Do body mass index (BMI) and history of nutritional supplementation play a role in the severity of COVID-19? A retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Houra Mohseni ◽  
Shirin Amini ◽  
Behnaz Abiri ◽  
Mojtaba Kalantar
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
History Of

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that puts strain on health-care systems. Obesity is considered as a risk factor for the severity of infection. Hypotheses also suggested some nutritional supplements may be useful in COVID-19. This paper aims to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) and nutritional supplements on the severity of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted on 603 participants (in five groups including: exposure to virus and healthy, COVID-19 positive patients with severity of mild, moderate, severe and death from COVID-19), in age 18 to 65 years. Demographic data and history of nutritional supplements were asked. Anthropometric measurements were measured in a healthy group and in a patient. They were collected by referring to patients' medical records. Findings The mean of BMI in groups with severity symptoms of moderate (27.57 kg/m2), severe (29.70 kg/m2) and death persons (28.13 kg/m2), was significantly higher than healthy (26.70 kg/m2) and mild symptoms (26.57 kg/m2) groups (p = 0.001). The logistic regression shown, the fourth quartile of BMI was significantly associated with occurrence of COVID19, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI): [OR: 1.81, (95% CI: 1.13– 2.89), p-for trend = 0.55]. There was no significant difference in the percentage of vitamin C, D3, Zinc, Iron and multivitamin supplements intake, between groups, in the past six months (p = 0.11). Originality/value This study indicated the role of higher BMI in the occurrence and severity of COVID-19. Researches are not enough to recommend consumption of nutritional supplements for the prevention of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Body mass index and mortality in relation to age and follow-up of 30 years in large Austrian cohorts

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Nagel ◽  
R S Peter ◽  
B Föger ◽  
H Concin
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Generalized Additive Models ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Calendar Time ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Obesity and its health consequences will dominate health care systems in many countries during the next decades. Prevention programs have been implemented. However, the optimum body mass index (BMI) in relation to all-cause mortality on population level is still a matter of debate. Material and Method Data 1/1989-6/2005 of the Vorarlberg Health Monitoring & Prevention Program (VHM&PP,) and 8/2005-12/2015 for Vorarlberg provided by the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions were analyzed. In both cohorts, information was available on age, sex, measured height and weight as well as the date and cause of death. Generalized additive models were used to model the mortality rate as function of calendar time, age and follow-up. Results The VHM&PP cohort consisted of 85,488 men and 99,873 women and the later of 129,817 men and 152,399 women. In the second cohort, men (mean age 48 (SD16.9) vs. 45.3 (SD 15.5) and women (48.3 (SD 17.7) vs. 45.6 (SD 16.6) years) were slightly older than in the VHM&PP cohort. The average BMI was slightly higher in men (26.1 (SD4.0) vs. 25.7 (SD3.8) kg/m2) but not in women (24.6 (SD 4.8) vs. 24.7 (SD 4.9) kg/m2), respectively. In the VHM&PP cohort more ever smokers were found in both men (40.3 vs. 22.4%) and women (24.8 vs. 18.4%) than in the subsequent cohort. BMI optimum increased slightly between 1985 and 2015, from 24.9 (95%-CI: 24.0-25.9) to 26.4 (25.3-27.3) in men and from 22.4 (21.8-23.1) to 23.3 (22.5-24.5) kg/m2 in women. However, age and follow-up had major impact on the increase. In younger age the associations are quite stable, while in men over 50 years and in women over 60 years the BMI optimum decreased with length of follow-up. Conclusions Overall the BMI optimum increased slightly over time. However, age and follow-up had major impact on the association. These results suggest, that prognosis of obesity related diseases has improved over time. To detangle this further research is necessary. Key messages In Austria the BMI optimum increased slightly over time. Age and follow-up time had major impact on the association.

scholarly journals Increased Body Mass Index in Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Associated with Greater Burden of Symptoms and Poor Perceptions of the Benefits of Exercise

