Background & Objective: The prevalence of obesity, one of the greatest public health problems in the world has tripled in many countries since three decades ago this increase is often faster in developing countries than in the developed world. Gathering information on the main factors involved in the occurrence of obesity in different geographical areas plays a key role in the prevention of it. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to various factors in the Zanjan population.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2500 Zanjan residents aged between 15 and 64 years who were randomly selected through cluster sampling via their postal codes, using the protocol of the WHO STEPwise approach. Information on demographic characteristics was collected using questionnaires. Weight and height were measured according to standard protocols. Those with a BMI within the range of 25-29.9 Kg/m2 and 30 Kg/m2 or above were classified as overweigh and obese, respectively. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the WHO classification. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square tests and Logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios.
Results: The prevalence of being overweight and obese in this population were 30.7% and 15% respectively. The proportion of obesity was 21.3% in women and 8.9% in men. The prevalence of obesity increased with increasing age and in both sexes was the highest in 45-54 year olds. Both prevalences of overweight and obesity were greater in urban residents and married participants. The prevalence of obesity was also decreased with increasing educational level.
Conclusion: High prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population, specifically within high-risk groups, highlights the need to implement interventions for reducing this epidemic.

Background and Objective: Obesity is a global health problem with an increasing prevalence which affects different medical and health care domains including anesthesia. The present study was carried out to answer the question of which anesthesia technique is proper in obese parturients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of obesity on blood pressure reduction, amount and dose of ephedrine, and sensory level duration of spinal technique for cesarean section.
Materials and Methods: In this cohort study the treatment group consisted of 40 expectant women with body mass index (BMI) of over 30, and the control group comprised of 40 expectant women with BMI of under 30, who were all candidate for elective cesarean section: In both groups 70 mg of Lidocaine was injected into spinal cord from L4-L5 space. Then the mean blood pressure, the amount and dose of ephedrine, sensory level of block and duration of spinal technique were measured. The collected data was compared by statistical tests.
Results: There was no statistical different in mean blood pressure reduction and sensory level of block between the two groups. Duration of spinal tap, amount and number of ephedrine injection were higher in obese cases. Relative risk of receiving two or more times of ephedrine was 1.63 times higher in obese expectant women than in normal women.
Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is an appropriate method for cesarean section in obese expectant women and blood pressure reduction can easily be controlled by ephedrine.

Background and Objectives: Obesity has been known as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Educational intervention aimed at modifying dietary habits and physical activity patterns are essential in management of obesity. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of family-based intervention and individual-based intervention on body mass index and life style.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on subjects suffering from obesity or overweight in Islam-Abad, Zanjan (2005-2006). The subjects were assigned nonrandomly to either the family-based group (n=42) or individual-based group (n=49). Data were collected using a questionnaire. Intervention included counseling to make change, in eating habit and exercise behavior. Subjects in the individual-based group received intervention individually in the clinics, and those in the family-based intervention received intervention by home visit. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, T-test, Paired T-test, Mann-Whitney test and, Wilcoxon test.
Results: The mean of body mass index decreased from 30.74±3.99 to 30.1±3.90 and from 31.98±6.64 to 31.57±6.63 in family-based group and in individual-based group, respectively. After intervention, the mean of body mass index significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in body mass index between two groups after intervention (P=0.52). The mean scores of dairy product consumption and fruit consumption as well as physical activity were increased in both groups (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: It was concluded that both family-based and individual -based intervention, focusing on physical activity and diet counseling through regular follow-up meetings, could be effective ways of controlling CVD risk factors.

Background and objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-age women. There is very little information about the prevalence of PCOS in Iran. With regard to the symptoms of PCOS which begin after menarche and regarding to its side effects on women's health, we aimed to determine the prevalence of PCOS in adolescents in Zanjan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive community based study, 1882, 14-18 year old adolescents were randomly selected from Zanjan schools. The presence of PCOS was determined by the presence of olygomenorea, hirsutism, acne and androgenic alopecia. For correlation between PCOS and obesity, BMI and central obesity was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using K2 test. Results: PCOS was present in 54(2.9%), hirsutism was present in 161 (8.6%), acne was present in 220 (11.7%), androgenic alopsia was present in 130(6.9%) and menstrual irregularity was present in 281 (16.9%) of the cases. The prevalence of central obesity and over weight did not differ among the studied groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of PCOS in our study was similar to the results reported from other societies. With regard to PCOS side effects, we suggest that the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS is better to be started from adolescence.

