Obesity Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(5):267-275
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000500008
Sweeteners are frequently used by women of reproductive age. This is a narrative review about the sweeteners currently sold in the Brazilian commerce. There is a few information on the use of saccharin and cyclamates in pregnancy and their effects on the fetus. Due to the limited information available and their carcinogenic potential in animal species, saccharin and cyclamates should be avoided during pregnancy (risk C). Aspartame has been extensively studied in animals and it is considered safe for use during pregnancy (risk B), except by women homozygous for phenylketonuria (risk C). Sucralose and acessulfame-K are not toxic, carcinogenic or mutagenic in animals, but there are no controlled studies in humans. However, since these two sweeteners are not metabolized, it is unlikely that their use during pregnancy could be harmful (risk B). Stevia, a substance extracted from a native Brazilian plant, is innocuous in animal pregnancies, but there are no controlled studies in humans (risk B). Body agents found in the composition of artificial sweeteners (mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erithrol, lactilol, isomalt, maltilol, lactose, fructose, maltodextrin, dextrin, and inverted sugar) are substances generally regarded as safe for human consumption. In conclusion, according to the currently available evidence, aspartame, sucralose, acessulfame-K and stevia can be safely used during pregnancy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(5):267-275
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000500008
Sweeteners are frequently used by women of reproductive age. This is a narrative review about the sweeteners currently sold in the Brazilian commerce. There is a few information on the use of saccharin and cyclamates in pregnancy and their effects on the fetus. Due to the limited information available and their carcinogenic potential in animal species, saccharin and cyclamates should be avoided during pregnancy (risk C). Aspartame has been extensively studied in animals and it is considered safe for use during pregnancy (risk B), except by women homozygous for phenylketonuria (risk C). Sucralose and acessulfame-K are not toxic, carcinogenic or mutagenic in animals, but there are no controlled studies in humans. However, since these two sweeteners are not metabolized, it is unlikely that their use during pregnancy could be harmful (risk B). Stevia, a substance extracted from a native Brazilian plant, is innocuous in animal pregnancies, but there are no controlled studies in humans (risk B). Body agents found in the composition of artificial sweeteners (mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erithrol, lactilol, isomalt, maltilol, lactose, fructose, maltodextrin, dextrin, and inverted sugar) are substances generally regarded as safe for human consumption. In conclusion, according to the currently available evidence, aspartame, sucralose, acessulfame-K and stevia can be safely used during pregnancy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(3):141-146
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000300005
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of obesity on beta-cell function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: this cross-section study evaluated 82 patients with PCOS selected consecutively, at the moment of the diagnosis. We compared 31 PCOS obese women (BMI >30 kg/m²) to 51 age-matched PCOS nonobese patients (BMI <30 kg/m²). Using fasting glucose and insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment values for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR and QUICKI) and percent beta-cell function (HOMA-%beta-cell) were calculated. As secondary variables, the age at PCOS diagnosis, age of menarche, hormonal levels (testosterone, prolactin, FSH and LH), total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were also analyzed. RESULTS: menarche was significantly earlier in obese PCOS patients (11.7±1.8 years) than in nonobese patients (12.67±1.86 years) (p<0.05). Obese patients presented lower LH levels (7.9±5 mIU/mL) than did nonobese patients (10.6±6 mIU/mL) (p<0.05). Both groups presented mean HDL cholesterol levels below 50 mg/dL. Obese patients presented significantly higher baseline insulin levels (32.5±25.2 mIU/mL) and fasting blood glucose levels (115.9±40.7 mg/dL) than did nonobese patients (8.8±6.6 mIU/mL and 90.2±8.9 mg/dL, respectively) (p<0.01). Of the obese PCOS patients, 93% presented insulin resistance versus 25% of nonobese PCOS patients (p<0.01). Eighty-six perecent of the obese women had hyperfunction of beta-cell versus 41% of nonobese with PCOS (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: obese PCOS patients presented higher prevalence of insulin resistance and hyperfunction of beta-cell than did nonobese PCOS patients.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(3):141-146
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000300005
