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As adiposity increases in youth, so does the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The etiology of adiposity-based chronic disease and CMRFs includes ethnoracial disparities that are rarely considered in current treatment approaches. Precision interventions require further characterization of these disparities among high-risk youth. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in CMRF among African American (AA) and Hispanic (H) adolescents with varying levels of adiposity. A cross-sectional analysis of 2284 adolescents aged 12–17 was conducted using 3-year clinical data from Lifedoc Health. CMRF prevalence were compared using χ2, with logistic regression models (LRM) applied to explore the relationships between exposures (age, sex, ethnoracial group, adiposity) and CMRF outcomes. Prevalence of CMRF rose with increasing adiposity, which was the strongest determinant of risk overall. However, individual risk profiles differed between the two groups, with H having higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), higher triglycerides and liver enzymes, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Meanwhile, AA had higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP) in the overweight category, prediabetes in overweight to severe obesity, and type 2 diabetes in obesity. LRM showed 3.0-fold greater chance of impaired glucose metabolism in AA than H, who were 1.7, 5.9, and 8.3 times more likely to have low HDL-c, high liver enzymes, and high triglycerides, respectively. Overweight/obesity prevalence was very high among AA and H adolescents. Excess adiposity was associated with an increased prevalence of CMRF, with individual risk factors differing between groups as adiposity increased. Research within routine clinical settings is required to better characterize these discrepancies and ameliorate their adverse impact on health in the transition to adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiposity is a chronic disease that must be treated from childhood. Despite the transcendence of improving habits, few interventions report their contribution to decreasing adiposity. Methods: This cohort enrolled children and teens of any gender, 8–18 years old, and with a body mass index (BMI) z-score of ≥1 into "Sacbe", a comprehensive program to identify which eating habits could reduce BMI z-score. The sample size calculated was 110 participants. We recorded anthropometric measures, clinical history, and habits. A clinically relevant reduction in BMI z-score was defined as ≥0.5 over 12 months or its equivalent according to the months of follow-up. Results: 58.2% were female, the median age was 12 years (range: 9.1–14.7), and the mean BMI z-score was 2.30 ± 0.83. The 82.7% achieved a reduced BMI z-score but 41.8% achieved a clinically relevant reduction with a median follow-up of 6.7 months. Eating out less than once per week was associated with this outcome, even after adjusting for energy intake, other eating patterns, sedentary screen time, physical activity, sleep duration, and sitting time (HR 2.12; 95% CI: 1.07–4.21). Conclusions: Eating out < once/week implicates less processed food exposition and better quality of food; this habit could be the most effective to reduce childhood adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk (HM) composition, including metabolic hormones and lipids, is influenced by various factors, including lactation stage and, potentially, infant sex, which may affect infant body composition (BC) development. We aimed to: (a) characterize the longitudinal concentration and intake profiles of HM leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and total lipids; (b) determine if their concentrations and intakes differ by infant sex; and (c) explore the intakes relationships with the development of infant BC. Milk samples (n = 501) were collected from 82 mother–infant dyads during the first 6 months postpartum. Infant 24 h HM intake was measured, and the average cumulative HM component intakes were calculated. The statistical analysis used linear mixed modeling. Intakes of HM leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and total lipids increased to 1 month postpartum and then remained stable. HM intake and total lipids intake but not hormone intakes were positively associated with infant BC (fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, fat mass, fat mass index, percentage fat mass, and fat mass to fat-free mass ratio). HM component concentrations and intakes did not differ by sex. These findings advance our understanding of the temporal nature of HM components, emphasizing the role of infant 24 h HM and total lipids intake in development of infant lean and adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have identified a role for the gut microbiome and its metabolic products, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the maintenance of muscle mass and physical function (i.e., the gut–muscle axis), but interventions aimed at positively impacting the gut–muscle axis during aging are sparse. Gut bacteria ferment soluble fiber into SCFAs, and accordingly, to evaluate the impact of a high-soluble-fiber diet (HSFD) on the gut–muscle axis, we fed a whole-food, 3×-higher-soluble fiber-containing diet (relative to standard chow) to aged (98 weeks) C57BL/6J mice for 10 weeks. The HSFD significantly altered gut bacterial community structure and composition, but plasma SCFAs were not different, and a positive impact on muscle-related measures (when normalized to body weight) was not identified. However, when evaluating sex differences between dietary groups, female (but not male) HSFD-fed mice had significant increases for SCFAs, the quadriceps/body weight (BW) ratio, and treadmill work performance (distance run × BW), which suggests that an HSFD can positively impact the gut–muscle axis. In contrast, consistent effects in both male and female HSFD-fed mice included weight and fat loss, which suggests a positive role for an HSFD on the gut–adipose axis in aged mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Water consumption is believed to be a key factor in weight management strategies, yet the existing literature on the subject yields inconsistent findings. To systematically assess the scientific evidence regarding the effect of water intake on adiposity, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among overweight and obese populations. Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant articles published up to December 2023. The summary weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model. Results: In this meta-analysis of eight RCTs, interventions to promote water intake or to substitute water for other beverages as compared to the control group resulted in a summary WMD of −0.33 kg (95% CI = −1.75–1.08, I2 = 78%) for body weight, −0.23 kg/m2 (95% CI = −0.55–0.09, I2 = 0%) for body mass index (BMI), and 0.05 cm (95% CI = −1.20–1.30, I2 = 40%) for waist circumference (WC). Among RCTs substituting water for artificially sweetened beverages, summary WMD was 1.82 kg (95% CI = 0.97–2.67, I2 = 0%) for body weight and 1.23 cm (95% CI = −0.03–2.48, I2 = 0%) for WC. Conversely, among RCTs substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages, summary WMD was −0.81 kg (95% CI = −1.66–0.03, I2 = 2%) for body weight and −0.96 cm (95% CI = −2.06–0.13, I2 = 0%) for WC. Conclusions: In conclusion, water intake may not significantly impact adiposity among overweight and obese individuals. However, replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water might offer a modest benefit in inducing weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is defined as excess adipose tissue; however, commonly used methods may under-detect adiposity in adolescents. This study compared the performance of body mass index percentile (BMI%) and relative body mass index (RBMI) in identifying excess body fat percentage (BF%) and estimated RBMI cut points to better stratify severity of adiposity. In 567 adolescents ages 11–19 year, BF% measured by DXA was used to compare BMI% and RBMI performance at different degrees of adiposity. RBMI cut points for adiposity detection were derived via ROC curve analysis. BF% was strongly correlated with BMI% (r = 0.889, p < 0.001) and RBMI (r = 0.901, p < 0.001). However, RBMI exhibited less dispersion and better discriminated the relationship with BF% independent of age, race, and gender. Both BMI% and RBMI performed similarly for detecting high BF% (≥25 BF% in males; ≥30 BF% in females). Nonetheless, the relationship of BMI% with BF% was diminished among leaner adolescents. RBMI detected overweight in 21.3% more females and 14.2% more males. RBMI improved the detection of excess adiposity in individuals otherwise classified as having normal weight or overweight by BMI%. RBMI is a valuable and accessible tool for earlier detection, intervention, and effective follow-up of excess adiposity in youth at higher risk for complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: To assess associations between dietary fibre intake, adiposity, and odds of metabolic syndrome in Pacific and New Zealand European women. Methods: Pacific (n = 126) and New Zealand European (NZ European; n = 161) women (18–45 years) were recruited based on normal (18–24.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2) BMIs. Body fat percentage (BF%), measured using whole body DXA, was subsequently used to stratify participants into low (p < 0.001). The main source of fibre was discretionary fast foods for Pacific women and whole grain breads and cereals for NZ European women. A regression analysis controlling for age, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, energy intake, protein, fat, and total carbohydrate intake showed an inverse association between higher fibre intake and BF% (β= −0.47, 95% CI = −0.62, −0.31, p < 0.001), and odds of metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84, 0.98, p = 0.010) among both Pacific and NZ European women (results shown for both groups combined). Conclusions: Low dietary fibre intake was associated with increased metabolic disease risk. Pacific women had lower fibre intakes than NZ European women.

