Overweight Women Research Articles

Using functional principal component analysis (FPCA) to quantify sitting patterns derived from wearable sensors

BackgroundSedentary behavior (SB) is a recognized risk factor for many chronic diseases. ActiGraph and activPAL are two commonly used wearable accelerometers in SB research. The former measures body movement and the latter measures body posture. The goal of the current study is to quantify the pattern and variation of movement (by ActiGraph activity counts) during activPAL-identified sitting events, and examine associations between patterns and health-related outcomes, such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP).MethodsThe current study included 314 overweight postmenopausal women, who were instructed to wear an activPAL (at thigh) and ActiGraph (at waist) simultaneously for 24 hours a day for a week under free-living conditions. ActiGraph and activPAL data were processed to obtain minute-level time-series outputs. Multilevel functional principal component analysis (MFPCA) was applied to minute-level ActiGraph activity counts within activPAL-identified sitting bouts to investigate variation in movement while sitting across subjects and days. The multilevel approach accounted for the nesting of days within subjects.ResultsAt least 90% of the overall variation of activity counts was explained by two subject-level principal components (PC) and six day-level PCs, hence dramatically reducing the dimensions from the original minute-level scale. The first subject-level PC captured patterns of fluctuation in movement during sitting, whereas the second subject-level PC delineated variation in movement during different lengths of sitting bouts: shorter (< 30 minutes), medium (30 -39 minutes) or longer (> 39 minute). The first subject-level PC scores showed positive association with DBP (standardized β^\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hat{\\beta }$$\\end{document}: 2.041, standard error: 0.607, adjusted p = 0.007), which implied that lower activity counts (during sitting) were associated with higher DBP.ConclusionIn this work we implemented MFPCA to identify variation in movement patterns during sitting bouts, and showed that these patterns were associated with cardiovascular health. Unlike existing methods, MFPCA does not require pre-specified cut-points to define activity intensity, and thus offers a novel powerful statistical tool to elucidate variation in SB patterns and health.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03473145; Registered 22 March 2018; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03473145; International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/28684

Effect on blood lipids and body composition of a high-fat (MUFA) and high-fiber diet: A case-control study.

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. In Spain, according to WHO criteria, the MetS prevalence is shown to be 32% in men and 29% in women. The role of dietary habits is one of the main therapeutic strategies for the management of MetS but the most effective dietary pattern has not been established yet. This study aimed to analyze the effect of on body composition, serum lipids, and MetS components of a high-MUFA and high-fiber diet (HMFD). A case-control study was performed considering 40 cohabiting women. Participants were randomly assigned to HMFD group or high mono-unsaturated diet (HMD) group to receive one of the two proposed dietary interventions. All data (serum lipids, blood pressure, height, weight, body composition, and waist circumference) were collected fasting at baseline, 55, 98, and 132 days. The HMFD group showed higher decrease in waist circumference than in the HMD group. LDL-C dropped in both groups. Triglycerides in the HMFD group dropped during the intervention, but once the intervention was over, they returned to baseline values. The mean systolic blood pressure was lower in HMFD group. A HMFD from a weekly consumption of processed meat (Torrezno de Soria) deeply fried in extra virgin olive oil in combination with vegetables logged in a Mediterranean diet can improve MetS risk factors in healthy overweight women.

The effect of exercise-oriented training on physical activity level and exercise awareness in overweight and obese women: A randomized-controlled trial

The effect of exercise-oriented training on physical activity level and exercise awareness in overweight and obese women: A randomized-controlled trial

Effect of weight loss on knee joint synovitis over 48 months and mediation by subcutaneous fat around the knee: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

