Consumption of a Coffee Rich in Phenolic Compounds May Improve the Body Composition of People with Overweight or Obesity: Preliminary Insights from a Randomized, Controlled and Blind Crossover Study.

This study analyzes the effects on body composition and variables related to metabolic syndrome of two coffees with different degree of roasting and phenolic content. Sixty participants with body mass index between 25 and 35 kg/m2 and a median age of 51.0 years (Interquartile range 46.3-56) were recruited. The study was a controlled, randomized, single-blind crossover trial consisting in drinking three cups/day of roasted coffee (RC) or lightly roasted coffee (LRC) during 12 weeks with 2-week wash-out stages before each coffee intervention. LRC contained ≈400 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈130 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup while RC contained ≈150 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈70 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup. Along the study, in each of the six visits, blood pressure, body composition by bioimpedance, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry were analyzed. The mean differences and p values were calculated using a linear mixed model (JASP.v.0.18.0.3). A total of 38 participants completed the study. After the consumption of both coffees, fat mass and body fat percentage (LRC: -1.4%, p < 0.001; RC: -1.0%, p = 0.005) were reduced, whereas muscle mass and muscle mass percentage slightly increased (LRC: 0.8%, p < 0.001; RC: 0.7%, p = 0.002). The decrease in fat percentage was greater with LRC compared to RC (-0.8%; p = 0.029). There were no significant changes in metabolic syndrome variables or in body weight. In conclusion, LRC was slightly superior at inducing changes in body composition.

Nutritional Assessment in Outpatients with Heart Failure.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is associated with significant alterations in body composition, including malnutrition due to insufficient intake, chronic inflammation and increased energy expenditure. Identifying the prevalence of malnutrition and the risk of sarcopenia in patients with HF is crucial to improve clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, single-center, observational study involved 121 outpatients diagnosed with HF. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), and the Subjective Global Rating (SGA). Sarcopenia was screened using the SARC-F (Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, Falls) questionnaire and diagnosed based on the European Working Group in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria and functionality with the Short Performance Battery (SPPB) test. Malnutrition was diagnosed according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. RESULTS: The study found that 10.7% had cardiac cachexia and 45.4% of deceased patients had been in this condition (p = 0.002). Moderate-to-high risk of malnutrition was identified in 37.1%, 23.9%, and 31.4% of patients according to the MNA, MUST, and SGA tests, respectively. According to the GLIM criteria, 56.2% of patients were malnourished. Additionally, 24.8% of patients had a high probability of sarcopenia, and 57.8% were not autonomous according to SPPB. Patients with less than 30% quadriceps muscle contraction were at a high risk of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of malnutrition among outpatients with HF, which is associated with worse prognosis, increased risk of sarcopenia, and greater frailty. These findings underscore the importance of early nutritional and functional assessments in this population to improve clinical outcomes.

Energy Balance and Dietary Intake in Young Rugby Players during a Pre-Season Micro-Cycle: A Cluster Analysis.

Rugby players must develop excellent levels of conditioning during adolescence. However, this pivotal period of life is also characterized by a surge in biological growth, which further increases the energy and nutritional requirements of this population. This study examined within-individual differences in energy intake (EI) and energy balance (EB) of 46 young rugby players during a pre-season micro-cycle. Two clusters were identified with significantly different characteristics and EB states, suggesting that young rugby players adjust their EI to match their body composition goals. The first cluster is characterized by players with a low body fat% (12.87 ± 2.53). They had a positive EB (330 ± 517 kcal), suggesting a goal of increasing muscle mass. Conversely, the second cluster is characterized by a higher body fat% (23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.005) and reported a negative, lower EB (-683 ± 425 kcal, p < 0.005), suggesting a goal focused on reducing fat mass. Although our study provides more optimistic results than previous ones regarding the high risk of inadequate EI in young rugby players, we emphasize the importance of rigorous nutritional support, especially for players aiming to lose weight, to avoid severe caloric restriction, as well as the downstream effects of such practices on their nutritional status, given the higher risk of macro- (e.g., CHO < 6 g/kg/d) and micronutrient (e.g., iron < 11 mg/d, calcium < 1300 mg/d, vitamin D < 5 mg/d) deficiencies.

