Overweight Female Adolescents Research Articles

The influence of skipping exercise to body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness index in overweight female adolescents

<p><strong><em>ABSTRACT</em></strong></p><p><strong><em><br />Background: </em></strong><em>The<strong> </strong>overweight prevalence of adolescents in Indonesia from 2013 to 2018 experienced a significant rising as seen in 13-15 years old age group (expressed in percentage of 8.3 % in 2013 to 11.2 % in 2018) also in the 16-18 years old age group (expressed in percentage of 5.7 % in 2013 to 9.5 % in 2018). An increase of physical activity and improvement of food intake become one solid strategy to reduce the obesity prevalence on female adolescents. Skipping exercise method is able to increase the physical activity level on female adolescents and able to promote the improvement of body composition as well as cardiorespiratory fitness on female adolescents. </em></p><p><strong><em>Objective: </em></strong><em>analyzes the effect of skipping exercise to changes of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness on overweight female adolescents by intervention method. </em></p><p><strong><em>Method: </em></strong><em>subjects in this study were 28 female students from Junior High which experiencing overweight status and have age ranging from 15-17 years old and willing to participate in this research. Design of this study was a quasi experimental applied to 14 subjects within 1 skiping group and 14 subjects within 1 control group. The intervention group received skipping exercise with 4-8 minutes time duration, 3 times in a week for 8 weeks. Prior to intervention and after the intervention, subjects underwent a body composition measurement (body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass, and fat free mass) by employing the BIA, and a cardiorespiratory fitness index measurement by employing a modified Harvard Step Test method. </em></p><p><strong><em>Result: </em></strong><em>according to statistical test, there are significant differences found on body composition (body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass, and fat free mass) also in the cardiorespiratory fitness index, in before and after intervention to skipping group (p<0.05), while no significant difference found in control group (p>0.05). Skipping exercise method able to influence the reduction of body composition and an increase to cardiorespiratory fitness index </em><em>(P<0.05: R<sup>2</sup>).</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Conclution: </em></strong><em>Skipping exercise program has a significant effect on the body composition and on the cardiorespiratory fitness index. The skipping exercise is effective for improving body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness index. </em></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>KEYWORDS</strong><strong><em>: </em></strong><em>Overweight; body composition; cardiorespiratory fitness; Skipping</em></p>

Relationship Between Sedentary Lifestyle and Fiber Intake Primary Dysmenorrhoea in Overweight Adolescent Girls

Overweight female adolescents (FA) have a 36.8% risk of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) compared to FA with normal nutritional status. PD can be minimized by increasing daily physical activity and consumption of fiber found in vegetables and fruit by nutritional adequacy rates. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and daily fiber intake on PD in overweight FA in Padang. This research method is cross-sectional and conducted at MAN 1 and SMA 1 Muhammadiyah Padang. The research subjects were all female students who met the restriction criteria with a total of 38 people. Data collection was carried out by anthropometric measurements and interviews using the NRS, ASAQ, and SQ-FFQ questionnaires. The results of data analysis using the Spearman rank correlation test showed that there was a relationship between fiber intake and the pain scale in primary dysmenorrhea (p=0.007), and a sedentary lifestyle was not related to primary dysmenorrhea (p=0.73). The conclusion is that the primary dysmenorrhea pain scale is associated with daily fiber intake consumed according to the nutritional adequacy rates of overweight female adolescents in Padang.

Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan dengan Konsumsi Sugar Sweetened Beverages pada Remaja Putri Gizi Lebih di SMA Negeri 2 Nganjuk

Adolescents are included in one of the vulnerable groups experiencing nutritional problems. One of the nutritional problems that is often experienced by adolescents is over nutrition. Over nutrition can be caused by many factors, including excessive consumption of sugar sweetened beverages. The study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of knowledge and the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in overweight female adolescents at SMA Negeri 2 Nganjuk. This research is an observational study using a cross-sectional study design. The research was conducted from January to April 2023 at Nganjuk 2 Public High School. The population in this study were all female adolescents at SMA Negeri 2 Nganjuk aged 15-17 years who were overweight or obese. The sample in the study were 56 female students. Sampling was carried out using a proportional random sampling technique. The statistical test between variables uses the Chi-Square test on the IBM SPSS application. Based on the results of the analysis it is known that the level of knowledge has a statistical relationship (p-value 0.000 <0.05) with the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in overweight female adolescents at SMA Negeri 2 Nganjuk. The level of knowledge plays an important role in the pattern of consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in adolescents, therefore education about nutrition is needed as a preventive measure. Future research is expected to examine more factors that can influence the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in adolescents and can expand the population.

