Red meat, overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Effects of New Complementary Feeding Guidelines on Eating Behaviour, Food Consumption and Growth in Colombian Children: 6-Year Follow-Up of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Complementary feeding (CF) may influence later eating behaviour and growth. Our previous Randomised Control Trial (RCT) reported that new CF guidelines (NCFGs) implemented in 6-12-month-old infants in Bogota, Colombia, had positive short-term effects on red meat, vegetable and fruit consumption. Here, we assessed the effects of the NCFGs on food consumption, eating behaviour and growth at 6 years of age. Weight and height were measured using 50 children (58.8%) from the cohort. Feeding behaviour was measured using the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) and maternal and child food consumption was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The control group (CG) had a significantly higher weekly consumption of chocolate milk drinks (p = 0.05). The mean food responsiveness (FR) score was significantly higher in the CG (p < 0.001). Although HAZ (height for age Z-score) at 6 years of age was significantly higher in the CG (p < 0.02), there was no significant difference between groups in the change in HAZ from 6 months and 12 months to 6 years of age. BMIZ (body mass index Z-score) and % overweight (CG 18.5% versus NCFG 13%) or obese (3.7% versus 0%) were not significantly different between groups. BMIZ was positively predicted by FR (β 0.293; p = 0.014) and negatively predicted by weekly red meat consumption episodes per week at 12 months (β -0.169; p = 0.020). Although there was no direct effect of an intervention on BMIZ at 6 years of age, the results were consistent with an indirect effect via intervention effects on meat consumption at an age of 12 months and FR at 6 years of age. However, further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are needed.

Red and processed meat intake and risk of cardiovascular disease: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Previous observational studies have yielded inconsistent findings regarding associations between red/processed meat intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some studies have suggested positive relationships, while others have demonstrated no significant associations. However, causal effects remain uncertain. This 2023 Mendelianrandomization (MR) study investigated the causal relationship between red and processed meat (porkmeat, mutton meat, beef meat)intake and CVD risk by analyzing summary data from the UK Biobank (exposure), CARDIoGRAMplusC4D (coronary artery disease [CAD]), MEGASTROKE (stroke), Nielsen et al. (atrial fibrillation [AF]), HERMES (heart failure [HF]), and FinnGen (cardiovascular outcomes) public databases.

METHODS

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of red meat (pork, beef, and mutton) and processed meat were sourced from the United Kingdom (UK) Biobank. GWAS data on CVD for this study were obtained from the Gene and FinnGen consortia. The primary method employed for the two-sample MR analysis was inverse variance weighting (IVW). Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the reliability and consistency of the results.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted red and processed meat consumption did not demonstrate a causal association with any CVD outcomes when employing the IVW method. For processed meat intake, the odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals CIs) in large consortia were as follows: 0.88 (0.56-1.39) for CAD, 0.91 (0.65-1.27) for AF, 0.84 (0.58-1.21) for HF, and 1.00 (0.75-1.05) for stroke. In FinnGen, the ORs were as follows: 1.15 (0.83-1.59) for CAD, 1.25 (0.75-2.07) for AF, 1.09 (0.73-1.64) for HF, and 1.27 (0.85-1.91) for stroke. For beef intake, the ORs (95% CIs) in large consortia were as follows: 0.70 (0.28-1.73) for CAD, 0.85 (0.49-1.49) for AF, 0.80 (0.35-1.83) for HF, and 1.29 (0.85-1.95) for stroke. In FinnGen, the ORs were as follows: 2.01 (0.75-5.39) for CAD, 1.83 (0.60-5.56) for AF, 0.80 (0.30-2.13) for HF, and 1.30 (0.62-2.73) for stroke. For pork intake, the ORs (95% CIs) in large consortia were as follows: 1.25 (0.37-4.22) for CAD, 1.26 (0.73-2.15) for AF, 1.71 (0.86-3.39) for HF, and 1.15 (0.63-2.11) for stroke. In FinnGen, the ORs were as follows: 1.12 (0.43-2.88) for CAD, 0.39 (0.08-1.83) for AF, 0.62 (0.20-1.88) for HF, and 0.60 (0.21-1.65) for stroke. For mutton intake, the ORs (95% CIs) in large consortia were as follows: 0.84 (0.48-1.44) for CAD, 0.84 (0.56-1.26) for AF, 1.04 (0.65-1.67) for HF, and 1.06 (0.77-1.45) for stroke. In FinnGen, the ORs were as follows: 1.20 (0.65-2.21) for CAD, 0.92 (0.44-1.92) for AF, 0.74 (0.34-1.58) for HF, and 0.75 (0.45-1.24) for stroke. The results remained robust and consistent in both the meta-analysis and supplementary MR analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This MR study demonstrated no significant causal relationships between red/processed meat intake and the risk of the four CVD outcomes examined. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings.

