Subsequent Body Mass Index Research Articles

Brain Responses to Food Odors Associated With BMI Change at 2-Year Follow-Up.

The understanding of food cue associated neural activations that predict future weight variability may guide the design of effective prevention programs and treatments for overeating and obesity. The current study investigated the association between brain response to different food odors with varied energy density and individual changes of body mass index (BMI) over 2 years. Twenty-five participants received high-fat (chocolate and peanut), low-fat (bread and peach) food odors, and a nonfood odor (rose) while the brain activation was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). BMIs were calculated with participant’s self-reported body weight and height collected at the time of the fMRI scan and again at 2 years later. Regression analyses revealed significant negative correlations between BMI increase over 2 years and brain activation of the bilateral precuneus and the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in response to high-fat vs. low-fat food odors. Also, brain activation of the right supplementary motor area (SMA) in response to food vs. non-food odor was negatively correlated to subsequent BMI increase over 2 years. Taken together, the current findings suggest that individual differences in neural responsivity to (high calorie) food odors in brain regions of the default mode and motor control network serve as a neural marker for future BMI change.

Anthropometrical measurements and maternal visceral fat during first half of pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundDetermining anthropometric measures that indicate different fat deposits can be useful to predict metabolic risk and set specific treatment goals, reducing negative consequences for maternal and fetal health. In cases where pre-gestational weight measure and subsequent body mass index (BMI) values cannot be determined, other anthropometric measurements may be ideal for measuring the nutritional status of pregnant women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to identify which anthropometric measurements correlate better with the maternal fat deposits measured by ultrasound.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women from the city of Porto Alegre (city), capital of Rio Grande do Sul (state), southern Brazil, from October 2016 until January 2018. Anthropometrical variables (weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC], circumferences of calf and neck and triceps skinfolds [TSF] and subscapular skinfolds [SBSF]), and ultrasound variables (visceral adipose tissue [VAT] and total adipose tissue [TAT]) were collected. To verify the correlation of anthropometric and ultrasound measurements, a non-adjusted and adjusted Spearman correlation was used. The study was approved by the ethics committees.ResultsThe age median of the 149 pregnant women was 25 years [21–31], pre-pregnancy BMI was 26.22 kg/m² [22.16–31.21] and gestational age was 16.2 weeks [13.05–18.10]. The best measurements correlated with VAT and TAT were MUAC and SBSF, both of which showed a higher correlation than pre-pregnancy BMI.ConclusionsIt is possible to provide a practical and reliable estimate of VAT and TAT from the anthropometric evaluation (MUAC or SBSF) that is low cost, efficient and replicable in an outpatient clinic environment, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Bidirectional relationships between appetitive behaviours and body mass index in childhood: a cross-lagged analysis in the Generation XXI birth cohort.

Appetitive behaviours have been associated with body mass index (BMI). However, existing data were largely derived from cross-sectional studies and cannot provide insight into the direction of associations. We aimed to explore the bidirectionality of these associations in school-age children. Participants are from the Generation XXI birth cohort, assessed at both 7 and 10years of age (n = 4264; twins excluded). The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) was used to measure appetitive behaviours (8 subscales). Anthropometrics were measured and WHO BMI z-score was calculated. Cross-lagged analyses were performed to compare the magnitude and direction of the associations (behaviours at 7years to BMI z-score at 10years and the reverse) (covariates: child's sex, physical exercise, maternal age and education; plus BMI z-score at age 7 or, in the reverse direction, the subscale score). In cross-lagged analyses, appetitive behaviours at 10years of age (apart from emotionalundereating) were shown to be reactive to the child BMI z-score at 7years of age. Only slowness in eating was significantly related to subsequent BMI. However, the strongest association was from the child BMI z-score to the behaviour (βstandardized = -0.028 compared with βstandardized = -0.103, likelihood ratio test p < 0.001). BMI at age7 was related to appetitive behaviours at 10years of age, rather than the reverse. This suggests that children with a higher BMI in middle childhood are at increased risk of developing an avid appetite over time.

