Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome?
Author:Jane Teas PhD, Manuel E Baldeón PhD, David E Chiri
Keywords:seaweed, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, waist circumference, iodine, clinical trial
Abstract:Incidence of the metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide, with notable exceptions of some Asian countries
where seaweeds are commonly consumed. 13 men (mean age 47.4 ± 9.9 yr) and 14 women (average age 45.6 ±
12.2 yr) with at least one symptom of the metabolic syndrome were recruited in Quito Ecuador to a randomized
double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were assigned to either Group 1 (1 m placebo, followed by 1 m
4 g/d seaweed [Undaria pinnatifida]) or Group 2 (1 m of 4 g/d seaweed, followed by 1 m of 6 g/d of seaweed).
Blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, inflammation biomarkers, and lipids weremeasured monthly. Repeated measures analysis of variancewith Tukey’s multiple comparison tests were used for statistical analysis.
In Group 2, systolic blood pressure decreased 10.5 mmHg after a month of 6 g/d seaweed (95% CI: 4.1, 16.8
mmHg; p< 0.05), primarily in subjects with high-normal baseline blood pressure. Waist circumference changed
only for women participants, with a 2.4 cm decrease in Group 1 after treatment with placebo (95% CI: 1.0, 3.7
cm; p< 0.01). In Group 2, women had a mean decrease of 2.1 cm after 4 g/d (95% CI: 0.4, 3.7 cm; p< 0.05) and
a further 1.8 cm decrease after 1 m 6 g/d seaweed (95 % CI: 0.1, 3.4, p< 0.05). No other changes were observed.
Consumption of 4 to 6 g/d seaweed, typical for most people in Japan, may be associated with low metabolic
syndrome prevalence.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):145-157.doi:
>>Abstract
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Role of enteral nutrition in adult short bowel syndrome undergoing intestinal rehabilitation: the long-term outcome
Author:Jian-feng Gong MD, Wei-ming Zhu MD, Wen-kui YuMD,
Keywords:short bowel syndrome, enteral nutrition, human growth hormone, nutrition assessment, followup studies
Abstract:The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term clinical significance of enteral nutrition (EN) in weaning
adult short bowel patients off parenteral nutrition (PN)undergoing intestinal rehabilitation therapy (IRT). Sixtyone adult patients with small bowel length 47.95 ± 19.37 cm were retrospectively analyzed. After a 3-week IRT
program, including recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH, 0.05 mg/kg/d), glutamine (30 g/d), and combined EN and PN support, patients were maintained on EN or plus a high-carbohydrate, low fat (HCLF) diet.
Continuous tube feeding was used when EN was started. Patients were followed up for 50.34 ± 24.38 months
and had an overall survival rate 95.08% (58/61). On last evaluation, 85.24% (52/61) of the patients were free of
PN. For 77.42% patients (24/31) with small bowel length <35 cm in jejunoileocolic anastomosis (type III) and
<60 cm in jejunocolic anastomosis (type II), weaning off PN was achieved. EN comprised of 52.56 ± 13.47 % of
patients’ daily calorie requirements on follow-up. Five patients were maintained on home PN (HPN) plus EN.
