Associations between muscle mass, physical activity and dietary behaviour in adolescents

Association of ultra-processed food consumption with muscle mass among young and middle-aged US adults

INTRODUCTION

Muscle mass is vital for physical activity and fundamental physiological processes supporting long-term health. While aging is inevitable, certain modifiable factors positively influence muscle preservation and overall well-being. However, the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and muscle mass is not yet clear.

METHODS

This study included 7,173 men and nonpregnant women aged 20-59 years with valid 24-hour dietary recalls and accessible whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans from NHANES 2011-2018. UPFs were identified through the NOVA classification system, and the percentage of energy derived from UPF consumption was evaluated in quintiles. Muscle mass measures were derived from DXA scans and quantified by the total and regional muscle mass index (MMI, kg/m²) and appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI, kg/m²). Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear regression models were applied to investigate the association between consumption of UPFs and muscle mass measures overall and by sociodemographic subgroups.

RESULTS

The multivariable-adjusted differences of total MMI from the lowest to highest quintile of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.03 (95% CI, -0.13, 0.07), -0.13 (95%CI, -0.24, -0.04), -0.12 (95% CI, -0.23, -0.01), and - 0.17 (95% CI, -0.27, -0.08) (P for trend < 0.001). Subtotal MMI followed a similar magnitude of associational pattern as total MMI. For trunk MMI, corresponding values from the lowest to highest quintiles of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.02 (95% CI, -0.07, 0.02), -0.05 (95%CI, -0.11, 0.00), -0.07 (95% CI, -0.13, -0.01), and - 0.07 (95% CI, -0.12, -0.01). For AMMI, corresponding values from the lowest to highest quintiles of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.004 (95% CI, -0.07, 0.06), -0.08 (95%CI, -0.14, -0.02), -0.05 (95% CI, -0.11, 0.02), and - 0.10 (95% CI, -0.16, -0.04) (All P for trend < 0.001). While most subgroups maintained similar overall patterns, heterogeneous findings were also observed. For example, the multivariable-adjusted differences in total MMI between the lowest and highest quantile of UPF consumption were - 0.19 (95% CI, -0.32, -0.06) for non-Hispanic Whites, 0.18 (95% CI, 0.01, 0.36) for non-Hispanic Blacks, -0.25 (95%CI, -0.45, -0.04) for Hispanics, -0.25 (95% CI, -0.51, 0.05) for non-Hispanic Asians and - 0.32 (95% CI, -0.75, 0.12) for others (P for interaction < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Higher consumption of UPFs was significantly associated with lower values of total and regional muscle mass. Specifically, comparing the highest quantile of UPF consumption to the lowest, total MMI decreased by 0.93%, trunk MMI decreased by 0.76%, and AMMI decreased by 1.25%. The differences in associational patterns between UPF consumption and muscle mass across sociodemographic subgroups require further investigation.

Are physical activity and/or adherence to the Mediterranean diet determinants of the changes found in kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness in adolescents?

The practice of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) have been extensively studied for their relationship with kinanthropometric, body composition and physical fitness variables. However, no previous study has analyzed whether these healthy habits are equally determinant for the differences found in kinanthropometric, body composition and physical fitness variables or, on the contrary, if one of them is more relevant. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were: (1) to analyze the differences in kinanthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness variables between adolescents with different levels of physical activity and AMD, and (2) to determine whether physical activity and/or AMD are predictors of differences in kinanthropometric variables, body composition or physical fitness in adolescents. The sample consisted of 791 adolescents (404 males and 387 females; mean age: 14.39±1.26 year-old) whose physical activity level, AMD, kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness, were measured. The results showed differences when considering the level of physical activity in kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness, but not the level of AMD, which was relevant only when it was poor, and the adolescents were inactive. Nevertheless, the AMD did not seem to exert such a determining effect as to produce significant differences on its own. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity did act as a predictor mainly of changes in the fitness variables. Therefore, the main novelty of the present study is the establishment of an order of importance of the healthy habits acquired by adolescents, concluding that the practice of physical activity is more determinant for the differences found in the study variables.

The association between healthy beverage index and sarcopenia in Iranian older adults: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a progressive disease with age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. No study has investigated the association between healthy beverage index (HBI) and sarcopenia in older adults. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between HBI and sarcopenia in Iranian older adults.

