Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Program and Decreased Obesity.

Failure of weight-loss programs is high. We evaluated a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle program. We investigated the obesity indices of 151 healthy adults who were on our ongoing, community-based program for the short (0.5 to ≤2 years), medium (2 to ≤5 years), or long term (5 to 10 years). Body composition indices were measured by medically approved bioimpedance. Body composition changes were favorable for all 3 groups and both genders. There were no differences in body composition between the males for all 3 groups, while there were lower body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), and muscle mass in females on long-term versus short-term programs. All participants experienced a decrease in BMI (-2.5 kg/m2), BM (-7.1 kg), and body fat percentage (-6.4%; P < .001 for all). The reductions for those with a baseline BMI of obese, overweight, and normal were -5.6, -2.4, and -0.9 kg/m2 for BMI, -16.1, -7.1, and -2.5 kg for total BM, and -9.5%, -6.6%, and -4.8% for body fat percentage (baseline vs current; P < .001 for all). A total of 86% of parents of underage children introduced the WFPB lifestyle to children. Our WFPB lifestyle program provides a long-term reversal of obesity.

Nutritional, Cardiovascular Health and Lifestyle Status of 'Health Conscious' Adult Vegans and Non-Vegans from Slovenia: A Cross-Sectional Self-Reported Survey.

The study aim was to investigate differences in nutritional, cardiovascular and lifestyle status of 'health conscious' subjects. In a partial 'lock-down' during the COVID-19 pandemic period, we performed a web-based, cross-sectional study. We compared 80 self-selected subjects (51 vegans, 67% females, and 29 non-vegans, 55% females, p = 0.344). Nutritional status was assessed by bio-electrical impedance and standardized food frequency questionnaires (i.e., contribution of nutrients from foods and supplementation, combined and separate). Serum lipid concentrations and blood pressure (BP) were assessed from annual or initial examination reports, while sociodemographic, economic, and lifestyle statuses were obtained by standardized questionnaires. Finally, a multivariate linear regression model was used to estimate the relationship between total fiber and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) values. The vegans had a significantly lower body mass index (22.8 ± 2.4 vs. 26.6 ± 3.6 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and body fat % (19.3 ± 7.3 vs. 25.8 ± 8.2%, p < 0.001) than the non-vegans. There were significant differences between vegans and non-vegans in energy intake, and most macronutrient (10/12) and micronutrient (15/23) intakes in units/day. Both diets were well designed, with high fiber and low SFA and free sugar intake but remained insufficient in n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (for vegans), vitamin D, calcium, sodium (for vegans) and iodine. Vegans also had a significantly lower lipid profile and BP than non-vegans, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, both groups met targeted recommendations. Furthermore, fiber and SFA intake and age explained 47% of the variance in LDL cholesterol. In conclusion, 'health conscious' vegans and non-vegans with comparable lifestyle statuses had significant differences in dietary intake, body composition and cardiovascular health status.

Body Composition, Training Volume/Pattern and Injury Status of Slovenian Adolescent Female High-Performance Gymnasts.

Body composition (BC), training volume/pattern, and injury status are a few important factors affecting training quality and sport performance in female artistic gymnastics. We aimed to examine BC status, training volume/pattern, and injury status during the first competition period. Our cross-sectional study included 17 female gymnasts (age: 17.4 ± 4.1 years, body height: 159.8 ± 6.2 cm, and body weight: 54.8 ± 5.3 kg) who were high performance at the international and national level. The BC (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) parameters included body height and mass, body fat percentage (BF %), lean body mass (LBM), body mass index (BMI), total bone mineral density (BMD total), and total bone mineral content (BMC total). Training volume and pattern were assessed via an author-developed questionnaire, while injury status (i.e., anatomical location, symmetry and rate of injuries) was assessed via a modified questionnaire on overuse injuries used in sports injury epidemiology studies with elite-level athletes. Body composition parameters were as follows: the BMI was 21.5 ± 1.4 kg/m2, BF % was 21.9 ± 4.7%, LBM was 41.2 ± 3.4 kg, BMD total was 1.22 ± 0.08 g/cm2, and BMC total was 2486 ± 344 g. Furthermore, the average weekly volume of training was 23.5 ± 1.4 h, with the highest training volume occurring on Monday and Tuesday and high variability within gymnasts. Our study also revealed that the most frequently injured joints that had the most negative impact on training volume, sport performance and pain status were the ankles and low back, followed by the knees and shoulders. This kind of yearly screening method is warranted to allow more definitive conclusions to be made on adjusted training and preventive strategies.

