Obesity, change of body mass index and subsequent physical and mental health functioning: a 12-year follow-up study among ageing employees

Finding a Link between Obesity and Senescence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Cell aging is associated with changes in telomeres due to DNA damage arising from chronic inflammation in obese patients. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to find the relationship between obesity and aging or senescence.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted through PRISMA guideline, beginning with literature search within 2012-2022 in several databases (PubMed, EBSCOHost, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochrane) followed by screening process using predetermined PICO criteria. Original studies on the topic of obesity and senescence (aging), from preclinical studies to clinical research (cohort or cross-sectional studies) that were published within the last ten years. All studies were appraised using SYRCLE risk of bias tool for preclinical studies and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional and cohort studies. The data extraction on the studies' characteristic and outcome on aging or senescence were followed by quantitative analysis using MetaXL process on prevalence ratio and hazard ratio of obesity to comorbidities and mortality.

Results

Fifteen studies were enrolled. Obesity and white adipose tissue cause increased levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-senescence cytokine and macrophage whilst the aging process lowers metabolism with increased insulin resistance and linked to increased risk of obesity. Obesity occurs in 22% (95% CI 18%-26%) of elderly population with higher prevalence rate in the women population. Obesity is associated with significant increased risk of multimorbidity by 56% (OR = 1.58 [95% CI 1.48-1.96]).

Conclusion

The obesity and aging or senescence has reciprocal relationship between each other.

Association of body mass index from childhood to mid-adulthood with health-related quality of life in mid-adulthood

PURPOSE

Most studies regarding the association of obesity with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have assessed obesity at only one or two time points. We aimed to examine the associations of life course body mass index (BMI) from childhood with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in mid-adulthood.

METHODS

Data were from a cohort study of Australian children (n = 2254, mean baseline age 12.0 (2.0) years in 1985, 46.8% male). Weight and height were measured at baseline and measured or self-reported on average 20, 25, and 30 years later. Age and sex-standardised BMI-z score was calculated at each time point. Physical and mental HRQoL and health state utilities (HSUs) were measured by SF-12 and SF-6D at the last adult follow-up. Linear regression was used to examine the associations adjusting for age, sex, and childhood health status.

RESULTS

Higher BMI-z score in childhood (βadjusted - 1.39, 95% CI - 1.73 to - 1.05) and increasing BMI-z score from childhood to young adulthood (βadjusted - 1.82, 95% CI - 2.17 to - 1.46) and from young to mid-adulthood (βadjusted - 1.77, 95% CI - 2.28 to - 1.26) were associated with lower physical HRQoL in mid-adulthood. Similar results were found for mid-adulthood HSUs (βadjusted ranged - 0.006 to - 0.014, all P < 0.05). Only increasing BMI-z score from young to mid-adulthood significantly related to poorer mental HRQoL (βadjusted - 0.74, 95% CI - 1.29 to - 0.19) in mid-adulthood.

CONCLUSION

High BMI from childhood to mid-adulthood had only modest associations with HRQoL and HSUs, with effects on physical HRQoL most apparent.

Exclusive Breastfeeding for at Least Four Months Is Associated with a Lower Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Mothers and Their Children after 2-5 Years from Delivery

Introduction: Obesity is a current public health concern. Higher body weight is influenced by genetic and environmental parameters, and their interplay and is associated with a greater risk for several chronic diseases. Breastfeeding has been suggested as a preventive measure against obesity, which can further reduce long-term negative health outcomes for both women and children. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of breastfeeding on maternal and childhood overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 2515 healthy mothers and their children, aged 2−5 years, enrolled from nine different Greek rural and urban regions. Validated, standardized questionnaires were administrated that included anthropometric indices, socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and children, as well as breastfeeding practices. Results: Overall, 68% of participated women exclusively breastfed their children for at least 4 months. Mothers that exclusively breastfed showed a significantly lower prevalence of overweight and obesity after 2−5 years from delivery (p < 0.0001). Children that had exclusively been breastfed showed a significantly lower prevalence of overweight and obesity at the age of 2−5 years (p < 0.0001). Using multivariate regression analysis, exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months was associated with a two-fold lower risk for maternal and childhood overweight and obesity after 2−5 years from delivery, independent from maternal age, educational and economic status, and smoking habits (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months had a positive effect on childhood overweight and obesity, also contributing beneficially to post-natal maternal weight control. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding should be communicated to future and new mothers, while supportive actions for all mothers to initiate and continue breastfeeding their offspring should be implemented.

