Mass Percent Body Fat Research Articles

Differences in Adiposity Profile and Body Fat Distribution between Forwards and Backs in Sub-Elite Spanish Female Rugby Union Players.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the adiposity profile and the body fat distribution in 56 sub-elite female rugby union players involved in the Spanish National Women’s Rugby Union Championships. The participants included in this study, which was the first to analyze sub-elite players, show thinner skinfolds, lower fat mass, and lesser fat percentage than previously reported for elite female rugby union players. Forwards were heavier and had higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass, thicker skinfolds, and higher fat percentage than back players. Forwards also possessed significantly greater total fat-free mass than backs. All these differences were applicable only to players under 25 years of age. A negative correlation between age and both abdominal and lower extremity fat was found in forward players but not in the backs. Both Yuhasz and Faulkner equations tended to underestimate fat percentage in comparison to Reilly equation. Although Yuhasz equation provided higher systematic error, random error was lower in comparison to Faulkner equation. This study shows the relevance of analyzing and monitoring adiposity in female rugby union players to optimize adaptation to the sports requirements of different playing positions and age.

Bone Response to High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Adolescents with Obesity

Introduction: Since adolescents with obesity are prone to bone fragility during weight loss, the aim was to compare the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on bone density, geometry, and strength. Methods: Sixty-one adolescents were randomly assigned to 2 cycling trainings (HIIT and MICT) and a control (CTR, without training) group. Anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with hip structural analysis and the trabecular bone score (TBS) were assessed before and after the 16-week intervention. Results: Body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM) percentage decreased at T1 versus T0 in both training groups (p < 0.001 for HIIT, p = 0.01 for MICT), though to a larger extent in HIIT (p < 0.05). Total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) increased in both training groups (p < 0.001), but to a greater extent in HIIT for BMC (p < 0.05). Lumbar spine BMD and BMC increased in both training groups (p < 0.001 for HIIT, p < 0.01 for MICT), with a time × group interaction between HIIT and CTR (p < 0.05) only. TBS increased in both training groups (p < 0.01 for HIIT, p < 0.05 for MICT). Hip BMD and BMC increased in both HIIT (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) and MICT (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). At the narrow neck (NN), endocortical diameter, width (p < 0.01), cross-sectional moment of inertia, and section modulus (Z) (p < 0.05) increased only in the HIIT group, such as BMD and Z (p < 0.05) at the intertrochanteric region (IT) and average cortical thickness (p < 0.001) and width (p < 0.05) at the femoral shaft. At the NN and IT, the buckling ratio decreased only in the HIIT group (p < 0.05), predicting higher resistance to fracture. Conclusions: In addition to inducing greater BMI and FM percentage decreases in comparison to MICT, HIIT improves multisite bone density, geometry, and strength, which heighten the justification for HIIT as part of weight loss interventions in adolescents with obesity.

25-Hydroxy vitamin D and body composition are associated with pulmonary function in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A cross-sectional study

Previous studies have emphasized the effects of vitamin D on the lung function of cystic fibrosis (CF) adult patients. The main aim of the present study sought to determine the association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) concentration and clinical outcomes in non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis subjects. Secondary, we assessed the possible relationship between body composition and respiratory dysfunction in these patients. Sixty-two non-CF bronchiectasis patients (24 male/38 female), aged 18-72, were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric indices, lung function tests, and bronchiectasis severity valuations were determined. Body composition, including Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC, cm) was calculated using triceps skinfold (TSF,mm) and mid-arm circumference (MAC,cm) under the reference formula. Then serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and C-reactive protein level were measured. The correlation between vitamin D level and pulmonary function and disease exacerbation tests was primarily assessed. Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between body composition and lung function tests. Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D status positively was correlated with lung function tests, including FEV1 (r=0.30, p value=0.035) and FVC (r=0.36, p value=0.011), and also be associated with the extent of pulmonary involvement (r=-0.34, p value=0.03). There was a significant negative correlation between percentage body fat and respiratory function, FEV1/FVC ratio (r=-0.43, p value<0.001). In contrast, there was a strong correlation between skeletal muscle mass and pulmonary function tests (r=0.26, p value=0.04). There is a positive association between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D status and lung dysfunction in participants with non-CF bronchiectasis. The pulmonary dysfunction also correlated with more percentage body fat and low skeletal muscle mass in these patients. Therefore, the evaluation of body composition and serum vitamin D are suggested in the disease management of the patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. However, these associations should be interpreted with caution due to the likelihood of reverse causation. More high-quality prospective studies are warranted to confirm our observations and determine the mechanisms underlying these findings.

