Lose Weight Research Articles

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis of Body Weight Variations and Their Implications for Daily Habits

Assessing changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, eating behaviors, and stress during the pandemic and their impact on weight is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study investigated weight variations among Brazilians and associated habit changes over nine months during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire was applied (T0/T1, T2). Weight variation classifications were determined from T0 to T1 and evaluated longitudinally for changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, food consumption, eating behavior, and perceived stress using generalized estimating equations (p < 0.05). Out of 453 participants, 23.6% lost weight, 18.1% maintained their weight, 26.0% gained up to 2.4 kg, and 32.2% gained ≥ 2.5 kg. Weight loss was associated with decreased food consumption and increased stress at T2. The group that gained up to 2.4 kg reported reduced food intake, snacking, meal preparation, and candy consumption but increased stress at T2. Those gaining ≥ 2.5 kg initially increased food consumption, snacking, meal preparation, hamburgers/canned products, sugary drinks, instant meals/snacks, candies, and fast food consumption at T1, all of which were reduced at T2, along with a decrease in uncontrolled and emotional eating. Although the pandemic initially affected daily habits differently based on weight changes, participants—especially those who gained more weight—tended to revert to pre-pandemic habits.

Wolf Predation on White‐tailed Deer Before, During, and After a Historically Mild Winter in Northern Minnesota

ABSTRACTIn many southern boreal ecosystems of North America, wolves are the primary predators of white‐tailed deer, and white‐tailed deer are the primary prey of wolves. Furthermore, wolf–deer systems have and will continue to become more common as white‐tailed deer range continues expanding northward in North America. Despite this, there is little information on kill rates of wolves on deer (i.e., the number of deer killed per wolf per unit of time)—a fundamental metric of wolf predation on deer—and how kill rates vary with deer density, wolf density, and environmental conditions. We estimated kill rates of wolves on deer before, during, and after a historically mild winter in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem, Minnesota, USA. Kill rates of wolves on deer were low (0.009–0.018 deer/wolf/day) in fall, peaked in February (0.050 deer/wolf/day), and quickly declined to 0 deer/wolf/day by April. The kill rates of wolves on deer we observed in winter were some of the lowest kill rates of wolves on deer that have been documented. Wolves in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem appeared unable to catch and kill a sufficient number of deer to meet their daily energetic requirements during Winter 2023–2024, and thus most wolves likely lost weight during winter, a period when wolves are typically in peak physical condition. The rates of wolf predation we observed appeared to be well below those needed to decrease deer population density in the GVE. Thus, our work, in combination with numerous other studies, indicates winter conditions are the primary driver of deer population change in northern climates.

Exploring the performance and biodegradability of Edible Biopolymer blends incorporating Pistacia atlantica subsp. Mutica Gum and Plasticized Poly(lactic acid)

Blending biopolymer is a key objective in development of innovative materials and effectively enhances the characteristics of the components to achieve tailored properties. This study introduces five eco-friendly blends in different ratios, created by melt-blending polymers, incorporating Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica gum into plasticized poly (lactic acid) with 16% acetyl tributyl citrate. To perform a comprative analysis of blends ratios, comprehensive techniques were applied, including differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and evaluations of water absorption behavior, chemical resistance, and biodegradability. The 70/30 (plasticized poly (lactic acid)/P. atlantica) blend was mechanically superior, exhibiting the greatest elongation at break and the lowest yield strength and Young’s modulus. FTIR analysis showed consistent spectral patterns across the 3000 to 650 cm− 1 range, with numerous absorption bands. DSC analysis identified the highest and lowest glass transition temperatures for the 90/10 and 70/30 blends, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy highlighted the development of more distinct island-sea structures as the proportion of P. atlantica gum increased. Water absorption tests differentiated the 90/10 blend as the most absorbent, while the 70/30 blend absorbed the least. Chemical resistance testing revealed all blends gained weight in HCl, but only the 90/10 blend lost weight in NaOH. All samples were confirmed to be highly biodegradable, surpassing 50% degradation after 6 months. Overall, the findings suggest that blending plasticized poly (lactic acid) and P. atlantica gum enhances the flexibility and performance of poly (lactic acid), warranting further attention.

A Longitudinal analysis of weight changes before and after total hip arthroplasty: Weight trends, patterns, and predictors.

