body mass index

Considering the high importance of the problem of obesity and its related factors, we aimed to investigate the mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between personality traits and body mass index (BMI) in the participants of the employees’ health cohort study of Iran (EHCSIR) using generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM).

A secondary analysis with cross-sectional approach was conducted on the existing data using multilevel GSEM. The primary data of the cohort was collected from July 2017, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Personality traits were exposure, physical activity was the mediator, and BMI was the outcome. Sex was the stratifying variable. Then, pathways with the largest P values were removed one by one using backward stepwise approach.

The data of a total of 3554 participants of EHCSIR were used. Sex was subjected for grouping the analysis. In males, extroversion (EX) was the only personality trait associated with both physical activity and BMI. In the direct pathway, EX was positively associated with BMI. In the indirect pathway, EX was negatively associated with BMI (P <0.1). The total effect was positive. In females, physical activity was not associated with BMI, and therefore, no indirect pathway was formed from personality traits to BMI (P >0.1).

The role of personality traits in obesity was more dominant in females, while in males, physical activity had a role in obesity. The hypothesized mediation pathway of the study title was not approved in females, and in males, was approved only for EX personality trait.

The relationship between oatmeal consumption and its effects on weight status and changes in both adults and children has garnered significant interest, particularly due to the growing concerns around obesity and the need for evidence-based dietary interventions. However, the current body of literature remains inconclusive, with a lack of a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence. This systematic review aims to examine the existing studies on this topic, revealing the scarcity of research and highlighting conflicting findings. 

A thorough investigation was conducted through a comprehensive search of relevant literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using ‘oatmeal’ OR ‘oat porridge’ AND ‘body weight’ OR ‘weight’ OR ‘waist circumference’ OR ‘BMI’ OR ‘body mass index’ OR ‘body composition’ as keywords until July 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, ultimately identifying five relevant articles for inclusion. 

The studies reviewed revealed varying outcomes regarding the impact of oatmeal consumption on weight status. Some cross-sectional studies indicated a notable association between oatmeal intake and weight, BMI, or waist circumference reduction. In contrast, randomized controlled trials did not consistently show significant changes in weight associated with oatmeal consumption. 

Research suggested that while oatmeal may offer potential benefits for weight management, there is insufficient focused study on oatmeal specifically. Its role in weight loss appears to be modest, and it should not be regarded as a standalone solution. Therefore, oatmeal is best incorporated as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, rather than being relied upon exclusively for weight management.

Precise knowledge about the characteristics of individuals who snore but do not have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is essential yet remains limited in the literature.
This study aimed to evaluate BMI (body mass index), upper airway dimensions, hyoid bone position, and their relationship in non-OSA snoring adults using cone-beam computed tomography. 
In this retrospective cross-sectional study, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) records of 100 patients were analyzed. Patients were snoring non-OSA individuals, diagnosed through a thorough examination and negative polysomnography results. CBCT scans were executed in the standard position as per the specified protocol of the Sleep Center. Upper airway was divided into four parts (nasopharynx, velopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx), and anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (T) dimensions within the minimal cross-sectional area of each respective region were evaluated. BMI, upper airway dimension, and hyoid bone were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman's correlation tests.
 The retrognathion-hyoid-4th cervical vertebra (RHV) angle representative of the hyoid position was significantly greater in females (p Value=0.000). It also statistically decreased significantly in snorers aged 36-50 and 51-65, p= 0.006 and 0.012, respectively. Snorers had above-average BMI in all age groups and both genders. The AP-hypopharynx significantly correlated with BMI (p= 0.022).
 The hyoid position was gender-dependent, with a superior position in females. It was also age-dependent, with a more inferior position in snorers aged 36-65 compared to younger ages (20-35). The AP-velopharynx is a constriction region in the airway of snorers. Snorers were overweight in all age groups and both genders. BMI had a significant correlation with the AP-hypopharynx.