METHODS

In the present case-control study, 80 sarcopenic and 80 non-sarcopenic participants matched in sex were included. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Handgrip strength (HGS), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and gait speed were utilized to confirm sarcopenia. Also, a food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate food intake. HBI score was calculated based on ten sub-components of the total beverages. Moreover, logistic regression was applied to assess the association between HBI and sarcopenia.

RESULTS

In the crude model, we observed no significant association between HBI and the odds of sarcopenia. Still, after adjusting the confounders, the odds of developing sarcopenia decreased significantly in the second and last tertiles (T) (T2- odds ratio (OR) = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.25 and T3- OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that HBI is inversely related to the chance of sarcopenia. Therefore, to reduce the odds of sarcopenia, it is recommended to consume healthy drinks such as fruit juices and milk.

Associations between dietary intake and physical activity, as behavioral indicators, with body fat in adolescents from Mexico

Introduction

Introduction: the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases is currently a priority due to its relationship with COVID-19 complications. Unhealthy lifestyles, like inadequate diet and physical inactivity, are the cornerstone for obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Objective: to examine the association between diet and physical activity with body fat in Mexican adolescents. Methods: the study was cross-sectional. Data included socio-demographic variables, health history and smoking habit obtained through questionnaires; blood pressure and anthropometry measurements; food and nutrient intake through 24-hour recalls; and physical activities through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Univariate analyses were used and multiple models were built by stepwise forward selection (p ≤ 0.05 and biological plausibility). Results: participants were n = 230 students, 18.5 ± 0.4 years and 54.8 % men. Three models associated with body fat were obtained. In the first model, saturated fatty acids (β = 0.30, p = 0.028) were significant positive associated, while vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated as a protective factor (β = -0.007, p = 0.023). In the second model, total fat (β = 0.17, p = 0.005) was significant positive associated, and vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated (β = -0.007, p = 0.023). The third model included fruits and vegetables (β = -5.49, p = 0.092) and vigorous physical activity (β = -0.006, p = 0.058) as protective factors. Conclusions: dietary intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids, and vigorous physical activity, were significantly associated with body fat, while fruits and vegetables trended toward significance, in Mexican adolescents. Community-based programs that promote intake of protective foods and reduction of risky foods, and encourage vigorous physical activity, are needed in adolescents.

Changes in Fat-Free Mass, Protein Intake and Habitual Physical Activity Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE

Large inter-individual variations in post-bariatric fat-free mass loss (FFML) are observed, which might relate to differences in protein intake and physical activity across patients. We performed repetitive assessments of protein intake and physical activity before and after banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, and examined its relations to FFML during 6 months of follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

FFML (bio-impedance analyses), protein intake (24-h dietary recalls) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; activPAL) were assessed in 28 patients (4 males, age 42 ± 12 years) before surgery and at 1-, 3- and 6-months post-surgery. Changes in protein intake and MVPA were evaluated with mixed model analysis, whereas associations with FFML were assessed by univariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Six-month FFML was -7.3 ± 3.6 kg. Protein intake decreased from 80 ± 29 g/day (pre-surgery) to 45 ± 26 g/day (1 month post-surgery (P < 0.001)) and did not improve thereafter (51 ± 21 g/day; P > 0.05). Seven participants (25%) consumed ≥ 60 g protein/day at 6 months post-surgery. Participants performed 7394 ± 2420 steps/day in 54 ± 20 min/day of MVPA, which did not change from pre- to post-surgery (P > 0.05). A higher step count (B = -0.002; 95%CI = [-0.004 - 0.000]; P = 0.048) and higher level of MVPA (B = -0.29; 95%CI = [-0.54 - -0.03]; P = 0.018) were related to a lower FFML.

CONCLUSION

A lower post-surgery FFML was attributable to higher MVPA levels but not protein intake. This may be due to the low total protein intake and the observation that only a minority of patients achieved a protein intake ≥ 60 g/day. Future studies should focus on interventions to increase post-bariatric protein intake and MVPA levels.

The association between healthy beverage index and sarcopenic obesity among women with overweight and obesity: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenic obesity is related to changes in body composition, loss of muscle mass, and raised adipose tissue. Beverage patterns are effective with changes in health status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and the healthy beverage index (HBI) in women with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study conducted on 210 overweight and obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) women aged 18-56 years. The measurement of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and fat mass (FM) done by bioelectric impedance analyzer (BIA) (Inbody Co., Seoul, Korea) based on guidelines. The two lowest quintiles SMM and the two highest quintiles FM and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 are considered sarcopenic obesity in women. A validated and reliable semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate the beverage dietary data. and RFS and NRFS was calculated. Biochemical assessments were quantified by standard approaches, and physical activity were evaluated by international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ).

