Prevalence of Obesity in India and Its Neurological Implications: A Multifactor Analysis of a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Effect of low vs high dietary-advanced glycation end products on insulin-sensitivity and inflammatory- markers among overweight/obese Asian-Indian adults-A randomised controlled trial

The present study investigated the effect of low vs high-dietary-Advanced Glycation End products-based diets on oral disposition index-(DIo)-a marker of islet β-cell function and cardiometabolic risks factors in 38-overweight and obese Asian Indian-adults (aged 25-45 years with body-mass-index (BMI) ≥23kg/m2) through 12-week isocaloric crossover feeding trial. Biochemical-measures included-glucose tolerance test (GTT), Insulin assay (0,30 and 120 min), lipid-profile, serum-adiponectin, serum-AGE and serum-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-(TBARS) assessed both at baseline and end of each intervention. Generalised linear models showed that low-dAGE diet significantly improved in oral disposition index [Least Square Mean (SE), +0.3 (0.1); p = 0.03] compared to high-dAGE diet. The low-dAGE diet also showed a significant reduction in 30-minutes plasmapost-glucose-challenge-value:(-8.1[3.8] (mg/dl) vs 3.8 [3.8] (mg/dl); p = 0.01), serum-AGEs-(-3.2 [0.2] (μg/ml) vs -0.8 [0.2] (μg/ml); p = <0.0001) compared to high-dAGE diet. In summary, low-dAGE diets exhibited improvement in the insulin-sensitivity and reduction in the inflammatory levels compared to high-dAGE diets. Hence, study first time in India revealed that low dAGE diets could be a potential strategy to reduce diabetes risk.

Overview of the therapeutic efficacy of marine fish oil in managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders

In the present scenario, obesity is a challenging health problem and its prevalence along with comorbidities are on the rise around the world. Ingestion of fish becomes trendy in daily meals. Recent research has shown that marine fish oil (FO) (found in tuna, sardines, and mackerel) may offer an alternative method for reducing obesity and problems associated with it. Marine FO rich in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) and long-chain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-6 PUFA) plays an important role in reducing abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome and has a variety of disease-fighting properties, including cardioprotective activity, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory activity. Studies in rodents and humans have indicated that LC n-3 PUFA potentially elicit a number of effects which might be useful for reducing obesity, including suppression of appetite, improvements in circulation, enhanced fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and reduced fat deposition. This review discusses the interplay between inflammation and obesity, and their subsequent regulation via the beneficial role of marine FO, suggesting an alternative dietary strategy to ameliorate obesity and obesity-associated chronic diseases.

Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff in a low and middle-income country: A cross-sectional digital survey-based study

AIM

To assess the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among the nursing staff and educate them on prevention.

BACKGROUND

Nursing staff is integral to the Indian community healthcare systems. Recent studies report a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Indian nursing staff. Therefore, data on the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff are crucial for education on prevention.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional digital survey-based study.

METHOD

We invited 4435 nursing staff to attend our online survey. We used a customized questionnaire for data collection, including a digitized version of the Community-Based Assessment Checklist form. A score of >4 was considered high risk and warranted screening.

RESULT

Among 682 nursing staff who attended, 70% had never undergone screening for non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors was significantly higher in male nursing staff. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that age, tobacco and alcohol use, increased waist circumference, physical inactivity and family history of non-communicable diseases were significant risk factors among nursing staff.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that the nursing staff have suboptimal self-health concerns on non-communicable diseases. This situation warrants continued medical education, awareness campaigns on adopting a healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center, comparative study evaluating Phaseolean® safety and efficacy in overweight/obese participants

Scope

Phaseolean®, a standardized water extract of Phaseolus vulgaris or white kidney bean, exhibits α-amylase inhibitory property, which decreases calorie absorption by preventing or delaying carbohydrate digestion, thus supporting weight management. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center comparative study (Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2023/02/049440, Registered on: February 03, 2023) evaluated the safety and efficacy of Phaseolean® in weight management in overweight or obese participants upon regular intake at two different doses compared with placebo.

