Optimal Body Weight Research Articles

Intermittent fasting two days versus one day per week, matched for total energy intake and expenditure, increases weight loss in overweight/obese men and women

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF), consisting of either a one-day (IF1) or two consecutive days (IF2) per week, is commonly used for optimal body weight loss. Our laboratory has previously shown an IF1 diet combined with 6d/week of protein pacing (P; 4–5 meals/day evenly spaced, ~ 30% protein/day) significantly enhances weight loss, body composition, and cardiometabolic health in obese men and women. Whether an IF1-P or IF2-P, matched for weekly energy intake (EI) and expenditure (EE), is superior for weight loss, body composition, and cardiometabolic health is unknown.MethodsThis randomized control study directly compared an IF1-P (n = 10) versus an IF2-P (n = 10) diet on weight loss and body composition, cardiovascular (blood pressure and lipids), hormone, and hunger responses in 20 overweight men and women during a 4-week weight loss period. Participants received weekly dietary counseling and monitoring of compliance from a registered dietitian. All outcome variables were assessed pre (week 0) and post (week 5).ResultsBoth groups significantly reduced body weight, waist circumference, percent body fat, fat mass, hunger, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and increased percent fat-free mass (p < 0.05). However, IF2-P resulted in significantly greater reductions in body weight (-29%) and waist circumference (-38%) compared to IF1-P (p < 0.05), and showed a strong tendency for greater reductions in fat mass, glucose, and hunger levels (p < 0.10) despite similar weekly total EI (IF1-P, 9058 ± 692 vs. IF2-P, 8389 ± 438 kcals/week; p = 0.90), EE (~ 300 kcals/day; p = 0.79), and hormone responses (p > 0.10).ConclusionsThese findings support short-term IF1-P and IF2-P to optimize weight loss and improve body composition, cardiometabolic health, and hunger management, with IF2-P providing enhanced benefits in overweight women and men.Trial registrationThis trial was registered March 03, 2020 at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04327141.

The Effect of Differences in Closed House Density on the Outlet Near Zone on the Finisher Phase Broiler Performance

Research on the Effect of Differences in Density of Closed House Cages in the Zone Near Outlet on Broiler Performance in the Finisher Phase, has been carried out for 40 days, from May 25, 2021 to July 3, 2021. The study was conducted at Farm H. Noto Miharjo Adiwarno Village, Buayan District, Kebumen Regency, Central Java. This study aims to determine the effect of differences in cage density in the zone near the outlet in the closed house cage on the performance of the finisher phase broiler chickens and to find out how much the density of the cage in the zone near the outlet in the closed house cage is capable of producing optimal finisher phase broiler performance. This research was conducted using the Experimental Method. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD), which consisted of 4 treatments, namely P0 (cage density 10 birds/meter2), P1 (cage density 12 birds/meter2), P2 (cage density 14 birds/meter2), and P3 (cage density 14 birds/meter2). cage 16 tails/meter2). Each treatment was repeated 5 times, and each replication consisted of a different number of boilers according to the density of the cage used. The observed variables were feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion. The data obtained were analyzed using variance, if there was an effect of treatment followed by Duncan's multiple area test. The conclusion of this study was the difference in density of closed house cages in the zone near the outlet had a significant effect on daily body weight gain, but had no significant effect on ration consumption and feed conversion. The cage density of 12 birds/meter2 can produce optimal body weight gain.Keywords: Closed house, outlet, broiler, feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion.

Effect of soy-based meal replacement on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analyses protocol.

Background: Obesity is a complex and multifactorial disease that is strongly associated with multiple comorbidities and mortality. Weight reduction in overweight and obese patients was highly desired to minimize future complications. Meal replacement is emerging as one of the effective tools to promote weight loss. Isoflavones and soy protein present in soybean are able to promote weight loss and alleviate obesity. Aim: Our systematic review aims to investigate the weight loss effect of soy-based meal replacement among the overweight and obese population. Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of RCTs that evaluated the effect of a soy-based meal replacement on weight loss in overweight and obese patients. The primary outcome of this review is weight loss. Besides that, we will assess BMI, body fat, waist circumference and hip circumference as the secondary outcome. We will search PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, review full texts, extract information and assess the risk of bias of individual studies. We will conduct meta-analyses using a random-effect model if sufficient data are available. If meta-analysis is not performed, we will present a systematic qualitative synthesis. Summary: This systematic review will identify the weight loss effect of soy-based meal replacement among the overweight and obese adult population. We expect the result may strengthen the evidence on the role of soy-based meal replacement in optimal body weight management.