Background and Objective: Anthropometry is the most common way for measuring body growth in human which today is raised as a predictive indicator in epidemiologic, metabolic and appearing illness related to obesity as well. Materials and Methods: The research is part of a study named” a Healthy Heart” had been carried out among people of Zanjan in 2003 with cross-sectional research design. About 1821 people of Zanjan inhabitants above 15- year-old participated using multi-stages random cluster sampling method. Questionnaire consisted of personal information and anthropometric indicators which the results then compared with standard charts of NCHS. Results: The average of the weight in men and women was respectively 68.7 ± 12.5 and 61.7 ± 11.8 kg, and average of the height was 170 ± 7 and 156 ± 7 cm respectively. The average of the BMI index men and women was 23.73 and 25.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2 respectively. 32.8% of participants were overweight and 12.5% were obese. 27.7% of women and 10.7% of men had abdominal obesity (P<0/05). Positive and significant relation was observed between BMI and age (R=.36), BMI and marital status(R=.39) .A reverse and significant relation was observed between BMI and education level (R= -.18). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study which reveals that considerable amount of women affected by abdominal obesity, paying attention to life style especially women’s in all age groups is proposed.

Background and Objective: Leptin is a 16 KDa peptide which has a close correlation with adiposity. However, its effect on lipid profile is controversial in human. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate correlation between variations in serum leptin levels with lipid profile and anthropometric indices in women with different grades of obesity. Materials and Methods: The current cross-sectional study was carried out on 149 healthy non-diabetic women, including 33 normal weight (BMI<24.9 kg/m2) and 116 women with different grades of obesity (BMI>25 kg/m2) with age range of 15-49 years, respectively. Serum levels of leptin, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol) were measured using high-sensitive immunoassay, glucose oxidase and enzymatic methods, respectively. Results: Mean serum leptin levels were 15.34, 32.78, 42.13, 43.22 and 45.23 ng/ml in normal, overweight, obese grade I, obese grade II, and obese grade III women, respectively. Difference in mean of leptin serum level, lipid profile, and anthropometric indices was statistically significant between different groups (p<0.001). Leptin Serum levels had significant correlation with BMI (p<0.05, r=0.623). In addition, it showed a direct significant correlation with levels of fasting blood glucose (r=0.297) and lipid profile [total cholesterol (r=0.347), triglyceride (r=0.428), and LDL-cholesterol (0.367)] (p<0.05). In contrast, it showed an indirect correlation with HDL-C serum levels (r= -0.320, p<0.05). Conclusion: Results of the current study showed that leptin serum level has a close direct correlation with adiposity indices and lipid profile and its level increases significantly with increasing grades of obesity.

Background and Objective: Obesity, a public health problem is growing in prevalence over the past decade. Obesity increases mortality risk and there is evidence that obesity in youth is a more powerful predictor of this risk than obesity in adulthood. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effect of walking exercise in order to reduce obesity in sedentary obese girls. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out on 20 non-athlete volunteer obese girls (BMI>30) between 19-25 years and then were randomly divided in two groups (Control: n=10 and Experimental: n=10). At the beginning and after 2 months, fat mass, percent body fat and lean mass were assessed with bioelectrical impedance equipment (BIA) and serum insulin measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) analysis. Then the experimental group started to do exercise program which consisted of 30 minutes walking with intensity of %50- %75 of maximal heart rate, 3 sessions in a week for 2 months. The data was analyzed using t-test. Results: The results of this study showed that walking exercise , positively reduced body fat percent and fat mass and increased lean mass in exercise group (p= 0.000). Serum insulin also significantly decreased (p = 0.008). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a regular physical activity program such as walking exercise can significantly reduce body weight and improve serum insulin in obese girls. In conclusion, it seems that this type of training can be efficient, safe and inexpensive way in order to reduce and prevent obesity.

