Associations between food variety and body fatness in Hong Kong Chinese adults

BACKGROUND: Food variety is reported to be closely associated with body fatness in Caucasians. The association has not been examined in a Chinese population. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between food variety and body fatness in Hong Kong Chinese adults. DESIGN: One hundred and twenty Hong Kong Chinese adults (aged 18-50 y). Usual dietary intake over a one-week period of all subjects was assessed by using a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters were measured using standardized methods. RESULTS: Varieties of grain and meat were negatively correlated with obesity indices (grain vs. BMI/body fat/waist/hip circumferences: partial r = -47/-0.43/-0.46/-0.42, p < 0.001; meat vs. BMI/body fat/waist/hip circumferences: partial r = -0.31/-0.24/-0.25/-0.29, p < 0.01). In contrast, there was a positive relationship between variety of snack and obesity indices (snack vs. BMI/body fat/waist/hip circumferences: partial r = 0.35/0.42/0.42/0.36, p < 0.001). A food variety ratio derived from varieties of snack, grain and meat, was a stronger predictor of body fat compared with dietary fat in a regression model. CONCLUSION: Food variety may contribute to the local escalation in the prevalence of obesity. The variety of snack is the promoting factor for obesity while the variety of grains and meats may counteract its development. The findings of this study may have implications for treatment of obesity and the prevention of further weight gain.     

Epidemiology of overweight and obesity and its determinants in Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil: a cross-sectional population-based study]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to study potential risk factors for these conditions in persons over 18 years of age in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: Data were obtained from a population-based study conducted in 1996 and 1997 by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, IBGE) with a random sample of 1 105 individuals. Height and weight were measured by trained personnel. Overweight (body mass index [BMI] > or = 25.0 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI > or = 30.0 kg/m2) were the dependent variables. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify potential risk factors for overweight and obesity. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 31.1% (95% confidence interval 195% CI]: 27.3 to 35.2) and 5.7% (95% CI: 4.0 to 8.1), respectively, in men, and 25.9% (95% CI: 22.4 to 29.8) and 14.7% (95% CI: 11.9 to 17.9), respectively, in women. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and marital status were independent risk factors for overweight, whereas age, sex, and education were independent risk factors for obesity. Being female and well-educated showed a protective effect against overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.83), but not against obesity (OR = 3.01; IC 95%: 1.14 to 7.94). Women with low education had a significantly greater risk (OR = 5.95; 95%CI: 2.51 to 14.12) of developing obesity than men having a high educational level. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that overweight and obesity may be serious public health problems in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It is important to carry out further studies in order to explore the potential relationship between overweight and obesity on the one hand, and behavioral variables, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, on the other.     

Obesity and associated coronary heart disease risk factors in a population of low-income African-American and white women: the North Carolina WISEWOMAN project

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been associated with many co-occurring coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors as well as CHD mortality. These associations have been shown to vary between African-American and white sample populations. METHODS: The authors examined whether obesity co-occurs with several CHD risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)), and estimated the 10-year risk for CHD in the North Carolina WISEWOMAN (Well Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) study sample. This sample includes low-income African-American and white women (> or = 50 years of age). RESULTS: Among white women (n = 1,284), 34% were overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.99 kg/m(2)) and 35% obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)); among African-American women (n = 754), 28% were overweight and 59% obese. Among obese and nonobese African-American women, the prevalence of three or more co-occurring risk factors was similar (obese = 17.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.9, 21.6) and nonobese = 13.3% (95% CI: 8.7, 17.8)). By contrast, the prevalence among white women was greater among the obese (26.9% (95% CI: 22.9, 31.0)) than the nonobese (13.0% (95% CI: 9.7, 16.2)). CONCLUSIONS: The differences between and within African-American and white women may be accounted for by the high levels of HDL-C among obese and nonobese African-American women.     

