Weight Loss Program Research Articles

Religious Dietary Practices: Health Outcomes and Psychological Insights From Various Countries.

Religious beliefs profoundly influence dietary practices across diverse cultures and communities, guiding what foods are acceptable, how they are prepared, and the timing of consumption. This narrative review examines the intricate relationship between religious dietary practices and their health and psychological well-being implications. Religious dietary practices, deeply rooted in various cultural and historical contexts, significantly influence followers' food consumption patterns. This narrative review aims to discuss how religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism prescribe specific dietary laws and guidelines, impacting nutritional intake and health outcomes. Furthermore, it delves into the psychological mechanisms, such as cognitive dissonance and social identity theories, that underpin adherence to these dietary practices. The review also highlights the role of community and social support in reinforcing dietary habits within religious contexts, contributing to mental health and social cohesion. By synthesizing insights from nutrition, psychology, and religious studies, this narrative review aims to provide healthcare providers with culturally sensitive dietary advice, ultimately improving patient care and promoting holistic health. Religious dietary practices provide numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of chronic diseases and enhanced mental well-being, achieved through disciplined and conscientious eating habits. Nevertheless, these practices also pose nutritional challenges that necessitate meticulous management and dietary planning.

Food-Intolerance Genetic Testing: A Useful Tool for the Dietary Management of Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders.

The rise in food intolerances and celiac disease, along with advanced diagnostic techniques, has prompted health professionals to seek effective and economical testing methods. This study evaluates combining genetic tests with routine carbohydrate-absorption breath tests to classify patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders into therapeutic groups, enhancing dietary management and improving gut health and quality of life. Forty-nine patients with suspected carbohydrate intolerance underwent genetic testing for lactase non-persistence, hereditary fructose intolerance, and celiac disease risk. Simultaneously, breath tests assessed lactose and fructose absorption. The lactase non-persistence genotype appeared in 36.7% of cases, with one hereditary fructose-intolerance case in a heterozygous condition. Celiac disease risk markers (HLA-DQ2/8 haplotypes) were found in 49.0% of the population. Secondary lactose and/or fructose malabsorption was present in 67.3% of patients, with 66.1% of lactase non-persistence individuals showing secondary lactose malabsorption. Fructose malabsorption was prevalent in 45.8% of patients at risk for celiac disease. Two main treatment groups were defined based on genetic results, indicating primary and irreversible gastrointestinal disorder causes, followed by a sub-classification using breath test results. Genetic testing is a valuable tool for designing dietary management plans, avoiding unnecessary diet restrictions, and reducing recovery times.

An adaptive functional regression framework for locally heterogeneous signals in spectroscopy

Abstract In recent years, there has been growing attention towards food nutritional properties, traceability, and production systems prioritizing environmental sustainability. Consequently, there is a rising demand for tools evaluating food quality and authenticity, with mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy techniques playing a pivotal role to collect vast amounts of data. These data pose some challenges that existing methods struggle to address, thus necessitating the development of new statistical techniques. We introduce an adaptive functional regression framework allowing for the definition of a flexible estimator accommodating different degrees of smoothness. We provide an optimization procedure handling both Gaussian and non-Gaussian responses, and allowing for the inclusion of scalar covariates. Our proposal is applied to MIR spectroscopy data, providing excellent performances when predicting milk composition and cows’ dietary regimens. Furthermore, the developed inferential routine enhances the interpretability of the results, providing valuable insights leading to a deeper understanding of the relation between specific wavenumbers and milk characteristics.

The effects of laser acupuncture on metabolic syndrome in obese postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled study

To study the laser acupuncture (LA) effects on postmenopausal obese women’s metabolic syndrome. Randomized controlled trial. Benha university hospital. Thirty postmenopausal women were randomized into two equal groups. Group A received a diet regimen and Group B received LA treatment for 30 min three times a week for two months beside the diet regimen. Included weight (W), body mass index (BMI), waist (WC), hip (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) before and after the end of treatment. The study’s findings showed that both groups experienced a highly statistically significant decrease in the post-testing mean value of W, BMI, WC, HC, WHR, SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBG, FBI, and HOMA-IR, while both groups experienced a significant increase in the post-treatment mean value of HDL (p 0.0001). The posttreatment SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBS, FBI and insulin resistance were significantly lower while HDL was significantly higher in women who received combined LA and diet regimen compared to those who received dietary regimen only. LA beside the nutritional intervention is a physical therapy technique that may be used safely, easily, and effectively to minimize metabolic syndrome features during menopause.

