Search Results (6,316)

Background/Objectives: Internalized weight bias has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes and maladaptive eating-related behaviors. However, its relationship with habitual dietary intake and overall diet quality remains insufficiently explored. The objective of this study was to examine associations between internalized weight bias and habitual energy intake, macronutrient composition, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among adults with a history of overweight or obesity. Methods: In this web-based cross-sectional study, 484 adults with a history of excess body mass index completed validated assessments of internalized weight bias (Weight Bias Internalization Scale–Modified; WBIS-M) and usual dietary intake (69-item Food Frequency Questionnaire). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) was assessed via the MedDietScore. Multivariable analyses adjusted for several covariates were performed. Results: Higher levels of internalized weight bias were associated with lower adherence to the MeDi (B_adj = −0.670, p = 0.025). Higher adherence to the MeDi was associated with reduced odds of being classified in the medium or the highest WBIS-M tertile, corresponding to an approximately 5% reduction per 1-unit increment in the MedDietScore. No associations were observed between internalized weight bias and total energy intake. At the macronutrient level, higher internalized weight bias was associated with higher saturated fat intake, independent of total energy intake. Conclusions: Internalized weight bias was associated with poorer habitual diet quality and unfavorable macronutrient profiles, independent of total energy intake. These findings suggest that internalized weight bias relates to qualitative differences in habitual food choices, highlighting the potential importance of addressing weight bias in efforts to improve diet quality among adults with overweight or obesity. Full article

This study aims to explore the relationship between the Diet Sustainability Score (DSS) and health outcomes, specifically body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Using data from 2287 Portuguese adults in the National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015–2016), DSS was calculated based on four dimensions: health-related nutritional attributes, environmental impact, economic affordability, and sociocultural acceptability. Logistic regression models were used to analyse associations between DSS and general adiposity (BMI classes: under/normal weight vs. overweight/obesity) and central adiposity (WHtR classes: healthy vs. unhealthy central adiposity). Models were adjusted for sex, age, education and physical activity level to control for potential confounders. Higher DSS is associated with reduced odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.88, 0.94), and unhealthy central adiposity (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.87, 0.95), suggesting that more sustainable dietary patterns are associated with more favourable adiposity profiles. This study highlights the importance of promoting sustainable diets as part of public health strategies aimed at addressing obesity and integrating health, environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions for more comprehensive, long-term population health improvements. Full article

With the global rise in overweight and obesity, excess adiposity has emerged as a modifiable carcinogenic exposure. Beyond energy surplus, obesity establishes a durable pro-tumorigenic baseline through endocrine–metabolic rewiring, chronic low-grade inflammation, and structural/mechanical remodeling of tissues, thereby shaping organ-specific microenvironments that favor malignant transformation and progression. This review integrates systemic metabolic and endocrine alterations with tumor microenvironmental physical barriers, immune reprogramming, and neuroimmune regulation to explain heterogeneity in cancer risk, progression, and treatment response. We propose a stratified assessment framework based on measurable indicators—body composition, inflammatory status, and treatment exposure—to support risk prediction, mechanistic validation, and the design of actionable experimental and clinical strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) represents a model of adverse intrauterine programming associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders later in life. We examined the relationships between birth weight, catch-up growth, adipokine signaling, and early cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 80 term-born adolescents (40 FGR, 40 controls) matched for age and sex. Anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting glucose, adipokines (leptin, adiponectin), and ghrelin levels were assessed. Associations between birth weight, growth rate, adipokines, and cardiometabolic outcomes were analyzed. Results: Birth weight was not associated with adiposity, lipid profile, blood pressure, or glycemic status (p > 0.05). In contrast, catch-up growth in the FGR group was correlated with increased BMI (ρ = 0.680, p < 0.001), central adiposity (ρ = 0.714, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (ρ = 0.448, p = 0.0037) and diastolic blood pressure (ρ = 0.325, p = 0.0409). Mediation analyses showed that the current BMI largely explains the associations between catch-up growth and cardiometabolic risk, systolic blood pressure, and waist circumference (β = 2.832 kg/m² per 1-unit increase in ΔZ; p < 0.001). The hypertensive effect of catch-up growth was amplified in overweight/obese adolescents (β = 8.13 mmHg; p = 0.006). Catch-up growth was independently associated with higher leptin (β = 220 ng/L; p = 0.022) and a higher leptin/ghrelin ratio (β = 2.330; p = 0.034). Conclusions: Postnatal growth acceleration, rather than fetal size alone, drives early cardiometabolic susceptibility following FGR through adiposity-mediated and endocrine pathways. Full article