Obesity remains a significant worldwide health concern, and further research into other strategies, including herbal weight-loss medications, is necessary. By reviewing clinical trials, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss or obesity. A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple databases. Clinical trials evaluating the effects of herbal medicines on weight loss or obesity management were included. Relevant data, such as study design, intervention details, and outcome measures, were extracted and analyzed. The use of herbal medicines exhibited varying efficacy in promoting weight loss or managing obesity. Some herbal interventions significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Notably, these interventions led to decreases in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), regulating insulin levels while increasing levels of catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH). Additionally, reductions in inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were observed, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect. Mechanisms of action included appetite regulation, fat oxidation, increased satiety, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and modulation of lipid metabolism. However, it is important to note that these herbal interventions’ efficacy and safety profiles may vary among different population groups. The findings suggest that certain herbal medicines hold promise as adjunctive therapies for weight loss and obesity management. However, comprehensive and targeted research efforts are warranted to determine these herbal interventions’ optimal use, dosages, and long-term effects in specific population subgroups.

Despite the introduction of modern scales for assessing physical health, "body mass index" (BMI) remains a foundational metric in many health assessments.

This community-based cross-sectional study aims to compare BMI with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in evaluating the physical health of Iranian women of reproductive age.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 182 Iranian women aged 30 - 45 years, selected through random sampling from the population served by selected urban health centers. The Omron BF511 bioelectrical impedance analysis device was used to measure BMI, skeletal muscle mass, total body fat, and visceral fat. A structured questionnaire was also administered to collect sociodemographic data.

The average BMI of the participants was 27.47 kg/m², with skeletal muscle mass comprising 24.98%, visceral fat averaging 6.93%, and total body fat at 40.04%. When comparing BMI with total body fat, 52% of cases were misclassified; with visceral fat percentage, 68% were misclassified; and with skeletal muscle mass percentage, 73% were misclassified. Misclassification was most pronounced among individuals with a normal BMI who were overweight or obese according to body fat percentage.

This study highlights the critical need to reassess the use of BMI as an accurate health indicator for women of reproductive age. The researchers argue that reliance on BMI as a sole health metric is outdated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of health assessment criteria for women in this demographic.

Retrieval of <3 sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) has been shown to be associated with decreased disease-specific survival. We aimed to find out if the real- world experience replicates the data.

Overall, 529 patients with breast cancer who underwent SLN biopsy from January 2010 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 software. The chi-square test was used to see if body mass index (BMI) influences the number of SLN retrieved and to detect possible differences between using blue dye and radioisotopes for detecting SLN.

The proportion of retrieving 1, 2, and ≥3 SLNs was 21%, 35%, and 44%, respectively, with a median of 2 SLNs. There was no difference in the number of lymph nodes retrieved if the radioisotope was used alone or in combination with blue dye (P=0.88). No change was noted in the median number of SLN retrieved in different quadrants of the breast. We obtained BMI in 454 patients. The rate of retrieving >2 SLNs in patients with normal BMI was 16%. This rate was 12% in overweight patients and 18% in those who were obese. We compared the SLN≤2 vs SLN>2 group, which were cross-tabbed against 3 BMI categories of normal, overweight, and obese. This was statistically significant, with a P-value of 0.028.

The real-world data suggest suboptimal retrieval of the number of median SLN compared to clinical trials. A higher BMI was associated with <3 SLN retrieved.

It is unclear whether hyperuricemia can be considered as an independent risk factor or just as a marker to represent the correlation between uric acid levels and other risk factors of MetS. In this work, we intend to study the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and the cardiometabolic phenotype among Tabriz University of Medical Science healthcare workers.

In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric measurements, serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), SUA, creatinine (Cr), and blood pressures of 1,451 healthcare workers were evaluated. MetS was diagnosed based on ATP III. We classified the participants into four cardiometabolic phenotypes: metabolically-healthy lean (MHL), metabolically-unhealthy lean (MUHL), metabolically-healthy obese (MHO), and metabolically-unhealthy obese (MUHO).

MHL (26.6%) and MHO (65.8 %) had the highest prevalence rates in the first and second SUA categories, respectively (P≤0.001). Compared to the lowest SUA category, the odds of MHO and MUHO increased by 3.13 (95% CI 2.21–4.44) and 5.50 (95%CI 3.53–8.57) in the highest category, respectively. This trend was not observed regarding the association between MUHL and the SUA classification.

We propose using the easily-measured SUA level as a marker for early diagnosis of at-risk MUHL and MHO individuals to administer proper interventions. Further prospective studies are needed to identify the effects of SUA on the progression of MetS in various body-size subgroups.