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 2310-2314 ◽  
Author(s):  
LAURA DURCAN ◽  
FIONA WILSON ◽  
RICHARD CONWAY ◽  
GAYE CUNNANE ◽  
FINBAR D. O’SHEA
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Disease Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective.Increased body mass index (BMI) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with a greater burden of symptoms and poor perceptions of the benefits of exercise. In AS, the effect of obesity on disease characteristics and exercise perceptions is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence of obesity in AS, to assess the attitudes of patients toward exercise and to evaluate the effect of obesity on symptoms and disease activity.Methods.Demographic data and disease characteristics were collected from 46 patients with AS. Disease activity, symptomatology, and functional disability were examined using standard AS questionnaires. BMI was calculated. Comorbidity was analyzed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Patients’ attitudes toward exercise were assessed using the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS). We compared the disease characteristics, perceptions regarding exercise, and functional limitations in those who were overweight to those who had a normal BMI.Results.The mean BMI in the group was 27.4; 67.5% of subjects were overweight or obese. There was a statistically significant difference between those who were overweight and those with a normal BMI regarding their perceptions of exercise (EBBS 124.7 vs 136.6, respectively), functional limitation (Bath AS Functional Index 4.7 vs 2.5, Health Assessment Questionnaire 0.88 vs 0.26), and disease activity (Bath AS Disease Activity Index 4.8 vs 2.9). There was no difference between the groups in terms of their comorbid conditions or other demographic variables.Conclusion.The majority of patients in this AS cohort were overweight. They had a greater burden of symptoms, worse perceptions regarding the benefits of exercise, and enhanced awareness of their barriers to exercising. This is of particular concern in a disease where exercise plays a crucial role.

scholarly journals Blood Pressure and Its Association with Gender, Body Mass Index, Smoking, and Family History among University Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussein H. Alhawari ◽  
Sameeha Al-Shelleh ◽  
Hussam H. Alhawari ◽  
Aseel Al-Saudi ◽  
Dina Aljbour Al-Majali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Family History ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
University Students ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of

Hypertension is one of the major risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we will assess the frequency of hypertension among healthy university students and its association with gender, body mass index, smoking, and family history of both hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. We screened healthy university students ranging from 18 to 26 years of age. For each participant, we performed blood pressure measurements using a previously validated device and obtained demographic data, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and family history of both hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Out of the total number of 505 participants included in this study, 35.2% have blood pressure between 130/80 and 139/89, and 13.5% have blood pressure of more than 140/90. We found significant gender differences in both systolic pressure (p = 0.003) with mean difference = 18.08 mmHg (CI: 16.13 to 19.9) and diastolic pressure (p = 0.011) with mean difference = 3.6 mmHg (CI: 2.06 to 5.14), higher in males than in females. Upon comparing the mean difference in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with BMI, we found significant differences in both systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p = 0.002) blood pressure. We also found that smokers have significantly (p = 0.025) higher systolic blood pressure (mean difference = 4.2 mmHg, CI: 3.2 mmHg to 8.8 mmHg), but no significant difference for diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.386), compared to nonsmokers. First-degree family history of both hypertension and cardiovascular diseases affected systolic but not diastolic blood pressure. Taking into account the adverse short- and long-term effect of hypertension, we recommend adopting an awareness program highlighting the importance of screening blood pressure in young adolescent populations, keeping in mind that both high BMI and smoking are important modifiable factors.

scholarly journals Employee Health Screening in One of Iranian Gas Companies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Amiri ◽  
Skakiba Bakhtom ◽  
Sara Tarokh
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of

