Regional Body Composition Changes Research Articles

An Energy-Reduced Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Composition: An Interim Subgroup Analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus Randomized Clinical Trial.

Strategies targeting body composition may help prevent chronic diseases in persons with excess weight, but randomized clinical trials evaluating lifestyle interventions have rarely reported effects on directly quantified body composition. To evaluate the effects of a lifestyle weight-loss intervention on changes in overall and regional body composition. The ongoing Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) randomized clinical trial is designed to test the effect of the intervention on cardiovascular disease prevention after 8 years of follow-up. The trial is being conducted in 23 Spanish research centers and includes men and women (age 55-75 years) with body mass index between 27 and 40 and metabolic syndrome. The trial reported herein is an interim subgroup analysis of the intermediate outcome body composition after 3-year follow-up, and data analysis was conducted from February 1 to November 30, 2022. Of 6874 total PREDIMED-Plus participants, a subsample of 1521 individuals, coming from centers with access to a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry device, underwent body composition measurements at 3 time points. Participants were randomly allocated to a multifactorial intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and increased physical activity (PA) or to a control group based on usual care, with advice to follow an ad libitum MedDiet, but no physical activity promotion. The outcomes (continuous) were 3-year changes in total fat and lean mass (expressed as percentages of body mass) and visceral fat (in grams), tested using multivariable linear mixed-effects models. Clinical relevance of changes in body components (dichotomous) was assessed based on 5% or more improvements in baseline values, using logistic regression. Main analyses were performed in the evaluable population (completers only) and in sensitivity analyses, multiple imputation was performed to include data of participants lost to follow-up (intention-to-treat analyses). A total of 1521 individuals were included (mean [SD] age, 65.3 [5.0] years; 52.1% men). In comparison with the control group (n=761), participants in the intervention arm (n=760) showed greater reductions in the percentage of total fat (between group differences after 1-year, -0.94% [95% CI, -1.19 to -0.69]; 3 years, -0.38% [95% CI, -0.64 to -0.12] and visceral fat storage after 1 year, -126 g [95% CI, -179 to -73.3 g]; 3 years, -70.4 g [95% CI, -126 to -15.2 g] and greater increases in the percentage of total lean mass at 1 year, 0.88% [95% CI, 0.63%-1.12%]; 3-years 0.34% [95% CI, 0.09%-0.60%]). The intervention group was more likely to show improvements of 5% or more in baseline body components (absolute risk reduction after 1 year, 13% for total fat mass, 11% for total lean mass, and 14% for visceral fat mass; after 3-years: 6% for total fat mass, 6% for total lean mass, and 8% for visceral fat mass). The number of participants needed to treat was between 12 and 17 to attain at least 1 individual with possibly clinically meaningful improvements in body composition. The findings of this trial suggest a weight-loss lifestyle intervention based on an energy-reduced MedDiet and physical activity significantly reduced total and visceral fat and attenuated age-related losses of lean mass in older adults with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome. Continued follow-up is warranted to confirm the long-term consequences of these changes on cardiovascular clinical end points. isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN89898870.

Effect of regional body composition changes on bone density remodeling after sleeve gastrectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) results in bone mineral density (BMD) loss and varying body composition parameters. However, the effects of body compositions on bone health are controversial. In order to accurately demonstrate their relationship and provide new insights into the causes of BMD loss after sleeve gastrectomy, this study is aimed to investigate the role of changes in body composition in BMD loss 12 months after SG. 41 Chinese individuals with obesity (25 women and 16 men) who underwent SG were prospectively examined for at least 12 months. Measurements of anthropometrics, body composition, BMD and blood samples were collected. For 12 months, the femoral neck (FN) BMD and total hip (TH) BMD decreased significantly compared with baseline in both sexes but not lumbar spine (LS) BMD. Greater TH BMD loss was observed in men than in women. For the first 6 months post-SG, the FN BMD loss was positively associated with the estimated fat free mass index (eFFMI) reduction in women (adjusted β = 0.77, P = 0.004) and positively associated with reduction of subcutaneous fat area (SFA) in men (r = 0.931, P = 0.007). For 12 months post-SG, the FN BMD loss was negatively associated with visceral fat area (VFA) reduction in women (adjusted β = -0.58, P = 0.027) and men (adjusted β = -0.68, P = 0.032). TH BMD loss was positively associated with waist circumference reduction in women (r = 0.448, P = 0.028). FN and TH BMD decrease after SG in both women and men. The changes in body compositions are associated with BMD loss at different time points and bone sites. Our data emphasize the limitation of simply taking the total weight loss (% TWL) as an influencing factor of bone mineral density and the necessity of delineating body composition in relevant studies.

