Truncal Fat Percentage Research Articles

High-quality research on physical therapy in psoriatic arthritis is needed: a systematic review.

Although physical therapy is recommended as part of the non-pharmacological management of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), the evidence is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review and appraise the quality of research on physical therapy in the management of patients with PsA. In June 2024, a systematic literature search using four different databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library) was performed to include interventional and observational studies examining physical therapy in patients with PsA (PROSPERO ID 255501). A risk of bias assessment was conducted. Due to the wide variety of interventions and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was used. Of 9442 abstracts, 15 papers examining physical therapy uptake in clinical practice (N = 2) and different physical therapy interventions (N = 13) were included: cardiorespiratory exercises (N = 5), resistance exercises (N = 2), therapeutic modalities (N = 4) and mixed rehabilitation programs (N = 2). A low risk of bias was scored in only one RCT assessing cardiorespiratory exercises. The well-tolerated 11-week high-intensity interval training resulted in a long-term increase in peak oxygen uptake and a short-term decrease in truncal fat percentage in patients with low disease activity. Resistance training in patients with active disease did not increase muscle strength, but improved functional capacity, disease activity, pain and general health after the intervention. Evidence for other modalities was inconclusive. High-quality evidence on physical therapy in PsA was scarce. Cardiorespiratory and resistance exercises demonstrated promising results to positively influence cardiometabolic risk as well as disease-related outcomes. Future research on physical therapy in PsA with adequate methodological quality is needed.

Abnormal Body Composition Increases the Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents and Young Adults With Turner Syndrome

ObjectiveTo determine the cardiometabolic risk of adolescents and adults with Turner syndrome (TS) and whether and how anthropometry and body composition predict this risk. MethodsWe compared the anthropometric, biochemical, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry–derived body composition parameters of 103 girls and women with TS aged 12 to 30 years and 103 controls of the same age and body mass index: (1) between TS with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS), (2) between the different karyotypes of TS, and (3) between growth hormone recipients and nonrecipients. ResultsIndividuals with TS had higher prevalence rates of truncal obesity (57.2%), MetS (37.9%), prediabetes (20.4%), dyslipidemia (73.8%), hypertension (9.7%), and hepatic steatosis (15.5%) and a greater total body fat percentage (38.43% vs 34.26%) and fat mass index (9.15 vs 6.71 kg/m2) but a lower lean mass index (11.05 vs 12.49 kg/m2) than controls (P <.001). Individuals with TS and MetS (n = 39) had a higher total body fat percentage (41.74% vs 36.42%, P <.0001), truncal fat percentage (44.66% vs 36.09%, P <.0001), and visceral adipose tissue mass (495.57 vs 276 g, P <.0001) than those with TS but without MetS. Those with classic TS (45,X) had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (32.6% vs 10.5%, P =.01). Growth hormone recipients had a lower prevalence of MetS and lesser truncal obesity. Altered body composition was significantly correlated with metabolic risk. The truncal fat percentage independently predicted MetS (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-1.24; P =.04). Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio predicted metabolic risk with good sensitivity and specificity. ConclusionAdverse cardiometabolic risk and altered body composition start early in life in TS. Postpubertal women with TS should be routinely assessed for truncal obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and liver steatosis, irrespective of body mass index and karyotype.

The effect of fat distribution and nutritional behavior on balance and equilibrium of acrobatics and tumbling athletes

Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&amp;T) is an emerging sport in the United States; balance and equilibrium are critical components of performance in this sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify if body composition, fat distribution, and nutritional behavior affect the balance and vertical jump of A&amp;T athletes. Body mass index (BMI), whole body percentage of fat and skeletal muscle, and fat distribution of top and base A&amp;T athletes from Fairmont State University were assessed using an impedance device (In Body 570). Nutritional behavior was assessed by a 3-day food log. Balance was measured by the time of holding a handstand in seconds. BMI, whole body, and truncal fat percentage were higher in base athletes when compared to tops (p˂0.05). When associating balance with the variables, skeletal muscle mass was positively associated with balance (r=0.49, p˂0.05), and the percentage of fat and fat accumulation in the lower limbs were negatively associated (r=-0.47 and -0.48, respectively p˂0.05). When the association was tested within the position, the percentage of skeletal muscle mass and fat was only associated with balance in top athletes. Thus, training strategies to increment skeletal muscle mass and decrease body fat should be the focus to improve the balance of top A&amp;T athletes.

