Association between Mediterranean and Nordic diet scores and changes in weight and waist circumference: influence of FTO and TCF7L2 loci. Effects of a healthy Nordic diet on cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolaemic subjects: a randomized controlled trial (NORDIET). Supplementation of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Is Associated with Gut Microbial Changes and Reduction in Obesity Plasma alkylresorcinols reflect important whole-grain components of a healthy Nordic diet. Influence of a prudent diet on circulating cathepsin S in humans The effect of energy restriction, walking, and exercise on lower extremity lean body mass in obese women with osteoarthritis of the knee Effects of workplace-based dietary and/or physical activity interventions for weight management targeting healthcare professionals: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials Plasma alkylresorcinols C17:0/C21:0 ratio, a biomarker of relative whole-grain rye intake, is associated to insulin sensitivity: a randomized study A comparison of megestrol acetate, nandrolone decanoate and dietary counselling for HIV associated weight loss. Exogenous androgens influence body composition and regional body fat distribution in obese postmenopausal women--a clinical research center study. Influence of a healthy Nordic diet on serum fatty acid composition and associations with blood lipoproteins – results from the NORDIET study Effects of a popular exercise and weight loss program on weight loss, body composition, energy expenditure and health in obese women Risk factors, complications and survival after upper abdominal surgery: a prospective cohort study FTO Genotype and 2-Year Change in Body Composition and Fat Distribution in Response to Weight-Loss Diets The effects of four hypocaloric diets containing different levels of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup on weight loss and related parameters Amelioration of Cholesterol Induced Atherosclerosis by Normalizing Gene Expression, Cholesterol Profile and Antioxidant Enzymes by Vigna unguiculata Effect of diet and exercise, alone or combined, on weight and body composition in overweight-to-obese postmenopausal women. Cold-activated brown adipose tissue in healthy men. Almond Consumption during Energy Restriction Lowers Truncal Fat and Blood Pressure in Compliant Overweight or Obese Adults. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate vs. Calcium Hydroxide in Primary Molar Pulpotomy: A Systematic Review Changes in weight loss, body composition and cardiovascular disease risk after altering macronutrient distributions during a regular exercise program in obese women Physical Activity/Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes Isocaloric Diets High in Animal or Plant Protein Reduce Liver Fat and Inflammation in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet measured by using the Mediterranean diet score ( MDS ) is associated with lower obesity risk . The newly proposed Nordic Diet could hold similar beneficial effects . Because of the increasing focus on the interaction between diet and genetic predisposition to adiposity , studies should consider both diet and genetics . OBJECTIVE We investigated whether FTO rs9939609 and TCF7L2 rs7903146 modified the association between the MDS and Nordic diet score ( NDS ) and changes in weight ( Δweight ) , waist circumference ( ΔWC ) , and waist circumference adjusted for body mass index ( BMI ) ( ΔWC BMI ) . DESIGN We conducted a case-cohort study with a median follow-up of 6.8 y that included 11,048 participants from 5 European countries ; 5552 of these subjects were cases defined as individuals with the greatest degree of unexplained weight gain during follow-up . A r and omly selected subcohort included 6548 participants , including 5496 noncases . Cases and noncases were compared in analyses by using logistic regression . Continuous traits ( ie , Δweight , ΔWC , and ΔWC BMI ) were analyzed by using linear regression models in the r and om subcohort . Interactions were tested by including interaction terms in models . RESULTS A higher MDS was significantly inversely associated with case status ( OR : 0.98 ; 95 % CI : 0.96 , 1.00 ) , ΔWC ( β = -0.010 cm/y ; 95 % CI : -0.020 , -0.001 cm/y ) , and ΔWC BMI ( β = -0.008 ; 95 % CI:-0.015 , -0.001 ) per 1-point increment but not Δweight ( P = 0.53 ) . The NDS was not significantly associated with any outcome . There was a borderline significant interaction between the MDS and TCF7L2 rs7903146 on weight gain ( P = 0.05 ) , which suggested a beneficial effect of the MDS only in subjects who carried 1 or 2 risk alleles . FTO did not modify observed associations . CONCLUSIONS A high MDS is associated with a lower ΔWC and ΔWC BMI , regardless of FTO and TCF7L2 risk alleles . For Δweight , findings were less clear , but the effect may depend on the TCF7L2 rs7903146 variant . The NDS was not associated with anthropometric changes during follow-up OBJECTIVE the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) on cardiovascular risk factors . DESIGN AND SUBJECTS in a r and omized controlled trial ( NORDIET ) conducted in Sweden , 88 mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects were r and omly assigned to an ad libitum ND or control diet ( subjects ' usual Western diet ) for 6 weeks . Participants in the ND group were provided with all meals and foods . Primary outcome measurements were low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , and secondary outcomes were blood pressure ( BP ) and insulin sensitivity ( fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment -insulin resistance ) . The ND was rich in high-fibre plant foods , fruits , berries , vegetables , whole grains , rapeseed oil , nuts , fish and low-fat milk products , but low in salt , added sugars and saturated fats . RESULTS the ND contained 27 % , 52 % , 19 % and 2 % of energy from fat , carbohydrate , protein and alcohol , respectively . In total , 86 of 88 subjects r and omly assigned to diet completed the study . Compared with controls , there was a decrease in plasma cholesterol ( -16 % , P < 