Metabolic Health in Relation to Body Size: Changes in Prevalence over Time between 1997-99 and 2008-11 in Germany

Associations between individual depressive symptoms and immunometabolic characteristics in major depression

Inflammation and metabolic dysregulations are likely to underlie atypical, energy-related depressive symptoms such as appetite and sleep alterations. Indeed, increased appetite was previously identified as a core symptom of an immunometabolic subtype of depression. The aim of this study was 1) to replicate the associations between individual depressive symptoms and immunometabolic markers, 2) to extend previous findings with additional markers, and 3) to evaluate the relative contribution of these markers to depressive symptoms. We analyzed data from 266 persons with major depressive disorder (MDD) in the last 12 months from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults and its mental health module. Diagnosis of MDD and individual depressive symptoms were determined by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Associations were analyzed using multivariable regression models, adjusting for depression severity, sociodemographic/behavioral variables, and medication use. Increased appetite was associated with higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), insulin, and lower high-density lipoprotein. In contrast, decreased appetite was associated with lower BMI, WC, and fewer metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. Insomnia was associated with higher BMI, WC, number of MetS components, triglycerides, insulin, and lower albumin, while hypersomnia was associated with higher insulin. Suicidal ideation was associated with higher number of MetS components, glucose, and insulin. None of the symptoms were associated with C-reactive protein after adjustment. Appetite alterations and insomnia were most important symptoms associated with metabolic markers. Longitudinal studies should investigate whether the candidate symptoms identified here are predicted by or predict the development of metabolic pathology in MDD.

Association of dietary phytochemical index with metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity phenotype among Iranian women: A cross-sectional study

Background

Phytochemicals have been recently studied as adjuvants for the treatment of obesity. No study has investigated the association of phytochemical-rich foods with metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity phenotype (MUOW/O). This study aimed to determine the association of dietary phytochemical index (DPI) with MUOW/O based on Karelis criteria among Iranian female adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 228 overweight and obese women aged 18–48 years were included. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated for all participants. A validated 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used for dietary assessment. DPI was calculated as [dietary energy derived from phytochemical-rich foods (kcal)/total daily energy intake (kcal)] × 100. Participants’ body composition and biochemical parameters of Karelis criteria [triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were determined.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 36.69 ± 9.20, and the mean DPI score was 26.23 ± 9.48 among participants with MUOW/O phenotype. After controlling for potential confounders, women in the highest tertile of DPI had lower odds for MUOW/O phenotype [odds ratio (OR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07–0.68, P = 0.008] compared to the lowest tertile. Among the components of Karelis criteria, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly associated with MUOW/O phenotype in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10–0.79, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

We found a significant association between DPI and MUOW/O phenotype in Iranian women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Sports activity patterns and cardio-metabolic health over time among adults in Germany: Results of a nationwide 12-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Physical activity is favorable for health, and vigorous sports activity is particularly beneficial. This study investigates the association between changes in sports participation patterns over time and cardio-metabolic and self-perceived health outcomes.

METHODS

Data from 3752 adults (18-79 years of age) who participated in 2 national health interview and examination surveys in 1997-1999 and 2008-2011 were included, with a mean follow-up time of about 12 years. A change in self-reported sports activity was analyzed with respect to the incidence of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and poor self-perceived health. Participants with pre-existing disease or risk factor of interest at baseline were excluded from the analysis. Being sufficiently active in sports was specified as doing sports for at least 1-2 h per week, and 4 activity categories were defined: 1) inactive at both time points (inactive-inactive), 2) inactive at baseline and active at follow-up (inactive-active), 3) active at baseline and inactive at follow-up (active-inactive), and 4) active at both time points (active-active). Associations between sports activity engagement and health outcomes were estimated by logistic regression models with different stages of adjustments.

