Addressing Obesity to Promote Healthy Aging

Six Weeks to Wellness: The Role of Breathing Exercises Based on Motor Development Pattern in Improving Fitness and Quality of Life in Overweight Elderly Women

Background: Being overweight is a major global health epidemic of the 20th and 21st centuries, which can affect the movement system function of older adult women. This study evaluated the effects of a breathing exercise based on motor development patterns on functional fitness and quality of life in overweight older adult women. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 community-dwelling women aged 65-75. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group, which completed a 6-week breathing exercise program (three supervised and three home-based sessions per week), or a control group, which maintained usual routines. Outcome measures included cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body flexibility, muscle strength, dynamic balance, and quality of life, assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness (p < .001, ES = 0.652), upper body flexibility (p < .001, ES = 0.652), lower body flexibility (p < .001, ES = 0.538), upper body strength (p < .001, ES = 0.538), lower body strength (p < .001, ES = 0.538), and dynamic balance (p < .001, ES = 0.475) compared to the control group. Quality of life also significantly improved in the intervention group (p < .001, ES = 0.475). Conclusion: Breathing exercises based on motor development patterns significantly enhance functional fitness and quality of life in overweight older adult women. Incorporating these exercises into regular physical activity routines may promote health and independence in older adults. Further research should explore long-term benefits and optimal exercise parameters for older adults.

[Obesity sociodemographic and behavioral factors: a longitudinal study]

This study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and obesity from 2014 to 2021 in adults in São Paulo city, Brazil. A prospective study was carried out with 1,241 adults aged 18 years or above who lived in São Paulo and participated in the São Paulo Health Survey cohort (ISA) - Physical Activity and Environment. The outcome was obesity (yes/no), classified by body mass index and specific cut-off points for each age group. The exposure variables included sex, age, education, skin color, marital status, regional health coordination, physical activity in the four domains, and sedentary behaviors. Multilevel logistic regression models were used for longitudinal analysis. This study found a significant increase (27.7%) in the prevalence of obesity (from 22.6% to 28.9%). People who practiced at least 150 minutes of leisure-time physical activity per week (OR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.26; 0.76), between 10 and 150 minutes per week of commuting physical activity (OR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.30; 0.80), and had no partner (OR = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.28; 0.78) were less likely to be obese. People aged from 40 to 59 years (OR = 5.00; 95%CI: 2.02; 12.38) and who were black (OR = 4.70; 95%CI: 1.85; 11.95) were more likely to be obese. This study found an increase in the prevalence of obesity during the studied period, with increased odds for middle-aged and black people and decreased odds for those without a partner and those who practice physical activities in their leisure and as a form of commuting. These results can contribute to support programs and policies to control obesity.

Widening Educational Inequalities in Physical Health Due to the Obesity Trend?-A Mediation Analysis Using the German Socio-Economic Panel Study

Objectives

This study examined the contribution of obesity to the development of educational inequalities in physical health.

Methods

We used data from the German Socio-Economic Panel for the period 2002-2020. Physical health was measured with the modified SF12-questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were applied to estimate time trends. The Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) were calculated to examine educational inequalities. The role of obesity as a mediator was analyzed using the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method.

Results

Over time, educational inequalities in obesity as well as impaired physical health widened in men and women, particularly among those aged 30-49 years. For individuals with a low level of education at this age, the probability of impaired physical health increased significantly by 7.7%-points in women and 9.4%-points in men. Of this increase, 25.9% for women and 14.8% for men could be attributed to the increase in obesity.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the steeper rise in obesity among individuals with a low level of education partly explains the observed widening in educational inequalities in physical health.

Relationship between dietary macronutrients intake and biological aging: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the association between macronutrient intake and biological age.

METHODS

Data were collected from 26,381 adults who participated in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Two biological ages were estimated using the Klemera-Doubal method (KDM) and PhenoAge algorithms. Biological age acceleration (AA) was computed as the difference between biological age and chronological age. The associations between macronutrient intakes and AA were investigated.

RESULTS

After fully adjusting for confounding factors, negative associations were observed between AA and fiber intake (KDM-AA: β - 0.53, 95% CI - 0.62, - 0.43, P < 0.05; PhenoAge acceleration: β - 0.30, 95% CI - 0.35, - 0.25, P < 0.05). High-quality carbohydrate intake was associated with decreased AA (KDM-AA: β - 0.57, 95% CI - 0.67, - 0.47, P < 0.05; PhenoAge acceleration: β - 0.32, 95% CI - 0.37, - 0.26, P < 0.05), while low-quality carbohydrate was associated with increased AA (KDM-AA: β 0.30, 95% CI 0.21, 0.38, P < 0.05; PhenoAge acceleration: β 0.16, 95% CI 0.11, 0.21, P < 0.05). Plant protein was associated with decreased AA (KDM-AA: β - 0.39, 95% CI - 0.51, - 0.27, P < 0.05; PhenoAge acceleration: β - 0.21, 95% CI - 0.26, - 0.15, P < 0.05). Long-chain SFA intake increased AA (KDM-AA: β 0.16, 95% CI 0.08, 0.24, P < 0.05; PhenoAge acceleration: β 0.11, 95% CI 0.07, 0.15, P < 0.05). ω-3 PUFA was associated with decreased KDM-AA (β - 0.18, 95% CI - 0.27, - 0.08, P < 0.05) and PhenoAge acceleration (β - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.13, - 0.04, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that dietary fiber, high-quality carbohydrate, plant protein, and ω-3 PUFA intake may have a protective effect against AA, while low-quality carbohydrate and long-chain SFA intake may increase AA. Therefore, dietary interventions aimed at modifying macronutrient intakes may be useful in preventing or delaying age-related disease and improving overall health.

