Contribution of 20-year body mass index and waist circumference history to poor cardiometabolic health in overweight/obese and normal weight adults: A cohort study

Background and aimsWe investigated the associations of 20-year body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) histories with risk of being 1) metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUOO) vs metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHOO) and 2) metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) vs metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW).Methods and resultsParticipants comprised 3018 adults (2280 males; 738 females) with BMI and WC measured, every ~5 years, in 1991–1994, 1997–1999, 2002–2004, 2007–2009, and 2012–2013. Mean age in 2012–2013 was 69.3 years, with a range of 59.7–82.2 years. Duration was defined as the number of times a person was overweight/obese (or centrally obese) across the 5 visits, severity as each person's mean BMI (or WC), and variability as the within-person standard deviation of BMI (or WC). At the 2013–2013 visit, participants were categorised based on their weight (overweight/obese or normal weight; body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m²) and health status (healthy or unhealthy; two or more of hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglycerides, high glucose, and high homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance). Logistic regression was used to estimate associations with the risk of being MUNW (reference MHNW) and MUOO (reference MHOO) at the last visit. BMI and WC severity were each related to increased risk of being unhealthy, with estimates being stronger among normal weight than overweight/obese adults. The estimates for variability exposures became null upon adjustment for severity. Individuals who were overweight/obese at all 5 time points had a 1.60 (0.96–2.67) times higher risk of being MUOO than MHOO compared to those who were only overweight/obese at one (i.e., the last) time point. The corresponding estimate for central obesity was 4.20 (2.88–6.12). Greater duration was also related to higher risk of MUNW than MHNW.ConclusionBeing overweight/obese yet healthy seems to be partially attributable to lower exposure to adiposity across 20 years of adulthood. The results highlight the importance of maintaining optimum and stable BMI and WC, both in adults who become and do not become overweight/obese.     

Association of childhood obesity phenotypes with early adulthood Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT): Tehran lipid and glucose study

Background and aimsOver the past few years, obesity and metabolic syndrome prevalence among children and adolescence have an increasing trend. This study aims to investigate the association of obesity phenotypes during childhood and adolescence with early adulthood carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).Methods and resultsParticipants were divided into four obesity phenotypes: Metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Participants were followed for 18 years. Multivariate-adjusted Risk Ratios (RRs) were calculated for high CIMT (≥95% percentile) incidence.In this cohort study 1220 children and adolescents with the average age of 10.9 ± 4.0 years were included. CIMT values had a significantly increasing trend from MHNW to MUO group (p for trend<0.001). Individuals with normal weight status, even with an unhealthy metabolic profile did not have higher risk of high CIMT. Similarly, Children with obesity but healthy metabolic status was not at higher risk. On the other hand, MUO phenotype during childhood was associated with increased risk of high CIMT in early adulthood (RR = 2.13, 95%CI (1.02–4.48)). This association became insignificant for all obesity phenotypes after adjusting for adulthood BMI.ConclusionAdulthood CIMT has an increasing trend based on childhood and adolescence obesity phenotypes from MHNW to MUO. Children with MUO phenotype was the only ones that had an increased risk of high CIMT incidence in early adulthood.     

Lifestyle factors associated with the transition from healthy to unhealthy adiposity among black South African adults over 10 years

Background and aimsObesity is associated with an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Africa, but some obese individuals maintain cardiometabolic health. The aims were to track metabolically healthy overweight or obesity (MHO) over 10 years in African adults and to identify factors associated with a transition to metabolically unhealthy overweight or obesity (MUO).Methods and resultsThe participants were the South African cohort of the international Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological study. From the baseline data of 1937 adults, 649 women and 274 men were followed for 10 years. The combined overweight and obesity prevalence of men (19.2%–23.8%, p = .02) and women (58%–64.7%, p < .001), and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in all participants (25.4%–40.2%, p < .001) increased significantly. More than a quarter (26.2%) of the women and 10.9% of men were MHO at baseline, 11.4% of women and 5.1% of men maintained MHO over 10 years, while similar proportions (12.3% of women, 4.7% of men) transitioned to MUO. Female sex, age, and total fat intake were positively associated with a transition to MUO over 10 years, while physical activity was negatively associated with the transition. HIV positive participants were more likely to be MHO at follow-up than their HIV negative counterparts.ConclusionsOne in two black adults with BMI ≥25 kg/m² maintained MHO over 10 years, while a similar proportion transitioned into MUO. Interventions should focus on lower fat intakes and higher physical activity to prevent the transition to MUO.     

