Sexual dimorphism in fat patterning in a sample of 5 to 7-year-old children in Oxford

It is now well recognised that, in addition to total body fat, fat distribution is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance/diabetes in both adults and children. Traditionally, sexual dimorphism in fat patterning has been regarded as occurring at puberty. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in fat patterning in a group of children in Oxford. Anthropometric data was collected for 95 girls and 97 boys aged 5-7 years. Body mass index, percentage body fat and fat patterning indices were calculated using skinfold thickness measurements.

While girls at this age had significantly larger percentage body fat and skinfolds, the fat patterning indices showed no differences between genders and no indication of greater truncal adiposity. The boys had a larger mean waist-hip ratio (0.96±0.04) compared with the girls (0.93±0.04) (P<0.001). The larger ratio in boys was the outcome of the smaller hip circumference in the boys reflecting less gluteal adiposity. This suggests that even at this young age there is clear evidence of sexual dimorphism in fat patterning, with girls showing greater subcutaneous adiposity mainly contributed by gluteal fat.

The present study confirms the findings of American and European workers that sexual dimorphism of fat patterning in children is present at 5-7 years of age. Second, that these differences in fat patterning can be detected using simple anthropometric measurements such as hip circumference and skinfold thicknesses. The significance and importance of hip circumference measurements in predicting health outcome is an area that merits further investigation.     

Waist-to-height ratio: An accurate anthropometric index of abdominal adiposity and a predictor of high HOMA-IR values in nondialyzed chronic kidney disease patients

ObjectiveChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance (IR), mainly when associated with obesity and characterized by high abdominal adiposity (AbAd). Anthropometric measures are recommended for assessing AbAd in clinical settings, but their accuracies need to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of different anthropometric measures of AbAd in patients with CKD. We also sought to determine the AbAd association with high homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values and the cutoff point for AbAd index to predict high HOMA-IR values.MethodsA subset of clinically stable nondialyzed patients with CKD followed at a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic was enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The accuracy of the following anthropometric indices: waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, conicity index and waist-to-height ratio (WheiR) to assess AbAd, was evaluated using trunk fat, by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as a reference method. HOMA-IR was estimated to stratify patients in high and low HOMA-IR groups. The total area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC-ROC; sensitivity/specificity) was calculated: AbAd with high HOMA-IR values (95% confidence interval [CI]).ResultsWe studied 134 patients (55% males; 54% overweight/obese, body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m², age 64.9 ± 12.5 y, estimated glomerular filtration rate 29.0 ± 12.7 mL/min). Among studied AbAd indices, WheiR was the only one to show correlation with DXA trunk fat after adjusting for confounders (P < 0.0001). Thus, WheiR was used to evaluate the association between AbAd with HOMA-IR values (r = 0.47; P < 0.0001). The cutoff point for WheiR as a predictor for high HOMA-IR values was 0.55 (AUC-ROC = 0.69 ± 0.05; 95% CI, 0.60–0.77; sensitivity/specificity, 68.9/61.9).ConclusionsWheiR is recommended as an effective and precise anthropometric index to assess AbAd and to predict high HOMA-IR values in nondialyzed patients with CKD.     

Triacylglycerols and body fat mass are possible independent predictors of C3 in apparently healthy young Brazilian adults

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between serum concentrations of complement factor-3 (C3) with anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle features in healthy young adults.MethodsFrom 157 young healthy adults 18 to 35 y old, anthropometric measurements and body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and lifestyle data were collected and analyzed. Blood samples were collected after a 12-h fast for the determination of glucose, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, C3, ceruloplasmin, and uric acid.ResultsComplement factor-3 correlated directly with body mass index (r = 0.23417, P = 0.0032), body fat mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis; r = 0.33407, P < 0.0001), percentage of body fat (bioelectrical impedance analysis; r = 0.26873, P = 0.0007), waist circumference (r = 0.21266, P = 0.0075), insulin (r = 0.26152, P = 0.0009), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0.24831, P = 0.0017), total cholesterol (r = 0.23335, P = 0.0033), triacylglycerols (r = 0.38435, P < 0.0001), and other outcome measurements. In the multiple linear regression analysis, triacylglycerols (r² = 0.1379, P < 0.0001) and body fat mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis; r² = 0.0621, P = 0.0010) were independently associated with the C3 concentration after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and physical activity.ConclusionComplement factor-3 seems to be related to several anthropometric and biochemical measurements in healthy young adults. These results demonstrate an independent role of triacylglycerols, a component of the metabolic syndrome, and body fat mass as possible predictors of C3 concentrations. Thus, C3 can be used as an early marker for metabolic syndrome manifestations.     