Pengaruh Yoga terhadap Tekanan Darah pada Remaja Putri yang Mengalami Kegemukan di SMPN 2 Jetis Kabupaten Bantul

Teenagers have a greater risk of being overweight than other age groups. Rates of diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and high blood pressure also increase along with obesity, and all three have the potential to become degenerative diseases in the future. Obesity in adolescents is associated with increased blood pressure. Yoga can help hypertensive patients reduce their anxiety and blood pressure. Yoga is one of the best ways to get in shape and reduce your body mass index and waist size. The design in this study uses a quasy experimental design. Using a time series approach with a comparison group (control time series design) with a pretest posttest control group. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a total sampling of 15 people in the treatment group and 15 people in the control group. Blood pressure measurement using a sphighmomanometer. Data analysis used the Pairet T-test. The study showed that there was an effect of yoga on blood pressure in female adolescents who were overweight both systolic and diastolic with the statistical significance of the Mann Whitney U p-value: 0.010 and 0.016 (<0.05). Conclusion: this study has the effect of yoga on blood pressure in overweight female adolescents at SMPN 2 Jetis, Bantul Regency

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN KONSELING GIZI TERHADAP PEMILIHAN MAKAN PADA REMAJA PUTRI OVERWEIGHT DAN OBESITAS

In Indonesia there are still many adolescents who experience multiple nutritional problems caused by the increasing number of population with more nutritional status, one of which is overweight. One of the causes of overweight is because of food selection. Food choices can be influenced by family eating habits, advertisements in various media, peers, and the environment. Nutrition counseling is a form of approach that aims to help clients/respondents identify and analyze problems with clients and provide alternative solutions to problems. The purpose of this study was to see the effect of providing nutritional counseling on food choices in overweight female adolescents. The method used in this research is literature review by collecting research journals or reviewing articles by searching the database using Google Scholar as many as 4 journals spanning 2017-2022. In this study, the provision of nutritional counseling can influence and change the choice of food for young women, who initially chose random food to choose good and healthy food. Keywords: nutrition counseling; overweight; youth; food

A single bout of endurance exercise decreases oxidative stress in young adults with overweight

This study aims to prove the effects of a single bout of endurance exercise on decreased oxidative stress in young adults with overweight. This study used the true experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group design. Twenty overweight women between the ages of 20 and 23 were recruited from college students and randomly divided into CON (n = 10, control group without exercise) and EEx (n = 10, endurance exercise group). The endurance exercise intervention is carried out once by running on a treadmill with an intensity of 60-70% HRmax for 40 minutes/exercise sessions. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a biomarker of oxidative stress were measured 30 minutes pre-exercise and 24 hours post-exercise using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARs) method. The results showed that MDA levels significantly decreased in the endurance training group compared to the control group. Results of analysis of MDA levels between pre-exercise and post-exercise in CON (819.00±66.47 vs. 853.00±113.55 ng/mL; (P > 0.05), EEx (810.00±120.19 vs. 596.00±67.57 ng/mL; (P < 0.05). Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that a single session of endurance exercise at an intensity of 60-70% HRmax for 40 minutes reduces oxidative stress in overweight adolescent females.

Comparison of mobile health education messages verses face-to-face consultation for weight reduction among overweight female adolescents in Thailand.

