Electro-acupuncture for central obesity: a patient-assessor blinded, randomized sham-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Central obesity is considered as a significant health threat to individuals. Scientific research has demonstrated that intra-abdominal fat accumulation is associated with higher metabolic and cardiovascular disease risks independent of Body Mass Index (BMI). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture in treating central obesity compared with sham acupuncture. METHOD: This was a patient-assessor blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. One hundred sixty eight participants aged between 18 and 65 years old with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and waist circumference (WC) of men ≥ 90 cm / women ≥ 80 cm were enrolled and allocated to the acupuncture or sham acupuncture group equally. For the acupuncture group, disposable acupuncture needles were inserted into eight body acupoints, including Tianshu (ST-25), Daheng (SP-15), Daimai (GB-26), Qihai (CV-6), Zhongwan (CV-12), Zusanli (ST-36), Fenglong (ST-40), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6) with electrical stimulation. For the control group, Streitberger's non-invasive acupuncture needles were utilized at the same acupoints with identical stimulation modalities. The treatment duration was 8 weeks with 2 sessions per week and the follow-up period was 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in WC before and after the treatment. The secondary outcomes were the changes in hip circumference, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, BMI, and body fat percentage during the treatment and follow-up period. RESULTS: The acupuncture group displayed a significant change in WC compared to the sham group both treatment and follow-up period (MD = -1.1 cm, 95% CI = -2.8 to 4.1). Significant change in body fat percentage was recorded for both groups after treatment but no significance was observed during the follow-up period (MD = -0.1%, 95% CI = -1.9 to 2.2). The changes in hip circumference were also significant both treatment and follow-up period for the acupuncture group (MD = -2.0 cm, 95% CI = -3.7 to -1.7). Compared with sham acupuncture, the body weight (MD = -1 kg, 95% CI = -3.3 to 5.3), BMI (MD = -0.5, 95% CI = -0.7 to 1.9) also decreased significantly within and between groups. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study provided evidence that electro-acupuncture could be effective in treating central obesity by reducing WC, hip circumference, body weight, BMI, and waist-to-hip circumference ratio. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03815253, Registered 24 Jan 2019.

Comparison of the efficacy of different frequency electroacupuncture in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome patients with abdominal obesity. / ä¸åŒé¢‘çŽ‡ç”µé’ˆæ²»ç–—è ¹éƒ¨è‚¥èƒ–åž‹å¤šå›Šåµå·¢ç»¼åˆå¾çš„ç–—æ•ˆæ¯”è¾ƒ.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of 2 Hz continuous wave and 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave setting in electroacupuncture(EA) on ovulation frequency, hormone levels, body fat parameters, quality of life and depression-anxiety level in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with abdominal obesity. METHODS: PCOS patients with abdominal obesity were randomly divided into low-frequency group (n=29) and dilatational wave group (n=29). Patients in both groups were treated with "Tongtiaodaimai" (regulating Dai Meridian) acupuncture therapy, and EA was applied to bilateral Daimai (GB26), Tianshu (ST25), Shenshu (BL23) and Ciliao (BL32). The low-frequency group received EA using a continuous wave at a frequency of 2 Hz, while the dilatational wave group received dilatational wave at a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. Both groups received treatment for 30 min each time, 3 times per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Ovulation frequency was calculated according to the ovulation cycle. The contents of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were detected with electrochemiluminescence method. Body weight (BW) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. PCOS questionnaire (Chi-PCOSQ), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, both the low-frequency group and the dilatational wave group showed an increase in ovulation frequency (P<0.01, P<0.05), and a decrease in BW, BMI, WC, WHtR, and SDS score (P<0.01, P<0.05)；the dilatational wave group showed decreased serum AMH contents (P<0.05) and increased serum SHBG contents (P<0.05), the scores related to acne, fatigue, and dysmenorrhea in the Chi-PCOSQ increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the low-frequency group, the dilatational wave group showed a reduction (P<0.05) in WC after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave EA is equally effective as 2 Hz low-frequency EA in improving ovulation frequency. In terms of reducing WC in abdominal obesity type PCOS patients, 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave EA is superior to 2 Hz low-frequency EA. 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave EA can decrease serum AMH, increase serum SHBG, and improve symptoms of acne, fatigue, and dysmenorrhea.