BackgroundObesity influences the development of osteoarthritis via low-grade inflammation. Progression of local inflammation (= synovitis) increased with weight gain in overweight and obese women compared to stable weight. Synovitis could be associated with subcutaneous fat (SCF) around the knee. Purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of weight loss on synovitis progression and to assess whether SCF around the knee mediates the relationship between weight loss and synovitis progression.MethodsWe included 234 overweight and obese participants (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) with > 10% weight loss (n = 117) or stable overweight (< ± 3% change, n = 117) over 48 months matched for age and sex. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 48 months, effusion-synovitis and Hoffa-synovitis using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) and average joint-adjacent SCF (ajSCF) were assessed. Odds-ratios (ORs) for synovitis progression over 48 months (≥ 1 score increase) were calculated in logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, baseline BMI, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and baseline SCF measurements. Mediation of the effect of weight loss on synovitis progression by local SCF change was assessed.ResultsOdds for effusion-synovitis progression decreased with weight loss and ajSCF decrease (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61 and 0.56 per standard deviation [SD] change, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44, 0.83 and 0.40, 0.79, p = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively), whereas odds for Hoffa-synovitis progression increased with weight loss and ajSCF decrease (OR = 1.47 and 1.48, CI 1.05, 2.04 and 1.02, 2.13, p = 0.024 and 0.038, respectively). AjSCF decrease mediated 39% of the effect of weight loss on effusion-synovitis progression.ConclusionsEffusion-synovitis progression was slowed by weight loss and decrease in local subcutaneous fat. Hoffa-synovitis characterized by fluid in the infrapatellar fat pad increased at the same time, suggesting a decreasing fat pad rather than active synovitis. Decrease in local subcutaneous fat partially mediated the systemic effect of weight loss on synovitis.

The 40-min HIIT acutely induced bone formation which was likely through the increases in muscle derived interleukin 6 and adiponectin activation: The 16 weeks of HIIT intervention, longitudinal randomized controlled trial

PurposeThere is some controversy regarding cytokines released from adipocytes, particularly adiponectin, leptin, and IL6 that regulate bone remodeling. In addition, IL6 is released from muscle contraction, which might have a distinct role in bone remodeling. Hence, this study investigated whether muscle contraction during a session of 40 min of high intensity interval training (40-min HIIT) and after 16 weeks of HIIT (16-wk HIIT) altered the release of those cytokines and bone remodeling in overweight women. MethodsIn total, 22 overweight, premenopausal women were randomly assigned to either the exercise or the control group. The exercise participants engaged in the 40-min HIIT session at 80–90 % of their heart rate reserve (HRR) three times weekly for 16 weeks, while the control participants performed their routine daily activities. Blood was drawn after overnight fasting and immediately after completing the 40-min HIIT sessions to investigate the association of adiponectin, leptin, IL6, CTX, and P1NP through the acute effect of the 40-min HIIT sessions. This process was repeated after the 16-wk intervention program to observe the training effect of HIIT on cytokines linkage. The bone mineral density (BMD) levels of the distal tibia, femur, and lumbar spine were determined prior to and after the 16-wk intervention using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ResultsThe P1NP level increased by 8.29–20.52 % (95 % CI) and by 2.91–15.54 % after completing the first and last bouts of the 40-min HIIT sessions, respectively. In addition, IL6 increased by 13.39–28.03 % (95 % CI), while serum CTX and adiponectin were unaltered from the acute effect of the 40-min HIIT sessions. There was an association between the increases in P1NP and adiponectin (r = 0.682, p = 0.015); however, the increase in P1NP was mostly associated with the increase in IL6 (r = 0.572, p = 0.054) after completing a 40-min HIIT session. After the 16-wk HIIT program, the resting adiponectin level of the exercise participants increased; however, this was associated with neither bone biomarkers nor BMD. The BMDs of the exercise participants were maintained; however, the tibial BMD of the control participants decreased with an increase in the resting CTX level after 16 weeks. ConclusionMuscle contraction during the 40-min HIIT session elevated the IL6 level, which might have subsequently enhanced bone formation. Furthermore, the association between acute changes in adiponectin and P1NP suggested the possibility of an increase in the sensitivity of the adiponectin receptor in osteoblasts.

Dietary Supplementation of Myo-Inositol, Cocoa Polyphenols, and Soy Isoflavones Improves Vasomotor Symptoms and Metabolic Profile in Menopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

