Obesity Rates Research Articles

Barriers and enablers to effective weight management for people living with overweight and obesity: A rapid scoping review.

A scoping review was conducted to identify barriers and enablers to effective weight management in healthcare settings for people living with overweight and obesity in English-speaking high-income countries. Peer-reviewed and gray literature were systematically searched in June 2024. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Of the 15,684 unique articles identified and screened for relevance, 216 studies were included. Healthcare-related barriers and enablers to weight management were organized under three themes: a) healthcare provider-related factors, b) provision of care, and c) policy/funding. Prominent barriers included healthcare provider knowledge deficits and low prioritization of obesity management, mainly in the primary care setting. Weight management beyond the primary care setting was found to be especially challenging, with poor referral pathways, service fragmentation, lack of multidisciplinary practice, and restricted eligibility criteria, hindering the accessibility of services. Developing consistent policies and guidelines, improving the education of healthcare providers, and increasing funding to provide low-cost comprehensive care, were identified as enablers to access and uptake of weight management services. Considerable overlap in the identified barriers existed across healthcare providers and settings. A whole health system approach to minimize barriers and strengthen enablers to weight management services is needed, to address rising obesity rates.

Weight status and psychosomatic complaints in Swedish adolescent boys and girls: does family support play a buffering role?

BackgroundPsychosomatic complaints have increased among adolescents in recent decades, as have overweight and obesity rates. Both of these trends are regarded as public health concerns. However, the associations between weight status and psychosomatic complaints are not yet clear, necessitating further research. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between weight status and psychosomatic complaints in Swedish adolescent boys and girls, as well as to explore the potential buffering effect of family support.MethodsThe data was obtained from the cross-sectional Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in 2017/18, which involved 3,135 students aged 11, 13, and 15 years. Weight status was based on self-reported information on weight and height, which allowed for the calculation of body mass index (BMI) and the categorisation of participants into three groups: non-overweight, overweight, and obese. Psychosomatic complaints were assessed based on information regarding the frequency of eight different complaints, which were summed into an index. Family support was measured using three items describing the level of perceived emotional support, and an index was created, which was dichotomised into low and high family support. Gender stratified linear regression models were run to examine the associations between weight status and psychosomatic complaints. Age and family affluence were included as covariates. Interaction terms were included to evaluate whether family support moderated the main association.ResultsObesity was associated with higher levels of psychosomatic complaints in both boys and girls when compared to being non-overweight (boys: b = 2.56, 95% CI 0.32, 4.79; girls: b = 3.35, 95% CI 0.77, 5.94), while being overweight did not show any statistically significant associations with the outcome (boys: b = 0.21, 95% CI -0.72, 1.15; girls: b = 0.78, 95% CI -0.42, 1.98). In girls, a statistically significant interaction effect between family support and weight status was observed (p = 0.031), indicating that family support buffered against psychosomatic complaints in girls with obesity. No statistically significant interaction was found for boys (p = 0.642).ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight the importance of public health initiatives aimed at preventing childhood obesity. They also underscore the significant role of family support in reducing psychosomatic complaints among adolescents with obesity. Further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of these relationships.

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life: Urban–Rural Disparities and the Impact of Obesity

The shift in dietary habits has reshaped the population’s health profile, leading to a rise in overweight individuals and a subsequent decline in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study evaluated the correlations between demographic, social, and health-related factors and HRQoL in rural and urban areas of Bahia, Brazil. The cross-sectional study included 124 participants aged 18–60 who underwent interviews, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests. The WHOQol-BREF instrument assessed the HRQoL. The results showed that rural participants had lower educational levels, income, and access to sanitation. Despite these challenges, rural residents reported better HRQoL in psychological, social relations, and health satisfaction domains, although differences diminished after age adjustment. Urban participants, who had higher rates of obesity and related metabolic risks experienced a negative correlation between BMI and HRQoL, especially in the social relationships domain. The study highlights that environmental and social factors, such as weight-related stigma and social connections, significantly influence HRQoL in urban areas, emphasizing the need for public health interventions that address both nutritional status and urban-specific challenges.

