An Examination of a Novel Weight Loss Formula on Anthropometry and Indices of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Studies from Africa report supplementation with Dichrostachys glomerata (DG; 200–400 mg/d) has led to significant reductions in weight and fat in obese individuals, without exercise or diet intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine if adding DG to weight loss supplements with caffeine [WL+C] containing; DG (300mg), Clubmoss extract (10mg), Caffeine (150mg; XR [77% caffeine] | 250mg; anhydrous [98.5% caffeine]), Sensoril® (125mg), and Capsimax ® (50mg) or without caffeine [WL] containing; DG (300mg), Sensoril® (250mg; Ashwaganda), Bioperine (5mg), Capsimax® (50mg; 4% Capsaicinoids), Rhodiola rosea extract (60mg), L-Theanine (100mg), Clubmoss extract (5mg), and Bacopa monneri extract (50mg), would promote weight loss in overweight persons, without exercise or dietary modification. In a double-blind, parallel, stratified random, placebo-controlled trial, participants (N=68 [M: 31, W: 37], 37±5 yr, 88.9±16.6 kg, BMI: 25-34.9 kg/m2 , Fat: 35.2±7.7%, Activity: 6,857±1,512 steps/wk) ingested a DG containing weight loss supplement for 12 weeks. Measurements were obtained for body weight, body composition, anthropometry, blood chemistries, resting energy expenditure, and hunger and satiety at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12-weeks. Supplementation was shown, using GLM, to have no significant differences between groups for measures of body composition using the current dose. Supplement groups decreased in FM (WL: -0.56±0.95 [-1.02, -0.14]; WL: -0.63±1.47 [-1.23, -0.02] kg) at wk4 and wk8, respectively, and body fat (WL: -0.63±1.26 [-1.16, -0.10]; WL: -0.78±1.31 [-1.45, 0.07] %) at wk8 and wk12, respectively, with indications of having greater effect on males. As well, REE improved (WL+C: 111±220 [10, 207] kcal/d; WL+C: 1.57±2.37 [0.5, 2.6] kcal/kg/d) by wk12. Supplement groups also reported less hunger and more satiety with some sleep quality improvements (diminished sleep quality for WL+C), overall. No significant effects or differences were observed in any other measure. The addition of caffeine did not incur additional benefits. Consequently, further research is required to determine an effective dose and thereafter, paired with a diet and/or exercise program for functional assessment of weight loss potential

Navigating Occupational Challenges: First Responders’ Perspectives on Dietary Intake and Behavior

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate first responders' dietary beliefs, habits, and food choices. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 21 first responders via validated questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 software.Results: 21 first responders, including 13 law enforcement officers and eight firefighters, participated (age=37.8±10.0 years, height=180.8±6.5 cm, body mass=94.3±13.1 kg, and body mass index=28.9±4.5 kg/m2). Most participants reported being very willing (n=8, 39.1%) or willing (n=7, 33.3%) to change their eating habits. Barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyles (n=19, 95%), irregular working hours (n=13, 65%), and willpower (n=10, 50%). Participants also placed importance on several food choice factors. Conclusions: First responders reported valuing healthy eating. However, unique barriers challenge them despite their willingness to improve their habits. These data may aid further investigation of healthy eating strategies in these populations

Relationship Between Body Composition, Body Fat Distribution, and Blood Lipids Among Law Enforcement Officers: Part 2