Exploring the Impact of Astaxanthin Supplementation in Conjunction with a 12-Week CrossFit Training Regimen on Selected Adipo-Myokines Levels in Obese Males.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is associated with an exacerbated metabolic condition that is mediated through impairing balance in the secretion of some adipo-myokines. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore the impact of astaxanthin supplementation in conjunction with a 12-week CrossFit training regimen on some selected adipo-myokines, insulin insensitivity, and serum lipid levels in obese males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a randomized control trial design; 60 obese males were randomly divided into four groups of 15, including the control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and combined training and supplement group (TSG). The participants were subjected to 12 weeks of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation [20 mg/d capsule, once/d] or CrossFit training or a combination of both interventions. The training regimen comprised 36 sessions of CrossFit, each lasting 60 min, conducted three times per week. The metabolic indices, body composition, anthropometrical, cardio-respiratory, and also some plasma adipo-myokine factors, including decorin (DCN), activin A, myostatin (MST), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, and follistatin (FST), were examined 12 and 72 h before the initiation of the main interventional protocols, and then 72 h after the final session of the training protocol. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the groups (p > 0.05). There were significant interactions between group x time for DCN (η2 = 0.82), activin A (η2 = 0.50), FST (η2 = 0.92), MST (η2 = 0.75), and TGFB-1 (η2 = 0.67) (p < 0.001 for all the variables). Significantly changes showed for DCN in TSG compared to TG and SG and also TG compared to SG (p = 0.0001); for activin A in SG compared to TG (p = 0.01) and TSG (p = 0.002); for FST in SG compared to TG and TSG (p = 0.0001), also in TSG compared to TG (p = 0.0001); for MST in SG, TG, and TSG compared to CG (p = 0.0001) and also in TSG compared to SG (p = 0.0001) and TG (p = 0.001); for TGFB-1 in SG, TG, and TSG compared to CG (p = 0.0001) and also TSG compared to SG (p = 0.0001) and TG (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week CrossFit training concurrent with AST supplementation reduced anthropometric and metabolic factors and also serum lipid levels while producing positive changes in body composition and cardiovascular factors. Increased FST and DCN and reduced activin A, MST, and TGF-ß1 were other affirmative responses to both interventions.

IA-Body Composition CT at T12 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Diagnosing Sarcopenia and Correlating with Other Morphofunctional Assessment Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Body composition (BC) techniques, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIVA), nutritional ultrasound® (NU), and computed tomography (CT), can detect nutritional diagnoses such as sarcopenia (Sc). Sc in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with greater severity and lower survival. Our aim was to explore the correlation of BIVA, NU and functional parameters with BC at T12 level CT scans in patients with IPF but also its relationship with degree of Sc, malnutrition and mortality. METHODS: This bicentric cross-sectional study included 60 IPF patients (85.2% male, 70.9 ± 7.8 years). Morphofunctional assessment (MFA) techniques included BIVA, NU, CT at T12 level (T12-CT), handgrip strength, and timed up and go. CT data were obtained using FocusedON®. Statistical analysis was conducted using JAMOVI version 2.3.22 to determine the cutoff points for Sc in T12-CT and to analyze correlations with other MFA techniques. RESULTS: the cutoff for muscle area in T12-CT was ≤77.44 cm2 (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.734, sensitivity = 41.7%, specificity = 100%). The skeletal muscle index (SMI_T12CT) cutoff was ≤24.5 cm2/m2 (AUC = 0.689, sensitivity = 66.7%, specificity = 66.7%). Low SMI_T12CT exhibited significantly reduced median survival and higher risk of mortality compared to those with normal muscle mass (SMI cut off ≥ 28.8 cm/m2). SMI_T12CT was highly correlated with body cell mass from BIVA (r = 0.681) and rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RF-CSA) from NU (r = 0.599). Cronbach's α for muscle parameters across different MFA techniques and CT was 0.735, confirming their validity for evaluating muscle composition. CONCLUSIONS: T12-CT scan is a reliable technique for measuring low muscle mass in patients with IPF, specifically when the L3 vertebrae are not captured. An SMI value of <28.8 is a good predictor of low lean mass and 12-month mortality in IPF patients.