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) are commonly used by reproductive-aged women with overweight or obesity, but their metabolic effects remain understudied. This pilot study examined the feasibility of recruiting and retaining women with overweight or obesity initiating COCPs and evaluated changes in body weight, body composition, energy intake (EI), eating behaviors, and cardiometabolic markers. Premenopausal women aged 18–40 years with a body mass index between 25 and 45 kg/m² initiating COCPs (n = 10) or using nonhormonal contraception (NHC; n = 10) were followed for six months. Outcome measures included body weight, body composition, EI, eating behavior questionnaires, ecological momentary assessment of appetite and satiety, and fasting laboratory measures. There were no between-group differences in changes in weight, EI, or appetite. Binge-eating severity decreased in COCP users and increased in NHC users, though the within-group change in COCP users was not statistically significant. Exploratory analyses demonstrated increases in hemoglobin A1c and triglycerides among COCP users compared to NHC users, while bioavailable testosterone decreased in COCP users only. This study demonstrates high retention and feasibility among women with overweight/obesity undergoing intensive dietary and metabolic monitoring. Although weight outcomes were similar between groups, these preliminary findings identify potential metabolic signals warranting confirmation in adequately powered studies. Full article

Background: Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a phenolic compound found in extra virgin olive oil that modulates oxidative and inflammatory status. However, clinical trials evaluating HT as a stand-alone supplement remain scarce, and its underlying mechanisms and pathway modulation are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effects of HT supplementation in individuals with overweight and prediabetes using an untargeted metabolomics approach. Methods: An untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)-based metabolomics analysis was performed on serum samples from 49 participants with overweight and prediabetes enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Participants received either HT (15 mg/day for 16 weeks; n = 24) or placebo (n = 25). Global metabolomic profiling was used to compare metabolic changes between the two groups. Results: HT supplementation induced a distinct metabolic profile compared with placebo. Participants in the HT group showed reduced levels of nitrogenous base derivatives and arachidonic acid, together with increased concentrations of phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. These alterations suggest modulation of two key metabolic pathways including purine degradation and arachidonic acid metabolism. Conclusions: These findings provide mechanistic insights into the biological effects of HT and support the integration of metabolomics and multi-omics approaches in future clinical studies to validate these pathways in larger populations. Full article