Weight, height, and body mass index and risk for ovarian cancer in a cohort study

PURPOSE: Reported associations between ovarian cancer and body size are inconsistent. We assessed ovarian cancer and anthropometry in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project Follow-Up Study. METHODS: The 46,026 participants completed a baseline interview and mailed questionnaires between 1979 and 1998. By using multiple sources, we identified 346 incident ovarian cancers during follow-up. We calculated rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate relative risks for developing ovarian cancer associated with height and weight (measured 1973 to 1980) and self-reported current and usual adult weight (collected during follow-up). RESULTS: Neither taller height (> or =66 versus <62 inches; RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.64-1.26) nor greater weight (> or =161 versus < or =120 lbs; RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.77-1.55) was associated with ovarian cancer. Compared with normal weight (body mass index [BMI], 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI, 25 to 29.9 kg/m(2); RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.78-1.29) and obesity (BMI, 30 to 34.9 kg/m(2); RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.59-1.48) were not associated with ovarian cancer. Severe obesity (BMI > or = 35 kg/m(2)) produced a nonsignificantly elevated RR (1.55; 95% CI, 0.84-2.84). Associations with histologic types and statistical interactions with menopausal status and hormone therapy use were null. CONCLUSIONS: Based on height and weight measured before baseline, overweight and obesity were not significantly associated with ovarian cancer in this cohort.     

Prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 9-10 year old children in Mauritius

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: To document the prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 9-10 year old children in Mauritius. METHODS: 412 boys and 429 girls aged 9-10 years from 23 primary schools were selected using stratified cluster random sampling. All data was cross-sectional and collected via anthropometry and self-administered questionnaire. Outcome measures were BMI (kg/m2), prevalence of overweight, obesity (International Obesity Task Force definitions) and thinness (low BMI for age). Linear and logistic regression analyses, accounting for clustering at the school level, were used to assess associations between gender, ethnicity, school location, and school's academic performance (average) to each outcome measure. RESULTS: The distribution of BMI was marginally skewed with a more pronounced positive tail in the girls. Median BMI was 15.6 kg/m2 in boys and 15.4 kg/m2 in girls, respectively. In boys, prevalence of overweight was 15.8% (95% CI: 12.6, 19.6), prevalence of obesity 4.9% (95% CI: 3.2, 7.4) and prevalence of thinness 12.4% (95% CI: 9.5, 15.9). Among girls, 18.9% (95% CI: 15.5, 22.9) were overweight, 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4, 7.7) were obese and 13.1% (95% CI: 10.2, 16.6) were thin. Urban children had a slightly higher mean BMI than rural children (0.5 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.00) and were nearly twice as likely to be obese (6.7% vs. 4.0%; adjusted odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 0.9, 3.5). Creole children were less likely to be classified as thin compared to Indian children (adjusted odds ratio 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.6). CONCLUSION: Mauritius is currently in the midst of nutritional transition with both a high prevalence of overweight and thinness in children aged 9-10 years. The coexistence of children representing opposite sides of the energy balance equation presents a unique challenge for policy and interventions. Further exploration is needed to understand the specific causes of the double burden of malnutrition and to make appropriate policy recommendations.     

Obesity, overweight and patterns of osteoarthritis: the Ulm Osteoarthritis Study

The objective of this study was to assess the association between obesity and osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, hip, and hand. OA patterns were studied in 809 patients with knee or hip joint replacement due to OA. Patients with OA were categorized as having bilateral or generalized OA according to the presence of radiographic OA in the contralateral joint or different finger joints, and as normal weight, overweight, or obese according to their body mass index (BMI). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for relative weight and OA patterns were estimated with multivariable logistic regression. Eighty-five percent of participants had bilateral OA, 26% had generalized OA, and 31% were obese. Obesity (BMI >/= 30 kg/m(2); OR = 8.1; 95% CI: 2.4-28) and overweight (BMI >/= 25 kg/m(2); OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 2.0-18) were strongly associated with bilateral knee OA. No association between obesity and bilateral hip OA (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.3-1.7) nor generalized OA (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.6-2.1) was observed. Obesity seems to be a mechanical rather than a systemic risk factor for OA with the knee joint being especially susceptible.     

