bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedentary Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Middle‐aged French Subjects
Authors: Bertrais Sandrine , Beyeme‐Ondoua Jean‐Paul , Czernichow Sébastien , Galan Pilar , Hercberg Serge , Oppert Jean‐Michel
Published: April 2008

Objective: To study the relationships of time spent in sedentary occupations with the National Cholesterol Education Program—defined metabolic syndrome (MS), taking into account the habitual level of physical activity (PA).

Research Methods and Procedures: This was a cross‐sectional analysis in 1902 men and 1932 women 50 to 69 years of age participating in the French Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals study. We assessed past‐year PA, television watching or computer use, and reading during leisure with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Subjects who performed at least 150 min/wk of moderate‐intensity PA (3 to 6 metabolic equivalent tasks) or 60 min/wk of vigorous PA (>6 metabolic equivalent tasks) were considered as meeting recommended levels.

Results: The frequency of most MS components increased with time spent in front of a screen and decreased with increasing PA levels. The likelihood to have MS, adjusted for age, education, and smoking, was decreased by one‐third in subjects meeting moderate PA guidelines and by two‐thirds in subjects meeting vigorous PA recommendations [odds ratio (95% CI), 0.34 (0.17 to 0.66) in women, 0.44 (0.28 to 0.68) in men] compared with those with insufficient PA. Independently of PA levels, time spent in front of a screen was positively associated with the likelihood to have the MS in women [odds ratio (95% CI), 3.30 (2.04 to 5.34)], whereas in both sexes, no association was found with time spent reading.

Discussion: The relationship of the MS with a sedentary lifestyle differs according to sex and type of sedentary occupation. These results suggest the need to assess selected indicators of sedentary behavior in preventive programs.
Weight Change and Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Oguma Yuko , Sesso Howard D. , Paffenbarger Ralph S. , Lee I‐Min
Published: April 2008

Objective: To examine the association between weight change and risk of type 2 diabetes and whether initial weight modifies the association.

Research Methods and Procedures: This is a prospective cohort study of 20, 187 alumni from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. At baseline in 1962 or 1966, men (mean age, 45.9 years) reported their weight, height, and other risk factors. They also had had their weight and height measured at university entry (mean age, 18.5 years). Participants were followed from baseline to 1998 for type 2 diabetes.

Results: During follow‐up, 1223 men developed type 2 diabetes. Weight gain significantly increased the risk of this disease. The multivariate relative risks associated with BMI change from university entry to baseline of <−0.5, ±0.5, >0.5 to 1.0, >1.0 to 1.5, >1.5 to 2.0, >2.0 to 3.0, and >3.0 kg/m2 per decade were 0.88, 1.00 (referent), 1.29, 2.09, 2.69, 4.67, and 7.02, respectively (p for trend < 0.0001). Even among men with a low initial BMI < 21 kg/m2, weight gain significantly increased risk; the corresponding relative risks were (no cases), 1.00 (referent), 1.00, 1.93, 2.47, 4.82, and 7.68, respectively (p for trend < 0.0001).

Discussion: A low initial BMI does not ameliorate the increase in risk of type 2 diabetes with weight gain. Avoidance of weight gain, even among lean individuals, is important to reduce the risk of this disease.
Obesity in Spanish Schoolchildren: Relationship with Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Garcés Carmen , Gutierrez‐Guisado Javier , Benavente Mercedes , Cano Beatriz , Viturro Enrique , Ortega Henar , de Oya Manuel
Published: April 2008

This article reports cross‐sectional data from a total of 1048 children, 6 to 8 years of age, categorized by presence or absence of obesity, who participated in a voluntary survey of cardiovascular risk factors in Spain over the period of 1998 to 2000, to establish the relationship between obesity and its metabolic consequences at this age. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 9.4% and 15.7%, respectively, in boys and 10.5% and 18.0%, respectively, in girls. We observed that, in both sexes, obese children had higher triglycerides and lower high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels than non‐obese children. No differences were found in plasma glucose or low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels between normal and obese children. However, we observed that insulin levels and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in obese children of both sexes but that free fatty acid levels were lower in obese children than in nonobese children, with a statistical significance in girls (0.72 ± 0.30 vs. 0.61 ± 0.16 mEq/liter). In summary, our survey found some metabolic consequences of obesity similar to those found in adults (elevated triglycerides, insulin, and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, and lower high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol). However, other features (glucose, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and free fatty acid levels) were found to behave differently, indicating that the association of obesity with risk factors seems to change as the children age and may depend on the chronology of sexual maturation.
Extracellular Cyclic AMP—Adenosine Pathway in Isolated Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Strouch Marci B. , Jackson Edwin K. , Mi Zaichuan , Metes Nicole A. , Carey Gale B.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the presence and lipolytic impact of the extracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP)–adenosine pathway in adipose tissue.