Metabolic abnormalities,but not obesity per se,associated with chronic kidney disease in a Taiwanese population

Background and aimsIt is inconclusive whether obesity itself or metabolic abnormalities are linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between different subtypes of obesity and metabolic abnormalities with CKD in adults.Methods and resultsThis study enrolled 14,983 eligible subjects stratified into metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy overweight (MHOW), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolically unhealthy overweight (MUOW), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) according to body mass index and metabolic syndrome status (ATP-III criteria). The metabolic healthy phenotype was defined as the absence of both metabolic syndrome and any known diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension or dyslipidemia. Early and advanced CKD were defined as eGFR<60, proteinuria, or structural abnormalities as detected by renal sonography. The prevalence of CKD was 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 10.6, 9.5, and 10.5% in subjects with MHNW, MHOW, MHO, MUNW, MUOW, and MUO, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the MUNW (OR:2.22, P < 0.001), MUOW (OR:2.22, P < 0.001), and MUO (OR:2.45, P < 0.001) groups were associated with early CKD. For advanced CKD, the OR was 2.56 (P < 0.001), 2.31 (P < 0.001), and 3.49 (P < 0.001) in the MUNW, MUOW, and MUO groups, respectively. The associated risks of early and advanced CKD were not significant in the MHOW and MHO group. MUOW and MUO were associated with higher risk of CKD compared with MHOW and MHO after adjusting other variables.ConclusionsMetabolic abnormalities, but neither overweight nor obesity, were associated with a higher risk of CKD in adults.     

Association of cumulative excess weight and waist circumference exposure with transition from metabolically healthy obesity to metabolically unhealthy

Background and aimsThe association between obesity severity and duration with the transition from metabolically healthy obese/overweight (MHO) phenotype to metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) phenotype is not well understood.Methods and resultsThis study includes the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study participants who were initially classed as MHO. Cumulative excess weight (CEW) and cumulative excess waist circumference (CEWC) scores, which represent the accumulation of body mass index and waist circumference deviations from expected values over time (kg/m² 1 y and cm 1 y, respectively), were calculated until the transition from MHO to MUO or the end of follow-up. The sex-stratified association of CEW and CWEC with the transition from MHO to MUO was investigated by time-dependent Cox models, adjusting for confounders. Out of 2525 participants, 1732 (68.5%) were women. During 15 years of follow-up, 1886 (74.6%) participants transitioned from MHO to MUO. A significant association was found between CEW and CEWC quartiles with the development of MUO among women participants (fully adjusted hazard ratios in the fourth quartile of CEW and CEWC [95% (CI)]:1.65 [1.37–1.98] and [95% CI]: 1.83 [1.53–2.19]). There was no significant association between CEW and CEWC with the MHO transition to MUO among men participants.ConclusionOver 15 years of follow-up in TLGS, general and central obesity accumulation was associated with the increased transition from MHO to MUO among women participants. More research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm and explain why the results are different for men and women.     

Prognostic Impact of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention According to BMI

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and prognostic implications of elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to body mass index (BMI).BackgroundWhereas elevated hsCRP predicts adverse clinical outcome after PCI in the general population, the impact of BMI on its prognostic utility remains unclear.MethodsData from 14,140 patients who underwent PCI between January 2009 and June 2017 at a large tertiary care center were analyzed. Patients were divided into 4 BMI categories: normal (BMI 18.5 to <25 kg/m², n = 2,808), overweight (BMI 25 to <30 kg/m², n = 6,015), obese (BMI 30 to <35 kg/m², n = 3,490), and severely obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m², n = 1,827). Elevated hsCRP was defined as >3 mg/l. The primary endpoint of interest was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; defined as death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization) within 1 year after PCI.ResultsElevated hsCRP was present in 18.9%, 23.6%, 33.3%, and 47.7% of the normal, overweight, obese, and severely obese groups, respectively. MACE rates were consistently higher in patients with elevated hsCRP across all BMI categories (normal, 13.4% vs. 8.3%; overweight, 11.2% vs. 7.2%; obese, 10.6% vs. 7.5%; severely obese, 11.9% vs. 6.5%; p < 0.01 for all). After multivariate adjustment, hsCRP elevation remained significantly associated with MACE independent of BMI (hazard ratios: normal, 1.43 [95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 1.95]; overweight, 1.56 [95% confidence interval: 1.21 to 1.88]; obese, 1.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.06 to 1.84]; severely obese, 1.92 [95% confidence interval: 1.35 to 2.75]; p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing PCI, the prevalence of hsCRP elevation progressively increased with higher BMI. Measurement of hsCRP facilitates prognostic risk assessment for adverse outcome after PCI across a broad range of BMI.     

