Body mass index

Obesity is a major health issue, affecting over one billion people globally which leads to various health conditions and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Mental disorders also affect a significant portion of the global population impacting social relationships. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anthropometric measurements and mental health indicators of non-Iranian Students of the Science and Research Branch of  Islamic Azad University.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 689 non-Iranian students. The participants underwent assessments for mental health using the GHQ questionnaire, anthropometric measurements using a body analyzer, and the level of their physical activity using the SF-IPAQ questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS software including different statistical tests and correlation analysis. Also, a P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Based on the results, a correlation between mental health indicators and anthropometric and body composition variables was observed. BMI was positively related to anxiety/insomnia status in the men (r = 0.01, p = 0.03). General health score was negatively linked to SMM (r = -0.12, ρ = 0.002), SLM (r = -0.11, ρ = 0.002), TBW (r = -0.11, ρ = 0.003) and protein (r = -0.11, ρ = 0.002). Conversely, PBF was positively correlated with impaired general health (r = 0.08, ρ = 0.03) and social function status (r = 0.07, ρ = 0.04).

The analysis of this data indicated that individuals with abnormal anthropometric measures may be at a higher risk of certain mental health issues. This finding may warrant greater attention from, health policymakers regarding the potential need for increasing mental health service tariffs and health insurance coverage for certain individuals.

Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) is an important indicator affecting pregnancy outcome, and thyroid hormones are also weight regulators. Researchers showed that thyroid hormones were correlated to prepregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) and GWG. However, the normal ranges of thyroid parameters and GWG depend on the trimester of measurement. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the current knowledge on the association between thyroid function tests and prepregnancy BMI and GWG.

This review was finally conducted on nine articles, while Google Scholar and databases such as Scopus, Medline, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, and ProQuest were searched to find English articles from October 2022 to June 2023.

Thyroid‑Stimulating Hormone (TSH) was positively correlated with prepregnancy BMI, while Free Thyroxine (FT4) was inversely correlated. TSH was positively related to weight gain and BMI in the first trimester, while the relationship was negative for FT4. Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) had a positive relationship with BMI in the first trimester (p = 0.004). Furthermore, TSH level was not associated with GWG in the second and third trimesters, while FT4 was inversely correlated with GWG. FT3 also increased with BMI in the second trimester and not in the third trimester (p < 0.001). Finally, there was a positive correlation between thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies values and prepregnancy BMI as well as maternal BMI, but the data were inconsistent.

Determining the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and prepregnancy BMI and/or GWG may help researchers and clinicians manage weight gain and/or thyroid function in pregnancy.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disorder diagnosed by elevated blood sugar. Key risk factors for T2DM include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits. The proportion of macronutrients and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) seem to be associated with the risk of T2DM. This study aimed to assess and compare the macronutrient intake, DII, and BMI of newly diagnosed T2DM patients with healthy individuals in Kermanshah, Iran.

 This study employed a case-control design.

A total of 105 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were selected as the case group, while an equal number of control participants were selected from their non-diabetic friends or neighbors. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Energy, macronutrients, fatty acids intake, and DII were estimated using ShaFA software. Statistical significance was set at P values below 0.05.

The study included 105 newly diagnosed T2DM and 105 healthy individuals. Diabetic patients had significantly lower intake of protein, total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), while their body mass index (BMI) and DII were higher. Multiple logistic regression indicated that protein, PUFA, and MUFA are protective factors for T2DM, while BMI, carbohydrates, and saturated fat intake are risk factors. A higher DII was correlated with an increased risk of T2DM risk, even after adjusting for BMI.

Lower BMI and DII, balanced macronutrient intake, and consumption of MUFA and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in preventing or delaying the onset of T2DM. Further research is needed to explore these associations in greater depth.

