Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) is a mitochondrial protein expressed in a wide range of human tissues. By uncoupling respiration from ATP synthesis, UCP2 might be involved in the control of energy expenditure. We have investigated UCP2 gene expression in human adipose tissue. In eight subjects, we found a positive correlation (r = 0.91, P < 0.002) between subcutaneous and visceral fat depots UCP2 m...

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and will be followed by a worldwide epidemic of diabetes. While diet, lifestyle, and exercise are the cornerstones of current approaches to treat obesity, they have been ineffective in stemming the current epidemic. In this issue of THE JOURNAL, the article by Bravata et al systematically reviews and synthesizes the literature on the use of low-carbohydrate diets...

Diet carbonated soft drinks were introduced to help consumers lower caloric intake. However, critics suggest that these can provide an excuse consume more calories, a so-called “Big Mac and Coke” mentality is consistent with behavioral theories such as moral licensing (e.g., combining healthy eating choice indulgent, less one). Using individual-level food drink consumer panel data from major fa...

The protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) is a very-low-calorie diet containing mostly protein and little carbohydrate. This article reviews the principles of the PSMF and its potential benefits in terms of weight loss, glycemic control, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk factors, and related complications for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Incidence of gestational diabetes can increase by several factors such as obesity, aging, diet and genetic factors. This study aimed to assess the role of nutrition, biochemical and demographic factors in development of GDM in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this prospe...

This study examines the combined effects of caloric restriction on body composition, blood lipid, and satiety in slightly overweight women by varying food density and aerobic exercise. Twenty-three women were randomly assigned to one of two groups for a four-week weight management program: the high-energy density diet plus exercise (HDE: n = 12, 22 ± 2 yrs, 65 ± 7 kg, 164 ± 5 cm, 35 ± 4 % fat) ...

Glucose tolerance and insulin secretion have been measured in twenty-three obese maturity-onset diabetics (twelve high-insulin secretors and eleven lowor normal-insulin secretors) on first presentation and after 10 weeks on a low-calorie diet. There was a significant improvement in glucose tolerance alone, when the results were compared with those from diabetics not on any form of treatment. Th...

Background Obesity is very common worldwide and is related to critical morbidity and mortality. It has a large number of impacts on the human body. Constipation has a prevalence from 4% to 29% in various parts of the world and is considered to be a major health problem, with an estimated incidence of 5% in males and 15% in females. There is a strong association between obesity and constipation....

INTRODUCTION Obesity is associated with a number of diseases resulting from the excessive amount of adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the quantity of adipose tissue and the prevalence of metabolic disturbances, and the concentration of adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines in obese or overweight patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-five middle...

Although calorie restriction and alternate-day fasting have potential for slowing the aging process while decreasing risk for vascular disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia, a “carbohydrate-concentrated” diet strategy, entailing long daily periods of carbohydrate abstinence, may prove to be a much more practical strategy for achieving these aims. The life extension and healthy aging benefits o...