Depressive Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: Links to Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Functional Ability.

BACKGROUND In patients with multiple sclerosis, depression and its associated symptoms are factors that reduce the health-related quality of life can affect the course of the disease and the patient's compliance with therapeutic recommendations, or may even increase the risk of suicide. This study aimed to determine the relationship between body composition, motor function of limbs, physical activity, and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group included 110 patients - 84 women (76.4%) and 26 men (23.6%) - with multiple sclerosis and with or without depression. Disability status was assessed using the EDSS scale. Depressive symptoms were recognized based on the Beck Depression Inventory-II, while motor function was determined with the 9-Hole Peg Test and Timed 25-Foot Walk test. Accelerometers were used to evaluate physical activity of patients. Statistical analysis of collected data was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS Depressive symptoms (BDI-II score ≥14) were observed in 24.55% of the participants. MS patients with and without depression symptoms differed significantly in terms of fat mass, T25-FW, and 9-HPT-dominant hand. Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that increased adiposity (OR=1.09; 95% CI=1.02-1.16; P=.008; and decreased motor ability of the upper limb, both dominant (OR=1.07; 95% CI=1.01-1.15; P=.043) and non-dominant one (OR=1.10 95% CI 1.01-1.18; P=.025) were associated with a higher risk of depression. The differences in physical activity and T25-FW between groups were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS The severity of depression symptoms was related to higher body mass and decreased functional ability of the upper limbs in patients with MS. Thus, a detailed evaluation of the patient's upper-limb function should constitute an integral part of motor function assessment of patients with MS.

Relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Many recent studies suggest the existence of a relationship between oral health and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. METHODS: An analysis was performed on the data obtained from the PONS project (POlish-Norwegian Study), conducted in the Swietokrzyskie Province in Poland in 2010-2011. The research material included the cross-sectional data of 11,901 individuals aged 40-64 years (7967 women). Depressive symptoms, used as outcome variables, were assessed with a questionnaire. The participants provided the responses to questions concerning the occurrence of eight symptoms over the last 12 months. The answers were scored as 1 point or 0 points. The participants were divided into three tercile groups based on their total scores: no or mild (0-2 points), moderate (3-5 points), and severe depressive symptoms (6-8 points). The self-reported number of lost teeth was analysed according to the following categories: 0-4, 5-8, 9-27, and a complete lack of natural teeth. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for depressive symptoms was used in relation to the number of lost teeth. The following covariates were included in the adjusted model: age, sex, place of residence, education, marital status, BMI, diabetes status, stressful life events in the last year, use of antidepressants, smoking, and sugar and sweet consumption. RESULTS: The likelihood of both moderate (OR = 1.189; 95%CI: 1.028-1.376; p < .020) and severe (OR = 1.846; 95%CI: 1.488-2.290; p < .001) depressive symptoms showed the strongest relationship with a total lack of natural teeth. A loss of more than 8 natural teeth was also significantly associated (OR = 1.315; 95%CI: 1.075-1.609; p < .008) with the occurrence of severe depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The loss of natural teeth was positively related to the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. Thus, there is an urgent need to intensify stomatological prophylaxis, education and treatment for middle-aged individuals.

Breastfeeding history and the risk of overweight and obesity in middle-aged women.

BACKGROUND: The increased metabolic activity required to sustain breastfeeding and its associated milk production helps to reduce maternal fat stores accumulated during pregnancy. This study aims to assess the association between breastfeeding duration and fatness indices in middle-aged women. METHODS: The analysis was carried out in a group of 7500 parous 55.5 ± 5.3 year old women included body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-height ratio. The likelihood of excessive weight or obesity in relation to total breastfeeding time using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: An analysis of adjusted odds ratios did not show significant associations between breastfeeding duration and the risk of excessive weight and obesity in premenopausal women. After menopause, women who gave birth to 2 children and breastfed 1-6 and > 12 months had a lower risk of abdominal obesity (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.50-0.99; p = 0.042; and OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47-0.98; p = 0.039). Women who gave birth to 3 or more children and breastfed for 1-6 months, also showed a lower risk of overweight (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.27-0.99; p = 0.047), compared to those ones that have never breastfed. There was no relationship found between the duration of lactation and the risk of excessive body fat. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding may have some beneficial, long-term effect on the risk of excessive weight and abdominal obesity in women.

