bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta‐Analysis of Genome‐wide Linkage Studies in BMI and Obesity
Authors: Saunders Catherine L. , Chiodini Benedetta D. , Sham Pak , Lewis Cathryn M. , Abkevich Victor , Adeyemo Adebowale A. , de Andrade Mariza , Arya Rector , Berenson Gerald S. , Blangero John , Boehnke Michael , Borecki Ingrid B. , Chagnon Yvon C. , Chen Wei , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Deng Hong‐Wen , Duggirala Ravindranath , Feitosa Mary F. , Froguel Philippe , Hanson Robert L. , Hebebrand Johannes , Huezo‐Dias Patricia , Kissebah Ahmed H. , Li Weidong , Luke Amy , Martin Lisa J. , Nash Matthew , Öhman Miina , Palmer Lyle J. , Peltonen Leena , Perola Markus , Price R. Arlen , Redline Susan , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Stern Michael P. , Stone Steven , Stringham Heather , Turner Stephen , Wijmenga Cisca , Collier David A.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to provide an overall assessment of genetic linkage data of BMI and BMI‐defined obesity using a nonparametric genome scan meta‐analysis.

Research Methods and Procedures: We identified 37 published studies containing data on over 31,000 individuals from more than >10,000 families and obtained genome‐wide logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores, non‐parametric linkage (NPL) scores, or maximum likelihood scores (MLS). BMI was analyzed in a pooled set of all studies, as a subgroup of 10 studies that used BMI‐defined obesity, and for subgroups ascertained through type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or subjects of European ancestry.

Results: Bins at chromosome 13q13.2‐ q33.1, 12q23‐q24.3 achieved suggestive evidence of linkage to BMI in the pooled analysis and samples ascertained for hypertension. Nominal evidence of linkage to these regions and suggestive evidence for 11q13.3‐22.3 were also observed for BMI‐defined obesity. The FTO obesity gene locus at 16q12.2 also showed nominal evidence for linkage. However, overall distribution of summed rank p values <0.05 is not different from that expected by chance. The strongest evidence was obtained in the families ascertained for hypertension at 9q31.1‐qter and 12p11.21‐q23 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Despite having substantial statistical power, we did not unequivocally implicate specific loci for BMI or obesity. This may be because genes influencing adiposity are of very small effect, with substantial genetic heterogeneity and variable dependence on environmental factors. However, the observation that the FTO gene maps to one of the highest ranking bins for obesity is interesting and, while not a validation of this approach, indicates that other potential loci identified in this study should be investigated further.
Parenting Style and Cultural Influences on Overweight Children's Attraction to Physical Activity
Authors: Lau Patrick W. C. , Lee Antoinette , Ransdell Lynda
Published: July 2008

Objective: To investigate the associations among parenting style, gender, Chinese culture, and overweight children's attraction to physical activity.

Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 104 parents with overweight children were recruited from six primary schools in Hong Kong, China. Only overweight children in grades 3 through 6 (8 to 12 years of age) were invited to participate. Overweight children were defined and identified using the international cut‐off points stratified by sex and age. Questionnaires were used to assess Children's Attraction to Physical Activity (CAPA), perceived competence, and parental socialization influences.

Results: Parental influence, especially father's role modeling, was significantly related to attraction to physical activity in overweight Chinese children. Perceived physical competence was also an important correlate of an overweight child's attraction to physical activity. Gender differences in CAPA were not significant among the Chinese overweight children. However, gender differences were observed in the relationship between parent physical activity orientation and CAPA.

Discussion: In addition to a child's perceived competence, father's role modeling can provide additional and significant influence with regard to overweight children's attraction to physical activity. Differences in cultural orientation toward body weight should be considered when explaining overweight children's physical activity.
Genes, Fat Intake, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Quebec Family Study
Authors: Robitaille Julie , Pérusse Louis , Bouchard Claude , Vohl Marie‐Claude
Published: July 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess gene‐diet interaction effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (waist circumference, plasma triacylglycerol, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and fasting glucose concentrations, and diastolic and systolic blood pressure) in the Quebec Family Study cohort.

Design: Sixty‐four polymorphisms from 45 candidate genes were studied in 645 subjects. Dietary fat intake was obtained from a 3‐day weighted food record.

Results: We observed 18 significant interactions at a p value ≤ 0.01. Among them, the Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, alone or in interaction with fat intake, significantly modulated waist circumference (p = 0.0005 for both effects). Additionally, the apolipoprotein E genotype in interaction with fat intake was significantly associated with diastolic and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively). The ghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism also interacted with dietary fat in its relation to waist circumference and triacylglycerol concentrations (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.005).

Discussion: These results suggest that several alleles at candidate genes interact with dietary fat intake to modulate well‐known CVD risk factors. The identification of gene‐diet interaction effects is likely to provide useful information concerning the etiology of CVD.
Stemming the Obesity Epidemic: A Tantalizing Prospect
Authors: Veerman J. Lennert , Barendregt Jan J. , van Beeck Ed F. , Seidell Jacob C. , Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Obesity is a growing problem worldwide, but there are no good methods to assess the future course of the epidemic and the potential influence of interventions. We explore the behavior change needed to stop the obesity epidemic in the U.S.

