Weight change over five-year periods and number of components of the metabolic syndrome in a Dutch cohort

Overweight and obesity are associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We studied the association of weight change over three consecutive 5-year periods with the number of MetS components in people aged 20–59 years. 5735 participants from the Doetinchem Cohort Study were included. Weight was measured in round 1 and at each 5-year interval follow-up (round 2, 3 and 4). Weight change was defined as the absolute weight change between two consecutive measurements. The number of MetS components (assessed in round 2, 3 and 4) was based on the presence of the following components of the MetS: central obesity, raised blood pressure, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated glucose. Associations of weight change and the number of components of the MetS were analyzed with Generalized Estimating Equations for Poisson regression, stratified for 10-year age groups. For each age group, 1 kg weight gain was positively associated with the number of components of the MetS, independent of sex and measurement round. The association was stronger in 30–39 years (adjusted rate ratio: 1.044; 95%CI: 1.040–1.049) and smaller in older age groups. Compared to stable weight (>−2.5 kg and < 2.5 kg), weight loss (≤−2.5 kg) and weight gain (≥2.5 kg) was associated with a lower and higher rate ratio respectively, for the number of components of the MetS. Our results support the independent association of weight change with the number of MetS components with a more pronounced association in younger people

The impact of combined nutraceutical supplementation on quality of life and metabolic changes during the menopausal transition: a pilot randomized trial

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a combined nutraceutical supplement on symptoms and early metabolic alterations during the menopausal transition. This pilot randomized study was conducted at the service for menopause disorders of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. Methods: Ninety women in menopausal transition who attended our service with menopausal symptoms were enrolled in the study. Sixty patients, randomly assigned to the treatment group, were prescribed one daily tablet of a combined nutraceutical compound with phytoestrogen substances, vitamins, micronutrients and passion flower herbal medicine for 6 months. Thirty patients did not receive any treatment and comprised the control group. The intensity of perimenopausal symptoms was assessed by the modified Kuppermann Index (KI) at enrollment and at 3 and 6 months of treatment. At baseline and at the end of the study, patients underwent a clinical evaluation, a pelvic ultrasound and analysis of blood samples. Results: In the nutraceutical supplemented group, a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms was demonstrated according to the KI after 3 and 6 months of supplementation (p < 0.01). The within-group analysis of different KI parameters in the treated group showed a significant improvement in hot flushes (p < 0.001), insomnia (p < 0.01), fatigue (p < 0.01) and irritability (p < 0.01). Metabolic parameters did not change significantly in the nutraceutical supplemented group. In the control group, total cholesterol level showed a significant increase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Combined nutraceutical supplementation provides an effective and safe solution for early symptoms occurring during menopausal transition