Displaying publications 441 - 460 of 1057 in total

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  1. Su TT, Sim PY, Nahar AM, Majid HA, Murray LJ, Cantwell MM, et al.
    Prev Med, 2014 Oct;67:100-5.
    PMID: 25016043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.07.001
    BACKGROUND: Obesity and lack of physical activity are fast becoming a concern among Malaysian adolescents.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess physical activity levels among Malaysian adolescents and investigate the association between physical activity levels and body composition such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage of body fat.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 1361 school-going 13 year old multi-ethnic adolescents from population representative samples in Malaysia were involved in our study. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the validated Malay version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Height, weight, body fat composition and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Data collection period was from March to May 2012.

    RESULTS: 10.8% of the males and 7.4% of the females were obese according to the International Obesity Task Force standards. A majority of the adolescents (63.9%) were physically inactive. There is a weak but significant correlation between physical activity scores and the indicators of obesity. The adjusted coefficient for body fatness was relatively more closely correlated to physical activity scores followed by waist circumference and lastly BMI.

    CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that high physical activity scores were associated with the decreased precursor risk factors of obesity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/epidemiology
  2. Fan SH, Say YH
    J Physiol Anthropol, 2014;33:15.
    PMID: 24947733 DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-33-15
    BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in leptin gene LEP (A19G and G2548A) and leptin receptor gene LEPR (K109R and Q223R) and their association with fasting plasma leptin level (PLL) and obesity in a Malaysian suburban population in Kampar, Perak.
    METHODS: Convenience sampling was performed with informed consents, and the study sample was drawn from patients who were patrons of the Kampar Health Clinic. A total of 408 subjects (mean age, 52.4 +/- 13.7 years; 169 men, 239 women; 190 obese, 218 non-obese; 148 Malays, 177 ethnic Chinese, 83 ethnic Indians) participated. Socio-demographic data and anthropometric measurements were taken, and genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
    RESULTS: The LEP A19G, G2548A and LEPR K109R, Q223R variant allele frequencies were 0.74, 0.67 and 0.61, 0.79, respectively. The genotype and allele distributions of these gene variants were significantly different among ethnic groups, but not among body mass index (BMI) classes. Subjects with LEPR K109 and Q223 allele had significantly higher systolic blood pressure and adiposity indices after adjustment for ethnicity (higher BMI, total body and subcutaneous fat; lower skeletal muscle percentage). Subjects with LEPR 109R allele had lower PLL than their wild-type allele counterparts. The influence of LEP A19G and G2548A SNPs on blood pressures, anthropometrics, and PLL was not evident. Interestingly, synergistic effect of the LEP and LEPR SNPs was observed as subjects homozygous for all four SNPs studied exhibited significantly higher subcutaneous fat and PLL than those with other genotype combinations.
    CONCLUSIONS: The LEP and LEPR SNPs in this study may not be an obesity marker among Malaysians in this population, but were associated with ethnicity. Our findings suggest that each of these SNPs contributes to minor but significant variation in obesity-related traits and in combination they display synergistic effects on subcutaneous fat and PLL.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/genetics*
  3. Teo PS, Nurul-Fadhilah A, Aziz ME, Hills AP, Foo LH
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2014 Jun;11(6):5828-38.
    PMID: 24886753 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110605828
    AIM: To determine the influence of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) on obesity profiles of 454 Malaysian adolescents aged 12 to 19.
    METHODS: Validated PA and SB questionnaires were used and body composition assessed using anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
    RESULTS: Gender-specific multivariate analyses showed boys with high levels of total PA and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) exhibited significantly lower levels of total body fat, percent body fat and android fat mass compared with low PA and MVPA groups, after adjusting for potential confounders. Girls with high SB levels showed significantly higher BMI, waist circumference and DXA-derived body fat indices than those at lower SB level. Multiple logistic analyses indicated that boys with low levels of total PA and MVPA had significantly greater obesity risk, 3.0 (OR 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1-8.1; p < 0.05) and 3.8-fold (OR 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4-10.1; p < 0.01), respectively, than more active boys. Only in girls with high SB level was there a significantly increased risk of obesity, 2.9 times higher than girls at low SP levels (OR 2.8; 95% CI, 1.0-7.5; p < 0.05).
    CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate that higher PA duration and intensity reduced body fat and obesity risk while high screen-based sedentary behaviors significantly adversely influenced body fat mass, particularly amongst girls when the PA level was low.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/etiology*
  4. Abdollahi A, Abu Talib M
    Psychol Health Med, 2015;20(2):205-9.
    PMID: 24922119 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2014.913799
    Given that the prevalence of social anxiety in obese individuals is high, it is necessary that we increase our knowledge about the related factors that cause social anxiety in obese individuals. The present study sought to examine the role of body esteem as a mediator between sedentary behaviour and social anxiety. The participants were 207 overweight and obese individuals who completed the self-report measures. The structural equation modelling displayed that obese individuals with sedentary behaviour and poor body esteem were more likely to show social anxiety. Body esteem partially mediated between sedentary behaviour and social anxiety. Our results highlight the role of sedentary behaviour and body esteem as promising avenues for reducing social anxiety in obese individuals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/psychology*
  5. Johari SM, Shahar S
    Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 2014;59(2):360-6.
    PMID: 24882592 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2014.04.003
    The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its predictors among Malaysian elderly. A total of 343 elderly aged ≥ 60 years residing low cost flats in an urban area in the central of Malaysia were invited to participate in health screening in community centers. Subjects were interviewed to obtain socio demography, health status and behavior data. Anthropometric measurements were also measured. A total of 30 ml fasting blood was taken to determine fasting serum lipid, glucose level and oxidative stress. MetS was classified according to The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The prevalence of MetS was 43.4%. More women (48.1%) were affected than men (36.3%) (p<0.05). Being obese or overweight was the strongest predictor for MetS in men and women (p<0.05, both gender). High carbohydrate intake increased risk of MetS in men by 2.8 folds. In women, higher fat free mass index, physical inactivity and good appetite increased risk of MetS by 3.9, 2.1 and 2.3 folds respectively. MetS affected almost half of Malaysian elderly being investigated, especially women, and is associated with obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. It is essential to develop preventive and intervention strategies to curb undesirable consequences associated with MetS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/epidemiology*
  6. Reidpath DD, Masood M, Allotey P
    Int J Public Health, 2014 Jun;59(3):503-7.
    PMID: 24045784 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-013-0510-1
    OBJECTIVES: Four metrics to characterise population overweight are described.

