Differential associations between body mass index and outcome in different age groups in patients with myocardial infarction

Objective: To investigate the association between age and body mass index (BMI) and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Methods We divided 6453 patients into three age groups (<60, 60 e75, >75 years) and five BMI categories. Thirty-day and long-term all-cause mortality were assessed. Results: No association was found between the BMI category and 30-day mortality in any age group. The association between BMI and long-term multivariable-adjusted mortality risk was age-dependent. Overweight patients had a lower risk than patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 in all age groups (HR 0.62; 95%CI 0.45e0.85; p ¼ 0.003, HR 0.78; 95%CI 0.65e0.93; p ¼ 0.005, HR 0.82; 95%CI 0.70e0.95; p ¼ 0.011 for ages <60, 60e75, >75 years, respectively). The lower risk of death as a function of BMI shifted upward with age, and the risk was also lower in patients with obesity grade I (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.66e0.98; p ¼ 0.035 and HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.63e0.97; p ¼ 0.023 for ages 60e75, >75 years, respectively). Excessive obesity was harmful only in the oldest group. Patients with obesity grade III had more than a 2.5 times higher mortality risk than patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 only in this group (HR 2.58; 95%CI 1.27e5.24; p ¼ 0.009). An obesity paradox was found in all age groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that moderate weight gain with age improves long-term survival after MI and that the magnitude of this “protective” weight gain is greater in older compared to younger patients. However, excessive weight gain (obesity grade III) is particularly harmful in the oldest age group. The exact relationship between BMI, age, and mortality remains unclear.

Obesity in cases undergoing the surgical procedure of lung lobectomy: risk or benefit?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of body mass index on patients' short-term results following lung lobectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we compared the perioperative and short-term postoperative results of obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) versus non-obese patients (BMI<30 kg/m2) who underwent anatomical lung resection for cancer. The two groups had the same distribution of input risk factors and the same ratio of surgical approaches (thoracoscopy vs. thoracotomy). RESULTS: The study included a total of 144 patients: 48 obese and 96 non-obese patients. Both groups had the same ratio of thoracoscopic vs. thoracotomy approach (50/50%), and were comparable in terms of demographics and clinical data. The g roups did not significantly differ in the frequency of perioperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative morbidity was higher among non-obese patients (34.4 vs. 27.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.053). Hospital stay was similar in both study groups (p=0.100). Surgery time was significantly longer among obese patients (p=0.133). Postoperative mortality was comparable between the study groups (p=0.167). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity does not increase the frequency of perioperative and postoperative complications in patients after lung lobectomy. The slightly better results in obese patients suggest that obesity may have some protective role.

La paradoja de la obesidad en la insuficiencia cardíaca en ancianos / The Obesity Paradox of Heart Failure in the Elderly

RESUMEN Introducción: Múltiples estudios demostraron una relación "protectora" del índice de masa corporal (IMC) incrementado por sobre el IMC normal o bajo en el desarrollo y el pronóstico de la insuficiencia cardíaca. Las categorías de IMC de la población adulta no son adecuadas en la población anciana. Nos proponemos comparar la incidencia de mortalidad global y de reinternación por insuficiencia cardíaca durante el primer año según la categoría de IMC en esta población. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional y analítico de una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes mayores de 65 años internados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos cardiológicos del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) con diagnóstico de síndrome de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda (SICA) entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2017. Resultados: Se incluyeron 409 pacientes. Los subgrupos con mayor IMC presentaron menor mortalidad al año (peso insuficiente: 53%, normopeso: 41%, sobrepeso: 33%, obesos: 27%, p = 0,008). En el análisis multivariado, el HR para mortalidad anual ajustado por edad, sexo, reinternaciones, insuficiencia renal y tipo de insuficiencia cardíaca fue de 0,51 (IC95% 0,29-0,90) en los pacientes con sobrepeso y de 0,36 (IC95% 0,19-0,67) en los pacientes obesos con respecto a los de peso insuficiente. No hubo diferencias en la mortalidad intrahospitalaria ni en las reinternaciones al año entre los diferentes subgrupos de IMC. Conclusión: En la población de ancianos con SICA, los subgrupos con mayor IMC tienen mejor pronóstico durante el primer año, por lo que se cumple la "paradoja de la obesidad".

