Prevalence Of Abdominal Obesity Research Articles

Secular trends of population-attributable fractions of obesity for hypertension among US population by sex and race/ethnicity: Analysis from NHANES 1999–2018

Obesity is a major risk factor of hypertension, therefore quantifying the contribution of obesity to hypertension is necessary. The current study aimed to investigate the changes in population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of hypertension associated with general obesity and abdominal obesity over the recent 2 decades among the US population, as well as important sub-populations. This report was performed based on national-level cross-sectional data for 46,535 adults aged 18 years and older and 20,745 children aged 8–17 from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018. The PAFs of hypertension due to general obesity and abdominal obesity were calculated by sex, race/ethnicity, and survey year. The linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the secular trends of PAFs over the years. The prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity presented significantly increasing trends during the past 2 decades in the US. The PAFs of hypertension due to general obesity increased steadily from 11.9 % to 15.1 % in women with a slope of 0.38 % (95 % CI: 0.31 – 0.45 %) and from 8.4 % to 13.4 % in men with a slope of 0.46 % (95 % CI: 0.36 – 0.56 %). Similar increasing trends were also observed for the PAFs due to abdominal obesity in both women and men. Additionally, there were significantly different trends of PAFs in various races/ethnicities. Over the past 2 decades, the contributions of obesity to hypertension were gradually rising among US population, which emphasizes the importance of controlling weight to further reduce the burden of hypertension.

2023 Obesity Fact Sheet: Prevalence of Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Adults, Adolescents, and Children in Korea from 2012 to 2021.

The 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet aims to present an updated overview of obesity prevalence across all age groups, including children and adolescents. This study included individuals aged ≥20 years (n=16,941,423 in 2021) who underwent health checkups provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2012 and 2021. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was standardized by age and sex using data from the 2010 population and housing census. For children and adolescents (6 to 18 years) (n=884 in 2021), we used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012 to 2021), and obesity was defined by the corresponding sex- and age-specific body mass index percentile of 95th or greater based on the 2017 Korean National Growth Chart for Children and Adolescents. The overall prevalence of obesity in 2021 is 38.4% (49.2% in men and 27.8% in women), which is a 1.27-fold increase from 30.2% in 2012. The prevalence of obesity has increased across all age groups, particularly among those aged 20, 30, and 80 years. The prevalence of class III obesity substantially increased from 0.35% (men) and 0.42% (women) in 2012 to 1.21% and 0.97% in 2021, with 3.46- and 2.31-fold increases, respectively. This increase was particularly pronounced in young adults. The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has surged from 9.7% in 2012 to 19.3% in 2021, with a greater increase among boys. Our study provides information on the current status of obesity prevalence based on the 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet, emphasizing the urgency of implementing timely strategies to reverse this increasing trend.

Comparison of metabolic risk factors, lipid indices, healthy eating index, and physical activity among premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women.

In this study, we aimed to compare metabolic risk factors, lipid indices, healthy eating index, and physical activity among premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4,732 women participating in the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study were placed into three groups of premenopausal (n=736), menopausal (n=396), and postmenopausal (n=917) women, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria . The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 43.3%, 55.6%, and 62.8% in premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively. After menopause, the prevalence of hypertension (50.2%), dyslipidemia (61.2%), diabetes (37.7%), and abdominal obesity according to the Iranian guidelines (75.9%) was higher than before menopause. Based on the results, cardiovascular disease had the highest prevalence after menopause (23%). The weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) had the highest odds ratio (OR) among indices, with values of 2.94 and 1.93 in menopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively (P<0.001). According to the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), the total consumption of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and protein was higher in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women, and the consumption of foods containing sugar was higher in menopausal women than in premenopausal women. The results showed that the level of physical activity was the highest and the lowest in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively (P<0.001). Menopause leads to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) index, WWI, and physical activity index increased in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. The TyG index, WWI, and HEI-2015 did not show significant differences between the groups, based on the multiple regression analysis.

