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Relationship between percentage of VO2max and type of physical activity in obese and non-obese adolescents.

AIM: The objective of the present study was to determine oxygen uptake (VO(2)) and percentage of maximum oxygen uptake (%VO2max) in obese and non-obese adolescents during various activities in standardised conditions, and the corresponding %VO2max in free-living conditions. METHODS: Twenty-seven obese and 50 non-obese adolescents aged 12 to 16 years participated in this study. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), VO2max by treadmill tests, VO2 corresponding to various activities by whole body calorimetry, and time and % VO2max corresponding to various activities in free-living conditions using the heart-rate recording method and a physical activity diary. RESULTS: VO2max (l/min) was 27.4% higher in obese than in non-obese subjects (p<0.001), but not significantly different after adjustment for fat-free mass (FFM). In the whole body calorimeters, with the same activity program, % VO2max corresponding to sleep and sedentary activities were lower in obese than in non-obese girls (-15.1% and -12.3%, p<0.05), but not significantly different between obese and non-obese boys. However, walking at 4-5-6 km/h corresponded to 47-59% and 71% of VO2max, respectively, in obese, and 34-41% and 48% of VO2max in non-obese subjects (p<0.001). In free-living conditions, moderate physical activities and sports corresponded to 52% vs 35%, and 39% vs 51% of VO2max, respectively, in obese and non-obese adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: In standardised conditions %VO2max did not correspond to the same type of physical activity in obese compared to non-obese adolescents. Consequently, % VO2max is inadequate for comparing the types of physical activities of obese and non-obese adolescents in free-living conditions.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Prevalence of uncomplicated obesity in an Italian obese population.

OBJECTIVE: The existence of healthy obese subjects has been suggested but not clearly reported. We sought to address the prevalence of uncomplicated obesity and adverse risk factors in a large Italian obese population. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This was a cross-sectional study of a population of consecutive Italian obese subjects. We studied 681 obese subjects (514 women and 167 men), with a mean age of 41.1+/-13.9 years (range, 16 to 77 years), mean BMI of 40.2+/-7.6 kg/m2 (range, 30 to 89.8 kg/m2), and a history of obesity for 20.5+/-7 years (range, 10.5 to 30 years). Anthropometric, metabolic, cardiac, and obesity-related risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of uncomplicated subjects was 27.5%, independent of BMI and duration of obesity. The youngest group of obese subjects showed a higher, but not statistically significantly higher, prevalence of uncomplicated obesity. No statistical difference for the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose, glucose intolerance, high triglycerides, high total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among BMI categories (from mild to extremely severe obesity degree) was found. Obese subjects with BMI>50 kg/m2 showed a higher prevalence of high blood pressure only when they were compared with the group with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m2 (p<0.01). Obese subjects with BMI>40 kg/m2 showed a higher prevalence of hyperinsulinemia than subjects with BMI 30 to 35 kg/m2 (p<0.01). DISCUSSION: This study shows that a substantial part of an Italian obese population has uncomplicated obesity, and the prevalence of adverse risk factors in this sample is unexpectedly low and partially independent of obesity degree. Uncomplicated obesity could represent a well-defined clinical entity.