Glucose Homeostasis Variables in Pregnancy versus Maternal and Infant Body Composition

Intrauterine factors influence infant size and body composition but the mechanisms involved are to a large extent unknown. We studied relationships between the body composition of pregnant women and variables related to their glucose homeostasis, i.e., glucose, HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance), hemoglobin A_1c and IGFBP-1 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1), and related these variables to the body composition of their infants. Body composition of 209 women in gestational week 32 and of their healthy, singleton and full-term one-week-old infants was measured using air displacement plethysmography. Glucose homeostasis variables were assessed in gestational week 32. HOMA-IR was positively related to fat mass index and fat mass (r² = 0.32, p < 0.001) of the women. Maternal glucose and HOMA-IR values were positively (p ≤ 0.006) associated, while IGFBP-1was negatively (p = 0.001) associated, with infant fat mass. HOMA-IR was positively associated with fat mass of daughters (p < 0.001), but not of sons (p = 0.65) (Sex-interaction: p = 0.042). In conclusion, glucose homeostasis variables of pregnant women are related to their own body composition and to that of their infants. The results suggest that a previously identified relationship between fat mass of mothers and daughters is mediated by maternal insulin resistance.     

Changes in Food and Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality on a Low-Fat Vegan Diet Are Associated with Changes in Body Weight,Body Composition,and Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundConsuming different food groups and nutrients can have differential effects on body weight, body composition, and insulin sensitivity.ObjectiveThe aim was to identify how food group, nutrient intake, and diet quality change relative to usual-diet controls after 16 weeks on a low-fat vegan diet and what associations those changes have with changes in body weight, body composition, and measures of metabolic health.DesignSecondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial conducted between October 2016 and December 2018 in four replications.Participants/settingParticipants included in this analysis were 219 healthy, community-based adults in the Washington, DC, area, with a body mass index (BMI) between 28 and 40, who were randomly assigned to either follow a low-fat vegan diet or make no diet changes.InterventionA low-fat, vegan diet deriving approximately 10% of energy from fat, with weekly classes including dietary instruction, group discussion, and education on the health effects of plant-based nutrition. Control group participants continued their usual diets.Main outcome measuresChanges in food group intake, macronutrient and micronutrient intake, and dietary quality as measured by Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), analyzed from 3-day diet records, and associations with changes in body weight, body composition, and insulin sensitivity were assessed.Statistical analyses performedA repeated-measure analysis of variance model that included the factors group, subject, and time was used to test the between-group differences throughout the 16-week study. Interaction between group and time was calculated for each variable. Within each diet group, paired comparison t tests were calculated to identify significant changes from baseline to 16 weeks. Spearman correlations were calculated for the relationship between changes in food group intake, nutrient intake, AHEI-2010 score, and changes in body weight, body composition, and insulin sensitivity. The relative contribution of food groups and nutrients to weight loss was evaluated using linear regression.ResultsFruit, vegetable, legume, meat alternative, and whole grain intake significantly increased in the vegan group. Intake of meat, fish, and poultry; dairy products; eggs; nuts and seeds; and added fats decreased. Decreased weight was most associated with increased intake of legumes (r = ?0.38; P < 0.0001) and decreased intake of total meat, fish, and poultry (r = +0.43; P < 0.0001). Those consuming a low-fat vegan diet also increased their intake of carbohydrates, fiber, and several micronutrients and decreased fat intake. Reduced fat intake was associated with reduced body weight (r = +0.15; P = 0.02) and, after adjustment for changes in BMI and energy intake, with reduced fat mass (r = +0.14; P = 0.04). The intervention group’s AHEI-2010 increased by 6.0 points on average, in contrast to no significant change in the control group (treatment effect, +7.2 [95% CI +3.7 to +10.7]; P < 0.001). Increase in AHEI-2010 correlated with reduction in body weight (r = 0.14; P = 0.04), fat mass (r = ?0.14; P = 0.03), and insulin resistance as measured by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR; r = ?0.17; P = 0.02), after adjustment for changes in energy intake.ConclusionsWhen compared with participants’ usual diets, intake of plant foods increased, and consumption of animal foods, nuts and seeds, and added fats decreased on a low-fat vegan diet. Increased legume intake was the best single food group predictor of weight loss. Diet quality as measured by AHEI-2010 improved on the low-fat vegan diet, which was associated with improvements in weight and metabolic outcomes. These data suggest that increasing low-fat plant foods and minimizing high-fat and animal foods is associated with decreased body weight and fat loss, and that a low-fat vegan diet can improve measures of diet quality and metabolic health.     

