Research found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid from fish oils, stimulates the secretion of leptin in primary cell cultures of fat from rats. This effect may be beneficial for maintaining body weight during obesity treatment and improving associated pathologies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern will examine the behavioral, metabolic, and molecular mechanisms that cause obesity and related disorders, with a focus on the brain and liver. The team aims to develop state-of-the-art research programs and translate scientific findings to humans.
A study of 872 Swiss children found that playing electronic games and watching TV were independently associated with obesity. The findings suggest that limiting electronic game use may help prevent childhood obesity.
Recent studies have highlighted promising new treatments for obesity, including rimonabant's effectiveness in treating the condition. Additionally, researchers have discovered a lack of gut hormone PYY3-6 in obese individuals, leading to increased food intake and potential health risks associated with obesity.
New data from 1999-2002 shows no decline in childhood overweight and adult obesity rates, with 65.1% of adults aged 20+ being overweight or obese. The prevalence of extreme obesity also remains unchanged.
Researchers found a shift in burden of disease as economic growth expands, with poorer women more affected. Obesity risk increases for those in lower-middle income countries above $2,995 per capita income.
Research shows that obesity-related surgeries can be completed as outpatient procedures, reducing associated costs. Adjustable gastric banding surgeries may also be suitable for certain obese patients, offering a safe and convenient alternative.
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that having children increases the risk of obesity for both mothers and fathers. The research, published in the Journal of Women's Health, analyzed data from over 9,000 Americans and found that each additional child raises the risk of obesity by 7% for women and 4% for men.
Two studies found obesity increases risk of aggressive prostate cancer and cancer recurrence in African-American men. Obesity is associated with higher Gleason scores and elevated PSA levels, suggesting a link between excess body fat and tumor growth.
Two studies found that macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue is characteristic of human obesity and precedes insulin resistance. Treatment with an insulin-sensitizing drug triggered downregulation of inflammatory genes, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A recent study published in Public Library of Science Biology has identified the GAD2 gene as a strong candidate for human obesity. The research suggests that an active form of this gene contributes to excessive hunger and eating behaviors, particularly in individuals with a higher risk of obesity.
Using National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data, researchers found that 18% and 15% of black and Hispanic females respectively became obese over the five-year exam period. Obesity rates among older adolescents were higher and more likely to remain stable or increase.
A recent study of early-stage breast cancer patients found that tamoxifen is effective in reducing recurrence and mortality regardless of body mass index. However, obesity was linked to increased risks of second cancers and all-cause mortality.
A study found that health professionals who treat and study obesity are biased against overweight patients, associating them with negative stereotypes. Younger people show greater bias, while those working directly with obese patients and having understanding friends exhibit lower levels of bias.
Research suggests that obesity increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women by raising serum estrogen levels. The study analyzed blood samples from over 1,600 women and found a significant link between obesity and increased estrogen levels, highlighting the importance of controlling this modifiable risk factor.
A recent study establishes that rapid infant weight gain is associated with obesity in young adulthood, particularly among African Americans. The study found that subjects with rapid early infancy weight gain were more than twice as likely to be obese at age 20 compared to those without rapid weight gain.
A recent UB study found that childhood obesity is on the rise, associated with multiple medical consequences including type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that early intervention at preschool level can help prevent obesity-related issues.
A Saint Louis University study found that fat mice get fatter as they age due to a blood-brain barrier defect, while skinny ones remain the same. The researchers propose identifying substances that impair leptin transport to develop new obesity treatments.
The American Heart Association's scientific statement highlights the importance of preventing childhood obesity to reduce adult heart disease risk. Studies show that obesity in children is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for early interventions.
A broad-based research program is needed to understand obesity, which cannot be easily explained by personal failing. Genes and environment interact to determine body weight, with genetic factors accounting for individual differences in weight among present time.
A new study by Dee W. Edington, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan found that individuals with obesity incur significantly higher medical costs than those with normal weight, with average annual costs rising from $2,225 to $3,753 for obese individuals. The economic burden of obesity is estimated to be substantial, with conservative e...