Method

Sixty-six participants were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups, considering the inclusion & exclusion criteria. Each group was assigned a specific daily dosage for three meals: Phaseolean® 1500 mg/day (500 mg per meal), Phaseolean® 3000 mg/day (1000 mg per meal), or placebo 1500 mg/day (500 mg per meal), administered thrice a day before meals for 45 consecutive days. Body weight; body mass index (BMI); skinfold fat thickness; waist, hip, and thigh circumferences; and blood biochemical parameters were monitored and analyzed to evaluate the effects of these interventions.

Results and conclusions

Of the 66 enrolled participants, 62 completed the study. Treatment with Phaseolean® 1500 mg/day reduced the weight by an average of 2.10 kg (0.33 kg/week), while that with 3000 mg/day was 1.94 kg (0.30 kg/week); 0.13 kg weight loss (0.02 kg/week) was observed in the placebo group after 45 days, showing significant differences between the Phaseolean® and placebo groups (p < 0.01). BMI, body fat, skinfold fat thickness, and the waist, hip, and thigh circumference were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) in both Phaseolean® groups compared with those in the placebo group, which showed no significant changes.No adverse effects were observed during the clinical trial period. Phaseolean® 1500 mg/day dose was more effective in weight reduction than the 3000 mg/day higher dose. Therefore, Phaseolean® can be used to support healthy weight management.

Key Players in the Complex Pathophysiology of Obesity: A Cross-Talk Between the Obesogenic Genes and Unraveling the Metabolic Pathway of Action of Capsaicin and Orange Peel

Obesity is a widespread prevailing health concern with multifactorial causes. Among the various defined molecular targets associated with obesity, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin play crucial roles in fundamental processes including energy balance, adipose tissue biology, and metabolic health, making them particularly significant in the study of obesity.Capsaicin and orange peel exhibit promising anti-obesity properties through their thermogenic, metabolic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Potential pathways for therapeutic approaches in the management of obesity are provided by these targets. The lipid-lowering and anti-obesity benefits of specific plant species have been highlighted in Asian medicine. Due to the potential anti-obesity qualities, capsaicin, which is derived from chilli peppers, and orange peel extract has been focused in this review. Capsaicin causes apoptosis in preadipocytes and adipocytes and suppresses adipogenesis. Citrus fruits are a significant source of bioactive substances, primarily flavonoids. Due to their ability to reduce adipocyte development and cellular lipid content, citrus polyphenols are helpful in the control of obesity. This extensive analysis offers insights into new treatment approaches for the prevention and management of obesity and metabolic syndrome by examining the interactions of molecular variables in obesity as well as the possible anti-obesity advantages of capsaicin and orange peel extract.

The Role of Neck Circumference as a Screening Tool for Obesity in Female Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Western Maharashtra

INTRODUCTION

The rising prevalence of obesity has become a global public health crisis. Traditional screening tools like body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have limitations, prompting the need for simpler, more effective alternatives. Neck circumference (NC) has emerged as a promising tool due to its simplicity, affordability, and reliability. The study aimed to evaluate neck circumference as a screening tool for obesity among female adults, alongside measuring BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), WC, and NC, and establishing NC cut-off values using body fat percentage as the gold standard. Additionally, it sought to compare the predictive accuracy of these measures for assessing obesity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study, conducted from March 2023 to October 2023, involved 362 female students from a health sciences university in Western Maharashtra, India. The participants provided informed consent and underwent anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage, and neck circumference. Body fat percentage, measured using a bioimpedance analyzer, served as the reference standard.

RESULTS

The study identified a neck circumference (NC) cut-off of 31.3 cm using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, showing robust sensitivity (71.23%) and specificity (79.02%) for detecting obesity defined by body fat percentage. Waist circumference (WC) showed the highest sensitivity (73.97%) for diagnosing obesity in females, followed by NC (71.23%).

CONCLUSION

Neck circumference is a practical, cost-effective, and reliable screening tool for obesity, offering advantages over traditional methods. Its noninvasive nature and ease of measurement make it suitable for large-scale screening, contributing to the early detection and management of obesity-related health risks. This study supports the inclusion of NC in routine clinical assessments and public health initiatives.