A widespread and significant problem in pediatric medicine, kidney and urinary tract stones are becoming more common as a result of sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, wrong fluid intake patterns, and improper medication use.  Children referred to Ardabil City's Kowsar Clinic received sonography and a clinical assessment. In this investigation, 91 children with normal sonography were chosen as the control group, and 91 children with kidney stones identified by sonography were chosen as the case group. The association between kidney stones and BMI was examined analytically using logistic single and multiple-variable regression models, and the odds ratio was shown.  182 people were analyzed in this study, 50% in the case group and 50% in the control group. Children had one stone at the highest rate (57.1%). According to the multiple variable logistic model, the body mass index has an odds ratio of 0.99. Additionally, a statistically significant gender study revealed that women are 2.29 times more likely than men to have kidney stones. Furthermore, compared to children over ten, children under five have a 4.14-fold increased risk of kidney stones, according to age analysis.  These findings indicate that kidney stones and body mass index do not significantly correlate. Kidney stones are more likely to occur in girls than in boys, and in children younger than five.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical implications of metabolic syndrome in individuals with diabetes mellitus. 

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases using key terms related to metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Access to subscription-based journals was facilitated through the HINARI program. Study quality was assessed using the adapted Newcastle–Ottawa scale, with a minimum inclusion score of ≥5/10. Statistical analysis included a meta-analysis using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model to determine the pooled prevalence, with heterogeneity assessed using Cochran’s Q and I² statistics. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plot symmetry. Analyses were conducted using Stata/MP 17.0.

The meta-analysis revealed a pooled effect size of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.85, 2.10), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 92.35%). Prevalence ranged from 19.88% to 88.13%, underscoring a substantial burden. Variations in HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI highlighted the heterogeneity in metabolic syndrome characteristics. Advanced statistical approaches enriched the understanding of metabolic profiles and their interplay with glycemic control and lipid metabolism.

This study underscores the critical interplay between glycemic control and lipid profiles in metabolic syndrome. The findings emphasize the need for tailored, region-specific interventions to address its substantial burden and implications for clinical practice and policy.

We examined the association of breakfast habits with hypertension and obesity risk among Korean adults and older adults, focusing on sex-based and age-based differences.

We collected data from 2,779 adults (1,380 men and 1,399 women, aged 19–64 years) and 623 older adults (289 men and 334 women, aged ≥65 years) from the 2015 Korea National Physical Fitness Project, an extensive survey organized biennially by the Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Institute of Sport Science.

For women aged 19 to 64 yr, skipping breakfast was linked to an increased likelihood of developing both high blood pressure and obesity. For men aged 19–64 years, having breakfast irregularly or replacing it with snacks were linked to a reduced likelihood of hypertension, whereas skipping breakfast slightly elevated the risk. For older women aged above 65 years, irregular breakfast consumption or replacing it with snacks was linked to a heightened likelihood of developing hypertension. Nonetheless, there was no notable correlation identified between breakfast habits and obesity in men and older adults. In older men and women, consistent physical exercise proved to be an essential factor in mitigating the chance of hypertension.

These findings emphasize the importance of sex- and age-specific public health strategies, with implications for public health interventions and guidelines that promote regular breakfast consumption and physical activity.

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in the Vietnamese population has not been clearly defined. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics and BMI of hypertensive patients and investigate the relationship between BMI and blood pressure.

This study employs a cross-sectional descriptive design and random sampling. Participants’ blood pressure was measured 3 times using an automatic sphygmomanometer.

A total of 5910 individuals participated in the study, with 2138 being diagnosed with hypertension. Among the participants, 20.8% were overweight, 20.8% were obese, and 9.9% were underweight. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between BMI and systolic blood pressure in both sexes (men: r = 0.339, P < 0.05; women: r = 0.324, P < 0.05; overall: r = 0.345, P < 0.05). After adjustments for age and gender, a 1-unit increase in BMI corresponded to a 1.414 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure. Obesity and overweight were associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared with normal weight (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.67 to 2.18; P < 0.05 and OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.58 to 2.07; P < 0.05, respectively). Conversely, being underweight was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.43; P < 0.05).

The study found a positive correlation between BMI and blood pressure. It is advisable to manage weight even in individuals without hypertension and utilize BMI as a tool for detecting hypertension within the community. 

