Significant Amount Of Body Weight Research Articles

Obesity in secure hospital settings: Changes in BMI over time among a complete national cohort of forensic in-patients in Dundrum Hospital, Ireland

IntroductionThere are high rates of treatment resistant psychoses and medical complexity among patients in secure forensic hospitals (Basrak et al., BJPsych Open (2021) 7, e31,1-7). Patients with schizophrenia in secure settings have a lower life expectancy compared to community peers of approximately 16 years. Evidence suggests patients in secure settings often gain significant amounts of body weight during their in-patient stays, many of whom develop complex obesity presentations.ObjectivesTo ascertain changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) among patients in a secure forensic hospital setting over a 3.5 year period.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study of repeated measures of BMI for all (n=91) patients in a National Forensic Mental Health Service (CMH Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland). BMI was measured six-monthly, giving up to seven time points for each patient. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analysis was conducted to ascertain changes in BMI over time. This study formed part of the DUNDRUM Forensic Redevelopment Evaluation Study (D-FOREST) (Davoren et al., BMJ Open (2022) 12(7): e058581).ResultsA total of 91 patients were included in the study, mean age 33.46 years (SD 9.23). Mean length of stay was 8.09 years (SD 9.23). The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (67%), followed by schizoaffective disorder (17.5%) and Autistic spectrum disorder (6.2%). Using GEE with BMI as the dependent variable, for the complete patient cohort, BMI changed significantly with diagnosis (Wald X2=5817.58, df=7, p<0.001). Those with severe mental illnesses (psychoses) had the highest BMI of the group, and BMI tended to increase over time (p=0.109). Among patients who were in the secure hospital for four years or less, their weight gain was significant over time (Wald X2 =10.0, df=1, p=0.002).ConclusionsWe have shown high rates of obesity particularly in patients with psychoses and we have shown weight gain is significant during the first four years after admission to a national forensic service. This is a significant health concern and an area of unmet treatment need which is likely generalizable across secure hospitals in the EU.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Impact of a ketogenic diet intervention during radiotherapy on body composition: IV. Final results of the KETOCOMP study for rectal cancer patients

Obesity and low muscle mass are associated with worse outcomes of colorectal cancer patients. We conducted a controlled trial to study the impact of a ketogenic diet (KD) based on natural foods versus an unspecified standard diet (SD) on body composition in rectal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Patients with non-metastasized rectal cancer were allocated to either the KD (N=24) or the SD (N=25) group during radiotherapy. Body composition was measured weekly by bioimpedance analysis and analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Pathologic response in patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment was evaluated at the time of surgery. A total of 18 KD and 23 SD patients completed the study and were eligible for analysis. The SD group experienced no noteworthy changes in any body composition parameter. In contrast, patients in the KD group lost significant amounts of body weight and fat mass, averaging 0.5 and 0.65kg/week (p<0.0001). There was a rapid loss of intracellular water consistent with initial intramuscular glycogen and water depletion, but skeletal muscle tissue was conserved. Pathological tumor responses were somewhat greater in the KD group, with a larger mean Dworak regression grade (p=0.072) and larger percentage of near-complete (yT0N0 or yT1N1) responses (43 versus 15%, p=0.116) that almost reached statistical significance in intention-to-treat analysis (50% versus 14%, p=0.018). In rectal cancer patients undergoing curative radiotherapy, a KD significantly reduced body weight and fat mass while preserving skeletal muscle mass. We could demonstrate a trend for KDs contributing synergistically to pathological tumor response, a finding in line with preclinical data that warrants future confirmation in larger studies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02516501, registered on August 06, 2015.

