Percent body fat is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk factors than body mass index

Cyclic yoga improves anthropometric indices, musculoskeletal disorders, and blood pressure in middle-aged women

BACKGROUND

The new and therapeutic style of cyclic yoga, which is the art of aligning asana, pranayama, and yoga mudra techniques, can be used as a non-invasive style to improve or prevent some musculoskeletal disorders. For this purpose, this study was designed to investigate a selected course of cyclic yoga practice on some anthropometric indicators, musculoskeletal disorders, and blood pressure in middle-aged women.

METHODS

ː Forty-two middle-aged women were assigned either to cyclic yoga (n = 21, 53.76 ± 4.073 years) or the control group (n = 21, 53.57 ± 4.781 years). The cyclic yoga group received yoga intervention for 10 weeks, three sessions per week, and 50-90 min per session. MANCOVA test was used for inter-group comparison, and variance with repeated measures was used for intra-group measurement.

RESULTS

A 10-week of yoga training decreased weight, hip circumference, body mass index, percentage of body fat, waist-to-height ratio, round shoulder, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, a significant increase in the percentage muscle mass variable was reported in the cyclic yoga group. There was also a difference between the two cyclic yoga and control groups in the post-test in the waist-to-height ratio, round shoulder, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure variables.

CONCLUSIONS

ː The results suggest that cyclic yoga exercises, as an effective therapeutic alternative, low-cost, and accessible lead to the improvement of the round shoulder, hyperkyphosis, hyperlordosis, some anthropometric indices, and blood pressure.

Association between normal weight obesity and comorbidities and events of cardiovascular diseases among adults in South China

BACKGROUND

The increased risks for cardiovascular comorbidities and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in populations with normal weight obesity (NWO) have not been well-identified. We aimed to study their associations in an adult population in South China.

METHODS

Based on the CVD prevalence of 4% in Shenzhen and a calculated sample size of 6,000, a cross-sectional study with a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was conducted in Shenzhen City. The cardiovascular comorbidities being studied were abdominal obesity (AO), diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease, while the CVD events were occurrences of myocardial infarction and strokes. Questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and laboratory tests were performed. NWO was defined as a condition with the highest tertile of body fat percentage (BF%) among the normal body mass index (BMI) range (18.5-23.9 kg/m2). Continuous data were reported as mean [standard deviation (SD)] and categorical data as percentages (%). CVD comorbidities and CVD events and their detection rates in different groups were compared using ANONA analysis and Chi-squared test. Spearman's correlation coefficients between BF% and cardiometabolic abnormalities were calculated by partial correlation analysis. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BF%, CVD comorbidities, and CVD events, adjusted for multiple confounders.

RESULTS

Among the total 6,240 subjects who completed the study and had BMI and BF% data available, 3,086 had normal BMI. The prevalence of NWO was 16.36%, with 13.15% for men and 19.54% for women. With confounders adjusted, the risks of AO (OR = 6.05, 95%CI = 3.40-10.75), essential hypertension (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.09-2.22), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.49-2.29), and metabolic syndrome (OR = 4.61, 95%CI = 2.32-9.18) were significantly increased in the populations with NWO compared with the population without NWO (P < 0.05). BF% was not significantly associated with the risk of CVD events in the total (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 0.83-2.93), male (OR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.44-2.30), and female populations (OR = 2.53, 95%CI = 0.91-7.06).

CONCLUSION

NWO was found to be positively associated with CVD comorbidities but not with CVD events. The current study provides a ground to conduct further studies on whether body fat affects the risk of occurrence of CVD events and the underlying mechanisms in the future.

Association between lifetime endogenous estrogen exposure and body composition metrics in postmenopausal women: findings from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BACKGROUND

The role of endogenous estrogen exposure (EEE) in shaping body composition and its implications for cardiometabolic health remain understudied despite its potential significance. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between EEE and body composition indices among postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), including 960 women aged over 40 years. EEE was calculated based on reproductive events, and participants were categorized into tertiles. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed using standardized protocols. Linear regression models were employed to evaluate associations, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

It was revealed significant differences in body composition indices across EEE tertiles, with increasing EEE associated with decreased fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and fat-free mass. Moreover, women with higher EEE exhibited lower anthropometric and body composition measurements compared to those with lower EEE, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Specifically, for each year of increasing EEE, fat mass decreased by 0.12 kg, skeletal muscle mass by 0.04 kg, fat-free mass by 0.07 kg, and fat mass ratio decreased by 0.003. Comparing tertiles, women with the highest EEE demonstrated significantly lower anthropometric and body composition measurements compared to those with the lowest EEE.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest a link between EEE and favorable changes in body composition, highlighting the importance of considering reproductive history in health assessment.

Association between life's simple 7 (LS7) and arthritis: the mediating role of body fat percentage (BFP)

BACKGROUND

Life's Simple 7 (LS7), developed by the American Heart Association, addresses seven key health behaviors and relationship factors. Although LS7 has been studied in relation to various chronic diseases, its association with arthritis remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the association between LS7 and arthritis, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of body fat percentage (BFP).

METHODS

Data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including 16,332 adult participants, were analyzed. The connection between LS7 and arthritis was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, and subgroup analysis. Mediation analysis assessed the role of BFP in this relationship. Additionally, ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of the model, and the Boruta algorithm identified the influential factors associated with arthritis.

RESULTS

After adjusting for relevant covariables, each standard deviation increase in LS7 was linked to a 13% lower likelihood of arthritis [OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.89]. Participants in the highest LS7 tertile (T3) exhibited a 50% reduced likelihood of developing arthritis compared to those in the lowest tertile (T1) [OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.60]. Mediation analysis confirmed that BFP significantly mediated the LS7-arthritis relationship. Furthermore, the Boruta algorithm identified LS7 and BFP as key variables associated with arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Elevated LS7 scores were associated with a lower likelihood of arthritis, with BFP serving as a mediating factor. Improving LS7 scores and managing body fat may help prevent arthritis. Due to the study's cross-sectional design, causality cannot be confirmed. Future research should use longitudinal studies to verify these findings and target high-risk groups.

Effects of the dyadic FirstStep2Health intervention on parents' behaviour and anthropometric outcomes: a secondary analysis of a cluster randomised trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the preliminary efficacy of the FirstStep2Health versus usual care control on improving parents' lifestyle behaviours (moderate to vigorous physical activity, screen time, fruit/vegetable and fibre intake, skin carotenoids), nutrition and physical activity knowledge, self-efficacy, support, parenting style, feeding practices, home environment, anthropometric outcomes (body mass index, % body fat) and blood pressure from baseline to postintervention after adjusting for random cluster effects.

DESIGN

A cluster randomised controlled trial with 10 Head Start daycare centres (five intervention, five control) was conducted using computer-generated randomisation after baseline data collection.

SETTING

US Head Start daycare centres.

PARTICIPANTS

95 parent-child dyads (53 intervention, 42 control).

INTERVENTIONS

The 16-week, dyadic, FirstStep2Health intervention included: (1) a daycare-based child programme on healthy mindful eating and physical activity, (2) child letters to parents to connect school learning with home practice, (3) social media-based parent programme to assist parents to promote healthy eating and physical activity at home, (4) virtual group parent meetings via Zoom on topics related to healthy eating and physical activity and (5) weekly motivational messages to increase parental motivation to build a healthy home environment.

RESULTS

Mixed-effect models were used to examine intervention effects, adjusting for baseline outcome and cluster effects at the daycare and classroom levels. Intervention parents engaged in more moderate to vigorous physical activity (B=0.49, p=0.874) postintervention than controls, although not significantly. However, intervention parents showed significantly higher nutrition knowledge (B=0.87, p=0.009), physical activity knowledge (B=0.95, p=0.049), nutrition self-efficacy (B=0.74, p=0.025) and physical activity self-efficacy (B=0.86, p=0.013) compared with controls at postintervention. Fibre intake was also significantly higher (B=2.99, p=0.049), and intervention parents had lower % body fat (B=-2.56, p=0.005) and systolic blood pressure (B=-10.98, p=0.005) postintervention. No significant effects were found for fruits/vegetables intake, parental support for healthy behaviours, home physical activity environment or authoritative parenting style.