The relationship between diet, energy balance and fertility in men.

Research conducted in recent years provides more and more evidence that diet can have a significant impact on male fertility. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between diet, energy balance and fertility in men. A comprehensive literature search of published studies in various languages, was carried out in electronic databases. The direct analysis included 96 works published between 2008 and 2018, including 12 randomized controlled trials and 23 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A strong adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is positively correlated with total sperm count, progressive motility and total motile sperm count (all p < 0.05). However, attention is drawn to the fact that foods that are considered "healthy" can sometimes contain a significant amount of pollution, which negatively affect the semen parameters. An adequate intake of antioxidants or their supplementation have been quite effective in the prevention and treatment of male infertility. The improvement of pregnancy rate after antioxidant therapy ranged in various studies from 11% to 41%. An important problem, however, may be choosing the right dose of the supplement or finding an appropriate combination of antioxidants that may be more effective than any single antioxidant. The normalization of men's body weight is beneficial for the quality of sperm and the concentration of male reproductive hormones. Further, long-term studies require the assessment of the impact of drastic weight loss after bariatric surgery on male fertility.

Factors associated with gestational weight gain: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the dietary patterns in pregnant women and determine the association between diet factors, pre-pregnancy body mass index, socio-demographic characteristics and gestational weight gain. METHODS: The analysis was conducted on a group of 458 women. Cut-off values of gestational weight gain adequacy were based on recommendations published by the US Institute of Medicine and were body mass index-specific. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of the occurrence of inadequate or excessive gestational weight gain. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns characteristic of pregnant women in Poland were identified: 'unhealthy', 'varied' and 'prudent'. The factor associated with increased risk of inadequate gestational weight gain was being underweight pre-pregnancy (OR = 2.61; p = 0.018). The factor associated with increased risk of excessive weight gain were being overweight or obese pre-pregnancy (OR = 7.00; p = 0.031) and quitting smoking (OR = 7.32; p = 0.019). The risk of excessive weight gain was decreased by being underweight pre-pregnancy (OR = 0.20; p = 0.041), being in the third or subsequent pregnancy compared to being in the first (OR = 0.37; p = 0.018), and having a high adherence to a prudent dietary pattern (OR = 0.47; p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Women who were overweight or obese pre-pregnancy and those who quit smoking at the beginning of pregnancy should be provided with dietary guidance to prevent excessive gestational weight gain.

Relationship Between Sitting Time, Physical Activity, and Metabolic Syndrome Among Adults Depending on Body Mass Index (BMI).

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the possible relationship between sitting time and physical activity and the risk of occurrence of metabolic syndrome and its components. Analyses were conducted in the whole sample, and with stratification according to BMI. We have formulated a hypothesis that individuals with different BMIs have different responses to metabolic health modifiers such as physical activity and sitting time. MATERIAL AND METHODS Altogether, the data from 10 367 participants from urban and rural areas, aged 37-66 years were used in the study (7479 of whom were overweight or obese). The definition of metabolic syndrome devised by the IDF Joint Interim Statement criteria using an ethnic-specific cut-off point for waist circumference as the central obesity criterion was used. RESULTS In all analyzed BMI groups, longer sitting time was only associated with abdominal obesity (all p for trend <0.05). In participants declaring low physical activity levels, the risk of metabolic syndrome and abnormal triglycerides concentration was higher compared to those declaring high physical activity, regardless of BMI (all p for trend <0.05). In the group with overweight or obesity, low physical activity was associated with a higher risk of abdominal obesity (p for trend <0.05), increased glucose concentration (p for trend <0.05), and elevated blood pressure (p for trend <0.05). In participants with a normal BMI, these associations did not occur. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that physical activity helps preventive metabolic syndrome and its abnormal components, especially in participants who are overweight or obese.