RESULT

In this cross-sectional study, 210 overweight and obese females took part (18-56) years old). The studies were carried out using binary logistic regression. After controlling for a wide variety of confounding variables such as age, energy intake, physical activity, education, and economic status, we found a negative association between HBI and risk of SO (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.35 to 1.01, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We observed that the odds of SO was reduced by 69% in participants with higher HBI score. More well-designed studies need to confirm our findings.

The Frequency of Daily Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Is Associated with Reduced Muscle Mass Index in Adolescents

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has increased in recent years and has become a cause of concern because these beverages pose a risk to human health. Thus, we evaluated the association between SSBs consumption and muscle mass index (MMI) in adolescents. This cross-sectional study evaluated 2393 adolescents (18/19-years-old). Consumption of SSBs was analyzed based on the frequency of daily consumption and energy contribution categorized into tertiles. MMI was examined using the ratio of muscle mass (kilograms) to height (meters squared). The highest tertile of the frequency of daily SSB intake was associated with a reduced MMI in men (β = -0.31; 95%CI: -0.60, -0.01) and women (β = -0.24; 95%CI: -0.45, -0.02). However, these associations were not observed after adjusting for sugar contained in SSBs in men (β = -0.26; 95%CI: -0.69, 0.17) and for carbohydrate, lipid, and protein intake in women (β = -0.19; 95%CI: -0.42, 0.04). The highest energy contribution tertile of SSBs was associated with a reduced MMI in male adolescents (β = -0.34; 95%CI: -0.64, -0.04). This association was not observed after adjusting for intake of sugar in SSBs (β = -0.38; 95%CI: -0.75, 0.01). The frequency of daily consumption of SSBs was considered a risk factor for decreased MMI in both sexes, and the energy contribution of these drinks was a risk factor for MMI reduced only in male adolescents.

The inverse relationship between fatness and bone mineral content is mediated by the adolescent appendicular skeletal muscle mass index: The Cogni-Action Project

Background

Excess adipose tissue negatively influences bone health during childhood, affecting future bone fragility diseases such as osteoporosis. However, little is known about how adolescent appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) may mediate the relation between fatness and bone mineral content (BMC).

Methods

The sample comprised 1,296 adolescents (50% girls) aged 10-14. A principal component analysis was performed to obtain a factor made up of four fatness indicators (a) neck circumference, (b) kilograms of fat, (c) visceral fat area, and (d) waist-to-height ratio. BMC, kilograms of fat, visceral fat area, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass were obtained by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. ASMI was calculated as the appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by height squared (kg/m2). A mediation analysis was performed adjusting by age, sex, maturation, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and adolescents' body weight. We also explore differences by sex and nutritional status.

Results

The fatness factor explained 71.5% of the proportion variance. Fatness was inversely associated with the ASMI and BMC, while the ASMI was positively related to BMC. Overall, the inverse relationship between fatness and BMC was partially mediated by the adolescents' ASMI (29.7%, indirect effect: B= -0.048, 95%CI -0.077 to -0.022), being higher in girls than in boys (32.9 vs. 29.2%). Besides, the mediation effect was higher in adolescents with normal body weight than with overweight-obese (37.6 vs 23.9%, respectively).

Conclusions

This finding highlighted the relevance of promoting healthy habits to reduce fatness and improve muscle mass in adolescents. Moreover, this highlights the central role of ASMI mediating the inverse association between fatness and BMC in female and male adolescents. Public health strategies should promote bone health in childhood, reducing the incidence of early osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Associations between Spanish children's physical activity and physical fitness with lean body mass: The CALINA study

The present study investigated the associations between physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) with lean body mass (LBM) and evaluated whether PA mediates the association between PF and LBM. 279 children (150 boys) aged 7.5 ± 0.3 years participated in the study. PA was assessed by accelerometry and PF with handgrip and the standing long jump test. Total lean soft tissue mass index (TLSTMI), muscle cross-sectional area index (MCSAI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and bioimpedance analysis, respectively.Total (β = 0.247) and vigorous PA (β = 0.143) were associated with TLSTMI in girls. In boys, total (β = 0.337), light (β = 0.290), vigorous (β = 0.200), and moderate-vigorous PA (β = 0.189) were associated with TLSTMI. Total PA was associated with FFMI (β = 0.299). Handgrip strength does not mediate the relationship between total PA and TLSTMI. Positive associations were found between handgrip strength and TLSTMI, MCSAI, and FFMI in both girls and boys.In children, there is a positive association between total and vigorous PA with TLSTMI. Handgrip strength does not mediate the relationship between total PA and TLSTMI. It was associated with TLSTMI, MCSAI, and FFMI.