Nitrated Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammatory Cell Recruitment in Bleomycin‐Induced Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) leads to infiltration of inflammatory cells and impaired lung function. Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is a zinc‐dependent endopeptidase that degrades the extra cellular matrix and increases the porosity of the lung. CD11b is a marker for macrophage activation and migration. Nitro‐oleic fatty acid (OANO2), an electrophile that reduces cardiovascular inflammation has not been examined in lung injury. OANO2 modifies cysteine residues via Michael addition altering protein function. The goal of this study were to determine if OANO2 administration would reduce MMP9 expression and cellular infiltration following ALI. An intratracheal bleomycin (ITB) ALI model was used. Two groups of 6 C57BL/6‐J mice were treated intratracheally with bleomycin (3U/kg) or PBS (50uL). Half of the animals received OANO2 (50μg) in the same instillation and 72 hours later. The lungs were collected 7 days post ITB treatment. As previously seen, mice treated with ITB lost a significant amount of body weight; however, the addition of OANO2 mitigated this loss (−2.3 +/− 0.94 vs −0.4 +/− 0.83 g). Histology revealed cellular infiltration, deposition of proteinaceous debris, and airway epithelial damage in ITB mice that was reduced with OANO2 administration. The number of CD11b+ cells (marker for migratory macrophages) and MMP9+ cells was determined by immunohistochemistry. ITB increased number of CD11b+ (69 +/− 17.1 vs 195 +/− 17.1 #cells/HPF). OANO2 treatment reduced CD11b+ cells most in ITB animals (121 +/− 17.1#cells/HPF). ITB increased MMP9+ cell numbers compared to controls (71 +/− 15.7 vs 124 +/− 15.7 #cells/HPF). However, MMP9 expression was increased with OANO2 administration in PBS animals (304 +/− 15.7; 166 +/− 15.7 #cells/HPF), though this increase was not significant in ITB mice. Increased MMP9 expression was confirmed by western blot of whole lung tissue, where both ITB OANO2 and control OANO2 animals displayed high expression. Increased MMP9 expression may result from reduced self‐degradation as a consequence of OANO2 mediated enzyme inhibition. Overall, OANO2 increased MMP9+ cells and decreased CD11b+ cell populations. These findings suggest that treatment with OANO2 may oppose ITB‐mediated pro‐inflammatory cellular activation possibly by inhibition of extracellular peptidases, making it a potential therapeutic agent for acute lung injury.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and NIH Grants: 5R25ES020721‐09 (MPI)

Changes in weight and body composition across five years at university: Aprospective observational study.

ObjectivesThe transition from high school to college or university has been shown to be a critical period for weight and fat gain. To date, no European data on weight and fat gain over the full trajectory of college or university are available. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate weight and fat gain among Belgian university students from freshman through senior year of university.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, a total of 340 university students were measured six times, i.e. at baseline (start of the first academic year) and at the start of the second semester of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth academic year. Objective measurements included body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), fat%, fat mass, fat free mass and waist circumference. Multilevel modelling was used to assess anthropometric changes over time according to sex.ResultsFrom freshman through senior year of university, individual weight changes ranged from -5.2 to +15.7kg, and respectively 77.4% and 69.3% of students showed increases in BMI and fat%. Stronger increases in weight and BMI were found for males (5.7kg; 1.6kg/m2; both p<0.001) than females (2.2kg; 0.8kg/m2; both p<0.001) over the 4.5 year measuring period. Similarly, waist circumference increased more in males (4.7cm; p<0.001) than in females (1.0cm; p<0.001). In contrast, females (2.5%; p<0.001) showed a higher increase in fat% than males (1.0%; p = 0.019). Across sexes, the highest weight and fat gains were found during the first semester and during the final year of university.ConclusionsBelgian university students gain a significant amount of body weight and body fat from freshman through senior year of university. Similar to the first semester, more pronounced increases in weight and fat were observed during the final year of university. Interventions aiming at preventing weight gain at university should not only focus on freshmen but also on senior students.

Chronic, Intermittent Microdoses of the Psychedelic N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Produce Positive Effects on Mood and Anxiety in Rodents.

Drugs capable of ameliorating symptoms of depression and anxiety while also improving cognitive function and sociability are highly desirable. Anecdotal reports have suggested that serotonergic psychedelics administered in low doses on a chronic, intermittent schedule, so-called “microdosing”, might produce beneficial effects on mood, anxiety, cognition, and social interaction. Here, we test this hypothesis by subjecting male and female Sprague Dawley rats to behavioral testing following the chronic, intermittent administration of low doses of the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The behavioral and cellular effects of this dosing regimen were distinct from those induced following a single high dose of the drug. We found that chronic, intermittent, low doses of DMT produced an antidepressant-like phenotype and enhanced fear extinction learning without impacting working memory or social interaction. Additionally, male rats treated with DMT on this schedule gained a significant amount of body weight during the course of the study. Taken together, our results suggest that psychedelic microdosing may alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, though the potential hazards of this practice warrant further investigation.

