Unfavorable Changes In Body Composition Research Articles

Association between Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score and Body Composition, Inflammation and Frailty in Hospitalized Elderly Patients.

a total of 361 patients were retrospectively recruited and divided into three groups based on the CONUT score. patients with a score ≥5 exhibited significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil/Lymphocytes ratio (NLR), main platelet volume (MPV), and ferritin, compared to those with a lower score. Furthermore, these patients showed unfavorable changes in body composition, including a lower percentage of skeletal muscle mass (MM) and fat-free mass (FFM) and a higher percentage of fatty mass (FM). A positive correlation was found between the CONUT score and inflammatory markers, Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), and FM. Conversely, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Mini-Mental Status Examination, activity daily living (ADL), instrumental activity daily living (IADL), Barthel index, FFM, and MM showed a negative correlation. Frailty was highly prevalent among patients with a higher CONUT score. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated high accuracy in identifying frail patients (sensitivity). a high CONUT score is associated with a pro-inflammatory status as well as with unfavorable body composition. Additionally, it is a good tool to identify frailty among hospitalized elderly patients.

Association between Acculturation and Obesity among Female Migrants in the United Arab Emirates: A Population-Based Study

Abstract Introduction Emerging evidence suggests that the “healthy migrant effect” may diminish over time with increasing years of residency in the host country. However, few studies have documented the duration of residence associated with the prevalence of obesity among female migrants. This study examined the hypothesis that acculturation is associated with an increased prevalence of obesity among female migrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the age of participants was 34.0 ± 9.9 years. The overall prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central adiposity was 30.0, 16.8, and 43.2%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central adiposity varied across nationalities, with 28.6, 6.9, and 30.3% among Filipinos; 30.1, 37.5, and 66.9% among Arabs; and 33.1, 17.3, and 72.4% among South Asians, respectively. After controlling for age, female migrants with ≥5 years of residence in the UAE were twice as likely to be overweight or obese (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.12 [95%confidence interval (CI): 1.05–4.27]) and having a central adiposity (aOR: 2.05 [95%CI: 1.09–3.84]) as compared with those with fewer years of residence. Female migrants who reported walking for ≤30 min/d were less likely to be overweight or obese (aOR: 0.41 [95%CI: 0.17–0.97]) or exhibit central adiposity (aOR: 0.21 [95%CI: 0.08, 0.59]). Conclusion The findings of the study suggest that duration of residence among female migrants in the UAE is an indicator of acculturation and is associated with unfavorable changes in body composition. Public health programs should focus on promoting healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity among females in the UAE.

Night-Time Heart Rate Variability during an Expedition to Mt Everest: A Case Report

Mt Everest has been gaining popularity from casual hiking athletes, climbers, and ultra-endurance marathon runners. However, living and sleeping at altitude increases the risk of injury and illness. This is because travel to high altitudes adversely affects human physiology and performance, with unfavourable changes in body composition, exercise capacity, and mental function. This is a case report of a climber who reached the summit of Mt Everest from the north side. During his 40-day expedition, we collected sleep quality data and night-time heart rate variability. During the night inside the tent, the air temperature ranged from -12.9 to 1.8 °C (-5.8 ± 4.9 °C) and the relative humidity ranged from 26.1 to 78.9% (50.7 ± 16.9%). Awake time was 17.1 ± 6.0% of every sleep-time hour and increased with altitude (r = 0.42). Sleep time (r = -0.51) and subjective quality (r = 0.89) deteriorated with altitude. Resting heart rate increased (r = 0.70) and oxygen saturation decreased (r = -0.94) with altitude. The mean NN, RMSSD, total power, LF/HF, and SD1 and SD2 were computed using the NN time series. Altitude reduced the mean ΝΝ (r = -0.73), RMSSD (r = -0.31), total power (r = -0.60), LF/HF ratio (r = -0.40), SD1 (r = -0.31), and SD2 (r = -0.70). In conclusion, this case report shows that sleeping at high altitudes above 5500 m results in progressively reduced HRV, increased awakenings, as well as deteriorated sleep duration and subjective sleep quality. These findings provide further insight into the effects of high altitude on cardiac autonomic function and sleep quality and may have implications for individuals who frequently spend time at high altitudes, such as climbers.