Coffee consumption and the occurrence and intensity of metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

The objective of the study was to investigate associations between coffee consumption and the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in individuals with a normal BMI, as well in those who are overweight and obese. The analysis was based on the data of 10,367 participants. The studies included a questionnaire interview, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements and analyses of collected fasting-blood samples. In the overweight and obese participants, lower coffee consumption, compared with higher consumption was correlated with a significantly higher risk of abdominal obesity, hypertension, an abnormal glucose concentration, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and MetS (p < .05). In the participants with a normal BMI, lower coffee consumption was related to the abdominal obesity, HDL cholesterol and MetS (p < .05). Individuals with a normal BMI may react slightly differently to nutritional factors modifying metabolism such as coffee, compared with those with excessive body mass.

Association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome in individuals with normal weight: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The results of several papers have confirmed the existence of correlations between an unhealthy diet and the presence of metabolic syndrome. However, relationships between eating habits and metabolic obesity with normal weight have not yet been sufficiently studied. The aim of the study is to determine which dietary patterns are present in individuals with a normal BMI and to find out whether those patterns were connected with the risk of metabolic syndrome and its features. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of 2479 subjects with a normal weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2)), aged between 37-66. The study included the evaluation of eating habits, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure tests and the analysis of the collected fasting-blood samples, on the basis of which cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels were determined. Dietary patterns were determined by means of factor analysis. RESULTS: In the group of individuals with a normal BMI, four dietary patterns were distinguished: "healthy", "fat, meat and alcohol", "prudent" and "coca cola, hard cheese and French fries". After controlling for potential confounders, subjects in the highest tertile of prudent dietary pattern scores had a lower odds ratio for the metabolic obesity normal weight) (odds ratio: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53-0.89; p < 0.01) and low HDL cholesterol (odds ratio: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.59-0.99; p < 0.05), in comparison to those from the lowest tertile, whereas the individuals in the second tertile had a higher odds ratio for the increased blood glucose concentration than those in the lowest tertile (odds ratio: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57-0.96; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A dietary pattern characterized by a high consumption of fish and whole grains, and a low consumption of refined grains, sugar, sweets and cold cured meat, is connected with lower risk of metabolic obesity normal weight as well as with the lower risk of low HDL cholesterol concentration and increased glucose concentration.

[Determinants of health behaviors of physical education teachers and students]. / Determinanty zachowan zdrowotnych nauczycieli i studentów wychowania fizycznego.

BACKGROUND: The level of health behavior of physical education teachers and people preparing to perform this profession is important from the point of view of the need to play the role of a health promoter - an authority in the promotion of health culture. The aim of the study was to assess the level of teachers' health behaviors of physical education teachers and students, as well as to search for their determinants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research covered 127 teachers and 173 physical education students. Standardized questionnaire tools were used to assess the level of health behaviors (Juczynski Health Behavior Inventory) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). RESULTS: Teachers demonstrate a higher level of health behaviors than students. Most respondents achieved an average level of the general health behavior index (HBI) (53.1% of teachers, 52.3% of students), while a high level - 26.8% of teachers, 19.8% of students and a low level - 19.9% of teachers and 27.7% of students. Female gender and teaching profession are significant predictors of HBI. Physical activity, both its current level and the level undertaken in the past, as well as the body mass index (BMI) do not determine HBI. In the regression model, physical activity is significantly associated with male gender, past sports activity and a lower BMI level. CONCLUSIONS: Research indicates neglect in the general area of health behaviors among men, while among women, physical activity needs to be more widely popularized. The teacher education system should be more focused on the development of self-development competencies in the context of health-promoting behaviors. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(4):355-365.