    METHODS: Behavioural Risk Factors Surveillance System data were used to estimate the weight the US population needed to lose to achieve a BMI 

    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/epidemiology
  7. Jalali-Farahani S, Chin YS, Amiri P, Mohd Taib MN
    Child Care Health Dev, 2014 Sep;40(5):731-9.
    PMID: 23952615 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12103
    The study aimed to determine the association between body mass index (BMI)-for-age and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among high school students in Tehran.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/psychology
  8. Saimon R, Choo WY, Bulgiba A
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP2079-92.
    PMID: 23513006 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513480229
    Understanding the factors influencing physical activity (PA) in the Asia-Pacific region is critical, given the high prevalence of inactivity in this area. The photovoice technique explores the types of PA and factors influencing PA among adolescents in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of 160 photographs were collected from participants (adolescents, n = 22, mean age = 14.27 ± 0.7 years, and parents, n = 8, mean age = 48 ± 6.8 years). Data analysis used constant comparison methods of a grounded theory. The Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity was used to categorize PA factors. Study findings were centered on the concept of safety, facilities, parental restriction, friends, cultural traits, media, community cohesiveness, and weather. The central theme was "feeling unsafe" when being outdoors. To promote PA behavior, provision of PA facilities needs to be supported by other programs that build on peer support, crime prevention, and traffic safety, together with other educational campaigns.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/epidemiology
  9. Gopalakrishnan S, Ganeshkumar P, Prakash MVS, Christopher, Amalraj V
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Aug;67(4):442-4.
    PMID: 23082463
    BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body mass index is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used in classifying overweight and obesity in adult populations and individuals.
    OBJECTIVES: A study was conducted to screen the medical students of AIMST University for overweight/obesity using Body Mass Index(BMI) and to determine the prevalence among them.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 290 medical students using a pre-tested questionnaire and measured their Body Mass Index (BMI). Data obtained was analyzed statistically by calculating proportions.
    RESULTS: Out of 290 students who participated in the study, 45.2% were males. In the study, 14.8% were found to be overweight (BMI 23-24.9 kg/m2); 13.7% of males and 15.7% of females. Pre-obese students (BMI 25-29kg/m2) accounted for 15.9% of the total (males 18.3% and females 13.8%). 5.2% were found to be obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2): males 9.2% and females 1.9%. Also 14.8% were found to be underweight (males 12.2% and females 17.0%). The study group consisted of 63.8% Indian, 32.4% Chinese and 3.8% Malay students.
    CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the medical students of AIMST University is on the high, which is comparable to the findings of earlier studies conducted in Malaysia, reinforcing the need to encourage healthy lifestyle, healthy food habits and a physically active daily routine, among the adolescents and youth of this country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/epidemiology*
  10. Lee YY, Tang TK, Lai OM
    J Food Sci, 2012 Aug;77(8):R137-44.
    PMID: 22748075 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02793.x
    Medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) is a modified lipid containing medium- chain (C6-C12) and long-chain fatty acids (C14-C24) in the same triacylglycerol (TAG) molecule. It can be produced either through enzymatic (with 1,3 specific or nonspecific enzyme) or chemical methods. The specialty of this structured lipid is that it is metabolized differently compared to conventional fats and oils, which can lead to a reduction of fat accumulation in the body. Therefore, it can be used for obesity management. It also contains nutritional properties that can be used to treat metabolic problems. This review will discuss on the health benefits of MLCT, its production methods especially via enzymatic processes and its applications in food industries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology
  11. Kee CC, Jamaiyah H, Geeta A, Ali ZA, Safiza MN, Suzana S, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Dec;66(5):462-7.
    PMID: 22390102 MyJurnal
