Methylophiopogonanone A, an Ophiopogon homoisoflavonoid, alleviates high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia: assessment of its potential mechanism

Methylophiopogonanone A (MO-A), a homoisoflavonoid extracted from Ophiopogon japonicus, has been shown to attenuate myocardial apoptosis and improve cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the hypolipidemic effects remain unknown. This study was performed to investigate a potential hypolipidemic effect of MO-A in hyperlipidemia rats, as well as its underlying mechanism of action. A rat model of hyperlipidemia was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Animals were randomly divided into three groups (n=8/group): normal control group (NC), HFD group, and HFD+MO-A (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) treatment group. The effects of MO-A on serum lipids, body weight, activity of lipoprotein metabolism enzyme, and gene expression of lipid metabolism were evaluated in HFD-induced rats. In HFD-induced rats, pretreatment with MO-A decreased the body weight gain and reduced serum and hepatic lipid levels. In addition, pretreatment with MO-A improved the activities of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase in serum and liver, down-regulated mRNA expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and up-regulated mRNA expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α in the liver. Our results indicated that MO-A showed strong ability to ameliorate the hyperlipidemia in HFD-induced rats. MO-A might be a potential candidate for prevention of overweight and dyslipidemia induced by HFD.

Attenuation of atherogenic apo B-48-dependent hyperlipidemia and high density lipoprotein remodeling induced by vitamin C and E combination and their beneficial effect on lethal ischemic heart disease in mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent and its underlying pathogenesis involves dyslipidemia including pro-atherogenic high density lipoprotein (HDL) remodeling. Vitamins C and E have been proposed as atheroprotective agents for cardiovascular disease management. However, their effects and benefits on high density lipoprotein function and remodeling are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the role of vitamin C and E on non HDL lipoproteins as well as HDL function and remodeling, along with their effects on inflammation/ oxidation biomarkers and atherosclerosis in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice were pre-treated for 5 weeks before and during atherogenic diet feeding with vitamin C and E added to water and diet, respectively. Compared to a control group, combined vitamin C and E administration reduced serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by decreasing apo B-48-containing lipoproteins, remodeled HDL particles by reducing phospholipid as well as increasing PON1 and apo D content, and diminished PLTP activity and levels. Vitamin supplementation improved HDL antioxidant function and lowered serum TNF-α levels. Vitamin C and E combination attenuated atherogenesis and increased lifespan in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin C and E administration showed significant lipid metabolism regulating effects, including HDL remodeling and decreased levels of apoB-containing lipoproteins, in mice. In addition, this vitamin supplementation generated a cardioprotective effect in a murine model of severe and lethal atherosclerotic ischemic heart disease.

Perfil lipídico en embarazadas durante el tercer trimestre según índice de masa corporal y consumo de grasas / Lipid profile in pregnant women during the third quarter according to body mass index and fat intake

Introducción: el embarazo es una condición que implica una adaptación metabólica para suplir los requerimientos del feto en desarrollo. Durante la gestación ocurre un aumento de los lípidos circulantes, lo que conlleva a un incremento en la peroxidación lipídica. En condiciones normales, este fenómeno se ve compensado por una elevación en los sistemas antioxidantes. Objetivo: comparar el perfil lipídico en mujeres embarazadas según el índice de masa corporal y la frecuencia de consumo de grasa. Métodos: se estudiaron 100 mujeres en el tercer trimestre de embarazo en el Hospital San Vicente de Paul de la ciudad de Ibarra en la provincia de Imbabura-Ecuador. Se realizó la medición de peso y talla para el cálculo del índice de masa corporal. Se les aplicó una encuesta de consumo de alimentos y tomó una muestra de sangre para medir los niveles de lípidos circulantes mediante métodos enzimáticos colorimétricos. Resultados: se observó un incremento de los lípidos sanguíneos los cuales se relacionan con la frecuencia de consumo de grasas. Hubo una relación entre el HDL-colesterol y el LDL-colesterol con el consumo de grasas según el índice de masa corporal. Conclusiones: durante los controles obstétricos se debe evaluar la dieta de la embarazada y reforzar la necesidad de disminuir el consumo de grasas e incrementar el consumo de verduras, legumbres y cereales. La cuantificación periódica del perfil lipídico de las gestantes constituye una buena herramienta para el control de los lipídicos cuando estos superen los niveles fisiológicos, contribuyendo en un adecuado control prenatal(AU)

