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Physical Activity and Nutrition Strategies for Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Adult Populations

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Guest Editor
Department of Physical Education, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
Interests: exercise nutrition; energy metabolism; dietary supplements
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

More than one billion adults are overweight and obese worldwide, with prevalence increasing in most countries. Obese adults are at increased risk for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The world is now engaged in all aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in increased rates of greater severity of obesity.

Physical activity strategies including exercise prescription have been largely linked to improvements in the parameters of obesity. Additionally, nutritional strategies have the potential to the improve body composition parameters and also the synergic effects on preventing obesity with physical activity intervention.

In this Special Issue on “Physical activity and nutrition strategies for preventing overweight and obesity in adult populations”, we are seeking unpublished works, including physical activity and nutrition strategies illustrating new clinical and physiological knowledge or synergistic effects for preventing obesity in adult populations. We will consider studies utilizing new digital technologies, clinical trials, interventions, observational studies, epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Dr. Jonghoon Park
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • adult
  • overweight and obesity
  • exercise prescription
  • daily physical activity
  • nutrition

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 708 KiB  
Article
Impact of Body Mass Index on Muscle Strength, Thicknesses, and Fiber Composition in Young Women
by Eun-Sook Sung, Ahreum Han, Timo Hinrichs, Matthias Vorgerd and Petra Platen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9789; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169789 - 9 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2143
Abstract
High body mass index (BMI) may influence muscle strength, muscle thickness (Mtk), and fiber composition. We evaluated these parameters in 31 and 27 women grouped in non-oral contraceptive (non-OC) groups and OC groups, respectively, and further divided them into groups based on BMI: [...] Read more.
High body mass index (BMI) may influence muscle strength, muscle thickness (Mtk), and fiber composition. We evaluated these parameters in 31 and 27 women grouped in non-oral contraceptive (non-OC) groups and OC groups, respectively, and further divided them into groups based on BMI: BMIlow, BMInorm, and BMIhigh. Maximum isometric force (Fmax), Mtk, and the relative percentage of muscle fiber composition (%) were examined in both groups. Fmax and Mtk values were significantly greater in the BMIhigh than the BMIlow within the OC group. However, there was no significant difference in the non-OC group. BMIlow and BMInorm groups showed a difference in the distribution of muscle fiber types 1 and 2 with almost the same proportions in both non-OC and OC groups. However, the BMIhigh group showed a difference in the distribution of muscle fiber types 1 and 2, with type 1 about 18.76% higher in the non-OC group. Contrastively, type 2 was about 34.35% higher in the OC group. In this study, we found that there was a significant difference in Fmax and Mtk according to the BMI level in the OC group, but no significant difference was found in the non-OC group. Moreover, the distribution of type 2 muscle fibers tended to be higher in the OC group of BMIhigh, although the sample size was small. Therefore, although no significant difference of Fmax and Mtk was found according to BMI level in the non-OC group in this study, the increase in BMI level appeared to be more associative of muscle strength in the OC group. Based on the present results, future studies are needed that consider the BMI level as well as the presence or absence of OC in future research about women’s muscle strength. Full article
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17 pages, 862 KiB  
Article
Effects of Intermittent Energy Restriction Alone and in Combination with Sprint Interval Training on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity
by Matthew B. Cooke, William Deasy, Elya J. Ritenis, Robin A. Wilson and Christos G. Stathis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137969 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3765
Abstract
The popularity of intermittent fasting (IF) and high intensity (sprint) interval training (SIT) has increased in recent years amongst the general public due to their purported health benefits and feasibility of incorporation into daily life. The number of scientific studies investigating these strategies [...] Read more.
The popularity of intermittent fasting (IF) and high intensity (sprint) interval training (SIT) has increased in recent years amongst the general public due to their purported health benefits and feasibility of incorporation into daily life. The number of scientific studies investigating these strategies has also increased, however, very few have examined the combined effects, especially on body composition and cardiometabolic biomarkers, which is the primary aim of this investigation. A total of thirty-four male and female participants (age: 35.4 ± 8.4 y, body mass index (BMI): 31.3 ± 3.5 kg/m2, aerobic capacity (VO2peak) 27.7 ± 7.0 mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomized into one of three 16-week interventions: (1) 5:2 IF (2 non-consecutive days of fasting per week, 5 days on ad libitum eating), (2) supervised SIT (3 bouts per week of 20s cycling at 150% VO2peak followed by 40 s of active rest, total 10 min duration), and (3) a combination of both interventions. Body composition, haemodynamic and VO2peak were measured at 0, 8 and 16 weeks. Blood samples were also taken and analysed for lipid profiles and markers of glucose regulation. Both IF and IF/SIT significantly decreased body weight, fat mass and visceral fat compared to SIT only (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between diet and diet + exercise combined. The effects of diet and/or exercise on cardiometabolic biomarkers were mixed. Only exercise alone or with IF significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness. The results suggest that energy restriction was the main driver of body composition enhancement, with little effect from the low volume SIT. Conversely, to achieve benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise is required. Full article
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16 pages, 1880 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Two Diet and Exercise Approaches on Weight Loss and Health Outcomes in Obese Women
by Brittanie Lockard, Michelle Mardock, Jonathan M. Oliver, Mike Byrd, Sunday Simbo, Andrew R. Jagim, Julie Kresta, Claire C. Baetge, Yanghoon Peter Jung, Majid S. Koozehchian, Deepesh Khanna, Chris Rasmussen and Richard B. Kreider
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4877; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084877 - 17 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7089
Abstract
Aim: To compare the efficacy of two popular weight loss approaches on weight loss, body composition, and markers of health in sedentary obese women. Methods: In total, 51 sedentary women (age 34.5 ± 7.7 yrs.; weight 90.0 ± 14.5 kg; BMI 34.0 ± [...] Read more.
Aim: To compare the efficacy of two popular weight loss approaches on weight loss, body composition, and markers of health in sedentary obese women. Methods: In total, 51 sedentary women (age 34.5 ± 7.7 yrs.; weight 90.0 ± 14.5 kg; BMI 34.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2; 46.5 ± 7.0% fat) were matched and randomized to participate in the Weight Watchers® Momentum™ (WW) or Curves® (CV) Fitness and Weight Management program for 16 weeks. Participants in the WW group (n = 27) were provided a point-based diet program, received weekly progress checks and counseling, and were encouraged to exercise. Participants in the CV group (n = 24) followed a menu-based higher protein/low-fat diet (1200 kcal/d) for 1 week; 1500 kcal/d diet for 3 weeks; and 2000–2500 kcals/d for 2 weeks that was repeated three times (except the last segment) while participating in a supervised circuit-style resistance training program (3 d/wk). A general linear model (GLM) with repeated measures was used to analyze data and are presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). Results: Supervised CV training resulted in greater amounts of vigorous and total physical activity. After 16 weeks, both groups lost weight (WW −6.1 [−7.8, −4.6], CV −4.9 [−6.2, −3.2] kg, p = 0.264). Participants in the CV group observed greater reductions in fat mass (WW −2.9 [−6.7, −0.2], CV −6.4 [−9.2, −3.6] kg, p = 0.081) and increases in lean mass (WW −2.5 [−4.3, −0.7], CV 1.3 [−0.6, 3.2] kg, p = 0.005) resulting in more favorable changes in percent body fat (WW −1.4 [−4.1, 1.2], CV −4.7 [−7.5, −1.8]%, p = 0.098). Both groups observed improvements in peak aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, although bench press lifting volume was greater in the CV group. Those in the CV group experienced a greater increase in HDLc and reduction in the CHL–HDLc ratio and triglycerides. Conclusion: Both interventions promoted weight loss and improvements in fitness and markers of health. The CV program, which included supervised resistance training and higher protein diet menus, promoted greater fat loss, increases in lean mass, and improvements in percent body fat and blood lipids. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT04372771, registered retrospectively 1 May 2020. Full article
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15 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
Effects of Diet Control and Telemedicine-Based Resistance Exercise Intervention on Patients with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Control Trial
by Yen-I Hsu, Ying-Chou Chen, Chia-Lun Lee and Nai-Jen Chang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157744 - 21 Jul 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5779
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of home-based nutritional and telemedicine-based resistance exercise interventions on improving body composition, blood biochemistry, and lower-limb functional performance. In total, 66 obese patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into a diet control group (D), elastic band [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of home-based nutritional and telemedicine-based resistance exercise interventions on improving body composition, blood biochemistry, and lower-limb functional performance. In total, 66 obese patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into a diet control group (D), elastic band resistance exercise group (E), and diet control plus elastic band exercise group (D + E). Each group was supervised by a clinical dietitian and follow-up was conducted via telephone calls or a communication application to track the participants’ progress. After 12 weeks of intervention, the D (p < 0.001) and D + E (p < 0.001) groups achieved significant weight loss. The D + E group exhibited a significant reduction in body fat relative to the D (p = 0.019) and E (p = 0.012) groups. Compared with the D (p = 0.002) and E (p = 0.019) groups, the D + E group achieved significant improvements in the timed up-and-go test and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis total scale. The D + E group experienced significant improvements in total cholesterol (p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.01), and triglyceride levels (p = 0.007) relative to other groups. In conclusion, individual diet control intervention combined with telemedicine-based resistance exercise intervention significantly improved the body composition, blood biochemistry, and lower-limb functional performance of the investigated population with comorbid conditions. Full article
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Review

