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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2023) | Viewed by 40422

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Prof. Dr. Jingjing Jiao

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Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: nutrition and food hygiene; nutrition and prevention and control of chronic diseases; nutritional epidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, affecting 670 million adults worldwide in 2016. In China, more than half of adults are overweight (34.3%) or obese (16.4%), and the rate is still increasing. Since obesity is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and many cancers, effective strategies for prevention and management are urgently needed. Considerable evidence has demonstrated the pivotal role of dietary factors in both preventing and managing obesity. However, many questions and controversies remain concerning the scientific basis of the current dietary recommendations for fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Although evidence has advocated focusing on the overall quality of diet or dietary patterns, the role of specific foods in the development and treatment of obesity should continue to be valued. In addition, the precise mechanisms of individual nutrients, foods or dietary patterns on regulating lipid metabolism need to be further elucidated.

Given the above, the present Special Issue aims to embrace original nutrition epidemiology or intervention studies for preventing or managing obesity or modifying risk factors, experimental research on the effects of nutrients, foods or dietary patterns on glucose and lipid metabolism, or systematic reviews and meta-analyses reviewing the scientific literature on nutrition and obesity.

Dr. Jingjing Jiao
Guest Editor

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Keywords

obesity
nutrients
fats, carbohydrates and proteins
foods
dietary patterns
glucose and lipid metabolism

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Role of Nutrition in Obesity

by Jingjing Jiao

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2556; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112556 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3008

Abstract

This Special Issue of Nutrients, “Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity”, includes nine original articles that explore the role of eating behaviors, diet quality and dietary interventions in obesity and its potential mechanisms [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

Research

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15 pages, 875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Fish Oil Supplementation with Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Individuals with Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Prospective Study in the UK Biobank

by Xiaohui Liu, Yin Li, Xuzhi Wan, Pan Zhuang, Yuqi Wu, Lange Zhang, Yang Ao, Jianxin Yao, Yu Zhang and Jingjing Jiao

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3176; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143176 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2704

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the association between habitual intake of fish oil supplementation and the risk of developing CHD in patients with prediabetes and diabetes. Habitual use of fish oil was assessed by repeated questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Over a median follow-up of 11.6 years, 4304 and 3294 CHD cases were documented among 47,663 individuals with prediabetes and 22,146 patients with diabetes in the UK Biobank, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, the HRs (95% CI) of CHD were 0.91 (0.85–0.98) and 0.87 (0.80–0.95) for individuals utilizing fish oil supplementation compared with non-users among the participants with prediabetes and diabetes, respectively. Furthermore, we identified an inverse relationship between fish oil use and CHD incidence, which was significantly mediated by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in individuals with prediabetes and by very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) in patients with diabetes at baseline. The inverse associations were consistent in the analyses stratified by potential confounders. In conclusion, the consumption of fish oil supplements was linked to decreased serum CRP and VLDL-C levels and subsequent CHD risk among adults with prediabetes and diabetes. Our findings highlight the important role of the habitual intake of fish oil supplements in preventing CHD in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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10 pages, 288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Dietary Score: Methodology for Its Assessment in Mexico Based on EAT-Lancet Recommendations

by Fabricio Campirano, Nancy López-Olmedo, Paula Ramírez-Palacios and Jorge Salmerón

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15041017 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

We developed a Sustainable Dietary Score (SDS) based on the EAT-Lancet commission’s recommendations and evaluated its adherence in a sample of Mexican adults. We used data on 1908 men and women aged 19 to 59 participating in the Health Workers Cohort Study in 2004. Fourteen of the healthy reference diet components were used to develop the SDS. We computed an individual SDS for each food component with scales from 0 (non-adherence) to 10 (perfect adherence), as well as a total SDS including all components, ranging from 0 to 140, based on a food frequency questionnaire. Our score incorporates characteristics of the context in which the score is applied, such as the high consumption of tortillas and eggs, and cut-off points that consider the nutrient deficiencies that prevail in the Mexican population. We propose a practical methodology to estimate a SDS incorporating a gradual score for a better distinction between the degrees of adherence to the reference diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

12 pages, 2515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Addiction-like Eating in Chinese Adults: An Assessment Tool and Its Associations with Modern Eating-Related Habits

by Haofeng Ling, Juliet Honglei Chen, Kwok Kit Tong, Le Dang and Anise M. S. Wu

Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4836; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224836 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2802

Abstract

Objectives: The rapid increase in Chinese obesity rates has aroused research interest in addiction-like eating (AE); however, the unavailability of assessment tools is a major barrier to further investigation. To address the research gap, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Addiction-like Eating Behavior Scale (AEBS) and explore associations between AE and three modern eating-related habits (i.e., ordering delivery food, eating late-night meals and watching mukbang) among Chinese adults. Methods: The STROBE checklist was followed for reporting this cross-sectional study. We conducted a telephone survey with a two-stage cluster random sampling method and acquired a probability sample of 1010 community-dwelling Chinese adults (55.2% female; age: 18–88 years, M = 38.52, SD = 14.53). Results: Results confirmed the conceptualized two-factor structure of AEBS with satisfactory model fit, reliability and validity. Chinese adults reported higher levels of AE in the context of low dietary control rather than appetitive drive. These two AE factors showed significant and positive associations with modern eating-related habits. Conclusions: The current study was the first to assess AE among Chinese adults and provided a reliable and valid assessment tool. Our correlational findings can also be utilized for designing interventions for weight management and healthy eating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

12 pages, 6347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Complex of Phycobiliproteins, Fucoxanthin, and Krill Oil Ameliorates Obesity through Modulation of Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidants in Obese Rats

by Xi Qiang, Chuanlong Guo, Wenhui Gu, Yuling Song, Yuhong Zhang, Xiangzhong Gong, Lijun Wang and Guangce Wang

Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4815; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224815 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2166

Abstract

Phycobiliproteins, fucoxanthin, and krill oil are natural marine products with excellent activities. In the study, we prepared the complex of phycobiliproteins, fucoxanthin, and krill oil (PFK) and assessed the anti-obesity, lipid-lowering, and antioxidant activities in high-fat diet rats. The results showed that the rats significantly and safely reduced body weight gain and regulated serum biochemical parameters at 50 mg/kg phycobiliproteins, 10 mg/kg fucoxanthin, and 100 mg/kg krill oil. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism study suggested that the complex of PFK confined the enzyme activities of lipid synthesis and enhanced antioxidant activity to improve obesity indirectly. The conclusions demonstrated that the complex of PFK has potent anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects which have potential use as a natural and healthy food and medicine for anti-obesity and lowering blood lipids in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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8 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Emotional Triggers for Eating in Men and Women with Obesity

by Eva Guerrero-Hreins, Lauren Stammers, Lisa Wong, Robyn M. Brown and Priya Sumithran

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4144; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194144 - 6 Oct 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3985

Abstract

Objective: Emotional eating (EE) is prevalent in people seeking obesity treatment and is a contributor to poor weight loss outcomes. We aimed to delineate the emotions most associated with this type of eating, and whether they differ by sex in people undergoing obesity treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruiting 387 adults from a hospital obesity management service. Emotional eating was measured using the Emotional Eating Scale (EES). Separate analyses included all participants, and those undergoing lifestyle interventions alone or in combination with obesity medication and/or bariatric surgery. Results: A total of 387 people (71% women) participated in the study (n = 187 receiving lifestyle modification alone; n = 200 in combination with additional treatments). Feeling ‘bored’ was most commonly and most strongly associated with the urge to eat, regardless of sex or treatment. Women had higher scores for total EES, for subscales of depression and anger, and individual feelings of ‘blue’, ‘sad’ and ‘upset’ compared to men. Conclusions: Understanding why certain emotions differentially trigger an urge to eat in men and women, and finding strategies to break the link between boredom and eating may enable better personalisation of lifestyle interventions for people with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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20 pages, 1628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Diet Quality and Heavy Metals with Obesity in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

by Tiezheng Li, Luhua Yu, Zongming Yang, Peng Shen, Hongbo Lin, Liming Shui, Mengling Tang, Mingjuan Jin, Kun Chen and Jianbing Wang

