http://www.hindawi.com The latest articles from Hindawi Publishing Corporation © 2013 , Hindawi Publishing Corporation . All rights reserved. Mon, 20 May 2013 14:07:38 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/584547/ The recruitment of new fat cells through adipogenesis may prevent the development of obesity-related comorbidities. However, adipogenic capacity is markedly reduced in mature adults. This study examined how initiation of high-fat feeding at different phases of adulthood modified adipose tissue (AT) morphology and obesity phenotype in obese and diabetic Zucker Diabetic Sprague Dawley (ZDSD) rats. For this, rodents were provided high-fat diet (HFD) beginning at 63, 84, or 112 d after parturition until termination . At termination, ZDSD rats fed HFD beginning at 63 d after parturition (early adulthood) exhibited greater body fat and lower lean mass without significant changes to energy intake or body weight. Moreover, early high fat feeding increased adipocyte size and number, whereas these effects were absent at 84 or 112 d after parturition. At 126 d after parturition, there were no detectable transcript differences in PPARγ or C/EBPα. However, rodents provided HFD in early adolescence exhibited lower expression of canonical Wnt signaling intermediates. Corresponding with these changes was a marked reduction in AT-specific inflammation, as well as overall improvement in systemic glucose, lipid, and inflammatory homeostasis. Taken together, these data indicate that dietary regulation of adipocyte recruitment in adolescence may represent a major determinant of obesity phenotype. Jeremy E. Davis, James Cain, William J. Banz, and Richard G. Peterson Copyright © 2013 Jeremy E. Davis et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 15 May 2013 13:53:38 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/435027/ A psychobiological dimension of eating behaviour is proposed, which is anchored at the low end by energy intake that is relatively well matched to energy output and is reflected by a stable body mass index (BMI) in the healthy range. Further along the continuum are increasing degrees of overeating (and BMI) characterized by more severe and more compulsive ingestive behaviours. In light of the many similarities between chronic binge eating and drug abuse, several authorities have adopted the perspective that an apparent dependence on highly palatable food—accompanied by emotional and social distress—can be best conceptualized as an addiction disorder. Therefore, this review also considers the overlapping symptoms and characteristics of binge eating disorder (BED) and models of food addiction, both in preclinical animal studies and in human research. It also presents this work in the context of the modern and “toxic” food environment and therein the ubiquitous triggers for over-consumption. We complete the review by providing evidence that what we have come to call “food addiction” may simply be a more acute and pathologically dense form of BED. Caroline Davis Copyright © 2013 Caroline Davis. All rights reserved. Tue, 14 May 2013 11:26:58 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/804129/ Background. Individuals attempting weight reduction have varying success when participating in the same intervention. Identifying physiological factors associated with greater weight loss could improve outcomes. Methods. Sixty-one adults (BMI 27–30 kg/m2) participated in a 16-week group-based, cognitive-behavioral control weight loss program. Concentrations of 12 fasting hormones and cytokines related to adiposity, satiety/hunger, and inflammation were measured using the Milliplex human metabolic human panel before and after weight loss. Participants were grouped based on ≥8% (successful group, SG) or <8% weight loss (less successful group, LSG). Results. The SG had 46 subjects (75.4%), while the LSG had 15 (24.6%). There were no differences in baseline sex distribution, age, weight, BMI, and body composition between groups. In the SG, baseline to the 16-week levels decreased significantly for c-peptide (1,030 versus 891 pg/mL, ), insulin (665 versus 541 pg/mL, ), and leptin (0.83 versus 0.58 ng/mL/kg fat, ). None of the baseline analytes predicted greater weight loss. Conclusions. Successful weight loss was associated with changes in adiposity (less fat mass) and unfavorable hunger signals. No baseline biomarker profile was associated with weight loss success. Behavioral factors may have outweighed physiological signals for determining successful weight loss. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00429650. Sarit Polsky, Lorraine Garratt Ogden, Paul Scown MacLean, Erin Danielle Giles, Carrie Brill, and Holly Roxanna Wyatt Copyright © 2013 Sarit Polsky et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:38:53 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/473764/ A reduction of visceral fat is important for improvement of metabolic risk. This study was designed to compare the effects of a web-based program alone or together with measurement and self-awareness of accumulated visceral fat in Japanese workers. A new noninvasive device to measure visceral fat accumulation was introduced, and efficacy on weight-loss and improvement of healthy behaviors were examined. This study was conducted according to Helsinki declaration and approved by the ethical committee of Japan Hospital Organization, National Kyoto Hospital. Two-hundred and sixteen overweight and obese males with BMI of more than 23 participated from 8 healthcare offices of 3 Japanese private companies. Subjects were randomly allocated into control group, Web-based weight-loss program (Web), or Web + Visceral fat measurement group (Web + VFA). Eighty-one percent of participants completed the