The Lancet Seminar highlights the role of adverse environmental factors in childhood obesity and advocates for straightforward solutions. Comprehensive measures targeting energy intake and expenditure are necessary to prevent and treat obesity in children.
A large-scale study in Scotland found that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity, persisting even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The relative reduction in risk was 30% when obesity was defined as the 98th percentile or higher for BMI.
Declining physical activity levels are strongly associated with increasing obesity rates. A 15-year study found that higher intensity physical activity was inversely related to obesity, suggesting a physically active lifestyle can help prevent weight gain.
The American Physiological Society hosts a series of briefings on the physiology and pathophysiology of obesity, featuring renowned experts who examine gene-environment interactions, neurobiology, endocrine/metabolic consequences, and cardiovascular regulation. The conference aims to advance understanding of human health and disease.
The global obesity epidemic is spreading rapidly, with an estimated 300 million obese adults and 22 million children worldwide. Scientists attribute the rise to industrialized lifestyles, urbanization, and decreased physical activity levels, particularly among developing countries.
Researchers discuss biological and cultural factors behind global obesity trend, citing rapid urbanization and technology as contributing causes. Childhood malnutrition and stunted growth are paradoxically linked to adult obesity in many places.
The study confirms a suspected global epidemic of childhood obesity, with higher rates in the US compared to Russia and China. Obesity prevalence varies by socioeconomic status and geographic location, with urban areas and affluent families more likely to be affected.
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has released a comprehensive guide for primary care doctors on obesity diagnosis and management. Obesity rates increased by 30% between 1980 and 1994, carrying significant direct health care costs for the United States. The guide addresses key aspects of medical a...
A German research team found that people who inherit two copies of the GNB3 825T allele gene have a high risk of obesity if they do not engage in regular physical activity. Exercising for two hours or more a week appears to block the genetic tendency, highlighting the importance of lifestyle in preventing obesity-related diseases.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft conference highlighted the need for research into adiposity, which causes physical disorders and increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Scientists called for guidelines to support doctors and patients in their struggle against obesity.
Scientists at National Jewish Health have identified a key protein that regulates fat cell development, which could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and related conditions. By inserting a negative version of CREB into fat cells, researchers can inhibit the growth of new fat cells.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine suggest that obesity drugs can improve long-term weight loss results when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Patients who have already made significant progress through behavioral programs may still benefit from medication to maintain their weight loss.
Researchers at Millennium Pharmaceuticals have cloned the mahogany gene, which produces a protein that can suppress diet-induced obesity in mice. The study found that mice with a mutated mg gene maintain a healthy weight on both high-fat and low-fat diets, suggesting a similar role in humans.
A study by Dr. Petra Platte found that genetic predisposition plays a major role in obesity development, but environmental factors such as diet and exercise are also crucial. The Amish community was used as a control group to isolate genetic factors, revealing similarities between family members' body types and fat distribution patterns.
The new guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat overweight and obesity in adults. Key findings include the importance of assessing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and risk factors for diseases associated with obesity, as well as recommending calorie reduction, increase...
Researchers found that 15% of obese people carry antibodies to Ad-36, a virus known to induce obesity in animals. Antibody-positive individuals had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than antibody-negative counterparts.
Research at the University at Buffalo has provided a biochemical explanation for obesity, showing that chronic hyperinsulinemia precedes obesity in rat pups. The study suggests that early metabolic setpoints program rats to overproduce insulin, leading to obesity later in life.
A study found that certain genetic variants next to the human obesity (OB) gene are associated with obesity in young women, as well as depression and anxiety. The results suggest a direct link between the OB gene variants and depression, rather than just secondary effects.
A University at Buffalo study finds that certain genetic variants near the human obesity gene are associated with obesity in young women, as well as depression and anxiety. The study also suggests that these genes may contribute to the development of behavioral disorders in young women.