Laser Diode - GaAlAs Acupuncture in the Treatment of Central Obesity: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: : Obesity is a global health challenge. Traditional approaches, including increased physical activity, dietary interventions, and medical therapy, often yield limited success, propelling some patients toward costly and invasive procedures like bariatric surgery. Laser acupuncture has been suggested as a complementary therapeutic approach to overcome this challenge. The present study investigated the effectiveness of laser acupuncture treatment in weight loss and abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction. Methods: : A randomized, blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted, with 30 subjects each in the intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group underwent 12 sessions of laser acupuncture treatment within a month (three sessions/week), whereas those in the control group received sham laser treatment on identical acupoints. The patients were instructed not to alter their physical activity levels or dietary regimens. All parameters were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results: : Significant reductions in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were noted in both intervention and control groups. Further analysis revealed a more significant decrease in the laser acupuncture group. Abdominal sonography revealed a marked decrease in periumbilical fat thickness in the intervention group. Conversely, laboratory evaluations showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: : Laser acupuncture is an effective method for weight loss in patients with periumbilical abdominal fat. The observed impact on subcutaneous fat suggests its potential as a non-invasive intervention for individuals seeking weight management alternatives. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of laser acupuncture in adipose tissue modulation.

Effect of catgut embedding at acupoints versus non-acupoints in abdominal obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the difference of catgut embedding effect between acupoints and non-acupoints in patients with abdominal obesity (AO). METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, all subjects were randomly assigned into the acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) group and control group (catgut embedding at non-acupoints). With a 12-week actual intervention period and a 4-week period of follow-up. Waist circumference (WC), body weight, body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC) and appetite were applied and assessed at baseline and after 6, 12 and 16 weeks. RESULTS: After the total intervention phase (12 weeks), the WC, body weight, BMI, HC and visual analogue scale scores of appetite, decreased significantly in the two groups as compared to the baseline (0.001). Meanwhile, after the 4-week follow-up, the indicators still decreased significantly in the ACE group (0.001). At 12 and 16 weeks, catgut embedding at acupoints showed significantly advantages to non-acupoints in WC and appetite (0.05). No serious adverse events were observed in ACE group and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Catgut embedding at acupoints and non-acupoints are all effective and safe for AO. ACE can effectively treat AO as expected and deliver lasting results.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis of acupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding for the treatment of abdominal obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and analyze the effect of acupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding in treatment of abdominal obesity to provide a more reasonable clinical treatment regimen. METHODS: Ten databases were searched as of August 2022: the English databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wiley, and Scopus and the Chinese databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang, and SinoMed/Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding as the main interventions to treat abdominal obesity were extracted. The investigators imported the citations into EndNote version X9.1 for deduplication, screening, extraction, and integration. The risk of bias in the included RCTs was assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook. RevMan 5.4 software was used to conduct a Meta-analysis of RCTs that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs (1069 patients) were included in this study, and the data of eleven RCTs (966 patients) were include in the Meta-analysis. The results showed that acupoint catgut embedding can significantly change the weight and waist circumference of patients with abdominal obesity when compared to sham acupuncture or no treatment [mean difference () = 2.32, 95% confidence interval () (1.88, 2.76), < 0.000 01], [ = 3.47, 95% (1.99, 4.94), < 0.000 01]. The change in hip circumference after acupuncture was also significant [ = 0.89, 95% (0.12, 1.66), = 0.02]. CONCLUSION: This study found that acupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding can effectively treat abdominal obesity, therefore, these interventions can be used as clinical supplements and alternative therapies. The diagnostic criteria of the existing studies and the intervention measures of the control group are not unified. It will be necessary to improve the clinical study protocols and expand the sample size to further validate the reliability of the results obtained of this study.

