Relative Fat Mass Research Articles

Comparison of Overall and Segmental Body Composition in Collegiate Track Athletes Using BIA and DXA

Anthropometric and body composition measurements can offer insight into athletes’ health as well as assist in developing training or diet regimens to enhance competitive potential. Valid and reliable assessments of these measures are vital. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to compare overall and segmental body composition data of collegiate track athletes using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). METHODS: Participants visited the Human Performance Laboratory once for measurement of anthropometric data (ht via stadiometer) and body composition assessment by BIA (via InBody 570) and DXA (via GE Healthcare Lunar Prodigy Advance). Contraindications were addressed and jewelry was removed prior to testing. Athletes were instructed to remove their socks; thereafter, they followed verbal instructions provided by the InBody 570. Body weight (lbs.) determined by the InBody 570 was converted to kilograms (kg) and used in the DXA analysis, for consistency. Relative body fat (%BF) and regional lean mass in the arms (ArmsLean), legs (LegsLean), and trunk (TrunkLean) (kg) were compared between methods, by sex, using paired- samples t-tests. RESULTS (females): Twenty-four females (age: 19.6±1.0 yr, ht: 168.8±7.9 cm, and wt: 65.0±13.7 kg) volunteered for testing. There were statistical differences (ordered by BIA and DXA) for %BF [19.8±6.4 vs. 25.0±7.9%, p < 0.0001] and TrunkLean [22.10±3.72 vs. 21.11±2.42 kg, p = 0.038]. No statistical differences were found for ArmsLean [5.18±1.23 vs. 5.03±0.92 kg, p = 0.163] or LegsLean [15.73±2.33 vs. 16.32±2.35 kg, p =0.070]. RESULTS (males): Thirty males (age: 20.5±1.9 yr, ht: 179.9±5.7 cm, and wt: 80.2±16.8 kg) volunteered for testing. There was a statistical difference (ordered by BIA and DXA) for ArmsLean [8.02±1.54 vs. 8.65±2.17 kg, p = 0.026], while %BF was at the statistical cut-point [11.2±4.7 vs. 13.0±6.7%, p = 0.05]. No statistical differences were found for LegsLean [21.23±2.53 vs. 22.31±4.95 kg, p = 0.115] or TrunkLean [30.36±4.42 vs. 29.87±3.65 kg, p = 0.231]. CONCLUSIONS: Clearly, differences exist in the estimation of overall and segmental body composition depending on the method utilized. If pre-post or serial evaluations are to occur, switching assessment methods would not be appropriate.

Dietary plasticity in a nutrient-rich system does not influence brown bear (Ursus arctos) body condition or denning

Behavioral differences within a population can allow use of a greater range of resources among individuals. The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is a generalist omnivore that occupies diverse habitats and displays considerable plasticity in food use. We evaluated whether brown bear foraging that resulted in deviations from a proposed optimal diet influenced body condition and, in turn, denning duration in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. To assess assimilated diet, we used sectioned guard hair samples (n = 23) collected in autumn to determine stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. To index proportional contributions of meat and vegetation to assimilated diets, we compared the carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) values of hair samples with the values identified for major food categories. We then compared percentage body fat and body mass in relation to the proportion of assimilated meat in the diet using linear models. We also examined the influence of autumn percentage body fat and mass on denning duration. Percentage body fat was not influenced by the proportion of assimilated meat in the diet. Additionally, percentage body fat and body mass did not influence denning duration. However, body mass of bears assimilating proportionately more meat was greater than bears assimilating less meat. Our results provide support for previous findings that larger bears consume higher amounts of protein to maintain their body size and therefore forage further from the proposed optimal diet. Additionally, our results demonstrate that individuals can achieve similar biological outcomes (e.g., percentage body fat) despite variable foraging strategies, suggesting that individuals within generalist populations may confer an adaptive advantage through behavioral plasticity.

Validity and reliability of total body volume and relative body fat mass from a 3-dimensional photonic body surface scanner.

