Carotenoid pattern intake and relation to metabolic status, risk and syndrome, and its components - divergent findings from the ORISCAV-LUX-2 survey.

Carotenoids are generally associated with health-beneficial effects; however, their intake patterns related to the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components remain controversial. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between dietary intakes of individual carotenoids, fruits and vegetables, and the MetS and its components. Dietary intakes of 1346 participants of the Observation des Risques et de la Santé Cardio-Vasculaire au Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX-2) study were investigated by a 174-item FFQ, and carotenoid intake was determined by linking findings using mainly the USDA food databases. Components of MetS and complementary variables, including anthropometric (BMI, waist circumferences and waist:hip ratio) and biological parameters (TAG, HDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure), were measured. Logistic (for MetS) and linear multivariable regression models (including assessing MetS as scores) adjusted for various confounders were created. α-and ß-Carotene, as well as lutein + zeaxanthin, were inversely associated with MetS (also when it was measured on a continuous scale), reducing the odds for MetS by up to 48 %. However, lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene were rather positively associated with MetS scores and its components, though these adverse effects disappeared, at least for lycopene, when controlling for intakes of tomato-based convenience foods, in line with indicating a rather unhealthy/westernised diet. All these associations remained significant when including fruits and vegetables as confounders, suggesting that carotenoids were related to MetS independently from effects within fruits and vegetables. Thus, a high intake of carotenoids was bidirectionally associated with MetS, its severity, risk and its components, depending on the type of carotenoid. Future investigations are warranted to explore the inverse role that tomato-based carotenoids appear to suggest in relation to the MetS.

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 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.

δ-Tocotrienol in Combination with Resveratrol Improves the Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Biomarkers in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. It is a global health issue with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Recently, a few natural products have been reported with promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. We aimed to evaluate the impact of δ-tocotrienol and resveratrol mixture (TRM) supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors and biomarkers in patients with MetS. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the hospitals of National University of Medical Sciences Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A total of 82 patients with MetS aged 18-60 years were enrolled based on International Diabetes Federation-2005 diagnostic criteria and randomly grouped into TRM (n = 41) and placebo (n = 41). Patients in the TRM group were given a 400 mg capsule (δ-tocotrienol 250 mg; resveratrol 150 mg), and a placebo (cellulose 400 mg) twice daily for 24 weeks. The biochemical tests were analyzed on ADVIA 1800 Chemistry® analyzer and inflammatory biomarkers by ELISA methods. Results: In the TRM group, a significant reduction in waist circumference, blood pressure, mean (95% confidence interval) of fasting plasma glucose -0.15 mmol/L (-0.22 to -0.08), serum triglyceride -0.32 mmol/L (-0.47 to -0.17), and increment in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed as compared with placebo. TRM supplementation also improved biomarkers: high-sensitive C-reactive protein -0.61 mg/L (-0.89 to -0.33), interleukin-6-1.99 pg/mL (-2.50 to -1.48), tumor necrosis factor-α -2.19 pg/mL (-2.55 to -1.83), malondialdehyde -0.48 µmol/L (-0.65 to -0.30), and total antioxidant capacity 1.71 U/mL (1.29 to 2.13). Conclusion: TRM supplementations improved cardiometabolic risk factors and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress without any significant side effects in the patients with MetS. Clinical Trials Registry: The clinical trial was registered in Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2019-021).

