bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Relationships Among Overweight, Life Satisfaction, and Aspirations in Young Women
Authors: Ball Kylie , Crawford David , Kenardy Justin
Published: April 2008

Objective: This study investigated associations of overweight status and changes in overweight status over time with life satisfaction and future aspirations among a community sample of young women.

Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 7865 young women, initially 18 to 23 years of age, completed two surveys that were 4 years apart. These women provided data on their future life aspirations in the areas of further education, work/career, marital status, and children, as well as their satisfaction with achievements to date in a number of life domains. Women reported their height and weight and their sociodemographic characteristics, including current socioeconomic status (occupation).

Results: Young women's aspirations were cross‐sectionally related to BMI category, such that obese women were less likely to aspire to further education, although this relationship seemed explained largely by current occupation. Even after adjusting for current occupation, young women who were obese were more dissatisfied with work/career/study, family relationships, partner relationships, and social activities. Weight status was also longitudinally associated with aspirations and life satisfaction. Women who were overweight or obese at both surveys were more likely than other women to aspire to “other” types of employment (including self‐employed and unpaid work in the home) as opposed to full‐time employment. They were also less likely to be satisfied with study or partner relationships. Women who resolved their overweight/obesity status were more likely to aspire to being childless than other women.

Discussion: These results suggest that being overweight/obese may have a lasting effect on young women's life satisfaction and their future life aspirations.
The Val103Ile Polymorphism of Melanocortin‐4 Receptor Regulates Energy Expenditure and Weight Gain
Authors: Rutanen Jarno , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Karhapää Pauli , Vauhkonen Ilkka , Kuusisto Johanna , Mykkänen Leena Moilanen , Laakso Markku
Published: April 2008

Objective: The melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) regulates energy intake. On the basis of animal studies, it may also regulate energy expenditure.

Research Methods and Procedures: The effect of the Val103Ile polymorphism of the MC4R gene on energy metabolism was studied in 229 middle‐aged nondiabetic subjects (Group 1, age 51.2 ± 9.8 years, BMI 26.8 ± 4.5 kg/m2) and on weight gain in 1013 elderly subjects (Group 2, age 69.9 ± 2.9 years, BMI 27.4 ± 4.1 kg/m2) during a 3.5‐year follow‐up study. In Group 1, insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation were measured with the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp combined with indirect calorimetry.

Results: In Group 1, the Val103Ile genotype was associated with high rates of energy expenditure (63.42 ± 13.40 in eight subjects with the Val103Ile genotype vs. 59.86 ± 7.33 J/kg per minute in 221 subjects with the Val103Val genotype, p = 0.007), high rates of glucose oxidation (8.90 ± 6.15 vs. 6.07 ± 4.38 μmol/kg per minute, p = 0.020), and low levels of free fatty acids (0.45 ± 0.18 vs. 0.56 ± 0.23 mM, p = 0.029) in the fasting state, and with high rates of glucose oxidation during the clamp (18.88 ± 4.63 vs. 17.60 ± 3.24 μmol/kg per minute, p = 0.031). In Group 2, the 103Ile allele was associated with an increase in weight gain during the follow‐up (0.78 ± 3.98 vs. −0.82 ± 3.98 kg, p = 0.038).

Discussion: The Val103Ile polymorphism of the MC4R gene is associated with energy expenditure in humans. Furthermore, it may associate with glucose oxidation, free fatty acid levels, and weight gain.
Effects of Diet and Time of the Day on Serum and CSF Leptin Levels in Osborne‐Mendel and S5B/Pl Rats
Authors: Ishihara Yuri , White Christy L. , Kageyama Haruaki , Kageyama Asako , York David A. , Bray George A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To characterize the effects of dietary fat on the diurnal variation in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin levels in Osborne‐Mendel (OM) and S5B/Pl rats and quantitate the dose response to lower doses of leptin administered into the third cerebral ventricle.

Research Methods and Procedures: Rats were fitted with implanted vascular ports or third ventricular cannulas and fed either laboratory chow or one of two semipurified high‐fat or low‐fat diets. Leptin and insulin were measured by immunoassay.

Results: Serum leptin and insulin levels were positively correlated and had similar patterns of diurnal change. CSF leptin and insulin also had diurnal rhythms, with a peak at 7:00 am, but the diurnal oscillations of leptin and insulin were significantly lower in the S5B/Pl rats than the OM rats. Thus, the ratio of CSF to serum leptin was significantly higher in the S5B/Pl rats than in the OM rats. Dietary fat had no effect on these diurnal patterns. There was a right shift in the dose response to leptin in the OM rats compared with the S5B/P1 rats. S5B/P1 rats treated with leptin had higher signal transduction and translation (STAT‐3) mRNA levels compared with pair‐fed or saline injected S5B/P1 rats. Hypothalamic suppressors of cytokine signaling mRNA levels were not statistically different between the groups.

