A new study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association found that a higher degree of obesity increases the risk of stroke, regardless of race, gender, or how obesity is measured. The study analyzed data from 13,549 middle-aged men and women and found significant disparities in stroke rates between whites and blacks.
Recent US data suggest a slowdown in the rate of increase for obesity in recent decades, with prevalence stabilization among women and potential slowing for men. The study found that 68% of US adults are overweight or obese.
A newly discovered gene called Brd2 has been found to play a crucial role in regulating body energy balance and protecting against Type 2 diabetes. In mice with a reduced expression of the Brd2 gene, obesity did not lead to diabetes, highlighting the importance of inflammation in this process.
Researchers have identified a specific gene on chromosome 16 called SH2B1 that plays a key role in regulating weight and handling blood sugar levels. The study found large chromosomal deletions associated with severe early-onset obesity in children.
A recent study by Loyola University Health System found that one out of five adults with Type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese. The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes increased by 141% between 1976 and 2006, highlighting the growing public health implications.
A prospective study found obesity and hypertension to be independent predictors of left atrial enlargement, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke, and death. Obesity was associated with greater increases in left atrial volume and incidence of LAE compared to hypertension.
A UT School of Public Health study found a 13 percent decrease in the prevalence of obesity among El Paso 4th graders after implementing several statewide policies and programs. The study demonstrates the importance of community and school health programs in preventing child obesity.
The US has reached a critical point on obesity, with 72 million adults affected. Health reform that directly addresses obesity is crucial to saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a gene called IKKE that acts as a master switch to control obesity in mice. Deleting this gene also appears to protect mice against conditions associated with Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that biotransformed blueberry juice has strong anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. The juice was tested on mice prone to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertension, and showed a significant reduction in food intake and body weight.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that adolescent and young children of obese mothers who underwent weight-loss surgery prior to pregnancy have a lower prevalence of obesity and improved cardio-metabolic markers. The research suggests that the intrauterine environment ...
A study of obese children found pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, and reduced HDL cholesterol levels, indicating impaired endothelial function. The degree of obesity correlated with vessel dysfunction, and self-healing capacity was compromised. These findings suggest a high risk of cardiovascular disease in young adults.
A new study published in Obesity and Weight Management explores the link between obesity and erectile dysfunction, finding that excess weight increases the risk of ED due to atherosclerosis-related hypertension and hormonal changes. Research shows that weight loss and increased physical activity can improve symptoms.
A new study has found that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer recurrence in both black and white men, with no racial difference observed. Researchers analyzed data from 1,415 patients and found a significant association between higher body mass index and increased risk of cancer recurrence.
Researchers found that the prevalence of severe obesity in US children increased from 0.8% to 3.8% between 1976-80 and 1999-2004. The study highlights the significant health risks facing morbidly obese children, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
New research reveals a significant link between same-gender parent relationships and childhood obesity. Girls with obese mothers are more likely to struggle with weight problems in childhood, while similar patterns exist between obese fathers and sons.
Researchers found significant differences in salivary bacteria populations between overweight women and non-overweight women, with a single species Selenomanas noxia linked to over 98% of cases. The study suggests oral bacteria may be related to obesity pathology.
Researchers from USC's Keck School of Medicine have developed a Mobile Body Area Network that monitors obesity indicators in minority youth. The KNOWME device uses wearable wireless sensors to measure physical activity, stress, and body fat, providing immediate feedback for interventionists and health professionals.
A study by American Academy of Sleep Medicine finds that short sleep duration significantly increases the risk of obesity, particularly in black Americans, who have a 35% greater risk than whites. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 individuals and found that black Americans had a higher prevalence of both short sleep and obesity.
Patients with both obesity and diabetes face a significantly worse prognosis, with effective treatment being
A new study suggests that US obesity has been largely driven by increased energy intake, rather than reduced physical activity. The research found that if Americans had only consumed their recommended daily calorie intake, they would have gained approximately 10.8 kg less weight.