Overweight and obesity pose significant public health challenges for children and adolescents worldwide, with escalating prevalence rates in Pakistan, leading to long‑term health consequences. Proximal environments, including parental, peer, school, and community influences, are pivotal in shaping children’s health behaviors during developmental stages. This study investigates the association between sleeping behaviors and overweight/obesity among Pakistani school‑aged children and adolescents (9–17 years).

A population‑based cross‑sectional study enrolled 4108 participants from 62 schools across randomly selected districts in central Punjab province. Overweight and obesity were determined using WHO references. Statistical analyses included Chi‑square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and logistic regressions.

The study analyzed the prevalence and associations of sleep duration with body weight status among Pakistani school‑aged children and adolescents. Significant differences were observed in sleep patterns across different school levels and sexes. Boys were more likely to be short or long sleepers compared to girls, with weekday short sleep significantly associated with lower rates of overweight (9.0% vs 14.6%, P < 0.001) and obesity (3.8% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001). On weekends, short sleep was linked to higher prevalence of overweight (9.6%, P = 0.019) and obesity (6.2%, P < 0.001) compared to normal sleepers. Linear regression revealed that weekday sleep duration (β = 0.213, P < 0.001), weekend sleep duration (β = 0.142, P < 0.001), and sleeping problems (β = 0.182, P < 0.001) were positively associated with higher body weight status, explaining 11.0% of the variance in weight status. Logistic regression indicated that short sleepers had significantly higher odds of being overweight (OR = 2.69, P < 0.001) and obese (OR = 5.65, P < 0.001) compared to normal sleepers. Long sleep also showed significant associations with overweight (OR = 2.41, P < 0.001) and obesity (OR = 1.73, P < 0.001).

Sleeping behaviors emerge as significant contributors to body weight‑status issues among Pakistani school‑aged children and adolescents. Understanding these factors is imperative for effective policy and program development to combat childhood obesity. Targeted intervention strategies tailored to vulnerable groups are essential for public health efforts. Insights from this study provide valuable guidance for addressing this urgent health concern. 

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, particularly in developing regions such as Africa and Asia. Even in developed countries, the incidence of this complication has shown an upward trend. Risk factors associated with PPH may vary depending on geographical and demographic conditions. In the city of Babol, studies have indicated that postpartum hemorrhage is a common obstetric complication. This study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with early-onset postpartum hemorrhage in Babol.

This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed the medical records of women diagnosed with PPH at Rouhani Hospital, Babol, during the period 2010–2011. Cases were included if blood loss was ≥500 mL following vaginal delivery or ≥1000 mL following cesarean section within 24 hours postpartum. Data collection focused on treatment modalities, including the use of uterotonic drugs, surgical interventions (such as uterine packing or hysterectomy), blood transfusions, and prophylactic measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software to identify potential risk factors and evaluate treatment outcomes.

The mean age of the participants was 31.6 ± 16.7 years. The analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage, including the number of previous pregnancies, abortions, and deliveries, as well as placenta previa, abnormal placental adhesions, uterine rupture, and surgical trauma (P< 0.05).

The findings underscore the critical need for proactive risk assessment and tailored clinical strategies to prevent and manage postpartum hemorrhage. Enhancing prenatal screening protocols, improving access to emergency obstetric care, and training healthcare professionals in early intervention techniques are essential steps toward reducing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with postpartum hemorrhage

The perception of body weight seems to have an impact on weight-control behaviors and is associated with an increased risk of eating disorders EDs). The study aims to examine the perceptions of body weight, anthropometric characteristics, and the risk of EDs in female students in Zanjan, Iran.

Using a cross-sectional design, the data of 359 students aged 16-19 year attending secondary high schools in Zanjan, during the school year 2017-2018 were collected and analyzed.

The results revealed a significant association between being overweight and having obese body shape, high levels of stress, and the odds of EDs. Additionally, there was a significant inverse relationship between being overweight and obese body mass index (BMI), overweight and obese body shape, and the odds of oral control subscale of EDs.

The results of this study demonstrated a relationship between BMI, stress level, body shape, and an elevated risk of EDs. Further prospective studies are needed to validate and expand upon these findings.