Effects of Supplementation with Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidant Vitamins, Combined with High-Intensity Functional Training, on Exercise Performance and Body Composition: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a supplement rich in ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and antioxidant vitamins on physical performance and body composition following a period of high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Nineteen healthy young adults (nine males, ten females) underwent an 8-week HIFT program (3 days·week-1) where they were randomized 1:1 into either the supplement group (SG)-n = 10, receiving a 20 mL daily dose of a dietary cocktail formula (Neuroaspis™ PLP10) containing a mixture of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs (12,150 mg), vitamin A (0.6 mg), vitamin E (22 mg), and γ-tocopherol (760 mg)-or the placebo group (PG)-n = 9, receiving a 20 mL daily dose of virgin olive oil. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and muscle endurance were assessed before and after the training period. Body mass did not change, but muscle mass increased by 1.7 ± 1.9% or 0.40 ± 0.53 kg in the SG (p = 0.021) and decreased by 1.2 ± 1.6% or 0.28 ± 0.43 kg (p = 0.097) in the PG, compared with baseline. VO2max, vertical jump, squat 1RM, bench press 1RM, and muscle endurance increased similarly in both groups. The effects of HIFT on physical performance parameters, muscle damage, and inflammation indices were not affected by the supplementation. In conclusion, HIFT combined with high doses of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and antioxidant vitamins resulted in a small but significant increase in muscle mass and fat reduction compared with HIFT alone.

Correlation of Co-Morbidities with Symptom Severity of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

This study aims to identify potential correlations of the severity of symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with serum nutritional levels, body composition indicators, diet partiality, and sleep disturbances. The cohort of this cross-sectional study included 120 children with ASD and 110 typically developing (TD) children to assess symptoms of ASD, and to measure serum levels of vitamins and minerals and the body composition values. Diet partiality and sleep disturbances were assessed by administering questionnaires. The serum levels of folic acid, copper, and vitamin B were lower in children with ASD than in TD children, while magnesium and homocysteine were higher (p < 0.05). Children with ASD had greater chest circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, and body mass index (BMI) than TD children (p < 0.05), and higher prevalences of diet partiality and sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). Lower vitamin A levels and higher vitamin D levels were related to social impairment in children with ASD. Moreover, there were significantly positive correlations of BMI, chest circumference, diet partiality, and sleep disturbances with severity of ASD symptoms (p < 0.05). Collectively, rational nutritional supplementation, dietary management, and behavioral interventions are essential for children with ASD.

Dietary and Lifestyle Management of Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: A Comprehensive Review.

