Journal of Interdisciplinary Lifestyle Studies

Impact of Weight Loss on Hepatic Transaminases in Obese Patients

2025-05-13T13:15:07-03:00

Objective: To evaluate possible associations between weight loss and changes in hepatic transaminases in obese patients treated with a very low-calorie diet, comparing possible differences associated to sex and age group.

Method: This retrospective cohort analyzed medical records of 777 patients with severe obesity (grades II or III) treated with a 500–800 kcal/day diet between 2016 and 2022. Bioimpedance and laboratory tests were evaluated after 3 months of in-hospital intervention. The sample included individuals over 12 years old, totaling 1,142 hospitalized patients.

Results: The comparison between admission and discharge measurements revealed significant changes in body composition and in the GGT and ALT concentrations of the study participants. The reduction in body weight and fat mass in obese patients on a very low-calorie diet was directly and weakly associated with a reduction in liver transaminases, suggesting an improvement in liver function.

Conclusions: Hospital treatment for severe obesity was effective in promoting improvements in anthropometric measures after three months. The very low-calorie diet and lifestyle changes also provided evidence of improved liver function in patients, highlighting the importance of holistic management with multidisciplinary supervision.

Effect of Functional Training and Group Psychotherapy on Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Women

2025-07-02T16:28:49-03:00

Objective: To evaluate the effects of functional training, combined with group psychotherapy, on the self-esteem, anxiety, and depressive symptoms of elderly women.

Methodology: This is a quasi-experimental study with a convenience sample of 23 elderly women. Weekly physical exercise interventions were conducted over three weeks, along with psychotherapy sessions, also held once a week. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk, Student's t-test, and Cohen's d, with the significance level set at 5%.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed for the variables related to self-esteem and depressive symptoms (p>0.05). However, a significant reduction in anxiety was identified after 12 weeks of intervention (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results showed that the elderly women participating in the study demonstrated improvement in anxiety symptoms following the intervention with physical exercise and group psychotherapy.

The Relationship Between Smoking And Urinary Symptoms In Women

2025-06-20T15:25:38-03:00

Objective: To investigate the association between smoking and urinary symptoms in women, with a focus on its impact on urinary incontinence (UI) and quality of life.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study involving 54 women aged 20 to 60, recruited via social media over a three-month period. The study included 37 female smokers with urinary symptoms. Sociodemographic, gynecological, obstetric, and smoking-related data were collected through an electronic form. UI was assessed using the ICIQ-SF questionnaire, with participants scoring ≥1 considered incontinent. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi software, applying Spearman's correlation (p<0.05).

Results: The average age was 35 years, and the mean BMI was 26.5 kg/m², indicating overweight. The average smoking load was 5.40 pack-years, with a daily consumption of 10 cigarettes over 10 years. Smoking was frequently associated with stress and anxiety. Regarding UI, 16.2% reported frequent leakage, while 32.4% reported occasional leakage. The mean ICIQ-SF score was 3, indicating mild symptoms.

Discussion: A mild yet significant association was found between smoking and urinary symptoms in women. Although the correlation was weak, the findings reinforce smoking as a risk factor for UI, linked to hormonal changes and pelvic floor overload. The association with stress and anxiety highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in smoking cessation programs.

Conclusion: Smoking was shown to be associated with mild urinary symptoms in women, reinforcing its harmful effects on urogynecological health.

Differences in BMI, Body Fat, and Visceral Fat among Hospital Professionals in Capinota, Bolivia

2025-08-22T10:30:26-03:00

Introduction: Given the growing prevalence of overweight, obesity, and metabolic diseases, it is important to understand their impact on healthcare personnel.

Objective: To compare the indicators of Body Mass Index (BMI), total body fat, and visceral fat among healthcare workers at a hospital in Capinota, Bolivia.

Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, with a simple random sample of 64 participants.

Results: 34.4% of the personnel presented a normal BMI, while 29.7% were overweight. However, 64.4% showed very high levels of body fat, although 65.6% maintained visceral fat within normal ranges.

Conclusions: A discrepancy was noted between BMI and body fat percentage, suggesting metabolic risk in workers with a normal BMI. Additionally, differences in body composition were observed according to professional role, possibly reflecting the specific demands and stressors associated with each occupation within the healthcare setting.

