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Query: UMLS:C0028754 (obesity)
 124,988 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Aging is the progressive accumulation of changes with time that are responsible for the ever-increasing likelihood of disease and death. The precise cascade of pathological events mainly responsible for aging are still not clearly understood, but enhanced production of free radicals and its deleterious effects on proteins, nucleic acids, and fats, as well as enhanced glycosylation of proteins and DNA are prevalent during aging. Insulin resistance may be a common etiology, at least in part, behind the pathobiological alterations of advancing age. Prevalent age-related disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and cancer have been associated with impaired glucose/insulin metabolism and its consequences. This leads to future strategies to combat the aging process and chronic disorders such as the components of syndrome X associated with aging. Increasing the intake of antioxidants and/or substances recognized to enhance insulin sensitivity is a natural means of combatting the glucose/insulin perturbations and free radical damage. Accordingly, ingestion of niacin-bound chromium and natural antioxidants such as grape seed proanthocyanidin extract has been demonstrated to improve insulin sensitivity and/or ameliorate free radical formation and reduce the signs/symptoms of chronic age-related disorders including syndrome X. These natural strategies possess a highly favorable risk/benefit ratio.
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PMID:Protective effects of a novel niacin-bound chromium complex and a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on advancing age and various aspects of syndrome X. 1207 77

The author contends that neither behavioral nor psychological factors are responsible for obesity or overweight, but that physiological and nutritional factors are. Obesity and overweight are relevant to natural family planning because they contribute to various problems of the female reproductive system. Body fat stores estrogen, and excess body fat increases estrogen levels which creates various problems. For example, elevated estrogen levels may contribute to endometrium build-up, resulting in heavy, prolonged bleeding during menstruation or in midcycle. They may kick off a reaction, causing suppressed ovulation, premenstrual spotting, and menstrual cramps. Other possible effects of high estrogen levels are fibroid tumors, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and amenorrhea. The consistent pressure of excess body fat on the uterus can result in uterine prolapse. Overweight may also be a symptom of a reproductive problem, e.g., ovarian failure. Hypoglycemia, including reactive hypoglycemia, caused by a diet high in sugar and white flour, plays a key role in overweight. Excessive insulin secretion in reactive hypoglycemic cases maintains high glucose levels, and the body stores the excess glucose in fat cells. Thus, a diet low in sugary foods and high in fiber-rich complex carbohydrates is the most successful way to lose weight. However, vitamins and minerals needed to maintain blood sugar levels must supplement this diet to be successful. These vitamins and minerals include the B vitamins, magnesium, and, perhaps, chromium. Iodine, vitamins A and E, zinc, and selenium help the thyroid gland operate optimally, so as to avoid excess blood sugar levels. Vitamin E, lecithin, and evening primrose oil assist the body in using fat better. Regular exercise is also important to burn excess fat. Aspartame (Nutrasweet) exacerbates hypoglycemia and is usually found in refined foods and non-foods.
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PMID:An empathetic look at overweight. 1231 98

Elemental chromium (Cr) is an essential micronutrient. It is required for optimal insulin activity and normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Tri-valent chromium (Cr3+) is recommended for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. There is evidence that Cr3+ may have antidepressant properties, possibly by enhancement of monoamine function through its ability to increase amino acid transport to the brain. The aim of the present study was to investigate further the possible effects of Cr3+ treatment on peripheral amino acid availability and brain monoamine function in the rat. We undertook three studies in rats. The first was a time-course study in which animals were administered single doses of 50 mg/kg of Cr3+ picolinate and the second a dose-response study in which animals were given either 20 or 50 mg/kg Cr3+ picolinate versus vehicle alone via the intra-peritoneal route. In the third, animals were fed a diet containing Cr3+ picolinate (100 mg/kg) or a similar control diet for two weeks and were then sacrificed. Blood was sampled and brains were removed for later analysis. Results from the Cr3+ time-course study defined an optimal time for sampling of two hours after dosing. Results from the second study showed dose-related responses to Cr3+ treatment for a number of measured biochemical parameters including serum corticosterone. In the sub-chronic treatment study Cr3+ significantly increased serum free tryptophan (TRP), non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFFAs), corticosterone, together with brain TRP, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), noradrenaline (NA) and pineal melatonin. From other studies in our laboratory we have shown that Cr3+ treatment can modify brain 5-HT function, perhaps by altering the sensitivity of central 5-HT2A receptors. The peripheral effect of Cr3+ picolinate treatments and their consequential central effect on increased serotonergic and noradrenergic function may suggest that Cr3+ could have some antidepressant-like actions. Future studies to confirm this are to be done.
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PMID:Effects of treatment with chromium picolinate on peripheral amino acid availability and brain monoamine function in the rat. 1535 78