Almond Consumption during Energy Restriction Lowers Truncal Fat and Blood Pressure in Compliant Overweight or Obese Adults

Background: The inclusion of almonds in an energy-restricted diet has been reported both to enhance or to have no effect on weight loss. Their effects specifically on visceral body fat stores during energy restriction have not been widely examined. In addition, almond consumption has been associated with reduced blood pressure (BP), but whether this is linked to or independent of changes in body composition has to our knowledge not been examined.Objective: We evaluated the effects of consuming almonds as part of an energy-restricted diet on body composition, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and BP, compared to a nut-free energy-restricted diet.Methods: A randomized controlled 12-wk clinical trial of 86 healthy adults [body mass index (in kg/m2): 25–40] was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 energy-restricted (500-kcal deficit/d) diets: an almond-enriched diet (AED) (15% energy from almonds) or a nut-free diet (NFD). A linear mixed-model analysis on primary outcomes such as body weight, body fat, VAT, and BP was performed on all participants [intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis] and compliant participants (complier analysis).Results: Body weight, truncal and total fat percentage, VAT, and systolic BP decreased after 12 wk of energy restriction in both the ITT and complier analyses (P < 0.05). The complier analysis (but not the ITT analysis) indicated a greater mean ± SEM reduction in truncal fat (AED: −1.21% ± 0.26%; NFD: −0.48% ± 0.24%; P = 0.025), total fat (AED: −1.79% ± 0.36%; NFD: −0.74% ± 0.33%; P = 0.035), and diastolic BP (AED: −2.71 ± 1.2 mm Hg; NFD: 0.815 ± 1.1 mm Hg; P = 0.029), and a greater tendency for VAT loss (AED: −8.19 ± 1.8 cm2; NFD: −3.99 ± 1.7 cm2; P = 0.09) over time in the AED group than the NFD group.Conclusions: Moderate almond consumption by compliant overweight and obese individuals during energy restriction results in greater proportional reductions of truncal and total body fat as well as diastolic BP and hence may help to reduce metabolic disease risk in obesity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02360787.

ODP140 Association of Body Composition with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Background In the United States there are an estimated 296,000 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). With increasing survival after acute injury, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these individuals. Changes in body composition, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysregulation have all been reported as potential causes of higher CVD risk in SCI. However, the factors that lead to these changes and mechanisms by which they increase CVD risk remains unclear. Understanding these would be critical to developing effective strategies to reduce CVD in SCI. In this study, we evaluated the association of body composition with cardiometabolic risk factors including dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation. Subjects and Methods Sixty two individuals (69% male, 21% female) with chronic spinal cord injury (mean duration 7.4 +/- 5.8 years) were recruited for the study. Individuals had review of history and complete physical exam. Body composition was measured by DEXA scan. Blood was drawn for measurement of metabolic profile, lipids, hsCRP, and an array of inflammatory cytokines. A subset of 38 individuals had oral glucose tolerance test among whom 27 had insulin resistance assessed by HOMA-IR and the Matsuda Index. Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between different parameters. Results The mean age of the population was 34.4+/- 12.1 years. The mean BMI was 23.8 +/- 5 with 64% having BMI &amp;lt; 25 and 11% &amp;gt; 30. Low HDL was noted in 47% and high TG in 22% of individuals. High fasting glucose was noted in 15% and high 2 Hour glucose in 32% of individuals. HOMA IR was &amp;gt; 2 in 37% and Matsuda Index &amp;lt; 4.3 in 59% of individuals. Several measures of body fat were significantly correlated (p &amp;lt; 0. 05) with cardiometabolic risk factors. Total and percent truncal fat correlated positively (p &amp;lt; 0. 05) with serum triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, hsCRP, glucose at 30, 60, and 120 minutes during OGTT, and HOMA IR. Total and percent truncal fat correlated negatively (p &amp;lt; 0. 05) with HDL cholesterol and Matsuda Index. On the other hand, IL 8, macrophage inflammatory protein 1b, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 correlated positively with total and truncal lean mass. Conclusions Cardiometabolic risk factors were highly prevalent in this group of young individuals with chronic SCI. Despite a relatively normal BMI, total and truncal fat appear to be a major factors associated with these abnormalities. The pathways leading to this association are still unclear. The association of lean mass with certain cytokines need further exploration. The impact of interventions such as diet, exercises aimed at changing body composition, epidural stimulation, and use of probiotics are among interventions that are being studied. Presentation: No date and time listed

Cardiovascular complications of Cushings syndrome: Impact on morbidity and mortality.