A randomized controlled clinical trial investigating the effect of DASH diet on insulin resistance,inflammation, and oxidative stress in gestational diabetes

ObjectiveTo our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan on insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).This study was designed to investigate the effects of the DASH diet on insulin resistance, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and biomarkers of oxidative stress among pregnant women with GDM.MethodsThis randomized controlled clinical trial was performed with 32 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM at 24 to 28 wk gestation. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either the control (n = 16) or DASH diet (n = 16) for 4 wk. The DASH diet was rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and was low in saturated fats, total fats, cholesterol, refined grains, and sweets, with a total of 2400 mg/d of sodium. The control diet contained 40% to 55% of its energy as carbohydrates, 10% to 20% as proteins, and 25% to 30% as total fats. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 4 wk of intervention to measure fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, and hs-CRP, Homeostasis Model of Assessment—Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total glutathione levels (GSH).ResultsConsumption of the DASH diet compared with the control diet resulted in decreased FPG (–7.62 versus 3.68 mg/dL; P = 0.02), serum insulin levels (–2.62 versus 4.32 μIU/mL, P = 0.03), and HOMA-IR score (–0.8 versus 1.1; P = 0.03). Increased concentrations of plasma TAC (45.2 versus –159.2 mmol/L; P < 0.0001) and GSH (108.1 versus –150.9 μmol/L; P < 0.0001) also were seen in the DASH group compared with control group. We failed to find a significant difference in mean changes of serum hs-CRP levels between the two diets. Within-group comparisons revealed significant reductions in plasma TAC and GSH levels in the control diet, while a significant increase in these biomarkers in the DASH diet.ConclusionConsumption of the DASH diet in pregnant women with GDM had beneficial effects on FPG, serum insulin levels, HOMA-IR score, plasma TAC, and total GSH levels. The effects of this dietary pattern on pregnancy outcomes need to be investigated in future studies.     

The four-compartment model of body composition in obese Chilean schoolchildren,by pubertal stage: Comparison with simpler models

ObjectivesWe assessed the agreement of body fat and fat-free mass measured by simpler methods against the four-compartment model (4C).MethodsIn 60 obese schoolchildren (body mass index ≥95th percentile) between the ages of 8 and 13 y who were recruited from one school in Chile, multicompartmental body composition was estimated with the use of isotopic dilution, plethysmography (BodPod), radiographic absorptiometry (DEXA), and anthropometric equations. These results were compared to those of the 4C model, which is considered the gold standard.ResultsFor body fat, the 4C model showed the best agreement with DEXA for boys in Tanner stages I and II (r = 0.971) and with isotopic dilution for boys in Tanner stages III and IV (r = 0.984). The best agreement in girls occurred with isotopic dilution, regardless of pubertal stage (r = 0.948 for Tanner stages I and II; r = 0.978 for Tanner stages III and IV). Both isotopic dilution and the Huang, Ellis, and Deurenberg anthropometric equations underestimated body fat in boys; by contrast, DEXA, BodPod, and the Slaughter equation overestimated body fat in boys. All of the equations underestimated body fat in girls. For fat-free mass in both boys and girls, the 4C model showed the best agreement with isotopic dilution, regardless of pubertal stage. The Huang equation showed the best agreement for boys (r = 0.730 for Tanner stages I and II; r = 0.695 for Tanner stages III and IV) and for girls in Tanner stages I and II (r = 0.884). The Ellis equation had the best agreement for girls in Tanner stages III and IV (r = 0.917).ConclusionsFor obese Chilean children of both sexes, isotopic dilution and DEXA were the two-compartment methods that had the best agreement with the gold-standard 4C model for both body fat and fat-free mass; these were followed by the Huang and Ellis anthropometric equations.     

