bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Body Image and Depression Among Obese Women With and Without Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Mussell Melissa Pederson , Peterson Carol B. , Weller Christine L. , Crosby Ross D. , de Zwaan Martina , Mitchell James E.
Published: September 2012

Obese individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) differ from obese non‐binge eating (NBE) individuals in a number of clinically relevant ways. This study examined attitudinal responses to various measures of body image in women seeking obesity treatment, by comparing NBE participants (n=80) to those with BED (n=48). It was hypothesized that women with BED would demonstrate greater attitudinal disturbance of body image compared to NBE individuals. It was further hypothesized that significant differences between groups would remain after statistically controlling for degree of depression. Consistent with the primary hypothesis, BED participants reported significantly increased attitudinal disturbance in body dissatisfaction and size perception compared to NBE participants. Although shared variance was observed between measures of depression and body image on some items, several aspects of increased body image disturbance remained after statistically controlling for depression. Treatment implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Regulation of Alternative Pathway Activation and C3a Production by Adipose Cells
Authors: Choy Lisa N. , Spiegelman Bruce M.
Published: September 2012

Adipose tissue is a major source of adpisin/factor D of the alternative pathway of complement. Adipose tissue also expresses the two other complement components which are involved in the first activation step of the alternative pathway, factor B and C3, and this step is activated in adipose tissue, producing C3a/Acylation Stimulating Protein (C3a/ASP), a stimulator of triglyceride synthesis. Complement activation is a highly regulated process, however, nothing is known about regulation of complement activation in adipose tissue. To gain insight into the nature of adipose complement activation and its regulation, we have now examined the expression of several complement activation regulatory genes, and analyzed the production of C3a/ASP in lean vs. obese, adipsin‐deficient mice. We found that undifferentiated preadipocytes expressed the mRNAs encoding the negative regulatory proteins Crry and factor H, but expression of both genes was decreased upon differentiation. The positive regulator properdin, as well as Crry and factor H, were found in adipose tissue. None of these genes was regulated in murine genetic obesity. To investigate the relative levels of complement activation in lean vs. adipsin‐deficient obese mice, we developed a radioimmunoassay for measurement of murine C3a/ASP in plasma. We report that there was no significant difference in the level of C3a in lean vs. obese plasma; however, we found a positive correlation between C3a and plasma triglyceride levels in normal lean mice.
Waist Circumference as a Screening Tool for Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Evaluation of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC)
Authors: Han Thong S. , Van Leer Edith M. , Seidell Jacob C. , Lean Michael EJ
Published: September 2012

To evaluate the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to determine the cutoffs of waist circumference as a potential population directed screening tool for hypercholesterolaemia (≥6.5 mmol/L), low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (<0.9 mmol/L), and hypertension (treated and/or systolic ≥160 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥95 mmHg), in 2183 men and 2698 women aged 20 to 59 years selected at random from Dutch civil registries.

Main outcome measures: Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total plasma cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, and blood pressure.

Results: ROC curves showed that sensitivity equalled specificity at waist circumferences between 93–95 cm in men and 81–84 cm in women for identifying individual risk factors, and 92 cm in men and 81 cm in women for identifying those with at least one risk factor. Sensitivity and specificity were equal at levels between 61% to 69% for identifying individual risk factors, with positive predictions (56.8% in men and 37.8% in women) within 2% of those using previously defined ‘Action Level 1’ of waist circumference 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women (58.8% in men and 37.4% in women). Risk prediction by anthropometric methods was relatively low: ROC areas for identifying each risk factor by waist varied from 55% to 60%, and reached about 65% for identifying at least one risk factor. Height accounted for less than 03% of variance in waist circumference. Using BMI at 25 kg/m2 gave similar prediction to waist, but its combination with waist did not improve predictive values.

Conclusions: Measurement of waist circumference ‘Action Level 1’ at 94 cm (37 inches) in men and 80 cm (32 inches) in women could be adopted as a simpler valid alternative to BMI for health promotion, to alert those at risk of cardiovascular disease, and as a guide to risk avoidance by self‐weight management
Effect of High Sucrose Feeding on Fat Accumulation in the Male Wistar Rat
Authors: Toida Susumu , Takahashi Masaki , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Sato Noriyuki , Shimomura Younosuke , Kobayashi Isao
Published: September 2012

High sucrose intake is generally thought to be a risk factor for obesity and insulin resistance. We examined the effects of feeding sucrose on fat accumulation and insulin release in male rats. Six‐week‐old male Wistar rats were maintained on a high sucrose diet for 4 or 12 weeks. Control rats were fed a diet based on starch. No significant difference in daily caloric intake or weight gain existed between the two dietary groups. There was no difference between the two dietary groups in the gain of abdominal subcutaneous fat (SC) at 4‐week. In contrast, rats fed the high sucrose diet had significantly more mesenteric fat (MES) than controls (p<0.01). At 12 weeks, rats fed the high sucrose diet had significantly more SC and MES than controls (SC:p<0.05, MES:p<0.01). Basal immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations in the portal vein (PV) of rats fed the high sucrose diet was significantly higher compared to those of controls (4 wk: p<0.05, 12 wk: p<0.05). No difference between the two dietary groups in basal IRI concentrations in the inferior vena cava (TVC) existed at 4 weeks; whereas at 12 weeks, the basal IRI concentrations in the IV C in rats fed the high sucrose diet were significantly higher than in controls (p<0.05). The mesenteric and subcutaneous fat accumulations were closely related to hyperinsulinemia in the portal vein and inferior vena cava, respectively. Twelve weeks of high sucrose feeding caused accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue with marked hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia. Our study is the first to demonstrate that abdominal fat induced by high sucrose intake in male rats is accompanied by an abnormal metabolic state similar to an insulin‐resistant state.
IMMUNOASSAY OF ENDOGENOUS PLASMA INSULIN IN MAN
Authors: YALOW ROSALYN S. , BERSON SOLOMON A.
Published: September 2012