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4038; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194038 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3297

Abstract

A poor diet cannot fully explain the prevalence of obesity. Other environmental factors (e.g., heavy metals) have been reported to be associated with obesity. However, limited evidence is available for the combined effect of these factors on obesity. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study and used the data from the National Health and Examination Survey (2007–2018) to explore the associations between diet quality and heavy metals and obesity. Diet quality was evaluated by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score. Heavy metals included serum cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). We included 15,959 adults, with 5799 of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²). After adjustment for covariates, every interquartile range increase in HEI-2015 scores, Pb, Cd and Hg was associated with a 35% (odds ratios [OR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60, 0.70), 11% (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.98), 9% (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.96), 5% (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.89) reduction in risk of peripheral obesity, respectively. In addition, the association between the HEI-2015 scores and peripheral obesity was attenuated by higher levels of heavy metals (All p _interaction < 0.05). Results remained similar for abdominal obesity. Our study reveals the distinct effects of a high-quality diet and heavy metals on obesity prevalence, and the beneficial effect of a high-quality diet could be weakened by higher levels of heavy metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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10 pages, 699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria in Human Milk and Maternal Adiposity

by Martha Alejandra Chavoya-Guardado, Edgar Manuel Vasquez-Garibay, Sandra Luz Ruiz-Quezada, María Inés Ramírez-Cordero, Alfredo Larrosa-Haro and Jorge Castro-Albarran

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2887; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142887 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2497

Abstract

The main objective was to explore the relationship between the microbiota of human milk and adiposity in Mexican mothers during the first lactation stage. Methods: Seventy lactating women were included. Adiposity by anthropometric measurements and by bioelectric impedance was obtained. The donation of human milk was requested, from which bacterial DNA was extracted and qPCR of the 16S region was performed. The Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman and Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions models were also calculated. Results: The median percentage of Bacteroidetes had a direct and significant correlation with normal adiposity, current BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. The correlation with current BMI became significantly inverse in women with BMI ≥ 25. In women with normal BMI, the percentage of Actinobacteria showed a direct and significant correlation with current BMI, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat. Multiple linear regressions showed that pre-pregnancy BMI was the variable with the highest predictive value with the Bacteroidetes phyla in normal BMI and in BMI ≥ 25. Conclusions: the adiposity of the woman before pregnancy and during lactation would have an important effect on the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria in human milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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11 pages, 1396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumption of Dehulled Adlay Improved Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Individuals after a 6-Week Single-Arm Pilot Study

by Wei-Yi Cheng, Wan-Ju Yeh, Jung Ko, Ya-Ling Huang and Hsin-Yi Yang

Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2250; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112250 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide with a rising prevalence. Diets containing whole grains have been demonstrated to benefit body composition and inflammatory conditions in individuals at a high risk of metabolic disorders. This study investigated the effects of dehulled adlay on blood lipids and inflammation in overweight and obese adults. We recruited 21 individuals with abdominal obesity to participate in a 6-week experiment, providing them 60 g of dehulled adlay powder per day as a substitute for their daily staple. Before and after the 6-week intervention, we performed anthropometric analyses and measured blood lipid profiles, adipokines, and markers of inflammation. At the end of the study, the percentage of body fat mass, blood total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly decreased compared with the baseline. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, leptin, and malondialdehyde levels were also reduced. In addition, participants with higher basal blood lipid levels exhibited enhanced lipid lowering effects after the dehulled adlay intervention. These results suggest that a dietary pattern containing 60 g of dehulled adlay per day may have a beneficial effect on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in individuals that are overweight and obese. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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14 pages, 1672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lower Energy-Dense Ready Meal Consumption Affects Self-Reported Appetite Ratings with No Effect on Subsequent Food Intake in Women

by Sophie C. Hannon, Sarah E. Hillier, Pariyarath S. Thondre and Miriam E. Clegg

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4505; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124505 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3709

