Effects of weight loss on regional fat distribution and insulin sensitivity in obesity

Weight loss (WL) decreases regional depots of adipose tissue and improves insulin sensitivity, two parameters that correlate before WL. To examine the potential relation of WL-induced change in regional adiposity to improvement in insulin sensitivity, 32 obese sedentary women and men completed a 4-month WL program and had repeat determinations of body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography) and insulin sensitivity (euglycemic insulin infusion). There were 15 lean men and women who served as control subjects. VO2max was unaltered with WL (39.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 39.8 +/- 1.1 ml x fat-free mass [FFM](-1) x min(-1)). The WL intervention achieved significant decreases in weight (100.2 +/- 2.6 to 85.5 +/- 2.1 kg), BMI (34.3 +/- 0.6 to 29.3 +/- 0.6 kg/m2), total fat mass (FM) (36.9 +/- 1.5 to 26.1 +/- 1.3 kg), percent body fat (37.7 +/- 1.3 to 31.0 +/- 1.5%), and FFM (59.2 +/- 2.3 to 55.8 +/- 2.0 kg). Abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (SAT and VAT) were reduced (494 +/- 19 to 357 +/- 18 cm2 and 157 +/- 12 to 96 +/- 7 cm2, respectively). Cross-sectional area of low-density muscle (LDM) at the mid-thigh decreased from 67 +/- 5 to 55 +/- 4 cm2 after WL. Insulin sensitivity improved from 5.9 +/- 0.4 to 7.3 +/- 0.5 mg x FFM(-1) x min(-1) with WL. Rates of insulin-stimulated nonoxidative glucose disposal accounted for the majority of this improvement (3.00 +/- 0.3 to 4.3 +/- 0.4 mg x FFM(-1) x min(-1)). Serum leptin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and insulin all decreased after WL (P < 0.01). After WL, insulin sensitivity continued to correlate with generalized and regional adiposity but, with the exception of the percent decrease in VAT, the magnitude of improvement in insulin sensitivity was not predicted by the various changes in body composition. These interventional weight loss data underscore the potential importance of visceral adiposity in relation to insulin resistance and otherwise suggest that above a certain threshold of weight loss, improvement in insulin sensitivity does not bear a linear relationship to the magnitude of weight loss.     

Changes in resting metabolic rate and body composition due to intragastric balloon therapy

BackgroundIntragastric balloon (IGB) insertion leads to dietary restriction; however, its neurohormonal actions were also described. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) adjusted for body mass (RMR/mass) seems to increase after bariatric interventions, whereas it generally decreases after caloric restriction–based therapies. However, no studies have evaluated the changes in body composition and RMR over IGB treatment.ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationships between changes in body composition, RMR, RMR/mass, and RMR adjusted for fat-free mass (FFM) (RMR/FFM) over IGB treatment lasting 6 months.SettingSingle-center observational study.MethodsTwenty-one morbidly obese patients treated with IGB (143 ± 20 kg, body mass index [BMI] = 49.5 ± 7.3, 98% ± 29% percent excess weight, 43.6 ± 12.6 yr) were enrolled. Changes in body composition, RMR, RMR/mass, and RMR/FFM were evaluated between 1 month before IGB insertion (time point 1 [TP1]) and 3 months thereafter (TP2). Fourteen patients were also assessed 1 month after IGB removal (TP3).ResultsThere was a 9.5% reduction in weight, a 9.4% reduction in BMI, and 19.1% decrease in percent excess weight at TP2 (n = 21; P < .001); a further 6.5% reduction in weight and BMI and a 13.1% drop in percent excess weight (n = 14, P < .001) at TP3. They were accompanied by a 5.4% reduction in FFM between TP1 and TP2 (n = 21, P < .001). Compared with pretreatment values, at TP2 RMR was 12.5% lower (P < .001) but did not change thereafter. RMR/mass increased 12.4% between TP2 and TP3 (n = 14, P = .02) but on average did not change between TP1 and TP3. The results in the smaller cohort (n = 14) between TP1 and TP2 were consistent with results obtained for the entire cohort. Similar findings were obtained for RMR/FFM. The larger increases in RMR/mass between TP1 and TP3 were associated with more weight loss, larger drop in BMI, and more loss of excess weight (r < −.55, P < .03).ConclusionThis is the first study to evaluate the relationship between changes in body composition and RMR over IGB treatment. IGB therapy leads to both fat and fat-free mass reductions and RMR decreases. More weight reduction is associated with larger increases in RMR/mass.     

Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass on HbA1c Blood Level and Pharmacological Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Severe or Morbidly Obese Patients. Results of a Multicenter Prospective Study at 1 Year

Gastric bypass (GBP) has proved its efficacy 30 years ago in the management of diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for severe obese patients. More recently, interesting results have been published after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in the same indication. Between 2005 and 2008, three bariatric centers have prospectively collected the data of T2DM patients treated by laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Effects on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), pharmacological treatment and excess weight loss after 1 year of surgery have been analyzed. All patients (35 LGBP and 33 LSG) were treated with oral anti-diabetics (OAD) or insulin before surgery (32 OAD and three insulin in LGBP group and 27 OAD and six insulin in LSG group). The average body mass index (BMI) in the LGBP group was 47.9 and 50.6 kg/m2 in the LSG group. At 1 year after surgery, the average HbA1c lost was 2,537 in the GBP group and 2,175 in the SG group. T2DM had resolved (withdrawal of pharmacological treatment) in 60% of the LGBP group and 75.8% of the LSG group. Reduced use of pharmacological therapy was noted in 31.42% of the LGBP group and 15.15% of the LSG group. Percentage excess weight loss and BMI lost were 56.35% and 29.75% in the LGBP group and 60.11% and 29.80% in the LSG group, respectively. During short-term follow-up, the impact on regulation of HbA1c blood level of LGBP or LSG is important. At 1 year after surgery, LSG seems to be as effective as LGBP for the management of T2DM in severely obese patients.     

The arch index: a measure of flat or fat feet?

BACKGROUND: Studies using footprint-based estimates of arch height have indicated that obesity results in a lowered medial longitudinal arch in children. However, the potentially confounding effect of body composition on indirect measures of arch height, such as the arch index, has not been investigated. METHODS: This study assessed the body composition of 12 male and 12 female adults (mean age: 39.9 +/- 8.1 years, height: 1.724 +/- 0.101 m; weight: 95.1 +/- 13.7 kg, and BMI: 31.9 +/- 3.0 kg/m(2)) using bioelectrical impedance analysis to produce a two-component model of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). The dynamic arch index also was determined from electronic footprints captured during gait using a capacitive pressure distribution platform with a resolution of 4 sensors/cm(2). RESULTS: While significant correlations were noted between FFM and the area of both the hindfoot (r =.75, p <.05) and forefoot (r =.72, p <. 05), the midfoot area was correlated only with FM (r =.54, p <.05). Similarly, the arch index was significantly correlated with the FM percentage (r =.67, p <.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this pilot study suggest that body composition influences arch index values in overweight and obese subjects. Consequently, body composition may be a confounding factor in interpreting footprint based estimates of arch height and, as such, these estimates would best be used with supplementary measures of body composition.     

Is Osteopenia a Health Risk in Professional Cyclists?

Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry Lunar DPX-NT, SV 4.0 in 23 professional male cyclists (age: 28.5+/-3.9 yr; height: 179+/-6.8 cm; weight: 70.9+/-7.1 kg(-1)). Eight subjects had normal L1-L4 T-score values (-0.19+/-0.62) and 15 had low values (-1.57+/-0.45). Correlations between: L1-L4 T-scores and body weight, fat mass (FM) and % FM (r=0.40, p<0.05; r=0.65, p<0.001; r=0.59, p<0.01). Regression analysis: L1-L4 T-score and FM (R2=0.42; p<0.001); total BMC and fat-free mass (FFM) (R2=0.60; p<0.0001); and total BMD and BMI (R2=0.25; p<0.05). Climbers had lower arms BMD (0.85+/-0.04; p<0.05). Flat-terrain cyclist had lower right leg FFM (9.7+/-0.8 kg; p<0.05). Time trialists had higher body weight (76.7+/-4.4 kg; p<0.05), total FFM (68.3+/-4.7 kg), total BMC (3.1+/-0.3; p<0.03), right and left leg BMC (0.60+/-0.1; 0.60+/-0.1; p<0.05), and spinal BMD (1.09+/-0.1; p<0.05). In conclusion, two-thirds of professional cyclists had abnormally low BMD values.     

