Overweight Condition Research Articles

Are Opera Singers Fit or Not?

Little information is available about the physical fitness of opera singers. The aim of this study is to measure cardiac engagement during rehearsals and to test both cardiovascular fitness and body composition in a group of opera singers. Thirty-two opera singers (17 female and 15 male) were enrolled for the assessment of body composition by bio impedance, of cardiovascular fitness by submaximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer and the physical effort during singing. Anthropometric parameters showed an overweight condition mainly due to an increase in fat mass. Watts reached during the cycle ergometer test were below the normal range for the general population. During rehearsals, singers have reached 95% of the maximum heart rate. Nowadays, opera singers show low levels of physical fitness, but singing is an activity that requires a high heart effort. Therefore, it is recommended to involve such professionals in a gradual and individualized physical training program in order to avoid fatigue during performances and achieve a better singing performance.

Use of reduced-energy content maintenance diets for modest weight reduction in overweight cats and dogs

One option for controlled weight loss for dogs and cats in overweight condition could be to modestly restrict caloric intake using a reduced-energy (‘light’) maintenance diet, but there is no prior research on the safety and efficacy of such an approach. A prospective observational cohort study was performed in 67 overweight dogs and 17 overweight cats undergoing weight loss using reduced-energy maintenance diets from one manufacturer. Diets were fed at approximately 80% of maintenance energy requirements for ideal bodyweight for a period of 8 weeks. Essential nutrient intake was estimated for each dog and cat and compared with minimum requirement (MR) or adequate intake (AI, when no MR had been demonstrated) as set by the National Research Council in 2006. Weight loss was seen in 56/67 dogs (84%), losing a median of 4.7% (range 15.2% loss to 10.0% gain) of their starting body weight (SBW). Weight loss was also seen in all 17 cats, losing a median of 6.4% (range 2.0 loss to 15.2% loss) of SBW. Of the essential nutrients examined, only selenium, choline, potassium, and riboflavin were less than NRC recommendations in a minority of animals. However, no signs of any nutrient deficiency were observed in any of the dogs or cats during the study. In summary, modestly energy restricting overweight dogs and cats when feeding a low-energy maintenance diet can induce weight loss and might be a useful initial step for weight management. Although no adverse effects were seen, borderline intake of some micronutrients warrants further consideration.

Compartmental fat distribution in the abdomen of dogs relative to overall body fat composition

BackgroundAdipose tissue may have different metabolic and endocrine functions depending on the region of the body in which it is located. While visceral or intra-abdominal fat has been found to contribute to leptin concentrations, insulin resistance and obesity-related diseases, there are only a few imaging studies documenting the preferential distribution of body fat to either the intra-abdominal or subcutaneous compartments in dogs. This study aimed to determine if CT-measured abdominal fat distributed preferentially to the visceral space (V) relative to the subcutaneous space (SQ), with increasing DXA-determined total body fat percentage; and if ultrasound measurements of the ventral midline subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose thickness (VAT) can be used to estimate the distribution of fat to the subcutaneous and visceral abdominal spaces, in a sample of 22 dogs with variable body condition.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed no statistically significant correlation between visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio (V/SQ) and increasing total body fat percentage (β = − 0.07, p = 0.733), but strong correlation with age (β = 0.71 p = 0.002). A substantial amount of variation for the ultrasound visceral adipose thickness to subcutaneous fat thickness (VAT/SAT) could be explained by both CT V/SQ and sex (R2Adjusted = 0.477, p = 0.001), with female dogs having significant lower VAT/SAT ratios compared to the male dogs (p = 0.047). The ultrasound fat measurements appeared moderately reliable, but a larger sample number is required to confirm this.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that dogs with a relatively healthy to slightly overweight body condition score, distribute fat relatively similarly between their peritoneal (visceral) and subcutaneous abdominal compartments with increasing total body fat percentage. However, there was increased fat distribution to the peritoneal space relative to the subcutaneous space with increasing age. Further, abdominal ultrasound may be useful in estimating the ratio of fat distribution to both the abdominal visceral and subcutaneous spaces.