Prophylactic Vaccine Targeting TLR3 on Dendritic Cells Ameliorates Eosinophilic Pneumonia in a Mouse SARS-CoV Infection Model.

Putative subcomponent vaccines of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus spike protein and ARNAX (TLR3-specific adjuvant for priming dendritic cells) were examined and compared with spike protein + Alum in a mouse BALB/c model. Survival, body weight, virus-neutralizing Ab titer in the blood, and viral titer in the lung were evaluated for prognosis markers. The infiltration degrees of eosinophils in the lung were histopathologically monitored at 10 d postinfection. The results were: (1) adjuvant was essential in vaccines to achieve a complete recovery from infection, (2) ARNAX displayed optimal body weight recovery compared with Alum, (3) ARNAX was optimal for the amelioration of eosinophilic pneumonia, and (4) the eosinophil infiltration score was not associated with the neutralizing Ab titer in the blood or viral titer in the lung. Although the pathological link between the TLR3 vaccine and lung eosinophil infiltration remains unclear, severe acute respiratory syndrome-mediated eosinophilic pneumonia can be blocked by the prior induction of dendritic cell priming by ARNAX.

The Role of Genetics in a Personalized Approach in Patients with Feeding Problems, Overweight and Obesity

Abstract Aim: For the last 20 years a large amount of data was gathered showing a genetic predisposition to overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate a personalized, genetic-based approach in normalizing the patients’ weight and eating habits. Materials and methods: Eight patients – seven women and one man – aged 28-51 years with BMI ranging from 17,58 to 38,95 kg/m2 were examined. Two of them were underweight, two – with normal weight, two – overweight, and two – obese. Patients were genotyped for: APOA2 (rs5082), ADIPOQ, (rs17300539), FTO (rs9939609), KCTD10 (rs10850219), LIPC (rs1800588), MMAB (rs2241201), PPARG (rs1801282), ANKK1/DRD2 (rs1800497), TAS2R38 (rs1726866), LEPR (rs2025804) and SLC2A2 (rs5400). Based on the genetic results, the type of diet (balanced, Mediterranean, low-fat and low-carbohydrate) was determined; the predisposition to unhealthy eating habits was described and followed by a genetic counseling to clarify the findings as well as a dietitian consultation to formulate a personalized diet. Results: Our results showed that the patients’ actual diet was equivocally different from the genetically determined one. Аll patients, except for one, had hereditary predispositions to a particular unhealthy eating habit. Conclusion: The inclusion of genetic testing and personalization of the diet facilitates the long-term maintenance of optimal body weight.

A systematic review of temporal body weight and dietary intake patterns in adults: implications on future public health nutrition interventions to promote healthy weight.

The global prevalence of overweight remains high; effective strategies that consider patterns of body weight changes to identify periods when adults are susceptible to weight gain are warranted. This systematic review aimed to investigate body weight patterns, and how they were associated with dietary intake and/or dietary behaviours (Prospero CRD42020161977). Systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases until November 2020. Observational studies in adults (18years and over) that reported at least two measurements of weight and dietary intake in a year were included. Risk of bias was conducted using the Evidence Analysis Library by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tool. This review included 16 unique studies after title, abstract, and full-text screening, and findings were narratively synthesised. Of the six studies conducted in the farming populations, five were conducted in countries with two seasons (dry vs. rainy seasons) and all studies observed higher body weight during the dry season (up to 3.1kg difference between seasons). The remaining study was conducted in a sub-tropical country and did not observe temporal weight patterns. Higher dietary intake was also reported during the dry season in the tropical countries. In non-farming populations (n = 10), temporal patterns were also seen, where higher body weight and adiposity was observed during colder seasons (autumn and winter). However, the opposite was found in a study conducted in Iran, where higher weight was seen in summer. Concurrent with higher body weight, higher energy, fat, carbohydrate and soda consumption, and lower fiber and vegetable intake were observed. Temporal weight and dietary patterns exist, and they were country- and context-specific; these patterns were also related to factors such as activity levels, seasons and occupation. Future interventions should consider temporal patterns in the design and delivery of timely and tailored dietary interventions to promote optimal body weight. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020161977.