Introduction: Pregnancy is a condition that involves a metabolic adaptation to meet the requirements of the developing fetus. During gestation circulating lipids increase, leading to agrowth in lipid peroxidation. Under normal conditions, this phenomenon is offset by an increase in antioxidant systems. Objective: Compare the lipid profile in pregnant women according to body mass index and frequency of fat intake. Methods: A hundred women were studied in their third trimester of pregnancy. Weight and height were measuredto calculate body mass index. A survey on food consumption was appliedand blood samples were taken to measure levels of circulating lipids by enzymatic colorimetric methods. Results: An increase in blood lipids is observedrelated to the frequency of fat consumption. A ratio of HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol fat intake was found by the body mass index. Conclusions: During controls, obstetricians should evaluate the pregnant diet and reinforce the need to reduce fat intake and increase consumption of vegetables, legumes and cereals. The periodic quantification of the lipid profile of pregnant women is good tool to control lipid when they exceed physiological levels, contributing to an adequate prenatal control(AU)

Avaliação do risco cardiovascular em mulheres climatéricas assistidas pelo Programa Saúde da Família / Evaluation of cardiovascuar risk in climateric women aided by Family Health Program

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: No Brasil, ainda que os dados de morbidade sejam escassos, as informações sobre mortalidade em mulheres após a menopausa demonstram a necessidade de mais estudos. Assim, a realização do presente trabalho justifica-se pela busca de intervenções possíveis em fatores de risco cardiovascular modificáveis, considerando mudanças de estilo de vida que levem à alteração, em longo prazo, dos fenômenos cardiovasculares dessa população. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o risco cardiovascular em mulheres pré e pós-menopáusicas assistidas em uma unidade de saúde. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, retrospectivo, englobando 164 mulheres com média de idade de 60,73±12,60 anos, atendidas pelo Programa de Saúde da Família, no bairro Morrinhos, no Município de Montes Claros (MG). RESULTADOS: Foram apresentadas 50 mulheres na pré-menopausa e 114 mulheres na pós-menopausa. Níveis elevados de colesterol total e de LDL-colesterol foram observados nas mulheres pós-menopáusicas (59,6 e 58,8%, respectivamente), enquanto que os níveis de HDL-colesterol se mostraram inferiores ao considerado ideal em praticamente toda a população estudada (66,0% das mulheres pré-menopáusica e 61,4% das mulheres pós-menopáusicas). Quanto aos níveis de triglicerídeos, estes se apresentaram elevados efetivamente nas mulheres pós-menopáusicas (48,2%). Em relação ao perfil glicídico, apenas 28% das mulheres na pré-menopausa e 31,6% das pós-menopausadas apresentaram glicemia de jejum alterada. Os valores apontados determinam que o grupo das pacientes pós-menopáusicas (Mean Rank 92,60) possui maior risco cardiovascular quando comparado ao grupo das pré-menopáusicas (Mean Rank 59,47). CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres pós-menopáusicas apresentam maior risco de eventos cardiovasculares, conforme o escore de risco de Framingham, ao se comparar com as pré-menopáusicas...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, despite scarce data, the information about morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women demonstrate that further studies are necessary. Thus, this work is warranted by the search for possible interventions for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, considering lifestyle changes that lead to alteration of the longterm cardiovascular phenomena of this population. The objective of this study was to compare the cardiovascular risk in pre and post-menopausal women who were attented in a health care facility. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study, comprising 164 women with a mean age of 60.73±12.60year, served by the Family Health Program in the District Morrinhos, in the city of Montes Claros (state of Minas Gerais). RESULTS: We presented 50 premenopausal women and 114 postmenopausal women. High levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were observed in postmenopausal women (59.6 and 58.8%, respectively), while HDL-cholesterol was lower than that considered optimal in almost all the studied population (66.0% of premenopausal women and 61.4% of postmenopausal women). Regarding the levels of triglycerides, they were really high in postmenopausal women (48.2%). Regarding glucose profile, only 28.0% of premenopausal women and 31.6% of postmenopausal women showed impaired fasting glucose. These numbers show that the group of postmenopausal patients (Mean Rank 92.60) had higher cardiovascular risk compared to the group of premenopausal (Mean Rank 59.47) women. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women had increased risk of cardiovascular events, according to the Framingham risk score, when compared with premenopausal women...