"They Eat What They Eat, I Eat What I Eat": Examining the Perspectives and Experiences of African Americans Who Adopt Plant-Based Diets.

Adopting a plant-rich or plant-based diet is one of the major recommendations for addressing obesity, overweight, and related health conditions in the United States. Currently, research on African Americans' food choices in the context of plant-based diets is limited. The primary aim of this study was to understand food-related experiences and perceptions of African Americans who were participating in the Nutritious Eating with Soul (NEW Soul) study, a culturally tailored dietary intervention focused on increasing the consumption of plant-based foods. The roles of gender and ethnicity were also examined to identify how eating patterns were chosen or maintained. Twenty-one African American adults in South Carolina, who were randomly assigned to either a vegan diet (n = 11) or a low-fat omnivorous diet (n = 10) in the NEW Soul study, completed one-on-one, qualitative interviews. Emerging themes included awareness, being in control, and identity. The study revealed that access to social support and coping strategies for addressing negative comments about plant-based food choices may be important components to include in future nutrition interventions focused on African Americans.

Vitamin D deficiency is not related to eating habits in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Background and aimsAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by the impairment of communication and social interaction and by repetitive, restricted and stereotyped interests. ASD is often accompanied by comorbidities; eating disorders are frequent and imply important nutritional deficits (i.e. deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids). Vitamin D has a critical role in neurodevelopment and serum levels in ASD are reported inadequate. A useful reference for setting up a correct diet in childhood is the food pyramid, which is inspired by the Mediterranean Diet (MD). The MD guarantees an intake of nutrients, considered optimal to maintain an adequate nutritional status. The aim of this study is to explore serum levels of Vitamin D and food habits (through MD adherence) in a sample of children with ASD and evaluate a possible correlation between these factors.Methodsstudy participants include 91 children 47 presenting ASD and 44 healthy typically-developing (TD) subjects, as control group. We evaluated serum level of Vitamin D in both group; anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index—BMI—and growth percentile) and MD adherence have been explored, in order to investigate the correlation among those data and level of Vitamin D in children with ASD. Lastly, the association between Vitamin D levels and severity of ASD symptoms has been analysed.Results and conclusion74% of ASD group presented blood levels of Vitamin D under 30 ng/ml (normal range 30–100 ng/ml). The analysis performed showed that the two groups were significant different regards Vitamin D levels (t = 2.24, p < 0.05), according to literature. 31.9% of children with ASD presented a condition of overweight and 12.6% a condition of obesity. Adherence to the MD was low in 25.5% of cases. No significant statistical correlation has been found between Vitamin D serum levels, anthropometric parameters and the adherence to MD in the ASD group.

Vitamin D Levels, Frequency of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms, and Associations with Overweight and Asthma in Brazilian Schoolchildren

Background: In children, nutritional status of vitamin D (vitD), frequency of vitD receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and their associations with overweight and asthma remain controversial. Objectives: To evaluate the nutritional status of vitD and the frequency of VDR gene polymorphisms, as well as identify their associations with nutritional status and asthma. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with schoolchildren (n = 262; mean age = 8.7 ± 1.3 years). Clinical history, anthropometric measurements, and serum 25-hydroxy vitD were evaluated. Four VDR gene polymorphisms were identified and genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes were calculated. Results: The serum vitD levels were found at 85.1%, within normal range. The FokI AA genotype was more frequent in asthmatics compared to healthy controls (10 vs. 1%, p < 0.05), while the GG genotype was less frequent (45.0 vs. 55.2%, p < 0.05). The frequency of the TT allele for the ApaI was higher among asthmatic eutrophic children (60.9 vs. 29.4%, p < 0.05) and that of the TT allele for the BsmI was higher among asthmatic overweight children (35.3 vs. 4.4%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Insufficiency in vitD was low. Two wild-type alleles (AA) of FokI were identified as risk factor for the development of asthma, while GG alleles appears to be a protective factor. To have polymorphic alleles (TT) of ApaI seems to be a risk factor for asthma in children with normal weight, while that of BsmI seems to be a risk factor for asthma in overweight condition. Serum vitD was not different among analyzed genotypes.