Adolescent↗

Platelet resistance to nitrates in obesity and obese NIDDM, and normal platelet sensitivity to both insulin and nitrates in lean NIDDM.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies in our laboratory showed that the platelet anti-aggregating effect exerted by insulin, mediated by a nitric oxide (NO)-induced increase of guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), is lost in the insulin-resistant of obesity and obese NIDDM. It is not clear 1) whether the alterations observed in obese NIDDM patients are attributable to the obesity-related insulin resistance or to diabetes per se and 2) whether insulin-resistant states present a normal or a blunted response to NO. This study has been conducted to investigate 1) the platelet sensitivity to insulin in lean NIDDM and 2) the platelet sensitivity to an NO donor, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), in obesity and in both lean and obese NIDDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We determined 1) ADP-induced platelet aggregation and platelet cGMP content in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained from 11 lean NIDDM patients, after a 3-min incubation with insulin (0, 240, 480, 960, 1,920 pmol/l) and 2) ADP-induced platelet aggregation and platelet cGMP content in PRP obtained from 9 obese subjects, 11 lean and 8 obese NIDDM patients, and 18 control subjects, after a 3-min incubation with 0, 20, 40, and 100 mumol/l GTN. RESULTS: Insulin dose-dependently decreased platelet aggregation in lean NIDDM patients (P = 0.0001): with 1,920 pmol/l of insulin, ADP ED50 was 141.5 +/- 6.4% of basal values (P = 0.0001). Furthermore, insulin increased platelet cGMP (P = 0.0001) from 7.5 +/- 0.2 to 21.1 +/- 3.7 pmol/10(9) platelets. These results were similar to those previously described in healthy subjects. GTN reduced platelet aggregation in all the groups (P = 0.0001) at all the concentrations tested (P = 0.0001), but GTN IC50 values were much higher in insulin-resistant patients: 36.3 +/- 5.0 mumol/l in healthy control subjects, 26.0 +/- 6.0 mumol/l in lean NIDDM patients (NS vs. control subjects), 123.6 +/- 24.0 mumol/l in obese subjects (P = 0.0001 vs. control subjects), and 110.1 +/- 19.2 mumol/l in obese NIDDM patients (P = 0.0001 vs. control subjects). GTN dose-dependently increased platelet cGMP in all the groups (P = 0.0001 in control subjects, lean NIDDM patients, and obese subjects; P = 0.04 in obese NIDDM patients). Values reached by obese subjects and obese NIDDM patients, however, were lower than those reached by control subjects (with 100 mumol/l of GTN, P = 0.001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). In healthy control subjects and in obese subjects, the insulin:glucose ratio, used as an indirect measure of insulin sensitivity, was positively correlated to GTN IC50 (r = 0.530, P = 0.008), further suggesting that the sensitivity to NO is reduced in the presence of insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The insulin anti-aggregating effect is preserved in lean NIDDM; platelet sensitivity to GTN in preserved in lean NIDDM but is reduced in the insulin-resistant states of obesity and obese NIDDM. Resistance to nitrates, therefore, could be considered another feature of the insulin-resistance syndrome.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Do obese children become obese adults? A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Obese children may be at increased risk of becoming obese adults. To examine the relationship between obesity in childhood and obesity in adulthood, we reviewed the epidemiologic literature published between 1970 and July 1992. Comparison between studies was complicated by differences in study design, definitions of obesity, and analytic methods used. Although the correlations between anthropometric measures of obesity in childhood and those in adulthood varied considerably among studies, the associations were consistently positive. RESULTS: About a third (26 to 41%) of obese preschool children were obese as adults, and about half (42 to 63%) of obese school-age children were obese as adults. For all studies and across all ages, the risk of adult obesity was at least twice as high for obese children as for nonobese children. The risk of adult obesity was greater for children who were at higher levels of obesity and for children who were obese at older ages. CONCLUSION: The wide range of estimates in this literature are, in part, due to differences in study designs, definitions of obesity, ages at which participants were measured, intervals between measurements, and population and cultural differences.

Adolescent↗

Levels of lipoprotein and homocysteine in non-obese and obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM: This study was designed to examine the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy), lipoprotein levels and insulin resistance in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients (38 obese, 47 non-obese) with PCOS and 50 healthy subjects (25 obese, 25 non-obese) were included in the study. PCOS was defined according to the Homburg criterion. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), insulin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, vitamin B12 and folate were measured. Also, serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), apoprotein B (Apo B) and apoprotein A (Apo A) were determined. Plasma Hcy levels were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). RESULTS: Plasma Hcy levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in healthy women. HOMA-R (insulin resistance) was significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with healthy women. Serum fasting TC, LDL-C, TG, Apo B, vitamin B12 and folate levels were similar between PCOS and control groups. Lp(a) levels were higher in PCOS patients than in control subjects, whereas HDL-C and Apo A levels were lower. Compared with obese PCOS subjects, non-obese PCOS subjects had low HOMA-R, TC, LDL-C, TG, Apo B, Lp(a) and androgen levels. Plasma Hcy levels, serum HDL-C and Apo A levels were similar between obese and non-obese women with PCOS. Levels of HDL-C and Apo A were lower in both obese and non-obese PCOS patients than in obese and non-obese control subjects, whereas Lp(a) levels were higher. No correlation was observed between plasma Hcy, body mass index, HOMA-R, serum androgen levels, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo A, Apo B and Lp(a) levels. CONCLUSION: These results showed that elevated insulin resistance and plasma Hcy levels, and changes in serum lipid profile, which are possible risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, play important roles in the development of cardiovascular disease in both obese and non-obese patients with PCOS.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