As adiposity increases in youth, so does the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The etiology of adiposity-based chronic disease and CMRFs includes ethnoracial disparities that are rarely considered in current treatment approaches. Precision interventions require further characterization of these disparities among high-risk youth. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in CMRF among African American (AA) and Hispanic (H) adolescents with varying levels of adiposity. A cross-sectional analysis of 2284 adolescents aged 12–17 was conducted using 3-year clinical data from Lifedoc Health. CMRF prevalence were compared using χ2, with logistic regression models (LRM) applied to explore the relationships between exposures (age, sex, ethnoracial group, adiposity) and CMRF outcomes. Prevalence of CMRF rose with increasing adiposity, which was the strongest determinant of risk overall. However, individual risk profiles differed between the two groups, with H having higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), higher triglycerides and liver enzymes, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Meanwhile, AA had higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP) in the overweight category, prediabetes in overweight to severe obesity, and type 2 diabetes in obesity. LRM showed 3.0-fold greater chance of impaired glucose metabolism in AA than H, who were 1.7, 5.9, and 8.3 times more likely to have low HDL-c, high liver enzymes, and high triglycerides, respectively. Overweight/obesity prevalence was very high among AA and H adolescents. Excess adiposity was associated with an increased prevalence of CMRF, with individual risk factors differing between groups as adiposity increased. Research within routine clinical settings is required to better characterize these discrepancies and ameliorate their adverse impact on health in the transition to adulthood.

Adiposity is a chronic disease that must be treated from childhood. Despite the transcendence of improving habits, few interventions report their contribution to decreasing adiposity. Methods: This cohort enrolled children and teens of any gender, 8–18 years old, and with a body mass index (BMI) z-score of ≥1 into “Sacbe”, a comprehensive program to identify which eating habits could reduce BMI z-score. The sample size calculated was 110 participants. We recorded anthropometric measures, clinical history, and habits. A clinically relevant reduction in BMI z-score was defined as ≥0.5 over 12 months or its equivalent according to the months of follow-up. Results: 58.2% were female, the median age was 12 years (range: 9.1–14.7), and the mean BMI z-score was 2.30 ± 0.83. The 82.7% achieved a reduced BMI z-score but 41.8% achieved a clinically relevant reduction with a median follow-up of 6.7 months. Eating out less than once per week was associated with this outcome, even after adjusting for energy intake, other eating patterns, sedentary screen time, physical activity, sleep duration, and sitting time (HR 2.12; 95% CI: 1.07–4.21). Conclusions: Eating out < once/week implicates less processed food exposition and better quality of food; this habit could be the most effective to reduce childhood adiposity.

The developing fetus is dependent on the maternal nutritional environment. This study was conducted to determine the effects of a maternal high-fat diet (HFD) applied during pregnancy and/or lactation on the expression levels of some lipid-related genes in rat models. Half of the pregnant rats (n: 6) were fed an HFD (energy from fat: 45%), while the other half (n: 6) were fed a control diet (CD) (energy from fat, 7.7%) during the pregnancy period. During lactation, dams in both groups were divided into two subgroups, with half fed the CD and the other half fed the HFD. Thus, four groups were obtained: CD-CD, CD-HFD, HFD-CD, and HFD-HFD. At the end of lactation, all mothers and half of the offspring were sacrificed. The remaining offspring were fed a CD for five weeks. The average birth weight of the CD group offspring was found to be lower than that of the HFD group (p < 0.05). The amount of adipose tissue was highest in CD-HFD (p < 0.05), while gene expression levels were similar between groups (p > 0.05), and the most degenerative histological changes were observed in the eight-week HFD-HFD (p < 0.05). This study suggests that maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation may increase adiposity in offspring rats, especially during the weaning period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unhealthy dietary habits and sedentarism coexist with a rising incidence of excess weight and associated comorbidities. We aimed to analyze the dietary and drinking patterns of patients with excess weight, their main characteristics, plausible gender differences and impact on cardiometabolic risk factors, with a particular focus on the potential contribution of beer consumption. Data from 200 consecutive volunteers (38 ± 12 years; 72% females) living with overweight or class I obesity attending the obesity unit to lose weight were studied. Food frequency questionnaires and 24 h recalls were used. Reduced-rank regression (RRR) analysis was applied to identify dietary patterns (DPs). Anthropometry, total and visceral fat, indirect calorimetry, physical activity level, comorbidities and circulating cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed. Study participants showed high waist circumference, adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, pro-inflammatory adipokines and low anti-inflammatory factors like adiponectin and interleukin-4. A low-fiber, high-fat, energy-dense DP was observed. BMI showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation with energy density (r = 0.80) as well as percentage of energy derived from fat (r = 0.61). Excess weight was associated with a DP low in vegetables, legumes and whole grains at the same time as being high in sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, fat spreads, and processed meats. RRR analysis identified a DP characterized by high energy density and saturated fat exhibiting negative loadings (>−0.30) for green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fruits at the same time as showing positive factor loadings (>0.30) for processed foods, fat spreads, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sweets. Interestingly, for both women and men, wine represented globally the main source of total alcohol intake (p < 0.05) as compared to beer and distillates. Beer consumption cannot be blamed as the main culprit of excess weight. Capturing the DP provides more clinically relevant and useful information. The focus on consumption of single nutrients does not resemble real-world intake behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of the association between carbohydrate intake and hypertension are inconsistent, with mediating pathways unclear. We aimed to investigate the causal effect of relative carbohydrate intake on hypertension and the mediating roles of psychological well-being and adiposity. Using summary-level statistics of genome-wide association studies of European ancestry, we conducted univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the bidirectional causal association between relative carbohydrate intake (total energy-adjusted, mean: 42–51%) and hypertension (FinnGen: 42,857 cases/162,837 controls; UK Biobank: 77,723 cases/330,366 controls) and two-step MR to assess the mediating effects of psychological well-being indicators and adiposity traits on the association. MR estimates of hypertension from FinnGen and UK Biobank were meta-analyzed using the fixed-effect model given no heterogeneity. Meta-analyses of multivariable MR estimates from FinnGen and UK Biobank indicated that each one-SD higher relative carbohydrate intake was associated with 71% (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.79) lower risk of hypertension, independently of other dietary macronutrients. Hypertension showed no reverse effect on carbohydrate intake. Five psychological well-being indicators and four adiposity traits causally mediated the association between relative carbohydrate intake and hypertension, including body mass index (mediation proportion: 51.37%), waist circumference (40.54%), waist-to-hip ratio (35.00%), hip circumference (24.77%), major depressive disorder (23.37%), positive affect (17.08%), depressive symptoms (16.52%), life satisfaction (16.05%), and neuroticism (11.22%). Higher relative carbohydrate intake was causally associated with lower hypertension risk, substantially mediated by better psychological well-being and less adiposity. Our findings inform causal targets and pathways for the prevention and intervention of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rising rates of human obesity, this study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal diet-induced obesity, offspring morphometrics, and behavior in mice. Pregnant and lactating female mice fed a diet high in fat and sugar (HFHS) commonly consumed by human populations showed decreased food, calorie, and protein intake but increased adiposity at the expense of lean mass. The pre-weaning body weight of the HFHS offspring was reduced for the first postnatal week but not thereafter, with HFHS female offspring having higher body weights by weaning due to continuing higher fractional growth rates. Post-weaning, there were minor differences in offspring food and protein intake. Maternal diet, however, affected fractional growth rate and total body fat content of male but not female HFHS offspring. The maternal diet did not affect the offspring's locomotor activity or social behavior in either sex. Both the male and female HFHS offspring displayed reduced anxiety-related behaviors, with sex differences in particular aspects of the elevated plus maze task. In the novel object recognition task, performance was impaired in the male but not female HFHS offspring. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that maternal obesity alters the growth, adiposity, and behavior of male and female offspring, with sex-specific differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review addresses the fasting vs. re-feeding effects of retinoic acid (RA) biosynthesis and functions, and sexually dimorphic RA actions. It also discusses other understudied topics essential for understanding RA activities-especially interactions with energy-balance-regulating hormones, including insulin and glucagon, and sex hormones. This report will introduce RA homeostasis and hormesis to provide context. Essential context also will encompass RA effects on adiposity, muscle function and pancreatic islet development and maintenance. These comments provide background for explaining interactions among insulin, glucagon and cortisol with RA homeostasis and function. One aim would clarify the often apparent RA contradictions related to pancreagenesis vs. pancreas hormone functions. The discussion also will explore the adverse effects of RA on estrogen action, in contrast to the enhancing effects of estrogen on RA action, the adverse effects of androgens on RA receptors, and the RA induction of androgen biosynthesis.