Background and Objectives: Hormonal changes physiologically occurring in menopausal women may increase the risk of developing metabolic and vasomotor disturbances, which contribute to increase the risk of developing other concomitant pathologies, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Materials and Methods: Retrospective data from 200 menopausal women with MetS and vasomotor symptoms taking one sachet per day of the dietary supplement INOFOLIC® NRT (Farmares srl, Rome, Italy) were collected. Each sachet consisted of myo-Inositol (2000 mg), cocoa polyphenols (30 mg), and soy isoflavones (80 mg, of which 50 mg is genistin). Patients recorded their symptoms through a medical questionnaire at the beginning of the administration (T0) and after 6 months (T1). Results: We observed an improvement in both the frequency and the severity of hot flushes: increased percentage of 2-3 hot flushes (28 at T0 vs. 65% at T1, p value < 0.001) and decreased percentage of 4-9 hot flushes (54% at T0 vs. 18% at T1, p value < 0.001). Moreover, symptoms of depression improved after supplementation (87% at T0 vs. 56% at T1 of patients reported moderate depression symptoms, p value < 0.001). Regarding metabolic profile, women improved body mass index and waist circumference with a reduction in the percentage of overweight and obesity women (88% at T0 vs. 51% at T1, p value = 0.01; 14% at T0 vs. 9% at T1, p value = 0.04). In addition, the number of women suffering from non-insulin dependent diabetes reduced (26% at T0 vs. 16% at T1, p value = 0.04). Conclusions: These data corroborate previously observed beneficial effects of the oral administration of myo-Inositol, cocoa polyphenols, and soy isoflavones against menopausal symptoms in the study population. Considering the promising results of the present study, further prospective controlled clinical trials are needed to deeply understand and support the efficacy of these natural compounds for the management of menopausal symptoms.

Gestational weight gain and pregnancy outcomes in Chinese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: evidence from a tertiary hospital in Beijing.

To examine the effects of gestational weight gain on pregnancy outcomes and determine the optimal range of weight gain during pregnancy for Chinese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This retrospective cohort study included 691 Chinese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 2012 to 2020. The study utilized a statistical-based approach to determine the optimal range of gestational weight gain. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of gestational weight gain on pregnancy outcomes. (1) In the obese subgroup, gestational weight gain below the recommendations was associated with decreased risks of large for gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.60) and macrosomia (aOR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.69). In the normal weight subgroup, gestational weight gain below the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine was associated with decreased risks of preeclampsia (aOR 0.18; 95% CI 0.04-0.82) and neonatal hypoglycemia (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.15-0.97). (2) In the normal weight subgroup, gestational weight gain above the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine was associated with an increased risk of large for gestational age (aOR 4.56; 95% CI 1.54-13.46). In the obese subgroup, gestational weight gain above the recommendations was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (aOR 2.74; 95% CI 1.02, 7.38). (3) The optimal ranges of gestational weight gain, based on our study, were 9-16kg for underweight women, 9.5-14kg for normal weight women, 6.5-12kg for overweight women, and 3-10kg for obese women. (4) Using the optimal range of gestational weight gain identified in our study seemed to provide better prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes. For Chinese women with type 2 diabetes, inappropriate gestational weight gain is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the optimal range of gestational weight gain may differ from the Institute of Medicine recommendations.

Urinary incontinence among Jordanian women: Prevalence, types, and associated factors

ObjectiveUrinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition with a negative impact on women's quality of life. Data about UI among Jordanian women are lacking; therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence, types, and associated factors. MethodsA cross sectional nationwide survey was conducted between 1 March 2020 and 15 April 2020. Women were included if they were 18 years of age or more and had access to the internet. Data collected included women's characteristics, UI types, and associated factors. UI was inventoried by asking women if they have UI (yes/no), and the Arabic language validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence-Short Form was used. Age-group specific prevalence rates of UI were estimated, and associated factors were studied using logistic regression analyses. ResultsData from 2118 women were analysed. Median age was 40 (range 18–85) years, 58.3% gave birth three or more times, and 64.1% consistently reported having UI. Limited mobility and being multiparous increased the likelihood of reporting UI. Compared to women with normal body mass index, overweight and obese women were 1.9 times and 4.4 times more likely to report UI, respectively. ConclusionThe prevalence of UI among Jordanian women is 64.1%, with mixed UI and stress UI being the more prevalent types in women younger than 60 years old. Age, parity body mass index, and limited mobility are all associated factors with UI. The results of this study provide healthcare policy makers with the necessary information to increase awareness and knowledge regarding UI.