Research Methods and Procedures: Sixteen miniature Yucatan swine (Sus scrofa) were used for these in vitro and in situ experiments. Four microdialysis probes were implanted into subcutaneous adipose tissue and perfused at 2 μL/min with Ringer's solution containing no addition, varying levels of cyclic AMP, 10 μM isoproterenol, or 10 μM isoproterenol plus 1 mM α,β‐methylene adenosine 5′‐diphosphate (AMPCP), a 5′‐nucleotidase inhibitor. Dialysate was assayed for AMP, adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, and glycerol. Freshly isolated adipocytes were incubated with buffer, 1 μM isoproterenol, or 1 μM isoproterenol plus 0.1 mM AMPCP, and extracellular levels of AMP, adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, and glycerol were measured.

Results: Perfusion of adipose tissue with exogenous cyclic AMP caused a significant increase in AMP and adenosine appearance. Perfusion with AMPCP, in the presence or absence of isoproterenol, significantly increased the levels of AMP and glycerol, whereas it significantly reduced the level of adenosine and its metabolites. However, the AMPCP‐provoked increase in lipolysis observed in situ and in vitro was not temporally associated with a decrease in adenosine.

Discussion: These data suggest the existence of a cyclic AMP—adenosine pathway in adipocytes and adipose tissue. The role of this pathway in the regulation of lipolysis remains to be clarified.
Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin Gallate Inhibits Adipogenesis and Induces Apoptosis in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Lin Ji , Della‐Fera Mary Anne , Baile Clifton A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Green tea catechins have been shown to promote loss of body fat and to inhibit growth of many cancer cell types by inducing apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary green tea catechin, could act directly on adipocytes to inhibit adipogenesis and induce apoptosis.

Research Methods and Procedures: Mouse 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and mature adipocytes were used. To test the effect of EGCG on viability, cells were incubated for 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours with 0, 50, 100, or 200 μM EGCG. Viability was quantitated by MTS assay. To determine the effect of EGCG on apoptosis, adipocytes were incubated for 24 hours with 0 to 200 μM EGCG, then stained with annexin V and propidium iodide and analyzed by laser scanning cytometry. Both preadipocytes and adipocytes were also analyzed for apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling assay. To determine the effect of EGCG on adipogenesis, maturing preadipocytes were incubated during the 6‐day induction period with 0 to 200 μM EGCG, then stained with Oil‐Red‐O and analyzed for lipid content.

Results: EGCG had no effect on either viability or apoptosis of preconfluent preadipocytes. EGCG also did not affect viability of mature adipocytes; however, EGCG increased apoptosis in mature adipocytes, as demonstrated by both laser scanning cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling assays. Furthermore, EGCG dose‐dependently inhibited lipid accumulation in maturing preadipocytes.

Discussion: These results demonstrate that EGCG can act directly to inhibit differentiation of preadipocytes and to induce apoptosis of mature adipocytes and, thus, could be an important adjunct in the treatment of obesity.
Oligofructose Promotes Satiety in Rats Fed a High‐Fat Diet: Involvement of Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1
Authors: Cani Patrice D. , Neyrinck Audrey M. , Maton Nicole , Delzenne Nathalie M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To analyze the putative interest of oligofructose (OFS) in the modulation of food intake after high‐fat diet in rats and to question the relevance of the expression and secretion of intestinal peptides in that context.

Research Methods and Procedures: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with standard diet or OFS‐enriched (10%) standard diet for 35 days followed by 15 days of high‐fat diet enriched or not with OFS (10%) treatment. Body weight, food intake, triglycerides, and plasma ghrelin levels were monitored during the treatment. On day 50, rats were food‐deprived 8 hours and anesthetized for blood and intestinal tissue sampling for further proglucagon mRNA, glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1, and GLP‐2 quantification.

Results: The addition of OFS in the diet protects against the promotion of energy intake, body weight gain, fat mass development, and serum triglyceride accumulation induced by a high‐fat diet. OFS fermentation leads to an increase in proglucagon mRNA in the cecum and the colon and in GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 contents in the proximal colon, with consequences on the portal concentration of GLP‐1 (increase). A lower ghrelin level is observed only when OFS is added to the standard diet of rats.

Discussion: In rats exposed to high‐fat diet, OFS is, thus, able to modulate endogenous production of gut peptides involved in appetite and body weight regulation. Because several approaches are currently used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity with limited effectiveness, dietary fibers such as OFS, which promote the endogenous production of gut peptides like GLP‐1, could be proposed as interesting nutrients to consider in the management of fat intake and associated metabolic disorders.
Bottomless Bowls: Why Visual Cues of Portion Size May Influence Intake**
Authors: Wansink Brian , Painter James E. , North Jill
Published: April 2008

Objective: Using self‐refilling soup bowls, this study examined whether visual cues related to portion size can influence intake volume without altering either estimated intake or satiation.

Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐four participants (BMI, 17.3 to 36.0 kg/m2; 18 to 46 years of age) were recruited to participate in a study involving soup. The experiment was a between‐subject design with two visibility levels: 1) an accurate visual cue of a food portion (normal bowl) vs. 2) a biased visual cue (self‐refilling bowl). The soup apparatus was housed in a modified restaurant‐style table in which two of four bowls slowly and imperceptibly refilled as their contents were consumed. Outcomes included intake volume, intake estimation, consumption monitoring, and satiety.