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20 pages, 5083 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Actual Exercise Intensity and Rating of Perceived Exertion in the Overweight and Obese Population
by Hongli Yu, Chen Sun, Bo Sun, Xiaohui Chen and Zhijun Tan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412912 - 7 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5146
Abstract
The number of overweight (OW) and obese (OB) children, adolescents, and adults has increased globally. Exercise intensity, both actual and perceived, is a significant factor in a variety of health-related investigations and rehabilitation trainings. Despite this, literature on the connection between actual exercise [...] Read more.
The number of overweight (OW) and obese (OB) children, adolescents, and adults has increased globally. Exercise intensity, both actual and perceived, is a significant factor in a variety of health-related investigations and rehabilitation trainings. Despite this, literature on the connection between actual exercise intensity and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in overweight and obese populations is lacking. A systematic review, meta-analysis, combined analysis of variance (Brown–Forsythe ANOVA), and Spearman correlation were performed to fill this gap. After preliminary assessments, ten studies were classified as having a low risk of bias and a degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 34%; p = 0.05). The RPE scores (F = 0.032; p = 0.859), physiological index (percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) (F = 0.028; p = 0.869), and percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max) (F = 2.434; p = 0.136) demonstrated consistency without being significantly different between the normal weight (NW) and OW/OB groups. The RPE scores varied by age (NW (coefficient values) = 0.677 ***, OW = 0.585 **), as well as by indoor temperature (OW only, coefficient values = 0.422 *), body mass index (NW (coefficient values) = 0.516 **, OW = 0.580 **), and test time (NW only, coefficient values = 0.451 *). We conclude that RPE is appropriate for the following OW and OB people: (1) those who are older than 21.5 (the lowest age in the group of ≥18) years old and younger than 58.6 (the highest age in the group of ≥18) years old, without any other diseases, and (2) those who engage in low-intensity exercise while maintaining a standard indoor temperature. Future studies may address alternative techniques for increasing the reliability of longitudinal comparisons and gender comparisons, as well as investigate other possible confounding factors. Full article
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