    Generalised obesity and central obesity are risk factors for Type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Waist circumference (WC) has been suggested as a single screening tool for identification of overweight or obese subjects in lieu of the body mass index (BMI) for weight management in public health program. Currently, the recommended waist circumference cut-off points of > or = 94cm for men and > or =80cm for women (waist action level 1) and > or = 102cm for men and > or = 88cm for women (waist action level 2) used for identification of overweight and obesity are based on studies in Caucasian populations. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the recommended waist action levels, and to determine optimal WC cut-off points for identification of overweight or obesity with central fat distribution based on BMI for Malaysian adults. Data from 32,773 subjects (14,982 men and 17,791 women) aged 18 and above who participated in the Third National Health Morbidity Survey in 2006 were analysed. Sensitivity and specificity of WC at waist action level 1 were 48.3% and 97.5% for men; and 84.2% and 80.6% for women when compared to the cut-off points based on BMI > or = 25kg/m2. At waist action level 2, sensitivity and specificity were 52.4% and 98.0% for men, and 79.2% and 85.4% for women when compared with the cut-off points based on BMI (> or = 30 kg/m2). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that the appropriatescreening cut-off points for WC to identify subjects with overweight (> or = 25kg/m2) was 86.0cm (sensitivity=83.6%, specificity=82.5%) for men, and 79.1cm (sensitivity=85.0%, specificity=79.5%) for women. Waist circumference cut-off points to identify obese subjects (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) was 93.2cm (sensitivity=86.5%, specificity=85.7%) for men and 85.2cm (sensitivity=77.9%, specificity=78.0%) for women. Our findings demonstrated that the current recommended waist circumference cut-off points have low sensitivity for identification of overweight and obesity in men. We suggest that these newly identified cut-off points be considered.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/diagnosis*
  12. Rajadurai J, Lopez EA, Rahajoe AU, Goh PP, Uboldejpracharak Y, Zambahari R
    Nat Rev Cardiol, 2012 Aug;9(8):464-77.
    PMID: 22525668 DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2012.59
    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an under-recognized major health problem among women in South-East Asia. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, and being overweight or obese has shown a significantly increasing trend among women in the region, with the exception of Singapore. The problem is compounded by low awareness that CVD is a health problem for women as well as for men, by misconceptions about the disease, and by the lack of suitable, locally available health literature. Efforts have been made by the national heart associations and other organizations to increase heart health awareness and promote healthy lifestyles. Singapore initiated these prevention programs in the early 1990s and has been successful in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. The governments of the region, in accordance with the Noncommunicable Disease Alliance, have begun implementing appropriate preventive strategies and improving health-delivery systems. However, psychological, social, and cultural barriers to cardiovascular health awareness in women need to be addressed before these programs can be fully and successfully implemented.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/pathology
  13. Tan HJ, Goh KL
    J Dig Dis, 2012 Jul;13(7):342-9.
    PMID: 22713083 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2012.00599.x
    Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is reported to be associated with many extragastrointestinal manifestations, such as hematological diseases [idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and unexplained iron deficiency anemia (IDA)], cardiovascular diseases (ischemic heart diseases), neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease), obesity and skin disorders. Among these, the best evidence so far is in ITP and unexplained IDA, with high-quality studies showing the improvement of IDA and ITP after H. pylori eradication. The evidence of its association with coronary artery disease is weak and many of the results may be erroneous. The role of H. pylori infection in affecting serum leptin and ghrelin levels has attracted a lot of attention recently and available data to date have been conflicting. There have also been many uncontrolled, small sample studies suggesting an association between H. pylori infection and neurological disorders or chronic urticaria. However, more studies are required to clarify such proposed causal links.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/microbiology
