Associations between physical activity and BMI, body fatness, and visceral adiposity in overweight or obese Latino and non-Latino adults

The association between the dietary behavior, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels among university students

BACKGROUND

Limited information exists linking food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels. Our aim was to examine the association between food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels in the Iranian population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 200 students randomly selected from a university in Iran. Dietary intakes, physical activity (PA), and happiness levels of study participants were assessed using validated questionnaires. The anthropometric indices examined in this study included the body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and abdominal volume index (AVI). Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels.

RESULTS

The mean age and body mass index (BMI) of study participants were 23.5 years ± 4.52 and 23.8 kg/m2 ± 3.17, respectively. In the study population, no significant association was seen between ABSI, BRI, AVI and happiness with food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, energy intake, marital status, education, smoking, physical activity, gender, and BMI), the association remained not significant for ABSI and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively (OR: 0.56, 95% CI (0.25-1.34), P = 0.193; OR: 0.59, 95% CI (0.22-1.57), P = 0.413; OR:1.19, 95%CI (0.54-2.63), P = 0.652), BRI and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively (OR:1.98, 95% CI (0.41-9.49), P = 0.381; OR: 0.57, 95%CI (0.12-2.74), P = 0.512; OR: 1.19, 95% CI (0.3-4.71), P = 0.811), AVI and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores (OR:1.15, 95% CI (0.53-2.48), P = 0.743, OR:1.01, 95% CI (0.47-2.18), P = 0.965; OR: 1.3, 95% CI (0.64-2.65), P = 0.465) and happiness and food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores respectively (OR:0.3, 95%CI (0.07-1.25), P = 0.972; OR: 0.77, 95%CI (0.18-3.19), P = 0.724, OR: 0.3, 95% CI (0.07-1.25), P = 0.083).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant association was detected between food habits, diet quality, and lifestyle scores with anthropometric indices and happiness levels. However, longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.

Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adult residents of Tehran: a cross-sectional report from Tehran Cohort Study (TeCS)

BACKGROUND

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and one of the leading causes of premature mortality worldwide. This study examined the prevalence and independent determinants of insufficient PA among adults resident of Tehran utilizing Tehran Cohort Study Data (TeCS).

METHOD

We used the recruitment phase data from the TeCS with complete data on PA. PA was assessed through a Likert-scaled question and categorized into three groups. Utilizing data from the 2016 national census, the age- and sex-weighted prevalence of insufficient PA in Tehran was determined. The adjusted logistic regression model is used to neutralize influencing factors and determine the factors associated with insufficient PA.

RESULT

The weighted prevalence of insufficient PA was 16.9% among the 8213 adult citizens of Tehran, with a greater prevalence among females (19.0% vs. 14.8% among males). Additionally, older age groups, unemployed, housewives, and illiterate educated participants displayed a much higher prevalence of insufficient PA (p < 0.001). Moreover, Tehran's central and southern districts had higher rates of insufficient PA. Concerning the adjusted regression model, older age (Odds ratio [OR]: 4.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.24-5.60, p < 0.001), a lower education level (p < 0.001), unemployment (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.28-2.55, p = 0.001), being a housewife (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.15-1.80, p = 0.002), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR for BMI > 30: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.56-2.18, p < 0.001), opium consumption (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.46-2.52, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06-1.48, p = 0.008), hypertension (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11-1.50, p = 0.001), and coronary artery diseases (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05-1.61, p = 0.018), were significantly associated with insufficient PA.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified associated factors serve as a valuable guide for policymakers in developing tailored intervention strategies to address the needs of high-risk populations, particularly among older adults and females.

Multiple imputation approaches for epoch-level accelerometer data in trials

Clinical trials that investigate physical activity interventions often use accelerometers to measure step count at a very granular level, for example in 5-second epochs. Participants typically wear the accelerometer for a week-long period at baseline, and for one or more week-long follow-up periods after the intervention. The data is aggregated to provide daily or weekly step counts for the primary analysis. Missing data are common as participants may not wear the device as per protocol. Approaches to handling missing data in the literature have defined missingness on the day level using a threshold on daily weartime, which leads to loss of information on the time of day when data are missing. We propose an approach to identifying and classifying missingness at the finer epoch-level and present two approaches to handling missingness using multiple imputation. Firstly, we present a parametric approach which accounts for the number of missing epochs per day. Secondly, we describe a non-parametric approach where missing periods during the day are replaced by donor data from the same person where possible, or data from a different person who is matched on demographic and physical activity-related variables. Our simulation studies show that the non-parametric approach leads to estimates of the effect of treatment that are least biased while maintaining small standard errors. We illustrate the application of these different multiple imputation strategies to the analysis of the 2017 PACE-UP trial. The proposed framework is likely to be applicable to other digital health outcomes and to other wearable devices.

Ethnicity/race, parent educational attainment, and obesity associated with prediabetes in children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Obesity and other predictors of type 2 diabetes disproportionally affect Hispanic and Black children in the US compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) children. Yet, the prevalence of prediabetes in children remains unestablished, and guidelines for screening young children are lacking. This study examined the relationships between demographic factors and prediabetes in vulnerable youth in central Texas.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 976 3rd-5th graders (7-12 years) who participated in TX Sprouts, a school-based gardening, nutrition, and cooking trial in 16 elementary schools serving mainly children from minority backgrounds and lower-income households. Measures collected included age, sex, ethnicity, free/reduced-priced school lunch (FRL) status, parent educational attainment (questionnaires), BMI from height (stadiometer) and weight (TANITA scale), and prediabetes status from fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c. Regressions examined cross-sectional associations between demographics and FPG, HbA1c, and prediabetes.

RESULTS

Children were 47% male, 67% Hispanic, and 10% Black, with a mean age of 9.3 years; 71% received FRL, 50% had overweight/obesity, and 26% had prediabetes. Prediabetes rates were 2.8 and 4.8 times higher in Hispanic and Black children compared to NHW children, respectively (p ≤ 0.001), and 1.5 times higher in children with obesity versus normal BMI (p = 0.02). Children of parents with only an 8th-grade education, some high school education, or a high school degree had 3.1, 2.7, and 2.2 times higher odds of having prediabetes compared to children of college graduates, respectively (p ≤ 0.004). Analyses with FPG and HbA1c yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest a potential need for earlier screening, more comprehensive testing guidelines, and prevention programs tailored toward minority children, children with obesity, and children of parents with low educational attainment. Future research should explore this finding in a larger, nationally representative sample.

Sex-Specific Differences in Left Ventricular Mass and Volumes with Body Mass Index among Children Aged 6 to 8: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Few studies have examined the sex differences in left ventricle (LV) structure and physiology from early life stages. We aimed to assess the role of sex and overweight/obesity on left ventricular mass (LVM) and LV volume in Chinese children without preexisting cardiovascular risk factors. We selected 934 healthy children aged 6-8 years from an existing cohort in Beijing, China. Linear regression models were used to regress body mass index (BMI), fat mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and visceral fat area (VFA) with LVM, left ventricle end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (LVESV). Higher BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, VFA, and stroke volume (SV) predicted higher LVM, LVEDV, and LVESV in both sexes. Multivariable analysis showed that boys with an elevated BMI had greater LV hypertrophy. LVEDV and LVESV were higher among boys than among girls and increased with higher BMI in both boys and girls. LVEDV and LVESV were associated with VFA in boys. We observed sex differences in LVM, LVESV, and LVEDV among prepubertal children, independent of obesity, with higher values observed in boys. Sex differences in cardiac structure in children may help explain the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in male adults. Whether interventions to reduce childhood obesity can improve the trajectory of cardiac dynamics is worth investigating.

The Associations of Weekend Warrior Activity Patterns With the Visceral Adiposity Index in US Adults: Repeated Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

According to previous reports, obesity especially visceral fat has become an important public health problem, causing an estimation of 20.5 disability-adjusted life years per 1000 inhabitants. Those who exercised for 1 or 2 days per week and reached the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (PA) per week have been defined as "weekend warriors" (WWs). Although the benefits of PA in suppressing obesity have been widely studied, the association of WWs with the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and the difference between WW activity and regular PA are yet to be explored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the association between WW activity and other PA patterns with VAI in US adults.

METHODS

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016 data set was used, and the analytic sample was limited to adults 20 years and older who had complete information about VAI, PA patterns, and other covariates, including demographic characteristics, behavioral factors, and disease conditions. Participants' characteristics in different PA pattern groups were tested using the Rao and Scott adjusted χ² test and ANOVA. Univariate and multivariate stepped linear regression models were then used to explore the association between the PA pattern and VAI. Finally, stratified analyses and interaction effects were conducted to investigate whether the association was stable among subgroups.

RESULTS

The final sample included 9642 adults 20 years or older, which is representative of 158.1 million noninstitutionalized US adults, with 52.15% (n=5169) being male and 70.8% (n=4443) being non-Hispanic White. Gender, age group, race, education level, income level, marital status, smoking status, alcoholism, VAI, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes were all correlated with the PA pattern, but no relationship between hypertension and PA pattern was observed. After adjusting for demographic covariates, smoking status, alcoholism, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, WW and regularly active adults had a β of .307 (95% CI -0.611 to -0.003) and .354 (95% CI -0.467 to -0.241), respectively, for reduced VAI when compared with inactive adults, but no significant effect of lowering VAI (β=-.132, 95% CI -0.282 to 0.018) was observed in insufficiently active adults when compared with inactive adults. Besides, no significant difference was exhibited between WW adults and regularly active adults (β=.047, 95% CI -0.258 to 0.352), suggesting WW adults had the same benefit of decreasing VAI as regularly active adults. Stratified analyses results exhibited that WW activity was related to reduced VAI in female adults aged 20-44 years who were non-Hispanic Black, other, or multiracial; high school or General Educational Development education; and never married, and the association between PA pattern and VAI remained stable in all demographic subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with inactive adults, WWs could reduce VAI, and there was no significant difference between WWs and regular active adults in decreasing VAI. Our study provides compelling evidence of the beneficial effect of WW activity on visceral obesity.

Higher than predicted resting energy expenditure and lower physical activity in healthy underweight Chinese adults

Contrary to popular opinion that lean individuals "eat what they want" and exercise more, Hu et al. study a cohort of healthy underweight volunteers and reveal them to have reduced physical activity relative to normal BMI controls and lower food intake. This cohort is also shown to have higher than expected resting energy expenditure, which is associated with elevations in thyroid hormones.

Improving the accuracy of self-reported height and weight in surveys: an experimental study

Background

Many studies rely on self-reported height and weight. While a substantial body of literature exists on misreporting of height and weight, little exists on improving accuracy. The aim of this study was to determine, using an experimental design and a comparative approach, whether the accuracy of self-reported height and weight data can be increased by improving how these questions are asked in surveys, drawing on the relevant evidence from the psychology and survey research literatures.

Methods

Two surveys from two separate studies were used to test our hypotheses (Science Survey, n = 1,200; Eating Behaviours Survey, n = 200). Participants were randomly assigned to one of six conditions, four of which were designed to improve the accuracy of the self-reported height and weight data (“preamble”), and two of which served as the control conditions ( “no preamble”). Four hypotheses were tested: (H1) survey participants read a preamble prior to being asked their height and weight will report lower heights and higher weights than those not read a preamble; (H2) the impact of question-wording (i.e., preamble vs. no preamble) on self-reported weight will be greater for participants with higher BMIs; (H3) the impact of question-wording on height will be greater for older participants; (H4) either version of the weight question – standard or “weight-specific”—may result in participants reporting more accurate self-reported weight. One-way MANOVA was conducted to test Hypothesis 1; two-way analysis of variance were conducted to test Hypothesis 2; moderation analysis was used to test Hypothesis 3; independent samples t-test was conducted to test Hypothesis 4.

Results

None of the hypotheses was supported.

Conclusions

This paper provides an important starting point from which to inform further work exploring how question wording can improve self-reported measurement of height and weight. Future research should explore how question preambles may or may not operationalise hypothesised underlying mechanisms, the sensitivity or intrusiveness of height and weight questions, individual beliefs about one’s height and weight, and survey context.

Body weight and physical fitness in women with ischaemic heart disease: does physical fitness contribute to our understanding of the obesity paradox in women?

AIMS

Body mass index (BMI) defined obesity is paradoxically associated with lower all-cause mortality in patients with known cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine the role of physical fitness in the obesity paradox in women with ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Women undergoing invasive coronary angiography with signs/symptoms of IHD in the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) prospective cohort (enrolled 1997-2001) were analysed. This study investigated the longer-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality associated with BMI and physical fitness measured by Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). Overweight was defined as BMl ≥25 to 30 kg/m2, obese as BMI ≥30 kg/m2, unfit as DASI scores <25, equivalent to ≤7 metabolic equivalents. Among 899 women, 18.6% were normal BMI-fit, 11.4% overweight-fit, 10.4% obese-fit, 15.3% normal BMI-unfit, 23.8% overweight-unfit, and 30.4% obese-unfit. In adjusted models compared to normal BMI-fit, normal BMI-unfit women had higher MACE risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.32; P = 0.004]; whereas obese-fit and overweight-fit women had lower risk of mortality (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40-0.89; P = 0.012 and HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.92; P = 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSION

To address the paradox of body weight and outcomes in women, we report for the first time that among women with signs/symptoms of IHD overweight-fit and obese-fit were at lower risk of long-term all-cause mortality; whereas normal BMI-unfit were at higher risk of MACE. Physical fitness may contribute to the obesity paradox in women, warranting future studies to better understand associations between body weight, body composition, and physical fitness to improve cardiovascular outcomes in women.

Objectively determined physical activity and adiposity measures in adult women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The prevalence of adiposity is increasing among adult women. Although emerging evidence suggest that all patterns of heightened physical activity (PA) are important to benefit adiposity, the relationship between objectively assessed intensities of PA and adiposity in women has not yet been assessed. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to qualitatively synthesize and quantitatively assess the evidence for any relationship between objectively measured PA and a wide range of adiposity indicators to guide PA prescription in adult women. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane library) were searched for eligible studies. 35 studies were included (25 observational and 10 interventional studies), with a total of 9,176 women from 20 countries included. The overall pooled correlation for random effects model (n = 1 intervention and n = 15 cross-sectional studies) revealed that the total volume of physical activity (TPA) was moderately associated with percentage body fat (%BF) (r = −0.59; 95% CI: −1.11, −0.24; p = 0.003). There was a weak but significant association between MVPA with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and visceral adiposity. Daily steps were significantly associated with BMI, %BF, WC, and fat mass, with the strongest association with %BF (r = −0.41; 95% CI: −0.66, −0.19; p < 0.001). Walking programs resulting in increasing daily steps only had a significant effect on WC (SMD = −0.35; 95% CI: −0.65, −0.05; p = 0.02). Overall, objectively determined PA in terms of steps, TPA and MVPA were favorably associated with adiposity outcomes. The improvement in adiposity can be achieved by simply accumulating more PA than previously and adiposity is more likely to be benefited by PA performed at higher intensity. Nonetheless, these results should be interpreted with caution as there were a small number of studies included in the meta-analysis and the majority of studies included utilized cross-sectional designs.

Understanding Sociocultural Influences on Physical Activity in Relation to Overweight and Obesity in a Rural Indigenous Community of Fiji Islands

INTRODUCTION

Given health disparities and increased rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases seen in Indigenous populations worldwide and the evidence connecting sociocultural knowledge with physical activity, health, and wellbeing, this research was undertaken to understand the social and cultural components contributing to obesity in the Indigenous Fijian rural areas.

METHODS

This research is a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project, which engaged community members from a rural iTaukei village in the Fiji Islands. Data collection was carried out through community consultation and semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using descriptive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four major themes emerged associated with sociocultural, economic, political, and physical environmental factors. Males emphasised sports and working on farmlands as preferred types of physical activity, while females focused on family activities and daily activities and support for females' separate playgrounds. There was a focus on previous health promotion programs that did not incorporate the cultural values, cultural competence beliefs, and traditional ways of the rural Indigenous Fijian community.

CONCLUSION

The healthcare providers and policymakers need to recognise the iTaukei community culture and appreciate traditional methods to promote equitable community participation in decision-making for health promotion. These findings should inform future research and community-based health programs to address the physical activity levels of the rural Indigenous community and may be relevant to other Indigenous peoples.

Altered Visceral Adipose Tissue Predictors and Women’s Health: A Unicenter Study

(1) Background: The excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation in women may reflect an early or advanced state of a metabolic disorder and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than other types of obesity. This study aimed to determine the predictor variables (demographic information, anthropometric data, and blood biomarkers) for changes in VAT in adult women. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with women aged 18–59 years attending nutritional consultation at the Centro Universitário de Brasília (CEUB)’s nutrition school clinic, Brazil. All participants’ medical records were reviewed throughout the study and data of interest were collected. Various anthropometric measurements and biochemical exams were performed and analyzed in a univariate logistic regression model to identify the possible risk factors predictors for the presence of altered VAT. (3) Results: Our logistic regression model considered body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m², lipid accumulation product (LAP), and waist–hip ratio (WHR) as predictors of altered VAT. (4) Conclusion: LAP has a robust predictive capacity for changes in visceral fat in adult women, followed by WHR and BMI, making these variables effective in assessing the risk for changes in visceral fat and their inclusion essential in the individual and collective clinical practice.

Body Fat Composition Related to Fatty Snack Habit Consumption of Office Workers in Urban Area

BACKGROUND:The fatty snack cooked with a deep-fried process is a snack that is often consumed by Indonesian people. The high oil content in fatty snacks results in the risk of obesity. AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the consumption habits of fatty snacks with body fat composition of office workers in urban area. METHOD: This research design uses a cross-sectional study with a purposive sampling method consisting of men and women with a total of 112 respondents. Food consumption data were obtained using semi-quantitative FFQ, while body fat composition used Bio Electrical Impedance Analysis. The relationship between fatty snacks consumption and body fat was analyzed using the chi-square test, while the differences between the two groups based on gender were analyzed using the independent sample t-test. RESULT:  There was a significant relationship between age and body fat (P=0.005) and visceral fat (P=0.004). Nutritional status had a significant relationship with body fat (P=0.003) and visceral fat (P=0.000). Fatty snacks consumption habits were associated with body fat (P=0.008), while not visceral fat (P>0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between men and women based on body and visceral fat composition, nutritional status, and frequency of consumption of fatty snacks. CONCLUSION: Consumption of Fatty snacks more than once per day is closely related to body fat.

The Association between Physical Activity and Selected Parameters of Psychological Status and Dementia in Older Women

Physical activity has an unquestionable impact on broadly understood human health. One interesting issue related to this is the importance of movement on mental health and cognitive functioning. Research shows that regular physical activity improves the cognitive functioning of adults and people with mental disorders. Regular physical activity can be an important and powerful protective factor in cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly, and exercise is an important non-pharmacological treatment for mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to present the impact of physical activity on selected cognitive functions in physically active women over 60 years of age. The research was carried out in a group of 110 generally healthy women from the area of western Poland over 60 years of age, who were divided into four groups based on the intensity of their physical activity. A pedometer (sport watch) and a physical activity diary were used to measure physical activity. Body Mass Index was assessed. Selected cognitive functions were assessed using the MMSE test, motor and psychomotor skills were measured, and Luria's auditory memory test and recall test, a clock drawing test, and a GDS test were performed. There were statistically significant relationships between the level of physical activity and the effectiveness of cognitive processes. These results show that about 5000 steps a day is enough to see a positive effect on the mental health and cognitive functioning of this group of the elderly population. The women had an average BMI of 28.1 ± 4.7. BMI, indicating an overweight condition (over 30 kg/m2), was observed in 31% of women. The results of this study lead the authors to conclude that physical activity positively influences cognitive function and can be recommended for all seniors who do not have other serious comorbidities that would prevent them from playing sports.

A framework for handling missing accelerometer outcome data in trials

Accelerometers and other wearable devices are increasingly being used in clinical trials to provide an objective measure of the impact of an intervention on physical activity. Missing data are ubiquitous in this setting, typically for one of two reasons: patients may not wear the device as per protocol, and/or the device may fail to collect data (e.g. flat battery, water damage). However, it is not always possible to distinguish whether the participant stopped wearing the device, or if the participant is wearing the device but staying still. Further, a lack of consensus in the literature on how to aggregate the data before analysis (hourly, daily, weekly) leads to a lack of consensus in how to define a "missing" outcome. Different trials have adopted different definitions (ranging from having insufficient step counts in a day, through to missing a certain number of days in a week). We propose an analysis framework that uses wear time to define missingness on the epoch and day level, and propose a multiple imputation approach, at the day level, which treats partially observed daily step counts as right censored. This flexible approach allows the inclusion of auxiliary variables, and is consistent with almost all the primary analysis models described in the literature, and readily allows sensitivity analysis (to the missing at random assumption) to be performed. Having presented our framework, we illustrate its application to the analysis of the 2019 MOVE-IT trial of motivational interviewing to increase exercise.

Association of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

INTRODUCTION

Evidence regarding the associations between accelerometer-measured moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiovascular health (CVH) indicators among Hispanic/Latino adults are unavailable.

METHODS

Examined cross-sectional data from 12,008 Hispanic/Latino adults aged 18-74 years participating in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Accelerometer-measured MVPA was assessed categorically and dichotomously per 2008 PA guidelines. Adverse and ideal CVH indicators were determined by standard cut-points for blood glucose, total cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and smoking. A composite of low CV risk, defined as achieving all ideal CVH indicators, was included. Adjusted Poisson regression models and complex survey design methods were used for all analyses.

RESULTS

Compared to high MVPA, lower MVPA categories were associated with higher prevalence of all adverse CVH indicators, except hypertension, and with lower prevalence of low CV risk and ideal blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI. Similarly, non-adherence to PA guidelines was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes (16%), hypercholesterolemia (9%), obesity (28%), and smoking (9%); and lower prevalence of low CV risk (24%), ideal blood glucose (6%), ideal blood pressure (6%), and ideal BMI (22%).

CONCLUSION

Overall, high accelerometer-measured MVPA and meeting PA guidelines were associated with favorable CVH in Hispanic/Latino adults.

A High Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Traits in Mexicans Points at Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a construct relating to a series of metabolic dysfunctions attributable to insulin resistance and obesity. Here, we estimate the incidence of MS according to their individual components using a Mexican open-population cohort.

METHODS

We evaluated data of 6144 Mexicans amongst whom 3340 did not have MS either by IDF or ATP-III definitions using data from an open-population cohort. We estimated the incidence of MS and each of its traits after a median follow-up of 2.24 (IQR 2.05-2.58) years and evaluated risk factors for MS incidence and each of its traits. We also explored individuals without any MS trait to evaluate trait and MS incidence after follow-up.

RESULTS

We observed a high incidence of MS-IDF (115.11 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 107.76-122.47), followed by MS-ATP-III (75.77 cases per 1000 person-years, 95% CI). The MS traits with the highest incidence were low HDL-C and abdominal obesity, which was consistent for subjects without MS and those without any MS trait. When assessing predictors of MS incidence, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased apolipoprotein B levels predicted MS incidence. Weight loss >5% of body weight and physical activity were the main protective factors. Obesity was a main determinant for incident MS traits in our population, with weight loss being also a protective factor for most MS traits.

CONCLUSION

We observed a high incidence of MS in apparently healthy Mexican adults. Low HDL-C and abdominal obesity were the most frequent incident MS traits, with obesity being the main determinant of its incidence.

Association between Bout Duration of Physical Activity and Health: Systematic Review

PURPOSE

This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review to determine whether physical activity episodes of <10 min in duration have health-related benefits or, alternatively, if the benefits are only realized when the duration of physical activity episodes is ≥10 min.

METHODS

The primary literature search was conducted for the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report and encompassed literature through June 2017, with an additional literature search conducted to include literature published through March 2018 for inclusion in this systematic review.

RESULTS

The literature review identified 29 articles that were pertinent to the research question that used either cross-sectional, prospective cohort, or randomized designs. One prospective cohort study (N = 4840) reported similar associations between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and all-cause mortality when examined as total MVPA, MVPA in bouts ≥5 min in duration, or MVPA in bouts ≥10 min in duration. Additional evidence was identified from cross-sectional and prospective studies to support that bouts of physical activity <10 min in duration are associated with a variety of health outcomes. Randomized studies only examined bouts of physical activity ≥10 min in duration.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence, from cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies, supports that physical activity of any bout duration is associated with improved health outcomes, which includes all-cause mortality. This may suggest the need for a contemporary paradigm shift in public health recommendations for physical activity, which supports total MVPA as an important lifestyle behavior regardless of the bout duration.

Dissimilar Impact of a Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity on Anthropometric Indices: A Cross-Sectional Study from the ILERVAS Project

There is a close relationship between lifestyle behaviors and excess adiposity. Although body mass index (BMI) is the most used approach to estimate excess weight, other anthropometric indices have been developed to measure total body and abdominal adiposity. However, little is known about the impact of physical activity and adherence to a Mediterranean diet on these indices. Here we report the results of a cross-sectional study with 6672 middle-aged subjects with low to moderate cardiovascular risk from the Ilerda Vascular (ILERVAS) project. The participants' adherence to physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form) and MedDiet (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) was evaluated. Measures of total adiposity (BMI, Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), and Deurenberg's formula), central adiposity (waist and neck circumferences, conicity index, waist to height ratio, Bonora's equation, A body adiposity index, and body roundness index), and lean body mass (Hume formula) were assessed. Irrespective of sex, lower indices of physical activity were associated with higher values of total body fat and central adiposity. This result was constant regardless of the indices used to estimate adiposity. However, the association between MedDiet and obesity indices was much less marked and more dependent on sex than that observed for physical activity. Lean body mass was influenced by neither physical activity nor MedDiet adherence. No joint effect between physical activity and MedDiet to lower estimated total or central adiposity indices was shown. In conclusion, physical activity is related to lower obesity indices in a large cohort of middle-aged subjects. MedDiet showed a slight impact on estimated anthropometric indices, with no joint effect when considering both lifestyle variables. ClinTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03228459.

The Scientific Foundation for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition

BACKGROUND

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report provides the evidence base for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition.

METHODS

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee addressed 38 questions and 104 subquestions selected for their public health relevance, potential to inform public policies and programs, maturity of the relevant science, and applicability to the general US population. Rigorous systematic literature searches and literature reviews were performed using standardized methods.

RESULTS

Newly described benefits of physical activity include reduced risk of excessive weight gain in children and adults, incidence of 6 types of cancer, and fall-related injuries in older people. Physical activity is associated with enhanced cognitive function and mental health across the life span, plus improved mental health and physical function. There is no threshold that must be exceeded before benefits begin to accrue; the accrual is most rapid for the least active individuals. Sedentary time is directly associated with elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, incident cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and selected cancer sites. A wide range of intervention strategies have demonstrated success in increasing physical activity.

CONCLUSION

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report provides compelling new evidence to inform physical activity recommendations, practice, and policy.

Mode of physical activity participation by body mass index: 2015 behavioural risk factor surveillance system

Body mass index (BMI) continues to be used as a marker of health due its strong correlation with adiposity and health. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be favourably associated with a desirable BMI. Few studies have examined mode of PA participation across BMI indices with a mutually exclusive underweight BMI range. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between modes of PA and BMI. Data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was analysed. Underweight, overweight, and obese BMI categories possessed 35, 20, and 46% lower odds of meeting current PA guidelines. The obese BMI group was found to have lower odds of meeting the aerobic only and strength only guidelines. Underweight, overweight, and obese groups possessed 63, 18, and 76% greater odds of meeting neither PA guideline, respectively.

Role of Physical Activity and Exercise in Treating Patients with Overweight and Obesity

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns that are linked to numerous negative health consequences. Physical activity is an important lifestyle behavior that contributes to body weight regulation.

CONTENT

Physical activity is inversely associated with weight gain and the incidence of obesity. Physical activity also contributes to additional weight loss when coupled with dietary modification, and it can result in modest weight loss when not coupled with dietary modification. Moreover, physical activity is associated with improved long-term weight loss and prevention of weight gain following initial weight loss. Current evidence supports that physical activity should be moderate to vigorous in intensity to influence body weight regulation. There is also a growing body of evidence that physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day in shorter periods of time rather than being performed during a structured and longer period, and that physical activity performed in this manner can be important for body weight regulation.

SUMMARY

The literature supports the inclusion of physical activity as an important lifestyle behavior for regulating body weight. There are multiple intervention approaches that may be effective for enhancing physical activity engagement within the context of weight control.

Precision Nutrition: A Review of Personalized Nutritional Approaches for the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Syndrome

The translation of the growing increase of findings emerging from basic nutritional science into meaningful and clinically relevant dietary advices represents nowadays one of the main challenges of clinical nutrition. From nutrigenomics to deep phenotyping, many factors need to be taken into account in designing personalized and unbiased nutritional solutions for individuals or population sub-groups. Likewise, a concerted effort among basic, clinical scientists and health professionals will be needed to establish a comprehensive framework allowing the implementation of these new findings at the population level. In a world characterized by an overwhelming increase in the prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disturbances, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, tailored nutrition prescription represents a promising approach for both the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome. This review aims to discuss recent works in the field of precision nutrition analyzing most relevant aspects affecting an individual response to lifestyle/nutritional interventions. Latest advances in the analysis and monitoring of dietary habits, food behaviors, physical activity/exercise and deep phenotyping will be discussed, as well as the relevance of novel applications of nutrigenomics, metabolomics and microbiota profiling. Recent findings in the development of precision nutrition are highlighted. Finally, results from published studies providing examples of new avenues to successfully implement innovative precision nutrition approaches will be reviewed.