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition characterized by the absence of menstruation, which is increasingly affecting young women. However, specific recommendations for treating and preventing this condition are lacking. Based on a review of the available literature, this article provides practical and feasible dietary management recommendations for healthcare professionals and researchers in women's health and nutrition. It answers the question of what interventions and nutritional recommendations are necessary to restore menstrual function in women struggling with FHA. Physicians recommend an energy availability threshold of 30 kcal/kg FFM/day to prevent FHA. Also, energy availability below and above this threshold can inhibit LH pulsation and cause menstrual disorders. In addition, the risk of menstrual disorders increases with a decrease in the caloric content of the diet and the duration of the energy deficit, and women with FHA have significantly lower energy availability than healthy women. It is essential to ensure that adequate kilocalories are provided throughout the day (regular meals that are a source of proper glucose) to avoid a negative energy balance, as glucose has been proven to affect LH pulses and T3 and cortisol concentrations in the body. Dietary intervention should focus on increasing the caloric content of the diet, thus increasing energy availability and restoring energy balance in the body. Treatment and diagnosis should also focus on body composition, not just body weight. An increase in body fat percentage above 22% may be required to restore menstrual function. In women with FHA, even an increase in body fat mass of one kilogram (kg) increases the likelihood of menstruation by 8%. It is advisable to reduce the intensity of physical activity or training volume, while it is not advisable to give up physical activity altogether. It is also important to ensure adequate intake of micronutrients, reduce stress, and incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Nutritional Assessment, Body Composition, and Low Energy Availability in Sport Climbing Athletes of Different Genders and Categories: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Climbing is an Olympic discipline in full development and multidisciplinary in nature, where the influences of body composition and nutritional status on performance have not yet been clarified despite the quest for a low weight in anti-gravity disciplines such as climbing. The present cross-sectional study aimed to conduct nutritional (3-day dietary diaries) and body composition (ISAK profile) assessments on sport climbing athletes by gender and climbing level during the months of February and March 2024. The t-test for independent samples and the Mann-Whitney U-test, as well as an ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, were used to compare the distributions of two or more groups, respectively, and Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to estimate the correlations between the different variables. The mean age of the 46 Spanish climbers (22 men and 24 women) was 30 years (SD: 9) with 7.66 years of experience (SD: 6.63). The mean somatotype of the athletes was classified as balanced mesomorph. Negative correlations were observed between fat mass variables and climbing level (p < 0.010), and positive correlations were observed with forearm circumference (p < 0.050). The mean energy availability (EA) was 33.01 kcal-kg FFM-1d-1 (SD: 9.02), with 55.6% of athletes having a suboptimal EA status and 35.6% having low energy availability (LEA). The carbohydrate and protein intakes were below the recommendations in 57.8% and 31.1% of athletes, respectively. There were deficient intakes of all micronutrients except phosphorus in males. These findings suggest that climbing athletes are at a high risk of developing low energy availability states and concomitant problems. Optimal nutritional monitoring may be advisable in this type of athlete to try to reduce the risk of LEA.

Effects of Different Exercises Combined with Different Dietary Interventions on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise and dietary interventions are essential for maintaining weight and reducing fat accumulation. With the growing popularity of various dietary strategies, evidence suggests that combining exercise with dietary interventions offers greater benefits than either approach alone. Consequently, this combined strategy has become a preferred method for many individuals aiming to maintain health. Calorie restriction, 5/2 intermittent fasting, time-restricted feeding, and the ketogenic diet are among the most popular dietary interventions today. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, and mixed exercise are the most widely practiced forms of physical activity. Exploring the best combinations of these approaches to determine which yields the most effective results is both meaningful and valuable. Despite this trend, a comparative analysis of the effects of different exercise and diet combinations is lacking. This study uses network meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of various combined interventions on body composition and to compare their efficacy. METHODS: We systematically reviewed literature from database inception through May 2024, searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The study was registered in PROSPERO under the title: "Effects of Exercise Combined with Different Dietary Interventions on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis" (identifier: CRD42024542184). Studies were meticulously selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria (The included studies must be randomized controlled trials involving healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years. Articles were rigorously screened according to the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.), and their risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were aggregated and analyzed using network meta-analysis, with intervention efficacy ranked by Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) curves. RESULTS: The network meta-analysis included 78 randomized controlled trials with 5219 participants, comparing the effects of four combined interventions: exercise with calorie restriction (CR+EX), exercise with time-restricted eating (TRF+EX), exercise with 5/2 intermittent fasting (5/2F+EX), and exercise with a ketogenic diet (KD+EX) on body composition. Intervention efficacy ranking was as follows: (1) Weight Reduction: CR+EX > KD+EX > TRF+EX > 5/2F+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of 5/2F+EX, TRF+EX and KD+EX are 2.94 (-3.64, 9.52); 2.37 (-0.40, 5.15); 1.80 (-1.75, 5.34)). (2) BMI: CR+EX > KD+EX > 5/2F+EX > TRF+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of 5/2F+EX, TRF+EX and KD+EX are 1.95 (-0.49, 4.39); 2.20 (1.08, 3.32); 1.23 (-0.26, 2.71)). (3) Body Fat Percentage: CR+EX > 5/2F+EX > TRF+EX > KD+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of 5/2F+EX, TRF+EX and KD+EX are 2.66 (-1.56, 6.89); 2.84 (0.56, 5.13); 3.14 (0.52, 5.75).). (4) Lean Body Mass in Male: CR+EX > TRF+EX > KD+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of TRF+EX and KD+EX are -1.60 (-6.98, 3.78); -2.76 (-7.93, 2.40)). (5) Lean Body Mass in Female: TRF+EX > CR+EX > 5/2F+EX > KD+EX (Relative to TRF+EX, the effect sizes of CR+EX, 5/2F+EX and KD+EX are -0.52 (-2.58, 1.55); -1.83 (-4.71, 1.04); -2.46 (-5.69,0.76).). CONCLUSION: Calorie restriction combined with exercise emerged as the most effective strategy for reducing weight and fat percentage while maintaining lean body mass. For women, combining exercise with time-restricted eating proved optimal for preserving muscle mass. While combining exercise with a ketogenic diet effectively reduces weight, it is comparatively less effective at decreasing fat percentage and preserving lean body mass. Hence, the ketogenic diet combined with exercise is considered suboptimal.