The relationship between dietary inflammatory index and metabolic syndrome and its components: a case study in Kashi urban, Xinjiang

Introduction

This paper examines the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components among Uygur adults in Kashi, Xinjiang.

Methods

The study used the multi-stage random cluster sampling method to investigate the adult residents of Uighu aged over 18 years old in one county and one township/street of three cities in Kashi between May and June 2021. All dietary data collected were analyzed for energy and nutrient intake with a nutritional analysis software, followed by a calculation of DII. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between DII and the risks of MS and its components.

Results

The maximum DII value across our 1,193 respondents was 4.570 to 4.058, with an average value of 0.256. When we analyzed the DII as a continuous variable, we determined the anti-inflammatory diet has been identified as a mitigating factor for metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.586, 95% CI = 0.395-0.870), obesity (OR = 0.594, 95% CI = 0.395-0.870), elevated fasting glucose levels (OR = 0.422, 95% CI = 0.267-0.668), and hypertension (OR = 0.698, 95% CI = 0.488-0.996). When the model was adjusted by sex, age, and occupation, we found a significant correlation between high- and low-density lipoproteinemia and DII (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.040-2.323). The present study identified four distinct dietary patterns among the population under investigation. There was a linear trend in the incidence of MS and hypertension across low, middle, and high levels of fruits and milk dietary pattern model (p = 0.027; p = 0.033), within this dietary pattern may serve as protective factors against MS and hypertension, suggesting that fruits and milk within this dietary pattern may serve as protective factors against MS and hypertension. And the linear trend in the incidence of elevated fasting glucose and obesity across the low, medium, and high scores of meet and eggs dietary pattern (p = 0.006; p < 0.001), suggest that a diet rich in meat may potentially contribute to an increased risk of developing elevated fasting glucose levels and obesity. An observed linear trend in the incidence rate of high fasting blood glucose across low, moderate, and high scores of dried fruits and nuts dietary pattern (p = 0.014), indicating that increased consumption of nuts acted as a protective factor against elevated fasting blood glucose levels and contributed to their reduction.

Discussion

The dietary inflammation index was integrated with the findings from the study on the dietary patterns of the sampled population, revealing that an anti-inflammatory diet demonstrated a protective effect against metabolic syndrome, obesity, high fasting blood glucose, and hypertension in this specific population. laying the foundation for further research.

Obesity, obesities and gastrointestinal cancers

Obesity has been recognized to be increasing globally and is designated a disease with adverse consequences requiring early detection and appropriate care. In addition to being related to metabolic syndrome disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and premature coronary artery disease. Obesity is also etiologically linked to several cancers. The non-gastrointestinal cancers are breast, uterus, kidneys, ovaries, thyroid, meningioma, and thyroid. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and colorectal. The brighter side of the problem is that being overweight and obese and cigarette smoking are mostly preventable causes of cancers. Epidemiology and clinical studies have revealed that obesity is heterogeneous in clinical manifestations. In clinical practice, BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of the person's height in square meters (kg/m2). A BMI above 30 kg/m2 (defining obesity in many guidelines) is considered obesity. However, obesity is heterogeneous. There are subdivisions for obesity, and not all obesities are equally pathogenic. Adipose tissue, in particular, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is endocrine and abdominal obesity (a surrogate for VAT) is evaluated by waist-hip measurements or just waist measures. Visceral Obesity, through several hormonal mechanisms, induces a low-grade chronic inflammatory state, insulin resistance, components of metabolic syndrome, and cancers. Metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) individuals in several Asian countries may have BMI below normal levels to diagnose obesity but suffer from many obesity-related complications. Conversely, some people have high BMI but are generally healthy with no features of metabolic syndrome. Many clinicians advise weight loss by dieting and exercise to metabolically healthy obese with large body habitus than to individuals with metabolic obesity but normal BMI. The GI cancers (esophagus, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and colorectal) are individually discussed, emphasizing the incidence, possible pathogenesis, and preventive measures. From 2005 to 2014, most cancers associated with overweight and Obesity increased in the United States, while cancers related to other factors decreased. The standard recommendation is to offer or refer adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions. However, the clinicians have to go beyond. They should critically evaluate BMI with due consideration for ethnicity, body habitus, and other factors that influence the type of obesity and obesity-related risks. In 2001, the Surgeon General's ``Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity'' identified obesity as a critical public health priority for the United States. At government levels reducing obesity requires policy changes that improve the food and physical activity for all. However, implementing some policies with the most significant potential benefit to public health is politically tricky. The primary care physician, as well as subspecialists, should identify overweight and Obesity based on all the variable factors in the diagnosis. The medical community should address the prevention of overweight and Obesity as an essential part of medical care as much as vaccination in preventing infectious diseases at all levels- from childhood, to adolescence, and adults.