Assessment of the FTO gene polymorphisms (rs1421085, rs17817449 and rs9939609) in exercise-trained men and women: the effects of a 4-week hypocaloric diet

BackgroundVariations in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) are associated with obesity; however, it is unclear if changes in energy intake affect the adaptive response to caloric restriction in those with risk variants. The three FTO single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1421085, rs17817449 and rs9939609, are in strong linkage disequilibrium. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the role of these FTO SNPs vis-à-vis the effects of a 4-week hypocaloric diet on body composition in exercise-trained men and women. Two salivary biomarkers that associate with energy expenditure were also assessed (cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase, sAA).MethodsForty-seven exercise-trained men (n = 11) and women (n = 36) (mean ± SD: age 32 ± 9 years; height 169 ± 8 cm, body mass index 24.5 ± 2.9 kg/m2, hours of aerobic training per week 4.9 ± 3.8, hours of weight training per week 3.9 ± 2.4, years of training experience 13.4 ± 7.0) completed a 4-week hypocaloric diet (i.e., decrease total calories by ~ 20–25% while maintaining a protein intake of ~ 2.0 g/kg/d). Subjects were instructed to maintain the same training regimen and to decrease energy intake via carbohydrate and/or fat restriction during the treatment period. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Model: Hologic Horizon W; Hologic Inc., Danbury CT USA). Total body water was determined via a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (InBody 770). Saliva samples were collected pre and post intervention in order to genotype the participants as well as to determine the concentrations of cortisol and sAA.ResultsOf the 47 subjects, 15 were of normal risk for obesity whereas 32 were carriers of the FTO gene risk alleles. Subjects were grouped based on their genotype for the three FTO SNPs (i.e., rs1421085, rs17817449 and rs9939609) due to their strong linkage disequilibrium. We have classified those with the normal obesity risk as “non-risk allele” versus those that carry the “risk allele” (i.e., both heterozygous and homozygous). Both groups experienced a significant decrease in total energy intake (p < 0.01); non-risk allele: pre kcal 2081 ± 618, post kcal 1703 ± 495; risk allele: pre kcal 1886 ± 515, post kcal 1502 ± 366). Both groups lost a significant amount of body weight (p < 0.01); however, there was no difference between groups for the change (post minus pre) in each group (risk allele change: − 1.0 ± 1.2 kg, non-risk allele change: − 1.2 ± 1.4 kg). Additionally, both groups lost a significant amount of fat mass (p < 0.01) with no differences between groups for the change in fat mass (risk allele change for fat mass: 1.1 ± 0.7 kg, non-risk allele change − 0.9 ± 0.4 kg). There were no significant changes in either group for fat free mass or total body water. The change in salivary alpha-amylase or cortisol was not different between groups.ConclusionsIn the short-term (i.e., 4 weeks), exercise-trained men and women consuming a hypocaloric diet that is relatively high in protein experience similar changes in body composition due exclusively to a decrement in fat mass and independent of FTO allele status. Therefore, weight and fat loss on a hypocaloric diet is, at least in the short-term, unaffected by the FTO gene.

RYGB Produces more Sustained Body Weight Loss and Improvement of Glycemic Control Compared with VSG in the Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model.

Weight regain and type-2 diabetes relapse has been reported in a significant proportion of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) patients in some studies, but definitive conclusions regarding the long-term comparative effectiveness of VSG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery are lacking both in humans and rodent models. This study's objective was to compare the effects of murine models of VSG and RYGB surgery on body weight, body composition, food intake, energy expenditure, and glycemic control. VSG, RYGB, and sham surgery was performed in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, and the effects on body weight and glycemic control were observed for a period of 12weeks. After the initial weight loss, VSG mice regained significant amounts of body weight and fat mass that were only marginally lower than in sham-operated mice. In contrast, RYGB produced sustained loss of body weight and fat mass up to 12weeks and drastically improved fasting insulin and HOMA-IR compared with sham-operated mice. Using weight-matched control groups, we also found that the adaptive hypometabolic response to weight loss was blunted by both VSG and RYGB, and that despite large weight/fat regain, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were markedly improved, but not reversed, in VSG mice. VSG is less effective to lastingly suppress body weight and improve glycemic control compared with RYGB in mice. Given similar observations in many human studies, the run towards replacing RYGB with VSG is premature and should await carefully controlled randomized long-term trials with VSG and RYGB.