For years investigators have sought an assay for insulin which would combine virtually absolute specificity with a high degree of sensitivity, sufficiently exquisite for measurement of the minute insulin concentrations usually present in the circulation. Methods in use recently depend on the ability of insulin to exert an effect on the metabolism of glucose in vivo or in excised muscle or adipose tissue. Thus, the insulin concentration in plasma has been estimated: a) from the degree of hypoglycemia produced in hypophysectomized, adrenalectomized, alloxan‐diabetic rats (1); b) from the augmentation of glucose uptake by isolated rat hemidiaphragm (2); or c) from the increased oxidation of glucose‐1‐C14 by the rat epididymal fat pad (3). Since there have been reports indicating the presence, in plasma, of inhibitors of insulin action (4) and of noninsulin substances capable of inducing an insulin‐like effect (5,6), these procedures, while yielding interesting information regarding the effects of various plasmas on glucose metabolism in tissues, are of doubtful specificity for the measurement of insulin per se (5).
Self‐Esteem and Change in Body Mass Index over 3 Years in a Cohort of Adolescents
Authors: French Simone A. , Perry Cheryl L. , Leon Gloria R. , Fulkerson Jayne A.
Published: September 2012

Self‐esteem has been hypothesized to be lower in obese adolescents relative to their normal weight peers and to be an important factor in preventing or reversing obesity. The present study examined the relationship between obesity and self‐esteem cross‐sectionally and prospectively over three years in a cohort of 1278 adolescents in grades 7 to 9 at baseline. Cross‐sectional analyses revealed an inverse association between physical appearance self‐esteem and body mass index in both males and females. In females, body mass index was inversely associated with global self‐esteem, close friendship, and behavioral conduct self‐esteem. In males, body mass index was inversely associated with athletic and romantic appeal self‐esteem. Prospectively, in females, physical appearance and social acceptance self‐esteem at baseline were inversely related to body mass index three years later. Baseline self‐esteem was unrelated prospectively to change in body mass index in males. All associations were modest in magnitude. These results suggest that in a middle class white sample of adolescents, self‐esteem specific to physical appearance is modestly associated with body mass index. Low self‐esteem does not appear to predict the development of obesity over time.
Relationships Between the Body Mass Index and Body Composition
Authors: Wellens Rita I. , Roche Alex F. , Khamis Harry J. , Jackson Andrew S. , Pollock Michael L. , Siervogel Roger M.
Published: September 2012

The aims of this study were to evaluate the Body Mass Index (BMI) (weight/stature2) as a proxy for percent body fat (%BF) and to determine its association with fat‐free mass (FFM). Multivariate analysis of variance and partial correlations were used to examine relationships between BMI and %BF and FFM from densitometry for 504 men and 511 women, aged 20 to 45 years. Sensitivity/specificity analyses used cut offs of 28 kg/m2 in men and 26 kg/m2 in women for BMI, and 25% in men and 33% in women for %BF. Significantly higher associations existed in each gender between BMI and %BF in the upper BMI tertile than in the lower BMI tertiles. In the lower BMI tertiles, correlations between BMI and FFM were approximately twice as large as those between BMI and %BF. The BMI correctly identified about 44% of obese men, and 52% of obese women when obesity was determined from %BF. BMI is an uncertain diagnostic index of obesity. Results of Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analyses using %BF and total body fat, both provided a BMI of 25 kg/m2 in men and 23 kg/m2 in women as diagnostic screening cut offs for obesity.
The Association of Maternal Psychopathology and Family Socioeconomic Status with Psychological Problems in Obese Children
Authors: Epstein Leonard H. , Myers Michelle D. , Anderson Katarina
Published: September 2012

In an earlier study we found parental psychiatric symptoms to be a better correlate of behavioral problems in obese children than either child or parental obesity. This study sought to extend this research by assessing the association of general maternal distress, specific maternal psychopathology, family socioeconomic status and child obesity with the psychological problems of 152 children seeking treatment for obesity in two cohorts. Child psychological problems were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist/4–18 (CBCL) in each cohort. In sample 1 maternal general psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Cornell Medical Index (psychiatric subscales) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems whereas specific psychopathology was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Bulimia Test. In sample 2 the Symptom Checklist‐90 and Binge Eating Scale provided general and specific measures of psychopathology. In the combined sample, 58% percent of the boys and 44% of the girls met criteria on at least one CBCL behavioral problem scale, with Social Problems the most prevalent problem in both boys and girls. For both samples, child obesity did not account for any variance in child psychosocial problems beyond that accounted for by maternal psychopathology and family SES. Family SES accounted for a significant increment in variance in child behavioral problems in only two scales. This study systematically replicates previous research, adding support for a broader conceptualization of factors that influence psychological problems in obese treatment‐seeking children than one which focuses on child obesity.
Familial Clustering of Abdominal Visceral Fat and Total Fat Mass: The Québec Family Study
Authors: Rice Treva , Pérusse Louis , Bouchard Claude , Rao DC
Published: September 2012

