Obesity

CoronaVirus Updates

Obesity raises risk of Covid infection: Study

Jerusalem, May 11 (IANS) People with increasing body mass index (BMI) may be at the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19, finds a new study.The researchers, from the Chaim Sheba Medical Centre in Israel, found that the odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 were 22 per cent more higher in patients who were overweight or obese compared to those with a normal BMI.People with Class I obesity (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m2) was linked to a 27 per cent higher risk of testing positive, which increased to 38 per cent for class II obesity (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m2), and an 86 per cent higher risk in class III or morbid obesity (BMI at or above 40.0 kg/m2).Obesity-related factors, including changes to the innate and adaptive immune systems brought on by excess weight, are believed to be associated with an increased risk of contracting various viral diseases. This association between BMI and viral infection risk suggests that a similar relationship may also exist between an individual's BMI and their risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, said the team led by Hadar Milloh-Raz, from the varsity.In total 26,030 patients were tested across the study period (between March 16 and December 31, 2020), and 1,178 positive Covid-19 results were recorded.The found every 1 kg/m2 rise in a patient's BMI was associated with an increase of around 2 per cent in the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.Further, the researchers found that people with diabetes were associated with a 30 per cent higher likelihood of testing positive, while the risk of testing positive was almost six times greater in patients with hypertension.Conversely, the odds of a positive test were lower among patients with a history of stroke (39 per cent), IHD (55 per cent), and CKD (45 per cent), respectively. However, the study did not explain the reason. The study also did not look at Covid mortality or outcomes, only the risk of testing positive.The findings were presented at the 2021 European Congress on Obesity, held online between May 10 and 13.--IANSrvt/in
Research

Obesity linked to heavy periods, impaired womb repair: Study

London, April 9 (IANS) Ladies, here is one more reason to reduce your body weight. Obesity is linked to greater menstrual blood loss, which may result from increased inflammation in the womb lining, delaying its repair, according to a study conducted both on women and mice. The study, led by researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK, found a weak but statistically significant association between increasing body mass index (BMI) and more heavy periods in women. In the mouse study, the team found that after shedding their womb lining, the mice on a high-fat diet showed delayed repair of the remaining womb lining in comparison to mice on a normal diet. Further examination of womb tissue from the mice indicated that inflammatory factors were also higher in mice with greater body weight. The findings are detailed in the Journal of Endocrinology. "Our findings suggest that women with obesity may experience heavier periods due to increased local inflammation and delayed repair of their womb lining," said Jacqueline Maybin from the varsity's MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. The findings suggest weight loss and anti-inflammatory medications may be useful interventions for treatment of heavy periods in women with obesity. "Although it is difficult to make strong recommendations based on this study alone, a common sense approach would be to offer weight loss support to women with a high BMI experiencing heavy periods," Maybin said. "However, this should not replace investigation and treatment of other underlying causes for heavy bleeding (eg fibroids, bleeding disorders, cancer). This should form part of personalised treatment recommendations to be considered by both patients and doctors," she noted. For the study, the team measured the BMI and menstrual blood loss of 121 women, with regular menstrual cycles, who were attending gynaecology clinics and not taking any hormone medications. Mice were fed a normal diet or a high-fat diet prior to simulation of menstruation. Mice on high-fat diet had significantly higher body weight than those on a normal diet.
Research

