Reference Data for Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass Measured by Bioelectrical Impedance in Croatian Youth

Associations between dietary intake and physical activity, as behavioral indicators, with body fat in adolescents from Mexico

Introduction

Introduction: the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases is currently a priority due to its relationship with COVID-19 complications. Unhealthy lifestyles, like inadequate diet and physical inactivity, are the cornerstone for obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Objective: to examine the association between diet and physical activity with body fat in Mexican adolescents. Methods: the study was cross-sectional. Data included socio-demographic variables, health history and smoking habit obtained through questionnaires; blood pressure and anthropometry measurements; food and nutrient intake through 24-hour recalls; and physical activities through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Univariate analyses were used and multiple models were built by stepwise forward selection (p ≤ 0.05 and biological plausibility). Results: participants were n = 230 students, 18.5 ± 0.4 years and 54.8 % men. Three models associated with body fat were obtained. In the first model, saturated fatty acids (β = 0.30, p = 0.028) were significant positive associated, while vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated as a protective factor (β = -0.007, p = 0.023). In the second model, total fat (β = 0.17, p = 0.005) was significant positive associated, and vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated (β = -0.007, p = 0.023). The third model included fruits and vegetables (β = -5.49, p = 0.092) and vigorous physical activity (β = -0.006, p = 0.058) as protective factors. Conclusions: dietary intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids, and vigorous physical activity, were significantly associated with body fat, while fruits and vegetables trended toward significance, in Mexican adolescents. Community-based programs that promote intake of protective foods and reduction of risky foods, and encourage vigorous physical activity, are needed in adolescents.

Early life predictors of body composition trajectories from adolescence to mid-adulthood

OBJECTIVES

Guatemala has experienced rapid increases in adult obesity. We characterized body composition trajectories from adolescence to mid-adulthood and determined the predictive role of parental characteristics, early life factors, and a nutrition intervention.

METHODS

One thousand three hundred and sixty-four individuals who participated as children in a nutrition trial (1969-1977) were followed prospectively. Body composition characterized as body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass indices (FFMI), was available at four ages between 10 and 55 years. We applied latent class growth analysis to derive sex-specific body composition trajectories. We estimated associations between parental (age, height, schooling) and self-characteristics (birth order, socioeconomic status, schooling, and exposure to a nutrition supplement) with body composition trajectories.

RESULTS

In women, we identified two latent classes of FMI (low: 79.6%; high: 20.4%) and BMI (low: 73.0%; high: 27.0%), and three of FFMI (low: 20.2%; middle: 55.9%; high: 23.9%). In men, we identified two latent classes of FMI (low: 79.6%; high: 20.4%) and FFMI (low: 62.4%; high: 37.6%), and three of BMI (low: 43.1%; middle: 46.9%; high: 10.0%). Among women, self's schooling attainment inversely predicted FMI (OR [being in a high latent class]: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97), and maternal schooling positively predicted FFMI (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.39). Among men, maternal schooling, paternal age, and self's schooling attainment positively predicted FMI. Maternal schooling positively predicted FFMI, whereas maternal age and paternal schooling were inverse predictors. The nutrition intervention did not predict body composition class membership.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents' age and schooling, and self's schooling attainment are small but significant predictors of adult body composition trajectories.

Nutritional Status of Saudi Children with Celiac Disease Following the Ministry of Health’s Gluten-Free Diet Program

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of Saudi children with celiac disease (CD) who followed the Ministry of Health’s gluten-free diet (GFD) program. This study involved 66 children with CD (29 boys and 37 girls) from 5 hospitals belonging to the Ministry of Health. Socioeconomic characteristics were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were measured using a body composition analyzer. Dietary intake was assessed using three 24 h dietary records. The biochemical parameters were determined in the hospitals’ laboratories. According to the findings, the majority of respondents had ages ranging from 10 to 13 years, a father and mother with a university education, a high family income, and 5 to 7 family members. Carbohydrates and protein intake for both genders were significantly higher than the DRI’s recommended dietary intake. However, the majority of nutrients consumed were at levels significantly lower than the DRI. Both genders had normal anthropometric indices, with girls having at significantly higher indices than boys. The biochemical parameters of both genders were comparable and within the normal range, except for vitamin D, which was below the normal range. The most important factors influencing nutritional status were age for both genders, and family income and number of family members for boys. In conclusion, data obtained for nutrient intake, anthropometric indicators, body composition, and biochemical analysis indicated that CD children following the Ministry of Health GFD program have a generally good nutritional status.