Background: Employee examination is one of the requirements of the occupational health care system. The present study aimed to evaluate the current health status of the staff working in an Iranian gas company to prevent, follow-up, and treat the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on the data collected from health screening of 94 service personnel in one of the gas companies in Iran. Data were collected by the 4-sheet forms of occupational examinations containing the following information: demographic data, general health status (blood pressure, smoking, allergy history, surgery, occupational accidents, body mass index), cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, clinical examination, paraclinical evaluations of the internal gland, cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and hematopoietic system (CBC). Data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: All participants were male with an average (Standard Deviation) age and BMI of 42.96 ± 8.00 and26.83 ± 4.08, respectively. The participantschr('39') body mass index indicated that 45 staff (48.38%) were overweight and 15 individuals (16.12%) were in the range of obesity. The participants had history of smoking (22.3%), cholesterol above 200 (27.7%), and triglycerides above 300 (8/5%). The rate of hypermetropia, musculoskeletal disease, hypertension, high blood concentration and low blood platelets, hyperglycemia, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease were 25.80%, 24.5%, 9.6%, 56.4%, 7.4%, 1.1%, and 12.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Although the studied company has a yearly occupational medical examination, the workers have not been provided with a comprehensive report and appropriate feedback. Therefore, it is essential to follow up the health reports and examinations and refer the patients to the related physicians.

scholarly journals Statistical methods for body mass index: A selective review

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 798-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keming Yu ◽  
Xi Liu ◽  
Rahim Alhamzawi ◽  
Frauke Becker ◽  
Joanne Lord
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Statistical Library ◽  
Effective Public Health

Obesity rates have been increasing over recent decades, causing significant concern among policy makers. Excess body fat, commonly measured by body mass index, is a major risk factor for several common disorders including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, placing a substantial burden on health care systems. To guide effective public health action, we need to understand the complex system of intercorrelated influences on body mass index. This paper, based on all eligible articles searched from Global health, Medline and Web of Science databases, reviews both classical and modern statistical methods for body mass index analysis. We give a description of each of these methods, exploring the classification, links and differences between them and the reasons for choosing one over the others in different settings. We aim to provide a key resource and statistical library for researchers in public health and medicine to deal with obesity and body mass index data analysis.

scholarly journals Correlation between Ocular Axial Length and Body Mass Index in a Black Population

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
I. N. Aprioku ◽  
C. S. Ejimadu
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Axial Length ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Black Population ◽  
P Value ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Significant Difference

Aim: To determine the correlation between Ocular axial length (AL) and body mass index (BMI) in a black population. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out in Port Harcourt City LGA, Nigeria. Subjects were selected using multistage random sampling with inclusion criteria of Visual Acuity > 6/18, age greater than 18 years with no history of past ocular surgeries or trauma. Socio demographic data was obtained through an interviewer based structured proforma. Data obtained included age, sex, tribe, occupation and level of education. Weight, height and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured using a standard height and weight automated scale (SECA 769,220). Ocular examinations done included visual acuity, applanation tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. Axial length (AL) was measured using Amplitude (A) scan ultrasonography (SONOMED PACSCAN 300AP). Data obtained from one eye of the subjects were analyzed using SPSS (Version 17), and p value was set at ≤ 0.05. Results: Four hundred and sixty six (466) subjects participated in the study made up of two hundred and twelve (212) males (45.5%) and two hundred and fifty four (254) females (54.5%) with M: F ratio of 1:1.2. The age range was 18-92 years and mean age of the subjects studied 43.0±14.2 years. Findings revealed mean AL, Body Mass Index, Height and Weight to be (23.2±1.0 mm), (26.9±6.2 kg/m2), (162.5±9 cm) and (70.5±14.8 kg) respectively. The mean AL was greater in males than females. There was no statistically significant relationship between age and axial length. There was a statistically significant relationship between height and AL in both gender with AL increasing by 0.035 mm (p=0.001, r=0.261) with one centimeter change in height in males and 0.025 mm (p=0.001, r=0.2680) in females and between AL and level of education (p=0.001). There was also a statistically significant (0.009 mm) increase in AL per one kilogramme change in weight in females (p=0.0001, r=0.188). Males had longer AL than females in all the BMI groups with a statistically significant difference found between the different BMI classes. Conclusion: This study noted that although there is no statistically significant relationship between AL and BMI, there are significant relationships between AL and height and weight respectively. Estimated AL in mm= 16.91 + 0.039 (height in cm).