A Prospective Evaluation of a Commercial Weight Loss Program in Overweight/Obese Adults

ObjectiveAs part of a larger clinical trial comparing the effects of the Nutrisystem® program on changes in body weight and body circumferences (i.e. body size) vs. a self‐directed diet (i.e. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, DASH), the primary purpose of this prospective sub‐study was to determine if healthy overweight and obese men and women responded differently to the Nutrisystem® program by examining within‐group changes during 12 weeks of caloric restriction.MethodsForty (40) overweight/obese adults (mean ± standard error: body weight of 94.27 ± 19.15 kg and a Body Mass Index of 34.05 ± 4.89 kg/m2) entered the study. Participants started the study following a 1000 calorie a day plan for this first week and then increased to 1200 or 1500 calories per day for women and men, respectively, for the remaining 11 weeks. Subjects who had a BMI &gt; 40 kg/m2 were also given an extra 200 calories per day through grocery food options. For the duration of the study, subjects were required to maintain their normal daily habits and to engage in a cumulative 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Changes in body weight and body size (chest, arm, waist, hip, thigh) were examined in a Per Protocol sample using repeated measures analysis of covariance. Statistical significance was accepted at p&lt;0.05.ResultsAs displayed in the table below, women and men both lost significant amounts of body weight each week (p&lt;0.05), with men losing more weight than women. The difference between sexes was significant at week 4 (−15.15 ± 2.02 vs. −10.12 ± 0.90 lb, p&lt;0.048), week 8 (−24.44 ± 2.68 vs. −14.19 ± 1.12 lb, p&lt;0.003) and week 12 (−27.94 ± 4.00 vs. −16.74 ± 1.67 lb, p&lt;0.02). In addition, both men and women reduced body size throughout the study in a comparable fashion. At week 8, the body size reduction for men was significantly greater than women (−14.67 ± 1.73 vs. −9.11 ± 0.81 inches, p&lt;0.008), while a trend was noted at week 12 (−15.94 ± 2.11 vs. −11.49 ± 0.99 inches, p&lt;0.08).ConclusionIn our sample of overweight/obese men and women who followed the Nutrisystem® program for 12 weeks, significant reductions in body weight and body size occurred. Consistent with prior research, weight loss was greater in men as compared to women, though significant for both sexes.Support or Funding InformationThis study was sponsored by Nutrisystem Inc and conducted by an independent contract research organization (The Center for Applied Health Sciences, Stow, OH). Statistical analyses were completed by an independent 3rd party statistician (Omega Statistics, Murrieta, CA).This study was sponsored by Nutrisystem Inc and conducted by an independent contract research organization (The Center for Applied Health Science, Stow, OH). Statistical analyses were completed by and independent 3rd party statistician (Omega Statistics, Murrieta, CA). Data on file. Week 1 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Body Weight (lb) Women −4.88 ± 1.10 −10.12 ± 0.90 −14.19 ± 1.12 −16.74 ± 1.67 95% Cl (−5.85, −3.89) (−11.92, −8.29) (−16.45, −11.92) (−20.13, −13.37) Men −6.86 ± 1.10 −15.15 ± 2.02* 24.44 ± 2.68* −27.94 ± 4.00* 95% Cl (−9.10, −4.64) (−19.29, −11.02) (−29.89, −18.98) (−36.08, −19.77) Total Body Circumference^ (inches) Women −2.71 ± 0.67 −7.58 ± 0.75 −9.11 ± 0.81 −11.49 ± 0.99 95% Cl (−4.08, −1.34) (−9.11, −6.05) (−10.77, −7.44) (−13.52, −9.46) Men −5.12 ±1.34 −8.81 ± 1.50 −14.67 ± 1.73* −15.94 ± 2.11# 95% Cl (−8.37, −2.40) (−11.85, −5.78) (−18.20, −11.15) (−20.22, −11.64) Values reported are change from baseline ± standard error of the mean. statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between men and women at corresponding weekly time point. a priori statistical trend (p&lt;0.08). sum of chest, arm, waist, hip, thigh. 95% CI = 95% confidence intervals for change from baseline.

It is Time to Ban Rapid Weight Loss from Combat Sports.