ABSTRACT Background: Multiple studies have demonstrated a "protective" relationship of increased body mass index (BMI) over normal or low BMI in the development and prognosis of heart failure. The BMI categories of the adult population are not adequate in the elderly population. We propose to compare the incidence of global mortality and/or readmission for heart failure during the first year according to the BMI category in this population. Methods: This was an observational and analytical study of a retrospective cohort of patients ≥65 years admitted to the cardiology intensive care unit of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires with a diagnosis of Acute Heart Failure Syndrome (AHFS) between January 2013 and December 2017. Results: The study included 409 patients. The subgroups with higher BMI had lower mortality at one year (Underweight: 53%, Normal weight: 41%, Overweight: 33%, Obese: 27%, p = 0.008). In the multivariate analysis, annual mortality HR adjusted for age, gender, readmissions, kidney failure and type of heart failure was 0.51 (95% CI 0.29-0.90) for overweight patients and 0.36 (95% CI 0.19-0.67) for patients with obesity compared with underweight patients. There were no differences in inhospital mortality or in readmissions at one year between the different BMI subgroups. Conclusion: In the elderly population with AHFS, the subgroups with higher BMI have a better prognosis during the first year, fulfilling the "obesity paradox".

Obesidad como factor de riesgo para infección por COVID-19: obesidad y COVID-19 / Obesity as a risk factor for COVID-19 infection

La obesidad es una enfermedad que se ha visto relacionada con la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus, sugiriendo que los obesos tienen mayor riesgo a padecer COVID-19 grave y sus complicaciones, cobrando mayor relevancia en Chile, país con tasas elevadas de obesidad. Se revisan mecanismos fisiopatológicos involucrados, efecto de las comorbilidades, posibilidad de atención médica y resultados de una eventual vacunación, corroborando un peor pronóstico para este grupo de pacientes. Se destaca la necesidad de datos antropométricos específicos, además del índice de masa corporal (IMC) para establecer una relación más relevante. La paradoja de la obesidad, de igual manera, carece de evidencias para asociarse al COVID-19.

Obesity is a disease that has been related to the new coronavirus pandemic, suggesting that obese people have a greater risk of suffering from severe COVID-19 and its complications, becoming more relevant in Chile, a country with high rates of obesity. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved, effect of comorbidities, medical care atention and potential vaccination, outcomes are reviewed, showing a worse prognosis for this group of patients. The need for specific anthropometric data is highlighted, in addition to the body mass index (BMI) to establish a more relevant relationship. Likewise, the obesity paradox, lacks of evidence to be associated with COVID-19.

El papel de la paradoja de la obesidad y el conteo linfocitario en sepsis / The role of the obesity paradox and lymphocytic count on sepsis / O papel do paradoxo da obesidade e contagem de linfócitos na sepse

