Selection of the more adequate prediction index to estimate the frame size a group of institutionalized and free living elderly in Venezuela. (Preliminary study)

The objective of the study was to identify an easy to measure indicator of body frame size to allow refinement of anthropometric nutritional evaluation. Body dimensions and frame indices related to height, which might be potential frame size predictors in the elderly, were studied. In 307 subjects (163 women, 144 men) aged 60-99 years of whom 187 were institutionalized and 120 free-living outpatients, weight, height, mid-arm circumference; triceps, subscapular, midthigh and calf skinfolds; elbow, wrist, femur and biacromial widths, were measured. Body mass index, upper arm muscle area, upper arm fat area, fat percentage, sum of skinfolds and frame indices were calculated. Results were calculated in function of age, sex and life-style. Biacromial breadth, biacromial/height index, wrist breadth and wrist/height index gave variable correlations with indices of body mass and body fat. Femur breadth and femur/height index were significantly correlated with body fat indices. Elbow breadth, humerus/height index were not correlated to body fat indices, but were significantly correlated with weight, height and fat free mass. Elbow breadth and humerus/height index fulfilled most of the criteria of good predictors of body frame size in the group pf elderly studied.     

Effect of a weight loss intervention on anthropometric measures and metabolic risk factors in pre- versus postmenopausal women

Background

The present study examines changes in body weight, fat mass, metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight and obese pre- and postmenopausal women who participated in a weight loss intervention.

Methods

Seventy-two subjects were included in the analysis of this single arm study (premenopausal: 22 women, age 43.7 ± 6.4 years, BMI 31.0 ± 2.4 kg/m²; postmenopausal: 50 women, age 58.2 ± 5.1 years, BMI 32.9 ± 3.7 kg/m²). Weight reduction was achieved by the use of a meal replacement and fat-reduced diet. In addition, from week 6 to 24 participants attended a guided exercise program. Body composition was analyzed with the Bod Pod^®. Blood pressures were taken at every visit and blood was collected at baseline and closeout of the study to evaluate lipids, insulin, cortisol and leptin levels.

Results

BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose, leptin and cortisol were higher in the postmenopausal women at baseline. Both groups achieved a substantial and comparable weight loss (pre- vs. postmenopausal: 6.7 ± 4.9 vs 6.7 ± 4.4 kg; n.s.). However, in contrast to premenopausal women, weight loss in postmenopausal women was exclusively due to a reduction of fat mass (-5.3 ± 5.1 vs -6.6 ± 4.1 kg; p < 0.01). In premenopausal women 21% of weight loss was attributed to a reduction in lean body mass. Blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and glucose improved significantly only in postmenopausal women whereas total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were lowered significantly in both groups.

Conclusion

Both groups showed comparable weight loss and in postmenopausal women weight loss was associated with a pronounced improvement in metabolic risk factors thereby reducing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.     

Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein Gene-Ablation Exacerbates Weight Gain in High-Fat Fed Female Mice

Loss of liver fatty acid binding protein (L‐FABP) decreases long chain fatty acid uptake and oxidation in primary hepatocytes and in vivo. On this basis, L‐FABP gene ablation would potentiate high‐fat diet‐induced weight gain and weight gain/energy intake. While this was indeed the case when L‐FABP null (?/?) mice on the C57BL/6NCr background were pair‐fed a high‐fat diet, whether this would also be observed under high‐fat diet fed ad libitum was not known. Therefore, this possibility was examined in female L‐FABP (?/?) mice on the same background. L‐FABP (?/?) mice consumed equal amounts of defined high‐fat or isocaloric control diets fed ad libitum. However, on the ad libitum‐fed high‐fat diet the L‐FABP (?/?) mice exhibited: (1) decreased hepatic long chain fatty acid (LCFA) β‐oxidation as indicated by lower serum β‐hydroxybutyrate level; (2) decreased hepatic protein levels of key enzymes mitochondrial (rate limiting carnitine palmitoyl acyltransferase A1, CPT1A; HMG‐CoA synthase) and peroxisomal (acyl CoA oxidase 1, ACOX1) LCFA β‐oxidation; (3) increased fat tissue mass (FTM) and FTM/energy intake to the greatest extent; and (4) exacerbated body weight gain, weight gain/energy intake, liver weight, and liver weight/body weight to the greatest extent. Taken together, these findings showed that L‐FABP gene‐ablation exacerbated diet‐induced weight gain and fat tissue mass gain in mice fed high‐fat diet ad libitum—consistent with the known biochemistry and cell biology of L‐FABP.     

Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation in humans: Effects on body composition and energy expenditure

Recent animal studies have demonstrated that dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body fat and that this decrease may be due to a change in energy expenditure. The present study examined the effect of CLA supplementation on body composition and energy expenditure in healthy, adult women. Seventeen women were fed either a CLA capsule (3 g/d) or a sunflower oil placebo for 64 d following a baseline period of 30 d. The subjects were confined to a metabolic suite for the entire 94 d study where diet and activity were controlled and held constant. Change in fat-free mass, fat mass, and percentage body fat were unaffected by CLA supplementation (0.18±0.43 vs. 0.09±0.35 kg; 0.01±0.64 vs. −0.19±0.53 kg; 0.05±0.62 vs. −0.67±0.51%, placebo vs. CLA, respectively). Likewise, body weight was not significantly different in the placebo vs. the CLA group (0.48±0.55 vs. −0.24±0.46 kg change). Energy expenditure (kcal/min), fat oxidation, and respiratory exchange ratio were measured once during the baseline period and during weeks 4 and 8 of the intervention period. At all three times, measurements were taken while resting and walking. CLA had no significant effect on energy expenditure, fat oxidation, or respiratory exchange ratio at rest or during exercise. When dietary intake was controlled, 64 d of CLA supplementation at 3 g/d had no significant effect on body composition or energy expenditure in adult women, which contrasts with previous findings in animals.     

Validity of an equation based on anthropometry to estimate body fat in older adults

A prediction equation to estimate body fat mass from skinfold thickness for healthy elderly was developed using a four compartmental (4C) model as criterion method. This study included 202 subjects = 60 y old. The measurements of total body water, bone mineral content and body density were included in the 4C model equation. Total sample was randomly partitioned. Sub-sample one was used to design the equations, which were applied in sub-sample two. Its accuracy and precision was evaluated by lineal regression analysis and the bias by Bland and Altman analysis and simple lineal regression. The best model included body mass, sex and the calf and triceps skinfolds thicknesses, with an R2, standard error of the estimate and Cp of 0.85, 3.2 and 3.2, respectively. When the equation was applied in sub-sample two, it was accurate and precise, it showed no significant deviation from the line of identity (the intercept was no significantly different from zero, P>0.05), and slope was different from cero (or similar to 1) (P<0.05). Fat mass by the equation accounted for 86% of the variability of the mean fat mass estimated by the 4C model, having a low standard error of the estimate (3.2 kg) and low pure error (3.1 kg). The new equation was accurate and precise as well as free of significant bias in men and women together and for separately. This equation can be a good option to estimate fat mass in elderly men and women with similar physical characteristics to subjects of this study, and it can be used in clinical and epidemiological studies in this growing group.     

Muscle and fat indicators in boys of the upper socioeconomic strata of Caracas

A sample of 271 boys, aged four, eight and 12 years, belonging to the upper socioeconomic strata of Caracas, was studied in order to test the sensibility and specificity of arm muscle and fat indicators, as evaluators of the muscle and fat tissues development, as well as of the nutritional status. Weight, height, arm circumference and triceps skinfold were measured following standardized techniques; muscle and fat areas were calculated from arm circumference and skinfold measurements. For statistical analysis, results were compared with North American reference standards, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. Nutritional assessment was performed using weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height, arm circumference and skinfold, plus the two derived areas. Malnourished children were identified using WHO guidelines in height and weight. Prevalences were compared and the sensibility, specificity and predictive values were studied. Malnourished children were analyzed individually. Arm circumference was the best predictor of nutritional status and triceps skinfold the worst predictor; muscle and fat areas were moderate predictors. On the average, four-year olds were smaller, lighter and much leaner than the reference, and eight and 12-year olds were taller, heavier and more muscular than the reference. Low fat was most prevalent in four-year olds, while high muscle increased with age and was highest at age 12, consistent with pubertal development. Obesity was most prevalent in eight-year olds. Twenty-eight per cent of the 50 children identified as malnourished in weight and height according to WHO, were normal in muscle and fat, and 66% of the 100 identified as malnourished in muscle and fat were normal according to WHO guidelines. Furthermore, 24% of children classified as overweight by weight-for-height were not obese but high in muscle. It is concluded that muscle and fat areas reflect muscle and fat components but are poor indicators of malnutrition, expressed in terms of weight and height. On the other hand, weight and height do not measure body composition. Weight-for-height should be used in combination with muscle and fat areas. National reference standards are needed and cut-off points should be revised, in order to maximize the efficiency and predictive values of these indicators.     