Most competitions in combat sports are divided into weight classes, theoretically allowing for fairer and more evenly contested disputes between athletes of similar body size, strength and agility. It has been well documented that most athletes, regardless of the combat sports discipline, reduce significant amounts of body weight in the days prior to competition to qualify for lighter weight classes. Rapid weight loss is characterised by the reduction of a significant amount of body weight (typically 2-10%, although larger reductions are often seen) in a few days prior to weigh-in (mostly in the last 2-3days) achieved by a combination of methods that include starvation, severe restriction of fluid intake and intentional sweating. In doing so, athletes try to gain a competitive advantage against lighter, smaller and weaker opponents. Such a drastic and rapid weight reduction is only achievable via a combination of aggressive strategies that lead to hypohydration and starvation. The negative impact of these procedures on health is well described in the literature. Although the impact of rapid weight loss on performance is debated, there remains robust evidence showing that rapid weight loss may not impair performance, and translates into an actual competitive advantage. In addition to the health and performance implications, rapid weight loss clearly breaches fair play and stands against the spirit of the sport because an athlete unwilling to compete having rapidly reduced weight would face unfair contests against opponents who are 'artificially' bigger and stronger. The World Anti-Doping Agency Code states that a prohibited method must meet at least two of the following criteria: (1) enhances performance; (2) endangers an athlete's health; and (3) violates the spirit of the sport. We herein argue that rapid weight loss clearly meets all three criteria and, therefore, should be banned from the sport. To quote the World Anti-Doping Agency Code, this would "protect the athletes' fundamental right to participate in a doping-free sport and thus promote health, fairness and equality".

Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in dogs.

To determine the effect of feeding a food with coconut oil and supplemental L-carnitine, lipoic acid, lysine, leucine, and fiber on weight loss and maintenance in dogs. Prospective clinical study. 50 overweight dogs. The study consisted of 2 trials. During trial 1, 30 dogs were allocated to 3 groups (10 dogs/group) to be fed a dry maintenance dog food to maintain body weight (group 1) or a dry test food at the same amount on a mass (group 2) or energy (group 3) basis as group 1. During trial 2, each of 20 dogs was fed the test food and caloric intake was adjusted to maintain a weight loss rate of 1% to 2%/wk (weight loss phase). Next, each dog was fed the test food in an amount calculated to maintain the body weight achieved at the end of the weight loss phase (weight maintenance phase). Dogs were weighed and underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry monthly. Metabolomic data were determined before (baseline) and after each phase. During trial 1, dogs in groups 2 and 3 lost significantly more weight than did those in group 1. During trial 2, dogs lost a significant amount of body weight and fat mass but retained lean body mass (LBM) during the weight loss phase and continued to lose body fat but gained LBM during the weight maintenance phase. Evaluation of metabolomic data suggested that fat metabolism and LBM retention were improved from baseline for dogs fed the test food. Results suggested that feeding overweight dogs the test food caused weight loss and improvements in body condition during the weight-maintenance phase, possibly because the food composition improved energy metabolism.

Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in cats.

To determine the effect of feeding a food with coconut oil and supplemental L-carnitine, lysine, leucine, and fiber on weight loss and maintenance in cats. Prospective clinical study. 50 overweight cats. The study consisted of 2 trials. During trial 1, 30 cats were allocated to 3 groups (10 cats/group) to be fed a dry maintenance cat food to maintain body weight (group 1) or a dry test food at the same amount on a mass (group 2) or energy (group 3) basis as group 1. During trial 2, each of 20 cats was fed the test food and caloric intake was adjusted to maintain a weight loss rate of 1%/wk (weight loss phase). Next, each cat was fed the test food in an amount calculated to maintain the body weight achieved at the end of the weight loss phase (weight maintenance phase). Cats were weighed and underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry monthly. Metabolomic data were determined before (baseline) and after each phase. During trial 1, cats in groups 2 and 3 lost significantly more weight than did those in group 1. During trial 2, cats lost a significant amount of body weight and fat mass but retained lean body mass during the weight loss phase and continued to lose body weight and fat mass but gained lean body mass during the weight maintenance phase. Evaluation of metabolomic data suggested that fat metabolism was improved from baseline for cats fed the test food. Results suggested that feeding overweight cats the test food caused weight loss and improvements in body condition during the weight maintenance phase, possibly because the food composition improved energy metabolism.