Background and Objective: Dietary carbohydrate restriction is one of the most effective approaches in the management of metabolic syndrome. However, there is little information available on the role of inflammatory processes. Materials and Methods: In a randomized cross-over clinical trial, thirty overweight or obese (BMI>25 kg/m2) women with metabolic syndrome were randomly allocated into two groups, to follow either a high-carbohydrate (HC) (60-65% carbohydrates, 20-25% fats) or a moderately-restricted carbohydrate (MRC) (43-47% carbohydrate, 36-40% fats) diet for 6 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, individuals were switched to the alternate diet for an additional 6 week period. At the beginning and the bend of each period, markers of inflammation (hs-CRP, hs IL-6, hs TNF-α and SAA), endothelial function (E-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1), and adipocytokines (leptin and adiponectin) were measured in both study groups at baselines (i.e., fasting state). Results: Consumption of the HC diet was associated with increased levels of SAA (3.27 ±1.22 μg/ml), while consumption of MRC diet did not result in such unfavorable effects (P=0.04). Serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were reduced by the HC diet (P<0.02), but these changes were not significant between the two diets (P>0.05). Serum concentrations of hs-CRP, hs TNF-α and IL-6 were not influenced by either diet. There were also no significant differences observed between the two diets in terms of their effects on serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and E-selectin concentrations. Conclusion: Short-term substitution of dietary carbohydrates by unsaturated fats seems to have no significant effects on serum levels of adipocytokines, biomarkers of inflammation, and endothelial function except for SAA.

Background and Objective: Insulin resistance is one of the key components of metabolic syndrome and a major risk factor for diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases, especially among obese people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation either with or without moderate aerobic training on insulin resistance and anthropometric indices in obese women. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 44 obese women (BMI≥30 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=11 each) as follows: 1, L-carnitine supplementation (2 g/day) (group CAR) 2, aerobic training + placebo (group EXR+PLA) 3, L-carnitine supplementation + aerobic training (group CAR+EXR) and 4, placebo alone (group PLA). The intervention periods were eight-week long, and the subjects of aerobic training groups went through 3 training sessions a week. The weight, waist and hip circumferences, waist to hip ratios, body mass indeces, daily dietary intakes and serum fasting free L-carnitine levels, glucose and insulin levels, and HOMA-IR were measured before and after the interventions. Results: Significant decreases in the waist and hip circumferences were observed in the EXR+PLA and CAR+EXR groups. The serum glucose fasting levels, as well as insulin and HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance) values decreased significantly in the CAR, EXR+PLA, and CAR+EXR groups. Conclusion: The results indicate beneficial effect of aerobic training on insulin resistance and anthropometric measurements including waist and hip circumferences in comparison with L-carnitine alone supplementation. L-carnitine decreased the insulin resistance and was more effective along with aerobic training for improvement of insulin resistance. The aerobic training could be considered as an effective way of weight loss and insulin resistance improvement.

Background and Objective: Chemerin and vaspin are adipose tissue-driven adipokines and appear to be associated with inflammation and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic interval training on chemerin, vaspin and insulin resistance index in overweight students. Materials and Methods: Twenty four male students voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (n=12). The experimental group took part in an aerobic interval training program (3 days/wk, continued for 12 weeks, 40 minutes each session) and the control group continued their routine daily life. Before and after this intervention program, chemerin,vaspin and insulin resistance index were measured. Paired and independent t- tests and Pearson’s correlations were used for data analysis. Results: Results showed a significant decrease in chemerin concentration (t= 5.02, P= 0.001) and insulin resistance index (t= 3.73, P= 0.003) in the experimental group after 12 weeks of aerobic interval training. The results did not show any significant change in the serum vaspin (t= 2.04, P= 0.06). Also, there was a significant relationship between insulin resistance index and both chemerin (P= 0.007) and vaspin levels (P= 0.04). Conclusion: In conclusion, aerobic interval training affects serum chemerin and insulin resistance and suggests that it can play a major role in reducing inflammatory responses caused by overweight and obesity.

