obesity

The aim of the study was to evaluate ozone therapy in obese pregnant women. 118 pregnant women with varying degrees of obesity were examined and treated. It turned out that the course of intravenous drip administration of ozonated saline solution leads to the normalization of a number of important indicators of homeostasis including stimulation of the antioxidant system and reduction of peroxide stress. The reduction in the frequency of miscarriage, preeclampsia, premature birth, and bleeding during childbirth and the postpartum period is achieved. It`s possible to recommend the inclusion of ozone therapy in the preventive treatment of pregnant women with exogenous constitutional obesity.

The incidence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) continues to rise, and obesity continues to be a predominant comorbid condition affecting patients with HFpEF. Recent research sheds light on the important pathophysiologic role that obesity plays in the development of HFpEF, with many areas of opportunity existing for future developments in understanding the etiology and management of the disease. Crucial in these pathophysiologic developments are studies that clearly characterize the obesity phenotype in HFpEF and compare it to presentations of HFpEF in patients without obesity. This paper reviews the existing literature on the obesity phenotype within HFpEF and discusses some of the prevailing ideas behind the pathophysiologic interplay between the conditions, as well as the existing treatments demonstrating improved outcomes in HFpEF.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that has gained attention as a potential sugar substitute for glycemic control and weight management. Extensive research has shown that high sugar consumption is linked to obesity, dental caries, and other health issues. Stevia, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, offers sweetness without calories and has a favorable glycemic profile. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in regulating blood glucose levels and reducing overall sugar and caloric intake. Consumer attitudes suggest a positive reception of Stevia as a sugar substitute among health-conscious individuals. However, further research is needed to understand its long-term effects and consumer sentiments. Future investigations should prioritize human clinical trials, targeted studies in diabetic populations, and exploration of Stevia’s interaction with gut microbiota, among other aspects. Stevia shows promise as a health-conscious alternative in glycemic control and weight management.

Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the current themes of medical research, being considered not so much a multidimensional condition but primarily a real problem of worldwide interest.The aim of our randomized study was to evaluate and compare the effects of physical exercise associated with an educational program on clinical-functional status in overweight and obese children.Material and method: Participants were children hospitalized, through the emergency service, in the Pediatric Department, Craiova Municipal Clinical Hospital, between June and November 2023. 93 overweight and obese children, aged between 2 and 16 years, were evaluated (clinical, paraclinical and functional) by a multidisciplinary team and randomized into the control group (group C – 63 children) and the study group (group S – 30 children). After the resolution of the acute digestive or respiratory disease, the children in group S underwent a program to restore their functional status, based on educational measures (following the 5-2-1-0 rule) and physical exercises, for 12 weeks. Anthropometric data were measured (height, weight, body mass index); physical performance wasevaluated by gait analysis (we used the BTS G – WALK / BTS G – SENSOR 2 system, BTS Bioengineering Corp, Italy) with the determination of four parameters – the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, the symmetry index, the walking test six minutes (6 MWT) and walking cadence or average cadence (steps/min) in both groups of children.The results were obtained by analyzing the differences in values obtained in the two moments T1 (initial) and T2 (after three months). The proportion of girls and boys was approximately equal within obesity class in each study group. Although we did not obtain statistically significant differences between the monitored parameters, between the two groups, for the two evaluation moments, the children in Group S had a clearly favorable evolution for physical performance parameters, whose average value was improved in T2. Anthropometric data did not change.Conclusion: The present study confirms the effectiveness of the multimodal (educational-kinetic) program for the physical performance of overweight/obese children. The sustained running of the program at home, with the involvement of the family and the school environment, is essential for the well-being of these children, with a favorable impact on the quality of life later.

Background: Obesity is one of the most pressing global health challenges, with over one billion people now living with the condition worldwide. In Southeast Asia, nearly 40% of the population is projected to be overweight or obese by 2035, with Thailand reporting prevalence exceeding 42%. Intensive Lifestyle Modification (ILM) combined with Meal Replacement (MR) has emerged as a promising strategy for achieving sustainable weight loss, supported by landmark trials including the Diabetes Prevention Program, Look AHEAD, and DiRECT.Objective: To illustrate the clinical effectiveness of ILM combined with MR through detailed case presentations documenting anthropometric outcomes at baseline, 8 weeks, and 52 weeks, contextualized within international obesity management guidelines and comparative research across diverse populations. We hypothesized that selected participants undergoing the ILM+MR intervention would demonstrate clinically significant weight loss (≥5% of initial body weight) sustained through 52 weeks, with concurrent improvements in waist circumference indicating reduced central adiposity.Methods: Twelve participants (9 female, 3 male) from the ILM+MR arm of a previously published retrospective cohort study (n = 702) were selected based on complete longitudinal data and representativeness. The intervention comprised structured nutritional counseling, soy-based MR (220 kcal per serving, twice daily for 8 weeks), behavioral modification with group therapy, and physical activity guidance aligned with the 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guidelines. Body weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 52 weeks.Results: Mean total weight loss was 38.2 kg (35.3% of initial body weight), with mean waist circumference reduction of 13.0 inches (33.0 cm) over 52 weeks. All 12 participants achieved clinically significant weight loss (>5%), substantially exceeding the 5–10% threshold recommended by international guidelines. Weight loss occurred in two phases: a rapid intensive phase (mean 14.0 kg during weeks 0–8) followed by continued loss during maintenance (mean 24.2 kg during weeks 8–52). All participants completed the 52-week follow-up.Conclusion: This case series demonstrates the potential for substantial, sustained weight loss through ILM+MR intervention, supporting findings from the larger Thai cohort study and international research including the DiRECT trial and systematic meta-analyses. These results reaffirm the foundational role of comprehensive lifestyle programs and highlight their relevance as scalable, culturally adaptable interventions for obesity management across diverse populations.