The evidence for common familial factors underlying total fat mass (estimated from underwater weighing) and abdominal visceral fat (assessed from CT scan) was examined in families participating in phase 2 of the Québec Family Study (QFS) using a bivariate familial correlation model. Previous QFS investigations suggest that both genetic (major and polygenic) and familial environmental factors influence each phenotype, accounting for between 55% to 71% of the phenotypic variance in fat mass, and between 55% to 72% for abdominal visceral fat The current study suggests that the bivariate familial effect ranges from 29% to 50%. This pattern suggests that there may be common familial determinants for abdominal visceral fat and total fat mass, as well as additional familial factors which are specific to each. The relatively high spouse cross‐trait correlations usually suggest that a large percent of the bivariate familial effect may be environmental in origin. However, if mating is not random, then the spouse resemblance may reflect either genetic or environmental causes, depending on the source [i.e., through similar genes or cohabitation (environmental) effects]. Finally, there are significant sex differences in the magnitude of the familial cross‐trait correlations involving parents, but not offspring, suggesting complex generation (i.e., age) and sex effects. For example, genes may turn on or off as a function of age and sex, and/or there may be an accumulation over time of effects due to the environment which may vary by sex. Whether the common familial factors are genetic (major and/or polygenic), environmental, or some combination of both, and whether the familial expression depends on sex and/or age warrants further investigation using more complex models.
Preadipocyte Recruitment in Stromal Vascular Cultures After Depletion of Committed Preadipocytes by Immunocytotoxicity
Authors: Yu Z.K. , Wright J.T. , Hausman GJ.
Published: September 2012

Glucocorticoids or the glucocorticoid analog dexamethasone (DEX) enhances the differentiation of preadipocytes in the presence of insulin and influences preadipocyte proliferation. The purpose of the present study was to determine if DEX can induce the recruitment of preadipocytes. Using monoclonal antibodies for complement‐mediated cytotoxicity, preadipocytes were removed from porcine stromal vascular (S‐V) cell cultures. Our experiments demonstrated for the first time that after removal of preadipocytes by cytotoxicity, preadipocytes or fat cells could be induced by DEX or DEX plus insulin but not by insulin alone. However, many more fat cells were induced (258 ± 15/unit area) when DEX was added with fetal bovine serum (FBS) followed with insulin treatment, compared to DEX with insulin (21.3 ± 5.1/ unit area) after removal of preadipocytes. Immunocyto‐chemistry with AD‐3, a preadipocyte marker, showed that DEX with FBS for 3 days after seeding (i.e., the proliferation phase) produced many more preadipocytes (AD‐3 positive, 223 ± 45/unit area) than FBS alone (10.5 ± 1.4/unit area). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assays demonstrated that the efficiency of DEX with FBS (i.e., during proliferation) was mitosis dependent. Accordingly, we conclude that: porcine S‐V cultures contain preadipocytes at different stages of differentiation and that DEX induced early preadipocyte differentiation depends on mitosis.
Insulin Sensitivity as a Predictor of Weight Regain
Authors: Wing Rena R.
Published: September 2012

A recent study found that increases in insulin sensitivity following weight loss and stabilization were strongly related to subsequent weight regain. The present paper analyzed this relationship in two behavioral weight‐loss programs. In the first study, 125 nondiabetic subjects were followed over 30 months; weight losses averaged 10 kg at six months, and subjects had regained 8 kg of their weight loss by their 30‐month follow‐up. Neither fasting insulin levels at six months nor changes in fasting insulin from zero to six months were related to subsequent weight regain. Similarly, insulin levels measured two hours after a 75 g glucose load were unrelated to subsequent weight regain. The second study followed 33 individuals with Type II diabetes, treated with behavior modification, and either a low calorie diet or a very low calorie diet. Weight losses averaged 18 kg at six months, and subjects had regained 10 kg by their 24‐month follow‐up. The Bergman minimal model was used to assess insulin sensitivity at 6‐month intervals. Initial analyses suggested that changes in insulin sensitivity from zero to six months were related to subsequent weight regain, but this effect was strongly influenced by an outlier. After removing this individual, there were no significant relationships between the changes in insulin sensitivity that accompanied weight loss and future weight regain. Likewise, insulin sensitivity at 12 months did not predict weight regain from 12 to 24 months. These data do not support the hypothesis that increases in insulin sensitivity with weight loss are associated with subsequent weight regain.
Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (PCR‐RFLP) and Electrophoretic Assays for the Mouse Obese (Lepob) Mutation
Authors: Chung Wendy K. , Chua Streamson C. , Lee Gwo‐Hwa , Leibel Rudolph L.
Published: September 2012