Acute C-Terminal Crosslinking Telopeptide of Type I Collagen (CTX-1) Suppression with Milk Calcium or Calcium Carbonate Is Independent of Visceral Fat in a Randomized Crossover Study in Lean and Overweight Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women with higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT) present with suppressed bone resorption (lower C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen; CTX-1) and turnover (lower osteocalcin) but whether this blunts the effect of calcium is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The primary outcome of this study was the effect of VAT on changes in CTX-1 after intake of 2 forms of calcium. Secondary outcomes included changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). METHODS: Randomized open three period crossover trial conducted between 2017 and 2019 at the University of South Australia among 77 lean and overweight postmenopausal women (53-79 y) with BMI <25 kg/m2 and >27 kg/m2, respectively. Participants received a single dose of milk (1000 mg calcium), calcium carbonate tablet (1000 mg calcium), and fruit juice (no calcium) in random order with a 7-d washout period. Blood samples were collected at baseline and hourly for 5 h. Data was analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA of log-transformed data. RESULTS: At baseline, women with higher VAT had significantly lower CTX-1 and higher PTH (44% lower and 30% higher, respectively, between Q4 and Q1, P < 0.0001). VAT had no influence on the acute changes in CTX-1 or PTH with calcium or juice. A suppression of 44% in CTX-1 was seen with calcium carbonate and milk and a suppression of 18% with juice. PTH was suppressed more with calcium carbonate (47%) compared to milk (22%). Milk calcium reduced PTH and CTX-1 at 2 h, whereas calcium carbonate reduced PTH in 1 h. The suppression in CTX-1 was slower with lowest concentrations at 4-5 h. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of 1000 mg calcium from milk or from calcium carbonate is effective in acutely suppressing bone resorption in postmenopausal women irrespective of visceral fat. This trial is registered at http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12617000779370.aspx as ACTRN 12617000779370).

Acute C-Terminal Crosslinking Telopeptide of Type I Collagen (CTX-1) Suppression with Milk Calcium or Calcium Carbonate Is Independent of Visceral Fat in a Randomized Crossover Study in Lean and Overweight Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women with higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT) present with suppressed bone resorption (lower C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen; CTX-1) and turnover (lower osteocalcin) but whether this blunts the effect of calcium is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The primary outcome of this study was the effect of VAT on changes in CTX-1 after intake of 2 forms of calcium. Secondary outcomes included changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). METHODS: Randomized open three period crossover trial conducted between 2017 and 2019 at the University of South Australia among 77 lean and overweight postmenopausal women (53-79 y) with BMI <25 kg/m2 and >27 kg/m2, respectively. Participants received a single dose of milk (1000 mg calcium), calcium carbonate tablet (1000 mg calcium), and fruit juice (no calcium) in random order with a 7-d washout period. Blood samples were collected at baseline and hourly for 5 h. Data was analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA of log-transformed data. RESULTS: At baseline, women with higher VAT had significantly lower CTX-1 and higher PTH (44% lower and 30% higher, respectively, between Q4 and Q1, P < 0.0001). VAT had no influence on the acute changes in CTX-1 or PTH with calcium or juice. A suppression of 44% in CTX-1 was seen with calcium carbonate and milk and a suppression of 18% with juice. PTH was suppressed more with calcium carbonate (47%) compared to milk (22%). Milk calcium reduced PTH and CTX-1 at 2 h, whereas calcium carbonate reduced PTH in 1 h. The suppression in CTX-1 was slower with lowest concentrations at 4-5 h. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of 1000 mg calcium from milk or from calcium carbonate is effective in acutely suppressing bone resorption in postmenopausal women irrespective of visceral fat. This trial is registered at http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12617000779370.aspx as ACTRN 12617000779370).

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.

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.