Effects of obesity on the conversion from normal glucose tolerance to diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of BMI on progression to diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese and to analyze the optimal cutoff for overweight and obesity in Hong Kong Chinese. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This is a prospective study with a mean follow-up of 2.1 years (median 1.4 years, range 0.9 to 8.4 years). We recruited 172 nondiabetic high-risk subjects, of whom 115 had normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 57 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). BMI and 75-gram oral glucose tolerance tests were assessed at baseline and then at yearly intervals. RESULTS: The crude rates of progression to diabetes for subjects with NGT or IGT were 8.4% and 11.5% per year, respectively. For subjects with NGT, the progression rate to diabetes differed with different BMI ranges. For subjects with NGT and BMI > or = 25 kg/m2, the crude rates of progression to diabetes or glucose intolerance (diabetes or IGT) were 12.5% per year and 14.6% per year, respectively. The corresponding rates for subjects with NGT and BMI > or = 28 kg/m2 were 14.6% and 18.9% per year, respectively. Among subjects with NGT, those with BMI between 25 and 28 kg/m2 had the highest Youden index and likelihood ratio to predict the conversion to diabetes or glucose intolerance. DISCUSSION: Obese subjects with NGT had higher rates of progression to diabetes than nonobese subjects. We recommend redefining BMI cutoffs, with 23 kg/m2 for overweight and 28 kg/m2 for obesity. This definition may be more sensitive to identify at-risk subjects and more specific to identify "patients" for therapeutic management.     

Familial risk of overweight and obesity in the Canadian population using the WHO/NIH criteria

OBJECTIVE: To determine the familial risk of overweight and obesity in Canada. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The sample was comprised of 15,245 participants from 6377 families of the Canada Fitness Survey. The risk of overweight and obesity among spouses and first-degree relatives of individuals classified as underweight, normal weight, pre-obese, or obese (Class I and II) according to the WHO/NIH guidelines for body mass index (BMI) was determined using standardized risk ratios. RESULTS: Spouses and first-degree relatives of underweight individuals have a lower risk of overweight and obesity than the general population. On the other hand, the risk of Class I and Class II obesity (BMI 35 to 39.9 kg/m2) in relatives of Class I obese (BMI 30 to 34.9 kg/m2) individuals was 1.84 (95% CI: 1.27, 2.37) and 1.97 (95% CI: 0.67, 3.25), respectively, in spouses, and 1.44 (95% CI:1.10, 1.78) and 2.05 (95% CI: 1.37, 2.73), respectively in first-degree relatives. Further, the risk of Class II obesity in spouses and first-degree relatives of Class II obese individuals was 2.59 (95% CI: -0.91, 6.09) and 7.07 (95% CI: 1.48, 12.66) times the general population risk, respectively. DISCUSSION: There is significant familial risk of overweight and obesity in the Canadian population using the BMI as an indicator. Comparison of risks among spouses and first-degree relatives suggests that genetic factors may play a role in obesity at more extreme levels (Class II obese) more so than in moderate obesity.     

Exercise, body mass index, caloric intake, and cardiovascular mortality

BACKGROUND: The association of physical inactivity and elevated body mass index (BMI) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is well established. The relationship of dietary caloric intake and CVD risk is less certain. METHODS: The epidemiologic follow-up of the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971-1992) was examined to determine the relationship of caloric intake, BMI, and physical activity to CVD mortality. Of 14,407 participants, 9790 subjects aged 25 to 74 years met inclusion criteria. The CVD mortality rate was the outcome. RESULTS: During the 17 years of follow-up, there were 3183 deaths, 1531 of which were due to CVD (9.11/1000 person-years). People with relatively less physical activity, lower caloric intake, and who were overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m(2)) had a less favorable baseline CVD risk profile than did those who were more active and of normal weight and had greater caloric intake. Age- and race/ethnicity-adjusted CVD mortality rates were highest among those with the least physical activity and lowest caloric intake, and who were overweight or obese. Moreover, subjects of normal weight who exercised most were more likely to have high caloric intake and lower CVD mortality (5.9 vs 14.7 per 1000 person-years, p =0.01) than subjects who were obese and exercised least. In Cox regression analysis, controlling for relevant CVD risk factors, least physical activity was independently associated with increased CVD mortality (hazard ratio=1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.13-1.53); and obesity was associated with increased CVD mortality (hazard ratio=1.24, 95% CI=1.06-1.44). Although highest dietary caloric intake was associated with reduced CVD mortality (hazard ratio=0.83, 95% CI=0.74-0.93), after adjusting for physical activity and BMI, there was no significant association of highest caloric intake with CVD mortality (hazard ratio=0.91, 95% CI=0.81-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this large general population sample, lower levels of physical activity and obesity were independently associated with decreased CVD survival. Moreover, when BMI, physical activity, and other relevant characteristics were taken into account, caloric intake was not related to CVD mortality.     

