Online First
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Mal J Nutr)
A balanced diet improves body composition in women with high body fat, across both variants of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism
Putri Novitasari, Rimbawan Rimbawan, Hardinsyah Hardinsyah & Hadi Riyadi
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2025-0018
A balanced diet improves body composition in women with high body fat, across both variants of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The FTO rs9939609 variant is linked to obesity risk. This study evaluated the effect of a 28-day balanced diet, based on the Indonesian dietary guidelines, on body composition in women with high body fat (>35%), stratified by FTO rs9939609 genotype.
Methods: In a randomised controlled trial, 38 women aged 18–25 years were assigned to four groups: DAC (Diet-AT/AA, n=12), DTH (Diet-TT, n=8), CAC (Control-AT/AA, n=10), and CTH (Control-TT, n=8). All participants received nutrition education. A general linear model (GLM), adjusted for age and physical activity, was used to assess gene-diet interactions.
Results: DAC group showed significant reductions in body weight (-1.3±1.6 kg) and waist-hip ratio (-0.03±0.05; p<0.05). DTH group had significant decreases in body weight (-1.7±1.8 kg), body mass index (BMI) (-0.7±0.8 kg/m²), and visceral fat (-0.6±0.7; p<0.05). GLM analysis showed that diet significantly affected body weight (b:-1.67; p=0.005), BMI (b:-0.40; p=0.030), and visceral fat (b:-0.46; p=0.043). However, genotype had no significant effect and no gene-diet interaction was observed.
Conclusion: A balanced diet effectively improved body composition of young women with high body fat, regardless of FTO rs9939609 genotype. These results suggested that dietary interventions may outweigh genetic predisposition in influencing obesityrelated outcomes. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up is recommended.
Key words: balanced diet, body composition, FTO rs9939609, obese women
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Introduction: The FTO rs9939609 variant is linked to obesity risk. This study evaluated the effect of a 28-day balanced diet, based on the Indonesian dietary guidelines, on body composition in women with high body fat (>35%), stratified by FTO rs9939609 genotype.
Methods: In a randomised controlled trial, 38 women aged 18–25 years were assigned to four groups: DAC (Diet-AT/AA, n=12), DTH (Diet-TT, n=8), CAC (Control-AT/AA, n=10), and CTH (Control-TT, n=8). All participants received nutrition education. A general linear model (GLM), adjusted for age and physical activity, was used to assess gene-diet interactions.
Results: DAC group showed significant reductions in body weight (-1.3±1.6 kg) and waist-hip ratio (-0.03±0.05; p<0.05). DTH group had significant decreases in body weight (-1.7±1.8 kg), body mass index (BMI) (-0.7±0.8 kg/m²), and visceral fat (-0.6±0.7; p<0.05). GLM analysis showed that diet significantly affected body weight (b:-1.67; p=0.005), BMI (b:-0.40; p=0.030), and visceral fat (b:-0.46; p=0.043). However, genotype had no significant effect and no gene-diet interaction was observed.
Conclusion: A balanced diet effectively improved body composition of young women with high body fat, regardless of FTO rs9939609 genotype. These results suggested that dietary interventions may outweigh genetic predisposition in influencing obesityrelated outcomes. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up is recommended.
Key words: balanced diet, body composition, FTO rs9939609, obese women
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Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of malnutrition among secondary school students in northern mountainous Vietnam
Ton Hien Anh, Tran Manh Dung, Vu Trang Anh, Phan Thi Sinh, Vu Mai Huong & Le Xuan Hung
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2024-0135
Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of malnutrition among secondary school students in northern mountainous Vietnam
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Malnutrition remains a critical public health issue, especially in rural and mountainous areas of Vietnam, where socioeconomic and geographic disparities are pronounced. Secondary school students are particularly vulnerable due to increased nutritional needs during growth and development. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among secondary school students in northern mountainous Vietnam.
Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bao Ai Secondary School, Yen Bai Province, from September to October 2022. A total of 460 secondary school students aged 10–15 years were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the World Health Organization growth standards, and stunting, thinness, and overweight prevalences were determined. Socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioural data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models.
Results: Stunting was more prevalent in females, while thinness and overweight were higher in males, though these differences were not statistically significant. Dao ethnic group had the highest malnutrition rates, with stunting at 9.4% and thinness at 10.8%. Low maternal education was a key predictor of stunting, while household economic status showed no significant association. These findings highlighted the need for targeted interventions addressing gender and ethnic disparities in nutrition.