scholarly journals Identifying Factors That Contribute to Adolescent Bony Stress Injury in Secondary School Athletes: A Comparative Analysis With a Healthy Athletic Control Group

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric D. Nussbaum ◽  
Jaynie Bjornaraa ◽  
Charles J. Gatt
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Weight Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Shin Splints ◽  
Dairy Intake ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Control

Background:Bony stress injuries (BSIs) are common among adolescents involved in high school sports. A better understanding of factors that contribute to adolescent BSI is needed to target preventative measures.Hypothesis:Individuals who suffer a BSI will demonstrate significant differences in training methods, sleep, diet, and history of injury compared with a healthy, noninjured control group.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiologic study.Methods:Data from the National High School Stress Fracture Registry (NHSSFR), an internet-based adolescent BSI survey, were used to identify variables reported with adolescent (13-18 years of age) BSI. These findings were compared with a survey of 100 (50 males, 50 females) healthy athletic controls to identify significant differences between healthy adolescents and those with BSI.Results:A total of 346 stress fractures were reported in 314 (206 females, 108 males) athletes within the NHSSFR. Comparison with healthy control participants demonstrated multiple significant findings. In particular, body mass index was significantly lower for patients with BSI injury compared with controls ( P < 0.001). Patients slept significantly less than the control group (7.2 vs 7.95 hours; F = 34.41; P < 0.001). Females also slept significantly less hours than males (7.2 vs 7.63 hours; F = 11.02; P < 0.001). Fifty-eight percent of those who reported a BSI did not engage in any weight training. Those with a BSI had significantly higher average stress ratings than control participants (1.67 vs 1.42; P < 0.001), and females also rated their stress levels significantly higher than males (1.8 vs 1.38; P < 0.001). A significant difference between patients with any BSI and control participants existed for history of “shin splints” (Pearson χ2= 28.31; P < 0.001), and females also expressed having shin pain lasting for longer than 4 weeks (Pearson χ2= 8.12; P < 0.001) and more often (Pearson χ2= 5.84; P = 0.02) than males. There was also a significant difference between patients with BSI and control subjects regarding dairy intake (2.25 vs 2.69; F = 6.43; P = 0.01).Conclusion:Findings revealed significant differences between those who reported a BSI relative to healthy athletic adolescents. These differences included body mass index, prior history of shin splints, involvement in weight training, amount of sleep, daily stress, and dairy intake. Preventive measures should be developed to address these areas to reduce the incidence of BSIs in the adolescent population.

Assessing the role of GPs in Nordic health care systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-135
Author(s):  
Randolph K. Quaye
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Delivery ◽  
Health Care Cost ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Health Care Delivery Systems

Purpose This paper examines the changing role of general practitioners (GPs) in Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. It aims to explore the “gate keeping” role of GPs in the face of current changes in the health care delivery systems in these countries. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from existing literature, interviews with GPs, hospital specialists and representatives of Danish regions and Norwegian Medical Association. Findings The paper contends that in all these changes, the position of the GPs in the medical division of labor has been strengthened, and patients now have increased and broadened access to choice. Research limitations/implications Health care cost and high cancer mortality rates have forced Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark to rethink their health care systems. Several attempts have been made to reduce health care cost through market reform and by strenghtening the position of GPs. The evidence suggests that in Norway and Denmark, right incentives are in place to achieve this goal. Sweden is not far behind. The paper has limitations of a small sample size and an exclusive focus on GPs. Practical implications Anecdotal evidence suggests that physicians are becoming extremely unhappy. Understanding the changing status of primary care physicians will yield valuable information for assessing the effectiveness of Nordic health care delivery systems. Social implications This study has wider implications of how GPs see their role as potential gatekeepers in the Nordic health care systems. The role of GPs is changing as a result of recent health care reforms. Originality/value This paper contends that in Norway and Denmark, right incentives are in place to strengthen the position of GPs.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Being Overweight or Obese in Suriname