Three polymerase chain reaction‐based assays for the mouse Lepob mutation are described: Dde I site created by the C←T transversion characterizing Lepob enables positive detection of the mutant allele; positive detection of the wild‐type Lep allele is achieved by the use of primer sequence which introduces an A←C substitution, creating an Msp I site in the normal allele; and an electrophoretic assay which positively identifies the hetero‐zygote.
Psychosocial Concerns and Health‐Compromising Behaviors among Overweight and Nonoverweight Adolescents
Authors: Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne , Story Mary , French Simone A. , Hannan Peter J. , Resnick Michael D. , Blum Robert Wm.
Published: September 2012

Objective: To compare weight‐specific and global psychosocial concerns and health‐compromising behaviors among overweight and nonoverweight youth across gender and ethnicity. Methods: A cross‐sectional school‐based survey of 31,122 adolescents in grades 7 to 12. Based on self‐reported heights and weights, respondents were categorized as nonoverweight (body mass index (BMI) <85th percentile), moderately overweight (85th percenile <BMI <95th percentile), or severely overweight (BMI >95th percentile). Results: Global psychosocial concerns, such as emotional well‐being, suicidal ideation, future job concerns, and peer concerns, did not differ greatly between nonoverweight, moderately overweight, and severely overweight adolescents. Substance abuse behaviors were equally or less prevalent among the overweight group. Overweight girls were significantly less likely to consume alcohol, whereas overweight boys were at lower risk for marijuana use. In contrast, overweight youth were more likely to perceive their health as only fair or poor and were more likely to express weight‐specific concerns and engage in behaviors such as chronic dieting and binge eating than nonoverweight youth. Overweight American Indian girls perceived their physical health more positively than nonoverweight American Indian girls. Strong associations were found between overweight status and chronic dieting among African American boys and girls. Conclusions: Nutritional counseling and educational programs need to address the weight‐specific concerns and behaviors of overweight adolescents. However, assumptions regarding global psychosocial concerns and health‐compromising behaviors among overweight adolescents of different genders and ethnicities should be avoided. These broad issues need to be explored in more depth at both the research and intervention levels.
Prejudice Toward Fat People: The Development and Validation of the Antifat Attitudes Test
Authors: Lewis Robin J. , Cash Thomas F. , Bubb‐Lewis Cristina
Published: September 2012

LEWIS, ROBIN J, THOMAS F CASH, LORA JACOBI, CRISTINA BUBB‐LEWIS. Prejudice toward fat people: The development and validation of the Antifat Attitudes Test.

Although the stigma of obesity in our society in well documented, the measurement of antifat attitudes has been a difficult undertaking. Two studies were conducted to construct and validate the Antifat Attitudes Test (AFAT). In study 1, college students (110 men and 175 women) completed the preliminary 54‐item AFAT and specific indices of body image and weight‐related concerns. Psychometric and factor analysis revealed a 47‐item composite scale and three internally consistent factors that were uncorrelated with social desirability: Social/Character Disparagement, Physical/Romantic Unattractiveness, and Weight Control/Blame. Several body image correlates of antifat prejudice were identified, and men expressed more negative attitudes than women. Study 2 experimentally examined the effects of information about the controllability of weight on the antifat attitudes of 120 participants. Exposure to information on behavioral vs. biogenetic control led to greater blame of persons who are fat for their body size. The implications of the findings and the potential utility of the AFAT are discussed.
Genetic Influences on Changes in Body Mass Index: A Longitudinal Analysis of Women Twins
Authors: Austin Melissa A. , Friedlander Yechiel , Newman Beth , Edwards Karen , Mayer‐Davis Elizabeth J. , King Mary‐Claire
Published: September 2012

AUSTIN, MELISSA A, YECHIEL FRIEDLANDER, BETH NEWMAN, KAREN EDWARDS, ELIZABETH J MAYER‐DAVIS, MARY‐CLAIRE KING. Genetic influences on changes in body mass index: a longitudinal analysis of women twins.

Numerous studies have demonstrated genetic influences on body fat, but there also may be genetic effects on its intraindividual variation over time. This study examined changes in body mass index (BMI) using longitudinal data from two examinations of the Kaiser Permanente Women Twins Study, performed a decade apart. The analysis included 630 women, 185 monozygotic and 130 dizygotic twin pairs, with average ages of 41 years and 51 years at the two examinations, respectively. Age adjusted heritability estimates for the change in BMI over the decade ranged from 0.57 to 0.86 (all ρ≤0.001) using three different statistical analysis approaches, indicating that at least half, and possibly as much as 85%, of the variance in the change in BMI is attributable to genetic influences under a polygenic model. These estimates remained statistically significant after adjusting for environmental factors (ranging from 0.57 to 0.78) and with additional adjustment for BMI at baseline (ranging from 0.41 to 0.79), although dizygotic intraclass correlations were low after these adjustments. Thus, in addition to known environmental and behavioral influences, these results provide evidence for genetic influences on changes in BMI over a decade in women.
Suppression of Sympathetic Nervous System During Fasting
Authors: Young James B. , Landsberg Lewis
Published: September 2012