Musculoskeletal Changes Across the Lifespan: Nutrition and the Life-Course Approach to Prevention

Aging is characterized by the progressive decline of muscle mass and function, the so-called sarcopenia. Also bone loss is widespread among older people. Sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis are associated with several adverse outcomes including falls, risk of fractures, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. Recently, the life-course approach to prevent or delay functional decline has become very popular. Regarding musculoskeletal health, there is suggestive evidence that acting during critical or sensitive periods of life in which each person build-up its biological reserves may influence the rate of functional decline in the later stages of life. A life-course approach to musculoskeletal health should take place during early life when plasticity allows more easily the attainment of the peak of the musculoskeletal system driven by environmental stimuli. The rate of the subsequent decline will depend on the peak previously reached. Nutrition and physical exercise are important environmental factors that can influence musculoskeletal development by favoring and maintaining peak bone and muscle mass and strength. Here we provide an overview of body composition changes occurring across the lifespan and strategies based on nutrition and physical exercise to support musculoskeletal health as well as minimizing losses during older life.

Longitudinal study of risk factors for decreased cross-sectional area of psoas major and paraspinal muscle in 1849 individuals

This 10-year retrospective observational study investigated longitudinal losses in psoas major and paraspinal muscle area in 1849 healthy individuals (1690 male, 159 female) screened using computed tomography. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant decreases in psoas major and paraspinal muscle area at 10 years relative to the baseline area regardless of age or sex, starting at 30 years of age. Only aging [≥ 50 s (odds ratio [OR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–2.84; p = 0.03) and ≥ 60 s (OR: 2.67; 95% CI 1.55–4.60; p < 0.001)] was a risk factor for decreases in psoas major area. Age ≥ 60 years (OR: 2.05; 95% CI 1.24–3.39; p = 0.005), body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² (OR: 1.32; 95% CI 1.01–1.73; p = 0.04), and visceral fat ≥ 100 cm² (OR: 1.61; 95% CI 1.20–2.15; p = 0.001) were risk factors for decreases in paraspinal muscle area. Physical activity ≥ 900 kcal/week (OR: 0.68; 95% CI 0.50–0.94; p = 0.02) attenuated paraspinal muscle area loss in male. Our study demonstrated that walking > 45 min daily (Calories = METs (walking: 3.0) × duration of time (h) × weight (60 kg) × 1.05) can reduce paraspinal muscle loss, which may in turn decrease the risk of falls, low-back pain, and sarcopenia.

The longitudinal relationship between dietary intake, physical activity and muscle strength among adolescents

The longitudinal relationship between muscle strength, dietary intake and physical activity among adolescents is not well understood. We investigated the trend and longitudinal effects of dietary intakes and physical activity scores on muscle strength in adolescents. This prospective cohort study consisted of 436 adolescents (134 males; 302 females) aged 13 years at baseline (2012) who were followed up at the ages of 15 (2014) and 17 (2016) years, respectively. We measured muscle strength using a calibrated hand dynamometer, estimated dietary intake with a 7-d dietary history and physical activity scores with a validated physical activity questionnaire for older children. A generalised estimating equation was used to examine the effect of dietary intakes and physical activity on muscle strength changes. The analysis was performed separately by sex. The muscle strength for males and females had increased within the 5-year period. The dietary intakes (energy and macronutrients) also increased initially but plateaued after the age of 15 years for both sexes. Females recorded a significant declining trend in physical activity scores compared with males as they grew older. A significant positive longitudinal relationship was found between protein (β = 0·035; P = 0·016), carbohydrate intake (β = 0·002; P = 0·013) and muscle strength among males. However, no longitudinal relationship was found between dietary intake, physical activity and muscle strength among females. Higher protein and carbohydrate intake among males was associated with higher muscle strength but was not observed in females. Nutrition and physical activity focusing on strength building are required in early adolescence and need to be tailored to males and females accordingly.

