The prevalence of obesity in both the developed and developing world have increased, which leads to diverse health outcomes and is placing a heavy burden on the economy. Abdominal obesity proved to be one of the main features in predicting metabolic and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and may be the link that unifies the metabolic syndrome (MS) through pro-inflammatory pathways. While the pathogenesis of the MS and each of its components are complex and not well understood, abdominal obesity remains the mechanism that relates to increased lipolysis causing the liver to increase blood glucose and very low lipoprotein output. This in turns leads to raised blood glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood pressure and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a) and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Prevention of the metabolic syndrome and treatment of its main characteristics are now considered of utmost importance in order to combat the increased CVD risk and all-cause mortality. Decreasing sedentary behaviour through regular physical activity is a key element in successful treatment of obesity through an increase in energy expenditure, but the ability to decrease low-grade systemic inflammation may be an even greater outcome. Aims The aims of this study was firstly, to determine by means of a literature review, how obesity could be related to a state of chronic systemic inflammation (increased CRP and IL-6). Secondly to determine whether physical activity could serve as a suitable method to decrease inflammation associated with obesity and related disorders. Thirdly to determine if abdominal obesity is a predictor of the metabolic syndrome and CVD and finally, to determine if measures of obesity can predict risk for the metabolic syndrome and CVD risk. Methods For this review study, a computer-assisted literature search were utilized to identify research published between 1990 and 2005. the following databases were utilized for the search: NEXUS, Science Direct, PubMed and Medline. Keywords related to obesity (abdominal obesity, overweight), metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance syndrome, dysmetabolic syndrome, syndrome X), cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease), cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, physical activity), inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, chronic low-grade inflammation) and physical activity (fitness, exercise and training) were included as part of the search, including the references identified by previous reviewers (not identified as part of the computerized literature search). Results and conclusions Several research studies concluded that obesity could be an inflammatory disorder due to low-grade systemic inflammation. Adipose tissue is known to be a sectretory organ producing cytokines, acute phase reactants and other circulating factors. The synthesis of adipose tissue TNF-a could induce the production of IL-6, CRP and other acute phase reactants. CRP is a acute phase reactant, synthesized primarily in hepatocytes and secreted by the liver in response to a variety of inflammatory cytokines of which IL-6 and TNF-a are mainly involved. CRP increases rapidly in response to trauma, inflammation and infection. Thus, enhanced levels of CRP can be used as a marker of inflammation. Several studies of large population cohorts provide evidence for an inverse, independent dose-response relation between plasma CRP concentration and level of physical activity in both men and women. Trends for decreased IL-6, TNF-a and CRP concentrations were linear with increasing amounts of reported exercise in most of the research studies, physical activity proved effective in lowering measures of adiposity (BMI, WHR, WC and percentage body fat) and obesity related inflammatory markers (CRP & IL-6). Thereby indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect. In the studies reviewed in this article abdominal obesity is identified as a predictor and independent risk factor for CVD in both men and women. High levels of deep abdominal fat have also been correlated with components of the metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, diabetes, increases in plasma triglyceride levels and a decrease in HDL-C levels (dyslipidemia) in many of the studies. Prospective epidemiological studies have revealed that abdominal obesity (determined by WC and WHR) conveys an independent prediction of CVD risk and is more relevant compared to general obesity (determined by BMI). Abdominal fat has been linked to metabolic risk factors like high systolic blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia, with increased serum TG and decreased HDL-C, and glucose intolerance. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) have been used successfully in many studies to measure adipose compartments of the abdomen (subcutaneous and visceral fat), anthropometrical measures like WHR and WC have been proven to be an effective measure in predicting the metabolic syndrome. WC has also been included in the metabolic syndrome definitions of the WHO, ATP Ill and new IDF. / The prevalence of obesity in both the developed and developing world have increased, which leads to diverse health outcomes and is placing a heavy burden on the economy. Abdominal obesity proved to be one of the main features in predicting metabolic and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and may be the link that unifies the metabolic syndrome (MS) through pro-inflammatory pathways. While the pathogenesis of the MS and each of its components are complex and not well understood, abdominal obesity remains the mechanism that relates to increased lipolysis causing the liver to increase blood glucose and very low lipoprotein output. This in turns leads to raised blood glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood pressure and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a) and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Prevention of the metabolic syndrome and treatment of its main characteristics are now considered of utmost importance in order to combat the increased CVD risk and all-cause mortality. Decreasing sedentary behaviour through regular physical activity is a key element in successful treatment of obesity through an increase in energy expenditure, but the ability to decrease low-grade systemic inflammation may be an even greater outcome. Aims The aims of this study was firstly, to determine by means of a literature review, how obesity could be related to a state of chronic systemic inflammation (increased CRP and IL-6). Secondly to determine whether physical activity could serve as a suitable method to decrease inflammation associated with obesity and related disorders. Thirdly to determine if abdominal obesity is a predictor of the metabolic syndrome and CVD and finally, to determine if measures of obesity can predict risk for the metabolic syndrome and CVD risk. Methods For this review study, a computer-assisted literature search were utilized to identify research published between 1990 and 2005. the following databases were utilized for the search: NEXUS, Science Direct, PubMed and Medline. Keywords related to obesity (abdominal obesity, overweight), metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance syndrome, dysmetabolic syndrome, syndrome X), cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease), cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, physical activity), inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, chronic low-grade inflammation) and physical activity (fitness, exercise and training) were included as part of the search, including the references identified by previous reviewers (not identified as part of the computerized literature search). Results and conclusions Several research studies concluded that obesity could be an inflammatory disorder due to low-grade systemic inflammation. Adipose tissue is known to be a sectretory organ producing cytokines, acute phase reactants and other circulating factors. The synthesis of adipose tissue TNF-a could induce the production of IL-6, CRP and other acute phase reactants. CRP is a acute phase reactant, synthesized primarily in hepatocytes and secreted by the liver in response to a variety of inflammatory cytokines of which IL-6 and TNF-a are mainly involved. CRP increases rapidly in response to trauma, inflammation and infection. Thus, enhanced levels of CRP can be used as a marker of inflammation. Several studies of large population cohorts provide evidence for an inverse, independent dose-response relation between plasma CRP concentration and level of physical activity in both men and women. Trends for decreased IL-6, TNF-a and CRP concentrations were linear with increasing amounts of reported exercise in most of the research studies, physical activity proved effective in lowering measures of adiposity (BMI, WHR, WC and percentage body fat) and obesity related inflammatory markers (CRP & IL-6). Thereby indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect. In the studies reviewed in this article abdominal obesity is identified as a predictor and independent risk factor for CVD in both men and women. High levels of deep abdominal fat have also been correlated with components of the metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, diabetes, increases in plasma triglyceride levels and a decrease in HDL-C levels (dyslipidemia) in many of the studies. Prospective epidemiological studies have revealed that abdominal obesity (determined by WC and WHR) conveys an independent prediction of CVD risk and is more relevant compared to general obesity (determined by BMI). Abdominal fat has been linked to metabolic risk factors like high systolic blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia, with increased serum TG and decreased HDL-C, and glucose intolerance. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) have been used successfully in many studies to measure adipose compartments of the abdomen (subcutaneous and visceral fat), anthropometrical measures like WHR and WC have been proven to be an effective measure in predicting the metabolic syndrome. WC has also been included in the metabolic syndrome definitions of the WHO, ATP Ill and new IDF. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Darbo tikslas – įvertinti antropometrinių indeksų ir lėtinių ligų rizikos veiksnių ryšius. Uždaviniai: Įvertinti tiriamųjų antropometrinius indeksus ir jų tarpusavio sąsajas; nustatyti lėtinių ligų rizikos veiksnių paplitimą tiriamojoje populiacijoje; palyginti skirtingų antropometrinių indeksų ryšį su lėtinių ligų rizikos veiksniais. Tyrimo metodika: Tiriamieji – atsitiktinai atrinkti Kauno miesto gyventojai, gimę 1964 metais, pirmą kartą ištirti 1977 metais pagal Juvenilinės hipertenzijos programą (n=1082). 2012 metais sveikatos patikrinime dalyvavo 511 asmenų (64,4 proc. galėjusių atvykti). Tiriamiesiems buvo atlikti antropometriniai matavimai, matuotas arterinis kraujospūdis ir atlikti biocheminiai kraujo tyrimai. Skaičiuotas kūno masės indeksas – KMI=svoris (kg)/ūgis2(m2). Antsvoris nustatytas, kai KMI buvo 25-29,9 kg/m2, nutukimas – kai KMI >30 kg/m2. Vyrų liemens apimtis >94 cm, o moterų – >80 cm laikyta padidėjusia. Padidėjęs liemens ir klubų santykis vyrams buvo >1, moterims – >0,85. Padidėjęs liemens ir ūgio santykis buvo >0,51. Statistinė duomenų analizė atlikta naudojant SPSS 16.0 for Windows programą. Rezultatai: Net 69,1 proc. vyrų ir 56,1 proc. moterų turėjo per didelį KMI, 57,0 proc. tirtųjų – per didelę liemens apimtį, 23,2 proc. vyrų ir 13,0 proc. moterų – padidėjusį liemens ir klubų santykį, 63,5 proc. vyrų ir 41,1 proc. moterų – padidėjusį liemens ir ūgio santykį. Visi antropometriniai indeksai buvo tarpusavyje susiję. Didėjant antropometrinių indeksų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of the study is to assess the associations between anthropometric indexes and risk factors of chronic diseases. Objectives: to evaluate anthropometric indexes and their interrelationship in Kaunas cohort; to determine prevalence of the risk factors of chronic diseases in the study population; to compare strength of associations between anthropometric indexes and risk factors of chronic diseases. Methods: In 1977, a random sample of Kaunas schoolchildren born in 1964 (n=1082) was examined in the first cross-sectional survey. In 2012, 511 subjects participated in 35-year follow-up survey (64.4% response rate). Health examination involved measurements of blood pressure, anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The body mass index was calculated - BMI=weight (kg)/ūgis2 (m2). Overweight was defined when BMI was 25 - 29.9 kg/m2 and obesity – when BMI >30 kg/m2. Waist circumference >94 cm for men and >80 cm for women was considered as increased. Waist-to-hip ratio > 1 for men and >0.85 for women was defined as increased. Waist-to-height ratio >0.51 was considered as increased. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS 16.0 for Windows program. Results: The study has revealed that even 69.1% of men and 56.1% of women were overweight or obese, 57.0% of participants had increased waist circumference, 23.2% of men and 13.0% of women - increased waist-to-hip ratio, 63.5% of men and 41.1% of women - increased waist-to-height ratio. All anthropometric indexes were... [to full text]

A group of 21 HIV-positive gay or bisexual men was compared with a matched group of 22 HIV-negative individuals. All subjects were sexually active gay or bisexual males matched for age, as well as age at first intercourse with males. Subjects completed a detailed sexual history questionnaire as well as a series of standardized measures of psychosocial functioning. Results indicated that subjects engaged in a wide range of unsafe sexual behaviours, and frequently combined drugs with sex. Scores on the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) were significantly correlated with lifetime condom use. Social support was also found to be significantly associated with the lifetime number of homosexual partners. Regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between MAST scores and social support and a positive relationship between social support and CD-4 cell count. The groups were found to be similar in terms of clinical levels of anxiety and depression, self-esteem in interpersonal situations, and risk-taking personality.