ObjectiveThree-dimensional photonic body surface scanners (3DPS) feature a tool to estimate total body volume (BV) from 3D images of the human body, from which the relative body fat mass (%BF) can be calculated. However, information on validity and reliability of these measurements for application in epidemiological studies is limited.MethodsValidity was assessed among 32 participants (men, 50%) aged 20–58 years. BV and %BF were assessed using a 3DPS (VitusSmart XXL) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) with a BOD POD® device using equations by Siri and Brozek. Three scans were obtained per participant (standard, relaxed, exhaled scan). Validity was evaluated based on the agreement of 3DPS with ADP using Bland Altman plots, correlation analysis and Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired samples. Reliability was investigated in a separate sample of 18 participants (men, 67%) aged 25–66 years using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) based on two repeated 3DPS measurements four weeks apart.ResultsMean BV and %BF were higher using 3DPS compared to ADP, (3DPS-ADP BV difference 1.1 ± 0.9 L, p<0.01; %BF difference 7.0 ± 5.6, p<0.01), yet the disagreement was not associated with gender, age or body mass index (BMI). Reliability was excellent for 3DPS BV (ICC, 0.998) and good for 3DPS %BF (ICC, 0.982). Results were similar for the standard scan and the relaxed scan but somewhat weaker for the exhaled scan.ConclusionsAlthough BV and %BF are higher than ADP measurements, our data indicate good validity and reliability for an application of 3DPS in epidemiological studies.

The Effect Of Acute Body Mass Reduction On Metabolism And Endurance Running Performance

Reduced body mass and/or relative fat mass is expected to improve endurance running performance, by lowering energy cost of running and allowing the runner to maintain higher mean race velocity using identical %VO2max. The majority of studies during the last 40 years have been centered mainly on the effect of adding external load on energy cost of walking and running. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect 5 and 10% reduction of inactive body mass on metabolic responses and 3 km running performance. METHODS: Eleven trained (8 male, 3 female) club level runners (mean ± sd body mass, height, %fat, peakVO2 and vVO2max, 65.71 ± 12.07 kg, 174.59 ± 8.32 cm, 12.54 ± 3.55%, 56.30 ± 4.57 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 17.1 ± 1.4 km.h-1 respectively) participated in a series of 4 maximal trials 4–6 days apart. During the first trial, the subjects completed an exhaustive incremental peakVO2 test on the treadmill. On the second visit they completed a 3 km race time trial on the treadmill running with normal body mass (BM). During the last two laboratory visits, the subjects completed two 3 km race trials in random order on the treadmill while body mass (a rope through a system of pulleys lifted the runner with the calculated body weight throughout striding phases while not interfering with running technique) was reduced 5 (5%BM) or 10% (10%BM). Repeated Anova was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean (±sd) 3 km performance time was lowered (improved) during 5%BM (663.5 ± 76.05 s) and 10%BM (648.9 ± 74.9 s) trials (p<0.05) compared with BM (684.9 ± 74.8 s). The 5 and 10% reduction in body mass induced a mean 3.1 and 5.2% improvement in 3 km race performance accordingly. Every kg reduction of inactive body mass improved 1.4% running endurance performance. Mean values of the Rate of perceived exertion, heart rate, VO2 ml.min-1, RQ, Blood lactate and Volume of expired air were not different between time trials and peak VO2max test (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that the reduction of 5 and 10% of inactive body mass may improve significantly 3 km performance time without noticeable effects on metabolic parameters and are supportive of the notion that one way to maximize further running performance is to reduce inactive body mass.