0.001 ) , LDL cholesterol ( -21 % , P < 0.001 ) , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol ( -5 % , P < 0.01 ) , LDL/HDL ( -14 % , P < 0.01 ) and apolipoprotein (apo)B/apoA1 ( -1 % , P < 0.05 ) in the ND group . The ND reduced insulin ( -9 % , P = 0.01 ) and systolic BP by -6.6 ± 13.2 mmHg ( -5 % , P < 0.05 ) compared with the control diet . Despite the ad libitum nature of the ND , body weight decreased after 6 weeks in the ND compared with the control group ( -4 % , P < 0.001 ) . After adjustment for weight change , the significant differences between groups remained for blood lipids , but not for insulin sensitivity or BP . There were no significant differences in diastolic BP or triglyceride or glucose concentrations . CONCLUSIONS a healthy ND improves blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure at clinical ly relevant levels in hypercholesterolaemic subjects Objective To investigate the functional effects of probiotic treatment on the gut microbiota , as well as liver and adipose gene expression in diet-induced obese mice . Design Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet ( HFD ) for 8 weeks to induce obesity , and then r and omized to receive HFD+probiotic ( Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 , n = 9 ) or HFD+placebo ( n = 9 ) for another 10 weeks . Normal diet ( ND ) fed mice ( n = 9 ) served as non-obese controls . Results Diet-induced obese mice treated with probiotics showed reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation as well as lowered plasma insulin , leptin , total-cholesterol and liver toxicity biomarkers . A total of 151,061 pyrosequencing reads for fecal microbiota were analyzed with a mean of 6,564 , 5,274 and 4,464 reads for the ND , HFD+placebo and HFD+probiotic groups , respectively . Gut microbiota species were shared among the experimental groups despite the different diets and treatments . The diversity of the gut microbiota and its composition were significantly altered in the diet-induced obese mice and after probiotic treatment . We observed concurrent transcriptional changes in adipose tissue and the liver . In adipose tissue , pro-inflammatory genes ( TNFα , IL6 , IL1β and MCP1 ) were down-regulated in mice receiving probiotic treatment . In the liver , fatty acid oxidation-related genes ( PGC1α , CPT1 , CPT2 and ACOX1 ) were up-regulated in mice receiving probiotic treatment . Conclusions The gut microbiota of diet-induced obese mice appears to be modulated in mice  receiving probiotic treatment . Probiotic treatment might reduce diet-induced obesity and modulate genes associated with metabolism and inflammation in the liver and adipose tissue Biomarkers of dietary intake can be important tools in nutrition research . Our aim was to assess whether plasma alkylresorcinol ( AR ) and β-carotene concentrations could be used as dietary biomarkers for whole-grain , fruits and vegetables in a healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) . Participants ( n = 166 ) , 30 - 65 y with a body mass index of 27 - 40 kg/m(2 ) and two more features of metabolic syndrome ( International Diabetes Federation definition , slightly modified ) , were recruited through six centers in the Nordic countries and r and omly assigned to an ND or control diet for 18 or 24 wk , depending on study center . Plasma AR and β-carotene were analyzed and nutrient intake calculated from 4-d food records . Median fiber intake increased in the ND group from 2.5 g/MJ at baseline to 4.1 g/MJ ( P < 0.001 ) at end point ( week 18 or 24 ) , and median ( IQR ) fasting plasma total AR concentration increased from 73 ( 88 ) to 106 ( 108 ) nmol/L , or 45 % , from baseline to end point ( P < 0.001 ) . The AR concentration was significantly higher in the ND group ( P < 0.001 ) than in the control group at end point . β-Carotene intake tended to increase in the ND group ( P = 0.07 ) , but the plasma β-carotene concentration did not change significantly throughout the study and did not differ between the groups at follow-up . In conclusion , an ND result ed in higher dietary fiber intake and increased plasma total AR concentration compared with the control diet , showing that the total AR concentration might be a valid biomarker for an ND in which whole-grain wheat and rye are important components . No significant difference in plasma β-carotene concentrations was observed between the ND and control groups , suggesting that β-carotene may not be a sensitive enough biomarker of the ND Background Increased circulating cathepsin S levels have been linked to increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer . However , whether cathepsin S is a modifiable risk factor is unclear . We aim ed to investigate the effects of a prudent diet on plasma cathepsin S levels in healthy individuals . Findings Explorative analyses of a r and omized study were performed in 88 normal to slightly overweight and hyperlipidemic men and women ( aged 25 to 65 ) that were r and omly assigned to ad libitum prudent diet , i.e. healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) or a control group ( habitual Western diet ) for 6 weeks . Whereas all foods in the ND were provided , the control group was advised to consume their habitual diet throughout the study . The ND was in line with dietary recommendations , e.g. low in saturated fats , sugars and salt , but high in plant-based foods rich in fibre and unsaturated fats . The ND significantly decreased cathepsin S levels ( from 20.1 ( + /-4.0 SD ) to 19.7 μg/L ( + /-4.3 SD ) ) compared with control group ( from 18.2 ( + /-2.9 SD ) to 19.1 μg/L ( + /-3.8 SD ) ) . This difference remained after adjusting for sex and change in insulin sensitivity ( P = 0.03 ) , and near significant after adjusting for baseline cathepsin S levels ( P = 0.06 ) , but not for change in weight or LDL-C. Changes in cathepsin S levels were directly correlated with change in LDL-C. Conclusions Compared with a habitual control diet , a provided ad libitum healthy Nordic diet decreased cathepsin S levels in healthy individuals , possibly mediated by weight loss or lowered LDL-C. These differences