Resumen: Introducción: La obesidad es un factor protector para mortalidad en la sepsis, a este fenómeno se le conoce como «paradoja de la obesidad¼. La obesidad es un estado inflamatorio crónico, que incluye mediadores de la inmunidad innata y adaptativa. Un marcador de inmunidad adaptativa es la linfopenia, ésta es relacionada con peor evolución y mayor mortalidad. Objetivo: Determinar la relación del índice de masa corporal (IMC) con conteo linfocitario y su relación con supervivencia en pacientes sépticos. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes, retrospectivo, en pacientes con sepsis y/o choque séptico mayores de 18 años, sin enfermedades autoinmunes, ni tratamiento inmunosupresor, determinando IMC y linfopenia. Resultados: Se incluyeron 206 pacientes, 8.7% con peso bajo, 46.6% peso normal, 24.8% con sobrepeso, 19.9% con obesidad. El grupo de mayor mortalidad con linfopenia tuvo los menores valores de IMC 21.37 kg/m2. El análisis de supervivencia reveló que un IMC < 22.5 kg/m2 y linfopenia son factores de riesgo independientes para mortalidad. Conclusiones: La obesidad se relaciona con mayor conteo linfocitario y mayor supervivencia en sepsis y choque séptico, por lo que el IMC y el conteo linfocitario son factores independientes para mortalidad estadísticamente significativos, proponemos la escala APACHE II ajustada con estas variables.

Abstract: Introduction: Obesity is a mortality protector factor in sepsis; this phenomenon is known as «obesity paradox¼. Furthermore, obesity is a chronic inflammatory state in which adaptive and innate immunity mediators play key roles. Lymphopenia is an adaptive immunity marker and it has been related to poor outcomes and greater mortality. Objective: To determine the relationship between body mass index and lymphocyte count and its association with the survival of septic patients. Methods and materials: A cohort retrospective study of patients older than 18 years old with sepsis, septic shock and no history of autoimmune diseases nor immunosuppressor treatments. Outcomes included determining BMI and lymphopenia. Results: 206 patients were included, 8.7% with low weight, 46.6% with normal weight, 24.8% with normal weight, 19.9% with obesity. The group with the lowest BMI (median of 21.37) and lymphopenia was associated with the greatest mortality. The survival analysis revealed that a BMI lower than 22.5 and lymphopenia are independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: Obesity is associated to a higher lymphocyte count and a greater survival in sepsis and septic shock. Since BMI and lymphocyte count are statistically significant independent risk factors for mortality, we propose an APACHE II score adjusted to these variables.

Resumo: Introdução: Na sepse, a obesidade é um fator de proteção para mortalidade, denominando esse fenômeno de «paradoxo da obesidade¼. A obesidade é um estado inflamatório crônico, incluindo mediadores da imunidade inata e adaptativa. Um marcador de imunidade adaptativa é a linfopenia, que está relacionada a uma evolução desfavorável e maior mortalidade. Objetivo: Determinar a relação do índice de massa corporal (IMC) com a contagem de linfócitos e sua relação com a sobrevida em pacientes sépticos. Material e métodos: Estudo de coorte, retrospectivo em pacientes com sepse e / ou choque séptico com mais de 18 anos, sem doenças autoimunes ou tratamento imunossupressor, determinando o IMC e a linfopenia. Resultados: Foram incluídos 206 pacientes, sendo 8.7% com baixo peso, 46.6% com peso normal, 24.8% com sobrepeso, 19.9% com obesidade. O grupo com maior mortalidade com linfopenia apresentou os menores valores de IMC de 21.37 kg/m2. A análise de sobrevivência revelou que um IMC < 22.5 kg/m2 e a linfopenia são fatores de risco independentes para a mortalidade. Conclusão: A obesidade está relacionada à maior contagem de linfócitos e maior sobrevida em sepse e choque séptico. Como o IMC e a contagem de linfócitos são fatores independentes para mortalidade estatisticamente significante, propomos a escala APACHE II ajustada com essas variáveis.

