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Search Results (5,129)

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Keywords = obesity and overweight

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16 pages, 3559 KB  
Article
How Does Food Accessibility Shape the City Food Landscape? Socio-Economic Inequalities in the Metropolitan Region of Rome
by Davide Marino, Daniela Bernaschi and Francesca Benedetta Felici
Land 2026, 15(2), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15020214 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2026
Abstract
Food insecurity is not merely an outcome of individual deprivation but a place-based expression of how urban food systems operate within unequal socio-spatial contexts. Using the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) framework as a policy-relevant analytical lens, this study examines the Metropolitan Region of Rome to [...] Read more.
Food insecurity is not merely an outcome of individual deprivation but a place-based expression of how urban food systems operate within unequal socio-spatial contexts. Using the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) framework as a policy-relevant analytical lens, this study examines the Metropolitan Region of Rome to show how structural inequalities and uneven food infrastructures shape exposure to food-related risks. The results show that vulnerability is amplified by food price inflation, the rising cost of a healthy diet, and spatial gaps in retail provision—captured through the combined presence of food deserts and food blackouts—disproportionately affecting peripheral municipalities. State indicators, including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), the Food Affordability Index (FAI), and the spatial distribution of FEAD beneficiaries, reveal a markedly uneven geography of food poverty, mirroring a higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, and diabetes. These spatial configurations point to obesogenic environments in which constrained affordability and limited accessibility restrict the capacity to maintain healthy diets, generating hidden social and health costs that disproportionately burden peripheral areas. Overall, food insecurity in Rome follows a pronounced centre–periphery gradient rooted in structural and institutional arrangements rather than incidental variation. Addressing this condition requires place-based, justice-oriented interventions that strengthen food infrastructures, improve coordination across governance scales, and place food security at the core of an integrated metropolitan Food Policy. Full article
14 pages, 1362 KB  
Article
The High Prevalence of High Normal Blood Pressure and the Differential Association of Grip Strength Metrics with Hypertension in a National Sample of Chinese College Students
by Yang Yang, Ziyue Sun, Shan Cai, Jiajia Dang, Yunfei Liu, Jiaxin Li, Tianyu Huang, Ruolan Yang, Jinghong Liang, Peijin Hu, Jun Ma, Zhixin Zhang and Yi Song
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15030992 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The potential of relative grip strength as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk in college students is not well understood. Methods: Blood pressure status and grip strength metrics were analysed with multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models, utilising nationwide [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The potential of relative grip strength as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk in college students is not well understood. Methods: Blood pressure status and grip strength metrics were analysed with multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models, utilising nationwide cross-sectional data from 42,591 Chinese college students. Results: After adjustment, higher absolute grip strength increased hypertension risk (High-level OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 2.21–3.20). In contrast, higher relative grip strength not only reduced risk overall (High-level OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.36–0.46) but also demonstrated consistent protective effects across all BMI subgroups (e.g., OR = 0.83 in overweight/obese individuals). Conclusions: Relative grip strength may present a valuable biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment and the easy identification of at-risk individuals in all BMI categories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Medicine)
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24 pages, 675 KB  
Systematic Review
Nutrition Assistance Programs and Pediatric Weight Outcomes: A Systematic Review
by Dan Ferris, Genevieve Davison, Tyler Frank, Amanda Gilbert, Fanice Thomas, Sydney Rothman, Kim Lipsey and Sarah Moreland-Russell