CONCLUSIONS

Future endeavours to proactively engage parents in a dyadic childhood obesity prevention approach such as the FirstStep2Health intervention are warranted to improve outcomes among both children and parents.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04164277.

Normative Values and Anthropometric Prediction Models for Lean Mass and Fat Mass in the Northeastern Thai Population

Background: Data on reference values for lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) in the Southeast Asian populations are currently lacking. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the normative values and generate anthropometric prediction models for LM and FM in the Thai population. Methods: Consecutive community-dwelling individuals aged 20-90 years were recruited from Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand, between 2010 and 2015. LM and FM were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Age and sex stratified percentile of LM and FM were presented. Anthropometric prediction models for LM and FM were developed by using linear regression to generate competing models. Results: A total of 832 individuals (334 males and 498 females) were included in the study. The mean ± SD age, LM, and FM were 50.0 ± 16.2 years, 38.9 ± 8.0 kg, and 15.5 ± 7.7 kg, respectively. LM decreased with age from 49.4 kg in 20-29 years group to 42.3 kg in ≥70 years group in male and 34.6 kg in 30-39 years group to 30.8 kg in ≥70 years group in females. FM has an inverse U-shaped association with age, which peaked at 11.9 kg in 60-69 years group in males and 20.7 kg in 50-59 years group in females. Among the various anthropometric models, the models incorporating age, sex, weight, and height were considered the best fit for predicting both LM and FM. Conclusion: In the Thai population, peak LM was reached during early adulthood and decline with age, whereas FM showed an inverse U-shaped association with age. The prediction models incorporating age, sex, weight, and height were proposed as practical tools for assessing LM and FM in clinical practice.

Development and validation of a new anthropometric equation to predict fat mass percentage in a heterogeneous Caucasian population

OBJECTIVE

(1) To develop a new regression equation for estimating fat mass percentage (%FM) from anthropometric measurements in a heterogeneous Caucasian population and (2) to compare it with the Durnin and Womersley equation, which is one of the most used anthropometric equations for FM assessment.

DESIGN

Body mass, stature and four skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular and supracrestal) were assessed by an accredited anthropometrist, according to the International Society for Advancement in Kinanthropometry. Participants completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole-body scan to determine their %FM. A new anthropometric equation to estimate %FM was developed using multiple forward regression analyses with DXA as the reference method. Tests for the accuracy of the different equations included mean differences, coefficient of determination, SE of the estimate (SEE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman plots.

SETTING

Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred and eighteen healthy Caucasian participants aged 18-65 years participated in this cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

Our proposed equation explained 89·9 % of the variance in the DXA-derived %FM, with a low random error (SEE = 3·00 %), a very strong agreement (CCC = 0·93), no fixed or proportional bias and a relatively low individual variability (5·84 %). However, the Durnin and Womersley equations obtained a fixed bias of -3·65 % when compared with DXA and a greater individual variability (6·74 %).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed equation can accurately estimate %FM in a heterogeneous Caucasian population with a wide age range (18-65 years). Additionally, the Durnin and Womersley equation was inadequate when applied to our participants.

Body composition estimates from bioelectrical impedance and its association with cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

 Screening for traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease is well known in primary healthcare (PHC) settings. However, other risk factors through newer tools (such as bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA]) could also be predictors of increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Body composition estimates (body fat percentage, body water percentage, body lean mass) by BIA and its association to CVR have been studied with variable results.

AIM

 This study assesses the body composition estimates and their association with CVR in the South African PHC setting.

METHODS

 A retrospective record analysis was conducted on a cohort of de-identified patients utilising the ABBY® Health Check Machine at a PHC facility in South Africa between May 2020 and August 2022. The ABBY Machine estimates body fat percentage (BF%) and body water percentage (BW%) estimates from BIA. Cardiovascular risk based on the Framingham-risk-score was stratified into high, medium and low CVR. An analysis of variance was used to determine mean differences of BF% and BW% among these groups.

RESULTS

 A total of 4008 records (n = 4008) were used in the final analysis. The majority of patients were female (70.1%) with a mean age of 33.6 years. Higher mean BF% (35.75% vs. 31.10% vs. 27.73%; p  0.0001) and lower mean BW% (49.46% vs. 53.15% vs. 56.18%; p = 0000) were found to be significantly associated with high CVR.

LESSONS LEARNT

 This study demonstrated the use of newer technologies that could assist in the identification of CVR in low resource PHC settings.

A Saudi Heart Association Position Statement on Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

Objectives

The obesity pandemic is a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with significant impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD). This position statement aims to provide an overview of available evidence as well as the recommendations of the Saudi Heart Association on the management of obesity associated with CVD.

Methods

Under the auspices of the Saudi Heart Association, a multidisciplinary expert panel comprised of cardiologists and endocrinologists discussed available evidence and provided recommendations on the management of obesity in CVD. The expert panel discussions occurred between September of 2023 and May of 2024 and also took into consideration local expertise in addition to published data in the management of obesity and CVD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Results and conclusions

The expert panel explored studies on obesity and its implication on CVD assessment modalities, while also examining the efficacy and cardiovascular safety of available interventions for weight reduction. The association between obesity and CVD is undeniable. The treatment of obesity, be it through lifestyle changes, pharmacological therapy or surgery, is an effective strategy for both weight loss as well as the primary and secondary prevention of CVD. The Saudi Heart Association position statement thus provides guidance and recommendations for the management of obesity/overweight and CVD in Saudi Arabia. This position statement is expected to contribute towards obesity and CVD prevention efforts in Saudi Arabia by promoting adequate and time-appropriate treatment of these conditions.

Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance Analyser (BIA) with Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Scan in Assessing the Body Composition of Adult Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction

Assessing the body composition is important in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to prevent and achieve optimum control during treatment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), being a more affordable method of assessing the body composition, should therefore be compared with the gold standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to look for a correlation between the two and the potential of BIA to be used widely in this population. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 60 patients attending the endocrinology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care centre in Kolkata, India.

Methods

Body composition was measured by both BIA and DXA. Intra-class correlation (ICC) values were calculated between the two methods for fat mass and fat-free mass for three body mass index (BMI) groups and overall.

Results

DXA and BIA correlated well for both fat mass and fat-free mass in the entire study population and in the non-overweight non-obese group (BMI <23) and the obese group (BMI ≥25). However, the overweight group (23 ≥BMI <25) did not correlate well with the above-mentioned parameters.

Conclusion

We suggest interchangeable use of the two methods in the non-overweight non-obese (BM I <23) and obese (BMI ≥25) BMI groups of adult subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the low correlation for all parameters in the overweight group points towards exercising caution when taking such measurements by BIA and planning a further study with a larger cohort of such individuals to better evaluate the said correlation.

New Body Mass Index Cut-Off Point for Obesity Diagnosis in Young Thai Adults

Obesity is a global health threat affecting people of all ages, especially young adults. Early diagnosis of obesity allows for effective treatments and the prevention of its consequences. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity in Thai young adults, evaluate the extent to which BMI values indicate excess adiposity, and identify the most appropriate BMI diagnostic cut-point based on body fat percentage. The study included 186 young adults aged 20 to 35 years. The diagnosis of obesity using body mass index (BMI) was compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived body fat percentage, considered the gold standard. The appropriate BMI cut-point was established using ROC curve analysis and the Youden index. Obesity was more common in women and in urban areas. BMI and body fat were significantly correlated; however, there was a high rate of false-negative obesity diagnosis based on the conventional BMI cut-off, a condition known as normal weight obesity (NWO). The newly proposed BMI cut-off points that best correlated with body fat and corrected false negatives were 22.1 kg/m2 for men and 22.5 kg/m2 for women. These new BMI cut-points should be applied together with clinical evaluations for obesity assessment in this particularly high-risk group.

Sleep, Diet Quality, and Lipid Profile Assessment in NCAA Division I Acrobatics and Tumbling Student-Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T), an emerging National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sport, involves athletes with rigorous training backgrounds, usually extending from youth through early adulthood. This study examines the sleep health, diet quality, and lipid profile of A&T athletes clustered by their performance position.

METHODS

Forty-two A&T athletes, clustered as tops (n = 19; age = 19.6 ± 1.0 years; body mass index [BMI] = 22.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2) and bases (n = 23; age = 19.6 ± 1.3 years; BMI = 25.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2), completed preseason sleep and diet quality (Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Shortened [REAP-S]) surveys. Fasting blood samples were collected for lipid analysis. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Most athletes (71.4%; base n = 14, top n = 16) reported insufficient sleep (≤7 hours) and "good" sleep quality (90.4%, n = 38; base n = 18, top n = 20). Average REAP-S score was 29.24 ± 3.74. Approximately 31% (n = 13) displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration according to medical guidelines for normal levels (total cholesterol [TC] < 200 mg/dL, triglycerides [TG] < 150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] > 40 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] < 130 mg/dL). Approximately 20% exhibited elevated TC (top n = 4, base n = 4), 12.5% had elevated TG (base n = 5), 2.5% showed low HDL-C (base n = 1), and 10% presented elevated LDL-C (top n = 2, base n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Most athletes experienced suboptimal sleep (≤7 hours/night) and 31% displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration (elevated TC, TG, or LDL-C or reduced HDL-C). Tailoring interventions with sports dietitians is recommended, focused on increasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intake while reducing saturated fat consumption. These interventions could mitigate cardiovascular risks, improve recovery, and possibly enhance athletic performance.

Waist-to-height ratio and body fat percentage as risk factors for ischemic cardiovascular disease: a prospective cohort study from UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

The independent effect of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body fat percentage (BF%) on ischemic cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the independent associations of WHtR and BF% with ischemic CVD.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study used data from the UK Biobank. BF% was calculated as fat mass divided by body weight, measured by bioimpedance. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall and sex-specific associations of BF% and WHtR with risks of ischemic CVD and its main subtypes [myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke (IS)], adjusted for a range of potential confounders, including mutual adjustment for BF% and WHtR.

RESULTS

In total, 468,333 participants without existing CVD were included in the analysis. During 12 y of follow-up, 20,151 ischemic CVD events, 13,604 MIs, and 6681 ISs were recorded. WHtR was linearly associated with ischemic CVD, MI, and IS, with an HR per 5% increase of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.20, 1.25), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.21, 1.27), and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.26), respectively, independent of BF%. A stronger association between WHtR and MI was seen in females than in males. The association of BF% with these outcomes was substantially attenuated in both sexes after adjustment for WHtR. For example, in females, the HR (highest compared with lowest fifth) was reduced from 1.94 (95% CI: 1.76, 2.15) to 1.04 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.01) for ischemic CVD, from 2.04 (95% CI: 1.79, 2.32) to 0.97 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.16) for MI, and from 1.81 (95% CI: 1.54, 2.13) to 1.07 (95% CI: 0.85, 1.33) for IS.

CONCLUSIONS

WHtR, when used as a proxy measure for central obesity, is linearly associated with ischemic CVD in both sexes, which is independent of BF%. In contrast, the relationship of BF% with these health outcomes is predominantly driven by its correlation with WHtR.

Machine learning-based comparison of factors influencing estimated glomerular filtration rate in Chinese women with or without non-alcoholic fatty liver

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) has increased recently. Subjects with NAFLD are known to have higher chance for renal function impairment. Many past studies used traditional multiple linear regression (MLR) to identify risk factors for decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, medical research is increasingly relying on emerging machine learning (Mach-L) methods. The present study enrolled healthy women to identify factors affecting eGFR in subjects with and without NAFLD (NAFLD+, NAFLD-) and to rank their importance.

AIM

To uses three different Mach-L methods to identify key impact factors for eGFR in healthy women with and without NAFLD.

METHODS

A total of 65535 healthy female study participants were enrolled from the Taiwan MJ cohort, accounting for 32 independent variables including demographic, biochemistry and lifestyle parameters (independent variables), while eGFR was used as the dependent variable. Aside from MLR, three Mach-L methods were applied, including stochastic gradient boosting, eXtreme gradient boosting and elastic net. Errors of estimation were used to define method accuracy, where smaller degree of error indicated better model performance.

RESULTS

Income, albumin, eGFR, High density lipoprotein-Cholesterol, phosphorus, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and sleep time were all lower in the NAFLD+ group, while other factors were all significantly higher except for smoking area. Mach-L had lower estimation errors, thus outperforming MLR. In Model 1, age, uric acid (UA), FEV1, plasma calcium level (Ca), plasma albumin level (Alb) and T-bilirubin were the most important factors in the NAFLD+ group, as opposed to age, UA, FEV1, Alb, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and Ca for the NAFLD- group. Given the importance percentage was much higher than the 2nd important factor, we built Model 2 by removing age.

CONCLUSION

The eGFR were lower in the NAFLD+ group compared to the NAFLD- group, with age being was the most important impact factor in both groups of healthy Chinese women, followed by LDH, UA, FEV1 and Alb. However, for the NAFLD- group, TSH and SBP were the 5th and 6th most important factors, as opposed to Ca and BF in the NAFLD+ group.

Association between Urinary Sodium Excretion and Body Fat in School-Aged Children: Insights from the ARIA Study

Childhood obesity has been associated with increased sodium intake. Nonetheless, evidence linking sodium intake to Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Mass Percentage (%BF) remains limited, especially in the pediatric age group. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether there is an association between 24 h urinary sodium excretion with BMI and %BF in a sample group of children from the ARIA study. This cross-sectional analysis included 303 children aged 7 to 12 from across 20 public schools in Porto, Portugal. Weight and %BF were assessed using the Tanita™ BC-418 Segmental Body Analyzer. Children's Total Energy Intake (TEI) was estimated through a single 24 h Recall Questionnaire, and urinary sodium and potassium excretion was estimated by a 24 h urine collection. The association of %BF and BMI with 24 h sodium excretion was estimated by a binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, physical activity, total energy intake, parental education, and 24 h urinary excreted potassium. There was a significant positive association between higher levels of urinary sodium excretion and higher %BF values, even after adjusting for confounders. However, the same was not observed for BMI. Our findings suggest that higher sodium intake is associated with higher values of %BF among children, regardless of TEI and potassium intake.

Blood Concentration of Macro- and Microelements in Women Who Are Overweight/Obesity and Their Associations with Serum Biochemistry

Risk elements in blood matrices can affect human health status through associations with biomarkers at multiple levels. The aim of this study was to analyze 15 macro- and microelements in the blood serum of women with overweight (BMI of ≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI of ≥30 kg/m2) and to examine possible associations with biochemical, liver enzymatic parameters, and markers of oxidative stress. Based on the power calculation, the study involved women (in the postmenopausal stage) with overweight (n = 26) and obesity (n = 22), aged between 50-65 years. Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure body composition parameters. Concentrations of elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and Hg was measured using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Individuals with obesity, as indicated by a higher BMI, percentage of body fat, and visceral fat area, had elevated serum levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Sr, Pb, and Hg. Concentrations of Al, Cu, K, Sb, Zn, and Pb significantly affected biochemical and liver function markers in women with overweight or obesity. Elements such as Cu and Al were associated with increased total cholesterol. The correlation analysis between total antioxidant status and Cu, Al, and Ni confirmed associations in both groups. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing excess body weight and obesity in relation to risk elements. The results of the research could be beneficial in identifying potential targets for the treatment or prevention of comorbidities in people with obesity.