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high-stress occupation, which is prone to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data suggest a 1.7-fold higher CVD prevalence versus the general public, in addition to 40.5% of LEOs being classified as obese. Emerging evidence suggests that lipid-related atherosclerotic risk may be better captured by including advanced blood lipid panels (i.e., cholesterol particle type and size). However, there needs to be more research regarding the relationship between body composition, body fat distribution, and advanced blood lipid panels concerning CVD risk in LEOs. PURPOSE: To determine if body composition and fat distribution measures correlate with predictive advanced lipid markers in LEOs. METHODS: Forty-three LEOs (male: n=40; Female: n=3; age = 41.7±9.6 yrs; weight = 91.9±15.4 kg; height = 179.8±8.7 cm; VO2max: 37.0±6.1 ml/kg/min) from a local police department were evaluated. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess biomarkers of CVD risk: number of low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL-p), small LDL-p, LDL size (LDL-s), number of high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL-p), large HDL-p, HDL size (HDL-s), number of very low-density lipoprotein particles (VLDL-p), and VLDL size (VLDL-s). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure body composition. Bivariate Pearson correlation matrix and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between body composition and fat distribution. RESULTS: The Bivariate Pearson correlation matrix revealed higher body weight, lean mass, visceral adipose tissue, and gynoid adiposity correlated with several advanced lipid biomarkers. The OLS regression analysis revealed Body weight to be positively predictive (p\u3c0.05) of LDL-p and small LDL-p but inversely predictive (p\u3c0.05) of LDL-s, large HDL-p, and HDL-s; Lean mass to be positively predictive of LDL-p, small LDL-p, but inversely predictive of LDL-s, HDL-p, large HDL-p, and HDL-s; Visceral adipose tissue to be positively predictive of small LDL-p and large VLDL-p, but inversely predictive of LDL-s, large HDL-p, and HDL-s; and gynoid fat distribution to be positively predictive of HDL-p, large HDL-p, and HDL-s. CONCLUSION: Changes in body composition seen in LEOs with increased weight and fat distribution showed correlations with advanced blood lipid markers, which can be predictive of high CVD risk and other potential medical conditions. These data provide insight into the association of body composition and fat distribution with markers of CVD risk (i.e., advanced blood lipids)

Self-Reported Dietary Habits and Barriers Among First Responders

Firefighters (FFs) and law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high, lifestyle-related, risk for health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nutritional intervention has been identified as a critical area to improve these risk factors. However, there are limited data regarding the dietary habits and barriers of FFs and LEOs. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the dietary habits of first responders and the factors or barriers influencing them. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 21 first responders regarding nutritional habits, factors, and barriers via validated paper-based questionnaires which include; the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire, and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Short Version. The questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 software. Shapiro-Wilk Test was used to assess normality for all continuous variables. Categorical data are reported as frequencies (n) and total percentages. A chi-square analysis was also used to determine independence (p\u3c0.05) between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 21 FFs (n=7) and LEOs (n=13) (age = 37.7±2.1; height = 180.8±1.4 cm; weight = 94.3±2.1 kg) completed the questionnaires. Commonly reported barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyles (n=18, 85.7%), irregular working hours (n=12, 61.9%), cost (n=8, 38.09%), and willpower (n=10, 47.6%). Overall, 17 (80.9%) of the respondents placed importance on consuming nutritious food, and 9 (42.8%) placed high importance on having easily accessible food options; 18 (85.7%) emphasized the importance of high protein content, yet 9 (42.8%) followed a high protein diet, while 11 (52.3%) did not follow any particular diet, and 15 (71.4%) reported a willingness to change their eating habits to be healthier. The chi-square analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: The cohort of FFs and LEOs appear to be knowledgeable regarding what food to consume and value healthy eating. However, busy lifestyles, irregular shift work, cost of food, and willpower are perceived barriers that may challenge first responders when practicing good dietary behaviors, despite the majority expressing the willingness to change their current dietary habits to healthier ones. On the whole, these data provide insight into the barriers experienced by first responders and may aid in further investigation of the implementation of healthy eating strategies in these populations

Physiological Stress Responses to a Live-Fire Training Evolution in Career Firefighters