[Short-term curative effect and safety on female abdominal obesity and defecation function treated with acupoint embedding therapy at different layers under B ultrasound].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effect and safety on female abdominal obesity and defecation function in treatment with acupoint embedding therapy at different abdominal layers under B ultrasound. METHODS: A total of 102 female patients with abdominal obesity were randomly divided into 3 groups, i.e. a deep embedding group (34 cases, 1 case dropped out), a shallow embedding group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a sham-embedding group (34 cases, 6 cases dropped out). Finally, 92 cases were included in the three groups. Under B ultrasound, in the deep embedding group, the absor-bable surgical suture were embedded in subcutaneous fat layer and muscle layer. In the shallow embedding group, the absorbable surgical suture was embedded in the fat layer and in the sham-embedding group, no suture was embedded. The acupoints for embedding therapy included Zhongwan (CV12), Guanyuan (CV4), bilateral Guanmen (ST22), bilateral Tianshu (ST25), bilateral Daimai (GB26) and bilateral Shuidao (ST28). The acupoint embedding therapy was exerted once every two weeks, for 4 times totally. Before and after treatment, the changes in abdominal obesity indicators (waist circumference ï¼»WCï¼½, body fat rate ï¼»BFRï¼½, body mass index ï¼»BMIï¼½, abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness ï¼»ASFTï¼½) and defecation function indicators (spontaneous bowel movement times ï¼»SBMsï¼½ and Bristol stool scale ï¼»BSSï¼½) were observed and the safety indicators were assessed. RESULTS: After treatment, WC, BFR, BMI and ASFT were lower than those before treatment in both the deep embedding group and the shallow embedding group (P<0.05), those values in the deep embedding group were reduced more obviously as compared with the shallow embedding group (P<0.05). SBMs and BSS after treatment were increased as compared with those before treatment in both the deep embedding group and the shallow embedding group (P<0.05) and the increase in the deep embedding group was more obvious than in the shallow embedding group (P<0.05). The abdominal obesity indicators and defecation function indicators after treatment were not different statistically as compared with those before treatment in the sham-embedding group (P>0.05). The pain score of acupuncture in either the deep embedding group or the shallow embedding group was higher than in the sham-embedding group (P<0.05). The acceptance was more than 2 points in all of the three groups and there was no statistical significance among groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint embedding therapy in both the deep and the shallow subcutaneous layers under B ultrasound may regulate the indicators of female abdominal obesity safely. The acupoint embedding therapy in the deep layer is more effective on abdominal obesity and defecation improvement as compared with that exerted in the shallow layer.

Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on Insulin Resistance Associated with Abdominal Obesity in Wistar Rats with Dietary Sucrose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of risk factors related to the development of mainly type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its prevalence has increased worldwide, and healthcare systems will face major challenges in addressing this problem. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on insulin resistance (IR) and obesity associated with MS in Wistar rats. The experimental design consisted of three groups of sucrose-induced MS rats: the MS group that consumed sucrose (MS-Suc; n=5), the MS group that ingested sucrose and HBOT (MS-Suc-HBOT; n=5), the MS group that did not consume sucrose and that received HBOT (MS-HBOT; n=5) and the control group. The rats received HBOT for 20 d at 2.4 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 60 min. Subsequently, the rats were euthanized, and body fat weight, serum biochemical parameters and microscopic analysis of adipose tissue were determined. Rats with hyperoxia had decreased body weight, adipose tissue hypertrophy, and abdominal and epididymal fat. Likewise, markers of insulin resistance (glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR), biochemical parameters of dyslipidemia (cholesterol and triglycerides) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (AST and ALT) decreased; in contrast, compared to the control group, HBOT increased the 1/HOMA-IR, HOMA-ßCell and McAuley indexes, which were related to the improvement in insulin sensitivity (p<0.05; p<0.01). HBOT showed beneficial effects in the treatment of IR and obesity associated with sucrose-induced metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats.