Cardiovascular complications of Cushings syndrome: Impact on morbidity and mortality.

The heritability of body composition

BackgroundPhysical growth during childhood and adolescence is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Heritability, the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by genetic factors, has been demonstrated for stature and weight status. The aim of this study was to explore the heritability of body composition.MethodsA real-life, observational study of the children and adolescents referred to the Endocrine Unit in a tertiary medical center. In January 2018, body composition by means of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was implemented as part of the standard intake assessment of subjects referred for endocrine consultation. The clinic BIA database was searched for subjects with the term “observation of growth” as the sole reason for referral. BIA of 114 triads of healthy subjects aged 5–18 years and their parents were analyzed. The BIA report included the following data: fat mass, fat percentage, truncal fat percentage and muscle mass. Calculated variables included: appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM = the sum of muscle mass of four limbs), muscle-to-fat ratio [MFR = ASMM (kg)/fat mass (kg)] and sarcopenic index [(SI = ASMM(kg)/height (meter)²]. Data collection from medical files included pubertal stage and home address for socioeconomic position grading.ResultsThere were sex differences in body composition parameters in both the prepubertal and pubertal subjects. The boys among the prepubertal subjects had a lower fat percentage on average than girls (p = 0.020). Among the adolescents, boys on average had lower fat percentage (p = 0.011), higher sarcopenic index (p = 0.021), and higher muscle-to-fat ratio (p < 0.001), than adolescent girls. Correlation analyses between body composition parameters of all participants revealed significant correlations in the sarcopenic index of prepubertal children and their parents (boys-fathers: r = 0.380, p = 0.050; boys-mothers: r = 0.435, p = 0.026; girls-fathers: r = 0.462, p = 0.012; girls-mothers: r = 0.365, p = 0.050) and adiposity indices (fat percentage, truncal fat percentage and muscle-to-fat ratio) of prepubertal boys and their mothers (r = 0.438, p = 0.025; r = 0.420, p = 0.033, and r = 0.478, p = 0.014, respectively). There were no associations between body composition parameters of adolescents and their parents. Socioeconomic position adversely affected fat percentage in adolescent girls and mothers.ConclusionsHeritable body composition traits were demonstrated in childhood but not in adolescence, suggesting that environmental influence has a more telling effect during teenage years.

Different Indicators of Adiposity and Fat Distribution and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adiposity and fat distribution on the odds of elevated cardiovascular risk factors among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present cross-sectional study included 2,427 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Body fat was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression was used to estimate effects of adiposity parameters on elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c , ≥7.0%), hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg), and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (≥2.6 mmol/L). The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for elevated HbA1c was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.70-0.96) for each SD increase in leg fat mass. The multivariable-adjusted OR for hypertension was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.00-1.32) for each SD increase in android fat mass. Multivariable-adjusted ORs for elevated LDL cholesterol ranged from 1.16 (95% CI: 1.00-1.35) to 1.27 (95% CI: 1.06-1.51) for each SD increase in arm and android fat mass and percentage of total, truncal, arm, and android fat. Each SD increase in BMI, truncal-to-leg fat ratio, and android-to-gynoid fat ratio was significantly associated with increased risks of elevated HbA1c , hypertension, and elevated LDL cholesterol. Subcutaneous fat in the lower body was associated with a more favorable glycemic profile, but not blood pressure or lipid profile, whereas central adiposity was associated with poor control of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Association Between Body Fat Mass and Kidney Stones in US Adults: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018