RESULTS

Not engaging in any regular sports activity at both time points (inactive-inactive) was associated with higher rates of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.08-3.08), CHD (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.16-2.84), hypertension (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.03-1.81), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.08-2.32), and poor self-perceived health (OR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.83-3.53) compared to doing regular sports for a minimum of 1-2 h per week over time (active-active). In case of change from inactivity to any regular sports activity (inactive-active), the rate of risk factor occurrence was not statistically different from the active-active reference group except for poor self-perceived health, but it was higher for type 2 diabetes (OR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.12-4.14) and CHD (OR = 1.77, 95%CI: 1.03-3.03). Being active at baseline but inactive at follow-up (active-inactive) was not associated with higher disease incidence of type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.25-1.97) or CHD (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 0.49-2.99), but was associated with higher rates of hypertension (OR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.11-2.34), obesity (OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.53-3.57), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.70, 95%CI: 1.11-2.63), and poor self-perceived health (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.53-3.07) at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Even a low weekly quantity (1-2 h) of regular sports activity is partly associated with health benefits. Being formerly but not currently active was not associated with an increased disease incidence, but was associated with a higher risk-factor development compared to the reference group (active-active). Becoming active was preventive for risk-factor development but was not preventive for disease incidence, which probably means that the health benefits from sports activity are not sustainable and disease incidence is only shifted to a later period in life. For this reason, the promotion of and commitment to regular sports activity should be addressed as early as possible over the lifespan to achieve the best health benefits.

Simvastatin add-on to escitalopram in patients with comorbid obesity and major depression (SIMCODE): study protocol of a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity are both common disorders associated with significant burden of disease worldwide. Importantly, MDD and obesity often co-occur, with each disorder increasing the risk for developing the other by about 50%-60%. Statins are among the most prescribed medications with well-established safety and efficacy. Statins are recommended in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, which has been linked to both MDD and obesity. Moreover, statins are promising candidates to treat MDD because a meta-analysis of pilot randomised controlled trials has found antidepressive effects of statins as adjunct therapy to antidepressants. However, no study so far has tested the antidepressive potential of statins in patients with MDD and comorbid obesity. Importantly, this is a difficult-to-treat population that often exhibits a chronic course of MDD and is more likely to be treatment resistant. Thus, in this confirmatory randomised controlled trial, we will determine whether add-on simvastatin to standard antidepressant medication with escitalopram is more efficacious than add-on placebo over 12 weeks in 160 patients with MDD and comorbid obesity.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind multicentre trial with parallel-group design (phase II). One hundred and sixty patients with MDD and comorbid obesity will be randomised 1:1 to simvastatin or placebo as add-on to standard antidepressant medication with escitalopram. The primary outcome is change in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes include MADRS response (defined as 50% MADRS score reduction from baseline), MADRS remission (defined as MADRS score <10), mean change in patients' self-reported Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and mean change in high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol from baseline to week 12.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of the federal state of Berlin (Ethik-Kommission des Landes Berlin, reference: 19/0226-EK 11) and by the relevant federal authority (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM), reference: 4043387). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at (inter)national conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT04301271, DRKS00021119, EudraCT 2018-002947-27.

Beta-Cell Function, Self-rated Health, and Lifestyle Habits in 64-Year-Old Swedish Women with Metabolically Healthy Obesity Phenotype

Background

A subset of obese individuals do not present metabolic abnormalities that commonly define the metabolic syndrome (MetS). This is referred to as a metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of the MHO phenotype and its relationship with beta cell dysfunction by measuring C-peptide and proinsulin, anthropometric-, metabolic- and lipid appearance, as well as lifestyle behaviors and self-rated health in a cohort of 64-year-old Swedish women.

Methods

The National Cholesterol Education Program definition was used to assess MetS. We defined normal weight as body mass index (BMI) 18.5–24.9 kg/m² and obesity as BMI ≥30 kg/m² to categorize participants as metabolically healthy normal weight, MHO, and metabolically unhealthy obese.

Results

The MHO phenotype represented 36.3% of obese participants and 16.3% of total participants. The MHO group were at greater risk of having proinsulin levels >11 pmol/L, indicating impaired beta cell function. Further, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, fasting plasma levels of insulin, and C-peptide showed significant trends, with the MHO phenotype group having intermediate levels among three groups. Health behaviors such as leisure time physical activity and alcohol intake were also intermediate in individuals with the MHO phenotype.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrate that over a third of the obese women in our sample were MHO. Further, women with the MHO phenotype showed intermediate profiles considering beta cell function and insulin resistance, as well as metabolic variables, and tended to rate their general health as worse than otherwise similar individuals of normal weight.

The long-term outcome of childhood nephrotic syndrome in Germany: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcomes of children with nephrotic syndrome have not been well described in the literature.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study data analysis of n = 43 patients with steroid-sensitive (SSNS) and n = 7 patients with steroid-resistant (SRNS) nephrotic syndrome were retrospectively collected; patients were clinically examined at a follow-up visit (FUV), on average 30 years after onset, there was the longest follow-up period to date.