Discussion: The higher CSF‐to‐serum leptin ratio in the S5B/P1 rats, the enhanced suppression of food intake and body weight with leptin injections, and the higher STAT‐3 activity in these animals suggest that S5B/P1 rats are more sensitive to leptin than OM rats.
Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors in a Turkish Population (Trabzon City, Turkey)
Authors: Erem Cihangir , Arslan Cengiz , Hacihasanoglu Arif , Deger Orhan , Topbaş Murat , Ukinc Kubilay , Ersöz Halil Önder , Telatar Münir
Published: April 2008

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity (general and central) in the Trabzon Region and its associations with demographic factors (age, sex, marital status, reproductive history in women, and level of education), socioeconomic factors (household income and occupation), family history of selected medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking habits, physical activity, and alcohol consumption), and hypertension in the adult population.

Research Methods and Procedures: A sample of households was systematically selected from the central province of Trabzon and its five towns, namely, Sürmene, Vakfikebir, Maçka, Hayrat, and Tonya. A total of 5016 subjects (2728 women and 2288 men) were included in the study. Individuals more than 20 years old were selected from their family health cards. Demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, family history of selected medical conditions, and lifestyle factors were obtained for all participants. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels were measured for all subjects. Study procedures were carried out in the local health centers in each town over an 8‐month period. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and overweight as BMI = 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2.

Results: The prevalence of obesity was 23.5%: 29.4% in women and 16.5% in men. The combined prevalence of both overweight and obesity was 60.3%. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 29.4%: 38.9% among women and 18.1% among men. The prevalence of obesity increased with age, being highest in the 60‐ to 69‐year‐old age group (40.8%) but lower again in the 70+ age group. Obesity was associated positively with marital status, parity, cessation of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and household income and inversely with level of education, cigarette use, and physical activity. Also, obesity was associated positively with hypertension.

Discussion: In the Trabzon Region, 60.3% of the adult population presents with some excess weight. Obesity is a major public health problem that requires generalized interventions to prevent it among the adult population.
Long‐Term Weight Development in Women: A 15‐Year Follow‐up of the Effects of Pregnancy
Authors: Linné Yvonne , Dye Louise , Barkeling Britta , Rössner Stephan
Published: April 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate how well prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and postpartum weight retention predict retention of weight 15 years later among parous women.

Research Methods and Procedures: The Stockholm Pregnancy and Women's Nutrition (SPAWN) study is a long‐term follow‐up study of women who delivered children in 1984 to 1985 (n = 2342). The participants initially filled out questionnaires about their eating and exercise habits, social circumstances, etc. before, during, and at 1 year after pregnancy. Anthropometric data were also sampled. Fifteen years later, these women were invited to take part in the follow‐up study. Anthropometric measurements were collected, and similar questions were asked. Five hundred sixty‐three women participated in the SPAWN 15‐year follow‐up study. The sample was divided into groups to examine three presumably critical time periods: 1) overweight and normal weight before pregnancy; 2) low, intermediate, and high weight gainers during pregnancy; and 3) low, intermediate, and high weight retainers at 1 year after pregnancy.

Results: The overweight women did not gain more weight during pregnancy or retain more weight at 1 year follow‐up. High weight gainers during pregnancy retained more weight at the 1‐year and the 15‐year follow‐ups. High weight retainers had gained more during pregnancy and retained it at the 15‐year follow‐up. Fifty‐six percent of the high weight gainers during pregnancy ended up in the high weight retainers group.

Discussion: Women who are overweight before pregnancy do not have a higher risk of postpartum weight retention than normal weight women. Thus, it is not necessarily the initially overweight woman who should be the target or focus of weight control programs during or after pregnancy. Both high weight gainers and high weight retainers had higher BMI at the 15‐year follow‐up, although only 56% of the high weight gainers during pregnancy were also classified as high weight retainers at the 1‐year follow‐up. Weight retention at the end of the postpartum year predicts future overweight 15 years later.
Upper and Lower Body Adipose Tissue Function: A Direct Comparison of Fat Mobilization in Humans
Authors: Tan Garry D. , Goossens Gijs H. , Humphreys Sandy M. , Vidal Hubert , Karpe Fredrik
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Fat in the lower body is not associated with the same risk of cardiovascular disease as fat in the upper body. Is this explained by differences in the physiological functioning of the two depots? This study had two objectives: 1) to determine whether fat mobilization and blood flow differ between gluteal and abdominal adipose tissues in humans, and 2) to develop a new technique to assess gluteal adipose tissue function directly.

Research Methods and Procedures: We performed detailed in vivo studies of adipose tissue function involving the assessment of fat mobilization by measurement of adipose tissue blood flows, arterio‐venous differences of metabolites across each depot, and gene expression in tissue biopsies in a small‐scale physiological study.

Results: Gluteal adipose tissue has a lower blood flow (67% lower, p < 0.05) and lower hormone‐sensitive lipase rate of action (87% lower, p < 0.05) than abdominal adipose tissue. Lipoprotein lipase rate of action and mRNA expression are not different between the depots. This is the first demonstration of a novel technique to directly investigate gluteal adipose tissue metabolism.