Results: Participants who were unknowingly eating from self‐refilling bowls ate more soup [14.7 ± 8.4 vs. 8.5 ± 6.1 oz; F(1,52) = 8.99; p < 0.01] than those eating from normal soup bowls. However, despite consuming 73% more, they did not believe they had consumed more, nor did they perceive themselves as more sated than those eating from normal bowls. This was unaffected by BMI.

Discussion: These findings are consistent with the notion that the amount of food on a plate or bowl increases intake because it influences consumption norms and expectations and it lessens one's reliance on self‐monitoring. It seems that people use their eyes to count calories and not their stomachs. The importance of having salient, accurate visual cues can play an important role in the prevention of unintentional overeating.
Regulation of Global Gene Expression by Ovariectomy and Estrogen in Female Adipose Tissue
Authors: Ye Ping , Yoshioka Mayumi , Gan Lin , St‐Amand Jonny
Published: April 2008

Objective: To study the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and estrogen replacement on global gene expression in white adipose tissue.

Research Methods and Procedures: Female mice were randomly divided into four groups: 1) intact, 2) OVX, 3) OVX plus estradiol (E2) injection 3 hours before death (E2‐3 hours), and 4) E2‐24 hours. The serial analysis of gene expression was performed to detect the transcriptomic changes.

Results: A total of 15 transcripts, including several novel transcripts, were found to be modulated by OVX or E2 (p < 0.05). Secreted acidic cysteine‐rich glycoprotein, which regulates the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, was increased after OVX. Moreover, OVX up‐regulated several transcripts involved in ECM, such as procollagen types Iα1 and 2. In cell defense, glutathione peroxidase 3 was lower in OVX than in intact mice. Cytochrome c oxidase I and three novel transcripts were up‐regulated by estrogen treatment.

Discussion: This study underlines the importance of cell shape and ECM regulation by OVX on adiposity. Moreover, some novel transcripts may also play a relevant role in OVX‐induced obesity and estrogen therapy.
Provision of Foods Differing in Energy Density Affects Long‐Term Weight Loss
Authors: Rolls Barbara J. , Roe Liane S. , Beach Amanda M. , Kris‐Etherton Penny M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: The energy density (kilocalories per gram) of foods influences short‐term energy intake. This 1‐year clinical trial tested the effect on weight loss of a diet incorporating one or two servings per day of foods equal in energy but differing in energy density.

Research Methods and Procedures: Dietitians instructed 200 overweight and obese women and men to follow an exchange‐based energy‐restricted diet. Additionally, subjects were randomized to consume daily either one or two servings of low energy‐dense soup, two servings of high energy‐dense snack foods, or no special food (comparison group).

Results: All four groups showed significant weight loss at 6 months that was well maintained at 12 months. The magnitude of weight loss, however, differed by group (p = 0.006). At 1 year, weight loss in the comparison (8.1 ± 1.1 kg) and two‐soup (7.2 ± 0.9 kg) groups was significantly greater than that in the two‐snack group (4.8 ± 0.7 kg); weight loss in the one‐soup group (6.1 ± 1.1 kg) did not differ significantly from other groups. Weight loss was significantly correlated with the decrease in dietary energy density from baseline at 1 and 2 months (p = 0.0001) but not at 6 and 12 months.

Discussion: On an energy‐restricted diet, consuming two servings of low energy‐dense soup daily led to 50% greater weight loss than consuming the same amount of energy as high energy‐dense snack food. Regularly consuming foods that are low in energy density can be an effective strategy for weight management.
Factors That Influence Food Amount Ratings by White, Hispanic, and Asian Samples
Authors: Dohm Faith‐Anne , Cachelin Fary M. , Striegel‐Moore Ruth H.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Two studies explored in nonclinical samples variables that may influence meal size assessments.

Research Methods and Procedures: In Study 1, the contribution of dietary restraint, weight, depressive symptoms, and gender to ratings on the Food Amount Rating Scale was examined in 153 white women and 121 white men; in Study 2, the contribution of dietary restraint, weight, ethnicity, and ethnic group identification to Food Amount Rating Scale ratings was examined in 67 Asian, 81 Hispanic, and 107 white women.

Results: Study 1 indicated that food amounts were rated as larger when rated by male rather than female raters (male rater, mean = 62.37, SD = 1.14; female rater, mean = 59.28, SD = 0.89), for female rather than male targets (male target, mean = 56.16, SD = 0.97; female target, mean = 64.87, SD = 1.02), and by restrained rather than unrestrained eaters (restrained, mean = 63.14, SD = 1.11; unrestrained, mean = 58.69, SD = 0.91). Study 2 indicated that food amounts were rated as larger when rated by restrained eaters (restrained, mean = 67.53, SD = 1.21; unrestrained, mean = 64.99, SD = 1.09), Hispanic women (Asian, mean = 64.59, SD = 1.61; Hispanic, mean = 68.71, SD = 1.30; white, mean = 65.41, SD = 1.34), and underweight women (underweight, mean = 70.38, SD = 1.68; normal weight, mean = 64.52, SD = 0.93; overweight: mean = 64.23, SD = 1.64).