One-Year Changes in Energy Expenditure and Serum Leptin Following Adjustable Gastric Banding in Obese Women

Background: Weight loss is associated with a decrease in both energy expenditure and circulating leptin levels. Whether this holds true when the influence of body composition on energy expenditure and leptin is taken into account remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and serum leptin adjusted for body composition during surgically induced weight loss. Methods: In 36 women (age 42.7±8.7 years; BMI 47.2±8.5 kg/m²; mean±SD) undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) for morbid obesity, we measured RMR (by indirect calorimetry), body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and serum leptin (by immunoradiometry), immediately before and 1 year after surgery. Results: 1 year after LAGB, there were significant decreases in body weight (−23.7±11.6 kg, P<0.001), fat mass (FM: −20.9±11.3 kg, P<0.0001), lean body mass (LBM: −3±5.3 kg, P=0.005), RMR (−298±309 kcal/day, P<0.0001), serum leptin (−24.0±18.4 ng/ml, P<0.0001), RMR/LBM ratio (−3.9±5.8 kcal/kg LBM/day, P<0.01) and leptin/FM ratio (−0.21±0.29 ng/kg FM/ml, P<0.001). RMR values after surgery were correctly predicted by the regression equation relating RMR to LBM and FM at baseline, whereas this was not the case for serum leptin (in relation to FM). Conclusions: Changes in RMR 1 year after LAGB were explained by changes in body composition whereas changes in serum leptin were not. The data provide no evidence for a metabolic adaptation of RMR with weight loss, but suggest that serum leptin is decreased beyond expected values based on body composition, a factor that may favor weight regain after surgically induced weight loss.     

Increased resting metabolic rates in obese subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and the effect of sulfonylurea therapy

Obese subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) lose weight soon after diagnosis and tend to gain weight during hypoglycemic therapy. One explanation for these weight shifts is the change in caloric loss from glycosuria. We compared 24 obese Pima Indians with NIDDM to 24 Pima Indians with normal glucose tolerance to determine whether resting metabolic rate changes may be an additional factor influencing the weight shifts. The diabetic and nondiabetic subjects were equally obese, body fat 38 +/- 1% versus 37 +/- 1% (mean +/- SEM), respectively, as determined by densitometry. In the morning after an overnight fast, resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry. The mean RMR of the diabetic subjects, 32.9 +/- 0.5 kcal/day X kg fat-free mass (FFM), was 5% higher than that of the nondiabetic subjects, 31.4 +/- 0.5 kcal/day X kg FFM (P less than 0.05). In nine of the diabetic subjects, 6 wk of tolazamide therapy was associated with reductions in mean FPG, 253 +/- 16 to 144 +/- 14 mg/dl (P less than 0.01), mean daily urine glucose loss, 128 +/- 26 to 11 +/- 4 g (P less than 0.01), and mean RMR, 31.9 +/- 0.8 to 30.2 +/- 0.6 kcal/day X kg FFM (P less than 0.04). Weight of the subjects was maintained constant from beginning to end of therapy (106.5 +/- 9.6 versus 108.1 +/- 9.9 kg) by decreasing daily calorie intake from 3070 +/- 103 to 2784 +/- 163 kcal (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Weight Loss and Body Composition During the First Postoperative Year of a Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Background Weight loss in patients undergoing gastric bypass should be primarily from fat mass (FM), minimizing the fat-free mass (FFM) loss. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in body weight and body composition during the first postoperative year in 50 morbidly obese patients undergoing a Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) at the Obesity Clinic of the ABC Medical Center. Methods Patient’s weight and body composition were obtained before surgery and 1 year later using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Weight, FM, FMM, and total body water (TBW) were measured before and 1 year after surgery. Changes in body composition were particularly analyzed. Results There were 29 females and 21 males with mean age of 41 ± 12 years. Mean BMI before surgery and 1 year after surgery was 44.4 ± 7.4 kg/m² and 28.3±4.3 kg/m², respectively. The percentage of excess body weight loss at the 1-year period was 86% for women and 79.6% for men. The percentage of FM before surgery was 47.7 ± 5.1, and 1 year later it was 28.8 ± 8. The percentage of FFM was 66.5 ± 16.5 before surgery and 58.3 ± 13 at 1 year. Conclusions There is a significant weight loss in patients undergoing LRYGBP. Weight loss mainly occurs as a consequence of reduction in the FM with less impact on the FFM.     

BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon: Clinical Outcomes of the First 100 Patients—A Turkish Experience

BACKGROUND: The BioEnterics Intragrastric Balloon (BIB(R)) together with restricted diet has been used for the treatment of obesity and morbid obesity. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 100 patients who had undergone the BIB procedure between February 2005 and February 2007. RESULTS: Mean age, mean weight, and mean BMI of the patients were 35.35 +/- 9.25 years, 113.23 +/- 24.76 kg (range 73-200 kg), and 39.28 +/- 6.98 kg/m(2) (range 30-69.2 kg/m(2)), respectively. Six months after the BIB procedure, mean weight and mean BMI were reduced to 100.46 +/- 26.05 kg (range 58-178 kg) and 34.70 +/- 11 kg/m(2) (range 21.83-61.59 kg/m(2)), respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in weight and BMI at 6 months after the BIB procedure (p < 0.01). Excess weight loss (EWL) at 6 months ranged between 0 and 28 kg, with a mean value of 12.68 +/- 7.70 kg. The subjects had 0 to 99.2% %EWL (mean 28.63 +/- 19.29). Reduction in BMI at 6 months ranged between 0 and 12.3 kg/m(2), with a mean value of 4.51 +/- 2.85 kg/m(2), and percent excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) was 38.20 +/- 28.78% (range 0-158%). At 6 months, there was a significant reduction in body weight and BMI (p < 0.01) in both groups. The reduction in BMI of the morbidly obese group was significantly greater than that of the obese group (p = 0.035), and both the %EWL and %EBMIL of the morbidly obese patients were significantly lower than those of the obese patients at 6 months (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BIB application is a reasonable weight loss method with few complications.     

Relationships Among Bone Mineral Density,Body Composition,and Isokinetic Strength in Young Women

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and isokinetic strength in young women. Subjects were 76 women (age: 20 ± 2 yr, height: 164 ± 6 cm, weight: 57 ± 6 kg, body fat: 27 ± 4%) with a normal body mass index (18–25 kg/m²). Total body, nondominant proximal femur, and nondominant distal forearm BMD were measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Isokinetic concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) strength of the nondominant thigh and upper arm were measured at 60 deg/sec. Fat-free mass (FFM) correlated (P < 0.001) with BMD of the total body (r = 0.56) and femoral neck (r = 0.52), whereas fat mass (FM) did not relate to BMD at any site. Leg FFM, but not FM, correlated with BMD in all regions of interest at the proximal femur. Weak associations were observed between arm FFM and forearm BMD. Isokinetic strength did not relate to BMD at any site after correcting for regional FFM. In conclusion, strong, independent associations exist between BMD and FFM, but not FM or isokinetic strength, in young women.     