Effects of a psychological intervention on the quality of life of obese adolescents under a multidisciplinary treatment

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of multidisciplinary treatment with and without psychological counseling on obese adolescents’ self‐reported quality of life. MethodsSeventy‐six obese adolescents (15.87±1.53 y) were allocated into psychological counseling group (PCG; n=36) or control group (CG; n=40) for 12 weeks. All participants received the same supervised exercise training, nutritional and clinical counseling. Participants in PCG also received psychological counseling. QOL was measured before and after 12 weeks of intervention by Generic Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Quality of Life (SF‐36). ResultsThe dropout rate was higher in GC (22.5%) when compared with PCG (0.0%) (p<0.001). After 12 weeks, participants from PCG presents lower body weight, relative fat mass and higher free fat mass (p<0.001 for all) compared to GC. QOL improved among adolescents from both groups (p<0.05), however, a better QOL was reported from those adolescents enrolled in PCG. ConclusionThe inclusion of a psychological counseling component in multidisciplinary treatment for adolescent obesity appears to provide benefits observed for improved QOL as compared with treatment without psychological counseling.

Event-Specific Body Characteristics of Elite Alpine Skiers in Relation to International Rankings

Objective: This explorative study examined potential performance indicators through a correlational analysis between morphological measures and international ranking within each alpine ski event for each gender separately. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 58 elite alpine skiers were allocated into a technical or speed event group based on their international ski rankings. Several two-way (2 * 2) (M)ANOVA’s were used to examine the effect of gender and event group on age, BMI, sum of 6 skinfolds and somatotype. Forward stepwise discriminant analysis selected the most discriminating somatotype component between gender and/or event. Bivariate Pearson correlations between registered variables and international rankings per alpine ski event were examined for each gender separately. Results: Female speed specialists possessed more relative fat mass (P = 0.022) than female technical specialists. Irrespective of gender, technical specialists were lighter (P P = 0.008). Pearson values indicated moderate associations between speed rankings and body weight. High female speed rankings were associated with higher relative fat mass. High male speed rankings were associated with lower ectomorphy. Conclusion: Additional body weight appears to be beneficial in SPEED events. Fat mass correlated positively with higher rankings of female SPEED specialists. This observation should be monitored in female alpine skiers so that performance thresholds of relative body fat can be determined.

Objective and Subjective Eating Speeds Are Related to Body Composition and Shape in Female College Students

Eating speed reportedly relates to body composition and shape. Little is known about the relationship between the objectively assessed eating speed and the body composition and shape. This study examined relationships between eating speed as assessed both objectively and subjectively, and body composition and shape. The following variables of body composition and shape were measured in 84 female college students: body mass, relative body fat mass (%Fat), body mass index (BMI), and circumferences of the waist, abdomen and hip. After measuring the body composition and shape, subjects consumed a 174-kcal salmon rice ball. The following chewing variables were measured by observing videotape recordings of the subjects' faces: number of chews per bite, total number of chews, total meal duration, number of bites, and chewing rate. The subjects were categorized into three groups (fast, moderate and slow) according to their own subjective assessments of the actual eating speed. In objective assessments of the eating speed, the total number of chews and the total meal duration were significantly negatively correlated with the body mass, %Fat, BMI, and circumferences of the waist, abdomen and hip. In subjective eating-speed assessments, the body mass, %Fat, BMI, and circumferences of the waist, abdomen and hip were greater in the fast eating group than in the slow eating group. Both the objectively and subjectively assessed eating speeds are related to the body composition and shape. The present study supports that fast eating may relate to gains in body mass and/or fat mass.

Effects of a psychological intervention on the quality of life of obese adolescents under a multidisciplinary treatment

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of multidisciplinary treatment with and without psychological counseling on obese adolescents’ self-reported quality of life. MethodsSeventy-six obese adolescents (15.87±1.53 y) were allocated into psychological counseling group (PCG; n=36) or control group (CG; n=40) for 12 weeks. All participants received the same supervised exercise training, nutritional and clinical counseling. Participants in PCG also received psychological counseling. QOL was measured before and after 12 weeks of intervention by Generic Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Quality of Life (SF-36). ResultsThe dropout rate was higher in GC (22.5%) when compared with PCG (0.0%) (p<0.001). After 12 weeks, participants from PCG presents lower body weight, relative fat mass and higher free fat mass (p<0.001 for all) compared to GC. QOL improved among adolescents from both groups (p<0.05), however, a better QOL was reported from those adolescents enrolled in PCG. ConclusionThe inclusion of a psychological counseling component in multidisciplinary treatment for adolescent obesity appears to provide benefits observed for improved QOL as compared with treatment without psychological counseling.