Lower BMI cut-off value to define obesity in Hong Kong Chinese: an analysis based on body fat assessment by bioelectrical impedance

There is increasing evidence suggesting that the cut-off values for defining obesity used in the Western countries cannot be readily applied to Asians, who often have smaller body frames than Caucasians. We examined the BMI and body fat (BF) as measured by bioelectrical impedance in 5153 Hong Kong Chinese subjects. We aimed to assess the optimal BMI reflecting obesity as defined by abnormal BF in Hong Kong Chinese. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to assess the optimal BMI predicting BF at different levels. The mean age and SD of the 5153 subjects (3734 women and 1419 men) was 51.5 (SD 16.3) years (range: 18.0-89.5 years, median: 50.7 years). Age-adjusted partial correlation (r) between BMI and BF in women and men were 0.899 (P < 0.001) and 0.818 (P < 0.001) respectively. Using ROC analysis, the BMI corresponding to the conventional upper limit of normal BF was 22.5-23.1 kg/m(2), and the BMI corresponding to the 90 percentiles of BF was 25.4-26.1 kg/m(2). Despite similar body fat contents, the BMI cut-off value used to define obesity in Hong Kong Chinese should be lower as compared to Caucasians. We suggest a BMI of 23 kg/m(2) and 26 kg/m(2) as the cut-off values to define overweight and obesity respectively in Hong Kong Chinese.     

Are Kuwaitis getting fatter?

The purpose of the study is to compare temporal changes in BMI, overweight (BMI > 25 Kg/m2) and obesity (BMI > 30 Kg/m2) of two independent cross-sectional samples of Kuwaitis studied in 1980-81 and 1993-94. The earlier sample of 2067 (896 men and 1171 women) and the latter sample of 3435 (1730 men and 1705 women) adult Kuwaitis (aged > or = 18 years), were drawn from primary health care (PHC) clinics and studied for nutritional assessment and for prevalence of obesity in 1980-81 and 1993-94, respectively. Weight was measured in kilograms and height in meters to obtain the body mass index (BMI), which is the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared (Kg/m2). BMI > 25 and > 30 Kg/m2 were classified as overweight and obesity, respectively. The results of the study show that mean BMI (Kg/m2) increased significantly (p < 0.001) by 10.0 and 6.2% (2.5 and 1.7 Kg/m2) among men and women, respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI > 25 and > 30 Kg/m2) increased by 20.6 and 15.4% and by 13.7 and 8.4% among men and women, respectively. After controlling for sociodemographic differences between the two study periods, mean BMI was 2.0 and 1.6 Kg/m2 higher in 1993-94 than in 1980-81 among men and women, respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI > 25 and > 30 Kg/m2) also increased among both genders between the two periods (OR = 2.1 , 95% CI 1.7-2.7 and OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.5-2.4, for men and OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.0 and OR = 1.4, 95% CI 2.2 CI 1.0-1.9, for women). It can be concluded that the BMI, prevalence of overweight and obesity increased among Kuwaitis between 1980-81 and 1993-94, probably due to the effects of modernization, affluence, increased food consumption and the concomitant changes to sedentary lifestyles. The rate of temporal changes in BMI and obesity were higher, by comparison, in Kuwait than in selected other countries.     