Nutritional Status and Cardiovascular Health in Female Adolescent Elite-Level Artistic Gymnasts and Swimmers: A Cross-Sectional Study of 31 Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional status is important for health and competitive achievement. This area remains understudied among elite-level female athletes and is appropriate for research. We examined nutritional status and cardiovascular health markers of two groups of female athletes of the same age and competition period, involved in weight-bearing and a non-weight-bearing sport: gymnasts (n = 17) and swimmers (n = 14); mean age 17.4 and 16.6 years. METHODS: Body composition and dietary intake were assessed by bioelectrical impedance and Food Frequency Questionnaire. The concentrations of serum micronutrients (B12, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron), blood lipids, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Setting and Participants. A cross-sectional study of 31 athletes from Slovenia. RESULTS: Gymnasts had higher body mass index (21.5 vs. 20.1 kg/m2, p=0.043) and lower fat free mass (42.4 vs. 46.6 kg, p=0.024) than swimmers and comparable body fat percentage (22.5 vs. 22.8%). Both groups had low intake of carbohydrates, fibre, polyunsaturated fats, protein (only gymnasts), and micronutrients (11/13 micronutrients gymnasts and 4/13 swimmers) and high intake of free sugars and saturated fats. Both groups also had significantly lower-than-recommended serum levels of 25 (OH) D. All cardiovascular risk factors were within recommended ranges. Gymnasts had higher LDL cholesterol (2.7 vs. 2.2 mmol/L, p < 0.011), and swimmers had higher systolic BP (126 vs. 107 mmHg, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intake especially in gymnasts was suboptimal, which may reflect in anthropometric and cardiovascular marker differences between gymnasts and swimmers.

Nutrient and Food Intake of Participants in a Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Program.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the nutrient adequacy of a well-planned supplemented whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet as a component of an ongoing community lifestyle optimization program. We investigated the contributions of nutrients from foods and supplements and plant-based meal replacement (SMR) separately (foods, SMR) and combined (vs recommendations) as well as food group intake, both according to sex. METHOD: Our cross-sectional study included 151 healthy, active participants (aged 39.6 years) who were on a Western-type diet when they voluntarily joined our WFPB lifestyle program (0.5-10 years ago). We assessed diet using 3-day weighed dietary records (foods, S, and MR). After we standardized nutrient intake to 2000 kcal/d, we calculated the contribution of macro- and micronutrients from foods and SMR separately and combined (foods + SMR) (vs central European Recommendations), as well as food group intake, both according to sex. RESULTS: All macro- and micronutrient intake (total: from foods plus SMR) exceeded the reference values, except for calcium (95% and 82% in females and males) and vitamin D (both sexes, in summertime). Compared with male participants, female participants consumed (i.e., from foods and SMR together) significantly larger amounts of 23 (/25) micronutrients (8 [/25] from foods and 22 [/25] from SMR). The diet was primarily composed of the following (by mass in descending order): unprocessed vegetables/fruits, whole grains, legumes, potatoes, nuts/seeds, MR, and spices/herbs. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in our WFPB lifestyle program ingested a nutrient-rich WFPB diet and targeted supplementation. The presented ongoing community WFPB lifestyle program ensures a healthy, balanced, and environment-friendly dietary pattern for participants who are compliant.