Influencia de la masa grasa para el VO2max y Umbrales Ventilatorios en jóvenes deportistas de especialidades deportivas de resistencia

El objetivo del estudio es analizar la influencia de la masa grasa total y su % respecto al peso corporal total, así como la masa grasa regionalizada (Σ pliegues tronco, Σ pliegues abdomen, cociente TS/TI, phantom (Ph) de los pliegues) y su % respecto a la masa grasa total, en relación al VO2max y los Umbrales Ventilatorios (VT1 y VT2) en jóvenes deportistas en función de su especialidad deportiva y grupo de edad. La muestra está compuesta por 400 deportistas de ambos sexos del Centro de Tecnificación de Cheste (Valencia) clasificados en 3 grupos de edad: &lt;12-13, 14-16 y 17-20 años, y de especialidades deportivas de resistencia: atletismo, natación y triatlón (n=134, n=135 y n=131 respectivamente). Los datos fisiológicos se han obtenido de un test ergoespirométrico incremental en rampa en cinta rodante siguiendo el protocolo de Wasserman; y los datos antropométricos de la realización de una antropometría siguiendo el protocolo ISAK. Los resultados derivados del Análisis de Varianza (ANOVA) indican que para el caso de las especialidades deportivas se han encontrado diferencias significativas (p&lt;0,05) entre atletismo y triatlón, y natación y triatlón. No se han encontrado diferencias significativas (p&gt;0,05) entre atletismo y natación. Para el caso de los grupos de edad se han encontrado diferencias significativas (p&lt;0,05) entre los grupos de 14-16 y 17-20 años, y &lt;12-13 y 14-16 años. No se han encontrado diferencias significativas (p&gt;0,05) entre los grupos de &lt;12-13 y 17-20 años.

Experimental training by swimming or running: influence of body composition in aerobic performance in a ovariectomised model of obesity

The most commonly used aerobic training models for experimental research on animals are running and swimming exercises with moderate intensities and with fixed volumes. In models that mimic human menopause, the omission or simple contempt of body composition and fat redistribution can falsify results in terms of performance and training effects. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effect of body composition on the performance of rats submitted to swimming and running training. We used 24 twelve-week old virgin, female Wistar rats and divided them into 4 groups: ovariectomised swimmers (OV-ST) and runners (OV-RT); and sham surgery swimmers (SH-ST) and runners (SH-RT). All animals performed 4 weeks of training in accordance with their respective group. After the experimental period, the ovariectomised animals exhibited an increased relative weight and fat mass compared to SH groups, but their gain of performance data were different according to the kind of training they received; the OV-ST group had a higher performance compared to the OV-RT and SH-RT groups. It is likely that the higher body weight gain of the OV-ST group animals is a consequence of training with lighter loads, resulting from the higher buoyancy in animals with greater adiposity, reducing the effect of exercise on the control of body composition and weight. Accordingly, we conclude that the swimming training, as well as the maximum stress tests in the water, do not seem to be the best training option in animals prone to obesity. We show that body composition influences the results of animal performance and workload in water. Thus, body composition must be considered and overload methods in water must be adjusted to achieve desired training results.

OR28: The Difference between Body Composition Analysis Measured by Air-Displacement Plethysmography and Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry Depends on Relative Fat Mass

OR28: The Difference between Body Composition Analysis Measured by Air-Displacement Plethysmography and Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry Depends on Relative Fat Mass

Assessment of Body Composition and Sport Performance of Brazilian Paralympic Swim Team Athletes.

