Subsequent Weight Change Research Articles

Body weight at age 20 years, subsequent weight change and breast cancer risk defined by estrogen and progesterone receptor status—the Japan public health center‐based prospective study

Few prospective studies have investigated the association between BMI at age 20 years (BMI20y) and breast cancer risk with consideration to estrogen/progesterone receptor status (ER/PR). We evaluated the association between BMI20y and ER/PR-defined breast cancer risk among 41,594 women in the population-based Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. Anthropometric factors were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. Through to the end of 2006, 452 breast cancer cases were identified. We observed a statistically significant inverse association between BMI20y and breast cancer incidence [multivariable-adjusted RR for each 5-unit increment 0.75 (95%CI=0.61-0.92)], which was not modified by menopausal or recent BMI status. In contrast, recent BMI and subsequent BMI gain were not associated with increased risk among premenopausal women, but were substantially associated with increased risk among postmenopausal women [corresponding RR(recent BMI)=1.31 (95%CI=1.07-1.59); RR(subsequent BMI gain)=1.32 (95%CI=1.09-1.60)]. In subanalyses by receptor status (∼50% of cases), the observed inverse association of BMI20y with risk was consistent with the result for ER-PR- [0.49 (95%CI=0.27-0.88)], while the observed positive associations of BMI gain with postmenopausal breast cancer risk appeared to be confined to ER+PR+ tumors [corresponding RR(for subsequent BMI gain)=2.24 (95%CI=1.50-3.34)]. Low BMI at age 20 years was substantially associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In contrast, high recent BMI and subsequent BMI gain from age 20 were associated with increased risk of postmenopausal ER+PR+ tumors.

Genetic Polymorphisms in the Hypothalamic Pathway in Relation to Subsequent Weight Change – The DiOGenes Study

BackgroundSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding the components involved in the hypothalamic pathway may influence weight gain and dietary factors may modify their effects.AimWe conducted a case-cohort study to investigate the associations of SNPs in candidate genes with weight change during an average of 6.8 years of follow-up and to examine the potential effect modification by glycemic index (GI) and protein intake.Methods and FindingsParticipants, aged 20–60 years at baseline, came from five European countries. Cases (‘weight gainers’) were selected from the total eligible cohort (n = 50,293) as those with the greatest unexplained annual weight gain (n = 5,584). A random subcohort (n = 6,566) was drawn with the intention to obtain an equal number of cases and noncases (n = 5,507). We genotyped 134 SNPs that captured all common genetic variation across the 15 candidate genes; 123 met the quality control criteria. Each SNP was tested for association with the risk of being a ‘weight gainer’ (logistic regression models) in the case-noncase data and with weight gain (linear regression models) in the random subcohort data. After accounting for multiple testing, none of the SNPs was significantly associated with weight change. Furthermore, we observed no significant effect modification by dietary factors, except for SNP rs7180849 in the neuromedin β gene (NMB). Carriers of the minor allele had a more pronounced weight gain at a higher GI (P = 2×10−7).ConclusionsWe found no evidence of association between SNPs in the studied hypothalamic genes with weight change. The interaction between GI and NMB SNP rs7180849 needs further confirmation.

Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Long-Term Weight Change in Adults

To determine whether insulin resistance is associated with reduced risk of weight gain. In this retrospective study, we reviewed medical records of volunteers who had undergone a euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp in research studies at Mayo Clinic between October 20, 1986, and January 30, 2002. Data from volunteers who had at least 1 year of followup were analyzed, which included height, weight, date of birth, ethnicity, body composition (percentage body fat and kilograms of fat-free mass), waist-to-hip ratio, date of insulin clamp, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, average plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during the final 30 minutes of each insulin clamp step, and average glucose infusion rate (μmol·kg fat free mass⁻¹·min⁻¹) during the final 30 minutes of each insulin clamp step. We abstracted the following for each medical encounter: date of visit, height, weight, diagnoses, procedures, and medication use. For the purposes of statistical analysis, the diagnoses, procedures, and medications were then converted into Current Procedural Terminology codes and National Drug Codes. One hundred sixteen patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. The average baseline body mass index was 29.4 ± 5.3 kg/m², and the follow-up time averaged 8.1 ± 5.9 years. We found no significant correlation between baseline insulin action and annual weight change or overall weight change (P = .60 and P = .11, respectively) or between log-transformed insulin action and annual weight gain (P = .61). These results suggest that in free-living, healthy, white adults, there is not a clinically meaningful relationship between insulin action and subsequent weight change.