Research Methods and Procedures: We modeled the population distribution of BMI as a log‐normal curve of which the mean shifts upward with time due to a positive population energy balance. Interventions that decrease food intake or increase physical activity result in more favorable trends in BMI.

Results: The recently observed trend in average BMI implies that the average U.S. adult over‐consumes by ∼10 kcal/d. If this trend continues unaltered, obesity prevalence will exceed 40% for men and 45% for women in 2015. To stop the epidemic, it suffices to decrease caloric consumption by ∼10 kcal or walk an extra 2 to 3 minutes per day, on average.

Discussion: This leads to a paradox: little behavior change seems sufficient to halt the epidemic, but in practice this proves hard to achieve. The obesogenic environment is the likely culprit. Individuals trying to maintain a healthy weight need to be supported by environments that stimulate physical activity and do not encourage over‐consumption. Research should show what measures are effective.
Physical Activity Assessment With Accelerometers: An Evaluation Against Doubly Labeled Water
Authors: Plasqui Guy , Westerterp Klaas R.
Published: July 2008

This review focuses on the ability of different accelerometers to assess daily physical activity as compared with the doubly labeled water (DLW) technique, which is considered the gold standard for measuring energy expenditure under free‐living conditions. The PubMed Central database (U.S. NIH free digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature) was searched using the following key words: doubly or double labeled or labeled water in combination with accelerometer, accelerometry, motion sensor, or activity monitor. In total, 41 articles were identified, and screening the articles’ references resulted in one extra article. Of these, 28 contained sufficient and new data. Eight different accelerometers were identified: 3 uniaxial (the Lifecorder, the Caltrac, and the CSA/MTI/Actigraph), one biaxial (the Actiwatch AW16), 2 triaxial (the Tritrac‐R3D and the Tracmor), one device based on two position sensors and two motion sensors (ActiReg), and the foot‐ground contact pedometer. Many studies showed poor results. Only a few mentioned partial correlations for accelerometer counts or the increase in R2 caused by the accelerometer. The correlation between the two methods was often driven by subject characteristics such as body weight. In addition, standard errors or limits of agreement were often large or not presented. The CSA/MTI/Actigraph and the Tracmor were the two most extensively validated accelerometers. The best results were found for the Tracmor; however, this accelerometer is not yet commercially available. Of those commercially available, only the CSA/MTI/Actigraph has been proven to correlate reasonably with DLW‐derived energy expenditure.
Waist Circumference Values Are Increasing Beyond Those Expected From BMI Increases
Authors: Elobeid Mai A. , Desmond Renee A. , Thomas Olivia , Keith Scott W. , Allison David B.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective of this investigation was to examine the relationship between BMI and waist circumference (WC) by gender and race subgroups from U.S. population‐based data from 1959 to 2004 and to investigate the trend in WC over calendar time.

Research Methods and Procedures: Demographic and anthropometric cross‐sectional data on 30,730 participants 18 to 79 years old across five national surveys were included. We regressed WC on BMI while controlling for age in each time period for blacks and whites by gender.

Results: The relationship between BMI and WC as characterized by the slope of the linear regression of WC on BMI does not seem to be changing significantly over time. A small (range, 0.08 to 0.27 cm/yr) increase in WC over time was observed.

Discussion: The implications of these findings for public health and for understanding any extant changes in the BMI‐mortality rate relationship remain to be elucidated.
A Comparison of the Characteristics of Injuries Between Obese and Non‐obese Inpatients
Authors: Matter Kristen C. , Sinclair Sara A. , Hostetler Sarah Grim , Xiang Huiyun
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to compare characteristics of injuries between a sample of U.S. obese and non‐obese inpatients.

Methods: Discharge records from the 2002 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Use Project were analyzed to identify records including an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification injury diagnosis code (ICD‐9‐CM). Records with an exclusive obesity comorbidity were isolated, and proportionate injury ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare the demographics and injury characteristics between obese and non‐obese persons hospitalized for an injury.

Results: A total of 160,707 discharge records were analyzed. Type and cause of injury that required hospitalization were significantly associated with obesity status (p < 0.001). Sprains, strains, and dislocations represented significantly higher proportions of injury‐related hospitalizations among obese persons compared with non‐obese persons. By cause of injury, injuries among obese persons were more frequently due to falls, overexertion, and poisonings compared with non‐obese persons.

Discussion: Injuries that required hospitalization among obese persons may have injury characteristics distinct from injuries among non‐obese persons.
Deconvolution as a Novel Approach to Analyze Moment‐to‐Moment Free Fatty Acid Release
Authors: Hücking Katrin , Hsu Isabel R. , Ionut Viorica , Bergman Richard N.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Recent studies have shown that free fatty acid (FFA) release is pulsatile and that this pattern is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. It is, then, necessary to understand and characterize adipose tissue lipolysis to elucidate its effect on metabolism. In this study, we introduce deconvolution as a method to detect and quantify pulsatile FFA release.

Research Methods and Procedures: Octanoate, a medium‐chain fatty acid, was infused in male mongrel dogs (n = 7) to mimic the pulsatile appearance of plasma FFAs. Deconvolution analysis was used to reconstruct the number and timing of infused octanoate pulses from plasma FFA concentrations.