Being Overweight or Obese and the Development of Asthma

Although adult obesity has been associated with 250 000 new cases of asthma annually, the authors attempted to associate overweight and obesity with incident asthma and attributable risk in pediatric asthma in the United States.Subjects were 2- to 17-year-olds who were healthy weight compared with obese or overweight children.The PEDSnet clinical data system was employed to perform a retrospective cohort investigation to compare the incidence of asthma in overweight and/or obese versus healthy-weight 2- to 17-year-old children with asthma. Asthma was defined by ≥2 encounters, ≥1 asthma controller prescription, and/or stricter criteria encompassing spirometry. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses were used to determine incident asthma rates and risk ratio.By using data from >500 000 children with a mean observation period of 4 years, the risk for incident asthma was enhanced in overweight (relative risk [RR]: 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.25) and obese (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.18–1.34) children. The adjusted risk for asthma diagnosed by spirometry was enhanced among children with obesity (RR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16–1.42). Up to 27% of new asthma diagnoses in obese children is estimated to be directly related to obesity. An estimated 10% of all cases of asthma would be eliminated if overweight condition and/or obesity could be prevented.For childhood asthma, obesity is a preventable risk factor accessible to intervention.This study has multiple strengths. The robustness of this study includes rigorous analysis for asthma diagnosis by using 3 standard definitions and pairing children for demographic, insurance, and comorbidity confounders. These strengths are based on clinical and medical claims data, using the PEDSnet system from 8 large pediatric health systems. In summary, the researchers in this study provide abundant data with rigorous analysis of confounders, emphasizing the substantial independent attribution of obesity to incident asthma. With the prevalence of childhood obesity being 20% and obesity contributing to up to 27% of new cases of asthma, addressing this modifiable risk factor can have a significant impact on asthma.

Overweight in Young Athletes: New Predictive Model of Overfat Condition.

The aim of the study is to establish a simple and low-cost method that, associated with Body Mass Index (BMI), differentiates overweight conditions due to a prevalence of lean mass compared to an excess of fat mass during the evaluation of young athletes. 1046 young athletes (620 male, 426 female) aged between eight and 18 were enrolled. Body composition assessments were performed with anthropometry, circumferences, skinfold, and bioimpedance. Overweight was established with BMI, while overfat was established with the percentage of fat mass: 3.5% were underweight, 72.8% were normal weight, 20.1% were overweight, and 3.5% were obese according to BMI; according to the fat mass, 9.5% were under fat, 63.6% were normal fat, 16.2% were overfat, and 10.8% were obese. Differences in overfat prediction were found using BMI alone or with the addition of the triceps fold (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for BMI = 0.867 vs. AUC for BMI + TRICEPS = 0.955, p < 0.001). These results allowed the creation of a model factoring in age, sex, BMI, and triceps fold that could provide the probability that a young overweight athlete is also in an overfat condition. The calculated probability could reduce the risk of error in establishing the correct weight status of young athletes.

Exposure to parental smoking and children being overweight: residence as an effect modifier

The influence of parental smoking on overweight condition of children in Indonesia is poorly understood. We assessed the association between parental smoking and child being overweight (including obesity) in urban and rural areas. We performed a secondary analysis on the 2013 Riskesdas (or Basic Health Research), a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of the Indonesian population. Height, weight, information regarding parental smoking, and basic characteristics of the study population were collected from parents with children aged 0 to 5 years (n = 63,237) in 2013. Using logistic regression model adjusted for covariates, the odds ratios for smoking fathers, smoking mothers, and both parents smoking showed an association with a risk of overweight in their children. From the stratified analyses, children of smoking fathers, smoking mothers, and both parents smoking in urban areas (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.28 (1.17–1.40), 20.30 (8.93–46.16), 2.40 (1.71–3.37), respectively) were associated with higher odds of overweight than those in rural areas. Residence was found to be an effect modifier of the relationship between parental smoking and child being overweight. Smoking cessation/intervention program ought to be put in place for adults and prioritized to areas with increased likelihood of children being overweight.