The Impact of Vitamin K2 (Menaquionones) in Children’s Health and Diseases: A Review of the Literature

Vitamin K2 activates vitamin K-dependent proteins that support many biological functions, such as bone mineralization, the inhibition of vascular stiffness, the improvement of endothelial function, the maintenance of strong teeth, brain development, joint health, and optimal body weight. Due to the transformation of food habits in developed countries over the last five decades, vitamin K and, specifically, vitamin K2 intakes among parents and their offspring have decreased significantly, resulting in serious health implications. The therapeutics used in pediatric practice (antibiotics and glucocorticoids) are also to blame for this situation. Low vitamin K status is much more frequent in newborns, due to both endogenous and exogenous insufficiencies. Just after birth vitamin K stores are low, and since human milk is relatively poor in this nutrient, breast-fed infants are at particular risk of a bleeding disorder called vitamin K deficiency bleeding. A pilot study showed that better vitamin K status is associated with lower rate of low-energy fracture incidence. An ongoing clinical trial is intended to address whether vitamin K2 and D3 supplementation might positively impact the biological process of bone healing. Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) has a documented history of safe and effective use. The lack of adverse effects of MK-7 makes it the ideal choice for supplementation by pregnant and nursing women and children, both healthy and suffering from various malabsorptions and health disorders, such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, thalassemia major (TM), cystic fibrosis (CF), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and chronic liver diseases. Additionally, worthy of consideration is the use of vitamin K2 in obesity-related health outcomes.

Nutritional requirements for the elderly in India: A status paper.

Advances in the medical field and healthcare sector during the last few decades have resulted in increased longevity. Increased lifespans have in turn led to a rapid global rise of the elderly population. However, ensuring the health and quality of life, especially in the context of chronic age-related ailments, among the growing geriatric population is a challenge. Ageing is associated with several changes in body composition including a decline in the lean body mass usually accompanied by an increase in body fat content which have a bearing on the nutrient requirements for the elderly. The nutrient requirements currently recommended for Indian adults are primarily computed using a factorial approach, that considers the cumulative loss of nutrients and is adjusted for optimal body weights and bioavailability. It is logical that physiological and metabolic changes associated with ageing influence several of these factors: body weight, lean mass, energy expenditure, nutrient retention and bioavailability and thus alter nutrient requirements compared to the adult population. Acknowledging these age-related changes, some international organizations have suggested nutrient requirements specific to the elderly. Given the contextual differences in physiology, caution needs to be exercised in adopting these guidelines for the Indian elderly. In addition, in the Indian context, there is sparse information on the diet and nutrient intakes vis-à -vis nutritional status and physiology of the elderly. This status paper highlights some of the pertinent issues related to nutritional requirements for the elderly that advocate a need for deriving nutritional requirements for the elderly in India.

The interaction between stress and metabolic disruption in student population – preliminary study

Abstract Introduction: Approximately 26% of individuals between 18 and 24 years old are overweight or obese, and the number of persons with excessive body mass index (BMI) is growing. Obesity increases the risk of metabolic disruptions, which is well connected with mental health problems. Stressful situations, including entering adulthood and starting university education, affect food choices negatively. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between psychological stress and body composition in the student population. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 80 students (76% of women and 24% of men) between 19 and 28 years old from universities in Lublin. To determine anthropometric measurement (fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), total body water (TBW), intracellular (ICF) and extracellular (ECF) fluids), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method was applied. The severity of stress symptoms was measured using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Results: When it comes to 41.25% of participants, they used relaxation techniques, mainly meditation, yoga practice and walking. Most students had optimal body weight. While 60% of individuals had high stress levels. The perceived stress was not related to using the relaxation methods. Individuals with the high stress severity were characterized by lower: TBW, ECF and ICF expressed in liters, and lower FFM represented in kilograms. The inverse relationship between the severity of stress and the aforementioned parameters was also detected (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Implementing appropriate healt h education programs to prevent negat ive changes in ant hropometric measurements, psychological stress, and their health-related consequences in the student population should be considered.

The new dual gastric inhibitory peptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist tirzepatide in type 2 diabetes: Is the future bright?