Body composition changes and their relationship with obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms, severity: The Sleeping Well Trial

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obesity share a complex bi-directional relationship as location of body fat and changes in regional body composition may be more important for OSA improvement than changes in total body weight only. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-month weight loss intervention for adults newly diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA and obesity on regional body composition. The secondary aims evaluated the relationship between changes in OSA symptoms and severity and anthropometry and regional body composition during the first 12-months after commencing CPAP and explored differences in outcomes between males and females. Participants (n=59) received CPAP overnight at home alongside a 6-month modified fasting intervention with 12-months follow up. Regional body composition was measured by Dual X-ray absorptiometry, (DXA) and anthropometry before and after the lifestyle intervention. OSA severity was measured using the apnoea hypopnea index via overnight polysomnography and OSA symptoms were measured using the Epworth Sleepiness scale. Forty-seven adults (74% male) had complete measures available with a mean age of 50.0y (SD 11.0) and BMI 34.1kg/m2 (SD 5.0). Following the intervention average fat mass changed by-5.27kg (5.36), p<0.001) and visceral adipose tissue (-0.63kg (0.67), p<0.001) significantly decreased in males only with a maintenance of fat-free mass (mean-0.41kg (1.80), p=0.18). Females (n=12) had significant decreases in waist circumference (mean-3.36cm (3.18) p<0.01), android lean (-0.12kg (0.04), p<0.05) and android total mass (-0.28kg (0.39), p<0.05) only. Regional body composition changes in males were positively associated with improvements in OSA severity (p<0.01) but not OSA symptoms. Improvements in regional body composition were seen in males only which were related to improvements in OSA severity but not OSA symptoms. Females may exhibit different OSA pathophysiology and may require different treatment approaches. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=369975&isReview=trueAACTRN12616000203459 ACTRN12616000203459.

Heterogeneity in regional changes in body composition induced by androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients: potential impact on bone health-the BLADE study.

It is not clear whether changes in body composition induced by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer (PC) patients are uniform or vary in the different body districts and whether regional lean body mass (LBM) and fat body mass (FBM) could have an impact on bone health. To prospectively evaluate the regional changes in LBM and FBM in PC patients submitted to degarelix; to explore the relationship of regional body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers. 29 consecutive non metastatic PC patients enrolled from 2017 to 2019. FBM, LBM and bone mineral density (BMD) evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and after 12-month of ADT. Alkaline phosphate (ALP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) assessed at baseline, 6 and 12months. All patients underwent degarelix administration. T-test or sign test and Pearson or Spearman test for continuous variables were used when indicated. Median percent increase in FBM ranged from + 14.5% in trunk to + 25.4% in the left leg after degarelix. LBM changes varied from + 2% in the trunk to -4.9% in the right arm. LBM in both arms and legs and their variations after degarelix directly correlated with ALP and inversely correlated with CTX. Lean mass of limbs, trunk and legs significantly correlated with BMD of the hip, lean mass of the trunk significantly correlated with spine BMD. These are post-hoc analysis of a prospective study and this is the main limitation. an heterogeneous change in body composition among body district is observed after ADT and bone turnover is influenced by lean mass and its variation. A supervised physical activity is crucial to maintain general physical performance and preserving bone health.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Whole Body and Regional Body Composition Changes After a Short-Term Weight-Loss Program Combining Exercise and Nutritional Counseling

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Whole Body and Regional Body Composition Changes After a Short-Term Weight-Loss Program Combining Exercise and Nutritional Counseling