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030394 - 25 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives. Food insecurity and pediatric obesity have increased concurrently in the U.S., raising questions about the role of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs (FNAPs) in shaping weight outcomes. This systematic review examined evidence on relationships between FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Methods. Six [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives. Food insecurity and pediatric obesity have increased concurrently in the U.S., raising questions about the role of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs (FNAPs) in shaping weight outcomes. This systematic review examined evidence on relationships between FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Methods. Six databases were searched for U.S.-based, peer-reviewed studies published through July 2024 that assessed FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Results. Seventy-five studies met the inclusion criteria, and no consistent pattern indicated that any single FNAP or program type (educational setting-based or direct financial support) reliably reduced or increased childhood overweight or obesity risk. Twenty studies found statistically significant beneficial relationships between FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Most studies reported mixed findings (n = 32), typically varying by subgroup (e.g., age, grade level, gender, race or ethnicity, or program characteristics). Sixteen studies found no relationship between participation and weight. Seven studies found an adverse relationship. Most studies relied on non-randomized quantitative designs and secondary data, and adverse findings were more common in lower quality studies. Among 18 studies that evaluated the effects of policy changes (e.g., the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (2010), 2009 WIC package change), nearly all identified associations between the policy change and weight outcomes, with eight beneficial and nine reporting mixed results. Conclusions. The findings indicate a complex non-causal relationship between FNAP participation and weight that varies across populations, programs, and study designs. Overall, evidence does not support broad adverse weight effects of FNAPs, and policy changes that strengthen nutrition standards may contribute to healthier weight outcomes. These findings have implications for nutrition policy, program design, and future research. Full article
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13 pages, 404 KB  
Article
Longitudinal Assessment of Changes in Lifestyle Behaviors and Body Weight from Precollege to Adulthood
by Sujata Dixit-Joshi, Christina D. Economos, Peter J. Bakun, Caitlin P. Bailey, Jeanne P. Goldberg, Erin Hennessy, Nicola M. McKeown, Susan B. Roberts, Gail T. Rogers and Daniel P. Hatfield
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030389 - 24 Jan 2026
Viewed by 69
Abstract
Background/Objective: Lifestyle behaviors evolve with age and are driven by biological requirements (e.g., growth and development) and environmental changes (e.g., living and working situations), and they interact bidirectionally with health. Few studies have tracked these behaviors from emerging adulthood into later adulthood. [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Lifestyle behaviors evolve with age and are driven by biological requirements (e.g., growth and development) and environmental changes (e.g., living and working situations), and they interact bidirectionally with health. Few studies have tracked these behaviors from emerging adulthood into later adulthood. This study examines changes in lifestyle behavior patterns from precollege to adulthood and their association with weight trajectories. Methods: Between 1998 and 2007, 4783 incoming undergraduate students at a northeastern US university completed a health survey. In 2018, 970 completed a follow-up alumni survey. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to categorize respondents into five lifestyle patterns: stable healthy, stable moderately healthy, stable minimally healthy, worsened, or improved. BMI trajectories were similarly classified into five weight status patterns. Associations between LCA lifestyle patterns and weight were examined using ANCOVA. Results: The most common lifestyle pattern was stable moderately healthy (36.7%). Over 11–20 years, 31.7% of respondents experienced a decline in lifestyle behaviors, and 18.6% improved. During this period, the prevalence of overweight more than doubled (12% to 26%), and obesity quadrupled (2% to 8%). Transitioning to a higher BMI category was noted in 34.9% of those with a stable minimally healthy lifestyle compared with 15.9% among those with a stable healthy lifestyle. Conclusions: Early lifestyle behaviors have long-term implications for weight status. Initiatives that promote the adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviors from precollege through adulthood might reduce obesity risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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20 pages, 3412 KB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Steamed Ginger Extract for Body Weight and Body Fat Reduction in Overweight Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
by Jeong Eun Kwon, Yeong-Geun Lee, Inhye Kim, Jaewoo Bae, Se-Chan Kang and Hyang-Im Baek
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020366 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 78
Abstract
Objective: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of steamed ginger extract (GGE03), standardized to high levels of 1-dehydro-6-gingerdione (GD), in reducing body fat and weight among overweight individuals. Methods: Eighty adults aged 18 to 60 years, with a [...] Read more.