between groups in cathepsin S were however not robust and therefore need further investigation Abstract Two hundred and twenty-eight Japanese women , aged 45–69 years , with osteoarthritis of the knee ( knee OA ) and a body mass index of greater than 26.4 self-selected one of the following interventions : ( 1 ) a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID ) alone ( NA group ; n = 52 ) , ( 2 ) the NSAID with nonweight-bearing exercises ( NE ; n = 49 ) , ( 3 ) the NSAID combined with walking ( NW ; n = 35 ) , ( 4 ) an energy restriction diet plus the NSAID ( ND ; n = 29 ) , ( 5 ) the diet combined with the NSAID and strengthening exercises ( NDE ; n = 37 ) , or ( 6 ) the diet combined with the NSAID and walking ( NDW ; n = 26 ) . Body weight and lower extremity lean body mass ( L-LBM ) , assessed with segmental bioelectrical impedance , were measured at the outset and at 8 weeks in the six therapy groups . Interval changes in L-LBM and L-LBM per body weight ( L-LBM/weight ) were compared among the six groups at the conclusion . The Lequesne index can index of severity of osteoarthritis of the knee at the final assessment , compared with that at the initial assessment , was significantly decreased in the NE group , but not in the NW or the NA groups ( P = 0.023 ) . There was a significant increase in the L-LBM/weight in the NE group , but not in the NA or NW groups ( P = 0.002 between NE and NA ; P = 0.019 between NE and NW ) . There was a significant reduction in the Lequesne index in the NDE group in comparison with the ND and NDW groups ( P = 0.0001 between NDE and ND ; P = 0.0001 between NDE and NDW ) . There was a significant increase in L-LBM/weight in the NDE group , but not in the NDW or the ND groups ( P = 0.011 ) . Adjunctive therapy with nonweight-bearing lower extremity exercises appears to be more efficacious for prevention of lower extremity loss of muscle mass than adjunctive therapy with walking for obese women with knee OA Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high amongst healthcare professionals and there is growing interest in delivering weight loss interventions in the workplace . We conducted a systematic review to ( i ) examine the effectiveness of workplace-based diet and /or physical activity interventions aim ed at healthcare professionals and to ( ii ) identify and describe key components of effective interventions . Seven electronic data bases were systematic ally search ed . Results Thirteen r and omised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria , of which seven had data available for meta- analysis . Where meta- analysis was possible , studies were grouped according to length of follow-up ( < 12 months and ≥12 months ) and behavioural target ( diet only , physical activity only or diet and physical activity ) , with outcome data pooled using a weighted r and om effects model . Nine studies reported statistically significant ( between-group ) differences . Four studies reported being informed by a behaviour change theory . Meta- analysis of all trials reporting weight data demonstrated healthcare professionals allocated to dietary and physical activity interventions lost significantly more body weight ( −3.95 Kg , [ 95 % CI −4.96 to- 2.95 Kg ] ) than controls up to 12 months follow up . Conclusions Workplace diet and /or physical activity interventions targeting healthcare professionals are limited in number and are heterogeneous . To improve the evidence base , we recommend additional evaluations of theory-based interventions and adequate reporting of intervention content Background / Objectives : Few studies have used biomarkers of whole-grain intake to study its relation to glucose metabolism . We aim ed to investigate the association between plasma alkylresorcinols ( AR ) , a biomarker of whole-grain rye and wheat intake , and glucose metabolism in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).Subjects/ Methods : Participants were 30–65 years of age , with body mass index 27–40 kg/m2 and had MetS without diabetes . Individuals were recruited through six centers in the Nordic countries and r and omized to a healthy Nordic diet ( ND , n=96 ) , rich in whole-grain rye and wheat , or a control diet ( n=70 ) , for 18–24 weeks . In addition , associations between total plasma AR concentration and C17:0/C21:0 homolog ratio as an indication of the relative whole-grain rye intake , and glucose metabolism measures from oral glucose tolerance tests were investigated in pooled ( ND+control ) regression analyses at 18/24 weeks . Results : ND did not improve glucose metabolism compared with control diet , but the AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio was inversely associated with fasting insulin concentrations ( P=0.002 ) and positively associated with the insulin sensitivity indices Matsuda ISI ( P=0.026 ) and disposition index ( P=0.022 ) in pooled analyses at 18/24 weeks , even after adjustment for confounders . The AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio was not significantly associated with insulin secretion indices . Total plasma AR concentration was not related to fasting plasma glucose or fasting insulin at 18/24 weeks . Conclusions : The AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio , an indicator of relative whole-grain rye intake , is associated with increased insulin sensitivity in a population with This r and omized , prospect i ve study compared three treatments , n and rolone decanoate ( ND ) , megestrol acetate ( MA ) or dietary counselling , for managing human immunodeficiency syndrome ( HIV ) associated weight loss .  