Weighing your options-intragastric balloon versus semaglutide.

Over half of Americans and up to 78% of US Veteran population meet criteria for obesity. Perioperatively placed intragastric balloon (IGB) can accelerate weight loss goals for safe surgical candidacy, however weight regain is common after removal. Glucagon-like peptide-1-receptor agonists (GLP1RA) may provide a more sustainable weight loss solution after surgery. We hypothesize that weight regain will be less at 1year after initiation of GLP1RA than IGB placement in Veterans. Retrospective review of prospective databases of perioperatively placed intragastric balloon cohort from 1/2019-1/2023 compared to patients who received initiatory GLP1RA from 6/2021-8/2022 at a VA Medical Center(VAMC). All patients were enrolled in the VAMC MOVE! multidisciplinary weight management program for a minimum of 12weeks. Outcomes measured were patients' weights at 0, 3, 6, and 12months and weight change for these intervals. Exclusion criteria included history of bariatric surgery and incomplete weight loss data. Two-hundred-twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria; 110 (49%) patients excluded. Mean age was 54 ± 11years, the majority (78, 69%) were male, and the mean initial BMI was 37 ± 5.9kg/m2. Seventeen (15%) patients underwent IGB placement and 96 (85%) patients received semaglutide. Weight (kg) change was measured at intervals: 0-3months:-11.8(-17,-9.5) IGB vs. -5.1(-7.4,-2.3) semaglutide, p < 0.0001; 0-6months:-12.7(-18.4,-9.9) vs. -9.4(-12.6,-6.1), p = 0.03; 3-6months:-0.5(-2.3,2.3) vs. -4.3(-6.8,-1.6), p < 0.0001; 6-12months:3(0,7.3) vs. -1.9(-4.7,1), p = 0.0006. Weight loss occurs more rapidly in the first 6months after intragastric balloon placement compared to semaglutide (-12.7 vs. -9.4kg, p = 0.03). Despite ongoing attendance in a comprehensive weight loss program, weight regain is common after IGB removal by an average of 3kg (23.6%) at 1year. In contrast, patients on GLP1RA (semaglutide) continue to lose weight during this period. Further studies are needed to determine if optimal long-term outcomes may result from combination therapy with intragastric balloon and semaglutide.

Cognitive Functions, Mood and Sleep Quality after Two Months of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is being popularized as a method beneficial not only for weight loss, but also for overall psychological functioning and well-being. However, there is only a handful of studies examining the latter claims. The aim of this open-label study was to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between fasting-based diets, and cognitive functions and other mental health factors such as mood and sleep quality. The research was conducted on a sample of 105 healthy volunteers who were placed in either the experimental (fasting) group (n = 76) or the control (no change in diet regimen) group (n = 29). For a period of 2 months, the experimental group adhered to a time-restricted eating (TRE) form of intermittent fasting: Participants were instructed to fast from eating or drinking for 16 hours per day. Participants in the control group did not adhere to any specific dietary regimen. Cognitive functioning (attention, memory, working memory and executive functions), as well as sleep quality and several mood dimensions (anxiety, depression, fatigue, hostility, friendliness, cheerfulness, concentration, energy) were measured across three time points: Prior to the beginning of the study, and one month and two months later, respectively. Results showed no significant group x time point interactions on any of the measures. In conclusion, the results of this study do not corroborate the notion that TRE regimen significantly influences cognitive functions, mood or sleep of healthy individuals. While fasting-based diets successfully regulate weight, the claims regarding their beneficial effect on psychological functioning in non-clinical populations are yet to be proven.