Randomised, double-blind, parallel group comparison of Ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei) chalcone effects on visceral fat areas and waist circumference of overweight persons

This randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study aimed to determine whether encapsulated Ashitaba chalcone (16 mg comprising 10.1 mg 4-hydroxyderricin and 5.9 mg xanthoangelol) could reduce obesity in 17 men and 25 women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to < 30. Participants ingested capsules containing either the chalcone or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was changes in visceral fat areas determined by computed tomography (CT) at baseline, and at 8 and 12 weeks later. The primary endpoint, abdominal visceral fat area, was significantly reduced in the chalcone, compared with a placebo group 12 weeks after screening (p < 0.05). The secondary endpoint, waist circumference, was significantly decreased in the chalcone, compared with the placebo group at weeks 8 and 12 (p < 0.05 at week 8; p < 0.01 at week 12). Therefore, Ashitaba chalcone has anti-obesity benefits for overweight men and women.

Comparative analysis of postural stability and risk of falling and developing disability among overweight and obese women over 40 years

BackgroundIncreased body mass index (BMI) adversely affects the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system. It is known that obese people have poorer postural stability and mobility-related outcomes compared to normal weight people, but there is limited research comparing overweight and class 1 obese people, two consecutive and prevalent BMI categories. AimsTo compare postural stability, functional mobility, and risk of falling and developing disability between overweight and obese women, and to investigate the relationship of BMI and body weight with the outcomes. MethodsThirty women with class 1 obesity and 30 overweight women were included. Standing postural stability with eyes-open and eyes-closed and stability limits were assessed using the Prokin system. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) was used to assess functional mobility and risk of falling (≥11 s) and developing disability (≥9 s). ResultsThe average center of pressure displacements on the y-axis (COPY) obtained during quiet standing with both eyes-open and eyes-closed were higher in obese women than overweight women (p < 0.05) and the effect sizes were moderate for the results. The COPY values in the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions were correlated with BMI (r = 0.295 and r = 0.285, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the COPX value in the eyes-open condition and the TUG score were correlated with body weight (r = 0.274 and r = 0.257, p < 0.05). ConclusionsObese women had poorer static standing stability in the anteroposterior direction than overweight women, while functional mobility and risk of falling and developing disability did not differ. Furthermore, BMI and body weight were related to poorer static standing stability.

(O-38) SEXUAL FUNCTION OF WOMEN WITH NORMAL WEIGHT, OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY FROM 18 TO 50 YEARS OLD

Abstract Introduction Female sexual dysfunctions (FSD) can influence physical and mental health, causing limitations in the ability to respond to or enjoy sexual pleasure. Studies show that overweight and obesity can lead to the onset of FSD, but the evidence found remains conflicting. Objective To investigate and compare the sexual function of women between 18 and 50 years old, obese, overweight and eutrophic. Materials and methods Observational and comparative study. A link to the questionnaire was sent through social networks to women between 18 and 50 years old, sexually active in the last four weeks before answering the questionnaire, after agreeing to participate in the study and signing the consent form, they filled out a form. with demographic data and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, postmenopausal women were excluded from the survey. This study was approved by the ethics and research committee of the FMABC University Center with opinion number: 4,229,411. Results 325 women participated in the study, with an average age of 28 years, where 186 were classified as obese (49.60%), 109 as overweight (29.07%) and 80 as obese (21.33%, the majority married in a stable union). . union (50.13%) or single (42.93%).In the total score of the FSFI questionnaire (median), non-obese participants obtained 16.4 points, overweight participants obtained 16.4 points, and obese participants they obtained 17.1, without significant difference. in the comparison of DSF according to BMI classification (p=0.887). Conclusions There were no statistically significant results on sexual function in obese, overweight and normal weight women in the study. Financing No conflict.

Pregnant women's dietary patterns and knowledge of gestational weight gain: A cross-sectional study.

Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) is a risk factor for various unfavorable maternal and neonatal outcomes that may be preventable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while pregnant can help prevent uncontrollable weight gain. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women's knowledge on weight, GWG, diet, and knowledge of obesity-related complications among women who seek care at our semi-urban, regional setting. A prospective observational study was conducted at the prenatal clinic at Kalafong Academic Hospital. Prospective participants completed a questionnaire on their perception of GWG, attitudes toward GWG, knowledge of GWG, associated complications of obesity, and food choices. Data analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4. The majority of the 500 individuals were overweight or obese prior to pregnancy. By the end of the third trimester, this increased by 10.1% (n = 420; 86.1%). Nearly half (n = 240; 48.78%) of the overweight and obese women underestimated their weight. Only 26.53% (n = 26) of women who checked their body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) gained weight according to recommendations. However, less than half (n = 96; 30.5%) gained weight within the recommended range, despite the fact that the majority of them (n = 315; 64%) were aware of the harmful effects of obesity on the cardiovascular system and the effects of high calories on weight gain (n = 321; 65%). Despite basic knowledge of the impact of high-caloric intake on weight gain and cardiovascular complications, less than half of the study population gained weight within the recommended range.

