Urinary bisphenol-A,phthalate metabolites and body composition in US adults,NHANES 1999–2006

Background: Exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates is highly prevalent. Prior studies have not assessed associations between urinary levels of BPA and phthalate metabolites and body composition. Methods: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2006 on adults aged ≥20 were analyzed by linear regression for associations between urinary BPA, monoethyl phthalate, monobutyl phthalate (MBP), monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and lean mass, fat mass, and percent body fat. Results: BPA and phthalate metabolites were not independently associated with fat mass or percent body fat. Significant inverse associations were observed with lean mass, with the strongest association observed for BPA in men (mean lean mass 1.39 kg lower for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, p trend = 0.02). Conclusions: BPA and some phthalates could have important, negative effects on muscle and may affect conditions related to deficits in lean mass, though additional research is needed.     

Body fat distribution and energy metabolism in obese men and women.

Upper body obesity seems to be associated with a better prognosis for weight loss than does lower body obesity. However, the impact of body fat distribution on energy metabolism is not clear.

One hundred fifteen non-diabetic obese Caucasians (64 males and 51 females) and 108 Caucasian lean controls (82 males and 26 females) were studied.

Body composition was assessed by hydrodensitometry and body fat distribution was estimated by the waist-to-thigh circumference ratio (W/T). Values of 24-hour energy expenditure (24h-EE), basal metabolic rate (BMR), sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured in a respiration chamber.

BMR, adjusted for differences in fat-free mass, fat mass, age and sex, correlated with W/T in obese males (r = 0.40; p < 0.01), but not in obese females. Obese male subjects with upper body obesity had BMR significantly higher than those with lower body obesity (2189 +/? 268 vs 1974 +/? 141 kcal/day; p < 0.01), independently of differences in fat-free mass, fat mass and age. No correlations were found between W/T and adjusted 24h-EE, SMR or RQ in all examined groups.

These findings indicate that in obese males, upper body obesity is associated with increased metabolic rate, possibly related to higher levels of lipid turnover in visceral fat.     

Body fat mass of exclusively breastfed infants born to overweight mothers

BackgroundAlthough there is evidence that maternal prepregnancy obesity (body mass index [BMI; calculated as kg/m²] ≥30) results in elevated risk of obesity in the offspring later in life, maternal prepregnancy overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) has not been clearly demonstrated as a risk factor for the future development of obesity in the offspring.ObjectiveOur objective was to determine if body composition differs between infants born to lean or overweight breastfeeding women.DesignBody composition (PeaPod, COSMED USA, Inc) and anthropometric outcomes were measured in 65 infants born to lean mothers (n=46) (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) or overweight mothers (n=19) (BMI 25 to 29.9) between 2006 and 2007. Maternal body composition (BodPod, COSMED USA, Inc) was also measured.ResultsBody fat mass was higher in infants born to overweight mothers compared with infants born to lean mothers at age 2 weeks and 3 months (11.9% vs 15.3% and 24.1% vs 26.8%, respectively; P<0.05). After adjusting for gestational weight gain and birth weight, body fat mass was significantly greater only at age 2 weeks.ConclusionsInfants of overweight mothers have greater body fat mass in the neonatal period compared with infants of lean mothers, suggesting that maternal overweight may predispose fetal metabolism to favor fat storage. Although our data suggest that this effect is short lived, future studies are needed to investigate children beyond the infancy period to test if body composition is greater in offspring of overweight women.     

Green tea,black tea,and epigallocatechin modify body composition,improve glucose tolerance,and differentially alter metabolic gene expression in rats fed a high-fat diet

The mechanisms of how tea and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) lower body fat are not completely understood. This study investigated long-term administration of green tea (GT), black tea (BT), or isolated EGCG (1 mg/kg per day) on body composition, glucose tolerance, and gene expression related to energy metabolism and lipid homeostasis; it was hypothesized that all treatments would improve the indicators of metabolic syndrome. Rats were fed a 15% fat diet for 6 months from 4 weeks of age and were supplied GT, BT, EGCG, or water. GT and BT reduced body fat, whereas GT and EGCG increased lean mass. At 16 weeks GT, BT, and EGCG improved glucose tolerance. In the liver, GT and BT increased the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c, FAS, MCD, ACC) and oxidation (PPAR-α, CPT-1, ACO); however, EGCG had no effect. In perirenal fat, genes that mediate adipocyte differentiation were suppressed by GT (Pref-1, C/EBP-β, and PPAR-γ) and BT (C/EBP-β), while decreasing LPL, HSL, and UCP-2 expression; EGCG increased expression of UCP-2 and PPAR-γ genes. Liver triacylglycerol content was unchanged. The results suggest that GT and BT suppressed adipocyte differentiation and fatty acid uptake into adipose tissue, while increasing fat synthesis and oxidation by the liver, without inducing hepatic fat accumulation. In contrast, EGCG increased markers of thermogenesis and differentiation in adipose tissue, while having no effect on liver or muscle tissues at this dose. These results show novel and separate mechanisms by which tea and EGCG may improve glucose tolerance and support a role for these compounds in obesity prevention.     

