Suchergebnisse

AbstractThe Pregnancy Obesity Nutrition and Child Health study is a longitudinal study of reproductive health. Here we analyzed body composition of normal-weight and obese Swedish women by three methods during each trimester of pregnancy. Cross-sectional and longitudinal fat mass estimates using quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (Tanita MC-180MA-III) were compared with fat mass determined by air displacement plethysmography (ADP) in pregnancy weeks 8–12, 24–26, and 35–37 in normal-weight women (n = 122, BMI = 22.1 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and obese women (n = 29, BMI = 34.6 ± 3.6 kg/m2). ADP results were calculated from pregnancy-adjusted fat-free mass densities. Mean fat mass by QMR and ADP were similar in obese women, although with wide limits of agreement. In normal-weight women, QMR overestimated mean fat mass in all trimesters, with systematic overestimation at low fat mass values in trimesters 1 and 3. In obese women, fat mass by BIA was grossly underestimated and imprecise in all trimesters, especially at higher values in trimester 2. In normal-weight women, fat mass by BIA was moderately lower than by ADP in trimester 1, similar in trimester 2, and moderately higher in trimester 3. QMR and ADP assessed fat mass changes similarly in obese women, whereas BIA overestimated fat mass changes in normal-weight women. Mean fat mass and fat mass changes by QMR and pregnancy-adjusted ADP were similar in pregnant obese women. Mean fat mass by QMR and fat mass changes by BIA were higher than corresponding values determined by pregnancy-adjusted ADP in normal-weight women.

Body image is understudied in aging women. The present perspective article reviews body image, body composition, and aging in women. Sarcopenia, a condition of low muscle mass, is associated with aging, and sarcopenia in combination with excessive body fat causes sarcopenic obesity. Findings of improved health in people with a higher body mass index, known as the obesity paradox, are due to misclassifying healthy people as overweight according to height and body weight instead of according to fat mass and fat-free mass. Body fat infiltrates internal organs in aging adults as increasing levels of body fat are redistributed into the trunk, especially in the abdomen, while subcutaneous fat in the appendages decreases. Accuracy of body image perceptions can determine an individual's control of body weight. Aging women can protect against sarcopenic obesity by increasing fat-free mass with resistance training and by lowering body fat levels with weight management knowledge and skills. Healthy dietary patterns are low in ultra-processed foods that stimulate excessive consumption of calories and increase body fat levels. In combination with the phosphate additives in ultra-processed food which increase sarcopenia and aging, the present article proposes an etiological pathway in which ultra-processed food consumption eventually leads to aging-related sarcopenic obesity.

The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the motives that lead Icelandic teenagers to engage in physical exercise and the possible associations with variables of their body composition. For this purpose, the Self-Report of Reasons for the Practice of Physical Exercise questionnaire (AMPEF) was administered to 387 students (54% boys and 46% girls, Mage = 13.38 years) from Reykjavik (Iceland). The results reveal the subscales Revitalization and Enjoyment, Strength and Endurance, Challenge and Competition as the main motives for exercising among the participants. Boys score higher in all subscales than girls except for Revitalization and Enjoyment. Associations between the motive Weight Management and Appearance, and BMI and Fat % levels were found. It can be concluded that the participants' physical exercise practice is based on the feelings and experiences they perceive in the sports practice process.

Introduction: Optimal diet together with good physical fitness maintains readiness and military performance during longer deployments. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in dietary macronutrient and energy intake, total physical activity and body composition during a 6-month deployment in South Lebanon. Furthermore, associations of diet macronutrient intake and physical activity on body composition were also studied. - Materials and Methods: Forty male soldiers kept a 3-day food diary and their body composition was measured via bioimpedance and ultrasonography. Total physical activity was evaluated by accelerometers in a subgroup of participants. Measurements were conducted in the PRE-, MID-, and POST-deployment. - Results: Mean carbohydrate intakes were 39.5–42.6 E%, protein intakes 18.7–22.3 E%, and fat intakes 34.9–35.7 E%. Daily energy intake remained stable (10.1–10.3 MJ/D). Total physical activity was decreased during deployment (e.g., step count from 9,835 ± 2,743 to 8,388 ± 2,875 steps/day, p = 0.007). Skeletal muscle mass and subcutaneous fat increased by 1.3% (p = 0.019) and 1.9% (p = 0.006), respectively. Energy and fat intake associated positively with body mass and skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.31–0.48, p < 0.05–0.001). - Conclusions: Carbohydrate intakes and physical activity were low, compared with the general recommendations. Protein intakes were relatively high. Skeletal muscle mass and subcutaneous fat increased. Suboptimal diet together with low level of physical activity may have a negative impact on body composition, physical performance, and cardiometabolic health. Consequently, soldiers should be encouraged to consume more fiber-rich carbohydrates and less saturated fatty acids as well as maintain a high level of physical fitness to sustain military readiness during long-term deployments. ; peerReviewed