Cytoprotective activity of mulberry leaf extract against oxidative stress-induced cellular injury in rats

Morus alba Linn. [MA], mulberry leaves have been used as a beverage for prevention of various diseases including hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Recently, the antioxidant activities of the MA leaf extract have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the MA leaf extract on free radical-induced cellular injury. In the in vitro models, the extract scavenged stable free radical [1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; DPPH] in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC[50] of 20.10 +/- 0.78 micro g/ml. The extract protected the erythrocytes from free radical [2, 2'-azobis [2-amidinopropane] dihydrochloride; AAPH]-induced hemolysis with an IC[50] of 74.22 +/- 9.87 micro g/ml. Additionally, the extract significantly prevented the gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion [I/R] in rats when given orally at doses of 0.25 and 0.50 g/kg/day for 3 consecutive days [p<0.05; n=7]. However, this effect was not found when the higher doses [1 and 2 g/kg/day] of the extract were tested. In conclusion, these results indicate that the MA leaf extract possesses the cytoprotective activity against free radical-induced cell injury. Therefore, when given at the appropriate dose range, the mulberry leaf may potentially be used as a food supplement in patients with certain diseases in which the oxidative stress-induced cellular injury is pathologically involved

The influence of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise on postprandial lipemia

INTRODUCTION: Postprandial lipemia is characterized by an increased concentration of circulating lipids after fat intake and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Exercise is known to reduce postprandial lipemia and its negative clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise using the same energy expenditure in postprandial lipemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy men (aged 21.5 + 3.5 years) performed a random sequence of either rest or 500 Kcal tests separated by a minimum 48 h interval as follows: (a) no exercise (control), (b) intense intermittent exercise, or (c) moderate continuous exercise. Each test series was completed 30 min before ingestion of a high-fat meal (1 g fat/kg). Venous blood was collected before and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after the high-fat meal. Postprandial lipemia was assessed using the area under the curve approach as well as a kinetic profile of mean lipid variables. Statistical significance was tested at the p<0.05 level. RESULTS: With both statistical approaches, intense intermittent and moderate continuous exercises were both effective in reducing postprandial triglycerides; however, only intense intermittent exercise reduced the levels of postprandial very low density lipoprotein. Intense intermittent and continuous exercise produced lower levels of insulinemia using the area under the curve analysis only. CONCLUSION: Intense intermittent or continuous exercise with an energy expenditure of 500 kcal completed 30 min before ingestion of high-fat meal reduced postprandial lipid levels to different levels in physically active men. Understanding these relevant differences will enable clinicians to provide the best exercise prescription for patients.