Life-style changes alone can control

Aligarh, April 5 (IANS) Experts of Ayurvedic, Unani and modern medicines said life style changes were necessary to control obesity and allergies. They were deliberating upon how to combat obesity - through prevention and medications and therapies commonly used to treat allergies in a multi-disciplinary online seminar on 'Obesity and its Prevention, Allergic Diseases' organised by the Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). We need to find ways to combine both the traditional and modern medicine systems for a major role in the fight against lifestyle diseases, said AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor. "Of course, we cannot adopt these procedures for all diseases, but for chronic diseases there is a lot of scope," he added pointing out that since the spread of Covid pandemic, the government is also encouraging multi-disciplinary research in various systems of medicine," the Vice Chancellor said. Stressing the need for joint traditional and modern medicine research, Prof Mansoor said that AMU is a multi-disciplinary university and we can take advantage of the facilities for collaborative research. Speaking on the treatment and prevention of obesity in Ayurvedic medicine, Prof Jonah S (All India Institute of Ayurvedic, New Delhi) recommended lifestyle changes and appropriate modification in daily diet to improve health along with oral medications to help optimizing the metabolism. He elaborated how Ayurvedic plants and herbs help in controlling obesity. "Because Ayurveda focuses on healthy nutrition, stress reduction, and cultivation of a balanced lifestyle, many people look to its dietary principles and natural remedies when they want to lose weight. People in many Western countries are using the Ayurvedic regimens and remedies as part of their overall healthcare," said Prof Jonah. Dr Paras Wani (Incharge, GTB and IHBAS Unani Unit, Director of Ayush, GNCT, New Delhi) explained how Siman-e-Mufrit (obesity) is considered as a Phlegmatic (Balghami) disease in Unani medicine. She added that obesity can be prevented by maintaining Asbab-e-Sittah Zarooriyah (essentials of life) namely the proper and balanced diet, physical activity, balanced retention and evacuation. Dr Paras explained the various modes of treatments with Ilaj bil Ghiza (Dietotherapy) and Ilaj bit Tadbeer (regimental therapies). Dr Uwais Ashraf (Faculty of Medicine, JNMC) described how obesity is the root cause of all lifestyle diseases in modern medicine. "Obesity leads to coronary artery disease, hypertension, fatty liver and PCOD among other health problems. Obesity has a strong genetic and biochemical basis and these areas are being looked into for newer therapeutic modalities," he said. Dr Uwais added that diet, lifestyle and behavioural therapies are necessary in the management of obesity. He also gave a slide presentation on preventing and treating obesity. Speaking on preventive measures to avoid allergies, Prof Rubi Anjum (Chairperson, Dept of Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib, AMU) discussed various Unani therapies of Ilaj-bil- Tadbeer. She spoke about treatments through special regimens and methods to maintain general health through modulation in 'Asbaab-e- Sitta Zarooriya'. Prof Rubi also shared a list of foods to try to avoid allergies such as ginger, citrus fruits, turmeric, oily fish and onions. Dr Divya Kajaria (All India Institute of Ayurvedic, New Delhi) discussed how Ayurvedic allergy treatment focuses on pacifying the imbalanced dosha, restoring digestion with herbal preparations, and advising supporting diet and lifestyle. "Allergic reactions manifest themselves in the form of commonly seen skin and respiratory disorders such as eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma and food allergies. In Ayurveda, allergy treatment is done by first diagnosing the individual root-cause of every patient," she added. Dr Nafees A Khan (Dept of TB and RD, JNMC) stressed the importance of increasing awareness on the relevance of allergic diseases as a major public health problem. "Programs to increase awareness of allergic diseases should focus on the causes, prevention, control, and economic impact," he said. Dr Nafees further spoke on Type I hypersensitivity (or immediate hypersensitivity) as an allergic reaction provoked by re-exposure to a specific type of antigen referred to as an allergen. "Type I is distinct from type II, type III and type IV hypersensitivities. Exposure may be by ingestion, inhalation, injection, or direct contact," he added. In the welcome address, Prof Rakesh Bhargava (Dean, Faculty of Medicine) said that this programme will help build a better understanding of lifestyle as a pattern of individual practices and behavior related to elevating or reducing health risks.
Research

Kidney Ailments in Children: Junk Food and Obesity are Key Risk Factors

 It's often hard for children to resist eating junk foods. Consuming anything in excessive quantities is always harmful to health. Junk food is high in calories and contains unhealthy fats that can lead to obesity and high sugar levels.   As our kidneys are highly responsive to increased sugar and cholesterol levels, consuming junk food in excessive quantities can lead to obesity and increase the load on the kidneys. A study reveals that a diet mostly dependent on processed and junk food may trigger diabetes and cause damage to kidneys in the long run, said Dr. Sundeep Guleria, Senior Consultant, Renal Transplant Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.   "With the current sedentary lifestyle, exercises and physical activities often miss out on children's daily routine. Consuming unhealthy and fatty food with no exercise and burning extra calories is the worst combination for your child's health," said the doctor. Also, Read► Exhaustion may up heart attack risk in men Kidney Ailments in Children The biggest problem of suffering from kidney disease is that it majorly goes undetected. By the time symptoms start showing in the body, almost 50-60 percent of the damage is already done. Though chronic kidney disease is uncommon in children with the kind of lifestyle they are living today, the risk of catching kidney ailments is on a significant rise, he said.   "Kidneys work as a body's waste collector and disposal system. Small microscopic units called nephrons help to remove toxins and wastes from the kidneys and absorb excess water from the food eaten. In this process, the kidney returns the essential chemicals like sodium, phosphorous, and potassium in the bloodstream, and the extra wastewater left, gets combined with other wastes to be flushed out from the body.   "As a healthy functioning kidney is very important for a fit body, obesity and high blood sugar levels are gradually becoming a reason in children for catching kidney ailments at an early age. Kidneys are not only sensitive to obesity and blood sugar levels, but also to the treatment given to treat any recurring ailments. Moreover, medication increases the toxins in the bloodstream and hence kidneys have to work with greater efficiencies to flush them out.   The expert lists down major symptoms of the kidney related problems: Swelling around the face, feet, and ankles. Fever Burning sensation or pain during peeing Increase in the frequency of urination Difficulty in controlling the urination in kids of significant age Blood in urine High blood pressure Nighttime bedwetting in kids Also, Read► Study reveals severity of Covid using imaging   On suspecting a kidney-related problem, a doctor might ask for the medical history, order some blood or urine tests, do a physical examination or conduct a biopsy in some cases. Urinalysis is a type of urine test that can help in detecting abnormalities in urine, as urine-related problems are a major symptom of kidney ailments, it can help the doctors in examining a kidney problem better.   The doctor suggests that with a rising number of kidney ailments in children, pediatric nephrologists are playing a major part in the healthcare system. To keep away from any kidney-related ailment at a young age, children should avoid eating unhealthy and junk food. Instead, parents should introduce healthy and nutritious food to their children's diet. At the end of the day importance of protein-rich food and exercising regularly is hidden by none. So help maintain your children a healthy life by offering a rich diet and getting them ready to lead a disease-free life. (Puja Gupta) Read More► 'More health factors should be considered for healthy heart'
CoronaVirus Updates