Metabolic effects of aloe vera gel complex in obese prediabetes and early non-treated diabetic patients: Randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe metabolic effects of an aloe vera gel complex (Aloe QDM complex) on people with prediabetes or early diabetes mellitus (DM) are unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of Aloe QDM complex on body weight, body fat mass (BFM), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin, and Homeostasis Model of Assessment - Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in obese individuals with prediabetes or early DM who were not on diabetes medications.MethodsParticipants (n = 136) were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group and evaluated at baseline and at 4 and 8 wk.ResultsThe study lost six participants in the control group and eight in the intervention group. At 8 wk, body weight (P = 0.02) and BFM (P = 0.03) were significantly lower in the intervention group. At 4 wk, serum insulin level (P = 0.04) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.047) were lower in the intervention group; they also were lower at 8 wk but with borderline significance (P = 0.09; P = 0.08, respectively). At 8 wk, FBG tended to decrease in the intervention group (P = 0.02), but the between-group difference was not significant (P = 0.16).ConclusionIn obese individuals with prediabetes or early untreated DM, Aloe QDM complex reduced body weight, BFM, and insulin resistance.     

Puberty begins with a characteristic subcutaneous body fat mass in each sex

OBJECTIVE: To observe whether there exists a characteristic body fat mass at pubertal onset. DESIGN: Longitudinal clinical follow-up (between ages of 10 and 15 y) with an annual visit in a sample of 469 children. They were grouped according to age of purbertal onset: boys with pubertal onset at the ages of 11 (n=59), 12 (n=88), 13 n=89) and 14 y (n=46), and girls with pubertal onset at the age of 10 (n=68), 11 (n=66), 12 (n=37) and 13 (n=16). METHODS: Height, weight, upper arm circumference and four skinfold thicknesses were recorded annually. In boys testicular volume index was measured, and genital development was assessed on the Tanner scale; in girls mammary development was measured also using the Tanner scale. The sum of four skinfolds, body mass index, upper arm fat estimate and percentage body fat were calculated. RESULTS: Boys presented a positive relation between the age of pubertal onset and body mass index (P<0.001), which was not observed in girls. Body mass index thus varied according to the onset of puberty in boys (P<0.001), but not in girls. The sum of four skinfolds, the upper arm fat estimate index and the percentage of body fat mass did not differ according to age of pubertal onset either in girls (P=NS) or in boys (P=NS). The characteristic adiposity of the puberty onset is progressively acquired during the previous years in all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Puberty seems to begin with a characteristic subcutaneous body fat mass that is independent of the age of onset. This study supports the hypothesis of a close link between maturation and the development of an energy store in the form of adipose tissue in both sexes.     

Stunting,adiposity, and low-grade inflammation in African adolescents from a township high school

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the inflammatory status of children with differences in nutritional status.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 184 African children aged 13–18 y from a low socioeconomic background that compared stunted with non-stunted and lean with over-fat (percentage of body fat above normal cutoff points) children. Fasting serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and insulin were measured using high-sensitivity methods. Body composition was assessed using anthropometry and air-displacement plethysmography. T tests for parametric data and the Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric data were used to compare groups. Regression analyses and principal components analyses were done to assess relations between body composition and biochemical variables.ResultsOf all participants 18% were stunted. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α of stunted girls was higher than in non-stunted girls. More of the stunted boys were over-fat compared with their non-stunted counterparts. Regression analyses showed that insulin resistance, diastolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein contributed significantly to interleukin-6 in boys. Serum C-reactive protein, waist circumference, and body mass index clustered together in factor analysis in boys. Serum interleukin-6, waist–hip ratio, and tumor necrosis factor-α clustered together in factor analysis in girls.ConclusionAn association between adiposity and stunting and between adiposity low-grade inflammation was found in this study. Interventions for stunted children focus mainly on correction of undernutrition by providing feeding schemes. Attention should, however, also be paid to changes in body composition over time to prevent excessive abdominal fat accumulation and risk for cardiovascular diseases later in life.     

Is there a unique measuring method to assess obesity?