Early growth has long-lasting associations with adult metabolic health. However, the association of adiposity with cardiometabolic risk factors in toddlers remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the association of maternal prenatal factors and child adiposity with child cardiometabolic risk factors among boys and girls aged 2 years. This was a birth cohort study of 549 term-born children in Shanghai, China, with follow-up data at the age of 2-years. Child anthropometric and adiposity measurements included weight, length, and skinfold thickness (triceps, subscapular, and abdominal). Child cardiometabolic risk factors included random morning plasma glucose, serum insulin, lipids, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP). At 2 years, overweight/obesity (weight-for-length z score, ZWFL > 2) was associated with 12.6 (95%CI 7.7, 17.4) mmHg higher SBP, and 7.9 (4.1, 11.8) mmHg higher DBP in boys, with similar results observed in girls. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with 3.0 (0.1, 5.8) higher SBP, 3.17 (0.90, 5.44) mmHg higher DBP, 0.24 (0.01,0.47) mmol/L higher plasma glucose, and 0.26 (0.01,0.51) mmol/L higher serum triglycerides after adjustment for child age, sex, and ZWFL. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and child overweight/obesity were associated with higher SBP and DBP at the age of 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity-associated breast cancer recurrence is mechanistically linked with elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance. Exercise and weight loss are associated with decreased breast cancer recurrence, which may be mediated through reduced insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity. This is a secondary analysis of the WISER Survivor clinical trial examining the relative effect of exercise, weight loss and combined exercise and weight loss interventions on insulin and insulin resistance. The weight loss and combined intervention groups showed significant reductions in levels of: insulin, C-peptide, homeostatic model assessment 2 (HOMA2) insulin resistance (IR), and HOMA2 beta-cell function (β) compared to the control group. Independent of intervention group, weight loss of ≥10% was associated with decreased levels of insulin, C-peptide, and HOMA2-IR compared to 0-5% weight loss. Further, the combination of exercise and weight loss was particularly important for breast cancer survivors with clinically abnormal levels of C-peptide.

Epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], adiposity, and metabolic traits. The bioavailability of 25(OH)D is regulated by the albumin, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and variants of the GC gene. Therefore, it is not clear if bioavailable or free 25(OH)D offer additional benefits compared to total 25(OH)D when estimating the magnitude of these associations. Our aim was to evaluate the association between 25(OH)D (total, free and bioavailable) with adiposity and metabolic traits. This was a cross-sectional study of 1904 subjects from the Health Workers Cohort Study from Mexico. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were calculated based on VDBP and albumin determinations, using a formula adjusted for the GC gene diplotypes. Adiposity and metabolic traits were measured with standardized procedures. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D levels correlated with total 25(OH)D, r = 0.71 and 0.70, respectively (p < 0.001). Total, bioavailable and free 25(OH)D levels were negatively associated with the adiposity marker (visceral adiposity index) and metabolic traits (metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, triglycerides, triglycerides/HDL-c ratio, and triglycerides/glucose index) in multivariate regression models (ORs = 0.73 to 0.96). Our findings suggest that free and bioavailable 25(OH)D do not offer additional advantages over total 25(OH)D regarding its association with adiposity and several metabolic traits in Mexican adults.

Previous studies have identified a role for the gut microbiome and its metabolic products, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the maintenance of muscle mass and physical function (i.e., the gut–muscle axis), but interventions aimed at positively impacting the gut–muscle axis during aging are sparse. Gut bacteria ferment soluble fiber into SCFAs, and accordingly, to evaluate the impact of a high-soluble-fiber diet (HSFD) on the gut–muscle axis, we fed a whole-food, 3×-higher-soluble fiber-containing diet (relative to standard chow) to aged (98 weeks) C57BL/6J mice for 10 weeks. The HSFD significantly altered gut bacterial community structure and composition, but plasma SCFAs were not different, and a positive impact on muscle-related measures (when normalized to body weight) was not identified. However, when evaluating sex differences between dietary groups, female (but not male) HSFD-fed mice had significant increases for SCFAs, the quadriceps/body weight (BW) ratio, and treadmill work performance (distance run × BW), which suggests that an HSFD can positively impact the gut–muscle axis. In contrast, consistent effects in both male and female HSFD-fed mice included weight and fat loss, which suggests a positive role for an HSFD on the gut–adipose axis in aged mice.

Background: Water consumption is believed to be a key factor in weight management strategies, yet the existing literature on the subject yields inconsistent findings. To systematically assess the scientific evidence regarding the effect of water intake on adiposity, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among overweight and obese populations. Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant articles published up to December 2023. The summary weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model. Results: In this meta-analysis of eight RCTs, interventions to promote water intake or to substitute water for other beverages as compared to the control group resulted in a summary WMD of −0.33 kg (95% CI = −1.75–1.08, I2 = 78%) for body weight, −0.23 kg/m2 (95% CI = −0.55–0.09, I2 = 0%) for body mass index (BMI), and 0.05 cm (95% CI = −1.20–1.30, I2 = 40%) for waist circumference (WC). Among RCTs substituting water for artificially sweetened beverages, summary WMD was 1.82 kg (95% CI = 0.97–2.67, I2 = 0%) for body weight and 1.23 cm (95% CI = −0.03–2.48, I2 = 0%) for WC. Conversely, among RCTs substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages, summary WMD was −0.81 kg (95% CI = −1.66–0.03, I2 = 2%) for body weight and −0.96 cm (95% CI = −2.06–0.13, I2 = 0%) for WC. Conclusions: In conclusion, water intake may not significantly impact adiposity among overweight and obese individuals. However, replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water might offer a modest benefit in inducing weight loss.

Obesity is defined as excess adipose tissue; however, commonly used methods may under-detect adiposity in adolescents. This study compared the performance of body mass index percentile (BMI%) and relative body mass index (RBMI) in identifying excess body fat percentage (BF%) and estimated RBMI cut points to better stratify severity of adiposity. In 567 adolescents ages 11–19 year, BF% measured by DXA was used to compare BMI% and RBMI performance at different degrees of adiposity. RBMI cut points for adiposity detection were derived via ROC curve analysis. BF% was strongly correlated with BMI% (r = 0.889, p < 0.001) and RBMI (r = 0.901, p < 0.001). However, RBMI exhibited less dispersion and better discriminated the relationship with BF% independent of age, race, and gender. Both BMI% and RBMI performed similarly for detecting high BF% (≥25 BF% in males; ≥30 BF% in females). Nonetheless, the relationship of BMI% with BF% was diminished among leaner adolescents. RBMI detected overweight in 21.3% more females and 14.2% more males. RBMI improved the detection of excess adiposity in individuals otherwise classified as having normal weight or overweight by BMI%. RBMI is a valuable and accessible tool for earlier detection, intervention, and effective follow-up of excess adiposity in youth at higher risk for complications.