Muscle abnormalities in patients with liver cirrhosis and its effect on muscle function

ObjectivesThe progression of chronic liver disease is associated with metabolic alterations that compromise the patient's body composition and physical function. Muscle wasting often occurs with pathologic fat accumulation in the muscle (myosteatosis). Unfavorable changes in body composition frequently arise in conjunction with a decrease in muscle strength. These conditions are associated with worse prognoses. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between computed tomography (CT)-derived measures of muscle mass and muscle radiodensity (myosteatosis) and its correlation with muscle strength in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2016 and July 2017. CT images at the third lumbar vertebra level (L3) were analyzed, and skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) were defined. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed by dynamometry. Correlations between CT-assessed body composition and HGS were tested. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the factors associated with HGS. ResultsWe evaluated 118 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 64.4% were men. Of those evaluated, the mean age was 57.5 ± 8.5 y. Both SMI and SMD showed a positive correlation with muscle strength (r = 0.46 and 0.25, respectively); and age and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)score showed the highest negative correlations (r = –0.37 and –0.34, respectively). In multivariable analyses, the presence of comorbidities (≥1), MELD score, and SMI were significantly associated with HGS. ConclusionsLow muscle mass and clinical characteristics of disease severity may adversely affect muscle strength in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Battling the obesity epidemic with a school-based intervention: Long-term effects of a quasi-experimental study.

School-based health-promoting interventions are increasingly seen as an effective population strategy to improve health and prevent obesity. Evidence on the long-term effectiveness of school-based interventions is scarce. This study investigates the four-year effectiveness of the school-based Healthy Primary School of the Future (HPSF) intervention on children's body mass index z-score (BMIz), and on the secondary outcomes waist circumference (WC), dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours. This study has a quasi-experimental design with four intervention schools, i.e., two full HPSFs (focus: diet and PA), two partial HPSFs (focus: PA), and four control schools. Primary school children (aged 4-12 years) attending the eight participating schools were invited to enrol in the study between 2015 and 2019. Annual measurements consisted of children's anthropometry (weight, height and waist circumference), dietary behaviours (child- and parent-reported questionnaires) and PA levels (accelerometers). Between 2015 and 2019, 2236 children enrolled. The average exposure to the school condition was 2·66 (SD 1·33) years, and 900 participants were exposed for the full four years (40·3%). After four years of intervention, both full (estimated intervention effect (B = -0·17 (95%CI -0·27 to -0·08) p = 0·000) and partial HPSF (B = -0·16 (95%CI-0·25 to -0·06) p = 0·001) resulted in significant changes in children's BMIz compared to control schools. Likewise, WC changed in favour of both full and partial HPSFs. In full HPSFs, almost all dietary behaviours changed significantly in the short term. In the long term, only consumption of water and dairy remained significant compared to control schools. In both partial and full HPSFs, changes in PA behaviours were mostly absent. This school-based health-promoting intervention is effective in bringing unfavourable changes in body composition to a halt in both the short and long term. It provides policy makers with robust evidence to sustainably implement these interventions in school-based routine.

A Pilot 6-Week Lifestyle Intervention in Women Aged 50+ in Ireland

<strong>Introduction:</strong> The deleterious effects of ageing and inactivity are compounded by the menopause which typically occurs in females aged 50+. The menopause is associated with unfavourable changes in body composition including decreased skeletal muscle mass, bone density and increased adipose tissue. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6-week community-based intervention on nutrition knowledge and physical, metabolic, and cardiovascular health of women aged 50+ years. <strong>Methods:</strong> Nineteen participants (57 ± 6 years, 32.4 ± 7.2 kg/m²) completed the intervention consisting of 2 hours of aerobic training (home-based / participant led), 2 hours of concurrent training (instructor led) and one 60-minute health workshop per week. General nutrition knowledge was assessed using an adapted validated questionnaire. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition and waist circumference were measured pre and post intervention. Lower body strength endurance and cardiovascular endurance were assessed using sit-to-stand and 6-minute walk tests respectively. Point-of-care testing determined fasting glucose and lipid profile. <strong>Results:</strong> There were significant reductions in body weight (–2.2 ± 2.0 kg, p &lt; 0.01), BMI (–0.9 ± 0.8 kg/m², p &lt; 0.05), percent body fat (–1.1 ± 0.5%, p &lt; 0.05), waist circumference (–2.4 ± 0.5 cm, p &lt; 0.05) and fasting glucose (–0.6 ± 0.8 mmol/L) post intervention. General nutrition knowledge score (5.8 ± 0.05, p &lt; 0.05), 6-minute walk test (Mdn = 82.5, IQR = 49.5, p &lt; 0.05) and sit-to-stand performance increased (11.5 ± 4.5 repetitions, p &lt; 0.05) significantly. <strong>Discussion:</strong> This intervention successfully improved body weight, BMI, body fat percent, waist circumference, fasting glucose, general nutrition knowledge, cardiovascular fitness, and lower body strength of participants. Metabolic health improved with a trend towards improved cardiovascular health.

