Obesities

26 pages, 1480 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota and Obesity: The Chicken or the Egg?

by Daniele S. Tassoni, Rodrigo C. O. Macedo, Felipe M. Delpino and Heitor O. Santos

Obesities 2023, 3(4), 296-321; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities3040024 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3793

Although the link between gut microbiota and obesity is increasingly reported, the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes are still under debate. This overview of human and animal data addresses several pathophysiologic mechanisms, dietary habits, exercise and probiotic and symbiotic supplementation in the fields of gut microbiota and obesity. Overall, obesity impairs gut microbiota composition due to factors that may be linked to the onset of the disease, such as excessive consumption of high-energy foods, sugars and fats, as well as a low fiber intake and physical inactivity. Conversely, low-energy diets, physical exercise, and probiotic and prebiotic supplementations can enhance gut microbiota in patients with obesity, in addition to improving cardiometabolic markers. As for perspectives, further research is warranted to ascertain proper dietary manipulation, physical exercise protocols and dosing regimens of probiotics. Regarding the latter, the effects on indicators of obesity are clinically modest, and hence skepticism must be exercised. Full article

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9 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Factors Associated with Gender Differences in Perceived Stress among Adults with Higher Body Weight in the United States—A Cross-Sectional Analysis

by Nadeeja N. Wijayatunga, Joseph D. Wellman and Kevin Tomasko

Obesities 2023, 3(4), 287-295; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities3040023 - 27 Nov 2023

Viewed by 848

Abstract

This study aimed to explore factors associated with perceived stress in adults with higher body sizes. An analysis of data from participants who self-reported higher body weight was conducted (n = 1716). The mean (standard deviation) age was 55.92 (15.94) years and 71.3% and 28.7% identified themselves as women and men, respectively. Gender differences in perceived stress, desire for weight loss, trust in physicians, body affirmation, and perceived weight discrimination were examined. Perceived stress and perceived weight discrimination were significantly higher in women than in men, while trust in physicians and body affirmation was higher in men than women. Trust in physicians and body affirmation were both negatively associated with perceived stress. Perceived weight discrimination and desire for weight loss were both positively associated with perceived stress. Trust in physicians, body affirmation, and perceived weight discrimination were examined as mediators of the observed gender differences between men and women. Trust in physicians, body affirmation, and perceived weight discrimination were significant mediators of the relationship between gender and perceived stress. These results suggest that a possible point of intervention for addressing gender differences in rates of perceived stress among higher body weight adults may be to increase trust in physicians, encourage body affirmation, and reduce weight discrimination. Full article

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22 pages, 2402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Sulforaphane and Chlorophyl a in a Western Diet-Induced Obesity Model

by Tânia Martins, Ana Filipa Matos, Joana Soares, Rúben Leite, Maria João Pires, Maria de Lurdes Pinto, Maria João Neuparth, Sandra Mariza Monteiro, Ana Rita Sequeira, Luís Félix, Carlos Venâncio, Eduardo Rosa, Paula Alexandra Oliveira and Luís Miguel Antunes

Obesities 2023, 3(4), 265-286; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities3040022 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 931

Abstract

The global rise in obesity and its co-morbidities raises worldwide health, social and economic concerns, especially in developed countries. Compounds derived from natural sources are now in the focus of pharmacological therapies. In recent years, sulforaphane (SFN) has been the subject of studies due to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anti-obesity effects. Lately, some studies have also reported the anti-obesogenic potential of chlorophyll. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of SFN and chlorophyll a (Chlo.a) in C57BL/6J mice fed with a Western diet, rich in sugar and fat. The study lasted 14 weeks, and for the last 4 weeks SFN (0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg/day) or Chlo.a (0.2 or 0.5 mg/kg/day) was administered orally. The results showed that supplementation with SFN or Chlo.a resulted in an increase in body temperature and a reduction in the size of adipocytes. However, the administration of SFN or Chlo.a for 4 weeks did not decrease the body weight gain or hepatic steatosis, and increased hepatic ROS counterbalancing with an increase in SOD activity. In conclusion, in the animal model used, treatment with SFN or Chlo.a did not show strong anti-obesity effects; however, slight improvements were observed with the supplementation of these compounds. Full article

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Obesities, Volume 3, Issue 4 (December 2023) – 3 articles

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