Additive interactions of maternal prepregnancy BMI and breast-feeding on childhood overweight

OBJECTIVE: To examine the interactions of maternal prepregnancy BMI and breast-feeding on the risk of overweight among children 2 to 14 years of age. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The 1996 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, Child and Young Adult data in the United States were analyzed (n = 2636). The weighted sample represented 51.3% boys, 78.0% whites, 15.0% blacks, and 7.0% Hispanics. Childhood overweight was defined as BMI >/=95th percentile for age and sex. Maternal prepregnancy obesity was determined as BMI >/=30 kg/m(2). The duration of breast-feeding was measured as the weeks of age from birth when breast-feeding ended. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, children whose mothers were obese before pregnancy were at a greater risk of becoming overweight [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.6, 6.4] than children whose mothers had normal BMI (<25 kg/m(2); p < 0.001 for linear trend). Breast-feeding for >/=4 months was associated with a lower risk of childhood overweight (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4, 1.0; p = 0.06 for linear trend). The additive interaction between maternal prepregnancy obesity and lack of breast-feeding was detected (p < 0.05), such that children whose mothers were obese and who were never breast-fed had the greatest risk of becoming overweight (OR, 6.1; 95% CI, 2.9, 13.1). DISCUSSION: The combination of maternal prepregnancy obesity and lack of breast-feeding may be associated with a greater risk of childhood overweight. Special attention may be needed for children with obese mothers and lack of breast-feeding in developing childhood obesity intervention programs.     

Major increase in prevalence of overweight and obesity between 1987 and 2001 among Danish adults

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the secular trends in the prevalence of obesity (BMI >or= 30.0 kg/m(2)) and overweight (25.0 相似文献   

Relationship between body mass and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: The Bristol Helicobacter Project

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between body mass and gastro-oesophageal reflux in a large population-representative sample from the UK. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional population-based study, as part of a randomized controlled trial of eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, in Southwest England. Subjects In all, 10 537 subjects, aged 20-59 years, were recruited from seven general practices. Subjects provided data on frequency and severity of dyspeptic symptoms and anthropometric measurements were taken. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Relationship between overweight (body mass index [BMI] >/=25 kg/m(2) and 30 kg/m(2)) and frequency and severity of heartburn and acid regurgitation. RESULTS: Body mass index was strongly positively related to the frequency of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation occurring at least once a week in overweight participants compared with those of normal weight were 1.82 (95% CI: 1.33-2.50) and 1.50 (95% CI: 1.13-1.99) respectively. Corresponding OR (95% CI) relating to obese patients were 2.91 (95% CI: 2.07-4.08) and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.44-3.45) respectively. The OR for moderate to severe reflux symptoms were raised in overweight and obese subjects but not to the same extent as frequency of symptoms and only the relationship between obesity and severity of heartburn reached conventional statistical significance: OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.07-1.33. CONCLUSIONS: Being above normal weight substantially increases the likelihood of suffering from heartburn and acid regurgitation and obese people are almost three times as likely to experience these symptoms as those of normal weight.     

Correction: prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of overweight and obesity among Pakistani primary school children

ABSTRACT: Since the publication of our article [1], we have noticed some errors in the final published version, for which the corresponding author accepts full responsibility. Page references are to the final PDF version. Page 3: Results, second paragraph Lines 1-2: "BMI... 20.7 (5.02) kg/m2..." should read "BMI... 16.0 (3.0) kg/m2..." Lines 6-8: "According to the IOTF cut-offs, overweight and obesity prevalence was 33% (95% CI 31.1-35.3) and 24% (95% CI 22.4-26.2) respectively" should read "According to the IOTF cut-offs, overweight and obesity prevalence was 8.3% (95% CI 7.1-9.6) and 4.7% (95% CI 3.8-5.7) respectively" Page 4: Table 1 The values for mean and standard deviation (SD) for BMI (kg/m2) are revised. Page 4: Table 2 The values for mean BMI (SD) and overweight and obesity prevalence according to the IOTF cut-offs are revised. Page 5: Figure 2 The values for grade- and gender- specific mean BMI are revised. Page 6: Second paragraph Lines 1-8: "Prevalence of overweight by the IOTF cut-offs was twice the prevalence by the WHO 2007 reference (33% versus 17%) and prevalence of obesity by the IOTF cutoffs was three times higher than that calculated by the WHO 2007 reference (24% versus 7.5%). Using IOTF cut-offs for overweight and obesity in Pakistani schoolaged children would result in higher estimates than the WHO 2007 reference." should read "Prevalence of overweight by the IOTF cut-offs was half the prevalence by the WHO 2007 reference (8% versus 17%) and prevalence of obesity by the IOTF cutoffs was two-third of that calculated by the WHO 2007 reference (5% versus 7.5%). Using IOTF cut-offs for overweight and obesity in Pakistani schoolaged children would result in lower estimates than the WHO 2007 reference. A relatively lower overweight and obesity prevalence with use of the IOTF cut-offs as compared to the WHO reference had been reported elsewhere [2-3]." In present study, the estimates for overweight included obese children.     