Objective: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of steamed ginger extract (GGE03), standardized to high levels of 1-dehydro-6-gingerdione (GD), in reducing body fat and weight among overweight individuals. Methods: Eighty adults aged 18 to 60 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2, were randomly assigned to receive either GGE03 (n = 40; 480 mg/day) or a placebo (n = 40) for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety parameters were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention period. Results: After 12 weeks, the GGE03 group showed statistically significant reductions in body fat percentage and body fat mass compared to the placebo group, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Additionally, significant decreases in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference were observed following GGE03 supplementation. Serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were also significantly lower in the GGE03 group compared to the placebo group. No product-related adverse events or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were noted, indicating that GGE03 was well tolerated. Conclusions: Twelve weeks of GGE03 supplementation were associated with statistically significant improvements in body composition and lipid parameters without safety concerns. These findings support the potential of GD-standardized GGE03 as a well-tolerated functional dietary ingredient for body fat management and metabolic health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)
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18 pages, 301 KB  
Article
Parental Mental Health, Feeding Practices, and Sociodemographic Factors as Determinants of Childhood Obesity in Greece
by Vlasia Stymfaliadi, Yannis Manios, Odysseas Androutsos, Maria Michou, Eleni Angelopoulou, Xanthi Tigani, Panagiotis Pipelias, Styliani Katsouli and Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020364 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 88
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity remains a major public health issue, particularly in Mediterranean countries such as Greece. Although parental influences on children’s weight have been extensively studied, fewer studies have jointly examined parental mental health, feeding practices, sociodemographic factors, and biological stress markers. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity remains a major public health issue, particularly in Mediterranean countries such as Greece. Although parental influences on children’s weight have been extensively studied, fewer studies have jointly examined parental mental health, feeding practices, sociodemographic factors, and biological stress markers. This study aimed to investigate associations between psychological status, educational level, feeding behaviors, and children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) in a Greek sample. A pilot assessment of salivary cortisol was included in evaluating its feasibility as an objective biomarker of parental stress. Subjects and Methods: A total of 103 parent–child dyads participated in this cross-sectional study. Children’s BMI was classified using World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards. Parental stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaires. Feeding practices were evaluated with the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. A subsample provided saliva samples for cortisol analysis to assess feasibility and explore the potential associations with parental stress indicators. Results: Parental BMI showed a strong positive association with child BMI (p = 0.002). Higher parental anxiety (p = 0.002) and depression (p = 0.009) were also associated with increased child BMI. Restrictive (p < 0.001) and emotion-driven (p < 0.001) feeding practices were associated with higher child BMI, whereas monitoring (p = 0.013) and health-promoting feeding practices (p = 0.001) appeared protective. Lower parental education was related to a higher BMI in both parents (p = 0.001) and children (p = 0.002) and to more frequent use of restrictive feeding strategies (p = 0.001). WHO charts identified a greater proportion of children as overweight or obese compared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. The analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two classification systems (χ2 (4) = 159.704, p < 0.001), indicating that BMI categorization varies considerably depending on the reference system used. No significant associations were observed with residential environment or salivary cortisol, likely due to the limited size of the pilot biomarker subsample. Conclusions: The findings highlight the combined effect of parental mental health status, educational level, and feeding practices on child BMI within the Greek context. The preliminary inclusion of a biological stress marker provides added value to the existing research in this area. These results underscore the importance of prevention strategies that promote parental psychological wellbeing and responsive feeding practices while addressing socioeconomic disparities to reduce the childhood obesity risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)
16 pages, 326 KB  
Article
Metabolically Guided Walking and Plant-Based Nutrition Enhance Body Composition and Weight Loss
by Harold C. Mayer, Lucas G. Valenca, Gregory W. Heath, Chris S. Hansen, Kristina Nelson Hall and Cassie J. White
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010136 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 26
Abstract
Sedentary behavior contributes to obesity and metabolic dysfunction, yet few interventions individualize exercise intensity using fuel-based metrics such as the respiratory exchange ratio (RER; VCO2/VO2). This study investigated the effects of metabolically guided walking combined with whole-food, plant-based nutrition [...] Read more.