Can EGCG Reduce Abdominal Fat in Obese Subjects?

Objective: To evaluate metabolic effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) supplementation when combined with a program of regular aerobic exercise in overweight/obese post-menopausal women.

Methods: Thirty-eight overweight or obese postmenopausal women exercised at moderate intensity, viz. walking three times per week for 45 min at 75% of age-predicted maximum heart rate (HR), and took a 150 mg capsule of EGCG (Teavigo®) or placebo (lactose) twice daily for 12 weeks. Blood parameters (lipids, glucose and insulin), blood pressure, heart rate, arterial function and anthropometry were assessed at 0, 6 and 12 wk. At wk 0 and 12, body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and abdominal fat was assessed by DXA and computed tomography (CT).

Results: Waist circumference (p < 0.01), total body fat (p < 0.02), abdominal fat (by DXA) (p < 0.01) and intra abdominal adipose tissue (by CT) (p < 0.01) were reduced in both treatment groups, with no difference between placebo and Teavigo®. Teavigo® significantly decreased resting HR (p < 0.01) and reduced plasma glucose in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Moderate consumption of EGCG can improve the health status of overweight individuals undergoing regular exercise by reducing HR and plasma glucose concentrations. Loss of body fat, however, may require a higher intake of EGCG, other catechins or addition of metabolic stimulants.     

Precision of the Hologic Horizon A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the assessment of body composition

BackgroundAs the number of individuals with obesity increases, so too will the demand for a precise, cost-effective and safe method to better risk-stratify this heterogenous population. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, a body composition measurement has been associated with the many facets of the metabolic syndrome.AimTo determine the precision of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in providing body composition measurements, including VAT area, using the Hologic Horizon A scanner.MethodThirty participants (mean age 64 years, 47% male), underwent two sequential body composition scans. The coefficient of variation (CV) and least significant change (LSC) were calculated for android/gynoid ratio, appendicular lean/height², lean/height², total body fat and lean mass, total body mass, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and VAT area. Participants were stratified according to age (<70 or ≥70 years), body mass index (BMI) (≤30 kg/m² or >30 kg/m²) and sex (male or female). The CV was calculated for each parameter and then analysed for differences between groups.ResultsThe CV for all parameters was <3% with the exception of SAT (3.86%). The CV of VAT area was 2.63% with a LSC at 95% confidence of 7.28%. Apart from the CV differences between males and females for android/gynoid ratio (male: 3.56% vs. female: 1.74%, p = 0.01) and SAT area (5.04% vs. 2.46%, p = 0.01), there were no significant differences identified between the calculated CV for all other body composition parameters when participants were stratified by age, BMI and sex.ConclusionDXA scanning, using the Hologic Horizon A system, is capable of providing precise body composition measurements.     

Association between self-reported physical activity and indicators of body composition in Malaysian adolescents

BackgroundObesity and lack of physical activity are fast becoming a concern among Malaysian adolescents.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess physical activity levels among Malaysian adolescents and investigate the association between physical activity levels and body composition such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage of body fat.Subjects and methods1361 school-going 13 year old multi-ethnic adolescents from population representative samples in Malaysia were involved in our study. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the validated Malay version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Height, weight, body fat composition and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Data collection period was from March to May 2012.Results10.8% of the males and 7.4% of the females were obese according to the International Obesity Task Force standards. A majority of the adolescents (63.9%) were physically inactive. There is a weak but significant correlation between physical activity scores and the indicators of obesity. The adjusted coefficient for body fatness was relatively more closely correlated to physical activity scores followed by waist circumference and lastly BMI.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that high physical activity scores were associated with the decreased precursor risk factors of obesity.     

