Prevalence and magnitude of body weight and image dissatisfaction among women in dietetics majors

Some authors have suggested that body weight dissatisfaction may be high in students majoring in dietetics. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the extent of body weight and image dissatisfaction in a sample of women in dietetics major. Additionally, predictors of magnitude of body weight dissatisfaction were analyzed. Participants were 62 volunteers with normalweight whose mean age was 21.87 +/- 1.89 years old (non-random sample). The assessment instruments included anthropometric measurements, a somatomorphic matrix test and an eating disorders inventory (EDI-2). Data were analyzed using SPSS vs. 15.0. A larger proportion of students chose an ideal body weight lower than actual weight (67.7%) and body image with less body fat and more muscle mass than actual values (56.4%). The magnitude of body weight dissatisfaction was associated with muscle mass and body fat dissatisfaction, and with the subscale of EDI-2 "body dissatisfaction". So, from a public health standpoint, we consider important to continue working in this line of research with the aim of better understanding the extent of body weight dissatisfaction in women dietitians, and how this dissatisfaction could interfere with their professional practice.     

Association of body segments and body composition with blood pressure in young adults

Skeletal structure and body composition may be altered permanently in response to aggressions during critical periods of growth. This increases propensity to adverse effects in adulthood. The study explored the association of anthropometric variables of body size and proportions and of body composition with systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (BP) in young adults. We studied 166 men and 246 women age 20-34. SBP, DBP, weight, stature, sitting height, circumferences (waist, hip), breadths (biacromial, biiliac) and skinfolds (bicipital, tricipital, subscapular, suprailiac) were assessed. BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-stature ratio, and Sigma skinfolds-stature were calculated. Pearson correlations were determined for anthropometric variables with SBP and DBP and linear regression models for SBP and DBP were developed by sex. Correlation coefficients between indicators and BP were significant, except for stature and SBP and DPB, and WHR with DBP in women; and stature with DBP, biiliac breadth and WHR with SBP, and sitting height with SBP and DPB in men. SBP and DPB were explained by weight, BMI, and biiliac breadth in multivariable analysis in women, where 15.4% and 10.8% of variance of SBP and DPB was explained. In men, SBP was explained by weight, Sigma skinfolds and WHR, and DBP by Sigma skinfolds; models explained almost 20% of SBP and DPB variance. No association was found between BP and past malnutrition indicators. Biiliac breadth, weight and BMI in women, and weight, WHR and Sigma skinfolds in men explained BP. The use of biiliac breadth in the assessment of hypertension risk in women should be explored further.     

Predictive accuracy of body mass index in estimating body fatness measured by bioelectrical impedance

The aim of this study was to determinate the performance of body mass index (BMI) for the diagnosis of obesity and as a predictor of body fatness in adult Chilean subjects. We conducted a study in 433 women (18-73 years old; BMI: 19.7 to 69.7 kg/m2) and 264 men (18-83 y.; BMI: 19.1 to 54.8 kg/m2). Bioelectrical resistance was measured by impedance method and fat mass percent (FM%) was calculated by fatness-specific equations developed by Segal et al. Obesity was defined as a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2. Increased fatness was defined by the FM% cut-off points of at least 25% for men and at least 30% for women. Sixty-four percent of women and 23.6% of men with BMI below 30 kg/m2 had FM% higher than 30% and 25%, respectively. A value of BMI of 26 kg/m2 in women and 30 kg/m2 in men had the best agreement to the cut-off points of fatness according to sensitivity vs. specificity analysis The following equations were developed to predict individual fatness: women FM% = 0.96 x BMI + 0.154 x age + 1.44 (r2 = 0.75; standard error 3.8%); men FM% = 0.99 x BMI + 0.141 x age - 9.914 (r2 = 0.66; standard error 4.4%). Differences between measured and predicted FM% presented a wide variation, with a range of +/- 2 sd of 7.5% in women and 8.8% in men. The commonly used value of BMI 330 kg/m2 as a cut-off point for obesity does not have adequate sensitivity and specificity for the screening of increased fatness subjects, specially in women. In this study BMI shows a low reliability as a predictor of individual body fatness, particularly in men and in subjects with a BMI below 30 kg/m2.     

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.     

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.     