Adiposity Phenotypes and Associated Cardiometabolic Risk Profile in the Inuit Population of Nunavik.

The Inuit population of Nunavik is faced with a significant rise in the prevalence of obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2], but the impact on cardiometabolic health is unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize adiposity phenotypes and explore their associations with cardiometabolic risk factors among Nunavimmiut men and women. We used data obtained from 1296 Inuit who participated in the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Nunavik Inuit Health survey. Collected information included demographics, anthropometric measurements including visceral fat level (VFL) measured using electrical bioimpedance, biomarkers, hemodynamics, medical history and medication list. Adjusted population-weighted linear regressions were conducted to assess associations between body fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk factors. The accuracy and cut-off points of anthropometric indices to detect cardiometabolic abnormalities was evaluated by area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and a maximum Youden index analysis. Among Nunavimmiut (mean age 38.8 years [95%CI: 38.4 to 39.3]), obesity was observed in 42.8% of women and 25.6% of men. Compared to men, women presented a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity (78.8% vs. 46.4% in men, p < 0.05) and elevated VFL (54.4% vs. 20.1% with an InBody level ≥ 13, p < 0.05). Indices of global fat distribution and abdominal adiposity including VFL provided poor to moderate ability to detect cardiometabolic abnormalities (AUROC between 0.64 and 0.79). This analysis revealed that despite a high prevalence of abdominal obesity, particularly among women, anthropometric measurements of adiposity are inconsistently associated cardio-metabolic risk factors in Inuit adults of Nunavik.

Geographic and ethnicity variation in the prevalence of middle-aged and elderly adult obesity in China in 2020.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the mean body mass index (BMI), general obesity and abdominal obesity in adults aged ≥40 years residing in China in 2020, and to analyse variations in these factors across different geographic areas and subpopulations. We utilized data from the National Stroke High-Risk Population Screening programme to calculate and compare the mean BMI and prevalence of obesity across various demographics, including sex, age, urban-rural locality, geographical region (province) and ethnicity status. In our study, we found that the standardized mean BMI level was 24.65 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 24.50-22.84] in men and 24.31 kg/m2 (95% CI: 24.15-24.45) in women. Using the criteria from China, we found that the standardized prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity was 13.13% (95% CI: 13.05-13.21%) and 33.03% (95 CI: 32.92-33.14%), respectively. Our study also identified significant effects of age, sex, urban-rural locality, province and ethnicity status on the prevalence of obesity. Overall, our study estimated that in 2020, approximately 91.1 million adults aged ≥40 years in China were obese (46.5 million men and 44.6 million women), while 229.2 million adults (110.4 million men and 118.8 million women) were diagnosed with abdominal obesity. Our research has revealed compelling new evidence about the obesity epidemic among Chinese adults aged ≥40 years, particularly at the provincial and ethnic levels. As a result, more targeted and effective prevention strategies should be developed to alleviate the burden of obesity.

Consumption of foods with a higher degree of processing is associated with overweight and abdominal obesity in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

This study evaluated food consumption according to its degree of processing and its relationship with body adiposity in 218 women with breast cancer. Food consumption was categorised according to the NOVA classification. Two groups were formed, the first composed by consumption of in natura, minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (less processed foods) and the second one of processed and ultra-processed foods (more processed foods). The increase of 5% in the caloric contribution of more processed foods was associated with a 4% increase in the prevalence of overweight (p = 0.028) and 3% in prevalence of abdominal obesity (p = 0.018). This reinforces the importance of evaluating food consumption with a focus on the degree of processing, as it can contribute to the prevention of excess body fat in this group, as this excess is associated with a worse prognosis and survival.

Association between kimchi consumption and obesity based on BMI and abdominal obesity in Korean adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the Health Examinees study

ObjectivePrevious animal studies have shown the anti-obesity effect of kimchi-derived probiotic lactic acid bacteria. However, only a few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between kimchi consumption and obesity. Therefore,...

