Rowing Performance After Dehydration: An Unexpected Effect of Method

Purpose: To investigate whether mild dehydration, as a weight reduction strategy for lightweight rowers, compromises rowing performance despite a two-hour rehydration window. Both 2000m time trial and visuomotor performance were assessed for impairment. Methods: Experienced rowers (N=14) twice performed a 2000 m rowing ergometer time trial and visuomotor battery: once euhydrated and once after mild dehydration (-1.68 ± .23% body mass reduction). Weight loss was achieved through a combination of 12-hour (overnight) fluid restriction and sauna exposure. Results: Participants were significantly slower on the 2000 m rowing trial in the dehydration condition than in the euhydration condition (2.44 ± 4.5 s, p<0.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that these rowing performance decrements were better accounted for by dehydration achieved overnight through fluid restriction (r2=.504, p<0.01) than by dehydration achieved in the sauna (r2=.025, n.s.). Hierarchical regression also revealed a relationship between dehydration-related rowing performance decrements and dehydration-related changes in visuomotor function (r2=.310, p<0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that rowing time-trial performance is negatively affected by relatively small changes in hydration status (<2% body-mass dehydration) and that the method by which dehydration is achieved is important. Performance losses were associated with prolonged fluid abstinence and not with short-term thermal exposure.

Physical Activity, Sleep, and Sedentary Behavior among Successful Long-Term Weight Loss Maintainers: Findings from a U.S. National Study

Despite adults’ desire to reduce body mass (weight) for numerous health benefits, few are able to successfully lose at least 5% of their starting weight. There is evidence on the independent associations of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep with weight loss; however, this study provided insight on the combined effects of these behaviors on long-term body weight loss success. Hence, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the joint relations of sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors with successful long-term weight loss. Data are from the 2005–2006 wave of the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with an accelerometer, whereas sleep time was self-reported. Physical activity and sleep were dichotomized into meeting guidelines (active/not active, ideal sleep/short sleep), and sedentary time was categorized into prolonged sedentary time (4th quartile) compared to low sedentary time (1st–3rd quartiles). The dichotomized behaviors were combined to form 12 unique behavioral combinations. Two-step multivariable regression models were used to determine the associations between the behavioral combinations with (1) long-term weight loss success (≥5% body mass reduction for ≥12-months) and (2) the amount of body mass reduction among those who were successful. After adjustment for relevant factors, there were no significant associations between any of the independent body weight loss behaviors (physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep) and successful long-term weight loss. However, after combining the behaviors, those who were active (≥150 min MVPA weekly), regardless of their sedentary time, were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to have long-term weight loss success compared to the inactive and sedentary referent group. These results should be confirmed in longitudinal analyses, including investigation of characteristics of waking (type, domain, and context) and sleep (quality metrics) behaviors for their association with long-term weight loss success.

Can the FUT 2 Gene Variant Have an Effect on the Body Weight of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery?—Preliminary, Exploratory Study

Background: The FUT2 gene (Se gene) encoding the enzyme α-1,2-L-fucosyltransferase 2 seems to have a significant effect on the number and type of bacteria colonizing the intestines. Methods: In a group of 19 patients after bariatric surgery, the polymorphism (rs601338) of FUT2 gene was analyzed in combination with body mass reduction, intestinal microbiome (16S RNA sequencing), and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) measurements in stools. Results: Among the secretors (Se/Se polymorphism of the FUT2 gene rs601338, carriers of GG variant), correlations between waist-hip ratio (WHR) and propionate content and an increase in Prevotella, Escherichia, Shigella, and Bacteroides were observed. On the other hand—in non-secretors (carriers of GA and AA variants)—higher abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridiales was recorded. Conclusions: The increased concentrations of propionate observed among the GG variants of FUT 2 may be used as an additional source of energy for the patient and may have a higher risk of increasing the WHR than carriers of the other variants (GA and AA).

