Body mass index in Serbian Roma

Stature and body mass were measured in 346 individuals belonging to three Roma groups from metropolitan Belgrade western Serbia. As with the majority of Serbian Roma, the participants in this study have been historically disadvantaged and their situation was further aggravated during the recent political crises. Surprisingly, the body mass index (BMI) of Serbian Roma is relatively high compared with western Europeans and is inconsistent with the view that Serbian Roma are predisposed to high rates of chronic energy deficiency (∼4%). While the majority of individual Roma display BMI values within the normal range (WHO, 1995), certain groups have a moderate to high proportion of individuals (∼35%) who could be classified as overweight and some who approach at-risk levels for clinical obesity.     

Body mass index and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

IntroductionThe evidence from published studies on the association between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis has been contradictory. To clarify the association between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis, we conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis to assess the relationship between body mass index and rheumatoid arthritis risk.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase (up to 12 July 2014) was performed to identify all eligible published reports. The pooled relative risk results with corresponding 95% confidence intervals of rheumatoid arthritis development were estimated using a random-effects model.ResultsEleven eligible related citations fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Compared with individuals with a body mass index under 30, obese individuals showed an association with a significantly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (relative risk = 1.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 1.45, P_{heterogeneity} <0.01, I² = 63%). Compared to normal weight subjects, the pooled relative risks for rheumatoid arthritis were 1.31 (1.12 to 1.53) and 1.15 (1.03 to 1.29) for the categories of obese and overweight, respectively. In the dose-response analysis, there was evidence of a nonlinear association (P_nonlinear = 0.005) and the estimated summary relative risk for a 5-unit increment was 1.03 (95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.05, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.001, I² = 70.0%).ConclusionsAn increase in body mass index can contribute to a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis development. However, the finding also highlights the need for research on the association between body mass index and rheumatoid arthritis risk with adjustment for more confounding factors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0601-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Body mass index and depressive symptoms: instrumental‐variables regression with genetic risk score

The causal role of obesity in the development of depression remains uncertain. We applied instrumental‐variables regression (Mendelian randomization) to examine the association of adolescent and adult body mass index (BMI) with adult depressive symptoms. Participants were from the Young Finns prospective cohort study (n = 1731 persons, 2844 person‐observations), with repeated measurements of BMI and depressive symptoms (modified Beck's Depression Inventory). Genetic risk score of 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms previously identified as robust genetic markers of body weight was used as a proxy for variation in BMI. In standard linear regression analysis, higher adult depressive symptoms were predicted by higher adolescent BMI (B = 0.33, CI = 0.06–0.60, P = 0.017) and adult BMI (B = 0.47, CI = 0.32–0.63, P < 0.001). These associations were replicated in instrumental‐variables analysis with genetic risk score as instrument (B = 1.96, CI = 0.03–3.90, P = 0.047 for adolescent BMI; B = 1.08, CI = 0.11–2.04, P = 0.030 for adult BMI). The association for adolescent BMI was significantly stronger in the instrumented analysis compared to standard regression (P = 0.04). These findings provide additional evidence to support a causal role for high BMI in increasing symptoms of depression. However, the present analysis also demonstrates potential limitations of applying Mendelian randomization when using complex phenotypes.     

Body mass index and basal androstenedione are independent risk factors for miscarriage in polycystic ovary syndrome

Background

There is limited literature investigating the effects of body mass index (BMI) and androgen level on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist protocol in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Androgen-related variation in the effect of body mass index (BMI) on IVF outcomes remains unknown.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 583 infertile women with PCOS who underwent IVF using the conventional GnRH-antagonist protocol were included. Patients were divided into four groups according to BMI and androgen level: overweight- hyperandrogenism(HA) group, n?=?96, overweight-non-HA group, n?=?117, non-overweight-HA group, n?=?152, and non-overweight-non-HA group, n?=?218.

Results

A significantly higher number of oocytes were retrieved, and the total Gn consumption as well Gn consumption per day was significantly lower, in the non-overweight groups than in the overweight groups. The number of available embryos was significantly higher in the HA groups than in the non-HA groups. Clinical pregnancy rate was of no significant difference among four groups. Live-birth rates in the overweight groups were significantly lower than those in non-overweight-non-HA group (23.9, 28.4% vs. 42.5%, P<0.05). The miscarriage rate in overweight-HA group was significantly higher than that in non-overweight-non-HA group (45.2% vs. 14.5%, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI and basal androstenedione (AND) both acted as significantly influent factors on miscarriage rate. The area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for BMI and basal AND on miscarriage rate were 0.607 (P?=?0.029) and 0.657 (P?=?0.001), respectively, and the cut-off values of BMI and basal AND were 25.335?kg/m² and 10.95?nmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

In IVF cycles with GnRH-antagonist protocol, economic benefits were seen in non-overweight patients with PCOS, with less Gn cost and more retrieved oocytes. BMI and basal AND were both significantly influential factors with moderate predictive ability on the miscarriage rate. The predictive value of basal AND on miscarriage was slightly stronger than BMI.