Discussion: Direct assessment of fasting adipose tissue metabolism in defined depots show that the buttock is metabolically “silent” in terms of fatty acid release compared with the abdomen.
Current and Investigational Antiobesity Agents and Obesity Therapeutic Treatment Targets
Authors: Bays Harold E.
Published: April 2008

Public health efforts and current antiobesity agents have not controlled the increasing epidemic of obesity. Investigational antiobesity agents consist of 1) central nervous system agents that affect neurotransmitters or neural ion channels, including antidepressants (bupropion), selective serotonin 2c receptor agonists, antiseizure agents (topiramate, zonisamide), some dopamine antagonists, and cannabinoid‐1 receptor antagonists (rimonabant); 2) leptin/insulin/central nervous system pathway agents, including leptin analogues, leptin transport and/or leptin receptor promoters, ciliary neurotrophic factor (Axokine), neuropeptide Y and agouti‐related peptide antagonists, proopiomelanocortin and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript promoters, α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone analogues, melanocortin‐4 receptor agonists, and agents that affect insulin metabolism/activity, which include protein‐tyrosine phosphatase‐1B inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ receptor antagonists, short‐acting bromocriptine (ergoset), somatostatin agonists (octreotide), and adiponectin; 3) gastrointestinal‐neural pathway agents, including those that increase cholecystokinin activity, increase glucagon‐like peptide‐1 activity (extendin 4, liraglutide, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors), and increase protein YY3‐36 activity and those that decrease ghrelin activity, as well as amylin analogues (pramlintide); 4) agents that may increase resting metabolic rate (“selective” β‐3 stimulators/agonist, uncoupling protein homologues, and thyroid receptor agonists); and 5) other more diverse agents, including melanin concentrating hormone antagonists, phytostanol analogues, functional oils, P57, amylase inhibitors, growth hormone fragments, synthetic analogues of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, antagonists of adipocyte 11B‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity, corticotropin‐releasing hormone agonists, inhibitors of fatty acid synthesis, carboxypeptidase inhibitors, indanones/indanols, aminosterols, and other gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors (ATL962). Finally, an emerging concept is that the development of antiobesity agents must not only reduce fat mass (adiposity) but must also correct fat dysfunction (adiposopathy).
Leptin and Nitric Oxide Production in Normotensive and Hypertensive Men
Authors: Tsuda Kazushi , Nishio Ichiro
Published: April 2008

Objective: Recent findings have shown that leptin, the product of the obesity gene, may actively participate in the regulation of blood pressure and other cardiovascular functions through the nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent mechanism.

Research Methods and Procedures: In this study, to test the hypothesis that leptin regulation of NO metabolism is impaired in hypertension, we examined the possible relationship between circulating leptin and plasma NO metabolite level in normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) men.

Results: There were significant correlations between circulating leptin and BMI in both the NT and HT groups (NT: r = 0.64, n = 26, p < 0.01; HT: r = 0.59, n = 22, p < 0.01). The concentration of circulating leptin was similar between the NT and HT men, although the plasma NO metabolite level (nitrite and nitrate) was significantly reduced in the HT men compared with the NT men (NT: 51.0 ± 4.9 μM, n = 26; HT: 37.1 ± 2.5 μM, n = 22, p < 0.05). The circlating leptin was significantly correlated with the plasma NO metabolite level in the overall analysis of the NT and HT men (r = 0.35, n = 48, p < 0.05). When the analysis of the correlation for the NT and HT men was performed separately, there was a significant correlation between circulating leptin and plasma NO metabolites in the NT men (r = 0.45, n = 26, p < 0.05) but not in the HT men (r = 0.15, n = 22). The results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that leptin‐related metabolism of NO might be altered in HT men.
Rate of Fat Gain Is Faster in Girls Undergoing Early Adiposity Rebound
Authors: Taylor Rachael W. , Goulding Ailsa , Lewis‐Barned Nick J. , Williams Sheila M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine the changes in body composition (fat and lean mass) occurring in children during adiposity rebound (AR).

Research Methods and Procedures: Thirty‐nine girls, 3 to 6 years of age at baseline, underwent yearly DXA scans for 2 years. An additional DXA scan was obtained 4 to 5 years after baseline. Age at AR was determined by modeling, and the velocity of change in height, weight, fat mass, and lean mass was estimated for each child using random coefficient models. Girls with an AR <5 years of age were classified as having an early AR, and those having an AR ≥5 years were classified as late AR.

Results: Although body composition was similar at age 5, by age 9, girls with an early AR were significantly taller (3.5% more) and heavier (14.4%), with greater fat mass (50%) and percentage body fat (27%) than girls with a later AR. In addition, more girls were overweight according to BMI (18% vs. 6%) or percentage body fat (29% vs. 11%) at this time, despite no differences at baseline. Annual velocity of fat mass gain was over 2‐fold higher in early compared with late rebounders (17.1% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.0001), with no difference in lean mass velocity (13.1% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.116).

Discussion: Differences in BMI during AR were caused specifically by alterations in body fat and not by alterations in lean mass or height. Children undergoing early AR gained fat at a faster rate than children who rebounded at a later age.
Short‐Term Effects of Weight Loss on the Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Busetto Luca , Sergi Giuseppe , Enzi Giuliano , Segato Gianni , De Marchi Francesco , Foletto Mirto , De Luca Maurizio , Pigozzo Sabrina , Favretti Franco
Published: April 2008

Objective: To analyze the short‐term effects of weight loss on the cardiovascular risk factors in morbidly obese patients.