Aspectos clínicos e socioeconômicos das dislipidemias em portadores de doenças cardiovasculares / Clinical and socioeconomic aspects of dyslipidemia in patients with cardiovascular diseases

O presente artigo aborda os aspectos clínicos e socioeconômicos decorrentes da presença de dislipidemias em portadores de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). Existem inúmeros estudos relacionados às DCV, uso de hipolipemiantes orais como as estatinas, e os aspectos econômicos envolvidos com impacto na área da saúde. Além de evidenciar a importância do tratamento das dislipidemias, o artigo busca demonstrar o ponto de vista farmacoeconômico, ou seja, dos custos gerados com o tratamento farmacológico desta patologia versus os custos decorrentes dos eventos cardiovasculares acometidos e suas consequências. Existe, portanto, relevante relação entre os impactos sociais decorrentes de incapacidade física e laborativa, aposentadorias precoces, entre outros custos importantes que poderiam ser evitados com uma análise econômica abrangente e eficiente realizada nos serviços de saúde do Brasil. Neste contexto, é enfatizada a importância da análise conjunta dos aspectos clínicos e socioeconômicos das dislipidemias que poderiam influenciar nas decisões das autoridades de saúde no momento da elaboração de protocolos clínicos de tratamentos farmacológicos a serem implementados no SUS.

This paper discusses the clinical and socioeconomic factors arising from the presence of dyslipidemia in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are numerous studies related to CVD, oral use of statins as statins, and the economics aspects involved with an impact on health. In addition to demonstrating the importance of the treatment of dyslipidemia, the paper shows the pharmacoeconomic viewpoint, i.e. costs generated by the pharmacological treatment of this disease versus the costs of cardiovascular events and their consequences. There is therefore relevant relationship between the social impacts arising from physical disability and work, early retirements, among other important costs that could be avoided with a comprehensive economic analysis and efficient health services in Brazil. In this context, we emphasize the importance of joint analysis of the clinical and socioeconomic aspects of dyslipidemia that could influence the decisions of health authorities at the time of preparation of clinical protocols of pharmacological treatments to be implemented within the SUS.

Desempenho da solicitação do perfil lipídico entre os setores público e privado / Performance of lipid profile request between public and private sectors

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho do rastreio do perfil lipídico conforme o financiamento da consulta médica - setores público e privado. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com amostragem em múltiplos estágios, incluindo 3.136 adultos (> 20 anos) de Pelotas, Brasil, 2006. Foram calculados: cobertura (proporção de indivíduos rastreados entre aqueles com indicação de rastreio), foco (proporção de indivíduos com indicação entre os rastreados), erros de rastreio (sobre-rastreio: exames em indivíduos sem indicação, e sub-rastreio: não solicitação entre indivíduos com risco) e razão de rastreio (razão entre número de rastreados que atendiam aos critérios e número dos que não atendiam). Análises bivariadas foram realizadas por meio do teste qui-quadrado e intervalos de confiança de 95 por cento foram estimados para os parâmetros avaliados. RESULTADOS: A cobertura geral foi 73,0 por cento (IC 95 por cento: 70,8;75,2) e o foco 67,2 por cento (IC 95 por cento: 64,7;69,3). O setor público teve, em relação ao privado/convênio, menor cobertura (65,2 por cento versus 82,2 por cento; p<0,001), foco maior (74,7 por cento versus 62,3 por cento; p<0,001), sobre-rastreio menor (33,1 por cento versus 56,4 por cento; p<0,0001) e sub-rastreio maior (34,8 por cento versus 17,8 por cento; p<0,0001). A razão de rastreio foi maior no setor público (1,97) que no privado/convênio (1,46). CONCLUSÕES: A avaliação da adequação da solicitação do perfil lipídico na população pode fornecer informações importantes sobre o cumprimento de protocolos de rastreamento e acompanhamento das dislipidemias em diferentes sistemas de saúde e, dentro de um mesmo sistema, com formas diferentes de financiamento. Avaliações desse tipo proporcionam oportunidade de diagnosticar desigualdades e planejar ações que garantam maior eqüidade no cuidado.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of lipid profile screening according to the mode of financing of medical appointments - public or private. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with a multi-stage sampling strategy. The study included 3,136 adults (> 20 years old) from the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, in 2006. The following indicators were calculated: coverage (proportion of screened individuals among those meeting screening criteria), focus (proportion of individuals meeting screening criteria among those who were tested), screening errors (tests in individuals not meeting screening criteria - overscreening - and no screening of individuals meeting the screening criteria - underscreening), and screening ratio (ratio between number of individuals who met screening criteria and the number who failed to meet screening criteria among all individuals tested). Bivariate analyses were performed using Chi-squared tests. 95 percent confidence intervals (95 percent CI) were calculated for all parameters assessed. RESULTS: General coverage was 73.0 percent (95 percentCI: 70.8;75.2), and focus was 67.2 percent (95 percent CI: 64.7;69.3). In the public sector, compared to the private/health plan sector, coverage was lower (65.2 percent vs. 82.2 percent; p<0.001), focus was higher (74.7 percent vs. 62.3 percent; p<0.001), overscreening was lower (33.1 percent vs. 56.4 percent; p<0.0001), and underscreening was higher (34.8 percent vs. 17.8 percent; p<0.0001). Screening ratio was higher in the public (1.97) than in the private sector (1.46). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of adequacy of lipid profile requests among the population can provide important information regarding the following of protocols for screening and following-up dyslipidemias in different healthcare systems and, within a same system, between different modes of financing. Evaluations of this type provide an opportunity to diagnose inequalities and...

