The Association of Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Characteristics with Successful Aging among Older Greek Origin Individuals Living in France, Canada, and Greece: The Epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS).

The aim of the present work was to investigate the association of dietary habits and lifestyle characteristics with successful aging among native Greeks and Greeks of Diaspora (Canada and France). During 2005-2019, 2,434 Greek men and women, living in Greece, in France, and in Canada, over 65 years of age were enrolled voluntarily in the study. Anthropometric, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures, while successful aging was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI, range 0-10). The SAI of the overall sample was 2.8 ± 1.4. Greeks of Diaspora had higher SAI levels compared to their counterparts in Greece (p's < .001). However, there was no difference between Greeks of Canada and these of France (p > .05). Actually, Greeks of Diaspora had almost 1.9 units higher SAI compared to native Greeks (p < .001). Work and financial status, dietary and lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, smoking habits), and several clinical characteristics (i.e., history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia) were statistically different between the three groups (all p's < .05). Greeks of Diaspora had higher SAI levels, probably because of their healthier lifestyle practices, which mainly depend on their traditions and cultural background of their homelands and living conditions in the host countries.

Validity of Predictive Equations for Resting Energy Expenditure in Greek Adults.

AIM: To examine the validity of published resting energy expenditure (REE) equations in Greek adults, and if indicated, develop new cohort-specific predictive REE equations. METHODS: Indirect calorimetry and anthropometric data were obtained from 226 adult volunteers of diverse age groups and body mass index ranges (18-60 years, 16.6-67.7 kg·m-2). Measured REE was compared to preexisting prediction equations via correlation, regression, and Bland-Altman analysis. Then, cohort-specific REE equations were developed using curve estimation and nonlinear regression. To reduce type I error, presently derived equations were validated by splitting the sample into a training and validation group. RESULTS: Preexisting equations over-predicted in-cohort REE. Equations by Livigston and Kohlstadt were most accurate at the individual level (63% accuracy), while formulas by Owen and collaborators elicited highest accuracy at the group level (-1.8% bias). Bland-Altman analysis showed proportional bias for most equations. Currently developed equations showed highest overall accuracy with 70% at the individual and group level (1.0% bias), with small differences between measured and predicted REE values (mean, 95% CI 36 [-15 to 88] kcal·day-1). CONCLUSION: Data indicate currently developed equations to be the most accurate and valid for estimating REE in Greek adults. Further studies should examine the developed equations in an independent sample.

Lifestyle intervention favorably affects weight loss and maintenance following obesity surgery.

The present study was designed to evaluate the 3 year effects of a lifestyle intervention on weight loss and maintenance, dietary, and physical activity habits and eating behavior of patients following vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). Thirty severely obese female volunteers were included in the study and they were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: usual care (UC) or lifestyle intervention (LS) group. Patients were followed for 3 years postoperatively. Outcome measures included weight loss, dietary habits, physical activity level (PAL), and eating behavior changes. Weight was significantly lower in the LS group after 12 months (84.4 +/- 3.9 kg vs. 98.4 +/- 4.4 kg, P < 0.05), 24 months (83.0 +/- 3.3 vs. 101.9 +/- 5.3 kg, P < 0.05), and 36 months following surgery (84.2 +/- 3.3 vs. 102.5 +/- 3.5 kg, P < 0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between the two groups overall and at specific time points for the PAL and TV viewing. With regard to eating behavior, the LS group scored significantly better in total Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), Restraint Eating and External Eating scales at all postoperative time points. Similarly, significant differences were found between the two groups in dietary intake. These findings outline the importance of lifestyle intervention on weight loss and maintenance following bariatric surgery. The favorable effects of lifestyle intervention may be through adoption of healthier eating behaviors and increased physical activity.