Nutritional and anthropometric parameters, urine 5-hr D-xylose excretion and serum citrulline levels all increased significantly after IRT and on follow-up comparedwith baseline. In conclusion, with proper EN management during and after IRT, a significant number of SBS patients could be weaned from PN, especially for
those who were considered aspermanent intestinal failure; continuous tube feeding is recommended for enteral
access, and long-term EN support could meet the daily nutritional requirement in majority of SBS patients.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):155-163.doi:
>>Abstract
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Volume, frequency and participation in plain drinking water consumption by third and fourth-grade schoolchildren in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Author:Raquel Campos BS, Gabriela Montenegro-Bethancourt
Keywords:drinking water, beverage choice, schoolchildren, 24-h food record, Guatemala
Abstract:Water intake was described and quantified in samples of urban Guatemalan schoolchildren stratified by gender and
socio-economic status. The frequency of consumption and quantity of plain water drinking was estimated from oneday pictorial registries of all beverages, foods and snacks consumed over a 24-h period collected from 449 3
rd
and 4
th
graders from two social classes: 230 from higher SES and 219 from lower SES. Plain water was reported by 28.1%
of participants on the day of registry. Quantities consumed ranged from 250 to2250 ml. For the 449 one-day intake
records, a cumulative total of 62,000 mLof water consumption was reported. This constitutes an average of 138 ±
289 ml across all participants but, when divided by for water consumers only, the mean is 492 ± 352 ml. Given the
relatively low percentage of children consuming water, more attention is needed to ensure freely available, safe,
drinking water in the school environment.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):164-170.doi:
>>Abstract
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Levels of insulin-like growth factors and their receptors in placenta in relation to macrosomia
Author:Hua Jiang MD, Pengcheng Xun PhD, Guanghua Luo MD,
Keywords:macrosomia, placenta, insulin-like growth factor, receptor, case-control study
Abstract:Objective: To investigate the associations between mRNA levels that encodes for insulin-like growth factors
(IGFS) and their receptors in term placenta, and the risk of macrosomia. Methods: Term placentas were collected
from 37 neonates with macrosomia and 37 neonates with normal birth weight in Changzhou Women and Children Health Hospital from March 1 to June 30, 2008. The IGF mRNA levels and their receptors in those placentas were measured by Real-time PCR. Results: The placental weight was positively correlated with the birth
weight both in the macrosomia group (r=0.550, p=0.004) and the control group (r=0.678, p=0.000). After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariable adjusted ORs of neonates with macrosomia for those in the increasing two tertiles were 17.3 (95%CI: 2.50-19.2) and 5.94(95%CI: 0.96, 36.8), respectively, compared with
those in the lowest tertile in terms of IGF-ⅡmRNA level. Similarly, multivariable adjusted ORs of neonates
with macrosomia for those in the increasing two tertiles of IGF-ⅠR mRNA were 25.3 (95%CI: 3.43-187) and
43.0 (95%CI: 4.89, 378), respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that the levels of placental IGF-Ⅱand
IGF-ⅠR mRNA may be involved in the development of macrosomia.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):171-178.doi:
>>Abstract
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The effects of phytosterols/stanols on blood lipid profiles: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Author:Ting Wu PhD, Jia Fu MD, Yuexin Yang MD, Lishi Zhan
Keywords:phytosterol, plant stanol ester, lipids, system review, meta-analysis
Abstract:The objective of this work is to conduct a systematic review that investigates the efficacy of phytosterols/stanols
in lowering lipid concentration in individuals with non-familial hypercholesterolemia. Randomized controlled
intervention trials were identified through selected international journal databases and reference lists of relevant
publications. Two researchers extracted data from each identified trial and only trials of sufficient quality were
included in the review. Main outcomes of interest were differences between treatment and control groups in
terms of low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol. Of the studies reviewed, 20 out of 76 studies were of sufficient quality. The results of the systematic
review indicated that phytosterols/stanols could significantly decrease low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total
cholesterol and triacylglycerol in treatment groups compared with control groups and that the mean differences
were [-0.35 mmol/L, 95%CI(-0.47, -0.22), p<0.00001], [-0.36 mmol/L, 95%CI(-0.46, -0.26), p<0.00001] and [-0.1 mmol/L, 95%CI(-0.16, -0.03), p=0.004] respectively. Foods enriched with 2.0 g of phytosterols/stanols per
day had a significant cholesterol lowering effect.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):179-186.doi:
>>Abstract
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Evaluation of fatty acid content of some Iranian fast foods with emphasis on trans fatty acids
Author:Seddigheh Asgary, Bahar Nazari, Nizal Sarrafzadega
Keywords: trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acid, cis unsaturated fatty acid, fast food, gas chromatography
Abstract:Although the disadvantages of trans fatty acids (TFAs) are widely mentioned,limited data are available on the
TFAs contents of Iranian foods, including fast foods. The aim of this study was to quantify the amounts of common fatty acids in several fast foodsin Iran, with specific focus on TFAs. The most commonly consumed fast
foods in Iran: sausage, calbas, hamburgers and pizzas, were randomly selected seven times from products available in supermarkets and restaurants. Each time a 10 g sample was drawn and prepared for fatty acid analysis.