Association of Calcium Intake and Adiposity in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between calcium intake and 1) body composition and 2) body fat distribution in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Archived data from a previous study including forty-nine Caucasian women, aged 51–73 and at least three years postmenopausal, were used for analysis. Data included medical and diet history from a questionnaire, average nutrient intake from computerized analysis of a 3-day diet record, anthropometric measures including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Calcium intake represented both food and supplement sources of calcium. Lean and fat mass were determined from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) total body scans, and abdominal fat mass was defined as fat mass between the top of the iliac crest and L1 on the DXA scan.

Results: Subjects were 60.5 ± 0.9 y/o with an average BMI of 26.9 ± 0.7 and percent body fat of 42.8 ± 1.2. Average calcium intake was 1151 ± 83 g/d. There was a significant inverse relationship between calcium intake and percent body fat (r = ?0.36, p < 0.01) and abdominal fat mass (r = ?0.25, p < 0.05), but there was no significant correlation between calcium intake and body mass index, fat mass, lean mass, waist circumference, or WHR. When kcalories were controlled, the inverse correlation between dietary calcium intake and percent body fat remained (r = ?0.24, p < 0.05). Total fat was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the low dairy intake (1–2 servings/d) vs. high dairy intake group (3–4 servings/d), but there were no significant differences between the groups in other body composition variables.

Conclusions: Increased calcium intake was associated with lower percent body fat and higher dairy intake was associated with lower fat mass in postmenopausal women, but there was no association between calcium intake and body fat distribution measures in this population.     

Body composition in bulimia nervosa patients compared to healthy females

Summary. Objective: In contrast to anorexia nervosa there is a lack of research on body composition in bulimia nervosa patients. The aim of the study was to examine the body composition in underweight, normal-weight and overweight bulimia nervosa patients in comparison with healthy sedentary females, to assess the changes in body composition and subcutaneous fat after five months treatment, and to analyze the relation between body composition variables. Design: The body composition of 138 female bulimia nervosa patients and 188 healthy sedentary females was studied using underwater weighing and skinfold measurements. Results: A good agreement was found between the results obtained by underwater weighing and skinfold measurements. Normal-weight bulimics and control subjects did not differ significantly in body composition. In comparison with healthy controls, underweight and overweight bulimics showed a lower or higher percentage body fat, respectively. In underweight bulimics the fat mass increased after five months of treatment, whereas it decreased in normal-weight and overweight patients in comparison with control subjects. In bulimics more significant relations between body composition variables were found than in the controls. Conclusion: Body composition of bulimia nervosa patients may show great differences related to their (varying) body weight. Future research should take the patients body weight into account.     

Excess body fat negatively affects bone mass in adolescents

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of excess body fat on bone mass in overweight, obese, and extremely obese adolescents.MethodsThis study included 377 adolescents of both sexes, ages 10 to 19 y. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone age, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The results were adjusted for chronological age and bone age. Comparisons according to nutritional classification were performed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. Linear regression models were used to explain the variation in BMD and BMC in the L1–L4 lumbar spinal region, proximal femur, and whole body in relation to BMI, lean mass, fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage (BF%), considering P < 0.05.ResultsFor all nutritional groups, average bone age was higher than chronological age. In both sexes, weight and BMI values increased from eutrophic to extremely obese groups, except for BMD and BMC, which did not differ among male adolescents, and were smaller in extremely obese than in obese female adolescents (P < 0.01). Significant differences were observed for FM and BF% values among all nutritional groups (P < 0.01). Positive, moderate to strong correlations were detected between BMD and BMC for BMI, lean mass, and FM. A negative and moderate correlation was found between BMC and BF%, and between BMD and BF% at all bone sites analyzed in males and between BF% and spine and femur BMD, in females.ConclusionThe results reveal a negative effect of BF% on bone mass in males and indicate that the higher the BF% among overweight adolescents, the lower the BMD and BMC values.     