Predicting preschooler obesity at birth: the role of maternal obesity in early pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Knowing risk factors at birth for the development of childhood obesity could help to identify children who are in need of early obesity prevention efforts. The objective of this study was to determine whether children whose mothers were obese in early pregnancy were more likely to be obese at 2 to 4 years of age. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 8494 low-income children who were enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Ohio and were followed from the first trimester of gestation until 24 to 59 months of age. Measured height and weight data from WIC were linked to birth certificate records for children who were born in the years 1992-1996. Obesity among 2- to 4-year-olds was defined as a body mass index (BMI) > or =95th percentile for age and gender. Mothers were classified as obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m2) or nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) on the basis of BMI measured in the first trimester of the child's gestation. RESULTS: The prevalence of childhood obesity was 9.5%, 12.5%, and 14.8% at 2, 3, and 4 years of age, respectively, and 30.3% of the children had obese mothers. By 4 years of age, 24.1% of children were obese if their mothers had been obese in the first trimester of pregnancy compared with 9.0% of children whose mothers had been of normal weight (BMI 18.5 and <25 kg/m2). After controlling for the birth weight, birth year, and gender of the children plus the mothers' age, race/ethnicity, education level, marital status, parity, weight gain, and smoking during pregnancy, the relative risk of childhood obesity associated with maternal obesity in the first trimester of pregnancy was 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-2.3) at 2 years of age, 2.3 (95% CI: 2.0-2.6) at 3 years of age, and 2.3 (95% CI: 2.0-2.6) at 4 years of age. CONCLUSION: Among low-income children, maternal obesity in early pregnancy more than doubles the risk of obesity at 2 to 4 years of age. In developing strategies to prevent obesity in preschoolers, special attention should be given to newborns with obese mothers.

Body Mass Index↗

[Perceptions of obesity and management behaviors of obese adolescents and their families in Korea].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of obesity and management behaviors of obese adolescents and their families in Korea. METHOD: Nine adolescents with moderate-degree obesity and of four their mothers of them were investigated using semi-structured interviews. RESULT: The perceptions of obesity was classified into four domains and obesity management behaviors was classified into three domains. The domains regarding the perceptions of obesity include definitions of obesity(a danger signal of health status, deviation status, symbols of growth), causes of obesity(out of balance), opinions about their obesity(contempt, negative preconception, superiority) and changes on thought and attitudes owing to obesity(shrinkage, repulsion, sustaining losses, decreased activity, decreased self-confidence, defensive behaviors). The domains regarding obesity management behaviors include attitude about the management of obesity(not having priority, optimistic view, ardent wish), management behaviors for correcting obesity(encouraging physical activity, control of diet, gathering information, trial of diet control), attitudes about performing the management behaviors for correcting obesity(inconsistency, non-autonomy, conflict). CONCLUSION: This study helps to enhance the understanding of the perception of obesity and management behaviors of obese adolescents and their families. Furthermore, based on this understanding, effective and appropriate heath management programs can be planned and conducted.

English Abstract↗

Left ventricular function response to exercise in normotensive obese subjects: influence of degree and duration of obesity.

This study has been designed to evaluate whether duration and severity of obesity can influence left ventricular function response to exercise in obese subjects without other known cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipoproteinemia. A total of 29 obese subjects were included and they were divided, according to their body mass index and to Garrow's criteria as follows: Overweight or mildly obese subjects: body mass index from 25 to 30 kg/m2; moderately obese subjects: body mass index > 30 and < 40 kg/m2. Both obese groups were further subdivided according to their duration of obesity evaluated by accurate anamnesis in subgroup A (duration of obesity less than 120 months) and subgroup B (duration of obesity more than 120 months). Left ventricular ejection fraction was detected by blood pool gated radionuclide angiocardiography both at rest and after symptom-limited bicycle ergometer procedure. At peak exercise left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in overweight subjects. Exercise produced an increase of left ventricular ejection fraction in 14 overweight and in 5 moderately obese subjects and a decrease in 2 moderately obese subjects. At peak exercise mean heart rate and mean blood pressure increased significantly (p < 0.001) in both groups. When obese subjects were subgrouped according to duration of obesity, left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in overweight subjects with duration of obesity less than 120 months. Duration of obesity correlated inversely with percent change in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) at peak exercise (delta EF) (r = -0.59; p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Locomotor strategies in obese and non-obese children.

