Associations between Normal-Weight Obesity and Disturbances in the Lipid Profile of Young Adults. / Associações entre Obesidade Eutrófica e Alterações no Perfil Lipídico de Adultos Jovens.

BACKGROUND: Normal-weight obesity (NWO) is characterized by normal body mass index (BMI) but high body fat percentage (%BF) that increases the risks of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data are necessary to reduce these risks. OBJECTIVES: To compare the cardiometabolic profile of individuals with NWO and normal %BF and evaluate the associated risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 Brazilian adults from a university community, of whom 157 had NWO and 65 had normal BMI and %BF (non-NWO). All participants reported being asymptomatic and without underlying health conditions. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, food intake, anthropometry, body composition measures (using dual-energy radiological absorptiometry), and lipid and glycemic profiles were evaluated. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 23 years (interquartile range: 21 to 25), and most were female (67.1%). No significant differences were found in blood pressure, age, or physical activity levels between the NWO and non-NWO groups. However, the frequency of lipid profile disturbances was higher in the NWO group (54%) compared to the non-NWO group (34%) (p < 0.006). Neck circumference, %BF, and lipid profile disturbances were positively associated with NWO. CONCLUSION: Individuals with NWO have a worse cardiometabolic profile than those without NWO, and this condition is associated with important biomarkers. Addressing these outcomes is important for preventing long-term cardiometabolic complications. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data, regardless of BMI, are crucial in this scenario.

FUNDAMENTO: A obesidade eutrófica (OE) é caracterizada por índice de massa corporal (IMC) normal, mas com alto percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), o que aumenta os riscos de comorbidades cardiometabólicas. A avaliação e interpretação precisas dos dados de composição corporal são necessárias para reduzir esses riscos. OBJETIVOS: Comparar o perfil cardiometabólico de indivíduos com OE e %GC normal e avaliar os fatores de risco associados. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal com 222 adultos brasileiros de uma comunidade universitária, dos quais 157 tinham OE e 65 tinham IMC e %GC normais (grupo sem OE). Todos os participantes relataram ser assintomáticos e sem problemas de saúde subjacentes. Foram avaliadas características socioeconômicas, estilo de vida, consumo alimentar, antropometria, medidas de composição corporal (por meio de absorciometria radiológica de dupla energia) e perfis lipídico e glicêmico. Valor de p < 0,05 foi estabelecido como significativo. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade dos participantes foi de 23 anos (intervalo interquartil: 21 a 25), sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (67,1%). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na pressão arterial, idade ou nível de atividade física entre os grupos com e sem OE. No entanto, a frequência de distúrbios do perfil lipídico foi maior no grupo com OE (54%) em comparação com o grupo sem OE (34%) (p < 0,006). Circunferência do pescoço, %GC e distúrbios do perfil lipídico foram positivamente associados com a OE. CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos com OE apresentam pior perfil cardiometabólico do que aqueles sem OE, e essa condição está associada a importantes biomarcadores. Torna-se importante abordar esses resultados para prevenir complicações cardiometabólicas de longo prazo. A avaliação e a interpretação precisas dos dados da composição corporal, independentemente do IMC, são cruciais nesse cenário.

Consumption of ultra- and non-ultra-processed foods of individuals with normal-weight obesity.

The normal-weight obesity (NWO) is highly associated with an increased risk for chronic non-communicable diseases and intricately linked to diet quality. Therefore, we assessed the consumption of ultra-processed and non-ultraprocessed foods of 224 Brazilian adults with NWO (n 159) and without NWO (n 65, non-NWO) in a cross-sectional study. For that, three dietary recalls were applied and categorised according to the NOVA classification. Individuals with NWO showed lower energy intake from the 'fresh or minimally processed food' group, specifically for rice (P = 0⋅037), beans (P = 0⋅002) and fruits (P = 0⋅026), as well as lower consumption of dietary fibre (P < 0⋅05) compared with non-NWO subjects. Total consumption of ultra-processed foods did not differ between groups; however, individuals with NWO had a higher energy intake from processed meats compared with the non-NWO group (54⋅1 ± 73⋅5 × 32⋅5 ± 50⋅8 kcal; P = 0⋅023). Energy and added sugar from ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅02, CI 95 % 1⋅00-1⋅04, P = 0⋅0100) and total fat from non-ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅09, CI 95 % 1⋅01-1⋅18; P = 0⋅0100) were associated with the presence of NWO. In conclusion, non-NWO individuals consumed more non-ultra-processed foods compared with the NWO group. Overall, there were no differences in the consumption of ultra-processed foods between the two groups. Important associations between food compounds and the presence of NWO were observed, emphasising the importance of fresh and minimally processed foods as the basis of the diet.

Bone mineral density and normal-weight obesity syndrome: beyond body weight and body mass index.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the bone profile of adult women and men with and without normal-weight obesity (NWO) syndrome and its association with bone health-related nutrient intake, anthropometry, and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of adults aged between 20 and 59 years with normal body weight, separated according to body fat (BF) percentage into NWO and non-NWO syndrome groups. BF > 30% and > 19% were considered high for women and men, respectively. Socioeconomic, physical activity, food consumption, anthropometric, and body composition data were evaluated. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test and Pearson's χ2 or Fisher's exact tests were applied for comparisons. Multiple linear regression models were developed, with bone parameters as the dependent variables and anthropometric, body composition, and food consumption data as the main independent variables. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 224 adults (69.2% women) with a median (interquartile range) age of 23 (21-25) years, 71% of whom had NWO syndrome. Compared with women, a higher percentage of men had a lower-than-expected spinal bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score for age (10%; p = 0.0214). Bone parameters were similar between groups. Spinal BMD was negatively associated with male sex and positively associated with body weight. The femoral BMD was negatively associated with BF percentage and positively associated with body mass index. CONCLUSION: The negative association of BMD with BF percentage may suggest a higher risk of bone alterations in individuals with NWO syndrome and should be monitored over time.