RESULTS

The mean age at FUV was 33.6 years (14.4-50.8 years, n = 41). The mean age of patients with SSNS at onset was 4.7 years (median 3.8 years (1.2-14.5 years), the mean number of relapses was 5.8 (0 to 29 relapses). Seven patients (16.3%) had no relapses. Eleven patients were "frequent relapsers" (25.6%) and four patients still had relapses beyond the age of 18 years. Except of cataracts and arterial hypertension, there were no negative long-term outcomes and only one patient was using immunosuppressant therapy at FUV. 55% of patients suffered from allergies and 47.5% had hypercholesterolemia. Two patients suffered a heart attack in adulthood. A younger age at onset (< 4 years) was a risk factor for frequent relapses. An early relapse (within 6 months after onset) was a risk factor and a low birth weight was not a significant risk factor for a complicated NS course. The mean age of patients with SRNS at onset was 4.6 ± 4.4 years and 27.5 ± 9.9 years at FUV. Three patients received kidney transplantations.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive long-term prognosis of SSNS can reduce the concern of parents about the probability of the child developing a chronic renal disease during the clinical course after onset.

Metabolic Health in Severely Obese Subjects: A Descriptive Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) subjects among morbidly obese subjects is poorly described.

AIM

To describe the prevalence of metabolically healthy subjects in a group of morbidly obese referred for bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional study, 1209 subjects (825 women/384 men) mean body mass index (BMI) of 45.6 (range: 35-72.6) kg/m² and mean age of 42.9 (range: 18-72) years were included. Metabolically unhealthy obese subjects had at least two metabolic risk factors: systolic blood pressure >130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >85 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication, diagnosed diabetes with a HbA1c >6.5% (>48 mmol/mol) or use of antidiabetic medication, high plasma triglycerides or low plasma high-density lipoprotein, or use of lipid-lowering medication. MHO subjects had one or no metabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

Thirty-four percent (413/1209) were characterized as MHO subjects. The MHO stage was characterized by female sex, younger age, and lower neck and waist circumferences. The odds ratio of metabolic unhealthy was 1.12 (1.07-1.17, P < 0.001) and 1.02 (1.01-1.04, P < 0002) for every 1 cm increase in neck and waist circumferences, respectively, and 0.94 (0.91-0.97, P < 0.001) for every 1 U increase in BMI and 1.04 (1.03-1.05, P < 0.001) for every 1 year increase in age.

CONCLUSIONS

Among severely obese subjects, 34% were classified as having a metabolically healthy state, which was more likely to occur in females, younger individuals and was associated with a lower neck and waist circumferences, younger age, and higher BMI. Whether a group of MHO subjects will remain healthy lifelong is unknown.

Physical health-related quality of life in relation to metabolic health and obesity among men and women in Germany

Background

This study examined sex-specific differences in physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across subgroups of metabolic health and obesity. We specifically asked whether (1) obesity is related to lower HRQoL independent of metabolic health status and potential confounders, and (2) whether associations are similar in men and women.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey 2008–11. Physical HRQoL was measured using the Short Form-36 version 2 physical component summary (PCS) score. Based on harmonized ATPIII criteria for the definition of the metabolic health and a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² to define obesity, individuals were classified as metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy non-obese (MUNO), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Sex-specific analyses including multivariable linear regression analyses were based on PCS as the dependent variable, metabolic health and obesity category as the independent variable with three categories and MHNO as the reference, and age, education, lifestyle and comorbidities as confounders.

Results

This study included 6860 participants (3298 men, 3562 women). Compared to MHNO, all other metabolic health and obesity categories had significantly lower PCS in both sexes. As reflected by the beta coefficients [95% confidence interval] from bivariable linear regression models, a significant inverse association with PCS was strongest for MUO (men: −7.0 [−8.2; −5.8]; women: −9.0 [−10.2; −7.9]), intermediate for MUNO (men: −4.2 [−5.3; −3.1]; women: −5.6 [−6.8; −4.4]) and least pronounced for MHO (men: −2.2 [−3.6; −0.8]; women −3.9 [−5.4; −2.5]). Differences in relation to MHNO remained statistically significant for all groups after adjusting for confounders, but decreased in particular for MUNO (men:–1.3 [−2.3; −0.3]; women: −1.5 [−2.7; −0.3].

Conclusions

Obesity was significantly related to lower physical HRQoL, independent of metabolic health status. Potential confounders including age, educational status, health-related behaviors, and comorbidities explained parts of the inverse relationship. Associations were evident in both sexes and consistently more pronounced among women than men.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12955-017-0688-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.