The Postprandial Glycaemic and Hormonal Responses Following the Ingestion of a Novel, Ready-to-Drink Shot Containing a Low Dose of Whey Protein in Centrally Obese and Lean Adult Males: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Elevated postprandial glycaemia [PPG] increases the risk of cardiometabolic complications in insulin-resistant, centrally obese individuals. Therefore, strategies that improve PPG are of importance for this population. Consuming large doses of whey protein [WP] before meals reduces PPG by delaying gastric emptying and stimulating the secretion of the incretin peptides, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP] and glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1]. It is unclear if these effects are observed after smaller amounts of WP and what impact central adiposity has on these gastrointestinal processes. Methods: In a randomised-crossover design, 12 lean and 12 centrally obese adult males performed two 240 min mixed-meal tests, ~5-10 d apart. After an overnight fast, participants consumed a novel, ready-to-drink WP shot (15 g) or volume-matched water (100 ml; PLA) 10 min before a mixed-nutrient meal. Gastric emptying was estimated by oral acetaminophen absorbance. Interval blood samples were collected to measure glucose, insulin, GIP, GLP-1, and acetaminophen. Results: WP reduced PPG area under the curve [AUC0-60] by 13 and 18.2% in the centrally obese and lean cohorts, respectively (both p <0.001). In both groups, the reduction in PPG was accompanied by a two-three-fold increase in GLP-1 and delayed gastric emptying. Despite similar GLP-1 responses during PLA, GLP-1 secretion during the WP trial was ~27% lower in centrally obese individuals compared to lean (p = 0.001). In lean participants, WP increased the GLP-1ACTIVE/TOTAL ratio comparative to PLA (p = 0.004), indicative of reduced GLP-1 degradation. Conversely, no treatment effects for GLP-1ACTIVE/TOTAL were seen in obese subjects. Conclusion: Pre-meal ingestion of a novel, ready-to-drink WP shot containing just 15 g of dietary protein reduced PPG in lean and centrally obese males. However, an attenuated GLP-1 response to mealtime WP and increased incretin degradation might impact the efficacy of nutritional strategies utilising the actions of GLP-1 to regulate PPG in centrally obese populations. Whether these defects are caused by an individual's insulin resistance, their obese state, or other obesity-related ailments needs further investigation. Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN.com, identifier [ISRCTN95281775]. https://www.isrctn.com/.

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.

Review on Mechanism of Multi-target Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Metabolic Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome （MS） includes insulin resistance （IR）， central obesity， chronic low-grade inflammation， oxidative stress， endoplasmic reticulum stress， elevated free fatty acid levels， intestinal flora imbalance， renin angiotensin system abnormality， and autophagy activity deficiency， etc. Most researchers believe that IR plays a central role in the pathogenesis of MS， and abdominal obesity is an important initial factor of MS. According to the incidence and clinical characteristics， MS is classified as "obesity" "pidan" " abdominal fullness " and other diseases. It is said that the pathogenesis of MS is related to the deficiency of spleen and kidney， the formation of phlegm， turbidity， blood stasis and other pathological products， which damage the body's functions of qi， blood， yin and yang. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has unique advantages in treating MS based on the holistic view and syndrome differentiation concept. It has multi-level， multi-target and multi-channel treatment characteristics. It can intervene insulin signal transduction， regulate adipocyte factor secretion level， relieve oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress response， regulate intestinal flora and renin angiotensin system， reduce free fatty acid level and regulation Autophagy and other ways to improve chronic low-grade inflammation and IR status， and then comprehensive prevention and treatment of MS and its complications. However， the following problems still exist：lack of high-quality randomized controlled clinical research and large sample real-world research， clinical unified diagnosis and treatment standard has not yet formed， lack of genetic animal model in basic research， relatively single signal pathway and target of experimental research， and difficulty in timely formation of clinical transformation of scientific research achievements. Therefore， we should make full use of modern scientific and technological means to carry out systematic and standardized multicenter， large sample， high-quality randomized controlled trials or real-world research， we should prepare perfect animal models， focus on the crosstalk relationship between multiple related cell signaling pathways， and actively explore the potential relationship between signaling pathways and prescription compatibility， so as to actively promote basic scientific research achievements Clinical practice may be the key research direction in the prevention and treatment of MS in TCM.

Effects of lutein supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors in adults with central obesity: study protocol for a randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of central obesity is constantly increasing, and visceral fat is associated with increased production of inflammatory factors and metabolic risk factors. Lutein might retard the development of metabolic disease through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have associated higher dietary intake and serum levels of lutein with decreased adiposity. However, few randomised controlled trials have shown the effects of lutein supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors, especially in adults with central obesity. METHODS: This study will be conducted as a double-blind, parallel placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 120 people who have central obesity, are 18 to 60 years old and are willing to provide informed consent will be randomly assigned to the intervention or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio according to sex, age and waist circumference. The intervention group will receive 10 mg daily lutein supplementation for 12 weeks to explore the effect of lutein supplementation on serum lutein, glycaemic and lipid profiles, inflammatory factors and body composition. Two populations (intention-to-treat population and per-protocol population) will be used in the data analyses. DISCUSSION: Our findings from this trial will contribute to the knowledge of the association between lutein supplementation and inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors in people with central obesity and will offer a possibility for the prevention of inflammatory diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800018098. Registered on 30 August 2018.