Comparison of effects of gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch on weight loss and body composition 1-2 years after surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gastric bypass (GB) is the most common surgical procedure for weight loss in the United States. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is less routinely performed, perhaps because of its technical difficulty and metabolic concerns. The objective of this study was to determine whether these procedures had differential effects on weight loss and body composition. METHODS: Body composition was measured by bioimpedance (Tanita 310) at the initial consultation, and follow-up measurements were completed 1-2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 72 patients in the study, 50, aged 46.2 +/- 8.5 years, had undergone GB and were measured 15.5 +/- 5.2 months after surgery and 22, aged 40.6 +/- 7.9 years, had undergone BPD/DS and were measured 19.5 +/- 7.5 months after surgery. Patient age and time after surgery were significantly different between the 2 groups. The body mass index (BMI) for the BPD/DS group was 53.6 +/- 11.9 kg/m(2), significantly greater than the BMI of the GB group (48.0 +/- 6.3 kg/m(2); P = .009). However, the percentage of body fat did not differ between the 2 groups (P = .515). Postoperatively, the BMIs for the GB group (31.5 +/- 5.0 kg/m(2)) and BPD/DS group (30.3 +/- 6.1 kg/m(2)) were not significantly different (P = .384). The percentage of body fat for the GB and BPD/DS groups had changed from 49.2% +/- 8.3% to 32.1% +/- 10.6% and 47.9% +/- 5.9% to 23.8% +/- 10.4%, respectively (P = .002). The BMI had decreased by 16.5 +/- 4.8 kg/m(2)after GB and 23.3 +/- 6.8 kg/m(2) after BPD/DS (P <.001). The decrease in fat was 17.1% +/- 8.2% after GB and 24.2% +/- 7.2% after BPD/DS (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The BPD/DS procedure is more effective in reducing the BMI and promoting fat loss than is GB. The assessment of the impact of these two operations on an individualized basis offers additional information to assist in the evaluation of these procedures.     

Total weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is influenced by preoperative weight loss: can we predict the outcome?

BackgroundPreoperative weight loss (WL) is associated with higher postoperative WL at 1- to 2-year follow-up in patients who undergo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).ObjectiveTo evaluate the possible association between preoperative and postoperative WL at 3-year follow-up and identify risk factors for insufficient WL.SettingA single-center prospective cohort study in the Netherlands.MethodsPatients undergoing primary LRYGB and laparoscopic conversion from band to bypass (redo LRYGB) were instructed to lose weight preoperatively. Follow-up data were collected 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. WL was described as percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and percentage excess body mass index (BMI) loss. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A lost any amount of weight; group B did not lose any weight or gained weight preoperatively.ResultsGroup A consisted of 230 patients (median preoperative %TWL, 4.8%), and group B consisted of 46 patients (median preoperative %TWL, −1.3%). Median BMI at intake was 44.1 kg/m². Baseline characteristics were similar. The %TWL and BMI for group A and B in the patients who underwent primary LRYGB at 1, 2, and 3 years was 32.2% (BMI, 28.6 kg/m²) versus 23.9% (BMI, 32.2 kg/m²), 31.8% (BMI, 28.9 kg/m²) versus 25.2% (BMI, 31.9 kg/m²), and 33.3% (BMI, 29.7 kg/m²) versus 21.9% (BMI, 34 kg/m²), respectively, all P < .05. In patients who underwent redo LRYGB no clinically significant differences in postoperative BMI were found.ConclusionsPreoperative WL in primary patients who undergo LRYGB can be useful to identify those at risk of inadequate postoperative WL. In patients who undergo redo LRYGB different risk factors should be considered for prediction of inadequate postoperative WL.     

Changes in body composition of children with chronic renal failure on growth hormone