Obesity represents a significant public health challenge on a global scale, with its prevalence increasingly linked to socio-economic factors, most notably family income. This study investigates the relationship between family income and several obesity measures specifically, the Body Shape and Size Index (BSSI), Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA), Ponderal Index (PI), Weight/Body Mass (BM), and Height within a sample of 9,906 respondents from Pakistan. Utilizing descriptive statistics and p - values, the analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how variations in income affect these obesity indicators, ultimately informing potential public health interventions. The findings reveal a complex, variable association between family income levels and obesity measures that differs by the specific obesity index examined. For BSSI, individuals in the lowest income bracket demonstrated higher values (indicating greater adiposity), while for BMI and weight, higher income brackets showed elevated values. These mixed findings suggest that the direction of association depends critically on which obesity measure is analysed. The study reveals that lower-income families are more likely to face barriers in accessing nutritious food, engaging in physical activity, and achieving favourable health outcomes. This situation is often exacerbated by economic constraints that drive families toward caloric-dense, nutrient-poor food choices. The implications of this research are far-reaching, emphasizing the need for targeted public health strategies to address obesity, particularly among economically disadvantaged populations. The study advocates for policies that enhance food security, improve access to health-promoting resources, and create supportive environments for physical activity. Through a nuanced exploration of these relationships, the research aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of public health, promoting equity in health outcomes and addressing the root causes of obesity in Pakistan.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are two common conditions in aging men. Their association exceeds mere age-related coincidence and involves shared vascular, neurological, endocrine-metabolic and psychosexual mechanisms. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of ED in patients followed for symptomatic BPH, to identify factors associated with its severity, and to analyze the evolution of erectile function after medical treatment. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Urology Department A of Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat, from August 1 to November 30, 2021. After excluding 37 records, 100 male patients aged 50 to 80 years followed for BPH were included. LUTS were assessed using the IPSS score and erectile function using the IIEF-5 score. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological, ultrasonographic, cardiovascular and therapeutic data were analyzed. The significance threshold was set at p < 0.05. Results: Mean age was 66 ± 15 years. The overall prevalence of ED was 72%, with 30% mild, 33% moderate, and 27% severe forms among interpretable cases. Only 25% of patients had spontaneously reported their sexual dysfunction. Factors significantly associated with ED were age (p < 0.001), LUTS severity by IPSS (p < 0.001), obesity (p < 0.001), and history of prostatic surgery (p < 0.01), arterial hypertension (p < 0.02) and nocturia (p < 0.05). Alpha-blocker–tadalafil combination therapy improved the IIEF-5 score by +4.3 to +5.2 points. Alpha-blockers alone did not significantly improve erectile function. Conclusion: ED is common and largely under-reported in patients with BPH. LUTS severity, particularly nocturia, is closely linked to erectile impairment. Systematic sexual assessment should be an integral part of BPH management, and the alpha-blocker–PDE5i combination represents a relevant therapeutic strategy in patients with associated ED.

Introduction: Few studies have explored the vulnerability of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to developing cervical cancer and its precursor lesions. Objective: To describe the clinical, metabolic, and endocrine characteristics of a series of women with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions and polycystic ovary syndrome, aiming to generate hypotheses regarding the potential pathophysiological mechanisms linking both conditions.Methods: A descriptive and hypothesis-generating study was conducted. The series consisted of nine women with a cytological diagnosis of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) who also met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. Characterization included age, sexual behavior, toxic habits, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), metabolic parameters (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia), serum hormone levels (testosterone, prolactin, estradiol), human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 infection, grade of the lesion, and PCOS phenotypes. Results: The mean age was 37,11 ± 12,8 years. Abdominal obesity was detected in 55,5% and insulin resistance in 44,4% of cases. Hyperprolactinemia was present in 33,3%. HPV 16/18 infection was identified in 77,7% of cases. Most patients presented high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and PCOS phenotype D. Conclusion: The presence of HSIL in more than a third of the women in this case series is compatible with the hypothesis that PCOS, particularly those with insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, or hyperprolactinemia, may act as a multifactorial risk factor for cervical lesions, either independently or synergistically through metabolic and hormonal pathways that interact with HPV. These findings should be interpreted as preliminary observations that warrant confirmation in larger, controlled studies.