In the literature there is not available a uniformly accepted method for assessing the degree of obesity. AIM: To determine how far insulin resistance, serum levels of leptin and resistin are altered in persons categorized on the basis of body-mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and abdominal circumference. METHODS: 101 volunteer boys and 115 girls participated in the studies. Body height was measured, body mass, abdominal circumference, and body composition were determined by InBody3 bioimpedance instrument. Body mass index and body fat percentage were calculated by the instrument. Concentrations of serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and resistin were determined. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model: HOMA IR . RESULTS: Body fat percentage, serum levels of leptin and resistin were significantly higher in girls than in boys. Increases in BMI, body fat percentage, and abdominal circumference were associated with the significant elevation of both HOMA IR and serum leptin concentrations. In overweight boys categorized by body fat percentage as obese the serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher than in their non-obese counterparts. CONCLUSION: Determination of body composition would be important concerning the follow-up of biochemical changes occurring in the body during the course of both epidemiological studies and nutritional interventions.     

Dietary fiber and associations with adiposity and fasting insulin among college students with plausible dietary reports

ObjectiveWe examined dietary fiber intake, food sources of dietary fiber, and relation of dietary fiber to body composition and metabolic parameters in college students with plausible dietary reports.MethodsStudents (18–24 y of age) provided data on anthropometry, fasting blood chemistries, and body composition (bioelectric impedance). Diet and physical activity were assessed with the Diet History Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Plausible dietary reporters were identified (±1 SD cutoffs for reported energy intake as a percentage of predicted energy requirement). Multiple regression analyses were conducted with the total (n = 298) and plausible (n = 123) samples, adjusting for age, race, sex, smoking status, physical activity, energy intake, and fat-free mass (where applicable).ResultsFood sources of dietary fiber were similar in men and women. In the plausible sample compared with the total sample, dietary fiber was more strongly associated with fat mass (β = ?0.24, P < 0.001), percentage of body fat (β = ?0.23, P < 0.001), body mass index (β = ?0.11, P < 0.01), waist circumference (β = ?0.67, P < 0.05), and fasting insulin (β = ?0.15, P < 0.001). When the effect of sex was investigated, dietary fiber was inversely related to fasting insulin and fat mass in men and women and inversely related to percentage of body fat, body mass index, and waist circumference in men only (P < 0.05).ConclusionInclusion of implausible dietary reports may result in spurious or weakened diet–health associations. Dietary fiber is negatively associated with fasting insulin levels in men and women and consistently associated with adiposity measurements in men.     

Vitamin D status and body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a general population of Japanese children

ObjectiveFor a general population of children, data on the relationship between vitamin D status and adiposity are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) and body fat variables measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a general population of Japanese children, including underweight, normal, and overweight children.MethodsThe source population comprised 521 fifth-grade children who attended either of the two public schools in Hamamatsu, Japan. Total and regional body fat mass (FM) measured by DXA were evaluated along with the serum concentration of 25-OH-D.ResultsWe were able to analyze the FM and 25-OH-D data of 400 of the 521 children. Among boys, significant inverse relationships were observed between serum vitamin D levels and body fat variables (total FM, r = ?0.201; trunk FM, r = ?0.216; appendicular FM, r = ?0.187; P < 0.05 for all values). Mean values of total FM and trunk FM in the vitamin D-deficient group (25-OH-D <50 nmol/L) were larger than those in the vitamin D-sufficient group (25-OH-D ≥75 nmol/L) after adjusting for confounding factors, such as sedentary behavior (P < 0.05). No relationship was observed between vitamin D status and FM among girls.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency was associated with higher total and trunk adiposities in a general population of Japanese children, particularly boys.     

The utility of visceral fat level measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis in predicting metabolic syndrome

BackgroundVisceral adipose tissue dysfunction contributes to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the association between visceral fat level measured by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and MetS.Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study recruited Taiwanese volunteers aged ≥20 years between 2012 and 2014. Anthropometric measurements and plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were collected after at least 8 h of fasting. Insulin resistance was calculated by the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Visceral fat level (VFL, ranges: 1–59) and trunk fat percentage were measured through by the Body Composition Analyzer TANITA AB 140 Viscan.ResultsA total of 1086 volunteers (mean age = 44.2 ± 13.2 years) were enrolled. Multiple regression analyses showed that triglycerides levels and blood pressure increased while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased with VFL in both genders (p < 0.05). Increased HOMA-IR and VFL had a synergistic effect on MetS. Higher VFL was independently associated with MetS in both men (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.19–1.48) and women (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.17–1.39).ConclusionsHigher VFL is associated with MetS and its components. The portable BIA machine is easily applicable and useful tool to measure visceral fat in the community setting.     