Incretin hormones, such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are essential regulators of glucose homeostasis, energy balance, and metabolic communication between organs. While therapies based on incretins are well established for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), their physiological significance and therapeutic potential in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are less understood. In T1DM, the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells greatly reduces but does not abolish insulin production. However, various extrapancreatic actions of incretins continue, including effects on gastric emptying, glucagon secretion, appetite, inflammation, and cardiovascular function. The increasing prevalence of overweight, obesity, and insulin resistance among individuals with T1DM has heightened interest in exploring incretin-based treatments as adjuncts to insulin therapy. Data from randomized controlled trials, retrospective cohorts, and mechanistic studies were analyzed. This narrative review synthesizes available experimental, clinical trial, and real-world evidence on the physiology of incretins, their altered actions in T1DM compared with T2DM, and the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, on glycemic control, body weight, and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T1DM. The use of GLP-1RAs in T1DM showed a weight reduction between 3.6 kg and 8.8 kg and improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) by 0.2–0.8%, while treatment with tirzepatide for 6 months resulted in a body weight change of −10.3 to −10.6 kg. Growing evidence suggests a significant role of incretins in certain patients with T1DM, although large-scale, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm their long-term efficacy and safety. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and body image are important components of women’s psychological well-being, particularly in the context of physical activities involving body exposure, such as pole dance. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare body image and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance between women practicing pole dance and women not engaged in this activity, and to examine the associations between these variables. Methods: The study included 207 women practicing pole dance (PDG) in clubs and schools across Poland and 180 women not practicing this discipline, who served as the control group (CG). Data were collected using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method with a proprietary questionnaire and standardized tools: the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire 3 (SATAQ 3) and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). Results: Women practicing pole dance had lower mean BMI and were less frequently overweight but more frequently underweight compared to the control group. They obtained significantly higher scores on the Internalization–Pressure and Internalization–Athlete scales of the SATAQ 3. Significant between-group differences in body image were observed only for the Physical Condition subscale of the BES, with higher scores in the pole dance group. Significant negative correlations were identified between sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and body image in both groups, with stronger associations observed among women practicing pole dance. Conclusions: Participation in pole dance was associated with higher self-evaluation of physical condition as well as stronger internalization of sociocultural appearance norms. Due to the cross-sectional design, the findings indicate associations rather than causal relationships. The results underline the importance of preventive and educational strategies promoting a functional rather than exclusively esthetic approach to the body. Full article

Pediatric obesity represents an urgent public health concern, with rapidly increasing prevalence across all regions. While genetic susceptibility contributes significantly to interindividual variability in weight, the significant increase in obesity prevalence over the last 30 years is driven by shifts in environmental contributors. This narrative review will summarize evidence on the major environmental determinants of childhood obesity. Environmental contributors to obesity include the food environment, physical activity and built environments, socioeconomic and community context, home and family environments, digital exposures, early life and chemical obesogens and policy drivers. These environmental factors influence activity patterns, dietary habits, sleep, and stress. Additionally, many of these contributing factors cluster within communities that are disadvantaged, thereby increasing predisposition of specific racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups to childhood obesity. We highlight research gaps and opportunities for multisectoral interventions aligned to impact the growing prevalence of childhood obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The potential of outdoor physical activity as an intervention strategy to promote height growth velocity via stimulating growth hormone secretion and vitamin D synthesis has been scarcely investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between outdoor physical activity duration and height growth velocity, and differences in gender, age, exposure time period (daily, school days vs. weekends), and body mass index (BMI) category. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the 2019–2020 Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health. The analytic sample included 5029 adolescents aged 9–18 years. High or low height growth velocity was defined as sex- and age-specific percentiles. Associations of high height growth velocity with outdoor activity duration (≥1 h, ≥2 h) on school days and weekends were investigated using multivariable logistic regression models. Analyses were stratified by sex, age group (9–12, 13–15, 16–18 years), and BMI category (normal weight, overweight, and obese). Results: Results from this cross-sectional analysis indicate that ≥1 h of daily outdoor physical activity is significantly associated with higher height growth velocity among normal-weight boys aged 9–15 years (OR range: 1.71–2.01) and girls aged 9–12 years (OR = 1.68). The positive association increased with ≥2 h (ORs up to 7.96). Consistently positive associations were found for activity during the school day compared to weekends. No significant associations were found in overweight and obese children. Conclusions: Ensuring adequate daily outdoor physical activity—especially on weekends—for at least two hours may be an important potential strategy to promote height growth in normal-weight children and adolescents. Interventions should consider differences in weight status and timing of activity. Full article

