Comparing the effects of meal replacements with reduced-fat diet on weight, sexual and endothelial function, testosterone and quality of life in obese Asian men.

Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in obese than in normal-weight men. Meal replacements (MRs) are useful weight-loss strategies. We randomized obese (body mass index 27.5 kg m(-2), waist circumference (WC) 90 cm) Asian men (mean age 40.5 years, range 30-61) to a conventional reduced-fat diet (CD) (n=24) or MR-based plan (n=24) to reduce daily intake by 400 kcal for 12 weeks. There were significantly greater reductions in weight (4.2 ± 0.8 kg), WC (4.6 ± 0.7 cm), calorie and fat intake in the MR group, compared with the CD group (2.5 ± 0.4 kg, 2.6 ± 0.5 cm). Erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function 5-item score) improved comparably in the MR (3.4 ± 0.7 points) and CD (2.5 ± 0.5 points) groups, as did the Sexual Desire Inventory score (5.5 ± 2.3 vs 7.7 ± 2.1 points), quality of life (36-item Short Form survey score), plasma testosterone and endothelial function (Reactive Hyperemia Index). Subjects were switched to or continued CD for another 28 weeks. Weight, WC and erectile function were maintained at 40 weeks. MR induces greater reductions in weight and abdominal obesity than conventional diet, and comparable improvements in sexual and endothelial function, testosterone and quality of life.

Comparing the effects of meal replacements with an isocaloric reduced-fat diet on nutrient intake and lower urinary tract symptoms in obese men.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men are associated with obesity, particularly central obesity as measured by waist circumference (WC), and may improve with weight loss. We aimed to compare effects of a meal-replacement based diet with isocaloric reduced-fat plan on LUTS and nutrient intake in obese Asian men. METHODS: Obese Asian [mean (range) body mass index of 32.9 (30.5-42.3) kg m(-2) ] men [mean (range) age 40.2 (30-61) years] were randomised to a reduced-fat (< 30% of energy) diet [conventional reduced-fat diet (CD) group; n = 23] or meal-replacement-based plan [meal replacement (MR) group; n = 23], to reduce daily intake by 2000 kJ for 12 weeks. RESULTS: CD and MR groups had statistically significant and similar reductions in weight (-2.6 ± 1.9 kg versus -4.2 ± 3.8 kg), overall LUTS severity measured with International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS) scores (-1.71 ± 1.93 points versus -2.42 ± 2.12 points) and insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) calculated from plasma glucose and insulin]. The MR group had significantly greater decreases in WC (-4.8 ± 3.3 cm versus -2.5 ± 2.3 cm), fat mass (-2.47 ± 3.63 kg versus -1.59 ± 2.32 kg), fat intake, plasma C-reactive protein, and in storage LUTS score (-1.59 ± 1.33 points versus -1.00 ± 0.87 points), which was associated with a decreased fat intake (r = 0.48, P = 0.03). A decrease in overall IPSS score was associated with reductions in weight, WC and HOMA. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss as a result of CD or MR had similar efficacy in relieving LUTS. MR produced greater reductions in fat intake, adiposity and storage LUTS.

Inadequate dietary calcium intake in elderly patients with hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Calcium supplementation and pharmacotherapy are recommended in the preventive management of osteoporosis. Many previous studies report of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of osteoporosis among elderly patients with hip fractures. We undertook this study to determine the dietary calcium levels in our local elderly population who were admitted with hip fractures. METHODS: 77 patients, between the ages of 60 and 98 years of age, and admitted to our department between January 2001 and September 2001 for hip fractures, were studied. The dietary calcium intakes of these patients were determined by a food frequency questionnaire and a detailed diet history. Bone mineral density (BMD) studies were performed on 55 of these patients to confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis. RESULTS: The mean daily calcium intake was found to be 650 mg. Only six of our hip fracture patients (7.8 percent) had a daily calcium intake above the recommended levels of 1,000 mg per day. For the 55 patients who had BMD performed, only one patient had a BMD within the normal range. 34 patients (64.2 percent) had hip T-scores in the osteoporotic range and 18 patients (33.9 percent) had hip T-scores in the osteopenic range. We found that the patients with BMD in the osteoporotic and osteopenic ranges had no significant difference in the dietary calcium intake. CONCLUSION: The dietary calcium intake of our elderly patients with hip fractures is insufficient. They would benefit from dietary education and calcium supplements to prevent deterioration in bone density and subsequent osteoporotic fractures.