Associations of meeting 24-h movement guidelines and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to 24-h movement guidelines and metabolic syndrome (MetS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study designRepeated cross-sectional design. MethodsWe selected 10,882 adults (2019: n = 5710; 2020: n = 5172) aged ≥20 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using a global physical activity questionnaire. We also measured the typical sleep duration (h/day) on weekdays and weekends. MetS was defined as the presence of more than three risk factors. ResultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation-related physical activity decreased, while the prevalence of abdominal obesity (+3.3 %) and low HDL-C levels (+3.1 %) increased significantly. An elevated risk of MetS was observed in the lower aerobic (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04−1.58; P = 0.019) and muscular exercise (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04−1.66; P = 0.023) groups and in the high sedentary behavior (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00−1.51; P = 0.049) during the pandemic. Sensitivity analysis stratified by sex showed similar patterns with more pronounced changes in MetS components in males. The models also showed significant associations between aerobic physical activity, strength exercises, and sedentary behavior with MetS in males and females. ConclusionsAlthough sedentary behavior and sleep time remained unchanged, a significant decrease in transportation-related physical activity was observed during the pandemic. Moreover, our findings revealed that aerobic physical activity, strength exercise, and sedentary time during the pandemic were associated with an increased MetS risk. These results highlight the importance of promoting physical activity, particularly during periods of social restriction, to mitigate the pandemic's negative effects on metabolic health.

Associations of dichlorophenol with metabolic syndrome based on multivariate-adjusted logistic regression: a U.S. nationwide population-based study 2003-2016

BackgroundPara-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) exposure associated with oxidative stress has indeed raised public concerns. However, whether p-DCB is linked with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear. We hypothesized that higher exposure to p-DCB would be linked with a higher risk of MetS in the U.S population. This study aimed to examine the associations of exposure to p-DCB with MetS prevalence.MethodsWe included 10,428 participants (5,084 men and 5,344 women), aged ≥ 20 years, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2016). The cases of MetS were diagnosed by NCEP/ATPIII. Logistic regression models were conducted to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of MetS prevalence. Moreover, the mix associations of p-DCB metabolites were assessed using quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile g-computation (qgcomp) methods.ResultsWe documented 2,861 (27.1%) MetS cases. After adjustment for the potential risk factors, the ORs (95% CI) of MetS prevalence across the quartile of urinary 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) were 1.09 (0.93-1.28), 1.22 (1.00-1.49), and 1.34 (1.04-1.73). Moreover, 2,5 DCP is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity [ORQ4vsQ1 (95% CI): 1.23 (1.03-1.48)]. The WQS and qgcomp index also showed significant associations between p-DCB metabolites and MetS. Moreover, we further examined that 2,5 DCP was correlated with higher systolic blood pressure (r = 0.022, P = 0.027), waist circumference (r = 0.099, P < 0.001), and glycohemoglobin (r = 0.027, P = 0.008) and a lower high density cholesterol (r = -0.059, P < 0.001). In addition, the significant positive associations between 2,5 DCP and MetS were robust in the subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThese findings indicated that increased urinary p-DCB concentration, especially 2,5 DCP, had a higher MetS prevalence. These results should be interpreted cautiously and further research is warranted to validate our findings.

A Study on The Prevalence of Overweight and Associated Risk Factors in Urban Adult Women (19-49 Years) Of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is escalating worldwide, and it has been acknowledged as a global issue by the World Health Organization (WHO). Even though India's overweight rates are comparatively lower than those of Western countries, they are steadily increasing. Therefore, it becomes crucial to understand the extent of overweight in cities like Kolkata. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight among urban adult women (aged 19-49 years) in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 130 subjects, and a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-economic details, physical activity, dietary patterns, and perceptions and knowledge related to overweight through interviews. The outcome variables measured were Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed using MS Excel. There was a 54% overweight prevalence among urban adult women, and a 67.4% abdominal obesity prevalence. Several factors were significantly associated with being overweight (having a BMI over 25). These factors included women perceiving themselves as thinner than they actually are, being aged over 35 years, and having a husband who is self-employed. In urban West Bengal, overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity levels are considerably high. This highlights the urgency of addressing the issue of overweight in this region and calls for targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyles and combat the growing problem of overweight and obesity.