Longitudinal changes in total and regional body composition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background and objectiveLow fat‐free mass (FFM) is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to morbidity and mortality. Few studies have evaluated longitudinal changes in body composition in patients with COPD compared with non‐COPD controls. This study aimed to compare longitudinal changes in total and regional body composition between patients with COPD and non‐COPD controls and investigate predictors of changes in body composition in COPD.MethodsPatients with COPD and non‐COPD controls participating in the Individualized COPD Evaluation in relation to Ageing (ICE‐Age) study, a single‐centre, longitudinal, observational study, were included. Subjects were assessed at baseline and after 2 years of follow‐up. Among other procedures, body composition was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan. The number of exacerbations/hospitalizations 1 year before inclusion and during follow‐up were assessed in patients with COPD.ResultsA total of 405 subjects were included (205 COPD, 87 smoking and 113 non‐smoking controls). Patients with COPD and smoking controls presented a significant decline in total FFM (mean [95% CI]: −1173 [−1527/−820] g and −486 [−816/−156] g, respectively) while body composition remained stable in non‐smoking controls. In patients with COPD, the decline in FFM was more pronounced in legs (−174 [−361/14] g) and trunk (−675 [−944/406] g) rather than in arms (54 [−19/126] g). The predictors of changes in total and regional FFM in patients with COPD were gender, number of previous hospitalizations, baseline values of FFM and BMI.ConclusionPatients with COPD present a significant decline in FFM after 2 years of follow‐up, this decline is more pronounced in their legs and trunk.

Pregnancy Weight and Anthropometric Trajectories: The NICHD Fetal Growth Studies

ObjectivesMaternal weight and anthropometric trajectories may affect both fetal programming and maternal pregnancy health outcomes. We developed a statistical model that categorized concomitant changes in weight and body composition across gestation. MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of singletons (n = 2,353) enrolled from 11 US perinatal centers, 2009–2013. Weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), plus triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness (TSF, SSF) were measured up to 5 times across gestation. Prenatal weights were also abstracted from medical records. Gestational weight change (GWG) trajectories and time-varying, region-specific body composition (MUAC, TSF, SSF) were modeled jointly with a flexible latent class trajectory model, adjusting for prepregnancy BMI. ResultsMost women had prepregnancy normal weight (56.4%), while fewer were classified as overweight (27.2%) or obese (16.4%). Five trajectory patterns for weight and body composition were identified. (1) InitalHighSteadyGain (12.5%) had the highest 1st trimester weight gain and steady gain thereafter, with high model estimated total GWG (36.1 lbs). (2) InitialModerateSlowGain (19.8%) had moderate 1st trimester gain, then slow steady gain with the lowest total GWG (28.7 lbs). InitalHighSteadyGain and InitialModerateSlowGain showed relatively stable MUAC, while SSF and TSF increased in 1st and 2nd trimesters and decreased in 3rd trimester. Other GWG trajectory groups showed (3) 1st trimester weight loss (LossSteadyGain, 8.2%), (4) stability (StableSteadyGain, 21.5%), or (5) low gain (LowSteadyGain, 38.2%), then steady GWG in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters with estimated total GWG of 35.7, 36.8 and 32.8 lb, respectively. Small increases in MUAC and SSF were observed in LowSteadyGain across pregnancy, while TSF increased up to 30 wk and then decreased. LossSteadyGain and StableSteadyGain groups showed similarities in initial MUAC, TSF and SSF measurements with small increases in MUAC and TSF, and moderate increases in SSF over time. ConclusionsJoint modeling of prenatal weight and regional body composition changes identified five trajectory patterns, which offers a more advanced understanding of how these trajectories concomitantly change during pregnancy. Funding SourcesNICHD; HHS.

Greater Loss of Central Adiposity from Low-Carbohydrate versus Low-Fat Diet in Middle-Aged Adults with Overweight and Obesity.