Body Mass Index,percent body fat,and regional body fat distribution in relation to leptin concentrations in healthy,non-smoking postmenopausal women in a feeding study

Background  

The relationship between BMI and leptin has been studied extensively in the past, but previous reports in postmenopausal women have not been conducted under carefully controlled dietary conditions of weight maintenance using precise measures of body fat distribution. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between serum leptin concentration and adiposity as estimated by BMI and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measures (percent body fat, central and peripheral fat, and lean mass) in postmenopausal women.     

Diverse effects of a low dose supplement of lipidated curcumin in healthy middle aged people

Accumulation of excess body fat increases breast cancer risk after menopause. Whether the localized breast is differently influenced by adipose tissue compared to the rest of the body, has not been well studied. Our purpose was to demonstrate feasibility and preliminarily evaluate serum-based and localized breast biomarker changes resulting from a weight loss intervention among obese postmenopausal women. We conducted a 12-week pilot controlled dietary and exercise intervention among healthy obese postmenopausal women, collected serum and breast ductal fluid before and after the intervention, and estimated the association with systemic and localized biomarker changes. We recruited 7 obese (mean body mass index = 33.6 kg/m2) postmenopausal women. We collected samples at baseline and the 12th week for: anthropometry; phlebotomy; dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (lean and fat mass); exercise fitness (maximum oxygen consumption (VO2Max); 1-repetition strength maximum); and breast ductal lavage. Changes from baseline occurred in body composition and exercise performance including fat mass loss (14% average drop), VO2Max (+36% increase) and strength improvement (+26%). Breast ductal fluid markers declined from baseline with estradiol showing a 24% reduction and IL-6 a 20% reduction. We also observed serum biomarker reductions from baseline including leptin (36% decline), estrone sulfate (−10%), estradiol (−25%), and Il-6 (−33%). Conduct of the diet and exercise intervention, collection of ductal fluid, and measurement of hormones and cytokines contained in the ductal fluid were all feasible. We preliminarily demonstrated estradiol and IL-6 reductions from baseline in both serum and breast ductal fluid among obese postmenopausal women who participated in the 12-week weight loss diet and exercise intervention.     

Associations among 25-year trends in diet, cholesterol and BMI from 140,000 observations in men and women in Northern Sweden

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In the 1970s, men in northern Sweden had among the highest prevalences of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) worldwide. An intervention program combining population- and individual-oriented activities was initiated in 1985. Concurrently, collection of information on medical risk factors, lifestyle and anthropometry started. Today, these data make up one of the largest databases in the world on diet intake in a population-based sample, both in terms of sample size and follow-up period. The study examines trends in food and nutrient intake, serum cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) from 1986 to 2010 in northern Sweden. METHODS: Cross-sectional information on self-reported food and nutrient intake and measured body weight, height, and serum cholesterol were compiled for over 140,000 observations. Trends and trend breaks over the 25-year period were evaluated for energy- providing nutrients, foods contributing to fat intake, serum cholesterol and BMI. RESULTS: Reported intake of fat exhibited two significant trend breaks in both sexes: a decrease between 1986 and 1992 and an increase from 2002 (women) or 2004 (men). A reverse trend was noted for carbohydrates, whereas protein intake remained unchanged during the 25-year period. Significant trend breaks in intake of foods contributing to total fat intake were seen. Reported intake of wine increased sharply for both sexes (more so for women) and export beer increased for men. BMI increased continuously for both sexes, whereas serum cholesterol levels decreased during 1986 - 2004, remained unchanged until 2007 and then began to rise. The increase in serum cholesterol coincided with the increase in fat intake, especially with intake of saturated fat and fats for spreading on bread and cooking. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women in northern Sweden decreased their reported fat intake in the first 7 years (1986-1992) of an intervention program. After 2004 fat intake increased sharply for both genders, which coincided with introduction of a positive media support for low carbohydrate-high-fat (LCHF) diet. The decrease and following increase in cholesterol levels occurred simultaneously with the time trends in food selection, whereas a constant increase in BMI remained unaltered. These changes in risk factors may have important effects on primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).     