Discussion: Food amount judgments may be influenced by personal characteristics. Future research should examine whether variation in food amount judgments is related to dieting behavior, disordered eating, or obesity.
Gender Differences in Associations of Eating Pathology between Mothers and Their Adolescent Offspring
Authors: Elfhag Kristina , Linné Yvonne
Published: April 2008

Objective: To study the association of eating pathology between mothers and their adolescent offspring in a population sample.

Research Methods and Procedures: The participants were 481 women (mean age, 47 ± SD 5 years; BMI, 25 ± 4 kg/m2) and their 481 adolescent children 16 to 17 years old (BMI, 21 ± 3 kg/m2) of the Stockholm Weight Development Study. Assessment methods were the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised 18 and the Eating Disorder Inventory 2.

Results: A higher body weight was most related to cognitive restraint for adolescents and to emotional eating for adult women. A mother‐daughter link could be identified for eating pathology, with the strongest link found for emotional eating. No mother‐son link could be identified. Age subgroup analyses revealed a stronger mother‐daughter link for body attitudes in younger mothers and for cognitive restraint in older mothers.

Discussion: Gender differences revealed that eating pathology was shared by mothers and daughters but not by mothers and sons. A psychological strategy such as eating as a response to negative emotions was most interrelated between mothers and daughters. Younger mothers shared more attitudes toward the body with their daughters, whereas older mothers shared more restrictive eating behaviors with their daughters. The mother‐daughter links found may be due to gender‐specific genetic and psychological family transmission and gender‐specific environmental influences. The sons’ eating behaviors seem to be more independent and would be formed by other factors than for the girls.
Physical Activity and Psychosocial Correlates in Normal Weight and Overweight 11 to 19 Year Olds
Authors: De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Lefevre Johan , Deforche Benedicte , Wijndaele Katrien , Matton Lynn , Philippaerts Renaat
Published: April 2008

Objective:This study examined differences in (1) psychosocial correlates of physical activity and in (2) physical activity within different contexts and sedentary behaviors between normal weight and overweight adolescents. It further explored whether the prediction of physical activity by the psychosocial correlates is different in normal weight and overweight adolescents.

Research Methods and Procedure: A community sample of 6078 11 to 19 year olds from 38 secondary schools, which were randomly selected throughout the country, completed a validated computerized questionnaire about physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and psychosocial correlates. Differences in mean scores on the psychosocial correlates and on the self‐rated physical activity were analyzed between the normal weight (n = 5563) and the overweight (n = 515, 8.5%) group.

Results: This study showed that overweight adolescents do less intense physical activities (p < 0.001) and have less favorable psychosocial correlates related to physical activity (p < 0.001) than their normal weight counterparts. However, the strength of the associations between psychosocial variables and total physical activity were comparable in overweight and normal weight adolescents. More support from family and friends, more fun in physical activity, higher self‐efficacy, the perception of more competition benefits, and the perception of less lack of interest were all associated with higher total levels of physical activity. The results suggest that no specific tailoring on psychosocial correlates of physical activity is necessary for overweight adolescents compared with normal weight ones.

Discussion: Both overweight and normal weight adolescents can be approached by interventions focusing on the same psychosocial variables to increase physical activity.
Utility of Childhood BMI in the Prediction of Adulthood Disease: Comparison of National and International References
Authors: Janssen Ian , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Chen Wei , Malina Robert M. , Bouchard Claude , Berenson Gerald S.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine whether the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; CDC Reference) or International Obesity Task Force (IOTF; IOTF Reference) BMI cut‐off points for classifying adiposity status in children are more effective at predicting future health risk.

Research Methods and Procedures: The sample (N = 1709) included 4‐ to 15‐year‐old (at baseline) boys and girls from the Bogalusa Heart Study. Overweight and obesity status were determined using both the CDC Reference and IOTF Reference BMI cut‐off points at baseline. The ability of childhood overweight and obesity, determined from the two BMI classification systems, to predict obesity and metabolic disorders in young adulthood (after a 13‐ to 24‐year follow‐up) was then compared.

Results: Independently of the classification system employed to determine adiposity based on childhood BMI, the odds of being obese and having all of the metabolic disorders in young adulthood were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the overweight and obese groups by comparison with the nonoverweight groups. Childhood overweight and obesity, determined by both the CDC Reference and IOTF Reference, had a low sensitivity and a high specificity for predicting obesity and metabolic disorders in young adulthood. Overweight and obesity as determined by the CDC Reference were slightly more sensitive and slightly less specific than the corresponding values based on the IOTF Reference.