Association of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Frequency with Adiposity: Evidence from the "Children of 1997" Birth Cohort.

Background: Observationally, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with adiposity in Western children but could be confounded. We examined the association of SSB frequency with adiposity in the non-Western setting of Hong Kong. Methods: We examined the associations of SSB consumption frequency at 11 and 13 years assessed by using a food frequency questionnaire with subsequent body mass index (BMI) z-score and overweight/obesity up to 18 years using generalized estimating equations, and with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage at 16–19 years using linear regression in a population-representative Chinese birth cohort “Children of 1997” (n = 3628). Results: At 11 and 13 years, 6.8% and 8.2% of children respectively consumed SSB daily. Neither SSB frequency at 11 nor at 13 years was associated with subsequent BMI z-score or overweight/obesity up to 18 years, or with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage at 16–19 years adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position, health status, physical activity and other food consumption, although bias to the null from under-reporting cannot be eliminated. Conclusion: Although we cannot definitively exclude a small association of SSB frequency with adiposity, lack of association of SSB frequency with adiposity in a non-Western setting with low SSB consumption suggests that the role of SSB in adiposity appears to be minor.

Weight gain in early years and subsequent body mass index trajectories across birth weight groups: a prospective longitudinal study.

BackgroundRapid weight gain (RWG) in early-life is associated with increased risk of childhood obesity and is common among low-birth weight infants. Few studies have compared body mass index (BMI) trajectories of children experienced RWG to those who did not, across birth weight groups. We investigated the association between RWG in early-life and subsequent BMI trajectory and whether the association differs by birth weight.MethodsWe included term singletons from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 10 637). RWG was defined as an increase in weight z-scores (derived using UK–WHO growth reference) between birth and 3 years >0.67. Mixed-effect fractional polynomial models were applied to examine the association between RWG and BMI trajectories (5–14 years). Models were further adjusted for confounders and stratified by birth weight-for-gestational-age group.ResultsMean BMI trajectories were higher in children who experienced RWG in early-life, compared with their non-RWG counterparts. RWG was associated with higher BMI at five years [by 0.76 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.67–0.85) in boys and 0.87 kg/m2 (0.76–0.97) in girls]; the difference persisted into adolescence [1.37 kg/m2 (1.17–1.58) and 1.75 kg/m2 (1.52–1.99) at 14 years, respectively]. Differences remained after adjustment and were particularly greater for children born large-for-gestational-age than those born small- and appropriate-for-gestational-age. Mean BMI trajectories for large-for-gestational-age children with RWG exceeded international reference curves for overweight (for obesity at some ages in girls).ConclusionsRWG was associated with higher BMI trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence, especially in large-for-gestational-age children. Strategies for obesity prevention need to address factors during and before infancy and preventing excessive weight gain among infants who have already had adequate growth in utero.

Association between complementary feeding method and BMI at 19–36 months of life: an Internet-based cross-sectional study from two European countries

AbstractOver the last years, there has been increasing interest in Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), an approach in which infants feed themselves with finger foods. Previous studies have shown that BLW may be associated with lower food fussiness and risk of obesity, but in the other hand with growth flattering. However, the results are limited and still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between complementary feeding method and body mass index (BMI) z-score in children aged 19–36 months from Poland and Austria. This anonymously, the cross-sectional internet-based study was conducted in 2018 and 2019 among 6645 mothers of children aged 12–36 months, recruited through social media. The analysis included data from 5856 mothers (35.5% from Austria) with complete data. Complementary feeding method was categorized as traditional spoon feeding (TSF), partial BLW (children was both spoon-fed and fed themselves), as well as BLW. BMI z-score was calculated based on declared body mass and height using the WHO cut-off points. BLW method was used in 16.4% of children, whereas the TSF in 30.5% of the total study group. Normal BMI z-score was observed in 73.8% of the total study group, thinness in 9.6% and overweight and obesity in 4.3%. The BLW increased the risk of thinness only in children aged 31–36 months (aOR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.04–2.11) but did not influence the risk of overweight and obesity. In this present large cross-sectional study conducted in two European countries, we did not find an association between BLW and overweight and obesity risk. However, in the older group, BLW increased the risk of thinness. Previous studies observing a risk of thinness were also cross-sectional, although conducted among smaller study groups. In contrary to this, In contrary to this, the RCT trials using modified BLW version Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) did not observe any case of growth flattering. In another cross-sectional study investigating dietary intake of infants aged 6–8 months, who were complementary fed using BLW or TSF method, authors did not observe a difference in energy intake between the two groups. Further studies investigating the role of complementary feeding method and subsequent BMI, especially in long-term are necessary.