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Introduction: The conventional approach to weight loss, recommended by almost all health authorities around the world, has been to reduce the total amount of fat in the diet and replace with carbohydrates. However, research trials using this approach have produced only modest results at best, and despite the active promotion of low fat eating and an apparent decline in fat consumption, rates of overweight and obesity have continued to climb. More recently low glycaemic index (GI) and high protein diets have become popular and are widely used by the public. However, only a small number of randomised controlled trials have been conducted and none directly comparing the two. Both approaches effectively reduce glycaemic load (GL) and aim to reduce post-prandial glycaemia and insulinaemia. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of diets with reduced GL to enhance the weight loss effects of a reduced-fat diet, to compare the two approaches of reducing GL on metabolic and anthropometric changes, and to investigate any benefit of combining both approaches to produce the lowest GL. Methods: We conducted a 12-week intervention in 129 overweight or obese young adults who were assigned to one of four diets with varying GL, protein, carbohydrate and GI, but similar fat (30% energy), fat type and fibre content. DIET 1 (highest GL) contained 55% E as carbohydrate; DIET 2 was a low-GI version of DIET 1; DIET 3 was a high protein diet with 25% E as protein; DIET 4 (lowest GL) was a low-GI version of DIET 3. The increase in protein in DIETS 3 and 4 came primarily from lean red meat. All key foods and some pre-prepared frozen meals were provided to maximise dietary compliance. Outcome measures were body weight, body fat, lean mass, waist circumference and the following blood parameters: total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols (TAG), free fatty acids, C-reactive protein, fasting insulin, fasting glucose and leptin. Insulin resistance and β-cell function were assessed using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) and the newer computer models HOMA2-insulin sensitivity and HOMA2-β-cell function. Results: While all groups lost similar amounts of weight (4.2 to 6.2% of initial weight, p=0.09), the proportion who lost >5% of body weight varied significantly by diet: 31%, 56%, 66% and 33% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively (p=0.011). Differences were strongest in women (76% of the total group) who showed significant differences among groups in percentage weight change (-3.7 ± 0.6%, -5.7 ± 0.6%, -6.5 ± 0.5%, -4.1 ± 0.7% respectively, p=0.005) and fat loss (-3.1 ± 0.4kg, -4.9 ± 0.6kg, -4.8 ± 0.4kg, -3.6 ± 0.7kg respectively, p=0.007). Total and LDL-cholesterol increased on DIET 3 (high protein) compared to a fall on diet 2 (high carbohydrate/low-GI, p=0.013). TAG, HDL-cholesterol and glucose homeostasis improved on all four diets, with no effect of diet composition. Goals for energy distribution were not achieved exactly: both carbohydrate groups ate less fat and the diet 2 group ate more fibre. Conclusions: Reducing GL, through either substituting low-GI foods or replacing some carbohydrate with protein, improved the efficacy of a reduced-fat diet in women and in those with high TAG. Combining both approaches to produce the lowest GL did not promote further weight or body fat loss. Although weight loss was similar in all four diets for the group as a whole, overall clinical outcomes were superior on the high carbohydrate, low-GI diet.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2005. / Härtill 6 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2006. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1992. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Michigan, 1995. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record.

Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1992. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.

Background Sedentary behaviour has incrementally increased over the past few years. The scientific community recognises this behaviour as a twenty first century disease which reflects the detrimental effects of excessive sitting on several adverse functional and clinical health outcomes, such as chronic disease, in the general adult population. Many evolving contemporary occupations require that employees sit an average of eight hours per day at work stations or office desks, especially when using communication technology. Even after accounting for the self-reported time spent in recommended physical activity, the negative dose-response relationship between time spent in sedentary behaviour and the all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality still remain. Aim: To establish a profile of sedentary behaviour as well as levels of physical activity and coronary artery disease risk factors in employees at a tertiary institute in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Another aim is to determine whether an association exists between the aforementioned variables.