Two days of fasting in rats significantly reduces the turnover of norepinephrine in the heart. In contrast to the effects of ganglionic blockade in fed controls, similar blockade in fasted animals is without significant effect on [3H]‐norepinephrine retention or endogenous norepinephrine in the heart. These data are consistent with suppression of centrally mediated sympathetic activity in the fasted state. The decrease in norepinephrine turnover during fasting is completely reversed by 1 day of refeeding.
CCAAT/Enhancer‐Binding Protein β is not Affected by Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) Inhibition of 3T3‐L1 Preadipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Chen Chu‐Liang , Brodie Ann E. , Hu Ching Yuan
Published: September 2012

The differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes is induced by the coordinate activation of trans‐acting factors in response to inducers. Depending on the time of treatment, 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) was effective in inhibiting 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation and the expression of differentiation‐dependent trans‐acting factors. Based on glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity, the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells was decreased by 70% in cells treated with TCDD before the induction of differentiation, 25% during induction, and not at all after induction. This time‐dependent inhibition of cell differentiation by TCDD was correlated with the levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). TCDD treatment decreased the mRNA levels of C/EBPα and PPAR‐γ2 but did not affect the mRNA levels of RXRα and RARα. Furthermore, TCDD did not change the mRNA or protein levels of C/EBPβ, which is thought to play a role in inducing C/EBPα and PPARγ2 expression. These results suggest that TCDD inhibited 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation through the AhR pathway, and the change of C/EBPβ mRNA and protein was not involved in reducing mRNA expression of C/EBPα and PPARγ2.
Relationship of a Novel Polymorphic Marker Near the Human Obese (OB) Gene to Fat Mass in Healthy Women
Authors: Lapsys K.M. , Furler S.M. , Moore K.R. , Kguyen T.V. , Herzog H. , Howard G. , Samaras K. , Carey D.G. , Morrison K.A. , Eisman J.A. , Chisholm D.J.
Published: September 2012

LAPSYS, NM, SM FURLER, KR MOORE, TV NGUYEN, H HERZOG, G HOWARD, K SAMARAS, DG CAREY, NA MORRISON, JA EISMAN, DJ CHISHOLM. Relationship of a novel polymorphic marker near the human obese (OB) gene to fat mass in healthy women.

The cloning of the murine obese (ob)gene and its human homologue has recently been reported. Mutations in the mouse obgene result in hereditary obesity; however, the role of variations of OBin the regulation of bodyweight in humans has yet to be determined. The contribution of putative genetic variations in the human OBgene to total and regional fat mass in a normal twin population has been analyzed through linkage and association with a novel polymorphic marker, located in proximity to this gene. The polymorphic dinucleotide repeat, isolated from a PI clone containing the human OB gene, was physically localized by long‐range restriction mapping to within 30 kilobases of the OB locus. The marker was genotyped in a population of 47 healthy female/female dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs for which direct measures of central abdominal and whole body fat had been obtained by dual X‐ray absorbtiometry. Possible linkage between the microsatellite marker and whole‐body (p=0.008), but not central abdominal (p=0.09), fat deposits was indicated. No association between fat depot phenotype and marker genotype was detected. These results suggest that genetic variation in or close to the human OB gene may play a role in the size of body fat stores in healthy women.
Relationship Between Circulating Leptin and Energy Expenditure in Adult Men and Women Aged 18 Years to 81 Years
Authors: Roberts Susan B. , Nicholson Margery , Staten Myrlene , Dallal Gerard E. , Sawaya Ana L. , Heyman Melvin B. , Fuss Paul , Greenberg Andrew S.
Published: September 2012

SUSAN B. ROBERTS, MARGERY NICHOLSON, MYRLENE STATEN, GERALD E. DALLAL, ANA L. SAWAYA, MELVIN B. HEYMAN, PAUL FUSS, ANDREW S. GREENBERG. Relationship between circulating leptin and energy expenditure in adult men and women aged 18 years to 81 years.

Recent studies suggest that leptin may be an important metabolic signal for energy regulation in rodents, but the role of leptin in human energy regulation remains uncertain. Because adaptive variations in energy expenditure play an important role in human energy regulation, we investigated the relationship between leptin and energy expenditure parameters in 61 weight‐stable men and women aged 18 years to 81 years who were not obese. Measurements were made of circulating leptin in the fasting state, body fat and fat free mass, resting metabolic rate (n=61), free‐living total energy expenditure (n=52), and the thermic effect of feeding (n=33). After statistically accounting for age, body fat, and fat free mass, there was no association between leptin and any measured energy expenditure parameter. In addition, there was no effect of age on the relationship between circulating leptin and body fat mass. These results indicate that physiological variations in circulating leptin are not linked with adaptive variations in energy expenditure in humans, in contrast to indications of this phenomenon in the ob/ob mouse.
Composition of Dietary Fat Affects Blood Pressure and Insulin Responses to Dietary Obesity in the Dog
Authors: Truett Alycia A. , Borne Agatha T. , Monteiro Michelle P. , West David B.
Published: September 2012