Total and individual fatty acids were quantified according to standard methods by gas chromatography with 60
meter capillary column and flame ionization detector. The most common saturated fatty acids in Iranian fast
foods is stearic acid (C18:0) which ranged from 14.0% to 20.9%. Saturated fatty acid content in calbas was significantly higher than that found in other groups. Trans fatty acids constitute almost 23.6% to 30.6% of total
fatty acidsof these products. The most common TFA in these fast foods was elaidic acid(C18:1 9t). Total cis
unsaturated fatty acid content of tested fast foods varied from 25.3 %( in sausage) to 46.8(in calbas) with oleic
acid (C18:1 9c) followed by linoleic acid (C18:2) being the most common fatty acidsin these products. This
study showed higher TFAs contents in commercially available fast foods compared to the amounts recommended by dietary guidelines in Iran. Further studies must assess the effects ofthese fatty acids on human health.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):187-192.doi:
>>Abstract
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Dietary intake of zinc in the population of Jiangsu Province, China
Author:Yu Qin MSc, Alida Melse-Boonstra PhD, Zumin Shi Ph
Keywords:zinc, minerals, dietary intake, Jiangsu Province, China
Abstract:Objectives: To evaluate dietary zinc and other divalent minerals intake among the population of Jiangsu Province. Methods: 3,867 subjects aged 4-89 years were representatively sampled in two urban and six rural areas of
Jiangsu Province. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recalls on three consecutive days. Insufficient zinc
intake was calculated based on the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes. Results: Overall, the percentage of subjects with insufficient intakeof zinc was 22.9%, with a declining trend with age. Except for the group ≥50 years,
mean zinc intake of all other groups were below the age- and sex- specific Recommended Nutrition Intakes
(RNI). Approximately 2/3rds of the subjects ≤17 years of age had insufficient zinc intakes. Compared with the
age group below 11 years, risk of insufficient zinc intakeincreased in the adolescents aged 11-17 years (OR:
2.10, 95% CI: 1.86-2.36), but decreasedin adults aged 18-49 years and ≥50 years (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66-0.8;
OR:0.55, 95%CI: 0.47-0.64). Mean intake of iron, copper, magnesium and selenium met the Chinese DRIs respectively, except for selenium in females. The prevalence of insufficient intake of copper, magnesium and selenium was 37.2%, 22.8% and 29.3%, respectively, while the overall prevalence of insufficient iron intake was
only 3.4%. Conclusion: Dietary zinc intake of the Jiangsu Province population does notgenerally meet the Chinese RNI. Children and adolescents in particular have a higher risk of insufficient zinc intake.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):193-199.doi:
>>Abstract
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The female athlete triad among elite Malaysian athletes: prevalence and associated factors
Author:Ye Vian Quah MSc, Bee Koon Poh PhD, Lai Oon Ng DPs
Keywords:female athlete triad, eating disorders, menstrual irregularity, bone quality, osteoporosis
Abstract:Women participating in a wide range of competitive sportsare at higher risk of developing eating disorders,
menstrual irregularities and osteoporosis, which are generally referred to as the ‘female athlete triad’. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of female athlete triad and factors associated with this condition among athletes participating in different sports. A total of 67 elite female athletes aged between 13-30 years
participated in the study and were subdivided into the ‘leanness’ and ‘non-leanness’ groups. Eating disorders
were assessed using a body image figure rating and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) with body dissatisfaction (BD), drive for thinness (DT), bulimia (B) and perfectionism (P) subscales. Menstrual irregularity was assessed with a self-reported menstrual history questionnaire. Bone quality was measured using a quantitative ultrasound device at one-third distal radius. Prevalence of the female athlete triad was low (1.9%), but the prevalence for individual triad component was high, especiallyin the leanness group. The prevalence of subjects who