主观认知下降患者不同BMI水平与执行功能的相关性研究

目的 探讨主观认知下降（SCD）患者不同BMI水平与执行功能之间的相关性，及影响BMI的危险因素。方法 招募福建省福州市5个社区符合要求的174例SCD患者，根据BMI水平分为正常体质量组（18.5kg/m²≤BMI＜24kg/m²）、超重和肥胖组（24kg/m²≤BMI≤36.5kg/m²），并进行问卷调查、身体测量和Stroop色词测验。采用单因素分析比较不同BMI水平SCD患者执行功能，采用二元logistic回归模型分析影响SCD患者BMI的危险因素。结果 与正常体质量组相比，超重和肥胖组Stroop干扰量（SIE）反应时更长，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。二元logistic回归分析发现，男性患超重和肥胖的风险高于女性（OR=2.204, 95%CI:1.086~4.475, P=0.029），高血压患者患超重和肥胖的概率是无高血压患者的3.060倍（OR=3.060, 95%CI:1.194~7.838，P=0.020）。结论 与正常体质量组相比，超重和肥胖的SCD患者执行功能更差，而且受性别和高血压的影响。对男性SCD患者，控制高血压和体重可能可以有效预防其执行功能下降，降低患AD的风险。     

Risk of overweight and obesity among semivegetarian, lactovegetarian, and vegan women

BACKGROUND: Observational studies suggest that a plant-based diet is inversely related to body mass index (BMI), overweight, and obesity. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine the BMI (kg/m(2)) and risk of overweight and obesity of self-defined semivegetarian, lactovegetarian, and vegan women. DESIGN: Data analyzed in this cross-sectional study were from 55459 healthy women participating in the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Women were asked whether they considered themselves to be omnivores (n = 54257), semivegetarians (n = 960), lactovegetarians (n = 159), or vegans (n = 83), and this question was the main exposure variable in this study. In secondary analyses, we reclassified women as lactovegetarians on the basis of food intakes reported on the food-frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight or obesity (BMI >/= 25) was 40% among omnivores, 29% among both semivegetarians and vegans, and 25% among lactovegetarians. In multivariate, adjusted logistic regression analyses, self-identified vegans had a significantly lower risk of overweight or obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.69] than did omnivores, as did lactovegetarians (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.85) and semivegetarians (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.62). Risk of overweight or obesity remained significantly lower among lactovegetarians classified on the basis of the food-frequency questionnaire (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Even if vegetarians consume some animal products, our results suggest that self-identified semivegetarian, lactovegetarian, and vegan women have a lower risk of overweight and obesity than do omnivorous women. The advice to consume more plant foods and less animal products may help individuals control their weight.     

