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BackgroundThe effects of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (Ba8145) and those of its heat-killed form (h-k Ba8145) on human anthropometric adiposity biomarkers are unknown.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of Ba8145 and h-k Ba8145 ingestion on anthropometric adiposity biomarkers.DesignRandomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with abdominally obese individuals. Participants (n = 135) consumed 1 capsule/day containing 1010 colony forming unit (CFU) of Ba8145, 1010 CFU of h-k Ba8145, or placebo (maltodextrin) for 3 months.ResultsBa8145 ingestion decreased waist circumference, waist circumference/height ratio, and Conicity index (P < 0.05) versus its baseline. Changes versus the placebo group reached significance (P < 0.05) after the h-k Ba8145 treatment. Ba8145 decreased the body mass index compared with baseline and placebo group (P < 0.05). The decrease in visceral fat area after Ba8145 treatments reached significance (P < 0.05) only after h-k Ba8145. When analyses by gender were performed, significance remained only for women. Diastolic blood pressure and HOMA index decreased (P < 0.05) after h-k Ba8145. Gut microbiome analyses showed an increase in Akkermansia spp. after Ba8145 treatment, particularly in the live form, which was inversely related to weight (P = 0.003).ConclusionsIn abdominally obese individuals, consumption of Ba8145, both as viable and mainly as heat-killed cells, improves anthropometric adiposity biomarkers, particularly in women. An increase in the gut Akkermansia genus appears as a possible mechanism involved. Our results support Ba8145 probiotic as a complementary strategy in obesity management.

High rates of childhood obesity require integral treatment with lifestyle modifications that achieve weight loss. We evaluated a lifestyle intervention on nutrient adequacy and diet quality in children and adolescents with abdominal obesity. A randomized controlled trial was performed on 107 participants, assigned either to a usual care group or to an intensive care group that followed a moderate hypocaloric Mediterranean diet and received nutritional education. Intake adequacy was evaluated using Dietary Reference Intakes and diet quality through the Diet Quality Index for Adolescents (DQI-A), the Healthy Lifestyle Diet-Index (HLD-I) and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). Both groups achieved a significant reduction in BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), glucose and total cholesterol levels. Intake of Calcium, Iodine and vitamin D were higher in the intensive care group, with enhanced compliance with recommendations. Higher dietary scores were associated with lower micronutrient inadequacy. DQI-A and HLD-I were significantly higher in the intensive care group vs. usual care group after the treatment. In conclusion, we observed that an intensive lifestyle intervention was able to reduce BMI-SDS in children with abdominal obesity. Furthermore, participants significantly improved dietary indices getting closer to the nutritional recommendations. Therefore, these diet quality indices could be a valid indicator to evaluate micronutrient adequacy.

Addressing abdominal obesity requires multifaceted strategies, with physical activity and diet playing a pivotal role. The objective of this study was to assess alterations in body composition, adipokine concentrations, insulin resistance parameters, and lipid metabolism in males with abdominal obesity following two distinct interventions: exercise alone and exercise combined with a specific diet. The study involved 44 males with abdominal obesity (average age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5), randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group with aerobic-resistance exercise (EG, n  = 16), an experimental group with aerobic-resistance exercise combined with a high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (EDG, n  = 16), both interventions lasting 6 weeks, and a control group without interventions (CG, n  = 12). Body composition (body mass [BM], body fat percentage [BF%], fat-free mass [FFM], android body fat percentage [ANDR]), as well as biochemical blood analyses (asprosin [ASP], leptin [LEP], quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI], and total cholesterol [TC]), were conducted at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. The impact of interventions on the analyzed variables among groups was assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post-hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also evaluated using 𝜂p 2 . Significant reductions in ASP concentration after intervention were observed in both EG ( p  = 0.04) and EDG ( p  = 0.01). However, post-hoc tests revealed a decrease in LEP only in the EDG group ( p  < 0.01). In EDG substantial decreases after 6 weeks of intervention were noted in BM ( p  < 0.01), BF% ( p  < 0.01), ANDR ( p  < 0.01) and TC ( p  < 0.01). The most notable increase in FFM was observed in the EDG group ( p  < 0.01). More favourable metabolic outcomes were confirmed in the group combining diet with exercise, where there was a notable reduction in ASP levels by 16% and LEP by 48% after 6 weeks of intervention, compared to the group undergoing exercise alone.

Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in body composition, adipokine levels, and dyslipidemia parameters in males with abdominal obesity following two distinct interventions: exercise alone and exercise combined with an ad libitum diet. Methods: This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5, BMI 32.0 ± 3.9), who were randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise (II, n = 16), an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise combined with an ad libitum high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (III, n = 16), both interventions lasting 6 weeks, and a control group without interventions (I, n = 12). Body composition metrics (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], body fat [BF], abdominal fat [ABD]) and fat-free mass [FFM], along with biochemical blood analyses (irisin [IR], omentin [OMEN], glucose [GLU], insulin [INS], LDL- and HDL-cholesterol), were measured at baseline and after the 6-week intervention. The effects of the interventions on the analyzed variables across groups were assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post-hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also calculated using partial eta squared (ηp2). Results: The intervention in group III resulted in a significant decrease in IR (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 41% and LDL-C (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%. These effects were associated with a reduction in BF (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%, ABD (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 31%, and WC (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.01) by 3%. In group II, decreases after 6 weeks of intervention were noted only in WC (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.01) by 1% and in INS (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.04) by 47%. No differences were found between groups. The use of low-glycemic index carbohydrates (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.06) and increased protein intake (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.30) led to changes in the fiber-to-energy value of the diet ratio (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.18) and a reduction in dietary energy value (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13) by 23%, resulting in a greater energy deficit than in the II group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the effect of combining dietary and exercise interventions to achieve significant changes in body composition and metabolic parameters, even over a short period of intervention.

To measure the effects of different nutritional interventions on abdominal adipose components and metabolic parameters. A randomized clinical trial.We included individuals aged 20 years and older with excess weight (i.e., body mass index, ≥BMI, of 25 kg/m2 for adults; and ≥ 27 kg/m2 for older adults). Participants were stratified into three intervention groups: Group 1: Caloric restriction with balanced macronutrient distribution. Group 2: Caloric and carbohydrate restrictions. Group 3: Caloric and lipid restrictions. An active control group (Group 4) received nutritional counseling only. Visceral and subcutaneous adiposity (VAT and SAT) The compartments were measured using ultrasound. Anthropometric, clinical, sociodemographic, and behavioral data were included in the predictive models. A total of 105 participants completed the study. At baseline (T0), all groups were comparable in physical activity status, BMI, waist circumference (WC), VAT, and SAT. Group 2 reported a higher caloric intake, compared to Groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.020). Postintervention, all groups demonstrated reductions in weight, BMI, and WC (P < 0.05). Only Groups 1 and 2 achieved significant reductions in VAT (P < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in SAT (P > 0.05). VAT reduction varied from 0.6% (control group) to 9.0% (Group 2), although differences between groups were not significant (P = 0.202). Serum glucose and lipid levels were similar across all groups (T0, P > 0.05), and no intervention changed these metabolic parameters (P > 0.05). After three months, we observed minimal differences in weight loss across the different nutritional strategies, suggesting that nutritional counseling and/or specific dietary protocols can effectively promote weight reduction. •Total energy intake, rather than the specific macronutrient content, is the key factor in reducing body weight, regardless of the approach used.•The macronutrient profile did not effectively influence changes in visceral fat over the 3-month intervention period.•Visceral adipose tissue mobilization showed slightly better results with the low-carbohydrate diet compared to nonpersonalized and individualized interventions

The objective of this study was to assess the changes in adiponectin concentrations and inflammatory markers in men with abdominal obesity following physical exercise and exercise combined with dietary intervention. This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5, BMI 32.0 ± 3.9), who were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group without interventions (CG, n = 12), an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise (EG, n = 16) and a group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise combined with an ad libitum high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (EDG, n = 16). Body composition metrics: the body fat-, fat-free mass-, and abdominal fat-to body mass (BF/BM, FFM/BM, ABD/BM) indexes and the body adiposity index (BAI), along with biochemical blood analyses—adiponectin (ADIPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Castelli-II Index (CRI II) and fasting glucose–insulin (FG/I) ratio—were measured at baseline and after the intervention. The effects of the interventions on the analyzed variables across groups were assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also calculated using partial eta squared (ηp2). The exercise intervention (EG) resulted in a significant reduction in the BAI (p < 0.01), insulin resistance FG/I (p < 0.02), and IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.01) and initiated an increase in ADIPO secretion (p = 0.03). The combined intervention (EDG) reduced the insulin resistance FG/I (p = 0.02) and atherogenic index CRI II (p = 0.01), decreased inflammatory markers IL-6 (p = 0.01) by 48% and hs-CRP (p = 0.04) by 30%, and simultaneously increased the ADIPO (p = 0.02) concentration by 15%. These effects were accompanied by significant changes in body composition: reductions in visceral fat ABD/BM (p < 0.01), total fat BF/BM (p < 0.01), and BAI (p = 0.02) and an increase in FFM/BM (p < 0.01). A crucial role in achieving these outcomes was played by dietary modifications, i.e., the inclusion of low-glycemic index carbohydrates (p < 0.01), a 23% increase in protein intake (p < 0.01), and a 50% increase in dietary fiber intake (p < 0.01), which consistently deepened the energy deficit (p < 0.01) and reduced fat intake (p < 0.01). These findings underscore that short-term interventions, whether exercise alone or combined with dietary modifications, can effectively reduce inflammation and lower insulin resistance in men with visceral obesity. However, the combined intervention, involving both exercise and dietary modifications, resulted in more pronounced beneficial changes in both body composition and concentrations of adipokines, inflammatory markers, and atherogenic indices and insulin resistance.