Relationship between legume consumption and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

AimsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been increasing in recent years. Investigation of whether consumption of legumes as a part of healthy diet could reduce the odds of MetS has led to inconsistent conclusions. Here, we performed the first meta-analysis of observational studies to analyze the association between legume consumption and prevalence of MetS.Data synthesisPubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify observational studies up to June 1, 2019. We extracted data from the studies included and performed quality assessments. Summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Publication bias and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. We finally included four cross-sectional studies, two cohort studies, and one case–control study involving 56,028 participants. The summary OR revealed no statistically significant association between legume consumption and odds of MetS (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.76–1.12, I² = 73.5%). Subgroup analysis of study characteristics and adjustment for confounding along with sensitivity analyses revealed no statistically significant differences. No evidence of publication bias was detected.ConclusionLegume consumption is not associated with the odds of MetS. These findings require validation in well-designed cohort studies and randomized clinical trials with accurate measurement of legume intake and strict control of confounders.RegistrationThis study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42019131777).     

Metabolic Health,Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease: 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundThe metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUN) and metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotypes are abnormal metabolic states. The purpose of this study was to report the frequency of the strictly defined MHO and MUN phenotypes and the association between metabolic phenotype and 10-year Framingham cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score using a sample taken from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.MethodsA cross-sectional sample of 2,316 participants age 18–79 years with complete metabolic health information were selected from the 2015–2016 dataset and included in the present analysis. Metabolic health was defined as the absence of all metabolic abnormalities as outlined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, excluding waist circumference. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m² or waist > 88.9 cm for females or > 101.6 cm for males.ResultsFrequency of the MHO phenotype was 5.5% and the MUN was 44.3%. After adjustment for all covariates, Framingham CVD risk score was higher in the MUN (b = 1.74,p < 0.001) and metabolically unhealthy obese (b = 3.32,p < 0.001) phenotypes that used BMI to define obesity, and the MHO phenotype had a slight protective effect (b = -2.25,p < 0.001) when waist circumference was used as the measure of obesity.ConclusionsMetabolically unhealthy phenotypes had higher CVD risk, while the MHO phenotype was not at any greater risk than the metabolically healthy normal weight.     

Bleeding and Ischemic Outcomes With Ticagrelor Monotherapy According to Body Mass Index

BackgroundThere is a paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of different antiplatelet regimens according to standardized body mass index (BMI) categories.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate bleeding and ischemic outcomes according to BMI in the TWILIGHT (Ticagrelor With Aspirin or Alone in High-Risk Patients After Coronary Intervention) trial.MethodsThe TWILIGHT trial randomized high-risk patients to ticagrelor plus aspirin or ticagrelor plus placebo at 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention. In this secondary analysis, patients were stratified by standard BMI categories, as recommended by the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Thrombosis (normal weight [BMI 18.5-24.99 kg/m²], overweight [BMI 25-29.99 kg/m²], and obese [BMI ≥30 kg/m²]) and by median BMI, as prespecified in the protocol.ResultsAmong 7,038 patients randomized and with available BMI, 1,807 (25.7%) were normal weight, 2,927 (41.6%) were overweight, and 2,304 (32.7%) were obese. In normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients, ticagrelor monotherapy, compared with ticagrelor plus aspirin, reduced the primary endpoint of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding (normal weight: HR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.32-0.73]; overweight: HR: 0.57 [95% CI: 0.41-0.78]; obese: HR: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.44-0.91]; P for interaction = 0.627), without any increase in the composite ischemic endpoint of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (normal weight: HR: 1.36 [95% CI: 0.84-2.19]; overweight: HR: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.63-1.35]; obese: HR: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.56-1.25]; P for interaction = 0.290). These findings were consistent with the prespecified analysis by median BMI.ConclusionsAmong high-risk patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, ticagrelor monotherapy, compared with ticagrelor plus aspirin, reduced bleeding events without any increase in ischemic risk across different BMI categories.     