Correlational study of the center of pressure measures of postural steadiness on five different standing tasks in overweight adults.

This study applied the posturography framework on five static standing tasks from the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Thirteen participants were recruited and the trajectory data of the center of pressure (CoP) were collected. To analyze the postural performance, two approaches were taken: the scores from the BBS and statistical analysis. For the statistical analysis, Spearman's method was applied to determine the correlation of CoP parameters. The results revealed the correlations between CoP parameters in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions, and on the statokinesgram (SK) plane for all tasks. To obtain the in-depth detail between normal weight and overweight groups, the differences in the postural control mechanism were defined by correlations of CoP parameters. The Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to define the difference in postural control in terms of difference in weight gain and standing task factors, while Cohen's d was used to investigate the influence of the difference in standing tasks and weight gain on postural control. The results showed that the correlations of CoP parameters could distinguish the balance impairment in the overweight condition from the normal postural control. Otherwise, the scores of BBS, the Mann-Whitney U test and Cohen's d did not separate this slightly compensatory movement during equilibrium. Therefore, the correlations of CoP parameters could provide more information to analyze the balance function in each individual, especially in terms of slight compensation.

Tipping the Scales: Effects of Gender, Rape Myth Acceptance, and Anti-Fat Attitudes on Judgments of Sexual Coercion Scenarios.

A damaging belief exists that to become a victim of sexual violence, victims must be deemed sexually desirable. As a result, sexual violations where the victims are individuals whom society may deem as less attractive-such as overweight women-may elicit less empathy for the victim or minimize the likelihood they are believed. Yet, there is some evidence that overweight women actually report higher rates of sexual violence than women of other weight categories. Although there has been some research implicating weight biases in sexual assault cases, this has not been extended to cases of sexual coercion despite their growing share of police reports. A sample of 168 participants were recruited from Canada via social media (n = 82) and through a midsized university in Ontario, Canada (n = 86). Using a mock jury paradigm, participants responded to a vignette depicting the sexual coercion of a thin or overweight woman. Participants reported their opinions on the sexual coercion scenario, and prejudicial attitudes, using two standardized scales. Men reported greater rape myth acceptance, anti-fat attitudes, and victim responsibility and endorsed significantly more perpetrator mitigating factors and expressed more negative affect toward the victim. Participants in the overweight condition also expressed greater perpetrator sympathy, greater perpetrator mitigation, and less negative affect toward the perpetrator. These results suggest that overweight women may face additional barriers when reporting their experiences of sexual coercion, particularly to men.

Arachidonic acid status negatively associates with forearm bone outcomes and glucose homeostasis in children with an overweight condition or obesity.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are implicated in musculoskeletal health in adults. This study examined whether fatty acid status relates to bone health outcomes in children with overweight condition or obesity (body mass index z score, 3.1 ± 0.1; age, 9.0 ± 0.2 years; n = 108). Nondominant forearm bone density (distal one-third), geometry (4% site), and soft tissue composition (66%) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile and indices of glucose homeostasis were measured. Differences in outcomes among RBC arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4n-6) tertiles were tested using mixed-model ANOVA. Ultra-, mid-, and total-distal forearm bone mineral content, adjusted for sex, age, percentage body fat, race, and forearm length, were 10% to 13% greater in children in the first AA tertile relative to the third. Children in the second tertile had the highest bone cross-sectional area and estimated strength at the 66% radius. Muscle cross-sectional area was 15% lower in the third tertile compared with the first, along with higher fasting insulin concentrations (27%) and homeostasis model of assessment estimate of insulin resistance (31%). Higher RBC AA status aligns with deficits in forearm bone mass, geometry, and muscle mass in children with excess adiposity and early signs of insulin resistance. Novelty Higher arachidonic acid status is associated with lower forearm bone mass in children with overweight condition or obesity. Children with higher arachidonic acid status had increased fasting insulin concentrations and indices of insulin resistance.