Long-term voluntary running improves diet-induced adiposity in young adult mice

The hypothesis of the present study was that physical activity improves diet-induced obesity in young adult mice. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n = 15/group) were fed the AIN93G diet or a 45% high-fat diet (% kJ) with or without access to in-cage activity wheels for 14 weeks. The high-fat diet increased percentage fat body mass compared to the AIN93G diet (P = .042); running reduced percentage fat body mass (P < .0001) and increased percentage lean body mass (P < .0001) in mice fed either diet. Compared with the AIN93G diet, the high-fat diet increased plasma concentrations of insulin (P < .05) and leptin (P < .05) in sedentary mice and inflammatory cytokines monocyte chemotactic protein–1 (MCP-1) (P < .05) and plasminogen activator inhibitor–1 (P < .05) in both sedentary and running mice. The high-fat diet did not affect angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor–BB. Running reduced plasma insulin (P < .05) and MCP-1 (P < .05) and increased platelet-derived growth factor–BB (P < .05) in mice fed the high-fat diet. Running reduced leptin (P < .05) and increased plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (P < .0001) regardless of diet fed. In summary, consumption of the high-fat diet increased adiposity in young adult mice; running reduced adiposity, normalized plasma insulin and leptin, and reduced MCP-1 despite continued consumption of the high-fat diet. These results suggest that voluntary running may reduce diet-induced obesity and proinflammation and that young mice may be a useful model of their human age equivalents in studying moderate physical exercise and obesity and obesity-related diseases.     

Sex-related influence of body size and sexual maturation on blood pressure in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at investigating the influence of body size, body fat and sexual maturation on blood pressure (BP) in adolescents. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: A suburban student population of Southern Italy. SUBJECTS: One hundred ninety students attending the first and second year of a secondary school. Five were excluded because they were affected by major diseases. The remaining were 98 M and 87 F (mean age for either group = 12.0+/-0.8 y). METHODS: Blood pressure was measured by a mercury sphygmomanometer, body weight by a platform beamscale, other measurements included height, biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds by a caliper; sexual maturation was evaluated according to Tanner. RESULTS: Body size was greater than in Tanner's population: in particular body weight (but not height) in our sample markedly exceeded that of the children of the same age in Tanner's population. Boys had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) than girls (BP = 109/64+/-12/10 vs. 103/63+/-11/8 mm Hg, P<0.02 for SBP), while heart rate and waist/hip ratio were lower. During puberty evaluated on the basis of pubic hair growth BP in girls was higher than in the prepubertal phase (107/66+/-9/7 vs. 99/61+/-10/7, P<0.01). Pubertal boys showed a reduced percent of body fat (calculated from four skinfold measurements) in comparison to prepubertal ones (21.0%+/-4.5 vs. 24.5%+/-7.1, P<0.01). In linear correlation analysis, height, BW, BMI and lean body mass were found to be significantly associated with SBP in both sexes and to diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in girls. Percent body fat was correlated with SBP in boys, while sexual maturation was associated to SBP and DBP in girls only. Multiple regression analysis indicated a significant contribution of body size to BP variability, particularly in the girls. Sexual maturation was excluded from the final regression equations when height, BW or lean body mass were present. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that body weight in these adolescents is greater that in Tanner's population of the same age and sex. Body size appears to be a major determinant of BP, whereas sexual maturation seems to influence BP levels mainly through body growth. The influence of percent body fat on BP setting seems to be of limited importance.     

