Associations of Fatty Acid Profile with Abdominal Obesity in Men.

The content of individual unsaturated fatty acids in blood plasma (measured by HPLC) and their association with abdominal obesity in a group of men (mean age 52.2 years) was analyzed. The abdominal obesity was diagnosed according to the criteria of the All-Russian Scientific Society of Cardiology (waist circumference >94 cm). Men with abdominal obesity had higher levels of ω-6 γ-linolenic and dihomo-γ-linolenic acids, as well as ω-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. They also had significantly elevated plasma levels of triglycerides and glucose and lower levels of HDL. Using single-factor ROC analysis we determined optimal cut-off thresholds for fatty acid levels indicating the presence of abdominal obesity. The results of regression analysis showed that the level of γ-linolenic acid is directly associated with the chance of abdominal obesity.s.

Comparison of hs-CRP in Adult Obesity and Central Obesity in Indonesia Based on Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake: Indonesian Family Life Survey 5 (IFLS 5) Study.

Obesity and central obesity are associated with dire conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, in which low-grade inflammation plays a part. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker found to be elevated in those conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids work against inflammation and lower CRP levels in obese individuals. This study compared high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) in adult obesity and central obesity in Indonesia based on omega-3 fatty acid intake using Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) 5 data. Secondary data from household questionnaires were obtained from the IFLS 5 online database. Data from 3152 subjects were used; 76.65% of the subjects were female, with a mean age of 45.27 ± 15.77 years. Subjects were classified into five modified categories of obesity and central obesity based on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Omega-3 fatty acid intake was categorized into "low" and "adequate" based on dietary recommendations from the Mediterranean Diet Foundation (2011). There is a significant difference in hs-CRP based on modified obesity categories (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in hs-CRP between low and adequate omega-3 intake (p > 0.05). These data suggest that hs-CRP is related to overweight, obesity, and central obesity. Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids are unrelated to hs-CRP. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Association between the serum vitamin D level and prevalence of obesity/abdominal obesity in women with infertility: a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

AIMS: To explore the relationship between vitamin D and obesity and abdominal obesity in women with infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We screened the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016. A total of 201 infertile women between the ages of 20 and 40 years were included in our study. To estimate the independent association of vitamin D with obesity and abdominal obesity, we used weighted multivariate logistic regression models and cubic spline analyses. RESULTS: Among infertile women in the NHANES 2013-2016 database, serum vitamin D levels were significantly and negatively associated with body mass index (ß= -0.96, 95% CI: -1.40, -0.51, p < 0.001)and waist circumference (ß= -0.40, 95% CI: -0.59, -0.22, p < 0.001), respectively. After multivariable adjustment, lower vitamin D levels were found to be associated with a higher prevalence of obesity (OR: 8.290, 95% CI: 2.451-28.039, p for trend = 0.001) and abdominal obesity (OR: 4.820, 95%CI: 1.351-17.194, p for trend =0.037). Spline regression showed linearity of the associations between vitamin D and obesity/abdominal obesity (p for nonlinearity > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that a decreased vitamin D might correspond to a higher prevalence of obesity in infertile women, which reminded us to pay more attention to the supplement of vitamin D in obese infertile women.

The prevalence and associated factors of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity in South-eastern of Iran: a cross-sectional study based on Rafsanjan cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has become a major health issue in both high and middle-income countries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. Risk of obesity is related to both unchangeable factors such as genetics and gender, and modifiable lifestyle factors. Most importantly, finding the major modifiable lifestyle factors which contribute to obesity may provide valuable benefits to every society. This study aimed to determine the association of demographic and lifestyle parameters with overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity in a population of Iranian adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, adult participants of Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS) (as one of the district areas of the PERSIAN cohort (Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN) included the study population. RCS is a population-based prospective cohort of men and women aged 35-70 years, launched in August 2015. Individuals were recruited from four urban and suburban areas of Rafsanjan, south-eastern of Iran. Trained experts interviewed each participant and completed the related questionnaires about his/her socioeconomic status, demography, anthropometric features, personal habits, physical activity and medical history. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between overweight/obesity/abdominal obesity and associated factors. RESULTS: From 9980 participants, 1974 (42.42%) males and 2115 (39.70%) females were overweight, 784 (16.85%) males, 2223 (41.73%) females were obese and 1895 (40.73%) males and 989 (18.57%) females were normal weight. Also, 832 (17.9%) males and 4548 (85.4%) females had abdominal obesity and 3819 (82.1%) males and 778 (14.6%) females didn't have abdominal obesity. Based on the adjusted multiple logistic regression, overweight/obesity (BMI > 25) was associated with age > 45, female gender, education ≥ 13 years, heavy physical activity, wealth status index (WSI), alcohol consumption, current cigarette smoking and opium consumption compared to reference group. Also, odds of abdominal obesity displayed a significant association with age > 45, female gender, education > 5 years, physical activity, WSI, current cigarette smoking, alcohol and opium consumption compared to reference group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results recommend local public health strategies that promote training the society on the health benefits of avoiding alcohol, getting more physical exercise and gaining more personal education on the health-threatening lifestyle.