Dietary and Lifestyle Risk Factors of Obesity Among Young Adults: A Scoping Review of Observational Studies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, especially among young adults. This scoping review aims to identify and summarize the current evidence on dietary and lifestyle risk factors associated with obesity among young adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

A scoping review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of five electronic databases published from inception to October 2023 was conducted. A total of 46 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings suggest that high intake of energy-dense foods, unhealthy eating habits, poor sleep quality, and increased screen time were significant risk factors for obesity among young adults. In contrast, the association between obesity and sedentary behavior, low physical activity levels, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits was inconclusive. The reviewed evidence suggests that unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors are associated with an increased risk of obesity among young adults. The findings highlight the need for further research on these modifiable risk factors to prevent and manage obesity among young adults.

Dietary Heat-Treatment Contaminants Exposure and Cancer: A Case Study from Turkey

In this study, the 10-year dietary habits of patients diagnosed with cancer (n = 1155) were retrospectively analyzed, and the relationships between dietary (red meat, white meat, fish meat, French fries, bread, instant coffee, ready-to-drink coffee, Turkish coffee, and black tea) heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acrylamide, and N-nitrosamine-based risk scores and cancer types were statistically evaluated. The foods with the highest and lowest mean dietary heat-treatment contaminant risk scores were red meat and ready-to-drink coffee, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the dietary heat-treatment contamination risk scores based on the cancer patients' demographic characteristics (sex, age, smoking, and body mass index) (p < 0.05). According to the cancer types, the systems with the highest and lowest dietary heat-treatment contaminant risk scores were determined as other (brain, thyroid, lymphatic malignancies, skin, oro- and hypopharynx, and hematology) and the reproductive (breast, uterus, and ovary) system, respectively. The relationship between instant coffee consumption and respiratory system cancer types, the frequency of consumption of French fries and urinary system cancer types and the consumption of meat products and gastrointestinal system cancer types were determined. It is thought that this study contains important findings regarding the relationship between dietary habits and cancer and will be a good source for other studies to be conducted in this context.

Association between Food, Beverages and Overweight/Obesity in Children and Adolescents-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

A healthy diet is essential to prevent childhood obesity, however, adherence to a healthy diet is challenging. The aim of this study was to give a comprehensive overview of the literature investigaating associations between food and beverages and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents in order to identify dietary risk factors. A systematic search was performed in four databases and observational studies were included. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effect model. Sixty records met inclusion criteria and 14 different food or beverage categories were identified. A higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages increased the odds of overweight/obesity by 1.20 (p < 0.05) (n = 26) and higher intake of fast food increased the odds of overweight/obesity by 1.17 (p < 0.05) (n = 24). Furthermore, higher intake of meat (OR 1.02, p < 0.05 (n:7)) and refined grains (OR 1.28, p < 0.05 (n:3)) was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity. In contrast, higher intake of whole grain (OR 0.86, p = 0.04 (n:5)) and more surprisingly sweet bakery (OR 0.59, p < 0.05 (n:3)) was associated with a decreased risk of overweight/obesity. In conclusion, a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and a higher intake of fast food was identified as the primary dietary risk factors for overweight/obesity. Future research is needed to strengthen the generalizability of these results.