Correlation between body mass index and functional outcome of total knee replacement for osteoarthritis of knee- a prospective study on South Indian cohort

BackgroundOver the past 20 years, there has been an increase in demand for complete knee replacements, and this trend is predicted to continue. It has been shown that being overweight is a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. There are only a few studies on this in India and none on South Indian patients, Therefore, our goal was to evaluate how BMI affected functional outcomes after primary total knee replacement. ObjectivesTo determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on functional outcomes after primary total knee replacement. Methodology: Patients who underwent total knee replacement between November 2021 and November 2023 were included in the study. Patients were divided into groups based on BMI. Group I patients have a BMI less than 25, and group II patients of BMI greater than 25. International Knee Society scoring(IKSS) is used to assess patients Preoperatively and postoperatively. ResultsOut of 185 patients, 70 were males and 115 were females. When IKSS scores were analyzed the mean Knee score before surgery in Group 1 was 24.58 and in Group 2 it was 16.64. After 1 year follow up the mean scores were 68.5 and 57.5 respectively. When analyzed with functional score the pre-op scores for groups 1 and 2 were 32.58 and 23.44 respectively and post-op scores after one-year follow-up were 71.17 and 51.7 respectively. ConclusionBMI does have a positive correlation with both preoperative and postoperative scores. A weight-loss programme can be discussed with the patients presenting the results of this study.

A knowledge-based decision support system to support family doctors in personalizing type-2 diabetes mellitus medical nutrition therapy

BackgroundType-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) is a growing concern worldwide, and family doctors are called to help diabetic patients manage this chronic disease, also with Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). However, MNT for Diabetes is usually standardized, while it would be much more effective if tailored to the patient. There is a gap in patient-tailored MNT which, if addressed, could support family doctors in delivering effective recommendations. In this context, decision support systems (DSSs) are valuable tools for physicians to support MNT for T2D patients – as long as DSSs are transparent to humans in their decision-making process. Indeed, the lack of transparency in data-driven DSS might hinder their adoption in clinical practice, thus leaving family physicians to adopt general nutrition guidelines provided by the national healthcare systems. MethodThis work presents a prototypical ontology-based clinical Decision Support System (OnT2D- DSS) aimed at assisting general practice doctors in managing T2D patients, specifically in creating a tailored dietary plan, leveraging clinical expert knowledge. OnT2D-DSS exploits clinical expert knowledge formalized as a domain ontology to identify a patient's phenotype and potential comorbidities, providing personalized MNT recommendations for macro- and micro-nutrient intake. The system can be accessed via a prototypical interface. ResultsTwo preliminary experiments are conducted to assess both the quality and correctness of the inferences provided by the system and the usability and acceptance of the OnT2D-DSS (conducted with nutrition experts and family doctors, respectively). ConclusionsOverall, the system is deemed accurate by the nutrition experts and valuable by the family doctors, with minor suggestions for future improvements collected during the experiments.

Effects of Probiotic Supplementation Added to a Weight Loss Program on Anthropometric Measures, Body Composition, Eating Behavior, and Related Hormone Levels in Patients with Food Addiction and Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Weight regain after metabolic bariatric surgery is a common problem. Food addiction is an eating disorder that can be one of the reasons for weight regain in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation with a weight loss program and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anthropometric measures, eating behavior, food addiction, and related hormone levels, in patients with food addiction and weight regain after metabolic bariatric surgery. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients with food addiction and weight regain after metabolic bariatric surgery. Participants (n = 50) received a weight loss program and CBT plus probiotic, or placebo for 12weeks. Then, anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, eating behavior, and food addiction were assessed. Weight and body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly in the probiotic group compared to placebo (p = 0.008, p = 0.001, respectively). Fat mass was significantly decreased in the probiotic group (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant improvement was observed in the probiotic group's eating behavior and food addiction compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). Serum levels of leptin decreased significantly (p = 0.02), and oxytocin serum levels increased significantly (p = 0.008) in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. Adding probiotic supplements to the weight loss program and CBT is superior to the weight loss program and CBT alone in improving weight loss, eating behavior, and food addiction in patients with food addiction and weight regain after metabolic bariatric surgery.

Predicting and comparing the long-term impact of lifestyle interventions on individuals with eating disorders in active population: a machine learning evaluation.