Early life risk factors for childhood obesity-Does physical activity modify the associations? The MoBa cohort study.

ObjectivesHigh maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), high birth weight, and rapid infant weight gain are associated with increased risk of childhood obesity. We examined whether moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or vigorous physical activity (VPA) in 9‐ to 12‐year‐olds modified the associations between these early life risk factors and subsequent body composition and BMI.MethodsWe used data from a sub‐cohort of the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), including 445 children with available data on accelerometer assessed physical activity (PA). All participants had data on BMI, 186 of them provided data on body composition (dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)). We used multiple regression analyses to examine the modifying effect of PA by including interaction terms.ResultsMaternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and infant weight gain were more strongly related to childhood body composition in boys than in girls. Higher VPA attenuated the association between maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and BMI in boys (low VPA: B = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.41; high VPA B = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.31). Birth weight was unrelated to childhood body composition, and there was no effect modification by PA. PA attenuated the associations between infant weight gain and childhood fat mass (low MVPA: B = 2.32, 95% CI = 0.48, 4.17; high MVPA: B = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.10, 1.90) and percent fat (low MVPA: B = 3.35, 95% CI = 0.56, 6.14; high MVPA: B = 1.41, 95% CI = −0.06, 2.87) in boys, but not girls.ConclusionFindings from this study suggest that MVPA and VPA may attenuate the increased risk of an unfavorable body composition and BMI due to high maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and rapid infant weight gain in boys, but not in girls.

Serum osteocalcin levels in overweight children.

PurposeBone plays a role in glucose metabolism through the release of uncarboxylated osteocalcin into the systemic circulation. The identified novel roles for osteocalcin include increasing insulin secretion and sensitivity, energy expenditure, reduction of fat mass, and mitochondrial proliferation and functional enhancement. This study aimed to determine serum osteocalcin levels in overweight children and to investigate the relationships of osteocalcin with glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.MethodsAfter overnight fasting, serum osteocalcin levels were measured in overweight (n=50) children between 6.0 and 12.9 years of age and nonoverweight controls (n=60). Height, weight, fasting serum glucose, insulin, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, and 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)VitD3) were also measured in all subjects.ResultsThere were significant differences in serum osteocalcin levels between the overweight and control groups (64.00±20.44 vs. 89.56±28.63, P<0.001). Serum osteocalcin levels were inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r=-0.283, P=0.003), weight standard deviation score (SDS) (r=-0.222, P=0.020), BMI SDS (r=-0.297, P=0.002), insulin (r=-0.313, P=0.001), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (r=-0.268, P=0.005). In the subsequent multiple regression analyses, BMI, HOMA-IR, and age were determined to be independent predicting factors for serum osteocalcin.ConclusionsOur findings showed associations of serum osteocalcin with glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in overweight children, but we could not establish a causal relationship.

Association between genetic obesity susceptibility and mother-reported eating behaviour in children up to 5years.