Contemporary Themes in Dietary Intake in Rugby Union Players: A Narrative Review.

Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of dietary intake in this population. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to summarise the current evidence detailing dietary intake in rugby union players, report on contemporary nutritional research themes, and provide recommendations for athletes, nutritionists, and other stakeholders. In total, eighteen articles report on dietary intake in rugby players, with only one of these detailing dietary intake in female athletes. Recent studies have reported on both protein and carbohydrate periodisation practices in rugby union players; however, there is currently limited evidence as to the influence of these on performance, recovery, and well-being. Factors influencing eating patterns, the impact of sports nutritionists on dietary intake, and food consumption in catered and non-catered environments has been explored in isolated studies. Nutrition knowledge levels in rugby players have been reported in several studies; however, the influence this has on dietary intake in rugby players is unknown. Collectively, despite new contemporary themes emerging in the literature concerning dietary intake in rugby players, the studies are isolated; as such, there is limited scope to the translatability of information due to heterogeneity in sex, level of play, and location of participants. Given this, future research should aim to build upon the themes identified in this review in combination to support practitioners working within their specific environments. This will subsequently build towards the generation of rugby-specific recommendations.

Evaluation of Muscle Mass and Malnutrition in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria and Comparing Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Computed Tomography Measurements.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the discrepancies between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and computed tomography (CT) in assessing skeletal muscle mass and identifying low muscle mass in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: This study recruited 137 patients with colorectal cancer from February 2028 to December 2023. CT scans were analyzed at the Lumbar 3 vertebral level to determine the area of skeletal muscle, which was then utilized to estimate whole-body skeletal muscle mass. [BIA] was also employed to measure skeletal muscle. Both skeletal muscle mass values [kg] were divided by height2 [m2] to calculate the skeletal muscle index [SMI, kg/m2], denoted as SMI-CT and SMI-BIA, respectively. RESULTS: The median age was 69.8 + 9.5 years, with the sex ratio being 88/49 [male/female]. Whereas more than one-third of the patients were classified as malnourished based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition GLIM-CT criteria using L3-SMI [n = 36.5%], fewer patients were classified as malnourished based on GLIM-BIA using SMI-BIA [n = 19.0%]. According to the CT analysis [low SMI-L3], 52 [38.0%] patients were diagnosed as having poor muscle mass, whereas only 18 [13.1%] patients were identified as having low muscle mass using BIA [low SMIBIA]. The measured SMI showed a positive association with SMI-CT in all patients [r = 0.63, p < 0.001]. Using Bland-Altman evaluation, a significant mean bias of 0.45 + 1.41 kg/m2 [95% CI 0.21-0.70; p < 0.001] between SMI-BIA and SMI-CT was reported. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to detect poor muscle mass using SMI-BIA with CT as the gold standard. The area under the curve (AUC) for SMI-BIA in identifying poor muscle mass was 0.714 (95% CI: 0.624-0.824), with a good cut-off value of 8.1 kg/m2, yielding a sensitivity of 68.3% and a specificity of 66.9%. CONCLUSIONS: BIA generally overestimates skeletal muscle mass in colorectal cancer patients when contrasted to CT. As a result, BIA may underestimate the prevalence of poor muscle mass and malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria in this patient population.