A SHORT-TERM COGNITIVE GROUP TREATMENT SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED THE SNACKING BEHAVIOUR OF OVERWEIGHT INDIAN WOMEN – A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Obesity, a global health challenge, particularly affecting Asian populations due to inappropriate snacking behaviour and food choices, prompted this study. The research aimed to evaluate the impact of a 10-week cognitive group treatment on snacking behaviour among overweight women aged 30-60 years. In a randomized control trial with 66 female working participants (BMI &gt; 25 kg m-²), the groups were categorized as control (n = 34) and experimental (n = 32). Initially, snacking contributed significantly to daily energy (29.39%), carbohydrates (21.11%), protein (35.53%), and fat (50.61%) intake in the experimental group. After the cognitive group treatment, there was a substantial (p≤0.01) reduction in the contribution of these nutrients through snacking, with percentages dropping to 11.62, 14.60, 10.04, and 7.67, respectively. Post-treatment, significant (p≤0.01) reductions were observed in body weight (4%), fat mass (2%), waist circumference (4.9%), and hip circumference (2.7%) among the subjects. The study emphasized that the behavioural changes leading to healthier snacking can be a sustainable approach for weight management and that making healthier snack choices can aid in the battle against overweight and obesity.

Does overweight and obesity have an impact on delivery mode and peripartum outcome in breech presentation? A FRABAT cohort study

PurposeObesity is a worldwide and growing issue affecting women in childbearing age, complicating surgical procedures as well as pregnancy. Through a reduction of not necessarily required cesarean deliveries—for instance in pregnancies with breech presentation—obesity mediated and surgery-associated morbidity might be contained. Date on the impact of maternal BMI in vaginally attempted breech delivery is not existing. To give insight into whether an elevated BMI leads to an increased perinatal morbidity in vaginally intended deliveries out of breech presentation, we analyzed delivery outcome of laboring women with a singleton baby in breech presentation with overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) in comparison to women with a BMI of below 25 kg/m2.MethodsBased on data from January 2004 to December 2020, a cohort study was performed on 1641 women presenting with breech presentation at term (> 37 weeks). The influence of maternal BMI on perinatal outcome was analyzed with Chi2 testing for group differences and logistic regression analysis. Patients with a hyperglycemic metabolism were excluded from the study.ResultsFetal morbidity was not different when patients with a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 (PREMODA morbidity score 2.16%) were compared to patients with a BMI of below 25 kg/m2 (1.97%, p = 0.821). Cesarean delivery rates were significantly higher in overweight and obese women with 43.9% compared to 29.3% (p < 0.0001). BMI and cesarean delivery were significantly associated in a logistic regression analysis (Chi2 coefficient 18.05, p < 0.0001). In successful vaginal deliveries out of breech presentation, maternal perineal injury rates (vaginal birth in normal-BMI women 48.4%; vaginal birth in overweight and obese women: 44.2%; p = 0.273) and rates of manually assisted delivery (vaginal birth in normal-BMI women: 44.4%; vaginal birth in obese and overweight women: 44.2%; p = 0.958) were not different between BMI groups.ConclusionsObesity and overweight are not associated with peripartum maternal or newborn morbidity in vaginally attempted breech delivery, if the patient cohort is thoroughly selected and vaginal breech delivery is in an upright maternal position. Reduction of cesarean delivery rates, especially in overweight and obese women might, have an important positive impact on maternal and newborn morbidity.