OBJECTIVE: The constant strain in obese children may increase the risks of articular problems in adulthood. In the short term, obesity in children could lead to modifications of the gait pattern. The purpose of this study was to compare biomechanical parameters between obese and non-obese children during self-paced walking. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Gait analysis was performed on 10 non-obese and 10 obese (body weight > 95th percentile) children between 8 and 13 years of age. Subjects were asked to walk at their own pace on a 10-m walkway with two embedded AMTI force plates (Advanced Mechanical Technology, Watertown, MA) sampling at 960 Hz. Kinematics were captured with eight VICON optoelectronic cameras (Oxford Metrics Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom) recording at 60 Hz. RESULTS: Obese children modified their hip motor pattern by shifting from extensor to flexor moment earlier in the gait cycle. This led obese children to significantly decrease the mechanical work done by the hip extensors during weight acceptance and significantly increase the mechanical work done by the hip flexors compared with non-obese children. The ratio of power-absorption-by-hip-flexors to power-generation-by-hip-flexors was also significantly increased in the obese group compared with non-obese children. Finally, there was a significant decrease in the single support duration in the obese group compared with non-obese. DISCUSSION: The kinetics analyzed showed that obese children could take advantage of a passive hip strategy to achieve forward progression during walking. However, considering that they are mechanically less efficient to transfer energy, walking at a natural cadence should be an appropriate exercise to reduce weight in obese children.

Adolescent↗

Serum lipids, serum insulin, plasma fibrinogen and aerobic capacity in obese and non-obese Singaporean boys.

OBJECTIVES: To compare blood lipids, lipoproteins, apoproteins, fibrinogen, insulin and aerobic capacity in obese and non-obese Chinese Singaporean boys. To examine relationships between blood metabolites, body composition and aerobic capacity in these groups. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS: Forty Chinese Singaporean boys aged 13-15 y. Classified as obese (n=20) or non-obese (n=20) based on adiposity (fat mass/fat free mass): >0.60=obese, <0.40=non-obese. MEASUREMENTS: Body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), waist circumference, peak oxygen consumption (VO(2) peak), serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol/HDL-C, apoproteins AI and B, lipoprotein(a), insulin and glucose. Plasma concentration of fibrinogen. RESULTS: Obese boys had significantly (P<0.01) higher (mean+/-s.d.) concentrations of serum triacylglycerol (1.51+/-0.65 vs 1.04+/-0.34 mmol/l), serum insulin (24.1+/-11.5 vs 12.3+/-4.45 mU/l) and plasma fibrinogen (4.01+/-0.54 vs 3.35+/-0.76 g/l) than non-obese boys. Within the non-obese group plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly related to percentage body fat (r=0.546, P<0.05). VO(2) peak relative to body mass (ml/kg/min or ml/kg(-0.67)/min) was significantly (P<0.001) lower in obese compared to non-obese boys but absolute VO(2) peak (l/min), adjusted for fat-free mass via analysis of covariance, was higher in obese than non-obese boys (P<0.01). Partial correlations revealed that none of the blood metabolites were significantly related to VO(2) peak independent of body fatness. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was related to elevated concentrations of serum triacylglycerol, serum insulin and plasma fibrinogen in Chinese Singaporean boys. These elevated concentrations did not appear to be associated with a lower aerobic capacity (independent of body fatness) in the obese.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Single gene obesities in rodents: possible relevance to human obesity.