The Effect of Caloric Restriction with and without n-3 PUFA Supplementation on Bone Turnover Markers in Blood of Subjects with Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Weight loss contributes to an increased risk of hip fracture, especially in postmenopausal women. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation could diminish the adverse effect of weight loss on bone health. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel trial was to investigate the effect of caloric restriction and n-3 PUFA supplement intake on osteogenic markers (carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC); procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (PINP)), as well as a bone resorption marker (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I)) in a serum of 64 middle aged individuals (BMI 25-40 kg/m2) with abdominal obesity. Bone remodeling, metabolic and inflammatory parameters and adipokines were determined before and after 3 months of an isocaloric diet (2300-2400 kcal/day) or a low-calorie diet (1200 kcal/day for women and 1500 kcal/day for men) along with n-3 PUFA (1.8 g/day) or placebo capsules. CTX-I and adiponectin concentrations were increased following 7% weight loss independently of supplement use. Changes in CTX-I were positively associated with changes in adiponectin level (rho = 0.25, p = 0.043). Thus, an increase in serum adiponectin caused by body weight loss could adversely affect bone health. N-3 PUFAs were without effect.

Electro-acupuncture for central obesity: randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a common medical condition. Among all the classifications of obesity, central obesity is considered to be a significant threat on the health of individuals. Scientific researches have demonstrated that the accumulation of intra-abdominal fat is associated with higher metabolic and cardiovascular disease risks independently from Body Mass Index (BMI). Our previous research found that the combination of electro-acupuncture and auricular acupressure could significantly reduce the body weight and the BMI compared to sham control group. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a patient-assessor blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial on electro-acupuncture for central obesity. One hundred sixty-eight participants with central obesity will be randomly assigned to two groups, which are the acupuncture group and the sham control group. The whole study duration will be 8-week treatment plus 8-week follow up. The primary outcome is the change in waist circumference before and after the treatment. The secondary outcomes include the changes in hip circumference, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, BMI and body fat percentage during the treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSION: The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture for central obesity compared with sham acupuncture. The study may provide the solid evidence of electro-acupuncture on central obesity in Hong Kong. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03815253 ,Registered 24 Jan 2019.

Yoga in women with abdominal obesity - Do lifestyle factors mediate the effect? Secondary analysis of a RCT.

INTRODUCTION: The reduction of obesity is an important challenge for health policy. Although dietary interventions are widely available, patient adherence is usually low. A promising alternative is yoga. We hypothesized that weight reduction through yoga is mediated by aspects related to eating habits as well as physical aspects. METHODS: This is an exploratory secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of yoga to waiting list in women with abdominal obesity. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were assessed as outcomes; physical exercise habits, physical activity habits at leisure time, physical activity habits at work time, daily fruit and vegetable intake, nutrition self-efficacy, and physical self-efficacy were captured as mediators. Measures were assessed at weeks 0 and 12. The original trial was conducted between April and August 2015. The secondary analysis was performed December 2019. RESULTS: Forty patients were randomized to the 12 weekly yoga sessions (48.5 ± 7.9 years) and 20 patients to the waitlist group (46.4 ± 8.9 years). Physical exercise habits fully mediated the effect of yoga on BMI (B=-0.26;CI[-.56;-.07]). Daily fruit and vegetable intake partially mediated the effect of yoga on BMI (B=-0.13;CI[-.38;-.01]). No further mediation effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga supports people with overweight in eating healthier and increasing their physical activity which in turn leads to a reduced BMI. Yoga's effects on waist circumference seem to be due to other mechanisms.

Exercise training and burdock root (Arctium lappa L.) extract independently improve abdominal obesity and sex hormones in elderly women with metabolic syndrome.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasing among the elderly, and new lifestyle-based treatment strategies are warranted. We conducted a randomized, double-blind controlled trial of the effects of aquatic exercise (AE) and/or consumption of burdock root extract (BE) on body composition and serum sex hormones, i.e., testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) in elderly women with MS. The percentage of abdominal fat was decreased in the AE group. Waist circumference was increased in the control (CON) group, but not in the other groups. SHBG and estradiol levels were enhanced by both AE and BE and correlated with changes in fat-related body composition. DHEA-S levels only increased in the BE group, which was consistent with changes in lean body mass. Testosterone levels decreased in the CON group, which correlated with changes in lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, body fat, and waist circumference. Our findings suggested that the combined AE/BE intervention exerted no synergistic and/or additive effects on any sex-related outcome measures in elderly women with MS.