Research Methods and Procedures: Five metabolic cardiovascular risk factors (blood glucose, blood pressure, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, and triglycerides) were determined before and 15.3 ± 2.1 months after laparoscopic gastric banding in 650 morbidly obese patients. Global cardiovascular risk was calculated according to the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) scoring system.

Results: Mean weight loss was 22.7 ± 20.4 kg. Normalization of the metabolic alteration was observed in 67.3% of patients with diabetes, 38.3% of patients with hypercholesterolemia, 72.5% of patients with low HDL‐cholesterol, 72.3% of patients with hypertriglyceridemia, and 46.7% of patients with hypertension. PROCAM score fell from 31.4 ± 11.6 to 28.0 ± 12.0 points (p < 0.001). The modifications of total cholesterol and blood pressure were unrelated to percentage weight loss. Percentage weight loss was significantly related to the reductions of fasting blood glucose, triglyceride level, and the PROCAM score and to the increase of HDL‐cholesterol concentrations observed after surgery. However, the strength of these four relationships was generally low. The variations of HDL‐cholesterol concentrations and blood pressure levels were more influenced by actual energy balance than by the extent of weight loss.

Discussion: Weight loss observed in the first 12 to 18 months after gastric banding was associated with a significant improvement of single cardiovascular risk factors and global risk. On the other hand, the extent of weight loss was poorly related to the magnitude of improvement in cardiovascular risk.
Diet‐Induced Changes in Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase 1 Expression in Obesity‐Prone and ‐Resistant Mice
Authors: Hu Charlie C. , Qing Keyun , Chen Yanyun
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) 1 expression in obesity‐prone C57BL/6 mice and in obesity‐resistant FVB mice to explore the relationship of SCD1 expression and susceptibility to diet‐induced obesity.

Research Methods and Procedures: Nine‐week‐old C57BL/6 and FVB mice were fed either a high‐ or low‐fat diet for 8 weeks. Body weight and body composition were measured before and at weeks 4 and 8 of the study. Energy expenditure was measured at weeks 1 and 5 of the study. Hepatic SCD1 mRNA was measured at 72 hours and at the end of study. Plasma leptin and insulin concentrations were measured at the end of study.

Results: When C57BL/6 mice were switched to a calorie‐dense high‐fat diet, animals gained significantly more body weight than those maintained on a low‐calorie density diet primarily due to increased fat mass accretion. Fat mass continued to accrue throughout 8 weeks of study. Increased calorie intake did not account for all weight gain. On the high‐fat diet, C57BL/6 mice decreased their energy expenditure when compared with mice fed a low‐fat diet. In response to 8 weeks of a high‐fat diet, SCD1 gene expression in liver increased >2‐fold. In contrast, feeding a high‐fat diet did not change body weight, energy expenditure, or SCD1 expression in FVB mice.

Discussion: Our study showed that a high‐fat hypercaloric diet increased body adiposity first by producing hyperphagia and then by decreasing energy expenditure of mice susceptible to diet‐induced obesity. Consumption of a high‐fat diet in species predisposed to obesity selectively increased SCD1 gene expression in liver.
Promoting More Modest Weight Losses: A Pilot Study
Authors: Foster Gary D. , Phelan Suzanne , Wadden Thomas A. , Gill Debra , Ermold Jenna , Didie Elizabeth
Published: April 2008

Objective: This pilot study assessed the short‐ and long‐term effects of a modified cognitive behavioral treatment designed to facilitate obese patients’ acceptance of a 5% to 10% reduction in initial weight.

Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 17 women with a mean age of 46.5 ± 9.7 years and BMI of 34.7 ± 2.9 kg/m2. They participated in a 40‐week program that included four phases. The first discussed the benefits of modest weight losses and the potential adverse effects of unrealistic expectations. Phase II provided instruction in traditional cognitive behavioral methods of weight control Phase III focused on methods to improve body image and self‐esteem. Phase IV addressed skills for weight maintenance. Changes in weight, self‐esteem, body image, and quality of life were assessed at the end of treatment and 1 year later (week 92).

Results: At week 40, participants lost an average of 5.7 ± 5.3% of initial weight, which was associated with significant improvements in body image, self‐esteem, and quality of life. Improvements in psychosocial status were maintained at week 92, although mean weight loss at this time had declined to 2.9 ± 5.6% of initial weight. Increased satisfaction with body weight at week 40 was associated with significantly better maintenance of weight loss at follow‐up (r = −0.70; p = 0.02).

Discussion: Having participants seek only modest initial weight losses does not appear to facilitate weight maintenance. However, increasing patients’ satisfaction with their body weight at the end of treatment may help improve weight maintenance. More research is needed on the relation between satisfaction with initial weight loss and long‐term success.
The Novel Antiobesic HMR1426 Reduces Food Intake without Affecting Energy Expenditure in Rats
Authors: Ortmann Sylvia , Kampe Juliane , Gossel Matthias , Bickel Martin , Geisen Karl , Jähne Gerhard , Lang Hans Jochen , Klaus Susanne
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine the effect of acute and chronic administration of a new food intake‐reducing compound (HMR1426) with novel mode of action (retardation of gastric emptying) on body weight development, food intake, and energy metabolism in rats.

