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Abnormalities in the structure and metabolic function of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (aSAT) underlie many obesity-related health complications. Endurance exercise improves cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight or obesity, but the effects of endurance training on aSAT are unclear. We included male and female participants who were regular exercisers with overweight or obesity who exercised for >2 years, and cross-sectionally compared them with well-matched non-exercisers with overweight or obesity. Here we show aSAT from exercisers has a higher capillary density, lower Col6a abundance and fewer macrophages compared with non-exercisers. This is accompanied by a greater abundance of angiogenic, ribosomal, mitochondrial and lipogenic proteins. The abundance of phosphoproteins involved in protein translation, lipogenesis and direct regulation of transcripts is also greater in aSAT collected from exercisers. Exploratory ex vivo experiments demonstrate greater angiogenic capacity and higher lipid-storage capacity in samples cultured from aSAT collected from exercisers versus non-exercisers. Regular exercise may play a role in remodelling aSAT structure and proteomic profile in ways that may contribute to preserved cardiometabolic health., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

This study describes the changes in risk factors for coronary heart disease in obese persons with syndrome X after orlistat-assisted weight loss. Data were available for 1,700 patients who completed 52 weeks of weight loss; 128 were defined as having syndrome X by being in the quintile with the highest plasma triglyceride levels (>2.2 mM/L) and the lowest high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, <1.0 mM/L) concentrations. Initial characteristics of those with syndrome X were similar to the 119 subjects (non-syndrome X) in the lowest quintile of plasma triglyceride (<0.975 mM/L) and highest quintile of HDL cholesterol (>1.5 mM/L). Subjects were placed on a calorie-restricted diet, and randomized to receive orlistat or placebo. Initial values were higher in those with syndrome X for diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.03), plasma insulin (p = 0.0001), triglyceride (p = 0.0001) concentrations, and ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (p = 0.0001), and were lower for HDL cholesterol (p = 0.001) concentrations. Weight loss was greater in both groups of orlistat-treated patients (p = 0.026); in those with syndrome X, it was associated with a significant reduction in plasma insulin (p = 0.019) and triglyceride (p = 0.0001) concentrations, an increase in HDL cholesterol concentration, and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein/HDL cholesterol ratio (p = 0.0001). There were no significant changes in plasma insulin, triglycerides, or HDL cholesterol concentration in the non-syndrome X group. In conclusion, weight loss attenuates coronary heart disease risk factors in obese persons with syndrome X, and the risk factor reduction is enhanced with administration of orlistat.

The animal model of exercise-induced anorexia was employed in humans to develop a laboratory paradigm for studying the acute effect of exercise on food intake. Each of nine obese and nine nonobese women exercised either strenuously (90 W) or moderately (30 W) on a cycle ergometer for 40 min or rested in the laboratory on each of 3 nonconsecutive days. Intake of a liquefied test meal (1.04 kcal/g) eaten 15 min after exercise was significantly less after the strenuous (620 g) than after the moderate (754 g) exercise in the nonobese women but was no different after the two conditions (532 g after strenuous, 581 g after moderate) in the obese women. Heart rate and energy expenditure were increased in proportion to the exercise by the same amount in both groups. The results demonstrate for the first time that food intake is reduced immediately after strenuous exercise in nonobese women, as it is in animals, and validate the feasibility of this laboratory paradigm.

The effects of green tea (GT) in obese subjects have been evaluated in different studies, but no consensus has been obtained due to the heterogeneity of the results. The dosage, the type of extract, and the duration of the intervention are the main contributors to the heterogeneity of the results. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and dose-response relationship of GT. Several databases were searched from inception to September 2019 to identify clinical trials that examined the influence of GT supplements on obesity indices in humans. Combined results using the random-effects model indicated that body weight (WMD: -1.78 kg, 95% CI: -2.80, -0.75, p = .001) and body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -0.65 kg/m 2 , 95% CI: -1.04, -0.25, p = .001) did change significantly following GT administration. The reduction in waist circumference (WC) after GT consumption was significant in subjects in trials employing GT ≥800 mg/day (WMD: -2.06 cm) and with a treatment duration <12 weeks (WMD: -2.39 cm). Following the dose-response evaluation, GT intake did alter body weight, with a more important reduction when the GT dosage was <500 mg/day and the treatment duration was of 12 weeks. The results of present meta-analysis study support the use of GT for the improvement of obesity indices. Thus, we suggest that the use of GT can be combined with a balanced and healthy diet and regular physical exercise in the management of obese patients., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Introduction: In the last few years, obesity has become a central issue with more than 2.6 billion people worldwide being overweight or obese. While the risks associated with this condition and its rising significance are widely known, the effect of this attention on screening and treatment remains unsatisfying. This paper explores multiple treatment strategies and evaluates their effectiveness in preventing obesity-related complications. Review methods: We conducted our study as a literature review, with data being gathered via PubMed and Embase. The state of knowledge: Physical activity, behavioral therapy, and proper nutrition remain the foundation for obesity therapy. However, in many cases these approaches are insufficient. Recently, there has been a dynamic development of bariatric surgery and new drugs, which in comparison to lifestyle modification, result in better long-term results and improved quality of life. New surgery procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding, have shown to be one of the most effective but still carry a risk of complications. As an alternative pharmacotherapy could be considered with currently used medications including liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, phentermine-topiramate, orlistat, and bupropion-naltrexone. Conclusions: Growing treatment options allow physicians to choose more targeted approaches, based on the patient's risk factors, overall health status, and compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to collect and to examine the positive effects of various physical activity (PA) programs on individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This included a combination of aerobic exercises and resistance training, with varying intensities, in order to compare which approach yielded better outcomes for T2DM management; This systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines, focusing on the period from 1991 to 2024. Studies included in this review involved both experimental procedures and questionnaire-based surveys to assess the impact of PA on T2DM patients. The primary outcome was the effect of PA on T2DM, with secondary outcomes including changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glycemic control; A total of 23 studies, encompassing 1752 participants (515 men, 546 women, and 691 unspecified), met the inclusion criteria. The studies highlighted the positive effects of exercise, such as improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. Most studies recommended a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises performed 3-4 times per week for 30-60 minutes per session; This systematic review confirms that regular PA is instrumental in managing T2DM. Health care providers should integrate PA programs into treatment plans for T2DM patients to optimize glycemic control and overall health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether body fat and body mass index (BMI) affect the energy cost of walking (Cw; J/kg/m), ventilation, and gas exchange data from 205 adults (115 females; percent body fat range = 3.0%–52.8%; BMI range = 17.5–43.2 kg/m2) were obtained at rest and during treadmill walking at 1.34 m/s to calculate gross and net Cw. Linear regression was used to assess relationships between body composition indices, Cw, and standing metabolic rate (SMR). Unpaired t‐tests were used to assess differences between sex, and one‐way ANOVA was used to assess differences by BMI categories: normal weight, <25.0 kg/m2; overweight, 25.0–29.9 km/m2; and obese, ≥30 kg/m2. Net Cw was not related to body fat