Moxibustion combined with characteristic lifestyle intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of abdominal obesity: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity occurs when excessive visceral and subcutaneous fat is built up around the abdomen and stomach, which negatively impacts human health. Moxibustion, arose from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been widely applied in the treatment of abdominal obesity. Several studies have shown the positive effects of moxibustion in prevention and treatment of endocrine issues and excess body weight. In this context, our study aims to examine the safety and efficacy of the combination of moxibustion and characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM in the treatment of abdominal obesity. METHODS/DESIGN: This study will be a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial conducted from September 2020 to January 2022 that includes 150 participants who have abdominal obesity and meet the eligibility criteria. The participants will be randomly divided into 3 groups in a 2:2:1 allocation ratio. The intervention group will receive moxibustion combined with characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM; the other group will receive moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the control group will receive lifestyle intervention only. Eight-week moxibustion sessions will be provided to participants assigned to the 2 intervention groups. The characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM will also last 8 weeks, whereas the lifestyle intervention will last 12 weeks including 8-week treatment period, 4-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is the waist circumference measured by a tape measure. The secondary outcomes include obesity-related indicators, serum biochemical indexs, blood pressure, conversion score of physical symptoms, and measurement of the scale. Adverse events will be recorded during the treatment and follow-up period. DISCUSSION: The results are expected to provide clinical evidence for the application of the combination of moxibustion and characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM in patients with abdominal obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04501198, Registered on 9 June 2020.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on General and Central Obesity: Results from 20 Randomized Controlled Trials Involving Apparently Healthy Populations.

BACKGROUND: The obesity pandemic has been paralleled by a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD). There is growing epidemiological evidence linking low vitamin D status with obesity events. In addition, observational studies also show that obesity may increase the risk of VDD. However, there is insufficient knowledge to understand whether there is a causality between the two. Moreover, the impact of vitamin D supplementation on obesity indices has shown inconsistent outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether vitamin D supplementation modified general and central obesity indices in apparently healthy populations. METHODS: A systematic retrieval of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was undertaken using Pubmed, Embase, Web of Knowledge and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) from baseline. RESULTS: Twenty RCTs involving 3,153 participants reporting either BMI, WC, WHR or 25(OH)D met the inclusion criteria. When compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation had no significant decreases in BMI (WMD = -0.09 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.01, p = 0.08), WC (WMD = -0.71 cm, 95% CI -1.58 to 0.16, p = 0.112) or WHR (WMD = 0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.01, p = 0.749). However, in the subgroups of females, Asia region studies and intervention duration ≥6 months, a beneficial and significant reduction in BMI and WC was noted (all p < 0.026). On the other hand, pooled results showed that there was a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D levels (WMD = 13.20 ng/mL, 95% CI 9.83-16.58, p < 0.001) after vitamin D intervention. No publication bias was found in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, supplementation with vitamin D produced no significant effect on the BMI, WC or WHR of healthy adults.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy and Non-Contact Selective-Field Radiofrequency on Abdominal Adiposity in Adolescents With Obesity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Structured physical activities and dietary control have traditionally been used with the aim of controlling obesity. However, effective auxiliary modalities still needed to reduce local obesity, specifically abdominal obesity. This study examined the adjunct effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), and non-contact selective-field radiofrequency (NcRF) on abdominal adiposity in adolescents with obesity. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four adolescents with obesity (33 females and 21 males) took part in this study and were distributed randomly into three treatment-based groups. Control group (n = 18, age; 14.61 ± 1.14 years), PBMT group (n = 18, age; 14.22 ± 0.88 years), and NcRF group (n = 18, age; 15.11 ± 0.96 years). A dietary control plan of 1,000-1,200 kcal/day, and a 60-minute aerobic exercise program conducted day-by-day over 4 weeks were provided for all participants. Additionally, the PBMT group received 12 20-minute PBMT on the abdominal area (energy/session ~4.08 J/cm2 ) thrice/week, and the NcRF group underwent four 30-minute treatments with NcRF on the abdominal area once/week. Waist/hip ratio (W-to-H ratio), intra-abdominal fat thickness (IAFT), and the subcutaneous-abdominal fat thickness (SAFT) were observed at the baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: The W-to-H ratio and SAFT reduced significantly in the PBMT group compared with either the control group (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) or the NcRF group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.046, respectively) post-intervention. However, the IAFT and IAFT/SAFT ratio did not differ significantly among the study groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows that PBMT is more efficient than NcRF for the reduction of W-to-H ratio and SAFT in adolescents with obesity. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Data anomalies and apparent reporting errors in 'Randomized controlled trial testing weight loss and abdominal obesity outcomes of moxibustion'.