Metabolic profiles, energy expenditures, and body compositions of the weight regain versus sustained weight loss patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Weight regain (WR) has been an emerging problem after Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and little is known about the mechanisms of WR after RYGB. To evaluate the mechanisms of WR after RYGB through the postprandial gut hormones response, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite control, energy expenditure, body composition, physical activities, dietary intake, and psychological factors. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. A cross sectional study of 34 patients who underwent RYGB at least 2 years and achieved ≥50% of excess weight loss at 1year was conducted. The subjects were categorized into WR group or sustained weight loss group, based upon whether their WR was ≥15% of postoperative lowest weight. The WR group had less augmented postprandial GLP-1 response but exaggerated hyperinsulinemia. Postprandial peptide YY, ghrelin, and glucose were not different between group. Patients who regained weight required less weight-adjusted energy expenditure and had more percentage body fat and less percentage lean mass. The caloric intake and diet composition were comparable between groups; however, the WR group had higher depression scores, binge eating scales, and hunger rating and spent significantly less time on vigorous exercise. The mechanisms of WR in patients who were initially successful after RYGB are complex and involved not only the role of postprandial gut hormone response but are also related to energy expenditure adaptation and body composition changes. Moreover, food preference and physical activity may play roles in weight control after bariatric surgery. Further prospective controlled trial is needed to explore the mechanisms of WR.

Effects of Urination, Aerobic Exercise, Food and Water Ingestion on Body Composition Measured by Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

PURPOSE: Body composition is strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, and accurate measurement of body composition is vital for the management of chronic diseases. In this study, we assessed whether major factors such as urination, aerobic exercise, food, and water consumption had significant effects on body composition by segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).METHODS: To achieve the goal of this study, research was conducted on 32 healthy young males (n=18) and females (n=14). All participants underwent body composition analysis in four different conditions (both pre- and post-urination, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, immediately after food and water consumption, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after each treatment), and segmental BIA was performed using Inbody720.RESULTS: We found that after urination, body weight, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) significantly decreased. However, water intake significantly increased body weight, body fat mass, and body fat percentage. Furthermore, an acute 30-minutes aerobic exercise significantly decreased body weight, fat mass, and fat percentage, and increased skeletal muscle mass and BMR. In addition, impedance decreased immediately and increased 120 minutes after the acute aerobic exercise. Finally, food ingestion significantly increased the body weight, skeletal muscle mass, and BMR.CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that variables such as urination, exercise, food consumption, and water intake should be considered to accurately assess body composition.

Abstract 14160: Trends in Racial and Ethnic Differences in Adiposity and Association With All-Cause Mortality in Adults in the United States: A 20-year National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis, 1999-2018