It is crucial to understand weight trends in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). To evaluate preoperative and postoperative weight trends for patients undergoing primary THA and factors associated with clinically significant weight change. A prospective cohort who underwent primary unilateral THA (n= 3,011) at a tertiary healthcare system (January 2016 to December 2019) were included in the study. The primary outcomes were clinically significant weight change (> 5% change in body mass index [BMI]) during the one-year preoperative and one-year postoperative periods. Preoperatively, 66.6% maintained a stable weight, 16.0% gained and 17.4% lost weight, respectively. Postoperatively, 64.0% maintained a stable weight, while 22.6% gained and 13.4% lost weight, respectively. Female sex, Black race, obesity, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores, and older age were associated with preoperative weight loss. Female sex, obesity, higher CCI scores, and Medicare insurance were associated with postoperative weight loss. Preoperative weight loss was associated with postoperative weight gain (OR = 3.37 [CI: 2.67 to 4.25]; p< 0.001), and preoperative weight gain was associated with postoperative weight loss (OR = 1.74 [CI: 1.30 to 2.3]; p< 0.001). Most patients maintained a stable BMI one-year before and one-year after THA. Several factors are associated with weight loss before and after THA. Preoperative weight changes were associated with a reciprocal rebound in BMI post-operatively.

Mid-term clinical outcomes and cardiac function in patients receiving cardiac contractility modulation.

To describe the mid-term clinical and functional cardiac contractility modulation therapy (CCM) recipients in an urban population with heart failure. CCM is a non-excitatory electrical therapy for patients with systolic heart failure with NYHA class III symptoms and ejection fraction (EF) 25-45%. How CCM affects a broad range of clinical measures, including diastolic dysfunction (DD) and weight change, is unexplored. We reviewed 31 consecutive patients at our center who underwent CCM implant. NYHA class, hospitalizations, ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function, and weight were compared pre- and post-CCM implant. Mean age and follow-up time was 63 ± 10years and 1.4 ± 0.8years, respectively. Mean NYHA class improved by 0.97 functional classes (p < 0.001), and improvement occurred in 68% of patients. Mean annualized hospitalizations improved (0.8 ± 0.8 vs. 0.4 ± 1.0 hospitalizations/year, p = 0.048), and after exclusion of a single outlier, change in annualized days hospitalized also improved (total cohort 3.8 ± 4.7 vs. 3.7 ± 14.8days/year; p = 0.96; after exclusion, 3.8 ± 4.7 vs. 1.1 ± 1.9days/year, p < 0.001). Mean EF improved by 8% (p = 0.002), and among those with DD pre-CCM, mean DD improvement was 0.8 "grades" (p < 0.001). Mean weight change was 8.5 pounds lost, amounting to 4% of body weight (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, respectively), with 77% of patients having lost weight after CCM. Five patients (16%) experienced procedural complications; incidence skewed toward early implants. In an observational cohort, CCM therapy resulted in improvement in NYHA class, hospitalizations, systolic and diastolic function, and weight.

Semaglutide treatment of hypothalamic obesity – a real-life data study

PurposePatients with tumors involving the hypothalamic region are at high risk of developing morbid obesity due to disturbances in the appetite regulative nuclei in hypothalamus. We evaluated the effect of the Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue semaglutide in patients with hypothalamic obesity.MethodsWe recorded weight changes from real-time data before and after treatment with semaglutide in patients with hypothalamic obesity from our outpatient clinic at the Department of Endocrinology at Rigshospitalet, from September 2020 to November 2023.ResultsA total of 26 patients were included in this study (15 females, median age at initiation of semaglutide was 52 (range 18–65) years). Body mass index (BMI) at initial diagnosis was median 25 (range 20–38) kg/m2 while BMI at initiation of semaglutide was median 38 (range 28–58) kg/m2. All but one patient lost weight during semaglutide treatment with a mean weight loss of 13.4 kg (95% CI 10.3–16.5 kg, p = < 0.001) after 12 months corresponding to a loss in BMI of 4.4 kg/m2 (95% CI 3.4–5.4 kg/m2, p = < 0.001) with a median dosage of semaglutide of 1.6 (range 0.5–2.5) mg. Fifteen patients (58%) lost more than 10% and two patients (8%) lost more than 20% of initial body weight, respectively.ConclusionTreatment with semaglutide shows promising results in reducing body weight in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity. Whether the weight reduction remains stable after long time follow-up needs further investigation.