Effects of diet type and supplementation of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM on body composition, functional status, and markers of health in women with knee osteoarthritis initiating a resistance-based exercise and weight loss program

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether sedentary obese women with knee OA initiating an exercise and weight loss program may experience more beneficial changes in body composition, functional capacity, and/or markers of health following a higher protein diet compared to a higher carbohydrate diet with or without GCM supplementation.

Methods

Thirty sedentary women (54 ± 9 yrs, 163 ± 6 cm, 88.6 ± 13 kg, 46.1 ± 3% fat, 33.3 ± 5 kg/m²) with clinically diagnosed knee OA participated in a 14-week exercise and weight loss program. Participants followed an isoenergenic low fat higher carbohydrate (HC) or higher protein (HP) diet while participating in a supervised 30-minute circuit resistance-training program three times per week for 14-weeks. In a randomized and double blind manner, participants ingested supplements containing 1,500 mg/d of glucosamine (as d-glucosamine HCL), 1,200 mg/d of chondroitin sulfate (from chondroitin sulfate sodium), and 900 mg/d of methylsulfonylmethane or a placebo. At 0, 10, and 14-weeks, participants completed a battery of assessments. Data were analyzed by MANOVA with repeated measures.

Results

Participants in both groups experienced significant reductions in body mass (-2.4 ± 3%), fat mass (-6.0 ± 6%), and body fat (-3.5 ± 4%) with no significant changes in fat free mass or resting energy expenditure. Perception of knee pain (-49 ± 39%) and knee stiffness (-42 ± 37%) was decreased while maximal strength (12%), muscular endurance (20%), balance indices (7% to 20%), lipid levels (-8% to -12%), homeostasis model assessment for estimating insulin resistance (-17%), leptin (-30%), and measures of physical functioning (59%), vitality (120%), and social function (66%) were improved in both groups with no differences among groups. Functional aerobic capacity was increased to a greater degree for those in the HP and GCM groups while there were some trends suggesting that supplementation affected perceptions of knee pain (p < 0.08).

Conclusions

Circuit style resistance-training and weight loss improved functional capacity in women with knee OA. The type of diet and dietary supplementation of GCM provided marginal additive benefits.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01271218     

Dietary Re-education,Exercise Program,Performance and Body Indexes Associated with Risk Factors in Overweight/Obese Women

This study observed the effect of a dietary re-education plus regular physical activity on body composition, risk factors and physical test performance of sedentary overweight/obese women and to correlate these variables one with each other. Fifty women (36 ± 10 yrs; 31 ± 6 body mass index (BMI, kg/m²)) volunteered for the study. Body compositions were obtained by anthropometry and bioimpedance and some body indexes were established. One-repetition maximum (1-RM) and treadmill VO₂max tests were carried out and blood samples were obtained for lipid, glucose and uric acid analyses before (T1) and after two months of intervention (T2). Diet was established by indirect calorimetry. Body fat, glucose, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced. The 1-RM and VO₂max tests were significantly increased. Neck circumference (NC) was correlated with body composition, back muscle 1-MR, HDL and LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, uric acid, and resting energy expenditure. BMI was found to be significantly correlated with waist/hip ratio, circumference sum, and body fat percentage by anthropometry and bioimpedance. Body fat percentage determined by bioimpedance and anthropometry was significantly correlated with arm fat area and arm fat area corrected respectively, and both with BMI at T1 and T2. This study suggests that a dietary reeducation plus physical activity around 200 min/week improved body composition and the health of these women. Many anthropometry measurements have correspondence to risk factors and NC could be a simple approach to reflect these results, without other more complex techniques.     

Perceived body image in men and women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: correlation of body mass index with the figure rating scale

Background  

Body mass index (BMI) is often used as an objective surrogate estimate of body fat. Increased BMI is directly associated with an increase in metabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS) is a subjective measure of body fat, and self-perceptions of body image conceivably impact the development and treatment of T2DM. This study examined the self-perception of body image to various levels of BMI among those with T2DM.     

