Risk Of Excess Weight Research Articles

Genetic variation in NOTCH1 is associated with overweight and obesity in Brazilian elderly

Excessive weight (overweight and obesity) is a common disorder involving genetic and environmental factors, associated with cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes, and others. NOTCH1 is critical for the maintenance of stem cells and adult tissues, being reported as a key player in metabolism and adipogenesis in animals. Thus, we test the hypothesis that NOTCH1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with excessive weight. Participants from the census-based cohort SABE (Saúde, Bem Estar e Envelhecimento—Health, Well-Being, and Aging), carried out in the city of São Paulo-Brazil, were stratified into cases and controls according to BMI. We filter the SNPs located at the start and end positions of NOTCH1 and 50 Kb on both sides. We selected SNPs with minor allelic frequency (MAF) greater than or equal to 0.01 and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05) and r2 ≥ 0.8. We performed an association study with genotypes and haplotypes, as well as in silico functional analysis of the identified SNPs. We observed an association of the SNP rs9411207 with the risk of excessive weight, under log-additive model, and the genotype distribution showed an increased frequency of homozygous TT (OR 1.50, CI 1.20–1.88; p = 0.0002). The haplotype GAT constructed from this and other SNPs in high Linkage Disequilibrium was more frequent in excessive-weight individuals (p = 0.003). In silico analyses suggested that these SNPs are likely to affect the transcription of NOTCH1 and other genes involved in adipogenesis and metabolism. This is the first study reporting association between NOTCH1 SNPs and the risk of excessive weight. Considering the possibility of NOTCH1 modulation, additional population studies are important to replicate these data and confirm the usefulness of risk genotypes for management strategies of excessive weight.

Can Food and Beverage Advertising Questionnaire Predict Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents from Low- and Middle-Income Countries?

Background: Information about the reliability and validity of questionnaires in low- and middle-income countries remains scarce. Objective: To test the reliability and predictive validity of a food and beverage marketing/advertising questionnaire for South American children and adolescents. Methods: A sample of 330 children (3-10 years old) and 215 adolescents (11-18 years old) was included from seven South American cities: Buenos Aires, Lima, Medellín, Montevideo, Santiago, Sao Paulo, and Teresina. The questionnaire consisted of seven questions about food and beverage marketing/advertising and decision influence. We assessed the reliability using temporal stability (2-week interval) and internal consistency. We assessed the predictive validity based on the risk of excess weight. Results: In children, reliability agreement from κ coefficients ranged from 63.7% to 86.3%, and Cronbach's α (internal consistency estimate) ranged from 0.14 to 0.75. In adolescents, the reliability agreement ranged from 78.9% to 85.7%, and Cronbach's α ranged from 0.14 to 0.76. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors for both age groups. The predictive probabilities for excess weight ranged from 22.3% to 61.1% in children and from 24.9% to 64.1% in adolescents. Conclusions: The screen/marketing media questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure for the pediatric population from low- and middle-income countries. This subjective tool provides a feasible screening measure for the influence of advertising on children and adolescents at risk of overweight and obesity.

Cesarean Delivery and Risk of Excess Weight Among Brazilian Preschool Children

To study the relationship between cesarean Delivery (CD) and overweight in preschool children, considering the presence of birth aspects and demographic characteristics that have been associated with the risk of excess weight. This retrospective cross-sectional analysis used representative data of children from 2 to 6years of age at municipal daycare centers in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil. The sample included 752 preschoolers. Weight and height were collected in daycare centers, and the nutritional status classification was performed using z scores of Body Mass Index (zBMI). Data analysis was performed in the bivariate and multivariate manner, the latter with the inclusion of another possible risk factor. Adjustments were made for daycare centers time, sex, birth length and weight and maternal schooling. The mean age of preschool children was 4.7years, and 53.8% were boys. The prevalence of overweight children was 21.7%. The median zBMI of the children born by CD was higher than that of vaginal Delivery (p = 0.0194). The prevalence of overweight showed association with CD (p = 0.0196; PR = 1.397 with 95% CI of 1065-1831). Logistic binary multivariate regression analysis confirmed the association, even in the presence of other possible risk factors (CR: 1.580, 95% CI: 1.072-2.330). Birth by CD is one of the factors that are associated with the early development of overweight in preschoolers.

Abstract 11335: Does Reduced Parasympathetic Heart Rate Variability Promote Obesity in Children?