Abstract

Slimming World (SW), a commercial weight management organisation, has designed a range of low energy-dense ready meals (LEDRMs) in line with their programme. This randomised crossover study compared commercially available equicaloric ready meals differing in energy density on satiety and food intake. It was hypothesised that the LEDRM would reduce energy intake (EI) whilst increasing fullness and reducing hunger compared to higher energy-dense ready meal (HEDRM, control). A total of 26 female participants (aged 18–65 years; body mass index of 28.8 ± 3.0 kg·m⁻²) attended two test days. The participants ate a standard breakfast, and four hours later, ate either a LEDRM or HEDRM at lunch. EI was measured four hours later at an ad libitum tea. Satiety measurements were recorded throughout the day using visual analogue scales and a weighed food diary was completed for the remainder of the day. The results revealed that the LEDRM reduced hunger and increased fullness (both p < 0.001). There was no difference in EI at the evening meal between the ready meals (p > 0.05), however, during the whole LEDRM testing day, the participants consumed significantly less fat (7.1%) and saturated fat (3.6%) (both p < 0.01), but significantly more carbohydrates, sugars, fibre, protein, and salt (all p < 0.01). The results indicate that the participants felt more satiated after consuming ready meals of the same energy content but larger portion size. Despite no significant difference in short-term EI between the ready meals, the results indicated that the LEDRM produced beneficial subjective satiety responses and, therefore, can help to improve the nutritional content of meals i.e., reduce saturated fat consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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12 pages, 869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Urban Bissau, Western Africa

by Ruben Turé, Albertino Damasceno, Mouhammed Djicó and Nuno Lunet

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4199; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124199 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2811

Abstract

Overweight and obesity affect a large proportion of the population and are important causes of death in both developed and low- and middle-income countries. In Guinea-Bissau, there are no previous population-based studies assessing this phenomenon. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among adults in Bissau. A stratified and cluster sample of 935 adults was assembled in 2021 and was evaluated using standardized questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, following the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance. Underweight, obesity, and overweight were defined by body mass index based on the World Health Organization definitions. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 48.7% among women and 25.0% among men. The proportion of women with abdominal obesity was 14 times higher than it was in men (35.3% vs. 2.5%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with age and income. Underweight was more prevalent in the age group of 18 to 24 years (18.4% in women and 28.9% in men) and was less frequent among individuals with higher socioeconomic status. In conclusion, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is similar to the trends that are observed in many other urbanized populations in Africa and is already a major public health issue in urban Guinea-Bissau. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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18 pages, 15170 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Investigating the Effectiveness of Very Low-Calorie Diets and Low-Fat Vegan Diets on Weight and Glycemic Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Anjali Kashyap, Alexander Mackay, Ben Carter, Claire L. Fyfe, Alexandra M. Johnstone and Phyo K. Myint

Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4870; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224870 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6254

Abstract

Caloric restriction and vegan diets have demonstrated protective effects for diabetes, however their role in improving clinically relevant outcomes has not been summarized. Our aim was to evaluate the evidence for low-calorie diets (VLCD) and vegan diets on weight and glycemic control in the management of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Database searches were conducted using Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (Ovid) and Embase. Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022310299. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using Cochrane RoB Tool for RCTs, Cochrane ROBINS-I RoB Tool for non-RCTs and NIH Quality Assessment tool for other studies. Sixteen studies with a total of 834 individuals were included and assessed to have a moderate to high risk of bias. Statistically significant changes in weight, BMI, and HbA1c were not observed in vegan diet cohorts. However, LDL cholesterol was significantly decreased by vegan diet. VLCDs significantly improved glycaemic control, with reductions in fasting glucose, pooled mean difference (MD) −1.51 mmol/L (95% CI −2.89, −0.13; p = 0.03; 2 studies) and HbA1c, pooled MD −0.66% (95% CI −1.28, −0.03; p = 0.04; 3 studies) compared to non-dietary therapy. Both diets suggested a trend towards improved weight loss and anthropometric markers vs. control. VLCD diet intervention is associated with improvement in glycaemia control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients, Foods, Dietary Patterns and Obesity)

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