were at risk of menstrual irregularity, poor bone quality and eating disorders were 47.6%, 13.3% and 89.2%, respectively, in the leanness group; and 14.3%, 8.3% and 89.2%, respectively, in the non-leanness group. Since the
components of the triad are interrelated,identification of athletes at risk of having any one component of the
triad, especially those participating insports that emphasise a lean physique, is an important aid for further diagnosis.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):200-208.doi:
>>Abstract
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Optimal cut-off levels to define obesity: body mass index and waist circumference, and their relationship to cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes in Malaysia
Author:Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher FRCP, Robayaah Zambari FACC,
Keywords:abdominal obesity, body mass index, waist circumference, cardiovascular, Asia
Abstract:Many studies in Asia have demonstrated that Asian populations may require lower cut-off levels for body mass
index (BMI) and waist circumference to define obesity and abdominal obesity respectively, compared to western
populations. Optimal cut-off levels for body mass index and waist circumference were determined to assess the
relationship between the two anthropometric- and cardiovascular indices. Receiveroperating characteristics
analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off levels. The study sampleincluded 1833 subjects (mean age of
44 +14 years) from 93 primary care clinics in Malaysia. Eight hundred and seventy two of the subjects were
men and 960 were women. The optimal body mass index cut-off values predicting dyslipidaemia, hypertension,
diabetes mellitus, or at least one cardiovascular risk factor varied from 23.5 to 25.5 kg/m
2
in men and 24.9 to
27.4 kg/m
2
in women. As for waist circumference, the optimal cut-off values varied from 83 to 92 cm in men and
from 83 to 88 cm in women. The optimal cut-off valuesfrom our study showed that body mass index of 23.5
kg/m
2
in men and 24.9 kg/m
2
in women and waist circumference of 83 cm in men and women may be more suitable for defining the criteria for overweight or obesity among adults in Malaysia. Waist circumference may be a
better indicator for the prediction of obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors in men and women compared to
BMI. Further investigation using a bigger sample size in Asia needs tobe done to confirm our findings.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):209-216.doi:
>>Abstract
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Correlation of anthropometric indices with common cardiovascular risk factors in an urban adult population of Iran: data from Zanjan Healthy Heart Study
Author:Ali Awsat Mellati PhD, Seyed Nouraddin Mousavinasa
Keywords:WHtR, anthropometric indices, cardiovascular risk factors, obesity, ROC analysis
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to determine the anthropometric index that best predicts common cardiovascular
risk factors. A total of 2768 individuals (1310 men and 1458 women) aged 21-75 years with full relevant data
from the Zanjan Healthy Heart Study (a prospective study in Zanjan and Abhar, two main cities of Zanjan Province, Iran) were recruited. Common cardiovascular risk factors (TG, TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, fast blood sugar, blood
pressure), anthropometric indices (BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR) were measured using standard process, and their
correlated classification was evaluated by partial correlation and Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve
analysis. Area under curve (AUC) of WHtR was the largest for most (6 of 7) of the common cardiovascular risk
factors in both men and women; followed by WC (4 of the 7 including ties) in men, while AUCs of three anthropometric indices (WC, BMI, WHR) were the same with the largest for 1 of 7 risk factors in women. These results show that the high prevalence of lipid profiles, as cardiovascular risk factors, need special attention, intervention and appropriate treatment. Consistence with other reports, WHtR is a better discriminator of cardiovascular risk factors compared with the other three indices (BMI, WC, and WHR). We determined its optimal cutoff point of 0.5 for both genders. However, due to differences in reported cut-off values across different ethnic
groups, future research and longitudinal data is needed before reaching an internationally accepted simple and