Intake of total, animal and plant protein and subsequent changes in weight or waist circumference in European men and women: the Diogenes project

As protein is considered to increase thermogenesis and satiety more than other macronutrients, it may have beneficial effects on prevention of weight gain and weight maintenance. The objective of this study is to assess the association between the amount and type of dietary protein, and subsequent changes in weight and waist circumference (WC). 89,432 men and women from five countries participating in European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) were followed for a mean of 6.5 years. Associations between the intake of protein or subgroups of protein (from animal and plant sources) and changes in weight (g per year) or WC (cm per year) were investigated using gender and centre-specific multiple regression analyses. Adjustments were made for other baseline dietary factors, baseline anthropometrics, demographic and lifestyle factors and follow-up time. We used random effect meta-analyses to obtain pooled estimates across centres. Higher intake of total protein, and protein from animal sources was associated with subsequent weight gain for both genders, strongest among women, and the association was mainly attributable to protein from red and processed meat and poultry rather than from fish and dairy sources. There was no overall association between intake of plant protein and subsequent changes in weight. No clear overall associations between intakes of total protein or any of the subgroups and changes in WC were present. The associations showed some heterogeneity between centres, but pooling of estimates was still considered justified. A high intake of protein was not found associated with lower weight or waist gain in this observational study. In contrast, protein from food items of animal origin, especially meat and poultry, seemed to be positively associated with long-term weight gain. There were no clear associations for waist changes.

Prevalence and Predictors of Weight-Loss Maintenance in a Biracial Cohort: Results from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study

Few population-based studies have examined the behavioral and psychosocial predictors of long-term weight-loss maintenance. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of weight-loss maintenance in a biracial cohort of younger adults. This study examined a population-based sample of overweight/obese African-American and white men and women who had ≥ 5% weight loss between 1995 and 2000. Subsequent changes in weight, physical activity, and behavioral and psychosocial factors were examined between 2000 and 2005. Analyses were conducted in 2008-2009. Among the 1869 overweight/obese individuals without major disease in 1995, a total of 536 (29%) lost ≥ 5% between 1995 and 2000. Among those who lost weight, 34% (n=180) maintained at least 75% of their weight loss between 2000 and 2005, whereas 66% subsequently regained. Higher odds of successful weight-loss maintenance were related to African-American race (OR=1.7, p=0.03); smoking (OR=3.4, p=0.0001); history of diabetes (OR=2.2, p=0.04); increases in moderate physical activity between 2000 and 2005 (OR=1.4, p=0.005); increases in emotional support over the same period (OR=1.6, p=0.01); and less sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption in 2005 (OR=0.8, p=0.006). One third of overweight men and women who lost weight were able to maintain 75% or more of their weight loss over 5 years. Interventions to promote weight-loss maintenance may benefit from targeting increased physical activity and emotional support and decreased sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption.

The Relationship Between Body Weight, Body Condition, and Survival in Cats with Heart Failure

Obese people with heart failure have improved survival compared with their normal or underweight counterparts. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between body weight or body condition and survival in cats with heart failure. Body weight and body condition score (BCS) are predictors of survival in cats with heart failure. One-hundred and one cats with heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council Classes II, IIIa, or IIIb) evaluated between March 2007 and June 2009. Data regarding initial body weight and BCS, subsequent changes in body weight, and treatment were collected from records and compared with survival times. Median initial body weight was 5.1 kg (range, 2.2-9.5 kg). Median BCS was 5 (range, 3-9). Of the 68 cats that were discharged from the hospital, median body weight change was 0.0 kg (range, -2.6 to +2.3 kg). Survival time for all 101 cats was 93 days (0-811 days). Survival could be predicted using a model combining initial body weight (P=.02), body weight squared (P=.02), and survival to discharge (P<.001) with a resulting global P value for this model of P<.0001. Cats with the lowest and highest body weights had reduced survival times compared with those with body weights in the intermediate ranges, suggesting a U-shaped relationship between body weight and survival. Additional research into the effects of body composition could help to determine optimal management of cats with heart failure.