Cardiovascular and metabolic parameters were evaluated in 15 female spayed dogs before and after they became obese on either a saturated fat (LD, lard, n=8) or unsaturated fat (CO, corn oil, n=7) diet. Body weight and body fat increased significantly in both groups, although no differences occurred between diet groups. Dogs receiving the LD diet exhibited a greater increase in mean arterial pressure than those receiving the CO diet (p<0. 01; 15. 9 ± 2. 1 vs. 9. 8 ± 3. 3 mm Hg increase). The CO diet stimulated a greater increase in heart rate than the LD diet (p<0. 05; 32. 8 ± 7. 8 vs. 14. 1 ± 5. 8 bpm increase). Ganglionic blockade with chlorisondamine caused an increase in HR in both lean groups and in the obese CO group, but not the obese LD group, consistent with a decrease in parasympathetic tone to the heart in the dogs overfed saturated fat. Obesity enhanced the heart rate response to β‐badrenergic stimulation by isoproterenol in the LD, but not CO group. The LD diet increased circulating insulin and decreased insulin sensitivity, whereas the CO diet had no effect on either parameter. These findings suggest that the composition of dietary fat can modulate the autonomic and metabolic adaptations induced by dietary obesity.
Improved Psychological Well‐Being, Quality of Life, and Health Practices in Moderately Overweight Women Participating in a 12‐Week Structured Weight Loss Program
Authors: Rippe James M. , Price Janet M. , Hess Stacey A. , Kline Greg , DeMers Kimberly A. , Damitz Susanne , Kreidieh Imad , Freedson Patty
Published: September 2012

Objective: To study the effects of a 12‐week weight loss strategy involving increased physical activity, self‐selected hypocaloric diet, and group support on psychological well‐being, quality of life, and health practices in moderately obese women.

Methods; Eighty women aged 20–49 years weighing between 20–50% above 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables were randomly assigned to a weight loss intervention (6279 kJ/week of physical activity, 33,258‐41,462 kJ/week diet and weekly meetings) or served as controls. Subjects were tested pre and post 12‐weeks.

Results: The intervention group lost significant (p<0.001) body weight (kg) and body fat (%) compared to controls (‐6.07 ± 4.01 kg vs. 1.31 ± 1.28 kg; 36.8%‐32.5% vs. 36.2%‐36.0%). Intervention subjects vs. controls achieved significant improvements (p<0.001) in body cathexis (X Change 18.6 ± 16.7 vs. 0.7 ± 8.6) and estimation of ability to achieve physical fitness (X Change 8.1 ± 7.1 vs. 0.9 ± 5.9). Various quality of life indices also improved (p<0.01) in the intervention group compared to controls (physical function: X Change 13.5.2 ± 16.7 vs. 1.4 ± 9.5; vitality: X change 21.7 ± 17.9 vs. 2.9 20.8; mental health: X change 10.4 ± 16.0 vs. 2.3 ± 10.1). Similarly, physical activity levels also improved significantly (p<0.0001) in the intervention group (4.4 ± 2.3 vs. 0.6 ± 1.3; on NASA 0–7 scale).

Conclusions: Practical weight loss practices such as increased activity, self‐selected hypocaloric diet, and group support are effective for weight loss and yield significant health and psychological benefits in moderately obese females.
Reproducibility of Dual‐Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry Measurements in Prepubertal Girls
Authors: Figueroa‐Colon Reinaldo , Mayo Matthew S. , Treuth Margarita S. , Aldridge Ruby A. , Weinsier Roland L.
Published: September 2012

Objective: Regulation of growth and development, clinical assessment, and obesity are among the areas of nutritionrelated research, wherein accurate assessment of body composition is important. We want to test the hypothesis that dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements are reproducible in healthy girls.

Research Methods and Procedures: We determined total body composition measurements in healthy prepubertal girls using DXA twice, 6 weeks apart.

Results: We studied 61 healthy, normal‐weight, prepubertal girls, aged 4.8 years to 10.3 years. The girls' DXA‐derived mean weight between visits 1 and 2 significantly increased (27.14 kg vs. 27.80 kg, P<0.0001). The increased weight was due to significant increases in total body fat‐free mass (FFM) (19.53 kg vs. 19.89 kg,P<O.001), total body bone mass (1.05 kg vs. 1.07 kg, P<0.0001), and total body fat mass (7.61 kg vs. 7.91 kg,P<0.03). The girls' DXA‐derived mean total trunk mass between visits 1 and 2 significantly increased (11.23 kg vs. 11.63 kg, p<<0.0001), as did total leg mass (9.33 kg vs. 9.53 kg, p<<0.001), although no significant differences were observed in total arm mass (2.52 kg vs. 2.54 kg, p< = 0.37). The Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) and total coefficient of variation (CV) for intraindividual measurements by DXA were: weight—r = 0.99, CV= 1.97%; total body FFM—r = 0.96, CV = 2.30%; total body bone mass—r = 0.99, CV = 2.08%; total body fat mass—r = 0.96, CV = 6.55%; percentage total body fat— r = 0.91, CV = 5.69%; total trunk mass—r = 0.96, CV = 3.59%; total arm mass—r = 0.95, CV = 4.09%; and total leg mass—r = 0.99, CV = 2.75%.