Body mass index as a driver of selection of biologic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Results from the US-CLARA study

PurposeBody mass index (BMI) demonstrated to influence the clinical response to different drugs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of BMI in the achievement of remission in active RA patients starting the treatment with abatacept. MethodsData regarding 130 RA patients enrolled in the UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) study were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were assessed at baseline (when starting abatacept treatment) and at 3- and 6-months. An extensive clinimetric evaluation, including a new ultrasound (US)/clinical composite disease activity index, termed US-CLARA, was performed at every timepoints. Outcome of interest of the study was the impact of BMI on the achievement of the Disease Activity Score 28-joints erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) or the ACR/EULAR Boolean remission criteria at 6 month. ResultsAt 6-month 26 out of 130 patients were defined as responders to abatacept. Comparing the baseline characteristics of responders to non-responders, US-CLARA showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The logistic regression analysis showed that the two indipendent variables, predictive of treatment response (keeping the DAS28-ESR and/or Boolean remission criteria as dependent variable), were the self-tender joint count assessment (p = 0.0412) and the ultrasound score (p = 0.0211). No other baseline variable, notably BMI, was associated to 6-month abatacept response. ConclusionsBMI does not influence the abatacept response in RA patients with active disease. During abatacept treatment, the clinical response can be achieved despite a condition of overweight or obesity.

Relationships between motor performance and body composition of school adolescents

Introduction: Motor coordination is a result of interactions between many body systems, producing accurate and balanced kinetic actions. The evaluation of motor performance levels in children and teenagers may conserve and improve health and life qualities. Body composition may interfere considerably in motor coordination, particularly in overweight and obese conditions.&#x0D; Objective: To analyse the relationships between motor performance and body composition in children.&#x0D; Methods: Motor coordination was evaluated through the Körperkoordinations test für Kinder (KTK test), considering the motor quotient (MQ) and body composition using the body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI).&#x0D; Results: BMI (38% and 36%) and BF% (28% and 22%), from boys and girls respectively, demonstrated that body composition is above the recommended. Girls presented MQ values lower than those observed in boys (p &lt; 0.001). The groups with BFPs below the recommended value showed higher values of MQ than the normal group (p&lt;0.05) and than children above the recommended ideal (p &lt; 0.05). A reverse correlation was observed between MQ with BF% (r = -0.432) or BMI (r = -0.254).&#x0D; Conclusion: There are relationships between body composition and motor coordination in teenagers between 11 and 14 years old, related or not to gender and age.&#x0D;

Burden of Disease Attributable to Obesity and Overweight in Colombia

ObjectivesTo estimate the burden of disease attributable to obesity and overweight conditions using disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in Colombia. MethodsThe burden of disease was estimated following an adapted methodology published by the World Health Organization. A selection of diseases was performed in which overweight and obesity are risk factors. DALYs were calculated by obtaining the proportion of cases and deaths of every disease that can be attributable to obesity and overweight conditions. The economic impact of obesity was calculated by multiplying the cost of care per patient for each comorbidity by the number of cases attributable exclusively to obesity. ResultsA total of 997 371 DALYs were estimated, 45% of which corresponded to men; 81% of DALYs corresponded to years lived with disability. Conditions with greater attributable DALYs are, in order, hypertension (31.6% of the total DALYs), type 2 diabetes mellitus (28.0%), cardiac ischemic disease (14.6%), and lower back pain (11.2%). An estimation of 20.5 DALYs per 1000 inhabitants was made. The economic impact of care for comorbidities associated with obesity could amount to $2158 million. ConclusionsObesity and overweight conditions are related to higher mortality and disability than previously estimated; effective interventions aimed at prevention and treatment will have a high impact on quality of life.