Obesity is a complex phenotype which "resolves" the influences of genes, development and environment. In any individual - and in the same individual at different times of life - the relative influence of these factors may vary. In this sense, obesity is a prototype of many of the diseases now confronting medical science. Among the most important concepts regarding such phenotypes is the idea that relevant genes mediate susceptibility to disease in a specific environmental context, not the inevitable occurrence of the phenotype regardless of the environment. Individuals with otherwise potent genetic predisposition to obesity will be lean in an environment of food deprivation/high demand for physical activity, and individuals not genetically predisposed to obesity may become so in an environment that includes tasty, calorically dense foods and/or few inducements to physical activity. Thus, in any effort to elucidate the genetic bases for susceptibility to obesity, the "environment" in which the obesity is occurring remains a critical factor regarding what sorts of genes will be identified. Because the genes that mediate susceptibility to obesity may affect energy intake, energy expenditure and/or the partitioning of calories between lean tissues and fat, the ability to define the gross metabolic basis for the obesity is very important in determining which genes are relevant to the phenotype. Because it is so difficult to experimentally define/control the environment of humans, and because the attainment of an obese state may actually rectify the metabolic differences predisposing to obesity, animal models of obesity have been looked at intensively for clues to the relevant genes in humans. Over the past 40 years, a series of autosomal dominant (Yellow) and recessive (obese, diabetes, tubby, fat, fatty) obesity mutations have been described in mice and rats. The molecular cloning of all of these genes has been accomplished within the past 4 years, providing an exciting array of new reagents for the molecular analysis of obesity. These genes encode molecules that appear to interact in physiologic systems that influence body fat stores. The genes and their apparent functions are summarized in the Table . The locations of these genes in the genomes of rodents and human are known, as are their genetic structure/sequence. Thus, their role(s) in human obesity can now be assessed directly.

Animals↗

Combating the obesity epidemic: community pharmacists' counseling on obesity management.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is reaching an epidemic proportion in the US. Nearly two-thirds (64.7%) of US adults are overweight or obese. Given the myriad of issues related to the management of obesity, community pharmacists can facilitate weight loss among their patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that influence the frequency of counseling obese patients by community pharmacists. METHODS: A mail survey was sent to a random sample of 400 Texas community pharmacists. The questionnaire collected information on frequency of counseling obese patients, perceived comfort level with counseling obese patients, perceived effectiveness of various obesity treatments, and perceived confidence in achieving positive outcomes as a result of counseling. Demographic information was also collected. Descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and t-tests were used to examine the data. RESULTS: A usable response rate of 35.2% was obtained (139 completed surveys out of 395 assumed delivered). Overall, pharmacists counseled patients rarely to sometimes about various aspects of obesity management. Correlational analyses revealed that pharmacists' frequency of counseling about obesity management was significantly and positively associated with their comfort level with counseling obese patients (r = 0.47; p < 0.001). Higher levels of confidence in achieving positive outcomes as a result of counseling (r = 0.39; p < 0.001) and higher levels of perceived effectiveness of obesity management options (r = 0.18; p = 0.037) were also significantly associated with higher levels of counseling about obesity management. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity counseling by pharmacists was positively correlated with their perceived comfort with counseling obese patients, confidence in achieving positive outcomes, and effectiveness of obesity management options.

Community Pharmacy Services↗

Onset of obesity in children through the recall of parents: relationship to parental obesity and life events.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease due to the influence of both genetic and environmental factors. Parents of 886 obese patients (427 boys and 459 girls, aged 1-18 years) were investigated by means of a questionnaire in order to study the factors associated with the onset of obesity in children and the relationship to genetic background. At presentation obese patients had a very high mean ideal body weight percent (IBW%) (154 +/- 19%, median 152%, range 120-246). A significantly higher mean IBW% was found in children of obese parents (one obese parent: 158 +/- 21%, median 156%, range 120-246; two obese parents 160 +/- 18%, median 158%, range 123-226) in comparison to children of normal weight parents (150 +/- 18%; median 147%, range 120-235; p = 0.0001 for children of one or two obese parents versus children of normal weight parents). Parents of 414 subjects (46.7%) (Group A) answered that obesity had always been present. The remaining 472 parents (53.3%) (Group B) stated that obesity had had a beginning at a mean age of 5.3 +/- 2.6 years (median 5.0 years, range 1.0-17.0). No difference was found in age at presentation, sex distribution, birth weight and number of obese parents between the two groups. Parents in Group B recalled an event associated with obesity onset in 197 cases (health event: 119 answers, psycho-social event: 78 answers). Genetic background did not influence this pattern of feedback. In conclusion, parents of obese subjects seek medical advice when obesity is severe. Pediatricians should exert strict surveillance on weight from a very young age. The recall in 22% patients of health or psychosocial events at the onset of obesity emphasizes that medical counselling is important when the occurrence of particular events in life may cause erroneous eating habits.