Dietary fat and body weight control

The global obesity epidemic has heightened the debate about dietary factors contributing to weight gain. Media stories have promulgated the notion that obesity has increased despite reductions in dietary fat intake. Some have even speculated that lower dietary fat levels may be driving the rapid rise in weight gain within the population. A close examination of the science reveals a different picture and supports the hypothesis that dietary fat, within the context of the total dietary composition consumed by many populations, promotes obesity. Hence, dietary fat control is still an important strategy as part of an overall approach to body weight management in our modern environment. Dietary fat increases the energy density of foods. Abundant evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates that fat promotes excess energy intake and positive energy balance. Dietary fat does not promote its own oxidation in the body and is stored efficiently, promoting a positive fat balance. Thus, both the behavioral and metabolic responses to dietary fat increase the probability of positive energy balance and body fat gain. Restoring fat balance when consuming diets rich in fat requires increasing the size of the body fat mass, increasing physical activity, or reducing dietary fat intake. Numerous epidemiologic, preclinical, and controlled clinical studies have shown that body fat is positively associated with dietary fat intake and that dietary fat manipulation leads to appropriate changes in body fat mass. Finally, data from the National Weight Control Registry, a database of >3000 individuals who have successfully maintained a substantial weight loss, indicate that moderating dietary fat intake is a key strategy for long-term management of body weight.     

Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women

Purpose

This study investigated the effects of Coleus Forskohlii (CF) on body composition, and determined the safety and efficacy of supplementation.

Methods

In a double blind and randomized manner, 23 females supplemented their diet with ForsLean™ (250 mg of 10% CF extract, (n = 7) or a placebo [P] (n = 12) two times per day for 12-wks. Body composition (DEXA), body weight, and psychometric instruments were obtained at 0, 4, 8 & 12 weeks of supplementation. Fasting blood samples and dietary records (4-d) were obtained at 0 and 12-wks. Side effects were recorded on a weekly basis. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and are presented as mean changes from baseline for the CF and placebo groups, respectively.

Results

No significant differences were observed in caloric or macronutrient intake. CF tended to mitigate gains in body mass (-0.7 ± 1.8, 1.0 ± 2.5 kg, p = 0.10) and scanned mass (-0.2 ± 1.3, 1.7 ± 2.9 kg, p = 0.08) with no significant differences in fat mass (-0.2 ± 0.7, 1.1 ± 2.3 kg, p = 0.16), fat free mass (-0.1 ± 1.3, 0.6 ± 1.2 kg, p = 0.21), or body fat (-0.2 ± 1.0, 0.4 ± 1.4%, p = 0.40). Subjects in the CF group tended to report less fatigue (p = 0.07), hunger (p = 0.02), and fullness (p = 0.04). No clinically significant interactions were seen in metabolic markers, blood lipids, muscle and liver enzymes, electrolytes, red cells, white cells, hormones (insulin, TSH, T3, and T4), heart rate, blood pressure, or weekly reports of side effects.

Conclusion

Results suggest that CF does not appear to promote weight loss but may help mitigate weight gain in overweight females with apparently no clinically significant side effects.     

A fat mass and obesity-associated gene polymorphism influences fat mass in exercise-trained individuals

Background

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a strong predictor of obesity in humans. The FTO SNP (rs1421085) results in a T to C nucleotide substitution that may result in an increased risk for obesity in individuals who carry at least one C allele. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the FTO genotype in a cohort of exercise-trained men and women.

Methods

We tested 108 exercise-trained individuals that included professional mixed martial arts fighters, competitive distance runners, collegiate swimmers, stand-up paddlers as well as a cohort of recreational bodybuilders. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Saliva samples were collected in order to genotype participants and quantify cortisol levels.

Results

The physical characteristics of the subjects were as follows (mean±SD): body weight 74.5±15.6 kg; height 171.5±9.5 cm; bone mineral content 2.8±0.7 kg; fat mass 15.7±5.5 kg; lean body mass 55.9±14.4 kg; % body fat 21.6±7.0. Independent samples t tests showed that C allele carriers (n =?54) had significantly higher fat mass t(106)?=?3.13, p <?0.01 and body fat percentage t(106)?=?2.68, p?<?0.01, relative to the TT group (n?=?54) (i.e., fat mass: C/??17.3 ±5.6 kg, TT 14.2±4.6 kg; body fat percentage: C/? group 23.4±7.4%, TT group 19.9±6.2). No other measures of body composition were associated with the FTO genotype (i.e., body mineral density, bone mineral content, or lean body mass). Moreover, cortisol levels were significantly higher in the TT group relative to the C allele carriers t(106)?=?2.37, p =?0.02 (i.e., TT 0.35 ±0.35 μg/dL, C/??0.22±0.16 μg/dL).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a relationship between C allele carriers on the FTO gene and a predisposition to a higher fat mass and body fat percentage. In addition, we found no relationship between cortisol and fat mass. However, due to the cross-sectional nature of this investigation, we cannot infer causality regarding the FTO gene and body composition.