Physical Fitness but Not Diet Quality Distinguishes Lean and Normal Weight Obese Adults

BackgroundIndividuals with normal weight obesity (NWO) have increased cardiometabolic disease and mortality risk, but factors contributing to NWO development are unknown.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether diet quality scores and physical fitness levels differed between adults classified as lean, NWO, and overweight-obese. Secondary objectives of the study were to compare clinical biomarkers and food groups and macronutrient intakes between the three groups, and to test for associations between body composition components with diet quality scores and physical fitness levels.DesignThis is a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study that included metropolitan university and health care system employees. Body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Individuals with a body mass index <25 kg/m² and body fat >23% for men and >30% for women were classified as having NWO. Alternate Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score, and Mediterranean Diet Score were calculated from Block food frequency questionnaires. Physical fitness was assessed by measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ maximum) during treadmill testing.Participants/settingThis study included 693 adults (65% women, mean age 48.9 ± 11.5 years) enrolled between 2007 and 2013 in Atlanta, GA.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measures were Alternate Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and Mediterranean Diet Score diet quality scores and maximal oxygen uptake.Statistical analysesMultiple linear regression analyses with post hoc comparisons were used to investigate group differences in fitness, diet quality, and biomarkers. Regression analyses were also used to examine relationships between diet quality scores and fitness with body composition.ResultsVO₂ maximum was significantly lower in the NWO compared with the lean group (36.2 ± 0.8 mL/min/kg vs 40.2 ± 1.0 mL/min/kg; P < 0.05). Individuals with NWO reported similar diet quality to lean individuals and more favorable Alternate Healthy Eating Index and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension scores than individuals with overweight-obesity (P < 0.05). Diet quality scores and physical fitness levels were inversely associated with percent body fat and visceral adipose tissue (P < 0.05), regardless of weight status. Individuals with NWO exhibited higher fasting blood insulin concentrations, insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than lean individuals (P < 0.05).ConclusionsPhysical fitness was significantly decreased in individuals with NWO compared with lean individuals. Higher diet quality was associated with decreased total and visceral fat but did not distinguish individuals with NWO from lean individuals.     

Lower extremity muscle mass predicts functional performance in mobility-limited elders

Objectives: This study examined the influence of lower extremity body composition and muscle strength on the severity of mobility-disability in community-dwelling older adults.Methods: Fifty-seven older males and females (age 74.2 ± 7 yrs; BMI 28.9 ± 6 kg/m²) underwent an objective assessment of lower extremity functional performance, the Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB). Participants were subsequently classified as having moderate (SPPB score > 7: n = 38) or severe mobility impairments (SPPB score ≤ 7: n = 19). Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and provided measures of bone mineral density (BMD), total leg lean mass (TLM) and total body fat. Maximal hip extensor muscle strength was estimated using the bilateral leg press exercise. Multiple logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the significant independent variables that predicted the level of mobility-disability.Results: TLM was a strong independent predictor of the level of functional impairment, after accounting for chronic medical conditions, BMD, body fat, body weight and habitual physical activity. In a separate predictive model, reduced muscle strength was also a significant predictor of severe functional impairment. The severity of mobility-disability was not influenced by gender (p = 0.71). A strong association was elicited between TLM and muscle strength (r = 0.78, p < 0.01).Conclusions: These data suggest that lower extremity muscle mass is an important determinant of physical performance among functionally-limited elders. Such findings may have important implications for the design of suitable strategies to maintain independence in older adults with compromised physical functioning. Additional studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of lifestyle, exercise or therapeutic interventions for increasing lean body mass in this population.     

The relationship between body fat mass and fat-free mass

It has been suggested that there is a curvilinear relationship between lean body or fat-free mass and body fat mass. In order to confirm this relationship, body composition was measured by determining body density and total body water using deuterium-labeled water in subjects varying widely in body fat mass. There were 29 males and 75 females with body mass index ranging from 20 to 66 kg/m2. The relationship between fat-free mass and fat mass appeared to be linear over the range of body fat from 10 to 90 kg: males R2 = 0.67 (p less than 0.0001) and females, R2 = 0.47 (p less than 0.0001). The amount of variance explained was not greater when the log of fat mass was used in place of fat mass alone. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the relationship between fat-free mass and fat mass remained significant (p less than 0.001) after adjusting for body height, age, and fat distribution. It is concluded that over the range of body fat extending from 10 to 90 kg there is a positive and linear relationship between fat-free body mass and fat mass.     