In anorexia nervosa and associated factors in female adolescents city in south of Brazil

The objective was to identify the prevalence of anorexia nervosa symptoms and its associations with body mass index (BMI) and body size satisfaction among female adolescents. It is a cross-sectional population based study of 407 adolescents aged between 14 and 19, including the BMI assessment, the Eating Attitude Test and the Silhouette Scale. The association between the dependent and independent variables was performed by the univariate analyses and followed by a multivariate analysis with adjusted logistic model. The prevalence of symptoms of anorexia nervosa was 15.97%, and the adolescents who are dissatisfied with their body image have 2.56 (IC 1,11-5,83) times increased risk of developing symptoms of anorexia. Most of them are eutrophic (83.78%), and there was no connection between the presence of symptoms of anorexia and the BMI. The results suggest that body dissatisfaction is related to the symptoms of anorexia, which indicates the need of a multidisciplinary performance with the population.     

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Ecuadorian adolescent students in the urban area

This is the first study to establish the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Ecuadorian adolescent students. The population studied was made up of 2.829 students, 1.461 females and 1.368 males between 12 and <19 years of age. One thousand four hundred and thirty five students were registered in 60 schools, public and private, in the six main cities of the Coastal Region; the remaining 1.394 students were registered in 60 schools, public and private, in the six main cities in the Andean Region. Height and weight were measured in all participants and the body mass index (BMI) of each individual was calculated. Overweight was diagnosed in those adolescents whose BMI was between percentiles 85 and < 95, and obesity was diagnosed in the subjects whose BMI was > 95. Results indicate that 21.2% of adolescents had excess weight: 13.7% were overweight and 7.5% had obesity. Excess weight was higher in the Coast (24.7%) than in the Andean Region (17.7%; P < 0.0001). In the same way, excess weight was higher among students attending private schools (25,3%) than in those attending public schools (18.9%; P < 0.0001). Data also indicate that excess weight was more common in women than in men, 21.5% versus 20.8%, respectively (P < 0.02). The study also indicated that 16.8% of adolescents were underweight. Taken together, these data indicate that 38% of the studied population was malnourished. It is necessary to take measures to prevent and treat these important public health problems in Ecuador.     

Excess of weight and their relationship with high blood pressure in schoolchildren and adolescents of Medellin, Colombia

A cross sectional study was carried out in order to investigate the association between excess weight based on body mass index (> or = p85 Must scales), and high diastolic and sistolic blood pressure (> or = p90 Task Force Blood Pressure Control in Children scales). The sample consisted of 1253 male and 1358 female, aged 6 -18 years in the city of Medellín, Colombia. Excess weight was observed in 14.3% of males and 13.7% of females, with higher prevalence at 6 to 9 years old in any gender. Diastolic high blood values were significantly higher in males (4.9%) when compared to females (2.9%) (p = 0.007), and high sistolic values were found similarly in males (1.6%) and females (1.0%) (p = 0.203). This study confirmed the statistically significant association between high body mass index (> or = p85) and high sistolic (RP 4.04; IC 2.03-8.04) and diastolic (RP 3.44; IC 2.32-5.09) blood pressure.     

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).     

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Matter of Estrogens,Ceramides, and Sphingosine 1-Phosphate

The medical community recognizes sex-related differences in pathophysiology and cardiovascular disease outcomes (CVD), culminating with heart failure. In general, pre-menopausal women tend to have a better prognosis than men. Explaining why this occurs is not a simple matter. For decades, sex hormones like estrogens (Es) have been identified as one of the leading factors driving these sex differences. Indeed, Es seem protective in women as their decline, during and after menopause, coincides with an increased CV risk and HF development. However, clinical trials demonstrated that E replacement in post-menopause women results in adverse cardiac events and increased risk of breast cancer. Thus, a deeper understanding of E-related mechanisms is needed to provide a vital gateway toward better CVD prevention and treatment in women. Of note, sphingolipids (SLs) and their metabolism are strictly related to E activities. Among the SLs, ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate play essential roles in mammalian physiology, particularly in the CV system, and appear differently modulated in males and females. In keeping with this view, here we explore the most recent experimental and clinical observations about the role of E and SL metabolism, emphasizing how these factors impact the CV system.     