Evaluation of lifestyle of underweight, normal weight and overweight young women.

The aim of this study was to compare eating and lifestyle habits between underweight, normal weight and overweight young women. Data obtained from a survey of 1129 students of the three higher education institutions in Kielce, Kraków and Opole (Southern Poland) were analysed. BMI was used to define underweight, overweight and obesity. Eating and lifestyle habits were assessed based on the information received from surveyed students. The study group consisted of women of childbearing-age and a special attention was paid to analyse habits correlated with the risk factor for pregnant women (low consumption of dairy products, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, cigarette smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake). In the studied group, the prevalence of underweight was higher than the prevalence of overweight and obesity (11.1% vs. 7.0%). There were no significant differences in nutritional habits between the three weight groups. The responding students, regardless their weight status, presented numerous unhealthy eating habits. Underweight students more frequently took multivitamin supplements, less frequently followed an alternative diet, smoked cigarettes or drank larger amounts of coffee than normal weight and overweight women. Underweight and normal weight women more frequently participated in sports activities than overweight and obese women. However, 39.2 percent of the surveyed women declared that they seldom or never perform any sport activities. The results show that majority of young women present numerous unhealthy behaviours. Unhealthy habits occur with the same frequency among underweight students as among normal weight students or overweight ones.

The Effect of Three-Year Swim Training on Cardio-Respiratory Fitness and Selected Somatic Features of Prepubertal Boys.

The data regarding somatic and physiological effects of sport-related physical activities in youth are limited. Moreover, whether exercise training is capable of increasing cardio-respiratory fitness remains a disputable issue. The study undertook to assess the effect of swimming training on cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) and the development of physical traits in prepubertal boys, and to determine which of the traits is the best predictor of their CRF. Forty 10-year old prepubertal boys (10.5 ± 0.3 y) were divided into two groups (swimmers (SG), n = 20, and controls (CG), n = 20), which underwent anthropometric measurements and performed a 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT) semi-annually over a 3-year period. CRF indices (the number of 20 mSRT shuttles, maximal speed, and VO2max) were higher overall in the SG compared with the CG (p < 0.001). The values of the main physique variables increased faster in the CG, but the groups showed no differentiation of physical traits. In both groups, CRF indices were associated with the participants' physical traits, the most strongly with the sum of four skinfold thicknesses in the SG and knee breadth in the CG. These results suggest that swimming training is a form of additional physical activity that improves prepubertal boys' CRF but does not significantly affect their physical development. In using the 20 mSRT to assess the CRF of prepubertal boys, their physical activity level and age-related changes in body fatness need to be considered.

Differentiation of Nutritional Risk among Polish Seniors Based on Selected Lifestyle Characteristics.

Elderly people living in the community are a population group at high nutritional risk. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional risk of Polish seniors in relation to the region of residence and selected lifestyle characteristics (alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep, physical activity). The SCREEN-14 (Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition) questionnaire was used to assess nutritional risk. The questionnaire was conducted among 320 Polish adults aged 60 and older. The snowball method was used to select the sample. The study was conducted from May to July 2021 in two regions. Cluster analysis with agglomeration technique was used to identify the association between categories of variables describing nutritional risk level, demographic characteristics, and lifestyle characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between identified nutritional risk levels and selected lifestyle characteristics. Men over 75 and seniors living in smaller towns have been shown to be at higher nutritional risk. High nutritional risk was significantly more common among those who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, and had less than six hours or more than nine hours of sleep per day. In addition, low to moderate physical activity was associated with higher nutritional risk. The identification of factors that increase nutritional risk among seniors can support the planning of ways to prevent nutritional problems in this age group.