O papel do tecido adiposo na obesidade e na insuficiência cardíaca

Introdução. A obesidade, um importante fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da insuficiência cardíaca (IC), é um fator prognóstico protetor. Esse possível paradoxo pode explicar-se pelo papel protetor do tecido adiposo marrom (BAT), das adipocinas anti-inflamatórias e pela conexão do tecido adiposo ao coração mediada pelos peptídeos natriuréticos (NPs). Material e métodos. As evidências sobre os três mecanismos citados são discutidas. Resultados. Em animais e em humanos, tanto obesos como em portadores de IC, há aumento do BAT mas, é menos ativo, com menor expressão de proteína desacopladora tipo 1 (UCP1), limitando seu potencial protetor. A atividade anti-inflamatória de algumas adipocinas está associada à promoção da regeneração do miocárdio, formação de novos vasos sanguíneos, redução da pós-carga, melhora dos processos metabólicos em cardiomiócitos. Recentemente demonstrou-se que NPs, além de seu papel na homeostase circulatória, têm um papel na regulação do consumo energético e na regulação do tecido adiposo, interferindo na liberação de adipocinas. Sabe-se que os NPs estão diminuídos nos obesos, por haver maior clearence ou menor secreção. Conclusão. O papel das adipocinas anti-inflamatórias e a conexão do tecido adiposo ao coração mediada pelos NPs são mecanismos promissores para explicar o paradoxo da obesidade na IC. Localizamos somente dois estudos sobre o papel anti-inflamatório das adipocinas, com evidências diretas. Apesar da existência de inúmeros estudos sobre os NPs, as evidências são menos consistentes. Trata-se de uma área que merece ser acompanhada na tentativa de compreender o paradoxo da obesidade na IC, o que poderia permitir uma melhor abordagem ao paciente acometido por essa síndrome.

Introduction. Obesity, an important risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF), is a protective prognostic factor. This paradox can be explained by the protective role of brown adipose tissue (BAT), anti-inflammatory adipokines and the crosstalk between adipose tissue and heart mediated by natriuretic peptides (NPs). Material and methods. Evidence for these three mechanisms is discussed. Results. In animals and humans models, in both, obese and patients with HF, there is an increase in BAT, but it is less active, with lower expression of uncoupling protein type 1 (UCP1), limiting its protective potential. The antiinflammatory effect of some adipokines is associated with myocardial regeneration, production of new blood vessels, reduction of afterload and potentiation of metabolic processes in cardiomyocytes. It has been shown that NPs, in addition to their role in circulatory homeostasis, play a role in the energy tightening and regulation of adipose tissue, interfering with the release of adipokines. It is known that NPs are decreased in obese, due to a greater clearance or lower secretion. Conclusion. The role of anti-inflammatory adipokines and the crosstalk between adipose tissue and heart mediated by NPs are promising mechanisms to explain the paradox of obesity in HF. We found only two studies on the antiinflammatory role of adipokines, with direct evidence. Despite the existence of numerous studies on NPs, the evidence is less consistent. This area deserves to be followed in an attempt to understand the paradox of obesity in HF, which could allow a better care to the patient affected.