Sedentary behavior contributes to obesity and metabolic dysfunction, yet few interventions individualize exercise intensity using fuel-based metrics such as the respiratory exchange ratio (RER; VCO2/VO2). This study investigated the effects of metabolically guided walking combined with whole-food, plant-based nutrition on body composition and metabolic outcomes in sedentary overweight and obese women. Forty-four women mean age 43 years; BMI 30.1 kg·m−2) were randomized to low-intensity continuous training (LICT; RER ≈ 0.75), moderate-intensity intermittent training (MIIT; RER ≈ 0.85), or high-intensity continuous training (HICT; RER ≈ 0.95). Following a 2-week dietary lead-in with an individualized ~200 kcal·day−1 energy deficit, participants completed an 8-week RER-guided walking program (5 sessions·week−1; 15–50 min·session−1). Assessments included air-displacement plethysmography (BodPod) body composition, resting metabolic rate and substrate utilization, and oxygen uptake at the first ventilatory threshold (VT1). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, mixed-factorial ANOVA, and Pearson correlations. Percent body fat decreased significantly across participants (p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.827), with MIIT demonstrating the most favorable integrated outcomes. MIIT elicited the largest reductions in total body mass (−11.2%), fat mass (−25.9%), and percent body fat (−17.1%), alongside improvements in VT1 VO2 (Δ = 1.487 ± 0.895 L·min−1; p = 0.038). Resting respiratory quotient (RQ) declined in LICT and MIIT but increased in HICT, corresponding with increased fat oxidation in LICT and MIIT and reduced fat oxidation in HICT. Changes in RQ were significantly associated with changes in percent body fat (r = 0.316, p = 0.039). Metabolically guided moderate-intensity intermittent walking combined with whole-food, plant-based nutrition produced the most consistent improvements in adiposity, substrate utilization, and submaximal fitness, supporting the public-health feasibility of a community-deliverable, substrate-informed walking prescription. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life)
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12 pages, 669 KB  
Article
Anthropometric Indicators and Early Cardiovascular Prevention in Children and Adolescents: The Role of Education and Lifestyle
by Elisa Lodi, Maria Luisa Poli, Emanuela Paoloni, Giovanni Lodi, Gustavo Savino, Francesca Tampieri and Maria Grazia Modena
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2026, 13(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13010057 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 26
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity represents the most common nutritional and metabolic disorder in industrialized countries and constitutes a major public health concern. In Italy, 20–25% of school-aged children are overweight and 10–14% are obese, with marked regional variability. Excess adiposity in childhood is frequently [...] Read more.
Background: Childhood obesity represents the most common nutritional and metabolic disorder in industrialized countries and constitutes a major public health concern. In Italy, 20–25% of school-aged children are overweight and 10–14% are obese, with marked regional variability. Excess adiposity in childhood is frequently associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), predisposing to future cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective: To investigate anthropometric indicators of cardiometabolic risk in 810 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years who underwent assessment for competitive sports eligibility at the Sports Medicine Unit of Modena, evaluate baseline knowledge of cardiovascular health aligned with ESC, AAP (2023), and EASO guidelines. Methods: 810 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years undergoing competitive sports eligibility assessment at the Sports Medicine Unit of Modena underwent evaluation of BMI percentile, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and blood pressure. Cardiovascular knowledge and lifestyle habits were assessed via a previously used questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP), and lifestyle-related knowledge and behaviors were assessed using standardized procedures. Overweight and obesity were defined according to WHO BMI-for-age percentiles. Elevated BP was classified based on the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics age-, sex-, and height-specific percentiles. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, chi-square tests with effect size estimation, correlation analyses, and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Overall, 22% of participants were overweight and 14% obese. WHtR > 0.5 was observed in 28% of the sample and was more frequent among overweight/obese children (p < 0.001). Elevated BP was detected in 12% of participants with available measurements (n = 769) and was significantly associated with excess adiposity (χ2 = 7.21, p < 0.01; Cramér’s V = 0.27). In multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and sex, WHtR > 0.5 (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32–3.47, p = 0.002) and higher sedentary time (OR 1.41 per additional daily hour, 95% CI 1.10–1.82, p = 0.006) were independently associated with elevated BP, whereas BMI percentile lost significance when WHtR was included in the model. Lifestyle knowledge scores were significantly lower among overweight and obese participants compared with normal-weight peers (p < 0.01). Conclusions: WHtR is a sensitive early marker of cardiometabolic risk, often identifying at-risk children missed by BMI alone. Baseline cardiovascular knowledge was suboptimal. The observed gaps in cardiovascular knowledge underscore the importance of integrating anthropometric screening with structured educational interventions to promote healthy lifestyles and long-term cardiovascular prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology, Lifestyle, and Cardiovascular Health)
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18 pages, 1890 KB  
Systematic Review
The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Inflammatory Cytokines in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Meng Cao, Pei Sun, Xiaodong Wang and Mengxian Zhao
Metabolites 2026, 16(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16010088 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 50
Abstract
Background: High-intensity interval training (HIT) is a time-efficient strategy to improve metabolic health in children, but its impact on inflammatory markers is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the role of HIT on pro-inflammatory cytokines including C-reactive protein (CRP), [...] Read more.
Background: High-intensity interval training (HIT) is a time-efficient strategy to improve metabolic health in children, but its impact on inflammatory markers is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the role of HIT on pro-inflammatory cytokines including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in children with overweight/obesity. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched up to 31 July 2025, for studies involving children with overweight/obesity aged 6 to 18 years. Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials with outcome measurements that included CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were included. Random-effects models were used to aggregate a mean effect size (ES) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and potential moderators were explored. Results: In total, 768 participants from 15 studies were included. HIT significantly improved CRP (574 participants, 13 studies, SMD = −0.63, 95% CI: −1.02 to −0.24, p < 0.01) when compared to control group/pre-intervention. There were no significant effects on IL-6 and TNF-α, and no differences when compared to moderate-intensity training. Subgroup analyses indicated greater effectiveness in intervention duration, work-and-rest ratio, and work time were the significant moderators (p < 0.05). Conclusions: High-intensity interval training is effective for reducing CRP levels in children with obesity. Intervention duration, work-and-rest ratio, and work time can affect the intervention effects of HIT. Full article
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17 pages, 267 KB  
Article
Directions and Perspectives for Preventive Activities in Primary Care—Patients’ Health-Promoting and Health-Risk Behaviours
by Anna Domańska, Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska and Wioletta Żukiewicz-Sobczak
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020346 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 68
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and metabolic syndrome (MS), remain a major challenge for primary health care (PHC). This study aimed to assess cardiometabolic risk and health behaviours in adult PHC patients using routine preventive screening. This prospective observational study included 506 [...] Read more.