Red/processed meat consumption and non-cancer-related outcomes in humans: umbrella review

The associations of red/processed meat consumption and cancer-related health outcomes have been well discussed. The umbrella review aimed to summarise the associations of red/processed meat consumption and various non-cancer-related outcomes in humans. We systematically searched the systematic reviews and meta-analyses of associations between red/processed meat intake and health outcomes from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases. The umbrella review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42021218568). A total of 40 meta-analyses were included. High consumption of red meat, particularly processed meat, was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, CVD and metabolic outcomes. Dose-response analysis revealed that an additional 100 g/d red meat intake was positively associated with a 17 % increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 15 % increased risk of CHD, 14 % of hypertension and 12 % of stroke. The highest dose-response/50 g increase in processed meat consumption at 95 % confident levels was 1·37, 95 % CI (1·22, 1·55) for T2DM, 1·27, 95 % CI (1·09, 1·49) for CHD, 1·17, 95 % CI (1·02, 1·34) for stroke, 1·15, 95 % CI (1·11, 1·19) for all-cause mortality and 1·08, 95 % CI (1·02, 1·14) for heart failure. In addition, red/processed meat intake was associated with several other health-related outcomes. Red and processed meat consumption seems to be more harmful than beneficial to human health in this umbrella review. It is necessary to take the impacts of red/processed meat consumption on non-cancer-related outcomes into consideration when developing new dietary guidelines, which will be of great public health importance. However, more additional randomised controlled trials are warranted to clarify the causality.

High Diet Quality Is Linked to Low Risk of Abdominal Obesity among the Elderly Women in China

How diet as a whole impacts the risk of general overweight and abdominal obesity among the Chinese elderly is unclear. The present study aimed to examine the association of overall diet quality with general overweight and abdominal obesity in the Chinese elderly. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 1993 to 2015, an ongoing cohort study, we selected participants aged 60 and older who were not generally overweight, but who had abdominal obesity at baseline and who had participated in at least two waves of the survey as subjects. The China Elderly Dietary Guidelines Index (CDGI-E) was used, based on the critical diet-related recommendations of the 2016 Chinese Dietary Guideline (CDG-2016), to assess overall diet quality. Consecutive 3 d, 24 h recalls and household weighing for seasonings and edible oils were used to collect dietary data and calculate the CDGI-E scores. Three-level (community-individual-wave) random intercept logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of diet quality on the risk of general overweight and abdominal obesity in the elderly. The results showed that the older women in the top sixtiles of the CDGI-E scores had a 38% reduction —0.62, 95% CI (0.41, 0.92)—in the risk of abdominal obesity, as compared to those in the bottom sixtiles after adjusting for all potential confounders, while the null association was observed in the older men. The relationship between CDGI-E score and the risk of overweight/general obesity in the Chinese elderly has not been found. It was concluded that a high diet quality was associated with a reduced risk of abdominal obesity among elderly women in China. Our findings will help to improve the understanding of the relationship between the overall effect of diet and health. It may provide a new avenue for obesity intervention policy formulation from the aspect of improving overall dietary quality.

Unhealthy Dietary Patterns Increased Risks of Incident Obesity: A Prospective Cohort Study in Southwest China

PURPOSE

Few studies have explored the associations between diet patterns and incident obesity in China. This study aimed to explore associations between dietary patterns and incident obesity in a prospective community-population cohort in Southwest China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Totally, 5742 adult residents from Guizhou province were eligible for this analysis. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle, history of chronic diseases, and dietary patterns measured by hundred-item food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were collected at the baseline study. Four dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Cox proportional hazard models stratified by physical activity were used to explore the association and estimate adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Among 5742 subjects, the average age was 45.06 ± 15.21 years old and more than half were women. During the follow-up of 40,524.15 person years (PYs), the overall incidence rate of obesity was 10.54/1000PYs. After the adjustment for possible confounding factors, subjects with the third (aHR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14-2.00) and the fourth quartile (aHR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.10-1.94) of junk food patterns had statistically increased risk of incident obesity compared to those with the first quartile. Also, subjects with the third quartile of the western pattern had significantly higher risk of incident obesity (aHR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01-1.75) than those with the first quartile.

CONCLUSION

There was a high risk in incident obesity among Chinese community population of Southwest China and unhealthy diet significantly increased risk of developing obesity. The findings indicated that effective and targeted measures to improve dietary patterns need to be undertaken urgently in Southwest China.