Correlation between different body mass indexes and incidence of digestive carcinoma: a multicentre retrospective study (A report of 95 177 cases) / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To explore the correlation between different body mass indexes and incidence of digestive carcinoma.Methods The retrospective cohort study was conducted.The data of 95 177 participants (75 909 males and 19 268 females) aged (51± 12)years with the range of 18-98 years who participated health examination at the Kailuan General Hospital,Kailuan Linxi Hospital,Kailuan Zhaogezhuang Hospital,Kailuan Tangjiazhuang Hospital,Kailuan Fan' gezhuang Hospital,Kailuan Jinggezhuang Hospital,Kailuan Lyujiatuo Hospital,Kailuan Linnancang Hospital,Kailuan Qianjiaying Hospital,Kailuan Majiagou Hospital and Kailuan Branch Hospital from July 2006 to December 2015 were collected.According to definition of body mass indexes from Chinese guideline for prevention and control of adult overweight and obesity,all the 95 177 participants were allocated into the 3 groups,including 37 660 with BMI＜24 kg/m2 in the normal BMI group,39 793 with with 24 kg/m2 ≤BMI＜ 28 kg/m2 in the overweight group and 17 724 with BMI≥28 kg/m2 in the obesity group.All participants received the same-order health examinations by the fixed team of doctors in 2006,2008,2010,2012 and 2014 at the same place.Epidemiological investigation,anthropometric parameters and biochemical indicators were collected.Observation indicators:(1) comparisons of clinical characteristics among the 3 groups;(2) incidence of digestive carcinoma in the participants;(3) risk factors analysis affecting new-onset digestive carcinoma;(4) comparisons of the fitting degree of BMI on new-onset digestive carcinoma model;(5) stratified analysis of risk factors affecting new-onset digestive carcinoma at different locations.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD,and comparisons among groups were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA.Measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M (range),and comparisons among groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.Count data were described as case number and percentage,and comparisons among groups were analyzed using the chi-square test.The cumulative incidence was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method,and comparisons of incidences among groups were done by the Log-rank test.The incidences of digestive carcinomain patients with different BMI were calculated by person-year incidence (incidence density).The hazard ratio (HR) and 95％ confidence interval (CI) of different BMI (continuous variable and classification variable) on new-onset digestive carcinoma were estimated by the COX proportional hazards regression models.Restrictive cubic spline regression was used to calculate the dose-response relation between the continuous variable and the risks of digestive carcinoma.The fitting degree of BMI on new-onset digestive carcinoma model was calculated by the likelihood ratio test and akaike information criterion (AIC).Results (1) Comparisons of clinical characteristics among the 3 groups:age,sex (male),systolic pressure,diastolic pressure,waistline,total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),fasting plasma glucose (FPG),C reactive protein,cases with smoking,drinking,physical exercise,positive HBsAg,high salt intake,malignant tumor in immediate family were (51± 13)yeas,28 607,(125±20) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),(80± 11) mmHg,(81±9) cm,(4.9± 1.1) mmol/L,1.05 mmol/L(range,0.75-1.49 mmol/L),(5.3±1.6) mmol/L,0.58 mmol/L (range,0.20-1.60 mmol/L),11 962,6 845,5 676,711,.3 640,1 298 in the normal BMI group and (52±12)years,32 928,(133±21) mmHg,(85±11) mmHg,(89±8)cm,(5.0±1.2) mmol/L,1.39 mmol/L (range,0.99-2.08 mmol/L),(5.6± 1.7)mmol/L,0.84 mmol/L (range,0.33-2.07 mmol/L),12 364,7 413,6 322,839,4 401,1 463 in the overweight group and (51 ± 12) years,14 374,(139 ± 21) mmHg,(88 ± 12) mmHg,(96 ± 9) cm,(5.1 ± 1.2) mmol/L,1.67 mmol/L (range,1.18-2.51 mmol/L),(5.7± 1.8) mmol/L,1.22 mmol/L (range,0.53-2.82 mmol/L),5 092,2 818,2 847,355,2 235,704 in the obesity group,showing statistically significant differences among groups (F=90.60,x2 =576.34,F=2 768.38,3 570.80,22 319.30,256.99,x2 =9 108.21,F=507.11,x2 =3 219.47,52.78,64.38,13.36,0.76,130.39,9.74,P＜0.05).