Reduction Of Abdominal Obesity Research Articles

Labisia pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) reduces percentage of waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in individuals with obesity.

Evidence from the literature points towards a viable choice of utilizing Labisia pumila to improve the metabolic profile in animal studies. To that end, this prospective study was designed to assess the health impact of the consumption of L. pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) on key parameters of obesity in humans such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). A dose-ranging analysis using SKF7® was conducted through a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2 clinical trial involving individuals with obesity (N = 133) between January 2020 and April 2021. The potential percentage of change was assessed in relation to BW, BMI, WC and WHtR. Average treatment effect estimates (treatment group vs. placebo) show a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of change for BW (mean = -2.915; CI: -4.546, -1.285), BMI (-2.921; CI: -4.551, -1.291), WC (mean = -2.187; CI: -3.784, -0.589) and WHtR (mean = -2.294, CI: -3.908, -0.681) in the group with a total of 750 mg of SKF7® (p < .01). An incremental reduction in WC and WHtR was consistent with the gradual increase in the total daily concentration of SKF7® from 375 to 750 mg. WC and WHtR had higher effect size (f 2 = 0.11 and f 2 = 0.13 respectively) in comparison with BW and BMI. SKF7® is potentially a novel therapeutictreatment for obesity, reflected by reductions in BW, BMI, WC and WHtR. The use of SKF7® suggests a dose-dependent reduction in abdominal obesity, exemplified by a decline in WC and WHtR.

Effects of 2-Year Nutritional and Lifestyle Intervention on Oxidative and Inflammatory Statuses in Individuals of 55 Years of Age and over at High Cardiovascular Risk.

Obesity and overweight are disorders with high impact on the morbidity and mortality of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We aim to assess the effects of 2-year nutritional and lifestyle intervention on oxidative and inflammatory status in individuals of 55 years of age and over at high CVD risk. Participants (n = 100 individuals of 55 years of age and over living in the Balearic Islands, Spain) were randomized into control and intervention group. Anthropometric and haematological parameters, blood pressure and physical activity were measured before and after the intervention. Oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in plasma, urine, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neutrophils were determined. A higher reduction in abdominal obesity, blood pressure and triglycerides levels was observed after a 2-year intervention. An improvement of oxidative stress and proinflammatory status was demonstrated with a significant reduction in myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) levels, and an increase in polyphenols in plasma was observed. A decrease in reactive oxygen species production in PBMCs and neutrophils levels after zymosan and lipopolysaccharide activation was found in the intervention group with respect to the control group. The intervention with hypocaloric Mediterranean Diet and customized physical activity improves oxidative stress and proinflammatory status and could contribute to decreasing the CVD risk.

Diabetic yoga protocol improves glycemic, anthropometric and lipid levels in high risk individuals for diabetes: a randomized controlled trial from Northern India

PurposeTo study the effectiveness of diabetic yoga protocol (DYP) against management of cardiovascular risk profile in a high-risk community for diabetes, from Chandigarh, India.MethodsThe study was a randomized controlled trial, conducted as a sub study of the Pan India trial Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharath (NMB). The cohort was identified through the Indian Diabetes Risk Scoring (IDRS) (≥ 60) and a total of 184 individuals were randomized into intervention (n = 91) and control groups (n = 93). The DYP group underwent the specific DYP training whereas the control group followed their daily regimen. The study outcomes included changes in glycemic and lipid profile. Analysis was done under intent-to-treat principle.ResultsThe 3 months DYP practice showed diverse results showing glycemic and lipid profile of the high risk individuals. Three months of DYP intervention was found to significantly reduce the levels of post-prandial glucose levels (p = 0.035) and LDL-c levels (p = 0.014) and waist circumference (P = 0.001).ConclusionThe findings indicate that the DYP intervention could improve the metabolic status of the high-diabetes-risk individuals with respect to their glucose tolerance and lipid levels, partially explained by the reduction in abdominal obesity. The study highlights the potential role of yoga intervention in real time improvement of cardiovascular profile in a high diabetes risk cohort.Trial registration: CTRI, CTRI/2018/03/012804. Registered 01 March 2018—Retrospectively registered, http://www.ctri.nic.in/CTRI/2018/03/012804.

The effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy vs hand massage on serum lipids in overweight and obese women

BackgroundThe purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and hand massage therapy (HMT) on serum lipids and body composition in Korean women. Materials and methodsWe randomly classified 60 participants into overweight and obese groups. Subjects received ESWT and HMT twice a week for six weeks (a total of 12 sessions). ResultsBody weight and body mass index decreased significantly in obese women from both groups. Waist circumference significantly declined in obese women and overweight women in both treatment groups (p < 0.001). Body fat significantly decreased in the ESWT group of obese women (p < 0.01), while a significant reduction in abdominal obesity was noted only in the HMT group of overweight women (p < 0.01) and the ESWT group of obese women (p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in triglycerides in the ESWT group of obese women (p < 0.01). ConclusionsThese results suggest that ESWT and HMT could be helpful for the management of people with excess abdominal fat and obesity. Moreover, ESWT is more effective than HMT for improving abdominal obesity and triglyceride levels in obese women as compared to overweight women.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and the metabolic syndrome: Roles of inflammation and abdominal obesity

ObjectiveIndividuals with metabolic syndrome have increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to test the hypothesis that a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CR-fitness), counteracts accumulation of visceral fat, decreases inflammation and lowers risk factors of the metabolic syndrome.MethodThe study sample included 1,293 Danes (age 49–52 years) who from 2009 to 2011 participated in the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank, including a questionnaire, physical tests, and blood samples. Multiple linear regression models were performed with CR-fitness as exposure and plasma levels of cytokines and high sensitive C-reactive protein as outcomes and measures of abdominal obesity were added to test if they explained the potential association. Similarly, multiple linear regression models were performed with CR-fitness as exposure and factors of the metabolic syndrome as outcomes and the potential explanation by inflammatory biomarkers were tested. All models were adjusted for the effect of age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, socio-economic status, and acute inflammatory events within the preceding two weeks.ResultsCR-fitness was inversely associated with high sensitive C-reactive protein, Interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-18, and directly associated with the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, but not associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma or IL-1β. Abdominal obesity could partly explain the significant associations. Moreover, CR-fitness was inversely associated with an overall metabolic syndrome score, as well as triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and directly associated with high-density lipoprotein. Single inflammatory biomarkers and a combined inflammatory score partly explained these associations.ConclusionData suggest that CR-fitness has anti-inflammatory effects that are partly explained by a reduction in abdominal obesity and a decrease in the metabolic syndrome risk profile. The overall inflammatory load was mainly driven by high sensitive C-reactive protein and IL-6.

Attenuated Low-Grade Inflammation Following Long-Term Dietary Intervention in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity.

Abdominal fat accumulation after menopause is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased risk of metabolic disorders. Effective long-term lifestyle treatment is therefore needed. Seventy healthy postmenopausal women (age 60 ± 5.6 years) with BMI 32.5 ± 5.5 were randomized to a Paleolithic-type diet (PD) or a prudent control diet (CD) for 24 months. Blood samples and fat biopsies were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 24 months to analyze inflammation-related parameters. Android fat decreased significantly more in the PD group (P = 0.009) during the first 6 months with weight maintenance at 24 months in both groups. Long-term significant effects (P < 0.001) on adipose gene expression were found for toll-like receptor 4 (decreased at 24 months) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (increased at 24 months) in both groups. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α levels were decreased at 24 months in both groups (P < 0.001) with a significant diet-by-time interaction for serum IL-6 (P = 0.022). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was decreased in the PD group at 24 months (P = 0.001). A reduction of abdominal obesity in postmenopausal women is linked to specific changes in inflammation-related adipose gene expression.