Pasta is a staple carbohydrate across many cultures but has been implicated in overweight and obesity due to its position as a refined carbohydrate. Yet, the unique structure of pasta and its low glycemic response suggest it may contribute to a healthy body weight. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on the effects of pasta and dietary patterns high in pasta on body weight and body composition outcomes, and evaluate potential mechanisms by which pasta may influence body weight. A search of PubMed and CENTRAL identified 38 relevant studies examining pasta intake and body weight outcomes or potential mechanisms. Observational studies generally report no association or an inverse association of pasta intake with body weight/body composition outcomes. One clinical trial reported no difference in weight loss between a hypocaloric diet with high intake vs. low intake of pasta. Pasta may influence body weight via its low glycemic response, but evidence of effects on appetite, appetite-related hormones, and gastric emptying is limited and inconclusive. In conclusion, observational and limited clinical data suggest pasta is either inversely or not associated with overweight or obesity in healthy children and adults, and does not contribute to weight gain within the context of a healthy diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of consuming specific types of nonnutritive sweeteners (NNSs) on adiposity changes in children have remained inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the intake of different kinds of NNSs on long-term adiposity changes during pubertal growth. Furthermore, we examined the above relationships among different sexes, pubertal stages, and levels of obesity. A total of 1893 6–15-year-old adults were recruited and followed-up every 3 months. The NNS-FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) was conducted and urine samples were collected to investigate the effects of the selected sweeteners, which included acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, steviol glycosides, and sorbitol. Multivariate linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the relationship between NNS intake and body composition. The consumption of aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, stevioside, and sorbitol was associated with decreased fat mass and increased fat-free mass. In the highest tertile group, the effects of NNS consumption on fat mass corresponded to values of −1.21 (95% CI: −2.04 to −0.38) for aspartame, −0.62 (95% CI: −1.42 to 0.19) for sucralose, −1.26 (95% CI: −2.05 to −0.47) for glycyrrhizin, −0.90 (95% CI: −2.28 to 0.48) for stevioside, and −0.87 (95% CI: −1.67 to −0.08) for sorbitol, while the effects on fat-free mass corresponded to values of 1.20 (95% CI: 0.36 to −0.38) for aspartame, 0.62 (95% CI: −0.19 to 1.43) for sucralose, 1.27 (95% CI: 0.48 to 2.06) for glycyrrhizin, 0.85 (95% CI: −0.53 to 2.23) for stevioside, and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.08 to 1.67) for sorbitol. Particularly, aspartame and sorbitol revealed a dose-responsiveness effect. The above finding was more prominent among girls than boys. Moreover, fat mass was significantly reduced in normal-weight children who consumed a moderate amount of aspartame and a large amount of glycyrrhizin and sorbitol compared with obese children. In conclusion, the NNS-specific and sex-specific effects of long-term NNS consumption revealed associations of decreasing fat mass and increasing fat-free mass for children undergoing pubertal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bile acid receptor, TGR5, is a key regulator of glucose homeostasis, but the mechanisms by which TGR5 signaling improves glucose regulation are incompletely defined. In particular, TGR5 has an increasingly appreciated role in liver physiology and pathobiology; however, whether TGR5 signaling within the liver contributes to its glucoregulatory effects is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of hepatocyte TGR5 signaling on glucose regulation using a hepatocyte-specific TGR5 knockout mouse model. Hepatocyte-specific Tgr5Hep+/+ and Tgr5Hep-/- mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 7 weeks and then orally gavaged with three doses of a highly potent, TGR5-specific agonist, Compound 18 (10 mg/kg), or vehicle, over 72 h and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after the last dose. Herein, we report that TGR5 mRNA and protein is present in mouse hepatocytes. Cumulative food intake, body weight, and adiposity do not differ between Tgr5Hep+/+ and Tgr5Hep-/- mice with or without treatment with Compound 18. However, administration of Compound 18 improves glucose tolerance in Tgr5HEP+/+ mice, but not in Tgr5Hep-/- mice. Further, this effect occurred independent of body weight and GLP-1 secretion. Together, these data demonstrate that TGR5 is expressed in hepatocytes, where it functions as a key regulator of whole-body glucose homeostasis.

Breakfast consumption is associated with lower obesity prevalence and cardiometabolic risk and higher dietary quality (DQ) in children. Low-income, Hispanic populations are disproportionately affected by obesity and cardiometabolic risks. This study examined the relationship between breakfast consumption groups (BCG) on anthropometric, metabolic, and dietary parameters in predominately low-income, Hispanic children from 16 Texas schools. Cross-sectional data were from TX Sprouts, a school-based gardening, nutrition, and cooking randomized controlled trial. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, body mass index, body fat percent via bioelectrical impedance, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Metabolic parameters included fasting plasma glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. DQ and BCG were assessed via two 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariate multiple regression examined relationships between BCG and anthropometric, metabolic, and dietary parameters. This study included 671 students (mean age 9 years, 58% Hispanic, 54% female, 66% free/reduced lunch, 17% breakfast skippers). No relationships were observed between BCG and anthropometric or metabolic parameters. BCG had higher DQ; higher daily protein, total sugar, and added sugar intake; and lower daily fat intake. Skipping breakfast was associated with lower DQ; higher daily fat intake; and lower daily protein intake. Longitudinal research examining breakfast quality on cardiometabolic outcomes in low-income, Hispanic children is warranted.