AbstractAnthropogenic feeding of wildlife provides a valuable opportunity for people to engage with animals, but such feeding has the potential to be detrimental to the species involved. Ducks are frequently fed at urban ponds globally, yet the health impacts of an urban lifestyle for birds are poorly documented. We studied urban and rural Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the Manawatū-Whanganui region (New Zealand). Mallards are opportunistic omnivores that have a phenotypically flexible gastrointestinal system. As urban Mallards consume considerable amounts of low-fibre, high carbohydrate foods via anthropogenic feeding, we predicted that urban Mallards would have smaller gastrointestinal tract organs and higher fat levels than rural ducks. We compared gross body composition of Mallards in a modified environment with high levels of feeding by humans and in rural habitats. We also evaluated other health-associated aspects including fat deposit size, liver fat content and haemosiderin (liver iron deposit) levels. Contrary to predictions, urban birds had larger gizzards and caeca and were no fatter than rural birds; rural birds additionally had larger pectoralis major muscles. These differences are probably associated with broader ecological and behavioural factors than with the provision of anthropogenic food per se [in particular the presence of hard foods (acorns and nuts) for urban birds, and higher flight activity of rural birds]. Longer caeca in urban birds could, however, relate to immunity rather than microbial fermentation of cellulose. Overall, while the nature of the local environment does affect Mallard physiology, no detrimental effects of urban living were evident in this study.

Two experiments were conducted to study the body composition of mature females from two breeds of suckler cattle (Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica) with different origin and purpose. In Exp. 1, body condition score (BCS) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) were measured in 64 cows in a 2x2 factorial arrangement (Parda de Montaña vs. Pirenaica breed and dry vs. lactating cows). SFT was similar across genotypes (P>0.05) but physiological stage affected this trait (P0.05). Carcass weights (hot and cold) and dressing percentages (slaughter and commercial) as well as the weight of some metabolically active organs (liver, spleen and kidney) and hide were similar across breeds (P>0.05). The previous traits revealed no differences in the body composition of Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica cattle breeds, highlighting the parallel trajectory of selection for meat production in both genotypes over the last years. ; Se realizaron dos experimentos para estudiar la composición corporal de dos razas de vacas nodrizas (Parda de Montaña y Pirenaica) con distinto origen y aptitud. En el Exp.1 se midió la condición corporal (BCS) y el espesor de grasa subcutánea (SFT) en 64 vacas según un diseño 2x2 factorial (raza Parda de Montaña vs. Pirenaica y vacas secas vs. lactantes). La SFT fue similar entre genotipos (P>0,05), pero no entre estados fisiológicos (P0,05). Los pesos de la canal (caliente y frío) y sus rendimientos (matadero y comercial), además del peso de algunos órganos metabólicamente activos (hígado, bazo y riñón) y la piel, fueron similares entre razas (P>0,05). Los caracteres previos no revelaron diferencias en la composición corporal de las razas Parda de Montaña y Pirenaica, reflejando la paralela trayectoria de selección hacia la producción de carne en ambos genotipos a lo largo de los últimos años. ; Se realizaron dos experimentos para estudiar la composición corporal de dos razas de vacas nodrizas (Parda de Montaña y Pirenaica) con distinto origen y aptitud. En el Exp.1 se midió la condición corporal (BCS) y el espesor de grasa subcutánea (SFT) en 64 vacas según un diseño 2x2 factorial (raza Parda de Montaña vs. Pirenaica y vacas secas vs. lactantes). La SFT fue similar entre genotipos (P>0,05), pero no entre estados fisiológicos (P0,05). Los pesos de la canal (caliente y frío) y sus rendimientos (matadero y comercial), además del peso de algunos órganos metabólicamente activos (hígado, bazo y riñón) y la piel, fueron similares entre razas (P>0,05). Los caracteres previos no revelaron diferencias en la composición corporal de las razas Parda de Montaña y Pirenaica, reflejando la paralela trayectoria de selección hacia la producción de carne en ambos genotipos a lo largo de los últimos años. ; Study supported by a permanent action for in situ conservation of autochthonous Pyrenean herds (INIA RZP-2004-08, Ministry of Education and Science of Spain and European Union Regional Development Funds) and the project INIA RTA-2005-231. J. Álvarez-Rodríguez is granted by the INIA-DGA.

