Redox balance in obesity

Obesity represents a serious nutritional problem worldwide, as it dramatically increased during the past 20 years. It is often accompanied by an increased risk of mortality and morbidity and, in the case of non-fatal health problems, the quality of life is impaired. Recently, it has been proposed that unbalanced redox state may be the mechanism linking obesity and the associated complications; indeed, obesity may be viewed as a state of chronic oxidative stress, characterized by enhanced levels of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and impaired antioxidant defences. In this chapter, we will review current concepts in the meaning of oxidative stress in obesity and the potential interventions to improve the body antioxidant machinery

Redox balance in obesity

Obesity represents a serious nutritional problem worldwide, as it dramatically increased during the past 20 years. It is often accompanied by an increased risk of mortality and morbidity and, in the case of non-fatal health problems, the quality of life is impaired. Recently, it has been proposed that unbalanced redox state may be the mechanism linking obesity and the associated complications; indeed, obesity may be viewed as a state of chronic oxidative stress, characterized by enhanced levels of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and impaired antioxidant defences. In this chapter, we will review current concepts in the meaning of oxidative stress in obesity and the potential interventions to improve the body antioxidant machinery

Body composition modification in obese patients treated with intragastric balloon

At the Centre for the Therapy of Morbid Obesity, a multidisciplinary team attends severely obese patients in a day-care hospital setting. The patients' psychological and nutritional profiles are studied and their body composition investigated with bioelectrical impedance. After the diagnosis, several approaches are proposed; among them, the insertion of a Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB). For 6 months after insertion, patients were periodically examined and followed a strict personal regimen, behaviour schedule and physical activity programme compatible with the BIB. The results obtained from the first 20 subjects are encouraging. No severe complications have been reported, and after the BIB removal, subjects are maintaining the obtained results with some of them continuing to lose weight

Predicting fat-free mass in children using bioimpedance analysis

Body composition assessment is a useful procedure for the study of nutritional status and water distribution. In adults, it is a predictor of morbidity and mortality, since body fatness is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) is a simple, safe, and inexpensive method for assessment of body composition both in pediatric and adult subjects. The aim of our study was to validate the impedance index, ZI (H(2)/Z, height in cm(2)/impedance), as a predictor factor of fatfree mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) in a sample ( n=75) of normal children. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was chosen as reference method. Despite some minor bias, DXAis considerably less expensive and easier to administer in pediatric subjects than other established gold standard reference methods for assessing body composition. ZI values were highly correlated with FFM measured with DXA. The following equations were obtained from the regression analysis: (a). male subjects, FFM(DXA)=0.6375 (ZI)+5.9913, r(2)=0.897, p<0.0001; (b). female subjects, FFM(DXA)=0.7597 (ZI)+ 3.5853, r(2)=0.903, p<0.0001. These data support the notion that BIA alone can be used as a surrogate to measure FFM in a pediatric sample

Predicting fat-free mass in children using bioimpedance analysis.

Body composition assessment is a useful procedure for the study of nutritional status and water distribution. In adults, it is a predictor of morbidity and mortality, since body fatness is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) is a simple, safe, and inexpensive method for assessment of body composition both in pediatric and adult subjects. The aim of our study was to validate the impedance index, ZI (H2/Z, height in cm2/impedance), as a predictor factor of fatfree mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) in a sample (n=75) of normal children. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was chosen as reference method. Despite some minor bias, DXAis considerably less expensive and easier to administer in pediatric subjects than other established gold standard reference methods for assessing body composition. ZI values were highly correlated with FFM measured with DXA. The following equations were obtained from the regression analysis: (a) male subjects, FFMDXA=0.6375 (ZI)+5.9913, r 2=0.897, p<0.0001; (b) female subjects, FFMDXA=0.7597 (ZI)+ 3.5853, r 2=0.903, p<0.0001. These data support the notion that BIA alone can be used as a surrogate to measure FFM in a pediatric sample

Effect of supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in peri- and post-menopause women: A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

Background: Osteoporosis is a serious global health problem for the future, that is why improving diagnostic methods and prevention of this disease could be helpful. Objectives: To assess the effects of calcium supplementations combined with Vitamin D on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in a representative sample of peri- and post-menopausal women in a double-blind, a randomized, controlled trial was untaken. Design: A total of 120 women aged over 45 were included in a randomised placebo-controlled, double-blind trial on the effect of a daily dietary supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D on bone mineral density and bone mineral content; over a 30-month period. Methods: Dietary intake assessment; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure total body and segmental bone mineral density and bone mineral content at beginning of the study and every 15 months were undertaken. Results: There was no significant change in dietary calcium or Vitamin D intakes in either of the treatment groups during the 30-month intervention period. The change in total BMD in the calcium group was significantly different from that in the placebo group (P < 0.005). The placebo group lost a total BMD at a rate of about 0.4% per year. There was an inverse correlation between BMD and age. Conclusions: The effect of calcium and Vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density of calcium has been demonstrated in this group of young adult women. Our results showed the positive effect of calcium and Vitamin D supplementation in women both peri- and post-menopausal status; for this reason a supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D should be recommended as a strategic option in helping to prevent early postmenopausal bone loss. © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd

Effects of weight loss on body composition and pulmonary function

The relationship between obesity, impaired respiratory function and weight loss is established

Metabolic-Nutritional- Psychological Rehabilitation in Obesity

The rationale and the procedures of Rehabilitation Medicine can be optimally applied to the natural history of obesity, which is characterised by the presence of comorbidities, chronicity and disability with an important impact on q on quality of life. Level of Evidence (LoE): I; Strength of the Recommendation (SoR): A metabolic-nutritional-psychological rehabilitation is part of the healthcare network for obese patient, and it includes outpatient /semi-residential (day hospital, day service, diagnostic and therapeutic-rehabilitative community centre) or residential facilities (residential intensive rehabilitation (cod. 56), psychiatric rehabilitation, therapeutic-rehabilitative communities). LoE: VI; SoR:A The metabolic-nutritional-psychological rehabilitation represents a suitable approach to obesity when the level of the over-nutrition is severe, during the phases of instability of somatic and psychological comorbidities, when disability level is severe and quality of life significantly reduced. LoE: VI; SoR:Auality of life. Level of Evidence (LoE): I; Strength of the Recommendation (SoR): A During the multidimensional evaluation of obese subjects, quality of life, disability level, muscular function (muscular strength, balance, functional exercise capacity) and osteoarticular problems (pain, articular limitations) have to be assessed. LoE: III; SoR:A The rehabilitative pathway can play an essential role during the preparation of the patients to bariatric or plastic-reconstructive surgery and during the follow-up phase, in order to reduce the preoperative risks and to improve the results especially in the long term. LoE: III; SoR:A The intensity of the rehabilitative intervention must be related to the severity of disability and of comorbidities, to the psychological status and to the quality of life of the patient. LoE: VI; SoR:

Resting metabolic rate incremented by pulsating electrostatic field (PESF) therapy

Pulsating electrostatic field (PESF) therapy was investigated to assess the possibility of increasing the resting metabolic rate (RMR) in 14 adult females. The pumping effect of positive calcium and hydrogen ions was obtained by 30 min daily exposure to negative PESF, adjusted individually between 2 and 9 kV. This treatment could result in a buffering effect on blood pH and reduction of the rouleaux formation of erythrocytes, thus ameliorating the oxygen exchange potential and the red cell circulation in the capillary system. After PESF therapy, the average RMR (measured by indirect calorimetry) of 1255 kcal was increased on average by 323 kilocalories, indicating a possible role of PESF in the obesity treatment