Background and Objective: Overweight and obesity are the major health problems in the world. Increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is very important due to the effect on blood lipids composition and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the blood lipids status and its association with body mass index among adolescents in Qazvin city, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 318 individuals aged 10 to 18 years in Minoodar City of Qazvin were selected using cluster randomized design. Demographic, anthropometric and biochemical data were collected. Data were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. Results: The results showed that 9.7% of the participant adolescents were underweight, 15.7% were overweight and 4.8% were obese. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and elevated LDL cholesterol were 19.6%, 11.3% and 12.9%, respectively, and HDL cholesterol levels were lower than the recommended amount in 23% of the subjects. There was a significant correlation between the level of blood triglyceride and body mass index (P = 0.02). Conclusion: The overweight and obese adolescents had higher concentrations of blood triglycerides compared to the adolescents with optimal weight. Therefore, it seems that weight control is an effective way to reduce blood lipid metabolism disorders in adolescents. References 1- Lawlor DA, Martin RM, Gunnell D, et al. Association of body mass index measured in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood with risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke: findings from 3 historical cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 83: 767-73. 2- Habibzadeh N, Rahmani-Nia F, Daneshmandi H. The Effect of walking exercise on the amount of fat mass and serum insulin in obese girls. Zanjan Univ Med Sci J. 2010 18: 20-5. 3- Dehghan M, Akhtar-Danesh N, Merchant AT. Childhood obesity, prevalence and prevention. Nutr J. 2005 4: 24. 4- Ahmadi S, Shahsavari S, Ahmadi H, Tabatabaeifar T. Prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight among high school students in Sanandaj: 2006-2007. Iran J Endocrinol Metab. 2010 12: 153-9. 5- Mahmudi A, Tajedini F, Ranjbar H, Moghimi-Dehkordi B. Determinants of overweight and obesity in the middle school students of Pakdasht city, Tehran province. J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci. 2014 18: 329-38. 6- Mohammadpour-Ahranjani B, Rashidi A, Karandish M, Eshraghian MR, Kalantari N. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescent students of Tehrani. 2000-2001: an epidemic health problem. Public Health Nutr. 2004 7: 645-8. 7- Baker JL, Olsen LW, Sorensen TI. Childhood body-mass index and the risk of coronary heart disease in adulthood. N Engl J Med. 2007 357: 2329-37. 8- Bjorge T, Engeland A, Tverdal A, Smith GD. Body mass index in adolescence in relation to cause-specific mortality: a follow-up of 230,000 Norwegian adolescents. Am J Epidemiol. 2008 168: 30-7. 9- Singhal N, Misra A, Shah P, Rastogi K, Vikram NK. Secular trends in obesity, regional adiposity and metabolic parameters among Asian Indian adolescents in north India: a comparative data analysis of two selective samples 5 years apart (2003, 2008). Ann Nutr Metab. 2010 56: 176-81. 10- Misra A, Shah P, Goel K, et al. The high burden of obesity and abdominal obesity in urban Indian schoolchildren: a multicentric study of 38, 296 children. Ann Nutr Metab. 2011 58: 203-11. 11- Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of obesity and trends in body mass index among US children and adolescents, 1999-2010. JAMA. 2012 307: 483-90. 12- Sabahi F, Akbarzadeh Tootoonchi MR. Comparative evaluation of risk factors in coronary heart disease based on fuzzy probability-validity modeling. J Zanjan Univ Med Sci. 2013 22: 73-83. 13- Fesharakinia A, Zarban A, Sharifzadeh GR. Lipid profiles and prevalence of dyslipidemia in schoolchildren in south Khorasan province, eastern Iran. Arch Iran Med. 2008 11: 598-601. 14Shiasi-Arani K, Ghasemi SE, Moravveji SA, Shahpouri-Arani A. Frequency of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes among the obese children and adolescents in Kashan during 2009-Feyz J. 2012 16: 240-7. 15- Prevention CfDCa, editor. Prevalence of abnormal lipid levels among youths e United States. 1999e20062010. 16- Cugnetto ML, Saab PG, Llabre MM, Goldberg R, McCalla JR, Schneiderman N. Lifestyle factors, body mass index, and lipid profile in adolescents. J Pediatr Psychol. 2008 33: 761-71. 17- Moayeri H, Bidad K, Aghamohammadi A, et al. Overweight and obesity and their associated factors in adolescents in Tehran, Iran, 2004–2005. Eur J Pediat. 2006 165: 489-93. 18- Hajian KO, Sajadi P, Rezvani A. Prevalence of overweight and underweight among primary school children aged 7-12 years(BABOL 2006). J Babol Univ Med Sci. 2008 10: 83-91. 19- Hajian-Tilaki K, Heidari B. Prevalences of overweight and obesity and their association with physical activity pattern among Iranian adolescents aged 12–17 years. Pub Health Nut. 2012 15: 2246-52. 20- Mohammadpour-Ahranjani B, Rashidi A, Karandish M, Eshraghian M, Kalantari N. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescent Tehrani students, 2000–2001: an epidemic health problem. Pub Health Nut. 2004 7: 645-8. 21- Mohamadpour Koldeh M, Fouladvand MA, Avakh Keysami M. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among the girls of Busher that were 14-17 years old. Iranian South Med J. 2012: 221-31. 22- Posadas-Sanchez R, Posadas-Romero C, Zamora-Gonzalez J, Mendoza-Perez E, Cardoso-Saldana G, Yamamoto-Kimura L. Lipid and lipoprotein profiles and prevalence of dyslipidemia in Mexican adolescents. Metabolism. 2007 56: 1666-72. 23- Simsek E, Akpinar S, Bahcebasi T, Senses D, Kocabay K. The prevalence of overweight and obese children aged 6–17 years in the west Black sea region of Turkey. Int J Clin Prac. 2008 62: 1033-8. 24- Savva SC, Kourides YA, Hadjigeorgiou C, Tornaritis MJ. Overweight and obesity prevalence and trends in children and adolescents in Cyprus 2000–2010. Obes Res Clin Prac. 2013. 25- Hirschler V, Merono T, Maccallini G, Gomez Rosso L, Aranda C, Brites F. Impact of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and obesity on cholesteryl ester transfer protein among adolescent males. Arch Med Res. 2011 42: 53-9. 26- Garcia E, Vazquez Lopez MA, Galera Martinez R, et al. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 2-16 years. Endocrinol Nutr. 2013 60: 121-6. 27- Bener A. Prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight in Qatari adolescents. Food Nutr Bull. 2006 27: 39-45. 28- Flores LS, Gaya AR, Petersen RD, Gaya A. Trends of underweight, overweight, and obesity in Brazilian children and adolescents. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2013 89: 456-61. 29- Azizi F, Rahmani M, Madjid M, et al. Serum lipid levels in an Iranian population of children and adolescents: Tehran lipid and glucose study. Eur J Epidemiol. 2001 17: 281-8. 30- Fesharakinia A, Zarban A, Sharifzadeh G-R. Lipid profiles and prevalence of dyslipidemia in schoolchildren in south Khorasan Province, eastern Iran. Arch Iran Med. 2008 11: 598-601. 31- Rezaei Kheirabadi M, Asghari G, Mirmiran P, Mehrabi Y, Azizi F. Comparison of body fat percentage with anthropometric indices for identification of metabolic syndrome in tehranian adolescents. J Babol Univ Med Sci. 2014 16: 25-34. 32- Kuhestani H, Zand S, Baghchi N, Rezaie K. Prevalence of risk factors for atherosclerosis in children of patients with premature myocardial infarction. J Zanjan Univ Med Sci. 2008 17: 35-44. 33- Kelishadi R, Hashemipour M, Sheikh-Heidar A, Ghatreh-Samani S. Changes in serum lipid profile of obese or overweight children and adolescents following a lifestyle modification course. ARYA Atheroscler. 2012 8: 143-8. 34- Ribas SA, Santana da Silva LC. Anthropometric indices: predictors of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents from north of Brazil. Nutr Hosp. 2012 27: 1228-35.