Association Between Parental Socioeconomic Status and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chinese College Students: Fitness Improvement Tactics in Youths (FITYou) Project

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between parental socioeconomic status (SES) and skeletal muscle mass in Chinese college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including 2204 college freshmen was conducted in Shenyang, China. Data regarding body composition, health examinations, and a self-reported questionnaire were available from all the participants. Skeletal muscle mass assessment was completed by a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Information on parental SES (educational levels, annual income, and occupational status) was collected via questionnaires. Covariance analysis was used to adjust for the confounding effects of sex, age, ethnicity, smoking status, alcohol use, and sleep duration.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that college freshmen with higher parental SES levels generally had higher skeletal muscle mass after adjustment for confounding factors (mean [95% confidence interval]: low, 42.4 [42.0, 42.8]; middle, 42.9 [42.6, 43.3]; high, 43.7 [43.4, 44.1], p for trend < 0.001). Similar results were observed for paternal and maternal SES (p for trend < 0.001, respectively), whereas association between paternal SES and youth muscle mass became non-significant after adjusting for maternal SES (p for trend = 0.077). Results also showed positive linear trends for skeletal muscle mass and paternal or maternal educational levels and annual income (p for trend < 0.001, respectively), but not for occupational status.

Conclusion

This study found a positive association between parental SES and skeletal muscle mass in Chinese college students. Compared to the normalization of height or weight, body mass index-adjusted skeletal muscle mass is more likely to be associated with SES.

Clustering of Sedentary Behaviours, Physical Activity, and Energy-Dense Food Intake in Six-Year-Old Children: Associations with Family Socioeconomic Status

This study examined the clustering of lifestyle behaviours in children aged six years from a prospective cohort study in the Netherlands. Additionally, we analysed the associations between socioeconomic status and the lifestyle behaviour clusters that we identified. Data of 4059 children from the Generation R Study were analysed. Socioeconomic status was measured by maternal educational level and net household income. Lifestyle behaviours including screen time, physical activity, calorie-rich snack consumption and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption were measured via a parental questionnaire. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses were applied. The associations between socioeconomic status and lifestyle behaviour clusters were assessed using logistic regression models. Three lifestyle clusters were identified: “relatively healthy lifestyle” cluster (n = 1444), “high screen time and physically inactive” cluster (n = 1217), and “physically active, high snacks and sugary drinks” cluster (n = 1398). Children from high educated mothers or high-income households were more likely to be allocated to the “relatively healthy lifestyle” cluster, while children from low educated mothers or from low-income households were more likely to be allocated in the “high screen time and physically inactive” cluster. Intervention development and prevention strategies may use this information to further target programs promoting healthy behaviours of children and their families.

Thickness, cross-sectional area, and stiffness of intrinsic foot muscles affect performance in single-leg stance balance tests in healthy sedentary young females

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of thickness, cross-sectional area and stiffness of intrinsic foot muscles on performance in single-leg stance balance tasks in healthy sedentary young females. This study included a total of 40 healthy sedentary young females between the ages of 19 and 35 years. Single-leg stance balance assessments were carried out using Biodex Balance Systems (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). Performance in the single-leg stance balance tests was assessed using the overall stability index (OSI), mediolateral stability index (MLSI) and the anteroposterior stability index (APSI). Lower scores indicated better postural stability. Stiffness, thickness and cross-sectional area measurements of the abductor hallucis (AbH), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) muscles were performed using an ultrasonography device. Larger AbH and FHB muscles were correlated with higher OSI, APSI, and MLSI (r = 0.31-0.46, p < 0.05), whereas larger FDB muscle was correlated with higher OSI and MLSI (r = 0.28-0.38, p < 0.05). Higher stiffness of the AbH and FHB muscles were correlated with lower OSI, APSI, and MLSI (r = -0.32 to 0.58, p < 0.05), but stiffness of the FDB muscle was not significantly correlated with OSI, APSI, and MLSI (r = 0.03-0.22, p ˃ 0.05). These results suggest that larger AbH, FDB and FHB muscles are related to reduced performance in single-leg stance balance tests, whereas higher AbH and FHB stiffness are related to better performance in single-leg stance balance tests in healthy sedentary young females.