폐경기 중년여성의 운동 참여 효과 검증

Physical activity is known to reduce risk of early death through reduction of risk of metabolic syndrome, prevention of weight gain, reduction of abdominal obesity, and increment of bone density. Despite the presence of some physical activity guidelines, a lot of people have been conduct physical activity by their own standards. In the present study, the effects of physical activity that based on arbitrary criteria on the obesity and osteoporosis were investigated. 64 volunteers, who aged over 40 and under 50, were participated. And they were divided into four subgroups(menstruation without exercise, menstruation with exercise, postmenopause without exercise, postmenopause with exercise) to determine the participation of physical activity and menstrual status. In the present results, statistically significant differences occurred in %Fat, abdominal fat ratio, visceral fat area, despite no statistical differences in body mass index in each groups. % Fat, abdominal fat ratio, visceral fat area was increased significantly by menopause, however, physical activity showed the opposite effects. In the blood analysis results were not statistically significant difference occurred. Regression analysis results on visceral fat area showd that age, body mass index, w·aist circumference, triglyceride levels have been identified as a statistically significant, and menstruation showd that T-score and Z-score levels have been identified as a statistically significant. Base on the results of present study, it is suggested that physical activity that conducted by the arbitrary criteria in women after menopause showed positive effects on abdominal fat, and osteoporosis, however for the more obvious effects, increasing calorie consumption and frequency of participation is desirable.

A six month randomized school intervention and an 18-month follow-up intervention to prevent childhood obesity in Mexican elementary schools.

The objective of this study, focused on parents and children to reduce sedentary behavior, consumption of soft drinks and high-fat and salt containing snacks, and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, was to assess the effect of a six month intervention and an 18 month follow-up intervention on the body mass index, food consumption and physical activity of 2nd and 3rd grade elementary school children. This was a randomized cluster controlled trial. School children were selected from 2nd and 3rd (n = 532) grade. BMI z-score for age and sex was calculated and classified according to the WHO (2006). Abdominal obesity was defined as WC > 90th of NHANES III. At six months of the study differences were observed in BMI, -0.82 (p = 0.0001). At 24 months, results such as an increase of z-score BMI and waist circumference, a decrease in abdominal obesity, eighth per cent remission and an incidence of 18% of overweight and obesity were observed. Additionally, an increase (p = 0.007) in vegetable intake and physical activity (p = 0.0001) was also reported, along with a decrease in sedentary activities and the consumption of snacks high in fat and salt. The results of this study indicate that with a comprehensive intervention there is a positive response to lifestyle changes and a reduction of abdominal obesity.

Electromagnetic fields applied to the reduction of abdominal obesity

Introduction: According to various researches, abdominal obesity increases the risks of cancers or cardio-vascular diseases. Objective: To evaluate the reduction of waistline and the evolution of biological parameters on patients after 12 sessions of a new medical device called REDUSTIM® associating alternate low frequency electromagnetic fields and controlled micropressure. Methods: Two studies were made: a double-blind randomized study performed on 28 patients with a waistline > 88 cm/35 inches for women and > 102 cm/40 inches for men for a period of 6 weeks and a functional analysis on DNA chips performed on 11 patients showing proven overweight. Results: Following our studies a statistically significant reduction of waistline of more than 6 cm after 12 sessions has been observed, and the biological assessments performed before and after the treatments showed both a highly significant reduction of transaminases level and the device mechanism on the stimulation of insensitive muscle contractions. Conclusions: Facing an alarming increase in overweight and obesity and considering the current therapeutic gear offering various results, it seems interesting to propose an efficient technique for the reduction of abdominal obesity. The clinical study demonstrated the safety and efficiency of the device for the reduction of abdominal obesity. Treatment showed itself efficient with patients who were not committed to any weight loss program.