Is Abdominal Obesity a Risk Factor for the Incidence of Vitamin D Insufficiency and Deficiency in Older Adults? Evidence from the ELSA Study.

Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated an association between abdominal obesity, determined by waist circumference (WC), and vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency in older adults. However, longitudinal evidence is based only on general obesity determined using body mass index (BMI). We investigated whether abdominal obesity is associated with the incidence of 25(OH)D insufficiency (>30 and ≤50 nmol/L) and deficiency (≤30 nmol/L), and whether vitamin D supplementation modifies these associations. We included 2459 participants aged ≥50 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) with 25(OH)D sufficiency (>50 nmol/L) at baseline. Abdominal obesity was defined as >88 cm for women and >102 cm for men. After 4 years, 25(OH)D concentrations were reassessed. Multinomial logistic regression models controlled by covariates were performed. Abdominal obesity increased the risk of the incidence of 25(OH)D insufficiency (RRR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.01−1.83) and deficiency (RRR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.05−2.58). These risks were maintained when excluding individuals who took vitamin D supplementation (RRR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.02−1.88) and (RRR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.02−2.56). Abdominal obesity is associated with the risk of incidence of low 25(OH)D concentrations. WC seems to be an adequate tool for screening individuals with obesity and at potential risk of developing these conditions.

The impact of the National Health Program on diabetes incidence among working-age men with prediabetes: A regression discontinuity analysis of a nation-wide database in Japan.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the National Health Program in Japan ("Specific Health Check-ups and Specific Health Guidance") on diabetes prevention among working-age men with prediabetes. METHODS: This study used a regression discontinuity design, based on the program's criterion that the program starts at age 40 or older and that the intervention is provided only to prediabetic individuals with abdominal obesity, to assess the impact of the program on the diabetes incidence in a total of 49,848 men with prediabetes, aged 37-42 years. RESULTS: The National Health Program in which interventions were provided for individuals aged 40 years or over with both prediabetes and abdominal obesity was associated with a decrease in diabetes incidence rate equivalent to 10.1 reduction/1000 person-years. The relative risk was 0.75. However, among those without abdominal obesity and not subjected to the intervention, there was no significant change in the diabetes incidence at age 40. CONCLUSIONS: The National Health Program in Japan was associated with a decrease in the incidence of diabetes among working-age men with prediabetes and abdominal obesity and may have a meaningful impact among working-age men.

Association between Green Tea Consumption and Abdominal Obesity Risk in Middle-Aged Korean Population: Findings from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity is increasing with rapid economic growth and the westernization of dietary habits in Korea, especially in the middle-aged population. Data were obtained from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), which recruited 10,030 participants between the ages of 40 and 69 years. Information on green tea consumption was obtained from the food frequency questionnaire and categorized as none, <1 cup, between 1 and <4 cups, and ≥4 cups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs to examine any possible associations between green tea consumption and the risk of abdominal obesity after controlling for potential confounders. High consumption of green tea was associated with a 44% lower odds ratio for abdominal obesity (none vs. ≥4 cups/week: OR, 0.56; 95% CI 0.41-0.78; p for trend = 0.001). When stratified by sex, an inverse association between green tea consumption and abdominal obesity was observed only in women (none vs. ≥4 cups/week: OR, 0.71; 95% CI 0.57−0.88; p for trend = 0.004). No significant association was found among men. Our findings indicate that green tea consumption has beneficial effects in the prevention of abdominal obesity in middle-aged Korean women.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), general and central obesity indices and serum lipids among adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In the present meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), general and central obesity indices and lipid profile in adult population. Methods: The electronic databases of Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane library were searched for relevant studies from inception to October 2019. The effect size was indicated as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by using random effects model. The I2 index and Cochran's Q-test were used for evaluating heterogeneity. Results: From 2,469 studies identified, thirty-four studies (nineteen cross-sectional studies, thirteen cohort studies, two case-control studies) were included in the meta-analysis. According to our results, higher categories of TAC were associated with significantly lower serum triglyceride concentartions (TG; WMD: -7.58; CI: -11.42, -3.75; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (WC; WMD: -1.17; 95% CI: -1.47, -0.87; P < 0.001); while no significant change in body mass index (BMI; WMD: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.35, 0.01; P = 0.12), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; WMD: 0.61; 95% CI: -0.16, 1.40; P = 0.12), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD: 1.34; 95% CI: -0.61, 3.30; P = 0.17) and total cholesterol (TC; WMD: 1.19; 95% CI: -1.46, 3.855; P = 0.37) was reported. Conclusion: Higher dietary TAC was related to reduced prevalence of central obesity, reduced WC and TG concentrations in the current meta-analysis. Moreover, subgroup analysis showed that TAC measurement index, geographical area, dietary assessment tool, health status and gender were potential sources of heterogeneity.

Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity and its relationship with opium, total opiate drugs, and chronic smoking: Fasa cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity and drug use are two major global issues today. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between alcohol and tobacco use with general and central obesity. METHODS: The data of the longitudinal population-based study were collected from the basis of the Fasa Cohort Study (FACS). Participants were 10141 people with 35-70 years old. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software. Binary logistic regression (BLR) was used for modelling. A significance level (α) less than 0.05% was considered for hypothesis testing. RESULTS: Of the total participants (N = 10104), 54.8% (n = 5539) were women. The prevalence of central obesity in terms of waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated 48.20% (N = 4871), 79.50% (N = 8032), and 83.30% (N = 8314). The Odds Ratio (OR) adjusted of Abnormal body mass index (BMI) for Opium and chronic smoking were 0.54 (CI: 0.47-0.63) and 0.47 (CI:0.40-0.56). OR adjusted Abnormal WC for opium and chronic smoking were calculated 0.65 (CI: 0.53-0.80) and 0.57 (CI:0.46-0.72), respectively. Three variables of opium (OR = 0.54, CI: 0.46-0.64), total opiate drugs (OR = 1.46, CI:1.16-1.83) and chronic smoking (OR = 0.58, CI: 0.48-0.70) remained in the modeling for Abnormal WHR. Which were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Significant and inverse relationships were found between obesity and opium, total opiate drugs, and chronic smoking.

Low nutritional status links to the prevalence of pre-metabolic syndrome and its cluster in metabolically high-risk Korean adults: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: Diet plays a crucial role as a modifiable risk factor related to the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its cluster. Constitution type of traditional Korean medicine has shown accuracy to predict the risk for MetS. We attempted to examine the association between nutritional status, pre-MetS, and its cluster in Korean adults by their constitution type.Participants aged 30 to 55 years who had no cancer or cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were assigned to join in the present study. Pre-MetS was defined as ≥2 of the following factors: abdominal obesity; elevated triglycerides (TG); reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); elevated blood pressure (BP); and elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Constitution type was categorized into Tae-Eumin (TE) or non-TE. Dietary assessment of the subjects were surveyed using a short-form of the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the nutrition quotient (NQ), which uses 4 factors, namely, balance, diversity, moderation, and dietary behavior.A total of 986 subjects were evaluated by constitution type with MetS status. Of these subjects, 48.6% had pre-MetS, 89.5% were obese and had the highest waist circumference (WC) in Pre-MetS TE. BP, FPG, TG were higher, while HDL-C was lower, than normal TE or non-TE both in Pre-MetS TE and non-TE. The prevalence of pre-MetS was positively associated with lower status of dietary behavior (odds ratio [ORs]: 2.153, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.179-3.931) while negatively related to higher vegetables and fruits intakes (ORs: 0.594, 95% CI: 0.359-0.983) in TE. Lower status of NQ had about 2 times higher risk of Pre-MetS (ORs: 1.855, 95% CI: 1.018-3.380) and abdominal obesity (ORs: 2.035, 95% CI: 1.097-3.775) in TE compared with higher status of NQ after controlling for covariates.Poor diet was a key contributor to the development of Pre-MetS and abdominal obesity in Korean adults with TE. Customized nutrition care and integrated medicinal approaches are strongly suggested to conduct optimal preventive care for people who are vulnerable to health risk.

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.