     

Body mass index as a risk prediction and prevention factor for professional mixed low-intensity EMF burden

Abstract

The exposure conditions in the physiotherapy are characterized with various sources emitting electromagnetic fields (EMF) in different frequency ranges. Very little is known about the exposure modalities' influence on the operators. In this article, we present the effects of EMF on personnel morbidity profile dependent on the body mass index (BMI) increase. By cross-tabulation, the role of higher BMI on enhancing the EMF vulnerability potential is confirmed. The correlation of the higher BMI with some serious diseases and conditions’ development has been evidenced statistically significant. Вy the whole-studied group, a general tendency for allergy, cardiovascular diseases, sleep disruption and age-shortened menopause, as well as allergy and leiomyoma in the expositional criteria subgroups (ESG), formed for the purposes of this study, is evidenced. The three ESGs are formed on work residence duration in the electrolight therapy section. The first – up to four working hour daily, the second – the entire working day (7?h) and the third group is not residenced in the electrolight therapy section. We hypothesize two signaling ways of interaction of the chronically low-intensity EMF and the higher BMI as the most likely: hormonal – by melatonin levels decrease due to estrogen levels increasing and endocrine – mast-cells auto replication and degranulation stimulation. Based on the results of the study, the BMI increase as an observed control factor in the prediction of the professional risk can be recommended.     

Body mass index in Central India: inter district variation

Basic causes of poor state of nutrition and infections in developing countries are poverty, low level of hygienic conditions and little access to preventive and health care. Central India is known for its high rate of population growth and mortality, which persisted over time along with a low level of social, economic and infrastructure development. In the present study the body mass index (BMI) of 31 populations residing in 38 districts of Central India (comprising the States of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) is assessed. Anthropometric data collected by the Anthropological Survey of India were utilized in this context. The mean body mass index values of the populations of total backward and non-backward districts are found to be lower than that of well-to-do individuals of India (Bharati 1989, Khongsdier 1997, Reddy 1998), but it is not as low as that found among the South Indian populations (Ferro-Luzzi et al. 1992). In the present investigation, it is also found that the majority of the backward districts fall in the category of different grade of chronic energy deficiency (CED), while in the non-backward districts a considerably less number of districts follows this trend. A better level of the nutritional status among the populations of the non-backward districts corroborates the findings of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (NFHS 1992). It reveals that the apparently healthy individuals with CED grade I in the present study may be thin but physically active and healthy. The present study, however, narrates further intensive investigations in these populations, because the BMI as a measure of the CED should incorporate the aspects like morbidity and health status of a population.     

Body mass index and employment status: A new look

Earlier literature has usually modelled the impact of obesity on employment status as a binary choice (employed, yes/no). I provide new evidence on the impact of obesity on employment status by treating the dependent variable as a as a multinomial choice variable. Using data from a representative English survey, with measured height and weight on parents and children, I define employment status as one of four: working; looking for paid work; permanently not working due to disability; and, looking after home or family. I use a multinomial logit model controlling for a set of covariates. I also run instrumental variable models, instrumenting for Body Mass Index (BMI) based on genetic variation in weight. I find that BMI and obesity significantly increase the probability of “not working due to disability”. The results for the other employment outcomes are less clear. My findings also indicate that BMI affects employment through its effect on health. Factors other than health may be less important in explaining the impact of BMI/obesity on employment.     