Background: Obesity is considered a significant public health problem in Thailand. This study was conducted to compare the impact of mobile health education messages verses face-to-face consultation on weight reduction among overweight female university students. Methods: This Quasi-experimental study comprised three groups: a control group, a group receiving mobile health education, and a group receiving face-to-face consultation. Each group contained 26 participants taking part over a period of 12 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up thereafter. The data analysis used two-way repeated measures ANOVA with least significant difference testing. The study was ethically approved at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Results: The results revealed that the intervention found significant results in weight reduction among the respondents ( p < 0.05). In addition, both intervention groups significantly improved their health belief, social support, and health behavior scores in comparison to the control group ( p < 0.001). The results show that the average scores for social support for eating and exercise at baseline were significantly lower than at post-intervention or follow-up ( p < 0.001). In addition, the results of both aspects of social support showed that the average social support score at post-intervention was significantly higher than at follow-up. Furthermore, the health behavior score measured post-intervention was higher than at follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in average metabolism during physical activity ( p < 0.001) but no statistical difference in average eating behavior score. Conclusion: The study found that the use of mobile health education to deliver health programs facilitates communication between the healthcare provider and individual, and can empower adolescent females in their pursuit of weight loss by improving their attitudes and knowledge, leading to better health behavior. Keywords Electronic health education, Facebook, health education, health belief model, social support, obesity, Thailand, health behaviors.

The Relationship of Body Image Satisfaction With Self-Esteem in Adolescent Women Who Experience Overweight

Adolescence is a transitional phase of development that connect childhood to adulthood. adolescents in the process of development experience various important changes including psychosocial and physical changes. The majority of teenagers will be concerned with their physical appearance with a proportional body shape so that it will be provide various images and perceptions about body shape. The aim of this study is unstable body image satisfaction and self-esteem experienced by overweight teenagers will bring negative effects, creating hindrance in the social life since they worry too much about the over-sized bodies. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between body image satisfaction and self-esteem among overweight female adolescents. Research design this study applied descriptive-correlation research design using cross-sectional approach. 51 respondents took part in this study and were chosen using purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using questionnaire. The data then were analyzed using both univariate analysis with frequency distribution and bivariate analysis using chi square statiscal test. The results showed that 27 respondents had positive body image satisfaction (52,9%), while 24 respondents had negative body image satisfaction (47,1%), 27 respondents had high self-esteem (52,9%), and where as 24 respondents had low self-esteem (47,1%). The result of statiscal test revealed that there was no correlation between body image satisfaction and self-esteem among overweight female adolescents (p-value 0,665 ˃ 0,05). The result of this study is expected to be used as a reference in developing knowledge regarding the correlation between body image satisfaction and self-esteem among overweight adolescent girls.

Comparison of mobile health education messages verses face-to-face consultation for weight reduction among overweight female adolescents in Thailand.

Background: Obesity is considered a significant public health problem in Thailand. This study was conducted to compare the impact of mobile health education messages verses face-to-face consultation on weight reduction among overweight female university students. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study comprised three groups: a control group, a group receiving mobile health education, and a group receiving face-to-face consultation. Each group contained 26 participants taking part over a period of 12 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up thereafter. The data analysis used two-way repeated measures ANOVA with least significant difference testing. The study was ethically approved at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Results: The results revealed that the group receiving mobile health education had the lowest average body mass index and waist-hip ratio after intervention ( p < 0.05). In addition, both intervention groups significantly improved their health belief, social support, and health behavior scores in comparison to the control group ( p < 0.001). The results show that the average scores for social support for eating and exercise at baseline were significantly lower than at post-intervention or follow-up ( p < 0.001). In addition, the results of both aspects of social support showed that the average social support score at post-intervention was significantly higher than at follow-up. Furthermore, the health behavior score measured post-intervention was higher than at follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in average metabolism during physical activity ( p < 0.001) but no statistical difference in average eating behavior score. Conclusion: The study found that the use of mobile health education to deliver health programs facilitates communication between the healthcare provider and individual, and can empower adolescent females in their pursuit of weight loss by improving their attitudes and knowledge, leading to better health behavior.