It was centred on a Tertiary referral hospital , Sydney , Australia . Fifteen patients were r and omized to receive ND ( 100 mg/fortnight ) , or MA ( 400 mg/day ) or dietary counselling for 12 weeks . Those patients r and omized to dietary counselling were further r and omized to receive n and rolone or megestrol after completing the dietary counselling arm . Weight , fat free mass ( FFM ) , percentage body fat mass ( FM ) , dietary intake and appetite were assessed before commencing and at the completion of each treatment arm . Weight increased significantly in all treatment arms ( dietary counselling 1.13 kg + /- 0.36 , n and rolone 4.01 kg + /- 1.68 , megestrol 10.20 kg + /- 4.51 , p < 0.05 paired t-test ) . FFM increased significantly in patients receiving ND ( 3.54 + /- 1.98 kg , p=0.001 ) and those receiving MA ( 2.76 + /- 0.55 kg , p=0.002 ) , whereas the change in those receiving dietary counselling alone was not significant . Percentage body fat mass increased significantly only in those receiving MA ( 7.77 + /- 4.85 % , p=0.049 ) . The change in weight and percentage body fat mass was significantly greater in those receiving MA than the other two treatment arms . The increase in FFM was significantly greater in both the n and rolone and megestrol arms than the dietary counselling arm . It was concluded that ND and MA both result ed in an increase in FFM greater than dietary counselling alone . Megestrol produced a significantly greater increase in weight , percentage fat mass , intake and appetite than did the other two treatment arms , suggesting it may be the preferred agent , particularly in a palliative care setting in which weight , appetite and intake increase are desirable without regard to the composition of the body . The long-term use of these agents in people with HIV should be review ed in the context of improved survival on highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens Abdominal fat distribution is influenced by and rogen levels in both men and women . The purpose of this study was to assess the effects on fat distribution of administering n and rolone decanoate ( ND ; an anabolic steroid with weak and rogenic activity ) or spironolactone ( SP ; an anti and rogen ) in obese postmenopausal women . The design was a r and omized , placebo-controlled , 9-month trial with simultaneous calorie restriction for weight loss . Women in all three groups lost comparable amounts of weight , but the ND-treated women gained lean mass relative to the other two groups ( P < 0.0005 ) and lost more body fat than women in the SP group ( P < 0.01 ) . The resting metabolic rate also increased slightly in the ND group . ND treatment produced a gain in visceral fat , as determined by computed tomography scan , and a relatively greater loss of sc abdominal fat . SP-treated women lost significantly less sc fat than the other two groups . Serum cholesterol decreased in the placebo group , but increased slightly in the other two groups ( significant for SP vs. placebo , P < 0.05 ) . High density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in the ND-treated women . There were no significant changes in fasting glucose or insulin sensitivity . We conclude that administration of exogenous and rogens modulates body composition in obese postmenopausal women and independently affects visceral and sc abdominal fat Background The fatty acid ( FA ) composition of serum lipids is related to the quality of dietary fat intake . Objective To investigate the effects of a  healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) on the FA composition of serum cholesterol esters ( CE-FA ) and assess the associations between changes in the serum CE-FA composition and blood lipoproteins during a controlled dietary intervention . Design The NORDIET trial was a 6-week r and omised , controlled , parallel-group dietary intervention study that included 86 adults ( 53±8 years ) with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) . Serum CE-FA composition was measured using gas chromatography . Diet history interviews were conducted , and daily intake was assessed using checklists . Results Food and nutrient intake data indicated that there was a reduction in the intake of fat from dairy and meat products and an increase in the consumption of fatty fish with the ND . The levels of saturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters ( CE-SFA ) 14:0 , 15:0 , and 18:0 , but not 16:0 , showed a significant decrease after intake of ND compared to the control diet ( p<0.01 ) . Also , a significant increase in serum 22:6n – 3 was observed compared with the control diet ( p<0.01 ) . The changes in CE-SFA 14:0 , 15:0 , and 18:0 correlated positively with changes in LDL-C , HDL-C , LDL-C/HDL-C , ApoA1 , and ApoB ( p<0.01 ) , respectively , whereas the changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters ( CE-PUFA ) 22:6n – 3 were negatively correlated with changes in the corresponding serum lipids . Conclusions The decreased intake of saturated fat and increased intake of n-3 PUFA in a  healthy ND is partly reflected by changes in the serum CE-FA composition , which are associated with an improved serum lipoprotein pattern Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of altering the ratio of carbohydrate and protein in low-energy diets in conjunction with a popular exercise program in obese women . Design Matched , prospect i ve clinical intervention study to assess efficacy of varying ratios of carbohydrate and protein intake in conjunction with a regular exercise program . Participants One-hundred sixty one sedentary , obese , pre-menopausal women ( 38.5 ± 8.5 yrs , 164.2 ± 6.7 cm , 94.2 ± 18.8 kg , 34.9 ± 6.4 kg·m-2 , 43.8 ± 4.2 % ) participated in this study . Participants were weight stable and not participating in additional weight loss programs . Methods Participants were assigned to either a no exercise + no diet control ( CON ) , a no diet + exercise group ( ND ) , or one of four diet + exercise groups ( presented as kcals ; % carbohydrate : protein : fat ) : 1 ) a high energy , high carbohydrate , low protein diet ( HED ) [ 2,600 ; 55:15:30 % ] , 2 ) a very low carbohydrate , high protein diet ( VLCHP ) [ 1,200 kcals ; 63:7:30 % ] , 3 ) a low carbohydrate , moderate protein diet ( LCMP ) [ 1,200 kcals ; 50:20:30 % ] and 4 ) a high carbohydrate , low protein diet ( HCLP ) [ 1,200 kcals ; 55:15:30 % ] . Participants in exercise groups ( all but CON ) performed a pneumatic resistance-based , circuit training program under supervision three times per week . Measurements Anthropometric , body composition , resting energy expenditure ( REE ) , fasting blood sample s