Visceral fat and body weight are reduced in overweight adults by the supplementation of Doenjang, a fermented soybean paste

Various forms of fermented soybean products are well documented for their health benefits. The efficacy of anti-obesogenic effect of Doenjang, one of the most commonly used seasonings in Korean cuisine, has been reported only in animal models; thus, an evaluation of Doenjang needs to be conducted in human studies. We aimed to test the hypothesis that Doenjang supplementation reduces body weight and changes body composition in overweight adults. A total of 51 overweight adults participated in this study. A group of males with BMI > or = 23 kg/m2 and waist to hip ratio (WHR) > or = 0.90, and a group of females with BMI > or = 23 kg/m2 and WHR > or = 0.85 were randomly assigned to either a Doenjang supplement (9.9 g dry/day) group or a placebo group for a 12-week randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. Anthropometric parameters, abdominal fat distribution by computerized tomography (CT) and blood components were measured before and after the intervention period. After the 12-week study, the Doenjang supplementation group had significant reductions in body weight (kg), body fat mass (kg) and body fat (%) compared to the placebo group, the supplementation of Doenjang resulted in a significant reduction in visceral fat (cm2), although no changes were observed in total and subcutaneous fat are as (cm2), serum lipid profiles and dietary intakes. The present study demonstrated that daily supplementation of 9.9 g dry/day of Doenjang for 12 weeks reduces body weight and visceral fat in overweight adults.

A Study on Food-waste Management of Public School Food Service in Jeonbuk Province

The purpose of this study was to understand the management status of food wastes in school meal to find the effective ways that would reduce and recycle them. Data was collected using questionnaires from 223 school dietitians located in Jeonbuk area. The results were as followed : 1) Waste was managed by the dietitians(54.7%) and cook(42.2%). The waste disposal contract was made by dietitians(65.0%), executives(31.4%). Therefore, school dietitians had primary responsibilities in the waste management. 2) As disposal ways, 48.9% processed municipal solid waste and food waste together and 46.6% processed separately. 3) A half of schools(52.9%) produced food wastes weighed under 10~15kg daily and using food wastes as animal food for farms was most popular method to dispose(87.4%). 4) Reasons to have food-wastes were disliking the taste of menu(50.2%) and the inappropriate ways of dealing with remaining food(64.1%) and donating to food bank(33.6%) in order. 5) The suggested ways to reduce the food-waste was to improve on cooking method(72.2%), changing of portion size(61.0%), measuring the amount of leftover food(53.4%) and requesting cooperation to educators(52.9%). 6) The reported consequences of reducing the food waste were: lowered grocery expenses(46.2%), and inspiring students on helping environmental preservation(23.8%). Therefore, the administration should work on finding a method to reduce food-waste and a way to use these resources efficiently. It is important to induct student's attitude on recycling remaining products by using food bank via nutrition education. Dietitian also should consider to reduce the leftover of food by using a standardized recipe.

Measurement of Lung Volumes: Usefulness of Spiral CT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of spiral CT in the measurement of lung volumes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy volunteers were studied by both spirometer and spiral CT at full inspiration and expiration inorder to correlate their results, including total lung capacity (TLC), vital capacity (VC) and residual volume(RV). 3-D images were reconstructed from spiral CT, and we measured lung volumes at a corresponding CT window range ; their volumes were compared with the pulmonary function test (paired t-test). RESULTS: The window range corresponding to TLC was from -1000HU to -150HU (p=0.279, r=0.986), and for VC from -910HU to -800HU (p=0.366,r=0.954) in full-inspiratory CT. The optimal window range for RV in full-expiratory CT was from -1000HU to -450HU (p=0.757, r=0.777), and TLC-VC in full-inspiratory CT was also calculated (p=0.843, r=0.847). CONCLUSION: Spiral CT at full inspiration can used to lung volumes such as TLC, VC and RV.