“Fat Kids Are Adorable”: The Experiences of Mothers Caring for Overweight Children in Indonesia

ABSTRACTThis study aims to explore mothers’ experiences in caring for overweight children under five years of age. This study used a descriptive phenomenology approach, with in-depth interviews with ten mothers who had overweight children under five years of age (2–5 years) selected by purposive sampling. The data was then analyzed using thematic analysis based on Collaizi’s approach. This study produced eight themes illustrating that mothers were not only unaware of the children’s overweight condition, but even felt more pleased to have overweight kids. This caused mothers not to give the optimum effort in limiting their children’s food intake. The low awareness mothers had towards their children’s overweight condition indicated the need for an intervention program that focuses on overweight children under five years of age to empower the family and increase family awareness in managing obesity early.

Effect of Prenatal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Children With Overweight Condition or Obesity

The blood pressure-lowering property of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in children and adults is known, and an observational study from the Netherlands has linked higher intrauterine DHA exposure to lower childhood blood pressure. However, the association of prenatal intake of DHA supplement with childhood blood pressure has not been evaluated in randomized clinical trials. To determine the effect of DHA supplementation during pregnancy on childhood blood pressure. This prespecified secondary analysis of the Kansas University DHA Outcome Study (KUDOS), a phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at several local hospitals in the Kansas City, Kansas, metropolitan area. Pregnant women (n = 350) were enrolled in the KUDOS trial between January 10, 2006, and November 17, 2009, and were followed up until their children were 18 months of age. During pregnancy, the women received either 3 capsules per day of placebo or 600 mg per day of DHA from a mean (SD) of 14.5 (3.7) weeks' (all before 20 weeks) gestation until birth. The parents of 190 children consented to additional follow-up of their children until 6 years, which ended April 29, 2016. Study personnel involved in testing were blind to the randomization until all children had completed the trial. Data analysis was performed from May 23, 2017, to July 10, 2018. Pregnant women were assigned to either 600 mg per day of DHA or a placebo that was half soy and half corn oil. Both placebo and DHA were provided in 3 capsules per day. Childhood blood pressure was a planned secondary outcome of a study powered to measure cognitive development. The hypothesis was that DHA would lower blood pressure prior to data analysis. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, and 6 years and were analyzed for possible covariates using mixed models to generate a final model. In total, 171 children (88 [51.5%] female) were included in this analysis. Of these children, 89 (52.0%) were randomized to the DHA group and 82 (47.9%) to the placebo group. A statistically significant interaction was found between treatment (placebo or DHA) and child weight status (5-year body mass index ≤85th or >85th percentile) for both SBP and DBP. Children who were overweight or obese whose mothers received placebo during pregnancy had higher SBP and DBP compared with children who were overweight or obese whose mothers received DHA (mean [SE] SBP, 104.28 [1.37] mm Hg vs 100.34 [1.02] mm Hg; DBP, 64.7 [1.23] mm Hg vs 59.76 [0.91] mm Hg). No differences in the SBP and DBP were found between children who were overweight or obese whose mothers received DHA and children who were not overweight or obese. In the mixed model analysis, the child's age at blood pressure measurement and the maternal prepregnancy body mass index were the only other statistically significant variables (child age, SBP: F = 7.385; P = .001; DBP: F = 7.39; P = .001; prepregnancy BMI, SBP: r = 0.284; P = .001; DBP: r = 0.216; P = .01). Maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake during pregnancy appeared to mitigate the association between childhood overweight condition or obesity and blood pressure. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02487771.