Discussion: Total body FFM, total body bone mass, total body fat mass, percentage of total body fat mass, as well as regional mass determinations by DXA, were highly reproducible in healthy, normal‐weight, prepubertal girls. We highly recommend the use of DXA for total body composition studies in girls aged 5 years to 10 years.
The Body Mass Index‐Mortality Relationship in White and African American Women
Authors: Stevens June , Plankey Michael W. , Williamson David F. , Thun Michael J. , Rust Philip F. , Palesch Yuko , O'Neil Patrick M.
Published: September 2012

Objective: To examine the association of body mass index to all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in white and African American women.

Research methods and procedures: Women who were members of the American Cancer Society Prevention Study I were examined in 1959 to 1960 and then followed 12 years for vital status. Data for this analysis were from 8,142 black and 100,000 white women. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from reported height and weight. Associations were examined using Cox proportional hazards modeling with some analyses stratified by smoking (current or never) and educational status (less than complete high school or high school graduate).

Results: There was a significant interaction between ethnicity and BMI for both all‐cause (p<0.05) and CVD mortality (p<<0.001). BMI (as a continuous variable) was associated with all‐dause mortality in white women in all four groups defined by smoking and education. In black women with less than a high school education, there were no significant associations between BMI mortality. For high school‐educated black women, there was a significant association between BMI and all‐cause mortality. Among never smoking women with at least a high school education, models using the lowest BMI as the reference indicated a 40% higher risk of all‐cause mortality at a BMI of 35.9 in black women vs. 27.3 in white women.

Discussion: The impact of BMI on mortality was modified by educational level in black women; however, BMI was a less potent risk factor in black women than in white women in the same category of educational status.
Characterization of Cyclic AMP Efflux from Swine Adipocytes In Vitro
Authors: Finnesan Richard B. , Carey Gale B.
Published: September 2012

Objective: A variety of cell types transport cyclic AMP (cAMP) to the extracellular fluid; the purpose of this study was to determine if and how this process occurs in adipocytes.

Research Methods and Procedures: Adipocytes were isolated from 3‐month‐old swine and incubated with stimulators of adenylate cyclase for 2 to 120 minutes to promote cAMP synthesis and efflux. Efflux was characterized in the presence of agents that inhibit ATP production, anion transport, intracellular cAMP metabolism, and extracellular cAMP metabolism. Extracellular cAMP was measured by enzyme immunoassay, then corrected for cell lysis by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release.

Results: cAMP efflux averaged 24.7 fmol/min/cm2 adipocyte surface area, was linear for 2 hours, and was proportional to adipocyte surface area (r = 0.94, p<0.05). Efflux was reduced by ∽35% in cells incubated with 1 4mUM antimycin, an inhibitor of ATP synthesis (p<0.05), and by ∼55% in cells incubated with 2 mM probenecid, an anionpecific transport blocker (p<0.05). Extracellular cAMP levels more than doubled by the addition of 1 μM 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐p‐sulfophenylxanthine, a purported inhibitor of extracellular phosphodiesterase.

Discussion: Our data demonstrate that cAMP is transported from swine adipocytes by an energy‐dependent anion transporter and can be metabolized extracellularly. Future studies will evaluate extracellular cAMP as a potential source of extracellular adenosine, a potent inhibitor of adipocyte lipolysis.
Increased Expression of Complement Component C3 in the Plasma of Obese Zucker fa and LA/N fef Rats Compared with Their Lean Counterparts
Authors: Boggs Roger D. , McCumbee William D. , Cobbs Scott L. , Todd Daniel G. , Kahle E. Bowie , Stewart Nancy L. , Bailey Mary , Reichenbecher Vernon E.
Published: September 2012

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine whether there are differences in the electrophoretic profiles of plasma proteins from lean and obese rats and to identify a protein that was found to be more abundant in the plasma of obese rats.

Research Methods and Procedures: Plasma proteins from lean and obese Zucker fa and LA/N/fafrats were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The identity of a band that was differentially expressed was determined by amino acid sequencing and Western blot analysis.

Results: A band migrating approximately the same distance as the 116 kDa molecular weight marker was more prominent in plasma from obese rats than in plasma of lean rats. Partial sequencing of the peptide revealed that 17 of the first 18 amino acids at the amino terminus were identical with the corresponding residues in the α‐chain of complement component C3. Western blot analysis confirmed the identity of the peptide as complement component C3. Complement C3 activity was measured using a hemolytic assay to determine whether there was a corresponding increase in the biological activity of this component in the serum of obese rats. Serum from obese rats was found to have 1.8 times as much complement component C3 activity as serum from lean rats.

Discussion: Elevated levels of complement C3 in genetically obese rats may be relevant because increased amounts of C3 could serve as a reservoir from which increased amounts of acylation stimulating protein, a cleavage product of complement C3, could be produced.
Relationships between Dietary Fat, Body Fat, and Serum Lipid Profile in Prepubertal Children
Authors: Ku Ching‐Yi , Gower Barbara A. , Nagy Tim R. , Goran Michael I.
Published: September 2012

KU, CHING YI, BARBARA A. GOWER, TIM R. NAGY, MICHAEL I. GORAN. Relationships between dietary fat, body fat, and serum lipid profile in prepubertal children. Obes Res. 1998;6:400–407.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that dietary fat components were associated with the serum lipid profile independent of ethnicity, body fat, and fat distribution in prepubertal children.