Body mass index and screening for colorectal cancer: gender and attitudinal factors

Background: Overweight/obese women and men are at increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. Research examining body mass index (BMI) and CRC screening has had mixed results. A clearer understanding of the extent to which high-BMI subgroups are screened for CRC is needed to inform planning for CRC screening promotions targeting BMI. Methods: Data were obtained from a random, population-based sample of women and men at average-risk for CRC (aged 50–75 years) during 2004 (n = 1098). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate whether BMI category was significantly associated with the probability of reporting recent CRC screening and with the probability of agreeing with statements denoting attitudes/perceptions about CRC and screening. Attitudes/perceptions about CRC and screening were evaluated as potential mediators and moderators of the association between BMI category and CRC screening. Results: After controlling for characteristics associated with CRC screening, overweight and obese women were each 40% less likely to have CRC screening than women with normal-BMI (OR = 0.6, 95% CI:0.4–0.9 and OR = 0.6, 95% CI:0.3–0.9). BMI category was unrelated to screening among men. Obese women (but not men) were less aware than normal-BMI women that obesity increased risk for CRC (OR = 0.5, 95% CI:0.3–0.9) and less worried about CRC (OR = 0.5, 95% CI:0.3–0.8). However, findings suggest that attitudes/perceptions about CRC and screening did not mediate or moderate the association between BMI category and CRC screening. Conclusion: Overweight/obese women are at increased risk for CRC because of their greater BMI and their propensity not to screen for CRC. Study findings suggest that potentially modifiable perceptions, e.g., lack of awareness of risk for CRC and less worry about CRC, in this subgroup may not explain the relationship between BMI category and reduced screening.     

Body mass index and the risk of head and neck cancer in the Chinese population

ObjectiveTo investigate potential associations between body mass index (BMI) and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk in an East Asian population.MethodsWe conducted a hospital-based multicenter case-control study in East Asia including 921 cases and 806 controls. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for HNC risks by using logistic regression, adjusting on potential confounders.ResultsCompared to normal BMI at interview (18.5–<25 kg/m²), being underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) was associated with a higher HNC risk (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.40–5.26). Additionally, obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m²) was associated with a lower HNC risk (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.57). Being underweight at age 20 was also associated with an increased risk of HNC. However, being underweight at 5 years or 2 years before interview was not associated with a higher risk of HNC.ConclusionWe observed an inverse association between BMI and HNC risk, which is consistent with previous studies in other geographic regions. Being underweight at age 20 was also associated with a higher risk of HNC, suggesting that reverse causality was not the main source of the association.     

Body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio: which anthropometric indicator is better predictor for the hypertension development in women population of the island Cres

The aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence of obesity and high blood pressure and to prove which of three anthropometric indicators of obesity - waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) waist-to-hip ratio - is better predictor for the development of hypertension in women population of the island of Cres. We approached separately groups of women with measured high blood pressure and with previously diagnosed. The research was preformed within the research project "Genetic and biomedical characteristics of the population of the island of Cres". This was the cross sectional study and data were obtained on the sample of 247 females over 18 years old that voluntarily participated in this study. In our study group the prevalence of overweight was 39.0%, obesity 27.5%, increased waist circumference was present in 69.4% while increased blood pressure was found in 53.0% examinees. Our results indicate that age, BMI, impaired glucose concentration and serum cholesterol could be considered as predictors for the development of arterial hypertension, whether measured or previously diagnosed.     

Body mass index related electrocardiographic findings in healthy young individuals with a normal body mass index

Introduction

An increased body mass index (BMI) (>25 kg/m²) is associated with a wide range of electrocardiographic changes. However, the association between electrocardiographic changes and BMI in healthy young individuals with a normal BMI (18.5–25 kg/m²) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between BMI and electrocardiographic parameters.

Methods

Data from 1,290 volunteers aged 18 to 30 years collected at our centre were analysed. Only subjects considered healthy by a physician after review of collected data with a normal BMI and in sinus rhythm were included in the analysis. Subjects with a normal BMI (18.5–25 kg/m²) were divided into BMI quartiles analysis and a backward multivariate regression analysis with a normal BMI as a continuous variable was performed.

Results

Mean age was 22.7 ± 3.0 years, mean BMI was 22.0, and 73.4% were male. There were significant differences between the BMI quartiles in terms of maximum P-wave duration, P-wave balance, total P-wave area in lead V1, PR-interval duration, and heart axis. In the multivariate model maximum P-wave duration (standardised coefficient (SC) = +0.112, P < 0.001), P-wave balance in lead V1 (SC = +0.072, P < 0.001), heart axis (SC = −0.164, P < 0.001), and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (SC = −0.097, P < 0.001) were independently associated with BMI.

Conclusion

Increased BMI was related with discrete electrocardiographic alterations including an increased P-wave duration, increased P-wave balance, a leftward shift of the heart axis, and decreased Sokolow-Lyon voltage on a standard twelve lead electrocardiogram in healthy young individuals with a normal BMI.