  14. Marwyne MN, Loo CY, Halim AG, Norella K, Sulaiman T, Zaleha MI
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Oct;66(4):313-7.
    PMID: 22299549 MyJurnal
    Obesity and overweight are strong independent risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations in these subjects may be inaccurate. On the other hand, cystatin C-based eGFR equations may overestimate CKD prevalence as recent findings suggest an association of cystatin C with obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of a cystatin C-based eGFR equation compared to two creatinine -based eGFR equations in overweight and obese subjects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/physiopathology*
  15. Moy FM
    J. Photochem. Photobiol. B, Biol., 2011 Sep 02;104(3):444-8.
    PMID: 21636288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2011.05.002
    Vitamin D status is influenced by sun exposure, geographic latitude, daily outdoor activities, body surface exposed to sunlight and dietary intakes. Malaysia, is sunny all year round. However, the vitamin D status of this population especially among the healthy and free living adults is not known. Therefore a study of vitamin D status and associated factors was initiated among an existing Malay cohort in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 380 subjects were sampled to have their vitamin D status assessed using 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). A short questionnaire enquiring socio-demographic characteristics, exposure to sunlight and clothing style was administered. Their mean age was 48.5±5.2years and the mean 25(OH)D for males and females were 56.2±18.9nmol/L and 36.2±13.4nmol/L respectively. There were significant positive correlation for sun exposure score (r=0.27, p<0.001) and negative correlation for sun protection score (r=-0.41, p<0.001) with 25(OH)D levels. In the logistic regression model, females (OR=2.93; 95% CI: 1.17, 7.31), BMI (1.1; 1.03, 1.20) and sun exposure score (0.998; 0.996, 0.999) were significantly associated with vitamin D status as represented by 25(OH)D levels. Our findings show that obesity, lifestyle behaviours and clothing style are directly associated with our participants especially females' low vitamin D status.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/pathology
  16. Wee BS, Poh BK, Bulgiba A, Ismail MN, Ruzita AT, Hills AP
    BMC Public Health, 2011;11:333.
    PMID: 21592367 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-333
    With the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, the metabolic syndrome has been studied among children in many countries but not in Malaysia. Hence, this study aimed to compare metabolic risk factors between overweight/obese and normal weight children and to determine the influence of gender and ethnicity on the metabolic syndrome among school children aged 9-12 years in Kuala Lumpur and its metropolitan suburbs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/epidemiology
  17. Loh KY, Kew ST
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Oct;63(4):348-50; quiz 351.
    PMID: 19385504 MyJurnal
    Recent research in bio-medical science has shown an integral role of endocannabinoid system (ECS) in determining cardio-metabolic risk of human body. The mechanism is mediated through binding of endocannabinoids at the CB1 receptors. The stimulation of CB1 receptor in the brain is believed to control and mediate the effects on appetite. In normal physiology, CB1 receptors activation is responsible for energy homeostasis, govern emotions and behaviors such as anxiety, fear, appetite, food and water intake. CB1 receptors also found in peripheral tissues like liver, pancreas, skeletal muscles and adipose tissues, which play an important role in lipid and glucose metabolism. Over-activation of ECS is associated with various metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, lipogenesis, excessive weight gain and increasing intra-abdominal obesity. All these events lead to increased cardiovascular risk. Use of selective CB1 receptor blocker such as rimonabant has shown to reduced waist circumference, better glycemic control, lower triglyceride levels, raise HDL cholesterol and over all reduction in total body fat. This drug has been recommended for patients with metabolic syndrome.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/etiology*
  18. Banabilh SM, Suzina AH, Dinsuhaimi S, Samsudin AR, Singh GD
    Sleep Breath, 2009 Mar;13(1):19-24.
    PMID: 18763003 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-008-0211-9
    INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity are serious, widespread public health issues.