Dietary fat intake and subsequent weight change in adults

Dietary fat intake and subsequent weight change in adults

Dietary fiber and subsequent changes in body weight and waist circumference in European men and women

Dietary fiber may play a role in obesity prevention. Until now, the role that fiber from different sources plays in weight change had rarely been studied. Our aim was to investigate the association of total dietary fiber, cereal fiber, and fruit and vegetable fiber with changes in weight and waist circumference. We conducted a prospective cohort study with 89,432 European participants, aged 20-78 y, who were free of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes at baseline and who were followed for an average of 6.5 y. Dietary information was collected by using validated country-specific food-frequency questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed in each center studied, and estimates were combined by using random-effects meta-analyses. Adjustments were made for follow-up duration, other dietary variables, and baseline anthropometric, demographic, and lifestyle factors. Total fiber was inversely associated with subsequent weight and waist circumference change. For a 10-g/d higher total fiber intake, the pooled estimate was -39 g/y (95% CI: -71, -7 g/y) for weight change and -0.08 cm/y (95% CI: -0.11, -0.05 cm/y) for waist circumference change. A 10-g/d higher fiber intake from cereals was associated with -77 g/y (95% CI: -127, -26 g/y) weight change and -0.10 cm/y (95% CI: -0.18, -0.02 cm/y) waist circumference change. Fruit and vegetable fiber was not associated with weight change but had a similar association with waist circumference change when compared with intake of total dietary fiber and cereal fiber. Our finding may support a beneficial role of higher intake of dietary fiber, especially cereal fiber, in prevention of body-weight and waist circumference gain.

Weight-control behaviors and subsequent weight change among adolescents and young adult females

Little is known about the effectiveness of behavioral strategies to prevent long-term weight gain among adolescents and young adults. The objective was to assess the relation of dietary and physical activity weight-control strategies, alone and together, with subsequent weight change. This was a prospective study of 4456 female adolescents and young adults aged 14-22 y in the ongoing Growing Up Today Study. Weight-control behaviors, including dietary approaches and physical activity, were self-reported in 2001 and were used to predict weight change from 2001 to 2005. In 2001-2002, 23.7% of female adolescents and young adults were trying to maintain their weight and another 54.4% were trying to lose weight. Approximately 25% used each of the following weight-control strategies: not eating snacks, following low-calorie or low-fat diets, and limiting portion sizes. In addition, 47.7% reported exercising at least occasionally for weight control. During 4 y of follow-up, participants gained an average of 3.3 kg. None of the dietary approaches to weight control predicted less weight change; however, females who exercised > or =5 d/wk gained significantly less weight than did their peers (-0.9 kg; 95% CI: -1.4, -0.4). The most successful strategy for weight-gain prevention among the females was to limit portion sizes (-1.9 kg; 95% CI: -2.6, -1.1) combined with frequent exercise. Our results suggest that physical activity is a necessary strategy for long-term weight control among adolescents and young adult females. Combining dietary weight-control approaches with physical activity is the most effective method for reducing weight gain.

Initial heifer body composition has little impact on response to Zilmax

Introduction Using a growth promotant at the correct time of finishing is critical for maximizing profit potential. Previous studies have shown that zilpaterol-HCl (Zilmax; Intervet/ Schering-Plough Animal Health, Millsboro, DE) improves carcass characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine effects of prior body composition on subsequent changes in carcass weight, fatness, and muscle in heifers fed Zilmax so producers can introduce Zilmax at the level of finish that will result in the most desirable response. We hypothesized that fatter heifers use fat as the fuel for muscle growth.

Dietary fat intake and subsequent weight change in adults: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohorts

BackgroundIt is unclear from the inconsistent epidemiologic evidence whether dietary fat intake is associated with future weight change. ObjectiveThe objective was to assess the association between the amount and type of dietary fat and subsequent weight change (follow-up weight minus baseline weight divided by duration of follow-up). DesignWe analyzed data from 89,432 men and women from 6 cohorts of the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) study. Using country-specific food-frequency questionnaires, we examined the association between baseline fat intake (amount and type of total, saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats) and annual weight change by using the residual, nutrient density, and energy-partition methods. We used random-effects meta-analyses to obtain pooled estimates across centers. ResultsMean total fat intake as a percentage of energy intake ranged between 31.5% and 36.5% across the 6 cohorts (58% women; mean ± SD age: 53.2 ± 8.6 y). The mean (±SD) annual weight change was 109 ± 817 g/y in men and 119 ± 823 g/y in women. In pooled analyses adjusted for anthropometric, dietary, and lifestyle factors and follow-up period, no significant association was observed between fat intake (amount or type) and weight change. The difference in mean annual weight change was 0.90 g/y (95% CI: −0.54, 2.34 g/y) for men and −1.30 g/y (95% CI: −3.70, 1.11 g/y) for women per 1 g/d energy-adjusted fat intake (residual method). ConclusionsWe found no significant association between the amount or type of dietary fat and subsequent weight change in this large prospective study. These findings do not support the use of low-fat diets to prevent weight gain.