Results: Deconvolution analysis was able to reconstruct the exogenously infused pulses of octanoate used to mimic pulsatile appearance of FFAs (pulse frequency, 8 per hour; interpulse interval, 7 minutes). However, determination of pulse mass was less accurate (1.0 ± 0.0 vs. 0.54 ± 0.1 mM). The addition of varying levels of Gaussian noise to non‐oscillatory FFA time series did not lead to detection of extraneous FFA pulses. However, goodness of fit declined with increasing variability.

Discussion: These results support the use of deconvolution as an accurate approach to determine the temporal sequence of endogenous FFA release.
A Prospective Study of Breakfast Consumption and Weight Gain among U.S. Men
Authors: van der Heijden Amber A.W.A. , Hu Frank B. , Rimm Eric B. , van Dam Rob M.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The aim was to investigate the association between breakfast consumption and long‐term weight gain in an adult male population.

Research Methods and Procedures: We evaluated prospective data on 20,064 U.S men, 46 to 81 years of age, who participated in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study. Data on body weight, dietary factors, and lifestyle variables were obtained by validated questionnaires. We examined weight gain during 10 years of follow‐up.

Results: Overall, 5857 men had a weight gain of 5 kg or greater during 10 years of follow‐up. Breakfast consumption was inversely associated with the risk of 5‐kg weight gain after adjustment for age [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 0.82)], and this association was independent of lifestyle and BMI at baseline [HR = 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82 to 0.93)]. Fiber and nutrient intakes partially explained the association between breakfast consumption and weight gain. The inverse association between breakfast consumption and weight gain was more pronounced in men with a baseline BMI of 25 kg/m2 or lower [multivariate HR = 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.87)] than in men who were overweight at baseline [HR = 0.92 (95% CI, 0.85 to 1.00)]. Furthermore, we observed that an increasing number of eating occasions in addition to three standard meals was associated with a higher risk of 5‐kg weight gain [HR = 1.15 (95% CI, 1.06 to 1.25, for ≥2 vs. 0 additional eating occasions)].

Discussion: These findings suggest that the consumption of breakfast may modestly contribute to the prevention of weight gain as compared with skipping breakfast in middle‐aged and older men.
Three‐Year Weight Change in Successful Weight Losers Who Lost Weight on a Low‐Carbohydrate Diet
Authors: Phelan Suzanne , Wyatt Holly , Nassery Shirine , DiBello Julia , Fava Joseph L. , Hill James O. , Wing Rena R.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate long‐term weight loss and eating and exercise behaviors of successful weight losers who lost weight using a low‐carbohydrate diet.

Research Methods and Procedures: This study examined 3‐year changes in weight, diet, and physical activity in 891 subjects (96 low‐carbohydrate dieters and 795 others) who enrolled in the National Weight Control Registry between 1998 and 2001 and reported ≥30‐lb weight loss and ≥1 year weight loss maintenance.

Results: Only 10.8% of participants reported losing weight after a low‐carbohydrate diet. At entry into the study, low‐carbohydrate diet users reported consuming more kcal/d (mean ± SD, 1895 ± 452 vs. 1398 ± 574); fewer calories in weekly physical activity (1595 ± 2499 vs. 2542 ± 2301); more calories from fat (64.0 ± 7.9% vs. 30.9 ± 13.1%), saturated fat (23.8 ± 4.1 vs. 10.5 ± 5.2), monounsaturated fat (24.4 ± 3.7 vs. 11.0 ± 5.1), and polyunsaturated fat (8.6 ± 2.7 vs. 5.5 ± 2.9); and less dietary restraint (10.8 ± 2.9 vs. 14.9 ± 3.9) compared with other Registry members. These differences persisted over time. No differences in 3‐year weight regain were observed between low‐carbohydrate dieters and other Registry members in intent‐to‐treat analyses (7.0 ± 7.1 vs. 5.7 ± 8.7 kg).

Discussion: It is possible to achieve and maintain long‐term weight loss using a low‐carbohydrate diet. The long‐term health effects of weight loss associated with a high‐fat diet and low activity level merits further investigation.
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Metabolic Syndrome Improvement in Response to Weight Reduction
Authors: Okura Tomohiro , Nakata Yoshio , Ohkawara Kazunori , Numao Shigeharu , Katayama Yasutomi , Matsuo Tomoaki , Tanaka Kiyoji
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to test effects of aerobic exercise training on metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) improvement in response to weight reduction.

Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 459 overweight and obese women (age, 49 ± 9 years; BMI, 28 ± 3 kg/m2) were recruited for a baseline examination to test the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic syndrome prevalence; among these, 67 subjects with MetSyn were treated with 14‐week weight‐loss programs, which included low‐calorie diet and aerobic exercise. The MetSyn was defined according to the Examination Committee of Criteria for “Metabolic Syndrome” in Japan. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) during a maximal cycling test was measured as an index of cardiorespiratory fitness at baseline and after the intervention.

Results: In the baseline examination, age‐ and BMI‐adjusted odds ratios for MetSyn prevalence in the low, middle, and upper thirds of V̇o2max were 1.0 (referent), 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 0.26 to 0.95), and 0.39 (95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 0.96), respectively (linear trend, p = 0.02). The adjusted odds ratios for MetSyn improvement in the two interventions with diet alone and diet plus exercise were 1.0 and 3.68 (95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 17.6; p = 0.04), respectively.

Discussion: These results suggest that adding aerobic exercise training to a dietary weight‐reduction program further improves MetSyn (adjusted odds ratio, 3.68) in obese women, compared with diet alone. Further studies on an association between V̇o2max change and MetSyn improvement are needed.
Internal Disinhibition Predicts Weight Regain Following Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance
Authors: Niemeier Heather M. , Phelan Suzanne , Fava Joseph L. , Wing Rena R.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The disinhibition scale of the Eating Inventory predicts weight loss outcome; however, it may include multiple factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of the disinhibition scale and determine how its factors independently relate to long‐term weight loss outcomes.

Research Methods and Procedures: Exploratory factor analysis of the disinhibition scale was conducted on 286 participants in a behavioral weight loss trial (TRIM), and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 3345 members of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), a registry of successful weight loss maintainers. Multivariate regressions were used to examine the relationships between the disinhibition scale factors and weight over time in both samples.

Results: Using baseline data from TRIM, two factors were extracted from the disinhibition scale: 1) an “internal” factor that described eating in response to internal cues, such as feelings and thoughts; and 2) an “external” factor that described eating in response to external cues, such as social events. This factor structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis in the NWCR. In TRIM, internal disinhibition significantly predicted weight loss at 6 months (p = 0.03) and marginally significantly predicted weight loss at 18 months (p = 0.06), with higher levels of internal disinhibition at baseline predicting less weight loss; external disinhibition did not predict weight loss at any time‐point. In NWCR, internal disinhibition significantly predicted one‐year weight change (p = 0.001), while external disinhibition did not.

Discussion: These results suggest that it is the disinhibition of eating in response to internal cues that is associated with poorer long‐term weight loss outcomes.
Daytime Sleepiness in the Obese: Not as Simple as Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Dixon John B. , Dixon Maureen E. , Anderson Margaret L. , Schachter Linda , O'Brien Paul E.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom in obese patients, but what drives this condition is unclear. The objective was to look for clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and polysomnographic predictors of excessive daytime sleepiness as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in obese patients.

Research Methods and Procedures: The ESS questionnaire was completed by 1055 consecutive patients presenting for obesity surgery. Those at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (n = 331) had diagnostic overnight polysomnography preoperatively. All patients had preoperative clinical, hematologic, and biochemical measurements and completed multiple questionnaires.

Results: There was no significant relationship between ESS score and any measure of diagnostic polysomnography factors, including total apnea hypopnea index. Subtle increases in ESS scores were reported in men, older patients, and those with type 2 diabetes. However, general demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical measures of the metabolic syndrome explained only 3% of ESS score variance, and inflammatory markers of C‐reactive protein and total white cell count were not predictive. Poor Short Form‐36 energy scores (b = −0.18, p < 0.001) and high Beck Depression Inventory scores were predictive of higher ESS scores (b = 0.15, p < 0.001) and, along with increasing age and male gender, explained 10% of variance. Symptoms related to disturbed nocturnal sleep explained 30% of variance.

Conclusion: In severely obese subjects, increased daytime sleepiness does not seem to be driven by obstructive sleep apnea, the degree of obesity, or anthropometric, metabolic, or inflammatory markers of the metabolic syndrome. It is, however, associated with poor energy, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of nocturnal sleep disturbance.
No Association between rs7566605 Variant and Being Overweight in Japanese
Authors: Kuzuya Masafumi , Ando Fujiko , Iguchi Akihisa , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: July 2008

It has recently been demonstrated that a common single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs7566605) upstream of the transcription start site for the insulin‐induced gene 2 is associated with obesity in several European/European origin or African‐American cohorts. We tested whether this variant is also linked to overweight among Asian populations. Our sample included 2233 randomly selected, community‐dwelling, middle‐age and older Japanese people (men, 1128; women, 1105; age, 40 to 79 years; C allele frequency, 0.32). We observed that there were no differences in BMI levels [men, 22.9 ± 0.3 (mean ± standard error) vs. 22.9 ± 0.1, p = 0.820; women, 22.8 ± 0.3 vs. 22.9 ± 0.1, p = 0.792], waist circumferences and hip circumferences, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and fat mass between rs7566605 GG/GC and CC genotypes in both genders. In addition, logistic regression analysis, using age and sex as covariates, revealed no association of the single‐nucleotide polymorphism with overweight (BMI ≥25) between rs7566605 genotypes in the Japanese cohort (CC vs. CG/GG, odds ratio = 1.18; 95% confidence interval = 0.84 to 1.65, p = 0.333; CC vs. GG, odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval = 0.84 to 1.69, p = 0.325). No significant associations were observed between polymorphism and glucose or insulin levels. These results suggested no association of the rs7566605 variant with overweight in Japanese people.
Metabolic Syndrome in Yup'ik Eskimos: The Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) Study
Authors: Boyer Bert B. , Mohatt Gerald V. , Plaetke Rosemarie , Herron Johanna , Stanhope Kimber L. , Stephensen Charles , Havel Peter J. ,   CANHR Project Team
Published: July 2008

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its defining components among Yup'ik Eskimos.

Research Methods and Procedures: A cross‐sectional study design that included 710 adult Yup'ik Eskimos ≥18 years of age residing in 8 communities in Southwest Alaska. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined using the recently updated Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this study cohort was 14.7%, and varied by sex with 8.6% of the men and 19.8% of the women having metabolic syndrome. This is lower than the prevalence of 23.9% in the general U.S. adult population. The most common metabolic syndrome components/risk factors were increased waist circumference and elevated blood glucose. High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in Yup'ik Eskimos were significantly higher, and triglycerides lower than levels reported in National Health and Nutritional Examination III.

Discussion: Compared with other populations, metabolic syndrome is relatively uncommon in Yup'ik Eskimos. The higher prevalence among Yup'ik women is primarily explained by their large waist circumference, suggesting central body fat accumulation. Further increases in metabolic syndrome risk factors among Yup'ik Eskimos could lead to increases in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, once rare in this population.
Quality of Life in Mexican‐American Children Following a Weight Management Program
Authors: Fullerton Ginny , Tyler Chermaine , Johnston Craig A. , Vincent John P. , Harris Gerald E. , Foreyt John P.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in at‐risk‐for‐overweight and overweight Mexican‐American children after participating in 6 months of intensive weight management or self‐help.

Research Methods and Procedures: Eighty sixth‐ and seventh‐grade at‐risk‐for‐overweight (BMI ≥85th to <95th percentile) and overweight (BMI ≥95th percentile) Mexican‐American children were randomly assigned to either intensive instructor‐led intervention (ILI) or self‐help (SH). The ILI condition included daily participation for 12 weeks in a school‐based program comprised of nutrition education, physical activity, and behavior modification, followed by ongoing monthly maintenance. QOL was assessed at baseline and 6 months via child self‐report PedsQL. QOL outcomes were compared across treatment groups, and the impact of change in zBMI on change in QOL was evaluated.

Results: Children in the ILI condition not only achieved significantly greater weight loss (zBMI, −0.13 ± 0.14; p < 0.001) but also significantly greater physical QOL improvements than those in the SH condition at 6 months (p < 0.05). Furthermore, physical QOL increases were associated with zBMI reduction (p < 0.05). However, neither psychosocial nor total QOL was significantly impacted by intervention or zBMI change.

Discussion: These findings show that even modest decreases in zBMI after weight management result in improved physical QOL in Mexican‐American children. These results illustrate the clear need to include evaluation of QOL in the process of identifying effective weight management programs.
Association of Major Depression and Binge Eating Disorder with Weight Loss in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Pagoto Sherry , Bodenlos Jamie S. , Kantor Lyle , Gitkind Mitchell , Curtin Carol , Ma Yunsheng
Published: July 2008

Objective: Obesity has been linked to both major depressive disorder (MDD) and binge eating disorder (BED) in clinical and epidemiological studies. The present study compared weight loss among patients with and without MDD and BED who participated in a hospital‐based weight loss program modeled after the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Research Methods and Procedures: Of 131 obese patients who enrolled in treatment, 17% were diagnosed with MDD only, 13% were diagnosed with BED only, 17% were diagnosed with both MDD and BED, and 53% lacked either diagnosis in a pretreatment clinical interview.

Results: After treatment, patients with MDD only attained 63% of the weight loss that non‐depressed patients attained. Patients with BED only attained 55% of the weight loss that non‐binge eaters attained. The effect of MDD on weight loss was not accounted for by the presence of BED or vice versa. Only 27% of patients with both MDD and BED achieved clinically significant weight loss compared with 67% of patients who had neither disorder. Results were not significantly altered when gender, age, and diabetes status were adjusted.

Conclusion: Both MDD and BED were prevalent among this obese clinical population, and each disorder was independently associated with worse outcomes. Research is needed to investigate how to increase the efficacy of behavioral weight loss programs for individuals with MDD and/or BED.
Induction of Circadian Gene Expression in Human Subcutaneous Adipose‐derived Stem Cells
Authors: Wu Xiying , Zvonic Sanjin , Floyd Z. Elizabeth , Kilroy Gail , Goh Brian C. , Hernandez Teri L. , Eckel Robert H. , Mynatt Randall L. , Gimble Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Genes encoding the circadian transcriptional apparatus exhibit robust oscillatory expression in murine adipose tissues. This study tests the hypothesis that human subcutaneous adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) provide an in vitro model in which to monitor the activity of the core circadian transcriptional apparatus.