Daily Consumption of Coffee and Eating Bread at Breakfast Time Is Associated with Lower Visceral Adipose Tissue and with Lower Prevalence of Both Visceral Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Japanese Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the association between daily consumption of coffee or green tea, with and without habitual bread consumption for breakfast, and components and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Japanese populations. METHODS: The study population consisted of 3539 participants (1239 males and 2300 females). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression analyses to evaluate the associations of daily coffee and green tea consumption with the prevalence of obesity, visceral obesity, and metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Coffee consumption was associated with significantly lower proportions of visceral obesity (OR: 0.746, CI: 0.588-0.947) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.706, CI: 0.565-0.882). On the other hand, green tea was not associated with visceral obesity (OR: 1.105, CI: 0.885-1.380) or metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.980, CI: 0.796-1.206). The combination of daily drinking coffee and eating bread at breakfast time was associated with significantly lower proportions of obesity (OR: 0.613, CI: 0.500-0.751) (p = 0.911 for interaction), visceral obesity (OR: 0.549, CI: 0.425-0.710) (p = 0.991 for interaction), and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.586, CI: 0.464-0.741) (p = 0.792 for interaction). CONCLUSION: Coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower visceral adipose tissue and lower proportions of visceral obesity, but the same was not true for green tea consumption. Furthermore, in combination with coffee consumption, the addition of eating bread at breakfast time significantly lowered proportions of visceral obesity and metabolic syndrome, although there was no interaction between coffee and bread.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Is Associated with Abdominal Obesity: A Prospective Cohort Study in Older Adults.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has been associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time in the literature, the prospective association between UPF consumption and the incidence of abdominal obesity (AO) in older adults. METHODS: The study sample consists of 652 participants in the Seniors Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain: Seniors-ENRICA-1 study, (mean age 67, 44% women). At baseline, standardized anthropometric measurements were collected (including abdominal circumference). After a median follow-up of six years, the abdominal circumference was measured again, and the incidence of abdominal obesity (AO) was calculated, defined as an abdominal perimeter ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women. At baseline, dietary information was collected using a computerized and validated dietary history. Information was obtained on the usual diet in the previous year. A total number of 880 foods were classified according to their degree of processing following the NOVA classification. Foods or drinks formulated mostly or entirely from substances derived from foods, with little or no presence of the unaltered original food were classified as UPF. For each participant, the percentage of energy from UPF was derived and sex-specific tertiles were calculated. Logistic regression models were built and adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, morbidity, and drug treatment variables. RESULTS: Among those participants without AO at baseline, 177 developed AO during follow-up. The average consumption of UPF was 17% of total energy (7% in the first tertile; 29% in the third tertile). The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for incident AO risk when compared to the lowest tertile was: 1.55 (0.99-2.44) for the second tertile of UPF consumption and 1.62 (1.04-2.54) for the third tertile; p for linear trend: 0.037. Results remained statistically significant after adjusting for potential dietary confounding factors such as fiber consumption, the intake of very long chain omega-3 fatty acids and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS: A higher UPF consumption is positively associated with incident AO in older adults in Spain. These findings extend the current evidence of the detrimental effect of UPF consumption on cardiometabolic health.

The relationship between obesity, diabetes, hypertension and vitamin D deficiency among Saudi Arabians aged 15 and over: results from the Saudi health interview survey.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes are related conditions, the prevalence of which has increased globally in recent years. These conditions have been linked to hypertension and vitamin D deficiency though the nature of the relationship remains unclear and is likely to vary between identifiable groups and specific contexts. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationships between obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and vitamin D, among Saudis citizens aged 15 and over. METHODS: Self-reported and measured data were taken from the 2013 Saudi Health Interview Survey and analysed using a series of seemingly unrelated bivariate probit regression (SURBVP) analyses. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken in which the selection and specification of covariates and outcomes were varied. RESULTS: In the main analysis data on 957 women and 1127 men were analysed. Differences were evident between men and women in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, central obesity, hypertension and vitamin D deficiency. While men were more likely to experience diabetes and hypertension, women were more likely to experience obesity, central obesity and vitamin D deficiency. In multivariable analyses obesity and age were found to significantly predict hypertension risk in women; central obesity to predict diabetes risk in men and women, as well as hypertension risk in men. Vitamin D was not found to predict diabetes risk nor hypertension risk in either sex. Milk consumption and sun exposure were found to predict vitamin D deficiency in women but not men. While there was evidence of unobserved heterogeneity in models predicting diabetes and hypertension, there was no evidence of unobserved heterogeneity between these and those predicting vitamin D deficiency. Results did not materially change over a range of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: While there is strong evidence of distinct patterns in the relationship between diabetes, hypertension and obesity among men and women in Saudi Arabia and in the risk of vitamin D deficiency, we found no evidence of a relationship between vitamin D levels and risk of either diabetes or hypertension.

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.

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.