Childhood Obesity and Its Comorbidities in High-Risk Minority Populations: Prevalence, Prevention and Lifestyle Intervention Guidelines

The prevalence of childhood obesity and its associated comorbidities is a growing global health problem that disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and minority ethnicities in high-income countries (HICs). The increased childhood obesity disparities among populations reflect two concerns: one is HICs' ineffective intervention approaches in terms of lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity in minority populations, and the second is the virtually non-existent lifestyle obesity interventions in LMICs. This article provides guidelines on childhood obesity and its comorbidities in high-risk minority populations based on understanding the prevalence and effectiveness of preventative lifestyle interventions. First, we highlight how inadequate obesity screening by body mass index (BMI) can be resolved by using objective adiposity fat percentage measurements alongside anthropometric and physiological components, including lean tissue and bone density. National healthcare childhood obesity prevention initiatives should embed obesity cut-off points for minority ethnicities, especially Asian and South Asian ethnicities within UK and USA populations, whose obesity-related metabolic risks are often underestimated. Secondly, lifestyle interventions are underutilised in children and adolescents with obesity and its comorbidities, especially in minority ethnicity population groups. The overwhelming evidence on lifestyle interventions involving children with obesity comorbidities from ethnic minority populations shows that personalised physical activity and nutrition interventions are successful in reversing obesity and its secondary cardiometabolic disease risks, including those related to cardiorespiratory capacity, blood pressure and glucose/insulin levels. Interventions combining cultural contextualisation and better engagement with families are the most effective in high-risk paediatric minority populations but are non-uniform amongst different minority communities. A sustained preventative health impact can be achieved through the involvement of the community, with stakeholders comprising healthcare professionals, nutritionists, exercise science specialists and policy makers. Our guidelines for obesity assessment and primary and secondary prevention of childhood obesity and associated comorbidities in minority populations are fundamental to reducing global and local health disparities and improving quality of life.

Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and its Relationship with Obesity among Young Adults: A Cross-sectional Study from Delhi, India

Smartphone addiction (SA) has emerged as an important health concern worldwide. Recent studies have recognized SA as one of the factors that promote sedentarism and can contribute to obesity. However, the relationship between SA and obesity among Indian young adults remains understudied. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of SA and explore its association with general and central obesity among young adults in Delhi, India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 young adults (aged 18-30 years) of either sex (60.16% females) from Delhi. Screening for SA was done using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version. Somatometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference) were taken to determine general and central obesity. SA was prevalent among 25.2% of the participants. The prevalence of SA was higher among males and undergraduate students than among females and postgraduate/MPhil/PhD students, respectively. Further, SA was not associated with any of the obesity variables. Interestingly, smartphone addicts were found to have a 2.5-fold increased risk of being underweight. Though SA was not associated with obesity, it was found to be associated with being underweight, indicating a relationship between smartphone use and nutritional status among young adults.

Do Serum Nesfatin-1 Levels have A Predictive Role in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Microvascular Complications? A Case-Control Study

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with macrovascular and microvascular complications. Nesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide that develops from a more substantial intermediate compound known as nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2). Nesfatin-1 is known to play a role in regulating various physiological processes related to appetite, energy balance, and body weight. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the serum levels of nesfatin-1 in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in comparison to healthy subjects and to assess the association of serum nesfatin-1 levels with the occurrence of diabetic microvascular complications in those patients. Methods This matched case-control study was conducted on 90 subjects 40-80 years old, with normal hepatic, cardiac, and respiratory functions, and 60 of them had T2DM. The included participants were divided into two groups: group 1, which was the control group and included 30 healthy subjects, and group 2, which included 60 subjects with T2DM. Group 2 was subdivided according to the presence or absence of microvascular complications into group 2a, which included 30 patients having T2DM with no microvascular complications, and group 2b, which included 30 patients having T2DM with one or more microvascular complications. Results T2DM patients had significantly lower serum nesfatin-1 levels (5.07±1.78 versus 9.05±2.1 mmol/L, <0.001) compared to healthy controls. Also, T2DM patients with microvascular complications had lower serum nesfatin-1 levels (4.32±1.72 versus 5.83±1.51 mmol/L, <0.001) compared to T2DM patients without microvascular complications. Serum nesfatin-1 level at a cutoff value of <8.09 mmol/L can be a marker for the detection of diabetes mellitus (DM) with the area under the curve (AUC) of 94.3%, 95% sensitivity, 74.3% specificity, 77.9% positive predictive value (PPV), and 65.7% negative predictive value (NPV), and at a cutoff value of <5.87 mmol/L can be a marker for the detection of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus at AUC of 75.5%, 76.7% sensitivity, 67.3% specificity, 77.1% PPV, and 62.9% NPV. Conclusions Serum Nesfatin-1 may play a potential protective role in diabetes mellitus (DM) and its microvascular complications, as it decreases in individuals with diabetes and those with diabetic microvascular complications compared to controls. Additionally, serum Nesfatin-1 levels may have predictive value for the early detection of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, diabetic microvascular complications, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) at cut-off values of < 8.09 (mmol/L), < 5.87 (mmol/L), and < 5.46 (mmol/L), respectively. Therefore, targeted Nesfatin-1 drug therapy may be tried to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by microvascular complications of diabetes.