and muscular fitness assessment s were examined at baseline and weeks 2 , 10 and 14 . Results All groups except CON experienced significant reductions ( P < 0.05 – 0.001 ) in waist circumference over 14 weeks . VLCHP , LCHP and LPHC participants experienced similar but significant ( P < 0.05 – 0.001 ) reductions in body mass when compared to other groups . Delta responses indicated that fat loss after 14 weeks was significantly greatest in VLCHP ( 95 % CI : -5.2 , -3.2 kg ) , LCMP ( -4.0 , -1.9 kg ) and HCLP ( -3.8 , -2.1 kg ) when compared to other groups . Subsequent reductions in % body fat were significantly greater in VLCHP , LCMP and HCLP participants . Initial dieting decreased ( P < 0.05 ) relative REE similarly in all groups . All exercise groups significantly ( P < 0.05 ) improved in muscular fitness , but these improvements were not different among groups . Favorable but non-significant mean changes occurred in lipid panels , glucose and HOMA-IR . Leptin levels decreased ( P < 0.05 ) in all groups , except for CON , after two weeks of dieting and remained lower throughout the 14 week program . Exercise participation result ed in significant improvements in quality of life and body image . Conclusion Exercise alone ( ND ) appears to have minimal impact on measured outcomes with positive outcomes apparent when exercise is combined with a hypoenergetic diet . Greater improvements in waist circumference and body composition occurred when carbohydrate is replaced in the diet with protein . Weight loss in all diet groups ( VLCHP , LCMP and HCLP ) was primarily fat and stimulated improvements in markers of cardiovascular disease risk , body composition , energy expenditure and psychosocial parameters Background Preoperative weight loss and abnormal serum-albumin have traditionally been associated with reduced survival . More recently , a correlation between postoperative complications and reduced long-term survival has been reported and the significance of the relative proportion of skeletal muscle , visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue has been examined with conflicting results . We investigated how preoperative body composition and major non-fatal complications related to overall survival and compared this to established predictors in a large cohort undergoing upper abdominal surgery .  Methods From 2001 to 2006 , 447 patients were included in a Norwegian multicenter r and omized controlled trial in major upper abdominal surgery .  Patients were now , six years later , analyzed as a single prospect i ve cohort and overall survival was retrieved from the National Population Registry . Body composition indices were calculated from CT images taken within three months preoperatively . Results Preoperative serum-albumin < 35 g/l ( HR = 1.52 , p = 0 .014 ) and weight loss > 5 % ( HR = 1.38 , p = 0.023 ) were independently associated with reduced survival . There was no association between any of the preoperative body composition indices and reduced survival . Major postoperative complications were independently associated with reduced survival but only as long as patients who died within 90 days were included in the analysis . Conclusions Our study has confirmed the robust significance of the traditional indicators , preoperative serum-albumin and weight loss . The body composition indices did not prove beneficial as global indicators of poor prognosis in upper abdominal surgery . We found no association between non-fatal postoperative complications and long-term survival Recent evidence suggests that the fat mass and obesity-associated gene ( FTO ) genotype may interact with dietary intakes in relation to adiposity . We tested the effect of FTO variant on weight loss in response to 2-year diet interventions . FTO rs1558902 was genotyped in 742 obese adults who were r and omly assigned to one of four diets  differing in the proportions of fat , protein , and carbohydrate .  Body composition and fat distribution were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography . We found significant modification effects for intervention varying in dietary protein on 2-year changes in fat-free mass , whole body total percentage of fat mass , total adipose tissue mass , visceral adipose tissue mass , and superficial adipose tissue mass ( for all interactions , P < 0.05 ) . Carriers of the risk allele had a greater reduction in weight , body composition , and fat distribution in response to a high-protein diet , whereas an opposite genetic effect was observed on changes in fat distribution in response to a low-protein diet . Likewise , significant interaction patterns also were observed at 6 months . Our data suggest that a high-protein diet may be beneficial for weight loss and improvement of body composition and fat distribution in individuals with the risk allele of the FTO variant rs1558902 Background The replacement of sucrose with HFCS in food products has been suggested as playing a role in the development of obesity as a public health issue . The objective of this study was to examine the effects of four equally hypocaloric diets containing different levels of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup ( HFCS ) . Methods This was a r and omized , prospect i ve , double blind trial , with overweight/obese participants measured for body composition and blood chemistry before and after the completion of 12 weeks following a hypocaloric diet .  