Research Methods and Procedures: Adult male Shoe‐Wistar rats were implanted with transponders allowing registration of body temperature (Tb) and locomotor activity. HMR1426 (10 or 50 mg/kg) was given orally, and acute (8 hours) and chronic (15 days) effects were measured on food intake, Tb, activity, total energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), and epididymal adipose tissue mass. The effect of chronic treatment was compared with the effect of sibutramine (10 mg/kg).

Results: HMR1426 (50 mg/kg) caused an acute and chronic decrease of food intake. There was no effect on the level and daily pattern of total energy expenditure, Tb, and locomotor activity. Respiratory quotient was acutely decreased by HMR1426 due to reduced food intake. Chronic treatment with HMR1426 decreased weight gain by 31% and epididymal white fat by 24%. Sibutramine caused a respective reduction of 48% and 35%. Energy efficiency was not affected by HMR1426 in contrast to sibutramine, which reduced energy efficiency and transiently increased activity.

Discussion: HMR1426 showed an anorectic potential in rats and decreased body weight and fat mass. This was achieved solely by reducing food intake without influencing overall energy expenditure or behavior suggesting a peripheral mode of action. Thus, HMR1426 can be considered a potential new drug for obesity treatment.
Definitions of Night Eating in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Striegel‐Moore Ruth H. , Thompson Douglas , Franko Debra L. , Barton Bruce , Affenito Sandra , Schreiber George B. , Daniels Stephen R.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To describe the prevalence of night eating in a community cohort of black and white girls, using different definitions of night eating as described in the literature.

Research Methods and Procedures: Three‐day food diaries collected as part of the National Growth and Health Study were examined to identify episodes of night eating, which was defined in five different ways: eating >25% of daily caloric intake after the last evening meal, eating >25% of daily caloric intake after 7 pm, eating >50% of daily caloric intake after the last evening meal, eating >50% of daily caloric intake after 7 pm, or eating between 11 pm and 4:59 am.

Results: Frequency of night eating varied tremendously depending on how the behavior was defined. For the least restrictive definition (>25% of total intake after last meal), 50% to 70% of girls reported one night eating event; for the most restrictive (>50% of total intake after last meal), only 1.5% of 11‐year‐old girls' diaries and 3.5% of 19‐year‐old girls' diaries contained a night eating event. The frequency of night eating decreased dramatically (typically by a factor of 10) if the inclusion criteria required multiple night eating events in a given week.

Discussion: A standard definition of night eating behavior is needed to advance the field. An agreed‐on operationalized definition that includes time of day, amount of calories consumed, and a frequency criterion would enable cross‐study comparisons and encourage the examination of developmental and clinical considerations of night eating behavior.
Identification and Characterization of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms in MCH‐R1 and MCH‐R2*
Authors: Hawes Brian E. , Green Beverly , O'Neill Kim , Fried Steve , Arreaza M. Gladys , Qiu Ping , Simon Jason S.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To identify and functionally characterize single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH)‐R1 and ‐R2.

Research Methods and Procedures: The entire coding regions and intron/exon splice junction regions ofMCH‐R1andMCH‐R2were sequenced from anonymous white (n= 45) and African‐American (n= 46) individuals. DNA was analyzed, and SNPs were identified using Phred, Phrap, and Consed software. DNA constructs containingMCH‐R1andMCH‐R2SNPs were generated and expressed in CHO cells. The effect of the SNPs inMCH‐R1andMCH‐R2were assessed in receptor binding assays and functional assays measuring changes in intracellular cAMP and Ca2+levels.

Results: We identified 12 SNPs in theMCH‐R1gene. Two of these SNPs are in coding regions, and one produces an arginine‐for‐glycine substitution at residue 34 in the MCH‐R1 sequence. This SNP is present at a minor allele frequency of 15% in the African‐American population tested in this study. We identified eight SNPs in theMCH‐R2gene. Four of these SNPs are in coding regions, and two produce amino acid substitutions. Lysine substitutes for arginine at residue 63 of the African‐American population, and glutamine substitutes for arginine at residue 152 in whites (minor allele frequency of 2% for both SNPs). No changes in receptor binding or functional signaling were observed with the SNP mutations inMCH‐R1orMCH‐R2.

Discussion: These data indicate that potential therapeutics designed to act at the MCH receptor are unlikely to have altered effects in subpopulations that express variant forms of MCH‐R1 or MCH‐R2.
Valuing the Benefits of Weight Loss Programs: An Application of the Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Roux Larissa , Ubach Christina , Donaldson Cam , Ryan Mandy
Published: April 2008

Objective: Obesity is a leading health threat. Determination of optimal therapies for long‐term weight loss remains a challenge. Evidence suggests that successful weight loss depends on the compliance of weight loss program participants with their weight loss efforts. Despite this, little is known regarding the attributes influencing such compliance. The purpose of this study was to assess, using a discrete choice experiment (DCE), the relative importance of weight loss program attributes to its participants and to express these preferences in terms of their willingness to pay for them.

Research Methods: A DCE survey explored the following weight loss program attributes in a sample of 165 overweight adults enrolled in community weight loss programs: cost, travel time required to attend, extent of physician involvement (e.g., none, monthly, every 2 weeks), components (e.g., diet, exercise, behavior change) emphasized, and focus (e.g., group, individual). The rate at which participants were willing to trade among attributes and the willingness to pay for different configurations of combined attributes were estimated using regression modeling.