BackgroundThe association between total and truncal body fat and kidney stone (KS) remains unclear. ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between total and truncal body fat and KS in the US adult population. Design, setting, and participantsThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) comprises a series of nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. Data from females and males aged 20–59 yr who participated in four 2-yr NHANES cycles between 2011 and 2018 were obtained. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisMultivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan–measured total and truncal body fat percentage and mass with KS. Results and limitationsA total of 10 271 participants (50.3% females) were included. Weighted KS prevalence was 8.11% in femalesand 7.55% in males. In males, higher fat percentage was associated with higher odds of KS (per 5% total fat: odds ratio [OR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.32; per 5% truncal fat: OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35), particularly in those aged 40–59 yr (per 5% total fat: OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.16–1.59; per 5% truncal fat: OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.20–1.65, p-interaction < 0.05). In females, higher fat percentage was associated with higher odds of KS overall (per 5% total fat: OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.10–1.37; per 5% truncal fat: OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.08–1.33) and in both age groups (20–39 and 40–59 yr, p-interaction > 0.05). The observed associations were stronger in “other” ethnicities and non-Hispanic white. Similar patterns were observed for per 5 kg body fat mass. ConclusionsTotal and truncal fat parameters are associated with a higher prevalence of KS in adult females and males who are ≥40 yr old. Truncal fat mass may be at least equal or superior to total fat mass in assessing the association of body fat with KS. Further studies are warranted to elaborate on the pathophysiologic mechanism of this association to decrease the prevalence of KS. Patient summaryTotal and truncal body fat are associated with a higher prevalence of kidney stone (KS) in adult females and males aged ≥40 yr. Truncal fat mass may be similar or superior to total fat mass in assessing the association between body fat and KS.

Beyond Body Mass Index - Body Composition Assessment by Bioimpedance in Routine Endocrine Practice

ObjectiveTo explore the body composition of pediatric patients referred for endocrine evaluation. MethodsThis real-life observational study conducted between January 2018 and January 2020 included 10 001 clinic visits of 3500 children and adolescents; first visits of 5 to 18-year-old patients were included. Anthropometric data, blood pressure levels, pubertal status, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA, Tanita MC-780 MA) were extracted from medical files. Excluded from the analysis were patients participating in other studies. ResultsA total of 1001 patients (48% boys, mean age 11.3 ± 3.4 years, 33.5% prepubertal) were included. Mean anthropometric z-scores were normal and similar for boys and girls. Sex differences in body composition were as follows: boys had lower fat percentage, lower truncal fat percentage, higher appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and a higher muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) than girls (P < .001 for all). MFR correlated with body mass index-standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS) in overweight/obese patients (r = −0.558, P < .001), although not in underweight patients. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) correlated with BMI-SDS in overweight/obese patients (r = 0.262, P < .001), although not in underweight patients. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) did not correlate with BMI-SDS in either group of extreme weight status. MFR correlated with SBP and DBP in overweight/obese patients (r = −0.230, P < .001 and r = −0.141, P = .018, respectively) as well as in underweight patients (r = 0.331, P < .001 and r = 0.264, P = .005, respectively). ConclusionsOur findings support BIA for a more refined characterization of patients referred for endocrine evaluation than BMI-SDS. MFR may be a better surrogate marker of blood pressure levels than BMI-SDS in both underweight and overweight/obese pediatric patients.

Wrist circumference is a biomarker of adipose tissue dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in children with obesity.

To evaluate the relationship between wrist circumference, markers of adipose dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk in youths with obesity. In this cross-sectional study, we measured body mass composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, wrist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fasting blood insulin, glucose, lipid profile, adiponectin, and leptin in 280 children with overweight/obesity and without diabetes (age: 7-18years). Cardiovascular risk was estimated by "metabolic syndrome score" (MetS score). Study participants had median [25th-75th percentile] wrist circumference of 17.5[16.7-18.5]cm and waist-to-height ratio of 0.62 [0.59-0.67]. Lower adiponectin-leptin ratio was found among subjects in the upper 50th percentiles of wrist circumference [0.17 (0.09-0.36) vs. 0.38 (0.16-0.79); p < 0.001]. Wrist circumference was independently associated with MetS score (r = 0.5 p < 0.001). Among MetS score components, an independent association between wrist circumference HDLc, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure was found (r = - 0.253 p < 0.001; r =+ 0.204 p < 0.001; r = + 0.403 p = < 0.001, respectively). The coefficient of determination for MetS score was nominally higher when considering wrist circumference as independent variable (Adj-R2 = 0.30) then when considering body mass index SD (Adj-R2 = 0.28), waist-to-height ratio (Adj-R2 = 0.26) or truncal fat percentage (Adj-R2 = 0.01). The addition of wrist circumference in age and gender adjusted models, accounting to any other anthropometric parameters, resulted in a significant improvement of the Adj-R2 (p < 0.001 for all). Our study shows that wrist circumference independently relates to adiponectin-leptin ratio and to the prediction of cardiovascular risk, suggesting it as an efficient and adjunctive anthropometric marker of cardiometabolic risk in children with obesity.