Weight Gain after Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Obesity following breast cancer diagnosis is associated with poor overall survival. Understanding weight trajectories will help inform breast cancer survivors at greater risk of weight gain, and those who would benefit from earlier anti-obesity interventions. We performed a retrospective chart review of women from the Breast Cancer Program Longitudinal Repository (BCPLR) at Johns Hopkins diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive Stage I-III breast cancer from 2010 to 2020. We investigated obesity (measured by body mass index [BMI]) over time, patient and tumor characteristics, as well as treatment and recurrence. We observed a significant ≥5% increase in BMI from diagnosis to most recent follow-up (p = 0.009), particularly among those who were overweight at diagnosis (p = 0.003). Additionally, among those up to 5 years since diagnosis, there was a significant association between experiencing a ≥0.1 kg/m² increase per year since diagnosis and baseline BMI status (p = 0.009). A ≥0.6 kg/m² decrease in BMI was observed for participants with obesity at diagnosis (p = 0.006). Our study highlights (i) the significant burden of obesity in women with a history of breast cancer and (ii) higher risks for increases in BMI and shifts in class of obesity among women who are overweight at diagnosis.

Effects of linear periodization of combined training on quality of life of adults with obesity: a blind randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to compare the effect of 16-weeks of combining aerobic and strength training with a linear increase or fixed intensity on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of obese adults. This single-blinded clinical trial involved adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), randomized into control (CG), fixed intensity (FG), or linear increase (LG) groups. The FG and LG performed 16 weeks of combined (aerobic + strength) training for 60 min, three times a week. The FG performed aerobic exercises between 50 and 59% of the heart rate reserve (HRres) and strength at 10–12 maximum repetitions (RM). The LG started with 40–49% of HRres and 12–14 RM and progressively increased the intensity (50–59% and 10–12 RM; 60–69% and 8–10 RM). The HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Generalized estimation equations and mean differences (∆) were used. Of the 69 participants (23 per group), 36 completed the intervention (CG = 13, FG = 9, and LG = 14). A significant difference was observed in the time of the physical function, with superiority in the training groups (CG: ∆ = 1.2 vs. FG and LG, respectively: ∆ = 10.0). The mental health component and mental health domain showed significant differences for the FG (∆ = 30.2 and ∆ = 23.1, respectively). In conclusion, the combined training improved physical functioning. Specifically, fixed-intensity training effectively enhanced mental health indicators.

Trial Registration: This study is registered at www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/ (No. RBR-3c7rt3), Date of registration: 07/02/2018.

The association of body mass index with quality of life and working ability: a Finnish population-based study

PURPOSE

The impact of obesity on quality of life (QoL) and working ability vary in different dimensions. This study investigated the association of obesity with QoL and working ability in Finnish adults. Comorbidities as associative factors were also characterised.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 4956 randomly selected adults. QoL (EUROHIS-QOL 8 total score and individual components), perceived physical and psychological working ability, and sick leave days were analysed in different body mass index (BMI) groups. Regression models were used to study the role of comorbidities as associative factors.

RESULTS

EUROHIS-QOL 8 total score was significantly lower in BMI group 25.0-29.9 kg/m² (4.01; 95% confidence interval 3.97-4.05), BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m² (3.85; 3.79-3.91), BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m² (3.75; 3.66-3.85), and BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m² (3.73; 3.46-4.00) compared to individuals with normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) BMI (4.08; 4.04-4.12). Individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²) rated their QoL lower than individuals with normal BMI in seven of the eight EUROHIS-QOL 8 components. A lesser proportion of individuals (53-73%) with obesity rated their physical working ability as very or fairly good compared to individuals with normal BMI (90%, p values < 0.001). The psychological working ability was rated as very or fairly good by 71-75% of individuals with obesity compared to 85% of individuals with normal BMI (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001 in individuals with BMI 30.0-34.9 and BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m², respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity was negatively associated with both physical and psychological components of QoL, even after accounting for obesity-related comorbidities. Obesity treatment can benefit from a holistic approach that considers these multifaceted associations.

Birthweight, lifetime obesity and physical functioning in mid-adulthood: a nationwide birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence is scant on long-term implications of childhood obesity and body mass index (BMI) gains over the life-course for poor physical functioning (PF). The objective was to establish whether (i) birthweight and BMI across the life-course, (ii) BMI gains at specific life-stages and (iii) age of obesity onset were associated with PF at 50 y.