UniStArt: A 12-Month Prospective Observational Study of Body Weight, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity Levels in Australian First-Year University Students.

Background: Students in the United States gain weight significantly during their first year of university, however limited data are available for Australian students. Methods: This 12-month observational study was conducted to monitor monthly body weight and composition, as well as quarterly eating behaviours, dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and basal metabolic rate changes amongst first-year Australian university students. Participants were first-year university students over 18 years. Results: Twenty-two first-year university students (5 males and 17 females) completed the study. Female students gained weight significantly at two, three, and four-months (+0.9 kg; +1.5 kg; +1.1 kg, p < 0.05). Female waist circumference (2.5 cm increase at three-months, p = 0.012), and body fat also increased (+0.9%, p = 0.026 at three-months). Intakes of sugar, saturated fat (both >10% of total energy), and sodium exceeded recommended levels (>2000 mg) at 12-months. Greater sedentary behaviours were observed amongst male students throughout the study (p <0.05). Conclusions: Female students are at risk of unfavourable changes in body composition during the first year of university, while males are at risk of increased sedentary behaviours. High intakes of saturated fat, sugars, and sodium warrant future interventions in such a vulnerable group.

Energy Balance And Body Composition In Elite Alpine Skiers During Training At Altitude And Across The Competitive Season

Alpine skiing is characterized by phases of demanding on-snow glacier training and competitions in extreme environments, where maintaining body composition (BC) is crucial for performance and may play a role in injury prevention. However, sport-specific literature on energy balance (EB) and strategies to avoid unfavorable changes in BC are still lacking. PURPOSE: To analyze EB and BC during a training camp at altitude and over the course of a competitive season. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, active male (n = 9, 27 ± 2.9 yrs) and female (n = 10, 25 ± 3.0 yrs) international skiers, competing in either speed (SPEED; n = 10) or technical (TEC; n = 9) disciplines, completed a 7 to 15-day training camp at altitude (base: 1800 m, glacier: 3500 m). BC (displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance) was assessed at baseline, directly before and after the camp and at the end of the season. At altitude, food intake was assessed directly and indirectly, urine samples were collected for estimation of energy expenditure (doubly labelled water isotope method). RESULTS: During the training camp, an overall increase in body mass (BM, p = 0.011) and fat mass (FM, p < 0.001) was observed, whereas FFM remained unchanged. Increases in FM were prominent in men (p < 0.001) and SPEED (p = 0.002), but not in women or TEC. An average total daily energy expenditure (TEE) of 4088 ± 895 kcal/d and an energy intake (EI) of 4375 ± 1223 kcal resulted in an overall positive EB. EE in SPEED was significantly higher than in TEC (p = 0.03), with the highest EE observed in male speed athletes (~5900 kcal). Moreover, EB differed (p = 0.01) between men (760 ± 890 kcal/d) and women (-138 ± 490 kcal/d). Over the course of a season, FFM (p = 0.007) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM, p = 0.05) decreased significantly. Whereas women tended lose more SMM than men (p = 0.09), reductions in BM tended to be greater in male when compared to female athletes (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that alpine skiers are able to meet the high energy demands during a short-term training camp, but not over the course of a competitive season. Therefore, BC should be monitored during key training and competition phases to identify athletes at risk and -if necessary- nutritional support should be provided to avoid being in a negative EB.

Body composition and breast cancer risk and treatment: mechanisms and impact.