A new study found that taking probiotics during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of obesity in women, particularly central obesity and body fat percentage. The study involved 256 pregnant women who received either dietary counselling alone or with daily capsules of probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
A new study found that obesity prevalence differs among racial and ethnic groups in US children as young as 4, with American Indian/Native Alaskan children being twice as likely to be obese as white and Asian children. An estimated 18.4% of 4-year-olds are considered obese.
A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that infants who experience rapid weight gain in the first six months of life are at a higher risk of developing obesity by age three. The research suggests that early interventions may help prevent long-term health consequences.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that prenatal exposure to DDT may play a role in the obesity epidemic among some women. Women who consumed high levels of fish and PCBs during pregnancy were found to have a higher risk of obesity.
Assistant professor Samantha Kwan argues that the concept of obesity has been overstated and is influenced by cultural beauty messages and health discourses. She claims that women are more closely tied to weight and appearance, and that conforming to norms can bring benefits beyond being healthier.
A study by Dr Tom Barber and colleagues found a genetic link between the FTO gene and PCOS susceptibility. The researchers analyzed 463 PCOS patients and 1336 female population controls, discovering that variants of the FTO gene influence fat mass and PCOS-susceptibility.
A new classification system aims to provide a more accurate picture of a patient's health issues, complementing body measurements. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System has five stages, from stage 0 to stage 4, and offers specific treatment approaches for each stage.
Researchers found significant differences in microbial composition among obese patients, gastric bypass surgery subjects, and normal-weight individuals. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a key role in energy harvesting, making people more susceptible to obesity.
A genome-wide association study has identified three genes associated with an increased risk of severe obesity in children and adults. The study, led by McGill scientists, found that these genes contribute to early-onset obesity in kids and morbid obesity in adults.
A new study reveals three genetic variations that increase the risk of severe obesity in children, with potential for early intervention and prevention. The gene variants may account for up to half of all cases of adult and child obesity.
A new study reveals that economic status in childhood affects the likelihood of obesity in later life for Mexican-American and white women. However, this relationship does not hold true for African-American women. The study found that higher education and income levels are associated with lower obesity rates among Mexican-American women.
The study identified six new genes associated with obesity, including TMEM18, KCTD15, and GNPDA2, which show a neural effect. These genes are active in brain cells and have been validated in multiple studies.
Researchers say that GPs could do more to help obese individuals avoid surgery by implementing early stage weight management programs and using anti-obesity drugs. Patients face a post-code lottery when seeking access to specialist care, highlighting the need for improved obesity management strategies.
The Obesity Institute at Children's National Medical Center gathered experts to discuss translational, clinical and community research successes in childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Key findings include successful community interventions for inner-city youth, emerging genomic research on high LDLs and type 2 diabetes risk.
Researchers at Monell Center found that changes in blood triglyceride levels after a high-fat meal can indicate susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. The study suggests that such a simple blood test could be used to identify individuals at risk, particularly children, and target obesity prevention resources.
A new obesity drug, Tesofensine, has shown promising results in a phase II study, producing weight loss twice that of currently approved obesity drugs. The drug works by suppressing hunger, leading to an energy deficit and burning off excess body fat.
Researchers found black patients with chronic pain were less likely to have their weight or BMI recorded, despite being at higher risk for obesity. Obesity contributes to greater disability and poorer functioning over and above the impact of pain level.
A study of 46 parents found that less than 13% perceived their child as overweight, despite elevated BMI. This highlights a significant misperception among parents regarding their child's weight and obesity risk.
A study by University of Maryland researchers found that high physical activity levels can blunt the effect of the FTO gene variant, which is linked to increased risk of obesity. The study analyzed genes and lifestyle of Old Order Amish individuals, finding no association between the gene and body weight in highly active participants.