Results: All attributes investigated appeared to be statistically significant. The most important unit change was “program components emphasized” (e.g., moving from diet only to diet and exercise).

Discussion: The majority of participants were willing to pay for weight loss programs that reflected their preferences. The DCE tool was useful in quantifying and understanding individual preferences in obesity management and provided information that could help to maximize the efficiency of existing weight loss programs or the design of new programs.
Eating Disorder or Disordered Eating? Non‐normative Eating Patterns in Obese Individuals
Authors: Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Yanovski Susan Z.
Published: April 2008

Binge eating disorder (BED) and night eating syndrome (NES) are putative eating disorders frequently seen in obese individuals. Data suggest that BED fulfills criteria for a mental disorder. Criteria for NES are evolving but at present do not require distress or functional impairment. It remains unclear whether BED and NES, as they are currently defined, are optimally useful for characterizing distinct patient subgroups. We propose that a distinction be made between “eating disorders” and “non‐normative” eating patterns without associated distress or impairment. Although non‐normative eating patterns may not be considered mental disorders, they may be very important in terms of their impact on body weight and health. More precise behavioral and metabolic characterization of subgroups with eating disorders and non‐normative eating behaviors has important implications for understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of obesity. Ultimately, better understanding of the many pathways to increased energy intake may lead to targeted strategies for prevention of overweight and obesity in at‐risk individuals and populations.
Independent Association of Hip Circumference with Metabolic Profile in Different Ethnic Groups
Authors: Snijder Marieke B. , Zimmet Paul Z. , Visser Marjolein , Dekker Jacqueline M. , Seidell Jacob C. , Shaw Jonathan E.
Published: April 2008

Objective: In whites, a larger hip circumference has been shown to be associated with a better metabolic profile, after adjustment for BMI and waist circumference. Our aim was to investigate this association in a variety of ethnic groups, some highly susceptible to type 2 diabetes.

Research Methods and Procedures: We measured weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting and 2‐hour postload glucose, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol in 1020 Melanesians, 767 Micronesians, 3697 Indians, and 2710 Creoles from Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Leptin and body fat percentage were determined in Indian and Creole Mauritians only.

Results: In all ethnic groups, larger hip circumference was associated with lower glucose and triglyceride levels in both sexes and higher high‐density lipoprotein levels in women only, after adjustment for waist circumference, BMI, and age. Adjustment for height or leptin did not materially change the results.

Discussion: In conclusion, we confirmed the protective association of relatively larger hips in four nonwhite ethnic groups. Leptin does not seem to play a mediating role in this association.
Characterization of QTL with Major Effects on Fatness and Growth on Mouse Chromosome 2
Authors: Jerez‐Timaure Nancy C. , Kearney Francis , Simpson E. Barry , Eisen Eugene J. , Pomp Daniel
Published: April 2008

Objective: To isolate and characterize a region on mouse chromosome 2 harboring quantitative trait loci with large influences on growth and fatness.

Research Methods and Procedures: A congenic line [M16i.B6‐(D2Mit306‐D2Mit52); MB2] was created using the polygenic obese M16i selection line as the recipient for an ∼38‐centimorgan region from C57BL/6J. Males and females from M16i and MB2 were compared for body weight, body composition, feed consumption, and additional traits at 6, 15, and 24 weeks. Interactions of genotype and environment (low and high dietary fat) were investigated. Males (8 weeks) were evaluated for fatty acid profiles in liver and for transcriptional profiles in liver and adipose.

Results: Consequences of replacing M16i alleles with C57BL/6J alleles in MB2 were maximized at 15 weeks. MB2 mice were up to 15% lighter than M16i at this age, with no differences in feed consumption. As a percentage of body weight, MB2 had dramatically less epididymal (males) or perimetrial (females) fat (1.17% vs. 2.79% pooled across sex) and lower total lipids (16.1% vs. 23.3%) than M16i. Decreased adiposity in MB2 was not dependent on gender or diet. MB2 mice also had significant decreases in levels of leptin, insulin, and glucose, decreased de novo synthesis of hepatic fatty acid, and transcriptional changes for many genes both within, and external to, the congenic region.

Discussion: Results confirm the presence and large effects of mouse chromosome 2 quantitative trait loci and further define their phenotypic consequences related to energy balance. The MB2 congenic line is a powerful resource for eventual identification of pathways and mutations within genes regulating predisposition to growth and obesity.
Achieving Weight and Activity Goals Among Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Participants
Authors:   The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: April 2008

Objective: The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed that intensive lifestyle intervention reduced the risk of diabetes by 58%. This paper examines demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors related to achieving weight loss and physical activity goals in the DPP lifestyle participants.

Research Methods and Procedures: Lifestyle participants (n = 1079; mean age = 50.6, BMI = 33.9, 68% female, and 46% from minority groups) had goals of 7% weight loss and 150 min/wk of physical activity. Goal achievement was assessed at the end of the 16‐session core curriculum (approximately week 24) and the final intervention visit (mean = 3.2 years) as a function of demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral variables.