Diagnostic Performance of the Measurement of Skinfold Thickness for Abdominal and Overall Obesity in the Peruvian Population: A 5-Year Cohort Analysis

The escalating prevalence of overall and abdominal obesity, particularly affecting Latin America, underscores the urgent need for accessible and cost-effective predictive methods to address the growing disease burden. This study assessed skinfold thicknesses’ predictive capacity for overall and abdominal obesity in Peruvian adults aged 30 or older over 5 years. Data from the PERU MIGRANT 5-year cohort study were analyzed, defining obesity using BMI and waist circumference. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Adults aged ≥ 30 (n = 988) completed the study at baseline, with 47% male. A total of 682 participants were included for overall and abdominal obesity analysis. The 5-year prevalence values for overall and abdominal obesity were 26.7% and 26.6%, respectively. Subscapular skinfold (SS) best predicted overall obesity in men (AUC = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75–0.88) and women (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67–0.88). Regarding abdominal obesity, SS exhibited the highest AUC in men (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77–0.89), while SS and the sum of trunk skinfolds showed the highest AUC in women. In secondary analysis excluding participants with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) at baseline, SS significantly predicted DM2 development in men (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58–0.83) and bicipital skinfold (BS) did in women (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62–0.84). The findings highlight SS significance as an indicator of overall and abdominal obesity in both sexes among Peruvian adults. Additionally, SS, and BS offer robust predictive indicators for DM2.

Evaluation of cardiovascular and metabolic risk profile in a young adult population assisted by the family health strategy - LapARC Study

Abstract Background The LapARC study is a population-based cohort study designed to evaluate the cardiovascular (CV) risk profile of a young adult population (aged between 20 and 50 years old). It is an unprecedented project as it takes a closer look at a population who is expected to be healthy and, therefore are generally neglected when dealing with their CV health. The study indicates that this public can benefit not only from the early identification of CV risk factors but from public policies for primary prevention, most likely changing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the future. Purpose To evaluate the CV and metabolic risk profile of a young adult population living in a Brazilian metropolis, in the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy. Methods This is a cross-sectional study divided into two phases: The first one designed for the recruitment and registration of individuals and the second one being a longitudinal phase with the purpose of searching for CV outcomes within these patients. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis (electrical bioimpedance) and traditional CV risk factors were all recorded. Hypertension was diagnosed by office blood pressure (OBP) and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) with a 7-day protocol. The metabolic profile was evaluated by blood biochemistry testing lipid profile (total and fractions) and glycemic levels (glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin for HOMA-IR calculation). Kidney function was assessed by serum creatinine and spot urine albuminuria. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was screened by STOP-BANG questionnaire (SB) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Those with a high risk of OSA underwent portable home polysomnography monitoring. Results Of the 741 registered participants, 60% were female (mean age of 36.5 ± 9.0 years). Of these, 29% presented 3 or more risk factors. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity was 37%, 25% and 39%, respectively. A total of 44% of individuals were classified as sedentary and 15% smokers. Regarding the metabolic profile, 72% had dyslipidemia, 10% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, 9% had glucose intolerance and only 3.1% had type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of hypertension was 28,7%. By refining the diagnosis through HBPM, the study identified that 9.9% of these individuals had masked hypertension and 9.1% white-coat hypertension, revealing that sustained hypertension had an actual prevalence of 9,7 %. Within the OSA screening, 28% were at high risk by the SB and 36% by the ESS, while 13% were at high risk by both questionnaires. For the diagnosis of OSA by polysomnography, 46% of the participants had OSA and from these, 23% had moderate/severe OSA. Conclusion Despite being a young and apparently healthy population, we identified a high CV risk within these participants, pointing to the importance of public policies aimed at this population concerning primary prevention of CV diseases.