Relation of the Blood Pressure, Lipids and Body Mass Index by Smoking Status Among Adolescents / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the relationship between blood pressure, lipids and body mass index by smoking status among adolescents. METHODS: This study was designed as a descriptive correlational study. General and smoking characteristics were collected using a questionnaire. The smoking group consisted of 42 (33%) students and the non smoking group 85 (67%) students. Blood pressure, lipids, height and weight were measured, and body mass index was calculated to kg/m2. The collected data was analyzed by the n(%), chi-square-test, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient (SPSS 12.0). RESULTS: 1. The smoking level was different between grade, smoking status among the family, the contentment of their relationship with their parents, school life and teachers. 2. The smoking group's systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and body mass index were higher than those of the non smoking group. 3. The smoking amount had a significant positive correlation between total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSION: The result of this study offered basic data to develop intervention programs to prevent hypertension and hyperlipidemia in smoking adolescents.

Ejercicio y diabetes tipo 2: reporte de un caso / Exercise and diabetes type 2: case report

Objetivo: Reportar el protocolo de evaluación y los efectos de un programa de ejercicio supervisado, en un hombre adulto con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Métodos: Presentamos el reporte detallado de un caso que incluye datos de laboratorio, análisis biométrico, evaluación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y de capacidad de trabajo físico en evaluaciones pre y post programa de ejercicio físico. Un hombre de 56 años fue referido al Programa de Actividad Física para Pacientes Crónicos de la Escuela de Kinesiología de la Universidad Católica del Maule con el objetivo de evaluar y prescribir el ejercicio físico para mejorar su control metabólico y disminuir sus factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Bajo la supervisión de kinesiólogos y de alumnos de kinesiología el paciente participó de un programa de ejercicio de características submáximas por un período de 12 semanas. Resultados: Al finalizar el programa de ejercicio, el paciente presentaba mejorías en el control glicémico, lipídico y de peso, además de una disminución del riesgo cardiovascular y un aumento en su capacidad de trabajo físico. Conclusión: Este reporte de caso demuestra que un programa de ejercicio físico supervisado es de gran utilidad en el manejo de un paciente con DM2 y que la participación del kinesiólogo entrega garantías para utilizar una herramienta terapéutica de bajo costo y altamente efectiva en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

Antioxidative and hypocholesterolemic effect of Lactobacillus casei ssp casei (biodefensive properties of lactobacilli).