Research Methods and Procedures: Sixty‐six children (45 African American and 21 Caucasian), aged from 4 to 10 years, were recruited into the study. Dietary total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat were estimated by averaging two 24‐hour diet recalls. Fasting serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were analyzed, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) was calculated by the method of Friedewald. Body composition and fat distribution were measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and computed tomography.

Results: Children in both ethnic groups tended to overreport their dietary intake relative to total energy expenditure by 18%. African American children consumed more energy from total fat (35.3% vs. 31.5%, p<0.05), saturated fat (13.7% vs 12.2%, p<0.05), protein (16.4% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.02), and less from carbohydrate (48% vs. 57.1%, p<0.01) than Caucasian children. There was no significant correlation between dietary fat and either serum lipids or body fat indices after adjusting for nonfat energy intake and total lean tissue mass. Total body fat (r = 0.32), subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (r = 0.39), and intraabdominal adipose tissue (r = 0.42) were positively related to serum triacylglycerol; these associations remained significant in a multiple linear regression model in which body fat indices were adjusted for ethnicity, total lean tissue, dietary total fat, and nonfat intake.

Discussion: Our results do not support a link between dietary fat and serum lipids; instead, our data suggest that body fat may play a more important role than dietary fat in the course of cardiovascular disease development in prepubertal children.
Relative Body Weight and Self‐Esteem among African Americans in Four Nationally Representative Samples
Authors: Faith Myles S. , Manibay Elizabeth , Kravitz Meredyth , Griffith John , Allison David B.
Published: September 2012

FAITH, MYLES S., ELIZABETH MANIBAY, MEREDYTH KRAVITZ, JOHN GRIFFITH, DAVID B. ALLISON. Relative body weight and self‐esteem among African Americans in four nationally representative samples. Obes. Res. 1998;6:430–437.

Objective: Obesity is an increasingly common health problem among African Americans, especially women, in the United States. However, limited data are available on the psychological correlates of obesity in this population. This study examined the association between self‐esteem and relative body weight (RBW) in four large nationally representative samples of African American individuals.

Research Methods and Procedures: Data from The Adolescent Health Care Evaluation Study, The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, The High School and Beyond, and The National Survey of Black Americans were analyzed. Within each database, regression analyses tested the association between RBW and self‐esteem while adjusting for age and sex.

Results: In three of the four databases, there was no significant association between RBW and self‐esteem. In the only database detecting a statistically significant effect, the magnitude of the effect was small. The combined effects of RBW and its interaction with age and sex accounted for <2% of the variance in self‐esteem across databases.

Discussion: Results suggest that elevated RBW is not associated with a poorer general self‐concept, on average, among African American individuals.
The Case for Medical Management of Obesity: A Call for Increased Physician Involvement
Authors: Rippe James M.
Published: September 2012

The United States is in the midst of an escalating epidemic of obesity. Over one‐third of the adult population in the United States is currently obese and the prevalence of obesity is growing rapidly. By any criteria, obesity represents a chronic disease which is associated with a wide range of comorbidities, including coronary heart disease (CHD), Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemias. The comorbidities of obesity are common, occurring in over 70% of individuals with a BMI of ≥ 27. In addition to obesity itself, excessive accumulation of visceral abdominal fat and significant adult weight gain also represent health risks. Physicians have an important role to play in the treatment of obesity. Unfortunately, the medical community has not been involved actively enough to help stem the major epidemic of obesity occurring in the United States. This article puts forth a proposed model for the treatment of obesity in clinical practice, including obtaining the “vital signs” of obesity, recommending lifestyle measures, and instituting pharmacologic therapy when appropriate. By utilizing a chronic disease treatment model, physicians can join other health care professionals to effectively treat the chronic disease of obesity. Relatively modest weight loss, on the order of 510% of initial body weight can result in significant health improvements for many patients and represent an achievable goal for most obese patients.
An Initial Evaluation of a Commercial Weight Loss Program: Short‐Term Effects on Weight, Eating Behavior, and Mood
Authors: Lowe Michael R. , Miller‐Kovach Karen , Frye Nema , Phelan Suzanne
Published: September 2012

LOWE, MICHAEL R, KAREN MILLER‐KOVACH, NEMA FRYE, AND SUZANNE PHELAN. An initial evaluation of a commercial weight loss program: short‐term effects on weight, eating behavior, and mood. Obes Res. 1999;7:51–59.

Objective: This paper describes an initial, 4‐week evaluation of a commercial weight loss program.

Research Methods and Procedures: Respondents (n = 985) to newspaper advertisements in two metropolitan areas were assigned to 4 weeks of either the Weight Watchers program or to a Self‐Help condition. Weight loss, psychological vitality, and eating behavior were evaluated before and after the 4‐week intervention.

Results: Weight Watchers participants showed greater improvements than Self‐Help participants on all measures; weight losses averaged 1.87 and 0.77 kg, respectively. The superior outcomes shown by Weight Watchers participants on measures of vitality and eating behavior were still evident when extent of weight loss was controlled. Weight losses across different sites, incomes, and levels of obesity were similar.

Discussion: Although the present study's intervention and outcome assessments were short‐term, the promising results obtained suggest that longer term studies should be undertaken.