Non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and metabolic syndrome (MS), remain a major challenge for primary health care (PHC). This study aimed to assess cardiometabolic risk and health behaviours in adult PHC patients using routine preventive screening. This prospective observational study included 506 adults attending routine consultations in an urban PHC centre in Poland. Preventive assessment included anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, BMI, and waist circumference), blood pressure, lipid profile, and fasting glucose levels. Health behaviours were recorded using the standardised NFZ CHUK questionnaire. The 10-year CVD risk was estimated using the SCORE2 algorithm. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with high cardiovascular risk (SCORE2 ≥ 5%) and of a composite endpoint defined as the presence of any non-optimal biochemical parameter. Nearly half of the participants had excess body weight (overweight or obesity), and more than half met criteria for central obesity. Borderline or elevated total cholesterol was found in 47% of patients, abnormal LDL in 27%, low HDL-C (<40 mg/dL) in 80% (84% when applying sex-specific cut-offs), and impaired fasting glucose or diabetes in about 12%. High SCORE2 risk (≥5%) was observed in approximately 9% of the cohort. In multivariable models, SCORE2 components (age, sex, and smoking) were, as expected, associated with high SCORE2 risk, and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2)—a factor not included in SCORE2—was additionally associated with higher risk. Additionally, age, male sex, and obesity also predicted the presence of at least one non-optimal biochemical marker. The prevalence of high SCORE2 risk increased from 1.2% in patients with 0–1 modifiable risk factor to 25.7% in those with 4–5 factors. Lower educational attainment was associated with a higher proportion of high-risk individuals in univariate analysis. Routine preventive activities in PHC enable the identification of important lipid and glucose abnormalities and the clustering of modifiable risk factors, even in a relatively young, highly educated population. Systematic cardiovascular screening and a focus on patients with accumulated risk factors should remain a priority in PHC to enable early identification of high-risk patients and timely implementation of lifestyle and therapeutic interventions. Full article
12 pages, 451 KB  
Article
Skin Carotenoid Score as a Potential Early Biomarker of Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Adolescents
by Giuseppina Augimeri, Luca Gelsomino, Marco Germanò, Giovanni Tripepi, Daniela Bonofiglio and Renzo Bonofiglio
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020337 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 83
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents represents a major global health concern. Adolescent weight gain frequently shows additional metabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, whose co-occurrence defines the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Adherence to a healthy dietary [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents represents a major global health concern. Adolescent weight gain frequently shows additional metabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, whose co-occurrence defines the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), has been shown to reduce the metabolic risk among adolescents. Skin carotenoid score has emerged as an objective and non-invasive indicator of MD adherence; however, its relationship with a cluster of metabolic parameters which characterize the MetS, including the triglyceride levels, diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference, remains poorly explored. Here, we investigated the role of skin carotenoid score as an early biomarker of metabolic syndrome risk in adolescents. Methods: A sample of 634 healthy adolescents underwent anthropometric and clinical measurements, blood sample collection, and evaluation of the MD adherence by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire and the skin carotenoid levels by the Veggie Meter®. Student’s t-test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and the multivariable linear regression model were used for analyses. Results: Participants had a mean BMI Z-score of 0.02 ± 1.01; the metabolic serum profile and the cardiovascular parameters were within the normal range. Mean KIDMED and skin carotenoid scores were 5.21 ± 2.56 and 357 ± 96.58, respectively. Skin carotenoids were positively associated with height (p = 0.02), while they were inversely associated with weight (p = 0.008), BMI Z-score (p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.013), and triglycerides (p = 0.003). Moreover, the carotenoid score was positively associated with male gender and KIDMED score and negatively associated with waist circumference and triglyceride levels in multivariable regression analyses. Conclusions: Our results suggested the potential application of skin carotenoid score as a complementary biomarker for the early identification of adolescents at increased metabolic risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefit Assessment of Novel Ingredients and Diets)
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13 pages, 2854 KB  
Article
Paradoxical Effect of Obesity on Survival Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Enzalutamide and Abiraterone