percent, fat mass, or BMI (all R2 ≤ 0.011). Furthermore, mean net Cw was similar by sex (male: 2.19 ± 0.30 J/kg/m; female: 2.24 ± 0.37 J/kg/m, p = 0.35) and across BMI categories (normal weight: 2.23 ± 0.36 J/kg/m; overweight: 2.18 ± 0.33 J/kg/m; obese: 2.26 ± 0.31, p = 0.54). Gross Cw and SMR were inversely associated with percent body fat, fat mass, and BMI (all R2 between 0.033 and 0.270; all p ≤ 0.008). In conclusion, Net Cw is not influenced by body fat percentage, total body fat, and BMI and does not differ by sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity remains one of the main issues in public health. It is a sign of menopause in women, in addition to being connected to metabolic problems. This work was constructed to assess the in Vivo possible therapeutic effects as well as physiological mechanisms of Salvia officinalis extract and Orlistat in preventing obesity. The obesity model was created by rats ovariectomy, a three-month postoperative period was applied to reach a remarkable decline in estrogen levels and ensuing obesity. Ovariectomy (Ovx) rats were treated with Salvia officinalis extract (10 ml /Kg orally) and Orlistat (12 mg/kg orally) daily over 6 weeks. SOE and OR-treated rats exhibited significant decreases in body weight, visceral fat, blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), liver enzymes (AST, ALT), Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, leptin, adiponectin, and pancreatic lipase with a considerable increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) comparable to OVX rats. The histopathological analysis also supported these findings. Co-administration of SOE and OR regained body weight, liver, and adipose histological changes to levels close to normal and reversed all the biochemical markers examined. SOE and OR exhibited anti-obesity potential in OVX rats as evidenced by improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting lipid synthesis in adipocytes, and reducing oxidative stress according to normal lipid levels. SOE provides a secure and efficient treatment for obesity when used alone or in combination with orlistat, particularly menopausal-related obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to identify the transcriptomic characteristics of the endometrium in normoweight and overweight/obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) potentially underlying the pathogenesis. This study included 38 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: 22 women with PCOS and 16 matched controls. Each of the groups was subdivided into normoweight (body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) subgroups. Endometrium samples were collected in the secretory phase from controls or in a modeled secretory phase using daily administration of progesterone from women with PCOS before in vitro fertilization treatment. Transcriptome profiles were assessed by high-throughput RNA sequencing to investigate distinct endometrial gene expression patterns in PCOS. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the endometrium from PCOS expresses significantly different transcripts encoding endometrial receptivity, inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and energy metabolism. Additionally, our study demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes between normoweight and overweight/obese PCOS are involved in fatty acid metabolism, endometrial decidualization, and immune response. For the first time, we have described the transcriptome characteristics of normoweight and overweight/obese PCOS endometria. Our results indicate different endometrial gene expressions between different subtypes of PCOS and non-PCOS women, which might affect endometrial functions in PCOS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have yielded discrepant results concerning whether the thermic effect of food (TEF) is reduced in obesity. Methodological variations among published studies make understanding the discrepant results very difficult. Although methodological differences are often noted as contributing to the discrepant results, little work has been done to address these differences and standardize experimental protocols. This paper reviews 50 studies that have investigated TEF in obesity and focuses on factors related to experimental protocol and subject control that reportedly affect measurements of resting energy expenditure, postprandial energy expenditure, and the calculation of TEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Compensatory responses may attenuate the effectiveness of exercise training in weight management. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of moderate- and high-intensity interval training on eating behavior compensation. Methods: Using a crossover design, 10 overweight and obese men participated in 4-week moderate (MIIT) and high (HIIT) intensity interval training. MIIT consisted of 5-min cycling stages at ±20% of mechanical work at 45%VO2peak, and HIIT consisted of alternate 30-s work at 90%VO2peak and 30-s rests, for 30 to 45 min. Assessments included a constant-load exercise test at 45%VO2peak for 45 min followed by 60-min recovery. Appetite sensations were measured during the exercise test using a Visual Analog Scale. Food preferences (liking and wanting) were assessed using a computer-based paradigm, and this paradigm uses 20 photographic food stimuli varying along two dimensions, fat (high or low) and taste (sweet or nonsweet). An ad libitum test meal was provided after the constant-load exercise test. Results: Exercise-induced hunger and desire to eat decreased after HIIT, and the difference between MIIT and HIIT in desire to eat approached significance (p = .07). Exercise-induced liking for high-fat nonsweet food tended to increase after MIIT and decreased after HIIT (p = .09). Fat intake decreased by 16% after HIIT, and increased by 38% after MIIT, with the difference between MIIT and HIIT approaching significance (p = .07). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that energy intake compensation differs between MIIT and HIIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a global public health issue with an increasing prevalence, obesity is related to several metabolic disorders, but is largely preventable. Resistant starch (RS), the indigestible portion of starch, has been studied for its potential effects on reducing obesity. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of dietary intake of RS on obesity development and related metabolic profiles in human, including body weight and composition, energy intake and satiety, lipid profiles, blood glucose and insulin, and other blood biomarkers. Eleven peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2019 were identified after screening using CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Plus. Based on the results, RS intake had no direct effect on body weight and body composition. Evidence for its effect on reducing energy intake and increasing satiety, as well as improving lipid profiles was inconsistent. Beneficial effects of RS intake on several blood biomarkers were supported, indicating its regulatory roles in blood glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and gut hormone concentrations. Specifically, five out of the eight articles measuring blood glucose reported a decrease in either fasting or postprandial glucose levels; two out of the three articles measuring insulin sensitivity indicated a significant improvement after RS supplementation; studies measuring gut hormone concentrations including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY) also showed significant improvements after RS interventions. In conclusion, the effect of dietary intake of RS on obesity and its related metabolic complications was not conclusive. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer duration is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Facial attractiveness is thought to reflect an individual's biological condition. This seems to be largely explained by the relationship between facial appearance and body adiposity, a trait that affects various aspects of body homeostasis, including fertility and immunity. The aim of this study was to test if, a part of adipose tissue amount, also levels of hormones secreted by adipose tissue are reflected in women's appearance, focusing on the two most abundant adipokines. Due to the opposing effects of adiponectin and leptin on health, we hypothesized that leptin negatively and adiponectin positively correlate with women's attractiveness. Methods: The study sample included 174 young, healthy women (Mage = 28.50, SDage = 2.38). Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were measured. Estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and BMI levels were controlled in the analyses. Face photographs were taken and facial attractiveness ratings, assessed by men, were gathered in online questionnaires. Results: Perceived facial attractiveness correlated negatively with leptin level and leptin/adiponectin ratio, but did not correlate with adiponectin level. The results were similar, when controlled for E2, T, and BMI. Adipokines levels did not mediate or moderate the relationship between facial attractiveness and BMI. Conclusions: The results showed that perceived facial attractiveness is predicted by adipose‐derived hormones detrimental for health, like leptin, but is not related with beneficial hormones, such as adiponectin. However, the levels of these two adipokines do not impact the relationship between perceived facial attractiveness and adiposity, and thus do not explain the relationship between facial attractiveness, body adiposity, and biological condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to analyze and compare functional training, interdisciplinary therapy, and interdisciplinary education on cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) and anthropometric characteristics of women with obesity. Forty-four women (age = 39.7 ± 5.9 years, body mass index (BMI) = 35.5 ± 2.8 kg/m2) completed 30 weeks of intervention randomly assigned to 3 groups: functional training (FT) (n = 14), interdisciplinary therapy (IT) (n = 19), and interdisciplinary education (IE) (n = 11). The FT group participated in the training program (3/week), the IT group received the same training intervention plus nutrition (1/week) and psychology advice (1/week) and physical therapy (1/week). The IE group participated in interdisciplinary lectures on topics related to health promotion (1/month). CF (ergospirometry), anthropometry, and body composition (electrical bioimpedance) were measured pre-intervention (Pre) and post-intervention (Post). CF increased (p ≤ 0.05) significantly (Pre vs. Post) in the FT (7.5%) and IT (10.8%) groups, but not in the IE group (1.8%). Body mass (BM), BMI, relative fat mass, and waist circumference significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased (Pre vs. Post) in IT (−4.4%, −4.4%, −2.3%, and −5.1%, respectively). The IE group showed a significant decrease in BM (−3.7%), BMI (−3.7%), and waist circumference (−3.5%), whereas the FT group promoted significant decrease in waist circumference (−3.4%). In conclusion, functional training increased CF but only interdisciplinary interventions improved the anthropometric profile of women with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of water-based exercises on body composition continue to be controversial. The present study was proposed to assess the impact of pool workouts on weight, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and the quality of life of sedentary obese older women without dietary intervention. Fifty-five sedentary obese women (mean age 69.5 ± 4.3 years) were selected in this prospective experimental study (2018). Participants were divided randomly into two groups: moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT). Both pool workouts models included a similar energy expenditure (1500 kcal/week), which were performed three times a week for 60 minutes each time and lasted for three months. The following measurements were carried out pre- and post-study: anthropometry, body composition, REE, and quality of life. The Wilcoxon nonparametric test was applied to compare between groups and times (pre- and post-study). The comparison of pre- and post-study showed significant decreases of body weight (-0.7 kg), BMI (-0.5 kg/m2), fat mass (FM, -0.7 kg), and REE (-81 kcal/day) for the MICT (p < 0.05), and a significant decrease of the only FM (-0.7 kg) for the HIIT (p < 0.05). Regarding the quality of life, decreased pain, social and vitality improvements were significant in the MICT group, but improved vitality and health status in the group of HIIT were significant. Pool workouts without the dietary control revealed a modest influence on the body composition of sedentary obese older women, with better results for MICT. However, the improvement in the quality of life cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the effect of video games in childhood obesity and sedentary behavior. Decline of physical fitness; Indication of gender differences; Estimation of gross energy expenditure.

Background/Objectives: Body composition (BC) does not always vary as a function of exercise induced energy expenditure (exercise EE – resting EE). Energy balance variables were measured to understand energy compensation (EC) in response to an exercise intervention performed at low (LOW) or moderate (MOD) intensity. Subjects/Methods: Twenty-one women with overweight/obesity (33 ± 5 kg/m2; 29 ± 10 yrs; 31 ± 4 ml O2/kg/min) were randomized to a 3-month LOW or MOD (40 or 60% of VȮ2reserve, respectively) matched to expend 1500 kcal/week (compliance = 97 ± 5%). Body energy stores (DXA), energy intake (EI) (food menu and food diaries), resting EE (indirect calorimetry), total EE (doubly-labeled water), time spent in different activities (accelerometers), appetite (visual analog scale), eating behavior traits and food reward (liking and wanting) were assessed at baseline, after weeks 1 and 2 and at the end of the 3-month exercise intervention. Results: EC based on BC changes (fat mass and fat-free mass) was 49 ± 79% and 161 ± 88% in LOW and MOD groups, respectively (p = 0.010). EI did not change significantly during the intervention. However, eating behavior traits and food reward had changed by the end of the 3-month supervised exercise. Non-structured physical activity (NSPA) decreased across the intervention (p < 0.002), independent of the intensity of the exercise training. Conclusion: Women with overweight/obesity training at LOW presented lower EC for a given energy cost of exercise. Our results strongly suggest that NSPA plays a major role in mediating the effects of exercise on energy balance and ultimately on changes in BC. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ISRCTN31641049. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation compared the percentage of body fat obtained using the bioelectrical impedance technique and the anthropometric technique on a black pediatric population consisting of 196 subjects, 93 girls and 103 boys, ages 5-11 years. Subjects were measured utilizing the Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer-103 (RJL Systems, Inc.). In order to simulate a realistic school environment, protocol was deliberately not followed. Anthropometric measurements were obtained at two sites: triceps and medial calf. The anthropometric and BIA percentages of body fat were compared using the Pearson product-moment coefficient or correlation and an ANOVA. The overall relationship between the groups was .809. Use of the BIA appears to lead to an overestimation of fatness in black children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of daytime aerobic exercise on the subsequent sleep and appetite of obese women. Materials and Methods: It was a semi-experimental study with pre and post-test design. Fifteen obese women were asked to do aerobic exercises three sessions a week for 2 weeks, with each session lasting 60 min at 60% of maximum heart rate either at 9:00 am or 18:00 pm. A body composition analyzer (InBody-320, South Korea) was used to measure weight, fat percentage, and body mass index (BMI). Nocturnal sleep–wake schedule data and sleep patterns in the two conditions (morning vs. evening) were recorded at 1-min intervals and scored with the Actiwatch Sleep Analysis 8 software. Paired t-test and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: Results (age, 46.9 ± 5.2 years; BMI, 33.6 ± 3.2 kg/m2; and percentage of body fat ≥35%) showed that sleep efficiency, wake bouts, actual sleep, and sleep latency were improved after exercise training (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, morning exercise condition resulted in a better improvement in sleep efficiency (73.41% ± 6.94%), wake bouts (15.81% ± 3.30%), and sleep latency (79.47% ± 6.09%) compared to that of evening exercise (P ≤ 0.05). It was also reported that the perceived satiety was not significantly different in the two conditions (P = 0.94 and P = 0.076, respectively, for morning and evening), while the perceived hungry was improved significantly in the morning condition (P = 0.003). Conclusion: As a result, aerobic exercises at the time of the morning can lead to a better quality of sleep and decline in hungry of obese women compared to the evening exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is one of the phenotypes of severe asthma, which is considered to be a heterogeneous syndrome; however, its interaction with airway inflammation is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of saturated fatty acids in augmenting airway inflammation induced by house dust mite (HDM) in obesity. Subjects were Balb/c mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks, followed by sensitization and exposure to HDM. Subjects were also administered palmitic acid (PA) for 4 weeks with concurrent sensitization and exposure to HDM. Airway inflammation was assessed by quantifying the amount of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and airway resistance was measured. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed macrophages were stimulated by PA. The amount of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was examined in the supernatant. Compared to normal chow mice, HFD mice underwent significant increases in body weight; increases in number of lung macrophages, including circulating monocytes and alveolar macrophages; and increases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) total cell count, including neutrophils but not eosinophils, after HDM sensitization and exposure. In vitro, PA induced MCP-1 and augmented LPS-primed production of IL-1β and TNF-α in macrophages. Among HDM mice that were administered PA, there was an increase BALF total cell count, including neutrophils but not eosinophils, compared to vehicle mice. In conclusion, saturated fatty acid increased the number of lung macrophages and augmented HDM-induced neutrophilic airway inflammation in a HFD mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were performed to examine the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the development of obesity. In the first experiment, Wistar rats were orally administered a 2.5 g/kg body weight lipid emulsion containing FOS, and the subsequent elevation of plasma triglycerides was significantly suppressed compared with that in rats receiving lipid emulsion alone. In the second experiment, C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat 'western' diet with or without 2.5% FOS supplementation ( n = 10/group) ad libitum for 12 weeks. Body weight and percent body fat were lower in mice fed FOS than in controls. Furthermore, the weight of the visceral adipose tissue, and the weight and triglyceride content of the liver were significantly lower in the high-fat + FOS group. Fecal excretion of lipids was markedly enhanced by FOS consumption. These results indicate that dietary FOS suppress high-fat diet-induced body fat accumulation, and inhibit intestinal absorption of dietary fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) is believed to be largely related to ATP production, which is dependent on phosphorus (P) availability. We aimed to test the effect of P addition on DIT of lean and overweight/obese healthy subjects. DIT was measured with or without P in 10 lean and 13 overweight/obese adults in a double-blind randomized cross-over pilot study with one week washout period. After 10 h overnight fast, resting metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, and substrate utilization were measured at fasting and every 30 min for 3 h after subjects drank a standardized glucose solution, with P (500 mg) or placebo pills. Subjective ratings of hunger and satiety were assessed before and after the end of each experiment using validated visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires. Overweight/obese subjects had a blunted DIT with placebo, while P supplementation induced a 23% increase in their DIT area under the curve (p < 0.05), which was associated with a significant increase in carbohydrate oxidation. Subjects had lower appetite following P supplementation, which was expressed as a significantly (p = 0.02) lower desire to eat a meal (4.0 ± 0.7 cm) compared with placebo (5.8 ± 0.9 cm). P supplementation recovers the blunted diet-induced thermogenesis in overweight and obese subjects and enhances their postprandial satiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about how adverse events are summarised and reported in trials, as detailed information is usually considered confidential. We have acquired clinical study reports (CSRs) from the European Medicines Agency through the Freedom of Information Act. The CSRs describe the results of studies conducted as part of the application for marketing authorisation for the slimming pill orlistat. The purpose of this study was to study how adverse events were summarised and reported in study protocols, CSRs, and published papers of orlistat trials.Methods and Findings: We received the CSRs from seven randomised placebo controlled orlistat trials (4,225 participants) submitted by Roche. The CSRs consisted of 8,716 pages and included protocols. Two researchers independently extracted data on adverse events from protocols and CSRs. Corresponding published papers were identified on PubMed and adverse event data were extracted from this source as well. All three sources were compared. Individual adverse events from one trial were summed and compared to the totals in the summary report. None of the protocols or CSRs contained instructions for investigators on how to question participants about adverse events. In CSRs, gastrointestinal adverse events were only coded if the participant reported that they were "bothersome," a condition that was not specified in the protocol for two of the trials. Serious adverse events were assessed for relationship to the drug by the sponsor, and all adverse events were coded by the sponsor using a glossary that could be updated by the sponsor. The criteria for withdrawal due to adverse events were in one case related to efficacy (high fasting glucose led to withdrawal), which meant that one trial had more withdrawals due to adverse events in the placebo group. Finally, only between 3% and 33% of the total number of investigator-reported adverse events from the trials were reported in the publications because of post hoc filters, though six of seven papers stated that "all adverse events were recorded." For one trial, we identified an additional 1,318 adverse events that were not listed or mentioned in the CSR itself but could be identified through manually counting individual adverse events reported in an appendix. We discovered that the majority of patients had multiple episodes of the same adverse event that were only counted once, though this was not described in the CSRs. We also discovered that participants treated with orlistat experienced twice as many days with adverse events as participants treated with placebo (22.7 d versus 14.9 d, p-value < 0.0001, Student's t test). Furthermore, compared with the placebo group, adverse events in the orlistat group were more severe. None of this was stated in the CSR or in the published paper. Our analysis was restricted to one drug tested in the mid-1990s; our results might therefore not be applicable for newer drugs.Conclusions: In the orlistat trials, we identified important disparities in the reporting of adverse events between protocols, clinical study reports, and published papers. Reports of these trials seemed to have systematically understated adverse events. Based on these findings, systematic reviews of drugs might be improved by including protocols and CSRs in addition to published articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a global health problem affecting all age groups, leading to many complications such as type 2 diabetes, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Physiologically, obesity arises from metabolic changes in the tissues and organs of the human body; these changes result in an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, which in turn results in increased fat accumulation in adipose tissue. Such fat accumulation predisposes individuals to development of several health problems. Two different obesity treatment drugs are currently on the market; Orlistat, which reduces intestinal fat absorption via inhibiting pancreatic lipase, and Sibutramine, an anorectic or appetite suppressant. Both drugs have hazardous side effects, including increased blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, headache, and insomnia. For this reason, a wide variety of natural materials have been explored for their obesity treatment potential. Therefore, the present review focuses on the safety and efficacy of some herbal medicines in the management of obesity through covering their beneficial effects and mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies have shown an increasing prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome worldwide. Lifestyle modifications that include dietary changes, weight reduction, and exercise are the cornerstones in the treatment of this pathology. However, adherence to this approach often meets with failure in clinical practice; therefore, drug therapy should not be delayed. The ideal pharmacological antihypertensive regimen should target the underlying mechanisms involved in this syndrome, including sympathetic activation, increased renal tubular sodium reabsorption, and overexpression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by the adipocyte. Few prospective trials have been conducted in the search of the ideal antihypertensive regimen in patients with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. We summarize previously published ad hoc studies, prospective studies, and guideline publications regarding the treatment of hypertension in patients with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. We conclude that the optimal antihypertensive drug therapy in these patients has not been defined. Though caution exists regarding the use of thiazide diuretics due to potential metabolic derangements, there is insufficient data to show worsened cardiovascular or renal outcomes in patients treated with these drugs. In regard to beta blockers, the risk of accelerating conversion to diabetes and worsening of inflammatory mediators described in patients treated with traditional beta blockers appears much less pronounced or absent when using the vasodilating beta blockers. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition with an ACE or an ARB and treatment with calcium channel blockers appears safe and well tolerated in obesity-related hypertension and in patients with metabolic syndrome. Future prospective pharmacological studies in this population are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hyperphagia, low sympathetic nervous system tone, and decreased circulating concentrations of bioactive thyroid hormonesthat are common to states of congenital leptin deficiency and hypoleptinemia following and during weight loss suggest that the major physiological function of leptin is to signal states of negative energy balance and decreased energy stores. In weight-reduced humans, these phenotypes together with pronounced hypometabolism and increased parasympathetic nervous system tone create the optimal circumstance for weight regain. Based on the weight loss induced by leptin administration in states of leptin deficiency (obese) and observed similarity of phenotypes in states of congenital and dietary-induced states of hypoleptinemia (reduced obese), it has been suggested that exogenous leptin could potentially be useful in initiating, promoting, and sustaining weight reduction. However, the responses of human beings to exogenous leptin administration are dependent not only on extant energy stores but also on energy balance. Leptin administration to humans at usual weight has little, if any, effect on body weight while leptin administration during weight loss mitigates hunger, especially if given in supraphysiological doses during severe caloric restriction. Leptin repletion is most effective following weight loss by dietary restriction. In this state of weight stability but reduced energy stores, leptin at least partially reverses many of the metabolic, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral adaptations that favor weight regain. The major physiological function of leptin is to signal states of negative energy balance and decreased energy stores. Leptin, and pharmacotherapies affecting leptin signaling pathways, is likely to be most useful in sustaining weight loss [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is already known about this subject Achievement of a stressful mental task leads to increased energy intake over a short period of time., Given that mental work does not increase energy expenditure, a positive energy balance is observed., What this study adds The single fact of waiting and relaxing after mental work does not reduce energy intake., Thirty minutes of physical activity performed at moderate/high intensity between mental work and a meal is enough to create a energy deficit compare to a situation where the meal directly follows mental work., Background Although energy expenditure during mental work is not higher than energy expenditure at rest, a stressful mental task is related to an increase in energy intake. It is suggested that mental work produces physiological changes, thereby influencing food intake. Objective Because physical activity can influence hunger, the aim of the study was to determine if the introduction of an active pause could counteract the negative effects of mental work on energy intake and energy balance. Method Twelve male students, of normal weight, between 15 and 20 years old were evaluated. All subjects participated in three different sessions realized in a randomized order: (i) without pause = relaxation/mental work/meal; (ii) relaxation pause = mental work/relaxation/meal; and (iii) exercise pause = mental work/exercise/meal. Energy expenditure was measured with indirect calorimetry, energy intake was measured with a cold buffet-type meal of 40 items, and appetite-related sensations were measured with visual analogue scales. The effect of introducing an active pause in energy intake and energy balance was studied. Results The introduction of an active pause did not influence energy intake; although, higher appetite-related sensations were observed (16-26 mm on a 150-mm scale; P < 0.05). After accounting for the energy expenditure related to physical activity, a lower energy balance was measured for the exercise pause visit compared with the visit without a pause (−1137 kJ; P < 0.05). Conclusion This study indicates that being active between mental work and a meal could represent a strategy to create a negative energy balance following mental work via an increased energy expenditure and a maintenance of energy intake. Globally, these results could help individuals attain and/or maintain a healthy body weight in a context where mental work is omnipresent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Appetite monitoring influences obesity process. Acylated Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide that plays an important role in weight controlling and energy homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of one cycle circuit resistance training program on plasma acylated ghrelin, insulin and growth hormone in overweight 17-20 year old males. Materials and Methods: Twenty male students with age 18±0.92 years old, height 174.5±5.07 cm, weight 83.57±5.62 kg and BMI 27.48±1.5 kg/m2 (mean ± SE) were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Subjects performed circuit-resistance training protocol with 60% 1RM for 12 weeks. The levels of plasma Acylated ghrelin, insulin and growth hormone, were measured by ELISA method before and after 12 weeks. Results: The results revealed no significant differences in body weight, BMI and insulin level (P=0.83), whereas acylated ghrelin (P=0.02) and growth hormone (P=0.04) increased significantly in the plasma. A significant positive correlation (r=0.58) was found between plasma acylated ghrelin and GH (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that circuit resistance training induces depletion of body energy storage .This issue leads to increase in secretion of acylated ghrelin stimulating food intake behavior and compensating for lost energy sources and eventually restoring the body's energy balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The magnitude of the negative energy balance induced by exercise may be reduced due to compensatory increases in energy intake. Objective: To address the question: Does increased exercise or physical activity alter ad-libitum daily energy intake or macronutrient composition in healthy adults? Data Sources: PubMed and Embase were searched (January 1990–January 2013) for studies that presented data on energy and/or macronutrient intake by level of exercise, physical activity or change in response to exercise. Ninety-nine articles (103 studies) were included. Study Eligibility Criteria: Primary source articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals. Articles that presented data on energy and/or macronutrient intake by level of exercise or physical activity or changes in energy or macronutrient intake in response to acute exercise or exercise training in healthy (non-athlete) adults (mean age 18–64 years). Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Articles were grouped by study design: cross-sectional, acute/short term, non-randomized, and randomized trials. Considerable heterogeneity existed within study groups for several important study parameters, therefore a meta-analysis was considered inappropriate. Results were synthesized and presented by study design. Results: No effect of physical activity, exercise or exercise training on energy intake was shown in 59% of cross-sectional studies (n = 17), 69% of acute (n = 40), 50% of short-term (n = 10), 92% of non-randomized (n = 12) and 75% of randomized trials (n = 24). Ninety-four percent of acute, 57% of short-term, 100% of non-randomized and 74% of randomized trials found no effect of exercise on macronutrient intake. Forty-six percent of cross-sectional trials found lower fat intake with increased physical activity. Limitations: The literature is limited by the lack of adequately powered trials of sufficient duration, which have prescribed and measured exercise energy expenditure, or employed adequate assessment methods for energy and macronutrient intake. Conclusions: We found no consistent evidence that increased physical activity or exercise effects energy or macronutrient intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical fitness expressed through exercise can be, if done with the right intention, a form of spiritual discipline that reflects the relational love of humanity to God as well as an expression of a healthy love of the embodied self. Through an analysis of the physiological benefits of exercise science applied to the human body, this paper will demonstrate how such attention to the optimal physical fitness of the body, including weight and cardiovascular training and nutrition, is an affirmation of three foundational theological principles of human embodiment: as created in the 'imago Dei', as unified body/spirit, and as part of God's creation calling for proper stewardship. In a contemporary climate where women's bodies in particular are viewed through the lens of commodification-as visual objects for sale based on prescribed notions of superficial esthetics and beauty-as well as the consistently high