study. Reductions of body weight, waist circumference, and BMI were the largest in Web + VFA group, and the differences between groups were significant by ANOVA. Improvements of healthy behaviors were the largest in Web + VFA group, and the differences of healthy eating improvement scores between Web + VFA and control groups were significant. Our findings suggest that measurement and awareness of visceral fat are effective in weight reduction in overweight and obese males in the workplace. Naoki Sakane, Seitaro Dohi, Koichi Sakata, Shin-ichi Hagiwara, Toshihisa Morimoto, Takanobu Uchida, Mitsuhiro Katashima, Yoshiko Yanagisawa, Takeshi Yasumasu, and J-VALUE Study Group Copyright © 2013 Naoki Sakane et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:29:20 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/210524/ Obesity is a world-wide pandemic and its incidence is on the rise along with associated comorbidities. Currently, there are few effective therapies to combat obesity. The use of lifestyle modification therapy, namely, improvements in diet and exercise, is preferable over bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy due to surgical risks and issues with drug efficacy and safety. Although they are initially successful in producing weight loss, such lifestyle intervention strategies are generally unsuccessful in achieving long-term weight maintenance, with the vast majority of obese patients regaining their lost weight during followup. Recently, various compensatory mechanisms have been elucidated by which the body may oppose new weight loss, and this compensation may result in weight regain back to the obese baseline. The present review summarizes the available evidence on these compensatory mechanisms, with a focus on weight loss-induced changes in energy expenditure, neuroendocrine pathways, nutrient metabolism, and gut physiology. These findings have added a major focus to the field of antiobesity research. In addition to investigating pathways that induce weight loss, the present work also focuses on pathways that may instead prevent weight regain. Such strategies will be necessary for improving long-term weight loss maintenance and outcomes for patients who struggle with obesity. Erik Scott Blomain, Dara Anne Dirhan, Michael Anthony Valentino, Gilbert Won Kim, and Scott Arthur Waldman Copyright © 2013 Erik Scott Blomain et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:43:32 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/324259/ Introduction. An understanding of adolescents’ use of technology across ages and communities could allow for future targeted obesity intervention strategies. Methods. Focus groups of adolescents from rural, suburban, and urban cities in three states were conducted. Focus groups were led by a trained facilitator to explore how participants used technologies and whether they applied them for fitness purposes. All focus groups were audio recorded and manually transcribed. Analysis was conducted by three investigators using an iterative process. Results. Five focus groups included adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years (20 females and 8 males.) Three themes were derived from our data. First, we found age differences regarding technology applied to fitness. Younger participants described technology as a complement to fitness; older participants viewed technology as a motivator for fitness. Second, differences in fitness approaches existed between rural and urban adolescents. Adolescents in rural communities reported focusing on the outdoors for fitness, while urban adolescents relied on fitness-oriented video games. Both rural and urban teens related having a lack of fitness-focused resources in their communities. Conclusions. Our findings indicate differences in adolescents’ application of technology for fitness. Despite adolescents’ differing uses of technology across communities, a common need exists to expand their resources. Erika Mikulec, Natalie Goniu, and Megan Moreno Copyright © 2013 Erika Mikulec et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:29:45 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/161345/ Obesity and its comorbidities affect millions of people. Here, we demonstrate that human preadipocytes are susceptible to programmed cell death (apoptosis) while mature adipocytes are resistant to apoptosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotype of apoptosis-resistant adipocytes are lesser known. To study the role of apoptosis and define molecular differences in the developmental process of adipogenesis, human preadipocytes were differentiated in vitro to mature adipocytes. Many genes in the apoptosis pathway are alternatively spliced. Our data demonstrates that during differentiation PKCδ, Bclx, and Caspase9 switch to their prosurvival splice variants along with an increase in Bcl2 expression when the cells terminally differentiate into mature adipocytes. Next we determined the expression pattern of these genes in obesity. Our data indicated high expression of PKCδVIII in adipose tissue of obese patient in different depots. We demonstrate a shift in the in vitro expression of these splice variants in differentiating preadipocytes derived from obese patients along with a decrease in adipogenesis markers. Hence, the programmed splicing of antiapoptotic proteins is a pivotal switch in differentiation that commits adipocytes to a prosurvival pathway. The expression pattern of these genes is dysregulated in obesity and may contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction. Gay Carter, André Apostolatos, Rekha Patel, Abhishek Mathur, Denise Cooper, Michel Murr, and Niketa A. Patel Copyright © 2013 Gay Carter et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:30:47 