Mesenteric Infusion of a Volatile Fatty Acid Prevents Body Weight Loss and Transiently Restores Luteinising Hormone Pulse Frequency in Ovariectomised, Food-Restricted Ewes

Pulsatile luteinising hormone (LH) secretion is suppressed by food restriction and rapidly restored by return to ad lib. feeding concomitant with an increase in the oxidation of free fatty acids, although there is no increase in plasma leptin concentrations or body fat content in ovariectomised ewes. The ingestion of food may stimulate LH secretion by increasing availability of oxidisable metabolic substrates. Ruminal digestion is characterised by the production of volatile fatty acids and, of these, propionate is the major gluconeogenic substrate, and both glucose and propionate are oxidisable in a variety of tissues. To examine whether increases in mesenteric propionate concentrations are sufficient for restoration of pulsatile LH secretion during a period of food restriction, adult, food-restricted, hypogonadotrophic, ovariectomised ewes received mesenteric vein infusions of 5 μmol/min/kg body weight (BW) propionate or saline, whereas normal weight, ad lib.-fed ewes received mesenteric infusions of saline for 10 days. Blood samples were taken every 10 min for 5 h before the start of the 10-day infusion period, and continued throughout the first 5 h of infusion on the afternoon of day 1, and in the morning on days 2, 7 and 10. Propionate-infused, food-restricted and ad lib.-fed, saline-infused ewes showed a significantly higher LH pulse frequency compared to that of food-restricted-saline-infused ewes on postinfusion days 1 and 2 but not on days 7 and 10, and only the saline-infused, food-restricted group lost a significant amount of body weight. These results indicate that the reproductive system can respond acutely to infusion of metabolic fuels such as propionate, although a sustained recovery of pulsatile LH secretion requires more than an increase in this single metabolic substrate.

Improvements in Insulin Sensitivity Are Blunted by Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Exercise- and weight loss-induced improvements in insulin resistance (IR) are variable; some individuals experience robust enhancements in insulin sensitivity, whereas others do not. Thyroid hormone status is related to IR, but it is not clear whether subclinical hypothyroidism may help to explain the variability in improvements in IR with diet and exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine whether thyroid hormone status is related to the improvement in insulin sensitivity and physical fitness after weight loss and exercise training. By retrospective nested case-control analysis, eight subclinical hypothyroid (sHT) subjects and eight matched euthyroid controls underwent a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and peak oxygen uptake test, before and after a 16-wk program of moderate aerobic exercise combined with diet-induced weight loss. All subjects were middle-aged (57.3 +/- 3.3 yr), were overweight to obese (body mass index = 33.1 +/- 0.8 kg m(-2)), and had impaired glucose tolerance. The improvement in insulin sensitivity was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the sHT group than in the euthyroid group. Both groups performed similar amounts of regular exercise and lost a significant amount of body weight during the intervention. VO(2peak) tended to improve in the euthyroid group but not in the sHT group. Subclinical hypothyroidism may interfere with beneficial adaptations on muscle metabolism and physical fitness that typically occur with weight loss and increased physical activity. These results may have significant clinical implications because of the high prevalence of both hypothyroidism and insulin resistance in the aging population.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Fomitopsis pinicola Extracts in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The antihyperglycemic effect of a water extract (WE) and an alkali extract (AE) of the Fomitopsis pinicola fruit body was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The STZ-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) control group lost a significant amount of body weight, whereas the normal control group (NC) gained weight; however, the DM-AE group gained a significant amount of weight, with weight gain approaching normal. Feed intake by the DM-AE group was also similar to the NC group. The liver and kidney weights per body weight increased with the STZ treatment; however, the weights were lower in the F. pinicola-treated groups and nearly normalized in the DM-AE group. The weights of the heart, lungs, and spleen were not influenced by the STZ treatment. Blood glucose levels of F. pinicola-treated DM groups were significantly lower than that of the DM group. In particular, STZ-induced hyperglycemia was remarkably inhibited by the AE-supplemented diet. Serum insulin levels were decreased with STZ injection; however, the decreased levels were almost restored to the NC level with F. pinicola supplementation. The increased serum fructosamine levels associated with hyperglycemia were decreased with the F. pinicola treatment. Cells of the pericentral regions were found to have significant swelling, and some necrotic cells were observed in the pancreas of DM animals; however, pancreatic tissue damage by STZ in the F. pinicola-supplemented diet groups was ameliorated. In this study, the AE from F. pinicola showed the highest antidiabetic effect among the treatments. These results indicate that constituents of F. pinicola may regulate hyperglycemia via either increased insulin secretion during recovery or the prevention of STZ-induced pancreatic damage. This is the first report of antihyperglycemic effects of F. pinicola in STZ-induced DM rats.

Is caloric restriction associated with development of eating-disorder symptoms? Results from the CALERIE trial.