Body-composition assessments of high-performance athletes are very important for identifying physical performance potential. Although the relationship between the kinanthropometric characteristics and performance abilities of Olympic swimmers is extremely important, this subject is not completely understood for Paralympic swimmers. To investigate the relationship between body composition and sport performance in Brazilian Paralympic swimmers 6 mo after training. Experimental pre/posttest design. Research laboratory and field evaluations of swimming were conducted to verify the 50-m freestyle time of each athlete. 17 Brazilian Paralympic swim team athletes (12 men, 5 women). Body-composition assessments were performed using a BOD POD, and swimming performance was assessed using the 50-m freestyle, which was performed twice: before and after 6 mo of training. Increased lean mass and significantly reduced relative fat mass and swimming time (P < .05) were observed 6 mo after training. Furthermore, a positive correlation between body-fat percentage and performance (r = .66, P < .05) was observed, but there was no significant correlation between body density and performance (r = -.14, P > .05). After a 6-mo training period, Paralympic swimmers presented reduced fat mass and increased lean body mass associated with performance, as measured by 50-m freestyle time. These data suggest that reduced fat-mass percentage was significantly correlated with improved swimming performance in Paralympic athletes.

Green coffee bean extract improves obesity by decreasing body fat in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

To evaluate possible lipid catabolism and body fat regulation effects of 3-caffeoylquinic acid in Green coffee bean extract (GCBE) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Obesity was induced in mice using a HFD for four weeks. Then, mice were fed only HFD or HFD with GCBE at 50, 100, and 200mg/kg. Fatty acid synthesis mechanism regulation of body fat was investigated through real-time PCR and Western blot assay. Body fat reduction was measured through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In HFD-induced obese mice, GCBE treatment significantly decreased body weight gain, liver weight and white adipose tissue weights with regulation of adipose tissue lipolysis hormones, like adiponectin and leptin. GCBE treatment decreased mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism related genes in adipose tissues and the liver, and decreased the corresponding protein expression. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements were used to compare body fat between mice on high-fat and those treated with GCBE. GCBE treated mice had a lower fat mass compared to HFD alone fed mice and relative body weight and fat mass were markedly decreased. GCBE has a potential anti-obesity effect with lowering body fat accumulation by regulating adipogenesis and lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins in WAT and liver.

Associations Between Strength Fitness, Body Composition and the Determinants of Glycemic Control in Overweight/Obese Individuals

PURPOSE: Multiple methods have been proposed to assess insulin sensitivity using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), yet the relationship between strength fitness, body composition and the underlying determinants of glycemic control is unclear. We evaluated the associations between muscle strength, body composition and OGTT-derived indices of insulin sensitivity and secretion in young overweight/obese individuals. METHODS: 53 young overweight/obese participants (age 24 ± 5; BMI = 34.5 ± 5.2 kg/m2) underwent a standard 2-hr 75-g OGTT, 1-repetition maximum testing (bench press, leg press, and back row) and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for estimation of total and trunk fat mass and lean body mass (LBM). Fasting glucose (GluT0) and insulin (InsT0), and OGTT-derived indices, including area under the curve for glucose and insulin (AUCGlu and AUCIns respectively), insulinogenic index (IGI; a surrogate measure of first-phase insulin response to a glucose challenge), Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI; a composite of both hepatic and peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin) and oral disposition index (oral DI; a marker of pancreatic β-cell function) were calculated, and associations between these determinants of glycemic control with muscle strength and body composition were examined. RESULTS: Relative muscle strength, trunk and total fat mass were significantly associated with InsT0 (-0.35, 0.65 and 0.57, respectively), AUCIns (-0.36, 0.63 and 0.56, respectively), IGI (-0.45, -0.61, and 0.64, respectively) and ISI (0.42, -0.54, -0.52, respectively) (all p<0.05), but not with GluT0, AUCGlu or oral DI. There were no significant associations observed between LBM and OGTT-derived indices. CONCLUSION: Strength fitness and fat mass was associated with fasting insulin, AUCIns, early-phase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, but not with glucose indices or pancreatic β-cell function in young overweight/obese adults. These findings highlight the potential importance of strength fitness, as opposed to LBM, in protection against the development of type 2 diabetes in overweight/obese population.