Nutritional Regulation of Bile Acid Metabolism Is Associated with Improved Pathological Characteristics of the Metabolic Syndrome

Bile acids (BAs) are powerful regulators of metabolism, and mice treated orally with cholic acid are protected from diet-induced obesity, hepatic lipid accumulation, and increased plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) and glucose levels. Here, we show that plasma BA concentration in rats was elevated by exchanging the dietary protein source from casein to salmon protein hydrolysate (SPH). Importantly, the SPH-treated rats were resistant to diet-induced obesity. SPH-treated rats had reduced fed state plasma glucose and TAG levels and lower TAG in liver. The elevated plasma BA concentration was associated with induction of genes involved in energy metabolism and uncoupling, Dio2, Pgc-1α, and Ucp1, in interscapular brown adipose tissue. Interestingly, the same transcriptional pattern was found in white adipose tissue depots of both abdominal and subcutaneous origin. Accordingly, rats fed SPH-based diet exhibited increased whole body energy expenditure and heat dissipation. In skeletal muscle, expressions of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ target genes (Cpt-1b, Angptl4, Adrp, and Ucp3) were induced. Pharmacological removal of BAs by inclusion of 0.5 weight % cholestyramine to the high fat SPH diet attenuated the reduction in abdominal obesity, the reduction in liver TAG, and the decrease in nonfasted plasma TAG and glucose levels. Induction of Ucp3 gene expression in muscle by SPH treatment was completely abolished by cholestyramine inclusion. Taken together, our data provide evidence that bile acid metabolism can be modulated by diet and that such modulation may prevent/ameliorate the characteristic features of the metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome and Physical Fitness in a Sample of Azorean Adolescents

Metabolic syndrome, a predecessor of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, has become prevalent in adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components and to analyze the relationship between metabolic syndrome and overall physical fitness levels in a sample of Azorean adolescents. A cross-sectional school-based study, the Azorean Physical Activity and Health Study II, was conducted on 517 adolescents (297 girls, 220 boys) aged 15-18 years old from the Azorean Islands. Body height, weight, waist circumference, and arterial blood pressure were measured according to standards. Fasting intravenous blood samples were analyzed (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose). Physical fitness was assessed using five tests from Fitnessgram Test Battery 8.0: Curl-up, push-up, trunk lift, pacer, and sit-and-reach. Adolescents were then classified as being in the healthy zone or above or under the healthy zone. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2007 International Diabetes Federation‘s guidelines for adolescents. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5% (4.7% in girls and 5.5% in boys, P > 0.05). Waist circumference was the most prevalent component (32.9%), and hypertriglyceridemia the least (4.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for pubertal stage and socioeconomic status, unfit adolescents (healthy zone criteria in <or=2 tests) were more likely [odds ratio (OR) = 3.414; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.150-10.129] to be classified as having metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high in Azorean adolescents. Unfit adolescents were more likely to have metabolic syndrome than fit adolescents. Improving overall physical fitness levels and abdominal obesity reduction may be important strategies in overcoming this public health problem and its consequences.

Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity

The effects of dietary supplementation with coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of women presenting waist circumferences (WC) >88 cm (abdominal obesity) were investigated. The randomised, double-blind, clinical trial involved 40 women aged 20-40 years. Groups received daily dietary supplements comprising 30 mL of either soy bean oil (group S; n = 20) or coconut oil (group C; n = 20) over a 12-week period, during which all subjects were instructed to follow a balanced hypocaloric diet and to walk for 50 min per day. Data were collected 1 week before (T1) and 1 week after (T2) dietary intervention. Energy intake and amount of carbohydrate ingested by both groups diminished over the trial, whereas the consumption of protein and fibre increased and lipid ingestion remained unchanged. At T1 there were no differences in biochemical or anthropometric characteristics between the groups, whereas at T2 group C presented a higher level of HDL (48.7 +/- 2.4 vs. 45.00 +/- 5.6; P = 0.01) and a lower LDL:HDL ratio (2.41 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.8; P = 0.04). Reductions in BMI were observed in both groups at T2 (P < 0.05), but only group C exhibited a reduction in WC (P = 0.005). Group S presented an increase (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol, LDL and LDL:HDL ratio, whilst HDL diminished (P = 0.03). Such alterations were not observed in group C. It appears that dietetic supplementation with coconut oil does not cause dyslipidemia and seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity.