Paradoxical positive association of serum adiponectin with all-cause mortality based on body composition in Japanese haemodialysis patients

We have previously reported a paradoxical association of serum adiponectin with aortic calcification in haemodialysis patients. Because serum adiponectin is a nutritional marker, we examined the association between serum adiponectin and all-cause mortality based on body composition in haemodialysis patients. The trunk and total body fat were determined. The patients were divided into two groups based on serum adiponectin levels. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, the higher adiponectin group showed higher mortality than the lower adiponectin group. Serum adiponectin showed an inverse correlation with the percentage of truncal fat, suggesting serum adiponectin as an inverse marker for adiposity in haemodialysis patients. However, even after adjustment for other factors, multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified higher serum adiponectin as an independent factor positively associated with higher mortality in haemodialysis patients. This association held true even when the total fat mass was replaced with the percentage of truncal fat, and when total fat mass and percentage of truncal fat were simultaneously included. Thus, we found a paradoxical association of higher serum adiponectin with higher all-cause mortality in Japanese haemodialysis patients, independent of adiposity.

Effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiovascular disease risk factors and body composition in psoriatic arthritis: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with an accumulation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on...

Ethnic Variations in Adiponectin Levels and Its Association with Age, Gender, Body Composition and Diet: Differences Between Iranians, Indians and Europeans Living in Australia.

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived protein with anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory action, but there are few studies on its association with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in different ethnic groups in Australia. This cross-sectional study evaluated ethnic differences in adiponectin levels and its association with age, gender, body composition and diet in 89 adult Australians of European (n = 28), Indian (n = 28) and Iranian (n = 33) ancestries. Different measures of adiposity were assessed using the method of whole body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA). Total adiponectin levels determined in Indians and Iranians were significantly lower than those in Europeans (p values < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the adiponectin levels in Indians and Iranians (p value > 0.05). There was no substantial change in the results after adjustment for potential confounders. Circulating levels of adiponectin was associated with age, truncal fat percentage, dietary glycemic index, glycemic load and carbohydrate intake, by correlation analysis (p values < 0.05). Using multiple linear regression analysis, a model including truncal fat percentage (p < 0.001), ethnicity (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.001) and dietary glycemic index (p = 0.04) could predict 50% of the variance in adiponectin levels (R2 = 0.504). Among different variables assessed, truncal fat percentage (in Indian and Iranian groups) and glycemic index (in European group) were the strongest predictors of serum adiponectin when data were analysed for three ethnic groups, separately. In conclusion, individuals with Iranian or Indian ancestries may have lower adiponectin levels compared to Europeans. Ethnicity was found as an independent factor affecting adiponectin levels. Our results also highlighted age, truncal adiposity and dietary glycemic index as other determinants of serum adiponectin, however the extent to which these factors influence adiponectin concentrations may vary across ethnicities.

Inflammation of mammary adipose tissue occurs in overweight and obese patients exhibiting early-stage breast cancer

Growing evidence indicates that adiposity is associated with breast cancer risk and negatively affects breast cancer recurrence and survival, a paracrine role of mammary adipose tissue being very likely in this process. In contrast to other adipose depots, occurrence of a sub-inflammatory state of mammary adipose tissue defined by dying adipocytes surrounded by macrophages forming crown-like structures in overweight and obese subjects, remains only partially described. In a general population of breast cancer patients (107 patients) mostly undergoing breast-conserving surgery, we found a positive association between patient’s body composition, breast adipocytes size, and presence of crown-like structures in mammary adipose tissue close to the tumor. Overweight (BMI: 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) patients have 3.2 and 6.9 times higher odds ratio of crown-like structures respectively, compared with normal weight patients. The relatively small increase in adipocyte size in crown-like structures positive vs. negative patients suggests that mammary adipose tissue inflammation might occur early during hypertrophy. Our results further highlight that body mass index is an adequate predictor of the presence of crown-like structures in mammary adipose tissue among postmenopausal women, whereas in premenopausal women truncal fat percentage might be more predictive, suggesting that mammary adipose tissue inflammation is more likely to occur in patients exhibiting visceral obesity. Finally, the presence of crown-like structures was positively associated with systemic markers such as the Triglyceride/High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio serum C-reactive protein and glucose/(HbA1c) glycated Haemoglobin. These compelling results demonstrate that excess adiposity, even in overweight patients, is associated with mammary adipose tissue inflammation, an event that could contribute to breast cancer development and progression.