Discussion: Overweight and obesity during childhood, as determined by both the CDC and IOTF BMI cut‐off points, are strong predictors of obesity and coronary heart disease risk factors in young adulthood. The differences in the predictive capacity of the CDC Reference and IOTF Reference are, however, minimal.
Troglitazone‐Induced Changes in Adiponectin Do Not Affect Endothelial Function in Diabetes
Authors: Buras Jon , Reenstra Wende R. , Orlow Daniel , Horton Edward S. , Veves Aristidis
Published: April 2008

Objective: Adiponectin has been proposed to be related to endothelial function. We have examined the relationship between the increase in adiponectin levels that is associated with troglitazone treatment and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in type 2 diabetic patients.

Research Methods and Procedures: Seventy‐two patients participated in this randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study. High‐resolution ultrasound images were used to measure the flow‐mediated dilation (endothelium‐dependent) and nitroglycerin‐induced dilation (endothelium‐independent) of the brachial artery. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was employed to measure the vascular reactivity in the forearm skin.

Results: Troglitazone treatment resulted in an average 75% increase in the adiponectin levels, but no changes were observed in the endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, any other measurement of vascular reactivity, or any other markers of endothelial activation. Also, no changes were observed in the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products in skin biopsies taken from the forearm. Significant correlations were observed during troglitazone treatment between the changes in the adiponectin levels and the changes in fasting plasma glucose (r = −0.29, p < 0.05), hemoglobin A1c (r = −0.30, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.25, p < 0.05), and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (r = 0.34, p < 0.01).

Discussion: The increase in adiponectin levels after troglitazone treatment is not associated with an improvement in the endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, indicating that adiponectin is not a major determinant of endothelial function. In addition, receptor for advanced glycation end‐products expression in the skin microcirculation is not affected by troglitazone treatment.
Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Improves Liver Histology in Patients with Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Clark Jeanne M. , Alkhuraishi Amir R. A. , Solga Steven F. , Alli Patricia , Diehl Anna Mae , Magnuson Thomas H.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease in the United States and is prevalent in morbidly obese patients. While weight loss and treatment of risk factors are recommended, the reported effects of bariatric surgery on NAFLD are mixed.

Research Methods and Procedures: We examined liver histology at the time of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery and at elective incisional hernia repair after weight loss for 16 patients at one center. Slides were read by one pathologist, blinded to clinical data, using the Brunt criteria. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from chart review. Alcohol use was ascertained by two interviews.

Results: At baseline, the mean age was 44 years, 50% were women, 88% were white, and the mean BMI was 51 kg/m2. None had significant alcohol use. On initial biopsy, all patients showed steatosis, 94% had inflammation, 88% had ballooning degeneration, 88% had perisinusoidal fibrosis, and 81% had portal fibrosis. The mean time between the two biopsies was 305 ± 131 (SD) days. The mean weight loss was 118 ± 29 lb. Steatosis improved in 15 of 16 patients, with resolution in 13. Twelve of 15 patients with inflammation at baseline showed improvement, and 12 of 14 showed less ballooning. Six of 14 patients with perisinusoidal fibrosis and 6 of 13 with portal fibrosis showed improvement. No patient had worsening of steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, or fibrosis.

Discussion: Our study shows improvement in all of the histological features of NAFLD after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery—induced weight loss, despite significant histopathology at baseline and substantial weight loss.
Increase in the Thermic Effect of Food in Women by Adrenergic Amines Extracted from Citrus Aurantium
Authors: Gougeon Réjeanne , Harrigan Kathy , Tremblay Jean‐François , Hedrei Philip , Lamarche Marie , Morais José A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To compare the thermic response to a meal between men and women of varied body composition and to determine whether adrenergic amines extracted from citrus aurantium (CA) induce an increase in metabolic rate and enhance the thermic response to the meal.

Research Methods and Procedures: In 30 healthy weight‐stable subjects (17 women, 13 men; BMI: 20 to 42 kg/m2), body composition was determined by bioimpedance analysis followed by resting energy expenditure for 20 minutes, and the thermic effect of food (TEF) of a 1.7‐MJ, 30‐gram protein meal was determined intermittently for 300 minutes by indirect calorimetry. In a subset of 22 subjects, the TEFs of CA alone and when added to the same 1.7‐MJ meal were determined. Blood pressure and pulse before and throughout the studies and catecholamine excretion were determined.

Results: TEF was significantly lower in women than men (152 ± 7 vs. 190 ± 12 kJ and 8.8 ± 0.4% vs. 11.0 ± 0.7% of meal), independently of age and magnitude of adiposity. The thermic response to CA alone was higher in men, but, when added to the meal, CA increased TEF only in women and to values no longer different from men. CA had no effect on blood pressure and pulse rate but increased epinephrine excretion by 2.4‐fold.

Discussion: A 20% lower TEF in women suggests a diminished sympathetic nervous system response to meals, because with CA, TEF increased by 29% only in women. However, this acute response may not translate into a chronic effect or a clinically significant weight loss over time.
Stigmatized Students: Age, Sex, and Ethnicity Effects in the Stigmatization of Obesity
Authors: Latner Janet D. , Stunkard Albert J. , Wilson G. Terence
Published: April 2008

Objective: To assess the stigmatization of obesity relative to the stigmatization of various disabilities among young men and women. Attitudes across ethnic groups were compared. In addition, these findings were compared with data showing severe stigmatization of obesity among children.