Adopting a healthy diet during and after pregnancy is important for women's cardiometabolic health. We related changes in diet quality from pregnancy to 6 years postpregnancy to cardiometabolic markers 8 years postpregnancy. In 652 women from the GUSTO cohort, we assessed dietary intakes at 26–28 weeks' gestation and 6 years postpregnancy using 24 h recall and a food frequency questionnaire, respectively; diet quality was scored using a modified Healthy Eating Index for Singaporean women. Diet quality quartiles were derived; stable, large/small improvement/decline in diet quality as no change, >1 or 1 quartile increase/decrease. Fasting triglyceride (TG), total-, high- and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (TC, HDL- and LDL-C), glucose and insulin were measured 8 years postpregnancy; homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and TG: HDL-C ratio were derived. Linear regressions examined changes in diet quality quartiles and cardiometabolic markers. Compared to a stable diet quality, a large improvement was associated with lower postpregnancy TG [−0.17 (−0.32, −0.01) mmol/L], TG: HDL-C ratio [−0.21 (−0.35, −0.07) mmol/L], and HOMA-IR [−0.47 (−0.90, −0.03)]; a large decline was associated with higher postpregnancy TC and LDL-C [0.25 (0.02, 0.49); 0.20 (0.004, 0.40) mmol/L]. Improving or preventing a decline in diet quality postpregnancy may improve lipid profile and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal method for human milk (HM) fortification has not yet been determined. This study assessed whether fortification relying on measured HM macronutrient content (Miris AB analyzer, Upsala, Sweden) composition is superior to fortification based on assumed HM macronutrient content, to optimize the nutrition support, growth, and body composition in infants born at <33 weeks' gestation. In a mixed-cohort study, 57 infants fed fortified HM based on its measured content were compared with 58 infants fed fortified HM based on its assumed content, for a median of 28 and 23 exposure days, respectively. The ESPGHAN 2010 guidelines for preterm enteral nutrition were followed. Growth assessment was based on body weight, length, and head circumference Δ z-scores, and the respective growth velocities until discharge. Body composition was assessed using air displacement plethysmography. Fortification based on measured HM content provided significantly higher energy, fat, and carbohydrate intakes, although with a lower protein intake in infants weighing ≥ 1 kg and lower protein-to-energy ratio in infants weighing < 1 kg. Infants fed fortified HM based on its measured content were discharged with significantly better weight gain, length, and head growth. These infants had significantly lower adiposity and greater lean mass near term-equivalent age, despite receiving higher in-hospital energy and fat intakes, with a mean fat intake higher than the maximum recommended and a median protein-to-energy ratio intake (in infants weighing < 1 kg) lower than the minimum recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being born with appropriate weight-for-gestational age (AGA, ~80% of newborns) is often considered as low risk for future obesity. This study examined differential growth trajectories in the first two years by considering pre- and peri-natal factors among term-born AGA infants. We prospectively investigated 647 AGA infants and their mothers enrolled during 2012–2013 in Shanghai, China, and obtained repeated anthropometric measures at ages 42 days, 3, 6, 9, and 18 months from postnatal care records, and onsite measurements at age 1 and 2 years (skinfold thickness, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)). Birthweight was classified into sex-and gestational age-specific tertiles. Among mothers, 16.3% were overweight/obese (OWO), and 46.2% had excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). The combination of maternal prepregnancy OWO and high birthweight tertile identified a subset of AGA infants with 4.1 mm higher skinfold thickness (95% CI 2.2–5.9), 1.3 cm higher MUAC (0.8–1.7), and 0.89 units higher weight-for-length z-score (0.54, 1.24) at 2 years of age with adjustment for covariates. Excessive GWG was associated with higher child adiposity measures at 2 years of age. AGA infants manifested differential growth trajectories by the combination of maternal OWO and higher birthweight, suggesting that additional attention is needed for those "at increased risk" of OWO in early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A healthy diet is essential to prevent childhood obesity, however, adherence to a healthy diet is challenging. The aim of this study was to give a comprehensive overview of the literature investigaating associations between food and beverages and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents in order to identify dietary risk factors. A systematic search was performed in four databases and observational studies were included. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effect model. Sixty records met inclusion criteria and 14 different food or beverage categories were identified. A higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages increased the odds of overweight/obesity by 1.20 (p < 0.05) (n = 26) and higher intake of fast food increased the odds of overweight/obesity by 1.17 (p < 0.05) (n = 24). Furthermore, higher intake of meat (OR 1.02, p < 0.05 (n:7)) and refined grains (OR 1.28, p < 0.05 (n:3)) was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity. In contrast, higher intake of whole grain (OR 0.86, p = 0.04 (n:5)) and more surprisingly sweet bakery (OR 0.59, p < 0.05 (n:3)) was associated with a decreased risk of overweight/obesity. In conclusion, a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and a higher intake of fast food was identified as the primary dietary risk factors for overweight/obesity. Future research is needed to strengthen the generalizability of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developing fetus is dependent on the maternal nutritional environment. This study was conducted to determine the effects of a maternal high-fat diet (HFD) applied during pregnancy and/or lactation on the expression levels of some lipid-related genes in rat models. Half of the pregnant rats (n: 6) were fed an HFD (energy from fat: 45%), while the other half (n: 6) were fed a control diet (CD) (energy from fat, 7.7%) during the pregnancy period. During lactation, dams in both groups were divided into two subgroups, with half fed the CD and the other half fed the HFD. Thus, four groups were obtained: CD-CD, CD-HFD, HFD-CD, and HFD-HFD. At the end of lactation, all mothers and half of the offspring were sacrificed. The remaining offspring were fed a CD for five weeks. The average birth weight of the CD group offspring was found to be lower than that of the HFD group (p < 0.05). The amount of adipose tissue was highest in CD-HFD (p < 0.05), while gene expression levels were similar between groups (p > 0.05), and the most degenerative histological changes were observed in the eight-week HFD-HFD (p < 0.05). This study suggests that maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation may increase adiposity in offspring rats, especially during the weaning period.

Observations of the association between carbohydrate intake and hypertension are inconsistent, with mediating pathways unclear. We aimed to investigate the causal effect of relative carbohydrate intake on hypertension and the mediating roles of psychological well-being and adiposity. Using summary-level statistics of genome-wide association studies of European ancestry, we conducted univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the bidirectional causal association between relative carbohydrate intake (total energy-adjusted, mean: 42–51%) and hypertension (FinnGen: 42,857 cases/162,837 controls; UK Biobank: 77,723 cases/330,366 controls) and two-step MR to assess the mediating effects of psychological well-being indicators and adiposity traits on the association. MR estimates of hypertension from FinnGen and UK Biobank were meta-analyzed using the fixed-effect model given no heterogeneity. Meta-analyses of multivariable MR estimates from FinnGen and UK Biobank indicated that each one-SD higher relative carbohydrate intake was associated with 71% (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.79) lower risk of hypertension, independently of other dietary macronutrients. Hypertension showed no reverse effect on carbohydrate intake. Five psychological well-being indicators and four adiposity traits causally mediated the association between relative carbohydrate intake and hypertension, including body mass index (mediation proportion: 51.37%), waist circumference (40.54%), waist-to-hip ratio (35.00%), hip circumference (24.77%), major depressive disorder (23.37%), positive affect (17.08%), depressive symptoms (16.52%), life satisfaction (16.05%), and neuroticism (11.22%). Higher relative carbohydrate intake was causally associated with lower hypertension risk, substantially mediated by better psychological well-being and less adiposity. Our findings inform causal targets and pathways for the prevention and intervention of hypertension.

Unhealthy dietary habits and sedentarism coexist with a rising incidence of excess weight and associated comorbidities. We aimed to analyze the dietary and drinking patterns of patients with excess weight, their main characteristics, plausible gender differences and impact on cardiometabolic risk factors, with a particular focus on the potential contribution of beer consumption. Data from 200 consecutive volunteers (38 ± 12 years; 72% females) living with overweight or class I obesity attending the obesity unit to lose weight were studied. Food frequency questionnaires and 24 h recalls were used. Reduced-rank regression (RRR) analysis was applied to identify dietary patterns (DPs). Anthropometry, total and visceral fat, indirect calorimetry, physical activity level, comorbidities and circulating cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed. Study participants showed high waist circumference, adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, pro-inflammatory adipokines and low anti-inflammatory factors like adiponectin and interleukin-4. A low-fiber, high-fat, energy-dense DP was observed. BMI showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation with energy density (r = 0.80) as well as percentage of energy derived from fat (r = 0.61). Excess weight was associated with a DP low in vegetables, legumes and whole grains at the same time as being high in sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, fat spreads, and processed meats. RRR analysis identified a DP characterized by high energy density and saturated fat exhibiting negative loadings (>−0.30) for green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fruits at the same time as showing positive factor loadings (>0.30) for processed foods, fat spreads, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sweets. Interestingly, for both women and men, wine represented globally the main source of total alcohol intake (p < 0.05) as compared to beer and distillates. Beer consumption cannot be blamed as the main culprit of excess weight. Capturing the DP provides more clinically relevant and useful information. The focus on consumption of single nutrients does not resemble real-world intake behaviors.

With rising rates of human obesity, this study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal diet-induced obesity, offspring morphometrics, and behavior in mice. Pregnant and lactating female mice fed a diet high in fat and sugar (HFHS) commonly consumed by human populations showed decreased food, calorie, and protein intake but increased adiposity at the expense of lean mass. The pre-weaning body weight of the HFHS offspring was reduced for the first postnatal week but not thereafter, with HFHS female offspring having higher body weights by weaning due to continuing higher fractional growth rates. Post-weaning, there were minor differences in offspring food and protein intake. Maternal diet, however, affected fractional growth rate and total body fat content of male but not female HFHS offspring. The maternal diet did not affect the offspring’s locomotor activity or social behavior in either sex. Both the male and female HFHS offspring displayed reduced anxiety-related behaviors, with sex differences in particular aspects of the elevated plus maze task. In the novel object recognition task, performance was impaired in the male but not female HFHS offspring. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that maternal obesity alters the growth, adiposity, and behavior of male and female offspring, with sex-specific differences.