Risk of ovarian cancer associated with BMI varies by menopausal status

Obesity has been linked to increased risk of several malignancies, but the role of obesity in the etiology of ovarian cancer remains unclear. Therefore, a hospital-based case-control study was conducted to investigate the association between body size and risk of ovarian cancer. Participants included 427 women with primary, incident ovarian cancer and 854 cancer-free controls. All participants received medical services at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY between 1982 and 1998 and completed a comprehensive epidemiological questionnaire. The instrument included questions regarding height and usual wt prior to survey. Participants were classified as underweight/normal (BMI < or = 24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), or obese (BMI > or = 30.0 kg/m2). Compared with underweight/normal participants, being overweight (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% CI 0.77-1.36) or obese (adjusted OR = 1.17; 95% CI 0.84-1.65) was not significantly associated with an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. After stratification by menopausal status, BMI showed no significant association to ovarian cancer risk among postmenopausal women (> or = 50 y old). However, among premenopausal women (<50 y old), those classified as obese had a significantly increased risk (adjusted OR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.19-4.04) compared with women classified as normal/underweight. These findings suggest a potential influence of menopausal status on the total endogenous hormonal environment, including estrogens, androgens, and insulin-like growth factors, when considering the association between body size and ovarian cancer risk. In light of the fact that obesity is a modifiable risk factor, further investigation on this topic is warranted.     

Body Mass Index (BMI) of Adults: Findings of the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS)

The Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS) was carried out between October 2002 and July 2003, involving 6,775 men and 3,441 women aged 18 - 59 years. Anthropometric assessment showed that the overall mean body weight and BMI were 62.65 kg (CI: 62.20, 63.09) and 24.37 kg/m2 (CI: 24.21, 24.53) respectively. Based on the WHO (1998) classification of BMI, 12.15% (CI: 11.26, 13.10) were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), and 26.71% (CI: 25.50, 27.96) overweight (BMI > 25 - 29.9 kg/m2). Significantly, more women were obese [14.66% (CI: 13.37, 16.04)] while significantly more men were overweight [28.55% (CI: 26.77, 30.40)]. Ethnicitywise, prevalence of obesity was highest among the Malays [15.28% (CI: 13.91, 16.77)] while overweight was highest for the Indians [31.01% (CI: 26.64, 35.76)]. Both obesity and overweight were highest among those aged 40 - 49 years. Obesity was highest for those whose household income was between RM1,500 - 3,500 while overweight was more prevalent for those whose household income exceeded RM3,500. The prevalence of overweight was highest for those with primary education [31.90% (CI: 29.21, 34.72)]. There was no significant urban rural differential in both obesity and overweight. The study found 9.02% (CI:8.82, 10.61) with chronic energy deficiency (CED) (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). The prevalence of CED was relatively higher in the indigenous population (Orang Asli) [14.53% (CI: 5.14, 34.77)], subjects aged 18-19 years [26.24% (CI: 21.12, 32.09)], and with monthly household income of < RM1,500 [10.85% (CI: 9.63, 12.20)]. The prevalence of CED was not significantly different among the geographical zones and educational levels, and between urban/rural areas and sexes. The results call for priority action to address the serious problem of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adults as it poses a grave burden to the country's resources and development.     

Sleep duration, general and abdominal obesity, and weight change among the older adult population of Spain

BACKGROUND: Short sleep duration is associated with obesity and weight gain among children and young adults. However, there are few studies on the elderly, with conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association of habitual sleep duration with obesity and weight change among the population aged > or =60 y in Spain. DESIGN: This prospective study was conducted from 2001 to 2003 on 3576 persons whose habitual sleep duration was self-reported in 2001. The outcomes were obesity [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) > or =30], severe obesity (BMI > or =35), and abdominal obesity (waist circumference >102 cm in men and >88 cm in women) in 2001 and weight gain > or =5 kg in the period 2001-2003. RESULTS: Compared with subjects who slept 7 h, subjects who slept < or =5 h had a greater frequency of obesity [odds ratio (OR): 1.33; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.77] and severe obesity (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.32). In addition, sleeping 8 h was associated with obesity (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.75) and severe obesity (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.73). Similarly, subjects sleeping 9 h were more likely to have severe obesity (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.47). Among women, weight gain > or =5 kg was more frequent among subjects sleeping < or =5 h (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.34, 8.69), 8 h (OR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.29, 7.12), and 9 h (OR: 3.77; 95% CI: 1.55, 9.17). No association was observed between sleep duration and abdominal obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Among older adults, sleeping < or =5 h and sleeping 8 or 9 h was associated with obesity and with short-term weight gain in women.