Research Methods and Procedures: Participants included 356 university students (56% women; mean age, 20.6 years; mean BMI, 23.3 kg/m2; range, 14.4 to 45.0 kg/m2) who ranked six drawings of same‐sex peers in order of how well they liked each person. The drawings showed adults with obesity, various disabilities, or no disability. These rankings were compared with those obtained through a similar procedure with 458 fifth‐ and sixth‐grade children.

Results: Obesity was highly stigmatized relative to physical disabilities. African‐American women liked obese peers more than did African‐American men, white men, or white women [F (1, 216) = 4.02, p < 0.05]. Overweight and obese participants were no less stigmatizing of obesity than normal weight participants. Adults were more accepting than children of their obese peers [t (761) = 9.16, p < 0.001].

Discussion: Although the stigmatization of obesity was high among participants overall, African‐American women seemed to have more positive attitudes toward obesity than did white women, white men, or African‐American men. Participants’ weight did not affect their stigmatization of obesity: obese and overweight adults were as highly stigmatizing of obesity as non‐overweight adults. Such internalized stigmatization could help to explain the low self‐esteem and poor body image among obese young adults. However, adults seemed to have more positive attitudes about obesity than children. An understanding of the factors that limit the stigma of obesity among African‐American women could help efforts to reduce stigma.
Bright Liver and Alanine Aminotransferase Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Adults
Authors: Shen Yung‐Hsuan , Yang Wei‐Shiung , Lee Tzong‐Hsi , Lee Long‐Teng , Chen Ching‐Yu , Huang Kuo‐Chin
Published: April 2008

Objectives: The metabolic syndrome has become a significant health problem worldwide. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the metabolic syndrome, bright liver (BL) by ultrasonography (US), and plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels among apparently healthy adults.

Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 15, 430 nonalcoholic healthy adults without hepatitis B or C were recruited from four nationwide MJ Health Screening Centers in Taiwan in 2000. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Panel (NCEP) metabolic syndrome criteria or modified NCEP criteria. Based on liver US, subjects were classified into either having BL or not. The relationship between the metabolic syndrome, BL, and ALT levels was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: The crude OR of the metabolic syndrome was 13.92 (12.19 using modified NCEP criteria), and the age‐BMI‐sex—adjusted OR was 3.77 (3.71 using modified NCEP criteria) in subjects with BL vs. subjects without BL, respectively. The ORs of the metabolic syndrome were significantly higher in subjects with elevated ALT levels than in those with normal ALT levels. After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, BL and elevated ALT level were independently associated with increased risk of the metabolic syndrome.

Discussion: Presence of BL and elevated plasma ALT level was independently associated with increased risk of the metabolic syndrome in adults. These factors contribute to a list of well‐known risk factors, including obesity, aging, and male sex, and thus can be applied as an additional evaluation for the metabolic syndrome in a clinical setting.
Relationship of Physical Fitness to Prevalence and Incidence of Overweight among Schoolchildren
Authors: Kim Juhee , Must Aviva , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Gillman Matthew W. , Chomitz Virginia , Kramer Ellen , McGowan Robert , Peterson Karen E.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: We examined the relationship between comprehensive fitness tests and overweight using a school surveillance system in a racially diverse city in the United States.

Research Methods and Procedures: Trained physical education teachers measured weight, height, and fitness annually from 2001 to 2003. We compiled data for a cross‐sectional analysis (11, 845 measurements on 6297 students, 5 to14 years of age) and a 1‐year prospective analysis (4215 measurements on 2927 students not overweight at baseline, 5 to 13 years of age). Overweight was defined as a BMI ≥95th percentile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 growth charts), and underfit was defined as failing at least one of five fitness tests: endurance run, abdominal strength, flexibility, upper body strength, and agility (Amateur Athletic Union and Fitnessgram). Associations between fitness and overweight were examined using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic status and repeated measurements over time.

Results: The mean number of fitness tests passed was lower among students with a BMI above the 80th percentile. Overweight incidence over 1 year was 7% and 2% for underfit and fit girls, respectively (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.0 to 5.6). Not passing either the endurance run or upper body strength test was associated with overweight incidence in both boys and girls. After adjusting for baseline BMI, the endurance run remained a significant predictor of incident overweight among girls (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.5).

Discussion: Findings support a cross‐sectional inverse relationship between physical fitness and overweight among school‐aged children. The direction of causation between fitness and overweight is not clearly established and merits further study.
Simplified Resting Metabolic Rate—Predicting Formulas for Normal‐Sized and Obese Individuals
Authors: Livingston Edward H. , Kohlstadt Ingrid
Published: April 2008

Objective: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is known to be proportional to body weight and to follow allometric scaling principles. We hypothesized that RMR can be predicted from an allometric formula with weight alone as an independent variable.

Research Methods and Procedures: An allometric, power‐law scaling model was fit to RMR measurements obtained from a cohort of patients being treated for weight loss. This, as well as many of the commonly used RMR‐predicting formulas, was tested for RMR prediction ability against a large publicly available RMR database. Bland‐Altman analysis was used to determine the efficacy of the various RMR‐predicting formulas in obese and non‐obese subjects.