Socio-demographic and Nutritional Factors Associated with Obesity amongst Adults from High Burden Kidney Diseases Areas of Jigawa State, Nigeria: A Community-based Survey

Background

Obesity is a preventable public health problem associated with a significantly increased risk of non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to find the socio-demographic and nutritional factors associated with obesity amongst adults from high-burden kidney disease areas of Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the socio-demographic and nutritional factors associated with obesity among 361 adults from four local government areas (LGAs) of Jigawa state identified to have a high burden of kidney diseases. The Modified WHO STEPS questionnaire and multi-stage sampling technique were employed, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0.

Results

The minimum age of the respondents was 18, and the maximum was 102 with a median of 45 (interquartile range = 30-80) years. The prevalence of obesity and overweight in the high-burden LGAs of Jigawa state was 33.0% and 27.1% respectively. Hadejia LGA had the highest (68.1%) prevalence of obesity. The prevalence of overweight was higher in Jahun LGA (38.9%). About one-third (38.2%) had a waist circumference (WC) greater than 88cm. Up to half of the female respondents had a waist-hip ratio (WHR) greater than 0.85. For male respondents, many (74.3%) had a WHR of greater than 0.9, and obesity was significantly higher (39.8%, P s< 0.001) among those ≥40 years of age. Obesity was significantly higher (39.8%,P < 0.001) among those ≥40 years of age, known diabetic, (57.1%, P=0.02), and rare consumption of vegetables, (45.8%, P<0.001).The odds of developing obesity were significantly higher among those who were known diabetics and were 3 times more likely to be obese than those who were not known to be diabetics (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.1, 95% CI = [1.1-8.9].

Conclusions

The prevalence of obesity was high in the areas with high burdens of kidney disease. The government and relevant stakeholders should develop a cost-effective prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment model.

Exploring effects of Simvastatin on coagulation mediators to alleviate the advancement of high cholesterol diet triggered neurodegeneration

The objectives of our study were to investigate the possible effect of Simvastatin in ameliorating high cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced neurodegeneration and to also investigate its possible action on coagulation mediators. In silico and in vitro studies were performed to evaluate the impact of Simvastatin on prime coagulation mediators. HCD was used to induce neuropathology in wistar rats and histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of Simvastatin in preventing the advancement of neurodegeneration in obese rats. Biochemical analyses were used to estimate changes in lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory and coagulation markers. Simvastatin showed good theoretical affinity to coagulation proteins, significantly reversed changes in inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers which were induced by HCD. Enhanced fibrinolytic activity of Simvastatin was revealed through in vitro analysis. Immunohistoanalysis showed raised level of Nrf2. Histopathological studies also supported neuroprotective potential of Simvastatin in HCD fed rats. Simvastatin demonstrated reduced hypercoagulation, enhanced fibrinolysis and reversed neurodegeneration in HCD exposed rats suggesting its potential role in preventing the progression of neurodegeneration in obesity.

Neck Circumference is Associated with General and Central Obesity in Young Indian Adults

Background

Obesity has been a major concern due to its increasing prevalence and associated metabolic complications. Body mass index (BMI) assesses general obesity, but it does not distinguish between muscle and fat accumulations, so using only BMI can lead to an erroneous result. Waist circumference (WC), a marker of central obesity, predicted mortality risk better than BMI. However, WC can be affected by abdominal distension, is time-consuming, and may not be culture-sensitive. Neck circumference (NC) is devoid of these disadvantages and is believed to be an index of upper body fat distribution. This study aimed to assess the association of neck circumference with general and central obesity and to identify the cut-off points for evaluating obesity in young adults using NC.