BACKGROUND: A positive correlation between an individual's cholesterol level and development of CHD has been suggested. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are important risk factors and oxidation of LDL has been implicated as an initiator of atherosclerosis. AIM: Attempts are being made worldwide for the search of effective antioxidants that can prevent oxidation of LDL. Role of fermented milk and culture containing dairy products as effective antioxidants and their potential hypocholesterolemic effect is the focus of research. Keeping this in view, the various lactobacilli cultures were screened for their in vitro antioxidative activity. Lactobacillus casei ssp casei showing maximum antioxidative activity was selected for carrying out in vivo studies. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Six groups of Wistar albino rats were fed on diets containing 20% fresh or oxidized soybean oil supplemented with 5% lyophilized culture or fermented milk prepared using L. casei ssp casei for a period of 90 days. The plasma was separated in different lipoprotein fractions and analyzed for cholesterol content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). RESULTS: The cholesterol levels were less in plasma of groups fed on fermented milk by 2-11% and by 15-25% in groups fed on lyophilized culture as compared to group fed on skim milk. The levels of TBARS were lower in the LDL fraction of plasma in rats fed on fermented milk or culture than the control group fed on skim milk. CONCLUSIONS: The results depict the cholesterol-lowering and antioxidative potential of Lactobacillus casei ssp casei for their application as dietary adjunct.

Periodicidade e escolha de exames laboratoriais na terapia hipolipemiante / Special recommendations for lipid-lowering treatment: efficacy and safety

Intervenções farmacológicas com hipolipemiantes devem ser monitoradas periodicamente para avaliar eficácia e parâmetros de segurança. As estatinas são drogas normalmente bem toleradas e os seus principais efeitos colaterais incluem aumento das enzimas hepáticas (AST e ALT) e muscular (CK). O tratamento deve ser interrompido ou diminuído no caso de um aumento significativo das AST ou ALT (> 3x LSN), ou CK (> 10x LSN). Outros agentes hipolipemiantes também podem produzir hepatotoxicidade ou miosite, fibratos e ácido nicotínico, especialmente em associação com as estatinas ou na presença de anormalidades metabólicas (tireoidite, hepatopatia e nefropatia). Acido nicotínico pode também aumentar os níveis plasmáticos de glicose e ácido úrico. Testes laboratoriais podem ser utilizados no seguimento da terapia hipolipemiante e devem ser repetidos a cada três meses durante o primeiro ano e então em intervalos de seis meses. Intervalos menores são recomendados para casos especiais.

[Review of antihyperlipedemic herbal medicine]

Hyperlipedimia especially increased blood cholesterol level is a chronic metabolic disease with several risk factor in etiology. Although several lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed but still hyperlipedimia is a main corn stone of attention in patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Presently, the use of herbal medicines for prevention and control of chronic hyperlipidemia is in the focus of attention for both the patients and physicians. The reasons for such shift toward the use of herbal medicine include: the expensive cost of conventional drugs, adverse drug reactions, and good efficacy of lipid lowering herbal medicine. Epidemiological studies indicate that diet restriction, alternative treatment and use of herbal medicine are a low coast and good direction in for controlling hyperlipedimia. Presently the use of herbal medicine by hyperlipedimic patients is considerably increases even in industrialized societies. However its uses is more pronounce among those patients which are resistant to conventional drug therapy. Although herbal therapy may induce beneficial effect, but due to irregular consumption and unspecified doses may render unsatisfactory lipid control and even herbal-conventional drug interaction. In present article the efficacy, drug interaction and side effect of common antihyperlipidemic herbal medicine is reviewed

Noncommunicable diseases: risk factors and regional strategies for prevention and care

Noncommunicable diseases [NCDs] are a major disease burden in the Region. Many of the risk factors are related to lifestyle and can be controlled. Physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, high fast food consumption and high cholesterol are predominant causes of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Overweight and obesity can lead to metabolic changes and raise the risk of NCDs, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Three main strategies are proposed to deal with the problem: estimate need and advocate for action; develop national policies, strategies and plans for prevention and care; promote and implement community participation in prevention and care. NCDs are preventable using available knowledge; solutions are effective and highly cost-effective