Association between dairy product consumption and hyperuricemia in an elderly population with metabolic syndrome

Background and aimsThe prevalence of hyperuricemia has increased substantially in recent decades. It has been suggested that it is an independent risk factor for weight gain, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and cardiovascular disease. Results from epidemiological studies conducted in different study populations have suggested that high consumption of dairy products is associated with a lower risk of developing hyperuricemia. However, this association is still unclear. The aim of the present study is to explore the association of the consumption of total dairy products and their subtypes with the risk of hyperuricemia in an elderly Mediterranean population with MetS.Methods and resultsBaseline cross-sectional analyses were conducted on 6329 men/women (mean age 65 years) with overweight/obesity and MetS from the PREDIMED-Plus cohort. Dairy consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regressions were fitted to analyze the association of quartiles of consumption of total dairy products and their subtypes with the prevalence of hyperuricemia. Participants in the upper quartile of the consumption of total dairy products (multiadjusted prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75–0.94; P-trend 0.02), low-fat dairy products (PR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70–0.89; P-trend <0.001), total milk (PR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73–0.90; P-trend<0.001), low-fat milk (PR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72–0.89; P-trend<0.001, respectively), low-fat yogurt (PR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.80–0.98; P-trend 0.051), and cheese (PR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77–0.96; P-trend 0.003) presented a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia. Whole-fat dairy, fermented dairy, and yogurt consumption were not associated with hyperuricemia.ConclusionsHigh consumption of total dairy products, total milk, low-fat dairy products, low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt, and cheese is associated with a lower risk of hyperuricemia.     

Effects of fresh mango consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults

Background & aimsIn vitro and animal studies show antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties of mangos. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of fresh mango consumption compared to an isocaloric control snack on body weight, glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, liver function enzymes, inflammation, and antioxidant activity in overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥26 kg/m²).Methods and resultsIn a crossover design, 27 participants consumed 100 kcal/d of fresh mangos or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily for 12 weeks each, separated by a four-week washout period. Blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), and aspartate transaminase activity significantly decreased while total antioxidant capacity significantly increased following mango consumption. There were no significant changes in body weight, body fat %, blood pressure, insulin, or lipid profile following mango consumption. Cookie consumption significantly increased body weight, insulin, CRP, and triglycerides.ConclusionThese results suggest that relative to the control snack, mangos may improve certain risk factors associated with overweight and obesity including improved glycemic control and reduced inflammation.Clinical trials registerNCT03957928.     

Association of elective cesarean delivery with metabolic measures in childhood: A prospective cohort study in China

Background and aimsCesarean delivery may increase the risk of childhood obesity, a precursor of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to investigate the association of elective cesarean delivery (ElCD) with MetS and its components in a Chinese birth cohort.Methods and resultsThis cohort included 1467 children (737 delivered by ElCD and 730 by spontaneous vaginal delivery [SVD]) who were followed up at the age of 4–7 years in 2013. MetS was defined as the presence of ≥3 components: central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high fasting glucose, and hypertension. Of the 1467 children, 93 (6.3%) were categorized as having MetS: 50 (6.8%) delivered by ElCD and 43 (5.9%) by SVD. After multivariable adjustment, ElCD was not associated with MetS (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74, 1.78) or certain components including hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, and high fasting glucose but was associated with central obesity (AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02, 1.72) and hypertension (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.15, 1.96), as well as higher levels of total cholesterol (3.43 vs. 3.04 mmol/L; P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (1.77 vs. 1.67 mmol/L, P = 0.002), fasting glucose (5.08 vs. 5.02 mmol/L, P = 0.022), systolic (97.57 vs. 94.69 mmHg, P < 0.001)/diastolic blood pressure (63.72 vs. 62.24 mmHg, P < 0.001), and BMI (15.46 vs. 14.83 kg/m², P < 0.001) than SVD.ConclusionsElCD is not associated with MetS in early to middle childhood but is associated with its components including central obesity and hypertension, as well as various continuous indices.     