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/752081/ Rigorous evaluation of large-scale community-based obesity interventions can provide important guidance to policy and decision makers. The eat well be active (ewba) Community Programs, a five-year multilevel, multistrategy community-based obesity intervention targeting children in a range of settings, was delivered in two communities. A comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation using a quasiexperimental design with nonmatched comparison communities was undertaken. This paper describes the changes in primary school children's attitudes, behaviours, knowledge, and environments associated with healthy eating and physical activity, based on data from six questionnaires completed pre- and postintervention by students, parents, and school representatives. As self-reported by students in years from five to seven there were few significant improvements over time in healthy eating and physical activity behaviours, attitudes, knowledge, and perceived environments, and there were few changes in the home environment (parent report). Overall there were considerably more improvements in intervention compared with comparison schools affecting all environmental areas, namely, policy, physical, financial, and sociocultural, in addition to improvements in teacher skill and knowledge. These improvements in children's learning environments are important and likely to be sustainable as they reflect a change of school culture. More sensitive evaluation tools may detect behaviour changes. Anthea Margaret Magarey, Tahna Lee Pettman, Annabelle Wilson, and Nadia Mastersson Copyright © 2013 Anthea Margaret Magarey et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:37:53 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/462394/ Objective. To examine measurement of body composition by ultrasound compared with a reference technique:dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We evaluated the accuracy of a portable ultrasound-based device in estimating total body fat mass with those assessed by DXA in adult. Methods. Body fat mass has been estimated using a portable ultrasound-based device in comparison with a contemporary reference DXA apparatus: the Hologic Discovery A. Anthropometric data has been assessed in order to maximize the output of the software associated with the ultrasound-based device. A cross-validation between ultrasound technique (US) and DXA was developed in this study. Total body fat mass estimated by ultrasound was compared with this DXA model in a sample of 83 women and 41 men. Results. Ultrasound technique (US) of body fat (BF) was better correlated with DXA in both women (, ) and men (, ) with standard errors of estimates (SEE) being 2.1 kg and 2.2 kg, respectively. Conclusion. The use of a portable device based on a US produced a very accurate BF estimate in relation to DXA reference technique. As DXA absorptiometry techniques are not interchangeable, the use of our ultrasound-based device needs to be recalibrated on a more contemporary DXA. Jean-Claude Pineau, Loïc Lalys, Massimo Pellegrini, and Nino Carlo Battistini Copyright © 2013 Jean-Claude Pineau et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:28:10 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/284516/ Background. Obese adults are frequently vitamin D deficient before bariatric surgery; whether similar abnormalities exist in morbidly obese adolescents is unknown. Objective. To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese adolescents. Methods. Cross-sectional study of preoperative laboratory measures from 236 adolescents evaluated for bariatric surgery. Results. The group ( with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels; 76 boys, 143 girls; years; 43% Caucasian, 35% Hispanic, and 15% African American) had mean BMI of  kg/m2. 25OHD levels were deficient (<20 ng/mL) in 53%; 8% had severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL); only 18% of patients were replete (>30 ng/mL). 25OHD levels were inversely associated with BMI (, ) and PTH levels (, ). Race was the strongest predictor of 25OHD (); 82% of African Americans, 59% of Hispanics, and 37% of Caucasians were deficient. African American race, BMI, and PTH explained 21% of the variance in 25OHD (). Conclusions. Most adolescents presenting for bariatric surgery have suboptimal vitamin D levels, with African Americans and those with higher BMIs at greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency. All morbidly obese adolescents should be screened for vitamin D deficiency before bariatric procedures. Marisa Censani, Emily M. Stein, Elizabeth Shane, Sharon E. Oberfield, Donald J. McMahon, Shulamit Lerner, and Ilene Fennoy Copyright © 2013 Marisa Censani et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:19:12 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/498527/ Background. To our knowledge no study has been conducted in Tunisia to describe practice of health care providers towards chronic disease risk factors, particularly among obese adults. Aim. This study is aimed at assessing the level of giving advice on diet and physical activity by health care providers for obese adults comparing to nonobese adults in Tunisia. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2010 for adults aged from18 to 65 years living in the region of Sousse. The questionnaires were administered by an interview made by trained data collectors to standardize the administration of the questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were obtained using a standardized protocol from each participant. Results. The findings from this study indicate that obesity is frequent among adults essentially among women and aged categories. It also shows that obese adults are not adequately diagnosed with few proportion of anthropometric measure evaluation among all the participants. Even if obese participants were significantly more advised than nonobese participants with, respectively, 28.5% to lose weight and 23.8% to increase physical activity, this proportion remains low. Jihene Maatoug, Imed Harrabi, Sonia Hmad, Mylene Belkacem, Asma Nouira, and Hassen Ghannem Copyright © 2013 Jihene Maatoug et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:57:43 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/134835/ Background. The physical activity transition is contributing to an increase in childhood obesity and a decrease in fitness worldwide. This study compared body composition and fitness measures in children from three countries and examined intercountry differences in the relationship between these variables. Methods. Participants consisted of 736 Canadian, 193 Mexican, and 179 Kenyan children aged 9–13 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triceps skinfolds, aerobic fitness, and muscular fitness were measured. Linear regression was used to examine associations between variables. Results. The prevalence of obesity was the highest in Mexican children (9.2% boys, 8.4% girls) and the lowest in Kenyan children (0.9% boys, 2.8% girls). Aerobic fitness ( in mL/kg/min) was the highest in Kenyan children (50.2 boys, 46.7 girls) and the lowest in Canadian children (41.3 boys, 38.3 girls). Aerobic fitness was negatively associated with body composition measures irrespective of country and sex. Mexican children with low aerobic fitness had higher body composition measures than Canadian and Kenyan children. Muscular fitness was not associated with the body composition measures in Kenyan children but was a weak positive correlate of BMI and waist circumference in Canadian and Mexican children. Conclusion. The current study provides some evidence to support the physical activity transition hypothesis. M. Héroux, V. Onywera, M. S. Tremblay, K. B. Adamo, J. Lopez Taylor, E. Jáuregui Ulloa, and I. Janssen Copyright © 2013 M. Héroux et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:39:49 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/796454/ Introduction. Obesity is a condition that causes damage to the respiratory function. However, studies have demonstrated that weight loss due to bariatric surgery has resulted in a huge improvement on some lung volumes, but controversy still persists regarding the behavior of the respiratory muscle strength and IRV (inspiratory reserve volume). Objective. To evaluate the effect of weight loss, after 1 year of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), on the lung volumes and the respiratory muscle strength in obese women. Methods. 24 obese women candidates were recruited for RYGB. Lung volumes (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated in preoperative period and one year after surgery. Results. There was a significant increase in some lung volumes. However, when examining the components of the VC (vital capacity) separately, an increase in ERV (expiratory reserve volume) and reduction of IRV were observed. Moreover, a statistically significant reduction in the values of respiratory muscle strength was recorded: MIP (maximal inspiratory pressure) and MEP (maximal expiratory pressure). Conclusion. Weight loss induced by bariatric surgery provides an increase in some lung volumes of obese women, but reduction in IRV. Additionally, there was also a reduction in the respiratory muscle strength. Marcela Cangussu Barbalho-Moulim, Gustavo Peixoto Soares Miguel, Eli Maria Pazzianotto Forti, Flávio do Amaral Campos, Fabiana Sobral Peixoto-Souza, and Dirceu Costa Copyright © 2013 Marcela Cangussu Barbalho-Moulim et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:01:45 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/943423/ Background. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered an effective and well-tolerated surgical procedure. In this retrospective study, we critically assessed efficacy and negative personal experiences (NPEs) after RYGB with a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ). Methods. This questionnaire study included 404 patients who had undergone RYGB. Analysis was performed using data from medical records, referral letters, and SAQs at an average of 33 months after procedure. We evaluated the occurrence of hypertension, CPEP use and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the amount of excess weight loss, degree of satisfaction and negative personal experiences (NPEs) related to the procedure, and adherence to a dedicated life style program and (non)attendance to followup. consults after surgery. Results. 42.3% of all SAQs were evaluable for analysis. T2DM remained similar, while hypertension and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use decreased significantly; excess weight loss of ≥40% was reported in 69% and of <40% in 19%, a significant improvement. Absolute weight gain was reported in 10.5%, fatigue in 44.4%, dysphagia in 11.6%, and other NPEs in 7.6%. Dissatisfaction over weight loss was reported in 9.4%. Mean number of follow-up visits was 9.6 per respondent, while nonattendance of any follow-up visit consults occurred in 1.8%. Conclusions. The use of post-RYGB SAQs provided evaluable data in 42.3%. Treatment failure after RYGB appears to be relevant, encouraging the use of SAQ studies in large cohorts. Rogier Hörchner and Dave Schweitzer Copyright © 2013 Rogier Hörchner and Dave Schweitzer. All rights reserved. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:28 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/342802/ The association of abdominal obesity with cardiovascular risk is often linked to altered secretion of adipose-derived factors and an abnormal lipid profile including formation of atherogenic small dense low density lipoprotein particles (sdLDL). Acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) is an adipose-derived hormone that exhibits potent lipogenic effects. Plasma ASP levels increase in obesity; however, the association of ASP levels with body fat distribution is not yet established, and no study to date has investigated the association of ASP with LDL size. In this study, we examined the association of ASP levels with abdominal obesity measures and the lipid profile including LDL size in 83 men with a wide range of abdominal girths. Regression analysis showed that waist/hip ratio was the main predictor of ASP levels (β = 0.52, ), significantly followed by decreased LDL size. BMI and TG levels, although positively correlated with ASP levels, were excluded as significant predictors in regression analysis. No correlation was found with LDL-C or apoB levels. ASP levels were 62.5% higher in abdominally obese compared to nonobese men. Waist/hip ratio presenting as the main predictor of ASP levels, suggests increased ASP production by abdominal fat which, as proposed previously, may result from resistance to ASP function causing delayed TG clearance and subsequent formation of atherogenic sdLDL. Jumana Saleh, Rabab A. Wahab, Hatem Farhan, Issa Al-Amri, and Katherine Cianflone Copyright © 2013 Jumana Saleh et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:01:51 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/582967/ Background. Since most people are aware of their clothing size (CS), this prospective study explored the potential utility of CS as a proxy for body size and as a predictor of incident obesity-related health conditions in children. Methods. This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 725 children aged 6–18 yr. We collected clinical, anthropometric, and sartorial data on all study subjects. Parents reported their children’s usual CS. This was compared with US clothing chart for children. Based on this we determined whether a child’s CS was appropriate or large for age. Results. The prevalence of overweight/obese was 31.4%. Among the study subjects, 36% usually wore large CS. Children who wore large CS were more likely to be overweight/obese compared to those in the normal CS group (OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 4.0–8.0, ). Similarly, large CS was associated with higher rates of incident asthma (), obstructive sleep apnea (), habitual snoring (), and elevated preoperative blood pressure (). Conclusion. CS in children is associated with higher indices of adiposity and increased rates of obesity-related comorbidities. Olubukola O. Nafiu and Constance Burke Copyright © 2013 Olubukola O. Nafiu and Constance Burke. All rights reserved. Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:43:53 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/586497/ Lack of physical activity has contributed to the nation’s childhood obesity crisis, but the impact of physical activity on self-efficacy as a mediator of behavior change has not been examined. This systematic review (SR) describes the published evidence related to the impact of physical activity intervention programs on self-efficacy among youths. From January 2000 to June 2011, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were used to identify publications from PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochran Database of Systematic Reviews. The Cochrane Population, Intervention, Control, Outcome, Study Design (PICOS) approach guided this SR articles selection and evaluation process. Of the 102 publications screened, 10 original studies matched the SR inclusion criteria. The types of physical activity interventions and self-efficacy assessments for these 10 studies were diverse. Of the 10 included articles, 6 articles identified an improvement in post-self-efficacy assessments compared to baseline and 4 showed no effect. In conclusion, physical activity intervention programs may improve self-efficacy in youths. A standardized approach to classify and measure self-efficacy is required. Further research is needed to quantify the association of self-efficacy ratings after completing physical activity interventions with objective health improvements, such as weight loss. Rosa Cataldo, Janice John, Latha Chandran, Susmita Pati, and A. Laurie W. Shroyer Copyright © 2013 Rosa Cataldo et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:38:58 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/492060/ Obesity is an escalating problem in all age groups and it is observed to be more common in females than males. About 25% of women meet the criteria of obesity and one-third of them are in the reproductive age. Because morbid obesity requiring surgical treatment is observed with increasing frequency, surgeons and gynecologists are undergoing new challenges. It is not only a matter of women’s health and their quality of life but also proper development of the fetus, which should be a concern during bariatric treatment. Therefore complex perinatal care has to be provided for morbid obesity patients. The paper reviews pregnancy and fertility issues in bariatric surgery patients. Lukasz Kaska, Jarek Kobiela, Anna Abacjew-Chmylko, Lukasz Chmylko, Magdalena Wojanowska-Pindel, Paulina Kobiela, Anna Walerzak, Wojciech Makarewicz, Monika Proczko-Markuszewska, and Tomasz Stefaniak Copyright © 2013 Lukasz Kaska et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:21:53 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/314295/ Although progress has been made to understand the association between physiological and lifestyle behaviors with