Effects of an Almond‐Enriched Energy Restricted Diet on Body Composition, Visceral Adipose Tissue and Blood Pressure in Obese Adults

BACKGROUNDAlmonds are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats and their effects on differential rates of visceral and subcutaneous body fat loss, in conjunction with energy restriction, have not been widely examined. Increasing the proportion of protein in an energy‐restricted diet enhances satiety, energy expenditure and greater relative fat mass loss. In addition, monounsaturated fats are oxidized preferentially and a diet higher in the unsaturated: saturated fat ratio may reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) but more importantly, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) during weight loss. The promotion of VAT loss is important clinically as this may translate into a reduction in the risk for metabolic diseases. In addition, emerging evidence indicates food‐derived peptides such as arginine reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Almonds contain a high level of arginine, a peptide that helps to reduce blood pressure (BP).METHODSObese adults (n=28, age: 35.7±11.4 yr, body mass index: 33.1±2.7 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a 12 week energy restricted (500 kcal deficit) almond‐enriched diet (AED) (n=14) or an energy restricted nut‐free diet (NFD) (n=14). Participants in the AED group were asked to consume dry‐roasted, lightly salted almonds comprising of 15% energy in the individualized energy‐restricted diet. Participants in the NFD group were asked to avoid all nuts during the intervention period. The primary outcomes for this analysis were changes in weight, body composition, VAT and BP pre‐ and post‐study. Body composition was assessed using DEXA. VAT was predicted using multivariate anthropometric models. Resting BP was assessed using automated instruments.RESULTSBody weight, trunk fat percent, total fat percent, VAT and systolic BP decreased after 12 weeks on energy restriction (p&lt;0.05). Diastolic BP remained unchanged with weight loss. Both groups lost similar amounts of body weight over time. The AED group lost more trunk fat percent and total fat percent over time compared to the NFD group (p&lt;0.05). The AED group also had a greater trend for VAT loss over time compared to the NFD group. Both groups had similar reductions in systolic BP with weight loss.CONCLUSIONConsumption of almonds during a weight loss regimen resulted in greater improvements in trunk and total body composition compared to the nut‐free weight loss regimen. The overall improvements in body composition with almond consumption coupled with greater trend for VAT loss may help to reduce metabolic disease risk. In addition, consumption of lightly salted almonds had similar blood pressure reducing effects as the nut‐free intervention.Support or Funding InformationAlmond Board of California

High intensity interval and moderate continuous cycle training in a physical education programme improves health-related fitness in young females.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of regular physical education classes supplemented with high intensity interval cycle exercise (HIIE) or continuous cycle exercises of moderate intensity (CME). Forty-eight collegiate females exercising in two regular physical education classes per week were randomly assigned to two programmes (HIIE; n = 24 or CME; n = 24) of additional (one session of 63 minutes per week) physical activity for 8 weeks. Participants performed HIIE comprising 2 series of 6x10 s sprinting with maximal pedalling cadence and active recovery pedalling with intensity 65%–75% HRmax or performed CME corresponding to 65%-75% HRmax. Before and after the 8-week programmes, anthropometric data and aero- and anaerobic capacity were measured. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant time main effect for VO2max (p < 0.001), similar improvements being found in both groups (+12% in HIIE and +11% in CME), despite body mass not changing significantly (p = 0.59; +0.4% in HIIE and -0.1% in CME). A significant main time effect was found for relative fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). A group x time interaction effect was found for relative FM and FFM (p = 0.018 and p = 0.018); a greater reduction in FM and greater increase in FFM were noted in the CME than the HIIE group. Improvements in anaerobic power were observed in both groups (p < 0.001), but it was greater in the HIIE group (interaction effect, p = 0.022). Weight loss is not mandatory for exercise-induced effects on improving aerobic and anaerobic capacity in collegiate females. Eight weeks of regular physical education classes supplemented with CME sessions are more effective in improving body composition than physical education classes supplemented with HIIE sessions. In contrast to earlier, smaller trials, similar improvements in aerobic capacity were observed following physical activity with additional HIIE or CME sessions.