This study aims to evaluate and predict the long-term effectiveness of five lifestyle interventions for individuals with eating disorders using machine learning techniques. This study, conducted at Dr. Irandoust's Health Center at Qazvin from August 2021 to August 2023, aimed to evaluate the effects of five lifestyle interventions on individuals with eating disorders, initially diagnosed using The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS). The interventions were: (1) Counseling, exercise, and dietary regime, (2) Aerobic exercises with dietary regime, (3) Walking and dietary regime, (4) Exercise with a flexible diet, and (5) Exercises through online programs and applications. Out of 955 enrolled participants, 706 completed the study, which measured Body Fat Percentage (BFP), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol (CHO), Weight, and Triglycerides (TG) at baseline, during, and at the end of the intervention. Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Regressors, following feature engineering, were used to analyze the data, focusing on the interventions' long-term effectiveness on health outcomes related to eating disorders. Feature engineering with Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Regressors, respectively, reached an accuracy of 85 and 89%, then 89 and 90% after dataset balancing. The interventions were ranked based on predicted effectiveness: counseling with exercise and dietary regime, aerobic exercises with dietary regime, walking with dietary regime, exercise with a flexible diet, and exercises through online programs. The results show that Machine Learning (ML) models effectively predicted the long-term effectiveness of lifestyle interventions. The current study suggests a significant potential for tailored health strategies. This emphasizes the most effective interventions for individuals with eating disorders. According to the results, it can also be suggested to expand demographics and geographic locations of participants, longer study duration, exploring advanced machine learning techniques, and including psychological and social adherence factors. Ultimately, these results can guide healthcare providers and policymakers in creating targeted lifestyle intervention strategies, emphasizing personalized health plans, and leveraging machine learning for predictive healthcare solutions.

Effect of silymarin on lipid profile and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of silymarin supplementation on glycemic indices and serum lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In this open-label randomized clinical trial study, 48 patients with T2DM were eligible to participate for 12 weeks and were divided into two groups randomly: 24 subjects in the intervention (received three 140 mg silymarin capsules daily and diet plan) and 24 in control (received a diet plan). Fasting blood samples and anthropometric data were collected, and glycemic indices and lipid profiles were determined at baseline and at the end of the study. Out of 60 patients included in the clinical trial, 48 people completed the study. In comparing silymarin and control groups before and after the study, a significant reduction was observed in weight and body mass index. However, after adjustment, no significant difference was seen between the two groups. Furthermore, daily consumption of three capsules of 140 mg silymarin for 12 weeks did not show any significant difference on the level of fasting blood sugar (p = 0.789), HbA1c (p = 0.719), and lipid profile. The findings of the present study show that silymarin did not lead to changes in the level of glycemic index and lipid profile in patients with T2DM.

Impact of dietary regime on the metabolomic profile of bovine buttermilk and whole milk powder

IntroductionBovine milk contains a rich matrix of nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, protein and various vitamins and minerals, the composition of which is altered by factors including dietary regime.ObjectivesThe objective of this research was to investigate the impact of dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine whole milk powder and buttermilk.MethodsBovine whole milk powder and buttermilk samples were obtained from spring-calving cows, consuming one of three diets. Group 1 grazed outdoors on perennial ryegrass which was supplemented with 5% concentrates; group 2 were maintained indoors and consumed a total mixed ration diet; and group 3 consumed a partial mixed ration diet consisting of perennial ryegrass during the day and total mixed ration maintained indoors at night.ResultsMetabolomic analysis of the whole milk powder (N = 27) and buttermilk (N = 29) samples was preformed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, with 504 and 134 metabolites identified in the samples respectively. In whole milk powder samples, a total of 174 metabolites from various compound classes were significantly different across dietary regimes (FDR adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05), including triglycerides, of which 66% had their highest levels in pasture-fed samples. Triglycerides with highest levels in pasture-fed samples were predominantly polyunsaturated with high total carbon number. Regarding buttermilk samples, metabolites significantly different across dietary regimes included phospholipids, sphingomyelins and an acylcarnitine.ConclusionIn conclusion the results reveal a significant impact of a pasture-fed dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine dairy products, with a particular impact on lipid compound classes.