Background and Objective: Previous studies indicate an inverse association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level with obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events. This study was aimed to assess metabolic syndrome correlation with serum Vit-D levels of physicians in Zanjan city (Iran). Materials and Methods: In an analytical cross-sectional study, a total of 108 physicians were selected and their 25-hydroxyvitamin D status, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride and HDL were assessed using venous blood. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on ATPIII criteria. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The mean serum 25(OH) D concentration was 23.40±23.72 ng/ml and its median level was 17.65 ng/ml. 25 (OH) D concentrations <20 ng/ml was observed in 62% of the participants. The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome for the whole sample was 21.2%. The most prevalent components of metabolic syndrome were hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL with a prevalence of 55.6% and 38%, respectively. Significant correlative difference was found between serum 25(OH) D levels and triglyceride (P = 0.009). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome among physicians in Zanjan was lower than general population. A significant association between serum levels of Vitamin D and triglyceride was detected, which may be due to higher BMI. References 1- Hoseinnejad A, Maghbuli ZH, Mirzaie KH, Karimi F, Larijani B. Relation of vitamin D3 level with metabolic syndrome among Iranian adult populations. Iran J Diabetes Lipid. 2009 9: 383-9. 2- Expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults. executive summary of the third report of the national cholesterol education program (NCEP) JAMA. 2001 285-97. 3- Chiu KC, Chu A, Go VL, Saad MF. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. Am J Clin Nut. 2004 79: 820-5. 4- Bonakdaran S, Varasteh A, Khajeh-Dalouie M. Serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 and laboratory risk markers of cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetic patients. Iran J Endocrin Metab. 2010 504-9. 5- Chagas C, Borges M, Rogero L. Focus on vitamin D, inflammation and type 2 diabetes. J Nutrients. 2012 4: 52-67. 6- Tohru Funahashi,Yuji Matsuzawa, Shinji Kihara. Adiponectin as a potential key player in metabolic syndrome insights into atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer. International Congress Series1262 2004 368-71 7- Wang C, Pereira R, Hosoka P, et al. Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and adiponectin levels in hypertensive subjects. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011 164: 995-1002. 8- Chacko S, Song Y, Manson J, et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. The Am J Clin Nut. 2011 94 209-17. 9- Ziaee A, Hashemipoor S, Karimzadeh T, Jalalpoor A, Javadi A. Relation of vitamin D3 Serum level with metabolic syndrome indices among patients with diabetes and non-diabetic individuals. J Ardabil Univ Med Sci. 2012 12: 149-56. 10- Yilmaz H, Kaya M, Sahin M, Delibasi T. Is vitamin D status a predictor glycaemic regulation and cardiac complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients?. J Diabetes Metab Clin Res Rev. 2012 253: 350-4. 11- Sharifi F, Mousavinasab N, Saeini M, Dinmohammadi M. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an adult urban population of the west of iran. Expert Diabetes Res. 2009 140-5. 12- Hurskainen AR, Virtanen JK, Tuomainen TP, Nurmi T, Voutilainen S. Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with type 2 diabetes and markers of insulin resistance in a general older population in Finland. J Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2012 28 418-23. 13- Park HY, Lim YH, Kim JH, Bae S, Oh SY, Hong YC. Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with markers for metabolic syndrome in the elderly: a repeated measure analysis.journal of Korean medical science. 2012 27 653-660. 14- Ford E, Ajani U, Mcguire L, Liu S. Concentrations of serum vitamin d and the metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults. J Diabetes care. 2005 28 1228-30. 15- Salekzamani S, Neyestani TR, Alavi-Majd H, et al. Is vitamin D status a determining factor for metabolic syndrome? J Diabetes Metab Obes. 2011 4 205-12.