Intermittent energy restriction combined with a Mediterranean diet (IER+MED) has shown promise to reduce body fat and insulin resistance. In the Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype Study, Japanese Americans had the highest visceral adipose tissue (VAT) when adjusting for total adiposity. We conducted this pilot study to demonstrate feasibility and explore efficacy of following IER+MED for 12 weeks to reduce VAT among East Asians in Hawaii. Sixty volunteers (aged 35–55, BMI 25–40 kg/m2, VAT ≥ 90 cm2 for men and ≥ 80 cm2 for women) were randomized to IER+MED (two consecutive days with 70% energy restriction and 5 days euenergetic MED) or an active comparator (euenergetic Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet). Participants and clinic staff (except dietitians) were blinded to group assignments. IER+MED had significantly larger reductions in DXA-measured VAT and total fat mass (−22.6 ± 3.6 cm2 and −3.3 ± 0.4 kg, respectively) vs. DASH (−10.7 ± 3.5 cm2 and −1.6 ± 0.4 kg) (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005). However, after adjusting for total fat mass, change in VAT was not statistically different between groups; whereas, improvement in alanine transaminase remained significantly greater for IER+MED vs. DASH (−16.2 ± 3.8 U/L vs. −4.0 ± 3.6 U/L, respectively, p = 0.02). Attrition rate was 10%, and participants adhered well to study prescriptions with no reported major adverse effect. Results demonstrate IER+MED is acceptable, lowers visceral and total adiposity among East Asian Americans, and may improve liver function more effectively than a healthful diet pattern. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03639350.

Evidence from observational and intervention studies has shown a high intake of tree nuts is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality from type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and all-cause mortality. However, there is limited data regarding their effects on indicators of cardiometabolic risk other than hypercholesterolemia, and little is known about the demonstrable health benefits of pecans (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch). We conducted a randomized, controlled feeding trial to compare the effects of a pecan-rich diet with an isocaloric control diet similar in total fat and fiber content, but absent nuts, on biomarkers related to CVD and T2DM risk in healthy middle-aged and older adults who are overweight or obese with central adiposity. After 4 weeks on a pecan-rich diet, changes in serum insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA-β) were significantly greater than after the control diet (p < 0.05). Pecan consumption also lowered the risk of cardiometabolic disease as indicated by a composite score reflecting changes in clinically relevant markers. Thus, compared to the control diet, the pecan intervention had a concurrent and clinically significant effect on several relevant markers of cardiometabolic risk.

Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of pediatric obesity highlights the urgent need for effective lifestyle interventions that improve diet quality, in line with global health objectives. Tackling obesity through planetarian dietary practices not only enhances individual health but also mitigates the environmental impact of food systems. The EAT-Lancet Commission’s plant-based dietary recommendations underscore the dual benefit of promoting human health while supporting environmental sustainability. This study aims to assess changes in adherence to a planetarian diet, measured through planetary environmental impact indices, following a lifestyle intervention in a pediatric population. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 107 participants with abdominal obesity were assigned to either a usual care group or an intensive intervention group, the latter following a moderately hypocaloric Mediterranean diet combined with nutritional education. Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was evaluated using both the EAT-Lancet Diet Score and the EAT-Lancet Diet Index. Results: The intensive lifestyle intervention significantly improved adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet, leading to notable reductions in body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist circumference, alongside improvements in both anthropometric and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that intensive lifestyle interventions in children and adolescents with abdominal obesity can reduce BMI-SDS (BMI-standard deviation score) and improve adherence to planetarian dietary patterns, leading to enhanced health outcomes. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of such interventions and to determine their broader applicability across diverse pediatric populations.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a diet in which high β-glucan barley was substituted for rice would reduce visceral fat obesity in Japanese individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted with 100 Japanese individuals with waist circumference (WC) ≥85 cm for men or ≥90 cm for women and body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a mixture of rice and either high β-glucan barley (test group, 4.4 g/d) or β-glucan–free barley (placebo group) for 12 wk. Blood samples and computed tomography scans were obtained before and after the trial. Both groups showed decreases in body weight and BMI, and these changes were significantly greater in the test group. WC and visceral fat area (VFA) significantly decreased in both groups (VFA: −10.7 cm2 in the test group; −6.8 cm2 in the placebo group). These changes did not differ significantly between the groups. However, a subgroup analysis of participants with VFA ≥100 cm2 showed a significant decrease in the test group, and this decrease was significantly greater than in the placebo group. The intake of high β-glucan barley led to significant and safe reductions in VFA, body weight, BMI, and WC in individuals with visceral fat obesity with VFA ≥100 cm2. Barley high in β-glucan may contribute to preventing visceral fat obesity. •Participants received high β-glucan or β-glucan–free (placebo) barley for 12 wk.•Waist circumference (WC) and visceral fat area (VFA) decreased in both groups.•In participants with VFA ≥100 cm2, WC and VFA decreased more in the high β-glucan group.