Lack of weight gain and increased mortality during and after treatment among adults with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Georgia, 2009-2020.

While low body mass index (BMI) is associated with poor tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes, the impact of weight gain during TB treatment is unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed if lack of weight gain is associated with all-cause mortality during and after TB treatment. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among adults with newly diagnosed multi- or extensively drug-resistant (M/XDR) pulmonary TB in Georgia between 2009-2020. The exposure was a change in BMI during the first 3-6 months of TB treatment. All-cause mortality during and after TB treatment was assessed using the National Death Registry. We used competing-risk Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) between BMI change and all-cause mortality. Among 720 adult participants, 21% had low BMI (<18.5 kg/m2) at treatment initiation and 9% died either during (n=16) or after treatment (n=50). During the first 3-6 months of TB treatment, 17% lost weight and 14% had no weight change. Among 479 adults with normal baseline BMI ( ≥18.5-24.9 kg/m2), weight loss was associated with an increased risk of death during TB treatment (aHR=5.25; 95%CI: 1.31-21.10). Among 149 adults with a low baseline BMI, no change in BMI was associated with increased post-TB treatment mortality (aHR=4.99; 95%CI: 1.25-19.94). Weight loss during TB treatment (among those with normal baseline BMI) or no weight gain (among those with low baseline BMI) was associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that scaling up weight management interventions among those with M/XDR TB may be beneficial.

A predictive model for medium-term weight loss response in people with type 2 diabetes engaging in behavioural weight management interventions.

To develop and evaluate prediction models for medium-term weight loss response in behavioural weight management programmes. We conducted three longitudinal analyses using the Action for HEalth in Diabetes (LookAHEAD) trial, Weight loss Referrals for Adults in Primary care (WRAP) trial, and routine data from the National Health Service Greater Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service (NHS-GGCWMS). We investigated predictors of medium-term weight loss (>5% body weight) over 3 years in NHS-GGCWMS and, separately, predictors of weight loss response in LookAHEAD over 4 years. We validated predictors in both studies using WRAP over 5 years. Predictors of interest included demographic and clinical variables, early weight change in-programme (first 4 weeks) and overall in-programme weight change. In LookAHEAD and WRAP the only baseline variables consistently associated with weight loss response were female sex and older age. Of 1152 participants in NHS-GGCWMS (mean age 57.8 years, 60% female, type 2 diabetes diagnosed for a median of 5.3 years), 139 lost weight over 3 years (12%). The strongest predictor of weight loss response was early weight change (odds ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.92-2.56) per 1% weight loss. Losing 0.5% weight in the first 4 weeks predicted medium-term weight loss (sensitivity 89.9%, specificity 49.5%, negative predictive value 97.3%). Overall in-programme weight change was also associated with weight loss response over 3 years in NHS-GGCWMS and over 5 years in WRAP. Not attaining a weight loss threshold of 0.5% early in weight management programmes may identify participants who would benefit from alternative interventions.

Weight Loss Programs: Why Do They Fail? A Multidimensional Approach for Obesity Management.

Despite the prevalence of weight loss programs, their success rates remain discouraging, with around half of individuals regaining lost weight within two years. The primary objective of this review is to explore the factors contributing to the failure of weight loss programs and to provide insights into effective weight management strategies. Factors contributing to the failure of weight loss programs include the impracticality of restrictive diets, potential metabolic impacts, limited focus on lifestyle changes, genetic predispositions, psychological influences, socioeconomic status, and medical conditions. A holistic approach considering these factors is crucial for safe and sustainable weight loss. Key findings indicate the importance of holistic approaches to weight management, including lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, and behavioral and psychological strategies. Effective weight loss strategies emphasize low-calorie, nutrient-rich diets, regular physical activity, and interventions tailored to individual needs. Combining multiple approaches offers the best chance of successful weight management and improved health outcomes. This review provides insights into the complexities of obesity management and the factors contributing to the failure of weight loss programs. It highlights the necessity of adopting a holistic approach that addresses dietary habits, physical activity, genetic factors, psychological well-being, and socioeconomic influences. Recommendations include implementing lifestyle modifications, medical interventions when necessary, and integrating behavioral and psychological support to achieve sustainable weight loss and mitigate the global health challenge posed by obesity.

Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharides reshape the gut microbiota to ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized inflammatory imbalance, intestinal epithelial mucosal damage, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharides (PCPs) can regulate gut microbiota and inflammation. Here, the different doses of PCPs were administered to dextran sodium sulfate-induced UC mice, and the effects of the whole PCPs were compared with those of the fractionated fractions PCP-1 (19.9kDa) and PCP-2 (71.6 and 4.2kDa). Additionally, an antibiotic cocktail was administered to UC mice to deplete the gut microbiota, and PCPs were subsequently administered to elucidate the potential role of the gut microbiota in these mice. The results revealed that PCP treatment significantly optimized the lost weight and shortened colon, restored the balance of inflammation, mitigated oxidative stress, and restored intestinal epithelial mucosal damage. And, the PCPs exhibited superior efficacy in ameliorating these symptoms compared with PCP-1 and PCP-2. However, depletion of the gut microbiota diminished the therapeutic effects of PCPs in UC mice. Furthermore, fecal transplantation from PCP-treated UC mice to new UC-afflicted mice produced therapeutic effects similar to PCP treatment. So, PCPs significantly ameliorated the symptoms, inflammation, oxidative stress, and intestinal mucosal damage in UC mice, and gut microbiota partially mediated these effects.

Semaglutide and weight loss – a concern for diabetics and pharmaceuticals

Madam, On 4 June 2021, the FDA approved intravenous Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight-loss management in chronically obese individuals [1]. However, Wegovy, also sold under the name Ozempic, has long been a shortcut for rapid weight loss and gained a reputation as “the worst kept secret in Hollywood” [2]. A recent rise in the popularity of these drugs has led manufacturers struggle to meet the increased demands, resulting in shortages of the medication—even for critical diabetic patients for whom they were initially recommended [2]. In this letter, we scrutinise the possible adverse effects of the rising usage of semaglutide for weight loss. A Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) trial of 3613 participants showed that 2.4 mg of semaglutide can cause clinically significant weight loss of 14.9% [95% CI] and improve cardiovascular function when used over 68 weeks [3]. The primary reported contraindications were gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea [3]. However, another STEP 1 trial the following year found that this weight loss was not sustainable as 1961 participants regained 11.6% (SD: 7.7) of the lost weight after discontinuation [4]. The increasing usage of semaglutide medication for purely aesthetic weight loss without diet and lifestyle modifications has become a pressing problem. The use of semaglutide by non-obese and non-diabetic individuals poses a public health threat as there is limited literature available on its contraindications in this population. Similarly, the original aim of drug development was to achieve sustained, clinically significant weight loss and seek to improve associated comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases. These benefits are lost when the primary focus of semaglutide use becomes weight loss alone and other health parameters are ignored. Trials show that discontinuation can lead to regain of two-thirds of the lost weight and a reversal of cardio-metabolic improvements [5]. Moreover, this misinformed usage of semaglutide fuelled by media influence contributes to the age-old perception of ‘miracle drugs’ that allow quick fixes. Such erroneous beliefs can cause an unhealthy lifestyle and binging behaviours, highlighting the need for patient counselling at the time of prescription and stricter regulations on the distribution of semaglutide. Stricter regulations should also be implemented until the long-term effects and safety of using Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of medication (2.4 mg) as compared to antidiabetic semaglutide formulations, are extensively explored. ---Continue

Psychosocial Predictors of Maintained Weight Loss in Women: Informing Behavioral Obesity Treatment Foci.