Malnutrition affects school-age children's health, growth, and academic performance. Adolescents often consume unhealthy fast foods and follow crash diets influenced by peers, media, and cultural norms. Adolescents with disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, developmental, and mental health disabilities, may face additional challenges in accessing and maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet as they may face additional barriers. Understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by adolescents with disabilities is crucial in promoting their overall health and well-being.

The study aimed to compare the nutritional status of able and disabled adolescents in Government Vocational and Technical College and Niger State School of Special Education in Minna, as well as their food preferences, eating practices, and the factors affecting their nutritional status.

The study used a cross-sectional design, administering 400 questionnaires to disabled and able students. The responses were 100% collected using self-administered structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed, and results were presented utilizing tables and figures, with a statistical significance level set at P < 0.05. The IBM statistical product and service solutions (IBM SPSS statistics), version 27.0 software was employed for data analysis to explore and understand the food preferences, eating practices, and nutritional status of in-school adolescents with disabilities in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. This approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the diverse factors influencing the dietary habits and nutritional well-being of adolescents with disabilities in the study.

The study involved 400 participants, with 12.8% aged over 12 years, 50.3% aged 12 - 15 years, and 37.0% above 15 years. Females made up 51.0% of the participants. About 40% of disabled participants had inadequate dietary patterns, compared to 10% of able participants. There was a significant difference in the distribution of BMI groups between the able and disabled subjects (x 2 = 26.984, df = 3, P = 0.000). Socio-demographic of the participants based on age and gender showed a significant association with the nutritional status of able adolescents at (χ 2 = 44.593, P = 0.000) and (χ 2 = 4.650, P = 0.031) respectively and among disabled at (χ 2 = 18.303, P = 0.000) and (χ 2 = 23.925, P = 0.000) respectively.

The study revealed disabled adolescents often skip meals, consume fast foods, and have poor dietary habits. Interventions like education and increased access to healthy food options are needed.

This study aims to extract carotid wall vibrations non-invasively and evaluate changes in the carotid artery caused by age, BMI, and sex. Such evaluation can increase the possibility of detecting wall stiffness and atherosclerosis in the early stages and prevent heart attack and death.

To extract small vibrations of the carotid wall, the image-tracking method, and optical flow with four different methods were used. The study involved twenty participants, comprising six females and fourteen males, with a mean age of 36.25 years, mean weight of 75.2 Kg, and mean BMI of 25. The posterior wall motion and vibration were extracted using ultrasound RF signals.

4 optical flow methods, Gunnar-Farneback, Horn- Schunk, Lucas-Kanade, and Lucas-Kanade derivative were used for all samples, and covariance, correlation, P-value, and R-squared were estimated. Results showed the differences in parameters such as age and BMI with carotid wall vibration. These values for age are (Cov = -0.1891, Corr = -0.6770, P-value < 0.001, r2 = -0.4590) and for BMI are (Cov = -0.0564, Corr = -0.6510, P-value < 0.001, r2 = 0.4238), respectively. For gender as a new parameter, a comparison between men’s and women’s vibrations was estimated. The range of measured vibrations by optical flow methods is about 0.0002 μm to 0.1μm, and the mean standard deviation is 0.04967 μm.

The results presented that gender affects the vibration of the vessel wall, which in men is more than in women. In addition, increasing age and BMI may increase the stiffness of the carotid wall and reduce vibrations that were evaluated previously. Using the Gunner-Farneback method as image tracking for small vibrations is the best way with the highest accuracy.

The study aimed to detect the association between insulin?like growth factor 2 mRNA?binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) and interleukin?6 (IL?6) polymorphisms among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

This study involved 500 individuals; 250 obese DM cases and 250 healthy controls. The polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to identify the genotype of the IGF2BP2 gene for the small nucleoproteins rs4402960 (G>T) and small nucleoproteins rs800795 (G>C).