by Bahattin Engin Kaya, Mehmet Zahid Koçak, Oğuzhan Yıldız, Talat Aykut, Ali Fuat Gürbüz, Ömer Genç, Melek Karakurt Eryılmaz, Murat Araz and Mehmet Artaç
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010202 - 18 Jan 2026
Viewed by 144
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overweight and obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 and ≥30.0 kg/m2. The prognostic significance of obesity in metastatic prostate cancer is still unclear, especially between the castration-sensitive (CSPC) and castration-resistant [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Overweight and obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 and ≥30.0 kg/m2. The prognostic significance of obesity in metastatic prostate cancer is still unclear, especially between the castration-sensitive (CSPC) and castration-resistant (CRPC) disease states. New evidence suggests that obese patients who get androgen receptor–targeted therapies may have an unexpected survival advantage. This study examined the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and survival outcomes in patients administered androgen receptor pathway inhibitors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 167 patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated between 2015 and 2024. BMI was analyzed as both a continuous variable and a categorical variable, which was classified as normal weight, overweight or obese. The primary goal of this study is to compare PFS and OS among BMI groups. We employed Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression modeling to evaluate prognostic indicators. The CSPC and CRPC groups were evaluated separately. Results: PFSs for normal, overweight and obese CSPC patients were 11.3, 15.1, 19.5 months, respectively; p = 0.03 but the OS did not differ significantly between BMI groups. OS for normal, overweight and obese CRPC patients were 32.8, 47.6 and 43.4 months, respectively; p = 0.01. There was also a trend toward better PFS, but it was not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis found that obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was a separate protective factor for PFS in CSPC, while high-volume disease was a bad prognostic factor for OS in CRPC. A high Gleason score and ECOG-PS 2 were consistently associated with poor outcomes. Conclusions: Obesity has a phase-dependent prognostic influence in metastatic prostate cancer, providing a PFS advantage in CSPC and an OS benefit in CRPC. These results suggest that there may be an obesity paradox in people who are getting androgen receptor–targeted therapy. Further prospective studies are required to gain a better understanding of the biological reasons for this association. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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14 pages, 558 KB  
Article
Alteration in Amino Acid Metabolism After Isocaloric, Energy-Restricted Ketogenic Diet in Women with Overweight and Obesity: Randomized KETO-MINOX Trial
by Natalia Drabińska-Fois, Anna Majcher, Paweł Jagielski, Sebastian Borowicz-Skoneczny and Jerzy Romaszko
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020300 - 18 Jan 2026
Viewed by 234
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Circulating amino acid concentrations and their excretion can provide insights into dietary protein intake and metabolism. Alterations in amino acid homeostasis occur in various disorders due to nutritional imbalances or metabolic changes, including obesity. A ketogenic diet (KD) has gained popularity [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Circulating amino acid concentrations and their excretion can provide insights into dietary protein intake and metabolism. Alterations in amino acid homeostasis occur in various disorders due to nutritional imbalances or metabolic changes, including obesity. A ketogenic diet (KD) has gained popularity for weight management; however, its metabolic effects are not fully known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an eight-week, energy-restricted Mediterranean-type KD on the amino acid metabolism in women with overweight and class I obesity. Methods: A randomized, single-center, controlled trial was conducted with 80 women with a BMI of 25.5–35 in age between 18 and 45 years, without any chronic diseases. Randomly divided women received food catering with approximately 1750 kcal daily for eight weeks, containing KD or standard diet (STD), respectively. The concentration of amino acids was assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after the derivatization with chloroformate in serum and urine collected at the baseline, after 4 weeks, and at the end of the intervention. Results: The results collected from 66 participants were included in the final analyses. Independent of diet type, weight reduction was associated with increased circulating α-aminobutyric acid and decreased proline, glutamate, and tyrosine. The KD led to lower concentrations of alanine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan, alongside higher levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and α-aminobutyric acid compared to the STD. Urinary amino acid excretion decreased after weight reduction. KD was associated with higher urinary excretion of BCAA and β-aminoisobutyric acid. Conclusions: In summary, both weight reduction and KD significantly affect the amino acid metabolism, which might have implications for inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiometabolic risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Human Health and Disease)