Behavioral obesity treatments are typically unable to facilitate meaningful weight loss beyond the short term. Implications of malleable psychosocial factors are unclear, which limits behavioral intervention contents. The current aim was to inform obesity treatments to improve their foci on psychosocial factors leading to resilient behavioral changes and maintained weight loss. Based on pre-planned analyses, women participating in a community-based obesity treatment emphasizing self-regulation and exercise, and who lost at least 3% of their initial weight (N = 89), were measured on eating-related self-efficacy, negative mood, emotional eating, body satisfaction, and self-regulating eating at baseline, Month 3, and Month 6; and on weight change over 12months. From baseline to Month 6, there was a significant overall improvement in each psychosocial variable. In separate multiple regression equations, scores at (1) Month 6, (2) change from baseline to Month 6, and (3) change from Month 3 to Month 6 were entered as predictors of maintained weight loss from Month 6 to Month 12. Using a backward elimination process, only negative mood was retained in the final Month 6 model, and significantly predicted maintained weight loss (R2adjusted = .03, p = .050). Changes in self-efficacy, mood, emotional eating, and self-regulation were retained in the final baseline to Month 6 model, and significantly predicted weight loss maintained over 12months (R2adjusted = .30, p < .001). Findings add to research on obesity treatment development by suggesting an enhanced focus on facilitating changes in self-efficacy, mood, emotional eating, and self-regulation may enhance maintenance of lost weight (or increase weight loss).

Weight loss treatment for COVID-19 in patients with NCDs: a pilot prospective clinical trial

COVID-19 comorbid with noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) complicates the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and increases the mortality rate. The aim is to evaluate the effects of a restricted diet on clinical/laboratory inflammation and metabolic profile, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and body composition in patients with COVID-19 comorbid with NCDs. We conducted a 6-week open, pilot prospective controlled clinical trial. The study included 70 adult patients with COVID-19 comorbid with type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Interventions: a restricted diet including calorie restriction, hot water drinking, walking, and sexual self-restraint. Primary endpoints: COVID-19 diagnosis by detecting SARS-CoV-2 genome by RT-PCR; weight loss in Main group; body temperature; C-reactive protein. Secondary endpoints: the number of white blood cells; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; adverse effects during treatment; fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP); blood lipids; ALT/AST, chest CT-scan. In Main group, patients with overweight lost weight from baseline (− 12.4%; P < 0.0001); 2.9% in Main group and 7.2% in Controls were positive for COVID-19 (RR: 0.41, CI: 0.04–4.31; P = 0.22) on the 14th day of treatment. Body temperature and C-reactive protein decreased significantly in Main group compared to Controls on day 14th of treatment (P < 0.025). Systolic/diastolic BP normalized (P < 0.025), glucose/lipids metabolism (P < 0.025); ALT/AST normalized (P < 0.025), platelets increased from baseline (P < 0.025), chest CT (P < 0.025) in Main group at 14 day of treatment. The previous antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and other symptomatic medications were adequately decreased to completely stop during the weight loss treatment. Thus, the fast weight loss treatment may be beneficial for the COVID-19 patients with comorbid T2D, hypertension, and NASH over traditional medical treatment because, it improved clinical and laboratory/instrumental data on inflammation; glucose/lipid metabolism, systolic/diastolic BPs, and NASH biochemical outcomes, reactive oxygen species; and allowed patients to stop taking medications.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05635539 (02/12/2022): https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05635539?term=NCT05635539&draw=2&rank=1.

Nutritional status of schoolchildren before and after confinement by COVID-19 (2019-2021) in Jujuy, Argentina.

An increase in the prevalence of obesity due to lockdown and confinement linked to COVID-19 is observed. Variations in the nutritional status of schoolchildren from Jujuy are analyzed in relation to confinement due to COVID-19 (2019-2021) and its relationship with socio-demographic variables and the school environment. This is an observational, descriptive study. Data from 56,695 schoolchildren aged 6-18 years old is analyzed based on two temporary cuts (2019 pre-confinement and 2021 post-confinement). The nutritional status of schoolchildren (underweight, overweight, and obese) was established using the IOTF (International Obesity Task Force) criterion. The prevalence of each nutritional phenotype was estimated by sex and age group, considering the following independent variables: setting (rural/urban), school management system (public/private), geographic altitude, and percentage of households with unmet basic needs (UBN) in the place where they attend school. Multiple proportions contrast was performed using Fisher's test, a transition matrix ws produced and a statistical model of proportional odds was fitted. It was observed that between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of underweight decreased and the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased significantly. In 2021, 67% of schoolchildren maintained the same nutritional category that they had in 2019, 21% gained weight and 12% lost weight. The model explains about 52% of the total variability observed. The factors that are significantly correlated in the model are school cycle, age, geographic altitude, school setting, and % of households with UBN. The results indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shift to the right in the distribution of the nutritional status categories of the schoolchildren population in Jujuy, with a decrease in the prevalence of underweight and an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity with variations related to age, school location, geographic altitude, and socioeconomic characteristics of the households in the place where the children attended school.