Nutrition,body composition and physical activity have differential impact on the determination of lipidemic blood profiles between young females with different blood cholesterol concentrations

IntroductionThis cross-sectional study explored whether nutrition, body composition, and physical activity energy expenditure (PAΕΝ) have a differential impact on lipidemic blood profiles among young females with different blood cholesterol concentrations.MethodsOne hundred thirty-five young female students (N = 135) were allocated into three groups according to their blood cholesterol concentrations (Chol): (A) Normal [NL; Chol: < 200 mg·dL^-1; n = 56 Age: 21.4 ± 2.6 yrs, Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.1 ± 2.0 kg·m^-2], (B) Borderline (BL; Chol: ≥200 mg·dL^-1 and <240 mg·dL^-1; n = 44 Age: 21.6 ± 2.5 yrs, BMI: 24.2 ± 3.1 kg·m^-2) and (C) High level (HL; Chol: ≥240 mg·dL^-1; n = 35 Age: 22.5 ± 2.4 yrs, BMI: 28.9 ± 2.1 kg·m^-2). Body composition [bioelectrical impedance analysis including lean body mass (LBM) and body fat mass], nutritional intake (recall questionnaire), daily physical activity energy expenditure through activity trackers and resting blood lipids concentrations were evaluated.ResultsMultiple linear regression analyses revealed that in the NL group, lean mass, daily PAΕΝ and daily energy balance were the determinant parameters of blood lipidemic profiles (B: ?0.815 to 0.700). In the BL group, nutrition, body composition and daily physical activity energy expenditure exhibited similar impacts (B: ?0.440 to 0.478). In the HL group, nutritional intake and body fat mass determined blood lipidemic profile (B: ?0.740 to 0.725).ConclusionNutrition, body composition and daily PAΕΝ impact on blood lipids concentration is not universal among young females. In NL females, PAEN, energy expenditure and LBM are the strongest determinants of blood lipids, while in HL females, nutritional intake and body fat mass are. As PAΕΝ increases, the importance of nutrition and body fat decreases, and vice versa.     

Symposium on Advances in Clinical Nutrition. The American College of Nutrition's 29th annual meeting. September 14-16, 1988, New Orleans,Louisiana. Abstracts.

Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy of a chitosan dietary supplement on body composition under free-living conditions.

Design: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled dietary intervention protocol, subjects were assigned to a treatment group (TRT), a placebo group (PLA) and a control group (CTL).

Subjects: A total of 150 overweight adults enrolled; 134 (89.3%) completed the study; 111 (82.8%) were women who were similarly distributed in the three groups.

Intervention: The TRT group took six 500 mg chitosan capsules per day and both TRT and PLA groups wore pedometers during their waking hours and recorded daily step totals. The CTL group followed weight loss programs of their choice, and took the same baseline and ending tests.

Measures of Outcome: Outcome measures were Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry tests, fasting blood chemistries, and self-reported daily activity levels and caloric intakes.

Results: Compared to CTL, the TRT group lost more weight (?2.8 lbs vs. +0.8 lbs, p < 0.001) and fat mass (?2.6 lbs vs. +0.1 lbs, p = 0.006). Compared to PLA, the TRT group lost more weight (?2.8 lbs. vs. ?0.6 lbs, p = 0.03), % fat (?0.8% vs. +0.4%, p = 0.003), fat mass (?2.6 lbs vs. +0.6 lbs, p = 0.001) and had a greater body composition improvement index (BCI) (+2.4 lbs vs. ?1.9 lbs, p = 0.002).

Conclusions: These data provide evidence for the efficacy of a chitosan compound to facilitate the depletion of excess body fat under free-living conditions with minimal loss of fat-free or lean body mass.     

Plasma Leptin Association with Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Sickle Cell Disease

Objective: To examine the association between fasting plasma leptin concentrations and the hypercatabolic state observed in sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods: Plasma leptin concentration and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured in 37 SCD patients (10 men, 12 boys 14 to 18 years-old, seven women, and eight girls 14 to 18 year-old) and in 37 age, gender and fat mass (FM) matched controls. Body composition was measured hydrostatically, REE by whole room-indirect calorimeter, and plasma leptin using an RIA kit.

Results: Plasma leptin concentration and leptin normalized for body fat (ng/dL*kg FM^?1) were significantly lower in SCD patients than in non-SCD controls (4.00±3.23 vs. 9.94±14.69, p=0.021 and 0.406±0.260 vs. 0.643±0.561, p=0.024, respectively). A positive linear association between log plasma leptin and FM was observed in both males and females, adjusting for age and SCD status. The strength of this association was greater in females compared with males (slope=0.699 and 0.382 log ng/mL per 10 kg FM, respectively; p=0.013). SCD patients on average demonstrated a higher REE, adjusting for FFM (p<0.0001). Log plasma leptin and FM were not statistically significant predictors of REE after adjustment for FFM and SCD.