Introduction: Reducing overall rates of and the racial/ethnic differences in obesity is a public health priority in the US. However, it is unknown how the racial/ethnic differences in different adiposity measures changed in the US population over recent decades Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018, we determined trends in the racial/ethnic differences of several adiposity measures and whether race/ethnicity moderates the associations between these measures and all-cause mortality. Adiposity measures included overweight (body mass index [BMI] of 25.0-29.9 kg/m 2 ), overall obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m 2 ), abdominal obesity (waist circumference [WC] ≥88 cm for women or ≥102 cm for men), and high body fat (body fat mass percentage [FM] ≥35% for women or ≥25% for men). Results: The study included 49,629 adults aged 18-79 years (mean age 45.3 [SD, 17.9] years, 51.3% women), of whom 12.5% were Black, 15.5% were Latino/Hispanic, and 72.0% were White. Between 1999 and 2018, Latino/Hispanic people had a higher prevalence of overweight, overall obesity, abdominal obesity, and high body fat than White people. The gaps between Latino/Hispanic and White people significantly increased for all adiposity measures (P&lt;0.01 for all measures) during this time. Black people had a higher prevalence of overweight, overall obesity, and abdominal obesity, but a similar prevalence of high body fat compared with White people. There were no significant changes in the gaps between Black and White people for any adiposity measures. For all adiposity measures, the associations between adiposity measures and mortality did not differ by race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of overweight, overall obesity, abdominal obesity, and high body fat persisted or increased over 20 years, with the differences increasing between Latinos/Hispanics and Whites and not changing between Blacks and Whites.

Effects of a Randomized Home-Based Quality of Movement Protocol on Function, Posture and Strength in Outpatients with Obesity.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two different home-based training interventions on functional parameters and body composition in obese patients. Sixty-four obese patients were recruited at the IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano and randomly assigned into a movement quality group (MQ) and a conventional training group (CT). In the MQ, the training protocol combined various stimuli based on whole-body movement patterns, mobility, motor control and diaphragmatic breathing. The CT included traditional bodyweight resistance-training exercises. All patients were tested for movement efficiency (Functional Movement Screen, FMS), postural control (Modified Balance Error Scoring System, M-BESS), breathing pattern (Total Faulty Breathing Scale, TFBS), muscular strength (Handgrip Strength Test, HST and Five Repetition Sit to Stand, FRSTS) and body composition (Waist Circumference, WC, Body Mass Index, BMI, Body fat mass percentage, Fat Mass) before and after a 6-week period of training. Significant interactions and main effects of time (p < 0.0001) were found in MQ compared to CT in the FMS, M-BESS and TFBS parameters, while muscular strength (HST, FRSTS) and body composition parameters improved similarly in both groups with a main effect of time (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that a 6-week movement quality training is effective in ameliorating postural control and movement efficiency with similar improvements in muscular strength and body composition compared with a mere traditional home-based training. Fitness coaches and practitioners might consider the MQ intervention as a valuable alternative to conventional training when treating obesity.

Development and Validation of 3 Min Incremental Step-In-Place Test for Predicting Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Home Settings: A Submaximal Exercise Study to Assess Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

The purpose of this research was to develop the 3 min incremental step-in-place (3MISP) test for predicting maximal oxygen uptake (O2max). A total of 205 adults (20–64 years) completed the 3MISP and O2max tests. Using age, gender, body composition (BC) including percent body fat (PBF) or body mass index (BMI), and with or without heart rate (HR) at the beginning of exercise (HR0) or difference between HR at the third minute during the exercise and the first minute post exercise (ΔHR3 − HR4) in the 3MISP test, six O2max prediction models were derived from multiple linear regression. Age (r = −0.239), gender (r = 0.430), BMI (r = −0.191), PBF (r = −0.706), HR0 (r = −0.516), and ΔHR3 − HR4 (r = 0.563) were significantly correlated to O2max. Among the six O2max prediction models, the PBF model∆HR3 − HR4 has the highest accuracy. The simplest models with age, gender, and PBF/BMI explained 54.5% of the O2max in the PBF modelBC and 39.8% of that in the BMI modelBC. The addition of HR0 and ∆HR3 − HR4 increases the variance of O2max explained by the PBF and BMI models∆HR3 − HR4 by 17.98% and 45.23%, respectively, while standard errors of estimate decrease by 10.73% and 15.61%. These data demonstrate that the models established using 3MISP-HR data can enhance the accuracy of O2max prediction.

Maternal Obesity during Pregnancy is Associated with Lower Cortical Thickness in the Neonate Brain.