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are the best method to determine causal effects for treatments if they are well done and well reported. Good evidence about proposed treatments for obesity is needed, and Hsieh et al. (Biomed Eng Online 17:149, 2018) are to be commended for putting moxibustion to the test. However, careful evaluation of the paper reveals inconsistencies and apparent reporting errors, which raise doubts about conclusions from the study.

ß-Sitosterol Shows Potential to Protect Against the Development of High-Fructose Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction in Female Rats.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of risk factors that include insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The consumption of high-fructose diets contributes to the development of MetS. ß-sitosterol a naturally occurring phytosterol possesses antiobesogenic and antidiabetic effects. This study evaluated the potential protective effect of ß-sitosterol against the development of metabolic dysfunction in growing female rats fed a high-fructose diet, mimicking children fed obesogenic diets. Thirty-five 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley rat pups were randomly allocated to and administered the following treatments: group 1-standard rat chow (SRC) + plain drinking water (PW) + plain gelatine cube (PC); group 2-SRC + 20% w/w fructose solution (FS) as drinking fluid + PC; group 3-SRC + FS + 100 mg/kg fenofibrate in gelatine cubes; group 4-SRC + FS + 20 mg/kg ß-sitosterol gelatine cube (Bst); and group 5-SRC + PW + Bst. Following 12 weeks of feeding, the rats were fasted overnight, weighed, and then euthanized. Plasma cholesterol, insulin, glucose, triglyceride, and adiponectin concentrations were determined. Visceral fat was dissected out and weighed. The high-fructose diet increased (P < .05) visceral adiposity and plasma triglyceride concentration but decreased (P < .05) plasma adiponectin concentration. ß-sitosterol prevented the high-fructose diet-induced visceral obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypoadiponectinemia. ß-sitosterol alone increased plasma adiponectin concentration and reduced plasma insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment index. In conclusion, ß-sitosterol could be potentially used to prevent high-fructose diet-induced metabolic dysfunction.

Relationships between circulating 25(OH) vitamin D, leptin levels and visceral adipose tissue volume: results from a 1-year lifestyle intervention program in men with visceral obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity has been associated with elevated leptinemia and vitamin D deficiency. To date, whether there is an association between vitamin D and leptin levels independent from adiposity remains uncertain. Our objective was to investigate the associations between changes in 25(OH) vitamin D levels, changes in adiposity variables, and changes in leptin levels produced by a 1-year lifestyle intervention program. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Sedentary men (n = 113) with abdominal obesity, dyslipidemic, and non-vitamin D supplemented were involved in a 1-year lifestyle modification program. Subjects were individually counseled by a kinesiologist and a nutritionist once every 2 weeks during the first 4 months with subsequent monthly visits in order to elicit a 500 kcal daily energy deficit and to increase physical activity/exercise habits. Adiposity mapping by computed tomography and cardiometabolic biomarkers, as well as vitamin D measurements were performed at baseline and at the 1-year visit. RESULTS: The 1-year intervention resulted in a 26% decrease in visceral adipose tissue volume (from 1951 ± 481 to 1463 ± 566 cm3), a 27% decrease in leptin levels (from 12.0 ± 8.1 to 8.5 ± 7.8 ng/mL) and a 27% increase in plasma 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations (from 50 ± 18 to 60 ± 18 nmol/L, p < 0.0001). One-year increases in 25(OH) vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with 1-year changes in leptin levels (r = -0.41, p < 0.001). The association remained significant after adjustment for 1-year changes in various adiposity indices: visceral adipose tissue (r = -0.30, p = 0.0019), subcutaneous adipose tissue (r = -0.35, p = 0.0004), total abdominal adipose tissue (r = -0.31, p = 0.0015), and fat mass (r = -0.31, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In response to a 1-year lifestyle intervention, changes in 25(OH) vitamin D levels were independently associated with changes in leptinemia after adjustment for adiposity changes. This finding supports a possible physiological link between leptinemia and 25(OH) vitamin D levels independent from adiposity and underscores the role of lifestyle modifications leading to lowered leptinemia in the clinical management of vitamin D deficiency.