Introduction: Considering the contribution of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in regulating both energy expenditure and energy intake, assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) may elucidate the etiology and adaptive processes in the development of obesity. Variations in the cardiac ANS are associated with changes in energy balance and eating behaviours, highlighting the potential key function of the ANS in the etiology of obesity. While it is broadly accepted that obesity impacts HRV, potential impacts of HRV patterns on obesity remain unexplored. We hypothesize that certain HRV patterns increase risk of excess weight in children. Methods: Participants included 406 White youth from the QUALITY cohort (56% boys). Children were considered at risk of CVD due to confirmed parental obesity status. Time- and frequency-domain HRV indices derived from short-term ECG recordings (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio) were analyzed at baseline (mean = 9.6 years, SD = 0.9). Adiposity at 2-year follow-up was evaluated through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Total body fat (BF) and BF distribution were captured; central adiposity was estimated using the android-to-gynoid ratio. Prospective associations between HRV at baseline and adiposity at 2-year follow-up were estimated using regression models including weights for well-established confounders (difference in adiposity measures over time, sex, age, sexual maturity, and physical activity). Results: 8-10 year olds with a sympathovagal imbalance described by a sympathetic predominance (LF/HF) presented with higher BF (β = 3.32, p < 0.001) and higher android-to-gynoid ratio (β =0.03, p<0.001) at age 10-12 years. Furthermore, lower levels of parasympathetic indices at age 8-10 years predicted higher BF (RMSSD: β = -0.09, p < 0.01; pNN50: β = -0.13, p < 0.01) and higher android-to-gynoid ratio (RMSSD: β -0.001, p < 0.05; pNN50: β = -0.001, p < 0.01) two years later. Conclusions: Impaired cardiac ANS modulation appears associated with the occurrence of childhood obesity two years later. A sympathetic predominance paired with reduced parasympathetic indices in otherwise healthy children may foreshadow pathophysiological processes that lead to obesity and may help to identify intervention targets.

Breastfeeding history and the risk of overweight and obesity in middle-aged women

BackgroundThe increased metabolic activity required to sustain breastfeeding and its associated milk production helps to reduce maternal fat stores accumulated during pregnancy. This study aims to assess the association between breastfeeding duration and fatness indices in middle-aged women.MethodsThe analysis was carried out in a group of 7500 parous 55.5 ± 5.3 year old women included body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-height ratio. The likelihood of excessive weight or obesity in relation to total breastfeeding time using multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsAn analysis of adjusted odds ratios did not show significant associations between breastfeeding duration and the risk of excessive weight and obesity in premenopausal women. After menopause, women who gave birth to 2 children and breastfed 1–6 and > 12 months had a lower risk of abdominal obesity (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.50–0.99; p = 0.042; and OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47–0.98; p = 0.039). Women who gave birth to 3 or more children and breastfed for 1–6 months, also showed a lower risk of overweight (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.27–0.99; p = 0.047), compared to those ones that have never breastfed. There was no relationship found between the duration of lactation and the risk of excessive body fat.ConclusionBreastfeeding may have some beneficial, long-term effect on the risk of excessive weight and abdominal obesity in women.

Nutrition- and feeding practice-related risk factors for rapid weight gain during the first year of life: a population-based birth cohort study

BackgroundRapid weight gain (RWG) during infancy increases the risk of excess weight later in life. Nutrition- and feeding practices associated with RWG need to be further examined. The present study aimed to examine nutrition- and feeding practice-related risk factors for RWG during the first year of life.MethodsA population-based longitudinal birth cohort study of 1780 infants, classified as having RWG or non-RWG during 0–3-4, 0–6 and 6–12 months. RWG was defined as a change > 0.67 in weight standard deviation scores. Associations between nutrition- and feeding practice-related factors and RWG were examined with logistic regression models.ResultsOf the participating infants, 47% had RWG during 0–3-4 months, 46% during 0–6 months and 8% during 6–12 months. In the fully adjusted models, bottle-feeding at birth and at 3–4 months and nighttime meals containing formula milk were positively associated with RWG during 0–3-4 months (p < 0.05 for all). Breastfeeding at 3–4 months and nighttime meals containing breast milk were negatively associated with RWG during this period (p < 0.001). Bottle-feeding at birth, 3–4 and 6 months and nighttime meals containing formula milk at 3–4 months were positively associated with RWG during 0–6 months (p < 0.01 for all). Breastfeeding at 3–4 and 6 months was negatively associated with RWG (p < 0.01). During 6–12 months, only bottle-feeding at 3–4 months was positively associated with RWG (p < 0.05).ConclusionsRWG was more common during the first 6 months of life and bottle-feeding and formula milk given at night were risk factors for RWG during this period.