Optimize the corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties of AISI 316 stainless steel under heat treatment and previous cold working

Abstract Improving corrosion resistance in alloys made of stainless steel is an important innovation on the petroleum trade. The effect of heat treatments (HT) and cold working on the corrosion behaviour, surface hardness, and microstructure of 316 stainless steel was investigated experimentally. The corrosion environment is seawater and crude oil. The corrosion rates (CRs) were obtained using the mean loss of weight approach, which was then optimised using the Taguchi method. The specimens used in this study are made of 316 stainless steel rod, which is first annealed to obtain the qualities of the raw material before being put through a tensile test to assess the mechanical characteristics of the metal. After cold working, the hardness test, the corrosion test utilising the lost weight method, and the microstructure test are all carried out. By performing these tests, the metal show excellent mechanical properties such as yield stress, tensile stress, and hardness; in the corrosion test, the raw metal show higher resistance in both seawater and crude oil, while in cold working and HT with cold working, samples show higher corrosion The HT samples had the lowest corrosion resistance as the cold working percentage increased. In this work, the input parameters such as ultimate corrosion media, HT and cold work (CW) are optimised utilising a multiple objective optimisation approach that uses weighted grey relational analysis. Two objectives, that are CR and Hardness (H), are simultaneously optimised. We suggested a quantitative approach to establish the weight factors of various responses for grey relational analysis called weighted grey relational analysis. The optimum input parameters were determined using weighted grey relational analysis, and the outcomes showed that HT is the most relevant parameter. Cold working has been observed in association with stress-related twinning and austenite phase deformation, resulting in fast grain splitting and the production of a microstructure that resembles a ribbon composed of austenite and ferrite.

Impact of sustained calorie restriction and weight cycling on body composition in high-fat diet-fed male and female C57BL/6J mice.

The objective of this study was to investigate body composition changes with weight cycling (WC) among adult C57BL/6J mice with diet-induced obesity. A total of 555 single-housed mice were fed a high-fat diet ad libitum (AL) from 8 to 43 weeks of age. The 200 heaviest mice of each sex were randomized to the following four groups: ever obese (EO, continued AL feeding); obese weight loser (OWL, calorie-restricted); obese weight loser moderate (OWLM, body weight halfway between EO and OWL); and WC (diet restricted to OWL followed by AL refeeding cycles). Body weight and composition data were collected. Linear regression was used to calculate residuals between predicted and observed fat mass. Linear mixed models were used to compare diet groups. Although weight loss and regain resulted in changes in body weight and composition, fat mass, body weight, and relative body fat were not significantly greater for the WC group compared with the EO group. During long-term calorie restriction, males (but not females) in the OWLM group remained relatively fatter than the EO group. WC did not increase body weight or relative fat mass for middle-aged, high-fat diet-fed adult mice. However, long-term moderate calorie restriction resulted in lower body weight but greater "relative" fat in male mice.

Silibinin's Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the first drug of choice to treat several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. However, its administration is accompanied by severe side effects, most commonly hepatotoxicity. Hence, alternative therapies with a lower toxicity and fewer side effects are needed. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of silibinin (SIL, natural agent) against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Arthritic rats were treated with SIL (100 mg/kg) and/or methotrexate (2 mg/kg). Non-arthritic rats, arthritic untreated rats, and arthritic rats who received the vehicle were followed in parallel. SIL alleviated the systemic consequences of arthritis by restoring lost weight, decreasing the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and ameliorating joint damage, which was evident both micro- and macroscopically. Additionally, SIL prevented the histopathological alterations in the liver and significantly reduced the liver damage caused by MTX and AIA, as shown by a decrease in the markers of liver damage (ALT and AST). Furthermore, SIL relieved the oxidative stress induced by AIA and MTX in liver tissue by decreasing the lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and enhancing the antioxidant defense system (GSH levels; catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities). In conclusion, our results suggest that SIL is a potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent in arthritic rats. It markedly attenuated the progression and severity of the arthritic disease and eased the oxidative stress in liver tissue by improving the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance.