The Effect of Tai Chi on Quality of Life in Centrally Obese Adults with Depression.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effects of a t'ai chi program on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in centrally obese adults with depression. Methods: Two hundred thirteen participants were randomly allocated to either a t'ai chi intervention group (n = 106) or a usual medical care control group (n = 107). The t'ai chi group involved 3 × 1.5 h supervised and group-based training sessions per week for 24 weeks. Indicators of HR-QOL were assessed by questionnaire at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Results: There were significant improvements in favor of the t'ai chi group for the SF-36 subscales of physical functioning (p < 0.01), role physical (p < 0.01), and role emotional (p < 0.01) at 12 and 24 weeks. Scores for bodily pain were improved in the control group at 12 weeks (p < 0.01) and 24 weeks (p < 0.05), but not in the t'ai chi group. There was also a significant improvement in favor of the control group in general health (p < 0.05) at 12 weeks, but not at 24 weeks. A further analysis showed clinically significant changes in favor of the t'ai chi group in physical functioning (p < 0.05 or p = 0.05), role physical (p < 0.05), and role emotional (p < 0.05), and in favor of the control group in bodily pain (p < 0.05) at 12 and 24 weeks. Conclusions: The findings show that t'ai chi exercise improved indicators of HR-QOL including physical functioning, role physical, and role emotional in centrally obese adults with depression.

Population Approaches Targeting Metabolic Syndrome Focusing on Japanese Trials.

The clinical importance of assessment of metabolic syndrome lies in the selection of individuals with multiple risk factors based on visceral fat accumulation, and helping them to reduce visceral fat. Behavioral modification by population approach is important, which adds support to the personal approach. The complexity of visceral fat accumulation requires multicomponent and multilevel intervention. Preparation of food and physical environments could be useful strategies for city planners. Furthermore, actions on various frameworks, including organizational, community, and policy levels, have been recently reported. There are universal public health screening programs and post-screening health educational systems in Japan, and diseases management programs in Germany. Understanding one's own health status is important for motivation for lifestyle modification. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that primary care practitioners screen all adults for obesity and offer behavioral interventions and intensive counseling. Established evidence-based guidelines for behavioral counseling are needed within the primary care setting.

Red palm olein supplementation on cytokines, endothelial function and lipid profile in centrally overweight individuals: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The consumption of antioxidant-rich cooking oil such as red palm olein may be cardioprotective from the perspective of subclinical inflammation and endothelial function. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Using a crossover design, we conducted a randomised controlled trial in 53 free-living high-risk abdominally overweight subjects, comparing the effects of incorporating red palm olein (with palm olein as control) in a supervised isocaloric 2100 kcal diet of 30% en fat, two-thirds (45 g/day) of which were derived from the test oil for a period of 6 weeks each. RESULTS: We did not observe a significant change in interleukin-6 (IL-6), in parallel with other pro-inflammatory (tumour necrosis factor-ß, interleukin-1ß, IL-1ß, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP) and endothelial function (soluble intercellular adhesion molecules, sICAM, soluble intravascular adhesion molecules, sVCAM) parameters. Interestingly, we observed a significant reduction in oxidised LDL levels (P < 0.0386) while on the red palm olein diet, together with the increase in plasma alpha tocopherol (P < 0.0002), alpha carotene (P < 0.0001) and beta carotene (P < 0.0001) concentrations compared with palm olein diet. CONCLUSION: Red palm olein did not improve subclinical inflammation and endothelial function despite profound increase in antioxidant levels. The positive improvement in oxidised LDL merits further attention in this group of subjects at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.