appropriate measure that could be effectively used in the clinical and epidemiological fields.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):217-225.doi:
>>Abstract
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Prevalence and risk factors with overweight and obesity among Vietnamese adults: Caucasian and Asian cut-offs
Author:Oanh TH Trinh MPH, Nguyen D Nguyen PhD, Philayrath
Keywords:Asians, adults, risk factors, developing countries, obesity
Abstract:Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight/obesity among adults in Ho Chi
Minh City (HCMC) using Caucasian and Asian cut-offs. Study design: A cross-sectional survey. Methods: In
2005, 1,971 adults aged 25-64 years in HCMC were randomly selected using a proportional to population size
sampling method to estimate the prevalence of overweightand obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI) and
waist circumference. Multivariable logistic models were used to examine associationsbetween overweight/obesity
and socioeconomic status, health-related behaviors, and biochemical indices of chronic disease risk. Results: The
prevalence of overweight and obesity using the Caucasian BMI cut-offs were 13.9% and 1.8% respectively, and
those with the Asian BMI cut-offs were 27.5% and 5.7%, respectively. The abdominal adiposity rates were
higher than the BMI overweight and obesityrates in women, but not in men. Increasing age, low education, high
household wealth index, high levels of sitting and reclining time, cholesterol and high blood pressure were significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Current smoking and sedentary leisure time was significantly
negatively associated with this status in men. Conclusion: Associations between overweight/obesity and metabolic disorders were evident using both cut-offs. Asian cut-offs identified more risk factors and therefore could
be considered for defining at-risk groups. The results highlight the importance of intervention programs to prevent overweight/obesity in young adults.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):226-233.doi:
>>Abstract
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Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in urban Hanoi, Vietnam
Author:Helen L Walls MPH, Anna Peeters PhD, Pham Thai Son
Keywords:underweight, overweight, obesity, BMI, Vietnam
Abstract:This study aims to assess the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among adults in urban Hanoi,
Vietnam; and compare these results to previous estimates among adults in urban Ho Chi Minh City. Survey participants were residents in urban Hanoi, Vietnam and aged between 25-74 years. Data from a cross-sectional
biomedical survey conducted in 2004 were collected; which included a questionnaire, physical examination and
blood tests. The age-standardised prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2004, using Asian-specific body mass
index cut-offs, were 28.6% and 2.1%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight/obesity (combined) was similar in males (29.7%) and females (31.5%), and generally increased with age. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was considerably lower if the standard cut-off values of the World Health Organization were
used. The age-standardised prevalence of underweight was 13.3%; and that of‘increased risk’/‘substantially increased risk’ waist circumference (combined) was 27.9% in males and 25.7% in females, respectively. Almost
one in three adults in urban Hanoi were overweight or obese in 2004 and more than one in ten were underweight
(based on Asian-specific cut-off values). This prevalence of overweight/obesity is similar to that for adults in urban Ho Chi Minh City, but the prevalence of underweight is lower. While low body weight remains a concern,
overweight and obesity are an increasing problem for urban Vietnamese adults.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):234-239.doi:
>>Abstract
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Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire among Chinese women in Guangdong province
Author:Cai-Xia Zhang MDand Suzanne C HoPhD
Keywords:food frequency questionnaire, reproducibility, validity, women, China
Abstract:Objective: To evaluate the validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed for
assessing the association between dietary factors and breast cancer risk among Chinese women in Guangdong.