Exercise, visceral adipose tissue, and metabolic risk

Regular exercise is associated with a substantial reduction in risk across a broad range of health outcomes. The principal mechanisms by which exercise is associated with diminished health risks are unclear, but corresponding reduction in abdominal obesity, particularly visceral adipose tissue (AT), is a likely candidate. Visceral AT is a strong independent predictor of metabolic risk, morbidity, and mortality, and this depot is markedly reduced with regular exercise. This review focuses on the relationship between exercise and corresponding reductions in visceral adiposity and metabolic risk factors.

South Asians and Cardiovascular Risk

Case presentation: A 36-year-old nonsmoking, normotensive South Asian man presented to the emergency department of a community hospital with retrosternal chest pain of &60 minutes’ duration. His 12-lead ECG demonstrated 10 mm of ST-segment elevation in leads V2 through V6, and he received fibrinolytic therapy within 90 minutes of symptom onset. His pain resolved, but his ST segments only partially normalized; he had a peak creatine kinase of 4564 IU/L, and he showed signs of early heart failure. LDL cholesterol was 135 mg/dL, HDL 32 mg/dL, triglycerides 20 mg/dL, and total cholesterol 206 mg/dL; his body mass index (BMI) was 24 kg/m2. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated severe and diffuse triple-vessel disease, including occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery, as well as moderate left ventricular dysfunction. While in the hospital, he was diagnosed with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and subsequently underwent uncomplicated coronary bypass surgery. South Asians are individuals whose ethnic roots originate from the Indian subcontinent, a large geographic area that includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Collectively, South Asians represent one fifth of the global population. In North America, more than 2 million South Asians reside in the United States and almost 1 million in Canada. It is important to recognize that the term “South Asian” refers to a heterogeneous population, with important differences in diet, culture, and lifestyle among different South Asian populations and religions. Multiple studies of migrant South Asian populations have, however, confirmed a 3- to 5-fold increase in the risk for myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death as compared with other ethnic groups.1–3 In an analysis of age-standardized coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in Canada over a 15-year period, South Asians had the highest CHD mortality compared with individuals of Chinese and European descent.4 In …

Rimonabant hydrochloride: An investigational agent for the management of cardiovascular risk factors

Rimonabant hydrochloride, the first drug in a new class of selective cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor antagonists, is showing promise in clinical trials for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic risk factors, in addition to tobacco dependence. Results of phase III clinical trials comparing rimonabant with placebo found that overweight or obese patients, with or without untreated dyslipidemia or type 2 diabetes, lost significant body weight when treated with rimonabant 20 mg for a year. The weight loss was accompanied by a decrease in waist circumference, demonstrating a significant reduction in abdominal obesity, which is an independent marker for cardiovascular disease. Significant improvements were also observed in the lipid profile, with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and a decrease in triglyceride levels. Improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin levels were also found. Moreover, the number of patients diagnosed with the metabolic syndrome at baseline was significantly reduced. These beneficial effects of rimonabant 20 mg were maintained after 2 years of chronic treatment. Other phase III trials have shown that rimonabant helps people to quit smoking without significant post-cessation weight gain. Rimonabant has a favorable safety profile and is generally well tolerated. Rimonabant is proving to be a very promising approach for managing two major and preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes the available evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of rimonabant as a potential therapy for obesity and smoking cessation.

EFFECTS OF LARGE EXERCISE-INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS ON ABDOMINAL FAT AND LIPID LEVELS IN OBESE MALES