The prevalence in obesity has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, more than double in the United States alone. Obesity is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, biliary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer. The pathophysiology of obesity is complex, involving behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors. Current treatment options include behavior modification and lifestyle changes which incorporate weight-reducing diets and physical activity, FDA approved long-term anti-obesity pharmacological agents sibutramine and orlistat, non-FDA approved over-the-counter (OTC) supplements and nutriceuticals, and, when appropriate, bariatric surgery. Without adequate prevention and treatment of obesity, government agencies have suggested that the direct and indirect costs associated with obesity may overwhelm the healthcare system. This brief review explores the current data available on treatments for the obese patient including the relative merits of different types of macronutrient composition (e.g., low carbohydrate vs. high carbohydrate diets) of weight-reducing diets, the value of resistance/ strength training in physical activity programs designed for the obese patient, the safety and efficacy associated with OTC supplements and nutriceuticals for weight reduction (e.g., Ephedra, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Garcinia cambogia/ hydroxycitric acid (HCA), chromium, pyruvate), the safety and efficacy of FDA-approved long-term obesity treatments sibutramine and orlistat, and bariatric surgery.
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PMID:A perspective on the current strategies for the treatment of obesity. 1554 44

Over-the-counter dietary supplements to treat obesity appeal to many patients who desire a "magic bullet" for weight loss. Asking overweight patients about their use of weight-loss supplements and understanding the evidence for the efficacy, safety, and quality of these supplements are critical when counseling patients regarding weight loss. A schema for whether physicians should recommend, caution, or discourage use of a particular weight-loss supplement is presented in this article. More than 50 individual dietary supplements and more than 125 commercial combination products are available for weight loss. Currently, no weight-loss supplements meet criteria for recommended use. Although evidence of modest weight loss secondary to ephedra-caffeine ingestion exists, potentially serious adverse effects have led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban the sale of these products. Chromium is a popular weight-loss supplement, but its efficacy and long-term safety are uncertain. Guar gum and chitosan appear to be ineffective; therefore, use of these products should be discouraged. Because of insufficient or conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid, ginseng, glucomannan, green tea, hydroxycitric acid, L-carnitine, psyllium, pyruvate, and St. John's wort in weight loss, physicians should caution patients about the use of these supplements and closely monitor those who choose to use these products.
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PMID:Common dietary supplements for weight loss. 1555 92

Although a multitude of pharmaceutical agents are available for the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety and insomnia, many patients have difficulty tolerating the side effects, do not respond adequately, or eventually lose their response. Many therapeutic herbs and nutrients have far fewer side effects and may provide an alternative treatment or can be used to enhance the effect of prescription medications. In the article, the authors review the quality of the evidence supporting the clinical effects of a number of commonly used types of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) for mood disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. They review data on the use of St. John's Wort, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e), B vitamins, inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline for mood disorders; data on the use of kava and other herbal agents and fish extract for anxiety and insomnia; and data on valerian and melatonin for insomnia. The authors also discuss the use of CAM to treat migraines, which may be comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders, and obesity, which can occur as a side effect of psychotropic medications. They consider the data on feverfew and butterbur for migraines and on chromium picolinate and the combination of ephedrine and caffeine for obesity. The authors also review issues related to comorbid medical illness, side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and brand selection.
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PMID:Herbs and nutrients in the treatment of depression, anxiety, insomnia, migraine, and obesity. 1599 May 9