Almond Consumption during Energy Restriction Lowers Truncal Fat and Blood Pressure in Compliant Overweight or Obese Adults

Background: The inclusion of almonds in an energy-restricted diet has been reported both to enhance or to have no effect on weight loss. Their effects specifically on visceral body fat stores during energy restriction have not been widely examined. In addition, almond consumption has been associated with reduced blood pressure (BP), but whether this is linked to or independent of changes in body composition has to our knowledge not been examined.Objective: We evaluated the effects of consuming almonds as part of an energy-restricted diet on body composition, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and BP, compared to a nut-free energy-restricted diet.Methods: A randomized controlled 12-wk clinical trial of 86 healthy adults [body mass index (in kg/m2): 25–40] was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 energy-restricted (500-kcal deficit/d) diets: an almond-enriched diet (AED) (15% energy from almonds) or a nut-free diet (NFD). A linear mixed-model analysis on primary outcomes such as body weight, body fat, VAT, and BP was performed on all participants [intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis] and compliant participants (complier analysis).Results: Body weight, truncal and total fat percentage, VAT, and systolic BP decreased after 12 wk of energy restriction in both the ITT and complier analyses (P < 0.05). The complier analysis (but not the ITT analysis) indicated a greater mean ± SEM reduction in truncal fat (AED: −1.21% ± 0.26%; NFD: −0.48% ± 0.24%; P = 0.025), total fat (AED: −1.79% ± 0.36%; NFD: −0.74% ± 0.33%; P = 0.035), and diastolic BP (AED: −2.71 ± 1.2 mm Hg; NFD: 0.815 ± 1.1 mm Hg; P = 0.029), and a greater tendency for VAT loss (AED: −8.19 ± 1.8 cm2; NFD: −3.99 ± 1.7 cm2; P = 0.09) over time in the AED group than the NFD group.Conclusions: Moderate almond consumption by compliant overweight and obese individuals during energy restriction results in greater proportional reductions of truncal and total body fat as well as diastolic BP and hence may help to reduce metabolic disease risk in obesity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02360787.

Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Morbidly Obese Subjects.

Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) magnifies risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes, but its expression varies within the obese population. We examined body mass index (BMI), metabolic traits, and fat distribution in morbidly obese individuals. Lipids and inflammatory, oxidative stress and hepatic biomarkers in 346 women and 203 men (BMI ≥35 kg/m2 and co-morbidity or ≥40 kg/m2) were stratified by MetSyn components (1-5, excluding diabetes). Age- and smoking-adjusted partial correlations were calculated. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was measured in 206 participants. Apolipoprotein B, ferritin, uric acid, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations worsened with increasing MetSyn components (P ≤ 0.0001), while BMI and LDL-cholesterol showed no association. BMI correlated inversely with triglycerides (r = -0.16, P = 0.03) and positively with HDL-cholesterol in men (r = 0.16, P = 0.02), but not in women. BMI correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.32, P < 0.0001; r = 0.24, P < 0.0001 in men and women, respectively) and white blood cell count (r = 0.24, P = 0.001 in men; r = 0.15, P = 0.008 in women). Truncal fat percentage correlated to CRP (r = 0.31, P = 0.03; r = 0.20, P = 0.02 in men and women, respectively). In women, number of MetSyn components was inversely related to truncal and peripheral fat (r = -0.20, P = 0.02; r = -0.42, P < 0.0001, respectively) as was ALT (r = -0.21, P = 0.009; r = -0.38, P < 0.0001, respectively) and triglycerides with peripheral fat (r = -0.38, P < 0.0001), while HDL cholesterol was positively associated with truncal and peripheral fat (r = 0.26; P = 0.001). BMI and fat distribution showed expected associations to inflammation biomarkers, but paradoxical relations between fat indices, and MetSyn components and biomarkers were seen. This suggests a need for better markers of CVD risk in morbid obesity.

