Genotype-specific weight loss treatment advice: how close are we?

Does Obesity Affect Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Adaptations after a 3-Month Combined Exercise Program in Untrained Premenopausal Middle-Aged Women?

Previous studies indicated different acute adaptations between obese and lean individuals, while there is limited information with conflicting results regarding long-term adaptations. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a 3-month integrated combined training between obese and lean middle-aged untrained premenopausal women. In total, 72 women (36 obese/36 lean) were divided into four groups: (a) obese exercise (OB-EG), (b) obese control (OB-CG), (c) lean exercise (L-EG), and (d) lean control (L-CG). The exercise groups followed a 3-month (3 times/week) integrated combined aerobic and strength training program. Health indices (body composition, body circumferences, blood pressure, respiratory function), functional capacity (flexibility, balance), and physical fitness (strength, aerobic capacity) were measured before and after the 3-month time period. Participants' enjoyment was also assessed following the program. OB-EG and L-EG significantly improved (p < 0.05) similarly across all functional capacity and physical fitness indices (10-76%; depending on the evaluation index), except balance and strength indices of the non-preferred limb where OB-EG showed greater improvement (reducing the existing pre-training strength/balance asymmetries) than L-EG. Furthermore, both obese and lean individuals showed similarly high levels of enjoyment. This program could be effectively used in fitness settings causing similar neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations in obese and lean women.

The Influence of the Differentiation of Genes Encoding Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Their Coactivators on Nutrient and Energy Metabolism

Genetic components may play an important role in the regulation of nutrient and energy metabolism. In the presence of specific genetic variants, metabolic dysregulation may occur, especially in relation to the processes of digestion, assimilation, and the physiological utilization of nutrients supplied to the body, as well as the regulation of various metabolic pathways and the balance of metabolic changes, which may consequently affect the effectiveness of applied reduction diets and weight loss after training. There are many well-documented studies showing that the presence of certain polymorphic variants in some genes can be associated with specific changes in nutrient and energy metabolism, and consequently, with more or less desirable effects of applied caloric reduction and/or exercise intervention. This systematic review focused on the role of genes encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and their coactivators in nutrient and energy metabolism. The literature review prepared showed that there is a link between the presence of specific alleles described at different polymorphic points in PPAR genes and various human body characteristics that are crucial for the efficacy of nutritional and/or exercise interventions. Genetic analysis can be a valuable element that complements the work of a dietitian or trainer, allowing for the planning of a personalized diet or training that makes the best use of the innate metabolic characteristics of the person who is the subject of their interventions.

Uncoupling protein-2 45-base pair insertion/deletion polymorphism: is there an association with severe obesity and weight loss in morbidly obese subjects?

BACKGROUND

Uncoupling proteins are attractive candidate genes for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our aim was to investigate the potential association of the uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) 45-bp insertion/deletion (ins/del) polymorphism with obesity, as well as the potential effect of this polymorphism on weight loss variability in severely obese subjects.

METHODS

A total of 158 severely obese subjects (94 without and 64 with metabolic syndrome) and 91 age and sex-matched lean controls were recruited. A subgroup of 124 obese patients participated in a 3-month weight loss program. Anthropometric and metabolic variables were measured. Participants were genotyped for the UCP2 ins/del polymorphism.

RESULTS

Allelic frequency differed neither between obese subjects and controls (P=0.56), nor between obese subjects with versus without metabolic syndrome (P=0.58). At 3 months, metabolically healthy subjects carrying the insertion allele had significantly greater reduction in body mass index (P=0.029) and fat-free mass (P=0.013) and a borderline significant improvement in the homeostatic model assessment index (P=0.048).

CONCLUSION

There is no association of the UCP2 ins/del polymorphism with morbid obesity in our population, but this genotype appears to be linked with a favorable response to dietary changes in metabolically healthy obese subjects.

PPARG genotype accounts for part of individual variation in body weight reduction in response to calorie restriction

Several studies indicate that expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene is influenced by calorie restriction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PPARG gene variations are associated with weight reduction and changes in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in response to a 14-week calorie restriction. In total, 95 middle-aged, Japanese women (BMI>or=25 kg/m2) enrolled as subjects for 14 weeks and attended weekly dietary lectures instructing them on how to consume a nutritionally balanced diet of 1,200 kcal/day. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PPARG gene (rs1801282 (Pro/Ala), rs2292101, rs2959272, rs1386835, rs709158, rs1175540, rs1175544, and rs1797912) were analyzed. Body weight decreased significantly (-7.7+/-3.1 kg; -11.3+/-4.4%) during the intervention. Six PPARG SNPs (rs2959272, rs1386835, rs709158, rs1175540, rs1175544, and rs1797912) were significantly associated with the weight reduction, with rs1175544 having the strongest association (P=0.004). No differences across the rs1175544 genotypes were observed in any of the blood analyses or in blood pressure. In a multiple regression analysis, the rs1175544 genotypes accounted for 7% of the total weight reduction variance. These data suggest that one SNP of the PPARG genotype accounted for a significant portion of the total body weight reduction variance in response to a short-term intervention consisting of calorie restriction; however, no relationship was found between these SNPs and the changes in CHD risk factors which accompanied weight loss.

No effect of the Trp64Arg variant of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene on weight loss by diet and exercise intervention among Japanese adults

Controversy remains as to whether the presence of the tryptophan-to-arginine (Trp64Arg) variant of the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor gene impedes the magnitude of body weight loss by diet and exercise intervention. The objectives of the present study were to compare the changes in body weight between carriers and noncarriers of the Trp64Arg variant before and after 6 months of diet and exercise interventions for weight loss. A total of 37 middle-aged Japanese individuals (12 carriers and 25 noncarriers of the Trp64Arg variant) participated in the study. There were no significant differences in body weight between the 2 groups at the baseline. There were significant reductions in body weight both in carriers and noncarriers, but no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to changes in these variables. The weight changes were -2.52 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.56 to -1.48) among carriers and -1.89 kg (95% CI, -2.65 to -1.13) among noncarriers, and the change in the variant carrier group minus the change in the variant noncarrier group was -0.47 (95% CI, -1.97 to 1.02). These results suggest that the presence of the Trp64Arg variant of the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor gene may not play a major role as a hindrance to weight reduction.

Impact of body weight, diet and lifestyle on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is part of the broader spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, strongly associated with insulin resistance, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Its increasing prevalence appears to be closely related to the increased frequency of overweight or obesity; which is associated with changes in dietary habits, including an increased consumption of hypercaloric food and saturated fat, often concurrent with decreased activity and energy expenditure. Weight loss through dieting and increasing energy expenditure through the practice of regular exercise has been shown to be effective in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and is considered the mainstay of treatment. The effectiveness of these lifestyle interventions seems to rely chiefly on an improvement in insulin sensitivity. At present, disease management using a multidisciplinary team is probably pivotal for patient-centered quality of care.