Adolescent↗

Obesity and smoking: relationship with waist circumference and obesity-related disorders in men undergoing a health screening.

This study investigated whether smoking habits had a differential influence on waist circumference and obesity-related disorders in nonobese and obese men. We investigated 359 men with smoking habits confirmed by their spouses, including 172 nonobese men (BMI<25) and 187 obese men (BMI>or=25). There were 113 nonobese smokers and 129 obese smokers. Obesity-related disorders were defined as hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, or treatment for one or more of these disorders. Nonobese subjects showed no differences of age, BMI, and waist circumference between smokers and nonsmokers, but smokers had a higher incidence of obesity-related disorders. Obese smokers were younger than obese nonsmokers and had a larger waist circumference, but a similar prevalence of obesity-related disorders. The prevalence of obesity-related disorders was similar between obese nonsmokers and smokers, but the smokers were younger. In nonobese subjects, smoking may increase obesity-related disorders by a mechanism other than visceral fat accumulation. In obese subjects, however, smoking may promote visceral fat accumulation. Further investigations will be necessary to better elucidate the relationship between the promotion of visceral fat accumulation in obese subjects by smoking and obesity-related disorders.

Adult↗

Daily energy expenditure in free-living conditions in obese and non-obese children: comparison of doubly labelled water (2H2(18)O) method and heart-rate monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the heart-rate monitoring with the doubly labelled water (2H2(18)O) method to estimate total daily energy expenditure in obese and non-obese children. DESIGN: Cross sectional study of obese and normal weight children. SUBJECTS: 13 prepubertal children: six obese (4M, 2F, 9.1 +/- 1.5 years, 47.3 +/- 9.7 kg) and seven non-obese (3M, 4F, 9.3 +/- 0.6 years, 31.8 +/- 3.2 kg). MEASUREMENTS: Total daily energy expenditure was assessed by means of the doubly labelled water method (TEEDLW) and of heart-rate monitoring (TEEHR). RESULTS: TEEHR was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than TEEDLW in obese children (9.47 +/- 0.84 MJ/d vs 8.99 +/- 0.63 MJ/d) whereas it was not different in non-obese children (8.43 +/- 2.02 MJ/d vs 8.42 +/- 2.30 MJ/d, P = NS). The difference of TEE assessed by HR monitoring in the obese group averaged 6.2 +/- 4.7%. At the individual level, the degree of agreement (difference between TEEHR and TEEDLW +/- 2s.d.) was low both in obese (-0.36, 1.32 MJ/d) and in non-obese children (-1.30, 1.34 MJ/d). At the group level, the agreement between the two methods was good in nonobese children (95% c.i. for the bias:-0.59, 0.63 MJ/d) but not in obese children (0.04, 0.92 MJ/d). Duration of sleep and energy expenditure during resting and physical activity were not significantly different in the two groups. Patterns of heart-rate (or derived energy expenditure) during the day-time were similar in obese and non-obese children. CONCLUSION: The HR monitoring technique provides an estimation of TEE close to that assessed by the DLW method in non-obese prepubertal children. In comparison with DLW, the HR monitoring method yields a greater TEE value in obese children.

Anthropometry↗

Effect of childhood obesity and obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors on glomerular and tubular protein excretion.