Prevalence and related factors of abdominal obesity among urban adults aged 35 to 79 years in southwest China.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and related factors of abdominal obesity among urban adults aged 35 to 79 years in southwest China. From September 2013 to March 2014, a multi-stage sampling was conducted, and a total of 10,981 people aged 35-79 years living in Chengdu and Chongqing were included. More than 30 investigators were trained in data collection, including questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood biomarkers testing. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 85 cm for women. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 30.7%, 24.8% in males and 33.9% in females (p < 0.001). The prevalence of abdominal obesity increased with BMI. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was positively correlated with age, sex, marriage, alcohol consumption, hypertension and diabetes, and negatively correlated with high education level, smoking and Physical activity. The prevalence of abdominal obesity among adults aged 35-79 in urban communities in southwest China is high, which is close to that of adults in urban communities in China. We should strengthen health education among the population, adopt healthy diet, maintain moderate physical activity and other measures to curb the prevalence of abdominal obesity in urban communities in southwest China.

Measuring Racial Differences in Obesity Risk Factors in Non-Hispanic Black and White Men Aged 20 Years or Older.

Obesity prevalence in the United States has increased drastically in the last two decades. Racial differences in obesity have emerged with the increase in obesity, with temporal trends because of individual, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, eating behaviors, lack of exercise, etc., raising questions about understanding the mechanisms driving these racial differences in the prevalence of obesity among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) men. Although many studies have measured obesity using body mass index (BMI), little is known about waist circumference (WC). This study examines variations in obesity among NHW and NHB using BMI and WC. We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1999-2016) with a sample of 9,000 NHW and 3,913 NHB men aged 20 years or older. To estimate the association between the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30) and race, we applied modified Poisson regression; to explore and decompose racial differences, we used Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition (OBD). We found that NHW had higher abdominal obesity (WC ≥102) than NHB, but NHB were more likely to be obese (BMI ≥30) during most years, with some fluctuations. Modified Poisson regression showed that NHB had a higher prevalence of obesity (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.04, 1.18]) but lower abdominal obesity (PR: 0.845; 95% CI = [0.801, 0.892]) than NHW. OBD showed that age, access to health care, smoking, and drinking contributed to the differences in abdominal obesity. The study identifies a significant increase in obesity among men over the last two decades; generalized obesity (based on BMI) was more problematic for NHB men, but abdominal obesity was more problematic for NHW men.

Muscle Quality Index is inversely associated with psychosocial variables among Chilean adolescents

A good muscle quality index (MQI) may have an inverse relationship with psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents. Unfortunately, little scientific evidence has related MQI to psychosocial variables in this population. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the relationship between the MQI and psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in Chilean adolescents. In this quantitative correlational design study, sixty adolescents participated voluntarily (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age 15.11 ± 1.78 years). Anthropometric parameters, prehensile strength, MQI, and psychosocial variables were evaluated. The results showed that adolescents with high levels of MQI presented lower levels of depression (7.50 ± 6.06 vs. 10.97 ± 5.94), anxiety (5.64 ± 4.81 vs. 9.66 ± 5.12), and stress (6.79 ± 5.09 vs. 10 ± 5.58), in addition to reported lower abdominal obesity (WtHR, 0.47 ± 0.07 vs. 0.52 ± 0.07) than those with low levels of MQI. The group with high levels of MQI reported a higher prevalence of nonanxiety (81.3%, p = 0.031) and a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity (55.8%, p = 0.023). Likewise, a significant inverse association was evidenced between MQI and depression (β; -6.18, 95% CI; -10.11: -2.25, p = 0.003), anxiety (β; -6.61, 95% CI; -9.83: -3.39, p < 0.001) and stress (β; -4.90, 95% CI; -8.49: -1.32 p = 0.008). In conclusion, the results suggest that high levels of MQI are associated with a higher prevalence of nonanxiety in adolescents and a significant inverse association between MQI and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Impact of covid-19 on obesity and abdominal obesity: focusing on differences by age group