Understanding the relationship between baseline BMI and subsequent weight change in antipsychotic trials: Effect modification or regression to the mean?

The purpose of this study was to examine whether prior evidence of an inverse relationship between initial body weight and subsequent antipsychotic-induced weight change represents true effect modification or a statistical artifact, regression to the mean (RTM). We conducted a post-hoc analysis after pooling seven randomized, placebo- or active-controlled trials of ziprasidone and other antipsychotic agents. ANCOVA was applied to evaluate treatment-by-baseline body mass index (BMI) range interaction effect on weight change. Regression analysis was applied to estimate the potential bias due to RTM. Statistical interaction tests between baseline BMI ranges and treatment assignments (haloperidol, olanzapine, risperidone, or ziprasidone, versus placebo) were not significant within studies or across studies. Correlation between baseline and follow-up measurements of body weight in placebo-treated subjects was less than perfect ( r = 0.87, 6-month cohort), leading to RTM. Consistent with predictions based on RTM, the greatest weight change, on average, was observed in subgroups with baseline weights differing the most from the population mean. Our findings suggest that the previously observed correlation between baseline BMI and weight change subsequent to antipsychotic treatment reflects in part RTM, and not effect modification. This class of drugs appears to cause similar weight gain in both high and low baseline BMI groups.

Dietary glycaemic index, glycaemic load and subsequent changes of weight and waist circumference in European men and women

To investigate whether dietary glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) were associated with subsequent weight and waist circumference change. Population-based prospective cohort study. Five European countries, which are Denmark, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. A total of 89,432 participants, aged 20-78 years (mean =53 years) at baseline and followed for 1.9-12.5 years (mean=6.5 years). All participants were free of self-reported cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes at baseline. Glycaemic index and GL were calculated on the basis of dietary intake assessed by food frequency questionnaires and by using a GI table developed for this study with published GI values as the main sources. Anthropometric data were collected both at baseline and at the end of follow-up. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted in each centre and random-effect meta-analyses were used to combine the effects. Adjustment was made for baseline anthropometrics, demographic and lifestyle factors, follow-up duration and other dietary factors. Mean GI and GL were 57 and 134, respectively. Associations of GI and GL with subsequent changes of weight and waist circumference were heterogeneous across centres. Overall, with every 10-unit higher in GI, weight increased by 34 g per year (95% confidence interval (CI): -47, 115) and waist circumference increased by 0.19 cm per year (95% CI: 0.11, 0.27). With every 50-unit higher in GL, weight increased by 10 g per year (95% CI: -65, 85) and waist circumference increased by 0.06 cm per year (95% CI: -0.01, 0.13). Our findings do not support an effect of GI or GL on weight change. The positively significant association between GI, not GL, and subsequent gain in waist circumference may imply a beneficial role of lower GI diets in the prevention of abdominal obesity. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding given the small effect observed in this study.

Prospective Investigation of Metabolic Characteristics in Relation to Weight Gain in Older Adults: The Hoorn Study

The objective of this investigation was to determine the relation between baseline glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and leptin levels and subsequent 6-year weight and waist change in older men and women without diabetes in a prospective cohort study. Participants were 1,198 Dutch men and women without diabetes who were aged 50-77 years when baseline metabolic and anthropometric measurements were evaluated (1989-1991). Approximately 6 years later, body weight and waist circumference were re-measured at a follow-up examination (1996-1998). Metabolic variables (fasting plasma glucose, 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adiponectin, and leptin) were evaluated as predictors of changes in weight and waist circumference. Postchallenge plasma glucose (mmol/l) significantly predicted less gain in both weight and waist circumference (beta = -0.28 kg, s.e. = 0.11; beta = -0.31 cm, s.e. = 0.14, respectively) during follow-up. Leptin (microg/l) significantly predicted greater increases in weight (beta = 0.29 kg, s.e. = 0.07) and waist (beta = 0.16 cm, s.e. = 0.08) among men and in waist among women (beta = 0.06 cm, s.e. = 0.02). Fasting plasma glucose (mmol/l) predicted an increase in waist among women (beta = 1.59 cm, s.e. = 0.63), but not in men (beta = -0.74 cm, s.e. = 0.55). Adiponectin and insulin did not predict weight or waist change. The authors conclude that lower postchallenge plasma glucose and higher fasting leptin levels significantly predicted long-term increases in weight and waist circumference. In contrast, measures of insulin resistance and adiponectin were not associated with weight change in this cohort of older persons without diabetes.