Exploring Influential Factors on Customer Satisfaction with Clothing for Overweight and Obese Women: A Focus on Generations Y and Z in Sri Lanka

Purpose: At present, global trade in textiles and clothing is expanding across the world. The increase in the percentage of overweight and obese women creates tendency to focus on the demand for plus-size clothes. Prior studies confirmed that there is a low attention paid to women's plus-size clothing in Sri Lanka when compared to other countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and England. The main purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting clothing satisfaction of overweight and obese women in Generation Y and Z in Sri Lanka.&#x0D; Design: Acknowledging Renoux’s theory of retail satisfaction, the study used three influencing factors; shopping system, buying system, and consuming system. Shopping system considers displaying plus-size mannequins, creating a separate section for plus-size cloth and providing proper and sufficient information. Buying system focuses on new clothing designs, maintaining a reasonable price range, high-quality materials, and adequate the space in the store. Consuming system focuses on body proportion, body image, and the length of time a garment is held after purchase. A self-administered questionnaire is used to gather data from 287 respondents via online survey. This study adopted quantitative analyses. Influencing factors were determined through the multiple regression analysis.&#x0D; Findings: Results revealed that the buying system and shopping system have statistically significant influences on overweight and obese women's clothing satisfaction and buying system recorded the highest influence. However, consuming system has an insignificant influence on overweight and obese women's clothing satisfaction.&#x0D; Research Implications: Under the shopping system, displaying plus-size mannequin and allocating a separate section for plus-size could stimulate clothing satisfaction of overweight and obese women. Offering a reasonable price range and providing an adequate fit-on-room are the significant factors to be considered in buying system. &#x0D; Future Research Suggestions: Quantitative approach limited the ability to address the problems of overweight and obese women's clothing satisfaction in depth. Shopping mechanism, the ability to do online or offline shopping, store attributes and human attributes should focus on further studies.

Effectiveness of nutritional counseling with overweight pregnant women on child growth at 6 months: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveStudies that have investigated the effect of nutritional counseling during the prenatal period on the follow-up outcomes of children at 6 mo have produced inconclusive results. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nutritional counseling, based on the NOVA food classification, encouraging the consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods, with overweight adult pregnant women on infant growth at 6 mo of age. MethodsA randomized controlled trial with 195 pairs of pregnant overweight women and their infants at 6 mo of age was conducted in a Brazilian municipality. The pregnant women were allocated to the control group (CG) or intervention group (IG) at the beginning of the pregnancy. The IG received three sessions of nutrition counseling throughout the pregnancy. Linear regression models were used to investigate the effect of the nutritional counseling on infant growth. ResultsOne hundred ninety-five mother–infant pairs with complete data were included (96 CG, and 99 IG). The mean ± SD infant weight (g) at 6 mo was 7856.1 ± 1.1, and length (cm) was 67.0 ± 2.9. There were no differences in maternal and newborn characteristics between the groups. In the linear regression models, the counseling had no effect on anthropometric parameters of the infants at 6 mo of age: weight-for-length Z-score (β 0.089 [95% CI −0.250; 0.427], P = 0.61); length-for-age Z-score (β 0.032 [95% CI −0.299; 0.363], P = 0.85); weight-for-age Z-score (β 0.070 [95% CI −0.260; 0.400], P = 0.68); BMI-age Z-score (β 0.072 [95% CI −0.270; 0.414], P = 0.68). ConclusionsThere was no effect on infant growth at 6 mo of age after the nutritional counseling during pregnancy. Future studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Telehealth for healthy gestational weight gain among overweight pregnant women: A systematic review

Introduction: Excessive Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) is associated with various complications during pregnancy and childbirth. In contrast, digital interventions like telehealth offer cost-effective solutions with broader accessibility. Therefore, our outcomes are to analyze the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for healthy GWG among overweight and obese pregnant women and to know which features are needed in telehealth for healthier GWG.Methods: We undertook a systematic review to address the objectives mentioned above. Initially, we employed the keywords telehealth, pregnant women, and overweight, which were subsequently refined using Medical Subject Headings provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. To identify relevant articles, we searched six databases—Scopus, SAGE Journals, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest.Results: We included 15 articles in this review according to the criteria. Eleven papers show a positive effect of telehealth in promoting healthy GWG. Telehealth encompasses various functionalities, such as providing information, push notifications, self-monitoring, and feedback features related to gestational weight gain (GWG), maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, receiving reminders, managing stress, and setting goals. On the other hand, four papers show no significant difference between telehealth and regular interventions.Conclusions: Telehealth is alternatively effective to use as an additional intervention to promote healthier GWG in overweight pregnant women. Keywords: gestational weight gain; overweight; pregnant women; telemedicine