Results: Forty‐nine percent met the weight loss goal and 74% met the activity goal initially, while 37% and 67%, respectively, met these goals long‐term. Men and those with lower initial BMI were more likely to meet activity but not weight loss goals. Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans were more likely to meet the long‐term activity goals, and whites were more likely to meet the initial weight loss goal. In multivariate analyses, meeting the long‐term weight loss goal and both activity goals increased with age, while psychosocial and depression measures were unrelated to goal achievement. Dietary self‐monitoring was positively related to meeting both weight loss and activity goals, and meeting the activity goal was positively related to meeting the weight loss goal. Participants who met initial goals were 1.5 to 3.0 times more likely to meet these goals long‐term.

Discussion: Success at meeting the weight loss and activity goals increased with age. Initial success predicted long‐term success. Self‐monitoring and meeting activity goals were related to achieving and sustaining weight loss.
PPAR‐γ2 Expression in Response to Cafeteria Diet: Gender‐ and Depot‐Specific Effects
Authors: Rodríguez Enrique , Ribot Joan , Rodríguez Ana M. , Palou Andreu
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the effects of short‐term cafeteria (CAF) diet feeding on the expression of adipogenic transcription factors and their association with adiposity.

Research Methods and Procedures: Four‐week‐old male and female Wistar rats were fed CAF diet or standard chow for 2 weeks. Body weight, energy intake, tissue weights, and serum parameters were determined. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ2, PPARα, CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein‐α, and adipocyte differentiation and determination factor 1 mRNAs in gonadal white adipose tissue (gWAT) (visceral depot) and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) (subcutaneous depot) and in interscapular brown adipose tissue were measured by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Short‐term CAF diet feeding resulted in increases in body weight, adipose tissue weights, and lipid serum levels. Increased adiposity was more related to an increase in visceral fat than an increase in subcutaneous fat. This difference was associated with a higher expression of key adipogenic transcription factors (mainly PPARγ2 and CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein‐α) in gWAT when compared with iWAT. Higher hypertrophy of gWAT was found in females, whereas males showed a higher hypertrophy of iWAT. Differential gender and depot response to CAF diet could be explained by depot and gender differential expression of key adipogenic transcription factors, especially PPARγ2. Hence, reduced hypertrophy of female iWAT and defective thermogenesis in interscapular brown adipose tissue in response to CAF diet were related to decreased PPARγ2 mRNA levels, whereas increased hypertrophy in male iWAT and gWAT and in female gWAT was related to a tendency toward increased PPARγ2 mRNA levels in response to overfeeding.

Discussion: Our results suggest the involvement of PPARγ2 in gender‐ and depot‐specific effects of CAF diet on development and function in adipose tissues.
Major Increase in Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity between 1987 and 2001 among Danish Adults
Authors: Bendixen Hanne , Holst Claus , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Raben Anne , Bartels Else Marie , Astrup Arne
Published: April 2008

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the secular trends in the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) and overweight (25.0 ≤ BMI < 30.0 kg/m2) in Danish adults between 1987 and 2001.

Research Methods and Procedures: The study included self‐reported weight and height of 10, 094 men and 9897 women 16 to 98 years old, collected in a series of seven independent cross‐sectional surveys. Prevalence and changes in prevalence of obesity and overweight stratified by sex and age groups were determined

Results: The prevalence of obesity more than doubled between 1987 and 2001, in men from 5.6% to 11.8% [odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9 to 2.8, p < 0.0001] and in women from 5.4% to 12.5% (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 2.1 to 3.2, p < 0.0001), with the largest increase among the 16‐ to 29‐year‐old subjects (men, from 0.8% to 7.5%, OR = 10.2, 95% CI = 4.1 to 25.3, p < 0.0001; women, from 1.4% to 9.0% OR = 7.0, 95% CI = 3.5 to 14.1, p < 0.0001). Between 1987 and 2001, the prevalence of overweight increased from 34% to 40% in men and from 17% to 27% in women.

Discussion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Denmark has increased substantially between 1987 and 2001, particularly among young adults, a development that resembles that of other countries. There is clearly a need for early preventive efforts in childhood to limit the number of obesity‐related complications in young adults.
Sexual Dimorphism and Regulation of Resistin, Adiponectin, and Leptin Expression in the Mouse
Authors: Gui Yaoting , Silha Josef V. , Murphy Liam J.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To examine gender differences and hormonal regulation of resistin, adiponectin, and leptin.

Research Methods and Procedures: Plasma levels were measured, and mRNA expression in perigonadal fat was quantified by RNase protection assays.

Results: Plasma resistin declined with age despite an increase in adiposity in both genders. In male mice, plasma leptin increased, whereas adiponectin levels were constant. In females, both adiponectin and leptin levels increased with age. Resistin mRNA levels were significantly higher in female than male mice at all ages, whereas leptin and adiponectin mRNA levels were similar in fat from 6‐week‐old male and female mice, and sexual dimorphism was apparent only in the older mice, with higher levels apparent in females. Castration did not abolish gender differences in plasma levels or resistin, adiponectin, or leptin mRNAs. Castration of male mice did not significantly change adipokine mRNA levels or plasma levels of resistin or leptin; however, adiponectin was significantly increased. Dihydrotestosterone treatment had no effect on adipokine mRNA expression or resistin and adiponectin levels but increased leptin levels. In contrast, ovariectomy significantly increased resistin mRNA abundance and decreased leptin and adiponectin mRNAs. Plasma leptin levels were also increased by ovariectomy, whereas resistin and adiponectin levels were unchanged. Estrogen replacement significantly reduced resistin mRNA and increased leptin and adiponectin mRNA levels but had no effect on plasma adipokine levels.