Lifestyle elements and risk of metabolic syndrome in adults.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate which elements of lifestyle are associated with metabolic health in adults, defined as the absence of components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. METHODS: Data from 10,277 individuals aged 40-65 years constituted the material of this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses with backward stepwise selection were carried out to identify the factors associated with the absence of metabolic disorders. RESULTS: No family history of cardiovascular disease increased the odds of being metabolically healthy 1.5-2-fold. Furthermore, the following factors were associated with higher odds of being metabolically healthy in men: abstinence from alcohol (healthy individuals vs. those with ≥3 [OR = 5.49 (2.23-13.52); p<0.001], ≥2 [OR = 4.52 (1.87-10.91); p = 0.001], and ≥1 components of MetS [OR = 3.04 (1.41-6.56); p = 0.005]), moderate alcohol use (healthy individuals vs. those with ≥3 [OR = 3.36 (1.54-7.32); p = 0.002], ≥2 [OR = 3.28 (1.52-7.10); p = 0.002], and ≥1 components of MetS [OR = 3.93 (1.64-9.42); p = 0.002]), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) >2 hours/day and sitting time of 3-6 hours/day. Drinking >2 cups of coffee per day (healthy vs. those with ≥3 [OR = 2.00 (1.47-2.71)], ≥2 [OR = 1.84 (1.38-2.45)], and ≥1 components of MetS [OR = 1.72 (1.30-2.28); all p<0.001]), limiting animal fats to <2 servings/day, MVPA >2 hours/day, and 7-8 hours of sleep per day were associated with higher odds of being metabolically healthy in women. CONCLUSIONS: A healthy lifestyle increased the odds of being metabolically healthy. Some lifestyle modifications may appear effective in prevention of not only MetS, but also single metabolic risk factors.

Differentiation of the Nutritional Risk of Polish Elderly People According to Selected Demographic Characteristics and Declared Socioeconomic Status.

Nutritional risk screening in older people can help to not only identify health risks but also to treat them effectively. The aim of this work was to assess the relationship between the demographic characteristics (age, gender and place of residence) and socioeconomic status of older people in the community and nutritional risk. The Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN-14) questionnaire was used to evaluate the nutritional risk. The study was conducted in 417 people (312 women and 105 men) between 60 and 95 years old (70.8 ± 6.73 years). Multivariate correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to determine the relationships between the categories of variables describing the level of nutritional risk, demographic characteristics and the value of the socioeconomic status (SES) index. To assess the relationship between identified nutritional risks, demographics and SES index variables, we used logistic regression analysis. Based on these studies, nutritional risk factors for older people in Poland were identified. It has been shown that larger cities and low socioeconomic status are closely linked to higher nutritional risk. At the same time, age and gender were not significant factors influencing nutritional risk. Identifying the factors that increase the nutritional risk of older people can help to improve their quality of life.

Effect of Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis on the Distribution of Ground Reaction Forces on the Feet.

Introduction: In clinical practice, foot load receptors are very important in shaping the correct vertical posture and optimal equilibrium reactions. They are so important that stimulating them gives measurable effects in improving both balance and posture. Plantar pressure distribution is an important parameter that provides information on changes in a person's posture, also during gait. Aim: The aim of the work is to assess the effect of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis on the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet. Materials and Methods: A total of 211 subjects aged 8-12 were examined. Body posture and distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet were assessed using the following parameters: thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, maximum pressure (static), average pressure (static), foot surface, distribution of foot pressure, maximum pressure (dynamic), time load (dynamic). DIERS formetric and DIERS pedoscan methods were used to measure the parameters. Results: The level of the kyphosis angle correlated positively with the percentage distribution of forefoot load in static conditions. The level of lordosis angle correlated positively with the foot surface and forefoot load. Positive correlation of the lordosis angle is also related to its connection with the difference in leg load during gait. A broader cause and effect view of body posture defects and the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet can affect a more complete assessment of the correlation between these variables, contributing to more effective treatment of any disorders of the described phenomena. Conclusion: The size of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis affects the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet. The effect of lumbar lordosis has a linear value in relation to percentage distribution of forefoot and heel loads.