Many genetic polymorphisms identified by genome-wide association studies for adult body mass index (BMI) have been suggested to regulate food intake. The objective was to study the associations between a genetic obesity risk score, appetitive traits, and growth of children up to age 5years, with a longitudinal design. In 1142 children from the Etude des Déterminants pre et post natals de la santé de l'ENfant (EDEN) birth cohort, a combined obesity risk-allele score (BMI genetic risk score [GRS]) was related to appetitive traits (energy intake up to 12mo, a single item on appetite from 4mo to 3y, a validated appetite score at 5y) using Poisson regressions with robust standard errors. The potential mediation of appetitive traits on the association between BMI-GRS and growth was assessed by the Sobel test. Children with a high BMI-GRS were more likely to have high energy intake at 1year and high appetite at 2 and 5years. High energy intake in infancy and high appetite from 1year were related to higher subsequent BMI. High 2-year appetite seemed to partially mediate the associations between BMI-GRS and BMI from 2 to 5years (all P≤0.05). Genetic susceptibility to childhood obesity seems to be partially explained by appetitive traits in infancy, followed by an early childhood rise in BMI.

The Association of Mediterranean Diet during Pregnancy with Longitudinal Body Mass Index Trajectories and Cardiometabolic Risk in Early Childhood

To evaluate the associations between maternal adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and their offspring's longitudinal body mass index (BMI) trajectories and cardiometabolic risk in early childhood. We included mother-child pairs from the Infancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) longitudinal cohort study in Spain. We measured dietary intake during pregnancy using a validated food frequency questionnaire and calculated the relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED). We estimated offspring's BMI z score trajectories from birth to age 4 years using latent class growth analyses (n = 2195 mother-child pairs). We measured blood pressure, waist circumference, and cardiometabolic biomarkers to construct a cardiometabolic risk score at 4 years (n = 697 mother-child pairs). We used multivariable adjusted linear and multinomial regression models. A higher maternal rMED in pregnancy was associated with a lower risk in offspring of larger birth size, followed by accelerated BMI gain (reference trajectory group: children with average birth size and subsequent slower BMI gain) (relative risk of high vs low rMED score, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.99). rMED score during pregnancy was not associated with the cardiometabolic risk score, its components, or related biomarkers. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in pregnancy was associated with lower risk of having offspring with an accelerated growth pattern. This dietary pattern was not associated with the offspring's cardiometabolic risk at 4 years.

Effect of Sex and Day-Old Weight on Subsequent Body Weight and Body Mass Index in Commercial Broilers

Effect of Sex and Day-Old Weight on Subsequent Body Weight and Body Mass Index in Commercial Broilers

Self-Reported vs. Measured Height, Weight, and BMI in Young Adults.

Self-reported height and weight, if accurate, provide a simple and economical method to track changes in body weight over time. Literature suggests adults tend to under-report their own weight and that the gap between self-reported weight and actual weight increases with obesity. This study investigates the extent of discrepancy in self-reported height, weight, and subsequent Body Mass Index (BMI) versus actual measurements in young adults. Physically measured and self-reported height and weight were taken from 1562 students. Male students marginally overestimated height, while females were closer to target. Males, on average, closely self-reported weight. Self-reported anthropometrics remained statistically correlated to actual measures in both sexes. Categorical variables of calculated BMI from both self-reported and actual height and weight resulted in significant agreement for both sexes. Researcher measured BMI (via anthropometric height and weight) and sex were both found to have association with self-reported weight while only sex was related to height difference. Regression examining weight difference and BMI was significant, specifically with a negative slope indicating increased BMI led to increased underestimation of weight in both sexes. This study suggests self-reported anthropometric measurements in young adults can be used to calculate BMI for weight classification purposes. Further investigation is needed to better assess self-reported vs measured height and weight discrepancies across populations.

Midlife Family Economic Hardship and Later Life Cardiometabolic Health: The Protective Role of Marital Integration

The current study assesses the unique influences of family economic hardship (FEH) in early and late midlife on husbands' and wives' body mass index (BMI) and the influence of BMI on the onset of cardiometabolic (CM) disease in later adulthood. The protective role of marital integration is also considered in relation to the stress-response link between FEH and BMI. Analyses were performed using structural equation modeling with prospective data from 257 husbands and wives in enduring marriages over a period of 25 years beginning when they were approximately 40 years old. A multigroup analysis tested the moderating role of marital integration. The distal influence of FEH in early midlife on BMI in later adulthood remained statistically significant even after controlling for proximal FEH. Proximal FEH in later midlife was influential for wives', but not husbands', BMI. BMI in later midlife was related to the onset of CM disease in their later life. Moderation analysis showed that FEH and subsequent BMI were associated for couples with below average levels of behavioral integration but not for couples with above average levels of integration. Taken together, these findings suggest a family-health process stemming from early FEH and operating cumulatively over the life course. FEH in early midlife is a persistent determinant of physiological dysregulation as reflected by BMI. Findings identify BMI as a modifiable leverage point for the long-term reduction of CM disease risk and highlight the role of spouses as a buffer against the detrimental stress-health association.