BOOSTING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN UNIVERSITY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Physical activity is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle, significantly contributing to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, mental health support, and overall well-being. Despite its benefits, recent lifestyle changes in post-communist Romania have led to an alarming increase in overweight and obesity rates, especially among urban youth. This research focuses on the University of Bucharest (UniBuc) to explore the reasons behind students' low participation in university-organized physical activities. By employing a structured questionnaire distributed electronically, this study aims to collect comprehensive data on student demographics, participation levels, motivations, barriers, and suggestions for improvement. The quantitative analysis component of the study aims to identify participation trends and barriers, while qualitative insights will provide nuanced perspectives on students' experiences. The findings will inform targeted strategies to promote physical activity among students, contributing to their immediate and long-term health. Overall, this exploratory study seeks to lay the groundwork for future research on enhancing physical activity participation in academic settings, ultimately supporting the holistic development of young adults.

The association of vitamin D insufficiency with the prevalence of obesity in children: implications for serum calcium levels, alkaline phosphatase activity, and bone maturation

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency has been identified as a potential risk factor for various adverse health outcomes. However, its specific role in metabolic regulation and skeletal development in school-aged children is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and childhood obesity rates, and its impact on serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and bone age in children.MethodsThe study analyzed clinical data from 159 school-aged children who underwent medical examinations. Participants were divided into the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) deficiency group and the 25(OH)D3 normal group based on their serum levels. We compared body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), Ca, ALP, bone age, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between the two groups. Logistic regression and Spearman correlation analyses were performed to further investigate relationships between 25(OH)D3 levels and metabolic and bone-related markers.ResultsThis study showed that the 25(OH)D3 deficiency cohort exhibited significantly higher BMI, TC, TG, and ALP levels, with lower Ca levels and delayed bone age compared to the normal group. Logistic regression analysis identified Ca, ALP, and bone age as significant predictors of 25(OH)D3 deficiency. Subgroup analysis showed that in the 25(OH)D3 deficient group, children with higher BMI had elevated TC, ALP levels, and delayed bone age, while Ca levels were lower. Correlation analysis confirmed the predictive value of these markers for 25(OH)D3 deficiency.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that 25(OH)D3 deficiency is strongly associated with obesity in school-aged children and may negatively affect normal skeletal development. Regular monitoring of 25(OH)D3 levels in school-aged children is essential for ensuring proper growth and development, especially in those at risk for obesity.

Liver magnetic resonance imaging, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome risk in pre-pubertal Mexican boys.

Rising global pediatric obesity rates, increase non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence, with MetS being a NAFLD risk factor. NAFLD can be asymptomatic, with liver function tests insensitive to mild disease, and liver biopsy, risking complications. Thus, we investigated multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) metrics of liver fat (proton density fat fraction, PDFF) and disease activity (fibro-inflammation; iron-corrected T1, cT1), in a Hispanic pre-pubertal pediatric cohort, with increased risk of NAFLD. Pre-pubertal boys (n = 81) of varying Body-Mass Index (BMI) were recruited in Mexico City. Most children (81%) had normal liver transaminase levels, 38% had high BMI, and 14% had ≥ 3 MetS risk factors. Applying mpMRI thresholds, 12%, 7% and 4% of the cohort had NAFLD, NASH and high-risk NASH respectively. Participants with ≥ 3 MetS risk factors had higher cT1 (834ms vs. 737ms, p = 0.004) and PDFF (8.7% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001) compared to those without risk factors. Those with elevated cT1 tended to have high BMI and high insulin (p = 0.005), HOMA-IR (p = 0.005) and leptin (p < 0.001). The significant association of increased risk of MetS with abnormal mpMRI, particularly cT1, proposes the potential of using mpMRI for routine pediatric NAFLD screening of high-risk (high BMI, high MetS risk score) populations.

Ending the obesity epidemic: multidimensional challenges and effectiveness analysis of increasing taxes on fast food