Abstract 2189: Tirzepatide mitigates obesity-associated metabolic dysregulation and tumor progression in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract Obesity is an established risk factor for breast cancer. Dietary and surgical weight loss interventions reduce breast cancer risk but have significant limitations to their widespread use as anticancer strategies. Incretin-based pharmaceuticals safely and effectively promote weight loss, but whether these drugs exert similar protective effects against cancer is unknown. Here we test whether weight loss induced by the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist tirzepatide limits tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer. Ten-week-old female C57BL/6NCrl mice were randomized to either a 10 kcal% low-fat diet (control; n=14) or 60 kcal% high-fat diet to promote diet-induced obesity (DIO; n=43). After 18 weeks on diet, DIO mice were randomized by body weight to either i) remain on the high-fat diet (DIO; n=15); ii) lose weight with tirzepatide (TZP; n=13); or iii) lose weight with 30% daily calorie restriction relative to control mice (CR; n=15). All mice were subcutaneously injected with either TZP or vehicle every other day for 13 weeks with the following escalating dosing schedule: 3 nmol/kg TZP in week 1; 10 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 2-3; 20 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 4-7; 30 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 8-11; and 40 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 12-13. Fasting blood glucose and body composition was assessed after 9 weeks of weight loss, and 35,000 E0771 cells were orthotopically transplanted into the 4th mammary fat pad. Tumors growth was monitored for 4 weeks. TZP-treated mice lost on average &amp;gt;20% weight loss by week 4 and remained at or below 20% weight loss for the remainder of the study. Directly prior to E0771 tumor cell injections, TZP-treated mice had lost 23.6±8.9% body weight, versus 39.7±3.6% in CR mice. Relative to DIO mice, blood glucose control was restored in both weight loss groups (DIO: 149.5±18.5 mg/dl; TZP: 124.5±15.5 mg/dl; CR: 107.6±18.8 mg/dl) and &amp;gt;87.5% of the lost weight was attributed to fat mass, rather than lean mass, for TZP-treated and CR mice. Notably, tirzepatide suppressed tumor growth relative to DIO, but the CR group had a greater anticancer effect than TZP. Reduced tumor mass in both weight loss groups was accompanied by a significant reduction in circulating IGF-1, insulin, and leptin relative to DIO mice. These findings are timely and important because i) obesity is a highly prevalent metabolic disease that increases risk and progression of breast cancer and &amp;gt;13 other cancers; ii) incretin therapies, which show promise as highly effective weight loss drugs, are increasingly being prescribed; and iii) the tumor suppressive effects of tirzepatide described herein newly suggest incretin agonism as another propitious option for breaking the obesity-cancer link. Citation Format: Elaine M. Glenny, Alyssa N. Ho, Violet A. Kiesel, Fangxin Chen, Claire E. Gates, Evan M. Paules, Ruihan Xu, C. Alex Holt, Michael F. Coleman, Stephen D. Hursting. Tirzepatide mitigates obesity-associated metabolic dysregulation and tumor progression in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2189.

Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Weight Loss and Maintenance of the Lost Weight in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Weight Loss and Maintenance of the Lost Weight in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

How Successful Are Veterinary Weight Management Plans for Canine Patients Experiencing Poor Welfare Due to Being Overweight and Obese?

Overweight and obesity is one of the most significant health and welfare issues affecting companion animals and are linked to several serious medical conditions, reduced welfare, and shortened lifespan. The number of overweight and obese pets increases every year. Overweight and obesity are associated with multiple chronic diseases. Underlying causes include human-related and animal-related factors. Veterinarians encounter overweight and obese canine patients in daily practice and they play an important role in weight management. This research examines the level of veterinary engagement and the success of veterinary management plans for overweight and obese canines over a five-year period. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were collected for 500 canine patients assessed as either overweight or obese and statistically analyzed for level of veterinary engagement (VE), weight loss success, prescription weight loss diet (RX) use, and comorbidities. The average age at the beginning of the study was 61.5 months. A starting Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6 or 7 was most common (87.2%). Twelve different small and large dog breeds were most highly represented (61.1%). Average weight loss rates were low and more dogs gained rather than lost weight (56.5% vs. 43.5%). While VE is important, this study suggests current VE levels are not adequate to successfully combat overweight and obesity or result in improved animal welfare.