Comparing Device-Generated and Calculated Bioimpedance Variables in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Despite BIA emerging as a clinical tool for assessing older adults, it remains unclear how to calculate whole-body impedance (Z), reactance (Xc), resistance (R), and phase angle (PhA) from segmental values using modern BIA devices that place electrodes on both sides of the body. This investigation aimed to compare both the whole-body and segmental device-generated phase angle (PhADG) with the phase angle calculated using summed Z, Xc, and R from the left, right, and combined sides of the body (PhACalc) and to compare bioelectric variables between sides of the body. A sample of 103 community-dwelling older adults was assessed using a 50 kHz direct segmental multifrequency BIA device. Whole-body PhACalc values were assessed for agreement with PhADG using 2.5th and 97.5th quantile nonparametric limits of agreement and Spearman's rho. Bioelectrical values between sides of the body were compared using Wilcoxon rank and Spearman's rho. A smaller mean difference was observed between PhADG and right PhACalc (-0.004°, p = 0.26) than between PhACalc on the left (0.107°, p = 0.01) and on the combined sides (0.107°, p < 0.001). The sum of Z, R, and PhACalc was significantly different (p < 0.01) between the left (559.66 ± 99.55 Ω, 556.80 ± 99.52 Ω, 5.51 ± 1.5°, respectively) and the right sides (554.60 ± 94.52 Ω, 552.02 ± 94.23 Ω, 5.41 ± 0.8°, respectively). Bilateral BIA values do not appear to be interchangeable when determining whole-body measurements. Present data suggest that using right-sided segmental values would be the most appropriate choice for calculating whole-body bioelectrical variables.

The Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Aerobic Exercise on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, Blood Biomarkers, and Cardiovascular Function: A Narrative Review.

Blood flow restriction exercise has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly for elderly individuals and those unable to participate in high-intensity exercise. However, existing research has predominantly focused on blood flow restriction resistance exercise. There remains a notable gap in understanding the comprehensive effects of blood flow restriction aerobic exercise (BFRAE) on body composition, lipid profiles, glycemic metabolism, and cardiovascular function. This review aims to explore the physiological effects induced by chronic BFRAE. Chronic BFRAE has been shown to decrease fat mass, increase muscle mass, and enhance muscular strength, potentially benefiting lipid profiles, glycemic metabolism, and overall function. Thus, the BFRAE offers additional benefits beyond traditional aerobic exercise effects. Notably, the BFRAE approach may be particularly suitable for individuals with low fitness levels, those prone to injury, the elderly, obese individuals, and those with metabolic disorders.

Body Composition and Alzheimer's Disease: A Holistic Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant global health challenge and affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. This overview of published reviews provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate correlations between AD and body composition, focusing particularly on obesity. We used a systematic approach to collect and analyze relevant reviews on the topic of obesity and Alzheimer's disease. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, was conducted. We searched keywords such as "Alzheimer's disease", "body composition", "lean mass", "bone mass", and "fat mass". We considered only reviews written within the past 5 years and in English. Fifty-six relevant reviews were identified that shed light on the multiple connections between AD and body composition. The review involves several aspects, including the impact of lean mass, bone mass, and endocrinological factors related to obesity, as well as inflammation, neuroinflammation, and molecular/genetic factors. The findings highlight the complex interplay of these elements in the development of AD, underscoring the need for holistic approaches to reduce the risk of AD and to explore innovative strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

The 5:2 Diet Affects Markers of Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity in Subjects with and without Type 2 Diabetes-A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