Recent studies have suggested that maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between maternal obesity during pregnancy and neonatal brain cortical development. Forty-four healthy women (28 normal-weight, 16 obese) were prospectively recruited at <10 weeks' gestation, and their healthy full-term neonates (23 boys, 21 girls) underwent brain MR imaging. All pregnant women had their body composition (fat mass percentage) measured at ∼12 weeks of pregnancy. All neonates were scanned at ∼2 weeks of age during natural sleep without sedation, and their 3D T1-weighted images were postprocessed by the new iBEAT2.0 software. Brain MR imaging segmentation and cortical surface reconstruction and parcellation were completed using age-appropriate templates. Mean cortical thickness for 34 regions in each brain hemisphere defined by the UNC Neonatal Cortical Surface Atlas was measured, compared between groups, and correlated with maternal body fat mass percentage, controlled for neonate sex and race, postmenstrual age at MR imaging, maternal age at pregnancy, and the maternal intelligence quotient and education. Neonates born to obese mothers showed significantly lower (P ≤ .05, false discovery rate-corrected) cortical thickness in the left pars opercularis gyrus, left pars triangularis gyrus, and left rostral middle frontal gyrus. Mean cortical thickness in these frontal lobe regions negatively correlated (R = -0.34, P = .04; R = -0.50, P = .001; and R = -0.42, P = .01; respectively) with the maternal body fat mass percentage measured at early pregnancy. Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with lower neonate brain cortical thickness in several frontal lobe regions important for language and executive functions.

Estimation of Health-Related Physical Fitness (HRPF) Levels of the General Public Using Artificial Neural Network with the National Fitness Award (NFA) Datasets

Estimation of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) levels of individuals is indispensable for providing personalized training programs in smart fitness services. In this study, we propose an artificial neural network (ANN)-based estimation model to predict HRPF levels of the general public using simple affordable physical information. The model is designed to use seven inputs of personal physical information, including age, gender, height, weight, percent body fat, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI), to estimate levels of muscle strength, flexibility, maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max), and muscular endurance. HRPF data (197,719 sets) gathered from the National Fitness Award dataset are used for training (70%) and validation (30%) of the model. In-depth analysis of the model’s estimation accuracy is conducted to derive optimal estimation accuracy. This included input/output correlation, hidden layer structures, data standardization, and outlier removals. The performance of the model is evaluated by comparing the estimation accuracy with that of a multiple linear regression (MLR) model. The results demonstrate that the proposed model achieved up to 10.06% and 30.53% improvement in terms of R2 and SEE, respectively, compared to the MLR model and provides reliable estimation of HRPF levels acceptable to smart fitness applications.

Changes in adiposity among children and adolescents in the United States, 1999–2006 to 2011–2018

Data from the NHANES indicate that BMI has increased in some subgroups of children and adolescents in the United States over the past 20 y; however, BMI is an indirect measure of body fatness. We assessed changes in DXA-derived measures of adiposity in a nationally representative population of US children and adolescents aged 8-19 y from 1999-2006 to 2011-2018. Using data from the NHANES, we compared the means and distributions of DXA-derived percentage body fat (%BF) and fat mass index (FMI; fat mass/height2 in kg/m2) between 1999-2006 (n=10,231) and 2011-2018 (n=6923) among males and females by age group, race and Hispanic origin, and BMI categories. Estimates were standardized by age and race and Hispanic origin. From 1999-2006 to 2011-2018, mean %BF increased from 25.6% to 26.3% (change in %BF: 0.7%; 95% CI: 0.2%, 1.2%; P<0.01) among all males, whereas mean %BF increased from 33.0% to 33.7% (change in %BF: 0.7%; 95% CI: 0.2%, 1.2%; P=0.01) and mean FMI increased from 7.7 to 8.0 fat mass kg/m2 (change in FMI: 0.3 fat mass kg/m2; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.6 fat mass kg/m2; P=0.02) among all females. Changes were not consistent across all age, race and Hispanic origin, and BMI categories. Both %BF and FMI increased among Mexican-American children and adolescents, but not other race and Hispanic origin groups. Among US children and adolescents, DXA-derived measures of adiposity increased from 1999-2006 to 2011-2018, albeit not consistently in every age, race and Hispanic origin, and BMI subgroup. These data reinforce the need to consider other measures, besides BMI categories, when studying adiposity in children and adolescents.

Comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis, mass index, and waist circumference in assessing risk for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

ObjectiveNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide and includes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to cirrhosis. Because NASH is associated with obesity severity, routine evaluation of obesity/body fat in clinical settings may help detect patients at risk. The aim of this study was to determine whether assessing body fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is superior to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in assessing the risk for NASH. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, patients were recruited and gave consent from a local hospital. All had a liver biopsy. Measurements before the biopsy included BMI, WC, and BIA. BIA was used to measure percentage body fat and fat mass (kg). Based on histology, patients were grouped into one of three categories: simple steatosis (SS), NASH, or normal liver (NL). ResultsOf the 139 participants who participated, 39 were classified as SS, 53 as NASH, and 47 as NL. Regardless of sex, patients with NASH had significantly higher BMI, WC, percentage body fat and fat mass than those with NL or SS. These four parameters were significantly positively correlated with liver histology measurements. In all patients, when controlling for sex and age we found that BMI, WC, and BIA were equal at predicting the presence of NASH (P = 0.0571). ConclusionAll three methods, BIA, BMI, and WC, were comparable in assessing the risk for NASH. For practical purpose in clinical settings, using BMI is acceptable.

Intra-Articular Hybrid Hyaluronic Acid Injection Treatment in Overweight Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Center, Open-Label, Prospective Study

Background: A BMI &gt; 25 is the most decisive, albeit modifiable, risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed at assessing the efficacy of intra-articular injections of hybrid hyaluronic acid (HA) complexes (Sinovial® H-L) for the treatment of KOA in overweight patients in terms of disease severity, cardiocirculatory capacity, and quality of life. Materials: In this single-site, open-label, prospective trial, 37 patients with symptomatic knee OA were assessed at baseline and 3 months after ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of hybrid HA complexes (Sinovial® H-L). Results: Primary variables displaying a statistically significant improvement after treatment were pain (VAS), disease severity (WOMAC), and cardiopulmonary capacity (6 min walk test). Among secondary variables, quality of life (SF-12) improved significantly, as did analgesic intake for pain control. No statistically significant difference was observed in body fat and muscle mass percentage measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Conclusions: Intra-articular hybrid HA injections are significantly effective in improving OA-related disease severity, cardiopulmonary function, and analgesic intake. This supports the role of hybrid HA viscosupplementation as a nonpharmacological treatment to relieve pain, reduce disability, improve quality of life, and limit the risk of polypharmacy in overweight patients with knee OA.

Significant Association of Diabetes With Mortality of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients, Independent of the Presence of Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Sarcopenic Obesity

This retrospective cohort study investigated the association of diabetes with mortality in hemodialysis patients with regard to obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity, along with examining the prevalence of each group and diabetes. Muscle strength, muscle mass, and fat mass were evaluated using a hand dynamometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively, in 308 chronic hemodialysis patients (age 58.0±11.9years, hemodialysis duration 6.5±6.0years, males 60.1%, diabetes 32.8%). Sarcopenia was defined according to the new criteria established by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia 2019. Obesity was defined by percent body fat mass (males ≥25%, females ≥35%). The enrolled patients were divided into the normal (38.7%), obesity (18.8%), sarcopenia (26.9%), and sarcopenic obesity (15.6%) groups. The prevalence of diabetes was significantly skewed among the 4 groups (χ2 test, P=.0057), being higher in the sarcopenic obesity group (54.2%) compared to the others (25.9-33.7%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that diabetes was significantly and independently associated with sarcopenic obesity (odds ratio 3.495, 95% confidence interval 1.683-7.255, P=.0008) after adjustments for several cofounders, but not significantly associated with sarcopenia. During the follow-up period of 76±35 months, 100 patients died. Those in the sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity groups had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality compared to patients in the normal and obesity groups (P=.0004, log-rank test). Furthermore, multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that presence of diabetes was significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality in all 308 patients, after adjustments for several factors, including the presence of each group in 4 models. Sarcopenic obesity is highly prevalent in chronic hemodialysis patients. Diabetes was found to be a significant and independent contributor to the presence of sarcopenic obesity. Diabetes was shown to be a significant predictor of all-cause mortality, independent of the present normal, obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity groups.