A recent New Zealand study investigated the relationship between obesity and asthma, ruling out systemic inflammation as a common factor. Despite not finding evidence of its involvement, researchers suggest that other possibilities, such as changes in innate immunity or dynamic lung function, may be worth exploring.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a protein called BMP-7 that induces the formation and function of brown fat cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for obesity and its associated diseases.
A new study reveals a link between obesity predisposition and defective dopamine signaling in the brain's reward system. The mesolimbic system, which secretes dopamine, is found to have lower baseline levels and reduced stimulated release in obesity-prone rats.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that maternal obesity can amplify obesity in successive generations through epigenetic changes. The study found that genetically identical mice on a standard diet gained weight with each generation, while those on a methyl-supplemented diet remained lean.
Researchers found that resveratrol inhibits the growth of pre-fat cells and prevents them from converting into mature fat cells. Resveratrol also reduces production of cytokines linked to obesity-related disorders, such as diabetes and clogged coronary arteries.
Researchers at U of M have discovered a gene, Girk4, associated with adult-onset obesity in mice. The gene's disruption leads to increased food intake and energy expenditure in the hypothalamus, mirroring human obesity patterns.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine has documented the association between obesity and increased risk of heart disease. The research found significant ethnic disparities in weight and cardiovascular health, with non-Hispanic white participants showing a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Research found obesity increases dementia risk by 80%, while being underweight also poses a significant threat. The study, published in Obesity Reviews, analyzed data from over 37,000 people and estimated that 12% of dementia risk can be attributed to obesity.
A systematic review of 10 studies found a consistent relationship between obesity and an increased risk for dementia, with baseline obesity increasing the risk by 80% on average. Preventing or treating obesity at a younger age could reduce the number of dementia patients by up to 20%.
A recent study published in the SLEEP journal found a consistent global link between short sleep duration and increased risk of obesity. The research analyzed data from over 630,000 participants across 29 countries, revealing that both children and adults who slept less than average had a higher likelihood of being obese.
Mark Friedman, a leading researcher in eating behavior, has received a Guggenheim Fellowship to study the effects of diet on obesity. His work aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving diet-induced obesity, with a focus on the interaction between dietary fat and carbohydrate.
A study found that children with fathers who were clinically obese at a young age had higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, indicating a potential genetic connection between early-onset paternal obesity and increased risk of liver disease. The results persisted among non-obese children, suggesting an independent association.
Finnish research reveals clear changes in gene-networks and mitochondria function in obese individuals, associated with pre-diabetic changes and increased insulin release. Mitochondrial inefficiency may maintain obesity state.
A genetic marker for obesity has been refined to better understand its role in various human populations. The finding suggests an ancient mutation that first arose in Africa may be a key factor in the development of obesity.
A study published in Obesity found that children who slept less were more likely to be overweight or obese. The researchers analyzed data from 17 studies and found that for every additional hour of sleep, the risk decreased by 9%.
Researchers found that obese rats have abnormalities in brain regions critical for appetite control, including reduced responsiveness to the hunger-suppressing hormone leptin. This suggests that obesity may be wired into the brain from early life, making it challenging to reverse with exercise and diet alone.
New studies from Purdue University find that living longer with obesity leads to longer hospital stays and more avoidable trips to the hospital. The research also suggests that addressing obesity at a younger age can help prevent chronic health problems.
Researchers found that mice lacking the renin enzyme are lean and resistant to diet-induced obesity, even without exercise. The study suggests that renin-blocking drugs could improve obesity and insulin sensitivity, providing new insights into the metabolic syndrome.
Physicians face challenges in managing and identifying obesity, with most lacking skills and knowledge to address the issue. A top researcher highlights the importance of training family physicians to provide optimal care to obese patients.
Researchers propose a broader approach to uncovering the causes and consequences of obesity, highlighting similarities in cell responses to excess nutrients. This understanding might reveal why overeating leads to various diseases and explain animal longevity on calorie-restricted diets.