Individual and Joint Impacts of Ethanol Use,BMI, Age and Gender on Serum Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Levels in Healthy Volunteers

Excessive ethanol consumption, obesity and increasing age may all lead to increased serum levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) enzyme, which plays a key role in the metabolism of extracellular reduced glutathione. However, as yet, the interactions between the various modulators of GGT activities have remained poorly defined. We analyzed data from 15,617 apparently healthy individuals (7254 men and 8363 women, mean age 46 ± 13 years, range 25–74 years) who participated in a national cross-sectional health survey in Finland between 1997 and 2007. All subjects underwent detailed clinical examinations and interviews, including the amount of ethanol use and smoking habits. GGT levels were measured from all participants, and the individual and joint impacts of the different study variables on GGT levels were assessed. Significant individual effects were noted for ethanol use (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001) and smoking (p < 0.001). In men, significant two-factor interactions occurred between ethanol use and age (p < 0.020). Among those over 40 years of age, ethanol consumption was found to be a stronger determinant of increased GGT levels than in men below 40 years, whereas in the latter age group, BMI was found to predominate. In women, a significant two-factor interaction occurred between ethanol and BMI (p = 0.010), whereas it did not with ethanol use and age. The data underscores the role of ethanol consumption and age as major determinants of increased GGT levels in men, whereas in women, a relatively stronger impact was noted for ethanol intake and BMI. In light of the ability of GGT enzyme to modulate crucial redox-sensitive functions, the present findings also support the use of GGT as a biomarker of oxidative stress.     

Anthropometric characteristics of school children graduated from basic and secondary education in the Metropolitan area of Santiago de Chile

An anthropometric assessment of the nutritional status and growth of students graduating from Basic (8th grade) and Secondary (4th grade) Education was carried out. A group sample of 522 students from the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile, was randomly selected. The same number of students by sex, dependency (public and private schools) from high, medium and low socioeconomic levels (SEL) was chosen. SEL was measured through the Graffar Modified Scale, and the percentage of weight for age (% W/A), height/age (% H/A) and weight/height (% W/H) were evaluated in accordance with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference pattern. The % adequacy of head circumference/age (% HC/A) was determined by the Tanner Tables, and the % of upper to lower segment ratio (% US/LS), by the Tables of Muzzo et al. Results revealed that the % of W/A and of H/A were diminished in students of both sexes, while the % of UP/LS, was increased in males of low SEL, from Basic Education; this impact is lost in males graduating from Secondary Education and persists only in the LSE females. No differences in the nutritional status (% W/H) of students according to SEL, were found. Females registered values over 110% of the WHO standard, a finding suggesting a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. We conclude that there is a growth retardation in students graduating from 8th Basic Grade, which persists only in females from 4th grade of Secondary Education. This finding indicates that, in addition to possible environmental factors, other factors, probably of genetic order, also influence the latter. Overweight and obesity, therefore, constitute an important problem that merits measures of preventive nature directed to avoid future consequences.     

Blood pressure and obesity of children and adolescents association with body mass index and waist circumference

The objective of this work was to evaluate the association between the average levels of blood pressure of 706 children in Porto Alegre with their nutritional state--body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference--and with their social-economic state. A prevalence of 12.3% (n=87) of high blood pressure was found. According to the BMI, 11% of the sample was obese. 47.7% belonged to the social class with an income less than two monthly minimum salaries. All of the correlations of the SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) with variables in the nutritional state showed to be significant (p < 0.001). What ended up having a stronger association was the BMI and waist circumference with SBP (R = 0.27). This study made it possible to notice that the anthropometric indicator that best is related to the existence of high BP is the BMI along with the waist circumference. This seems to be an easy method that is noninvasive and of low cost to detect the risk of high BP in children and adolescents.     

Zinc nutrition in young Chilean adults

To evaluate the effect of dietary factors on plasma zinc levels, dietary zinc intake was estimated and plasma levels were measured in 37 healthy young adults of low and middle socioeconomic status. Our study included 16 males aged 29 +/- 7 and 21 females aged 26 +/- 6 years. Dietary intake of zinc and protein was determined from a 24-hour dietary recall survey. Plasma zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) in plasma was also measured and the weight/height percentage for each subject calculated according to Jelliffe's standards. The average diet was composed of cereals, legumes, eggs, bread and noodles, caloric intake was 2051 +/- 154 kcal/day for men and 1767 +/- 158 (x +/- SD) kcal/day for women. The daily intake of zinc was 8.3 +/- 3.0 mg/day for males, and 9.7 +/- 2.0 mg/day for females. Cereals were the main source of zinc for men, while egg and dairy products were for women. Plasma zinc values were 82 +/- 22 micrograms/dl for men and 94 +/- 19 micrograms/dl for women (p less than 0.01). For the whole group plasma zinc concentration was 89 +/- 21 micrograms/dl. Seven males and two females had low plasma zinc values (70 micrograms/dl or less). Alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were 110 +/- 10 IU for males and 71 +/- 4 IU for females (p less than 0.001). These values did not correlate with the zinc levels. Average weight/height was 99 +/- 18 for men, and 108 +/- 18 for females. Results indicate that on the average, in our study group plasma zinc levels were within the normal range, although they were significantly lower in men. Dietary intake of zinc was below the recommendations, being higher for women as related to values presented by men. The observed low plasma levels of zinc may be caused by a low intake, and/or poor bioavailability.     