Genes that ups obesity risk but protect identified

London, Feb 28 (IANS) Researchers have identified a range of genes that are linked to both elevated levels of body fat, as well as offering protection from some of the negative health impacts of obesity.According to the researchers, people living with obesity tend to have unhealthy glucose and lipid levels in their blood, as well as high blood pressure. As a result, they are more at risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.But researchers have observed that up to 45 per cent of people living with obesity have healthy blood pressure and glucose and lipid levels, and therefore may not be at high risk of disease."The identified genes seem to benefit our health by helping to maintain a healthy fat tissue," said researcher Tuomas Kilpelainen from the University of Copenhagen."Some of the genes may offer targets for the development of new therapies that lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease by improving the health of our fat tissue," Kilpelainen added.For the study, published in the journal Nature Metabolism, the team analyzed data from hundreds of thousands people who had been assessed for their body fat and disease risk markers.AThey identified 62 sections of the genome that were significantly associated with both high levels of body fat and lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases.Further analyses showed that the genes had a range of functions in the body, including the regulation and development of fat cells, distribution of body fat, as well as energy regulation and inflammation.The researchers then carried out the computational analyses that identified the genes."We used a data-driven approach in this study, which led us to find new genes associated with fat tissue health, instead of the known obesity genes associated with central nervous system, which control satiety and are typically linked to unhealthy obesity," the researchers said.The researchers conclude that obesity is a complex disease but not every individual with excess body weight is equally at risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases.--IANSvc/sdr/
Research

Low-quality diet during pregnancy linked

London, Feb 22 (IANS) Pregnant women need to have overall healthy diet, high in fruit and vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates and red and processed meats, said a new study which found links between mother's low quality diet and higher risk of obesity and excess body fat in children, especially during late-childhood. The research showed that children of mothers who ate a higher quality diet, low in inflammation-associated foods, during pregnancy had a lower risk of obesity and lower body fat levels in late-childhood than children whose mothers ate a lower quality diet, high in inflammation-associated foods, while pregnant. This association was not observed in early or mid-childhood, according to the study published the journal BMC Medicine. "Obesity in childhood often carries on into adulthood and is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases, including Type-2 diabetes," said corresponding author of the study Ling-Wei Chen from University College Dublin, Ireland. Mounting evidence suggest that maternal diet influences pregnancy and birth outcomes and points to the first one thousand days of a child's life, from conception to two years old, as a critical period for preventing childhood obesity. To examine the effects of maternal diet on the likelihood of childhood obesity and excess body fat, the authors analysed data collected from 16,295 mother-child pairs in seven European birth cohort studies, from Ireland, France, the UK, the Netherlands and Poland. On average, mothers were 30 years old and had a healthy body mass index (BMI). The researchers found that children born to mothers who ate diets high in foods associated with inflammation throughout pregnancy tended to have lower levels of fat-free body mass, indicating lower levels of muscle mass, in late-childhood than those whose mothers ate diets low in inflammation-associated foods. Previous research has found that low levels of muscle mass may be associated with a higher risk of combined diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity An association between a lower quality maternal diet, high in inflammation-associated foods, and lower levels of fat-free body mass in late-childhood was found to be stronger in boys than in girls, said the study. --IANS gb/rt