Conclusion: This study underscored the need for targeted interventions addressing age- and gender-specific nutritional vulnerabilities. Findings highlighted importance of school-based nutrition programmes and maternal education initiatives to mitigate malnutrition risks. Culturally sensitive strategies and multi-sectoral collaboration are essential to reduce malnutrition in underserved communities.
Key words: adolescents, ethnic disparities, malnutrition, nutritional status, Vietnam
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Introduction: Malnutrition remains a critical public health issue, especially in rural and mountainous areas of Vietnam, where socioeconomic and geographic disparities are pronounced. Secondary school students are particularly vulnerable due to increased nutritional needs during growth and development. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among secondary school students in northern mountainous Vietnam.
Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bao Ai Secondary School, Yen Bai Province, from September to October 2022. A total of 460 secondary school students aged 10–15 years were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the World Health Organization growth standards, and stunting, thinness, and overweight prevalences were determined. Socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioural data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models.
Results: Stunting was more prevalent in females, while thinness and overweight were higher in males, though these differences were not statistically significant. Dao ethnic group had the highest malnutrition rates, with stunting at 9.4% and thinness at 10.8%. Low maternal education was a key predictor of stunting, while household economic status showed no significant association. These findings highlighted the need for targeted interventions addressing gender and ethnic disparities in nutrition.
Conclusion: This study underscored the need for targeted interventions addressing age- and gender-specific nutritional vulnerabilities. Findings highlighted importance of school-based nutrition programmes and maternal education initiatives to mitigate malnutrition risks. Culturally sensitive strategies and multi-sectoral collaboration are essential to reduce malnutrition in underserved communities.
Key words: adolescents, ethnic disparities, malnutrition, nutritional status, Vietnam
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Food-based recommendations for reproductive age women with hypertension: A preliminary study in a public health centre in Semarang, Indonesia
Heni Hendriyani, Muflihah Isnawati & Dian Luthfita Prasetya Muninggar
doi: https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2024-0015
Food-based recommendations for reproductive age women with hypertension: A preliminary study in a public health centre in Semarang, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The Indonesian Basic Health Research in 2018 showed that prevalence of hypertension reached 34.1%, whereas in Central Java province it was above the national figure of 37.6%. Prevalence of high blood pressure was higher in women than in men, at 40.2% and 34.8%, respectively. Therefore, this study aimed to develop food-based recommendations for women of reproductive age with hypertension in Semarang.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included women aged 30–52 years (n=100) in Semarang City. Dietary intake was assessed by quantitative 24-hour diet recall.
Results: Median frequency of fruit consumption was only four times per week, whereas median frequency of vegetable consumption was higher at nine times per week. Beverages had median frequency intake of 38 times a week. Consumption of high-sodium snacks was frequent, with median frequency of five times a week. Folate was identified as a problematic nutrient. Potential food subgroups and food items recommended for achieving dietary adequacy were rice, cassava, meat, chicken, tempeh, small shrimp, and fruits. Mean sodium intake was above recommendation, while mean magnesium intake was below recommendation.
Conclusion: Women of reproductive age with hypertension reported poor dietary patterns, including low intake of fruits and vegetables, and high intakes of beverages and high-sodium snacks. This study shows that locally available foods have potential to improve diet quality of women of reproductive age with hypertension.
Key words: food-based recommendation, hypertension, linear programming, Optifood, women
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Introduction: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The Indonesian Basic Health Research in 2018 showed that prevalence of hypertension reached 34.1%, whereas in Central Java province it was above the national figure of 37.6%. Prevalence of high blood pressure was higher in women than in men, at 40.2% and 34.8%, respectively. Therefore, this study aimed to develop food-based recommendations for women of reproductive age with hypertension in Semarang.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included women aged 30–52 years (n=100) in Semarang City. Dietary intake was assessed by quantitative 24-hour diet recall.
Results: Median frequency of fruit consumption was only four times per week, whereas median frequency of vegetable consumption was higher at nine times per week. Beverages had median frequency intake of 38 times a week. Consumption of high-sodium snacks was frequent, with median frequency of five times a week. Folate was identified as a problematic nutrient. Potential food subgroups and food items recommended for achieving dietary adequacy were rice, cassava, meat, chicken, tempeh, small shrimp, and fruits. Mean sodium intake was above recommendation, while mean magnesium intake was below recommendation.
Conclusion: Women of reproductive age with hypertension reported poor dietary patterns, including low intake of fruits and vegetables, and high intakes of beverages and high-sodium snacks. This study shows that locally available foods have potential to improve diet quality of women of reproductive age with hypertension.
Key words: food-based recommendation, hypertension, linear programming, Optifood, women
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