Fruit and vegetable intakes and subsequent changes in body weight in European populations: results from the project on Diet, Obesity, and Genes (DiOGenes)

Background:High fruit and vegetable intakes may limit weight gain, particularly in susceptible persons, such as those who stop smoking. Objective:The objective was to assess the association of fruit and vegetable intake with subsequent weight change in a large-scale prospective study. Design:The data used were from 89,432 men and women from 5 countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). The association between fruit and vegetable intake and weight change after a mean follow-up of 6.5 y was assessed by linear regression. Polytomous logistic regression was used to evaluate whether fruit and vegetable intake relates to weight gain, weight loss, or both. Results:Per 100-g intake of fruit and vegetables, weight change was −14 g/y (95% CI: −19, −9 g/y). In those who stopped smoking during follow-up, this value was −37 g/y (95% CI: −58, −15 g/y;P for interaction < 0.0001). When weight gain and loss were analyzed separately per 100-g intake of fruit and vegetables in a combined model, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.97 (0.95, 0.98) for weight gain ≥0.5 and <1 kg/y, 0.94 (0.92, 0.96) for weight gain ≥1 kg/y, and 0.97 (0.95, 0.99) for weight loss ≥0.5 kg/y. In those who stopped smoking during follow-up, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.93 (0.88, 0.99), 0.87 (0.81, 0.92), and 0.97 (0.88, 1.07), respectively (P for interaction < 0.0001). Conclusions:Fruit and vegetable intake relates significantly, albeit weakly inversely, to weight change. For persons who stop smoking, high fruit and vegetable intakes may be recommended to reduce the risk of weight gain.

Prospective study of nut consumption, long-term weight change, and obesity risk in women

Background: Data concerning the long-term association between nut consumption and weight change in a free-living population are sparse.Objective: The objective was to determine the relation between nut consumption and long-term weight change.Design: The participants were 51,188 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II aged 20–45 y, who had no cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer. We prospectively evaluated the dietary intake of nuts and subsequent weight changes from 1991 to 1999.Results: Women who reported eating nuts ≥2 times/wk had slightly less mean (± SE) weight gain (5.04 ± 0.12 kg) than did women who rarely ate nuts (5.55 ± 0.04 kg) (P for trend < 0.001). For the same comparison, when total nut consumption was subdivided into peanuts and tree nuts, the results were similar (ie, less weight gain in women eating either peanuts or tree nuts ≥2 times/wk). The results were similar in normal-weight, overweight, and obese participants. In multivariate analyses in which lifestyle and other dietary factors were controlled for, we found that greater nut consumption (≥2 times/wk compared with never/almost never) was associated with a slightly lower risk of obesity (hazard ratio: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.57, 1.02; P for trend = 0.003).Conclusions: Higher nut consumption was not associated with greater body weight gain during 8 y of follow-up in healthy middle-aged women. Instead, it was associated with a slightly lower risk of weight gain and obesity. The results of this study suggest that incorporating nuts into diets does not lead to greater weight gain and may help weight control.

Predictors and correlates for weight changes in patients co-treated with olanzapine and weight mitigating agents; a post-hoc analysis.

BackgroundThis study focuses on exploring the relationship between changes in appetite or eating behaviors and subsequent weight change for adult patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder treated with olanzapine and adjunctive potential weight mitigating pharmacotherapy. The aim is not to compare different weight mitigating agents, but to evaluate patients' characteristics and changes in their eating behaviors during treatment. Identification of patient subgroups with different degrees of susceptibility to the effect of weight mitigating agents during olanzapine treatment may aid clinicians in treatment decisions.MethodsData were obtained from 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 16-week clinical trials. Included were 158 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 who had received olanzapine treatment in combination with nizatidine (n = 68), sibutramine (n = 42), or amantadine (n = 48). Individual patients were analyzed for categorical weight loss ≥ 2 kg and weight gain ≥ 1 kg. Variables that were evaluated as potential predictors of weight outcomes included baseline patient characteristics, factors of the Eating Inventory, individual items of the Eating Behavior Assessment, and the Visual Analog Scale.ResultsPredictors/correlates of weight loss ≥ 2 kg included: high baseline BMI, low baseline interest in food, and a decrease from baseline to endpoint in appetite, hunger, or cravings for carbohydrates. Reduced cognitive restraint, increase in hunger, and increased overeating were associated with a higher probability of weight gain ≥ 1 kg.ConclusionThe association between weight gain and lack of cognitive restraint in the presence of increased appetite suggests potential benefit of psychoeducational counseling in conjunction with adjunctive pharmacotherapeutic agents in limiting weight gain during antipsychotic drug therapy.Trial RegistrationThis analysis was not a clinical trial and did not involve any medical intervention.