Low self-esteem and overweight are significant factors that can affect mental health and quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as a non-pharmacological method, has the potential to affect physical and psychological health. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tDCS on self-esteem and weight reduction in overweight individuals. 

This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. A total of 24 men aged 20 to 40 years from gyms in Mashhad were selected through purposive sampling in 2024 and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The study utilized the following tools for data collection: demographic form, Eysenck Self-Esteem Questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) measurement. Both groups participated in standard physical fitness training; however, the experimental group additionally received anodal tDCS (2 mA, 20 minutes per session, for 10 consecutive sessions). The control group received a sham stimulation protocol. Data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA in SPSS-21. 

The findings indicated a significant difference in self-esteem between the two groups after controlling for the pretest effect (P = 0.004, F = 10.39). The effect size of tDCS on self-esteem was 33%, suggesting a moderate impact. However, the effect of tDCS on BMI was minimal and did not lead to significant weight reduction. 

The results suggest that tDCS, in combination with physical exercise, can have a positive impact on self-esteem in overweight individuals, but does not significantly contribute to weight loss. Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects of this intervention.

Diabetes mellitus is predominantly a growing global problem interconnected proportionally with obesity escalation. The current study evaluated the prognostic implications of vitamin B12 administration on Body Mass Index (BMI) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in type 2 diabetic patients treated with dapagliflozin.   In this controlled randomized, double-blind trial, 160 patients for each arm were enrolled from July 2022 to June 2023 in Amman, Jordan.; 76 females and 84 males with inclusion criteria of vitamin B12 less than 233 ng/ml, age between 19-76 years, HbA1c range between 6.8-9.1%, and BMI less than 35. Group I received only dapagliflozin 10 mg/daily for a period of 12 months, whereas, group II received vitamin B12 supplements, methylcobalamin 500 µg, once daily with dapagliflozin 10 mg/day. HbA1c, Vitamin B12, and BMI were measured at time intervals of 0, 6, and 12 months. Using SPSS version 23, P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The continuous variables were reported as median and IQR. Mann-Whitney-u test and Correlations Spearman’s rho were used for continuous variables.   The co-administration of vitamin B12 significantly decreased the levels of HbA1c in group II (54 participants) to 6.66±0.643 by 0.6 %, F(2,78)=172, P<0.001, compared to the subjects in group I (6.92±0.434). A significant impact of vitamin B12 administration on BMI lowering was observed at different time intervals during the study (P=0.002).  The co-administration of vitamin B12 as a supplement for diabetic patients improved BMI and HbA1c levels.Trial registration number: NCT06241638.

Women experience at least one of the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) during the menstrual cycle. The present study aimed to determine the factors that influence PMS occurrence and its severity in the medical students.

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 369 undergraduate female students of Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between September 2021 and April 2022. The sampling method was random and participants were recruited through public announcements. The collected data included the provisional diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome, the Iranian version of Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and the self-reported measurement of weight and height. All data and questionnaires were designed and then completed online by participants. The multivariable logistic regression analysis determined the potential predictors of PMS, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

About 70% of participants had PMS. According to the PSST, 69% of them were positive in terms of the severity of PMS. There was a significant correlation between PMS and the severity of PMS symptoms (p<0.001), BMI (p=0.031), and dietary fat (p=0.013). The odds ratio for PMS, BMI, and dietary fat was 10.314, 1.073, and 1.008, respectively.

The present study demonstrated that among lifestyle factors, dietary fat and BMI play a significant role in premenstrual syndrome. Future studies are needed to identify other factors influencing its occurrence and to propose approaches for improving the quality of life of female medical students during their lifespan.

Significant linear trends indicate that rising adolescent obesity rates will increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated health risks. We aimed to initially determine the prevalence of MetS among adolescents (aged 13-16 yr) with obesity in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman (n=3404) based on data collected in 2024. Then to predict the risk factors of MetS criteria based on health-related fitness (HRF) components to identify the most significant risk factors among them (n= 512, with BMIile% ≥95%).

A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the MetS prevalence. MetS criteria and HRF components were measured to examine key risk factors. Then, the predictive value of HRF variables for MetS incidence was assessed using multiple regression analysis.