Metabolic Syndrome: Prevalence and Risk Factors among Adolescent Female Intermediate and Secondary Students in Saudi Arabia

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has become one of the major challenges to public health worldwide due to its significant association with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among children and adolescents. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of MS in Saudi adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two female National Guard schools (Um Kalthoom Intermediate School and Zainab Bint Jahsh Secondary School) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2018 and March 2018. Of the 808 female students, 172 (age range of 12–19 years) participated voluntarily, with consent from their guardian(s), fasted for at least 8 h prior to the study, and represent the final study sample. Male students were not included due to cultural constraints in conducting the study. Demographic data, physical measurement (blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)), and biochemical measurement (fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein) were obtained. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria was utilized in the diagnosis of MS. Results: Of the 172 female adolescents, 24 (13.75%) are overweight, 20 (11.63%) are obese, and 3 (1.74%) are underweight. High-fasting plasma glucose (n = 85, 49.41%) and high waist circumference (n = 74, 43.02%) were the most common risk factors of MS among female adolescents. The overall prevalence of MS was 7% (n = 12/172). MS is more common among those who are obese or among those with a BMI that falls at the ≥95th percentile (n = 6/20, 30.0%) (p < 0.05) as compared to those who are overweight with a BMI that falls within the 85th to <95th percentiles (n = 2/24, 8.33%). Interestingly, 3.20% of the sample (n = 4/125) with normal BMI were diagnosed with MS. Conclusions: Our study indicates that MS is common among obese and overweight female adolescents but is also present among those who are not obese or with normal BMI. Moreover, the prevalence of overweight, obese, and those with MS in this reference population are lower compared to the cities of Makkah and Riyadh; however, it varies widely around the world due to different criteria and cut-off values in the diagnosis of MS.

Effectiveness of Group Schema Therapy on Eating Attitude and Self-Regulation in Overweight Adolescent Females with Binge Eating Disorder

Background and Objective: Obesity and overweight are among the most common health problems in adolescence, which is rapidly increasing as a serious threat to health. Eating attitude is one of the most crucial issues in eating disorders that include beliefs, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships with food. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group schema-therapy on eating attitude and self-regulation of overweight adolescent females with binge eating disorder. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design with a three-month follow-up. In total, 30 female students were selected purposefully within the age range of 15-17 years and body mass index of 25-29.9 from high schools in Sari, Iran during 2018. Subsequently, according to the obtained score of 17 and higher in the binge eating scale, they were assigned into two experimental (n=15) and control groups (n=15) using a randomized complete block design. The experimental group participated in 13 group schema therapy sessions of 1.5 h weekly. Both groups were assessed again one week after the intervention and three months after the last session of the treatment. The data were collected using the Binge Eating Scale, Young Schemas Questionnaire with 90-question Short Form, Eating Attitude Test-26, and self-regulation questionnaire. Moreover, the data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) through repeated measures of ANOVA and covariance analysis. Results: The results indicated significant differences between pretest and posttest regarding the eating attitude and self-regulation scores in the experimental group, which were consistent until the follow-up stage (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it is recommended that clinical specialists use the group schema therapy approach in the treatment of people with binge eating disorder.

Association Between Adolescent Body Mass Index and Adulthood Smoking.

Studies increasingly find a prospective association between adolescent weight status and adverse physical health outcomes. However, less is known about the long-term consequences of adolescent body weight on the adoption of health-risk behaviors. This study sought to determine whether adolescent body mass index (BMI) was associated with cigarette smoking in adulthood. Six thousand six hundred eighty-three nonsmoking adolescents were interviewed at baseline (1996, age 11-20) and at follow-up (2008, age 24-32) as part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health. Logistic and fractional regression models tested the association between adolescent BMI and smoking status and frequency in adulthood. Respondent weight and height were measured at baseline and converted into age and sex-specific BMI z-scores. Being a smoker was defined as smoking at least once in the past 30 days, while smoking frequency was defined as the proportion of days smoked over the past 30 days. Both outcomes were measured at follow-up. Adolescent BMI was positively associated with the transition from nonsmoking to smoking 12 years later for women but not men. Adolescent BMI was also positively associated with smoking frequency among women smokers. Both associations persisted after adjusting for established risk factors and were robust to sensitivity analyses. Adolescent BMI was strongly associated with increased cigarette smoking behavior in adulthood for women, even after adjusting for important risk factors. Using a large, nationally representative sample, this study found that adolescent BMI was positively associated with smoking behavior during adulthood for women but not men. These results have potentially important public health implications for future smoking rates in the United States, as the prevalence of overweight and obesity among US adolescent females continues to grow. Thus, it may be important for smoking prevention interventions to prioritize overweight adolescent females moving forward.