This non-randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effect of the 5:2 diet on insulin levels as a primary outcome and markers of insulin secretion (connecting peptide (C-peptide) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1)) and sensitivity (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)), as well as body composition as secondary outcomes in overweight/obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Ninety-seven participants (62% women), 35 with T2D and 62 BMI- and waist-matched controls without T2D, followed the 5:2 diet (two days per week of fasting) for six months with a 12-month follow-up. At six months, there was no loss to follow-up in the T2D group, whereas four controls discontinued this study. Overall, 82% attended the 12-month follow-up. After the intervention, insulin levels decreased in the control group and glucose decreased in the T2D group, while C-peptide, HOMA-IR, waist circumference, BMI, trunk, and total fat% decreased in both groups. Furthermore, low IGFBP-1, indicating hyperinsulinemia, improved in the T2D group. The changes in fasting glucose and waist measurement were significantly more improved in the T2D group than in the controls. Persistent positive effects were observed at the 12-month follow-up. The 5:2 diet for six months was feasible and efficient to reduce markers of insulin secretion and resistance and therefore holds promise as management of overweight/obesity in subjects with and without T2D.

Effect of Semaglutide on Physical Function, Body Composition, and Biomarkers of Aging in Older Adults With Overweight and Insulin Resistance: Protocol for an Open-Labeled Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or prediabetes are at increased risk of adverse changes in body composition, physical function, and aging-related biomarkers compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist that has been approved for T2DM and chronic weight management. Although semaglutide is effective for weight loss and T2DM management, its effects on lean body mass, physical function, and biomarkers of aging are understudied in older adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the effects of lifestyle counseling with and that without semaglutide on body composition, physical function, and biomarkers of aging in older adults. METHODS: This is an open-label randomized controlled trial. A total of 20 adults (aged 65 years and older) with elevated BMI (27-40 kg/m2) and prediabetes or well-controlled T2DM (hemoglobin A1c 5.7%-7.5%) are recruited, stratified by sex, and randomized 1:1 to one of 2 groups (semaglutide plus lifestyle counseling vs lifestyle counseling alone) and followed up for 5 months. Those in the semaglutide group are titrated to 1 mg weekly, as tolerated, for 12 weeks. Lifestyle counseling is given by registered dietitians and based on the Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Change Program. Our primary outcomes include changes in lean mass, physical function, and biomarkers of aging. Body composition is measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and includes total fat mass and lean mass. Physical function is measured by 6-minute walk distance, grip strength, and short physical performance battery. Biomarkers of aging are measured in blood, skeletal muscle, and abdominal adipose tissue to include C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factors α, and ß galactosidase staining. RESULTS: The study was funded in December 2021 with a projected data collection period from spring 2023 through summer 2024. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the elevated risk of adverse changes in body composition, physical function, and biomarkers of aging among older adults with glucose intolerance and elevated adiposity, the benefits and risks of commonly prescribed antihyperglycemic or weight loss medications such as semaglutide are understudied. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap to inform clinicians about the potential for additional clinically meaningful, nonglycemic effects of semaglutide. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05786521; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05786521. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/62667.