In utero exposure to gestational diabetes and adiposity: does breastfeeding make a difference?

Short-term breastfeeding from mothers with gestational diabetes (GDM) may programme metabolism and increase offspring diabetes risk. We examined the association of in utero GDM exposure with adiposity from infancy to adolescence, and whether any association was modified by breastfeeding during early infancy. In the prospective Chinese birth cohort "Children of 1997" (n = 7342, 88% follow-up rate), generalised estimate equations with multiple imputation were used to assess associations of in utero GDM exposure with age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) z-score during infancy (3 and 9 months), childhood (2- < 8 years) and adolescence (8-16 years), adjusted for sex, parity, maternal age, birth place, preeclampisa, smoking, and family socio-economic position. We also tested whether the associations differed by mode of infant feeding (always formula-fed, mixed, always breastfed) during the first three months of life. In utero GDM exposure (7.5%) was associated with a lower BMI z-score during infancy (-0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.22, -0.05) but higher BMI z-scores during childhood (0.14, 95% CI 0.03, 0.25) and adolescence (0.25 95% CI 0.11, 0.38). Breastfeeding for the first three months did not modify the association of in utero GDM status with subsequent BMI (all p values for interaction >0.4). In utero GDM exposure was associated with greater adiposity during childhood and adolescence. Breastfeeding in early infancy from mothers with GDM was not associated with greater adiposity in children and thus should still be encouraged.

Impact of Speed-Eating Habit on Subsequent Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure Among Schoolchildren - The Ibaraki Children's Cohort Study (IBACHIL).

Habitual speed eating is a risk factor of obesity but evidence of this in children is limited. We examined the association between speed-eating habit and subsequent body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) among Japanese children.Methods and Results:The community-based study comprised 1,490 Japanese boys and girls who were born in 1989, involved in the Ibaraki Children's Cohort Study at age 3 years, and had returned questionnaires at both ages 6 and 12 years. In a subsample, we measured BP (n=263). Speed-eating habit was categorized into 4 groups: Never, Quit, Newly, and Continuous. Sex-specific mean values of questionnaire-based BMI and measured BPs at age 12 were examined according to speed-eating habit. Children with continuous speed eating had a higher BMI at age 12 than those who had never had a speed-eating habit (20.0 vs. 17.9 kg/m2for boys (P<0.001); 20.0 vs. 18.4 kg/m2(P<0.001) for girls). Systolic BP at age 12 was higher in boys with continuous speed eating than in those without (117 vs. 110 mmHg, P=0.01), but such a difference was not observed in girls (112 vs. 111 mmHg, P=0.95). Habitualspeed eating was positively associated with subsequent BMI among boys and girls as well as with systolic BP among boys.