Background and Objective: Obesity is a low grade inflammatory condition. It seems that there is an association between diet quality and inflammatory markers. Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is one of the important tools to assess diet quality. In this study, we assessed the effect of improving HEI score through nutritional education on serum levels of inflammatory markers in obese women. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial on sixty obese women who were assigned to educated and non-educated groups. Three months of nutritional education, one session in a week, was conducted for education group. The HEI scores of diet for seven days were recorded. Then, the concentrations of inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, TNF-α) and the anthropometric indexes were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study in both groups. Results: After adjustment for energy intake, weight and age, the HEI score of educated group improved significantly. Prior to receiving education, the HEI mean score was in need of improvement (60.58±6.31) in the educated group. Throughout education it improved to a good level (83.34±5.12). After adjustment for energy intake, weight and age, the plasma levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α significantly decreased (all p values were <0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the quality of diet could be an independent factor in preventing chronic diseases through improving inflammatory condition. References 1- Zou C, Shao J.Role of adipocytokines in obesity-associated insulin resistance. J Nutr Biochem. 2008 19: 277-86. 2- Bastard JP, Maachi M, Lagathu C, et al. Recent advances in the relationship between obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Eur Cytokine Netw. 2006 17: 4-12. 3- Azadbakht L, Mirmiran P, Hosseini F, Azizi F. Diet quality status of most Tehranian adults needs improvement. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2005 14: 163-8. 4- Fung TT, McCullough ML, Newby PK. Diet-quality scores and plasma concentrations of markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 82:163-73. 5- Lee H, Lee IS, Choue R. Obesity, inflammation and diet. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2013 16: 143-52. 6- Taechangam S, Pinitchun U, Pachotikarn C. Development of nutrition education tool: healthy eating index in Thailand. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008 17: 365-7. 7- Boynton A, Neuhouser ML, Sorensen B, McTiernan A, Ulrich CM. Predictors of diet quality among overweight and obese postmenopausal women. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 108: 125-30. 8- Boynton A, Neuhouser ML, Wener MH. Associations between healthy eating patterns and immune function or inflammation in overweight or obese postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 86: 1445-55. 9- Hu FB. Dietary pattern analysis: a new direction in nutritional epidemiology. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2002 13: 3-9. 10- Silva KF, Prata A, Cunha DF. Frequency of metabolic syndrome and the food intake patterns in adults living in a rural area of Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2011 44: 425-9. 11- Ford ES, Mokdad AH, Liu S. Healthy eating index and C-reactive protein concentration: findings from the national health and nutrition examination survey III, 1988-1994. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005 59: 278-83. 12- Fargnoli JL, Fung TT, Olenczuk DM, Chamberland JP, Hu FB, Mantzoros CS. Adherence to healthy eating patterns is associated with higher circulating total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin and lower resistin concentrations in women from the nurses' health study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 88: 1213-24. 13- Acar Tek N, Hilal Yildiran, Gamze Akbulut, et al. Evaluation of dietary quality of adolescents using healthy eating index. Nutr Res Pract. 2011 5: 322-8. 14- Patricia M. Guenther, Susan M. Krebs-Smith, Jill Reedy, etal. 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Background and Objective: Childhood obesity is considered a major health problem in both developed and developing countries. Regarding the impact of obesity on children, family and society, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and its correlation with life style and possible risk factors among preschool children in Zanjan.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 890 children aged 2-5 years old who were randomly recruited from child care centers of Zanjan city. Weight, height and the body mass index (BMI) of all participants were measured and a questionnaire consisting of birth history, feeding pattern, family history of obesity and diabetes, sleep and activity times were filled by interviewing with parents. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: The prevalence rate of obesity was10.9% and overweight prevalence was12.9%. There was no significant difference between two sexes (p=0.379). But there was a significant relationship between obesity and preterm delivery, birth weight, formula or cow milk feeding. Family history of obesity, physical activity, time spent watching TV and computer games per day, consumption of snacks and use of fast food during the week were all taken into account.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that obesity is high in preschool children in Zanjan city. Considering its significant correlation with physical activity, nutrition and birth weight, it seems that training programs and changes in the lifestyle and nutrition could have beneficial effects on the prevention and reduction of childhood obesity.