The purpose of this review is to clarify the association of body composition with breast cancer risk and treatment, including physiological mechanisms, and to elucidate strategies for overcoming unfavorable body composition changes that relate to breast cancer progression. We have summarized updated knowledge regarding the mechanism of the negative association of altered body composition with breast cancer risk and treatment. We also review strategies for reversing unfavorable body composition based on the latest clinical trial results. Body composition changes in patients with breast cancer typically occur during menopause or as a result of chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. Dysfunction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in the setting of obesity underlies insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, which can lead to breast cancer development and progression. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are also observed in patients with breast cancer who have sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. Nutritional support and a personalized exercise program are the fundamental interventions for reversing unfavorable body composition. Other interventions that have been explored in specific situations include metformin, testosterone, emerging agents that directly target the adipocyte microenvironment, and bariatric surgery. A better understanding of the biology of body composition phenotypes is key to determining the best intervention program for patients with breast cancer.

Targeting Abdominal Obesity and Its Complications with Dietary Phytoestrogens

In the assessment of the health risk of an obese individual, both the amount of adipose tissue and its distribution and metabolic activity are essential. In adults, the distribution of adipose tissue differs in a gender-dependent manner and is regulated by sex steroids, especially estrogens. Estrogens affect adipocyte differentiation but are also involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory activity of the adipose tissue. Their deficiency results in unfavorable changes in body composition and increases the risk of metabolic complications, which can be partially reversed by hormone replacement therapy. Therefore, the idea of the supplementation of estrogen-like compounds to counteract obesity and related complications is compelling. Phytoestrogens are natural plant-derived dietary compounds that resemble human estrogens in their chemical structure and biological activity. Supplementation with phytoestrogens may confer a range of beneficial effects. However, results of studies on the influence of phytoestrogens on body composition and prevalence of obesity are inconsistent. In this review, we present data from in vitro, animal, and human studies regarding the role of phytoestrogens in adipose tissue development and function in the context of their potential application in the prevention of visceral obesity and related complications.

Phase Angle as an Objective and Predictive Factor of Radiotherapy-induced Changes in Body Composition of Male Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Unfavorable changes in body composition are frequent among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Unfortunately, in daily clinical practice, there is a lack of reliable diagnostic tools for predicting changes in body composition in individuals following radiotherapy (RT). Among non-invasive tools, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) seems to be most promising. One BIA parameter, the phase angle (PA), reflects condition of various body cells and their mass in detail. Using BIA, the body composition was measured prior to and after RT in 52 male patients with HNC. PA derived from BIA prior to RT was tested as a predictor of body composition changes developing during RT. Patients with low PA had a greater than 9.3-fold higher chance of body mass index (BMI) reduction below 18.5 kg/m2 and over 5.9-fold and 4.2-fold higher chance of lean mass and fat mass reduction after therapy end compared with patients with a high PA value. PA values demonstrated significant diagnostic accuracy for detection of fat-free mass, lean mass and BMI reduction in the study group [area under the curve (AUC)=0.781, 0.774 and 0.786, respectively]. PA prior to RT is a useful marker for selection of individuals with HNC who are at a high risk of unfavorable changes in body composition.

Testosterone and Sarcopenia.

Aging affects metabolism, leading to physiological and functional impairments, and is also related to changes in body composition, including reduced skeletal muscle mass and increased body fat. These changes are correlated with the pathophysiology of sarcopenia, which is defined as age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Low testosterone levels are associated with unfavorable body composition changes, and sex hormones decrease with aging. Androgen deficiency, along with lack of exercise and poor nutrition, may be among the modifiable contributors to sarcopenia. Testosterone treatment has been reported to have beneficial effects on muscle mass and function, but the results have been inconsistent. Here, we discuss the correlation between testosterone and muscle mass and function, the impact of testosterone on sarcopenia, and the probable mechanisms underlying these effects.