METHODS

In the 1958 British birth cohort (n = 8674), BMI (kg/m2) was calculated using height and weight [measured (7, 11, 16, 33 and 45 y); self-reported (23 and 50 y)]. PF was assessed at 50 y using the validated PF subscale of the Short-form 36 survey; the bottom (gender-specific) 10% was classified as poor PF. Missing data were imputed via multiple imputation. Associations were examined using logistic regression, adjusting for health and social factors.

RESULTS

Birthweight was not associated with PF. At each adult age, odds of poor PF were highest for obese (vs normal), e.g. for 23 y obesity the odds ratio (OR)adjusted for poor PF was 2.28 (1.34, 3.91) and 2.67 (1.72, 4.14) in males and females respectively. BMI gains were associated with poor PF, e.g. for females, ORadjusted per standard deviation (SD) in BMI gain 16-23 y was 1.28 (1.13, 1.46); for BMI gains 45-50 y it was 1.36 (1.11, 1.65). Longer duration of obesity was associated with poor PF, e.g. in males, ORadjusted was 2.32 (1.26, 4.29) for childhood obesity onset and 1.50 (1.16, 1.96) for mid-adulthood onset (vs never obese, P-trend < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Obesity, BMI gains, and earlier obesity onset were associated with poor PF in mid-adulthood, reinforcing the importance of preventing and delaying obesity onset.

Quality of life and its relationship with different anthropometric indicators in adults with obesity

Abtract Introduction: Obesity compromises the quality of life. However, few studies have investigated the influence of different anthropometric indicators on the quality of life of this population. Objective: We aimed to correlate the physical and mental components of quality of life and verify its association with different anthropometric indicators in adults with obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in adults with obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²]. The quality of life was investigated using the SF-36 questionnaire, with scores ranging from 0 (worst-case scenario) to 100 (best scenario for the outcome). The anthropometric indicators used were BMI, waist circumference, waist/height ratio (WHR), and lean and fat body mass. For analysis, Spearman’s correlation and crude and adjusted linear regression for sociodemographic variables were used. Results: A total of 75 subjects (nfemales = 47; µage= 34.8 ± 7.1 years) were included, and their means of the physical and mental components were 64.5 ± 15.9 and 50.8 ± 21.3 points, respectively. The social functioning domain presented a strong positive correlation (r = 0.760) with the mental health domain, and eight moderate correlations (0.400 ≤ r ≥ 0.699) were found between the different domains of the questionnaire. The functional capacity domain and the physical component presented a moderate negative correlation with the WHR (r = -0.402 and r = -0.407, respectively). After adjustment, the WHR was inversely associated with the physical component (β = -1.197; p = 0.002). Conclusion: In adults with obesity, important correlations were observed between the physical and mental components of quality of life, and the waist/height ratio was the only anthropometric indicator correlated and associated with the physical component of the outcome.

Obesity moderates the benefit of retirement on health: A 21-year prospective study in the GAZEL cohort

OBJECTIVES

Self-rated health and depressive symptoms have been shown to improve upon retirement. Participants with obesity might benefit more of retirement because of the extra work-related burden they are carrying. The present study aimed to investigate whether the association between retirement and health changes may depend upon obesity in the large French GAZEL occupational cohort during 21 years of follow-up.

METHODS

17,655 men and women were included in the analyses. Self-rated health was measured on a scale from 1 to 8 with 8 being very bad. Depressive symptoms were measured at four time points by the CES-D score. Mixed models examined the association of self-rated health or depressive symptoms with time (i.e. from -10 years before to +10 years after retirement), retirement, body mass index (BMI), and their interactions.

RESULTS

Regardless of retirement, BMI was associated with poorer health. Positive BMI by time interactions showed a less favorable time course of both health indicators in the presence versus the absence of obesity (0.024 versus 0.014 and - 0.19 versus -0.07 points per year for self-rated health and depressive symptoms, respectively). However, negative BMI by retirement interactions showed that the improvement of health observed upon retirement was stronger in with the presence versus the absence of obesity (-0.4 versus -0.3 and - 2.42 versus -1.70 points for self-rated health and depressive symptoms, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Improvement upon retirement was observed in the presence of obesity and was even higher than in the presence of normal weight and overweight.