Firefighters have a physically demanding job that exposes them to many specific and unique stressors, which contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (i.e., cardiovascular strain, inflammation, and oxidative stress) or even mortality. At present, the literature lacks data evaluating these physiological stress responses amongst firefighters in any realistic or simulated scenarios, such as a live-fire training evolution (LFTE). Given the elevated risk of premature mortality, there is a critical need to better understand the physiological stress responses to an LFTE. This information could aid in developing nutritional, training, and other various interventions to mitigate stress load and reduce the incidence of CVD among this population. PURPOSE: To assess the physiological stress response to an LFTE among firefighters. METHODS: Seventy-six (n = 76) career firefighters completed an LFTE. Salivary samples were collected pre, immediately post, and 30-min post the LFTE, and analyzed the following stress markers: α-amylase (AA), secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA), and cortisol. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess changes over time. Fisher’s LSD and Cohen’s d effect size calculations were used for Post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Significant main effects for time were found for AA, SIgA, and cortisol (p\u3c0.001). Fisher’s LSD post hoc analysis found AA, SIgA, and cortisol concentrations were all significantly elevated immediately post LFTE compared to pre (p\u3c0.0001) and 30-min post (p\u3c0.0001). Medium to large effect sizes were noted for AA, SIgA, and cortisol with respect to changes pre to immediately post-LFTE (d = 0.84, 0.61, and 0.78, respectively). CONCLUSION: While many studies have shown increased inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as adverse cardiovascular and metabolic responses to firefighting activities, these data provide insight into the physiological stress placed upon a firefighter engaging in fire-suppressive evolutions

Relationship Between Body Composition, Body Fat Distribution, and Blood Lipids Among Law Enforcement Officers: Part 1

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high-stress occupation which is prone to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, data suggest that LEOs have a 1.7-fold higher CVD prevalence versus the general public, in addition to 40.5% of LEOs being classified as obese. However, research is lacking regarding the relationship between body composition, body fat distribution, and blood lipid panels as it pertains to CVD risk in LEOs. PURPOSE: To determine if body composition and fat distribution measures correlate with predictive lipid markers in LEOs. METHODS: Forty-three LEOs (age = 41.7±9.6 yrs; weight = 91.9±15.4 kg; height = 179.8±8.7 cm; VO2max: 37.0±6.16 ml/kg/min) from a local police department were evaluated. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess biomarkers of CVD risk: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure body composition and body fat distribution. Bivariate Pearson correlation matrix was used to determine correlations (p\u3c0.05* and p\u3c0.01**). To further assess the relationship between body composition, fat distribution measures, and blood lipids, ordinary least square (OLS) regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Lower body weight correlated with greater HDL concentrations (r=-0.432**). Higher fat mass correlated with greater TG concentrations (r=0.338*), while greater lean mass was inversely correlated with HDL concentrations (r=-0.496**). Android and gynoid adiposity were positively correlated with greater TG (r=0.359*) and HDL (r=0.320*) concentrations, respectively. Lastly, higher visceral adipose tissue was correlated with greater TG concentrations (r=0.430**). The OLS regression analysis revealed (p\u3c0.05) 1) weight was inversely predictive of HDL, 2) Fat mass was positively predictive of TG, 3) lean mass was inversely predictive of HDL, 4) android adiposity was positively predictive of TG, 5) gynoid adiposity was positively predictive of HDL, and 6) visceral adipose tissue was positively predictive of TG. CONCLUSION: Measures of body composition seen in LEOs with increased body fat showed positive correlations with blood lipid markers (TG and HDL), which can be predictive of high CVD risk and other potential medical conditions. These data provide insight into the association of body composition and fat distribution with markers of CVD risk

Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo

Meeting Abstracts: Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo Clearwater Beach, FL, USA. 9-11 June 201