rates of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and obesity, authors Greenwood and Delgado offer a vision of how women and men can imagine a subjective relationship with their own bodies that reflects the abundant love of God for God's creation. Spoken from the lived experience of professional fitness competitor and trainer, as well as trained biokineticist, Dr. Greenwood presents the most current scientific data in the field of biokinetics that grounds the theological analysis offered by Dr. Delgado, whose personal journey through anorexia and scholarly emphasis on Christian theological anthropology inform this work. Taken together, Greenwood and Delgado suggest a response to God's love for humanity, including our physical bodily humanity, which entails a responsibility to attend to the physical fitness of our bodies in order to live into the fullness, flourishing and love of God's creation as God intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few diseases in modern pets are diet induced. One possible exception to this is obesity, which is ultimately caused by consuming more calories than needed by the dog or cat. Although fat is the most concentrated and efficiently stored source of calories, and protein least so, an excess of calories from any source will contribute to adiposity. Obesity is an excess of body fat sufficient to result in impairment of health or body function. In people, this is generally recognized as 20 to 25% above ideal BW. This degree of excess is important in dogs as well. A lifelong study in dogs showed that even moderately overweight dogs were at greater risk for earlier morbidity; these dogs required medication for chronic health problems sooner than their lean-fed siblings. The average difference in BW between groups was approximately 25%. Obese cats also face increased health risks, including an increased risk of arthritis, diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, and early mortality. The risk for development of diabetes increases about 2-fold in overweight cats and about 8-fold in obese cats. Altered adipokine secretion appears to be an important mechanism for the link between excess BW and many diseases. Once considered to be physiologically inert, adipose tissue is an active producer of hormones, such as leptin and resistin, and cytokines, including many inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and C-reactive protein. The persistent, low-grade inflammation secondary to obesity is thought to play a causal role in chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and others. For example, tumor necrosis factor-α alters insulin sensitivity by blocking activation of insulin receptors. In addition, obesity is associated with increased oxidative stress, which also may contribute to obesity-related diseases. Management of obesity involves nutritional modification as well as behavioral modification. Increased protein intake combined with reduced calorie intake facilitates loss of body fat while minimizing loss of lean body mass. Limiting treats to 10% of calorie intake and increasing exercise both aid in successful BW management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of the authors in this study were: (1) to determine whether published body mass index and bioelectrical impedance analysis equations agreed with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry body fat percentage measures and (2) to estimate new body mass index and bioelectrical impedance analysis equations in a sample of African American women. Linear regression was used to determine how well 10 body mass index and bioelectrical impedance analysis equations reflected dual energy x-ray absorptiometry body fat percentage measures in this sample of 74 African American women; new body mass index and bioelectrical impedance analysis equations were created using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry body fat percentage measures as the dependent variable. Participants (M = 47.6 years, SD = 7.7) were classified as overweight or obese (BMI Mean BF% = 35.4, SD = 8.2; BIA Mean BF% = 43.3, SD = 6.9; DXA Mean BF% = 41.5, SD = 6.1). R2 and SEE values indicated that all body mass index and bioelectrical impedance analysis equations were a poorer fit with less precision, and the new bioelectrical impedance analysis equation discussed in this article was a better fit and was more precise. All 10 body mass index and bioelectrical analysis equations inaccurately estimated dual energy x-ray absorptiometry body fat percentage measures in our sample. The new body mass index equation discussed in this article had less estimation bias and more precision than the published body mass index equations and may be a more accurate equation in African American women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of a 10% or greater reduced body weight results in decreases in the energy cost of low levels of physical activity beyond those attributable to the altered body weight. These changes in nonresting energy expenditure are due mainly to increased skeletal muscle work efficiency following weight loss and are reversed by the administration of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin. We have also shown previously that the maintenance of a reduced weight is accompanied by a decrease in ratio of glycolytic (phosphofructokinase) to oxidative (cytochrome c oxidase) activity in vastus lateralis muscle that would suggest an increase in the relative expression of the myosin heavy chain I (MHC I) isoform. We performed analyses of vastus lateralis muscle needle biopsy samples to determine whether maintenance of an altered body weight was associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolic properties as well as mRNA expression of different isoforms of the MHC and sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticular Ca2+-dependent ATPase (SERCA) in subjects studied before weight loss and then again after losing 10% of their initial weight and receiving twice daily injections of either placebo or replacement leptin in a single blind crossover design. We found that the maintenance of a reduced body weight was associated with significant increases in the relative gene expression of MHC I mRNA that was reversed by the administration of leptin as well as an increase in the expression of SERCA2 that was not significantly affected by leptin. Leptin administration also resulted in a significant increase in the expression of the less MHC IIx isoform compared with subjects receiving placebo. These findings are consistent with the leptin-reversible increase in skeletal muscle chemomechanical work efficiency and decrease in the ratio of glycolytic/oxidative enzyme activities observed in subjects following dietary weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way in which metabolic fuels are utilized can alter the expression of behaviour in the interests of regulating energy balance and fuel availability. This is consistent with the notion that the regulation of appetite is a psychobiological process, in which physiological mediators act as drivers of behaviour. The glycogenostatic theory suggests that glycogen availability is central in eliciting negative feedback signals to restore energy homeostasis. Due to its limited storage capacity, carbohydrate availability is tightly regulated and its restoration is a high metabolic priority following depletion. It has been proposed that such depletion may act as a biological cue to stimulate compensatory energy intake in an effort to restore availability. Due to the increased energy demand, aerobic exercise may act as a biological cue to trigger compensatory eating as a result of perturbations to muscle and liver glycogen stores. However, studies manipulating glycogen availability over short-term periods (1-3 days) using exercise, diet or both have often produced equivocal findings. There is limited but growing evidence to suggest that carbohydrate balance is involved in the short-term regulation of food intake, with a negative carbohydrate balance having been shown to predict greater ad libitum feeding. Furthermore, a negative carbohydrate balance has been shown to be predictive of weight gain. However, further research is needed to support these findings as the current research in this area is limited. In addition, the specific neural or hormonal signal through which carbohydrate availability could regulate energy intake is at present unknown. Identification of this signal or pathway is imperative if a casual relationship is to be established. Without this, the possibility remains that the associations found between carbohydrate balance and food intake are incidental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights a study which investigated the effects of weight gain and obesity on young obese people's serum protein profile. The serum protein fractions of obese and control subjects were studied via Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoreses (SDS-PAGE). The Gene Genius Bio-imaging Gel Documentation system was used to quantify the data. Results of the study suggested that some protein fraction changes in obese people are strong indicators of their roles in body mass alteration.