PURPOSE: This study examined whether reductions in abdominal fat following large exercise-induced weight loss were related to changes in lipid levels in obese Singaporean males, independent of changes in weight. METHODS: 20 obese males (mean age 19.8 ± 0.6yrs) were evaluated before (pre-training) and after (post-training) four months of regimented training in the Singapore Armed Forces. 30 obese males (mean age19.2 ± 1.3yrs) without training were monitored as control subjects. Fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and per cent (%) body fat were determined from skinfold measurements. Body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) were calculated from height, weight and circumferences taken pre- and post-training using standard methods. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast to determine plasma lipid levels. Differences between pre- and post-training responses were analyzed with a paired t-test. RESULTS: From pre- to post-training, there were decreases in waist circumference and hip circumference (P < 0.001), the decrease in WHR (P < 0.001) indicating a greater mobilization of upper body fat and a preferential loss of fat from this region. Exercise-induced weight loss (12kg) decreased CHD risk as indicated by the reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C and Apo B (all P < 0.001). However, there was no evidence that the pre-training measures of WHR or waist circumference were related to the pre-training measures of these risk factors, nor were there any relations between the changes in WHR and waist circumference and the changes in lipid levels that accompanied exercise-induced weight loss. In contrast, pre-training levels of metabolic variables were inversely related to the subsequent chang in each of these measures. Thus, those with the higher levels of lipids prior to training experienced the gratest improvements following weight loss. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that exercise-induced weight loss is associated with a reduction in abdominal obesity in men, but that changes in fat distribution may not be related to changes in cardiovascular risk factors.Table: No Caption Available

Reduction of Abdominal Obesity in Lipodystrophy Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection by Means of Diet and Exercise: Case Report and Proof of Principle

Lipodystrophy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection causes abdominal fat gain, peripheral subcutaneous fat atrophy, insulin resistance, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertriglyceridemia. An exercise program combined with a moderate-fat, low-glycemic-index, high-fiber diet can reverse several aspects of lipodystrophy, and, until specific treatment is available, should be considered for treatment of lipodystrophy.

EFFECT OF LARGE EXERCISE-INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS ON BODY COMPOSITION AND FAT DISTRIBUTION IN OBESE MALES

This study examined the effects of large exercise-induced weight loss on body composition and fat distribution in obese Singaporean males. 30 obese males (mean age 19.8 ± 0.6 yrs) were evaluated before (pre-training) and after (post-training) four months of regimented training in the Singapore Armed Forces. 30 obese (mean age 19.2 ± 1.3yrs) males without training were monitored as control subjects. Fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and per cent (%) body fat were determined from skinfold measurements. Body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) were calculated from height, weight and circumference measures taken pre- and post-training using standard methods. Differences between pre- and post-training responses were analyzed with a paired t-test. Results are presented in the table below (values are Mean ± SD; ***P < 0.001) TABLE Subjects lost 12.0 ± 3.6 kg (P < 0.001) from pre- to post-training, which was attributable to a reduction in FM (P < 0.001), as FFM was unchanged. Significant changes were observed in the measures of body fat distribution. Both waist circumference and hip circumference decreased (P < 0.01), the reduction in waist circumference (13.7%) being greater than the reduction in hip circumference (7.7%) as reflected by the decrease in WHR (P < 0.001). These data reveal that large exercise induced weight losses are associated with a maintenance of FFM, unlike diet induced weight losses of the same magnitude. In addition, the significant reduction in WHR observed after training indicates a greater mobilization of upper body fat and a preferential loss of fat from this region. Thus, exercise-induced weight loss is associated with a reduction in abdominal obesity and a corresponding maintenance of FFM. Such effects on body composition should reduce disease risk and the eventual weight regain that typically follows diet-induced weight losses with obese subjects.Table

Abdominal obesity reduction in indigenous men.

To assess the effectiveness of a men's 'waist loss' program over one year in Indigenous men. Pre-and post-test measurements of 47 Indigenous men on four island groups in the Torres Strait region of Northern Australia involved in a version of the 'GutBuster' program, modified by and for Indigenous men. Weight, waist and hip size of 47 men, and body fat estimated from electrical impedence measures of 27 men, were compared at baseline, after approx 2 months, approx 6 months and approx one year. Average weight loss was 3.3 kg (3.5%), and waist loss 4.0 cm (3.5%). The average percentage decrease in fat mass (FM) was 10.8%. An environmental audit technique highlighted modifications needed to the environment to assist behaviour change. Education-behaviour change interventions of this kind may offer opportunities for health improvements in Indigenous men.