Conclusions: Once corrected for body composition, mean plasma leptin concentration was significantly lower among female SCD patients than among non-SCD matched controls. Although REE was higher in SCD patients, there is no simple association between leptin and REE in SCD.     

Changes in the body composition of Velvet Scoters (Melanitta fusca) wintering in the Gulf of Gdańsk

Body mass and body composition of 27 adult Velvet Scoters (Melanitta fusca) were studied. These birds were collected from January to March in the Gulf of Gda??sk, Poland. Body mass, fat, and protein contents of both males and females decreased significantly between mid and late winter, possibly because of a physiological process or a result of worsening environmental conditions. In mid-winter, the mean body mass of males and females did not differ significantly, whereas in late winter the difference in body mass between sexes became prominent. There was no difference in fat mass between the sexes, but females had higher lipid indexes despite their smaller size. The lack of expected fat mass increase in late winter may be due to the spring migration strategy of Velvet Scoters, which apparently opt to fly short distances rather than make long non-stop flights after departure from the Gulf of Gda??sk. Body mass was the best predictor of fat mass accumulated by Velvet Scoters wintering in the Gulf of Gda??sk.     

Body composition differences between adults with multiple sclerosis and BMI-matched controls without MS

BackgroundPersons with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many health conditions related to overweight and obesity, but little is known about how body composition among those with MS compares to those without MS at the same weight.ObjectiveTo compare differences in whole body and regional body composition between persons with and without MS matched for sex and body mass index (BMI).MethodsPersons with MS (n = 51) and non-MS controls (n = 51) matched for sex and BMI. Total mass, lean mass, fat mass, and percent body fat (%BF) of total body and arm, leg, and trunk segments were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).ResultsMen with MS had significantly less whole body lean mass (mean difference: 9933.5 ± 3123.1 g, p < 0.01) and higher fat mass (mean difference: 6079.0 ± 2137.4 g, p = .01) and %BF (mean difference: 9.43 ± 2.04%, p < 0.01) than BMI-matched non-MS counterparts. Further, men with MS had significantly lower lean mass in the arm (p = 0.02) and leg (p < 0.01) and higher fat mass in the arm (p = 0.01), leg (p = 0.03) and trunk (p = 0.03) than men without MS. Men with MS had significantly higher %BF in all three regions (p < 0.01) than men without MS. There were no differences between women with and without MS.ConclusionsWe observed significant differences in whole body and regional body composition between BMI-matched men with and without MS. Additional research is needed to further explore differences in body composition, adipose distribution, and the impact of these differences on the health and function of men with MS.     

The role of protein intake in the relationship between egg consumption and body composition in young adults. A mediation analysis

Background & aimsTo date, the literature examining the effects of whole-egg consumption on health outcomes focuses primarily on cardiovascular health markers; however, a significant gap exists in the literature about how egg consumption may influence body composition indicators. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between egg consumption and body composition indicators and to examine whether this relationship is mediated by protein intake in young adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 355 first-year university students (aged 18–30 years) from a Spanish public university. Body composition was measured using bioimpedance and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and fitness components were determined using the course-navette test. Egg consumption and protein intake (both in g/day/kg of body weight) were determined using a 137-item Food-Frequency Questionnaire. ANCOVA models were used to test the mean differences in body composition indicators (body mass index [BMI], ratio waist circumference/height [WC/height], body fat mass percentage, and body lean mass percentage) by egg consumption categories (<1 egg/week, 1–4 eggs/week, ≥5 eggs/week). Hayes's PROCESS macro was used for mediation analyses.ResultsParticipants reporting high egg consumption (≥5 eggs/week) showed significantly lower BMI, WC/height and body fat mass percentage values and higher body lean mass percentage values than those reporting low egg consumption (<1 egg/week) (p < 0.05). However, these relationships were not maintained after adjusting for protein intake. Protein intake acted as a full mediator of the relationships of egg consumption with BMI (indirect effect [IE] = ?1.19; 95% CI [?3.33; ?0.36]), WC/height (IE = ?0.01; 95% CI [?0.04; ?0.01]) and body lean mass percentage (IE = 2.99; 95% CI [1.26; 5.73]) as a partial mediator of the relationship be-tween egg consumption and body fat mass percentage (IE = ?2.19; 95% CI [?4.92; ?0.46]).ConclusionsThe association between egg consumption and body composition is mediated by protein intake. This finding is important from a public health perspective, suggesting that higher egg consumption (≥5 eggs/week) may lead to a healthier body composition, especially due to higher protein intake.