Results: Power law modeling of the RMR—body weight relationship yielded the following RMR‐predicting equations: RMRWomen= 248 × Weight0.4356− (5.09 × Age) and RMRMen= 293 × Weight0.4330− (5.92 × Age). Partial correlation analysis revealed that age significantly contributed to RMR variance and was necessary to include in RMR prediction formulas. The James, allometric, and Harris‐Benedict formulas all yielded reasonable RMR predictions for normal sized and obese subjects.

Discussion: A simple power formula relating RMR to body weight can be a reasonable RMR estimator for normal‐sized and obese individuals but still requires an age term and separate formulas for men and women for the best possible RMR estimates. The apparent performance of RMR‐predicting formulas is highly dependent on the methodology employed to compare the various formulas.
Children at High Risk for Overweight: A Classification and Regression Trees Analysis Approach
Authors: Toschke André Michael , Beyerlein Andreas , Von Kries Rüdiger
Published: April 2008

Objective: Early identification of children at high risk for childhood overweight is a major challenge in fighting the obesity epidemic. We tried to identify the most powerful set of combined predictors for childhood overweight at school entry.

Research Methods and Procedures: A classification and regression trees analysis on risk factors for childhood overweight in 4289 children 5 to 6 years of age participating in the obligatory school entry health examination 2001/2002 in Bavaria, Germany, was performed. Parental questionnaires asked for children's weight at birth and 2 years, breastfeeding history, maternal smoking in pregnancy, parental education, parental overweight/obesity, nationality, and number of older siblings. Overweight was defined according to sex‐ and age‐specific BMI cut‐points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force.

Results: Prevalence of overweight was 11% among the entire study population. Although high early weight gain >10, 000 grams was found in about one‐half of the overweight children, its positive predictive value reached only 25%, indicating that one of four children with a high early weight gain is overweight at school entry. The best reliable set of predictors included high early weight gain and obese parents and accounted for a likelihood ratio of 3.6, with a corresponding positive predictive value of 40%, and was found in 4% of all children.

Discussion: A combination of predictors available at 2 years of age could improve predictability of overweight at school entry. However, corresponding low positive predictive values indicate a precision of the prediction that might be insufficient for targeting intervention programs for identified high‐risk children.
Are Child Eating Patterns Being Transformed Globally?
Authors: Adair Linda S. , Popkin Barry M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To examine the extent to which child dietary patterns and trends are changing globally.

Research Methods and Procedures: Diets of children 2 to 19 years of age were studied with nationally representative data from Russia and the United States, nationwide data from China, and regional data from metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Twenty‐four‐hour dietary recalls were examined at several points in time to examine trends in calories consumed away from home, snacking behavior, and soft drink and modern fast food consumption. Urban—rural trends were compared.

Results: U.S. and Cebu youth consume more than one‐third of their daily calories and a higher proportion of snack calories from foods prepared away from home. In contrast, away from home food consumption is minimal in Chinese and Russian children. U.S. and Cebu youth consume about one‐fifth of their total daily energy from snacks, but snacks provide a much lower proportion of energy in Russia (∼16%) and China (where snacks provide only ∼1% of energy). Fast food plays a much more dominant role in the American diet (∼20% of energy vs. 2% to 7% in the other countries), but as yet does not contribute substantially to children's diets in the other countries. Urban—rural differences were found to be important, but narrowing over time, for China and Cebu, whereas they are widening for Russia.

Discussion: This research suggests that globalization of the fast food and other modern food sectors is beginning to affect child eating patterns in several countries undergoing nutrition transition. However, the contribution of fast food and soft drinks to the diet of children remains relatively small in China, Russia, and Cebu, Philippines, relative to the United States.
Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations Associated with Forskolin Consumption in Overweight and Obese Men
Authors: Godard Michael P. , Johnson Brad A. , Richmond Scott R.
Published: April 2008

Objective: This study examined the effect of forskolin on body composition, testosterone, metabolic rate, and blood pressure in overweight and obese (BMI ≥ 26 kg/m2) men.

Research Methods and Procedure: Thirty subjects (forskolin, n = 15; placebo, n = 15) were studied in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study for 12 weeks.

Results: Forskolin was shown to elicit favorable changes in body composition by significantly decreasing body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass (FM) as determined by DXA compared with the placebo group (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, forskolin administration resulted in a change in bone mass for the 12‐week trial compared with the placebo group (p ≤ 0.05). There was a trend toward a significant increase for lean body mass in the forskolin group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.097). Serum free testosterone levels were significantly increased in the forskolin group compared with the placebo group (p ≤ 0.05). The actual change in serum total testosterone concentration was not significantly different among groups, but it increased 16.77 ± 33.77% in the forskolin group compared with a decrease of 1.08 ± 18.35% in the placebo group.

