Minimal alteration in muscle lipid genes following stabilized weight loss

Variations in skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), carntine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), perilipin protein 2 (PLIN2), and adipose tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) have been described as playing important roles in the metabolic regulation of lipid oxidation, and may influence intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and muscle lipid droplet size (LDS). While acute changes in caloric balance and/or aerobic capacity may affect lipid metabolism, the influence of sustained weight loss derived from caloric restriction with weight loss (CWL) compared with exercise training with weight loss (EWL) on the abovementioned parameters has not been fully elucidated. Using a combination of metabolic feeding and/or supervised exercise training, we evaluated the influence of stabilized weight loss elicited by CWL compared with EWL without the confounding influence of acute alterations in caloric balance on molecular markers of mitochondrial metabolism and lipid droplet size in middle-aged overweight individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. There were no significant changes in PGC-1α, CPT-1, PLIN2, ATGL and, CGI-58 messenger RNA (mRNA) in CWL and EWL. While there were no changes in ATGL mRNA in CWL, there was a strong trend (P = 0.05) for the ΔATGL mRNA in EWL with stabilized weight loss. There were no significant changes in IMCL or LDS within skeletal muscle in CWL or EWL, respectively. In conclusion, under the conditions of chronic caloric balance following dietary or exercise-based interventions, mediators of mitochondrial function, IMCL and LDS, were largely unaffected. Future studies should focus on intervention-based changes in protein expression and/or phosphorylation and the relationship to physiological endpoints.

An assessment of basic nutrition knowledge of adolescents with eating disorders and their parents

Objective: This study aims to determine and compare the level of basic nutrition knowledge of adolescents with eating disorders and their parents to adolescents without eating disorders and their parents. Materials and methods: This six-month convenience based survey recruited a total of 182 adolescents with and without an eating disorder and their parents. The surveys were conducted in a suburban adolescent medicine office. Main outcome measures were based on the 18 basic nutrition questions, while means, standard deviations, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, and χ2 were all employed for the analysis. Results: None of the groups correctly answered more than half of the questions. In terms of the percentage of correct responses, there was a statistically significant difference between adolescents with eating disorders and their parents compared with adolescents without an eating disorder and their parents. Fewer than 16% of respondents in each group correctly answered the recommended daily caloric balance of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Conclusions: There is a deficiency in basic nutrition knowledge among adolescents with and without eating disorders and their parents. A significant increase in basic nutrition education needs to occur in order to increase the understanding of what is a “healthy” diet.

Health Learning Practices in Adolescents Using Physical Activity

To increase health education we applied blended learning concept by combining physical activity and e-learning technology. Investigation aims to create, apply and assess learning tasks. 201 high school students (15-22 years, 17,6±1.4) were divided in control (CG) and practical (PG) group. PG was exposed to several problems solving using physical activity and technology to accomplish the goals. To evaluate student’s knowledge about concepts studied (Caloric Balance-CB; Posture-P, Heart Rate-HR) a specific survey was used. Student’s knowledge perception about each concept and their need for acquiring a better knowledge were also observed. A Pre, Post and Retention assessment were made. A performance improvement was observed for PG on HR (88%) and CB (78%), significantly different from CG (p<.000). In retention test for acquisition of more knowledge on health behaviors, PG results were significantly higher than CG (p<.005). The proposed learning tasks were very useful to motivate and promote students success.

Nutrition and the healthy heart with an exercise boost

In this era of potent medications and major cardiovascular (CV) procedures, the value of nutrition can be forgotten. A healthy diet is essential, regardless of CV risk. Caloric balance is inherent to a good diet. Despite patients who say they eat little, ideal weight can be maintained if calories are burned. Composition is another component of a healthy diet. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diets provide proof of CV benefit from their specific content. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with poor diet and obesity. A healthy diet with good nutrition benefits the MS patient and associated conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Exercise, in conjunction with a healthy diet and good nutrition, helps maintain optimal weight and provides CV benefit such as decreased inflammation and increased vasodilatation. Whether vitamins or other nutritional supplements are important in a healthy diet is unproven. Nevertheless, the most promising data of added benefit to a healthy diet is with vitamin D. Some dietary supplements also have promise. Alcohol, in moderation, especially red wine, has nutritional and heart protective benefits. Antioxidants, endogenous or exogenous, have received increased interest and appear to play a favorable nutritional role. CV health starts with good nutrition.