The objective of this study is to determine whether middle-aged adults prescribed a low carbohydrate-high fat (LCHF) or low fat (LF) diet would have greater loss of central fat and to determine whether the insulin resistance (IR) affects intervention response. A total of 50 participants (52.3 ± 10.7 years old; 36.6 ± 7.4 kg/m2 BMI; 82% female) were prescribed either a LCHF diet (n = 32, carbohydrate: protein: fat of 5%:30%:65% without calorie restriction), or LF diet (n = 18, 63%:13–23%: 10–25% with calorie restriction of total energy expenditure—500 kcal) for 15 weeks. Central and regional body composition changes from dual-x-ray absorptiometry and serum measures were compared using paired t-tests and ANCOVA with paired contrasts. IR was defined as homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) > 2.6. Compared to the LF group, the LCHF group lost more android (15.6 ± 11.2% vs. 8.3 ± 8.1%, p < 0.01) and visceral fat (18.5 ± 22.2% vs. 5.1 ± 15.8%, p < 0.05). Those with IR lost more android and visceral fat on the LCHF verses LF group (p < 0.05). Therefore, the clinical prescription to a LCHF diet may be an optimal strategy to reduce disease risk in middle-aged adults, particularly those with IR.

Resistance-training Induced Regional Body Composition Changes In Females With Obesity Vs. Normal Weight Obesity

Title: Resistance-training induced regional body composition changes in females with obesity vs. normal weight obesity Selvaraj, BS, Mahan, C., Kloiber, S., Givan, A., Clements, M., Sanguinette, D., Larumbe-Zabala. E., Fernandez-del-Valle M. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training on regional body composition and fat loss, including upper and lower limbs and trunk, in females with obesity and normal weight obesity (NWO). METHODS: A total of 12 young females with obesity (BMI: 34.1±3.3; percentage body fat [%BF]: 49.2±2.9) and 15 with NWO (BMI: 22.2±1.8; %BF: 35.1±4.5) were randomized into control (obesity n=6, NWO n=8) and resistance training (obesity n=6, NWO n=7). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and a maximal strength test were performed before and after a 3-week intervention. Percent change (%∆) of left and right trunk, arms, legs (LTfat, RTfat, LAfat, RAfat, LLfat and RLfat, respectively) and body fat were recorded. Training consisted of 3 sessions/week for 3 weeks, and 3 sets of 10 repetitions including 7 exercises that targeted major muscle groups. Participants were trained at 80% of their 1-repetition maximum. RESULTS: Non-parametric tests showed a statistically significant difference in %∆LTfat (-1.05±3.99%, p=0.032) and a trend in %∆BF (-1.73±1.93%, P=0.056) in the resistance training obesity group when compared to control. No statistically significant changes were found in NWO group. CONCLUSION: Resistance training has shown to induce significant changes in the obesity group by reducing LTfat content. However, no changes were detected in the NWO group. Future research should include larger sample size to facilitate the detection of regional body composition changes and to help understand the differential impact of resistance training in women with obesity and NWO.

Differences In Male Vs Female Regional Body Composition Changes With Resistance Training

Differences In Male Vs Female Regional Body Composition Changes With Resistance Training

Age-associated changes of resting energy expenditure, body composition and fat distribution in Chinese Han males.

Age‐related alterations in whole body composition, particularly, reduced fat free mass (FFM) and increased fat mass (FM), lead to a progressive decline in resting energy expenditure (REE). Similarly, regional body composition and fat distribution changes with age might also contribute to an overall lower REE. This study investigated the influence of age on REE, regional body composition and fat distribution, including subcutaneous fat (SF) and visceral fat (VF), in a Chinese Han population as well as their contributions to age‐related changes in REE. One hundred and two males aged 31–83 years old underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) which measured whole body and regional FM and FFM. SF and VF were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and REE by indirect calorimetry. Age was significantly negatively correlated with REE (r = −0.37), total FFM (r = −0.25), upper limbs FFM (r = −0.32), lower limbs FFM (r = −0.34) and showed positive association with trunk FFM (β=0.926). FM, SF and VF decreased in older age groups after an initial rise up to 55–65 years. REE correlated positively to FM, FFM, SF, VF and showed significant association with age (β = −0.254) independent of age‐associated changes in body composition. The regional alterations in body composition with age were explained by changes in trunk FFM (β = 0.926). Age‐related decline in REE were not solely due to alterations in FM and FFM. Therefore, the changes in regional body composition, fat distribution and REE which occur during aging could be explained by disparities in race, ethnicity, diet, physical activity, and lower specific metabolic rates of FFM components.