Although some investigators have hypothesized that ingestion of fructose from foods and beverages is responsible for the development of hyperlipidemia or obesity, a recent evidence-based review demonstrated that there was no relationship between the consumption of fructose in a normal dietary manner and the development of hyperlipidemia or increased weight in normal weight individuals. Because overweight and obese individuals may exhibit metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipedemia, and/or alterations in gut hormones involved in appetite regulation, the findings of fructose studies performed in normal weight subjects may not be particularly relevant for overweight or obese subjects. A systematic assessment of the strength and quality of the studies and their relevance for overweight or obese humans ingesting fructose in a normal dietary manner has not been performed. The purpose of this review was to critically evaluate the existing database for a causal relationship between the ingestion of fructose in a normal, dietary manner and the development of hyperlipidemia or increased body weight in overweight or obese humans, using an evidence-based approach. The results of the analysis indicate that there is no evidence which shows that the consumption of fructose at normal levels of intake causes biologically relevant changes in triglycerides (TG) or body weight in overweight or obese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of a body weight 10% above or below that "customary" for lean or obese individuals results in respective increases or decreases in the energy expended in low levels of physical activity (nonresting energy expenditure, NREE). These changes are greater than can be accounted for by the altered body weight or composition and are due mainly to altered skeletal muscle work efficiency at low levels of power generation. We performed biochemical analysis of vastus lateralis muscle needle biopsy samples to determine whether maintenance of an altered body weight was associated with changes in skeletal muscle histomorphology. We found that the maintenance of a 10% reduced body weight was associated with significant declines in glycolytic (phosphofructokinase, PFK) enzyme activity and, in particular, in the ratio of glycolytic to oxidative (cytochrome c oxidase, COX) enzyme activity without significant changes in the activities of enzymes relevant to mitochondrial density, respiratory chain activity, or fuel transport; or in skeletal muscle fiber type or glycogen stores. The fractional change in the ratio of PFKICOX activity in subjects following weight loss was significantly correlated with changes in the systemic respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and measures of mechanical efficiency of skeletal muscle at low workloads (pedaling a bicycle to generate 10 or 25 W of power). Thus, predictable changes in systemic skeletal muscle biochemistry accompany the maintenance of an altered body weight and account for a significant portion of the variance in skeletal muscle work efficiency and fuel utilization at reduced body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obesity epidemic is a global issue and shows no signs of abating, while the cause of this epidemic remains unclear. Marketing practices of energy-dense foods and institutionally-driven declines in physical activity are the alleged perpetrators for the epidemic, despite a lack of solid evidence to demonstrate their causal role. While both may contribute to obesity, we call attention to their unquestioned dominance in program funding and public efforts to reduce obesity, and propose several alternative putative contributors that would benefit from equal consideration and attention. Evidence for microorganisms, epigenetics, increasing maternal age, greater fecundity among people with higher adiposity, assortative mating, sleep debt, endocrine disruptors, pharmaceutical iatrogenesis, reduction in variability of ambient temperatures, and intrauterine and intergenerational effects as contributing factors to the obesity epidemic are reviewed herein. While the evidence is strong for some contributors such as pharmaceutical-induced weight gain, it is still emerging for other reviewed factors. Considering the role of such putative etiological factors of obesity may lead to comprehensive, cause specific, and effective strategies for prevention and treatment of this global epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the prediction of adult relative fat mass (percent body fat,%BF) using measures from pre-pubertal ages and early childhood is scarce. In the present longitudinal study, we assess the development of different anthropometric indicators of percent body fat during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in 37½-year-old females stratified for low and high percent body fat. Consequently, we study the predictability of percent body fat based on simple anthropometric measurements during childhood and adolescence. Anthropometric data from the Belgian longitudinal experimental growth study “LEGS” were used. Beginning in 1969, five yearly cohorts of about 100 individuals each (mean age 6 years) were recruited in public kindergartens. Of the original 515 participants (260 males, 255 females) that were measured annually from age 6 to 18 years, 59 males and 60 females agreed to participate in a follow-up study in 2004. During the follow-up measurements, the participants were invited for a body-composition assessment by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We stratified the participants into low (%BF-BIA < 35%) and high (%BF-BIA≥35%) relative fat mass samples. Pearson correlations were calculated and used as tracking coefficients. Multiple stepwise linear regression was applied with anthropometric variables at each age separately as predictors for adult percent body fat, expressed as%BF-BIA, %BF-Segal, and %BF-D&W (Durnin & Womersley, 1974). The results indicate that a single skinfold thickness during adolescence is a better predictor for adult percent body fat than adolescent body mass index. Additionally, our results suggest that this holds during childhood as early as from age 8 onwards. The use of single skinfold measurements as predictors for adult adiposity and obesity is supported by other arguments, including: (1) body mass index as a proxy for overweight does not discriminate between fat mass and fat-free mass, and (2) an excess of adipose tissue is more strongly associated with morbidity than the body mass index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Most research confirms that metformin therapy has a positive influence on cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aims of the present study were to establish other CVRF, such as plasma adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, in obese premenopausal women with PCOS and to investigate the effect of metformin treatment on these factors. Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 29 PCOS woman with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2. They were treated over 6 months with 500 mg metformin twice daily. Twenty-nine healthy individuals matched for age and BMI were controls. Adiponectin, TNFα, IL-6 and CRP levels were examined in all PCOS (before and after treatment) and control women. Results. In the PCOS group significantly lower plasma adiponectin and TNFα levels were observed, whereas there were no differences in plasma IL-6 and CRP levels between PCOS and control groups. Plasma adiponectin increased significantly after metformin treatment, but levels of inflammatory factors did not change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Multiple skinfold anthropometry (MSA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are useful as clinically non-invasive, inexpensive and portable techniques, although it is not clear if they can be used interchangeably in the same patient to routinely assess her/his body composition. In order to compare BIA, MSA and DXA in the estimation of lean body mass (LBM) of a pediatric obese population, 103 obese [body mass index (BMI) > 97th percentile] children (median age: 11 years; range: 5.4-16.7 years) underwent nutritional evaluation. After an overnight fast, the subjects' anthropometric measurements were performed by the same investigator: body weight (BW), height, skinfold thickness (four sites); fat body mass (FBM) using Brook or Durnin equations and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BIA was performed using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (Analicor-Eugedia, 50 kHz) and Houtkooper's equation to calculate LBM. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the prediction of LBM by MSA, DXA and BIA. The differences between the three techniques were analysed using Student's t-test for paired observations and the Bland and Altmann method. A considerable lack of agreement was observed between DXA- and BIA-LBM (delta = -4.37 kg LBM; delta-2sigma = -11.6 kg LBM; delta+2sigma = +2.8 kg LBM); between DXA- and MSA-LBM (delta = -1.72 kg LBM; delta-2sigma = -8.2 kg LBM; delta+2sigma = +4.8 kg LBM) and between BIA- and MSA-LBM (delta = -2.65 kg LBM; delta-2sigma = -10.5 kg LBM; delta+2sigma = +5.2 kg LBM).Conclusion: In obese children, DXA, BIA and MSA should not be used interchangeably in the assessment of LBM because of an unacceptable lack of agreement between them. The discrepancies between methods increase with the degree of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin (IL)-10 is a major anti-inflammatory cytokine that has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the IL-10 gene polymorphisms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and control subjects. Ninety-one young women with PCOS and 74 healthy control women were included in our study. All subjects underwent venous blood drawing for complete hormonal assays, lipid profile, glucose, insulin and IL-10 gene polymorphism genetic analysis and carotid intimae media thickness (CIMT) were measured. The genotype and allele frequencies showed similar ratios between both the control and the patient group. The AA and AG genotypes in IL-10 polymorphism seemed to be relatively high, but statistically no significant difference has been detected in GG genotype. Our results show that IL-10 gene polymorphism of PCOS patients has no effect on inflammatory markers, metabolic parameters (fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR), carotid intimae media thickness and Ferriman- Gallwey scoring. These data will be different in PCOS patients with different ethnical origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production in 17 male adolescents during a racing simulation video game (VG) and compared to resting state (RS) and exercise testing (ET) measures. We were able to demonstrate a significant ( p<.005) increase from RS to VG concerning HR (+13.1 bpm), SBP (+20.8 mmHg), and DBP (+12.1 mmHg) with SBP and DBP elevations exceeding 2 SD in all children and 14/17 children, respectively. The energy consumption during VG (max 1.71 kcal/min) was unaltered compared to RS and significantly lower compared to ET even at the starting strain of 25 W (1.94 kcal/min). Hemodynamic parameters tested demonstrated lower HR, unchanged SBP, and higher DBP during the VG compared with ET. Comparing all measured parameters it can be said that the relation of blood pressure and energy consumption during VG might not be favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:It has been suggested that weight loss can improve systemic inflammation associated with obesity by decreasing the adipose production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This suggestion, however, remains controversial.Objective:To analyse the effect of weight loss on peripheral inflammatory markers and subcutaneous adipocytokine production.Design:Patients were studied at baseline, at the end of the weight loss period, and after 2 weeks of weight stabilisation.Subjects:Nineteen morbid obese non-diabetic patients and 20 lean control subjects.Intervention:During the weight loss period patients followed a 6-week low-calorie diet.Measurements:Plasma levels of inflammatory markers, maximal in vitro whole-blood cytokine production, subcutaneous adipose tissue expression and content of several cytokines.Results:Obese subjects had higher circulating levels of C reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin IL-6, IL-1 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR). Weight loss was associated with a significant decrease in CRP, SAA, leucocytes and plasma IL-6. Maximal in vitro cytokine production of IL-1 and sTNFR1 increased during this period. Weight loss did not induce significant changes in the adipose concentrations of IL-6, IL-1 or sTNF-receptors. However, adipose expression of IL-6, IL-1, TNFα, membrane cofactor protein-1 and adiponectin increased at the end of the weight loss period. During weight maintenance, circulating inflammatory parameters increased and in some cases returned to baseline.Conclusions:A low-calorie diet is associated with an improvement in the systemic inflammatory status. This seems to be due to energy restriction rather than to adipose mass loss, since inflammatory levels return to baseline soon after weight stabilisation. Furthermore, a negative energy balance and fat mobilisation are associated with increased subcutaneous cytokine adipose expression.International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 1714–1720. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803348; published online 25 April 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of information on whether brief nutrition education can succeed in improving longer-term dietary patterns in disadvantaged populations with HIV/AIDS. In the SMART/EST II Women's Project 466 disadvantaged women with HIV/AIDS were randomized to one of four groups and received a two-phase training consisting of a coping skills/stress management and nutrition education provided either in a group or individually. At baseline the majority of participants had excessive fat and sugar consumption and suboptimal intakes of vegetables, fruits, calcium-rich foods and whole grains. Dietary patterns for all participants improved after the nutrition intervention primarily due to decreases in high fat and high sugar foods such as soda and fried foods and were still significantly better 18 months later. There were only short-term differences in improvements between the four groups. These findings support the value of even brief nutrition education for disadvantaged women living with HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim . The present study was designed to examine the relationship between Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ gene ( PPAR -γ) and clinical and hormonal characteristics in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods . One hundred patients with PCOS and 100 healthy subjects were included in the study. Serum levels of sex steroids were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The responses of glucose and insulin to an oral glucose tolerance test were analyzed by calculating the respective area under the curve (AUC) by the trapezoidal method. We used the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and polymerase chain reaction to examine Pro12Ala polymorphism in exon 2 of PPAR -γ. Results . Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPAR -γ was significantly elevated in control subjects (22%) compared with PCOS subjects (15%). All of the Pro12Ala polymorphisms of PPAR -γ were heterozygous. When PCOS subjects with the Pro allele and the Ala allele of PPAR -γ were compared, the latter had lower free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, insulin and C-peptide levels, as well as lower luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, HOMA insulin resistance index, AUC insulin , Ferriman–Gallwey score, acne, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Conclusion . We suggest that Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR -γ gene may be a modifier of insulin resistance in women with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous disease characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues such as adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. This review focuses on obesity as one of the major environmental factors contributing to the development of diabetes. It has become evident that adipose tissue represents an active secretory organ capable of releasing a variety of cytokines such as TNFα, IL-6, adiponectin and other still unknown factors that might constitute the missing link between adipose tissue and insulin resistance. In fact, adipocyte-derived factors are significantly increased in obesity and represent good predictors of the development of type 2 diabetes. The negative crosstalk between adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells leads to disturbances in muscle cell insulin signalling and insulin resistance involving major pathways in inflammation, cellular stress and mitogenesis. Positive regulators of insulin sensitivity include the adipocyte hormone adiponectin and inhibitors of inflammatory pathways such as JNK-, IKK- and ERK-inhibitors. In summary, a better knowledge of intracellular and intercellular mechanisms by which adipose tissue affects skeletal muscle cell physiology may help to develop new strategies for diabetes treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic syndrome, which is very common in the general population, is defined by the clustering of several classic cardiovascular risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). Central obesity and insulin resistance, which are the two underlying disorders of the syndrome, are further risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, a panel of novel (non-traditional) risk factors are ancillary features of the metabolic syndrome. They include biomarkers of chronic mild inflammation (e.g. C-reactive protein, CRP), increased oxidant stress (e.g. oxidized low density lipoprotein, LDL), thrombophilia (e.g. plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, PAI-1) and endothelial dysfunction (e.g. E-selectin). Therefore, subjects with the metabolic syndrome are potentially at high risk of developing atherosclerosis and clinical cardiovascular events. In recent years several longitudinal studies have confirmed that subjects with the metabolic syndrome present with atherosclerosis and suffer from myocardial infarction and stroke at rates higher than subjects without the syndrome. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is particularly high in women with the syndrome and in subjects with pre-existing diabetes, CVD and/or high CRP. However, an increased risk is already present in subjects with a cluster of multiple mild abnormalities. The risk related to the metabolic syndrome is definitely higher when subjects affected are compared to subjects free of any metabolic abnormality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]