Effects of low fat diet on inflammatory parameters in individuals with obesity/overweight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered one of the most important causes of chronic liver disorders in the world. Dietary pattern is a modifiable risk factor that represents the main target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of low-fat diet on anthropometric measurements, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters in individuals with obesity/overweight and NAFLD. A total of 108 individuals (n = 59 males and n = 49 females) aged between 19 and 65 years participated in the 12-week weight loss program. Dietary treatment plans including low-fat diets were randomly prescribed for each individual. Anthropometric measurements were collected by a trained dietitian at baseline and 12-week follow-up. Blood samples were collected for each individual at baseline and 3rd month for biochemical measurements and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), chemerin, and irisin levels in plasma. At the end of the study, body weight, body mass index, body fat % body fat mass (kg) reduced significantly in females and males (P < .05). Moreover, reductions in waist, hip, and neck circumferences were significant in both groups. Changes in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significant in 3rd month. After 3 months, reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and FGF-21 levels were significant in individuals with obesity/overweight and NAFLD. While no significant change in chemerin and irisin levels was found. These results show that low-fat diet over a 12-week period led to improvements in both anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters in individuals with obesity/overweight and NAFLD.

The caffeine dilemma: unraveling the intricate relationship between caffeine use disorder, caffeine withdrawal symptoms and mental well-being in adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between caffeine use disorder (CUD), caffeine withdrawal symptoms and the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS) in adults. DESIGN: The study utilised a cross-sectional design to assess the relationships between CUD, caffeine withdrawal symptoms and DASS. SETTING: Participants' CUD was evaluated through the Caffeine Use Disorder Questionnaire (CUDQ), while the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) measured DASS levels. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms and total caffeine intake were calculated based on self-reported consumption of caffeine-rich products. PARTICIPANTS: The study involved 618 participants with an average age of 27·8 (sd 7·8) years. RESULTS: Participants consumed an average of 461·21 (sd 11·09) mg/d of caffeine, showing a positive correlation between CUD and total caffeine intake. The risk of CUD increased alongside levels of DASS. Individuals with caffeine withdrawal symptoms had higher CUDQ and DASS scores. A multiple linear regression model revealed significant associations between total caffeine intake (P < 0·001) and DASS-21 score (P < 0·001) with CUDQ score. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that caffeine, while recognised for its potential health benefits, also exhibits properties that may lead to addiction. The development of caffeine use disorder and cessation of caffeine intake can increase DASS levels in adults, indicating the need for awareness and appropriate interventions in public health nutrition.