Tirzepatide is a dual gastric inhibitory peptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 (GIP/GLP-1) receptor agonist formulated as a synthetic linear peptide, based on the native GIP sequence. It has a prolonged half-life of 5 days, which enables once-weekly dosing. Studies have hitherto demonstrated its superiority in achieving optimal glycaemic control and body weight management, as compared with various agents used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including GLP-1 receptor agonists. Thus, it is expected to enrich our therapeutic armamentarium in T2DM. However, further experience, notably longer follow-up data and information on cardiovascular effects, is still needed.

Reference Curves of Selected Circumferential Parameters for Czech Children Aged 6 to 11 Years.

(1) Background/objective: the globally discussed current issue is the increasing body weight of the population. This trend is observed in all age categories. Pediatricians and anthropologists use BMI percentile curves to determine the optimal body weight of children, based on which the child is categorized in the category of underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Medical or anthropological examinations also use some methods to determine the amount of body fat. In addition to evaluating amounts of body fat, it is important to assess its distribution. The distribution of fat in the body, especially in terms of disproportionate distribution, is a risk factor for health complications, especially in terms of metabolic and health risk. Part of monitoring children’s growth is also measuring and evaluating circumferential parameters, such as abdominal circumference, gluteal circumference, and waist circumference. This study aimed to define age- and gender-specific reference curves for waist circumference (WC), abdominal circumference (AbC), and gluteal circumference (GC) in Czech children. (2) Methods: data on children’s circumferential parameters were collected via anthropometric measurements. The research sample consisted of 2093 children aged 6–11 years (boys, n = 1008; girls, n = 1085). Only children with parental informed consent were included. The statistical analysis was performed separately by age and gender using SPSS v. 22. Anthropometric data were summarized by mean and standard deviation. The percentile curves of WC, AbC, and GC were calculated (P3, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90, P97) in R 3.4.2 software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) using the gamlss package. (3) Results and conclusions: the study developed age- and gender-specific percentile curves of WC, AbC, and GC for Czech children aged 6–11 years. All parameters increased with age in both boys and girls. Generally, the boys had higher WC and AbC than did girls, but girls had higher GC than did boys. Female and male median WC percentiles (M) increased from the age of 6. Both girls’ and boys’ median percentiles showed a continuous increase. We found similar trends in the median GC and AbC percentile curves. All percentile curves showed similar trends in both sexes, but the 90th and 97th WC percentiles in boys were exceptions: from the age of 10, they exceeded the values of girls, reaching their peak at the age of 11 followed by a decrease in the case of the 97th percentile and a plateau in the case of the 90th percentile. This study serves as a reference to enrich the methods of evaluation of somatic and medical status in Czech children. Up–to–date percentile curves would be a practical addition to the BMI percentiles for the screening and evaluation of overweight and obese conditions and the related risks of abdominal obesity in the pediatric population.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CLUSTERING OF LIFESTYLE RISK BEHAVIOURS AND RISK OF BEING OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE ENROLLED IN A NOVEL PEDIATRIC EXERCISE MEDICINE PROGRAM

<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> Children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at a higher risk of being overweight or obese. Lifestyle risk behaviours are prevalent in this population and limited information is known about how the clustering of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours impact patients' weight status. Objective: To determine the association between unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and risk of being overweight or obese in pediatric patients with CHD. <h3>METHODS AND RESULTS</h3> We performed a cross-sectional analysis of children and adolescents (ages 8-17 years) referred from outpatient cardiology clinics who successfully enrolled in the Exercise Medicine (EM) Program at the Hospital for Sick Children between January 2018 – February 2020. Patients' demographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometry, and lifestyle behaviour data were retrospectively collected. CHD severity status was classified as simple, moderate, and severe based on the Bethesda Classification. The exposure variable was clustering of lifestyle risk behaviours (physical inactivity, excessive screen time, unhealthy dietary intake, and poor sleep hygiene). Participants were categorized into two groups: lesser clustering (one or two lifestyle risk behaviours) or greater clustering (three or four lifestyle risk behaviours). The outcome variable was body mass index z-score (zBMI) and patients were categorized into either normal body weight (-2 < zBMI < 2) or overweight/obese (>2 zBMI). Final multivariable logistic model was adjusted for age, sex, and CHD severity. There were 53 CHD patients included in the analysis. The mean age was 13±3 years, 27 (49%) were male, 19 (36%) were taking cardiac medication, and 30 (57%) had documented comorbidities. The proportion of simple, moderate, and severe CHD was 15%, 42%, and 43%, respectively. The proportion of patients with normal body weight was 72%, while 28% were overweight/obese. Of the 53 patients, 21 (53%) had greater clustering of unhealthy lifestyle patterns while 25 (48%) had lesser clustering. In our final multivariable logistic model, participants with greater clustering of lifestyle risk behaviours had 7.4 times the odds of being overweight/obese (95% CI 1.5, 54.4, P=0.025) than those participants with lesser clustering of lifestyle risk behaviours (Table 1). Age, sex, and CHD severity were not associated with weight status. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Clustering of multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviour patterns are prevalent among children with CHD and this is associated with increased risk of being overweight/obese. Timely identification of lifestyle risk behaviours and targeted intervention through personalized lifestyle counseling and physical activity promotion may be an effective strategy to optimize body weight.