The descriptive results from screening adolescents with obesity indicated that 10.7% of them exhibited MetS. A notable correlation between fast blood glucose (FBG) and cardiorespiratory fitness; CRF (r=0.28, P=0.001), waist circumference; WC (r=0.39, P<0.0001), and BMI (r=0.46, P<0.0001) were revealed. There was a robust correlation between blood pressure; BP and CRF (r=0.19, P=0.025), WC (r=0.24, P=0.007), and BMI (r=0.43, P<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant model for the high FBG prediction using the HRF variables, while the models predicted for BP were not significant.

Significant correlation between HRF level and MetS criteria revealed that field-based tests HRF components, can be used to recognize MetS criteria among adolescents with obesity.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Obese children and adolescents, particularly those with metabolic syndrome (MetS), commonly report NAFLD, which can lead to various other problems and diseases. There are different opinions on how the liver fibrosis score, insulin resistance indices, and risk of cardiovascular disease are related in people with NAFLD who have different body mass index (BMI) levels. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between liver fibrosis score, insulin resistance indices, and cardiovascular disease risk in patients with NAFLD, specifically focusing on two groups with normal and high BMI.

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with NAFLD referred to Taleghani Hospital (Tehran-Iran) between 2019 and 2020. Data such as age, gender, BMI, height, weight, blood sugar level, hemoglobin A1C level, lipid profile, liver fibrosis level, insulin resistance level, liver aminotransferases level, Framingham risk score, and presence of MetS were evaluated. The significance level was considered less than 0.05.

We evaluated 140 patients, 14 of whom had normal BMI, and the rest had high BMI. There was a significant relationship between the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and the liver fibrosis score. For a one-unit increase in the liver fibrosis score, the HOMA-IR score increased by 0.287 times (P-value=0.001). There was a significant relationship between MetS and the risk of cardiovascular diseases based on the Framingham risk score and liver fibrosis (P-values<0.05).

High BMI levels can increase the incidence of NAFLD, Framingham, and HOMA-IR indices.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children, affecting various organs, including the heart.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of age and Body Mass Index (BMI) on aortic elasticity in children with diabetes mellitus type I (DMTI) and healthy children.

This case-control study was conducted on 186 children aged 4 to 18 years, equally divided into healthy and DMTI groups, at Aliasghar Pediatric Hospital in Zahedan, southeast Iran, from April 2020 for one year. Consent forms were obtained following study approval. Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measures, aortic elasticity parameters, blood pressure (BP), and anthropometric measures were evaluated in the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The study compared heart indices between children with DMTI and healthy children. The analysis revealed that height (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.001), and BMI (P < 0.001) were lower in children with DMTI. Elasticity parameters, including ASβI (P < 0.001) and PSEM (P = 0.039), were higher, while AS (P < 0.001) and AD (P < 0.001) were lower in children with DMTI. Elasticity parameters varied with age and BMI in both groups, with some exceptions. None of the cardiac findings differed in children with DMTI who had HbA1c < 7 compared to those with HbA1c ≥ 7.

The study concluded that aortic strain and aortic distensibility (AD) decreased while the aortic stiffness beta index and pressure strain elastic modulus increased in children with DMTI. Normal BMI and younger age were two important factors associated with accelerated stiffening in children with DMTI. The level of HbA1c did not affect cardiac parameters, particularly stiffening, in these children.

Knee osteoarthritis is a musculoskeletal disorder. In this case-control study, associations of knee osteoarthritis outcomes with nutritional status were assessed in patients with knee osteoarthritis and non-knee osteoarthritis participants.

Mini-nutritional assessment questionnaire was used to assess the nutritional status. Osteoarthritis outcome score-patellofemoral questionnaire was used to assess the pain, stiffness and quality of life score associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Patients with knee osteoarthritis showed higher malnutrition index scores (P = 0.001) and malnutrition rates (10% against 2%, P = 0.003) than those non-knee osteoarthritis participants did. In knee osteoarthritis patients, a significant positive association was detected between the scores of the malnutrition index and the quality of life subscale (P = 0.036; r = 0.297; CI: 0.045, 0.549). Patients with normal nutritional status were at lower risks of knee osteoarthritis than those malnourished participants were after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (P = 0.019).

Regarding increasing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and malnutrition, especially in the elderly population, a preventive assessment for knee osteoarthritis includes further attentions to the nutritional status of this population.