Changes in Total and Regional Body Composition during the season in Division 1 Football Players

Changes in Total and Regional Body Composition during the season in Division 1 Football Players

Adaptive thermogenesis and changes in body composition and physical fitness in army cadets.

To analyze the association between a 34-week military training on body composition, physical fitness and compensatory changes in resting energy expenditure (REE) recognized as adaptive thermogenesis (AT). We also explored if regional body composition changes were related to AT. Twenty-nine male army cadets, aged 17 to 22 years were tested at baseline (T0) and after 34-weeks military training (T1). Physical training was performed 5 days/week during 90 minutes/day. Measurements included body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; physical fitness by 3000-m running, pull-up, 50-m freestyle swimming, push-up and sit-up tests; REE measured by indirect calorimetry (REEm) and predicted from fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and ethnicity at T0 (REEp). %AT was calculated using values at T1: 100(REEm/REEp-1); and AT (kcal/day) as %AT/100 multiplied by baseline REEm. Physical training was associated with increases of lean soft tissue (LST) (∆1.2±1.3 kg), FM (∆1.4±1.3 kg), FFM (∆1.2±1.3 kg) and physical fitness (P<0.01), but no REE changes (∆59.6±168.9 kcal/day) and AT were observed (P>0.05). Though a large variability was found, AT was partially explained by trunk LST (r2=0.17, P=0.027). Individuals showing a higher AT response demonstrated a higher trunk LST increase (∆0.8±0.7 kg, P<0.05). The military training increased LST, FM, FFM and physical fitness. Though no mean changes in AT occurred, a large individual variability was observed with some participants increasing REE beyond the expected body composition changes, suggesting a spendthrift phenotype. Changes of trunk LST may play an important role in the AT response observed in these individuals.

Body Composition Changes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.

We aimed to quantify global and regional body composition changes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, compare them to healthy controls and identify possible association between body composition changes and CHC. To our knowledge, this study is the first one comparing CHC patients to controls with regard to soft tissue body composition changes. We assessed 60 CHC patients and 60 healthy controls by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Soft tissue and bone body composition parameters were compared between the groups (using the Mann-Whitney test). These parameters were correlated (using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient - rho) with independent variables (age, gender, body mass index - BMI, cigarette smoking, time since CHC diagnosis, viral load, fibrosis grade, type of treatment, time of treatment) for the entire CHC group and also for subgroups according to gender. Total fat mass, trunk fat mass and percent body fat were lower in CHC patients as compared to controls. Several risk factors were associated with the reduced fat mass: low BMI, cigarette smoking and peginterferon alpha 2a plus ribavirin treatment. Peginterferon alpha 2a and ribavirin treatment negatively correlated with lean body parameters, especially in CHC males group. Bone mineral density (BMD) was lower as compared to controls and was correlated with low BMI, cigarette smoking and peginterferon alpha 2a and ribavirin treatment. Patients with CHC have an acquired type of lipodystrophy (particularly in the trunk region), and also a reduced BMD as compared with controls. A low BMI, cigarette smoking and peginterferon alpha 2a and ribavirin therapy were associated with a low fat mass and low BMD.

Changes in regional body composition over 8 years in a randomized lifestyle trial: The look AHEAD study.

To test the hypothesis that an 8-year intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) suppresses aging-dependent changes in regional lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) among people with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. Regional body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within a subset of 1,019 volunteers (45-75 years old) in the Look AHEAD study randomized to ILI or diabetes support and education (DSE). The ILI goal was to achieve and maintain ≥7% weight loss through increased physical activity and reduced caloric intake. Over 8 years, the DSE group exhibited a linear loss of LM and FM. During year 1, the ILI group lost LM and FM. Between years 1 and 8, the ILI group regained most FM in all regions; regional LM converged with that of the DSE group; the percent of LM loss was greater for the leg than for the trunk. Among both groups, regional LM and FM change was proportional to the size of the region, trunk > leg > arm. Aging-dependent LM losses, particularly in the leg region, were not suppressed by ILI. The long-term consequences of rapid LM and FM loss and subsequent regain mostly as fat are unknown.