Dietary Patterns and Metabolic Disorders in Polish Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.

Diet plays a major role in the aetiopathogenesis of many neurological diseases and may exacerbate their symptoms by inducing the occurrence of metabolic disorders. The results of research on the role of diet in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) are ambiguous, and there is still no consensus concerning dietary recommendations for patients with MS. The aim of this study was to analyse the dietary patterns (DPs) of patients with MS and to assess the relationships between these DPs and the metabolic disorders. The study participants were comprised of 330 patients aged 41.9 ± 10.8 years. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data related to diet, lifestyle and health. The DPs were identified using a principal component analysis (PCA). Three DPs were identified: Traditional Polish, Prudent and Fast Food & Convenience Food. An analysis of the odds ratios adjusted for age, gender, smoking and education showed that a patient's adherence to the Traditional Polish and the Fast Food & Convenience Food DPs increased the likelihood of abdominal obesity and low HDL-cholesterol concentration. Conversely, adherence to the Prudent DP was not significantly associated with any metabolic disorder. The results of this study confirmed that an unhealthy diet in patients with MS is connected with the presence of some metabolic risk factors. There is also an urgent need to educate patients with MS on healthy eating, because the appropriate modifications to their diet may improve their metabolic profile and clinical outcomes.

Reproducibility of the German and Slovakian Versions of the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility and reliability of the KomPAN questionnaire among two groups of university students from Germany and Slovakia. METHODS: A total of 422 individuals (mean age 21.4 years, SD 4.0), including 197 from Slovakia (men 26.2%) and 225 from Germany (men 22.3%), were tested using the self-administered (SA-Q) version of the KomPAN questionnaire and then retested two weeks later. A cross-classification analysis, kappa coefficients, Cronbach's ɑ coefficients, and a test-retest result comparison were conducted separately for each group of students to assess the reproducibility and reliability of the questionnaire. RESULTS: The cross-classification values were higher than 46.2% among the German students and higher than 55.8% among the Slovakian students. The kappa coefficients ranged from 0.21 to 0.90 in the German students and from 0.38 to 0.94 in the Slovakian students. Cronbach's ɑ ranged from 0.58 to 0.78. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire displayed a moderate to very good reproducibility, which was slightly higher in the Slovakian group than in the German group. Therefore, the questionnaire can be recommended for further analysis and comparison of the dietary habits among Germans and Slovakians on a larger scale.

Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review.

Human skin is continually changing. The condition of the skin largely depends on the individual's overall state of health. A balanced diet plays an important role in the proper functioning of the human body, including the skin. The present study draws attention to bioactive substances, i.e., vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, polyphenols, and carotenoids, with a particular focus on their effects on the condition of the skin. The aim of the study was to review the literature on the effects of bioactive substances on skin parameters such as elasticity, firmness, wrinkles, senile dryness, hydration and color, and to define their role in the process of skin ageing.

Analysis of the Nutritional Status in Homeless People in Poland Based on the Selected Biochemical Parameters.

The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of adult homeless people using both anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The analysis comprised anthropometric indicators, i.e., body mass index and waist circumference, and the following biomarkers: red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cells, complete lymphocyte count, neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio, platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio, platelets-to-leukocytes ratio, C reactive protein level, serum iron concentration, serum albumin concentration, total serum protein, fasting lipids and blood glucose level. There were representative Polish homeless people enrolled (n = 580). The analysis of the conducted studies proved that there is a greater frequency of overweight and obesity than underweight in the target population. The major problem was abdominal obesity that was present statistically more frequently in women than men (p < 0.001). In the majority of cases, homeless people were found to have normal complete blood count parameters. In obese people, there were statistically significant both elevated and decreased hematocrit levels, a significant decrease in red blood cells, elevated serum glucose, triglycerides and total protein level (p < 0.05). The presence of abdominal obesity, elevated glucose concentration, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum together with smoking increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.