Body composition is altered in children with chronic renal failure (CRF) and contributes to the significant growth failure seen in these children. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been used in the past several years to improve the somatic growth of children with CRF. To determine if the growth achieved in these children occurs concomitantly with body compositional changes, seven prepubertal (n=6) and pubertal (n=1) children with chronic renal insufficiency (n=4) and end-stage renal disease (n=3) underwent measurements of total body fat (FM), fat free mass (FFM), bone mineral density (BMD), total bone mineral mass (TBBM), total body water (TBW), and total body potassium (TBK) before and 6 months after initiation of subcutaneous recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) at 0.35 mg/kg per week. The techniques used included dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry (for measurement of FM, BMD, and TBBM), total body potassium counting (for measurement of TBK), and deuterated water for assessment of TBW. Significant increases in both height and weight were seen following 6 months of rhGH therapy. These increases were accompanied by significant re- ductions in FM (4.4±1.4 kg vs. 3.6±1.2 kg, P=0.002) and percentage fat (18.6±3.9% vs. 14.5±3.4%, P=0.04), while FFM (17.9±3.0 kg vs. 20.7±3.6 kg, P=0.04) increased significantly as did TBBM (776±171 g vs. 844±177 g, P=0.001). Increases in TBK, a measure of body cell mass, were also seen. No difference in total BMD was observed. Thus, growth in CRF is occurring with repletion of the FFM and TBBM compartments. Despite these improvements, no change was observed in the body mass index (BMI). Measurement of BMI alone does not define the compartmental catabolic losses in FFM. Received: 20 September 1999 / Revised: 31 January 2000 / Accepted: 8 February 2000     

Energy Expenditure and Weight Regain in Patients Submitted to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background  Although Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is a highly effective treatment for clinically severe obesity, not all patients achieve desirable weight loss and maintenance. There is some evidence that weight loss can induce a disproportionate reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR). This reduction in RMR can be related to fat-free mass (FFM) loss, as FFM is the greatest responsible for variations in energy expenditure at rest. Abnormally low basal metabolic rate may predispose surgical patients to weight regain. Method  Thirty-six individuals were divided into two groups: patients who have kept a healthy weight 2 years after surgery and patients who showed weight regain of at least 2 kg 2 years after the surgery. Selected patients have signed a consent form. Body mass index and excess weight loss were evaluated. RMR and body fat percentage were measured. FFM is a heterogeneous component that can be partitioned into muscle mass and no-muscle mass. The FFM was calculated as the result of subtracting total fat weight from total body weight in kilogram. We also wanted to know if the predictive formulas to assess RMR overestimate energy expenditure in these patients. Statistical tests were used to analyze the two groups. Results  We found out that the RMR of the weight regain group was statistically inferior to the mean of the healthy weight group—the difference between the two groups was about 260 kcal/day. We also found out that the predictive formulas overestimate the RMR in the weight regain group. Conclusion  This study suggests that a lower RMR may contribute to weight regain in patients who undergo RYGBP. It is important to ensure ways to elevate energy expenditure in the patient, such as increasing the percentage of fat-free mass in the body and the practice of physical activities.     

Nutritional consequences of total gastrectomy: the relationship between mode of reconstruction, postprandial symptoms, and body composition

Body composition, postprandial symptoms, and social performance were assessed in 41 patients who were free of tumors 16 to 63 months (median, 41 months) after total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (n = 15) or jejunal interposition (n = 26). There were no significant differences with respect to age, sex, initial tumor stage, interval since operation, and premorbid weight/height2 (body mass index). The lowest postoperative body mass index (BMI) was 72% +/- 3% of the preillness BMI in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and 79% +/- 2% in patients with jejunal interposition (p less than 0.05). At the time of the study the relative BMI was 88% +/- 2% of the preillness BMI in patients with jejunal interposition but only 81% +/- 3% in patients with the Roux-en-Y reconstruction (p less than 0.01). Muscle mass and lean body mass estimated from anthropometric and bioelectric impedance measurements were correlated with sex (p = 0.0001) and with the mode of reconstruction (p = 0.02) independently, which was confirmed by multiple linear regression. The postprandial symptoms were not significantly associated with changes in body composition except for an inverse relationship between Sigstad's dumping score and the extracellular mass/body cell mass ratio (r = 0.553; p = 0.0002). Of the patients under 60 years of age, 10 of 15 patients with jejunal interposition and two of eight patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction were back at work (p = 0.057). The persons who had resumed their work had a significantly higher relative BMI (90% +/- 2% vs 82% +/- 3%), lean body mass (53 +/- 3 kg vs 46 +/- 3 kg), and muscle mass (25 +/- 2 kg vs 21 +/- 1 kg) than persons in early retirement. We concluded that preserving the duodenal transit should be a main objective of gastric replacement after total gastrectomy.     