Vascular heme oxygenase (HO) metabolizes heme to form carbon monoxide (CO). Increased heme-derived CO inhibits nitric oxide synthase and can contribute to hypertension via endothelial dysfunction in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Obese Zucker rats (ZR) are models of metabolic syndrome. This study tests the hypothesis that endogenous CO formation is increased and contributes to hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in obese ZR. Awake obese ZR showed increased respiratory CO excretion, which was lowered by HO inhibitor administration [zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bis glycol (ZnDPBG) 25 micromol.kg(-1).24 h(-1) ip]. In awake obese ZR, chronically instrumented with femoral arterial catheters, blood pressure was elevated but was decreased by the HO inhibitor ZnDPBG. Body weight, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, plasma insulin, total and LDL cholesterol, oxidized LDL, and triglyceride levels were elevated in obese ZR, and, except for LDL cholesterol, were unchanged by HO inhibition. Total HO-1 protein levels were not different between lean and obese ZR aortas. In vitro experiments used isolated skeletal muscle arterioles with constant pressure and no flow, or constant midpoint, but altered endpoint pressures to establish graded levels of luminal flow. In obese ZR arterioles, responses to ACh and flow were attenuated. Acute in vitro pretreatment with an HO inhibitor, chromium mesoporphyrin, enhanced ACh and flow-induced dilation and abolished the differences between groups. Furthermore, exogenous CO prevented the restoration of flow-induced dilation by the HO inhibitor in obese ZR arterioles. These results suggest that HO-derived CO production is increased and promotes hypertension and arteriolar endothelial dysfunction in obese ZR with metabolic syndrome independent of affecting metabolic parameters.
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PMID:Metabolic syndrome increases endogenous carbon monoxide production to promote hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in obese Zucker rats. 1628 90

Obesity is the common nutritional disorder affecting more and more animals every year. Obese individuals have altered metabolism and disorders of many organs. Obesity may develop as a result of specific genetic, metabolic, nervous and environmental factors. Dietary management of obesity requires addressing the underlying metabolism of the animal, normalizing the glucose level and proper treatment of diabetes, which is usually associated with obesity. Novel nutrients like leptin, chromium, carnitine and starch added to the diet as well as new approaches in the obesity therapy are very important in successful weight management and treatment of this common disorder.
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PMID:Obesity in carnivores. 1638 59

Chromium is one of the few trace minerals for which a specific cellular mechanism of action has not been identified. Recent in vitro studies suggest that chromium supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing insulin receptor signaling, but this has not been demonstrated in vivo. We investigated the effect of chromium supplementation on insulin receptor signaling in an insulin-resistant rat model, the JCR:LA-corpulent rat. Male JCR:LA-cp rats (4 mo of age) were randomly assigned to receive chromium picolinate (CrPic) (obese n=6, lean n=5) or vehicle (obese n=5, lean n=5) for 3 mo. The CrPic was provided in the water, and based on calculated water intake, rats randomized to CrPic received 80 microg/(kg.d). At the end of the study, skeletal muscle (vastus lateralis) biopsies were obtained at baseline and at 5, 15, and 30 min postinsulin stimulation to assess insulin signaling. Obese rats treated with CrPic had significantly improved glucose disposal rates and demonstrated a significant increase in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase activity in skeletal muscle compared with obese controls. The increase in cellular signaling was not associated with increased protein levels of the IRS proteins, PI-3 kinase or Akt. However, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) levels were significantly lower in obese rats administered CrPic than obese controls. When corrected for protein content, PTP1B activity was also significantly lower in obese rats administered CrPic than obese controls. Our data suggest that chromium supplementation of obese, insulin-resistant rats may improve insulin action by enhancing intracellular signaling.
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PMID:Chromium picolinate enhances skeletal muscle cellular insulin signaling in vivo in obese, insulin-resistant JCR:LA-cp rats. 1642 21

Low-molecular weight organic chromium complexes are thought to play a key role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and therefore have been gaining popularity as nutritional supplement for patients with diabetes and concomitant lipid disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a novel synthetic chromium (d-phenylalanine)(3) complex on insulin-sensitivity, plasma lipid-profile and oxidant stress in a mouse model of type II diabetes. Plasma glucose levels following intraperitoneal insulin-challenge (1U/kg) to obese ob/ob(+/+) mice treated with Cr(d-Phe)(3) (150 microg/kg/day for 6 weeks) were significantly lower compared to vehicle-control (control: 175.8+/-43.2mg/dL versus Cr(d-Phe)(3) 115.3+/-18.0mg/dL, p<0.01, n=12). Total serum cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio was significantly reduced following Cr(d-Phe)(3)-treatment (control: 2.19+/-0.08 versus Cr(d-Phe)(3) 1.63+/-0.05; p<0.05). Hepatic oxidant stress, assessed as malondialdehyde equivalents and protein-carbonyl content were significantly attenuated following Cr(d-Phe)(3) treatment. The complex also inhibited lipid-peroxidation in vitro, in a concentration dependent manner. Taken together, these data suggest that Cr(d-Phe)(3) may be of potential value in the therapy or prophylaxis of insulin-resistance and dyslipidemia associated with obesity.
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PMID:Insulin-sensitizing and cholesterol-lowering effects of chromium (D-Phenylalanine)3. 1654 57


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