Associations of body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio with cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults: Based on the CLHLS

BackgroundFew studies have been conducted on the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) with cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults through a prospective design. ObjectiveThis study was aimed to evaluate the associations of BMI, WC, and WHtR with cognitive impairment. MethodsWe included participants aged 65 years and older in 2014 at baseline and 2018 follow-up surveys of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). BMI, WC, and WHtR were calculated from measured weight, height, and waist circumference. Mini-Mental State Examination was utilized to assess cognitive impairment. Modified Poisson regression was used for calculating prevalence ratios, risk ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. ResultsA total of 5156 participants were included in 2014 at baseline. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 42.5%, 26.7%, and 21.2% in underweight, normal-weight, and overweight/obesity participants defined by BMI categories, respectively, and 24.1% and 26.8% in central obesity participants defined by WC and WHtR cutoffs, respectively. Prospectively, participants with underweight were more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment (RR = 1.258, 95% CI: [1.016, 1.559]), but no risk was found among participants with overweight/obesity after adjustment. Regardless of whether covariates were adjusted or not, no effect on cognitive impairment was found in participants with WC and WHtR groups in the follow-up survey. ConclusionsUnderweight may be a significant risk factor for the cognitive impairment of Chinese older adults. Weight management programs targeting older adults should attach importance to achieving and maintaining optimal body weight and improving cognitive function.

Caution, \u201cnormal\u201d BMI: health risks associated with potentially masked individual underweight\u2014EPMA Position Paper 2021

An increasing interest in a healthy lifestyle raises questions about optimal body weight. Evidently, it should be clearly discriminated between the standardised “normal” body weight and individually optimal weight. To this end, the basic principle of personalised medicine “one size does not fit all” has to be applied. Contextually, “normal” but e.g. borderline body mass index might be optimal for one person but apparently suboptimal for another one strongly depending on the individual genetic predisposition, geographic origin, cultural and nutritional habits and relevant lifestyle parameters—all included into comprehensive individual patient profile. Even if only slightly deviant, both overweight and underweight are acknowledged risk factors for a shifted metabolism which, if being not optimised, may strongly contribute to the development and progression of severe pathologies. Development of innovative screening programmes is essential to promote population health by application of health risks assessment, individualised patient profiling and multi-parametric analysis, further used for cost-effective targeted prevention and treatments tailored to the person. The following healthcare areas are considered to be potentially strongly benefiting from the above proposed measures: suboptimal health conditions, sports medicine, stress overload and associated complications, planned pregnancies, periodontal health and dentistry, sleep medicine, eye health and disorders, inflammatory disorders, healing and pain management, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancers, psychiatric and neurologic disorders, stroke of known and unknown aetiology, improved individual and population outcomes under pandemic conditions such as COVID-19. In a long-term way, a significantly improved healthcare economy is one of benefits of the proposed paradigm shift from reactive to Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine (PPPM/3PM). A tight collaboration between all stakeholders including scientific community, healthcare givers, patient organisations, policy-makers and educators is essential for the smooth implementation of 3PM concepts in daily practice.

Above 40% of Polish children and young adults with type 1 diabetes achieve international HbA1c target - results of a nationwide cross-sectional evaluation of glycemic control: The PolPeDiab HbA1c study.

Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) (16-18 y.o.) present worst disease control of all age groups and need structured interventions. Those should be based on unbiased, national-scale outcomes, which have not yet been successfully assessed in Poland. To evaluate the glycemic control in young patients with T1D in Poland. All pediatric diabetes care centers and the nine largest centers for adults with T1D were invited to this cross-sectional study, conducted in March 2018. Eligibility was defined as age ≤ 30 years and diabetes duration ≥1 year. Blinded samples of capillary blood and clinical questionnaires were sent to coordinating center, where HbA1c was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Nine adult and 25/28 pediatric centers participated, providing data for 1255 patients (50.8% males), mean age 12.3 years (95%CI:12.1-12.6) for children and 23.2 years (22.9-23.6) for adults; mean diabetes duration 7.1 years (6.8-7.3). This covered ~8% of pediatric population and 2% of 18-30-years-olds with T1D. Mean HbA1c was comparable between children and adults (57 mmol/mol [7.4%], 95%CI:56-57 mmol/mol [7.3-7.4%] vs. 57 mmol/mol [7.4%], 95%CI:56-60 mmol/mol [7.3-7.6%], p=0.1870). Overall, 45.2% of patients achieved ISPAD target (<53 mmol/mol [<7.0%]). During the month preceding the study, 0.9% of patients experienced severe hypoglycemia and 0.4% suffered ketoacidosis. HbA1c was related to the method of insulin therapy, continuous glucose monitoring use and body weight (p < 0.0001). In Polish children and young adults with T1D glycemic control expressed as HbA1c is promising in the light of ISPAD guidelines. Our results confirm the known associations between better glycemic control and the use of new technologies and maintaining optimal body weight.

Poor Glycemic Control and Its Contributing Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Adama Hospital Medical College in East Ethiopia

BackgroundPoor glycemic control is a major public health issue among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a significant risk factor for the progression of diabetic complications. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and contributing factors of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients on follow-up at Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC) in East Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 type 2 diabetes patients on follow-up at AHMC from March 1 to 30, 2020. All type 2 diabetes patients on follow-up at AHMC and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and reviewing the patient chart. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The level of significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05.ResultsOf the 245 type 2 diabetes patients included in the study, 157 (64.1%) had poor glycemic control. The factors associated with poor glycemic control were being male (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI [1.24–4.21]), not attending formal education (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI [1.53–6.35]), monthly income of <136 USD (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI [1.17–3.91]), overweight (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI [1.32–5.10]) and obesity (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI [1.44–8.21]), and chewing khat (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI [1.04–7.33]).ConclusionThe proportion of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients at AHMC was remarkably high. Therefore, more effort should be taken to strengthening and disseminating health education programs for diabetes patients at each follow-up visit on the importance of achieving optimal body weight, avoiding khat chewing, and maintaining regular physical exercise to prevent and mitigate the complications resulting from poor glycemic control.

Parental control in children’s overweight and obesity prevention

Introduction. Proper nutrition is one of the fundamental factors necessary for the healthy growth and development of children. The aim of this study was to examine the role of overt and covert parental control in the formation of excess body mass index (BMI) (overweight or obesity) in children. Materials and methods. The study included 135 residents of the Republic of Bashkortostan who had 7-11 year children with a z-score for BMI of at least -1 (optimal body weight, overweight, obesity). The collection of primary data was carried out in 2019 through a questionnaire. Statistical processing of the data was performed using logistic regression analysis, where the presence of excess BMI (overweight or obesity) in a child was considered as a dependent variable, and 25 questions characterizing the use of overt and covert parental control over nutrition were considered as covariates (Birch L.L. et al., 2001 (Child Feeding Questionnaire); Ogden J., Reynolds R., and Smith A., 2006). Results. According to the data obtained, the risk of exceeding BMI in children increased if parents offered them their favourite food in exchange for good behaviour (overt control - restriction-reward) (B=0.361, p=0.016), and decreased if parents refrained from buying sweets and chips for home (covert control) (B=-0.374, p=0.033). Conclusion. Parents' use of covert controls in the form of abstaining from buying sweets and chips at home, as well as refusal of such explicit controls as using a child's favorite food in exchange for good behavior, make a significant contribution to preventing the formation of overweight and obesity in children.