Background  Individuals with intellectual disabilities engage in limited physical activity which places their health at risk. This study examined the walking activity, body composition and blood pressure of adults with intellectual disabilities.Methods  A group of male and female adults (n = 103) wore a pedometer for 7 days and were categorized into walking levels based on step counts. Measures of health variables were also taken.Results  Mean blood pressure was 126/82 mmHg and 125/79 mmHg for males and females, respectively. Approximately 80% of the sample was overweight or obese. Most participants accumulated 5000–7999 steps/day while the fewest accumulated >10 000 steps/day. Individuals who walked more did not have significantly lower blood pressure or healthier body composition.Conclusion  The intensity of walking may have been inadequate for individuals in the higher walking levels to achieve health benefits. Furthermore, intake of high‐fat food may have contributed to blood pressure and body composition and countered the benefits of walking.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Since 1965, the Brazilian Army (BA) has participated in peacekeeping missions of the United Nations (UN), sending large contingents to various parts of the world, such as Angola, Mozambique, East Timor and Haiti. To do so, the military must be in a minimum physical condition to face any obstacles in the course of action in the theater of operations. Objective: To verify the effects of Military Physical Training (MPT) on muscular strength of upper limbs, anthropometric variables and body composition of Brazilian military personnel of the 24th UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti. Methods: The sample consisted of 192 male soldiers with mean age of 23.2 ± 3 6 years. They observed a weekday residential regime, with a defined schedule of meals and activities and time off on weekends. The MPT was applied four times a week, 90 minutes long for 14 weeks and involved aerobic and resisted exercises. In the pre- and post-MPT period, body mass (MC), height, waist circumference (WC) and abdomen circumference (AC) were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage (%F) through the protocol of Salem. In addition, 12-minute run tests, push-ups, pull up and abdominal flexions were performed to calculate the Rogers Index (RI). Results: When comparing pre- and post-MPT, a significant difference was observed in all anthropometric variables and body composition (BM, BMI and %F) and in the RI for the upper limb muscle strength. Conclusion: The 14-week MPT indicates an improvement in the anthropometric and body composition variables, as well as an increase in upper limb muscular strength in Brazilian soldiers of the UN peacekeeping contingents in Haiti. This study concluded that RI could be an effective tool for assessing military muscular strength. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating the results of treatment.

Body composition has been associated with better performance in military populations. However, there is no consensus
about the most suitable body composition values for army paratroopers. To analyze body composition differences among the
type of specialty, age group, and gender of army paratroopers, for a better improvement of their operability. 104 paratroopers
of the Spanish Army were analyzed. Anthropometric and morphological data were analysed throw an In-Body720. There was a
significant effect of age on intracellular water. Older soldiers had lower values of intracellular water, protein, and skeletal muscle
mass than middle-aged soldiers. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for the effect of the kind of work and age together or taken
separately. Men had significantly higher values than women for height, weight, extracellular water, protein, fat-free mass, and
skeletal muscle mass, and significantly lower values for the percentage of body fat, while no differences were found for body fat
mass and body mass index. We conclude that paratroopers' body composition depends on age in skeletal muscle mass,
intracellular water, and protein. For better unit readiness, soldiers must be monitored to analyze the effect of training and
nutrition habits on their body composition.