Methods: 61 women (24-64 years) were recruited from the community in Guangzhou city. An 81-item FFQ was
administered twice, one year apart (FFQ1, FFQ2). In the mean time, six 3-day dietary records (DRs) were collected at two month intervals within the year. Daily consumption of nutrients and foods from the FFQs and DRs,
correlation coefficients between the two FFQs and the FFQ with DRs were calculated. Results: Median intakes
of nutrients and food group items are higher in FFQ1 than FFQ2. The energy-adjusted Pearson correlation coefficients between the FFQ1 and FFQ2 ranged from 0.46 to 0.71 for nutrients and 0.36 to 0.66 for food group
items, respectively. In the validation study, energy-adjusted correlation coefficients were 0.25 to 0.65 for nutrients and 0.30 to 0.68 for food groups. Mean proportion of subjects being classified into the same quartile of nutrients and foods intake from the FFQ and DRs was 36% and 43%, respectively. Meanmisclassification of subjects into opposite quartiles was 5% for nutrients and 3% for foods. Bland-Altman analysis showed that no linear
trend existed between the differences and means for nutrients. Conclusions: The 81-item FFQ has satisfactory
reproducibility and reasonable validity, and is useful in assessing the usual consumption of major nutrients and
food groups among Chinese women in Guangdong.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):240-250.doi:
>>Abstract
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Validation of prediction equations for estimating resting energy expenditure in obese Chinese children
Author:Dorothy FY Chan FHKAM, Albert M Li FHKAM, Michael
Keywords:obese, children, body fat distribution,resting energy expenditure, insulin resistance
Abstract:Objectives: (1) To examine the validity of existing prediction equations (PREE) for estimating resting energy
expenditure (REE) in obese Chinese children, (2) to correlate the measured REE (MREE) with anthropometric
and biochemical parameters and (3) to derive a new PREE for local use. Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects:
100 obese children (71 boys) were studied. Measurements: All subjects underwent physical examination and anthropometric measurement. Upper and central body fat distribution was signified by centrality and conicity index
respectively, and REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. Fat free mass (FFM) were measured by DEXA
scan. Thirteen existing prediction equations for estimating REE were compared with MREE among these obese
children. Fasting blood for glucose, lipid profile and insulinwere obtained. Results: The overall, male and female median MREEs were 7.1 mJ/d (IR 6.2-8.4), 7.3 mJ/d(IR 6.3-9.7) and 6.9 mJ/d (IR 5.6-8.1) respectively.
No sex difference was noted in MREE (p=0.203). Most of the equations except Schofield equation underestimated REE of our children. By multiple linear regression, MREE was positively correlated with FFM
(p<0.0001), conicity index (p<0.001) and centrality index (p=0.001). A new equation for estimating REE for local use was derived as: REE = (17.4*logFFM) + (11.4*conicity index) – (2.4*centrality index) – 31.3. The mean
difference of new PREE-MREE was -0.011 mJ/d (SD 1.51)with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.91.