An Examination of a Novel Weight Loss Formula on Anthropometry and Indices of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Studies from Africa report supplementation with Dichrostachys glomerata (DG; 200–400 mg/d) has led to significant reductions in weight and fat in obese individuals, without exercise or diet intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine if adding DG to weight loss supplements with caffeine [WL+C] containing; DG (300mg), Clubmoss extract (10mg), Caffeine (150mg; XR [77% caffeine] | 250mg; anhydrous [98.5% caffeine]), Sensoril® (125mg), and Capsimax ® (50mg) or without caffeine [WL] containing; DG (300mg), Sensoril® (250mg; Ashwaganda), Bioperine (5mg), Capsimax® (50mg; 4% Capsaicinoids), Rhodiola rosea extract (60mg), L-Theanine (100mg), Clubmoss extract (5mg), and Bacopa monneri extract (50mg), would promote weight loss in overweight persons, without exercise or dietary modification. In a double-blind, parallel, stratified random, placebo-controlled trial, participants (N=68 [M: 31, W: 37], 37±5 yr, 88.9±16.6 kg, BMI: 25-34.9 kg/m2 , Fat: 35.2±7.7%, Activity: 6,857±1,512 steps/wk) ingested a DG containing weight loss supplement for 12 weeks. Measurements were obtained for body weight, body composition, anthropometry, blood chemistries, resting energy expenditure, and hunger and satiety at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12-weeks. Supplementation was shown, using GLM, to have no significant differences between groups for measures of body composition using the current dose. Supplement groups decreased in FM (WL: -0.56±0.95 [-1.02, -0.14]; WL: -0.63±1.47 [-1.23, -0.02] kg) at wk4 and wk8, respectively, and body fat (WL: -0.63±1.26 [-1.16, -0.10]; WL: -0.78±1.31 [-1.45, 0.07] %) at wk8 and wk12, respectively, with indications of having greater effect on males. As well, REE improved (WL+C: 111±220 [10, 207] kcal/d; WL+C: 1.57±2.37 [0.5, 2.6] kcal/kg/d) by wk12. Supplement groups also reported less hunger and more satiety with some sleep quality improvements (diminished sleep quality for WL+C), overall. No significant effects or differences were observed in any other measure. The addition of caffeine did not incur additional benefits. Consequently, further research is required to determine an effective dose and thereafter, paired with a diet and/or exercise program for functional assessment of weight loss potential

Self-Reported Dietary Habits and Barriers Among First Responders

Firefighters (FFs) and law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high, lifestyle-related, risk for health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nutritional intervention has been identified as a critical area to improve these risk factors. However, there are limited data regarding the dietary habits and barriers of FFs and LEOs. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the dietary habits of first responders and the factors or barriers influencing them.METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 21 first responders regarding nutritional habits, factors, and barriers via validated paper-based questionnaires which include; the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire, and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Short Version. The questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 software. Shapiro-Wilk Test was used to assess normality for all continuous variables. Categorical data are reported as frequencies (n) and total percentages. A chi-square analysis was also used to determine independence (p<0.05) between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 21 FFs (n=7) and LEOs (n=13) (age = 37.7±2.1; height = 180.8±1.4 cm; weight = 94.3±2.1 kg) completed the questionnaires. Commonly reported barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyles (n=18, 85.7%), irregular working hours (n=12, 61.9%), cost (n=8, 38.09%), and willpower (n=10, 47.6%). Overall, 17 (80.9%) of the respondents placed importance on consuming nutritious food, and 9 (42.8%) placed high importance on having easily accessible food options; 18 (85.7%) emphasized the importance of high protein content, yet 9 (42.8%) followed a high protein diet, while 11 (52.3%) did not follow any particular diet, and 15 (71.4%) reported a willingness to change their eating habits to be healthier. The chi-square analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: The cohort of FFs and LEOs appear to be knowledgeable regarding what food to consume and value healthy eating. However, busy lifestyles, irregular shift work, cost of food, and willpower are perceived barriers that may challenge first responders when practicing good dietary behaviors, despite the majority expressing the willingness to change their current dietary habits to healthier ones. On the whole, these data provide insight into the barriers experienced by first responders and may aid in further investigation of the implementation of healthy eating strategies in these populations