Effects and mechanisms of nutritional interventions on extradigestive complications in obese patients

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of multiple extradigestive complications. Thus, understanding the global epidemiology of obesity and its relationship with extradigestive complications, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is important. However, nutritional intervention can positively manage issues associated with obesity. Hence, the identification of the current high prevalence of extradigestive complications among patients with obesity and the potential role of nutritional interventions is also essential.

To determine the relationship between obesity and extradigestive complications and emphasize the importance of nutritional interventions in the management of patients with obesity.

Overall, 110 patients with obesity admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to November 2022 and 100 healthy individuals were included in the present study. Information of the study population, including demographic characteristics, such as age, sex, body mass index, indicators of extradigestive complications, dietary intake, and biomarkers was collected. The study design, participant selection, interventions, and development of the nutritional intervention program were described. The collected data were analyzed to assess the effect of nutritional interventions on extradigestive complications.

As a part of nutritional intervention, the dietary structure was modified to decrease the saturated fatty acid and cholesterol intake and increase the dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake to improve the blood lipid levels and cardiovascular health. Mechanistic studies showed that these nutritional interventions positively affected mechanisms that regulate lipid metabolism, improved inflammatory markers in the blood, and improved vascular functions.

The study discusses the consistency of the present results with previous findings to assess the clinical significance of the present findings. The study provides direction for future research on improving nutritional intervention strategies.