Impact of metabolically healthy obesity on carotid intima-media thickness - The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health

Background and aimsObesity increases the risk of metabolic abnormalities, which contributes to elevated cardiovascular risk. However, the independent role of obesity in the development of cardiovascular disease is still debatable. There are individuals with an obesity phenotype without metabolic abnormalities: “metabolically healthy obesity” (MHO). This study evaluates the association between MHO and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), an early marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.Methods and resultsThis is a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). We used a strict definition to classify MHO: body mass index ≥30 kg/m² and meeting none of the four metabolic syndrome criteria. Data from 10,335 participants were analyzed. The obesity prevalence in our population was 21.2% (n = 2191). The prevalence of MHO was 5.6% (n = 124). When individuals were stratified according to metabolic health, we found the metabolically healthy individuals were younger, more likely to be women and never smokers. The mean CIMT of the sample was 0.81 mm (±0.20). The mean CIMT of the metabolically healthy subsample was 0.70 mm (±0.13) in individuals without obesity and 0.76 mm (±0.13) in individuals with obesity (p < 0.001). The mean CIMT of the metabolically unhealthy subsample was 0.81 mm (±0.20) in individuals without obesity and 0.88 mm (±0.20) in individuals with obesity (p < 0.001). These findings remained essentially unchanged after multivariate adjustment for confounding factors.ConclusionThe concept of MHO, even with the strict definition, seems inadequate, as even in this population, obesity is associated with higher CIMT levels.     

BMI,Infarct Size,and Clinical Outcomes Following Primary PCI: Patient-Level Analysis From 6 Randomized Trials

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the association between body mass index (BMI), infarct size (IS) and clinical outcomes.BackgroundThe association between obesity, IS, and prognosis in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is incompletely understood.MethodsAn individual patient-data pooled analysis was performed from 6 randomized trials of patients undergoing pPCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in which IS (percentage left ventricular mass) was assessed within 1 month (median 4 days) after randomization using either cardiac magnetic resonance (5 studies) or ^99mTc sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography (1 study). Patients were classified as normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m²), overweight (25 kg/m² ≤BMI <30 kg/m²), or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). The multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, current smoking, left main or left anterior descending coronary artery infarct, baseline TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade 0 or 1, prior myocardial infarction, symptom–to–first device time, and study.ResultsAmong 2,238 patients undergoing pPCI, 644 (29%) were normal weight, 1,008 (45%) were overweight, and 586 (26%) were obese. BMI was not significantly associated with IS, microvascular obstruction, or left ventricular ejection fraction in adjusted or unadjusted analysis. BMI was also not associated with the 1-year composite risk for death or heart failure hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.21 [95% confidence interval: 0.74 to 1.71] for overweight vs. normal [p = 0.59]; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.21 [95% confidence interval 0.74 to 1.97] for obese vs. normal [p = 0.45]) or for death or heart failure hospitalization separately. Results were consistent when BMI was modeled as a continuous variable.ConclusionsIn this individual patient-data pooled analysis of 2,238 patients undergoing pPCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, BMI was not associated with IS, microvascular obstruction, left ventricular ejection fraction, or 1-year rates of death or heart failure hospitalization.     

Screen time and the risk of metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

AimsThe metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its consequences are one of the main public health challenges worldwide. We conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of studies that examined the association between screen time and the MetS among children and adolescents.Data synthesisA systematic search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library, for studies published from 1963 up to 2 May 2022. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, observational studies with cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort design evaluating the association between screen time and MetS were included. Random effects models and linear and nonlinear dose-response meta-analyses were used to pool study results.ResultsSeven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The summary OR of MetS among children and adolescents for the highest vs. lowest time of screen time was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.32–2.03, with little evidence of heterogeneity, I² = 9.3%, P-_{heterogeneity} = 0.35, n = 7 studies) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.27–2.12, I² = 27.7%, n = 6) for cross-sectional studies. Results persisted across several additional subgroup analyses. There was a linear positive association between screen time and the risk of MetS (P dose-response < 0.0001; P nonlinearity = 0.64) with an OR of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.12–1.46) per 2 h/day increment in screen time.ConclusionThe current dose-response meta-analysis suggested that increased screen time is associated with an increased risk of MetS among children and adolescents. Public health strategies may target unhealthy screen-based related behaviors to halt the development of MetS among children and adolescents.     

