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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2012; 194(2); 179-188; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.09.020

Weight loss resistance: a further consideration for the nutritional management of obese Equidae.

Abstract: Evidence-based, weight loss management advice is required to address equine obesity. Changes in body mass (BM), body condition score (BCS), heart (HG) and belly circumference (BG), direct (ultrasonographic) and indirect (D(2)O dilution, bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA]) measures of body fat as well as indices of insulin resistance (IR) were monitored in 12 overweight (BCS ≥ 7/9) horses and ponies of mixed breed and gender for 16 weeks. Animals were randomly assigned to two groups (Group 1, n=6, BCS 7.6/9 ± 0.6, 489 ± 184.6 kg; Group 2, n=6, BCS 8.1/9 ± 0.6, 479 ± 191.5 kg). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) was restricted to 1.25% BM as one of two, near-isocaloric (DE ∼0.115 MJ/kg BM/day), forage-based diets (Group 1, 0.8% BM chaff-based feed: 0.45% BM hay; Group 2, 1.15% BM hay: 0.1% BM nutrient-balancer). Statistical modelling revealed considerable between-animal heterogeneity in proportional weight losses (0.16-0.55% of Week 1 BM weekly). The magnitude of weight loss resistance (WLR) or sensitivity to dietary restriction was independent of diet or any measured outset variable and was largely (65%) attributed to animal identity. Predicted rates of weight loss decreased over time. BCS and BIA were poor estimates of D(2)O-derived body fat%. Reciprocal changes in depths of retroperitoneal and subcutaneous adipose tissues were evident. Changes in BG were associated with losses in retroperitoneal fat and BM (r(2), 0.67 and 0.79). Indices of IR improved for 9/12 animals by Week 16. For obese animals, weight loss should be initiated by restricting forage DMI to 1.25% BM. Subsequent restriction to 1% BM may be warranted for WLR animals.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2012-10-30 PubMed ID: 23117030DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.09.020Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study explores varying levels of weight loss resistance in overweight horses and ponies, seeking to better understand dietary adjustments that can holistically combat equine obesity. The researchers monitored changes in body mass, condition, and other physical and metabolic indicators as the animals underwent a limited forage-based diet.

Methodology

  • The researchers focused on 12 overweight horses and ponies (body condition score, BCS, 7/9 or above). These animals were of varied breed and gender, and were monitored over a period of 16 weeks.
  • The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, each receiving variations of a restricted, forage-based diet. The Group 1 diet focused on chaff-based feed and hay, while the Group 2 diet leaned more on hay and a nutrient-balancer. The amount of food intake was capped at 1.25% of body mass.
  • Various physical and metabolic measures were observed, including body mass, body condition score, heart and belly circumference, and direct (ultrasound) and indirect (D(2)O dilution, bioelectrical impedance analysis) measures of body fat. Additionally, indices of insulin resistance were tracked.

Findings

  • There was notable individual variability among the animals in terms of proportional weight loss, ranging from 0.16% to 0.55% of initial body mass each week. This shows that some equine subjects had a higher resistance to weight loss than others.
  • The degree of weight loss resistance was not tied to any specific outset variable or the diet given. Instead, it was primarily determined by the animal’s identity and individual characteristics, with animal identity accounting for 65% of the observed variation.
  • Predicted rates of weight loss lessened over time. Furthermore, body condition score and bioelectrical impedance analysis measures were found imprecise when estimating D(2)O-derived body fat percentage.
  • Changes in the fat depth within the retroperitoneal area (located behind the abdomen’s peritoneum) and just below the skin were noted. In general, belly circumference changes correlated with ln loss of retroperitoneal fat and body mass.
  • By the end of the study, 9 out of the 12 animals showed improved insulin resistance, thus indicating a positive shift in metabolic health.

Implications

  • The study emphasizes the need for specific dietary restrictions in addressing equine obesity. A starting point could be limiting forage dry matter intake to 1.25% of body mass.
  • However, adjusting the restriction to 1% may be necessary for animals showing high weight loss resistance.

Cite This Article

APA
Argo CM, Curtis GC, Grove-White D, Dugdale AH, Barfoot CF, Harris PA. (2012). Weight loss resistance: a further consideration for the nutritional management of obese Equidae. Vet J, 194(2), 179-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.09.020

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 194
Issue: 2
Pages: 179-188

Researcher Affiliations

Argo, Caroline McG
  • University of Liverpool, Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK. c.m.argo@liverpool.ac.uk
Curtis, Gemma C
    Grove-White, Dai
      Dugdale, Alexandra H A
        Barfoot, Clare F
          Harris, Patricia A

            MeSH Terms

            • Adipose Tissue
            • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
            • Animals
            • Body Composition
            • Body Size
            • Diet / veterinary
            • Female
            • Horse Diseases / diet therapy
            • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
            • Horses
            • Insulin Resistance
            • Intra-Abdominal Fat / physiopathology
            • Male
            • Obesity / diet therapy
            • Obesity / physiopathology
            • Obesity / veterinary
            • Overweight / diet therapy
            • Overweight / veterinary
            • Subcutaneous Fat / physiopathology
            • Weight Loss

            Grant Funding

            • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

            Citations

            This article has been cited 21 times.
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