Association of Diet, Physical Activity Guidelines and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Children

The aim was to identify different dietary and physical activity (PA) patterns in 5- to 14-year-old children with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity using cluster analysis based on their adherence to the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition dietary guidelines and levels of PA, and to determine their associations with age, sex, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk markers. In 549 children, hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups with similar adherence to dietary recommendations and level of PA. Three clusters were identified: Cluster 1, with the lowest level of vigorous PA and adherence to dietary recommendations; Cluster 2, with the lowest levels of moderate and vigorous PA and the highest adherence to dietary recommendations; and Cluster 3, with the highest level of PA, especially vigorous PA and a medium level adherence to dietary recommendations. Cluster 3 had lower total body fat and higher lean body mass percentages than Cluster 2. Cluster 2 had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than Cluster 1. The results from our study suggest that it is important to consider adherence to PA recommendations together with adherence to dietary guidelines to understand patterns of obesogenic habits in pediatric populations with high prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Association of infant feeding patterns with body fat mass and obesity in the first 2 years of life: a longitudinal twin birth cohort study

Childhood obesity is a major public health problem with no effective intervention. We explored the influence of feeding patterns on infants’ growth indices within the first 2 years in a twin birth cohort. Dietary intake at 12 months was recorded with a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Milk feeding methods in first 6 months were categorised as breastfeeding or exclusive formula feeding. Correlations between feeding patterns and infants’ growth indices were examined via generalised estimating equations. Two dietary patterns were identified and neither of which was related to growth indices. Breastfed infants had a higher body fat mass (BFM) percentage at 12 months, a higher body mass index (BMI) increment from birth to 6 months and a lower BMI increment from 6 to 12 months. Breastfed infants were likely positively correlated with BFM at 12 months; as complementary food was added, the effect of breastfeeding on growth gradually decreased.

Early Post-Transplant Leptin Concentration Changes in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background and Objectives: Kidney transplant recipients represent a unique population with metabolic abnormalities, altered nutritional and immune status, as well as an imbalanced regulation of adipocytokine metabolism. Leptin is a hormonally active protein mainly produced by fat tissue that modulates appetite, satiety, and influences growth, energy, and bone metabolism. There has been great interest in the role of this hormone in chronic kidney disease-related protein energy wasting; thus, a positive leptin correlation with body mass index and fat mass was confirmed. This study was designed to determine the association of pre and post-kidney transplant leptin concentration with nutritional status and body composition. Materials and Methods: We studied 65 kidney transplant recipients. Nutritional status was evaluated before kidney transplantation and 6 months later using three different malnutrition screening tools (Subjective Global Assessment Scale (SGA), Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS), and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI)), anthropometric measurements, and body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). Demographic profile, serum leptin levels, and other biochemical nutritional markers were collected. Statistical analysis was performed with R software. Results: Median age of the studied patients was 45 years, 42% were females, and 12% had diabetes. Leptin change was associated with body weight (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001) and body fat percentage (p < 0.001), decrease in parathyroid hormone (PTH) (p < 0.001) transferrin (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.010), and residual renal function (p = 0.039), but not dependent on dialysis vintage, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), or delayed graft function at any time during the study. After adjustment for age and sex, body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (p < 0.001) were independent variables significantly associated with post-transplant leptin change. Lower leptin values were found both before and after kidney transplantation in the SGA B group. GNRI as a nutritional status tool was strongly positively related to changes in leptin within the 6-month follow-up period. Conclusions: Kidney transplant recipients experience change in leptin concentration mainly due to an increase in fat mass and loss of muscle mass. GNRI score as compared to SGA or MIS score identifies patients in whom leptin concentration is increasing alongside an accumulation of fat and decreasing muscle mass. Leptin concentration evaluation in combination with BIA, handgrip strength measurement, and GNRI assessment are tools of importance in defining nutrition status in the early post-kidney transplant period.