Sestrin2 knockout exacerbates high-fat diet induced metabolic disorders and complications in female mice

BackgroundObesity and its associated complications raise significant public concern, revealing gender disparities in the susceptibility to metabolic disorders, with females often displaying greater resistance to obesity-related metabolic disorder than males. Sestrin2 is a crucial protein involved in metabolism and energy balance. This study seeks to explore whether Sesn2 knockout (KO) exacerbates high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in female mice.MethodsFemale mice with wild-type (WT) and Sesn2 KO were subjected to a 12-week regimen of normal diet or HFD. Using a Body Composition Analyzer, body composition was gauged. Biochemical assays encompassed glucose, lipid, and liver function measurements, alongside 24-hour urine albumin excretion. Echocardiographic evaluation assessed cardiac function. Histopathological analysis of key metabolic tissues (liver, kidney, and heart tissues) were conducted. Western blotting or qRT-PCR evaluated key proteins and genes linked to inflammation, mitochondrial, and lipid metabolism in adipose tissues.ResultsIn comparison to mice fed a regular diet, those on a HFD exhibited significant increases in body weight and fat mass. Notably, Sesn2 KO further aggravated obesity, showcasing the most pronounced metabolic anomalies: elevated body weight, fat mass, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity, alongside heightened levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides. Additionally, KO-HFD mice displayed exacerbated multi-tissue impairments, including elevated hepatic enzymes, increased urinary albumin excretion, compromised cardiac function, and accumulation of lipids in the liver, kidney, and heart. Moreover, adipose tissue showcased altered lipid dynamics and function, characterized by enhanced triglyceride breakdown and modified adipokine levels. Browning was diminished, along with decreased Pgc1α and Sirt1 in KO-HFD mice.ConclusionSesn2 KO exacerbates HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in female mice. These findings underscore Sestrin2’s novel role as a regulator of obesity in female mice.

Nondietary psychological app program leads to sustained weight loss due to trained physiological satiety perception.

Obese people are mostly unable to maintain successful weight loss after the end of a dietary change. One reason is that conventional weight reduction concepts neglect physiological hunger and satiety perception, leading to a relapse to previous eating habits on the long run. We examined the long-term efficacy of a psychological smartphone weight loss program, which avoids any dietary instructions and aims at relearning of satiety perception. Parameters of body weight alterations and psychological features, for example, satiety perception, food cravings, and emotional eating, were explored in a nonrandomized experimental study comprising 75 obese participants. Measurements occurred at baseline, two times during program application, as well as at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Participants displayed significant weight loss during the entire study period (p = .029) and showed an improved body composition at the 6-month follow-up (p = .018). These effects were associated with increased satiety perception, as well as reduced food cravings, and emotional eating habits. Notably, all improvements in measured parameters significantly sustained between the end of the program and the 12-month follow-up (p < .005 for all). Psychological relearning of satiety perception may outclass dietary approaches in terms of long-term efficiency.

Abstract Tu090: P21-activated kinase 1 safeguards cardiac function from impairment during fasting

Excessive calorie intake poses a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease, while caloric restriction and intermittent fasting have demonstrated benefits in enhancing cardiovascular health and improving cardiometabolic risk profiles. Despite this knowledge, the precise mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of these dietary regimens remain inadequately understood. P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase known to play a crucial role in promoting cardiomyocyte survival in response to various stressors. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of PAK1 in maintaining cardiac function during fasting, utilizing mice with modified PAK1 activity in the heart. Under normal feeding conditions, heart function exhibited no discernible differences among wild type (WT), transgenic (TG), and knockout (KO) mice, as evidenced by consistent fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF), E/A ratio, and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT). After a one-day fast, systolic contractile function remained robust across all groups of mice. However, the E/A ratio decreased in KO mice, and IVRT was prolonged in KO mice, while shortened in TG mice, highlighting the crucial role of PAK1 in maintaining diastolic cardiac function. Upon a two-day fast, systolic function was compromised in both WT and KO mice, whereas TG mice exhibited preserved function, as evidenced by FS and EF measurements, emphasizing PAK1's equal significance in sustaining systolic cardiac function. Furthermore, fasting accelerated mitophagy, a process eliminating dysfunctional mitochondria through lysosomal degradation, as observed by mitochondria-associated LC3-II and a dual fluorescent mitophagy reporter. Additionally, we established PAK1 as a positive regulator of mitophagy, suggesting its potential protective role in the heart during fasting via mitophagy modulation. In summary, PAK1 emerges as a critical mediator of cardiac function during fasting, presenting promising avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health.