Peptide YY: Food for thought

Obtaining a fuller understanding of gut hormones as mediators of appetite regulation and energy homeostasis has never been so important with obesity rates increasing at pandemic proportions. The role of the gut hormone peptide YY 3–36 (PYY3–36) in particular has sparked interest since the discovery of its anorectic effect in obese rodents and humans. Fasting circulating PYY concentrations correlate negatively with BMI and waist circumference in humans, whilst postprandial PYY levels predict subsequent changes in weight over a period of at least 6 months. Furthermore, Pyy null mice demonstrate increased adiposity and hyperphagia, which is reversed by exogenous PYY3–36. Chronic administration of PYY3–36 to diet-induced obese rodents has shown a dose-dependent reduction in adiposity. Taken in concert, these findings suggest that the PYY system may hold significant potential in the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Fat Intake and Weight Development from 9 to 16 Years of Age: The European Youth Heart Study – a Longitudinal Study

Objective: The literature on associations between fat intake and weight development among both children and adults is inconsistent, even if it is generally assumed that a high dietary fat intake is a major determinant of obesity. The present study aimed at investigating the association between fat intake and weight development among a cohort of children aged 9–10 years at baseline and 15–16 years at follow-up, and, further, at investigating whether parents’ obesity is modifying the association. Method: Among 384 subjects aged 9 years, data on dietary intake, BMI z-score, physical activity, inactivity, parents’ social status, parents’ body mass index, child birth weight, and status of puberty was obtained in 1997. Weight and height was measured both at baseline and at 6-year follow-up, and BMI z-score was calculated. Linear regression was used to assess the role of fat intake on subsequent weight change between 1997 and 2003 with the above-mentioned variables as confounders, in 3 different models and for each sex separately. Results: The analysis showed no relation between fat intake (both absolute intake and fat energy percent) at 9 years and subsequent 6-year weight change. Only BMI z-score at baseline had a significant relation to weight change for both sexes, and number of obese parents had significant relation to weight change in girls. Number of overweight parents did not modify the association between fat intake and weight change. Conclusion: This study was unable to find a relation between fat intake and 6-year weight change among 9-year-old children. No interaction was seen between number of overweight parents on the relation between fat intake and subsequent weight change.

Expression of Two Inflammation-Related Genes (RIPK3 and RNF216) in Mononuclear Cells Is Associated with Weight-Loss Regain in Obese Subjects

Background/Aims: Nutrigenomics is providing molecular biomarkers concerning the assessment of diet-related diseases. We analyzed the expression of two interacting genes (RIPK3 and RNF216) in obese subjects receiving a low-calorie diet (LCD) and during the subsequent weight changes. Methods: Two groups of obese subjects (BMI 32.3 ± 5.5kg/m²; age 37.7 ± 7.1 years) were selected according to the 6-month weight-regain outcome after the weight-loss induced by an 8-week LCD (n = 12). Body composition and mRNA levels of RIPK3 and RNF216 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were evaluated by qRT-PCR at three time-points (week 0, week 8 and week 32). Results: All subjects lost weight significantly (–5.8 ± 2.3%, p < 0.001) and were grouped depending on the successful weight-loss maintenance (weight-loss regain ≤10% or >10%). At baseline (week 0), no differences were observed in the mRNA levels between groups (p > 0.05). However, at the end of the LCD (week 8), association analysis revealed that higher mRNA levels in PBMC of RIPK3 and RNF216 were able to detect those individuals who are more prone to regain weight 6-month after the nutritional intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Gene expression of RIPK3 and RNF216 in PBMC could identify those obese subjects, who will regain more weight after a successful initial weight loss. The mRNA levels of these genes could be suggested as nutrigenomic biomarkers for predicting the obesity treatment outcome.