Conclusion: None of the existing prediction equations wereaccurate in their estimation of REE, when applied to
obese Chinese children. A new prediction equation has been derived for local use.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):251-256.doi:
>>Abstract
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Adults’ perceptions of being overweight or obese: a focus group study
Author:Ching Thon Chang MNsg, Kam HockChang PhD and Whye
Keywords:overweight and obese natives, rural community, purposive sample, focus groups, Malaysia
Abstract:The objective of this study was to explore the perception of, feelings and attitudes toward overweight or obesity,
and the perceived barriers to weight loss among native adults from lower socio-economic background. A total of
six gender- and ethnic-specific focus groups consisted of 38 overweight and obese purposefully and criterion selected adults (21 women and 17 men), participated in this study. An unstructured discussion guide based on the
study objectives were used for the focus groups. The results showed that some participants perceived themselves
as ugly, felt ashamed of their body size and were frustrated because they did not desire to be overweight. Due to
their excess weight, most also expressed they were less effective in their work performances. Although some
participants had negative attitudes toward themselves because of excess weight, this appeared to link to selfstigmatization rather than anti-obesity discrimination. The participants remained in the Pre-contemplation stage
of losing weight probably because of perceived barriers such as difficulty to resist eating, lack of know how and
previous failed attempts to lose weight. Importantly, this study provided some evidence that individuals in the
Pre-contemplation stage are unable to take action to lose weight, even if effective strategies are suggested.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):257-264.doi:
>>Abstract
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Body composition and nutrient intake of Buddhist vegetarians
Author:Yujin Lee Dipl oec Troph, Michael Krawinkel PhD
Keywords:vegetarian, duration of vegetarianism, body fat, BMI, nutrient intake
Abstract:We described the body composition and nutrient intake ofBuddhist vegetarians and compared the data with that
of omnivores in South Korea. Vegetarian subjects were 54 Buddhist nuns, who adhered to a vegetarian diet in
accordance with Buddhist teachings. We compared these finding with a group of 31 omnivore Catholic nuns
who shared a similar lifestyle but different dietary pattern than those of the Buddhist nuns. All subjects completed the estimated three-day dietary record. Body composition was determined by a segmental multi-frequencybioelectrical impedance analysis method. No height difference betweenthe dietary groups existed but the vegetarians had a significantly higher body weight, fat free mass, body fat and body mass index (BMI, kg/m
2
) than
the omnivores. The median BMI of both vegetarians and omnivores fell in the normal range (22.6 vs. 20.7
kg/m
2
). In vegetarians, body fat was inversely correlated with the duration of vegetarianism (pfor trend = 0.043).
The long duration group of the vegetarians had lower body fat than the short duration group (12.l vs. 15.0 kg, p=
0.032). The status of the nutrient intake of Korean Buddhist vegetarians was comparable to that of omnivores,
and the intake of some nutrients in vegetarians was more favorable than in the omnivores.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):265-271.doi:
>>Abstract
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Predictability and implications of anthropometric indices for metabolic abnormalities in children: nutrition and health survey in Taiwan elementary children, 2001-2002
Author:Shao-Yuan Chuang PhD and Wen-Harn PanPhD
Keywords: anthropometric index, children, the metabolic syndrome, waist circumference, body mass index
Abstract:Background: To determine whether separate anthropometric screening tools are needed for obesity and the
metabolic syndrome in children, we compared the predictability of several anthropometric indices, including
waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI), with regard to metabolic disorders. Study design: The
Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan Elementary School Children (2000-2001) collected data from 2,215 children. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between anthropometric indices and metabolic abnormalities, which was defined as two or more of the following conditions: high fasting triglycerides,
high fasting glucose levels, high blood pressure and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to study the sensitivity and specificity of these anthropometric indices. Results: predictability was the ranked highest for WC (R
2
= 10.69%), followed by BMI (R
2
= 9.80%), arm girth (R
2
= 9.75%), hip circumference (R
2
= 9.43%), scapular skinfold thickness (R
2
= 9.28%) and waist-to-height ratio
(R
2
= 9.25%). Waist circumference or BMI cut-offs for maximal balanced sensitivity and specificity were close
to the 60
th
percentile for each age and gender group. Values weregreater in boys than in girls and increased with
age. Conclusion: It is justifiable to use the WC criteria to define the metabolic syndrome in children. Due to its
practicality, BMI remains the most suitable index for defining overweight/obesity. Onlymoderate levels of sensitivity and specificity were achieved with these two popular obesity indices with regard to metabolic abnormalities.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):272-279.doi:
