{"title":"Calorie counting vs. minute counting; does nutrient timing matter for weight-loss?","authors":"Kostas Tsintzas, James A Betts","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001135","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To critically evaluate the latest evidence on the weight-loss effects of chrono-nutrition, culminating in identification of remaining gaps in the literature and future recommendations.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>There appear to be six articles on this topic published over the past 2 years that have ostensibly examined the weight-loss effects of chrono-nutrition strategies relative to comparator conditions involving standard eating patterns in which meal timing is not manipulated. Some of those studies have concluded that TRE may be superior to standard energy restriction for weight-loss but the data presented do not consistently support that inference.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Chrono-nutrition strategies remain a popular dietary approach to weight-loss and yet there is a paucity of primary data showing that these strategies are more effective than any other means of eliciting a negative energy balance but without altering daily eating patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"333-338"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Obesity and related diseases.","authors":"Lia Bally, Leonidas G Karagounis","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000001134","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":"28 4","pages":"330-332"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alfredo Caturano, Anastassia Amaro, Cesare C Berra, Caterina Conte
{"title":"Sarcopenic obesity and weight loss-induced muscle mass loss.","authors":"Alfredo Caturano, Anastassia Amaro, Cesare C Berra, Caterina Conte","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001131","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Sarcopenic obesity is a clinical condition characterized by the coexistence of excess adiposity and impaired muscle function, associated with heightened cardiometabolic risk and frailty. The emergence of new incretin-based obesity management medications (OMMs), which allow unprecedented weight loss, has raised concerns regarding weight loss-induced fat-free mass (FFM) reduction, including skeletal muscle mass (SMM). This review examines recent findings on the prevalence, diagnosis, and implications of sarcopenic obesity, explores the effects of weight-loss interventions on body composition and their impact on health, and discusses strategies to preserve muscle mass.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Weight loss induced by incretin-based OMMs results in a variable but significant reduction in FFM. The extent to which this loss affects SMM and function remains uncertain. Nutritional strategies, particularly adequate protein intake, and structured exercise interventions, especially resistance training, play a key role in mitigating FFM loss. Digital health interventions and telemedicine-based exercise programs offer promising approaches for maintaining muscle health during weight loss.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The clinical significance of FFM loss during weight reduction remains debated. Future research should refine sarcopenic obesity diagnostic criteria, assess the long-term impact of FFM/SMM reduction during intentional weight loss, and evaluate interventions that optimize body composition while preserving functional health.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"339-350"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12147736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143987120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gut microbiota in patients with metabolic, dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.","authors":"Lissette Duarte, Fabien Magne, Martin Gotteland","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001128","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent condition that can progress to fibrosis, steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review examines recent advances concerning the role of gut microbiota in MASLD and microbiota-focused interventions to positively impact disease outcome.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Dysbiotic microbiota and a compromised gut barrier facilitate the translocation of microbial-associated molecular patterns and harmful metabolites into the portal circulation and liver, where they exacerbate inflammatory and fibrogenic processes. Conversely, other bacterial metabolites have protective effects in the liver. Therefore, microbiota homeostasis is essential for maintaining liver health.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Levels of harmful bacterial metabolites including ethanol, NH 3 , trimethylamine-L-oxide, 2-oleylglycerol, and litocholic acid are often increased in patients with MASLD. Conversely, short-chain fatty acids, indole derivatives, histidine, and the acids taurodeoxycholic, 3-succinylcholic, and hyodeoxycholic are decreased. The main aim of current interventions/treatments is to reduce harmful metabolites and increase beneficial ones. These interventions include drugs (pemafibrate, metformin, obeticholic acid), natural compounds (silymarin, lupeol, dietary fiber, peptides), exogenous bacteria (probiotics, gut symbionts), special diets (Mediterranean diet, time-restricted feeding), as well as microbiota transplantation, and phage therapy. Most improve gut permeability, liver inflammation, and fibrosis through microbiota regulation, and are promising alternatives for MASLFD management. However, most results come from animal studies, while clinical trials in MASLD patients are lacking. Further research is therefore needed in this area.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"307-315"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143972479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The effects of terpenes on metabolism: a comprehensive review on recent updates.","authors":"Efstathia Papada","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001129","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>There is a growing interest in plant-derived natural products as alternative means to manage chronic diseases. Terpenes represent a category of phytochemicals with several favourable effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this review is to explore the current understanding of how terpenes influence metabolism including glucose, lipid and amino acid and to discuss implications of these effects.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Although most of the scientific evidence is derived from in vitro and animal studies, the effects of terpenes on metabolism have been also evaluated in limited human studies. In regard to the effects of terpenes on glucose metabolism they seem to interact with insulin signalling pathways, increase glucose uptake, inhibit enzymes and regulate the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Similarly, terpenes may contribute to modulation of key enzymes and genes involved in lipid metabolism. Their effects on amino acids metabolism are not well understood but it seems that some terpenes can modulate amino acid levels in the plasma, potentially influencing metabolic pathways related to protein synthesis, gene expression, and intracellular protein turnover.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>These effects can have significant implications for the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as cancer, which is characterised by metabolic reprogramming. However, large-scale human studies are needed to conclude on terpenes effectiveness, safety and suitable dosage for favourable effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"323-329"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12147739/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143986884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Science as a beacon: navigating questions with evidence.","authors":"Anastasia Z Kalea, Dorothy Klimis-Zacas","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000001136","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":"28 4","pages":"297-298"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaohe Liu, Amnah Alharbi, Rachel Gibson, Ana Rodriguez-Mateos