With the continuous development of society, fast food has become a daily choice in modern society due to its high convenience. However, its high-calorie, high-sugar, high-fat, and low-nutrient characteristics significantly increase the risk of obesity. According to statistics, over 2.5 billion adults worldwide are overweight, and fast food consumption is recognized as an important factor driving the rise in obesity rates. This article delves into the multidimensional impact of fast food consumption on the global obesity rate and the effectiveness and challenges of controlling obesity through increasing fast food taxes. These policies face many difficulties in implementation, such as economic penalties that make it challenging to change consumption habits completely and may exacerbate the burden on low-income groups. In addition, Denmark’s saturated fat tax practice has shown that although tax policies can bring specific results, they have also caused problems such as increased unemployment and cross-border shopping. The article points out that relying solely on raising taxes is challenging to solve the problem of obesity, and multiple factors need to be considered comprehensively. The convenience, addiction, and extensive advertising coverage of fast food make it difficult for consumers, predominantly low-income and adolescent groups, to resist its temptation. Therefore, the government, businesses, and consumers need to work together to address the challenge of obesity through comprehensive measures such as strengthening health education, promoting healthy eating habits, and improving food production and processing technologies. This article also emphasizes that although tax increase measures can, to some extent, guide consumers to reduce their fast food intake, their effectiveness is limited and may lead to social and economic inequality issues. In the future, more innovative and comprehensive strategies should be explored to address the global obesity epidemic effectively.

Current Status of Semaglutide Injection andDevelopment Prospects in China

Obesity is a global issue that closely affects public health, and China’s obesity rate is among the highest in the world. Recently, Semaglutide injection was approved for marketing in China as the first weekly formulation for long-term weight control. This review consolidates and analyzes various types of research related to Semaglutide regarding weight loss, to comprehensively describe the different aspects of the drug. As a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of innate hormone to enhance the cell signaling activity and corresponding outcome. It has been approved to effectively reduce weight and improve weight-related factors in overweight or obese patients with a guaranteed safety profile. Comparing to traditional methods of losing weight, this medication is time and effort-saving, which makes it highly competitive in this field. Although there are still unsolved issues and challenges faced by the drug, such as high price and acceptance among doctors and patients, it is highly likely to become a new and anticipated method of weight management in China

From Podium into Practice: Working Together to Revolutionise Cancer Care in the Real World

Cancer is on course to be the leading cause of death in the EU by 2035. Europe’s population is ageing rapidly, and obesity rates continue to climb; meanwhile, healthcare systems struggle with delayed diagnoses and unequal access to treatments. Despite these challenges, the oncology community has many reasons to be optimistic. Our increased understanding of cancer has enabled us to create potentially transformative treatments, which could deliver life-changing outcomes that were unimaginable 20 years ago. Much of this emerging science has been showcased at this year’s European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, leading to well-warranted excitement across the community. However, it will take more than early research and positive clinical trial data to transform cancer care. We must embed new technologies and approaches in real health systems, looking 10 or 20 years ahead, to truly redefine cancer care. Greg Rossi, Senior VP, Head of Oncology, Europe and Canada, AstraZeneca, shares his thoughts on the critical approaches and concrete steps needed for progress and the importance of collaboration to achieve these goals.

Cross-national characteristics and differences in type 2 diabetes: Malta versus Luxembourg

Abstract Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant global health concern, requiring a thorough understanding of its population-level features and impact. This study aims to compare the characteristics of T2DM in Malta and Luxembourg, two European nations with distinctive healthcare systems and societal attributes. Methods Data from national health surveys conducted in Malta and Luxembourg, encompassing various factors such as socio-demographics, medical history, biochemical metrics, and anthropometric measurements, were analysed to investigate the features of T2DM. Comparative analyses were conducted utilizing chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariable binary regression. Results Malta (8.23%) and Luxembourg (7.82%) shared similar T2DM prevalence, with a predominance of men having T2DM. Malta exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity among the individuals having T2DM. Multivariable analysis showed no significant association between living in Malta or Luxembourg and diabetes. However, being male (OR: 1.49, CI 95%: 1.07–2.08, p = 0.02), an occasional smoker (OR: 2.49, CI 95%: 1.54–4.03, p &amp;lt; 0.01), increasing age (OR: 1.05, CI 95%: 1.03–1.67), and larger waist circumference (OR: 1.02, CI 95%: 1.01–1.04, p = 0.01) were positively associated with diabetes. Conclusions Understanding similarities and differences in T2DM between Malta and Luxembourg is crucial for identifying common challenges to formulate effective prevention and management strategies. Despite similar T2DM prevalence rates, notable differences in obesity rates and socioeconomic factors may contribute to disparities in disease burden. The complex interplay of numerous population characteristics underscores the importance of tailored public health interventions. This study accentuates the need for interventions and evidence-based policies to address modifiable risk factors, and advocate for cross-national cooperation to reduce the T2DM epidemic, especially in the context of post-COVID public health planning and resource allocation. Key messages • Malta and Luxembourg share similar T2DM prevalence despite differences in other factors, hypothesised to be attributed to differences in risk factor profiles and health care infrastructure. • This study underscores the necessity for tailored interventions and cross-national cooperation to address common challenges in T2DM management in the two small countries.