Exercise Improves V˙O2max and Body Composition in Androgen Deprivation Therapy-treated Prostate Cancer Patients.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) experience unfavorable changes in body composition and associated metabolic complications, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. We examined the effect of a 6-month program of aerobic and resistance exercise aimed at improving body composition and cardiorespiratory health in this population. Ninety-seven men (43-90 yr) with localized prostate cancer receiving ADT were randomized to either exercise (EX, n = 50) or usual care (CON, n = 47). Supervised exercise was undertaken twice weekly at moderate to high intensity. Measures of cardiorespiratory capacity (V˙O2max), resting metabolic rate, central blood pressure, hemodynamic variables, blood markers, and body composition were assessed. There was a significant group-time interaction present for V˙O2max (P = 0.033) with a treatment effect for EX of 0.11 L·min (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04-0.19) (relative to body mass = 1.3 mL·kg·min, 95% CI = 0.3-2.3) and fat oxidation (P = 0.037) of 12.0 mg·min (95% CI = 2.3-21.7). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in glucose (P < 0.001) for EX of -0.5 mmol·L (95% CI = -0.8 to -0.3), with no change in prostate-specific antigen or testosterone as a result of exercise. Body composition was enhanced for EX with adjusted mean differences in lean mass (P = 0.015) of 0.8 kg (95% CI = 0.3-1.3), total fat mass (P = 0.020) of -1.1 kg (95% CI = -1.8 to -0.5), and trunk fat mass (P < 0.001) of -1.0 kg (95% CI = -1.4 to -0.6). A 6-month combined aerobic and resistance exercise program has a significant favorable effect on cardiorespiratory capacity, resting fat oxidation, glucose, and body composition despite the adverse effects of hormone suppression. Combined aerobic and resistance training should be considered a key adjuvant component in men undergoing ADT for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Changes in body composition after spasticity treatment with intrathecal baclofen.

To assess changes in body composition, body weight and resting metabolic rate in patients who received intrathecal baclofen therapy for spasticity. Prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, with a pre/post design. Twelve patients with spasticity, fulfilling study criteria, and due for pump implantation for intrathecal baclofen therapy, completed the study. Data were obtained before, 6 months and 12 months after commencement of intrathecal baclofen therapy as regards body composition (by skinfold calliper), body weight, and resting metabolic rate (by resting oxygen consumption). Spasticity was assessed according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Penn Spasm Frequency Scale (PSFS). A reduction in spasticity according to MAS occurred. Mean fat body mass increased and mean lean body mass decreased. Mean body weight showed a non-significant increase and resting metabolic rate a non-significant decrease. This explorative study indicates that unfavourable changes in body composition might occur after intrathecal baclofen therapy. Since obesity and increased fat body mass contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk, these findings may indicate a need for initiation of countermeasures, e.g. increased physical activity and/or dietary measures, in conjunction with intrathecal baclofen therapy. Further studies, including larger study samples and control groups, are needed to corroborate these findings.

Investigating body composition in wheelchair athletes

Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk for adverse changes in body composition (BC), which are harmful for their health and relevant to sport performance. This study investigated whole-body and regional BC in wheelchair athletes (WA) by comparing tetraplegic and paraplegic WA with a larger sample of healthy males athletes. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used by one operator to measure subtotal (total-body less head) and regional (arms, legs and trunk) body composition (lean mass [LM], bone mineral content [BMC], fat mass [FM] and fat mass percentage [%FM]) in twenty-seven male WA aged 30.0±9.4y with chronic SCI. WA were classified as tetraplegic (lesion above T1; Tetra, n=10) and paraplegic (lesion at T1 and below; Para, n=17) and matched each to three healthy males athletes (n=81) on the basis of DXA area and BMI. BC outcomes were compared in Tetra and Para as well as Tetra and Para, and their respective control with the t-test for independent samples. Alpha value was set at 0.05 and p-values corrected for multiple comparisons (pc; Benjamini and Hochberg procedure). Percent FM was significant higher in Tetra vs. Para at the subtotal and regional level (0.024<pc<0.008). Both Tetra and Para had significantly greater FM and %FM at the subtotal (0.006<pc<0.001) and regional level (0.025<pc<0.001) along with lower LM and BMC at the legs (pc<0.001 for all) vs. able-bodied athletes. At the subtotal level the Tetra group also showed significant lower BMC compared with control (pc=0.016). These results expand on previous findings in non-athlete SCI persons (1) by showing that WA show unfavourable changes in BC in comparison with able-bodied controls and such changes are worse in tetraplegic than paraplegic WA. These results prompt for strategies and innovative interventions aimed at preventing health risks associated with BC changes in immobilized athletes.