Comparison of the effect of rapeseed oil or amaranth seed oil supplementation on weight loss, body composition, and changes in the metabolic profile of obese patients following 3-week body mass reduction program: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Amaranth seed oil (ASO) and rapeseed oil (RSO) are functional foods that display antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. These oils are also known to lower glucose and cholesterol levels. The current study compared the effects exerted by RSO and ASO on weight loss and metabolic parameters during a 3-week body mass reduction program. Methods: Eighty-one obese subjects (BMI > 30 kg/m2), aged 25-70 years, were enrolled in a 3-week body mass reduction program based on a calorie-restricted diet and physical activity. Participants were randomly categorized into an AO group (administered 20 mL/d of ASO), a RO group (administered 20 mL/d of RSO), and a C group (control; untreated). Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and endpoint. Results: Significant decreases in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), visceral fat mass (VFM), and total body water (TBW%) were observed in all groups (P < 0.05). No significant improvements were observed in the clinical parameters of group C. Fasting insulin (Δ -5.9, and Δ -5.7) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (Δ -1.1 and Δ -0.5) were decreased in both RO and AO groups, respectively. Fasting glucose (Δ -8.5; P = 0.034), total cholesterol (Δ -14.6; P = 0.032), non-HDL cholesterol (Δ 15.9; P = 0.010), TG/HDL ratio (Δ -0.6; P = 0.032), LDL cholesterol (Δ -12.3; P = 0.042), and triglycerides (Δ -6.5; P = 0.000) were significantly improved in the AO group, compared to the RO group. Conclusions: The 3-week body mass reduction intervention caused a significant reduction in the weight, BMI, WC, HC, FM, and VFM of all groups. Except for HOMA-IR, there were no statistical differences between the clinical parameters of all groups. However, a trend toward improved insulin levels and HDL% was noticeable in AO and RO. Therapies involving edible oils with high nutritional value, such as RSO and ASO, show potential for improving metabolic measurements during body mass reduction programs. Thus, obese patients undertaking weight reduction programs may benefit from RSO and ASO supplementation.

Comparison of the effect of rapeseed oil or amaranth seed oil supplementation on weight loss, body composition, and changes in the metabolic profile of obese patients following 3-week body mass reduction program: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Amaranth seed oil (ASO) and rapeseed oil (RSO) are functional foods that display antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. These oils are also known to lower glucose and cholesterol levels. The current study compared the effects exerted by RSO and ASO on weight loss and metabolic parameters during a 3-week body mass reduction program.Methods: Eighty-one obese subjects (BMI > 30 kg/m2), aged 25-70 years, were enrolled in a 3-week body mass reduction program based on a calorie-restricted diet and physical activity. Participants were randomly categorized into an AO group (administered 20 mL/d of ASO), a RO group (administered 20 mL/d of RSO), and a C group (control; untreated). Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and endpoint. Results: Significant decreases in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), visceral fat mass (VFM), and total body water (TBW%) were observed in all groups (P < 0.05). No significant improvements were observed in the clinical parameters of group C. Fasting insulin (Δ -5.9, and Δ -5.7) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (Δ -1.1 and Δ -0.5) were decreased in both RO and AO groups, respectively. Fasting glucose (Δ -8.5; P = 0.034), total cholesterol (Δ -14.6; P = 0.03), non-HDL cholesterol (Δ 15.9; P = 0.01), TG/HDL ratio (Δ -0.6; P = 0.032), LDL cholesterol (Δ -12.3; P = 0.042), and triglycerides (Δ -6.5; P = 0.000) were significantly improved in the AO group, compared to the RO group. Conclusions: The 3-week body mass reduction intervention caused a significant reduction in the weight, BMI, WC, HC, FM, and VFM of all groups. Except for HOMA-IR, there were no statistical differences between the clinical parameters of all groups. However, a trend toward improved insulin levels and HDL% was noticeable in AO and RO. Therapies involving edible oils with high nutritional value, such as RSO and ASO, show potential for improving metabolic measurements during body mass reduction programs. Thus, obese patients undertaking weight reduction programs may benefit from RSO and ASO supplementation.Trial registration: retrospectively registered, DRKS00017708

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE DRYING EFFECT OF SMOKING KILN ON FRESH FISH AND FROZEN FISH

A gas powered fish smoking Kiln of 0.873 m3 capacity was utilized to investigate the possible variations in the heat utilized, body mass reduction and volume of gas utilized for drying fresh and frozen fish. Four fish types; two of frozen fish (mackerel and horse mackerel) and two of fresh fish (tilapia and catfish) of 2 kg each were prepared and were smoked for the period of 240 minutes with 30 minutes interval to measure mass reduction, volume of gas utilized, temperature variation in the smoking chamber and the vent. During the experiment, the maximum heat supplied was 128 OC and maximum heat utilized was 25 OC. The total volume of gas utilized is 5.2cm3 for the period of 240 minutes when the fishes were totally dried. The maximum body mass reduction was 1.3 kg and minimum was found to be 1.35 kg which corresponded to tilapia and horse mackerel, and mackerel respectively. The volume of gas utilized for drying each type of the fishes were ranged from 0.68 to 0.71 m3. Generally, the information gathered from this study establish the fact that other factors might be responsible for drying rate across the fresh fish and frozen fish.