Association of plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated and trans fatty acids with body mass index: results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background/ObjectivePrevious research has focused on associations between dietary fat and body mass index (BMI), but the contributions of different types of fat to BMI remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to estimate whether plasma phospholipid omega-3 (n-3), omega-6 (n-6), or trans fatty acids are associated with BMI at baseline and with subsequent BMI changes over time; and whether total phospholipid n-6 or trans fatty acids modify any association between phospholipid n-3 and BMI.MethodsCross-sectional and longitudinal linear mixed models include 6 243 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort. Participants were 45-84 years old, had no history of cardiovascular disease at baseline (2000-2002), and were followed for up to 10 years. Plasma phospholipid fatty acids were measured using fasting plasma samples at baseline. Fully adjusted models include demographics; health behaviors; and other fatty acids (n-3, n-6, trans) as appropriate.ResultsIn fully-adjusted models phospholipid n-3 fatty acid levels were inversely associated with baseline BMI (Ptrend <0.001). Baseline BMI was 1.14 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.57) kg/m2 lower among participants with total n-3 values in the highest vs. the lowest quartiles, but was not associated with changes in BMI. Total phospholipid n-6 was positively associated with baseline BMI in partially- but not fully-adjusted models. No overall association was observed between fatty acid levels and changes in BMI. No clear association was observed between trans fatty acids and baseline BMI or BMI change. No effect modification in the association between phospholipid n-3 and baseline BMI or BMI change was observed by either phospholipid n-6 or trans fatty acids.ConclusionPhospholipid total and specific n-3 fatty acid levels were inversely associated with BMI at baseline, while associations tended to be positive for total n-6 fatty acids. Significant associations between fatty acid levels and BMI changes were not observed.

Effects of exogenous human insulin dose adjustment on body mass index in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus at Kalafong Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa, 2009 - 2014.

To maintain fasting blood glucose levels within near to the normal range in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), frequent insulin dose adjustments may be required with short-, intermediate- and long-acting insulin formulations. Patients on human insulin generally experience weight gain over time, regardless of the level of glycaemic control achieved. To determine the effects of human insulin, adjusted quarterly to achieve glycaemic control, on body mass index (BMI), and establish dose regimens that achieve optimal glycaemic control without increasing BMI in patients with type 1 DM at the Kalafong Diabetes Clinic in Pretoria, South Africa. The sample size (N=211, 48.8% male) was obtained by non-probability convenience sampling of all available records of patients with type 1 DM aged ≥18 years at baseline at the clinic. The longitudinal relationships of covariates with time-varying BMI, as well as with time-varying glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, were explored using multilevel mixed-effects linear regression modelling. The majority of the patients (84.8%) received the twice-daily biphasic human insulin regimen and the remainder received the basal neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) plus prandial regular human insulin regimen. The multivariable multilevel mixed-effects linear regression model indicated that time-varying BMI was significantly positively related to time-varying twice-daily biphasic insulin dosage (β (standard error) 0.464 (0.190), p=0.015), baseline HbA1c (0.092 (0.026), p&lt;0.001) and baseline BMI (0.976 (0.016), p&lt;0.001). There were significant inverse associations with the number of years spent in the study (-0.108 (0.052), p=0.038), time-varying HbA1c (-0.154 (0.031), p&lt;0.001) and male sex (-0.783 (0.163), p&lt;0.001). There were non-significant negative longitudinal associations of age (-0.005 (0.006), p=0.427) and current smoking status (-0.231 (0.218), p=0.290) with BMI outcomes. There was no evidence that optimal quarterly-prescribed daily dosage adjustments of insulin improved and maintained blood glucose control without increasing body weight. When compared with the basal NPH plus prandial insulin regimen, twice-daily biphasic insulin was associated with a statistically significant increase in subsequent BMI. Baseline HbA1c and BMI were also significantly positively associated with time-varying BMI. However, males appeared to be at a lower risk than females of an increase in BMI during insulin therapy. A question for further research is whether the analogue insulins will be associated with the same increase in BMI, as well as the same modest improvements in HbA1c, seen in this sample.