Melatonin Supplementation and Anthropometric Indices: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial.

Obesity, as the most common metabolic disorder in the world, is characterized by excess body fat. This study is aimed at determining the effects of melatonin supplementation on body weight, nody mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat mass percentage (BFMP) in people with overweight or obesity. Thirty eight overweight or class-I obese adult individuals were recruited in the study (8 men and 30 women). Participants prescribed a weight-loss diet and then randomly were allocated to melatonin or placebo groups. Participants received either a 3-milligram melatonin or placebo tablet per day for 12 weeks. In order to assess differences at the significance level of 0.05, repeated measure ANOVA and paired t-test were used. According to the results, a significant reduction was found in participants' body weight, WC, and BMI in both groups (p = 0.001). However, for the last six weeks, significant reductions of these parameters were observed only in the melatonin group (p = 0.01). The BFMP of participants in the melatonin group showed a significant reduction at the end of the study compared to the initial measurements (p = 0.008). Nevertheless, the results of the present study alone are not sufficient to conclude on the effects of melatonin consumption on anthropometric indices, and it seems that further studies are required in this regard.

Masked hypertension and correlation between body composition and nighttime blood pressure parameters in children and adolescents with obesity.

Masked hypertension is defined as having a normal blood pressure (BP) in the office but elevated BP outside the office. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of masked hypertension in participants with obesity and to examine the correlation between body composition, dietary intake and ambulatory blood pressure parameters. The cross-sectional study of participants with obesity was conducted in the pediatric nutrition clinic of a University Hospital in Thailand. Demographic and anthropometric data, dietary intake, body composition analysis and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were assessed in all participants. All parameters were compared between the group with masked hypertension and the normotensive group. Correlations between the parameters were analyzed. Among 49 children with obesity, 23 (47%, 95% confidence interval 34.7, 59.2%) had masked hypertension. Compared with the normotensive group, the group with masked hypertension had a greater mean BMI z-score (4.7 vs. 3.0, P = 0.003), a greater mean of body fat percentage (45 vs. 40, P = 0.012) and a greater total energy intake percentage of dietary reference intake (115 vs. 93, P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI z-score was significantly associated with masked hypertension. Interestingly, mean nighttime SBP positively correlated with BMI z-score and body fat percentage. Moreover, there were negative correlations between fruit intake portion per week and nighttime and 24-h SBP index. However, multivariate linear regression did not show significant correlation between these parameters. Masked hypertension was frequent in participants with obesity. The greater BMI z-score and percentage of body fat mass correlated with higher nighttime SBP.

The Relevance of Obesity for Activities of Daily Living in Geriatric Rehabilitation Patients.

The obesity pandemic has reached old age but the effect of obesity on functional recovery in geriatric rehabilitation patients has not been investigated to date. In this prospective cohort study, patients admitted into geriatric rehabilitation were consecutively included between September 2015 and September 2016, aged ≥70 years. Individual activities of daily living were documented by the Barthel index (BI, 0–100 points). Obesity was assessed by the measurement of body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), waist circumference (WC, cm) and percentage of body fat mass (%FM) based on triceps’ skinfold thickness at admission (t1), discharge (t2) and six months after discharge (t3). A total of 122 patients were included in the analysis. Prevalence of obesity according to BMI, WC and %FM was 33.6%, 83.6% and 71.3% respectively. Patients with a high WC and patients with a high BMI had lower BI values at t1, t2, t3 and the improvement in BI (t1–t2, t2–t3) was lower than in those with low WC and low BMI, but without statistical significance. In multiple regression analysis, BMI, WC and %FM were not associated with BI at t3 and improvement of BI (t2–t3). Obesity was highly prevalent in geriatric rehabilitation patients, but it was not associated with BI during the 6-month follow-up.