Serum uric acid is associated with incident metabolic syndrome independent of body shape index and body roundness index in healthy individuals

Background and aimsElevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels, body shape index (BSI) and body roundness index (BRI) were associated with incident metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to investigate the relationship among the SUA level, BSI, and BRI on the incidence of MetS.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively included 6221 healthy individuals from annual health exams at our hospital between 2016/1/1 and 2016/12/31. We defined hyperuricemia as SUA levels greater than 7 mg/dl in men and 6 mg/dl in women and MetS according to the contemporary definition. The study cohort included 6221 healthy individuals with an overall incidence rate of MetS of 9.8%. Compared with the normouricemic group, the hyperuricemic group had a greater incidence of MetS (17.2% vs. 9.6%, P < 0.001). After full adjustment for confounders, the SUA level was significantly associated with incident MetS in addition to body mass index (BMI) (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.161, 95% CI: 1.071–1.259, P < 0.001), BRI (aOR: 1.196, 95% CI: 1.104–1.296, P < 0.001), and BSI (aOR: 1.297, 95% CI: 1.200–1.403, P < 0.001). Regarding the anthropometric indices, BMI and BRI were independent predictors of incident MetS, but the BSI lost its significant association in multivariate logistic regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses, various thresholds of elevated SUA levels remained associated with incident MetS.ConclusionWe showed a dose-response effect of SUA on incident MetS independent of BMI, BRI and BSI in healthy individuals. Future studies can use SUA levels to stratify cardiometabolic risk in healthy individuals.Clinical trialsClinicalTrials.gov with the identification number NCT03473951.     

The association of metabolic syndrome and COVID-19 deterioration

Background and aimsTo evaluate the prevalence and prognostic value of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients admitted for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods and resultsIn this monocentric cohort retrospective study, we consecutively included all adult patients admitted to COVID-19 units between April 9 and May 29, 2020 and between February 1 and March 26, 2021. MetS was defined when at least three of the following components were met: android obesity, high HbA1c, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol. COVID-19 deterioration was defined as the need for nasal oxygen flow ≥6 L/min within 28 days after admission.We included 155 patients (55.5% men, mean age 61.7 years old, mean body mass index 29.8 kg/m²). Fifty-six patients (36.1%) had COVID-19 deterioration. MetS was present in 126 patients (81.3%) and was associated with COVID-19 deterioration (no-MetS vs MetS: 13.7% and 41.2%, respectively, p < 0.01). Logistic regression taking into account MetS, age, gender, ethnicity, period of inclusion, and Charlson Index showed that COVID-19 deterioration was 5.3 times more likely in MetS patients (95% confidence interval 1.3–20.2) than no-MetS patients.ConclusionsOver 81.3% of patients hospitalized in COVID-19 units had MetS. This syndrome appears to be an independent risk factor of COVID-19 deterioration.     

Rivaroxaban Plus Aspirin in Obese and Overweight Patients With Vascular Disease in the COMPASS Trial

BackgroundDirect oral anticoagulants are administered in fixed doses irrespective of body weight, but guidelines recommend against their use in patients with extremes of body weight.ObjectivesThis study determined the effects of dual-pathway inhibition antithrombotic regimen (rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg/day) compared with aspirin Halone across a range of patient body mass indexes (BMIs) and body weights.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of the COMPASS (Cardiovascular OutcoMes for People using Anticoagulation StrategieS) trial, which included patients with chronic coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Efficacy and safety outcomes were studied in relation to BMI: (normal 18.5 ≤BMI <25 kg/m², overweight 25 ≤BMI <30 kg/m², obese ≥30 kg/m²) and body weight (≤70 kg, 70 < weight ≤90 kg, and >90 kg; as well as ≤120 kg vs. >120 kg).ResultsAmong 27,395 randomized patients, 6,459 (24%) had normal BMI, 12,047 (44%) were overweight, and 8,701 (32%) were obese. The combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin compared with aspirin produced a consistent reduction in the primary outcome of cardiovascular death, stroke, or myocardial infarction, irrespective of BMI or body weight. For 18.5 ≤BMI <25 kg/m²: 3.5% vs. 5.0%; hazard ratio (HR): 0.73 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.58 to 0.90); 25 ≤ BMI <30 kg/m²: 4.3% vs. 5.1%; HR: 0.80 (95% CrI: 0.66 to 0.96); BMI ≥30 kg/m²: 4.2% vs. 6.1%; HR: 0.71 (95% CrI: 0.57 to 0.86). For body weight ≤70 kg: 4.1% vs. 5.3%; HR: 0.75 (95% CrI: 0.62 to 0.91); 70 < weight ≤90 kg: 4.1% vs. 5.3%; HR: 0.76 (95% CrI: 0.65 to 0.89); >90 kg: 4.2% vs. 5.7%; HR: 0.74 (95% CrI: 0.61 to 0.90). Effects on bleeding, mortality, and net clinical benefit were consistent irrespective of BMI or bodyweight.ConclusionsThe effects of dual-pathway antithrombotic therapy are consistent irrespective of BMI or body weight, suggesting no need for dose adjustments in the ranges of weights and BMI of patients enrolled in the COMPASS trial. Further studies need to address this problem in relation to greater extremes of body weight. (Rivaroxaban for the Prevention of Major Cardiovascular Events in Coronary or Peripheral Artery Disease [COMPASS]; NCT01776424)     