Background and Objective: Child weight is considered as one of the most appropriate criteria for determining the nutritional status of the children particularly prior to 24 months of age. There is an association between duration of breastfeeding and child weight via which childhood and even adult obesity can be predicted. Regarding the importance of breastfeeding and its critical role in future health of children, the present research was carried out to investigate the association between the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the weight of 24- month-old children in Zanjan province.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out using the registered data from 24 months old children records in rural/ urban health centers of Zanjan province. The sampling included all records of neonates born from 2010 to 2012 which were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were assessed by ordinal regression with the Proportional odds model and chi-square test. Stata12 was used for data analysis.

Results: Of 8456 children with the age of 24 months, 4146 (49%) were female. The mean age of the mothers was 27.1±5.4 years. The mean duration of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding with related standard deviation were 20.3±5.8 and 4.7±1.4 months, respectively. The mean and standard error concerning 24-month- old children’s weight was 11939±13.2 grams. There was an inverse relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding with 24-month-old children’s weight (p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study elucidates that continuation of breastfeeding until 24 months of age may prevent child obesity. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding encouragement and the continued breastfeeding until 24 months are critically recommended.

Background and Objective: Obesity is a serious global health problem. In this study the effects of cumin extract in rats receiving high fat diets were investigated and compared with metformin.

Materials and Methods: Eighty rats were divided into two sets of forty and each set was divided into four groups: the first group was a control group, the second group received a high fat diet, the third group received a high fat diet with metformin and forth group received a high fat diet with an extract of cumin. After treatment Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were measured.