This study tested a secondary hypothesis of the CALERIE trial (Heilbronn et al., 2006) that a 12-month period of intentional dietary restriction would be associated with an increase in eating disorder symptoms. To test this hypothesis, 48 overweight adults were randomly assigned to four treatment arms in a 12-month study: (1) 25% calorie restriction, (2) 12.5% calorie restriction and 12.5% increased energy expenditure by structured exercise, (3) low-calorie diet, and (4) healthy diet (no-calorie restriction). Primary outcome measures for the study were changes in: eating disorder symptoms, mood, dietary restraint, body weight, and energy balance. All three dietary restriction arms were associated with increased dietary restraint and negative energy balance, but not with increased ED symptoms or other harmful psychological effects. Participants in the three calorie restriction arms lost significant amounts of body weight. The psychological and behavioral effects were maintained during a 6-month follow-up period. These results did not support the hypothesis that caloric restriction causes increased eating disorder symptoms in overweight adults. In general, caloric restriction had either benign or beneficial psychological and behavioral effects.

Social stress attenuates motivation for food reward.

Social stress is an environmental factor affecting mood and motivation in humans and animals. The visual burrow system (VBS) is behavioral method for monitoring stress associated with social stratification in rodents. The current study tested the hypothesis that animals rendered subordinate after VBS exposure would display decreased motivation for food reward. In particular, we predicted that subordinate animals would exhibit attenuated operant responding for mixed nutrient reinforcers relative to dominate animals. Thirty-two male Long-Evans rats and 16 female rats divided into eight separate groups ( n =4 males and n =2 females/group) were exposed to the VBS for seven consecutive days to allow the formation of a dominance hierarchy. At the conclusion of burrow exposure each animals bodyweight, and plasma corticosterone were measured. Consistent with previous data, subordinate animals lost a significant amount of body weight and displayed elevated basal corticosterone relative to dominant and control animals confirming previous studies. Subordinate and dominate animals consumed equal amounts of Boost in the homecage. However, when required to bar press for the Boost, subordinate animals displayed decreased responding relative to dominant animals. This effect was observed across a range of reinforcement schedules and persisted up to 2 months following VBS exposure. These data confirm previous findings and are consistent with the hypothesis that social stress affects food motivation for mixed nutrient reinforcers. They also suggest that social stress may regulate different aspects of ingestive behavior, and that the affects of VBS exposure on food motivation could be permanent. Support DK4806110, DK6659603, and NIH1001690.

Controlled clinical trial of two weight reducing diets in a NHS hospital dietetic outpatient clinic ‐ a pilot study

Outpatient dietary weight reduction for obesity is unsatisfactory. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of an energy prescription diet with usual care (a healthy eating diet) in adult overweight patients referred to a NHS hospital dietetic outpatient clinic, in terms of weight change over 12 weeks. Controlled clinical trial (systematic allocation). Of the 53 patients who attended their first appointment, 27 completed the trial. Mean weight loss (kg) after 12 weeks was 4.2 (sd 3.8) on the energy prescription diet (n = 16) and 6.0 (sd 2.8) on the healthy eating diet (n = 11). Patients on a weight reducing diet based on energy prescription or healthy eating lost, on average, clinically significant amounts of body weight by 12 weeks. Mean weight loss was greater by about 50% in the healthy eating group and supports the development of a larger trial to estimate true effect.

The effect of the holiday season on body weight and composition in college students

BackgroundWith the rapid increase in obesity rates, determining critical periods for weight gain and the effects of changes in fat mass is imperative. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in body weight and composition over the holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Year's) in male and female college students.MethodsSubjects completed three visits: the first occurred within 2 weeks prior to Thanksgiving, the second occurred within 5 to 7 days following Thanksgiving, and the third occurred within 10 days following New Year's Day. A total of 82 healthy male and female college age subjects participated. Body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was assessed at visits 1 and 3 while body weight was assessed at all three visits.ResultsAverage body weight remained relatively unchanged from pre-Thanksgiving to post-New Year's (71.3 ± 14 kg vs. 71.2 ± 15 kg; P = 0.71) and, in fact, a subset of normal weight subjects lost a significant amount of body weight. However, percent body fat (25.9 ± 9 %fat vs. 27.0 ± 9 %fat; P < 0.01) and fat mass (18.3 ± 8 kg and 19.1 ± 8 kg; P < 0.01) significantly increased from pre-Thanksgiving to post-New Year's while fat-free mass (48.7 ± 12 kg and 48.3 ± 11 kg; P = 0.08) was not significantly different than the post-New Year's. A significant positive relationship (P < 0.001) between the change in BMI and percent fat, total fat mass, total fat free mass, and trunk fat mass for the pre-Thanksgiving and post-New Year's visits were found. The same significant positive relationships (P < 0.001) were also observed between the change in body weight and percent fat, total fat mass, total fat free mass, and trunk fat mass.ConclusionDespite the fact that body weight remained unchanged over the course of the holiday season, a significant increase in %body fat and fat mass was observed. With recent evidence showing marked morbidity and mortality to be associated with increased body fat (particularly abdominal adiposity), results from this study suggest body weight alone may underestimate the potentially deleterious effects of the holiday season.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy overweight adults