Characteristics of Slovenian Adults in Community-Based Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Program.

OBJECTIVE: Adopting a plant-based diet (PBD) and lifestyle is healthy, sustainable, and increasingly popular, while also demanding. Individuals might face challenges to maintain this lifestyle. We aimed to determine the anthropometric values and lifestyle factors and motives of adults to adopt a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle by joining our ongoing, community-based, WFPB lifestyle program 0.5-10 years ago. METHODS: We measured body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage status (BF%) using bioimpedance. Lifestyle status was obtained by standardized electronic questionnaires. For evaluating the motives for following strict PBD, the participants were asked to rank 8 different motives (i.e., 8: the most-, 1: the least important). Setting. A cross-sectional study in Slovenia. Participants. A total of 151 healthy adults with an average age of 39.6 years (SD: 12.5 years). RESULTS: The participants had an average BMI of 23.9 kg/m2 (SD: 3.8 kg/m2) and an average BF% of 22.3% (SD: 7.3%), were physically very active, with an average Long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (L-IPAQ) score of 5541.2 metabolic equivalents (METs) min/week (SD: 4677.0 METs min/week), having good sleep quality, with an average Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 2.7 (SD: 1.8), perceiving low stress, and with an average Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) score of 0.29 (SD: 0.1). We discovered no significant differences in lifestyle between participants who were involved in our WFPB lifestyle program for short, medium, or long periods of time. The motives for WFPB lifestyle included health benefits (score: 7.9/8), body mass management (6.3), eating to satiety (4.9), convenience (4.3), environmental concerns (4.1), affordability (3.7), animal ethics (3.6), and religious reasons (1.1). CONCLUSION: A WFPB lifestyle program for any length of time that includes an extensive support system provides favorable, long-term lifestyle changes.

Bone health among indoor female athletes and associated factors; a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to compare the bone-mineral-density (BMD), vitamin-D (25(OH)D), serum-calcium and serum-phosphorus levels between female athletes engaged in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing-sport, and to evaluate possible associations among studied variables. Study involved top-level female athletes (age: 16.9 ± 4.4 years) involved in non-weight-bearing- (swimming; n = 14)), and weight-bearing-sport (artistic gymnastic; n = 17). The variables included the BMD of left femoral neck (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (25(OH)D), body height, body mass, body-mass-index, serum-phosphorus, and serum-calcium levels. Sufficiency for 25(OH)D (>75 nmol/L) was observed in 32.3% of the studied athletes (43% and 23% for swimmers and gymnasts, respectively). The studied athletes had appropriate BMD, with higher BMD in gymnasts compared to swimmers (1.24 ± 0.11 and 0.85 ± 0.09 g/cm2; t-test: 10.26, p < 0.01). Serum-phosphorus was higher in gymnasts (1.46 ± 0.17 and 1.27 ± 1.36 mmol/L, t-test: 2.78, p < 0.01. Serum-phosphorus levels were lower in athletes with 25(OH)D sufficiency (t-test: 2.31, p = 0.03). The 25(OH)D was not correlated to BMD (Pearson's r = -0.18, -0.14, -0.28, all p > 0.05, for total sample, gymnasts and swimmers, respectively). Although 25(OH)D was not correlated with BMD, in further investigations other assays of vitamin-D status (i.e. the bioavailability of the vitamin-D) should be included.

Dietary Intakes and Cardiovascular Health of Healthy Adults in Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Program.