Regional Body Composition Changes with Weight Loss

PURPOSE: To examine regional body composition changes with weight loss and the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, initial total body fat % (TBF%), and rate of change in TBF% on these changes. METHODS: Participants were 723 men (M) and 1,802 women (W) 20-74 yrs of age who participated in a 12-wk, 3 days/wk instructor-led exercise and weight loss program which included pre- and post- DXA scans. After completing one 12-wk session, participants could continue and receive a DXA scan at the end of each subsequent session. The mean time between the first and last scan was 1.2 yrs (range = 10 wks to 5.4 yrs). A series of latent growth curve models were used to assess TBF% and android (An), arms (A), gynoid (G), legs (L), and trunk (Tr) fat % (F%) change over time and the effects of age, ethnicity, gender, initial TBF%, and change in TBF%. The level of significance was set at p < .05. RESULTS: Unrestricted models, without any co-variates, showed that TBF% and F% for each region had a significant rate of decrease and that this rate of decrease slowed over time (quadratic slope). The initial F%, F% rate of change per month and F% quadratic slope were as follows: TBF% (35.8, -0.226, 0.004), AF% (34.3, -0.170, 0.004), AnF% (40.1, -0.350, 0.007), GF% (38.9, -0.217, 0.004), LF% (35.5, -0.180, 0.003), and TrF% (38.1, -0.287, 0.006). At baseline, when controlling for initial TBF%: 1) M had significantly lower TBF% (37.4 vs 31.3), F% in the A (36.4 vs 28.8), G (40.5 vs 34.5), and L (37.5 vs 30.3) regions, but higher F% in An (37.0 vs 46.1) and Tr (36.0 vs 41.7) regions than W; 2) older individuals had higher TBF%, but lower F% in the G and L regions; and 3) Whites had more AF% than Blacks, but less An, A, and Tr F% than Asians (AS). The mean change in TBF% was greater in M than W (-4.73 vs -5.69%). In examining rate of change while controlling for initial TBF%: 1) M lost at a faster rate for TBF%, AnF%, GF%, LF%, and TrF% than W; 2) AS lost at a faster rate for TBF%, AnF%, GF%, and TrF%; and 3) older individuals lost at a faster rate for LF%, but a slower rate for GF%. However, when controlling for simultaneous rate of change in TBF% the only slope differences were that M lost LF% faster and TrF% slower than W. CONCLUSION: When controlling for rate of change in TBF%, regional rate of change was not affected by age or ethnicity and the only gender differences were that M lost faster in the L and slower in the Tr than W.

Conjugated linoleic acid mitigates testosterone-related changes in body composition in male guinea pigs

We hypothesize that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may be effective in preventing the changes in total and regional body composition and increases in interleukin (IL) 6 that occur as a result of hypogonadism. Male guinea pigs (n = 40, 70- to 72-week retired breeders) were block randomized by weight into 4 groups: (1) sham surgery (SHAM)/control (CTRL) diet, (2) SHAM/conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) diet (1%), (3) orchidectomy (ORX)/CTRL diet, and (4) ORX/CLA diet. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed at baseline and week 16 to assess body composition. Serum IL-6 was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. Fatty acids (FAs) from visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue were analyzed using gas chromatography. In ORX/CTRL guinea pigs, percent total body fat increased by 6.1%, and percent lean mass decreased by 6.7% over the 16-week treatment period, whereas no changes were observed for either parameter in ORX/CLA guinea pigs. Guinea pigs fed the CLA diet gained less percent total, upper, and lower body fat than those fed the CTRL diet regardless of surgical treatment. Regional adipose tissue FA composition was reflective of dietary FAs. Serum IL-6 concentrations were not different among groups. In this study, we observed that, in male guinea pigs, hypogonadism resulted in increased fat mass and decreased lean mass. In addition, CLA was effective in reducing gains in body fat and maintaining lean mass in both hypogonadal and intact guinea pigs.