Self‐reported vs. Measured Height and Weight in Young Adults

IntroductionObesity is recognized as a worldwide public health concern. It is most commonly assessed and classified using Body Mass Index (BMI). Historical data says that adults tend to under‐report their own weight and that the gap between self‐reported weight and actual weight increases with obesity. Few studies have examined how well young adults report their own height and weight.ObjectiveThis study investigates self‐reported height, weight and subsequent BMI versus actual measurements in young adults.MethodsOver 1,500 students across 8 U.S. universities provided their height and weight via a survey. Measurements were subsequently taken by trained professionals; both self‐reported and measured BMI were then calculated for each participant. Correlations between self‐reported and measured BMI were assessed using Spearman's rho. Kappa coefficient was used to test agreement between categorical variables of self‐reported and actual calculated BMI (i.e. underweight, normal, overweight, obese).ResultsMale and female students both underestimated their height, with males overall under‐reporting more than males. Males reported an average height of 166.4 ± 12.1 cm versus an actual average height of 175.3 ± 7.8. Females reported an average height of 157.1 ± 7.2 cm versus an actual average height of 164.6 ± 7.1 cm. Males slightly overestimated their weight, with an average self‐reported weight of 76.8 ±14.5 kg versus an actual average weight of 76.2 ± 15.7 kg. Females slightly underestimated their weight with an average self‐reported weight of 65.2 ± 14.4 kg versus an actual average weight of 65.7 ± 15.3 kg. However, the self‐reported measurements remained statistically correlated to the actual height, weight and BMI in both genders (males rs = 0.79, &lt;0.0001, rs = 0.91, &lt;0.0001 and rs = 0.83, &lt;0.0001 respectively; females rs = 0.78, &lt;0.0001, rs = 0.91, &lt;0.0001 and rs = 0.76, &lt;0.0001 respectively). Additionally, categorical variables of BMI from both self‐reported and actual height and weight resulted in significant agreement for both genders (Males κ = −0.09 (95% CI, −0.12 to −0.04), p &lt; .0001; Females κ = −0.04 (95% CI, −0.07 to −0.01), p = .004).ConclusionsThis study suggests self‐reported anthropometric measurements in young adults can be used to calculate BMI for weight classification purposes. Further investigation is needed to better assess self‐reported vs. measured height and weight discrepancies across populations.Support or Funding InformationApproval to use the data set was granted by the University of Tennessee Institutional Review Board prior to study implementation. This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2014‐67001‐21851.

Lower cognitive functioning as a predictor of weight gain in bipolar disorder: a 12-month study.

In cross-sectional studies, elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder (BD). We investigated the direction of this association by prospectively examining changes in BMI and cognition. We measured BMI and performance in six cognitive domains over 12 months in 80 adolescent and young adult BD patients and 46 healthy comparison subjects (HS). Ninety-three percent of patients received pharmacotherapy and 84% were euthymic. We used repeated-measures ancova and longitudinal mixed models to investigate whether (i) higher BMI and increasing BMI over time predicted lower subsequent cognitive functioning, and (ii) lower cognitive functioning and changes in cognition predicted increasing BMI. Neither baseline BMI nor BMI change predicted lower cognitive functioning. Lower baseline scores in attention, verbal memory, working memory, and a composite measure of global cognition predicted increasing BMI in patients and HS. In patients, lower cognitive functioning remained associated with increasing BMI when clinical and treatment variables were adjusted for. Improvement in working memory predicted a smaller subsequent BMI increase in patients. Lower cognitive functioning in specific domains predicts increasing BMI in patients with BD and healthy young adults. Targeting cognition may be important for minimizing weight gain in BD.

The effects of breastfeeding on childhood BMI: a propensity score matching approach.

BackgroundMany studies have found a statistical association between breastfeeding and childhood adiposity. This paper investigates whether breastfeeding has an effect on subsequent childhood body mass index (BMI) using propensity scores to account for confounding.MethodsWe use data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative UK cohort survey, which contains detailed information on infant feeding and childhood BMI. Propensity score matching is used to investigate the mean BMI in children breastfed exclusively and partially for different durations of time.ResultsWe find statistically significant influences of breastfeeding on childhood BMI, particularly in older children, when breastfeeding is prolonged and exclusive. At 7 years, children who were exclusively breastfed for 16 weeks had a BMI 0.28 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.49) lower than those who were never breastfed, a 2% reduction from the mean BMI of 16.6 kg/m2.ConclusionsFor this young cohort, even small effects of breastfeeding on BMI could be important. In order to reduce BMI, breastfeeding should be encouraged as part of wider lifestyle intervention. This evidence could help to inform public health bodies when creating public health guidelines and recommendations.