Results: In the first set, the weight of the second group increased in comparison to the group receiving a normal diet. Weight in rats receiving metformin in combination with cumin extract decreased compared to the second group. MDA in rats belonging to the second group showed a greater increase compared to the control group, however FRAP was decreased.

Results gathered from the second set are as follows: MDA increased in rats belonging to the second group more than the control group but, FRAP and catalase declined. MDA and catalase increased in the metformin group compared to the second group. PON1 activity, catalase and FRAP in cumin receiving rats increased compared to the second group and MDA declined.

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that cumin extract has better protective effects against oxidative stress in high fat diet and obesity in comparison to metformin in rats.

Background and Objective: Nowadays obesity is a common problem.Obesity can cause abdominal deformation and dissatisfaction regarding body appearance. This study explored the use of a new surgical technique based on a special incision to reform flank skin laxity and dog ear with aggressive liposuction in women with abdominal deformities.
Materials and Methods: From May 2014 to February 2016, 25 women were chosen for this study. All women had a body mass index of greater than 28 kg/m2 in addition to flank folding, bulging and excess fat, abdominal and flank skin sagging and laxity. The new  incision apex was tucked 5-7 centimeters into the medial of the inferior flap. An important point in this new technique was that the paramedian perforator was preserved. 
Results: All women were between 33 and 62 years old (mean age of 47 ± 7.2 years old). The average amount of  liposuction aspirate was 2,350 mL (1700-3200 mL) and the size of the average excised skin ellipse was 23.62×16.08 cm (from 19×15 to 27×18 cm). There was a significant association between body mass index and resolved abdomen and flank fat in the second month after surgery. Dog ear, skin laxity, bulging and fat deposit correction were assessed and scored two and four months after surgery.
Conclusion: Aggressive abdominal and flank liposuction can be safely done while preserving the paramedian perforator. This yields a good cosmetic result in the abdomen and flank and prevents bulging in the incision end and flank. The use of this abdominoplasty technique is recommended for patients with high body mass indexes.

Background and Objective: Recent studies have shown a relationship between energy regulation and the circadian rhythm at behavioral, molecular, and physiological levels. The present study investigated the effect of chronotype on meal timing and obesity in Iranian housewives.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using a convenience-sampling method through the participation of housewives living in Ahvaz in 2018. Anthropometric information was collected. To assess food intake timing, energy intake and sleep patterns during seven days of normal living were recorded by the researchers. Dietary information was obtained by using a 24-hour recall questionnaire and analyzed by NUT IV software. The morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) was used to determine chronotypes.
Results: There was a significant difference between the morning and evening groups in terms of the timing of lunch (P=0.004) and mid-afternoon snacks (P=0.04). There was no significant difference between mean energy intake in the morning and evening chronotypes in women who were overweight or obese (P=0.31). There was also no significant difference between morning and evening chronotypes in terms of the percentage of energy intake of meals and snacks (P>0.05). The only significant difference, detected between morning and evening chronotypes in normal-weight women, was for the percentage of energy intake after 3:00 PM. (P=0.008).
Conclusion: The present study showed no effect of chronotype on obesity. However, energy intake calculations were based on self-reports, which could lead to information bias. Therefore, in future studies, researchers should carry out clinical trials while controlling food intake and considering meal timing.

Background and Objective: Hypothyroidism leads to an increased risk of overweight and obesity. This study examined the effect of weight gain caused by hypothyroidism on maternal health (hypertension, gestational diabetes, and miscarriage) for the first time.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study consisted of 123 pregnant women with clinical hypothyroidism and 242 non-hypothyroid pregnant women as the control group. National guidelines were used to diagnose hypothyroidism in the first trimester. Body mass index (BMI), thyroid-stimulating hormone level, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were measured. Moreover, fasting blood sugar was assessed during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Data were analyzed by the Chi-square, Student’s t-distribution, and logistic regression using the SPSS19 software.
Results: We found a significant relationship between BMI and hypothyroidism in pregnant women (P<0.001). Systolic and diastolic BP in the case group were higher in women with BMI≥25 (P=0.017 and P=0.002). Furthermore, diastolic BP had a significant impact on abortion (P=0.018). The rate of abortion increases by 1.042 with 1 mmHg elevation in diastolic BP in pregnant women if the variables maternal age, hypothyroidism, and overweight are constant.
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, weight gain in women with hypothyroidism can affect the risk of high diastolic BP and abortion.