(2) Incidence of digestive carcinoma in the participants:all the 95 177 participants were followed up for 845 085 person-year,1 215 were diagnosed as new-onset digestive carcinoma,with a total person-year incidence of 1.44 thousand person / year.Of 1 215 patients,413 had colorectal-anal cancer,306 had liver cancer,234 had gastric cancer,113 had esophageal cancer,91 had the pancreatic cancer,36 had gallbladder carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma,25 had intestinal cancer.Three patients had intestinal cancer complicated with colorectal-anal cancer.The person-year incidence of digestive carcinoma was 1.46 thousand person / year,1.37 thousand person / year and 1.53 thousand person / year in the normal BMI group,overweight group and obesity group,respectively.The cumulative incidences of digestive carcinoma in the normal BMI,overweight,obesity group were respectively 11.8‰,10.1‰ and 12.1‰,showing a statistically significant difference among 3 groups (x2=6.13,P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference between the normal BMI group and obesity group (x2 =1.07,P＞0.05),and statistically significant differences between the overweight group and normal BMI group and obesity group,respectively (x2=3.90,4.10,P ＜ 0.05).(3) Risk factors analysis affecting new-onset digestive carcinoma.Results of COX proportional hazards regression models showed that continuous BMI was not related factor affecting new-onset digestive carcinoma after adjustment of age,gender,systolic pressure,TC,TG,FPG,smoking,drinking,physical exercise,positive HBsAg,high salt intake,malignant tumor in immediate family (HR=0.99,95％CI:0.98-1.01,P＞0.05).After adding BMI as classification variable in the COX model,risk of new-onset digestive carcinoma in the overweight group was reduced compared with normal BMI group (HR =0.88,0.88,95％CI:0.78-1.01,0.77-0.98,P＜0.05) and risk of new-onset digestive carcinoma in the obesity group was not affected (HR=1.03,1.04,95％CI:0.88-1.20,0.89-1.22,P＞0.05).Results of restrictive cubic spline regression showed a "U" shaped relationship between BMI and incidence risk of digestive carcinoma and the lowest incidence of digestive carcinoma in patients with BMI as 25-27 kg/m2.(4) Comparisons of the fitting degree of BMI on new-onset digestive carcinoma model:multivariate model was constructed after adding risk factors of age,gender,systolic pressure,TC,TG,FPG,smoking,drinking,physical exercise,positive HBsAg,high salt intake,malignant tumor in immediate family,and-2Log L and AIC were 27 175.05 and 27 203.05 for the multivariate model.Then BMI variable was added into the multivariate model,and the-2Log L and AIC of the multivariate model+BMI model were 27 169.53 and 27 201.53,respectively,with a statistically significant difference compared with normal BMI group (x2 =5.52,P＜0.05).(5) Stratified analysis of risk factors affecting new-onset digestive carcinoma at different locations.Results of COX proportional hazards regression models showed risks of new-onset digestive carcinoma in the overweight and obesity groups were reduced compared with normal BMI group (HR=0.57,0.42,95％CI:0.38-0.84,0.23-0.79,P＜0.05) in the esophageal cancer model.Risks of new-onset digestive carcinoma in the overweight group were reduced compared with normal BMI group (HR=0.72,95％CI:0.55-0.93,P＜0.05) and risk of new-onset digestive carcinoma in the obesity group was not affected (HR=1.10,95％CI:0.82-1.47,P＞0.05) in the liver cancer model.Conclusions Participants in the overweight group have the lowest incidence of digestive carcinoma,especially in the esophageal cancer and liver cancer model.Incidence of digestive carcinoma is the lowest with BMI as 25-27 kg/m2.