Associações entre Obesidade Eutrófica e Alterações no Perfil Lipídico de Adultos Jovens / Associations between Normal-Weight Obesity and Disturbances in the Lipid Profile of Young Adults

Resumo Fundamento A obesidade eutrófica (OE) é caracterizada por índice de massa corporal (IMC) normal, mas com alto percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), o que aumenta os riscos de comorbidades cardiometabólicas. A avaliação e interpretação precisas dos dados de composição corporal são necessárias para reduzir esses riscos. Objetivos Comparar o perfil cardiometabólico de indivíduos com OE e %GC normal e avaliar os fatores de risco associados. Métodos Foi realizado estudo transversal com 222 adultos brasileiros de uma comunidade universitária, dos quais 157 tinham OE e 65 tinham IMC e %GC normais (grupo sem OE). Todos os participantes relataram ser assintomáticos e sem problemas de saúde subjacentes. Foram avaliadas características socioeconômicas, estilo de vida, consumo alimentar, antropometria, medidas de composição corporal (por meio de absorciometria radiológica de dupla energia) e perfis lipídico e glicêmico. Valor de p < 0,05 foi estabelecido como significativo. Resultados A mediana de idade dos participantes foi de 23 anos (intervalo interquartil: 21 a 25), sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (67,1%). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na pressão arterial, idade ou nível de atividade física entre os grupos com e sem OE. No entanto, a frequência de distúrbios do perfil lipídico foi maior no grupo com OE (54%) em comparação com o grupo sem OE (34%) (p < 0,006). Circunferência do pescoço, %GC e distúrbios do perfil lipídico foram positivamente associados com a OE. Conclusão Indivíduos com OE apresentam pior perfil cardiometabólico do que aqueles sem OE, e essa condição está associada a importantes biomarcadores. Torna-se importante abordar esses resultados para prevenir complicações cardiometabólicas de longo prazo. A avaliação e a interpretação precisas dos dados da composição corporal, independentemente do IMC, são cruciais nesse cenário.

Abstract Background Normal-weight obesity (NWO) is characterized by normal body mass index (BMI) but high body fat percentage (%BF) that increases the risks of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data are necessary to reduce these risks. Objectives To compare the cardiometabolic profile of individuals with NWO and normal %BF and evaluate the associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 Brazilian adults from a university community, of whom 157 had NWO and 65 had normal BMI and %BF (non-NWO). All participants reported being asymptomatic and without underlying health conditions. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, food intake, anthropometry, body composition measures (using dual-energy radiological absorptiometry), and lipid and glycemic profiles were evaluated. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. Results The median age of the participants was 23 years (interquartile range: 21 to 25), and most were female (67.1%). No significant differences were found in blood pressure, age, or physical activity levels between the NWO and non-NWO groups. However, the frequency of lipid profile disturbances was higher in the NWO group (54%) compared to the non-NWO group (34%) (p < 0.006). Neck circumference, %BF, and lipid profile disturbances were positively associated with NWO. Conclusion Individuals with NWO have a worse cardiometabolic profile than those without NWO, and this condition is associated with important biomarkers. Addressing these outcomes is important for preventing long-term cardiometabolic complications. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data, regardless of BMI, are crucial in this scenario.

Selenium Intake and Glycemic Control in Young Adults With Normal-Weight Obesity Syndrome.

Numerous endogenous functions related to antioxidant processes, reproduction, and thyroid metabolism, as well as actions related to glycemic control, have been attributed to selenium. This study aimed to evaluate whether dietary selenium consumption is associated with variables of glycemic control in a sample of young Brazilian adults with Normal-Weight Obesity (NWO) syndrome. This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 270 individuals with adequate body weight and excess body fat, who had their body composition assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle questionnaires and three 24-h food records were applied. Glycemic control markers were also evaluated. The prevalence of inadequate selenium intake was analyzed by the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method. The prevalence of disturbances in glycemic control markers according to selenium consumption was compared by either the chi-square or the Fisher's exact test, with individuals classified according to the EAR values for selenium. The associations were evaluated by multiple linear regressions, using the backward strategy. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 23.7 ± 3.3 years, and the mean ± SD daily selenium intake was 59.2 ± 26.4 µg. The overall prevalence of inadequate selenium intake was 59.2%. Individuals with selenium intakes below the EAR (≤45 µg/day) showed higher concentrations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (P = 0.002) and a higher prevalence of disturbances in HbA1c than those with selenium intakes above the EAR (>45 µg/day) (P = 0.001). Dietary selenium intake was directly associated with female sex (ß = 19.95, 95% CI 5.00 to 34.89; P = 0.001) and weight (ß = 6.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 12.81; P = 0.010), and inversely associated with the percentage of total body fat (ß = -0.80, 95% CI -1.56 to -0,04; P = 0.010) and HbA1c (ß = -7.41, 95% CI -13.06 to -1.75; P = 0.010). Considering the noticeable young age of the individuals evaluated and the high frequency of disturbances in HbA1c concentrations in those with selenium consumption below the recommendation, it is suggested that adequate dietary intake or supplementation of this micronutrient should be guaranteed to prevent future possible complications associated with glycemic control disturbances.