Non-fasting bioelectrical impedance analysis in cystic fibrosis: Implications for clinical practice and research

BackgroundNutritional status affects pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and can be monitored by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). BIA measurements are commonly performed in the fasting state, which is burdensome for patients. We investigated whether fasting is necessary for clinical practice and research.MethodsFat free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were determined in adult CF patients (n = 84) by whole body single frequency BIA (Bodystat 500) in a fasting and non-fasting state. Fasting and non-fasting BIA outcomes were compared with Bland-Altman plots. Pulmonary function was expressed as Forced Expiratory Volume at 1 s percentage predicted (FEV1%pred). Comparability of the associations between fasting and non-fasting body composition measurements with FEV1%pred was assessed by multiple linear regression.ResultsFasting FFM, its index (FFMI), and phase angle were significantly lower than non-fasting estimates (−0.23 kg, p = 0.006, −0.07 kg/m², p = 0.002, −0.10°, p = 0.000, respectively). Fasting FM and its index (FMI) were significantly higher than non-fasting estimates (0.22 kg, p = 0.008) 0.32%, p = 0.005, and 0.07 kg/m², (p = 0.005). Differences between fasting and non-fasting FFM and FM were <1 kg in 86% of the patients. FFMI percentile estimates remained similar in 83% of the patients when measured after nutritional intake. Fasting and non-fasting FFMI showed similar associations with FEV1%pred (β: 4.3%, 95% CL: 0.98, 7.70 and β: 4.6%, 95% CI: 1.22, 8.00, respectively).ConclusionDifferences between fasting and non-fasting FFM and FM were not clinically relevant, and associations with pulmonary function remained similar. Therefore, BIA measurements can be performed in a non-fasting state.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass vs. Sleeve Gastrectomy in the Super Obese Patient: Early Outcomes of an Observational Study

Background

Super obesity [body mass index (BMI)?>?50 kg/m²] can yield to higher morbidity/mortality in bariatric surgery, this could be related to patient's characteristics and/or surgeon's experience. In morbid obesity, both techniques proved to have a positive impact and sometimes comparable outcomes during the first 2 years. This has not been clearly analyzed in the super obese patient.

Methods

Retrospective study comparing the records of 77 consecutive super obese patients (BMI: 50–59.9 kg/m²) submitted to either laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP, n?=?32) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG, n?=?45) between 2010 and 2012 at a single institution. The primary objective was to analyze baseline demographics, comorbidities, operative outcomes, and early complications (<30 days). Secondarily, weight loss [BMI and % excess weight loss (%EWL)] was also described and compared during the first year.

Results

Female sex comprised 72.7 % of all cases. Both groups had comparable BMI (52.7?±?2.1 kg/m² for LGBP vs. 53.87?±?2.8 kg/m² for LSG; p?=?0.087) and homogeneous baseline characteristics. Operative time was lower for the LSG group (113.1?±?35.3 vs. 186.9?±?39 min for LGBP; p?≤?0.001). Overall, early complications were observed in 16.8 % of patients (LGBP 9 % vs. LSG 22 %; p?=?0.217). There were four major complications (two in each group), with two reinterventions. Weight loss (%EWL) at 6, 9, and 12 months was significantly higher in the LGBP group (51.6?±?12.9 %, 56.5?±?13 %, 63.9?±?13.3 %, respectively) than in the LSG group (40?±?12.8 %, 45.1?±?15.5 %, 43.9?±?10.4 %, respectively).

Conclusions

Just like in morbid obesity, LGBP and LSG are effective and safe procedures in super obese patients. LGBP had better weight loss at 1 year.     