     

Weight loss and body composition

Body fat accounts for much of the excess weight in obese persons; but the amount of lean body tissue (muscle and other protein tissue) in the obese individual is similar to that found in the normal individual. In weight loss primarily excess fat should be lost; not essential protein tissue. Complete fasting has been proposed as a technique for losing weight, in lieu of partial caloric restriction. The present studies were carried out to evaluate these techniques for weight loss. Changes in body composition of obese rats were determined after the animals lost one third of their body weight on different regimens. Obese animals which were restricted to 37.5 and 60% of ad libitum caloric intakes required 53 and 93 days, respectively, to lose this weight, whereas those which were totally fasted required only 24 days. There were significant differences in body composition of these groups after weight loss. Fasted animals lost more protein and less fat than did animals restricted in caloric intake; the fasted animals lost 18% of their total body protein, whereas the calorically restricted animals lost only 8–9%. Epididymal fat pads were twice as large in the fasted animals as in the calorically restricted animals. In fasted animals, liver weight loss was greater than in restricted animals, but liver fat levels were still high, as in the obese rats. Liver cholesterol levels were also elevated in fasted animals. Neither the amount of fat nor the type of fat (unsaturation) in the diet had any significant effect on the rate of weight loss or on gross body composition. Type of fat affected fatty acid composition of plasma, but not of liver or depot fat. The development of new methods for determining body composition in man has permitted reasonably accurate estimates of the amount of excess body fat in obese individuals. In obese subjects who lost weight on restricted caloric intakes of an otherwise nutritionally complete diet, most of the weight loss was as body fat, without significant loss of lean body tissue. The studies in man confirm the findings in animals. The extra weight in obesity is mainly fat, with very little protein and some water; when weight is lost by restricted intake of a good diet, the composition of the tissue burned is quite similar to that comprising the extra weight. Fasting gives more rapid weight loss, but apparently less favorable changes in body composition.     

Anthropometric characteristics of obese women before and after weight reduction

Anthropometric changes in 53 premenopausal obese women, 25-45 year-old, after an obesity treatment, were analyzed. Before and immediately after treatment, midarm, abdomen, waist, hip, midthigh and midcalf circumferences, as well as tricipital, bicipital, suprailiac, subscapular, abdominal and calf skinfold thickness were measured. The later averaged over percentil 75th. All final measurements, except midcalf circumference, abdomen/waist and hip/midthigh indexes, were significantly lowers as compared with the initial values. Body weight decreased on average 8.9 kg, and skinfold thickness mean fell below the 75th percentile. Percentage body fat decreased 18.3%, and body mass index 11%. Initial principal component analysis results, exhibited three chief characteristics of obesity: general adiposity; trunk vs. extremity fatness, and upper vs. lower fatness. Body fat distribution pattern and body composition were modified as a result of the treatment. Therefore, the morbidity risk associated with them, was substantially reduced.     

Conjugated linoleic acid and chromium lower body weight and visceral fat mass in high-fat-diet-fed mice

More than half of the U.S. population has a body mass index of 25 kg/m² or more, which classifies them as overweight or obese. Obesity is often associated with comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. CLA and chromium have emerged as major dietary supplements that reduce body weight and fat mass, and increase basal metabolic rate in animal models. However, studies show that CLA induces insulin resistance in mice and in humans, whereas Cr improves insulin sensitivity. Hence, we designed the present study to examine the combined effect of CLA and Cr on body composition and insulin sensitivity in a Balb/c mice (n=10/group) model of high-fat-diet-induced obesity. CLA alone lowered body weight, total body fat mass, and visceral fat mass, the last of which decreased further with the combination of CLA and Cr. This effect was accompanied by decreased serum leptin levels in CLA-fed and CLA+Cr-fed mice, and by higher energy expenditure (EE) and oxygen consumption (OC) in CLA+Cr-fed mice. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, the pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as insulin resistance index (IRI), decreased with CLA, whereas CLA and Cr in combination had significant effects on insulin and IL-6 concentrations and IRI. In summary, CLA+Cr decreased body weight and fat mass in high-fat-diet-fed mice, which may be associated with decreased leptin levels and higher EE and OC.