Development of a Photoprotective and Antioxidant Formulation with Buriti Oil (Mauritia Flexuosa L.)

2025-08-14T15:57:56-03:00

Objectives: To develop and assess a photoprotective and antioxidant formulation based on the association between titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and buriti vegetable oil (Mauritia flexuosa L).

Methods: The emulsion was developed by the phase inversion method and the physicochemical and organoleptic parameters were evaluated according to ANVISA guidelines. The sun protection factor (SPF), UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength of the formulation were evaluated in silico. In the photostability test, buriti oil samples were exposed to solar radiation between 10 am and 3 pm. The areas over the curves (AUC) of the absorption spectra of the control sample and the irradiated samples were calculated.

Results: At the concentration of 10% titanium dioxide (TiO₂), the theoretical values of SPF = 18.6, UVA/UVB ratio of 0.31 and critical wavelength of 379 nm were obtained. The final formulation presented a light beige color, characteristic odor of buriti oil, homogeneous aspect and an average pH of 5.9. In the preliminary stability study, the formulation was stable, with no changes in color, odor, appearance and pH during the entire test period. Buriti oil was considered photounstable in all ranges of the absorption spectrum, which may be related to the presence of β-carotene and tocopherols, which are photosensitive compounds.

Conclusion: The formulation was stable in terms of organoleptic and physicochemical properties, however, buriti oil was considered photounstable. Future research may confirm photoinstability or promote actions to ensure the photostability of the oil in the formulation.

Motherhood and Academic Life: Challenges and Impacts on the Lifestyle of University Students

2025-08-14T15:53:09-03:00

Objective: This study aims to analyze the factors that hinder the process of mothering in association with academic life.

Method: This is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted with 19 women aged between 20 and 46 years. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Faculdade Adventista da Bahia, under approval number 6.281.705.

Results: The findings highlight several challenges faced by student mothers, such as the presence of their children on campus, the difficulty of balancing academic activities with household chores and childcare, and the physical and emotional overload caused by the double shift. The lack of institutional and family support further exacerbates this reality. The participants' experiences reveal the complexity of being both a mother and a student, showing significant impacts on mental health, academic performance, and overall quality of life.

Conclusion: The research underscores the urgent need for support and welcoming policies for mothers within university settings, as well as a broader discussion on the social structures shaped by machismo, which continue to hinder gender equity in higher education.

Benefits of Ora-Pro-Nóbis Flour (Pereskia Aculeata Miller) in Constipation in the Elderly

2025-04-15T16:35:13-03:00

Objective:To analyze the benefits of ora-pro-nóbis flour in the diagnostic criteria for functional constipation in institutionalized elderly people.

Method: The flour of ora-pro-nobis leaves was purchased in stores in Maringa (PR). Firstly, the sample was characterized according to physical-chemical composition and considered the most appropriate and viable for the intervention. The ora-pro-nobis flour was added three times a week individually to the participant's plate along with the beans in an amount of 10%. Gut health was defined according to the Rome III criteria.

Results: An improvement was observed in all analyzed criteria, and the intervention was statistically significant in the intestinal health of the individuals under study for the criteria of evacuation less than three times a week and straining when evacuating.

Conclusion: The elderly institutionalized in the elderly long-stay institution Lar dos velhinhos,

Maringa (PR), showed positive results with the dietary intervention with ora-pro-nobis flour, however, new studies on this topic are necessary to consolidate the results.

Clustering of Social Determinants of Health Associated with Healthy Lifestyle Among a Sample of Adventists: A Person-Centered Approach

2025-09-08T14:13:55-03:00

Objective: To analyze how clusters of social determinants of health are associated with healthy lifestyle practices among Brazilian Adventist adults and older adults.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 216 participants. Health behaviors were assessed using the Eight Natural Remedies Questionnaire. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and linear regression models were used to identify behavioral patterns and associations with socioeconomic factors.

Results: Two latent classes were identified. Individuals in Class 2, associated with lower socioeconomic and educational levels, showed significantly lower scores in exercise-related behaviors compared to those in Class 1. No significant differences were found in other lifestyle factors.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that lower socioeconomic status and limited education negatively influence exercise habits among Adventists, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions.