Search Results (802)

Background/Objectives: Job stress negatively affects physical and psychological health and can lead to behavioral changes such as unhealthy eating. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between job stress levels, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and the phytochemical index (PI). Methods: The study included 200 healthy individuals aged 18–50 working at the Tuzla Gum Factory. Data were collected through demographic and dietary questionnaires, two-day 24-h food records, PI values, and anthropometric measurements. Job stress was assessed using the Job Stress Scale, and Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Questionnaire. Results: Waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, and BMI were significantly higher in individuals with high levels of job stress (p < 0.01). Unskilled workers reported higher stress than professionals (p < 0.01). Significant differences were found in carbohydrate and fiber intake among males and in energy, protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin A intake among females with varying stress levels (p < 0.01). No significant difference in Mediterranean diet adherence was observed between medium and high stress groups. However, women had higher adherence and PI scores than men (p < 0.01). Diet adherence was better among managers than service-sales and technical staff (p < 0.01). PI scores were higher in medium stress than high stress individuals (p < 0.05) and in those with a higher BMI compared to a normal BMI (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Job stress influences both anthropometric parameters and dietary habits. Effective stress management may improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet and phytochemical intake. Workplace strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors are recommended. Full article

Background/Objectives: To assess the association between early pregnancy carbohydrate quality, as measured by the Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI), and the risk of delivering a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant in a Mediterranean pregnant cohort of northern Greece. Methods: We analyzed singleton pregnancies from the BORN 2020 prospective cohort in Greece. Dietary intake was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire, and CQI was computed from glycemic index, fiber density, whole-to-refined grain ratio, and solid-to-liquid carbohydrate ratio. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between CQI (in tertiles) and LGA risk, defined as birthweight >90th percentile. Results: Among the 797 participants, 152 (19.1%) delivered LGA infants, and 117 (14.7%) were diagnosed with GDM. Of those with GDM, 23 (19.7%) delivered LGA infants. In the total population, higher maternal weight (p < 0.001), height (p = 0.006), and pre-pregnancy BMI (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with LGA. A greater proportion of women with LGA had a BMI > 25 (p = 0.007). In the GDM subgroup, maternal height remained significantly higher in those who delivered LGA infants (p = 0.017). In multivariable models, moderate CQI was consistently associated with increased odds of LGA across all models (Model 1: aOR = 1.60 (95% CI: 1.03–2.50), p = 0.037, Model 2: aOR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.01–2.46), p = 0.046, Model 3: aOR = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.01–2.47), p = 0.044, Model 4 aOR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.08–2.72; p = 0.023), whereas high CQI was not. In the GDM subgroup, a significant association between high CQI and increased LGA risk was observed in less adjusted models (Model 1 aOR: 6.74; 95% CI: 1.32–56.66; p = 0.039, Model 2 aOR: 6.64; 95% CI: 1.27–57.48; p = 0.044), but this was attenuated and became non-significant in the fully adjusted model (aOR: 3.05; 95% CI: 0.47–30.22; p = 0.28). When examining CQI components individually, no consistent associations were observed. Notably, a higher intake of low-quality carbohydrates (≥50% of energy intake) was significantly associated with increased LGA risk in the total population (aOR: 4.25; 95% CI: 1.53–11.67; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Higher early pregnancy intake of low-quality carbohydrates was associated with an elevated risk of LGA in the general population. However, CQI itself showed a non-linear and inconsistent relationship with LGA, with moderate, but not high, CQI linked to increased risk, particularly in GDM pregnancies, where associations were lost after adjustment. Both carbohydrate quality and quantity evaluations are essential, particularly in high-risk groups, to inform dietary guidance in pregnancy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although there is an increasing interest among athletes in adopting plant-based diets, there is insufficient research available to determine how a vegan diet affects soccer performance. Methods: This interventional pilot study examined the effect of an 8-week vegan diet (VEG, n = 10) on nutritional status and athletic performance in semi-professional soccer players compared to controls (CON, n = 8). The study employed a controlled, non-randomized, longitudinal pilot study design during the season to compare the two groups. Results: Both groups displayed overall differences in nutrient intake, including insufficient energy and carbohydrates (t2: 46.2 [40.3–52.2] En% (VEG) vs. 37.6 [34.1–41.1] En% (CON); p = 0.036, Cohen’s d = 1.321). Notably, biochemical parameters 25(OH)D and ferritin levels fell within the normal ranges for both groups. The VEG group exhibited favorable changes in total and LDL cholesterol levels. Both groups had increased performances on the treadmill over the entire course of the study (VEG: +0.87 km/h (6.6%); CON: +0.96 km/h (7%); p > 0.05). The initial relative VO_2max at t0 was comparable between the groups. Primarily due to the significant weight loss in the VEG group (−1.94 kg, p = 0.007) rather than a change in absolute VO_2max values, we found an increased relative VO_2max in the VEG group, which was significantly different from that of the CON group (57.0 [53.7–60.3] mL/kg/min (VEG) vs. 51.6 [48.1–55.0] mL/kg/min (CON); p = 0.041, Cohen’s d = 1.675). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a short-term vegan diet does not adversely affect training-induced performance improvements and may be suitable for semi-professional soccer players. Full article

Background: The Fit-Model in bodybuilding is a relatively new category designed for women seeking a balanced physique, avoiding excessive muscularity and extreme leanness. This study examined the dietary strategies, body composition changes, and plasma leptin fluctuations of Fit-Model athletes during a seven-week pre-competition phase. Methods: Twelve females (age: 27.6 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 60.0 ± 6.2 kg) preparing for a national championship were monitored for energy and macronutrient intakes, total, lean, and fat mass, plasma leptin levels, and menstrual cycle characteristics. The five highest-ranked athletes were selected to compete at the world championship, allowing for comparisons between national and international athletes. Results: Low carbohydrate intake was reported, and total energy intake decreased from 1700 to 1520 kcal/day approaching the contest day. Athletes experienced an average body mass loss of 4.2 kg, with no clear relationship between final weight or fat mass and competitive success. Plasma leptin levels were markedly low during all 7 weeks of preparation with a further decline before the contest, but did not correlate with either changes in body composition and weight or energy or macronutrient intakes. Menstrual cycle disturbances were prevalent, with only two athletes maintaining regular cycles by the end of the preparation. Conclusions: Fit-Model athletes undergo a considerable decline in body weight and fat mass during the final weeks before the contest, yet these changes do not appear to be decisive for performance outcomes. Persistently low leptin levels and menstrual irregularities call for strategies that balance physique optimization with endocrine health to support both the performance and well-being of athletes. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), are growing global health concerns. However, pharmacological therapies for MASLD/MASH have not yet been established. Dietary interventions and their bioactive components have been explored as strategies to mitigate MASLD and MASH progression. Although specific nutrients and bioactive compounds have exhibited potential therapeutic benefits, they also exacerbate adverse outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we synthesize the protective and exacerbating or sometimes dual effects of key macronutrients, including fatty acids (saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats) and carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), and bioactive compounds and micronutrients, in the context of MASLD management. The evidence suggests that coffee-derived compounds, such as caffeine and chlorogenic acid, may attenuate liver injury. However, the effects on MASLD severity are inconsistent. Diets high in saturated fatty acids exacerbate MASLD pathogenesis, whereas moderate intake (7–10% of total energy) may confer metabolic benefits. Other bioactive compounds and micronutrients have been explored for their diverse roles in hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Although current evidence supports the therapeutic potential of specific dietary nutrients and bioactive compounds in the management of MASLD, inconsistencies in results highlight the need for more robust, well-controlled studies, including clinical trials, to clarify the preventive and therapeutic standards for balanced food interventions in MASLD management. In particular, well-designed clinical trials are necessary before clinical application. Although this is a narrative review and the literature retrieval may be biased, we covered a wide variety of substances. Full article

Contextualization: Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and healthy eating, are essential for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The 2021 update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines highlights the need to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in patients who have suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and dietary 2021 ESC guidelines of individuals who have suffered AMI and to evaluate the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with the adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from participants prior to enrollment in the DICA-NUTS multicenter clinical trial. The dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and 24 h dietary recall. The nutrient intake was compared with the nutritional recommendations of the 2021 ESC guidelines, and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet was analyzed using a Mediterranean diet score. Furthermore, the analyses of the factors associated with the Mediterranean diet score and 2021 ESC were performed. Analyses were conducted using Stata Data Analysis and Statistical Software version 15.0. Values were considered statistically significant when the p-value < 0.05. Results: Among 488 participants aged ≥ 40 years, moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed obtaining an average of nine points, with a low intake of vegetables, fish, and cereals. The protein intake was adequate with 18% (interquartile range [IQR] 15.0–23.1) of the total energy value, and the saturated fat intake was high with 9.7% (IQR 7.3–12.7) of the total energy value, while the carbohydrate and total fat intake was adequate. According to the 2021 ESC guidelines, the fiber intake was low with more than 79% of the sample consuming less than 30 g per day. The multivariate analysis using the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations showed that older age (≥60 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.63; 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.44–1.91], never smoking (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.17–1.65), and higher education (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.17–1.77) were correlated with an increased fruit and vegetable intake. Non-white, never-smokers, and former smokers were more likely to consume fish. The alcohol scores were higher in older age participants and women. The dairy scores increased with older age, while the cereal scores decreased. No significant association was found for legumes. Conclusions: According to the scores used, the diet of these individuals moderately reflects the Mediterranean characteristics. Analyzing the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations, the studied population was inadequate. This study found different factors associated with an adequate food intake in post-AMI patients. The highlight of this study was that older age is more likely to increase fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake. Full article

Background/Objectives: More children and adolescents are adopting vegetarian diets. A balanced diet is particularly important for growth and bone development in children. It is important to clarify whether a vegetarian diet affects these processes. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies investigating differences in anthropometric data, nutrient intake, and biomarkers between vegetarian and omnivorous children. Methods: PUBMED, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collections were searched between the end of 2014 and 2023. We included peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, intervention, or observational studies that were published in English or German and investigated the differences between healthy children and adolescents from high-income countries who consumed either a vegetarian or an omnivorous diet. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. If at least five values with the same unit were available from different studies, a cumulative analysis of selected parameters was conducted. Due to the participants’ varying ages across the studies, limited cumulative analyses were conducted additionally by age category. Results: A total of 1681 studies were screened, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. Significant differences were found in fiber and energy intake from carbohydrates and proteins. The results were strengthened by the restricted cumulative analysis of the 2–10 age category, which also revealed significant differences when comparing VG and OM. Conclusions: A higher intake of fiber, more energy from carbohydrates, and sufficient energy from proteins and less from fat can be regarded as the benefits of a vegetarian diet, according to this review. There are also the first indications of enhanced vitamin C and E, iron, folate, and magnesium intake. These characteristics can be regarded as potential benefits of a vegetarian diet. A lower vitamin B12 and vitamin D intake has been identified as a potential risk factor. Further longitudinal, prospective, observational studies are needed. Prospero registration date and number: 6 March 2023, CRD42023402301. Full article

Background: Dietary patterns impact blood pressure (BP) levels, but the potential impact of replacing specific types of fats with proteins or carbohydrates, in isocaloric models, on BP remains unclear. Objective: This study evaluates the longitudinal association between the substitution of different types of fats with proteins or carbohydrates and changes in BP in a Mexican population. Methods: We analyzed data from 1448 adults (mean age at baseline: 45 years; 73.3% women) from the Health Workers Cohort Study, followed over 13 years. Trained personnel measured systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure following standard procedures and techniques at baseline and follow-up. Macronutrient intake was assessed with a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) for hypertension and fixed-effects linear regression for BP were conducted using isocaloric substitution models. Each estimate reflects the effect of a 3% energy substitution of specific fats for carbohydrates or proteins. Results: Substituting 3% of energy intake of polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in place of vegetable protein (β = −2.94, 95% CI: −5.02, −0.86), animal protein (β = −2.68, 95% CI: −4.73, −0.63), low glycemic index (LGI) carbohydrates (β = −2.63, 95% CI: −4.40, −0.86), and high glycemic index (HGI) carbohydrates (β = −2.52, 95% CI: −4.31, −0.74) was associated with a significant reduction in SBP. Substituting 3% of the energy intake of PUFA in place of different types of carbohydrates was associated with lower odds of hypertension. PUFA was not associated with changes in DBP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that exchanging PUFA for carbohydrates or proteins is associated with reduced SBP and a lower risk of hypertension, highlighting the importance of macronutrient composition independent of total energy intake and other fat types, which may have a substantial impact at the population level. Full article

Objectives: This study comparatively evaluated changes in the food habits and dietary patterns of adults aged ≥65 years before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using a retrospective study. Methods: Data covering the 2018–2021 period were derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: Comparing the 2943 individuals in the “Before-COVID-19” individuals with the 2916 people in the “During COVID-19” group, the frequency of drinking four or more times a week decreased among the older adults during the pan-demic, as did the frequency of eating three meals a day and eating-out at least once a week. On the other hand, food security improved during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the intake of cereals and grains decreased, while that of potatoes and starches, legumes, vegetables, eggs, milk and dairy products, and oils and fats increased. Although energy and carbohydrate intake decreased, protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, and fat intake increased. However, the intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium remained lower than the estimated adequate requirement of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Additionally, the rate of nutritional insufficiency “During COVID-19” (20.76%) was 1.31–1.42 times higher than that “Before COVID-19” (16.45%). Even in models that adjusted for other factors, the rate of nutritional insufficiency was higher during the pandemic than before. Conclusions: Based on these findings, measures such as dietary education programs and guidelines for proper nutrient intake should be formulated to prevent imbalances in nutrient intake among older Koreans. Full article

Background: Compared to omnivorous diets, vegetarian diets are generally linked to improved body weight, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glycemic control. Despite having the highest global prevalence of vegetarianism, South Asians in Canada exhibit disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. This study examines the usual dietary intake and CVD risk factors among South Asian vegetarians and omnivores at risk of diabetes in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Of a community sample of 100 South Asian adults at high risk of diabetes and recruited from 12 faith-based centers across the Metro Vancouver area, 96 completed the culturally adapted 163-item SHARE Food Frequency Questionnaire to determine their dietary status. CVD risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were also assessed. The usual dietary intake metrics, including the total energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient consumption, were compared between vegetarians and omnivores. The associations between diet type, BMI, and WC were analyzed. Results: Of the 96 participants, 50 identified as vegetarians and 46 as omnivores. The mean age was similar between groups: 64.9 (±9.0) years for vegetarians and 65.6 (±10.5) years for omnivores. Females comprised a higher proportion of vegetarians (54.0% vs. 34.8%). Vegetarians reported a greater intake of carbohydrates and foods with a higher glycemic index and glycemic load. The fat intake was comparable between groups. Omnivores had a significantly higher intake of niacin, vitamin B-12, potassium, and zinc. Both groups exceeded the recommended sodium intake. Overall, 90.6% of the participants were classified as overweight or obese, with no significant association between vegetarianism and reduced adiposity. Conclusions: Both dietary groups exhibited an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity and had nutritional profiles that may be associated with elevated cardiometabolic risk. Factors such as dietary acculturation and a suboptimal diet quality may underlie these findings. Culturally tailored nutritional interventions are warranted to address the specific needs of South Asian Canadian communities. Full article

Obesity is a global health concern that elevates the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Phaseolus vulgaris (white bean) contains α-amylase inhibitors (αAIs) that can reduce carbohydrate digestion and absorption, potentially mitigating obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the impact of P. vulgaris extract (PVE) on obese rats. Male Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet (SD) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 17 weeks to induce obesity. Subsequently, rats in each dietary group were randomly assigned to receive a vehicle, low-dose PVE (200 mg/kg), high-dose PVE (300 mg/kg), or metformin (200 mg/kg) via an oral gavage for 6 weeks. The CAF group exhibited significantly greater weight gain compared to the SD group. In the CAF group, a low dose of PVE lowered postprandial glycemia during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 60 and 120 min and decreased food and energy intake during weeks 17–20 and 18–19, respectively. In the SD group, a high dose of PVE reduced glycemia at 90 min in the OGTT, as well as body weight gain, food intake, and energy intake during week 17. However, the overall areas under the glucose curves in the OGTT were not significantly different across treatment groups (p > 0.05), and while individual time points showed changes, the overall glucose exposure (AUC) was not significantly altered. In conclusion, the αAIs present in P. vulgaris demonstrate the potential to reduce body weight, weight gain, glycemia, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in vivo, but in the CAF group, neither PVE dose significantly altered the TC or TG. This study provides strong support for further exploring Phaseolus vulgaris extract as a valuable functional ingredient in the food industry, particularly for developing products that aid in weight management and glycemic control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactating mothers have increased nutritional requirements, but nutritional adequacy is difficult to achieve. Additionally, human milk (HM) composition depends on maternal diet. However, the nutritional intake and status of mothers with hospitalized very preterm infants (MHVPIs) (<32 weeks of gestational age) have rarely been assessed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the intake of macronutrients, micronutrients, and lipids, as well as the nutritional status of MHVPIs. The results were compared with a group of HM donors (HMDs), and associations with HM composition were evaluated using multiple linear regression. Methods: For dietary assessment, a 5-day dietary record including supplement intake was completed by 15 MHVPIs and 110 HMDs. Vitamins and fatty acids (FA) were determined in plasma and erythrocytes; minerals and methylmalonic acid were determined in urine; and macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and the lipid profile were determined in HM. Results: Considering dietary reference intakes, the dietary evaluation of MHVPIs revealed a high percentage of inadequate nutrient intake in relation to total energy, as well as for iodine and vitamins B8, B9, C, D, and E. A high protein intake was observed. The percentage of energy from carbohydrates was low, whereas the percentage of energy from fat was high. However, the diet of MHVPIs did not differ substantially from the diet of HMDs. Associations were observed between the study groups (MHVPI vs. HMD) and the HM concentration of protein, several micronutrients, and fatty acids independent from intake and status. Conclusions: Deficient nutrient intakes did not appear to be exclusively related to MHVPI but rather seemed to be widespread in both study groups. However, for preterm infants, an insufficient supply of nutrients is critical and should be addressed in order to improve preterm infant’s outcomes. Furthermore, we provided additional insights into the exploration of HM by relating its composition to prematurity. Full article

Background: Dietary intake plays a crucial role in health research, yet existing methods for its measurement can lead to participant burden, lengthy recording, and human errors, and do not account for age-specific variations. Libro is a real-time diet-tracking mobile-based app offering flexible features. An automated food recording program within Libro was customized for young people vulnerable to eating misbehaviour. This preliminary study assessed its relative validity using a self-administered 24 h recall method as the reference method. Methods: The relative validity of Libro was tested by adopting a cross-over design that recorded food intake over a period of 3 non-consecutive weekdays and 1 weekend day with both methods. The participants were recruited online through a mental health research charity, and this study was conducted fully online. The primary outcome was the concordance of total energy intake between the two methods, with secondary outcomes focusing on the intake of protein, carbohydrates, fats, free sugars, fibre, and trans-fatty acids. Test–retest validity was assessed per method with the intraclass correlation coefficient; a Bland–Altman plot and t-test were performed to test agreement at the group level; correlation coefficient and cross-classification were performed to assess agreement at the individual level. Results: Forty-seven participants were included in the final analysis. The average intraclass correlation coefficient for energy intake measured by Libro over four days was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76–0.91). Compared to Intake24, the average energy intake recorded using Libro was significantly lower (mean difference: −554 Kcal, 95% CI: −804.1 to −305.6 Kcal, p < 0.001), potentially driven by the reduced reporting of foods rich in free sugars. The correlation coefficient for average energy intake measured by Libro vs. Intake24 was 0.32 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.55), with only 27.7% of subjects classified in the same quartile with both methods (κ = 0.31, 95% CI: −0.03, 0.55). Concordance varied across specific dietary component measures. Conclusions: While Libro had good test–retest reliability if adopting a multiple administration method, it underreported energy and other aspects of dietary intake, along with poor classification performance compared to Intake24 in a population vulnerable to eating misbehaviour. We suggest that future studies improve user experience to increase compliance and data accuracy. Full article

The 4Rs of sports nutrition were proposed in recent years as an evidence-based framework to optimize post-exercise recovery within the context of allostasis. Under this paradigm, it is important to consider that each R represents a factor with a tremendous influence on the allostatic response and improves individual components of the allostatic load (AL), which will positively impact the exercise-induced adaptations and the athlete’s recovery. The 4Rs correspond to the following. (i) Rehydration—This is necessary to guarantee the post-exercise consumption of at least 150% of the body mass lost during the exercise accompanied by sodium (if faster replacement is required). (ii) Refuel—Carbohydrate intake (~1.2 g/kg body mass per hour for up to 4 h post-exercise) is essential not only in restoring glycogen reserves but also in supporting the energy needs of the immune system and facilitating tissue repair. Despite changes in substrate utilization, a ketogenic diet generally has neutral or negative effects on athletic performance compared to carbohydrate-rich diets. (iii) Repair—The ingestion of high-quality protein stimulates post-exercise net muscle protein anabolism and might contribute to faster tissue growth and repair. The use of certain supplements, such as creatine monohydrate, might help to enhance recovery, while tart cherry, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary nitrate (e.g., Beta vulgaris, Amaranthus L.), as well as other herbal extracts containing flavonoid-rich polyphenols, deserve further clinical research. (iv) Recuperate—Pre-sleep nutrition (casein- or protein-rich meal with slow digestion rate) has a restorative effect, facilitating the recovery of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In this article, we update the 4Rs framework, delve deeper into the allostasis paradigm, and offer theoretical foundations and practical recommendations (the 4Rs app) for the assessment of AL in athletes. We cautiously propose an AL index (AL_index) for physique competitors and elite athletes to evaluate the cumulative physiological stress induced by exercise and, thereby, to adjust exercise and nutrition interventions. Full article

β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) serves as an alternative cellular fuel during states of low glucose availability, such as fasting or carbohydrate restriction, when the body shifts to using fats and ketone bodies for energy. While BHB has shown potential metabolic benefits, its mechanisms of action in the context of obesity are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the effects of BHB supplementation on subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) metabolism in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. Adult male mice were first fed a high-fat diet for six weeks, followed by a standard diet with or without BHB supplementation for an additional six weeks. BHB supplementation led to significant body weight loss independent of food intake. This weight reduction was associated with decreased adipocyte differentiation, reflected by reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) protein levels and lower uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression, indicating altered SAT function. Transcriptomic analysis of SAT revealed upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid activation and transport (e.g., Slc27a2, Plin5, Acot4, Acsm3, Rik). Functional enrichment highlighted the activation of the PPAR signaling pathway and enrichment of peroxisomal components in the BHB group. Together, these results suggest that BHB promotes lipid remodeling in SAT, enhancing fatty acid metabolism while suppressing thermogenic pathways, and thus may represent a novel mechanism contributing to adiposity reduction and metabolic improvement. Full article