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Heating/frying and reuse of edible fats/oils induces chemical changes such as formation of trans fatty acids (TFAs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heating/frying on formation of TFAs in fats/oils. Using gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector, TFA was estimated in six commonly used fat/oils in India (refined soybean oil, groundnut oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, clarified butter, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil), before and after subjecting them to heating/frying at 180 °C and 220 °C. All six fats/oils subjected to heating/frying demonstrated an increase in TFAs ( p < 0.001), saturated fatty acids ( p < 0.001) and decrease in cis -unsaturated fatty acids ( p < 0.001). The absolute increase in TFA content of edible oils (after subjecting to heating/reheating) ranged between 2.30 ± 0.89 g/100 g and 4.5 ± 1.43 g/100 g; amongst edible fats it ranged between 2.60 ± 0.38 g/100 g and 5.96 ± 1.94 g/100 g. There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups (heating and frying; p = 0.892). Considering the undesirable health effects of TFA, appropriate guidelines for heating/re-frying of edible fats/oils by Asian Indians should be devised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children is increasing in India. However, knowledge of, attitude towards and practice of health and nutrition in mothers and children have not been researched. Objective: To assess knowledge of, attitude towards and practice of nutrition, physical activity and other lifestyle practices in a nationally representative sample of urban children and mothers in India. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of 1,800 children aged 9-18 years and their mothers, using qualitative (focus group) and quantitative (semi-structured survey) data. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity among the children was 19.2% in males and 18.1% in females; 64.8% of mothers were either overweight [body mass index (BMI) 23.0-24.9; 23.3%] or obese (BMI >25.0; 41.5%). Household family income, related socioeconomic factors, and overweight in mothers were most significantly associated with obesity in children (all p ≤ 0.001). Dietary consumption patterns (snacking, fast food etc.) showed a marked association between mothers and children (all p ≤ 0.000). Focus group discussion revealed several interesting attitudes and misconceptions among children ('home-cooked food is old fashioned') and mothers ('a child with chubby cheeks is healthy, not fat'). Importantly, only a few mothers understood that excess weight or diets are contributory factors of morbidities in children or themselves. Conclusions: This study highlights the poor knowledge, faulty attitudes and practices of urban Asian Indian mothers and their children in a highly correlated manner. These knowledge gaps must be addressed to formulate effective strategies for the prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article compares the nutrient profiles of urban Indian teenagers with their rural counterparts and with American teenagers. The authors report that urban Indian teenagers have high intake of total fat compared with rural Indian teenagers. They also speculate that high total fat and saturated fatty acids intake and low intake of monosaturated fatty acids could be the reason for the increased prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance among urban Indian teenagers.

A role of dietary nutrients in relation to insulin resistance has been suggested but conclusive evidence in human beings is lacking. Asian Indians and South Asians are prone to develop insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. In the present paper, data pertaining to nutrient intake, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in Asian Indians and South Asians have been reviewed. In these populations, several dietary imbalances have been reported: low intake of MUFA, n-3 PUFA and fibre, and high intake of fats, saturated fats, carbohydrates and trans-fatty acids (mostly related to the widespread use of Vanaspati, a hydrogenated oil). Some data suggest that these nutrient imbalances are associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and subclinical inflammation in South Asians. Specifically, in children and young individuals, a high intake of n-6 PUFA is correlated with fasting hyperinsulinaemia, and in adults, high-carbohydrate meal consumption was reported to cause hyperinsulinaemia, postprandial hyperglycaemia and hypertriacylglycerolaemia. Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA leads to an improved lipid profile but not insulin sensitivity. Inadequate maternal nutrition in pregnancy, low birth weight and childhood ‘catch-up’ obesity may be important for the development of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Even in rural populations, who usually consume traditional frugal diets, there is an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the metabolic syndrome due to changes in diets and lifestyle. Nationwide community intervention programmes aimed at creating awareness about the consequences of unhealthy food choices and replacing them by healthy food choices are urgently needed in urban and rural populations in India, other countries in South Asia and in migrant South Asians. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recent data indicate a rise in obesity both in children and adolescents in developing countries. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in urban children in New Delhi has shown an increase from 16% in 2002 to about 24% in 2006-2007. Our recent data show that the prevalence among adolescent children was 29% in private schools and 11.3% in government funded schools. While India already has highest number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) globally, rapid rise of obesity in children is the prime reason for increasing insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome and raised levels of C-reactive protein. Excess body fat, thick truncal subcutaneous fat, and abdominal adiposity are important predisposing factors for development of insulin resistance in Asian Indian children. As compared to other ethnic groups, children with ancestral origin in South Asia manifest adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic perturbations earlier in life and these derangements are of higher magnitude than white Caucasian children. Since the metabolic syndrome and obesity track into adulthood, these clinical entities need to be recognized early for effective prevention of T2DM and coronary heart disease. Therapeutic lifestyle changes, maintenance of high levels of physical activity and normal weight are most important prevention strategies. Both high-risk surveillance and cost-effective population intervention programs are urgently needed. In this context, we have launched one of the largest program ("MARG", The Path) to curb childhood obesity in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the associations of high body fat and low muscle mass with arterial stiffness in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in North India. Methods: In this cross sectional study, subjects with T2DM (males n = 110, females n = 58, mean age: 53.8 ± 10.0 years) were recruited. Anthropometry and body composition analysis were performed and measures of glycemia, lipids and PWV were analyzed. Results: Significant positive correlation was observed between PWV and body fat (p < 0.05), left leg fat (p < 0.05), and right leg fat (p < 0.01) percentages only in females. In males, significant negative correlation was observed between PWV and truncal fat free mass (p < 0.05) and fat free mass in right arm (p = 0.05) and left arm (p < 0.05). In both males and females, significant negative correlation was observed between PWV and fat free mass in left leg (p < 0.01) and for right leg fat free mass only in females. Conclusion: Excess adiposity and low fat free mass are associated with arterial stiffening in Asian Indians with T2DM in North India, with significant gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]