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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]

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]