Discussion: The gender differences in adipokine mRNA expression and plasma levels were not ablated by castration and seem to be dependent on other factors in addition to gonadal steroids.
Leptin and Altitude in the Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: de León Antonio Cabrera , González Delia Almeida , Méndez Lina I. Pérez , Aguirre‐Jaime Armando , Rodríguez‐Pérez Ma del Cristo , Coello Santiago Domínguez , Trujillo Irma Carballo
Published: April 2008

Objective: The lower mortality from coronary ischemic disease in populations living at high altitude has been related to an increase of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol at altitude. Leptin has been proposed as a cardiovascular risk factor. We investigated whether leptin varies according to the altitude at which people live.

Research Methods and Procedures: This was a cross‐sectional study of the first 889 people enrolled in a cohort study in the Canary Islands, Spain. The relationship among serum leptin, altitude, obesity, and other cardiovascular risk factors was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate tests.

Results: Leptin levels showed an inverse correlation to altitude expressed in meters (r = −0.10). Obese subjects had this leptin‐altitude association (r = −0.19), but they also had a direct correlation of leptin to HDL‐cholesterol (r = 0.27) and an inverse correlation of leptin to the total cholesterol‐to‐HDL‐cholesterol ratio (r = −0.34), triglycerides (r = −0.29), apolipoprotein B (r = −0.21), and glycemia (r = −0.19). Nonobese subjects had only the leptin‐altitude association (r = −0.11). The final regression model included altitude as predictor. Other associated variables were gender, physical activity, BMI, age, smoking (reducing leptin independently of BMI), alcohol, heart rate, and income.

Discussion: Serum leptin level decreases when altitude increases, and this association could help to explain the lower cardiovascular mortality rate at high altitude. However, because in obese subjects there is a direct association of leptin with HDL‐cholesterol and an inverse association with the lipid atherogenic fractions, we suggest the hypothesis of different roles for bound and free leptin, with free leptin being a cardiovascular protective factor in obese people.
Longitudinal Relationship between Elapsed Time in the Action Stages of Change and Weight Loss
Authors: Logue Everett E. , Jarjoura David G. , Sutton Karen S. , Smucker William D. , Baughman Kristin R. , Capers Cynthia F.
Published: April 2008

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between the elapsed time in the action and maintenance stages of change for multiple target behaviors and weight loss or gain.

Research Methods and Procedures: The research design was a prospective cohort study of overweight and obese primary care patients randomized to an obesity management intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model and a chronic disease paradigm. The target behaviors included increased planned exercise and usual physical activity, decreased dietary fat, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and increased dietary portion control. The participants were 329 middle‐aged men and women with elevated body mass indices recruited from 15 primary care practices in Northeastern Ohio; 28% of the participants were African Americans. The main outcomes were weight loss (5% or more) or weight gain (5% or more) after 18 or 24 months of follow‐up.

Results: There were significant (p < 0.05) longitudinal relationships between the number of periods (0 to 4) in action or maintenance for each of the five target behaviors, or a composite score taken across the five target behaviors, and weight loss. In all cases, there was a significant (p < 0.05) stepped (graded) relationship between the time in action or maintenance and weight loss (or gain).

Discussion: The data support the concept of applying the Transtheoretical Model to the problem of managing obesity in primary care settings. The remaining challenge is to identify those factors that reliably move patients into the action and maintenance stages for long periods.
Gene or Size: Metabolic Rate and Body Temperature in Obese Growth Hormone‐Deficient Dwarf Mice
Authors: Meyer Carola W.E. , Klingenspor Martin , Rozman Jan , Heldmaier Gerhard
Published: April 2008

Objective: SMA1 mice carry a missense mutation in the growth hormone gene that leads to semidominant dwarfism and obesity. In this study, the basic thermal and metabolic properties of SMA1 mice were examined to detect metabolic alterations that can support the accretion of excess fat.

Research Methods and Procedures: Basal and resting metabolic rates (RMRs) in wild‐type and SMA1 (sma1/+ and sma1/sma1) mice were determined by indirect calorimetry. Body temperature (Tb) was recorded using intraperitoneally implanted temperature‐sensitive transmitters, and body composition was determined by DXA.

Results: SMA1 mice have proportionally lower basal and resting metabolic rates, higher body mass (BM)‐specific RMRs, and a higher lower critical temperature, and display a decrease in Tb by 0.4 °C in sma1/+ and 0.9 °C in sma1/sma1.

Discussion: The analysis of gene effects on BM and energy expenditure in mouse mutants must consider the appropriate allometric relationship between BM and metabolic rate. With the exception of Tb, all metabolic alterations observed in SMA1 reflect reduced size.