Comparison of the effect of rapeseed oil or amaranth seed oil supplementation on weight loss, body composition, and changes in the metabolic profile of obese patients following 3-week body mass reduction program: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Amaranth seed oil (ASO) and rapeseed oil (RSO) are representative functional food with glucose and cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. We aimed to compare the effect of RSO and ASO on weight loss and metabolic parameters during the 3-week body mass reduction program.Methods: Eighty-one obese subjects (BMI > 30 kg/m2) aged 25-70 years enrolled in a 3-week body mass reduction program based on calorie-restricted diet and physical activity. The participants were randomly administered 20 mL/d of ASO (AO group) or 20 mL/d of RSO (RO group) or were assigned to the control (C) group (without oil supplementation). Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and at an endpoint. Results: At the end of the study, significant (P < 0.05) decrease in weight, BMI, WC (waist circumference), HC (hip circumference), FM (fat mass), LBM (lean body mass), VFM (visceral fat mass), and TBW% (total body water) were observed in all groups. There were no significant improvements in clinical parameters in the C group, while reduction in fasting insulin (Δ -5.9, P = 0.001 and Δ -5.7, P = 0.005) and HOMA-IR (Δ -1.1, P = 0.02 and Δ -0.5, P = 0.03) were observed in the RO and AO groups. Compared to the RO group, significant improvement in fasting glucose Δ -8.5, (P = 0.03), total cholesterol (Δ -14.6, P = 0.03), non-HDL cholesterol (Δ 15.9, P = 0.01), TG/HDL ratio (Δ -0.6, P = 0.03), LDL cholesterol (Δ -12.3, P = 0.04), and triglycerides (Δ -6.5, P = 0.000) in the AO group were observed. Conclusions: The 3-week body mass reduction intervention resulted in a significant reduction in weight, BMI, WC, HC, FM, and VFM in all the studied groups. Except for HOMA-IR, in clinical parameters were no statistical differences between all groups. However, the trend to improvement in insulin level and HDL% was noticed only in AO and RO. Therapies targeting edible oils with high nutritional value as RSO and ASO may in the future be a promising tool in support metabolic measurement improvement during the body mass reduction programs.Take home message: Supplementation with RSO or ASO may bring additional benefits to obese patients undertaking a weight reduction program.Trial registration: DRKS00017708

Long-Term Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Obese Children During Integrated Weight–Loss Programme—A Double Blind Randomized Placebo–Controlled Trial

Background: Vitamin D was studied in regards to its possible impact on body mass reduction and metabolic changes in adults and children with obesity yet there were no studies assessing the impact of vitamin D supplementation during a weight management program in children and adolescence. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of 26 weeks of vitamin D supplementation in overweight and obese children undergoing an integrated 12–months’ long weight loss program on body mass reduction, body composition and bone mineral density. Methods: A double–blind randomized placebo–controlled trial. Vitamin D deficient patients (<30 ng/ml level of vitamin D) aged 6–14, participating in multidisciplinary weight management program were randomly allocated to receiving vitamin D (1200 IU) or placebo for the first 26 weeks of the intervention. Results: Out of the 152 qualified patients, 109 (72%) completed a full cycle of four visits scheduled in the program. There were no difference in the level of BMI (body mass index) change – both raw BMI and BMI centiles. Although the reduction of BMI centiles was greater in the vitamin D vs. placebo group (−4.28 ± 8.43 vs. −2.53 ± 6.10) the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.319). Similarly the reduction in fat mass—assessed both using bioimpedance and DEXa was achieved, yet the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study ads substantial results to support the thesis on no effect of vitamin D supplementation on body weight reduction in children and adolescents with vitamin D insufficiency undergoing a weight management program.

Long-Term Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Obese Children During Integrated Weight-Loss Programme - A Double Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Vitamin D was studied in regards to its possible impact on body mass reduction and metabolic changes in adults and children with obesity yet there were no studies assessing the impact of vitamin D supplementation during a weight management programme in children and adolescence. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of 26 weeks of vitamin D supplementation in overweight and obese children undergoing an integrated 12-months&rsquo; long weight loss programme on body mass reduction, body composition and bone mineral density. Methods: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Vitamin D deficient patients ( &lt;30 ng/ml level of vitamin D) aged 6-14, participating in multidisciplinary weight management programme were randomly allocated to receiving vitamin D (1200 IU) or placebo for the first 26 weeks of the intervention. Results: Out of the 152 qualified patients, 109 (72%) completed a full cycle of four visits scheduled in the programme. There were no difference in the level of BMI change. Although the reduction was greater in the vitamin D vs. placebo group (-4.28 &plusmn; 8.43 vs. -2.53 &plusmn;6.10) the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.319). Similarly the reduction in fat mass &ndash; assessed both using bioimpedance and DEXa was achieved, yet the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study ads substantial results to support the thesis on no effect of vitamin D supplementation on body weight reduction in children and adolescents with vitamin D insufficiency undergoing a weight management programme. Trial registration no: NCT 02828228; trial registration date: 8 June 2016 registered in: ClinicalTrials.gov.