Trends in diabetes morbi-mortality and its association with abdominal obesity among Tunisian adults

Abstract Introduction Tunisia is undergoing rapid nutritional transition, with increasing rates of abdominal obesity. Coupled with rising diabetes prevalence, it poses significant challenges to public health. This study aimed to estimate the morbi-mortality prevalence and trends of diabetes among Tunisian adults, particularly examining its association with abdominal obesity. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis on adults aged 35 to 70 from three national surveys in Tunisia, in 1996 (n = 3513), 2005 (n = 7700), and 2016 (n = 6007) respectively. Mortality data was sourced from the Tunisian National Information System on Causes of Death in 2020. The underlying cause of death was determined using the IRIS software, following WHO guidelines for tabulating mortality statistics. Diabetes was defined according to the American Association of Diabetes criteria. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist-to-height ratio ≥ 0.6. We performed chi-squared test for trend analysis. Results A total of 17220 participants were analyzed. We found a significant upwards trend in diabetes prevalence (p &amp;lt; 10-3): it increased from 13.1%[11.9-14.3] in 1996 to 15.1% [12.5-17.4] in 2005, then to 20.5%[18.9-22.1] in 2016. Linear trend test concluded to significant increase in diabetes prevalence estimated at 56.6% in two decades. Diabetes was significantly associated with abdominal obesity (Odds ratio (OR)=2.17[2.11-2.21]). Diabetes was the leading cause of death among Tunisian adults in 2020 (n = 22715). The proportional mortality due to diabetes was estimated at 6.2% (n = 1407) (6.4% for men and 6% for women). The age group with the highest proportional mortality due to diabetes was 65-70 years old (44.6%). Conclusions Our findings highlight the burden of diabetes on public health in Tunisia and its association with abdominal obesity. Hence the urgency to strengthen comprehensive preventive and control measures to alleviate its repercussions among the Tunisian population. Key messages • The prevalence of diabetes increased significantly amongTunisian adults in the past two decades. • Immediate implementation of targeted interventions and policy measures is imperative to effectively address this issue.

Temporal and age-related trends in risk factors for development of atrial fibrillation in peripartum patients

Abstract Background Incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in pregnancy has steadily increased over the past two decades and may be related to changes in rates of AF risk factors. Objective To characterize trends in the prevalence of AF risk factors among patients with peripartum AF. Methods TrinetX, a large national healthcare database, was used to identify patients with peripartum AF from 2017-2022. Inclusion criteria were female patients aged &amp;gt;18 years old who received a diagnosis of AF within one month prior to and one year after a diagnosis of pregnancy. Annual prevalence of pre-existing AF risk factors, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity, and hypertension, were obtained, normalized to the annual number of peripartum AF cases, and followed. In a second analysis, student’s t-test and standardized mean difference were used to compare the rates of AF risk factors between patients with peripartum AF and pregnant patients with no history of AF within the same time frame. Comparisons were performed across age ranges. Results From 2017-2022, there were 6,465 patients with peripartum AF and 2,852,348 pregnant patients with no AF. There was an increase in the proportion of peripartum AF patients with pre-existing obesity (16.7% to 18.5%) and hypertension (28.9% to 33.7%). In comparing pregnant patients with no AF history with peripartum AF patients, the standardized mean difference for rates of all risk factors increased with age group. The peripartum AF group had significantly higher rates of all risk factors across all age groups (p &amp;lt; 0.0001 for all groups). Conclusion Rates of pre-existing obesity and hypertension increased among patients with peripartum AF, which could be a factor in increasing rates of peripartum AF. Differences in rates of AF risk factors between peripartum AF patients and pregnant patients with no AF were more pronounced at older age groups.