Socioeconomic and gender differences in adolescents' nutritional status in urban Cameroon,Africa

The aim of this study was to assess adolescents' nutritional status according to socioeconomic status (SES) and sex using anthropometry in urban Cameroon, Africa. Adolescent boys (n = 248) and girls (n = 333) 12 to 16 years old were recruited from randomly selected schools in a cross sectional study in Yaoundé city and grouped according to SES. Weight, height, skinfold thickness, and circumferences were measured, and body mass index, waist/hip ratio, arm muscle, and arm fat areas were calculated. Stunting, underweight, and overweight were determined using international cutoff points. Adolescents with medium and high SES were less likely to be stunted than adolescents with low SES (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; P < .01). Prevalences of stunting (12%, 6%, and 5%) and underweight (3%, 4%, and 1%) were higher among the adolescents with low and medium SES than those with high SES. Overweight prevalence was high among the adolescents with low (8%), medium (11%), and high (9%) SES. The OR for overweight was higher among girls than boys (OR, 4.13; P < .001). Girls were less likely to be stunted and underweight than boys (OR, 0.29 [P < .001] and OR, 0.20 [P < .01], respectively). Prevalences of stunting (15% and 6%) and underweight (5% and 2%) were higher among boys than girls. Pubescent adolescents were less likely to be stunted than nonpubescent (OR, 0.53; P < .05). Adolescents with low and medium SES were more underweight and stunted than adolescents with high SES. Girls were more overweight, less stunted, and underweight than boys.     

Nutrient Intake,Body Composition,Blood Cholesterol and Glucose Levels among Adult Asian Indians in the United States

Asian Indian (AI) immigrants have been suggested to be at increased risk for chronic disease. This study examined the metabolic risk factors for CVD among AI immigrants participating in a health fair in Southern Michigan, in the U.S. Participants included AI men (n = 44) and women (n = 57) who completed a demographic questionnaire, blood lipid (TC and HDL-C) and blood glucose (BG) test, resting BP check (SBP and DBP), body composition analysis and 24-h diet recall. For the entire group, the mean values were: BMI = 25.5, % body fat (BF) = 29.3; SBP = 129 mmHg; DBP = 76 mmHg; TC = 198 mg/dL; HDL-C = 48 mg/dL; BG = 111 mg/dL. Significant gender differences were observed: % BF (20% vs. 36%, P < 0.0001), lean body mass (122 vs. 48 lbs, P < 0.0001), HDL-C (42 vs. 52 mg/dL, P < 0.0025), TC/HDL-C (4.86 vs. 4.11, P < 0.03) and BG (122 vs. 105 mg/dL, P < 0.0001), for males and females, respectively. Dietary carbohydrate, protein and fat contributed 64, 14 and 25% of total energy intake. Among males, BMI was positively correlated with % BF (0.729, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with HDL-C (−0.457, P < 0.05). Among females, BMI was positively correlated with % BF (0.801, P < 0.01), SBP (0.425, P < 0.05) and DBP (0.538, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with % energy from saturated fat (−0.523, P < 0.01) and calcium intake (−0.445, P < 0.05). Despite having a dietary intake that meets the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations, this group was at a higher risk for chronic disease, by virtue of increased BMI and % BF along with an altered metabolic profile (high BP and TC and low HDL-C).     

Sex differences in resting energy expenditure and their relation to insulin resistance in children (EarlyBird 13)

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is believed to be the process underlying type 2 diabetes and premature cardiovascular disease. We have established that a relation between body mass and insulin resistance calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) exists by 5 y of age in contemporary UK children. Resting energy expenditure (REE) is variable among individuals and is one of many factors controlling body mass. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the relations between REE, body mass, and HOMA-IR in young children. DESIGN: EarlyBird is a nonintervention prospective cohort study of 307 healthy 5-y-olds that asks the question: Which children develop insulin resistance and why? REE by indirect calorimetry and HOMA-IR were measured in addition to total body mass, fat-free mass (FFM) by bioimpedance, body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)), and skinfold thickness when the mean age of the cohort was 5.9 +/- 0.2 y. RESULTS: Whereas the BMI of the boys was lower than that of the girls (x +/- SD: boys, 15.9 +/- 1.9; girls, 16.5 +/- 1.9; P = 0.03), their REE was higher by 6% (x +/- SD: 4724 +/- 615 compared with 4469 +/- 531 kJ/d; P = 0.002). This difference persisted after adjustment for FFM and other anthropometric variables (P = 0.04). In boys, there was a weak, although significant, inverse correlation between REE and HOMA-IR, independent of fat mass and FFM (boys: r = -0.21, P = 0.03; girls: r = 0.12, P = 0.34). CONCLUSION: There is a sex difference in REE at 6 y of age that cannot be explained by body composition. The difference appears to be intrinsic, and its contribution to sex differences in adiposity and HOMA-IR in children merits further exploration.     

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

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