Research Methods and Procedures: Primary cultures of undifferentiated or adipocyte‐differentiated ASCs were treated with dexamethasone, rosiglitazone, or 30% fetal bovine serum. The response of undifferentiated ASCs to dexamethasone was further evaluated in the presence of lithium chloride. Lithium inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3, a key component of the circadian apparatus. Total RNA was harvested at 4‐hour intervals over 48 hours and examined by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results: Adipocyte‐differentiated cells responded more rapidly to treatments than their donor‐matched undifferentiated controls; however, the period of the circadian gene oscillation was longer in the adipocyte‐differentiated cells. Dexamethasone generated circadian gene expression patterns with mean periods of 25.4 and 26.7 hours in undifferentiated and adipocyte‐differentiated ASCs, respectively. Both rosiglitazone and serum shock generated a significantly longer period in adipocyte‐differentiated ASCs relative to undifferentiated ASCs. The Bmal1 profile was phase‐shifted by ∼8 to 12 hours relative to Per1, Per3, and Cry2, consistent with their expression in vivo. Lithium chloride inhibited adipogenesis and significantly lengthened the period of Per3 and Rev‐erbα gene expression profiles by >5 hours in dexamethasone‐activated undifferentiated ASCs.

Discussion: These results support the initial hypothesis and validate ASCs as an in vitro model for the analysis of circadian biology in human adipose tissue.
Changes in Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle in Response to Fat Overfeeding in Lean Men
Authors: Meugnier Emmanuelle , Bossu Cécile , Oliel Myriam , Jeanne Sakina , Michaut Angélique , Sothier Monique , Brozek John , Rome Sophie , Laville Martine , Vidal Hubert
Published: July 2008

Objective: The adaptive mechanisms in response to excess energy supply are still poorly known in humans. Our aims were to define metabolic responses and changes in gene expression in skeletal muscle of healthy volunteers during fat overfeeding.

Research Methods and Procedures: Eight lean young healthy men were given a diet rich in saturated fat with an excess of ∼550 kcal/d for 4 weeks. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, gene expression changes in skeletal muscle were analyzed at Day 0, Day 14, and Day 28.

Results: Fat overfeeding led to an increase in body weight (1.0 ± 0.3 kg) and waist circumference (2.2 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.005) and a significant decrease in fasting non‐esterified fatty acid plasma levels (−29 ± 5%, p = 0.028). Respiratory quotient was significantly increased (0.84 ± 0.01 to 0.88 ± 0.02, p = 0.034) and lipid oxidation rate tended to decrease. The expression of 55 genes was modified in skeletal muscle. The main pathways indicated a coordinated stimulation of triacylglycerol synthesis, inhibition of lipolysis, reduction of fatty acid oxidation, and development of adipocytes. Promoter analysis of the regulated genes suggests that sterol regulatory element binding proteins might be important players of the short‐term adaptation to fat overfeeding in human skeletal muscle.

Discussion: This combined metabolic and genomic investigation shows that fat overfeeding for 28 days promotes the storage of the excess energy in lean men and demonstrates the usefulness of a transcriptomic approach to a better understanding of the metabolic adaptation to changes in nutritional behavior in human.
Ghrelin Enhances in Vivo Skeletal Muscle But Not Liver AKT Signaling in Rats
Authors: Barazzoni Rocco , Zanetti Michela , Cattin Maria Rosa , Visintin Luca , Vinci Pierandrea , Cattin Luigi , Stebel Marco , Guarnieri Gianfranco
Published: July 2008

Objective: Ghrelin administration can induce fat weight gain and hyperglycemia (potentially through ghrelin‐induced hepatic glucose production), but plasma ghrelin is positively associated with whole‐body insulin sensitivity (mainly reflecting muscle insulin action) being increased in lean individuals or after diet‐induced weight loss and reduced in obesity or after diet‐induced weight gain. To investigate potential mechanisms, we measured in vivo effects of sustained ghrelin administration at a non‐orexigenic dose on skeletal muscle and liver insulin signaling at the AKT level and adipokine expression changes.

Research Methods and Procedures: Young‐adult male rats received 4‐day, twice daily subcutaneous ghrelin (200 µg/injection) or saline. We measured skeletal muscle (mixed, gastrocnemius; oxidative, soleus) and liver protein levels of activated [phosphorylated (P)] and total (T) AKT and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK; reflecting AKT‐dependent GSK inactivation) and epididymal adipose tissue adipokine mRNA.

Results: Ghrelin increased body weight (+1.4%) and blood glucose (both p < 0.05 vs. saline) but not food intake, plasma insulin, or free fatty acids. Ghrelin, however, enhanced P/T/AKT and P/T/GSK ratios and glucose transporter‐4 mRNA in soleus (p < 0.05), but not in gastrocnemius, muscle. In contrast, ghrelin reduced hepatic P/T‐AKT and P/T‐GSK. No alterations occurred in adiponectin, leptin, or resistin transcripts or plasma adiponectin.

Discussion: Despite moderate weight gain and in the absence of insulin‐free fatty acid changes, sustained ghrelin administration enhanced oxidative muscle AKT activation. Reduced liver AKT signaling could potentially contribute to concomitant blood glucose increments. These findings support ghrelin as a novel tissue‐specific modulator of lean tissue AKT signaling with insulin‐sensitizing effects in skeletal muscle but not in liver in vivo.
More Activated Cardiac Mitochondrial‐dependent Apoptotic Pathway in Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Lu Min‐Chi , Tzang Bor‐Show , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Wu Fong‐Li , Chen Yueh‐Sheng , Tsai Chang‐Hai , Huang Chih‐Yang , Lee Shin‐Da
Published: July 2008

Background:Obesity is often associated with the development of heart failure, but the precise mechanisms remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the key components of the mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic pathway in excised heart from obese Zucker rats.