Left ventricular myocardial oxygen demand and subclinical dysfunction in patients with severe obesity referred for bariatric surgery

Background and aimsIncreased myocardial oxygen (O₂) demand carries higher cardiovascular risk in hypertension. We hypothesized that myocardial O₂ demand is increased in severe obesity and linked to early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.Methods and resultsBaseline data from 106 severely obese subjects referred for gastric bypass surgery (42 ± 11 years, 74% women, body mass index [BMI] 41.9 ± 4.8 kg/m², 32% with hypertension) in the prospective FatWest (Bariatric Surgery on the West Coast of Norway) study was used. LV systolic function was assessed by biplane ejection fraction (EF), midwall shortening (MWS) and endocardial global longitudinal strain (GLS), and LV diastolic function by mitral annular early diastolic velocity (e’). Myocardial O₂ demand was estimated from the LV mass-wall stress-heart rate product (high if > 1.62 × 10⁶/2.29 × 10⁶ g kdyne/cm² bpm in women/men). High myocardial O₂ demand was found in 33% and associated with higher BMI and high prevalence of low GLS (65%) and low MWS (63%) despite normal EF. In ROC analyses, higher myocardial O₂ demand discriminated between patients with low vs. normal MWS and GLS (area under curve 0.71 and 0.63, p < 0.05). In successive multiple regression analyses, higher myocardial O₂ demand was associated with lower LV MWS, GLS and average e’, respectively, independent of age, gender, BMI, pulse pressure, diabetes mellitus, and EF (all p < 0.05).ConclusionIn obese patients without known heart disease and with normal EF referred for bariatric surgery, high myocardial O₂ demand is associated with lower myocardial function whether assessed by GLS or MWS independent of confounders.Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT01533142;     

Carbohydrate intake and risk of metabolic syndrome: A dose–response meta-analysis of observational studies

Background and aimsEpidemiological association studies have reported inconsistent findings on the relationship between carbohydrate intake and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, we aimed to conduct the first dose–response meta-analysis to investigate this effect.Methods and resultsA systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science databases from their inception to June 01, 2019, together with relevant literature scrutiny, was performed to identify related studies for inclusion into the meta-analysis. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. Furthermore, subgroup, sensitivity, heterogeneity, and publication bias analyses were performed. This meta-analysis included 14 cross-sectional and four cohort studies, totaling 284,638 participants and 69,554 MetS cases. The highest versus the lowest carbohydrate intake values were associated with an increased risk of MetS (OR: 1.253, 95% CI: 1.147–1.368), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 54.5%). Using dose–response analysis, we found a linear association between carbohydrate consumption and MetS risk with a corresponding OR of 1.026 (95% CI, 1.004–1.048) and with significant heterogeneity (I² = 82.0%) at 5% energy intake from carbohydrates. We have found similar results using subgroup analyses for major study characteristics and adjustment for confounders. Sensitivity analysis further enhanced the robustness of the results, and no publication bias was detected.ConclusionCarbohydrate intake is associated with an increased risk of developing MetS. Therefore, additional large prospective cohort studies are warranted to confirm our findings.