Effect of Azolla (pinnata) Supplementation on the Haematological and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Deccani Ram Lambs Reared under Grazing Based Production System

Background: Most of the shepherds in Telangana follow extensive rearing system, thereby intake of nutrients by the animal is minimal while grazing. In this context, Azolla, an unconventional feed with high protein and nutritive value may meet the nutritional demand of sheep and help in gaining optimum body weight at an early age in grazing system of management. Therefore, the present study was aimed to study the changes in haematological and blood biochemical parameters of lambs with azolla meal supplementation under grazing based production system.Methods: Eighteen weaner ram lambs were divided in to three experimental groups i.e., T1, T2 and T3 with six lambs in each group, such that average group weights were uniform. T1 group was control with no azolla supplementation while in T2 and T3, azolla was supplemented at the rate of 10 and 20% of dry matter intake, respectively. Duration of experimental feeding was 120 days. The mean haematological and blood biochemical studies were done by collecting the blood samples before the start, in the middle and at the end of the experiment.Result: The haematological parameters like PCV, Hb, RBC and WBC showed no significant difference between the groups. The mean total protein at the end of the experiment was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in T3 group as compared to T2 and T1 groups. The mean albumin value in the middle and at the end of the experiment was non significantly higher in T3 group followed by T2 and T1 group. The mean BUN value at the end of the experiment was non significantly lower in T3 group followed by T2 and T1 group.

Body Composition in Elite Soccer Players from Youth to Senior Squad.

There is a strong relationship between body composition and performance in male soccer players. This study aimed to display an optimal body height and weight, and body composition profile of male soccer players for four competitive age groups. This cross-sectional study included four groups: U-15 (n = 152), U-17 (n = 154), U-19 (n = 61), and seniors (n = 27). Body height and weight were measured under standard conditions, and the bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) analyzed body composition. On average, soccer players in the U-15 group had significantly lower body height, weight, body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, fat-free mass, total body water and basal metabolic rate than U-17, U-19 and seniors, but a higher percentage of body fat than U-17 and U-19, p < 0.05. In addition, the results show significant non-linear increases in body height, weight and body composition as the age of soccer players increases, with the exception of the percentage of body fat mass, which tends to significantly decrease with age. The main findings of this study are that body fat mass remains stable and similar across all age groups, including in the senior squad.

The Optimal Valine to Lysine Ratio for Performance Parameters in Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryAnimal production has an impact on environmental issues, like global warming. Reducing the protein level in animal feed has the potential to decrease fecal and urinary nitrogen excretion and consequently reduces the environmental nitrogen load. The usage of crystalline L-valine is a potential solution to maintain growth performance of piglets when feeding low protein diets. Aim of this study was to determine the optimal valine requirement in weaned piglets. Therefore, 200 weaned piglets were allotted to five feeding groups and received diets with consecutive increasing amounts of L-valine. The supplementation of L-valine to a valine-deficient basal diet led to an increase in growth and feed intake of weaned piglets. Supplementary valine has the potential to decrease the amount of excess dietary nitrogen, namely through meeting valine requirements via supplementary valine instead of increasing dietary crude protein content.The optimal digestible (d) Valine (Val) to d Lysine (Lys) ratio (dVal:dLys) in weaned piglets was determined using two different regression models. A total of 200 piglets were allotted to five feeding groups and fed a corn-soybean meal based basal diet supplemented with consecutive increasing amounts of crystalline L-valine in order to reach dVal:dLys of 0.59, 0.63, 0.67, 0.71, 0.75 in the pre-starter (0–13 days) and 0.57, 0.62, 0.66, 0.70, 0.75 in the starter phase (13–43 days). In the starter phase and during the whole period, supplementing the basal diet with L-valine resulted in an improvement in body weight gain and feed intake. An exponential asymptotic (EA) and a curvilinear-plateau (CLP) regression model were fit to feed intake and body weight gain data. The estimated dVal:dLys for body weight gain was found to be 0.68 (EA, 95% of maximum response) and 0.67 (CLP) in the starter phase and 0.65 (EA, 95% of maximum response and CLP) in the total trial period. It is concluded that the supplementation of a valine-deficient basal diet for weaned piglets with L-valine improves the piglet’s weight gain and feed intake and that a dVal:dLys of 0.68 is recommended to optimize body weight gain.