An effective lifestyle strategy to reduce cardiovascular diseases risk (CVD) factors is needed. We examined the effects of a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle program on dietary intake and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in 151 adults (mean 39.6 (SD 12.5) years). Adherence was categorised into short-, medium- and long-term (years: (0.5-<2), (2-<5) and (5-10)), for both genders separately. Dietary intakes were assessed, fasting blood lipids and blood pressure (BP) were measured, and % participants reaching guideline recommended targets for LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and BP in the primary CVD prevention was assessed. There were no statistically significant differences in intakes of energy and most nutrients among participants (both genders), that were short-, medium- and long term in our program. Diet was mainly composed of unprocessed vegetables/fruits, whole grains, legumes, potatoes, and nuts/seeds. LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic BP were within targets for: 93%, 97%, 88% and 95% participants, respectively. In females (vs. males), total- and HDL-cholesterol were higher (mean): 3.8 (SD 0.7) vs. 3.4 (SD 0.9), p = 0.002 and 1.5 (SD 0.3) vs. 1.1 (SD 0.2) mmol/L, p < 0.001), systolic BP was lower (113 (SD 11) vs. 120 (SD 10) mmHg, p = 0.001), while there was no difference in diastolic BP (71 (SD 9) vs. 72 (SD 8) mmHg, p = 0.143). More females vs. males reached target triglycerides (99% vs. 91%, p = 0.021) and systolic BP (92% vs. 79%, p = 0.046), while similar females and males reached target LDL-cholesterol (94% vs. 91%, p = 0.500) and diastolic BP (93% vs. 100%, p = 0.107). Participation in our WFPB lifestyle program is associated with favourable dietary intakes, safety markers, and CV risk factor profiles.

Uric Acid and Plant-Based Nutrition.

Plant-based diets (PBDs) are associated with decreased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with important noncommunicable chronic diseases. Similar to animal-based food sources (e.g., meat, fish, and animal visceral organs), some plant-based food sources (e.g., certain soy legume products, sea vegetables, and brassica vegetables) also contain a high purine load. Suboptimally designed PBDs might consequently be associated with increased uric acid levels and gout development. Here, we review the available data on this topic, with a great majority of studies showing reduced risk of hyperuricemia and gout with vegetarian (especially lacto-vegetarian) PBDs. Additionally, type of ingested purines, fiber, vitamin C, and certain lifestyle factors work in concordance to reduce uric acid generation in PBDs. Recent limited data show that even with an exclusive PBD, uric acid concentrations remain in the normal range in short- and long-term dieters. The reasonable consumption of plant foods with a higher purine content as a part of PBDs may therefore be safely tolerated in normouricemic individuals, but additional data is needed in hyperuricemic individuals, especially those with chronic kidney disease.

Effects of ad libitum consumed, low-fat, high-fiber plant-based diet supplemented with plant-based meal replacements on cardiovascular risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Sustainable nutritional strategies to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular diseases are highly needed. Inclusion of meal replacements may increase adherence to plant-based diets (PBDs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the effects of a transition from a western-type diet to a new nutritional paradigm with a PBD from predominately unrefined whole food sources, eaten ad libitum and including nutrient-enriched plant-based meal replacements twice daily. DESIGN: This was a single-arm, prospective interventional trial for 10 weeks in 36 participants with extension to 36 weeks in 18 participants. The main endpoint was serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol measured at baseline, after 10 weeks (phase 1), and after 36 weeks (phase 2). Secondary endpoints included total, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL-cholesterol, fasting glucose, uric acid, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). RESULTS: The mean reduction in LDL-cholesterol was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-0.8) mmol/L (-15%, P < 0.001) at the end of phase 1, with no further change by the end of phase 2. Similar reductions were noted for non-HDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol. HDL-cholesterol was reduced by 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI, 0.1-0.2). There was a borderline reduction in fasting glucose (5.2 to 5 mmol/L in phase 1, P = 0.08) and a small significant rise in serum uric acid levels of 15 (95% CI, 1-28) µmol/L, P < 0.05. Median baseline value for IGF-1 concentration was 156 µg/L. Participants with baseline IGF-1 below median had a significant increase in IGF-1 value from baseline 110 ± 31 to 132 ± 39 at the end of phase 1 (mean change of +22 µg/L, 95% CI, 11-33, P = 0.001). Participants with baseline IGF-1 above median had no significant change in IGF-1. Significant reductions in body weight, body fat, and visceral fat were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Supplemented, unrefined PBD eaten ad libitum was effective in improving total and LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, and IGF-1 in low baseline IGF-1 subgroup.This trial is registered as NCT02905448 at https://clinicaltrials.gov, registered 19.9.2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02905448.