Body composition, phenotype and central obesity indices in Egyptian women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate body composition and phenotype of Egyptian women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and compare with those without and determine the optimal cut-off values of central obesity indices for predicting NAFLD. METHODS: The study included 100 women with NAFLD and 100 age and sex matched healthy controls without NAFLD. All women were subjected to ultrasonography examination. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and skinfolds thickness were assessed for all participants. Body fat % was evaluated by Tanita body composition analyzer. Body mass index (BMI), WC / height ratio (WHtR), WC / HC ratio (WHR) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off values. RESULTS: Data showed significant higher levels of WHtR, WHR, BMI, sum of skinfolds, body fat %, serum fasting blood lipids and glucose in NAFLD women compared to group of patients without NAFLD. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.920 for VIA, 0.883 for WHtR and 0.647 for WHR. The optimal cutoff value of VAI was 3.66, of WHtR was 0.66 and WHR was 0.84. All values showed high sensitivity and specificity values. CONCLUSION: NAFLD women were obese, had excess subcutaneous fat and body fat ratio. Central obesity indices are closely associated with the presence of NAFLD in Egyptian women and might be responsible for its development. Visceral adiposity index had superior diagnostic performance.

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.

Association between selected trace elements and body mass index and waist circumference: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide. Abnormal plasma level of some trace elements may be associated with obesity. The present study was designed to compare the plasma level of zinc, phosphate, calcium and magnesium with the degree of body mass index and waist circumference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study 149 persons (20-60 years old) from March 2014 till April 2017 were included. Definition of central obesity was waist circumference (WC)≥ 102 cm and ≥88 cm in men and women, respectively. Also BMI categorized to: normal weight: 18.50-24.99, overweight: 25.00-29.99 and obese: ≥30 kg/m2 respectively. Mg, Ca, P and Zinc in plasma was checked after12 h fasting in each persons. Comparison between the level of Mg, P, Ca and Zinc by three categories of BMI or waist circumference performed. The data were analyzed by independent T-test and one-way ANOVA. Scheffe method was used to determine post-hoc pair-wise comparisons. The relationship between BMI and concentration of elements was detected by linear correlation and Cubic model. A p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Statistical analyses were executed by SPSS version 20. RESULTS: In this study, 32.2% male and remainder female, mean age of 42.26 ±â€¯13.03 were participated. 40.9% were normal and 59.1% obese base on waist circumference. Also 24.8% normal,44.3% overweight and remainder was obese according to BMI. Obese subjects base on waist circumference had significantly lower serum Zinc(pvalue:0.002), Ca (pvalue:0.0001)and Mg(pvalue:0.042) concentration. Whereas, P concentration was significantly higher in obese cases in comparison with normal subjects(pvalue:0.012). Also normal cases had significantly higher serum Zinc (pvalue: 0.0001), Ca (pvalue:0.0001), and Mg(pvalue:0.006) concentration compared to overweight and obese subjects according to BMI categorizes. CONCLUSION: Inverse correlation present between plasma zinc, calcium and magnesium level and BMI and waist circumference, but positive correlation seen between P level and waist circumference. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of dietary or supplemental interventions on obesity and central obesity.