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of obesity on beta-cell function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: this cross-section study evaluated 82 patients with PCOS selected consecutively, at the moment of the diagnosis. We compared 31 PCOS obese women (BMI >30 kg/m²) to 51 age-matched PCOS nonobese patients (BMI <30 kg/m²). Using fasting glucose and insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment values for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR and QUICKI) and percent beta-cell function (HOMA-%beta-cell) were calculated. As secondary variables, the age at PCOS diagnosis, age of menarche, hormonal levels (testosterone, prolactin, FSH and LH), total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were also analyzed. RESULTS: menarche was significantly earlier in obese PCOS patients (11.7±1.8 years) than in nonobese patients (12.67±1.86 years) (p<0.05). Obese patients presented lower LH levels (7.9±5 mIU/mL) than did nonobese patients (10.6±6 mIU/mL) (p<0.05). Both groups presented mean HDL cholesterol levels below 50 mg/dL. Obese patients presented significantly higher baseline insulin levels (32.5±25.2 mIU/mL) and fasting blood glucose levels (115.9±40.7 mg/dL) than did nonobese patients (8.8±6.6 mIU/mL and 90.2±8.9 mg/dL, respectively) (p<0.01). Of the obese PCOS patients, 93% presented insulin resistance versus 25% of nonobese PCOS patients (p<0.01). Eighty-six perecent of the obese women had hyperfunction of beta-cell versus 41% of nonobese with PCOS (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: obese PCOS patients presented higher prevalence of insulin resistance and hyperfunction of beta-cell than did nonobese PCOS patients.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(1):10-17
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000100003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: forty six women with PCOS, in accord with Rotterdam criteria (2003), and 44 women with regular menses, without any clinical or laboratorial hyperandrogenism features, and no ultrasonographic ovarian microcysts (control group) were evaluated. For metabolic syndrome, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP, 2002) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF, 2005) guidelines were considered. RESULTS: the prevalence of metabolic syndrome were 30.4% (NCEP) and 32.6% (IDF) for the women with PCOS, nearly 4-fold higher than that reported for the control group (p<0.004), which were 6.8% (NCEP) and 9.1% (IDF). Women with PCOS had persistently higher prevalence rates of the metabolic syndrome, regardless of matched age and body mass index. The most prevalent factor of the metabolic syndrome among the PCOS subjects was low serum HDL cholesterol which was below 50 mg/dl (52.2%). Waist circumference above 88 cm (47.8%), blood pressure above 130/85 mmHg and fasting glycemia above 110 mg/dl (4.3%) were significantly more frequent among women with PCOS than among control women. CONCLUSIONS: the metabolic syndrome is significantly more frequent in women with PCOS, placing them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(1):10-17
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000100003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: forty six women with PCOS, in accord with Rotterdam criteria (2003), and 44 women with regular menses, without any clinical or laboratorial hyperandrogenism features, and no ultrasonographic ovarian microcysts (control group) were evaluated. For metabolic syndrome, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP, 2002) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF, 2005) guidelines were considered. RESULTS: the prevalence of metabolic syndrome were 30.4% (NCEP) and 32.6% (IDF) for the women with PCOS, nearly 4-fold higher than that reported for the control group (p<0.004), which were 6.8% (NCEP) and 9.1% (IDF). Women with PCOS had persistently higher prevalence rates of the metabolic syndrome, regardless of matched age and body mass index. The most prevalent factor of the metabolic syndrome among the PCOS subjects was low serum HDL cholesterol which was below 50 mg/dl (52.2%). Waist circumference above 88 cm (47.8%), blood pressure above 130/85 mmHg and fasting glycemia above 110 mg/dl (4.3%) were significantly more frequent among women with PCOS than among control women. CONCLUSIONS: the metabolic syndrome is significantly more frequent in women with PCOS, placing them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(8):479-484
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000800008
PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among climacteric women. METHODS: this cross-sectional study included 611 women aged between 45 and 60 years attended at a climacteric clinic from January to June 2003. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was evaluated through the body mass index (BMI). Overweight or obesity was considered when there was a BMI equal or higher than 25 kg/m². Sociodemographic and reproductive variables as well as life style were also evaluated. The chi2 test followed by logistic regression was performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: the average age of the studied women was 51.4 (±4.4) years, whereas 52.9% of them were postmenopausal. About 63.7% of them had a BMI equal or higher than 25 kg/m². The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 33.6 and 30.1%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among older women (OR=1.2; 95%IC: 1.1-1.4) or non hormonal therapy users (OR=1.8; 95%IC: 1.2-2.8). The opposite was observed among the women without a professional occupation (OR=0.6; 95%IC: 0.5-0.9) or a steady partner (OR=0.7; 95%IC: 0,4-0,9). CONCLUSIONS: in this study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was influenced by age, but not by the menopausal status. The association between the marital status and occupation and the BMI strengthens the hypothesis that the health of the climacteric women may be influenced by biological factors as well as by psychosocial factors and life style. The lowest prevalence of overweight and obesity among the users of hormonal therapy may be explained by possible restrictions in relation to its prescription for women with previous overweight or obesity. Further studies are necessary to get more conclusive results, in particular with longitudinal studies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(8):479-484
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000800008
PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among climacteric women. METHODS: this cross-sectional study included 611 women aged between 45 and 60 years attended at a climacteric clinic from January to June 2003. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was evaluated through the body mass index (BMI). Overweight or obesity was considered when there was a BMI equal or higher than 25 kg/m². Sociodemographic and reproductive variables as well as life style were also evaluated. The chi2 test followed by logistic regression was performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: the average age of the studied women was 51.4 (±4.4) years, whereas 52.9% of them were postmenopausal. About 63.7% of them had a BMI equal or higher than 25 kg/m². The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 33.6 and 30.1%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among older women (OR=1.2; 95%IC: 1.1-1.4) or non hormonal therapy users (OR=1.8; 95%IC: 1.2-2.8). The opposite was observed among the women without a professional occupation (OR=0.6; 95%IC: 0.5-0.9) or a steady partner (OR=0.7; 95%IC: 0,4-0,9). CONCLUSIONS: in this study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was influenced by age, but not by the menopausal status. The association between the marital status and occupation and the BMI strengthens the hypothesis that the health of the climacteric women may be influenced by biological factors as well as by psychosocial factors and life style. The lowest prevalence of overweight and obesity among the users of hormonal therapy may be explained by possible restrictions in relation to its prescription for women with previous overweight or obesity. Further studies are necessary to get more conclusive results, in particular with longitudinal studies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(4):229-233
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000400007
Purpose: to evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy on the body mass index of postmenopausal women. Methods: for this purpose, 166 users and 136 non-users of hormone replacement were evaluated retrospectively during a period of three years. All women were assisted at the Menopause Outpatient Clinic of CAISM - UNICAMP, where the variations in this parameter were evaluated at the end of each year in relation to the initial parameters. The data analysis was performed through chi² test, Student's t test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: we observed no significant variations in the body mass index, when comparing users and non-users during the three years of observation. Conclusion: hormone replacement therapy did not produce changes in this parameter in women properly assisted during its use.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(4):229-233
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000400007
Purpose: to evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy on the body mass index of postmenopausal women. Methods: for this purpose, 166 users and 136 non-users of hormone replacement were evaluated retrospectively during a period of three years. All women were assisted at the Menopause Outpatient Clinic of CAISM - UNICAMP, where the variations in this parameter were evaluated at the end of each year in relation to the initial parameters. The data analysis was performed through chi² test, Student's t test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: we observed no significant variations in the body mass index, when comparing users and non-users during the three years of observation. Conclusion: hormone replacement therapy did not produce changes in this parameter in women properly assisted during its use.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(2):89-94
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000200005