{"title":"(Poly)phenol-gut microbiota interactions and their impact on human health.","authors":"Xiaohe Liu, Amnah Alharbi, Rachel Gibson, Ana Rodriguez-Mateos","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001132","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>(Poly)phenols are bioactive compounds in plant-based foods with well documented health benefits. Their metabolism in dependent on gut microbiota composition, diversity, and function, which modulate their bioavailability and physiological effects. This review examines recent insights into (poly)phenol-gut microbiota interactions, emphasizing their relevance in mediating health benefits and mechanisms of action.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies have identified a high interindividual variability in (poly)phenol metabolism, explored microbial-derived metabolites with potential health benefits, and revealed bidirectional influences between (poly)phenols and gut microbiota composition. Advances in analytical techniques and large-scale studies have refined our understanding of these interactions, but inconsistencies remain in linking specific microbial signatures to health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Standardized methodologies and long-term studies are needed to clarify the impact of (poly)phenol-derived metabolites on human health. Future research should focus on personalized and targeted nutrition approaches to optimize (poly)phenol benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"316-322"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12147749/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143989368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alvaro M Chavez, Ruben Carrasco Barria, Miguel León-Sanz
{"title":"Nutrition support whilst on glucagon-like peptide-1 based therapy. Is it necessary?","authors":"Alvaro M Chavez, Ruben Carrasco Barria, Miguel León-Sanz","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001130","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim of the review: </strong>Weight loss is a primary goal in the treatment of obesity, but its effect on body composition - particularly fat-free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SM) - is of increasing concern. This review examines the effects of antiobesity medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogs (GLP-1 RA), on body composition, the risk of sarcopenia, and strategies to preserve muscle mass during pharmacological weight loss.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Studies have shown that while GLP-1 RA are effective in reducing fat mass, up to 40% of the total weight loss can come from FFM. However, it is important to distinguish between FFM and SM, as FFM includes nonmuscle components. Resistance training and adequate protein intake can mitigate muscle loss, but the evidence for their efficacy in the context of GLP-1 RA therapy is mixed. If these measures are insufficient to prevent and maintain muscle mass, the use of some nutrients, such as branched chain amino acids, creatine, leucine, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, may be beneficial. Newer pharmacological approaches, such as bimagrumab, a human monoclonal antibody that acts by binding to the activin type II receptor II (ActRII), and other activin or myostatin inhibitors, show promise in preserving muscle mass while promoting fat loss.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>GLP-1 RA therapy for obesity should include resistance training, optimal protein intake and, if needed, specific nutrients and possibly pharmacological interventions to preserve muscle mass. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of GLP-1 RA on muscle health and to refine strategies to prevent sarcopenia in patients undergoing pharmacological weight loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"351-357"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Dib, Danielle L Jones, Elpida Vounzoulaki, Claire L Meek
{"title":"Weight management during pregnancy, what is new?","authors":"Sarah Dib, Danielle L Jones, Elpida Vounzoulaki, Claire L Meek","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001127","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The prevalence of women entering pregnancy with overweight or obesity is increasing which raises concerns for adverse outcomes for mothers and their infants. Evidence suggests that appropriate gestational weight gain is important, irrespective of maternal BMI. The aim of this present article is to review the evidence on weight management during pregnancy and evaluate the evidence on current interventions.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>There is currently no standardized definition of 'excessive' gestational weight gain or a unified approach to manage gestational weight, despite the rising prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity globally. Recently, the Dietary Intervention in Gestational Diabetes (DiGest) trial showed promising results for energy restriction as a potential strategy to reduce gestational weight gain and improve maternal and infant outcomes. Pharmacological treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, also show promise, but safety concerns remain requiring further research. More studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of both lifestyle and pharmacological interventions to guide future clinical recommendations.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>There is a need for individualized guidelines that consider maternal characteristics including ethnicity, preexisting conditions and emerging health risks, to tackle weight management during pregnancy and improve pregnancy outcomes. Further research is needed on optimal weight management strategies during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"358-363"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143984212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tineke Degens, Tanja C Adam, Ronald P Mensink, Peter J Joris
{"title":"Longer-term effects and underlying mechanisms of dietary intervention strategies on cognitive performance in adults with cognitive impairment.","authors":"Tineke Degens, Tanja C Adam, Ronald P Mensink, Peter J Joris","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001133","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>As global life expectancy increases, age-related neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia impose an increasing public health and socioeconomic burden. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly through a healthy diet, may reduce cognitive decline and support cognitive performance in aging populations. Despite increasing interest in dietary interventions as a strategy to enhance cognitive performance, research findings remain inconclusive. This narrative review aims to synthesize evidence on the longer-term effects (published February 2023-October 2024) and underlying mechanisms of dietary intervention strategies on cognitive performance in adults with preexisting cognitive impairment.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that both single- and multifactor dietary interventions may improve one or more cognitive domains in aging adults with preexisting cognitive impairment. However, variability in intervention types, durations, and participant characteristics limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This review highlights the potential benefits of longer-term dietary interventions on cognitive performance in adults with cognitive impairment. It further integrates emerging mechanistic insights, suggesting that specific dietary components may exert neuroprotective effects primarily by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and by enhancing brain vascular function. These mechanisms may promote neuroplasticity through the modulation of neurotrophic signaling pathways. Future research should focus on replicating these findings to validate their efficacy and the underlying mechanisms involved. This is essential for integrating dietary approaches into evidence-based guidelines for promoting long-term cognitive health.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"299-306"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12147734/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144126948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}