The average caloric deficit achieved on the hypocaloric diets was 309 kcal . Results Reductions were observed in all measures of adiposity including body mass , BMI , % body fat , waist circumference and fat mass for all four hypocaloric groups , as well as reductions in the exercise only group for body mass , BMI and waist circumference . Conclusions Similar decreases in weight and indices of adiposity are observed when overweight or obese individuals are fed hypocaloric diets containing levels of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup typically consumed by adults in the United States Cardiovascular diseases , especially atherosclerosis , have found to be the dreadful diseases worldwide and therapeutic interventions using plant sources have wide therapeutic value . Vigna unguiculata ( VU ) leaves have been used as food and therapeutics . Hence , our study was design ed to evaluate the hypolipidemic as well as anti-atherogenic potential of VU leaves in normalizing atherogenic gene expression , cholesterol profile , generation of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) and antioxidant enzyme system on cholesterol fed rabbit model . For the study New Zeal and white rabbits were r and omly divided into four groups of six animals each and experimental period was three months ; group -i - ND [ normal diet ( 40 g feed ) ] , group-ii- ND ( normal diet ) + EAVU [ ethyl acetate fraction of Vigna unguiculata ( 150 mg/kg body weight ) ] , group -iii- ND [ normal diet ] + CFD [ cholesterol fed diet ( cholesterol 1 % of 40 g feed and cholic acid 0.5 % of 40 g feed ) ] and group-iv - ND [ normal diet ] + CFD [ cholesterol fed diet ] + EAVU [ ethyl acetate fraction of Vigna unguiculata ( 150 mg/kg body weight ) ] . Atherosclerosis was induced by feeding the rabbit with cholesterol ( 1 % of 40 g feed ) and cholic acid ( 0.5 % of 40 g feed ) . Supplementation of EAVU normalized cholesterol profile , generation of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) , lipid peroxidation products like thiobarbituric acid reactive substance ( TBARS ) , antioxidant system and important genes of cardiovascular diseases like interleukin-10 ( IL 10 ) , paraoxanase-1 ( PON I ) , interleukin-6 ( IL 6 ) , and cyclooxygenase-2 ( Cox 2 ) to near normal level as compared with normal diet . The result obtained showed the antioxidant as well as anti-atherogenic potential of Vigna unguiculata leaves in ameliorating cholesterol induced atherosclerosis , and thus it is good task to include VU leaves in daily diet for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases especially atherosclerosis Lifestyle interventions for weight loss are the cornerstone of obesity therapy , yet their optimal design is debated . This is particularly true for postmenopausal women ; a population with a high prevalence of obesity yet toward whom fewer studies are targeted . We conducted a year-long , 4-arm r and omized trial among 439 overweight-to-obese postmenopausal sedentary women to determine the effects of a calorie-reduced , low-fat diet ( D ) , a moderate-intensity , facility-based aerobic exercise program ( E ) , or the combination of both interventions ( D+E ) , vs. a no-lifestyle-change control ( C ) on change in body weight and composition . The group-based dietary intervention had a weight-reduction goal of ≥10 % , and the exercise intervention consisted of a gradual escalation to 45-min aerobic exercise 5 day/week . Participants were predominantly non-Hispanic whites ( 85 % ) with a mean age of 58.0 ± 5.0 years , a mean BMI of 30.9 ± 4.0 kg/m(2 ) and an average of 47.8 ± 4.4 % body fat .  Baseline and 12-month weight and adiposity measures were obtained by staff blinded to participants ' intervention assignment . Three hundred and ninety nine women completed the trial ( 91 % retention ) . Using an intention-to-treat analysis , average weight loss at 12 months was -8.5 % for the D group ( P < 0.0001 vs. C ) , -2.4 % for the E group ( P = 0.03 vs. C ) , and -10.8 % for the D+E group ( P < 0.0001 vs. C ) , whereas the C group experienced a nonsignificant -0.8 % decrease . BMI , waist circumference , and % body fat were also similarly reduced . Among postmenopausal women , lifestyle-change involving diet , exercise , or both combined over 1 year improves body weight and adiposity , with the greatest change arising from the combined intervention BACKGROUND Studies in animals indicate that brown adipose tissue is important in the regulation of body weight , and it is possible that individual variation in adaptive thermogenesis can be attributed to variations in the amount or activity of brown adipose tissue . Until recently , the presence of brown adipose tissue was thought to be relevant only in small mammals and infants , with negligible physiologic relevance in adult humans . We performed a systematic examination of the presence , distribution , and activity of brown adipose tissue in lean and obese men during exposure to cold temperature .  Brown-adipose-tissue activity was studied in relation to body composition and energy metabolism . METHODS We studied 24 healthy men--10 who were lean ( body-mass index [ BMI ] [ the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters ] , < 25 ) and 14 who were overweight or obese ( BMI , > or = 25)--under thermoneutral conditions ( 22 degrees C ) and during mild cold exposure ( 16 degrees C ) . Putative brown-adipose-tissue activity was determined with the use of integrated (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography and computed tomography .  Body composition and energy expenditure were measured with the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and indirect calorimetry . RESULTS Brown-adipose-tissue activity was observed in 23 of the 24 subjects ( 96 % ) during cold exposure but not under thermoneutral conditions . The activity was significantly lower in the overweight or obese subjects than in the lean subjects ( P=0.007 ) . BMI and percentage of body fat both had significant negative correlations with brown adipose tissue , whereas resting metabolic rate had a significant positive correlation . CONCLUSIONS The percentage of young men with brown adipose tissue is high , but its activity is reduced in men who are overweight or obese . Brown adipose tissue may be metabolically important in men , and the fact that it is reduced yet present in most overweight or obese subjects may make it a target for the treatment of obesity BACKGROUND The inclusion of almonds in an energy-restricted diet has been reported both to enhance or to have no effect on weight loss . Their effects specifically on visceral body fat stores during energy restriction have not been widely examined . In addition , almond consumption has been associated with reduced blood pressure ( BP ) , but whether this is linked to or independent