.

In the past three decades, dietary and lifestyle changes worldwide have resulted in a global increase in the prevalence of obesity in both adults and children. Known to be highly influenced by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, obesity is characterized by a low-grade chronic inflammation that contributes to the development of other metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recently, the gut microbiome has been added as a cause/contributor to the development of obesity. As differences in the microbiome between obese and normoweight individuals have been observed, we set out to determine whether infants harbor an obesogenic microbiome early on and whether the pre-pregnancy status of the mother (obese or normoweight) is correlated to their infant's microbiome composition. Using shotgun sequencing, we analyzed stool samples throughout the first year of life from infants born to obese (n = 23 participants, m = 104 samples) and normoweight (n = 23 participants, m = 99 samples) mothers. We found that the infants' microbiome diversity at taxonomic and functional levels was significantly influenced by time (ANOVA p < 0.001) but not by the mother's pre-pregnancy status. Overall, no deterministic succession of taxa or functions was observed. However, infants born to obese mothers were found to have a significantly higher Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio (p = 0.02) at six months, were significantly depleted from six months old of the well-established obesity biomarkers Akkermansia municiphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p < 0.01), and were at one week old, significantly enriched in pathways such as the UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine biosynthesis II (p = 0.02) involved in leptin production, suggesting perhaps that there may exist some underlying mechanisms that dictate the development of an obesogenic microbiota early on.

Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) Levels in Obese and Overweight Adults: Correlations With Metabolic Syndrome and Inflammatory Markers.

Overweight and obesity are escalating public health concerns globally, and India is also experiencing a significant rise in thepopulation of overweight and obese people.Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a type of cytokine that hasgarnered attention in particularly obesity-related metabolic disturbances.This study aimed to assess TNF-α levels in overweight and obese adults and explore its correlation with metabolic syndrome and associated biochemical parameters in the northeastern Indian population. A comparative study was conducted involving 200 participants divided into four groups: 50 healthy controls, 50 overweight individuals, 50 obese individuals without metabolic syndrome and 50 obese individuals with metabolic syndrome. Serum TNF-α levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analyses, including glucose and lipid profiles, were performed using standard methods. TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in overweight individuals (128.5±35.7 pg/ml), obese individuals without metabolic syndrome (171.5±13.6 pg/ml), and obeseindividuals with metabolic syndrome (238.6±62 pg/ml) compared to normal subjects (controls; 21.7±11.8 pg/ml). Positive correlations were observed between TNF-α and body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), neck circumference, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and negative correlation was found high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Elevated TNF-α levels in overweight and obese individuals suggest its role in metabolic disturbances and immune activation within the adipose tissue. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring TNF-α as a potential biomarker for metabolic syndrome risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in the northeastern Indian population to mitigate the health impacts of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

Diabetes-specific formula with standard of care improves glycemic control, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes: results from a randomized controlled trial.

Medical nutrition therapy is important for diabetes management. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a diabetes-specific formula (DSF) on glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants (n = 235) were randomized to either DSF with standard of care (SOC) (DSF group; n = 117) or SOC only (control group; n = 118). The DSF group consumed one or two DSF servings daily as meal replacement or partial meal replacement. The assessments were done at baseline, on day 45, and on day 90. There were significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (-0.44% vs. -0.26%, p = 0.015, at day 45; -0.50% vs. -0.21%, p = 0.002, at day 90) and fasting blood glucose (-0.14 mmol/L vs. +0.32 mmol/L, p = 0.036, at day 90), as well as twofold greater weight loss (-1.30 kg vs. -0.61 kg, p < 0.001, at day 45; -1.74 kg vs. -0.76 kg, p < 0.001, at day 90) in the DSF group compared with the control group. The decrease in percent body fat and increase in percent fat-free mass at day 90 in the DSF group were almost twice that of the control group (1.44% vs. 0.79%, p = 0.047). In addition, the percent change in visceral adipose tissue at day 90 in the DSF group was several-fold lower than in the control group (-6.52% vs. -0.95%, p < 0.001). The DSF group also showed smaller waist and hip circumferences, and lower diastolic blood pressure than the control group (all overall p ≤ 0.045). DSF with SOC yielded significantly greater improvements than only SOC in glycemic control, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with T2D.

Aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise training and its outcomes on cardiovascular risk profile in overweight or obese adults via a CardioRACE trial: a gap.

Aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise training and its outcomes on cardiovascular risk profile in overweight or obese adults via a CardioRACE trial: a gap.