UNLABELLED: There is increasing evidence that obesity may damage the kidney in otherwise healthy individuals. Our study investigated the effect of childhood obesity on urinary albumin and beta-2-microglobulin excretion, and the association of these with obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors. Random morning spot urine samples were collected from clinically healthy obese (n = 86; median age 12.9 years, range 8.9-17.2 years; median weight 80.6 kg, range 46.1-136.8 kg; median body mass index 30.4 kg/m2, range 24.5-43.2 kg/m2) and normal weight children (n = 79; median age 13.5 years, range 10.7-14.9 years; median weight 51.0 kg, range 27.3-72.5 kg; median body mass index 18.2 kg/m2, range 13.2-23.9 kg/m2). The obese children were examined for the presence of common obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors including hyperinsulinaemia, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), dyslipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, and hypertension. Obese children had a significantly higher urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (U-ACR) (median 11.7 mg/g, interquartile range 12.9 mg/g versus median 9.0 mg/g, interquartile range 5.1 mg/g; P = 0.003) and urinary beta-2-microglobulin/creatinine ratio (U-BMCR) (median 63.9 microg/g, interquartile range 34.7 microg/g versus median 34.6 microg/g, interquartile range 44.1 microg/g; P < 0.001) than normal weight children. Among the obese children, the U-ACR was associated with fasting hyperinsulinaemia, IGT, and hypercholesterolaemia (all P < 0.05), and significantly correlated with the fasting (r = 0.23, P < 0.05) and 2-h (r = 0.37, P < 0.001) plasma glucose levels measured during an oral glucose tolerance test. Obese children with no more than one of the features of the metabolic syndrome had significantly lower U-ACRs than obese children with two or more features (median 10.4 mg/g, interquartile range 5.8 mg/g versus median 15.3 mg/g, interquartile range 14.9 mg/g; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our results, clinically healthy obese children have a higher degree of albuminuria and beta-2-microglobulinuria than normal weight children, indicating early renal glomerular and tubular dysfunction as a consequence of childhood obesity. The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in the obese children was associated with certain metabolic derangements linked to obesity, and also with the clustering of features of the metabolic syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Psychosocial correlates of adolescent obesity, 'slimming down' and 'becoming obese'.

PURPOSE: (a) To examine how self-reported well-being, weight-related concerns, self-image, peer relationships and psychiatric disorders are associated with obesity at ages 11 and 15 years. (b) To identify and describe those who "slim down" (become nonobese) or "become obese". METHODS: A cohort of 2127 school pupils was surveyed at ages 11 and 15 years. At each age, those with body mass index above the 95th percentile for age and gender were categorized as obese. Characteristics associated with obesity, "slimming down" and "becoming obese" were examined using ANOVA and chi-square procedures for univariate, and logistic regression for multivariate analyses. RESULTS: At age 11, 9.6% (males) and 10.5% (females) were obese, compared with 10.5% (males) and 11.6% (females) at age 15. "Slimming down" occurred for 3.5% of the total sample, whereas 4.5% "became obese." Obesity was associated with significant but small differences in low mood (males at 11) and self-esteem (males at 11, females at both ages), and reduced rates of behavior disorders (data on psychiatric disorders available only at age 15). Obesity was associated with weight-related worries, dieting, and poor self-rated appearance, but not most measures of peer relationships, except that obese 11-year-olds experienced greater victimization, partly accounting for their poorer well-being. In comparison with the continuously nonobese, those who "became obese" had lower prior self-esteem and greater victimization, but improvements in well-being and relative reductions in victimization by age 15. "Slimming down" was related to neither prior nor subsequent well-being in comparison with continual obesity, but was associated with better age 15 mood in comparison with continual nonobesity. CONCLUSIONS: Although overweight was fairly stable, there were shifts in and out of the obese category during adolescence. Obesity during this life-stage, though strongly related to worries about putting on weight and self-report dieting, was associated with only small differences in psychological well-being.

Adolescent↗

Socioeconomic status in relation to obesity and abdominal obesity in Korean adults: a focus on sex differences.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the relationship between income and education level with BMI and waist circumference to provide further understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity and to identify the presence of sex differences. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A total of 7962 people >or=20 years of age (3597 men; 4365 women) who participated in the 1998 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey provided data including height, weight, waist circumference, education, and income level. We examined adjusted BMI and waist circumference according to level of income and education and the association between income and education with obesity and abdominal obesity by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In men, significant dose-response relationships were noted between income and obesity (trend, p < 0.05) and abdominal obesity (trend, p < 0.05). Compared with the lowest income group, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) of the highest income group for obesity and abdominal obesity were 1.65 (1.18 to 2.32) and 1.37 (0.94 to 1.98), respectively. However, income was not associated with obesity or abdominal obesity in the fully adjusted models in women. With regard to education, women showed significantly decreased ORs, with inverse trends for obesity and abdominal obesity across all education levels. Compared with the lowest education group, the adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval) for obesity and abdominal obesity were 0.66 (0.57 to 0.76) and 0.40 (0.35 to 0.45), respectively, among women with 7 to 12 years of schooling and 0.27 (0.21 to 0.34) and 0.15 (0.12 to 0.18), respectively, among women with 13 or more years of schooling. DISCUSSION: Socioeconomic difference has a considerable impact on the prevalence of obesity among the Korean population, and the patterns differ substantially across sex.

Abdominal Fat↗