We explored the association between excess body fat and academic performance in high school students from Santiago, Chile. In 632 16-year-olds (51% males) from low-to-middle socioeconomic status (SES), height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Body-mass index (BMI) and BMI for age and sex were calculated. Weight status was evaluated with 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) references. Abdominal obesity was diagnosed with International Diabetes Federation (IDF) references. Total fat mass (TFM) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TFM values ≥25% in males and ≥35% in females were considered high adiposity. School grades were obtained from administrative records. Analysis of covariance examined the association of fatness measures with academic performance, accounting for the effect of diet and physical activity, and controlling SES background and educational confounders. We found that: (1) having obesity, abdominal obesity, or high adiposity was associated with lower school performance alone or in combination with unhealthy dietary habits or reduced time allocation for exercise; (2) high adiposity and abdominal obesity were more clearly related with lower school grades compared to obesity; (3) the association of increased fatness with lower school grades was more salient in males compared to females.

This study aimed to (1) characterize the variations in serum fructosamine across trimesters and according to pre-pregnancy BMI (ppBMI), and (2) examine associations between fructosamine and adiposity/metabolic markers (ppBMI, first-trimester adiposity, leptin, glucose homeostasis, and inflammation measurements) during pregnancy. Serum fructosamine, albumin, fasting glucose and insulin, leptin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured at each trimester. In the first trimester, subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue thicknesses were estimated by ultrasound. In the 101 healthy pregnant individuals included (age: 32.2 ± 3.5 y.o.; ppBMI: 25.5 ± 5.5 kg/m2), fructosamine concentrations decreased during pregnancy whereas albumin-corrected fructosamine concentrations increased (p < 0.0001 for both). Notably, fructosamine concentrations were inversely associated with ppBMI, first-trimester SAT, VAT, and leptin (r = −0.55, r = −0.61, r = −0.48, r = −0.47, respectively; p < 0.0001 for all), first-trimester fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (r = −0.46, r = −0.46; p < 0.0001 for both), and first-trimester IL-6 (r = −0.38, p < 0.01). However, once corrected for albumin, most of the correlations lost strength. Once adjusted for ppBMI, fructosamine concentrations were positively associated with third-trimester fasting glucose and CRP (r = 0.24, r = 0.27; p < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, serum fructosamine is inversely associated with adiposity before and during pregnancy, with markers of glucose homeostasis and inflammation, but the latter associations are partially influenced by albumin concentrations and ppBMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High fructose intake has been implicated in obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are related to increased cardiovascular mortality. However, few studies have experimentally examined the role of renin–angiotensin system blockers and calcium channel blockers (CCB) in obesity. We investigated the effects of valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) and amlodipine (a CCB) on lipolysis through the potential mechanism of PU.1 inhibition. We observed that high fructose concentrations significantly increased adipose size and triglyceride, monoacylglycerol lipase, adipose triglyceride lipase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), activating transcription factor 3 and PU.1 levels in adipocytes in vitro. Subsequently, PU.1 inhibitor treatment was able to reduce triglyceride, SCD1, and PU.1 levels. In addition, elevated levels of triglyceride and PU.1, stimulated by a high fructose concentration, decreased with valsartan and amlodipine treatment. Overall, these findings suggest that high fructose concentrations cause triacylglycerol storage in adipocytes through PU.1-mediated activation. Furthermore, valsartan and amlodipine treatment reduced triacylglycerol storage in adipocytes by inhibiting PU.1 activation in high fructose concentrations in vitro. Thus, the benefits of valsartan and amlodipine in lipolysis may be through PU.1 inhibition in fructose-induced adiposity, and PU.1 inhibition might have a potential therapeutic role in lipolysis in fructose-induced obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substantial increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Indonesia might be driven by rapid socio-economic development through urbanization. Here, we carried out a longitudinal 1-year follow-up study to evaluate the effect of urbanization, an important determinant of health, on metabolic profiles of young Indonesian adults. University freshmen/women in Jakarta, aged 16–25 years, who either had recently migrated from rural areas or originated from urban settings were studied. Anthropometry, dietary intake, and physical activity, as well as fasting blood glucose and insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were measured at baseline and repeated at one year follow-up. At baseline, 106 urban and 83 rural subjects were recruited, of which 81 urban and 66 rural were followed up. At baseline, rural subjects had better adiposity profiles, whole-body insulin resistance, and adipokine levels compared to their urban counterparts. After 1-year, rural subjects experienced an almost twice higher increase in BMI than urban subjects (estimate (95%CI): 1.23 (0.94; 1.52) and 0.69 (0.43; 0.95) for rural and urban subjects, respectively, Pint < 0.01). Fat intake served as the major dietary component, which partially mediates the differences in BMI between urban and rural group at baseline. It also contributed to the changes in BMI over time for both groups, although it does not explain the enhanced gain of BMI in rural subjects. A significantly higher increase of leptin/adiponectin ratio was also seen in rural subjects after 1-year of living in an urban area. In conclusion, urbanization was associated with less favorable changes in adiposity and adipokine profiles in a population of young Indonesian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated which determinants (socioeconomic, early life factors, body composition changes, fitness changes and/or physical activity changes) best predicted longitudinal outcomes in cardiometabolic risk profile (Z-score change) in adolescents with OW/OB who underwent a 13-month multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention. A total of 165 adolescents (13–16 y; 46% boys) from the EVASYON study were included. Socioeconomic variables and early life factors were obtained from the medical records. Body composition was assessed using anthropometry. Fitness and physical activity were measured with field-based tests and questionnaires. Cardiometabolic risk factors (fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and waist circumference) were derived from standard methods in the hospital. Body weight changes, sex and mother's education were selected in the stepwise process as the most important determinants of changes in cardiometabolic risk profile (R2 = 0.26, p = 0.002; R2 = 0.14, p = 0.013; and R2 = 0.14, p = 0.017, respectively). Both boys and girls showed a lower cardiometabolic risk score with the reduction in body weight (r = 0.535, p = 0.009 and r = 0.506, p = 0.005, respectively). There was no interaction between sex and body weight change (p = 0.614). In conclusion, the simple measure of changes in body weight should be considered to track changes in cardiometabolic risk profile in adolescents with OW/OB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To examine associations between body composition and vitamin D status in children participating in a lifestyle intervention. Methods: Children (6–12 y, n = 101) with a body mass index (BMI)-for-age >85th percentile were randomized to six dietitian-led behavior counselling sessions or no intervention. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), anthropometry, and body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were assessed every 3 months for 1 year. For each anthropometry variable (z-scores), tertiles were created to test for differences in 25(OH)D over time (tertile-by-time), and for changes in the z-score (loss, maintain, gain)-by-time, and according to fat patterning (android vs. gynoid) using mixed effects models. Results: The baseline plasma 25(OH)D was 62.2 nmol/L (95%CI: 58.7–65.7), and none < 30 nmol/L. At 6 mo, children with gynoid fat patterning had higher 25(OH)D concentrations than in those with android fat patterning (64.5 ± 1.1 nmol/L vs. 50.4 ± 1.0 nmol/L, p < 0.003, Cohen's f = 0.20). Children with the lowest lean mass index z-score at 9 mo had higher plasma 25(OH)D concentrations than children with the highest z-score at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo (p < 0.05, Cohen's f = 0.20). No other significant differences were observed. Conclusion: In this longitudinal study, vitamin D deficiency was not present in children 6–12 y of age with obesity. Reductions in adiposity did not alter the vitamin D status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: To assess associations between dietary fibre intake, adiposity, and odds of metabolic syndrome in Pacific and New Zealand European women., Methods: Pacific (n = 126) and New Zealand European (NZ European; n = 161) women (18-45 years) were recruited based on normal (18-24.9 kg/m 2 ) and obese (≥30 kg/m 2 ) BMIs. Body fat percentage (BF%), measured using whole body DXA, was subsequently used to stratify participants into low (<35%) or high (≥35%) BF% groups. Habitual dietary intake was calculated using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method, involving a five-day food record and semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood was analysed for glucose and lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome was assessed with a harmonized definition., Results: NZ European women in both the low- and high-BF% groups were older, less socioeconomically deprived, and consumed more dietary fibre (low-BF%: median 23.7 g/day [25-75-percentile, 20.1, 29.9]; high-BF%: 20.9 [19.4, 24.9]) than Pacific women (18.8 [15.6, 22.1]; and 17.8 [15.0, 20.8]; both p < 0.001). The main source of fibre was discretionary fast foods for Pacific women and whole grain breads and cereals for NZ European women. A regression analysis controlling for age, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, energy intake, protein, fat, and total carbohydrate intake showed an inverse association between higher fibre intake and BF% (β= -0.47, 95% CI = -0.62, -0.31, p < 0.001), and odds of metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84, 0.98, p = 0.010) among both Pacific and NZ European women (results shown for both groups combined)., Conclusions: Low dietary fibre intake was associated with increased metabolic disease risk. Pacific women had lower fibre intakes than NZ European women.