Purpose: to evaluate the lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) and compare it to that of women with ovulatory menstrual cycles. Methods: the patients were divided into two groups, obese and nonobese, based on body mass index, so that it would be possible to determine the joint effect of PCO and obesity on the lipid metabolism of the studied women. We studied 117 women divided into 4 groups: group I (PCO--obese), n = 33; group II (PCO--nonobese), n = 27; group III (control--obese), n = 28; group IV (control--nonobese), n = 29. Results: cholesterol levels were elevated (179 mg/dl) in obese patients with ovulatory cycles (group III) compared to group I (147 mg/dl) and group II (149 mg/dl), as also were triglyceride levels (117 mg/dl) compared to group IV (77 mg/dl) and LDL levels (117 mg/dl) compared to group I (82 mg/dl). Conclusion: these data suggest that alterations in lipid profile are related to obesity only.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(2):89-94
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000200005
Purpose: to evaluate the lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) and compare it to that of women with ovulatory menstrual cycles. Methods: the patients were divided into two groups, obese and nonobese, based on body mass index, so that it would be possible to determine the joint effect of PCO and obesity on the lipid metabolism of the studied women. We studied 117 women divided into 4 groups: group I (PCO--obese), n = 33; group II (PCO--nonobese), n = 27; group III (control--obese), n = 28; group IV (control--nonobese), n = 29. Results: cholesterol levels were elevated (179 mg/dl) in obese patients with ovulatory cycles (group III) compared to group I (147 mg/dl) and group II (149 mg/dl), as also were triglyceride levels (117 mg/dl) compared to group IV (77 mg/dl) and LDL levels (117 mg/dl) compared to group I (82 mg/dl). Conclusion: these data suggest that alterations in lipid profile are related to obesity only.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(2):69-74
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000200005
PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated factors among women who visited a general gynecologic clinic in a secondary hospital of reference. METHODS: the following variables were studied: age, race, educational level, family income, job (paid work done by the women), type of the women's job, current partner, menstrual cycle characteristics at the time of interview, and body mass index (BMI). The patients were divided into three groups, according to their BMI values: <25 kg/m² (normal), between 25-29 kg/m² (overweight) and >30 kg/m² (obesity). The odds ratio (OR) and respective 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated in the overweight and obese groups. Subsequently, the OR was calculated and adjusted for other variables. RESULTS: among the 676 studied women, 89.8% had received up to 8 years of formal education, 83.0% had a partner, 77.6% were Caucasian, 61.4% earned less than 5 minimum wages, and 36.0% of these women were menopausal. The prevalence of overweight was 35.6% and of obesity 24.6%. Overweight was related to age ranging from 50 to 59 years (OR: 3.22; 95% CI: 1.67-6.20) and menopause (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.03-2.26), and obesity was related to menopause (OR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.66-4.00) and to age range above 40 years (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.37-6.37). According to the multiple regression analysis, only obesity was associated with age range above 40 years (OR: 2,51; 95% CI: 1.05-6.00). CONCLUSION: the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were high in our sample of low-income women and those with less education. Obesity was associated with women aged over 40. Attempts should be made to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(2):69-74
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000200005
PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated factors among women who visited a general gynecologic clinic in a secondary hospital of reference. METHODS: the following variables were studied: age, race, educational level, family income, job (paid work done by the women), type of the women's job, current partner, menstrual cycle characteristics at the time of interview, and body mass index (BMI). The patients were divided into three groups, according to their BMI values: <25 kg/m² (normal), between 25-29 kg/m² (overweight) and >30 kg/m² (obesity). The odds ratio (OR) and respective 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated in the overweight and obese groups. Subsequently, the OR was calculated and adjusted for other variables. RESULTS: among the 676 studied women, 89.8% had received up to 8 years of formal education, 83.0% had a partner, 77.6% were Caucasian, 61.4% earned less than 5 minimum wages, and 36.0% of these women were menopausal. The prevalence of overweight was 35.6% and of obesity 24.6%. Overweight was related to age ranging from 50 to 59 years (OR: 3.22; 95% CI: 1.67-6.20) and menopause (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.03-2.26), and obesity was related to menopause (OR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.66-4.00) and to age range above 40 years (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.37-6.37). According to the multiple regression analysis, only obesity was associated with age range above 40 years (OR: 2,51; 95% CI: 1.05-6.00). CONCLUSION: the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were high in our sample of low-income women and those with less education. Obesity was associated with women aged over 40. Attempts should be made to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(3):227-232