of changes in body composition has to our knowledge not been examined . OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effects of consuming almonds as part of an energy-restricted diet on body composition , specifically visceral adipose tissue ( VAT ) and BP , compared to a nut-free energy-restricted diet . METHODS A r and omized controlled 12-wk clinical trial of 86 healthy adults [ body mass index ( in kg/m2 ) : 25 - 40 ] was conducted . Participants were r and omly assigned to 1 of 2 energy-restricted ( 500-kcal deficit/d ) diets : an almond-enriched diet ( AED ) ( 15 % energy from almonds ) or a nut-free diet ( NFD ) . A linear mixed-model analysis on primary outcomes such as body weight , body fat , VAT , and BP was performed on all participants [ intention-to-treat ( ITT ) analysis ] and compliant participants ( complier analysis ) . RESULTS Body weight , truncal and total fat percentage , VAT , and systolic BP decreased after 12 wk of energy restriction in both the ITT and complier analyses ( P < 0.05 ) . The complier analysis ( but not the ITT analysis ) indicated a greater mean ± SEM reduction in truncal fat ( AED : -1.21 % ± 0.26 % ; NFD : -0.48 % ± 0.24 % ; P = 0.025 ) , total fat ( AED : -1.79 % ± 0.36 % ; NFD : -0.74 % ± 0.33 % ; P = 0.035 ) , and diastolic BP ( AED : -2.71 ± 1.2 mm Hg ; NFD : 0.815 ± 1.1 mm Hg ; P = 0.029 ) , and a greater tendency for VAT loss ( AED : -8.19 ± 1.8 cm2 ; NFD : -3.99 ± 1.7 cm2 ; P = 0.09 ) over time in the AED group than the NFD group . CONCLUSIONS Moderate almond consumption by compliant overweight and obese individuals during energy restriction results in greater proportional reductions of truncal and total body fat as well as diastolic BP and hence may help to reduce metabolic disease risk in obesity . This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT02360787 Introduction : The aim of this quantitative systematic review /meta- analysis was to compare the treatment outcomes of mineral trioxide aggregate ( MTA ) and calcium hydroxide ( CH ) in pulpotomy of human primary molars . The focused PICO question was “ in case of pulp exposure in vital primary molars , how does MTA pulpotomy compare to CH in terms of clinical /radiographic success ? ” Methods and Material s : We retrieved published r and omized clinical trials ( RCTs ) of at least 6-month duration ; our search included articles published up to March 2013 in five following data bases : PubMed ( Medline ) , Cochrane data base of systematic review s , Science Citation Index , EMBASE , and Google Scholar . Mantel Haenszel and Inverse Variance-weighted methods were applied by STATA ; the relative risk ( RR ) was calculated with 95 % confidence intervals ( CI ) . Results : A total of 282 English articles were collected . Two authors independently screened the articles and five RCTs were selected ; data extraction and quality assessment were then carried out . Four RCTs were appropriate for meta- analysis according to their follow-up times by Mantel Haenszel method . Statistically significant difference was found between success rate of MTA compared to CH , with RR=0.08 ( 95 % CI , 0.02 - 0.39 ) , RR=0.19 ( 95 % CI , 0.08 - 0.46 ) , and RR=0.38 ( 95 % CI , 0.21 - 0.68 ) for 6- , 12- , and 24-month follow-ups , respectively . A significant difference was also observed for all included RCTs after analyses using the Inverse Variance-weighted method ( RR=0.44 ; 95 % CI , 0.27 - 0.72 ) . Conclusions : Systematic review /meta- analysis of included RCTs revealed that for pulpotomy of vital primary molars , MTA has better treatment outcomes compared to CH Background This study 's purpose investigated the impact of different macronutrient distributions and varying caloric intakes along with regular exercise for metabolic and physiological changes related to weight loss . Methods One hundred forty-one sedentary , obese women ( 38.7 ± 8.0 yrs , 163.3 ± 6.9 cm , 93.2 ± 16.5 kg , 35.0 ± 6.2 kg•m-2 , 44.8 ± 4.2 % fat ) were r and omized to either no diet + no exercise control group ( CON ) a no diet + exercise control ( ND ) , or one of four diet + exercise groups ( high-energy diet [ HED ] , very low carbohydrate , high protein diet [ VLCHP ] , low carbohydrate , moderate protein diet [ LCMP ] and high carbohydrate , low protein [ HCLP ] ) in addition to beginning a 3x•week-1 supervised resistance training program . After 0 , 1 , 10 and 14 weeks , all participants completed testing sessions which included anthropometric , body composition , energy expenditure , fasting blood sample s , aerobic and muscular fitness assessment s. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with an alpha of 0.05 with LSD post-hoc analysis when appropriate . Results All dieting groups exhibited adequate compliance to their prescribed diet regimen as energy and macronutrient amounts and distributions were close to prescribed amounts . Those groups that followed a diet and exercise program reported significantly greater anthropometric ( waist circumference and body mass ) and body composition via DXA ( fat mass and % fat ) changes . Caloric restriction initially reduced energy expenditure , but successfully returned to baseline values after 10 weeks of dieting and exercising . Significant fitness improvements ( aerobic capacity and maximal strength ) occurred in all exercising groups . No significant changes occurred in lipid panel constituents , but serum insulin and HOMA-IR values decreased in the VLCHP group . Significant reductions in serum leptin occurred in all caloric restriction + exercise groups after 14 weeks , which were unchanged in other non-diet/non-exercise groups . Conclusions Overall and over the entire test period , all diet groups which restricted their caloric intake and exercised experienced similar responses to each other . Regular exercise and modest caloric restriction successfully promoted anthropometric and body composition improvements along with various markers of muscular fitness . Significant increases in relative energy expenditure and reductions in circulating leptin were found in response to all exercise and diet groups . Macronutrient distribution may impact circulating levels of insulin and overall ability to improve strength levels in obese women who follow regular exercise For decades , exercise has been considered a cornerstone of diabetes management , along with diet and medication . However , high- quality evidence on the importance of exercise and fitness in diabetes was lacking until recent years . The present document summarizes the most clinical ly relevant recent advances related to people with type 2 diabetes and the recommendations that follow from these . Our recently published technical review on physical activity/exercise and type 2 diabetes ( 1 ) includes greater detail on individual studies , on prevention of diabetes , and on the physiology of exercise . The present statement focuses on type 2 diabetes . Issues primarily germane to type 1 diabetes will be covered in a subsequent technical review and ADA Statement . The levels of evidence used are defined by the ADA in ref . 2 . Two r and omized trials each found that lifestyle interventions including ∼150 min/week of physical activity and  diet-induced weight loss of 5–7 % reduced the risk of progression from impaired glucose tolerance ( IGT ) to type 2 diabetes by 58 % ( 3,4 ) . A cluster-r and omized trial found that diet alone , exercise alone , and combined diet and exercise were equally effective in reducting the progression from IGT to diabetes ( 5 ) . Therefore , there is firm and consistent evidence that programs of increased physical activity  and modest weight loss reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with IGT . Boule et al. ( 6 ) undertook a systematic review and meta- analysis on the effects of structured exercise interventions in clinical trials of ≥8 weeks duration on HbA1c ( A1C ) and body mass in people with type 2 diabetes . Postintervention A1C was significantly lower in exercise than control groups ( 7.65 vs. 8.31 % , weighted mean difference −0.66 % ; P < 0.001 ) . In contrast , postintervention body weight did not differ between the exercise and control groups . Meta-regression confirmed that the beneficial effect of exercise on A1C BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is associated with increased risk of hepatic , cardiovascular , and metabolic diseases . High-protein diets , rich in methionine and branched chain amino acids ( BCAAs ) , apparently reduce liver fat , but can induce insulin resistance . We investigated the effects of diets high in animal protein ( AP ) vs plant protein ( PP ) , which differ in levels of methionine and BCAAs , in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD . We examined levels of liver fat , lipogenic indices , markers of inflammation , serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 ( FGF21 ) , and activation of signaling pathways in adipose tissue . METHODS We performed a prospect i ve study of individuals with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD at a tertiary medical center in Germany from June 2013 through March 2015 . We analyzed data from 37 subjects placed on a diet high in AP ( rich in meat and dairy foods ; n = 18 ) or PP ( mainly legume protein ; n = 19 ) without calorie restriction for 6 weeks . The diets were isocaloric with the same macronutrient composition ( 30 % protein , 40 % carbohydrates , and 30 % fat ) . Participants were examined at the start of the study and after the 6-week diet period for body mass index , body composition , hip circumference , resting energy expenditure , and respiratory quotient . Body fat and intrahepatic fat were detected by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy , respectively . Levels of glucose , insulin , liver enzymes , and inflammation markers , as well as individual free fatty acids and free amino acids , were measured in collected blood sample s. Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps were performed to determine whole-body insulin sensitivity . Subcutaneous adipose tissue sample s were collected and analyzed for gene expression patterns and phosphorylation of signaling proteins . RESULTS Postpr and ial levels of BCAAs and methionine were significantly higher in subjects on the AP vs the PP diet . The AP and PP diets each reduced liver fat by 36%-48 % within 6 weeks ( for AP diet P = .0002 ; for PP diet P = .001 ) . These reductions were unrelated to change in body weight , but correlated with down-regulation of lipolysis and lipogenic indices . Serum level of FGF21 decreased by 50 % in each group ( for AP diet P < .0002 ; for PP diet P < .0002 ) ; decrease in FGF21 correlated with loss of hepatic fat . In gene expression analyses of adipose tissue , expression of the FGF21 receptor cofactor β-klotho was associated with reduced expression of genes encoding lipolytic and lipogenic proteins . In patients on each diet , levels of hepatic enzymes and markers of inflammation decreased , insulin sensitivity increased , and serum level of keratin 18 decreased . CONCLUSIONS In a prospect i ve study of patients with type 2 diabetes , we found diets high in protein ( either animal or plant ) significantly reduced liver fat independently of body weight , and reduced markers of insulin resistance and hepatic necroinflammation . The diets appear to mediate these changes via lipolytic and lipogenic pathways in adipose tissue . Negative effects of BCAA or methionine were not detectable . FGF21 level appears to be a marker of metabolic improvement . Clinical Trials.gov ID NCT02402985
Qualitative assessment of other anthropometric indices also showed a beneficial effect of this dietary pattern in improving body fat and BMI values ; however , these findings are not conclusive because of limited number of studies .
Adherence to the ND  significantly improves body weight ; however , there is also no certainty that this diet is effective for improving other anthropometric indices .
Studies on the effect of the Nordic diet ( ND ) on body weight and adiposity indices were conflicting .
This study targeted to perform a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled clinical trials ( RCTs ) examined the effect of the ND on body weight and composition .