Time-trend in excess weight in Brazilian adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Fourteen-year trends in overweight, general obesity, and abdominal obesity in Amazonian indigenous peoples

BACKGROUND

Available data show that the epidemiological profile of most indigenous Brazilian populations is characterized by the coexistence of long-standing health problems (high prevalence of infectious and parasitic diseases, malnutrition, and deficiency diseases, such as anemia in children and women of reproductive age), associated with new health problems, especially those related to obesity (hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia). Based on this scenario, this study analyzed the nutritional profile of the adult population of seven indigenous peoples from the Brazilian Amazon in the years 2007 and 2021.

METHODS

A total of 598 adults individuals were analyzed in 2007 (319 women and 279 men) and 924 in 2021 (483 women and 441 men), from seven indigenous peoples located in the state of Pará, who were assisted during health actions carried out in 2007 and in 2021. Body mass index classification used the World Health Organization criteria for adults: low weight, < 18.5 kg/m2; normal weight, ≥ 18.5 and < 25 kg/m2); overweight, ≥ 25 and < 30 kg/m2, and obesity, ≥ 30 kg/m2. A waist circumference (WC) < 90 cm in men and < 80 cm in women was considered normal.

RESULTS

The data revealed heterogeneous anthropometric profiles, with a low prevalence of nutritional changes in the Araweté, Arara and Parakanã peoples, and high proportions of excess weight and abdominal obesity in the Kararaô, Xikrin do Bacajá, Asurini do Xingu and Gavião peoples, similar to or even higher than the national averages.

CONCLUSION

Different stages of nutritional transition were identified in the indigenous peoples analyzed, despite apparently having been subjected to the same environmental pressures that shaped their nutritional profile in recent decades, which may indicate different genetic susceptibilities to nutritional changes. The evidence shown in this study strongly suggests the need to investigate in greater depth the genetic and environmental factors associated with the nutritional profile of Brazilian indigenous peoples, with assessment of diet, physical activity and sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables that enable the development of appropriate prevention and monitoring measures.

Modulation of the gut microbiome and Firmicutes phylum reduction by a nutraceutical blend in the obesity mouse model and overweight humans: A double-blind clinical trial

Overweight and obesity are closely linked to gut dysbiosis/dysmetabolism and disrupted De-Ritis ratio [aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio], which may contribute to chronic noncommunicable diseases onset. Concurrently, extensive research explores nutraceuticals, and health-enhancing supplements, for disease prevention or treatment. Thus, sedentary overweight volunteers were double-blind randomized into two groups: Novel Nutraceutical_(S) (without silymarin) and Novel Nutraceutical (with silymarin). Experimental formulations were orally administered twice daily over 180 consecutive days. We evaluated fecal gut microbiota, based on partial 16S rRNA sequences, biochemistry and endocrine markers, steatosis biomarker (AST/ALT ratio), and anthropometric parameters. Post-supplementation, only the Novel Nutraceutical group reduced Clostridium clostridioforme (Firmicutes), Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio), and De-Ritis ratio, while elevating Bacteroides caccae and Bacteroides uniformis (Bacteroidetes) in Brazilian sedentary overweight volunteers after 180 days. In summary, the results presented here allow us to suggest the gut microbiota as the action mechanism of the Novel Nutraceutical promoting metabolic hepatic recovery in obesity/overweight non-drug interventions.

Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality Trends in Brazil: An In-Depth Joinpoint Analysis

Background Cerebrovascular disease is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability following heart disease. In 2019, there were over 101 million people living with a stroke and 12.2 million incidents of stroke globally. For the past three decades, stroke has remained the leading cause of death in Brazil, causing over 100,000 fatalities annually, along with numerous functional impairments among those who survive. The Brazilian healthcare system has witnessed notable advancements in the last decade, including the establishment of additional hospitals and a rise in the count of healthcare professionals specializing in cardiovascular and neurological surgery. However, there exists a gap in the research landscape for continuous comprehensive studies aimed at exploring the evolving mortality rates related to cerebrovascular diseases, of which the last one included data up to 2019. This study aimed to address this gap by meticulously analyzing the trends in cerebrovascular disease mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2021, for the variables age, sex, state of residence, and geographic region. Methods This is a descriptive, ecological, and time series study. Nationwide data for annual cerebrovascular mortality from Brazil were used for the period 2000-2021. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) by direct standardization, encompassing people above 20 years of age, were calculated and expressed per 100,000 persons. Mortality trends were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis by calculating the annual percentage change (APC) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) across categories of age, sex, and state and region of residence. Results The mortality rates decreased for the sex categories over the analyzed years. The AAMR for the categories decreased as follows: males and females (95 deaths/100,000 to 52 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), males (108 deaths/100,000 to 63 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), and females (83 deaths/100,000 to 44 deaths/100,000 inhabitants). The most substantial reduction in AAMR for males occurred in the 30-39-year age group (APC: -4.10), while the smallest decline was observed in the 20-29-year age group (APC: -1.44). All five macro-regions demonstrated statistically significant and downward AAPC values in mortality rates. The south and midwest regions decreased at a stable rate, as denoted by the same APC and AAPC values (-4.05 and -3.11, respectively). The north and northeast regions exhibited an increase in AAMR, followed by a decrease (APC: 0.68 to -1.42 and 2.63 to -2.35, respectively). Conclusions Our comprehensive analysis revealed a downward trend in cerebrovascular disease mortality rates across diverse demographic groups and macro-regions. Females experienced a more substantial reduction compared to males. Despite higher mortality rates among individuals aged 50 and above, all age groups displayed a marked decrease. The continuous decline can be attributed to policy interventions aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery, increased awareness, and healthier diets and lifestyles. With regard to the macro-regions, the regions in the southern zone demonstrated a more significant decrease as compared to the northern part. In Brazil, a more significant decline in cerebrovascular disease mortality rates could be achieved through increased focus on prevention measures and efforts toward mitigating disparities and inequalities between macro-regions.

Time Trend of Overweight and Obesity in Adults from Rio Branco, Acre, Western Brazilian Amazon (2006-2020)

This study aimed to analyze overweight trend and obesity in adults from Rio Branco, Acre, Western Brazilian Amazon, from 2006 to 2020. This is a time series study, with data from Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL). To estimate annual percentage change (APC) and 95% confidence intervals, the software Jointpoint Regression Analysis v.4.6.0.0., was used. In Rio Branco, overweight prevalence ranged from 44.0% in 2006 to 58.9% in 2020, with a bigger frequency among men than that among women. Obesity prevalence has increased from 12.5% in 2006 to 21.4% in 2020, similar between both sexes. From 2006 to 2020, overweight APC was 5.2% (95% CI: 1.4; 9.1) by 2010, and decreased to 1.3% by 2020. Public policies to control obesity and its risks must be both, implemented as strengthened.