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000300009
PURPOSE: to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) in surgeries for the treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: the study was conducted on 140 women submitted to treatment of invasive breast cancer during the period from January 2001 to December 2002. SSI was defined as infection occurring up to 30 days after surgery and was related to the operation, according to the standard criteria adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA. SSI were considered to be superficial when they involved only the skin and subcutaneous tissue and deep when they involved deep tissues at the site of incision, such as fascia and muscles. The risk factors related to patient were age, hormonal status, staging, body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin, and the factors related to surgery were type of operation, time of hospitalization, duration of surgery, and formation of seroma and hematoma. Data concerning numerical nonparametric variables were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and quantitative variables were analyzed by the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: of the 140 patients studied, 29 (20.7%) presented SSI, which were superficial in 19 (13.6%) and deep in 10 (71%); 111 patients did not present SSI and represented the control group. The risk factors associated with the patient and the disease were locally advanced stage (odds ratio = 27; 95% CI: 1.1-6.5) and obesity, represented by a mean BMI of 32.2 kg/m² in the patients with SSI and a mean BMI of 27.2 kg/m² in the control group (p<0.0001). The factors related to treatment of the disease were the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.1-6.5), the duration of surgery, whose median value was 165 minutes for the patients who developed the infection and 137 minutes for the control group (p=0.02), and the number of days of use of the postoperative drain, whose median value was 6 days for the patients with SSI and 5 days for the control group (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: on the basis of the identification of risk factors such as advanced stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and obesity, preoperative care for these patients should be emphasized. The use of an accurate surgical technique may reduce the impact of other factors such as surgical time and time of use of the drain.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(3):227-232
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000300009
PURPOSE: to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) in surgeries for the treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: the study was conducted on 140 women submitted to treatment of invasive breast cancer during the period from January 2001 to December 2002. SSI was defined as infection occurring up to 30 days after surgery and was related to the operation, according to the standard criteria adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA. SSI were considered to be superficial when they involved only the skin and subcutaneous tissue and deep when they involved deep tissues at the site of incision, such as fascia and muscles. The risk factors related to patient were age, hormonal status, staging, body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin, and the factors related to surgery were type of operation, time of hospitalization, duration of surgery, and formation of seroma and hematoma. Data concerning numerical nonparametric variables were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and quantitative variables were analyzed by the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: of the 140 patients studied, 29 (20.7%) presented SSI, which were superficial in 19 (13.6%) and deep in 10 (71%); 111 patients did not present SSI and represented the control group. The risk factors associated with the patient and the disease were locally advanced stage (odds ratio = 27; 95% CI: 1.1-6.5) and obesity, represented by a mean BMI of 32.2 kg/m² in the patients with SSI and a mean BMI of 27.2 kg/m² in the control group (p<0.0001). The factors related to treatment of the disease were the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.1-6.5), the duration of surgery, whose median value was 165 minutes for the patients who developed the infection and 137 minutes for the control group (p=0.02), and the number of days of use of the postoperative drain, whose median value was 6 days for the patients with SSI and 5 days for the control group (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: on the basis of the identification of risk factors such as advanced stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and obesity, preoperative care for these patients should be emphasized. The use of an accurate surgical technique may reduce the impact of other factors such as surgical time and time of use of the drain.