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone (7-oxo-DHEA) in healthy overweight adults. MethodsIn a double-blind, placebo-controlled protocol, 30 adults (28 women and 2 men; mean age, 44.5 ± 11.5 years) with a mean body mass index of 31.9 ± 6.2 kg/m2 were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15: Group 1 received 7-oxo-DHEA 100 mg twice daily and Group 2 received placebo for 8 weeks. All subjects participated in an exercise training program 3 times per week. Each exercise session consisted of 60 minutes of cross-training (aerobic and anaerobic exercise) under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. In addition, each subject was instructed to follow a diet of ~1800 kcal/d (20 kcal/[kg · d]) by a registered dietitian. Subjects received biweekly dietary counseling to encourage compliance. Study participants underwent serum multiple-assay chemistry testing, as well as body composition, blood pressure, and dietary analysis at baseline, week 4, and week 8. ResultsOf the 30 subjects who entered the study, 23 completed the 8-week protocol. Seven subjects dropped out for personal reasons unrelated to the study. Group 1 lost a significant amount of body weight compared with Group 2 (ȡ2.88 kg vs ȡ0.97 kg; P = 0.01) over the 8 weeks. Group 1 also achieved a significant reduction in body fat compared with Group 2 (ȡ1.8% vs ȡ0.57%; P = 0.02). The rate of change in body fat per 4-week interval in Group 1 was 3.1 times that in Group 2 (ȡ0.88% vs ȡ0.28%; P< 0.01). Group 1 also experienced a significant increase in triiodothyronine (T3) levels compared with Group 2 over the 8-week study period (+17.88 ng/dL vs 2.75 ng/dL; P = 0.04). There were no significant changes in levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or thyroxine (T4) in either group. In addition, no significant changes were observed in vital signs, blood sugar, testosterone and estradiol levels, liver and renal function, or overall caloric intake during the study. No subjective adverse effects were reported throughout the study. ConclusionsThe results of the study suggest that 7-oxo-DHEA combined with moderate exercise and a reduced-calorie diet significantly reduces body weight and body fat compared with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet alone. In addition, 7-oxo-DHEA significantly elevated T3 levels but did not affect TSH or T4 levels, indicating that it does not adversely affect thyroid function in the short term.

Effects of Citrus aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort on body fat loss, lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Citrus aurantium extract (an indirect beta-sympathicomimetic agent), caffeine, and St. John's Wort on body composition, metabolic variables, plasma lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults. In a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 23 subjects with a body-mass index >25 kg/m 2 were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Group A received C aurantium extract 975 mg, caffeine 528 mg, and St. John's Wort 900 mg daily; group B received a maltodextrin placebo; and group C received nothing and served as the control group. For 6 weeks, subjects were instructed by a registered dictitian on how to follow an 1800-kcal/d American Heart Association Step One diet and performed a 3-day/week circuit training exercise program under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. During the exercise sessions, subjects achicved approximately 70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Compared with subjects in the placebo and control groups, subjects in the treatment group lost a significant amount of body weight (1.4 kg). They also lost a significant amount of body fat (an average change of 2.9%). In terms of actual fat loss, group A lost a significant amount (3.1 kg), whereas the control group demonstrated a tendency toward fat loss. No significant changes were noted in the results of the Profile of Mood States questionnaire for fatigue or vigor in any of the 3 groups. Group A expericnced a decrease, which did not reach statistical significance, of both plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. No significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiographic findings, serum chemistrics, or urinalysis findings were noted in any of the groups. Based on these results, it was concluded that the combination of C aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort is safe and effective when combined with mild caloric restriction and exercise for promoting both body weight and fat loss in healthy overweight adults.