Influence of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern on Body Fat Distribution: Results of the PREDIMED–Canarias Intervention Randomized Trial

Objective: To assess the influence of a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MeDiet) on anthropometric and body composition parameters in one of the centers of the PREDIMED randomized dietary trial. Subjects/Settings: 351 Canarian free-living subjects aged 55 to 80 years, with type 2 diabetes or ≥3 cardiovascular risk factors. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 different dietary interventions: MeDiet + extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), MeDiet + nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts), or a control low-fat diet. Total energy intake was ad libitum. Outcome measures: Measures included changes in anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]), body fat distribution, energy, and nutrient intake after 1 year. Body composition (percentage of total body fat [%TBF], total fat mass [TFM], free fat mass [FFM], percentage of truncal fat [%TrF], truncal fat mass [TrFM]) and total body water (TBW) were estimated by octapolar electrical impedance analysis. Statistical analyses: Paired t tests were conducted to assess within-group changes. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to assess the effect of the dietary intervention on the percentage change in anthropometric variables, body composition, and dietary intake profile. All pairwise comparisons that were statistically significant in ANOVA were subsequently adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg test, which penalizes for multiple comparisons. Results: After 1 year of intervention, significant within-group reductions in all anthropometric variables were observed for the MeDiet + EVOO and the control group. The MeDiet + nuts group exhibited a significant reduction in WC and TBW. The control group showed a significant increase in %TBF and a reduction in TBW. The control group showed a significant increase in the percentage of total body fat and a reduction in TBW. However, we did not find any between-group significant difference in anthropometric or body composition changes. Conclusions: Mediterranean diets enriched with EVOO or specific mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts) that contain approximately 40% total fat can be alternative options to low-fat diets for weight maintenance regimes in older overweight or obese adults.

The possible role of mRNA expression changes of GH/IGF-1/insulin axis components in subcutaneous adipose tissue in metabolic disturbances of patients with acromegaly.

We explored the effect of chronically elevated circulating levels of growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like-growth-factor-1 (IGF-1) on mRNA expression of GH/IGF-1/insulin axis components and p85alpha subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (p85alpha) in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) of patients with active acromegaly and compared these findings with healthy control subjects in order to find its possible relationships with insulin resistance and body composition changes. Acromegaly group had significantly decreased percentage of truncal and whole body fat and increased homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In SCAT, patients with acromegaly had significantly increased IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) expression that both positively correlated with serum GH. P85alpha expression in SCAT did not differ from control group. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 expression in SCAT were not independently associated with percentage of truncal and whole body fat or with HOMA-IR while IGFBP-3 expression in SCAT was an independent predictor of insulin receptor as well as of p85alpha expression in SCAT. Our data suggest that GH overproduction in acromegaly group increases IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 expression in SCAT while it does not affect SCAT p85alpha expression. Increased IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 in SCAT of acromegaly group do not appear to contribute to systemic differences in insulin sensitivity but may have local regulatory effects in SCAT of patients with acromegaly.

Daily Intake of Trehalose Is Effective in the Prevention of Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Individuals with Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome.

We previously performed animal studies that suggested that trehalose potentially prevents the development of metabolic syndrome in humans. To evaluate this possibility, we examined whether trehalose suppressed the progression of insulin resistance in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 34 subjects with a body mass index (BMI) ≥23. The subjects were divided into two groups and were assigned to ingest either 10 g/d of trehalose or sucrose with meals for 12 wk. During the study, body composition and blood biochemical parameters were measured at week 0, 8, and 12. These parameters were also measured 4 wk after the end of intake to confirm the washout of test substances. In the trehalose group, blood glucose concentrations after a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test significantly decreased following 12 wk of intake in comparison with baseline values (0 wk). When a stratified analysis was performed in the subjects whose percentage of truncal fat approached the high end of the normal range, the change in body weight, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the trehalose group than in the sucrose group. Our data indicated that a daily intake of 10 g of trehalose improved glucose tolerance and progress to insulin resistance. Furthermore, these results suggested that trehalose can potentially reduce the development of metabolic syndrome and associated lifestyle-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.