Methods:Twelve obese Zucker rats were studied at 5 to 6 months of age, and 12 age‐matched lean Zucker rats served as control. The myocardial architecture and key components of the mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic pathway in the excised left ventricle from rats were measured by histopathological analysis, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results:The ratios of whole heart weight to tibia length were significantly increased in the obese group. Cardiomyocyte disarray, the increased interstitial space, and minor cardiac fibrosis were observed in obese rat hearts. Pro‐apoptotic Bcl2 family members, Bcl‐2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein (BNIP3) and Bad levels, were significantly increased in obese rat hearts, whereas anti‐apoptotic Bcl2 family member, Bcl2 level, was significantly decreased. Cytosolic cytochromecindicating cytochromecrelease from mitochondria was significantly increased in obese rat heart. In addition, upstream pro‐caspase‐9 and pro‐caspase‐3 were significantly decreased, whereas activated caspase‐9 and activated caspase‐3 were significantly increased in obese rat hearts, compared with lean rat heart, implying that pro‐forms of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 were cleaved into active‐forms caspase‐9 and caspase‐3.

Conclusions:The cardiac mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic pathway was more activated in obese Zucker rats than in lean rats, which may provide one possible apoptotic mechanism for developing heart failure in obesity.
Preproghrelin‐derived Peptide, Obestatin, Fails to Influence Food Intake in Lean or Obese Rodents
Authors: Gourcerol Guillaume , Coskun Tamer , Craft Libbey S. , Mayer John P. , Heiman Mark L. , Wang Lixin , Million Mulugeta , St.‐Pierre David H. , Taché Yvette
Published: July 2008

Objectives:Obestatin has been initially characterized as a new peptide derived from the ghrelin precursor, which suppresses food intake and inhibits the orexigenic and prokinetic actions of ghrelin when injected peripherally or centrally in lean mice. However, reproducing these data remains controversial. Reasons for the disparity may be the use of different doses, routes, and animal models. We aimed to investigate the effects of peripheral and intracisternal (IC) injection of obestatin on feeding, gastric motility, and blood glucose in rats as well as in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice.

Research Methods and Procedures:Food intake and gastric emptying of a semi‐liquid caloric meal were measured after intraperitoneal (IP) injection of obestatin in rats and DIO mice. Gastric phasic motility and blood glucose were monitored in urethane‐anesthetized rats after IC or intravenous (IV) injection of obestatin.

Results:Obestatin injected intraperitoneally at doses ranging from 0.1 to 3 mg/kg influenced neither acute food intake nor gastric emptying in rats. Obestatin injected intravenously at 0.3 or 3 mg/kg and IC at 7.5 or 30 µg/rat modified neither fasted gastric phasic motility nor blood glucose levels, while ghrelin (30 µg/kg, IV) increased and vagotomy suppressed gastric motility, and an oligosomatostatin analog (3 µg/rat, IC) decreased blood glucose. Obestatin, injected intraperitoneally (0.3 mg/kg) in DIO mice, did not alter feeding response to a fast, while urocortin 1 (10 µg/kg, IP) induced a 73.3% inhibition at 2 hours.

Discussion:Our data demonstrate that peripheral administration of obestatin did not modify food intake in rats or obese mice or gastric motor function in rats.
Basal Metabolic Rate and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Men With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yilmaz Bilge , Yasar Evren , Goktepe Salim , Alaca Ridvan , Yazicioglu Kamil , Dal Ugur , Mohur Haydar
Published: July 2008

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between autonomic nervous system dysfunction and basal metabolic rate (BMR), and the effect of spasticity on basal metabolic rate.

Research Method and Procedures: Twenty men (11 paraplegic and 9 tetraplegic) with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)‐A and ‐B grade chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) participated in this study. Total body fat mass and lean tissue mass were measured in all participants using DXA by standard methods. Patients were allocated into 2 groups to determine the effect of autonomic nervous system dysfunction on BMR: Group I (T6 and upper‐level injuries with history of autonomic dysreflexia) and Group II (T7 and lower‐level injuries without history of autonomic dysreflexia). Measurements of BMR were determined by indirect calorimetry under standardized conditions.

Results: There were 13 patients in Group I and 7 patients in Group II and the difference between these two in terms of time since injury, BMI, age, weight, lean tissue mass, BMR, and BMR/kg were not significant.

Conclusion: We concluded that autonomic nervous system dysfunction does not affect BMR, and it might be ignored in considering energy needs in spinal cord injury.
Shifts in Patterns and Consumption of Beverages Between 1965 and 2002
Authors: Duffey Kiyah J. , Popkin Barry M.
Published: July 2008

Background: Beverage patterning may play a role in partially explaining the rising rates of obesity in the United States, yet little work on overall trends and patterns exits. Our objective was to examine trends and patterns of beverage consumption among U.S. adults.

Methods: We used data from the nationally representative Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys (1965, 1977 to 1978) and the National Health and Nutrition Surveys (1988 to 1994, 1999 to 2002). To examine trends we determined percent consuming and per capita and per consumer caloric intake from all beverages. We used cluster analysis to determine year‐specific beverage patterns in 1977 and 2002.