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are among the most prevalent endocrine diseases worldwide, with rising incidence linked to aging, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Early identification of both functional and structural abnormalities is essential to prevent complications. This study aimed to investigate the coherence between thyroid function as measured by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) tests and ultrasound-based thyroid classification according to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS). Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, who underwent thyroid ultrasound alongside TSH and FT4 tests within two weeks. Thyroid nodules were classified using TI-RADS. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from electronic records, and statistical analyses examined associations between hormone levels, ultrasound findings, and clinical variables (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 102 patient records were included in the study. Most participants were female and overweight, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.2 ± 4.6 kg/m². The majority were euthyroid (58.3%) or subclinical hypothyroid (27.8%); most nodules were benign (TI-RADS 2–3). BMI showed a moderate positive correlation with TSH (ρ = 0.20, p = 0.041) and a negative correlation with FT4 (ρ = –0.20, p = 0.040). No significant relationship was observed between TI-RADS classification and thyroid hormone levels (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Structural thyroid changes identified by ultrasound appeared largely independent of hormonal status. Meanwhile, BMI demonstrated a modest physiological association with thyroid function reflected in TSH and/or FT4 levels. These findings emphasize the need for integrated biochemical and imaging evaluation to enhance diagnostic precision in the assessment of thyroid disease. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Over the last two decades, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have dramatically improved the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Currently, little is known about the use of semaglutide (a second-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist) in patients with X chromosome abnormalities. Herein, we describe the therapeutic use of semaglutide in a woman with a partial deletion of the X chromosome long arm (partial Xq deletion) and comorbid obesity. We also conducted a narrative mini-review on overweight, obesity and common metabolic derangements in patients with partial Xq deletions and Turner syndrome. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old Italian woman with a partial Xq deletion, class 1 obesity, insulin resistance, prediabetes, hypercholesterolemia and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was referred to our Institution for persistent difficulty in managing excess body weight despite regular adherence to different structured physical activity programs and hypocaloric diets. Therefore, we prescribed a combination therapy based on low-dose metformin (500 mg/day) and once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide (as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention). At 5 months after initiation of the combination therapy, blood tests showed metabolic improvements, including improvement of prediabetes (0.3-percentage-point reduction in glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] values) and normalization of markers of insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance (QUICKI, HOMA-IR and TyG index). At 8 months, the patient showed substantial weight loss, which amounted to 13.8 kg (percent total body weight loss: 20.95%), and was accompanied by a notable reduction in waist circumference (−14.1 cm). Moreover, body mass index (BMI)-based weight status improved from class 1 obesity to overweight: BMI value of 25.1 kg/m² at 8 months vs. 31.8 kg/m² at baseline (near-normalization of BMI values). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) revealed that the patient’s overall weight loss consisted of 74.6% fat mass (FM) loss (−10.3 kg) and 25.4% fat-free mass (FFM) loss (−3.5 kg). Despite the expected FFM reduction in absolute terms, percent FFM increased at 8 months (+9.6%). This increase in percent FFM was accompanied by a reduction in percent FM at 8 months (−9.6%), indicating an overall improvement in body composition. Normalization of percent FM and FFM values (28.6% and 71.4%, respectively) was also achieved at 8 months. These body composition changes are in line with those observed in clinical trials investigating the use of semaglutide in patients with overweight or obesity. At 6 months, an abdominal ultrasound also showed the disappearance of the sonographic characteristics suggestive of mild-to-moderate hepatic steatosis. Low-dose metformin (500 mg/day) and subcutaneous semaglutide (up to a weekly dose of 1.7 mg) were well tolerated by the patient. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case documenting the effective use of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide plus low-dose metformin combination therapy for the treatment of obesity and prediabetes in a woman with a partial Xq deletion. Large prospective cohort studies are warranted to better investigate the safety and efficacy profile of semaglutide (alone or in combination with metformin) in patients with numerical and structural X chromosome abnormalities, comorbid overweight/obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Body-esteem during adolescence is associated with depression, potentially through self-esteem, a key indicator of global self-worth. However, evidence regarding whether this mediating pathway differs by weight status remains limited. This study examined the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between body-esteem and depression among normal-weight adolescents and those with overweight or obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional secondary analysis utilized data from 1168 nationally representative 14-year-old adolescents who participated in the 15th wave of the Panel Study on Korean Children (2022). Data were collected between July and December 2022 through home visits conducted by trained interviewers. Mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS Macro Model 4, adjusting for sociodemographic and psychosocial covariates. Results: Based on BMI classification, 77.7% of participants were normal weight and 22.3% were overweight or obese. Body-esteem was higher in normal-weight adolescents than in those with overweight or obesity. In both groups, body-esteem was positively associated with self-esteem and negatively associated with depression. After covariate adjustment, self-esteem partially mediated the association between body-esteem and depressive symptoms in normal-weight adolescents and fully mediated this association in adolescents with overweight or obesity. Conclusions: The psychological pathways linking body-esteem and depression differed by weight status. Self-esteem mediated this association in both groups, with a stronger mediating role identified among adolescents with overweight or obesity. These findings highlight the importance of considering weight status when examining psychological pathways related to body perception and emotional well-being. Full article