Relationship between minimally and ultra-processed food intake during pregnancy with obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food intake (considering the nature, extent, and purpose of food processing) during pregnancy and overweight, obesity, and gestational diabetes mellitus conditions. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 785 adult women in singleton pregnancies (between 24th and 39th weeks of gestation) in Brazil. Usual food intake was estimated by the Multiple Source Method, using two 24-hour dietary recalls. The food groups of interest in this study were the unprocessed or minimally processed foods and ultra-processed foods. The World Health Organization criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and the Atalah criteria for excess weight were used. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between energy contribution (%E) from foods with overweight and obesity conditions and, adjusted logistic regression models for gestational diabetes mellitus. In total, 32.1% participants were overweight, 24.6% were obese, and 17.7% of women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus . After adjustments, an inverse association between the highest tertile of %E from the intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and obesity was found [0.49 (0.30-0.79)]. Moreover, a positive association between the highest tertile of %E from ultra-processed food intake [3.06 (1.27-3.37)] and obesity was observed. No association between food intake (considering the nature, extent, and purpose of food processing) during pregnancy and overweight or gestational diabetes mellitus was found. The findings suggest a role of food processing in obesity but not in gestational diabetes mellitus. Further research is warranted to provide robust evidence on the relationship between the role of processed foods in obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Familial Background as a Hidden Cause for Obesity among College Going Girls

Background: Rapid changes in global economies and industrialization have resulted in switch from traditional diets and labor intensive life-style to consumption of modern calorierich diets loaded with fat and sugar contents, accompanied with sedentary lifestyle further leading to onset of numerous non-communicable, chronic disorders; obesity being one of them. This study aims at investigating risk posed by family history of obesity over the generations for inducing extreme overweight conditions among adolescent females of Delhi. Methods: Present work is a cross-sectional study conducted in Delhi (India) with sample size of 444 females aged between 18 - 22 years. Socio-demographic aspect along with lifestyle-related profile of participants was assessed using a self-administered proforma. Prior history of obesity among family members, if any, was noted as well, and anthropometric and physiologic measurements were recorded using well established customary techniques. Analysis was carried out in SPSS 20.0. Results: Participants holding a history for obesity in family were comparatively more obese than their counterparts. Positive family history for the same has been found possessing a notably closer association with elevated levels of adiposity determined by various physical and physiological variables. Conclusion: Family history of excessive fatness develops high risk of pathological manifestation for the same in upcoming generations that needs to be administered effectively—at individual or population level, and addressed efficiently by one’s family or by the prevailing governmental provisions.

Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs.

BackgroundThere is an association between overweight status and life span in kenneled dogs, but a similar association has not been reported for pet dogs.ObjectivesTo examine the effects of being overweight in middle age on the life span of neutered client‐owned dogs.AnimalsFifty‐thousand seven‐hundred eighty seven middle‐aged neutered client‐owned dogs attending a network of approximately 900 veterinary hospitals across North America.MethodsRetrospective case‐control study. For each of 12 breeds, groups of dogs aged between 6.5 and 8.5 years were identified as being in “overweight” or “normal” body condition. Within each breed and sex, differences in life span between dogs in normal body condition and overweight body condition in the 2 groups were then analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsFor all breeds, instantaneous risk of death for dogs in overweight body condition was greater than those in normal body condition throughout the age range studied, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.35 (99.79% confidence interval [CI] 1.05‐1.73) for German Shepherd dog to 2.86 (99.79% CI 2.14‐3.83) for Yorkshire Terrier. In all breeds, median life span was shorter in overweight compared with normal weight dogs, with the difference being greatest in Yorkshire Terriers (overweight: 13.7 years, 99.79% CI 13.3‐14.2; normal: 16.2 years, 99.79% CI 15.7‐16.5) and least in German Shepherd dogs (overweight: 12.1 years, 99.79% CI 11.8‐12.4; normal: 12.5 years, 99.79% CI 12.2‐12.9).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVeterinary professionals should consider promoting healthy body condition for dogs, particularly from midlife onward.