The prognostic value of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease. However, the clinical characteristics and prognostic importance of MASLD in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have yet to be examined. Methods This study compared the characteristics, and outcomes of patients with and without MASLD presenting with AMI at a tertiary centre in Singapore. MASLD was defined as hepatic steatosis, with at least one of five metabolic criteria. Hepatic steatosis was determined using the Hepatic Steatosis Index. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for age and sex. Kaplan-Meier curve was constructed for long-term all-cause mortality. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictors of long-term all-cause mortality. Results In this study of 4446 patients with AMI, 2223 patients with MASLD were matched with patients without MASLD using propensity scores. The mean follow-up duration was 3.4 ± 24 years. The MASLD group had higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease than their counterparts. Patients with MASLD had early excess all-cause mortality (6.8% vs 3.6%, p&amp;lt;0.001) at 30 days, with unfavorable mortality rates sustained in the long-term (18.3% vs 14.5%, p=0.001) compared to those without MASLD. After adjustment, MASLD remained independently associated with higher long-term all-cause mortality (HR 1.338, 95% CI 1.115-1.604). Conclusion MASLD embodies a higher burden of metabolic dysfunction and is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in the AMI population. Its early identification may be beneficial for risk stratification and provide therapeutic targets for secondary preventive strategies in AMI.Kaplan Meier curve of long-term all-caus

Exploring UK adult and policy stakeholder perspectives on obesity prevention policy and inequalities

Abstract In England, 14 obesity strategies have been published, including 689 proposed policies, while rates of obesity persist, and inequalities worsen. This study explores adults’ attitudes in relation to food-related obesity policy and how socioeconomic inequalities in obesity are considered throughout the policy process through the perspective of policy stakeholders (PSH). 31 semi-structured interviews with UK-based adults (GPP) (18+) and 14 interviews with PSH categorised as government officials, academics, and advocacy group representatives were conducted and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Both PSH and GPP attributed obesity causation primarily to the food environment rather than to individual behaviour. The PSH identified the food industry’s role in shaping the environment. Level of deprivation was believed to exacerbate the barriers to healthy weight in both samples. All participants agreed that, in the UK, there was an unequal opportunity to attain a healthy diet. A disconnect was found between the GPP perspectives towards the barriers to healthy weight and their attitudes towards policy action. The GPP described mistrust in the government’s motives and willingness, fuelling the perspective that policy lacked impact and was disconnected from their lived experiences, particularly among participants of lower socioeconomic status and higher weight classifications. The PSH raised concerns regarding barriers to policy implementation, including inconsistent government commitment, competing priorities, and resistance to state intervention. PSH suggested that it was unfeasible to prioritise inequalities while population rates remain high, and the failure of implement proposed policies continue. This study shows the necessity of incorporating a health equity lens, breaking down policy silos, and amplifying community voices in the policy process to challenge assumptions regarding lived experiences and ensure healthier equitable policy outcomes. Key messages • The study shows the importance of integrating a health equity lens, breaking policy silos, and amplifying community voices to challenge assumptions and achieve more equitable policy outcomes. • Obesity policy requires greater consideration to inequalities to strengthen policy impact as demonstrated by all participants recalling the unequal opportunity to sustain a healthy weight in the UK.