Muscle irisin response to aerobic vs HIIT in overweight female adolescents

BackgroundExercise stimulates the production of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), which is cleaved to release a protein called irisin. This protein induces browning of white adipose tissue resulting in increased thermogenesis. Different studies have measured circulating irisin at baseline and in response to exercise among a wide variety of individuals; yet, regarding the effect of different exercise intensities in obese adolescent girls, limited insight is available. This study compares the effect of acute aerobic exercise of moderate intensity and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on irisin levels in skeletal muscle and plasma of sedentary overweight or obese female adolescents.MethodsThe aerobic group (n = 15) and HIIT group (n = 15) underwent anthropometric and metabolic measurements, electrocardiogram, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and two vastus lateralis muscle biopsies before and after session of workout. The session of aerobic exercise included cycling at 65% of their peak heart rate (HRpeak) for 40 min. In the HIIT group, exercise included six bouts of 1 min at 85–95% HRpeak separated by 1 min of recovery. Irisin levels were evaluated in samples of skeletal muscle (western blot) and plasma (ELISA).ResultsThe levels of expression of irisin in skeletal muscle increased significantly after a session of HIIT (p < 0.05), while aerobic exercise no affect irisin levels. No significant differences between the groups in plasma irisin levels were found.ConclusionsThe increase in muscle irisin levels was observed only following HIIT session. No increases in plasma irisin concentration were observed.

The Relationship Between Physical Self-Efficacy and VO2 max in Healthy Weight Versus Overweight Female Adolescents in Tehran

The Relationship Between Physical Self-Efficacy and VO2 max in Healthy Weight Versus Overweight Female Adolescents in Tehran

Brief report: A randomized controlled trial examining peer support and behavioral weight loss treatment

Peer support among adolescents has been positively associated with heath behaviors; however, enhancing peer support for weight loss has rarely been studied among adolescents. This study examined whether a peer support training component delivered to enhance a standard weight loss program led to improved outcomes. Forty-one overweight adolescent females were randomly assigned to a Standard or Enhanced Peer Support intervention. The Enhanced group received in person peer support skills training and practiced skills using social networking. At 16 weeks, participants in the Enhanced condition reported significantly increased perceptions of friend support. Both groups demonstrated significant weight loss (6.4 lbs, ± 8.3). Attendance and self-monitoring were associated with weight loss. Perceptions of peer support can be increased with a peer training component, but did not increase weight loss during the short term.

Normal-weight and overweight female adolescents with and without extreme weight-control behaviours: Emotional distress and body image concerns.

The objective of this study was to analyse emotional distress and concerns related to body image in 712 normal-weight and overweight adolescent girls. A total of 12.3 per cent of the normal-weight girls and 25 per cent of the overweight girls showed extreme weight-control behaviours. In normal-weight adolescents, their engagement in extreme weight-control behaviours was associated with high levels of somatic symptoms, a drive for thinness and control over eating. In overweight girls, high levels of drive for thinness and anxiety were associated with extreme weight-control behaviours. Finally, the implications for preventive and therapeutic programmes are discussed.

HPV Vaccine Status and BMI Correlation

Obese women are at increased risk of death from cervical cancer compared to non-obese women. Yet, research indicates a lower rate of cervical cancer screening among obese women, especially severely obese white women. Cited reasons for delaying screening include embarrassment, perceived weight stigma, lack of appropriately sized examination equipment and poor patient-provider communication. Parental acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for overweight adolescent females may decrease the incidence of cervical cancer among obese women in later years. This study seeks to determine the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status of females, ages 11 to 21 years, in a university-based pediatric practice and to determine the correlation between HPV vaccine status and body mass index (BMI). Methods: We reviewed 800 randomly selected paper medical charts of females, ages 11 to 21 years, enrolled in a university-based pediatric practice as of October 31, 2008. Data collected included age, height, weight, BMI, race, insurance carrier, immunizations, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and documentation of STI prevention counseling. Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations among risk factors and outcome variables. Results: 800 charts reviewed; 91 were incomplete due to missing documentation of immunizations. The remaining 709 charts included 338 (48.2%) African Americans; 302 (43.1%) Whites; 26 (3.7%) Hispanics; and 35 (5%) other. Approximately 28.2% had current HPV vaccine status. There was no correlation between HPV vaccination status and BMI (p >0.05).