Abstract Backgrounds During the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of social-distancing policies has led to escalating the prevalence of obesity. Especially, social changes caused by COVID-19 would have had different effects depending on age. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the prevalence of obesity that has increased during the pandemic according to age group. Methods The study subjects were Korean adults aged 19 to 64 years who participated in the 2019 to 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES). The definition of obesity, morbid obesity, and abdominal obesity were defined using Asian-Pacific guidelines. The age group was divided into under 40 years old and over 40 years old. We analyzed the odds ratio (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) to compare the variants between before (2019) and after (2020) COVID-19. Results The prevalence of obesity, morbid obesity, and abdominal obesity increased in 2020 compared to 2019 among the Korean population. In multivariable analysis, the rate of obesity and abdominal obesity increased in both groups whom under 40 years old and over 40 by OR of 1.23 (95% CI, 1.09-1.40) and 1.23 (95% CI 1.07-1.40). However, the rate of morbid obesity only increased in adults younger than 40 years old by an OR of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.05-2.01). The achievement rate of aerobic physical activity decreased in 2020 for both age groups(&amp;lt;40: from 55.8% to 52.7%, ≥40: from 42.7% to 41.3%). Notably, men showed a decrease in the achievement rate of aerobic physical activity in 2020 (OR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.69-0.97) compared to 2019. Conclusions Our study shows the increase in the prevalence of obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic and morbid obesity among those under the age of 40. We found a decrease in aerobic physical activity in 2020 compared to that in 2019. In Korean men, further evaluation might be necessary to determine the associated factors affecting the increased prevalence of obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Key messages • The prevalence of obesity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea, with a rise in the incidence of morbid obesity among those under the age of 40. • The achievement rate of aerobic physical activity decreased in 2020 compared to that in 2019.

Prevalence of Abdominal Obesity and Associated Factors in Urban Brazilian Women: A Comparison Between Two Population-Based Cross-Sectional Studies in 2003 and 2015.

Background: Abdominal fat accumulation is a known risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and mortality, particularly in women. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of abdominal obesity and its associated factors in 2003 and 2015. Methods: Two cross-sectional, population-based surveys were conducted, including representative and independent samples of adult women 20-60 years of age residing in the urban area of São Leopoldo/RS municipality in 2003 (n = 981) and 2015 (n = 984). Abdominal obesity was assessed using waist circumference, with a measurement of ≥88 cm indicating its presence. Factors, such as demographics, socioeconomic status, reproductive health, family history, morbidity, and behavioral characteristics, were studied. Poisson regression was used to assess the associations. Results: The mean age of individuals in the samples was 38.5 years (±11.1 years) and 40.3 years (±11.4 years) in 2003 and 2015, respectively. The prevalence of abdominal obesity doubled from 23.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.7-26.0) in 2003 to 46.9% (95% CI: 43.7-50.0) in 2015. After adjustment, the prevalence of abdominal obesity remained higher in both 2003 and 2015 with increasing age, low family income, higher number of pregnancies, earlier age at menarche, and presence of a family history of obesity in the father and mother and in women with a history of hypertension. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an increase in the prevalence of abdominal obesity in women between 2003 and 2015 and highlights the sociodemographic, reproductive, family history, and comorbidity aspects associated with its occurrence.