Background: A sedentary behavior and being overweight represent major public health issues associated with both physical and psychological risks. Based on self-determination theory (SDT), the psychoeducational intervention PsicoFIT—a component of the TIGREFIT program—aims to foster motivation toward physical activity, to promote healthy habits, and to reduce psychological ill-being in sedentary adults who are overweight and are fans of a football club. Methods: This protocol corresponds to a longitudinal comparative pragmatic clinical trial, designed in accordance with the recommendations of the SPIRIT Statement. The intervention, preceded by a training program for the coaches involved, will comprise 12 weekly modules delivered in two modalities: (1) face-to-face, through group sessions, and (2) semi face-to-face, through short video capsules hosted on a digital platform. Changes associated with the intervention will be evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression and pre-post comparisons, assessing baseline and post-intervention data within and between the intervention modalities. Primary outcomes will include changes in healthy lifestyle and burnout as indicators of well-being and ill-being, respectively. Secondary outcomes will assess basic psychological needs satisfaction and autonomous motivation as potential mediators of these effects, as well as the coach’s controlling interpersonal style as a possible contextual predictor. The modality of participation will be analyzed as a potential moderator of the observed changes. Finally, the acceptability and perceived contribution of the intervention will be explored through a focus group. Discussion: PsicoFIT will provide a methodological framework for designing interventions within multicomponent programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and psychological well-being in sedentary adults who are overweight, considering the social context of football fandom and allowing for an exploration of the impact of the face-to-face and semi-face-to-face modalities. Future empirical application of the protocol will help verify its effectiveness, guide adaptations across contexts, and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions. Conclusions: The implementation of PsicoFit will allow for the evaluation of its effectiveness, psychological mechanisms, and delivery modalities, thus guiding future evidence-based interventions in sport. Full article

Background: Age-related alterations in body composition, including the decline of skeletal muscle mass and strength, combined with increased adiposity, contribute to sarcopenia risk in older adults. Handgrip strength (HGS) is widely used as a functional marker of muscle health. Objective: To evaluate the associations between body composition, handgrip strength, and step-based physical activity in women aged 65–75 years. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 246 community-dwelling women. Body composition, including Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Handgrip strength was measured with dynamometry according to the Southampton protocol. Physical activity was evaluated using pedometers. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed. Results: Overweight or obesity was present in 75% of the participants. Reduced SMI was observed in 62.1% of women, while low HGS (<20 kg) occurred in 78.0%. Women with normal SMI demonstrated significantly higher HGS values. HGS correlated positively with lean body mass and SMI but not with BMI. Participants achieving ≥ 5000 steps/day showed significantly higher muscle mass indices and strength. Conclusion: Unfavorable body composition and reduced muscle strength were highly prevalent. HGS was strongly associated with muscle mass parameters, supporting its role as a functional marker independent of BMI. Step-based activity was associated with more favorable muscle-related outcomes. Full article