Altered tissue distribution in adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND: Regional body composition was determined in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Our hypothesis was that dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning could assess the fat free mass, bone mineral content, and fat mass and determine the distribution of the changes. METHOD: Height squared indices were derived for fat mass (FMI), fat free mass (FFMI), and bone mineral content (BMCI) of the arm, leg, and trunk by DXA in 51 patients and 18 age/sex matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: The arm and leg FFMI in patients were less than in healthy controls (p<0.05); the deficit was leg>arm>trunk (-18.19%, -14.86%, +0.09%, p<0.02) and was related to severity of lung disease. Patients with a normal BMI and low total FFM (hidden loss) had a lower arm, leg and trunk FFMI than those with a normal BMI and total FFM (p<0.05). The BMCI for all body segments was lower in patients than in controls (p<0.001). The BMCI was lower in the leg and trunk (p<0.01) in patients with severe disease than in those with mild lung disease. In those with hidden FFM loss the BMCI was lower (p<0.05 in leg and trunk). There was no difference in the BMCI deficit between body segments. Fat mass in patients was not reduced. CONCLUSION: Preferential loss of FFM is related to severity of lung disease and occurs in patients with a normal BMI. A similar loss of BMC occurs while FM is preserved. A hierarchical pattern of FFM loss of legs>arms>trunk was shown; BMC loss was evenly distributed.     

Effect of body weight on testosterone/estradiol ratio in oligozoospermic patients

To evaluate the effect of body mass on the hormonal and semen profiles of subfertile men with oligozoospemia, sperm concentration and reproductive hormone levels were compared in two body mass index (BMI) groups: underweight or normal weight patients (BMI = 25 kg/m2) vs. overweight or obese patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2). The mean BMI was 27 +/- 4.6 kg/m2. The testosterone/estradiol ratio was significantly reduced in the high BMI group as compared to the low BMI group (17 +/- 4 vs. 12 +/- 3; p < 0.05). A similar difference was found in the sperm concentration (11.2 +/- 3.16 x 10(6)/ml vs. 8.1 +/- 2.6 x 10(6)/ml). A nonsignificant difference was found in the LH/FSH ratio (1.41 +/- 0.64 vs. 1.63 +/- 0.72). We concluded that obesity and the consequent estrogen excess decrease the sperm concentration by influencing the hypothalamo-pituitary system.     

Validity of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Estimate Body Composition Changes After Bariatric Surgery in Premenopausal Morbidly Women

In obese patients, subtle variations of the hydration of soft tissues can propagate errors in bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measures of body composition. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a useful method to evaluate tissue hydration. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a purely restrictive bariatric surgical procedure resulting in lower fat-free mass (FFM) loss than other malabsorptive or mixed intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 6- and 12-month changes in body composition in a homogeneous group of premenopausal morbidly obese women treated by LAGB by comparing the results of conventional BIA and BIVA with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. Forty-five consecutive morbidly obese patients (mean age, 35.3 ± 9.1 years; body mass index, 34.5–48.7 kg/m²) were prospectively evaluated at the Endocrinology Unit of the Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology. The LAGB device (Lap-Band™ System; Inamed Health, Santa Barbara, CA, USA) was inserted laparoscopically. Soft tissue hydration was evaluated by BIVA; fat mass (FM) and FFM were evaluated by BIA (BIA 101 RJL, Akern Bioresearch, Firenze, Italy) and by DXA (Hologic QDR 4500A S/N 45622; Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA). Pre- and postoperative BIVA vectors indicated a normal hydration in all patients. Postoperatively, the excess of body weight loss was mainly due to a decrease in FM. The regression analysis of BIA and DXA methods at baseline and at the 6- and 12-month follow-up for FM r ² values were 0.98, 0.94, and 0.99, respectively (p < 0.001); FM% r ² values were 0.91, 0.89, and 0.98, respectively (p < 0.001); and FFM r ² values were 0.87, 0.82, 0.99, respectively (p < 0.001). BIA and DXA measurements of body composition exhibit a high relative agreement in the study group of normo-hydrated obese subjects. BIA tends to overestimate FFM, but this effect is reduced along with the weight loss during the follow-up. Under the stable hydration, the BIA method may be useful as an alternative to DXA in a selected clinical setting when repeated comparisons of body composition are required.