The presence of visceral adipose tissue implies a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than subcutaneous adiposity, the most dangerous heart fat. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) could have great potential as a detection indicator of cardiovascular diseases, although it has seldom been studied in Spanish children., Objective: The objective of the current research was to describe the values of EAT in a Spanish pediatric population and to investigate the associations between EAT and anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid and glucose profiles, and metabolic syndrome., Method: An analytical cross-sectional study of elementary and high school students (aged 6 to 17) measured anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid and glycemic profiles, and echocardiographic fat thickness. The analysis was based on regression and discriminant analysis., Results: The results of this study (N = 227) showed that the body mass index (BMI) was 20.29 ± 4.54, with an overweight set of 49.77%, and the percentage for metabolic syndrome was 5.3%. EAT was linked to being male, BMI percentile, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio ( p < 0.001), hypertension, higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and metabolic syndrome ( p < 0.05)., Conclusions: This paper argues that in children with higher elevated EAT thickness values, this correlates with cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure, elevated LDL levels, and metabolic syndrome.

Background : Obesity remains a widely debated issue, often criticized for the limitations in its identification and classification. This study aims to compare two distinct systems for classifying obesity: body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) as assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). By examining these measures, the study seeks to clarify how different metrics of body composition influence the identification of obesity-related risk factors. Methods : The study enrolled 1255 adults, comprising 471 males and 784 females, with a mean age of 36 ± 12 years. Participants exhibited varying degrees of weight status, including optimal weight, overweight, and obesity. Body composition analysis was conducted using the TANITA Body Composition Analyzer BC-418 MA III device (T5896, Tokyo, Japan), evaluating the following parameters: current weight, basal metabolic rate (BMR), adipose tissue (%), muscle mass (%), and hydration status (%). Results : Age and psychological factors like cravings, fatigue, stress, and compulsive eating were significant predictors of obesity in the BMI model but not in the BFP model. Additionally, having a family history of diabetes was protective in the BMI model (OR: 0.33, 0.11-0.87) but increased risk in the BFP model (OR: 1.66, 1.01-2.76). The BMI model demonstrates exceptional predictive ability (AUC = 0.998). In contrast, the BFP model, while still performing well, exhibits a lower AUC (0.975), indicating slightly reduced discriminative power compared to the BMI model. Conclusions : BMI classification demonstrates superior predictive accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. This suggests that BMI remains a more reliable measure for identifying obesity-related risk factors compared to the BFP model.

Background / Objectives: Increasing evidence indicates that body composition can significantly influence prognosis in women with breast cancer. However, alterations in body composition, particularly among young women (<40 years), remain largely unknown and underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of computed tomography (CT)-derived body composition with mortality rates among young women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, identifying the best-correlated cutoff value. Methods: This is a bi-set cohort study with retrospective data collection. Women newly diagnosed with ductal invasive breast cancer, aged 20 to 40 years, treated in reference oncology units were included. Body composition was assessed using CT scans at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level, including muscle and adipose compartments. The outcome of interest was the incidence of overall mortality. A maximally selected log-rank Cox-derived analysis was employed to assess the cutoffs associated with mortality. Results: A total of 192 women were included before any form of treatment (median age of 35 years, IQ range: 31-37). Overall mortality occurred in 12% of the females. Stages III-IV were the most frequent (69.5%). Patients who died had a significantly lower muscle area index. CT-derived muscle area was inversely associated with mortality. Each 1 cm 2 /m 2 decrease in skeletal muscle index increased the mortality hazard by 9%. Higher values of adiposity compartments were independently associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: Our study highlights the predictive significance of skeletal muscle area and adipose tissue in predicting survival among young women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Introduction: Rapid growth in early childhood has been identified as a possible risk factor for long-term adiposity. However, there is a lack of studies quantifying this phenomenon only in healthy, full-term infants with appropriate birth weight for gestational age. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of rapid growth in full-term children up to 2 years of age with adiposity up to 18 years of age., Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science., Results: 14 studies were included. We were unable to find strong evidence that rapid growth in early childhood is a risk factor for long-term adiposity. Rapid growth in early childhood was associated with taller heights (standardized mean difference: 0.51 (CI: 0.25-0.77)) and higher body mass index (standardized mean difference: 0.50 (CI: 0.25-0.76)) and a higher risk of overweight under 18 years., Conclusion: Rapid growth in early childhood in term infants with appropriate birth weight is associated with higher growth, body mass index, and risk of being overweight up to age 18, but further work is needed to identify the associations between early rapid growth and obesity later in adulthood.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that results in the elevation of serum ketone bodies, known as ketosis. This metabolic consequence has been suggested as a method for treating neurological conditions, improving exercise performance, and facilitating weight loss for overweight individuals. However, since most research primarily uses male populations, little is known about the potential sex differences during the consumption of the KD. In addition, the effects of the KD on aging are relatively unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore sex- and age-specific differences in mice fed the KD. Male and female C57BL/6N mice at either 12 wks or 24 wks of age were randomly assigned to a KD (90% fat, 1% carbohydrate) or chow (13% fat, 60% carbohydrate) group for 6 wks. KD induced weight gain, increased adiposity, induced hyperlipidemia, caused lipid accumulation in the heart and liver, and led to glycogen depletion in the heart, liver, and muscle with varying degrees of changes depending on age and sex. While younger and older male mice on the KD were prone to glucose intolerance, the KD acutely improved rotarod performance in younger females. Overall, this study highlights potential sex and aging differences in the adaptation to the KD.