Effect of Bimagrumab on body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, a condition marked by progressive muscle mass and function decline, presents significant challenges in aging populations and those with chronic illnesses. Current standard treatments such as dietary interventions and exercise programs are often unsustainable. There is increasing interest in pharmacological interventions like bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody that promotes muscle hypertrophy by inhibiting muscle atrophy ligands. Bimagrumab has shown effectiveness in various conditions, including sarcopenia. AIM: The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of bimagrumab treatment on both physical performance and body composition among patients diagnosed with sarcopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This meta-analysis follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases up to June 2024 using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords related to bimagrumab and sarcopenia. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of bimagrumab on physical performance (e.g., muscle strength, gait speed, six-minute walk distance) and body composition (e.g., muscle volume, fat-free body mass, fat body mass) in patients with sarcopenia. Data extraction was independently performed by two reviewers using a standardized form, with discrepancies resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. RESULTS: From an initial search yielding 46 records, we screened titles, abstracts, and full texts to include seven RCTs in our meta-analysis. Bimagrumab treatment significantly increased thigh muscle volume (mean difference [MD] 5.29%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.08% to 6.50%, P < 0.001; moderate heterogeneity χ2 = 6.41, I2 = 38%, P = 0.17) and fat-free body mass (MD 1.90 kg, 95% CI 1.57 kg to 2.23 kg, P < 0.001; moderate heterogeneity χ2 = 8.60, I2 = 30%, P = 0.20), while decreasing fat body mass compared to placebo (MD - 4.55 kg, 95% CI - 5.08 kg to - 4.01 kg, P < 0.001; substantial heterogeneity χ2 = 27.44, I2 = 89%, P < 0.001). However, no significant improvement was observed in muscle strength or physical performance measures such as gait speed and six-minute walk distance with bimagrumab treatment, except among participants with slower baseline walking speeds or distances. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the effects of bimagrumab on sarcopenic patients, highlighting its significant improvements in body composition parameters but limited impact on functional outcomes. The observed heterogeneity in outcomes across studies underscores the need for cautious interpretation, considering variations in study populations, treatment durations, and outcome assessments. While bimagrumab shows promise as a safe pharmacological intervention for enhancing muscle mass and reducing fat mass in sarcopenia, its minimal effects on muscle strength and broader physical performance suggest potential limitations in translating body composition improvements into functional gains. Further research is needed to clarify its long-term efficacy, optimal dosing regimens, and potential benefits for specific subgroups of sarcopenic patients.

The relationship between brain structure volumes, depressive symptoms and body composition in obese/overweight and normal-/underweight women.

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent and heterogeneous in women. Different brain structures might be associated with depressive symptoms and body composition in women with obesity/overweight and normal-/underweight, although the data is limited. The analysis included 265 women from Bialystok PLUS population study, untreated with antidepressive or antipsychotic medications. The subjects underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and body composition analysis. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score was inversely associated with nucleus accumbens volume (ß = -0.217, p = 0.008) in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, but with insula volume (ß = -0.147, p = 0.027) in women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 after adjustment for age and estimated intracranial volume (eTIV). In women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, nucleus accumbens volume was inversely associated with the percentage of visceral fat and BDI score (ß = -0.236, p = 0.012, ß = -0.192, p = 0.017) after adjustment for age and eTIV. In women with BMI < 25 kg/m2, insula volume was positively associated with total fat-free mass and negatively with the BDI score (ß = 0.142, p = 0.030, ß = -0.137, p = 0.037) after adjustment for age and eTIV. Depressive symptoms might be associated with nucleus accumbens volume in overweight/obese women, while in normal-/ underweight women-with alterations in insula volume.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and track and field jump performance across different specialties: Sex differences and electrode configuration.

The assessment of athletic performance using non-invasive methods has been a significant focus in research aimed at measuring physiological parameters. This study explores the application of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) among track and field athletes, with a focus on sex differences, electrode configuration, and the correlation between BIVA parameters and jump performances. This cross-sectional study involved 61 Italian track and field athletes: 31 females and 30 males (age: 21.4 ± 3.8; 21.1 ± 2.6 years; stature: 166.1 ± 6.1; 180.1 ± 5.0 cm; body mass: 57.4 ± 9.7; 72.5 ± 10.5 kg, respectively). Anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and athletic jump performance were conducted. The RXc graph, two-sample Hotelling's T2 test for BIVA, and one-way ANOVA for specialty comparisons were employed. Pearson and Spearman's tests evaluated the correlations between BIVA parameters and jump performance. Differences in bioimpedance values were observed between athlete groups. Lateral asymmetries were more pronounced in females. Correlations between BIVA and jump performance also varied by sex and electrode configuration, ranging from r = -0.072, p = 0.699-r = 0.555, p = 0.001 in females, and from r = 0.204, p = 0.281-r = 0.691, p = 0.001 in males. This study highlights the utility of BIVA in providing rapid and non-invasive assessments of body composition and its relationship with jump performance, considering variations in athlete sex and electrode configuration.