EFFECTS OF A KETOGENIC DIET IN OVERWEIGHT WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The main objective of the study is to find the effects of a ketogenic diet in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This prospective interventional study was conducted in a private hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, from June 2023 to Dec 2023. Data was collected from 320 females who were suffering from PCOS. Participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (n = 160) received a ketogenic diet, while the control group (n = 160) followed a standard hypocaloric diet. Randomization was performed using computer-generated random numbers to ensure allocation concealment and minimize selection bias. Upon enrollment, participants underwent baseline evaluations to establish their demographic characteristics, medical history, and anthropometric measurements, including weight, BMI, and waist circumference. Data were collected from 320 female patients. In the ketogenic diet (KD) group, participants had a mean age of 28.1±4.2 years and a mean BMI of 30.01±2.3 kg/m2. Their waist circumference averaged 90.1±5.0cm, with a fasting glucose level of 110±10 mg/dL and a DHEAS level of 350±50 μg/dL. In the ketogenic diet (KD) group, participants experienced a mean reduction in body weight of 8.5±2.3kg, a decrease in BMI of 3.2±1.1Kg/m2, and a reduction in waist circumference of 10±4cm. Conversely, the control group exhibited a mean decrease in body weight of 2.5±1.5kg, a reduction in BMI of 1.0±0.8kg/m2, and a decrease in waist circumference of 3±2cm. It is concluded that the ketogenic diet may offer metabolic and reproductive benefits for overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The improvements observed in metabolic parameters and menstrual regularity support the potential role of KD as a therapeutic intervention in PCOS management.

Effects of ketogenic diet on weight loss parameters among obese or overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails.

To evaluate how effective a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) is for changing key physical measurements such as weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and fat mass (FM) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were obese or overweight. Several online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (WOS), were searched systematically to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up until June 2023. The Q-test and I2 statistics were used to assess the level of heterogeneity among the included studies. The data were then combined using either a fixed or random effects model and presented as a weighted mean difference (WMD) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 682 citations, 11 RCTs were included. The pooled results showed a significant decrease in the WMD of weight levels [WMD = -9.13 kg; 95% CI, -11.88, -6.39, P < 0.001; I2 = 87.23%] following KD. Moreover, KD significantly reduced BMI levels [WMD = -2.93 kg/m2; 95% CI, -3.65, -2.21, P < 0.001; I2 = 78.81%] compared to the controls. Patients with PCOS received KD demonstrated significant decrease in WC [WMD = -7.62 cm; 95% CI, -10.73, -4.50, P < 0.001; I2 = 89.17%] and FM [WMD = -5.32 kg; 95% CI, -7.29, -3.36, P < 0.001; I2 = 83.97%]. KD was associated with lower weight loss (WL) parameters, including weight, BMI, WC, and FM, in obese or overweight women with PCOS, highlighting the significance of physicians and nurses in taking care of the nutritional needs of overweight/obese patients with PCOS.

Association Between Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in Human Colostrum and Maternal Body Composition Components.

Background: Obesity is characterized as a low-grade chronic inflammatory state, marked by elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Breast milk (BM) is rich in nutritional elements, vitamins, minerals, immunological factors, and bioactive components. These bioactive components, capable of influencing biological processes, may vary in concentration based on maternal body composition. Research Aim/Question(s): This study aimed to explore the association between pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) in human colostrum and maternal body composition, as analyzed through bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Method: In this cross-sectional study, 117 healthy postpartum participants were included, with each group (normal weight, overweight, and obese) comprising 39 individuals, as classified by BIVA. Colostrum samples were collected within the first 24 hours postpartum. Results: IL-1β levels did not significantly differ across the groups, with concentrations of 69.5 ± 103 pg/mL in normal-weight, 79.7 ± 97.9 pg/mL in overweight, and 68.7 ± 108 pg/mL in obese women. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the overweight group (55 ± 72.4 pg/mL) than in the normal-weight (48.1 ± 74.1 pg/mL) and obese groups (28.9 ± 36.2 pg/mL) (p = 0.02). Similarly, TNF-α levels were higher in the overweight group, with concentrations of 58.7 ± 74.9 pg/mL, than in the normal-weight group, with concentrations of 38.6 ± 95.4 pg/mL, and 52.6 ± 115 pg/mL in obese women (p = 0.02). Conclusion: This study shows that IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically higher in the colostrum of overweight women, suggesting that maternal body composition may influence the inflammatory profile of BM.