Material and Methods

Height, weight, waist, and hip circumference were measured to determine BMI and waist-hip ratio. NC was measured at the level of the mid-cervical spine and mid-anterior neck in a standing position with the arms hanging freely. For males with a laryngeal prominence, NC was measured just below the prominence.

Results

In total, 357 (170 male and 187 female) young, healthy Indian adults aged 18-25 participated. Neck circumference (NC) is significantly associated with BMI and WC in both genders. We found the best cut-off for male and female participants to be ≥34 cm and ≥30.5 cm, with a sensitivity of 88.3% and 84.4% for assessing obesity.

Conclusion

NC may be a better alternative to BMI and WC as a marker to assess obesity since it is more practical, simple, inexpensive, time-saving, and less invasive.

Obesity and Its Association with Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood Pressure and Hypercholesterolemia in the Malaysian Adult Population: A National Cross-Sectional Study Using NHMS Data

This study aimed to report the prevalence of obesity, classified using Asian cut-off, and its relationships with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and hypercholesteremia. We analyzed the nationally representative data from 14,025 Malaysian adults who participated in the NHMS 2015. The relationship between obesity and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and hypercholesteremia was determined using multivariable logistic regressions, and lifestyle risk factors and sociodemographic characteristics were adjusted. The undiagnosed high blood pressure group showed the highest proportionate of overweight/obese (80.0%, 95% CI: 78.1-81.8) and central obesity (61.8%, 95% CI: 59.3-64.2). Inverse association was observed between underweight with undiagnosed high blood pressure (aOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.26-0.61) and hypercholesterolemia (aOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59-0.95) groups. In contrast, positive relationships were shown between overweight/obese and risk of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (aOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.31-2.07), high blood pressure (aOR: 3.08, 95% CI: 2.60-3.63), and hypercholesterolemia (aOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.22-1.53). Likewise, central obesity was positively associated with a risk of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (aOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.17-1.67), high blood pressure (aOR: 2.83, 95% CI: 2.45-3.26), and hypercholesterolemia (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.12-1.42). Our findings indicated the importance of periodical health examinations to assess the risk of non-communicable diseases among the general and abdominal obese Malaysian adults.

Obesity in South and Southeast Asia-A new consensus on care and management

Obesity is a chronic disease in which the abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat leads to impaired health and increased risk of mortality and chronic health complications. Prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly in South and Southeast Asia, with potentially serious consequences for local economies, healthcare systems, and quality of life. Our group of obesity specialists from Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam undertook to develop consensus recommendations for management and care of adults and children with obesity in South and Southeast Asia. To this end, we identified and researched 12 clinical questions related to obesity. These questions address the optimal approaches for identifying and staging obesity, treatment (lifestyle, behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical options) and maintenance of reduced weight, as well as issues related to weight stigma and patient engagement in the clinical setting. We achieved consensus on 42 clinical recommendations that address these questions. An algorithm describing obesity care is presented, keyed to the various consensus recommendations.

Evaluating the effect and user satisfaction of an adapted and translated mobile health application ASTHMAXcel© among adults with asthma in Pune, India

OBJECTIVE

ASTHMAXcel^© is a mobile application previously shown to improve asthma knowledge, control, and quality of life. In this study, we translated the application to Marathi for pilot testing in Pune, India in order to evaluate its impact on user satisfaction and asthma knowledge among adult asthma patients.

METHODS

ASTHMAXcel^© was adapted to Marathi with the help of asthma patients and clinicians from Bharati Hospital. 57 different asthma patients were then recruited and received the Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (AKQ), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini-AQLQ) to complete at baseline. Study participants then completed the adapted ASTHMAXcel^© application. Post-intervention, participants filled out a post-AKQ and Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction (QUIS). A subset of participants was also interviewed for qualitative feedback. Paired t-tests and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Mean AKQ improved from 5.0+/-2.4 to 12.4+/-1.6 (p = 0.0001). QUIS results revealed that participants were highly satisfied with the application, scoring an average of 50 out of 54 maximum points. Better baseline asthma control was correlated with greater overall experience with the application (-0.110, p = 0.0417). Finally, the qualitative feedback revealed four themes for future refinement.