Modification of Association of Cystatin C With Kidney and Cardiovascular Outcomes by Obesity

Cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcys) has stronger associations with adverse clinical outcomes than creatinine-based eGFR (eGFRcr). Obesity may be associated with higher cystatin C levels, independent of kidney function, but it is unknown whether obesity modifies associations of eGFRcys with kidney and cardiovascular outcomes. Cohort study. 27,249 US adults in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study. eGFRcys, eGFRcr, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI). All-cause mortality, kidney failure, incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and incident heart failure (HF). Multivariable Cox and Fine-Gray models with multiplicative interaction terms were constructed to investigate whether waist circumference quartiles or BMI categories modified associations of eGFRcys with risks of 4 clinical outcomes. Participants had a mean age of 65 years; 54% were women, 41% were Black, and 21% had an eGFRcys<60mL/min/1.73m2. The baseline prevalence of abdominal obesity (waist circumference≥88cm for women or≥102cm for men) was 48% and obesity was 38%. In multivariable adjusted analyses, each 15mL/min/1.73m2 lower eGFRcys was associated with higher HR and 95% CI of mortality in each waist circumference quartile (first quartile, 1.19 [1.15-1.24]; second quartile, 1.22 [1.18-1.26]; third quartile, 1.20 [1.16-1.24]; fourth quartile, 1.19 [1.15-1.23]) as well as within each BMI category (BMI<24.9: 1.21 [1.17-1.25]; BMI 25.0-29.9: 1.21 [1.18-1.25]; BMI 30.0-34.9: 1.20 [1.16-1.25]; BMI≥35: 1.17, [1.12-1.22]). Neither waist circumference nor BMI modified the association of eGFRcys with mortality, kidney failure, incident ASCVD, or incident HF (all Pinteraction>0.05). Included only Black and White persons in the United States. Obesity did not modify the association of eGFRcys with all-cause mortality, kidney failure, incident ASCVD, or incident HF. Among individuals with obesity, cystatin C may be used to provide eGFR-based risk prognostication for adverse outcomes. Cystatin C is increasingly used in clinical practice to estimate kidney function, and cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRcys) may be used to determine risk for adverse clinical outcomes. Adiposity may increase serum levels of cystatin C, independent of kidney function. This cohort study investigated whether associations of eGFRcys with adverse kidney and cardiovascular outcomes are modified by measures of obesity, waist circumference, and body mass index. We found that obesity does not modify associations of eGFRcys with 4 clinical outcomes and conclude that among individuals with obesity, cystatin C may be used to provide eGFR-based risk prognostication for adverse outcomes.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Is Associated with Atopic Dermatitis in Korean Adolescents

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Several studies have investigated the relationship between obesity and AD prevalence, but the results have been conflicting. This study investigated the association between obesity and AD in Korean adolescents. Methods: We used nationally representative data regarding 1,617 Korean adolescents aged 12–18 years, which were obtained from the cross-sectional Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2019. Multiple logistic regression analysis (including age, sex, region of residence, number of household members, economic status, lipid profile, and stress level) was used to evaluate the relationships of obesity and abdominal obesity with doctor-diagnosed AD. Results: Although the results were not statistically significant, obese adolescents were diagnosed with AD (20.8%) more often than non-obese adolescents (20.8% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.055). This tendency was more prominent in male adolescents than in female adolescents, but the finding was not statistically significant. Body mass index and the prevalence of abdominal obesity did not differ between the AD and non-AD groups. Adolescents with AD had significantly higher total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, compared with adolescents who did not have AD. In the adjusted model, an LDL-C level ≥130 mg/dL was a risk factor for AD (adjusted odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.05). Conclusions: A high LDL-C level may be a risk factor for AD. Proper management of dyslipidemia through lifestyle modification may aid in AD prevention and control. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to assess the associations of AD with obesity and dyslipidemia.

The prevalence of general obesity, overweight and abdominal obesity in Iranian university students: A meta-analysis

The prevalence of general obesity, overweight and abdominal obesity in Iranian university students: A meta-analysis