Effects of Changes in Regional Body Composition on Physical Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Obesity exacerbates age-related physical disability; however, observational studies show that any weight loss in old age is associated with greater risk of mortality. Conversely, randomized controlled trials in older adults show that weight loss is beneficial. The discrepancy may be due to weight loss intention and differential changes to regional body composition. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the independent role of regional body composition remodeling in improving physical function. Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Community based research center. Thirty-six community dwelling, overweight to moderately obese (BMI 28.0-39.9 kg/m2) older adults (age 70.6±6.1 yrs). Physical activity plus weight loss (PA+WL, n=21) or PA plus successful aging (SA) education. PA consisted primary of treadmill walking supplemented with lower extremity resistance and balance training. The WL program was based on the Diabetes Prevention Project and aimed at achieving a 7% weight loss by cutting calories, specifically those from fat. At baseline, 6- and 12-months, body composition was measured using computerized tomography and dual x-ray absorptiometry. Abdominal visceral (VAT) and thigh intermuscular (IMAT) adipose tissue were quantified. Physical function was assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Separate multivariable linear regression models with both groups combined demonstrated that decreases in IMAT and VAT were significantly associated with improvements in SPPB (P<0.05) independent of change in total fat mass. PA+WL improved SPPB scores from baseline (0.8±1.4, P<0.05), whereas PA+SA did not; however no intergroup difference was detected. Of note, these effects were mainly achieved during the intensive intervention phase. Decreases in IMAT and VAT are important mechanisms underlying improved function following intentional weight loss plus physical activity.

Use of anthropometry for the prediction of regional body tissue distribution in adults: benefits and limitations in clinical practice.

Regional body composition changes with aging. Some of the changes in composition are considered major risk factors for developing obesity related chronic diseases which in turn may lead to increased mortality in adults. The role of anthropometry is well recognized in the screening, diagnosis and follow-up of adults for risk classification, regardless of age. Regional body composition is influenced by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Therapeutic measures recommended to lower cardiovascular disease risk include lifestyle changes. The aim of this review is to systematically summarize studies that assessed the relationships between anthropometry and regional body composition. The potential benefits and limitations of anthropometry for use in clinical practice are presented and suggestions for future research given.

Whole body and regional body composition changes following 10-day hypoxic confinement and unloading–inactivity

Future planetary habitats will expose inhabitants to both reduced gravity and hypoxia. This study investigated the effects of short-term unloading and normobaric hypoxia on whole body and regional body composition (BC). Eleven healthy, recreationally active, male participants with a mean (SD) age of 24 (2) years and body mass index of 22.4 (3.2) kg·m(-2) completed the following 3 10-day campaigns in a randomised, cross-over designed protocol: (i) hypoxic ambulatory confinement (HAMB; FIO2 = 0.147 (0.008); PIO2 = 93.8 (0.9) mm Hg), (ii) hypoxic bed rest (HBR; FIO2 = 0.147 (0.008); PIO2 = 93.8 (0.9) mm Hg), and (iii) normoxic bed rest (NBR; FIO2 = 0.209; PIO2 = 133.5 (0.7) mm Hg). Nutritional requirements were individually precalculated and the actual intake was monitored throughout the study protocol. Body mass, whole body, and regional BC were assessed before and after the campaigns using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The calculated daily targeted energy intake values were 2071 (170) kcal for HBR and NBR and 2417 (200) kcal for HAMB. In both HBR and NBR campaigns the actual energy intake was within the targeted level, whereas in the HAMB the intake was lower than targeted (-8%, p < 0.05). Body mass significantly decreased in all 3 campaigns (-2.1%, -2.8%, and -2.0% for HAMB, HBR, and NBR, respectively; p < 0.05), secondary to a significant decrease in lean mass (-3.8%, -3.8%, -4.3% for HAMB, HBR, and NBR, respectively; p < 0.05) along with a slight, albeit not significant, increase in fat mass. The same trend was observed in the regional BC regardless of the region and the campaign. These results demonstrate that, hypoxia per se, does not seem to alter whole body and regional BC during short-term bed rest.