regard to obesity, ethnic differences in markers of obesity and pathways towards obesity remain somewhat unexplained. However, obesity remains a serious growing concern. This paper highlights ethnic differences in African Americans and Caucasians that may contribute to the higher prevalence of obesity among African Americans. Understanding ethnic differences in metabolic syndrome criteria, functioning of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, variations in glucocorticoid sensitivity and insulin resistance, and physical activity and cardiovascular fitness levels may help to inform practical clinical and public health interventions and reduce obesity disparities. Preetha Anna Abraham, Josh Ben Kazman, Stacey Anne Zeno, and Patricia Anne Deuster Copyright © 2013 Preetha Anna Abraham et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:13:29 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/757431/ Obesity and obesity-related diseases (cardiovascular disease/metabolic risk factors) are experienced differently in individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, which originate in childhood. Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity and related diseases. Both physical activity and metabolic risk factors track to adulthood, and thus understanding the physical activity patterns in children from different ethnic backgrounds is important. Given the limitations of self-report measures in children, this study provides a review of studies which have objectively measured physical activity patterns in children from different ethnic backgrounds. From a total of 16 studies, it can be concluded that physical activity does seem to vary amongst the ethnic groups especially South Asian and Black compared to White EU (European Union). The findings are less consistent for Hispanic/Mexican American children. However, there are several methodological limitations which need to be considered in future studies. Firstly, there is a need for consistency in the measurement of physical activity. Secondly, there are a range of complex factors such as socioeconomic status and body composition which affect both physical activity and ethnicity. Studies have failed to account for these differences limiting the ability to generalise that ethnicity is an independent risk factor for physical activity. Emma Lisa Jane Eyre and Michael J. Duncan Copyright © 2013 Emma Lisa Jane Eyre and Michael J. Duncan. All rights reserved. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:22:36 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/910586/ Background. Morbid obesity is believed to be an extreme of the metabolic spectrum. Moreover, diabetes is hypothesized to be associated with a chronic inflammatory state that is not observed in nondiabetic healthy individuals. We investigated the differences in expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by surgical stress between diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Method. 39 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (9 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) were compared with 8 nonobese euglycemic patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Cytokine levels for IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 were measured 15 minutes before surgery and immediately after surgery. Results. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were elevated from baseline following surgery, but morbidly obese patients exhibited a much higher elevation than lean patients. Individuals with type 2 diabetes had the most pronounced IL-6 and IL-10 elevations. Baseline IL-18 levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic or lean patients. However, IL-18 levels were not changed in response to surgery. Conclusions. Diabetes and morbid obesity are associated with augmented cytokine expression in response to surgical trauma that is several folds higher than in nonobese euglycemic patients. Diabetic patients exhibit a chronic elevation in IL-18 that is not changed by surgical stress. Edward Lin and Nana Gletsu-Miller Copyright © 2013 Edward Lin and Nana Gletsu-Miller. All rights reserved. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:20:25 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/751401/ Ghrelin plays key roles in energy homeostasis by central and peripheral actions that include effects on insulin signalling pathways in liver. Insulin is an important inhibitor of production by hepatocytes of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) which has an endocrine role to inhibit IGF availability. The effects of ghrelin, insulin, an AMPK activator, and an AMPK inhibitor on IGFBP-1 secretion were studied in H4-II-E rat liver cells. Ghrelin (100 nM) blocked the inhibitory effect of a maximally effective concentration of insulin (10 ng/mL) on IGFBP-1 secretion during a 5 h incubation period () in the absence and presence of an AMPK inhibitor. Ghrelin, alone, had no effect on IGFBP-1 production, but enhanced secretion independently of insulin under conditions of AMPK activation (). In conclusion, IGFBP-1 is identified as a novel target of ghrelin action in liver that may contribute to its metabolic effects in obesity. Moira S. Lewitt Copyright © 2013 Moira S. Lewitt. All rights reserved. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:08:18 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/142097/ Aim. Our aim was to study how different BMI scores may influence the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, glucose, and lipid metabolism, in lean, overweight, and obese Portuguese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We studied 28 lean, 38 overweight, and 17 obese patients with T2DM and 20 controls (gender and age matched). The circulating levels of oxLDL, CRP, and some adipokines—adiponectin, leptin, and chemerin—and the lipid profile were evaluated. Results. Obese patients presented significantly lower levels of adiponectin and higher leptin, oxLDL, and chemerin levels, as compared to the overweight, lean, and control groups. Overweight, compared to lean and control, subjects showed significantly lower adiponectin and higher leptin and chemerin levels; oxLDL values were significantly higher in overweight than in lean patients. Lean patients presented significantly higher chemerin values than the control. Obese patients presented significantly higher CRP values, as compared to lean patients and the control group. Obese and overweight patients presented significantly higher triglycerides values than lean patients. Except for CRP, all the observed significant changes between control and patients remained significant after statistical adjustment for the body mass index (BMI). Conclusion. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, oxLDL, CRP, and triglycerides in patients with T2DM seem to be more associated with obesity and less with diabetes. Chemerin levels were raised in lean, overweight, and obese patients, suggesting that, independently of BMI, an adipocyte dysfunction occurs. Moreover, chemerin may provide an important early biomarker of adipocyte dysfunction and a link between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Maria João Neuparth, Jorge Brandão Proença, Alice Santos-Silva, and Susana Coimbra Copyright © 2013 Maria João Neuparth et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:22:45 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/895687/ Given the associations between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD), we evaluated a related but less well-established association between waist circumference and brachial artery reactivity (BAR), a functional measurement of subclinical CVD, where lower levels indicate dysfunction. Regression models examined trends in mean BAR across waist circumference tertiles in police officers, a high-stress occupational group with increased risk for CVD. Mean BAR decreased across increasing waist tertiles among men, but not women, and this association was stronger among officers who consumed more alcohol. Larger waist circumference may be associated with lower BAR, providing an opportunity for intervention prior to disease development. Penelope Baughman, Desta Fekedulegn, Michael E. Andrew, Parveen Nedra Joseph, Joan M. Dorn, John M. Violanti, and Cecil M. Burchfiel Copyright © 2013 Penelope Baughman et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:22:18 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2013/506751/ Objective. Risk phenotypes for cardiovascular disease (CVD) differ markedly between countries, like the reported high difference in CVD mortality in Austria and Estonia. Hitherto, the goal of this study was to find out risk profiles in body fat distribution yet present in childhood, paving the way for later clinical end points. Methods. he subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution patterns in 553 Austrian (A) and Estonian (E) clinically healthy normal weight boys aged 11.1 (±0.8) years were analysed. We applied the patented optical device Lipometer which determines the individual subcutaneous adipose tissue topography (SAT-Top). Results. Total body fat did not differ significantly between E and A boys. A discriminant analysis using all Lipometer data, BMI, and the total body fat (TBF) yielded 84.6% of the boys correctly classified in Estonians and Austrians by 9 body sites. A factor analysis identified the SAT distribution of E as critically similar to male adult patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Conclusions. We show in normal weight Estonian boys a highly significant decreased fat accumulation on the lower body site compared to age matched Austrian males. This SAT-Top phenotype may play an important role for the increased cardiovascular risk seen in the Estonian population. Sandra J. Wallner-Liebmann, Reinhard Moeller, Renate Horejsi, Toivo Jürimäe, Jaak Jürimäe, Jarek Mäestu, Priit Purge, Meeli Saar, Erwin Tafeit, Petra Kaimbacher, Renate Kruschitz, Daniel Weghuber, Wolfgang J. Schnedl, and Harald Mangge Copyright © 2013 Sandra J. Wallner-Liebmann et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:23:42 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2012/603205/ African-Americans have more hypertension, stroke, and type 2 diabetes than do Caucasians. Endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance are precursors for each. Since these diseases have origins in pediatrics and are associated with obesity, this study was designed to determine if obesity has different effects on endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, and secretion in African-American and Caucasian adolescents. Thirty-three Caucasian and 25 African-Americans (10–18 years old) were subdivided by BMI into lean, overweight, and obesity groups. Endothelial function was measured as forearm vascular resistance (FVR) over 1 min following 5 min of upper arm vascular occlusion. Insulin sensitivity and secretion were measured using intravenous glucose tolerance test and minimal model. Postocclusive FVR was significantly increased in obese African-Americans. Insulin sensitivity was reduced in obese subjects but did not differ by race. Insulin secretion was increased in African-Americans but did not differ by obesity. Subjects were subdivided into risk groups based on 20th percentile for postocclusion FVR response in lean. Seven of nine obese African-Americans were in the high risk group compared to 0 of 5 obese Caucasians. These results demonstrate that obesity significantly impairs endothelial function in African-Americans. Endothelial dysfunction likely predisposes to future cardiometabolic disease in obese African-American adolescents. Robert P. Hoffman Copyright © 2012 Robert P. Hoffman. All rights reserved. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:03:51 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2012/675285/ We review the current concepts about energy expenditure and evaluate the physical activity (PhA) in the context of this knowledge and the available literature. Regular PhA is correlated with low body weight and low body fat mass. The negative fat balance is probably secondary to this negative energy balance. Nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and physical activity, that is crucial for weight control, may be important in the physiology of weight change. An intriguing doubt that remains unresolved is whether changes in nutrient intake or body composition secondarily affect the spontaneous physical activity. Carmine Finelli, Saverio Gioia, and Nicolina La Sala Copyright © 2012 Carmine Finelli et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:58:48 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2012/960427/ Background. Oxidative stress is enhanced in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and believed to contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis. Weight loss is associated with lowered oxidative stress. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study in 92 consecutive patients with metabolic syndrome and 80 without. A dietary intervention with moderately low-calorie diet (600 calories/day negative energy balance) was carried out in 53 of metabolic syndrome patients. Oxidative stress, assessed by sNOX2-dp and urinary 8-iso-PGF2α, and antioxidant status, assessed by serum levels of vitamin E and adiponectin, were measured before and after 6 months. Results. Serum vitamin E/cholesterol ratio was significantly lower in metabolic syndrome compared to controls () and decreased by increasing the number of metabolic syndrome components (). After six months, 23 and 30 patients showed >5% (group A) or <5% (group B) weight loss, respectively. Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α (−39.0%), serum sNOX2-dp (−22.2%), adiponectin (+125%), and vitamin E/cholesterol ratio (+129.8%) significantly changed only in A group. Changes in body weight and in serum adiponectin were independent predictors of vitamin E/cholesterol ratio variation. Conclusion. Our findings show that in metabolic syndrome moderate weight loss is associated with multiple health benefits including not only oxidative stress reduction but also enhancement of antioxidant status. Maria Del Ben, Francesco Angelico, Roberto Cangemi, Lorenzo Loffredo, Roberto Carnevale, Teresa Augelletti, Francesco Baratta, Licia Polimeni, Pasquale Pignatelli, and Francesco Violi Copyright © 2012 Maria Del Ben et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:00:51 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2012/903868/ This study explored the health beliefs about eating habits and physical activity (PA) of Surinamese immigrants of Indian (Hindustani) descent to examine how health education messages to prevent obesity can be made more culturally sensitive. Indians are known for their increasing obesity incidence and are highly vulnerable for obesity-related consequences such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Therefore they might benefit from culturally sensitive health education messages that stimulate healthy eating habits and increase PA levels. In order to examine how health education messages aimed at preventing obesity could be adapted to Indian culture, we interviewed eight Hindustanis living in The Netherland, and conducted two focus groups () with members from a Surinamese Hindustani community. Results showed cultural implications that might affect the effectiveness of health education messages: karma has a role in explaining the onset of illness, traditional eating habits are perceived as difficult to change, and PA was generally disliked. We conclude that health education messages aimed at Hindustani immigrants should recognize the role of karma in explaining the onset of illness, include more healthy alternatives for traditional foods, pay attention to the symbolic meaning of food, and suggest more enjoyable and culturally sensitive forms of PA for women. A.-M. Hendriks, J. S. Gubbels, M. W. J. Jansen, and S. P. J. Kremers Copyright © 2012 A.-M. Hendriks et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 09 Dec 2012 13:12:50 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/obesity/2012/437198/ Obesity has become a serious public health problem and a major risk factor for the development of illnesses, such as insulin resistance and hypertension. Attempts to understand the causes of obesity and develop new therapeutic strategies have mostly focused on caloric intake and energy expenditure. Recent studies have shown that the circadian clock controls energy homeostasis by regulating the circadian expression and/or activity of enzymes, hormones, and transport systems involved in metabolism. Moreover, disruption of circadian rhythms leads to obesity and metabolic disorders. Therefore, it is plausible that resetting of the circadian clock can be used as a new approach to attenuate obesity. Feeding regimens, such as restricted feeding (RF), calorie restriction (CR), and intermittent fasting (IF), provide a time cue and reset the circadian clock and lead to better health. In contrast, high-fat (HF) diet leads to disrupted circadian expression of metabolic factors and obesity. This paper focuses on circadian rhythms and their link to obesity. Oren Froy Copyright © 2012 Oren Froy. All rights reserved.