A comparative study of food habits and body shape perception of university students in Japan and Korea

Background  

Abnormal body weight, dietary concerns, and unhealthy weight loss behaviors are increasingly being observed in young females in Japan. Our previous research has shown that the irregular lifestyles of female Japanese and Chinese students are significantly related to their desire to be thinner. In the present study, we compare the food habits and body shape preferences of female university students in South Korea and Japan to explore body shape perceptions in those populations.     

Gender difference in color preference across cultures: An archetypal pattern modulated by a female cultural stereotype

A gender difference in color preference among British participants has been repeatedly reported, in which both males and females show a preference for blue‐green colors, while females express an additional preference for pink‐purple colors. To investigate the robustness of gender difference in color preference in a different culture, we tested 81 young adult Indians from a school of design and compared them to 80 young British students in Psychology. The 35‐item International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) and Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) questionnaires were also administered to explore possible links between personality traits, gender schemata, and color preferences. Results confirmed a gender difference in both cultures; participants collectively expressed a preference for cool over warm colors, while in addition females showed a preference for pink colors, with a warm bias for Indian females and a cool bias for British females. While these results extend gender difference to Indian culture and support the universality of an underlying pattern they also reveal a culture‐specific contribution essentially observed in females. In British participants, color preference was correlated exclusively with BSRI scores in females and overwhelmingly with IPIP scores in males; this gender‐specific pattern of correlation was not replicated in the Indian sample. Results point to an archetypal pattern of gender difference in color preference with a remarkable cross‐cultural similarity in men and a subtle but significant cultural difference in women whose origin is yet to be explained.     

The impact of age,body mass index,and fish intake on the EPA and DHA content of human erythrocytes

n−3 FA are beneficial for cardiovascular health, reducing platelet aggregation, TG levels, and the risk of sudden death from myocardial infarction. The percentage of EPA + DHA in red blood cells (RBC), also known as the Omega-3 Index, has recently been proposed as a risk marker for death from coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to begin to explore the factors that can influence RBC EPA + DHA. We collected information on the number of servings of tuna or nonfried fish consumed per month, as well as on age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, the presence of diabetes, and body mass index (BMI) in 163 adults in Kansas City who were not taking fish oil supplements. The average RBC EPA + DHA in this population was 4.9±2.1%. On a multivariate analysis, four factors significantly and independently influenced the Omega-3 Index: fish servings, age, BMI, and diabetes. The Index increased by 0.24 units with each additional monthly serving of tuna or nonfried fish (P<0.0001), and by 0.5 units for each additional decade in age (P<0.0001). The Index was 1.13% units lower in subjects with diabetes (P=0.015) and decreased by 0.3% units with each 3-unit increase in BMI (P=0.001). Gender or smoking status had no effect, and the univariate relationship with ethnicity vanished after controlling for deathfrom CHD, further studies are warranted to delineate the nondietary factors that influence RBC EPA + DHA content.     

An empirical investigation of the impact of smoking on body weight using an endogenous treatment effects model approach: the role of food consumption patterns

Background

This study explored the influence of cigarette smoking and food consumption patterns on BMI after adjusting for various socio-demographic characteristics. Since weight-based stereotypes may have an impact on smoking behaviour and both obesity and smoking have been associated with detrimental health effects, an interdependency between them is quite possible.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected via a formal standardized questionnaire administered in personal interviews and two additional self-completion questionnaires from a random sample of 3471 German adults. The empirical framework considered potential endogeneity between smoking and body weight by employing an endogenous treatment effects model with an ordered outcome. The estimations derived from the endogenous treatment effects approach were also compared to the univariate ordered probit model results.

