Difference in Body Composition Patterns between Age Groups in Italian Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: When BMI Becomes a Misleading Tool in Nutritional Settings.

Little is known about the changes in body composition (BC) in people with overweight or obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in BC patterns in this population based on gender and age. A total of 2844 Italian adults of mixed gender and a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 underwent a BC assessment by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The sample was categorized into three age groups: 'young' (20-39 years), 'middle' (40-59 years), and 'older' (60-80 years) adults, after being matched by body weight and BMI. Males showed higher total body fat percentage (BF%) and a lower total lean mass (LM), progressively from the young to the middle to the older age groups, while females showed similar values for these total compartments between the three age groups. However, in both genders, participants in the middle and older groups were more likely to have a higher trunk fat percentage by +1.23% to +4.21%, and lower appendicular lean mass (ALM) by -0.81 kg to -2.63 kg with respect to the young group, indicating expression of major central adiposity and sarcopenia. While our findings underscore the limitations of BMI to detect these differences between age groups, the identification of new tools suitable for this aim is greatly needed in this population. Moreover, further investigation that clarifies the impact of these differences in BC patterns between gender and age groups on health outcomes is also required.

Sex-Specific Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Obese Individuals.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has long been associated with several health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The MedDiet is characterized by a high consumption of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, along with a moderate intake of red meat and red wine with meals. Some studies report significant differences between men and women in susceptibility to obesity, with women at a higher prevalence of obesity than men. One unexplored aspect, however, concerns the sex difference in MedDiet adherence, which could be influenced by various factors, such as health perceptions, food preferences, and cultural influences. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and impact of MedDiet adherence in men and women, with a focus on its influence on health and well-being, as well as its ability to promote sex equity in healthcare outcomes. Moreover, we aim to measure the overall health improvements in men and women participating in a MedDiet program, including changes in body composition and overall quality of life. This study highlights that the MedDiet is associated with more significant body weight loss in women, although their increase in MedDiet adherence was lower than in men. Trial registration: NCT01890070. Registered 24 June 2013.

Exploring the Exposome Spectrum: Unveiling Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases.

The exposome encompasses all endogenous and exogenous exposure individuals encounter throughout their lives, including biological, chemical, physical, psychological, relational, and socioeconomic factors. It examines the duration and intensity of these types of exposure and their complex interactions over time. This interdisciplinary approach involves various scientific disciplines, particularly toxicology, to understand the long-term effects of toxic exposure on health. Factors like air pollution, racial background, and socioeconomic status significantly contribute to diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, and cancer. Advanced analytical methods measure contaminants in biofluids, food, air, water, and soil, but often overlook the cumulative risk of multiple chemicals. An exposome analysis necessitates sophisticated tools and methodologies to understand health interactions and integrate findings into precision medicine for better disease diagnosis and treatment. Chronic exposure to environmental and biological stimuli can lead to persistent low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, autoimmune conditions, and depression. These NCDs are influenced by smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol abuse, all shaped by genetic, environmental, and social factors. Dietary patterns, especially ultra-processed foods, can exacerbate inflammation and alter gut microbiota. This study investigates the exposome's role in the prevention, development, and progression of NCDs, focusing on endogenous and exogenous factors.