Reduced sleep duration affects body composition, dietary intake and quality of life in obese subjects.

Sleep duration has emerged as a crucial factor affecting body weight and feeding behaviour. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship among sleep duration, body composition, dietary intake, and quality of life (QoL) in obese subjects. Body composition was assessed by DXA. "Sensewear Armband" was used to evaluate sleep duration. SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life (QoL). A 3-day dietary record was administered. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: sleep duration>and≤300min/day. 137 subjects (105 women and 32 men), age: 49.8±12.4years, BMI: 38.6±6.7kg/m(2), were enrolled. Sleep duration was≤300min in 30.6% of subjects. Absolute and relative fat mass (FM) (40.5±9 vs. 36.5±9.1kg; 40.2±4.7 vs. 36.9±5.6%), and truncal fat mass (19.2±6.1 vs. 16.6±5kg; 38.6±5.3 vs. 35.2±5.5%) were higher in subjects sleeping≤300min when compared to their counterparts (all p<0.05), whereas just a tendency towards a higher BMI was observed (p=0.077). Even though energy intake was not different between groups, subjects sleeping≤300min reported a higher carbohydrate consumption per day (51.8±5.1 vs. 48.4±9.2%, p=0.038). SF-36 total score was lower in subjects sleeping≤300min (34.2±17.8 vs. 41.4±12.9, p=0.025). Sleep duration was negatively associated with FM (r=-0.25, p=0.01) and SF-36 total score (r=-0.31, p<0.001). The inverse association between sleep duration and SF-36 total score was confirmed by the regression analysis after adjustment for BMI and fat mass (R=0.43, R (2)=0.19, p=0.012). Reduced sleep duration negatively influences body composition, macronutrient intake, and QoL in obese subjects.

Perception of strength from 3D faces is linked to facial cues of physique

Formidability is an important cue to male intrasexual competitiveness. While previous studies suggest that strength can be accurately perceived from faces, little is known regarding the specific morphological cues that are used to form judgments of strength. Here, we used a set of three-dimensional color- and texture-standardized Caucasian faces to elucidate whether judgments of strength are based on shape cues linked to body physique. We collected facial scans of 50 men and 68 women together with measures of upper-body strength, height, weight and body composition. Upper-body strength was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and height. Deriving scores of the face shape associated with BMI and height, we found the face-morphological BMI score explained 27% of the variance in perceived strength. As BMI conflates muscle and fat mass, we also related absolute muscle and fat mass, separately, to actual strength and found a positive association between strength and both muscle and fat mass. We attempted to derive scores capturing the face shape associated with muscle and fat mass, controlling for each other and height. We found that facial scores of male muscle and fat both positively related to perceived strength, explaining 37% of the variance in this judgment. Our findings suggest that perceptions of strength from faces are based on facial cues to body physique. For both sexes, perceptions of strength seem to reflect overall body size or bulk, while for men additional variance was explained by separating facial cues to muscle and fat mass. The differentiation of facial shape associated with relative muscle and fat mass may have implications for the understanding of a variety of interpersonal judgments related to strength, such as dominance and leadership.