Abstract Tu033: CXCL5: The Next Guardian of the Galaxy to challenge Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a persistent inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) in arterial walls and has been linked to several cardiovascular ailments. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis, the underlying mechanisms of atherogenesis, particularly regarding chemokine influence, has yet to be investigated. Our laboratory has previously identified CXCL5, a chemokine known for its involvement in inflammatory responses, as a potential mediator of atherosclerosis. We found that patients with elevated CXCL5 levels were less likely to have experienced a previous heart attack or develop coronary artery disease, suggesting that CXCL5 may be atheroprotective. To further investigate the role of CXCL5 in atherosclerosis, we conducted a study using mice on an apolipoprotein E (apoE) knockout background, to promote the formation of plaque, with varying alleles (0, 1, or 2) of CXCL5. Mice were placed on a high-fat diet regimen starting at approximately 10 weeks of age and continued until 26 weeks of age. Aortas, echocardiograms, and blood plasma were obtained to assess the development of atherosclerosis and its impact on cardiac function and metabolic parameters. Our en face oil red o staining results showed that the aortas of mice lacking one (p=.0314) or both alleles (p=.0783) of CXCL5 exhibited elevated plaque formation compared to that of wild-type mice. Echocardiographic data revealed that left ventricular mass (corrected) was highest in CXCL5 knockout mice and increased significantly over time (p=.0170) in these animals. Additionally, a significant increase in heart rate (p=.0095) and glucose (p=.0274) levels was only observed in CXCL5 heterozygous mice over the 16-week period, while triglyceride levels increased in both CXCL5 heterozygous (p=.0010) and knockout (p=.0241) mice. Interestingly, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which is often considered as "good cholesterol," increased significantly only in wild-type (p=.0031) mice, where CXCL5 was present, over the 16-week period. These findings suggest that CXCL5 may play a protective role against atherosclerosis and its associated cardiac complications. In conclusion, our study provides novel insights into the complex interplay between inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the potential therapeutic value of CXCL5 in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Adoption of telemedicine for obesity treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic achieved comparable outcomes to in-person visits

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, weight loss programs rapidly transitioned to a virtual model, replacing in-person clinic visits. We sought to compare the observed weight loss and adherence to treatment between patients referred for intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) who were treated via telemedicine and those treated in person. MethodsAfter IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective observational study of patients referred for clinical bariatric IBT between January 2019 and June 2021 who were followed in person or via telemedicine. The primary endpoint was the percentage of excess BMI loss (EBL%); secondary endpoints included treatment adherence, duration of follow-up, and number of completed visits. ResultsDuring the study period, 139 patients were seen for at least one IBT session for weight management: 62 were followed up in person (IP) and 77 via telemedicine (TM). The mean age, baseline BMI, and follow-up duration between the groups were similar. In the IP and TM groups, the EBL% was −24.7 ± 24.7 and −22.7 ± 19.5 (P = 0.989) and loss to follow-up after the first visit was 27.4% and 19.5% (P = 0.269), respectively. ConclusionFor the management of obesity, weight loss programs delivered via telemedicine can achieve similar outcomes to those provided via classical in-person visits. This study suggests that the integration of telecare into clinical practice in bariatric medicine should be considered in the future. Emerging technologies may allow adequate patient follow-up in multiple scenarios, specifically non-critical chronic disorders, and bring unanticipated benefits for patients and healthcare providers.

