American association of clinical endocrinologists and american college of endocrinology position statement on the 2014 advanced framework for a new diagnosis of obesity as a chronic disease

Nutritional Therapy for Asian Patients at Risk for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

The burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains high worldwide, and its prevalence has increased in Asian countries over the last two decades. The increase in ASCVD may arise from complex interactions between genetic and lifestyle/environmental factors. Abnormal blood cholesterol levels, elevated blood glucose, obesity, elevated blood pressure, smoking, and family history are common risk factors of ASCVD. There is an increased burden of ASCVD in Asian countries, maybe due to rapid economic development and lifestyle changes in these countries. Nutrition is one of the major modifiable risk factors for ASCVD. Despite this, there are insufficient nutritional therapies for prevention and management of ASCVD in Asian patients. There is also a lack of relevant research in Asian populations. In this review, we describe the current nutritional guidelines and the findings from previous landmark studies regarding management and/or prevention of ASCVD. We also summarize the recommendations regarding evidence-based nutrition therapy/management strategies that may be effective in Asian subjects to prevent onset and/or to treat ASCVD.

Lorcaserin for prevention and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with overweight or obesity: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

High body mass index (BMI) is associated with risk of diabetes. Lorcaserin is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C agonist which exerts robust benefits on long-term weight loss by suppressing appetite among adults with overweight or obesity. The magnitude of efficacy of lorcaserin for preventing and remitting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among those people remains undefined. Therefore, we plan to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis to aggregate data from all published studies with regard to the issue to acquire reliable evidence.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search various databases for relevant trials published up to June 2019. Randomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy of lorcaserin for preventing and remitting T2DM among overweight and obese population will be included. A standardised data form will be used to complete data search and extraction in duplicate. All discrepancies will be resolved by consensus. The primary outcome will be incidence of T2DM in patients with pre-diabetes. Secondary outcomes will include achievement of normoglycaemia in people with pre-diabetes, remission of hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes, the proportion of patients with weight loss of at least 5% or 10% and hypoglycaemia incident. Data synthesis and statistical analysis will be performed for each outcome with Stata V.14.0.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required. Results of our study will be submitted to a peer-review journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019119136.

Effect of baseline body mass index on glycemic control and weight change with exenatide monotherapy in Chinese drug-naïve type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

The weight-reducing effect of exenatide has been proved, but too much weight loss in normal-weight patients may concern physicians. This study evaluated the effects of exenatide monotherapy on glycemic control and weight change in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

In this multicenter prospective study, 29 normal-weight, 54 overweight, and 27 obese newly diagnosed and drug-naïve patients with T2D were treated with exenatide for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the effect of baseline body mass index (BMI) on glycemic control, measured as the change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 48 compared among different BMI groups. Other endpoints included comparisons of the effects of exenatide on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), body weight, and other metabolic indices.

RESULTS

After 48-week treatment, the estimated mean changes in HbA1c in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients were -1.9%, -1.8%, and -1.5%, respectively (P = 0.290 among groups after adjustment for baseline values). There were similar declines in FPG and 0.5- and 2-hour PPG among groups. There were non-significant trends from normal-weight to overweight to obese patients for increased weight reduction (decreases of 2.2, 3.9, and 4.0 kg, respectively; P = 0.104) and changes in waist circumference (decreases of 2.2, 3.2, and 5.6 cm, respectively; P = 0.078).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline BMI had no effect on glycemic control, weight change, or other metabolic indices with exenatide monotherapy. Normal-weight patients with T2D would benefit from exenatide as much as overweight or obese patients on glucose control, without increased risk of excess weight loss.

Changes in Anxiety and Depression Traits Induced by Energy Restriction: Predictive Value of the Baseline Status

Current evidence proposes diet quality as a modifiable risk factor for mental or emotional impairments. However, additional studies are required to investigate the effect of dietary patterns and weight loss on improving psychological symptoms. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of energy-restriction, prescribed to overweight and obese participants, on anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the potential predictive value of some baseline psychological features on weight loss. Overweight and obese participants (n = 305) were randomly assigned for 16 weeks to two hypocaloric diets with different macronutrient distribution: a moderately high-protein (MHP) diet and a low-fat (LF) diet. Anthropometrical, clinical, psychological, and lifestyle characteristics were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. The nutritional intervention evidenced that weight loss has a beneficial effect on trait anxiety score in women (β = 0.24, p = 0.03), depression score in all population (β = 0.15, p = 0.02), particularly in women (β = 0.22, p = 0.03) and in subjects who followed the LF diet (β = 0.22, p = 0.04). Moreover, weight loss could be predicted by anxiety status at baseline, mainly in women and in those who were prescribed a LF diet. This trial suggests that weight loss triggers an improvement in psychological traits, and that anxiety symptoms could predict those volunteers that benefit most from a balanced calorie-restricted intervention, which will contribute to individualized precision nutrition.

Attitudes and perceptions of the general public on obesity and its treatment options in Singapore

Data on attitudes and perceptions towards obesity are lacking in Asia. Participants who attended an obesity public forum were surveyed concerning obesity and its treatment options. Although obesity is generally accepted as a disease with biological underpinnings such as hormonal imbalances and slow metabolic rate, it is also regarded as an issue of personal responsibility. 65.1% believed that weight-loss medications are dangerous. 20.6% thought that pharmacotherapy is effective for weight loss, whereas 41.1% were unsure. Most believed that bariatric surgery could improve health (81.9%) and diabetes control (74.0%) although 64.1% were unsure of its risks.

Weight Management in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Medical and Surgical Options

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and as an exacerbating factor of OSA. Given the interlinking relationship of obesity and OSA, treatment of obesity is fundamental in the management of OSA. Weight loss of 7% to 11% significantly improves OSA with remission seen with greater weight loss. Weight loss also ameliorates the constellation of other obesity-related metabolic conditions, reducing the overall cardiovascular risk in an obese person with OSA. This article discusses specific weight loss interventions effective in improving OSA, including lifestyle interventions with dietary modification and physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.

Patient perceptions of primary care providers' knowledge of bariatric surgery

As the rate of obesity continues to rise, primary care providers (PCPs) must be aware and informed of the treatment options available. Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. The aim of this study was to assess patients' perception of their PCP's opinion, support and knowledge of bariatric surgery and changes over time. In 2009 and 2015, a 27-question survey was developed and mailed to patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) at our institution. Statistical analysis included chi-square and Fisher's exact test for associations between categorical variables, Wilcoxon rank sum test for comparison of ordinal or continuous variables and sign test for comparison of paired ordinal variables. There were 680 and 1106 patients who met inclusion criteria and were mailed the 2009 and 2015 survey, respectively. The survey response rate was 47% in 2009 and 35% in 2015; 125 patients completed both surveys. In 2009 and 2015, 78% and 80% of patients described their PCP's opinion of bariatric surgery as "very supportive" (P = 0.64), and 29% and 40% described their PCP as "very knowledgeable" about bariatric surgery (P = 0.02), respectively. Post-operative support from PCPs was described as "very supportive" by 77% and 79% of patients in 2009 and 2015, respectively (P = 0.07). Overall, Ninety-seven percent of patients would repeat their LRYGB experience. The majority of patients perceived their PCP as being supportive of bariatric surgery. Physicians' knowledge of bariatric surgery could be improved by establishing more opportunities for education. While patients' perception of their PCP's knowledge increased, no significant improvements in PCP opinion or support of bariatric surgery were observed over time. Patients' willingness to repeat their experience with bariatric surgery remained high.

Serum CCN3 levels are increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated with obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation

BACKGROUD

CCN3 is a novel adipokine and has emerged as a potential metabolic regulator. However, information regarding the role of CCN3 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. This study measured for the first time serum CCN3 levels in T2DM and explored the correlations between its serum levels and various metabolic parameters in humans.

METHODS

A total of 219 newly diagnosed T2DM (nT2DM) patients and 205 healthy control subjects, matched for age and sex ratio, were enrolled. Circulating CCN3 and TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 were measured by ELISA. The anthropometric assessment and biochemical evaluation were done in all subjects. OGTT were performed in 34 healthy individuals to investigate the association of CCN3 with glucose.

RESULTS

Serum CCN3 levels were significantly higher in nT2DM patients compared to those of the healthy controls (6.71[4.88, 8.56] vs. 4.51[3.55, 5.99] ng/ml, P < 0.01). Serum CCN3 positively correlated with BMI, WC, FAT%, TG, FPG, 2 h-PG, HbA1c, FIns, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP and TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1, but negatively with HOMA-β in all individuals (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that BMI, HOMA-IR, TNF-α and MCP-1 were independently associated with CCN3. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CCN3 was correlated with nT2DM. Finally, area under ROC curve of CCN3 (gender and age adjusted) for predicting the presence of nT2DM was 0.725(95% CI: 0.676-0.773). After an oral glucose challenge, there was no obvious change in the circulating levels of CCN3 as compared to 0 min (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevation of CCN3 in nT2DM supports the hypothesis that CCN3 may serve as a risk factor associated with the pathogenesis of T2DM.

Relationship between body fat and diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide survey in Korea

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Among the 1130 participants 19 years of age or older with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the nationwide survey, a total of 887 participants were included in the analyses after excluding patients with ungradable fundus images. The presence and severity of DR were graded with seven-field fundus photographs. The associations between DR and anthropometric parameters and total body fat, which was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into three groups according to severity of DR: no DR (n = 702, 79.1%), mild/moderate DR (n = 130, 14.7%), and vision-threatening DR (n = 55, 6.2%). In multivariate-adjusted analyses, higher BMI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.92; P = 0.001), larger waist circumference (aOR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.91-1.00; P = 0.047), and higher total body fat (aOR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.92; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a lower risk of vision-threatening DR. In sex-stratified analyses, however, only total body fat in women showed a significant inverse association with the presence of DR (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98; P < 0.001) and independently with the severity of DR (P for trend = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In Korean patients with type 2 diabetes, obese patients might be less likely to have vision-threatening DR. Total body fat in women appears to be inversely and independently associated with DR prevalence and progression.

Effect of lorcaserin on prevention and remission of type 2 diabetes in overweight and obese patients (CAMELLIA-TIMI 61): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is a direct relationship between bodyweight and risk of diabetes. Lorcaserin, a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist that suppresses appetite, has been shown to facilitate sustained weight loss in obese or overweight patients. We aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of lorcaserin on diabetes prevention and remission.

METHODS

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done in eight countries, we recruited overweight or obese patients (body-mass index ≥27 kg/m²) with or at high risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Eligible patients were aged 40 years or older; patients at high risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease had to be aged 50 years or older with diabetes and at least one other risk factor. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either lorcaserin (10 mg twice daily) or matching placebo. Additionally, all patients had access to a standardised weight management programme based on lifestyle modification. The prespecified primary metabolic efficacy endpoint of time to incident diabetes was assessed in patients with prediabetes at baseline. The prespecified secondary outcomes for efficacy were incident diabetes in all patients without diabetes, achievement of normoglycaemia in patients with prediabetes, and change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) in patients with diabetes. Hypoglycaemia was a prespecified safety outcome. Analysis was by intention to treat, using Cox proportional hazard models for time-to-event analyses. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02019264.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 7, 2014, and Nov 20, 2015, 12 000 patients were randomly assigned to lorcaserin or placebo (6000 patients in each group) and followed up for a median of 3·3 years (IQR 3·0-3·5). At baseline, 6816 patients (56·8%) had diabetes, 3991 (33·3%) prediabetes, and 1193 (9·9%) normoglycaemia. At 1 year, patients treated with lorcaserin had a net weight loss beyond placebo of 2·6 kg (95% CI 2·3-2·9) for those with diabetes, 2·8 kg (2·5-3·2) for those with prediabetes, and 3·3 kg (2·6-4·0) for those with normoglycaemia (p<0·0001 for all analyses). Lorcaserin reduced the risk of incident diabetes by 19% in patients with prediabetes (172 [8·5%] of 2015 vs 204 [10·3%] of 1976; hazard ratio 0·81, 95% CI 0·66-0·99; p=0·038) and by 23% in patients without diabetes (174 [6·7%] of 2615 vs 215 [8·4%] of 2569; 0·77, 0·63-0·94; p=0·012). Lorcaserin resulted in a non-significant increase in the rate of achievement of normoglycaemia in patients with prediabetes (185 [9·2%] vs 151 [7·6%]; 1·20, 0·97-1·49; p=0·093). In patients with diabetes, lorcaserin resulted in a reduction of 0·33% (95% CI 0·29-0·38; p<0·0001) in HbA_1c compared with placebo at 1 year from a mean baseline of 53 mmol/mol (7·0%). In patients with diabetes at baseline, severe hypoglycaemia with serious complications was rare, but more common with lorcaserin (12 [0·4%] vs four [0·1%] events; p=0·054).

INTERPRETATION

Lorcaserin decreases risk for incident diabetes, induces remission of hyperglycaemia, and reduces the risk of microvascular complications in obese and overweight patients, supporting the role of lorcaserin as an adjunct to lifestyle modification for chronic management of weight and metabolic health.

FUNDING

Eisai.

Cardiovascular Disease as a Result of the Interactions Between Obesity, Climate Change, and Inflammation: The COCCI Syndemic

Obesity and climate change conspire to create an environment in which subclinical vascular inflammation leads to progressive atherosclerosis, which contributes to the number 1 cause of global mortality: cardiovascular disease. The syndemic model requires 2 or more diseases or contributors to disease (such as obesity and climate change) clustering within a specific population in addition to the associated societal and social factors, ultimately creating an environment supportive of a greater adverse interaction. This article explores the syndemic of obesity and climate change as a driver for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Safety of Lorcaserin in Overweight or Obese Patients

BACKGROUND

Lorcaserin, a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist that modulates appetite, has proven efficacy for weight management in overweight or obese patients. The cardiovascular safety and efficacy of lorcaserin are undefined.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 12,000 overweight or obese patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors to receive either lorcaserin (10 mg twice daily) or placebo. The primary safety outcome of major cardiovascular events (a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) was assessed at an interim analysis to exclude a noninferiority boundary of 1.4. If noninferiority was met, the primary cardiovascular efficacy outcome (a composite of major cardiovascular events, heart failure, hospitalization for unstable angina, or coronary revascularization [extended major cardiovascular events]) was assessed for superiority at the end of the trial.

RESULTS

At 1 year, weight loss of at least 5% had occurred in 1986 of 5135 patients (38.7%) in the lorcaserin group and in 883 of 5083 (17.4%) in the placebo group (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.74 to 3.30; P<0.001). Patients in the lorcaserin group had slightly better values with respect to cardiac risk factors (including blood pressure, heart rate, glycemic control, and lipids) than those in the placebo group. During a median follow-up of 3.3 years, the rate of the primary safety outcome was 2.0% per year in the lorcaserin group and 2.1% per year in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.14; P<0.001 for noninferiority); the rate of extended major cardiovascular events was 4.1% per year and 4.2% per year, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.07; P=0.55). Adverse events of special interest were uncommon, and the rates were generally similar in the two groups, except for a higher number of patients with serious hypoglycemia in the lorcaserin group (13 vs. 4, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In a high-risk population of overweight or obese patients, lorcaserin facilitated sustained weight loss without a higher rate of major cardiovascular events than that with placebo. (Funded by Eisai; CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02019264 .).

Behavioral Weight Loss Interventions to Prevent Obesity-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

IMPORTANCE

More than 35% of men and 40% of women in the United States are obese. Obesity is associated with health problems such as increased risk for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer, gallstones, and disability. Obesity is also associated with an increased risk for death, particularly among adults younger than 65 years.

OBJECTIVE

To update the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2012 recommendation on screening for obesity in adults.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on interventions (behavioral and pharmacotherapy) for weight loss or weight loss maintenance that can be provided in or referred from a primary care setting. Surgical weight loss interventions and nonsurgical weight loss devices (eg, gastric balloons) are considered to be outside the scope of the primary care setting.

FINDINGS

The USPSTF found adequate evidence that intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions in adults with obesity can lead to clinically significant improvements in weight status and reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes among adults with obesity and elevated plasma glucose levels; these interventions are of moderate benefit. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that behavior-based weight loss maintenance interventions are of moderate benefit. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that the harms of intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions (including weight loss maintenance interventions) in adults with obesity are small to none. Therefore, the USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that offering or referring adults with obesity to intensive behavioral interventions or behavior-based weight loss maintenance interventions has a moderate net benefit.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

The USPSTF recommends that clinicians offer or refer adults with a body mass index of 30 or higher to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions. (B recommendation).

Weight Loss Strategies for Treatment of Obesity: Lifestyle Management and Pharmacotherapy

Obesity is one of the most serious and prevalent non-communicable diseases of the twenty-first century. It is also a patient-centered condition in which affected individuals seek treatment through a variety of commercial, medical and surgical approaches. Considering obesity as a chronic medical disease state helps to frame the concept of using a three-stepped intensification of care approach to weight management. As a foundation, all patients should be counseled on evidence-based lifestyle approaches that include diet, physical activity and behavior change therapies. At the second tier, four new pharmacological agents, lorcaserin, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide have been approved since 2012 as adjuncts to lifestyle modification. The third step, bariatric surgery, has been demonstrated to be the most effective and long-term treatment for individuals with severe obesity or moderate obesity complicated by co-morbid conditions that is not responsive to non-surgical approaches. By using a medical model, clinicians can provide more proactive and effective treatments in assisting their patients with weight loss.

A Case-control Study to Evaluate the Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Patients with Moderate-to-severe Psoriasis

Objective: International case-control studies have demonstrated that psoriasis is associated with an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of the present study was to establish an association of psoriasis and NAFLD in patients attending a dermatology clinic center in the United States. Design: This was an observational, case-control study. Setting: The study setting was an outpatient dermatology clinic of the George Washington Medical Faculty Associates in Washington DC. Participants: One hundred fifty-one adult patients with psoriasis and 51 control subjects were recruited. Measurements: NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography after excluding secondary causes of liver disease. Regression analysis was used to assess the associations between: 1) NAFLD and psoriasis and 2) metabolic syndrome components and NAFLD among psoriasis patients. Results: NAFLD was more prevalent in patients with psoriasis (21.2% vs. 7.8%, p<0.04). However, psoriasis was not associated with NAFLD when matching for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio: 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-13.6; p=0.25). As compared to patients with psoriasis but without NAFLD, those with NAFLD were more likely to have obesity (BMI: 34.9 vs. 27.2, 95% CI: 32.4-37.5 vs. 25.9-28.5; p<0.01). NAFLD in patients with psoriasis was also associated with select components of metabolic syndrome, including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Our findings show there is an association of psoriasis with NAFLD. Our findings also suggest an increased presence of metabolic syndrome components in patients with psoriasis and NAFLD. Trial registry: NCT00930384.

Precision Surgery for Obesity

Precision medicine is targeted towards improving the effectiveness of treatment, reducing the side effects of drugs and reducing medical costs. The application of precision surgery for obesity is a new concept that involves 2 stages: the first stage is to attain a precise obesity surgery, and the second stage is to achieve individualized obese gene therapy. In this article, we discuss the value of precision surgery for obesity, its stages and its future application to improve obesity surgery. Due to recent advancements in medical technologies, genetics, surgical and clinical research; precision surgery for obesity will lead the future of obesity surgery.

The effect of increasing tertiles of waist circumference on cardio-metabolic risk, adipokines and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in nascent metabolic syndrome

AIMS

The effect of waist circumference (WC) on cardio-metabolic features and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation and adipose tissue dysregulation is poorly defined in Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Hence the aim of this study was to examine the effect of increasing tertiles of WC on the cardio metabolic risk profile, pro-oxidant state, pro-inflammatory state and adipose tissue dysregulation in nascent MetS patients (n = 59) without diabetes or CVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

None of the main cardio-metabolic features including blood pressure, blood glucose, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HOMA-IR, and free fatty acids increased with increasing WC tertiles except for hsCRP. In addition, none of the biomarkers of oxidative stress increased with increasing WC. Other circulating and cellular bio-mediators of inflammation and adipokines did not show significant increase with increasing WC. Using the waist to height ratio (WHtR) also did not reveal any major findings with increasing tertiles.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, in a well-defined cohort of MetS we failed to show any superiority of either WC or WHtR compared to BMI in capturing the cardio-metabolic cluster, adipose tissue dysregulation and the increased burden of oxidative stress and inflammation in this pilot study. These observations need confirmation in larger studies.

Distribution and related factors of cardiometabolic disease stage based on body mass index level in Chinese adults-The National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Survey

BACKGROUND

It is important to characterize distribution of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) based on different body mass index (BMI) levels in a population. This information remains scarce in China, so we investigated the proportions and related factors of cardiometabolic disease stages based on different BMI levels in Chinese adults.

METHODS

We included 45 093 participants aged ≥20 years from the National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Survey. Cardiometabolic disease (central obesity, elevated triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, elevated plasma glucose, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease) was classified as stage 0 (no CMD), stage 1 (mild-to-moderate CMD), or stage 2 (severe CMD). Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m² .

RESULTS

The standardized proportions of stage 0, stage 1, and stage 2 were 32.6%, 36.4%, and 30.9% in normal-weight men, 29.9%, 42.5%, and 27.7% in normal-weight women, 4.9%, 31.7%, and 63.4% in overweight/obese men, and 6.9%, 31.4%, and 61.7% in overweight/obese women, respectively. Multinomial regression showed that regardless of gender or region, the probability of severe cardiometabolic disease rapidly increased with increasing BMI. Severe cardiometabolic disease risk was positively associated with ageing, family history of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease, but was inversely associated with higher levels of education and increased physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Of Chinese men and women with normal weight, more than one third had mild-to-moderate cardiometabolic disease, and less than one third had severe cardiometabolic disease, while of these with overweight or obesity, nearly one third had mild-to-moderate cardiometabolic disease, and nearly two thirds had severe cardiometabolic disease.

Perceptions of Barriers to Effective Obesity Care: Results from the National ACTION Study

OBJECTIVE

ACTION (Awareness, Care, and Treatment in Obesity maNagement) examined obesity-related perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors among people with obesity (PwO), health care providers (HCPs), and employer representatives (ERs).

METHODS

A total of 3,008 adult PwO (BMI ≥ 30 by self-reported height and weight), 606 HCPs, and 153 ERs completed surveys in a cross-sectional design.

RESULTS

Despite several weight loss (WL) attempts, only 23% of PwO reported 10% WL during the previous 3 years. Many PwO (65%) recognized obesity as a disease, but only 54% worried their weight may affect future health. Most PwO (82%) felt "completely" responsible for WL; 72% of HCPs felt responsible for contributing to WL efforts; few ERs (18%) felt even partially responsible. Only 50% of PwO saw themselves as "obese," and 55% reported receiving a formal diagnosis of obesity. Despite HCPs' reported comfort with weight-related conversations, time constraints deprioritized these efforts. Only 24% of PwO had a scheduled follow-up to initial weight-related conversations. Few PwO (17%) perceived employer-sponsored wellness offerings as helpful in supporting WL.

CONCLUSIONS

Although generally perceived as a disease, obesity is not commonly treated as such. Divergence in perceptions and attitudes potentially hinders better management. This study highlights inconsistent understanding of the impact of obesity and need for both self-directed and medical management.

Leptin, An Adipokine With Central Importance in the Global Obesity Problem

Leptin has central importance in the global obesity and cardiovascular disease problem. Leptin is principally secreted by adipocytes and acts in the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and food intake, increase energy expenditure, and regulate body weight. Based on clinical translation of specific and networked actions, leptin affects the cardiovascular system and may be a marker and driver of cardiometabolic risk factors with interventions that are actionable by cardiologists. Leptin subnetwork analysis demonstrates a statistically significant role for ethnoculturally and socioeconomically appropriate lifestyle intervention in cardiovascular disease. Emergent mechanistic components and potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets include hexokinase 3, urocortins, clusterin, sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 6, C-reactive protein, platelet glycoprotein VI, albumin, pentraxin 3, ghrelin, obestatin prepropeptide, leptin receptor, neuropeptide Y, and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1. Emergent associated symptoms include weight change, eating disorders, vascular necrosis, chronic fatigue, and chest pain. Leptin-targeted therapies are reported for lipodystrophy and leptin deficiency, but they are investigational for leptin resistance, obesity, and other chronic diseases.

Antibiotic exposure and risk of weight gain and obesity: protocol for a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and there is growing interest in better delineating the role of the human gut microbiome in this phenomenon. Obesity-specific gut microbiome features have been observed in both human and animal studies, and these variations appear to play a causative role in increasing body weight. There is evidence that antibiotics can modify the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome and that this may contribute to body weight changes. The primary objective of the proposed systematic review is to evaluate and synthesize the existing evidence evaluating the possible association between antibiotic use, weight gain, and obesity.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases will be performed. Both randomized and non-randomized studies (excluding case reports) in neonates, children, adults, and pregnant women will be included. The exposure of interest is antibiotics of any type, duration, and route given for any indication. All included studies must have a comparator group. The primary outcomes are the development of overweight and obesity. Secondary outcomes are percent weight-change from baseline and change in body mass index or waist circumference. Additional secondary outcomes in pregnant women are gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, offspring birth weight, childhood weight, and obesity. Risk of bias of included trials will be performed. Two reviewers will screen and perform data extraction independently.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review will summarize the existing evidence evaluating the association between antibiotic use, weight gain, and obesity and facilitate the identification of important gaps and uncertainties in the literature.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42017069177.

Cardiometabolic Disease Staging Predicts Effectiveness of Weight-Loss Therapy to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Pooled Results From Phase III Clinical Trials Assessing Phentermine/Topiramate Extended Release

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ability of medication-assisted weight loss to prevent diabetes as a function of the baseline weighted Cardiometabolic Disease Staging (CMDS) score.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We pooled data from 3,040 overweight and obese participants in three randomized controlled trials-CONQUER, EQUIP, and SEQUEL-assessing efficacy and safety of phentermine/topiramate extended release (ER) for weight loss. In these double-blind phase III trials, overweight/obese adult patients were treated with a lifestyle intervention and randomly assigned to placebo versus once-daily oral phentermine/topiramate ER. The weighted CMDS score was calculated using baseline quantitative clinical data including waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids. Incident diabetes was defined based on serial measures of fasting glucose, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test glucose, and/or HbA_1c.

RESULTS

The absolute decrease in 1-year diabetes incidence rates in subjects treated with medication versus placebo was greatest in those with high-risk CMDS scores at baseline (10.43-6.29%), intermediate in those with moderate CMDS risk (4.67-2.37%), and small in the low-risk category (1.51-0.67%). The number of participants needed to treat to prevent one new case of diabetes over a 56-week period was 24, 43, and 120 in those with baseline CMDS scores of ≥60, 30-59, and 0-29, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Numbers needed to treat to prevent one case of type 2 diabetes are markedly lower in patients with high-risk scores. CMDS can be used to quantify risk of diabetes in overweight/obese individuals and predict the effectiveness of weight-loss therapy to prevent diabetes.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Influenza A Virus Infection During Pregnancy Associated with an Increased Risk for Stillbirth and Low Birth Weight

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Impaired pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight are associated with increased disease risk in later life, however little is known about the impact of common infectious diseases during pregnancy on birth weight. The study had two aims: a) to investigate risk factors of influenza virus infection during pregnancy, and b) to analyze the impact of influenza virus infection on pregnancy outcome, especially birth weight.

METHODS

Prospective and retrospective observational studies found in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and WangFang database were included in this meta analysis. Data of included studies was extracted and analyzed by the RevMan software.

RESULTS

Pregnant women with anemia (P=0.004, RR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.13-1.88), obesity (P<0.00001, RR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.25-1.46) and asthma (P<0.00001, RR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.67-2.37) had higher rates of influenza virus infection. Regarding birth outcomes, influenza A virus infection did not affect the likelihood for cesarean section. Mothers with influenza had a higher rate of stillbirth (P=0.04, RR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.05-5.31), and their offspring had low 5-minute APGR Scores (P=0.009, RR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.08-1.79). Furthermore, the rate for birth weight < 2500g (P=0.04, RR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.03-2.84) was increased.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study showed that anemia, asthma and obesity during pregnancy are risk factors influenza A virus infection during pregnancy. Moreover, gestational influenza A infection impairs pregnancy outcomes and increases the risk for low birth weight, a known risk factor for later life disease susceptibility.

The effect of increasing body mass index on cardio-metabolic risk and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in nascent metabolic syndrome

The effect of BMI defined obesity on cardio-metabolic features and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with nascent metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is poorly defined. Hence the aim of this study was to examine the effect of increasing obesity on the cardio metabolic risk profile, pro-oxidant state and pro-inflammatory features in nascent MetS patients without Diabetes or CVD. MetS was diagnosed by ATPIII criteria using waist circumference (WC) as the measure of adiposity. Patients (n=58) were stratified into overweight, obese and extreme obesity groups using BMI cut offs of 25-29.9, 30-39.9kg/m² and ≥40kg/m² and cardio-metabolic features, circulating and cellular biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were determined and correlated with BMI. None of the main cardio-metabolic features including blood pressure, blood glucose, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HOMA-IR, free fatty acids were increased with increasing BMI. Also none of the biomarkers of oxidative stress (ox-LDL, nitrotyrosine and monocyte superoxide anion release) were increased with increasing BMI. However, significant increase in hsCRP, the soluble TNFR1 and sTNFR2 and leptin, were observed with increasing adiposity. Other inflammatory bio-mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, Toll-like receptors 2-4), endotoxin, LBP, sCD14 and HMGB1, adiponectin, and chemerin did not show significant increases with increasing BMI. Leptin, hsCRP, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 correlated significantly with BMI. In conclusion, capturing the cardio-metabolic cluster of MetS that predisposed to both increased risk of diabetes and CVD, using waist circumference, as one of the 5 diagnostic criteria is sufficient and BMI does not appear to afford any major incremental benefit on the cardio-metabolic risk factors, increased oxidative stress and the majority of both cellular and circulating biomarkers of inflammation.

ADIPOSITY-BASED CHRONIC DISEASE AS A NEW DIAGNOSTIC TERM: THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY POSITION STATEMENT

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) have created a chronic care model, advanced diagnostic framework, clinical practice guidelines, and clinical practice algorithm for the comprehensive management of obesity. This coordinated effort is not solely based on body mass index as in previous models, but emphasizes a complications-centric approach that primarily determines therapeutic decisions and desired outcomes. Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease (ABCD) is a new diagnostic term for obesity that explicitly identifies a chronic disease, alludes to a precise pathophysiologic basis, and avoids the stigmata and confusion related to the differential use and multiple meanings of the term "obesity." Key elements to further the care of patients using this new ABCD term are: (1) positioning lifestyle medicine in the promotion of overall health, not only as the first algorithmic step, but as the central, pervasive action; (2) standardizing protocols that comprehensively and durably address weight loss and management of adiposity-based complications; (3) approaching patient care through contextualization (e.g., primordial prevention to decrease obesogenic environmental risk factors and transculturalization to adapt evidence-based recommendations for different ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economics); and lastly, (4) developing evidence-based strategies for successful implementation, monitoring, and optimization of patient care over time. This AACE/ACE blueprint extends current work and aspires to meaningfully improve both individual and population health by presenting a new ABCD term for medical diagnostic purposes, use in a complications-centric management and staging strategy, and precise reference to the obesity chronic disease state, divested from counterproductive stigmata and ambiguities found in the general public sphere.

ABBREVIATIONS

AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ABCD = Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease ACE = American College of Endocrinology BMI = body mass index CPG = clinical practice guidelines HCP = health care professionals.

A framework for physician assistant intervention for overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity compose a chronic disease process of epidemic proportions that presents on a continuum, likely affecting nearly two out of every three patients treated by physician assistants (PAs). However, meaningful and actionable definitions, including but not limited to anthropometric and clinical descriptors, are needed. The effective treatment of overweight and obesity requires an efficient and timely process of screening, diagnosis, evaluation of complications, staging, and clear algorithmic management. PAs are trained as primary care providers and can diagnose and treat overweight and obese patients regardless of practice setting and across the spectrum of the disease and patient's age.

Transcultural Endocrinology: Adapting Type-2 Diabetes Guidelines on a Global Scale

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) needs to be prevented and treated effectively to reduce its burden and consequences. White papers, such as evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPG) and their more portable versions, clinical practice algorithms and clinical checklists, may improve clinical decision-making and diabetes outcomes. However, CPG are underused and poorly validated. Protocols that translate and implement these CPG are needed. This review presents the global dimension of T2D, details the importance of white papers in the transculturalization process, compares relevant international CPG, analyzes cultural variables, and summarizes translation strategies that can improve care. Specific protocols and algorithmic tools are provided.

Nutrition Interventions for Obesity

Obesity is a common disorder with complex causes. The epidemic has spurred significant advances in the understanding of nutritional approaches to treating obesity. Although the primary challenge is to introduce a dietary intake that creates an energy deficit, clinicians should also consider targeted risk factor modification with manipulation of the nutrient profile of the weight-reducing diet. These strategies produce significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. Future research is needed to better understand how to personalize nutrient prescriptions further to promote optimal risk modification and maintenance of long-term energy balance in the weight-reduced state.

Metabolically healthy obesity across the life course: epidemiology, determinants, and implications

In recent years, different subphenotypes of obesity have been described, including metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), in which a proportion of obese individuals, despite excess body fat, remain free of metabolic abnormalities and increased cardiometabolic risk. In the absence of a universally accepted set of criteria to classify MHO, the reported prevalence estimates vary widely. Our understanding of the determinants and stability of MHO over time and the associated cardiometabolic and mortality risks is improving, but many questions remain. For example, whether MHO is truly benign is debatable, and whether risk stratification of obese individuals on the basis of their metabolic health status may offer new opportunities for more personalized approaches in diagnosis, intervention, and treatment of diabetes remains speculative. Furthermore, as most of the research to date has focused on MHO in adults, little is known about childhood MHO. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology, determinants, stability, and health implications of MHO across the life course.

Practice Policy Statement: Integrating Effective Weight Management Into Practice

The American College of Preventive Medicine Prevention Practice Committee contributes to policy guidelines and recommendations on preventive health topics for clinicians and public health decision makers. As an update to a previously published statement on weight management counseling of overweight adults, the College is providing a consensus-based recommendation designed to more effectively integrate weight management strategies into clinical practice and to incorporate referrals to effective evidence-based community and commercial weight management programs. The goal is to empower providers to include lifestyle interventions as part of the foundation of clinical practice.

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Compared with Anthropometry in Relation to Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in a Young Adult Population: Is the 'Gold Standard' Tarnished?

Background and Aims

Assessment of adiposity using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been considered more advantageous in comparison to anthropometry for predicting cardio-metabolic risk in the older population, by virtue of its ability to distinguish total and regional fat. Nonetheless, there is increasing uncertainty regarding the relative superiority of DXA and little comparative data exist in young adults. This study aimed to identify which measure of adiposity determined by either DXA or anthropometry is optimal within a range of cardio-metabolic risk factors in young adults.

Methods and Results

1138 adults aged 20 years were assessed by DXA and standard anthropometry from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Cross-sectional linear regression analyses were performed. Waist to height ratio was superior to any DXA measure with HDL-C. BMI was the superior model in relation to blood pressure than any DXA measure. Midriff fat mass (DXA) and waist circumference were comparable in relation to glucose. For all the other cardio-metabolic variables, anthropometric and DXA measures were comparable. DXA midriff fat mass compared with BMI or waist hip ratio was the superior measure for triglycerides, insulin and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

Although midriff fat mass (measured by DXA) was the superior measure with insulin sensitivity and triglycerides, the anthropometric measures were better or equal with various DXA measures for majority of the cardio-metabolic risk factors. Our findings suggest, clinical anthropometry is generally as useful as DXA in the evaluation of the individual cardio-metabolic risk factors in young adults.

Guidelines for Obesity Management

This article addresses current best practices in obesity management, primarily through the discussion of 5 guidelines documents: those sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health and the AHA/ACC/TOS, ENDO, ASBP, AACE, and the United Kingdom's NICE. Common to all of these reports is the emphasis on addressing weight management as a pathway to prevention and optimal management of obesity-associated comorbidities (ie, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases). No one of these documents fits all needs; all have a place. Further, no one of these documents is final. As knowledge advances, all will require updating.

CONSENSUS STATEMENT BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY ON THE COMPREHENSIVE TYPE 2 DIABETES MANAGEMENT ALGORITHM--2015 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document represents the official position of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology. Where there were no randomized controlled trials or specific U.S. FDA labeling for issues in clinical practice, the participating clinical experts utilized their judgment and experience. Every effort was made to achieve consensus among the committee members. Position statements are meant to provide guidance, but they are not to be considered prescriptive for any individual patient and cannot replace the judgment of a clinician.

Trends in Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Obese Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1988-2014

BACKGROUND

No study has quantified trends in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiovascular health metrics among obese people in the United States in recent years.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the secular changes in cardiovascular health metrics and key cardiovascular disease risk factors among obese adults (aged ≥20 years) in the United States. We included 18 626 obese adults (body mass index ≥30) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III and NHANES 1999-2014. Among those obese adults, there were decreases in mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol levels and increases in mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and mean hemoglobin A1c levels. Prevalence of blood pressure health and lipid health remained stable during the period 1988-2014, whereas prevalence of blood glucose health decreased significantly during this period. Prevalence of freedom from cardiovascular disease risk factors remained stable at ≈15% among the adult obese population during the period 1988-2014, whereas prevalence of presence of all 3 risk factors increased from 16.4% to 22.4% during this period, commensurate with a decline in those with 1 to 2 risk factors (from 69.6% to 62.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

During the past 3 decades, blood pressure health and blood lipid health remained stable or improved, whereas blood glucose health deteriorated among adult obese population. This resulted in an overall decrease in cardiovascular health status among obese adults and greater risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The data argue for interventions targeted to those obese persons who are metabolically unhealthy to stem rising rates of diabetes mellitus.

Obesity as a Disease: Current Policies and Implications for the Future

The recognition of obesity as a chronic disease is increasing. However, there is variable acknowledgment of it as a disease in health policies across the USA. The objective of this review is to describe how obesity meets the definition of a disease, explain its interpretation in current health policies, and explore implications for obesity in future health policy adoption and development. Perspectives are presented from scientific evidence, clinical practice, and health policy areas including Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, federal government agency guidance, and healthcare quality.

Comprehensive Evaluation for Obesity: Beyond Body Mass Index

Many factors contribute to the diagnosis of obesity in a patient. Anthropometric measurements, such as the waist circumference and percentage of body fat, are used in the newly released obesity algorithm to risk stratify patients. Staging methods, which use the identification of comorbidities and disease burden to assess the severity of obesity, can result in treating a patient sooner than if the traditional body mass index is used. Obesity is a growing concern in the medical field, and providing additional avenues through which to diagnose obesity and address obesity-related health risks can improve prevention efforts and lead to expedited weight management. Obesity is a growing concern in the medical field, and providing additional avenues through which to diagnose obesity and address obesity-related health risks can improve prevention efforts and lead to expedited weight management.