Intake of carbohydrates during pregnancy in obese women is associated with fat mass in the newborn offspring

Transmission of obesity across generations is of concern. Offspring of obese women have short- and long-term increased morbidities. A high intake of carbohydrate during pregnancy combined with impaired glucose tolerance is postulated to result in high birth weight, which is linked to subsequent metabolic disease. The objective was to examine the association between carbohydrate intake in obese pregnant women and their offspring's body composition. Secondary analyses were performed in an observational setting of 222 pregnant women with a pregestational BMI (in kg/m(2)) ≥30 participating in a randomized controlled trial. Diet was assessed at gestational weeks 11-14 and 36-37 by using a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Body composition in the offspring was assessed at birth by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Relative fat mass (%) was the primary outcome. Absolute measures (total fat, abdominal fat, and lean body mass) were secondary outcomes. Mean ± SD weight and absolute and relative fat mass in the offspring at birth were 3769 ± 542 g, 436 ± 214 g, and 11% ± 4%, respectively. Maternal intake of digestible carbohydrates was associated with the offspring's relative fat mass in late (P-trend = 0.006) but not early (P-trend = 0.15) pregnancy. A comparison of mothers in the highest (median: 238 g/d) compared with the lowest (median: 188 g/d) quartile of digestible carbohydrate intake showed a mean adjusted higher value in the offspring's relative fat mass of 2.1% (95% CI: 0.6%, 3.7%), which corresponded in absolute terms to a 103-g (95% CI: 27, 179-g) higher fat mass. Abdominal fat mass was also higher. In a strata of women with well-controlled glucose (2-h glucose values ≤6.6 mmol/L), no association between carbohydrate intake and offspring fat mass was observed, but the associations became significant and increased in strength with higher intolerance (strata with 2-h glucose values between 6.7-7.7 and ≥7.8 mmol/L). In obese women, even those without gestational diabetes but with impaired glucose tolerance, a lower carbohydrate intake at moderate levels in late gestation is associated with a lower fat mass in their offspring at birth. The TOP study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01345149.

Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Associations with Body Composition, Peritoneal Transport, and Peritoneal Glucose Absorption.

Insulin resistance has been associated with cardiovascular disease in peritoneal dialysis patients. Few studies have addressed the impact of fast transport status or dialysis prescription on insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to test whether insulin resistance is associated with obesity parameters, peritoneal transport rate, and glucose absorption. Insulin resistance was evaluated with homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR), additionally corrected by adiponectin (HOMA-AD). Enrolled patients were prevalent nondiabetics attending at Santo António Hospital Peritoneal Dialysis Unit, who were free of hospitalization or infectious events in the previous 3 months (51 patients aged 50.4 ± 15.9 years, 59% women). Leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), and daily glucose absorption were also measured. Lean tissue index, fat tissue index (FTI), and relative fat mass (rel.FM) were assessed using multifrequency bioimpedance. Patients were categorized according to dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio at 4 hours, 3.86% peritoneal equilibration test, and obesity parameters. Obesity was present in 49% of patients according to rel.FM. HOMA-IR correlated better with FTI than with body mass index. Significant correlations were found in obese, but not in nonobese patients, between HOMA-IR and leptin, leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR), and IGFBP-1. HOMA-IR correlated with HOMA-AD, but did not correlate with glucose absorption or transport rate. There were no significant differences in insulin resistance indices, glucose absorption, and body composition parameters between fast and nonfast transporters. A total of 18 patients (35.3%) who had insulin resistance presented with higher LAR and rel.FM (7.3 [12.3, interquartile range] versus 0.7 [1.4, interquartile range], P<0.001, and 39.4 ± 10.1% versus 27.2 ± 11.5%, P=0.002, respectively), lower IGFBP-1 (8.2 ± 7.2 versus 21.0 ± 16.3 ng/ml, P=0.002), but similar glucose absorption and small-solute transport compared with patients without insulin resistance. FTI and LAR were independent correlates of HOMA-IR in multivariate analysis adjusted for glucose absorption and small-solute transport (r=0.82, P<0.001). Insulin resistance in nondiabetic peritoneal dialysis patients is associated with obesity and LAR independent of glucose absorption and small-solute transport status. Fast transport status was not associated with higher likelihood of obesity or insulin resistance.