Results

Our findings showed that ignoring potential endogeneity may affect both the statistical significance of the smoking estimate and the direction of the influence of smoking on BMI. Smoking was positively associated with BMI in both male (β?=?1.236, p?<?0.01) and female (β?=?0.634, p?<?0.10) participants. Smokers presented a 23.1% higher risk of obesity and a 24.3% lower likelihood of being within a healthy weight range. Male smokers also appeared to have a considerably augmented probability of being obese compared to their female counterparts (23.6% vs 15.1%). The relationship between smoking and BMI may be attributed to dietary practices, since smoking was correlated with poor dietary habits characterized by the frequent intake of more energy-dense foods (meat products and white-toasted bread) and less frequent consumption of healthy food items, such as whole-grain bread, vegetables and fruits. Concerning the impact of eating habits on body weight, frequent consumption of meat products and confectionery was found to have a direct association with BMI in both genders. Furthermore, white-toasted bread consumption was negatively linked with body weight in males (β?=???0.337, p?<?0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings raised questions about the general belief that smoking is an effective weight control tool. Health interventions should be oriented toward a simultaneous decrease in smoking and obesity, since both behaviours seem to be interdependent. Nutrition programmes should also be designed according to the characteristics of different target groups in order to promote a healthy lifestyle.

     

Higher dietary magnesium intake is associated with lower body mass index,waist circumference and serum glucose in Mexican adults

Background

Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) are public health concerns in Mexico of top-level priority due to their high prevalence and their growth rate in recent decades. The accumulation of adipose tissue leads to an unbalanced release of pro-oxidant factors, which causes cellular damage and favors the development of comorbidities. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress also promotes the accumulation of adipose tissue and the development of insulin resistance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between usual intake of antioxidant nutrients, specifically vitamins A, C, E and magnesium with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and serum glucose concentrations in a representative sample of Mexican adults.

Methodology

We analyzed data on diet, BMI, WC and serum glucose from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. Analysis included 20- to 65-year-old adults without a known diagnosis of DM (n?=?1573). Dietary information was obtained using the five-step multiple-pass method developed by the United States Department of Agriculture and adapted to the Mexican context. Nutrient usual intake distributions were estimated using the Iowa State University method, through the “Software for Intake Distribution Estimation” (PC-Side) v.1.02. Associations were analyzed using multivariate regression models.

Results

Higher dietary magnesium intake was associated with lower markers of adiposity, so that an increase in 10?mg per 1000?kcal/day of magnesium was associated with an average decrease in BMI of 0.72% (95% CI: -1.36, ??0.08) and 0.49?cm (95% CI: -0.92, ??0.07) of WC. Additionally, in women with normal glucose concentrations, an increase in magnesium intake was associated with an average decrease in serum glucose by 0.59% (95% CI: -1.08, ??0.09).

Conclusion

The results suggest that magnesium intake is associated with lower BMI, WC and serum glucose in Mexican population. However, more studies are required to elucidate the nature of this association.

     

Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerols Reduce Body Fat and Blood Triacylglycerols in Hypertriacylglycerolemic, Overweight but not Obese, Chinese Individuals

In contrast to the consumption of long-chain triacylglycerols (LCT), consumption of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) reduces the body fat and blood triacylglycerols (TAG) level in hypertriacylglycerolemic Chinese individuals. These responses may be affected by BMI because of obesity-induced insulin resistance. We aimed to compare the effects of consuming MLCT or LCT on reducing body fat and blood TAG level in hypertriacylglycerolemic Chinese subjects with different ranges of BMI. Employing a double-blind, randomized and controlled protocol, 101 hypertriacylglycerolemic subjects (including 67 men and 34 women) were randomly allocated to ingest 25–30 g/day MLCT or LCT oil as the only cooking oil for 8 consecutive weeks. Anthropometric measurements of body weight, BMI, body fat, WC, HC, blood biochemical variables, and subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat area in the abdomen were measured at week 0 and 8. As compared to subjects with BMI 24–28 kg/m² in the LCT group, corresponding subjects in the MLCT group showed significantly greater decrease in body weight, BMI, body fat, WC, ratio of WC to HC, total fat area and subcutaneous fat area in the abdomen, as well as blood TAG and LDL-C levels at week 8. Based upon our results, consumption of MLCT oil may reduce body weight, body fat, and blood TAG and LDL-C levels in overweight hypertriacylglycerolemic Chinese subjects but may not induce these changes in normal or obese hypertriacylglycerolemic subjects.