Effects of an Ad Libitum Consumed Low-Fat Plant-Based Diet Supplemented with Plant-Based Meal Replacements on Body Composition Indices.

Objective. To document the effect of a diet free from animal-sourced nutrients on body composition indices. Methods. This was a nonrandomized interventional (n = 241)-control (n = 84) trial with a 10-week, low-fat, plant-based diet supplemented with two daily meal replacements. The meals were allowed to be eaten to full satiety without prespecified calorie restrictions. Control subjects received weekly lectures on the rationale and expected benefits of plant-based nutrition. Body composition indices were measured with bioimpedance analysis. Results. Relative to controls, in cases, postintervention body fat percentage was reduced by 4.3 (95% CI 4.1-4.6)% points (a relative decrement of -13.4%), visceral fat by 1.6 (95% CI 1.5-1.7) fat cross-sectional surface units, and weight by 5.6 kg (95% CI 5.2-6), while muscle mass was reduced by 0.3 kg (95% CI 0.06-0.5) with a relative increase of muscle mass percentage of 4.2 (3.9-4.4)% points. Analysis of covariance showed significantly larger adjusted fat reductions in cases compared to controls. Late follow-up revealed further weight loss in 60% of cases and no significant change in controls. Conclusions. Low-fat, plant-based diet in free-living nonresidential conditions eaten ad libitum enables significant and meaningful body fat reductions with relative preservation of muscle mass. This trial is registered with NCT02906072, ClinicalTrials.gov.

Morphologic bilateral differences of top Level gymnasts / Diferencias morfológicas bilaterales de gimnastas de nivel superior

Gymnastics is a basic sport, which was developed under a philosophic idea "Mens sana in corpore sano". Such an idea supposes harmonized body and soul. We can also understand under such a terminus the symmetricity of the athletic body. Aim of our investigation was to determine whether gymnast's body is symmetric. On the sample of 40 top level gymnasts (average age of 23 years) who were attending World Cup Competition in Ljubljana in the year 2000 we measured 13 anthropometric characteristics ­ joint diameters, circumferences and skinfold thicknesses on the left and right side. While there were no differences between the left and right leg parameters, there were some significant differences between the left and right arm measures. We found significant differences in elbow diameter, circumference of forearm, and skin fold thicknesses of triceps and biceps brachii. It is beneficial for coaches to control the symmetry of their athletes as the differences may be a sign of single-sided arm overload and predict acute or chronic injuries.

La gimnasia es un deporte básico, que se desarrolló bajo la idea filosófica "Mens sana in corpore sano". Tal idea supone armonizar el cuerpo y el alma. También la podemos entender bajo el término simetricidad del cuerpo atlético. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue determinar si el cuerpo de una gimnasta es simétrico. Sobre una muestra de 40 gimnastas de alto nivel (promedio de edad de 23 años) que asistían a la Competencia de la Copa Mundial en Ljubljana en el año 2000 se midieron 13 características antropométricas, diámetros de las articulaciones, perímetros y pliegues cutáneos en los lados izquierdo y derecho. Si bien, no hubo diferencias entre los parámetros de la pierna izquierda y la derecha, hay algunas diferencias significativas entre las medidas del brazo izquierdo y derecho. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el diámetro del codo, la circunferencia del antebrazo y grosor del pliegue cutáneo del tríceps y del bíceps braquial. Es beneficioso para los entrenadores controlar la simetría de sus atletas, ya que las diferencias pueden ser un signo de sobrecarga del miembro de un lado, y predecir las lesiones agudas o crónicas.