CONCLUSION

The adapted version of ASTHMAXcel^© was linked to significant improvement in patient asthma knowledge and a high level of user satisfaction. These results support the potential utility of mHealth applications in promoting guideline-based asthma care in India. However, further studies are needed to establish a causal relationship between ASTHMAXcel^© and improved clinical outcomes.

Effectiveness of Nurse-led Lifestyle Modification Intervention on Obesity Among Young Women in India

Background

Obesity management in young women necessitates interventions that include dietary modification and physical exercise. High-intensity lifestyle modification is effective in managing obesity in young women.

Objectives

The study determined the effectiveness of a nurse-led lifestyle modification intervention (NLLMI) on obesity among young women in India.

Methods

The study adopted a quasi-experimental pre- and post-interventional control group research design. The study was conducted among obese young women in the communities of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The participants were selected using convenient sampling technique. The sample included 150 women in the study group and 150 in the control group. The NLLMI comprising of exercises and dietary modifications were taught to the participants for 30 min three times a week for 24 weeks. Thereafter, they were encouraged to follow the diet and perform the exercises on their own for the next 12 weeks. Practice diary was maintained by the participants and they were encouraged to continue the intervention through the phone. The participants in the control group did not engage in the NLLMI until the post-test. However, they did receive the same NLLMI after the trial was over.

Results

There was a high statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) between the study group and the control group the after 12th and 24th weeks of NLLMI. The study group had a significant reduction in BMI after the intervention.

Conclusions

Young obese women may benefit from a NLLMI if they regularly follow the healthy eating habits and physical exercise.

A Clinical Encounter With Pickwickian Syndrome

The clinical syndrome described in the literature as "Pickwickian syndrome" is characterized by a combination of sleep-disordered breathing, obesity, and daytime hypercapnia; the condition is also known as obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). This syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion after every other possible etiology is ruled out. Patients can present both with an exacerbation of or a chronic state of progressive dyspnea. In this report, we describe the case of a 62-year-old morbidly obese female with a BMI of 42 Kg/m², who presented with progressively worsening breathlessness. An arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis revealed severe hypoxia with hypercarbia. A sleep study [polysomnography (PSG)] of the patient was performed, which revealed an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 58.2, and the patient was diagnosed as having OHS after all other possible cardiorespiratory etiologies were ruled out. The patient was promptly managed with non-invasive ventilatory (NIV) support along with supportive management and was prescribed overnight NIV and subsequently discharged in stable condition.

Thirty Obesity Myths, Misunderstandings, and/or Oversimplifications: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) 2022

Background

This Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) is intended to provide clinicians an overview of 30 common obesity myths, misunderstandings, and/or oversimplifications.

Methods

The scientific support for this CPS is based upon published citations, clinical perspectives of OMA authors, and peer review by the Obesity Medicine Association leadership.

Results

This CPS discusses 30 common obesity myths, misunderstandings, and/or oversimplifications, utilizing referenced scientific publications such as the integrative use of other published OMA CPSs to help explain the applicable physiology/pathophysiology.

Conclusions

This Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) on 30 common obesity myths, misunderstandings, and/or oversimplifications is one of a series of OMA CPSs designed to assist clinicians in the care of patients with the disease of obesity. Knowledge of the underlying science may assist the obesity medicine clinician improve the care of patients with obesity.

Future of Metabolic Endoscopy

Obesity has been escalating as one of the worst public health epidemics. Conservative therapies including lifestyle modifications and weight loss medications have limited efficacy and long-term sustainability. Bariatric surgeries, although effective, remain underutilized due to their cost, safety concerns, and patient acceptance. In the past two decades, endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMTs) have emerged as safe, effective, and less invasive options for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities, with recent studies reporting favorable outcomes in terms of weight loss and metabolic parameters. This article reviews the major and newly developed EBMTs, with emphasis on their metabolic effects and potential use in the management of metabolic conditions.