A Primary Care–Based, Multicomponent Lifestyle Intervention for Overweight Adolescent Females

Most clinic-based weight control treatments for youth have been designed for preadolescent children by using family-based care. However, as adolescents become more autonomous and less motivated by parental influence, this strategy may be less appropriate. This study evaluated a primary care-based, multicomponent lifestyle intervention specifically tailored for overweight adolescent females. Adolescent girls (N = 208) 12 to 17 years of age (mean ± SD: 14.1 ± 1.4 years), with a mean ± SD BMI percentile of 97.09 ± 2.27, were assigned randomly to the intervention or usual care control group. The gender and developmentally tailored intervention included a focus on adoptable healthy lifestyle behaviors and was reinforced by ongoing feedback from the teen's primary care physician. Of those randomized, 195 (94%) completed the 6-month posttreatment assessment, and 173 (83%) completed the 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was reduction in BMI z score. The decrease in BMI z score over time was significantly greater for intervention participants compared with usual care participants (-0.15 in BMI z score among intervention participants compared with -0.08 among usual care participants; P = .012). The 2 groups did not differ in secondary metabolic or psychosocial outcomes. Compared with usual care, intervention participants reported less reduction in frequency of family meals and less fast-food intake. A 5-month, medium-intensity, primary care-based, multicomponent behavioral intervention was associated with significant and sustained decreases in BMI z scores among obese adolescent girls compared with those receiving usual care.

Body fat location and cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight female adolescents and eutrophic female adolescents with a high percentage of body fat

Excessive body fat, mainly abdominal fat, is associated with higher cardiovascular risk. However, a fat localisation measurement that would be more indicative of risk in adolescents has not yet been established. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the correlation between body fat location measurements and cardiovascular disease risk factors in female adolescents. A total of 113 girls - 38 eutrophic according to their body mass index but with a high percentage of body fat, 40 eutrophic with adequate body fat, and 35 with excessive weight - were evaluated using 15 anthropometrical measurements and 10 cardiovascular risk factors. The central skinfold was the best measurement for predicting variables such as glycaemia and high-density lipoprotein; waist circumference for insulin and homeostasis model assessment; coronal diameter for total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein; sagittal abdominal diameter for triglycerides and leptin; hip circumference for blood pressure; and the central/peripheral skinfold ratio for homocysteine. The correlation between the measurements and the number of risk factors showed that waist circumference and the waist/stature ratio produced the best results. The results suggest that the body fat distribution in adolescents is relevant in the development of cardiovascular risk factors. Simple measurements such as waist circumference and the waist/stature ratio were the best predictors of a risk of disease and they should therefore be associated with the body mass index in clinical practice in order to identify those adolescents at higher risk.

Effect of Weight Loss on Menstrual Function in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Study Objective To compare the effects of a hypocaloric low-fat diet with those of a very low carbohydrate diet on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and menstrual function in overweight adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design Randomized pilot trial of two diets in a prospective, 12-week study. Setting A hospital-based, academic adolescent medicine division. Participants 24 females, age 12-22 years (mean 15.8 ± 2.2), with PCOS and a BMI above the 85 th percentile for age (mean 35.7 ± 6.0 kg/m 2). Interventions Nutrition counseling was given biweekly, and dietary compliance, menstrual history, and weight were recorded. WC was measured at the beginning and end of the study. Main Outcome Measures Changes in weight, BMI, WC, and improvement in menstrual function over the course of the study period. Results 16 participants completed the study. 12 completers menstruated during the study period, 8 with regularity. The number of periods over 3 months increased from 0.6 ± 0.6 pre-treatment to 1.6 ± 1.3 post-treatment ( P = 0.003). Overall, weight loss averaged 6.5% ( P < 0.0001) and the WC decreased by an average of 5.7 ± 7.7 cm ( P = 0.01). Those who lost weight were 3.4 times more likely to have improved menstrual function ( P = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions Weight loss is feasible in adolescents with PCOS and results in significant improvements in BMI, WC, and menstrual function. Weight management may be preferable as first-line treatment in adolescents, because it targets both the menstrual dysfunction and risk factors for long-term morbidity associated with PCOS.