Osteoarthritis Year In Review 2024: Rehabilitation and outcomes

This Year in Review presents key highlights from recent research relating to osteoarthritis rehabilitation and its outcomes, defined as any non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatment that aims to improve osteoarthritis symptoms at any joint. Three databases (Medline, Embase, and CINAHLplus) were searched between 1 March 2023 to 12 March 2024. Relevant studies were chosen based on the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, perceived clinical importance, quality, controversy in the field, or personal interest, and organised into four overarching themes (with 1-5 sub-themes each). The first theme related to uncertainties regarding exercise benefits. New work has challenged the clinical effectiveness of exercise on symptoms, as well as highlighted uncertainty around our understanding of both mechanisms of effects, how to enhance effectiveness and adherence, and which subgroups of people are more or less likely to improve with exercise. However, we also highlight new work confirming the role of exercise as a first-line management strategy. The second theme related to digital modes of service delivery. There was new evidence to support its effectiveness on improving symptoms, and clear potential for creating and evaluating new mobile apps. New work also highlighted the potential future role artificial intelligence can have in providing treatment information and recommendations. The third theme related to patient education, and the call for change to the impairment-based narrative that prevails in osteoarthritis information. The fourth theme related to weight loss. New work compared the effectiveness of different weight loss diets and explored alternative models of weight loss delivery.

Caffeic acid ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease via alleviating oxidative damage and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes through activating Nrf2 via targeting Keap1

Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the past, encompasses a range of liver pathological conditions marked by the excessive lipid accumulation. Consumption of coffee is closely associated with the reduced risk of MASLD. Caffeic acid (CA), a key active ingredient in coffee, exhibits notable hepatoprotective properties. This study aims to investigate the improvement of CA on MASLD and the engaged mechanism. Mice underwent a 12-week high-fat diet (HFD) regimen to induce MASLD, and liver pathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and oil red O (ORO) staining. Hepatic inflammation was evaluated by F4/80 and Ly6G immunohistochemistry (IHC) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) measurement. Pathways and transcription factors relevant to MASLD were analyzed by using microarray data from patients' livers. Oxidative damage was evaluated by detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were used to validate the binding between CA and its target protein. CA significantly alleviated liver damage, steatosis and inflammatory injury, and reduced the elevated NAFLD activity score (NAS) in HFD-fed mice. Clinical data indicate that fatty acid metabolism and ROS generation are pivotal in MASLD progression. CA increased the expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) and β-Klotho (KLB), and promoted fatty acid consumption. Additionally, CA mitigated oxidative stress injury and activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). In primary hepatocytes isolated from Nrf2 knockout mice, CA's promotion on FGF21 release and inhibition on oxidative stress and lipotoxicity was disappeared. CA could directly bind to kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) that is an Nrf2 inhibitor protein. This study suggests that CA alleviates MASLD by reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, lipotoxicity and oxidative damage through activating Nrf2 via binding to Keap1.

Nutraceuticals: An alternative to pharmaceuticals

The study is aimed to highlights the different aspects of nutraceuticals including market trends, difficulties, and the processing methods used to harness natural resources. A very broad "nutraceutical" rise has been caused by the nutraceuticals' reach for healthcare management of chronic disorders. The majority of settings had a negligible impact on inadequate eating and lifestyle choices. Research on nutraceuticals is very important and reasonably priced. The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are facing difficulties as a result of its financial system. It has been found that nutraceuticals contribute to the prevention of infection and cancer and have a positive effect on immune system and cardiovascular health. Based on their composition and mode of action, nutraceuticals are categorized into classes. The many kinds of nutraceuticals and their potential therapeutic effects in illness, such as their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-lipid properties, will be discussed in this review. Additionally Over the last fifty years, lifestyles have been significantly impacted by urbanization, the rate of industrialization, and rapid change. which resulted in the formation of a junk food eating habit.The ability to eat healthily is impacted by these practices, which gradually reduce the quantity and quality of nutrients consumed. Dementia, starvation, and degenerative diseases are becoming more common as a result of the population’s changed eating habits. In recent years, people’s worries about their health and ability to receive healthcare have grown. Nutraceuticals are essential for boosting immunity without compromising the body’s natural defenses. Nutraceuticals are present in active foods, designer meals, medical diets, dietary supplements, and other diet regimens that offer additional health benefits. Nutrient-rich foods help with a number of bodily functions, including the prevention and treatment of diseases. The medicinal plant offers a range of phytochemical qualities to address different medical issues.