A cohort study on body mass index and risk of all-cause mortality among hypertensive population / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality in hypertensive population.Methods All participants were selected from a prospective cohort study based on a rural population from Henan province,China.Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the associations of different levels of BMI stratification with all-cause mortality.Restricted cubic spline models were used to detect the doseresponse relation.Results Among the 5 461 hypertensive patients,a total of 31 048.38 person-years follow-up was conducted.The median of follow-up time was 6 years,and 589 deaths occurred during the follow-up period.Compared to normal weight group (18.5 kg/m2＜BMI＜24.0 kg/m2) the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality associated with BMI levels (＜ 18.5 kg/m2,24-28 kg/m2,and ≥28 kg/m2) were 0.83 (95％CI:0.37-1.87),0.81 (95％CI:0.67-0.97),and 0.72 (95％CI:0.56-0.91),respectively.The dose-response analysis showed a nonlinear,reverse "S" shaped relationship (non-linearity P＜0.001).Conclusion Overweight or obese might have a protective effect on all-cause mortality in hypertensive population,which supports the "obesity paradox" phenomenon.

A cohort study on body mass index and risk of all-cause mortality among hypertensive population / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality in hypertensive population.Methods All participants were selected from a prospective cohort study based on a rural population from Henan province,China.Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the associations of different levels of BMI stratification with all-cause mortality.Restricted cubic spline models were used to detect the doseresponse relation.Results Among the 5 461 hypertensive patients,a total of 31 048.38 person-years follow-up was conducted.The median of follow-up time was 6 years,and 589 deaths occurred during the follow-up period.Compared to normal weight group (18.5 kg/m2＜BMI＜24.0 kg/m2) the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality associated with BMI levels (＜ 18.5 kg/m2,24-28 kg/m2,and ≥28 kg/m2) were 0.83 (95％CI:0.37-1.87),0.81 (95％CI:0.67-0.97),and 0.72 (95％CI:0.56-0.91),respectively.The dose-response analysis showed a nonlinear,reverse "S" shaped relationship (non-linearity P＜0.001).Conclusion Overweight or obese might have a protective effect on all-cause mortality in hypertensive population,which supports the "obesity paradox" phenomenon.

Association between Obesity and Bone Mineral Density by Gender and Menopausal Status

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether there were gender differences in the effect of obesity on bone mineral density (BMD) based on menopausal status. METHODS: We assessed 5,892 consecutive patients 20 to 91 years old who were referred for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. All subjects underwent a standard BMD scan of the hip (total hip and femoral neck) and lumbar spine (L1 to L4) using a DXA scan and body size assessment. Body mass index was used to categorize the subjects as normal weight, overweight, and obese. RESULTS: BMD was higher in obese and overweight versus normal weight men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. Compared to men ≥50 years and postmenopausal women with normal weight, the age-adjusted odds ratio of osteopenia was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07 to 0.56) and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.51) for obese men ≥50 years and postmenopausal women. Corresponding summaries for osteoporosis were 0.26 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.64) and 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.20), respectively. Compared to men <50 years and premenopausal women with normal weight, the age-adjusted odds ratio of low bone mass was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.45) and 0.16 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.26) for obese men <50 years and premenopausal women, respectively. CONCLUSION: Obesity is associated with BMD of the hip and lumbar spine and overweight and obese individuals have similar degrees of osteoporosis. This result was not significantly different based on gender and menopausal status, which could be an important issue for further investigation.

Relative Importance of Fitness and Fatness in Obesity Intervention

Obesity is significantly correlated with prevalence of metabolic syndrome and is an important risk factor of mortality. However, overweight or slight obesity does not increase mortality; therefore, physical fitness might be a more important factor of mortality in such people. The main targets of exercise intervention programs for obesity treatment include decreases in waist circumference, visceral fat, and metabolic risk factors without weight change and improvement of cardiorespiratory function. Based on the results of this study, we suggest the importance of physical fitness for the prevention of obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors and the importance of body composition, body weight control, and lifestyle change for prevention of obesity-related metabolic risk factors.

"Obesity paradox"—a phenomenon based upon the health-related outcome on quality of life / 中华流行病学杂志

The increase of body mass index (BMI) has already been recognized as one of the risk factors for many diseases.However,in patients with various diseases,data from large number of studies shows that when comparing with underweight and normal-weight patients,overweight and obesity have appeared better clinical prognosis,namely "obesity paradox".It has become one of the hot spots in domestic and foreign research areas of the sort.When studying the relationship between BMI and health-related quality of life (HRQoL),we discovered that when BMI was increasing among the elderly or people with chronic diseases,it could predict a better quality of life among these populations.The impairment of HRQoL in chronic disease was not caused by the impact of obesity but by chronic diseases.These evidence triggered the idea that whether higher HRQoL of obesity was the potential mechanisms that leading to a higher survival rate? It also provided a new entry point for searching possible mechanism in which related to the "obesity paradox" that raising new issues on reasonable weight management.