Applicability of VICTORION-1 PREVENT Criteria to the US Population

Abstract Background VICTORION-1 PREVENT (V-1P) is an ongoing randomized clinical trial comparing inclisiran sodium 300mg every six months with placebo for primary prevention in patients with high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Purpose We evaluated the generalizability of V-1P trial enrollment criteria to the US population to understand the demographic and CV health characteristics of the trial target population. Methods We included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N=25,531, 2015-March 2020), a nationally representative sample of the US population. Enrollment criteria similar to V-1P were applied. Nonpregnant adults 40-79 years with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 70-189 mg/dL were included. 10-year risk for CV disease was determined using the American Heart Association race-free 10-year PREVENT risk equations. Individuals with 10-year risk &amp;gt;20% or 7.5%-19.9% with two risk enhancing factors at baseline were included. Risk enhancing factors included elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (≥2 mg/L), inflammatory arthritis, estimated glomerular filtration rate &amp;lt;60 ml/min/1.73 m2, metabolic syndrome, or early family history of CV disease. Patients with history of atherosclerotic CV disease or liver disease were excluded. Estimates of demographics and health characteristics were nationally representative using survey weights. Results Among US adults, 21,576,506 (standard error [SE]: ±1,258,255) meet eligibility criteria for V-1P (weighted estimate). This represents 8.8% of all US adults or 15.1% of US adults 30-79 years. The V-1P eligible population had a mean age of 65.3 years (SE: ±0.5 years), and 55.0% (SE: ±2.5%) were female. Compared with the US adult population (≥18 years), V-1P eligible population had a higher mean body mass index (32.6 ± 0.3 kg/m2 vs 29.5 ± 0.2 kg/m2) and higher rates of obesity (61.0% ± 2.1% vs 40.0% ± 1.1%) (Table). V-1P eligible population also had higher mean systolic blood pressure (133.9 ± 1.0 mmHg vs 121.7 ± 0.3 mmHg), similar mean diastolic blood pressure (72.6 ± 0.8 mmHg vs 71.8 ± 0.2 mmHg), and higher rates of hypertension (85.8% ± 2.0% vs 45.9% ± 1.1%). Mean hemoglobin A1c percent (6.3 ± 0.1 vs 5.7 ± 0.02), fasting blood sugar (127.7 ± 1.9 mg/dL vs 109.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL), and diabetes rates (39.7% ± 2.6% vs 13.1% ± 0.7%) were higher in the V-1P eligible population. Mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (115.8 ± 1.5 mg/dL vs 110.2 ± 0.8 mg/dL) and fasting triglycerides (137.6 ± 5.0 mg/dL vs 110.4 ± 1.7 mg/dL) were higher, while mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower (49.9 ± 0.8 mg/dL vs 54.8 ± 0.4 mg/dL). The distribution of key CV risk factors is shown in the Figure. Conclusion V-1P enrollment criteria apply to many patients. These patients have significant cardiometabolic risk factor burden, and effective preventive therapies could have substantial health impact.

Do changes in BMI during the COVID-19 pandemic persist in the post-pandemic period in a pediatric population attending health care clinics? A longitudinal study.

The long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on body weight has not been sufficiently analyzed. This study aimed to analyze changes in body mass index (BMI) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic among a large pediatric population attending health care clinics. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study utilized electronic medical data of 106,871 children (52.1% males, median age 8.2 years at pre-pandemic assessment). Each child had at least one BMI measurement recorded pre-pandemic and two additional measurements: one during the pandemic and one post-pandemic. Obesity rates increased from 12.8% pre-pandemic to 15.4% during the pandemic, slightly decreasing to 15.0% post-pandemic. BMI-standard deviation scores (SDSs) increased during the pandemic, in both sexes, across all ages and all socioeconomic position (SEP) clusters, and in children with pre-pandemic underweight or normal weight (all P&lt;0.001). Post-pandemic, BMI-SDS decreased but remained above pre-pandemic levels, particularly in younger children (aged 2-6 years) and those from low/medium SEP clusters (all P&lt;0.001). BMI-SDS continued to increase in children aged 6.1-16 years, those of Arab ethnicity, and those in the high SEP cluster. The COVID-19 pandemic correlated with an overall increase in BMI-SDS, which decreased post-pandemic but remained above pre-pandemic levels. Effective policy interventions to prevent pediatric obesity are crucial.

Equitable Access, Lasting Results: The Influence of Socioeconomic Environment on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes.

Low socioeconomic status (SES) correlates with higher obesity rates and challenges in accessing treatments like bariatric surgery (BS). This study aims to assess SES's influence on medium-term BS outcomes in a setting of universal healthcare, ensuring equitable treatment access. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 193 BS patients (1997-2018) at a tertiary care hospital. Weight loss was expressed as change in % total weight loss (%TWL) and excess body weight (EBW) loss. Successful BS was defined as > 50% EBW loss. SES was gauged using quartiles of the Spanish Deprivation Index. A multivariable Cox regression model evaluated SES impact on BS success over follow-up. The mean follow-up was 6.9 ± 4.6years; patients averaged 43.9 ± 11.8years, with 29.7% men. Preoperative BMI was 48.2 ± 8.2kg/m2. At follow-up, BMI was 33.9 ± 6.6kg/m2, with 29.3 ± 12.02% of %TWL. No SES quartile differences in BS success were noted at follow-up (log rank p = 0.960). Cox regression revealed no SES disparities in BS outcomes post-adjustment. However, female sex (HR 1.903; p = 0.009) and diabetes mellitus (HR = 0.504; p = 0.010) correlated with weight-related outcomes. In a universal healthcare system with equitable treatment access, medium-term BS outcomes remain consistent irrespective of patients' socioeconomic status.