Adipose tissue lymphocytes and obesity

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation in adipose tissue (AT), mainly evidenced by infiltration and phenotypic changes of various types of immune cells. Macrophages are the major innate immune cells and represent the predominant immune cell population within AT. Lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells, are adaptive immune cells and constitute another important immune cell population in AT. In obesity, CD8+ effector memory T cells, CD4+ Th1 cells, and B2 cells are increased in AT and promote AT inflammation, while regulatory T cells and Th2 cells, which usually function as immune regulatory or type 2 inflammatory cells, are reduced in AT. Immune cells may regulate the metabolism of adipocytes and other cells through various mechanisms, contributing to the development of metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Efforts targeting immune cells and inflammation to prevent and treat obesity-linked metabolic disease have been explored, but have not yielded significant success in clinical studies. This review provides a concise overview of the changes in lymphocyte populations within AT and their potential role in AT inflammation and the regulation of metabolic functions in the context of obesity.

Cohort profile: Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study (BHACS)

The Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study (BHACS) was established to supplement the limited data of a large representative cohort of older people based on the general population and was designed to evaluate the prevalence, incidence, and natural history of cognitive decline, functional disability, and conventional vascular risk factors. The aim was to determine the evolution of these conditions by estimating the rates and determinants of progression and regression to adverse outcomes, including dementia, cardiovascular events, cancer, and all-cause death. It can therefore provide evidence to help policy makers develop better policies to promote healthy aging in China. BHACS consisted of three cohorts (BLSA, CCHS-Beijing, and BECHCS) in Beijing with a total population of 11 235 (6281 in urban and 4954 in rural areas) and an age range of 55 years or older (55-101 years) with a mean age of 70.35 ± 7.71 years (70.69 ± 7.62 years in urban and 69.92 ± 7.80 years in rural areas). BHACS-BLSA conducted the baseline survey in 2009 with a multistage stratification-random clustering procedure for people aged 55 years or older; BHACS-CCHS-Beijing conducted the baseline survey in 2013-2015 with a stratified multistage cluster random sampling method for people aged 55 years or older; and BHACS-BECHCS conducted the baseline survey in 2010-2014 with two-stage cluster random sampling method for people aged 60 years or older. Data were collected through questionnaires, physical measurements, and laboratory analyses. Topics covered by BHACS include a wide range of physical and mental health indicators, lifestyles and personal, family, and socio-economic determinants of health. There are no immediate plans to make the cohort data freely available to the public, but specific proposals for further collaboration are welcome. For further information and collaboration, please contact the corresponding author Yao He (e-mail: yhe301@x263.net).

Understanding the development of sarcopenic obesity

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenic obesity (SarcO) is defined as the confluence of reduced muscle mass and function and excess body fat. The scientific community is increasingly recognizing this syndrome, which affects a subgroup of persons across their lifespans and places them at synergistically higher risk of significant medical comorbidity and disability than either sarcopenia or obesity alone. Joint efforts in clinical and research settings are imperative to better understand this syndrome and drive the development of urgently needed future interventions.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, we describe the ongoing challenges in defining sarcopenic obesity and the current state of the science regarding its epidemiology and relationship with adverse events. The field has demonstrated an emergence of data over the past decade which we will summarize in this article. While the etiology of sarcopenic obesity is complex, we present data on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that are hypothesized to promote its development, including age-related changes in body composition, hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, and genetic predisposition.

EXPERT OPINION

We describe emerging areas of future research that will likely be needed to advance this nascent field, including changes in clinical infrastructure, an enhanced understanding of the lifecourse, and potential treatments.

Impact of perceived social support and physical fitness on quality of life of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults in Sri Lanka

Background and aim

Quality of life (QoL) in old age contributes to enhance active aging. This study aimed to assess and compare QoL and associated factors of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults (aged 60+ years) in Southern Sri Lanka.

Methods

A total of 160 older adults (80 institutionalized and 80 non-institutionalized) were surveyed. Physical and cognitive skills were measured using Barthel index, and Mini Mental State Examination scales. Nutritional status and perceived social support were measured using Mini Nutritional Assessment and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques were used in the analysis.

Results

The mean age of the institutionalized older adults was higher than that of non-institutionalized older adults (74.9 years versus 72.1 years, p < 0.01). About half of the sample consisted of older men (48.8%). Economically under privileged older adults who were unmarried were more likely to become institutionalized. The mean value of the QoL score was higher in non-institutionalized older adults compared to that of institutionalized older adults (63.1 (SD = 21.9) versus 49.1 (SD = 25.6), p < 0.05). Activities of daily living (ẞ=-0.46, p < 0.01) and perceived social support (ẞ=-0.20, p < 0.05) were found to be significant determinants of QoL of institutionalized older adults while activities of daily living (ẞ=-0.28, p < 0.05) and nutritional status (ẞ=-0.27, p < 0.05) were found to be significant determinants of QoL of non-institutionalized older adults. Cognitive impairments was not a significant determinant of QoL in both institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults.

Conclusions

Promotion of physically active life style especially among young older adults to maintain their independence as they age and improvements of social support and social connectedness among older adults would be practical and cost-effective strategies to promote active aging in Sri Lankan older adults.