The present study aimed to (a) assess normal-weight obesity (NWO) and general obesity prevalence among women of different ages residing in urban areas, (b) evaluate subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) in women with NWO, (c) establish SFT cutoff points for distinguishing NWO, and (d) explore eating habits linked to NWO. This cross-sectional study with 184 women aged 18-65 with NWO, normal weight without obesity (NWNO), overweight and general obesity included evaluation of body composition, SFT assessment using 2.5 MHz A-mode ultrasound (ISAK protocol, 7 sites) and lifestyle inquiries. The curvilinear relationship between body fat and BMI rendered BMI an unreliable indicator of adiposity in women with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m 2 ). Almost 30% of women with a high body fat percentage (BFP ≥ 30%) were misclassified when BMI was used to measure adiposity. The overall obesity prevalence defined by BFP was almost four times higher than that defined by BMI (56.0 vs. 18.0%, p = 1 × 10 -4 ). Women with NWO, overweight and general obesity shared a similar SFT profile and eating habits, setting them apart from those with NWNO. The mean SFT was the most reliable NWO predictor, with a threshold set at 12 mm equal to the 66th percentile. Mean SFT accurately classified 85% of women with NWO. While age did not significantly affect subcutaneous fat accumulation, total fat levels increased with age (R 2 = 0.07 and R 2 = 0.19, p adj = 0.1 and p adj = 9 × 10 -4 ). Higher NWO prevalence in middle-aged women was linked to age-related increase in fat mass and decrease in fat-free mass. Engaging in regular physical activity and reducing snack consumption effectively countered age-related changes in body composition ( p adj < 0.05). Women under 45 years who consumed sweet bakery items, fast food, and snacks more frequently showed higher BFP and NWO status ( p adj < 0.05). Prevention strategies should focus on monitoring body composition and promoting healthy behaviors, particularly among young women transitioning into adulthood and women over 45 years.

Early growth has long-lasting associations with adult metabolic health. However, the association of adiposity with cardiometabolic risk factors in toddlers remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the association of maternal prenatal factors and child adiposity with child cardiometabolic risk factors among boys and girls aged 2 years. This was a birth cohort study of 549 term-born children in Shanghai, China, with follow-up data at the age of 2-years. Child anthropometric and adiposity measurements included weight, length, and skinfold thickness (triceps, subscapular, and abdominal). Child cardiometabolic risk factors included random morning plasma glucose, serum insulin, lipids, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP). At 2 years, overweight/obesity (weight-for-length z score, ZWFL > 2) was associated with 12.6 (95%CI 7.7, 17.4) mmHg higher SBP, and 7.9 (4.1, 11.8) mmHg higher DBP in boys, with similar results observed in girls. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with 3.0 (0.1, 5.8) higher SBP, 3.17 (0.90, 5.44) mmHg higher DBP, 0.24 (0.01,0.47) mmol/L higher plasma glucose, and 0.26 (0.01,0.51) mmol/L higher serum triglycerides after adjustment for child age, sex, and ZWFL. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and child overweight/obesity were associated with higher SBP and DBP at the age of 2 years.

Pasta is a staple carbohydrate across many cultures but has been implicated in overweight and obesity due to its position as a refined carbohydrate. Yet, the unique structure of pasta and its low glycemic response suggest it may contribute to a healthy body weight. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on the effects of pasta and dietary patterns high in pasta on body weight and body composition outcomes, and evaluate potential mechanisms by which pasta may influence body weight. A search of PubMed and CENTRAL identified 38 relevant studies examining pasta intake and body weight outcomes or potential mechanisms. Observational studies generally report no association or an inverse association of pasta intake with body weight/body composition outcomes. One clinical trial reported no difference in weight loss between a hypocaloric diet with high intake vs. low intake of pasta. Pasta may influence body weight via its low glycemic response, but evidence of effects on appetite, appetite-related hormones, and gastric emptying is limited and inconclusive. In conclusion, observational and limited clinical data suggest pasta is either inversely or not associated with overweight or obesity in healthy children and adults, and does not contribute to weight gain within the context of a healthy diet.

The effects of consuming specific types of nonnutritive sweeteners (NNSs) on adiposity changes in children have remained inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the intake of different kinds of NNSs on long-term adiposity changes during pubertal growth. Furthermore, we examined the above relationships among different sexes, pubertal stages, and levels of obesity. A total of 1893 6–15-year-old adults were recruited and followed-up every 3 months. The NNS-FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) was conducted and urine samples were collected to investigate the effects of the selected sweeteners, which included acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, steviol glycosides, and sorbitol. Multivariate linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the relationship between NNS intake and body composition. The consumption of aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, stevioside, and sorbitol was associated with decreased fat mass and increased fat-free mass. In the highest tertile group, the effects of NNS consumption on fat mass corresponded to values of −1.21 (95% CI: −2.04 to −0.38) for aspartame, −0.62 (95% CI: −1.42 to 0.19) for sucralose, −1.26 (95% CI: −2.05 to −0.47) for glycyrrhizin, −0.90 (95% CI: −2.28 to 0.48) for stevioside, and −0.87 (95% CI: −1.67 to −0.08) for sorbitol, while the effects on fat-free mass corresponded to values of 1.20 (95% CI: 0.36 to −0.38) for aspartame, 0.62 (95% CI: −0.19 to 1.43) for sucralose, 1.27 (95% CI: 0.48 to 2.06) for glycyrrhizin, 0.85 (95% CI: −0.53 to 2.23) for stevioside, and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.08 to 1.67) for sorbitol. Particularly, aspartame and sorbitol revealed a dose-responsiveness effect. The above finding was more prominent among girls than boys. Moreover, fat mass was significantly reduced in normal-weight children who consumed a moderate amount of aspartame and a large amount of glycyrrhizin and sorbitol compared with obese children. In conclusion, the NNS-specific and sex-specific effects of long-term NNS consumption revealed associations of decreasing fat mass and increasing fat-free mass for children undergoing pubertal growth.

Previous studies have suggested that infants high in negative affect have higher levels of adiposity, arising in part via changes in nutrition (e.g., "feeding to soothe"). Few studies have examined whether positive affect shows similar or inverse associations with adiposity. The current study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between adiposity and observations of positive affect in both a social and a non-social context, using data from infants at four (n = 125) and 12 (n = 80) months of age. Our analyses did not find any cross-sectional associations between positive affect and adiposity (all p > 0.05). However, in the longitudinal analyses, positive affect in a non-social context, when observed at four months of age, was positively associated with weight-for-length at 12 months of age (zWFL; ß = 1.49, SE = 0.67, p = 0.03), while positive affect observed at four months of age in a social context was inversely associated with body fat percentage at 12 months of age (ß = −11.41, SE = 5.44, p = 0.04). These findings provide preliminary evidence that the p positive affect is related to adiposity in infancy and suggest that the direction of association (i.e., direct or inverse) may be specific to the context in which positive affect is measured. Future research should examine the role of nutritional status in any relationships between adiposity and emotion at this early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting a healthy diet during and after pregnancy is important for women’s cardiometabolic health. We related changes in diet quality from pregnancy to 6 years postpregnancy to cardiometabolic markers 8 years postpregnancy. In 652 women from the GUSTO cohort, we assessed dietary intakes at 26–28 weeks’ gestation and 6 years postpregnancy using 24 h recall and a food frequency questionnaire, respectively; diet quality was scored using a modified Healthy Eating Index for Singaporean women. Diet quality quartiles were derived; stable, large/small improvement/decline in diet quality as no change, >1 or 1 quartile increase/decrease. Fasting triglyceride (TG), total-, high- and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (TC, HDL- and LDL-C), glucose and insulin were measured 8 years postpregnancy; homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and TG: HDL-C ratio were derived. Linear regressions examined changes in diet quality quartiles and cardiometabolic markers. Compared to a stable diet quality, a large improvement was associated with lower postpregnancy TG [−0.17 (−0.32, −0.01) mmol/L], TG: HDL-C ratio [−0.21 (−0.35, −0.07) mmol/L], and HOMA-IR [−0.47 (−0.90, −0.03)]; a large decline was associated with higher postpregnancy TC and LDL-C [0.25 (0.02, 0.49); 0.20 (0.004, 0.40) mmol/L]. Improving or preventing a decline in diet quality postpregnancy may improve lipid profile and insulin resistance.