Knee joint dislocations-Current epidemiology and treatment in Germany.

Knee joint dislocations, though rare, present significant challenges due to potential complications like vascular and nerve damage, and are known to be often linked to sports injuries, accidents and obesity. This study aims to analyse the epidemiology, incidence and treatment approaches for knee dislocations in Germany from 2019 to 2022. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the German Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System to examine knee dislocation cases across German medical institutions. Patient data coded under International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10 for 'knee dislocation' enabled detailed analysis by age, sex and surgical procedures categorized by operation and procedure codes. The Patient Clinical Complexity Level (PCCL) assessed complication severity. Analysis of 1643 knee dislocation cases revealed an incidence rate of 0.44-0.54 per 100,000 inhabitants annually. During the years 2020 and 2021, there were fewer cases of knee dislocations. Male patients comprised 50%-56% of cases, with an average hospital stay of 11 days. Most cases were PCCL 0 (62%-72%) and predominantly affected patients aged 18-29 years. Anterior tibial dislocations were common among classified cases. Injuries included ligament ruptures, meniscus lesions and grade I soft-tissue injuries. Patients with pre-existing knee prostheses constituted 0%-16% annually. Treatment involved closed reduction, external fixation and surgeries like capsuloligamentous reconstructions and arthroscopic procedures. Revision knee arthroplasty was required in 2%-9% of cases, with obesity rates up to 7%. This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology, incidence and treatment of knee dislocations in Germany, with a focus on demographic risk factors, treatment complexities and the impact of obesity and knee prostheses. The findings emphasize the importance of specialized care in larger hospitals, comprehensive management of concomitant injuries and the need for improved coding accuracy. Future research should aim to refine treatment protocols. Level III.

ASSESSMENT OF THE THICKNESS OF THE SKIN-FAT LAYER IN SCHOOLCHILDREN OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

The rise in overweight and obesity among school-age children is currently one of the most serious public health problems. With the progress of science and medicine, obesity and the development of various problems caused by it are widespread among schoolchildren and adults in general. In this sense, as a serious problem of medical science, it is alarming and relevant (Calonje Eduardo et. al, 2020). Obesity, as one of the diseases of civilization, is the result of hypodynamia, a disturbance of fat metabolism in the body, which leads to excess weight gain. ("Obesity and overweight Fact sheet N°311".WHO. January 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2016). In this sense, it is important to take into account the age period, and the deviations observed during normal development because each age period has its characteristics of fat metabolism. It has been shown that female schoolchildren of middle school age have a higher rate of obesity, which is not only determined by gender but also by age and body composition or somatotype. Middle and high-school-aged female schoolchildren have a peripheral type of obesity, that is, fat is predominantly stored in the subcutaneous tissue of the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. It has been shown that there is a clear correlation between fat metabolism and somatotype in middle and high school children. The results of the study suggest that physical activity should be part of a comprehensive weight loss therapy program and weight control strategy since it promotes excess weight loss and its sustainable maintenance, for which it is important to regularly monitor indicators of subcutaneous fat thickness and the relative content of adipose tissue throughout the body․

Correlation between obesity and income: A statistical analysis using linear regression models

Abstract. The rate of obesity across the world has seen a steady increase in the past several decades. This disease can lead to significant harm associated with ones body functioning and mental health. The potential causes of obesity incorporate social, environmental, and personal factors. This article attempts to cover the correlation between obesity and income level using a linear regression model. Samples were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey about 545 individuals from 2017 to 2020. The dataset was subdivided into four cohorts, which include non-Hispanic White male, non-Hispanic White female, non-Hispanic Black male, and non-Hispanic Black female, respectively, to avoid variables that might confound with the explanatory variable. The study found out that the correlation for White male, White female, and Black female can be either positive, negative, or non-existent, and positive on the other hand for the Black male cohort. However, the study concluded that the linear regression model is ineffective for the topic of analysis as the metrics indicate. The incompatibility of the model can be attributed to the fact that other variables that can possibly confound with the explanatory variable are neglected and not filtered out.