Impact of obesity on central processing time rather than overall reaction time in young adult men.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The association between weight status with simple cognitive tasks such as reaction time (RT) may not be observed in young people as cognitive functioning development has reached its peak. In the present study, we aimed to examine the association between overall and central adiposity with overall and central processing of RT in a sample of young adult men with different weight status from Ardabil, Iran. METHODS: Eighty-six young males between June-July 2018 completed RT tests as well as premotor time (PMT) using surface electromyography changes in isometric contraction response to an audio stimulus. RESULTS: No significant associations were observed between RT and PMT and different body mass index categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese), as well as fat mass and fat to skeletal muscle mass ratio quartiles (Q). However, participants with greater waist to height ratio (WHtR) had longer PMT (but not RT) than their peers with lower WHtR (Q3 than Q2 and Q1 groups; p < 0.05, d = 1.23). Participants in the skeletal muscle mass quartile Q2 tended to have longer RT than participants in Q3 in an adjusted comparison model (p = 0.05, d = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Although the association between weight status and RT might be elusive in young adults, our results show that higher central adiposity is negatively associated with PMT in young adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the changes in obesity indexes and process speed in longer terms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, experimental study.

Satiety-induced enhanced neuronal activity in the frontal operculum relates to the desire for food in the obese female brain.

In the present pilot study, we questioned how eating to satiety affects cognitive influences on the desire for food and corresponding neuronal activity in the obese female brain. During EEG recording, lean (n = 10) and obese women (n = 10) self-rated the ability to reappraise visually presented food. All women were measured twice, when hungry and after eating to satiety. After eating to satiety, reappraisal of food was easier than when being hungry. Comparing the EEG data of the sated to the hungry state, we found that only in obese women the frontal operculum was involved not only in the reappraisal of food but also in admitting the desire for the same food. The right frontal operculum in the obese female brain, assumed to primarily host gustatory processes, may be involved in opposing cognitive influences on the desire for food. These findings may help to find potential brain targets for non-invasive brain stimulation or neurofeedback studies that aim at modulating the desire for food.

Therapeutic Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding in Abdominally Obese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acupuncture and electroacupuncture have been proved to be beneficial in weight control among obese women. Acupoint catgut embedding treatment, a derivative type of acupuncture, is considered to be more effective than acupuncture and electroacupuncture in reducing weight. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of acupoint stimulation by catgut embedding in obese women. The influence of catgut embedding on obesity-related hormones was also examined. SUBJECT/METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind trial, ninety obese women with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2 and waist circumference (WC) ≥80 cm were randomized to catgut embedding group A (n = 45) and sham catgut embedding group B (n = 45) for 6-week treatment with frequency 1 time/week. Body weight (BW), BMI, and WC were measured at the beginning and after 6 weeks along with biochemical data, obesity-related hormones and quality of life. RESULTS: After 6-week treatment, BW reduction in catgut embedding group A was greater than sham catgut embedding group B (-1.65 kg vs. -0.38 kg, p < 0.001). Greater WC reduction was also noted in group A compared to group B (4.84 cm vs. 1.68 cm, p = 0.04). The trend of triglyceride and glycohemoglobin also revealed decline after catgut embedding treatment. Leptin to adiponectin ratio was shown to decrease significantly (3.0 ± 4.8 to 1.9 ± 1.6, p = 0.043) following the catgut embedding treatment. No serious adverse events were reported during the treatment course. CONCLUSIONS: Under complete antiseptic condition, catgut embedding is a safe and effective adjunct treatment in reducing weight and WC in obese women, which is likely through improving leptin resistance in obese women.

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.

Flaxseed Supplementation in Metabolic Syndrome Management: A Pilot Randomized, Open-labeled, Controlled Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of flaxseed supplementation plus lifestyle modification in comparison with lifestyle modification alone in the management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 44 patients with MetS. Participants were assigned to receive either the lifestyle advice and 30-g brown milled flaxseed daily or only the lifestyle advice as the control group. The percentage of individuals with MetS decreased from baseline by 50% and 82% in the control and intervention group, respectively. The reversion rate of central obesity was higher in the flaxseed group (36%) than control group (13%). Moreover, greater reduction in insulin resistance was observed in flaxseed group in comparison with control group (p < 0.001). Body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index decreased significantly in both groups with a significantly greater reduction in flaxseed group in comparison with controls (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in blood pressure in any groups. Our results indicate that co-administration of flaxseed with lifestyle modification is more effective than lifestyle modification alone in management of MetS; whether these effects will be sustained with longer treatment durations remains to be determined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.