Feeding styles among mothers of low-income children identified using a person-centered multi-method approach

BackgroundMaternal feeding styles have been associated with children's eating behaviors and obesity risk. Few works have identified maternal feeding styles using a multi-method person-centered approach. Objectives(1) To identify maternal feeding styles using a person-centered multi-method approach, and (2) to examine the association of child weight status with maternal feeding styles. MethodsParticipants were low-income mother-child dyads (N = 255) (mean child age 5.9 years) from the United States. Mothers completed questionnaires and participated in a semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were reliably coded for constructs of child feeding including beliefs, goals, and concerns. Family mealtime video recordings were reliably coded for feeding behaviors. Child anthropometrics were measured. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine empirically-driven typologies of maternal feeding styles. Chi-square analyses tested the association of maternal feeding styles with child overweight or obese (vs. not) weight status. ResultsTwo maternal feeding styles were identified by LCA which we term “High Coercive Control” (27% child overweight/obese) and “Low Coercive Control” (55% child overweight/obese). High Coercive Control mothers were more likely to believe their child was too thin, self-reported being more demanding in feeding and pressuring the child to eat, worried more about their child not eating enough and were observed to use more bribery. Low Coercive Control mothers were concerned about their child eating too much, and were less likely to self-report engaging in pressuring or restricting feeding behaviors. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that although there is a “feeding style” characterized by substantial control, this style was most common among mothers of thinner children. The mothers of children with overweight/obesity were primarily characterized by engaging in the “recommended” feeding behaviors and being appropriately concerned about their child's risk for excess weight.

Trends in Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Women of Reproductive Age in Zimbabwe, 2005-2015.

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is rising in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Zimbabwe, yet, the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among women in the country have not been explored. This study investigated the trends in prevalence and demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors of overweight and obesity among Zimbabwean women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from 2005–2015. Methods: Data from the 2005/2006, 2010/2011 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral risk factors and obesity and overweight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). We further estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the period covered by the surveys. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased substantially from 25.0% in 2005 to 36.6% in 2015. Some of the risk factors for overweight and obesity were older age (40+) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.73–6.01) in 2015, being married, high economic status, being employed, residence in urban areas and alcohol use. Educational attainment and smoking status were not associated with overweight and obesity across all surveys. Conclusions: We provide the first detailed analysis of trends and risk factors for overweight and obesity between 2005 and 2015 among women in Zimbabwe. The findings indicate that women of reproductive age are at high, and increasing, risk of excess weight. Thus, prevention and control measures are needed to address the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Zimbabwe.

Association of parental obesity with cardiometabolic risk factors in their children: The CASPIAN-V study.

BackgroundThe family environment has a crucial role in the development of childhood obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the association of parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in their children.MethodsThis multicentric cross-sectional study was performed on 14400 students (aged 7–18 years) and one of their parents. Students were recruited by multistage, stratified cluster sampling from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Fasting venous blood was obtained from a random sample of 4200 students. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical variables were collected.ResultsData of 14002 students and results of blood samples of 3483 of them were complete and included in the current study. The prevalence of obesity in children, fathers, and mothers was 11.4%, 10.6%, and 24.2%, respectively. In students, the most commonly observed metabolic abnormality was low HDL-C (29.5%); the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia was 5% and 55.7%, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of parents and weight, height, BMI, and waist circumference, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) of their children (P< 0.05). In the multivariate model, the risk of excess weight (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.17–1.44), obesity (OR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.18–1.59), abdominal obesity (OR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.05–1.29) and elevated BP (OR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04–1.31) were higher in those students whose parents had excess weight compared with other students. Parental obesity did not have significant association with metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia in their children.ConclusionsParental history of obesity could be used as a practical approach for the early preventive measures and identification of children at risk of cardiometabolic complications.

Associations between the use of social networking sites and unhealthy eating behaviours and excess body weight in adolescents

Unhealthy eating behaviour and excess body weight have been related to sedentary behaviour, particularly screen time, in adolescents; however, little is known about their associations with the use of social networking sites (SNS). We investigated the associations between time spent using SNS and unhealthy eating behaviours (including breakfast skipping, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and energy drinks) and body weight in adolescents. Data on 9858 students (mean age: 15·2 (SD 1·9) years) in grades 7 through 12 were derived from the 2013 cycle of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey--a cross-sectional school-based survey of middle and high school students. The majority (81·5%) of students reported daily use of SNS and an additional 10·7% reported using them on an irregular basis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the use of SNS was associated with increased odds of skipping breakfast (P trend<0·01) and consuming SSB (P trend<0·01) and energy drinks (P trend<0·01) in a dose-response manner with adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use as well as BMI. However, there was no evidence of a significant association between use of SNS and BMI before or after adjusting for all the covariates and unhealthy eating behaviours. In conclusion, our results suggest associations between the use of SNS and unhealthy eating behaviours among youth. Given the popularity of SNS, more efforts are needed to better understand the impact of social networks on eating behaviours and risk of excess weight.

Excesso de peso de adultos residentes em um aglomerado urbano subnormal

Objective: To assess the prevalence of excess weight and potential risk factors in adult dwellers of a subnormal urban agglomeration. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study based on a sample of 582 adults aged 20-59 years living in the subnormal urban agglomeration of Coelhos (Recife). Excess weight was estimated by body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal 25 kg/m2. Possible associations with age, sex, race/color and socioeconomic factors (education and employment status) were assessed. The effect on the occurrence of excess weight was estimated by calculating odds ratio (OR) and adjusting simple logistic regression models. Accuracy and statistical significance of ORs were assessed through 95% confidence intervals and the Wald test. Significance level was set at 5%. Results: The prevalence of excess weight was 62.5% (n=364), with higher proportions among women (66.1%; n=251) than men (56.0%; n=113), with a gradual increase up to the age group 40-49 years and a decline from then on. In this age group, the risk of excess weight was 2.6 times. In addition to age, being female and not working were also identified as risk factors. Conclusion: The high prevalence of excess weight identified in the adult population of the subnormal urban agglomeration of Coelhos was associated with sex, age and employment status, constituting, therefore, potential risk factors for the problem.

Using a life course approach and a bio-cultural perspective to understand the food insecurity and obesity paradox

(DHS), Schlussel et al. examine the association between household food insecurity (HFI) and excess body weight/obesity among adult women, female ad-olescents, and children under five. Their results suggest that the nature of the relationship is a function of the life course stage. Historically, HFI has been associated with undernutrition in chil-dren and adults (females in particular), especially in poorer countries where adequate nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare are in short supply. More recently however, the paradoxical situa-tion of HFI and overweight and obesity has been demonstrated in high-income, middle-income, and in ascending- or transitional-income coun-tries. In addition to the life course stage, what is particularly interesting about this paradox is that the strength of the relationship between food se-curity status and excess body weight is also in-fluenced by environmental conditions and that there is a synergistic relationship between hu-man biology and culture and behaviors.In this paper, while the positive association between HFI and child obesity is not statistically significant, food-insecure adolescent females are about two times more likely to have excess weight when compared to their food-secure counter-parts. The likelihood of excess weight is nearly 1.5 times higher among food-insecure adult females than among food-secure women. On one hand, adult females with moderate food insecurity are at a 49% higher risk of being obese than their food-secure counterparts. On the other hand, the risk of excess weight among adolescent females is significantly higher for those with severe HFI (rather than moderate HFI) when compared to their food-secure counterparts.The authors suggest that the differences in excess weight gain/obesity by severity of food insecurity between adult women and adoles-cent females reflect that the latter are resistant to fat accumulation because of the physiologi-cal changes associated with puberty (e.g., ado-lescent growth spurt which requires additional energy for increases in skeletal dimensions and developmental changes associated with repro-ductive maturation). Additionally, the authors point to cultural practices and behavior related to body image and ideal body types as a pos-sible mechanism to explain the difference in

Prenatal Exposure to Maternal Cigarette Smoke and Offspring Risk of Excess Weight Is Independent of Both Birth Weight and Catch-Up Growth

Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoke (PEMCS) is one of the most common insults to the developing fetus and has consistently emerged as an important risk factor for excess weight in the offspring. However, no consensus exists on the mechanism of action or duration of impact. This study seeks to further examine the role of PEMCS on overweight status of children up to age 10. Mother and child pairs (n=1183) were analysed from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD) (1998–2010). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to control for confounders and assess mediation. PEMCS was associated with overweight status at age 10 (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.20–2.43) after adjustment for early life exposures and childhood behaviours. This relationship remained robust after adjustment for birth weight and catch-up growth. Other significant predictors included APGAR score, mother’s immigrant and weight status, family type and child energy intake. The elevated risk of excess weight among the offspring of smoking mothers was not accounted for by other known determinants, and PEMCS appears to play a role independent of birth weight and catch-up growth. Our research suggests that young mothers may be an important audience for targeting preventive strategies.

Association of Breastfeeding Intensity and Bottle-Emptying Behaviors at Early Infancy With Infants' Risk for Excess Weight at Late Infancy

Our goal was to test the hypothesis that infants who were breastfed more intensively during early infancy (< or = 6 months) will be less likely to have excess weight during late infancy (> 6 months) and to examine the independent impact of infant-initiated bottle emptying and mothers' encouragement of bottle emptying on infants' risk for excess weight. The sample consisted of 1896 mothers who participated in postpartum surveys of the Infant Feeding Practice Study II and who provided at least 1 weight measurement of their infants during the second half of infancy. We used multiple logistic regression models to assess the association between infants' risks for excess weight during the second half of infancy and 3 self-reported feeding practices during the first half of infancy after adjusting for a series of sociodemographic characteristics. The early feeding practices examined included the percentage of all milk feedings in which infants consumed breast milk (breastfeeding intensity), the frequency of bottle feedings in which infants initiated bottle emptying, and the frequency of bottle feedings in which mothers encouraged bottle emptying. Infants fed with low (< 20% of milk feeds being breast milk) and medium (20%-80%) breastfeeding intensity in the first half of infancy were at least 2 times more likely to have excess weight during the second half of infancy than those breastfed at high intensity (> 80%). Infants who often emptied bottles in early infancy were 69% more likely than those who rarely emptied bottles to have excess weight during late infancy. However, mothers' encouragement of bottle emptying was negatively associated with their infants' risk for excess weight during the second half of infancy. Infants' risk for excess weight during late infancy was negatively associated with breastfeeding intensity but positively associated with infant-initiated bottle emptying during early infancy. These findings not only provide evidence for the potential risk of not breastfeeding or breastfeeding at a low intensity in development of childhood obesity, but they also suggest that infant-initiated bottle emptying may be an independent risk factor as well.

Estudio del riesgo de sobrepeso y sobrepeso en escolares de Galicia entre 6 y 17 años

Overweight and obesity currently represent one of the most important public health problems in industrialized countries and are also linked to cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea, as well as to orthopaedic and other complications. To examine overweight and the risk of overweight in the school-aged population in Galicia in comparison with the nationally representative survey in the US population: the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-1). We performed a cross sectional study including a sample of 1105 boys and girls (50 % from a rural environment and 50 % from urban areas) in Galicia, northwest Spain. The 50th percentile for boys and girls in Galicia was higher than the corresponding percentile in the NHANES-1 for all the ages studied. In general, the 85th and 95th percentiles for children's body mass index in Galicia were higher in the group aged 6-14 years. In Galicia body mass index values in the 50th, 85th and 95th percentiles were higher in girls than in boys. For the 50th percentile, both boys and girls in Galicia had higher values than those of the NHANES-1 for all ages. In areas with risk of excess weight (85th percentile) and prevailing excess weight (95th percentile) the same was true in the 6 to 13-14 age group for both sexes.

Insulin and the "thrifty" woman: the influence of insulin during pregnancy on gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention.

To test Neel's hypothesis among pregnant women: a high maternal insulin concentration in early pregnancy increases the risk of weight gain, overweight, and obesity among nondiabetic, low-income gravidas of racial and ethnic minority groups from Camden, New Jersey. Fasting insulin was obtained from 461 gravidas at entry to prenatal care. Insulin quartile was related to rate of gestational weight gain and excess weight gain during pregnancy (> or = 90th percentile) and to retained weight and excess weight retention at 4-6 weeks postpartum (> or = 90th percentile). The relationship between excess retained weight and excessive insulin increase (> or = 90th percentile) was also examined. Compared with gravidas with an insulin concentration in the lowest three quartiles, gravidas with the highest insulin quartile had a significantly higher rate of gestational weight gain (nonobese women only) and average weight retained postpartum (all women). Compared with an insulin concentration in the lowest three quartiles, the highest insulin quartile was associated with a 2.05-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-3.93) risk of an excessive rate of gestational weight gain and a 3.58-fold (95% CI = 1.87-6.84) risk of excess weight retained postpartum. Excess weight retained postpartum was linked to a 2.63-fold (95% CI = 1.00-6.89) risk of an excessive increase in insulin concentration postpartum. Our results support Neel's hypothesis and suggest that a high maternal insulin concentration is associated with increased gestational weight gain and increased weight retention postpartum. High insulin concentration may contribute to pregnancy-related changes in weight and thus may be linked to maternal overweight and obesity postpartum as well as to future risk of gestational and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.