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeetendra Khadan ◽  
Nekeisha Spencer ◽  
Eric Strobl ◽  
Theophiline Bose-Duker
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Adult Body Mass ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Demographic Risk

Objective: To identify the socio-demographic risk factors that are associated with adult Body Mass Index.Methods: We apply probit and ordinal probit models to a sample of 3,803 adults aged 20 and above from the 2016/17 round of the Suriname Survey of Living Conditions.Results: Women, the elderly, and couples who are either married and/or living together are more likely to be obese or overweight. This is also true for individuals who have chronic illnesses. We also find that individuals who engage in a sport or in other forms of exercise, even if modest, have lower odds of being overweight or obese. Interestingly, our findings indicate that individuals who benefit from government social safety net programs are less likely to be associated with being overweight or obese.Conclusion: Obesity could become a serious public health issue if not addressed appropriately. Policymakers should promptly develop a national strategy to help health care systems cope with the outcomes of obesity and to tackle the risk factors that have the greatest impacts on individual Body Mass Index.

STEROID RECEPTOR PHENOTYPE, EXPRESSION OF HER-2/NEU, PD-1, PD-L1 AND LYMPHOCYTIC-MACROPHAGAL INFILTRATION OF ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMAS: COMPARISON OF MODERN MOLECULAR BIOLOGICAL TYPES OF THE DISEASE (THE ROLE OF BODY MASS INDEX)

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-78
Author(s):  
Lev Bershteyn ◽  
Aleksandr Ivantsov ◽  
Aglaya Ievleva ◽  
A. Venina ◽  
I. Berlev
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Tumor Tissue ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Molecular Profile ◽  
Total N ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Her 2

The aim of this study was to evaluate steroid receptors’ status of tumor tissue in different molecular biological types of endometrial cancer (EC), subdivided according to the current classification, and their colonization by lymphocytic and macrophage cells, taking into account body mass index of the patients. Materials and methods: Material from treatment-naive patients with EC (total n = 229) was included; the number of sick persons varied depending on the method used. The average age of patients was close to 60 years, and about 90% of them were postmenopausal. It was possible to divide the results of the work into two main subgroups: a) depending on the molecular biological type of the tumor (determined on the basis of genetic and immunohistochemical analysis), and b) depending on the value of the body mass index (BMI). The latter approach was used in patients with EC type demonstrating a defective mismatch repair of the incorrectly paired nucleotides (MMR-D) and with a type without characteristic molecular profile signs (WCMP), but was not applied (due to the smaller number of patients) in EC types with a POLE gene mutation or with expression of the oncoprotein p53. According to the data obtained, when comparing various types of EC, the lowest values of Allred ER and PR scores were revealed for POLE-mutant and p53 types, while the “triple-negative” variant of the tumor (ER-, PR-, HER2/neu-) was most common in POLE-mutant (45.5% of cases) and WCMP (19.4%) types of EC. The p53+ type of EC is characterized by inclination to the higher expression of the macrophage marker CD68 and lymphocytic Foxp3, as well as mRNA of PD-1 and SALL4. In addition to the said above, for WCMP type of EC is peculiar, on the contrary, a decrease in the expression of lymphocytic markers CD8 (protein) and PD-L1 (mRNA). When assessing the role of BMI, its value of >30.0 (characteristic for obesity) was combined with an inclination to the increase of HER-2/neu expression in the case of MMR-D EC type and to the decrease of HER-2 /neu, FOXp3 and ER expression in WCMP type. Conclusions: The accumulated information (mainly describing here hormonal sensitivity of the tumor tissue and its lymphocytic-macrophage infiltration) additionally confirms our earlier expressed opinion that the differences between women with EC are determined by both the affiliation of the neoplasm to one or another molecular biological type (subdivided according to the contemporary classification), as well as by body mass value and (very likely) the associated hormonal and metabolic attributes.

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