Adiposity and Serum Selenium in U.S. Adults.

Requirements for selenium and other antioxidant nutrients are increased in pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory conditions such as excess adiposity. Data concerning the association of excess general and central adiposity with circulating selenium concentrations, however, are limited. We examined the cross-sectional associations of body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), and waist circumference (WC) with serum selenium concentrations in 6440 men and 6849 women aged ≥20 years who participated in the U.S. Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In multivariable analyses, the average difference (95% confidence interval (CI)) in serum selenium comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles of BMI was -4.0 (-5.5, -1.6) ng/mL in both men and women. These inverse associations were evident after further adjustment for WC. For %BF, the average differences (95% CI) in serum selenium between the highest and the lowest quartiles of %BF were -1.7 (-4.2, 0.7) ng/mL in men and -4.5 (-7.0, -1.9) ng/mL in women. The inverse association in women persisted after adjusting for WC. For WC, the average differences (95% CI) in serum selenium between the highest and the lowest quartiles were -1.9 (-3.8, -0.1) ng/mL in men and -3.9 (-5.8, -2.0) ng/mL in women. After further adjustment for BMI, the inverse association became positive in men and null in women. Our findings suggest that general and central adiposity have different associations with serum selenium levels and that these associations may depend on gender.

Abdominal obesity and type 2 diabetes in Asian Indians: dietary strategies including edible oils, cooking practices and sugar intake.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are increasing in rural and urban regions of South Asia including India. Pattern of fat deposition in abdomen, ectopic fat deposition (liver, pancreas) and also low lean mass are contributory to early-onset insulin resistance, dysmetabolic state and diabetes in Asian Indians. These metabolic perturbations are further exacerbated by changing lifestyle, diet urbanization, and mechanization. Important dietary imbalances include increasing use of oils containing high amount of trans fatty acids and saturated fats (partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, palmolein oil) use of deep frying method and reheating of oils for cooking, high intake of saturated fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates, low intake of protein, fiber and increasing intake of processed foods. Although dietary intervention trials are few; the data show that improving quality of carbohydrates (more complex carbohydrates), improving fat quality (more monounsaturated fatty acids and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and increasing protein intake could improve blood glucose, serum insulin, lipids, inflammatory markers and hepatic fat, but more studies are needed. Finally, regulatory framework must be tightened to impose taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, oils such as palmolein, and dietary fats and limit trans fats.

Olive Polyphenols and the Metabolic Syndrome.

Here, the effects of consuming polyphenol-rich olive products, including olive leaves, their crude extract, and extra virgin olive oil, on aspects of the metabolic syndrome are reviewed. We have sought to summarize the available scientific evidence from dietary intervention trials demonstrating a role for these phytochemicals in ameliorating aberrant glucose metabolism, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipids, and we discuss the potential mechanisms underpinning these observations. Searches for relevant literature published in English were conducted via PubMed and Science Direct. Based on published dietary intervention studies, there is convincing evidence to show that olive polyphenols, independently of olive lipids, reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome, in particular by improving blood sugar and blood pressure control, and in reducing low density lipoprotein oxidation. There is more limited evidence to suggest that the consumption of olive polyphenols or related products can reduce body weight and visceral fat or impede weight gain, and similarly there are some limited data suggesting improved lipid profiles. There is some mechanistic data to support observations made in human volunteers, but further work is needed in this area. The consumption of olive polyphenols within the context of a healthy pattern of food intake may, in part, explain the reduced risk of metabolic disease associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Diabetes Risk Score in a Young Student Population in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. The Middle East is the home to the most obese population in the world, and type 2 diabetes mellitus is endemic in the region. However, little is known about risk factors for diabetes in the younger age groups. Methods. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) is a simple, validated tool to identify persons at risk of diabetes. We investigated students at Hashemite University in Jordan with FINDRISC and measured fasting plasma glucose in those who were categorized in the high-risk group. Results. Overall, 1821 students (881 [48.4%] female) were included in the study. Risk factors for diabetes were common: 422 (23.2%) were overweight or obese and 497 (27.3%) had central obesity. Using the FINDRISC score, 94 (5.2%) students were at moderate risk and 32 (1.8%) at high risk of diabetes. The mean FINDRISC score was significantly higher in men than women (5.9 versus 5.4; p = 0.002). Twenty-eight students in the high-risk group had a subsequent plasma glucose measurement, and 8 (29%) of them fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Conclusions. Risk factors for diabetes were common in a young student population in Jordan, suggesting that preventive measures should be initiated early in adulthood to turn the diabetes epidemic in the region.