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11 pages, 202 KB  
Article
The Impact of the Menopausal Transition on Body Composition and Abdominal Fat Redistribution
by Anna Szeliga, Peter Chedraui and Blazej Meczekalski
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020740 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 197
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of the menopausal transition on body composition across different body mass categories and to identify menopause-related changes in lean and fat tissue distribution. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 325 women whose clinical and body composition data were [...] Read more.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of the menopausal transition on body composition across different body mass categories and to identify menopause-related changes in lean and fat tissue distribution. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 325 women whose clinical and body composition data were extracted from existing records. Participants were classified as premenopausal (controls), perimenopausal, or postmenopausal and further stratified by body mass index (BMI) into normal-weight, overweight, and obesity groups. Body composition had been assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Across all BMI categories, postmenopausal women demonstrated significantly lower lean body mass, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, total body water, protein, and mineral content compared with premenopausal and perimenopausal women (p < 0.05). Total and visceral fat area (VFA), body fat percentage (BF), and waist-to-hip ratio were significantly higher, indicating a shift toward central adiposity. These changes were most pronounced in normal-weight women (VFA: 36.4 ± 17.0, 48.3 ± 22.3, and 55.7 ± 23.5 cm2; BF: 24.8 ± 5.3%, 27.2 ± 5.2%, and 28.8 ± 4.6% in pre-, peri-, and postmenopause, respectively), and less marked among overweight women (VFA: 91.5 ± 36.3, 106.1 ± 38.2, and 111.7 ± 28.6 cm2; BF: 36.0 ± 3.6%, 36.4 ± 3.9%, and 37.2 ± 3.2%) and with obesity (VFA: 180.3 ± 62.4, 212.6 ± 96.2, and 175.5 ± 54.4 cm2; BF: 44.5 ± 4.5%, 44.5 ± 5.7%, and 41.9 ± 3.3%), suggesting a relative attenuation of muscle loss at higher BMI. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women showed a clear shift toward lower lean mass and greater central adiposity across BMI categories. These patterns indicate a consistent deterioration in body composition during the menopausal transition. Assessment of visceral fat in postmenopausal women is crucial, as its accumulation is closely linked to cardiometabolic risk. Menopause-related hormonal changes favor central adiposity, supporting the use of visceral fat as a key indicator for early risk stratification and preventive interventions in midlife women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
12 pages, 298 KB  
Article
Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Acute Stroke in Young Adults from a Tertiary Stroke Center in Abu Dhabi—A Retrospective Study
by Sunitha Bhagavathi Mysore, Sameeha Salim Al Mansoori, Shamma Majed Alhebsi, Noura Ismail Albloushi, Abrar Ali Alshehhi, Jahre Henryson Cuadra Lim, Muhammed Al Jarrah and Cathrine Tadyanemhandu
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020727 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Within the last decade, there has been a 19% increase in stroke-related mortality among individuals aged 45–64. Understanding stroke characteristics is crucial, particularly in the younger age groups. This study describes the key demographics and clinical and anthropometric characteristics based on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Within the last decade, there has been a 19% increase in stroke-related mortality among individuals aged 45–64. Understanding stroke characteristics is crucial, particularly in the younger age groups. This study describes the key demographics and clinical and anthropometric characteristics based on age categories in young adults admitted to the stroke unit in Abu Dhabi. Methods: This retrospective observational study had data between October 2024 and March 2025. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, with a more detailed analysis conducted across two age-based groups. Results: A total of 51 patients were included, with the median age of 40 (IQR: 37–48) and 44 (86.3%) being males. The median hospital length of stay was 4 days (2–9 days). Most of the patients, 47 (92.2%), had ischemic stroke, with 24 (45.1%) presenting with right-side weakness, and bilateral weakness in 4 (7.8%). The median NIHSS score on admission was 4 (IQR 2–9). Prior to admission, 18 (35.3%) of the patients were known hypertensive, and 12 (23.5%) were diabetic. In terms of anthropometric measurements, the median waist-to-height ratio was 0.58 (0.5–0.69) and BMI was 25.7 (24.2–29.4), with 31 (60.8%) of the patients categorized as either obese or overweight. The statistical significance difference across the age groups was found in the gender distribution only (p = 0.034). Conclusions: In the UAE, more young men are experiencing Stroke due to lifestyle-related factors, many of which can be prevented. This growing trend calls for early screening, better prevention efforts, and tailored rehabilitation programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
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