>>Abstract
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Metabolically obese but normal weight (MONW) and metabolically healthy but obese (MHO) phenotypes in Koreans: characteristics and health behaviors
Author:Kayoung Lee MD PhD
Keywords:metabolically obese but normal-weight, metabolically healthy but obese phenotype, prevalence, health behaviors, Korean
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ‘metabolically obese, but normal-weight’ (MONW)
and ‘metabolically healthy, but obese’ (MHO) phenotypes in Korean adults and identify the characteristics and
health behaviors related to both phenotypes. Of the 5267participants (2227 men, 3040 women) from the 3rd Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the MONW phenotype (8.7% of total subjects, 12.7%
of normal-weight subjects) was defined as individuals of normal weight (BMI < 25) with the metabolic syndrome (MS), and the MHO phenotype (15.2% of total subjects, 47.9% of obese subject) was defined as obese
individuals (BMI ≥25) without the MS. The odds ratio for MONWphenotype was significantly higher for those
at older age, those with lower education, those who had moderate alcohol consumption, and time spent participating in moderate-intensity exercise. The odds ratio for MHO phenotype was significantly lower for those at
older age, men, those with lower education, and former/current smokers. In conclusion, regardless of weight
status, health behaviors should be modified to prevent MS.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):280-284.doi:
>>Abstract
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Dietary patterns and the metabolic syndrome in middle aged women, Babol, Iran
Author:Mouloud Agajani Delavar MSc , Munn-Sann Lye MBBS,
Keywords:dietary patterns, metabolic syndrome, FFQ, women’s health, Iran
Abstract:It is important to elucidate the dietary factors contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome among
middle-aged women to better prevent and managethe syndrome. The objective was to determine the relationship
between dietary intake and metabolic syndrome in urban Babolian middle-aged women. Systematic random
sampling was used to select 984 women 30-50 years of age from urban area of Babol, Mazandaran, Iran. Dietary
patterns were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire.The ATP III criteria were used to classify study
participants as having the metabolic syndrome. Correlations of component foods with indices of the metabolic
syndrome were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho). The adjusted odds ratios (OR)and
their 95% confidence intervals were obtained for the nutrient groups. Mean total kilocalories consumed per day
were 2965. The study suggests that a good dietary pattern thatis rich in fruits, legumes, vegetables, cereals, and
fish (component 1), as well as high intake of dairy products and eggs (components 4) decrease the likelihood of
having metabolic syndrome. The adjusted OR for the metabolic syndrome inwomen with low fat intake was
higher than in women with high and moderate fat (OR= 2.92; 95% CI= 1.36, 6.28). It is necessary to emphasize
the benefits of lifestyle modification,including losing weight, and consumption of more fruits, legumes, vegetables, cereals, fish, dairy products in reducing the riskof the metabolic syndrome in middle aged women.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):285-292.doi:
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Factor analysis of the metabolic syndrome components in urban Asian Indian adolescents
Author:Naval K Vikram MD, Ravindra M Pandey PhD, Anoop Mi
Keywords:factor analysis, metabolic syndrome, hyperinsulinemia, adolescents, Asian Indians
Abstract:There is paucity of data on the association of various risk factors of the metabolic syndrome in urban Asian Indian adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 948 subjects (527 males; 421 females) aged 14-19 y, selected randomly from New Delhi, India.Principal component factor analysis included variables such as: body
mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps (TR) and subscapular (SS) skinfold thickness, systolic and
diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood glucose, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and
fasting insulin. Factor scores were used to generate a cumulative risk scale and identify independent correlates of
high cumulative risk. Three factors namely: obesity/insulin factor (BMI, WC, TR, SS and fasting insulin) explained 40.9% and 35.5%, ‘blood pressure’ factor explained 14.1% and 14.2%, and the ‘metabolic’ factor (glucose/triglycerides) explained 10.4% and 10.8% of the variance data in males and females, respectively. Overweight and hyperinsulinemia in both genders and high SS in males were independently associated with high cumulative risk. More than one factor is associated withthe metabolic syndrome in Asian Indian adolescents. Obesity (generalized, abdominal and truncal sub-cutaneous) accounts for the maximum variance in clustering and
appears to be the stronger correlate of high cumulative risk rather than hyperinsulinemia.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):293-300.doi:
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Book Review and Future Events
Author:
Keywords:
Abstract:
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(2):301.doi:
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