Discussion: Oral ingestion of forskolin (250 mg of 10% forskolin extract twice a day) for a 12‐week period was shown to favorably alter body composition while concurrently increasing bone mass and serum free testosterone levels in overweight and obese men. The results indicate that forskolin is a possible therapeutic agent for the management and treatment of obesity.
Lifestyle Intervention and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Glucose‐Intolerant Subjects
Authors: Mensink Marco , Blaak Ellen E. , Wagenmakers Anton J. , Saris Wim H.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation is reduced in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Weight reduction does not improve these impairments. Because exercise training is known to increase fatty acid (FA) oxidation, we investigated whether a combined diet and physical activity intervention program can improve FA oxidation in subjects with IGT.

Research Methods and Procedures: Sixteen subjects with IGT were studied before and after 1 year of a lifestyle intervention program [nine intervention (INT) subjects, seven controls (CON)]. INT subjects received regular (i.e., every 3 months) dietary advice and were stimulated to increase their level of physical activity. Glucose tolerance, anthropometric characteristics, and substrate use at rest and during exercise were evaluated before and after 1 year. Substrate oxidation was measured at rest and during moderate intensity exercise using indirect calorimetry in combination with stable isotope infusion ([U‐13C]palmitate and [6, 6‐2H2‐]glucose).

Results: After 1 year, no differences were seen in substrate use at rest. During exercise, total fat and plasma FFA oxidation were slightly increased in the INT group and decreased in the CON group, with the change being significantly different (change after 1 year: INT, +2.0 ± 1.4 and +1.9 ± 0.9 μmol/kg per minute; CON, −3.5 ± 1.6 and −1.8 ± 0.5 μmol/kg per minute for total and plasma FFA, respectively; p < 0.05).

Discussion: A combined diet and physical activity intervention program can prevent further deterioration of impaired FA oxidation during exercise in subjects with IGT.
Measuring Free‐Living Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity with Triaxial Accelerometry
Authors: Plasqui Guy , Joosen Annemiek M.C.P. , Kester Arnold D. , Goris Annelies H.C. , Westerterp Klaas R.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the ability of a newly developed triaxial accelerometer to predict total energy expenditure (EE) (TEE) and activity‐related EE (AEE) in free‐living conditions.

Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects were 29 healthy subjects between the ages of 18 and 40. The Triaxial Accelerometer for Movement Registration (Tracmor) was worn for 15 consecutive days. Tracmor output was defined as activity counts per day (ACD) for the sum of all three axes or each axis separately (ACD‐X, ACD‐Y, ACD‐Z). TEE was measured with the doubly labeled water technique. Sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) was measured during an overnight stay in a respiration chamber. The physical activity level was calculated as TEE × SMR−1, and AEE was calculated as [(0.9 × TEE) − SMR]. Body composition was calculated from body weight, body volume, and total body water using Siri's three‐compartment model.

Results: Age, height, body mass, and ACD explained 83% of the variation in TEE [standard error of estimate (SEE) = 1.00 MJ/d] and 81% of the variation in AEE (SEE = 0.70 MJ/d). The partial correlations for ACD were 0.73 (p < 0.001) and 0.79 (p < 0.001) with TEE and AEE, respectively. When data on SMR or body composition were used with ACD, the explained variation in TEE was 90% (SEE = 0.74 and 0.77 MJ/d, respectively). The increase in the explained variation using three axes instead of one axis (vertical) was 5% (p < 0.05).

Discussion: The correlations between Tracmor output and EE measures are the highest reported so far. To measure daily life activities, the use of triaxial accelerometry seems beneficial to uniaxial.
Relationships of Age and Weekly Running Distance to BMI and Circumferences in 41, 582 Physically Active Women
Authors: Williams Paul T. , Satariano William A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To assess in women whether age‐related increases in adiposity are dependent on exercise, and, contrariwise, whether exercise‐related declines in adiposity are dependent on age.

Research Methods and Procedures: Cross‐sectional analyses were conducted of 41, 582 female runners.

Results: Age affected the relationships between vigorous exercise and adiposity. The decline in BMI per kilometer per week run was linear in 18 to 23 year olds and became increasingly non‐linear (convex) with age. Waist, hip, and chest circumferences declined significantly with running distance across all age groups, but the declines were significantly greater in older than younger women, particularly among shorter distance runners. The relationships between body circumferences and running distance became increasingly convex in older women. Conversely, vigorous exercise diminished the apparent increase in adiposity with age. The increase in average BMI with age was greatest in women who ran <8 km/wk, intermediate in women who ran 8 to 15 km/wk or 16 to 31 km/wk, and least in those who averaged over 32 km/wk. Before age 45, waist circumference rose for those who ran 0 to 7 km/wk, showed no significant relationship to age for those who ran 8 to 39 km/wk, and declined in those who ran 40 to 55 and 56 km/wk and more. Age related‐increases in hip and chest circumferences before 45 years old were significantly less in women who ran longer weekly distances.

Discussion: These cross‐sectional associations are consistent with the hypothesis that exercise may mitigate age‐related increases in adiposity and that age affects exercise‐induced reductions in adiposity (although causality remains to be determined experimentally).