Sarcopenia in COPD: relationship with COPD severity and prognosis.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in COPD patients, as well as to determine whether sarcopenia correlates with the severity and prognosis of COPD. Methods: A cross-sectional study with COPD patients followed at the pulmonary outpatient clinic of our institution. The patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made on the basis of the skeletal muscle index, defined as appendicular lean mass/height2 only for low-weight subjects and adjusted for fat mass in normal/overweight subjects. Disease severity (COPD stage) was evaluated with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. The degree of obstruction and prognosis were determined by the Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) index. Results: We recruited 91 patients (50 females), with a mean age of 67.4 ± 8.7 years and a mean BMI of 25.8 ± 6.1 kg/m2. Sarcopenia was observed in 36 (39.6%) of the patients, with no differences related to gender, age, or smoking status. Sarcopenia was not associated with the GOLD stage or with FEV1 (used as an indicator of the degree of obstruction). The BMI, percentage of body fat, and total lean mass were lower in the patients with sarcopenia than in those without (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia was more prevalent among the patients in BODE quartile 3 or 4 than among those in BODE quartile 1 or 2 (p = 0.009). The multivariate analysis showed that the BODE quartile was significantly associated with sarcopenia, regardless of age, gender, smoking status, and GOLD stage. Conclusions: In COPD patients, sarcopenia appears to be associated with unfavorable changes in body composition and with a poor prognosis.

Changes in weight, body composition and physical fitness after 1.5 years at university.

This study examined changes in Belgian students' weight, body composition and physical fitness after 1.5 years at university. Furthermore, this study investigated whether these changes differed by gender and weight status. In this longitudinal study, 172 students' weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were objectively measured, whereas fat%, fat mass, fat-free mass, dynamic leg strength, handgrip strength, hamstring flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness were estimated using validated instruments. Measurements were conducted at the start of the first semester (T0), after the first semester (T1) and after 1.5 years (T2) at university. Female students' weight and BMI did not change, whereas male students gained 2.7 kg of weight and showed a 0.7 kg/m(2) BMI increase after 1.5 years. After the first semester, an increase in fat% was observed in the total group of students, whereas this time effect did not remain significant when comparing T0 and T2. In contrast to females, increases in 2.1 kg of fat-free mass and 1.8 cm of WC were found in males after 1.5 years. Higher baseline BMI and WC predicted greater BMI and fat% increases in males. Handgrip strength improved for both sexes, whereas no changes in other physical fitness components were found across the 1.5-year period. The greatest weight and BMI gains as well as unfavourable changes in body composition were found in male students with higher baseline BMI and WC. The observed changes in body composition did not cohere with changes in physical fitness.

Injury initiates unfavourable weight gain and obesity markers in youth

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the association of knee injuries with subsequent changes in body mass index and body composition during maturation in young females.MethodsA prospective longitudinal...

Calorie Restriction in the Elderly People

Calorie Restriction in the Elderly People

Effects of Community-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Body Composition and Physical Function in Individuals with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: 1.6-Year Followup

Objective. To examine long-term changes in physical function and body composition in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients participating in ongoing community-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Design. Thirty-four individuals (69.7 ± 8.2 years; 79% men) participated in this longitudinal observational study. Baseline and follow-up assessments included incremental shuttle walk, short physical performance battery, handgrip strength, chair stands, body composition, last year physical activity, and CR attendance. Results. Participants attended 38.5 ± 30.3% sessions during 1.6 ± 0.2 year followup. A significant increase in 30-second chair stands (17.0 ± 4.7 to 19.6 ± 6.4, P < 0.001), body weight (75.8 ± 11.1 to 77.2 ± 12.1 kg, P = 0.001), and body fat (27.0 ± 9.5 to 29.1 ± 9.6%, P < 0.001) and a decline in handgrip strength (36.4 ± 9.4 to 33.0 ± 10.6 kg·f, P < 0.001) and muscle mass (40.8 ± 5.6 to 39.3 ± 5.8%, P < 0.001) were observed during followup. There was no significant change in shuttle walk duration. CR attendance was not correlated to observed changes. Conclusions. Elderly CAD patients participating in a maintenance CR program improve lower-body muscle strength but experience a decline in handgrip strength and unfavourable changes in body composition, irrespective of CR attendance.