The results indicated that the mutant C?allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800795 variant was highly significantly associated with the study group (P = 0.002). The occurrence of genotypes (C/G and C/C) versus normal G/G genotype of the IL?6 variant was highly significant (P = 0.004) in the study group (49.2% vs. 50.8%) compared to the control group (62% vs. 38%). Similar findings were observed in SNPs for the rs440960 variant, in which the T?allele indicated a highly significant relationship (P = 0.0001) with the study group; the frequency of G/G genotype versus both (T/T and G/T) genotypes was highly significant (P = 0.0001) in the case group (34% vs. 66%) than in the healthy control group (52% vs. 48%).

The current study indicated that IGF2BP2 rs4402960 and IL?6 rs1800795 polymorphism were highly significantly associated with the increased risk of obese T2DM among the Saudi Arabian population and presented a genetic model to screen the high?risk individuals with further validations.

This study detects the relationship between body mass index (BMI), selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) and functional independence in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

A total of 84 children with spastic diplegic CP (levels II and III of gross motor function classification system [GMFCS]), aged 6-9 years with a mean age of 7.09±0.68 participated in this correlational study. BMI, selective control assessment of the lower extremity and pediatric functional independence measure (WEE FIM) were used to assess BMI, SVMC and functional independence, respectively.

The data demonstrated the presence of a positive strong significant correlation between selective control assessment of the lower extremity and WEE FIM. On the other hand, there was a negative, significant correlation between WEE FIM and BMI. In addition, a negative moderate considerable correlation between BMI and selective control assessment of the lower extremity was detected

Functional independence is significantly correlated with BMI and SVMC in children with spastic diplegic CP. BMI and SVMC are major factors that influence functional independence in these children. So, they are highly recommended to be part of the evaluation of the functional independence of children with spastic diplegia in clinical settings and research.

Pediatric obesity is one of the most serious public health problems due to high prevalence and negative outcomes. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Pediatric overweight and obesity and some associated factors among students of elementary school in Yazd- Iran- 2016.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 1253 healthy elementary school students were selected by multistage sampling. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The diagnosis of childhood overweight and obesity was based on WHO criteria. The parents of the students had the consent to participate in the study. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS version 16 software. Data were reported as mean ± standard deviation or frequency and analyzed by using chi-square test. P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

In this study 531 (42.4%) were male and 722 (57.6%) were female. In this study 11.5 % of the boys and 10.2 % of the girls were obese. Also, 10.2 % of the boys and 14.8% of the girls were overweight respectively. Relationship between gender and BMI was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). Obesity was more frequent in boys but overweight was more frequent in girls. The relationship between BMI and father's occupation (P= 0.03) and mother's occupation (P= 0.03) and mother's education (P= 0.02) was statistically significant.

Due to the high prevalence of obesity and overweight in primary school children, school-based interventions in this age group is necessary.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by CFTR gene mutations, leading to thick mucus that affects multiple organs, resulting in maldigestion, malabsorption, and poor appetite. These factors increase energy needs, causing undernutrition in CF patients. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used but doesn't differentiate lean body mass (LBM) and bone mass. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides a more detailed assessment of body composition. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of children with CF by analyzing fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) using BIA.

This study included CF patients aged 7 to 18 years from the Cystic Fibrosis Specialty Clinic at Akbar Children's Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Excluded were patients with pulmonary exacerbation, severe diarrhea-induced dehydration, or those who did not give informed consent. Anthropometric measurements were assessed using the Tanita BC 418 BIA device.

47 patients (48.9% female, 51.1% male) with a mean age of 10.74 ± 2.99 years were evaluated. Significant positive correlations were found between FM and weight Z-score (r=0.512, p<0.001), BMI (r=0.430, p=0.003), and BMI Z-score (r=0.633, p<0.001). FFM was strongly correlated with age (r=0.814, p<0.001), height (r=0.931, p<0.001), and weight (r=0.977, p<0.001). The prevalence of low FM and FFM was 21.3% and 40.4%, respectively. Low FM was significantly associated with increased hospital admission (p=0.021, OR=15.62).

FM and FFM are strongly linked to growth and nutritional indicators in CF, with low FM correlating to more hospital admissions, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional interventions to improve outcomes.

During adolescence, nutrition is crucial for physical and cognitive development, yet socio-economic disparities and nutritional deficiencies, especially in girls, lead to health vulnerabilities, including high anemia rates. Despite recent data from the National Family Health Survey, there is limited information on adolescents aged 11-16 years, requiring targeted research. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the nutritional status, determine the prevalence of anemia, and explore associated factors among adolescent girls of the scheduled caste in District Yamunanagar, Haryana, India.

The study sampled 450 scheduled caste girls aged 11-16 years from schools in District Yamunanagar, Haryana. Height and weight were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Data on micro-environmental factors, socio-economic and demographic variables, and dietary habits were collected through interview-based schedule. Hemoglobin levels were measured using Sahli’s Acid Haematin technique, and nutritional status was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) standards (Z-score method).

The study found increases in height, weight, and BMI with age, with notable spurts at 12-13 years for height and 11-12 years for weight and BMI. Significant differences in height, weight, and BMI were observed between age groups. Moreover, 92.2% girls were found to be anemic, with most of them suffering from moderate anemia. Additionally, the prevalence of stunting was 67.33% and wasting was 64.90% among the girls. Household size, number of family members and menarcheal status of the girls showed a significant association with the nutritional status and anemic of the girls.

The study emphasizes the need of regular screening and timely interventions to improve the nutritional and anemic status of adolescent girls.

Overweight and obesity have increased significantly worldwide, placing major economic problems on health systems. This study aims to determine socio-economic characteristics, dietary practices, physical activity levels, nutrition status, predictors of overweight and obesity, and their relationships among adolescents.

The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical study design. 401 adolescents were randomly selected from five secondary day schools using a proportionate-to-size sampling method.

Based on the findings, one third (36.3%) of the adolescents were between ages 17-18, with more girls (55.9%) than boys. The number of meals consumed per day among adolescents was 3.34±1.24. Individual dietary diversity score among adolescents was 4.21±1.61. Based on Body Mass Index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight and obesity among boys was 5.2% and 1.8%, respectively, and for girls, it was 7.3% and 3.6%, respectively. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis, the prevalence rates for males were 8.8% and 4.1%, respectively, while for females the rates were 10.1% and 5.1%. Regression analysis revealed that the most significant predictors were energy intake and physical activity, with P˂0.05 based on BMI and bioelectrical impedance analysis.

There is a significant relationship between nutritional status and energy intake, the number of meals, dietary diversity score, and physical activity. Physical activity and dietary practices were the most important predictors of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The study recommends nutrition education and public health interventions in schools’ curricula.

This study aims to determine the effect of different GnRH agonist brands on body mass index (BMI), weight, and height in patients referred to the pediatric endocrinology clinic of Akbar Hospital.

In this cohort study, 80 girls aged 5-8 years diagnosed with precocious puberty cases were included according to the Tanner staging and at the second puberty stage. The patients were classified into three groups of GnRH agonists, A, B, and C, receiving Diphereline, Microrelin, and Variopeptyl, respectively. Height, weight, and BMI were calculated every three months.

In group A, the weight (P=0.007) and BMI (P<0.001) percentiles and weight (P=0.024) and height (P=0.021) Z-scores were significantly increased compared to the baseline. In group B, the weight (P=0.024) and height (P=0.020) Z-scores also increased at the end of the study. However, the changes in group C were not significant. In addition, the weight, height, and BMI Z-scores were significantly increased in normal-weight subjects compared to overweight and obese participants. The results of comparing the changes in the weight and height between the three-drug groups showed no significant difference (P=0.142 and 0.161, respectively).

The findings of this study revealed that GnRH agonists could increase height, weight, and BMI; however, this increase was not significant for one type of GnRH agonist. Future prospective long-term follow-up studies are required to elucidate whether GnRH treatment affects final adult weight and height and clarify the difference between various types of GnRH agonists among participants with diverse health statuses.