Results: The percentage of calories from beverages significantly increased between 1965 (11.8%), 1977 (14.2%), 1988 (18.5%), and 2002 (21.0%); this represents an overall increase of 222 calories per person per day from beverages, resulting largely from increased intake of calorically sweetened beverages. Beverage patterns in 2002 were more complex than in 1977 and were dominated by a greater number of beverages, reflecting the increase in alcohol, soda, and diet beverages.

Conclusion: Calories from beverages increased substantially from 1965 to 2002, providing a considerable source of daily calories. Given the upward trends in calorically sweetened, nutrient‐deficient beverages and the shifts in overall beverage patterns, addressing beverage intake is a salient issue for adults.
Accuracy of Self‐reported Weight Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates: The Influence of Race and Weight Cycling
Authors: White Marney A. , Masheb Robin M. , Burke‐Martindale Carolyn , Rothschild Bruce , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Research on the accuracy of self‐reported weight has indicated that the degree of misreporting (underestimating) weight is associated with increasing weight but is variable across patient groups. We examined the degree of discrepancy between actual and self‐reported BMI in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates, and whether the degree of accuracy varied by race and by eating‐related and psychological factors.

Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 179 obese female gastric bypass surgery candidates (31 black, 22 Hispanic, 126 white) who were asked to self‐report height and weight as part of a larger assessment battery. Actual height and weight were then measured and a discrepancy score was generated (actual BMI − reported BMI).

Results: In this group of severely obese patients, degree of misreporting was unrelated to BMI. The race groups did not differ in actual or self‐reported BMI but differed significantly in the degree of misestimation between self‐reported and actual BMI. Post hoc tests indicated that black women underestimated their BMI significantly more than white women; Hispanic women did not differ from the other race groups. No eating‐related or psychological variables assessed predicted percentage discrepancy; however, the accuracy in self‐reported weight was related to history of weight cycling.

Discussion: Overall, obese bariatric surgery candidates were accurate in self‐report of weight, although the degree of accuracy differed by race and weight cycling history.
Obesity and Impairment in Psychosocial Functioning in Women: The Mediating Role of Eating Disorder Features
Authors: Mond Jonathan M. , Rodgers Bryan , Hay Phillipa J. , Darby Anita , Owen Cathy , Baune Bernhard T. , Kennedy R. L.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to test the hypothesis that, in women, the association between obesity and impairment in psychosocial functioning is mediated by levels of weight and shape concerns and/or binge‐eating frequency.

Research Methods and Procedures: Self‐report measures of eating disorder psychopathology, mental health functioning, subjective quality of life in the psychological and social domains, and days “out‐of‐role” associated with any (physical or mental) health problem, were completed by a community sample of women classified as obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, n = 639) or non‐obese (BMI <30 kg/m2, n = 4253). For each of the dependent measures, regression models were used to test the hypothesis of mediation by comparing the strength of the relationship between independent and dependent variables with and without inclusion of the putative mediator in the regression model.

Results: On each measure, the conditions for perfect mediation were satisfied when weight or shape concerns acted as the putative mediator, indicating that there was no association between obesity and functional impairment after controlling for weight or shape concerns. In contrast, associations between obesity and impairment in psychosocial functioning remained highly significant when binge‐eating frequency was the putative mediator.

Discussion: The findings suggest that in women, weight and shape concerns are an important mediator of the relationship between obesity and impairment in psychosocial functioning, whereas binge eating may not be of primary importance. A greater focus on body acceptance in obesity treatment may be indicated.
Central Rather Than Overall Obesity Is Related to Diabetes in the Chinese Population: The InterASIA Study
Authors: Hu Dongsheng , Xie Jing , Fu Pengyu , Zhou Jing , Yu Dahai , Whelton Paul K. , He Jiang , Gu Dongfeng
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to compare central and overall obesity measurements for identifying diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) level in the Chinese population.

Research Methods and Procedures: Data for 15,236 Chinese adults between the ages of 35 and 74 years, obtained by the InterASIA Study in 2000–2001, were used for the current analyses. We analyzed the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) for waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and BMI to determine the ability of these indices to identify DM and IFG in the study sample and bootstrapped samples. WC was used as a measure of central obesity and BMI as a measure of overall obesity.

Results: The prevalence rates of central and overall obesity in the study population were 33.97% and 9.78%, respectively. The prevalence rates of IFG and DM were 7.34% and 5.51%, respectively. ROC analysis revealed significant differences between AUCs for WHR (0.666, 95% confidence interval, 0.647 to 0.685) and BMI (0.622, 95% confidence interval, 0.601 to 0.642) and for WC (0.661, 95% confidence interval, 0.643 to 0.682) and BMI for identifying DM (all p < 0.0001). The analysis also revealed significant differences between AUCs for WHR (0.638, 95% confidence interval, 0.619 to 0.655) and BMI (0.607, 95% confidence interval, 0.589 to 0.627) and for WC (0.637, 95% confidence interval, 0.615 to 0.654) and BMI for identifying IFG (all p < 0.001).

Discussion: Central obesity is more related to DM and IFG than is overall obesity in the Chinese population, and both WC and WHR are equally able to identify DM.