    OBJECTIVE: To localize and quantify geometric morphometric differences in facial soft tissue morphology in adults with and without OSA.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty adult Malays, consisting of 40 patients with OSA and 40 non-OSA controls, were studied. Both groups were evaluated by the attending physician and through ambulatory sleep studies. 3-D stereophotogrammetry was used to capture facial soft tissues of both groups. The 3-D mean OSA and control facial configurations were computed and subjected to principal components analysis (PCA) and finite-element morphometry (FEM).

    RESULTS: The body mass index was significantly greater for the OSA group (32.3 kg/m(2) compared to 24.8 kg/m(2), p < 0.001). The neck circumference was greater for the OSA group (42.7 cm compared to 37.1 cm, p < 0.001). Using PCA, significant differences were found in facial shape between the two groups using the first two principal components, which accounted for 50% of the total shape change (p < 0.05). Using FEM, these differences were localized in the bucco-submandibular regions of the face predominantly, indicating an increase in volume of 7-22% (p < 0.05) for the OSA group.

    CONCLUSION: Craniofacial obesity in the bucco-submandibular regions is associated with OSA and may provide valuable screening information for the identification of patients with undiagnosed OSA.

    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/epidemiology*
  19. Adinegara LA, Razzak MS
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Mar;59(1):39-44.
    PMID: 15535334
    A case-control study was carried out in Alor Gajah to determine the socio-economic, dietary and lifestyle factors and the occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension. There were a total of 30 cases who were selected from antenatal mothers attending 3 selected health centers in 1998. The control group consisted of 30 antenatal mothers who were matched according to health centre, race and age. The results showed that pregnancy-induced hypertension was significantly associated with obesity (P < 0.05) and being a housewife (P < 0.05).
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/complications*
  20. Ng LW, Malhotra R, Lai D, Tai ES, Østbye T
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP552-61.
    PMID: 23482708 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513479966
    To develop a better understanding of perceived barriers to and ideas for weight loss and maintenance among Malay homemakers in Singapore.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/therapy
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