A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that the new definition of obesity, which includes measures of body fat distribution, increases the prevalence to 70% among US adults. Those with 'anthropometric-only obesity' have a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A new report highlights the potential of precision medicine to improve obesity prevention and treatment by identifying high-risk individuals and tailoring interventions. The authors emphasize the need for rigorous clinical trials to empirically determine the effectiveness of precision-based treatments.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) has recommended Semaglutide and Tirzepatide as the first-line treatment for people living with obesity and most of its complications. These medications have been shown to be effective in promoting total weight loss and reducing complications such as obstructive sleep apnea, knee ...
A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that weight loss treatments, including medication and surgical procedures, may help lower the risk of obesity-related cancers in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 180,000 people and found a significant reduction in cancer incidence ...
A recent Mount Sinai study analyzed genetic data from over 452,000 individuals to identify genetic differences linked to higher body fat but better metabolic health. The researchers discovered eight distinct obesity subtypes, each associated with unique health risks, and developed a genetic risk score to predict individual outcomes.
A meta-analysis of parent-focused programs found no significant impact on childhood obesity prevention in toddlers. The study, involving 28,825 participants from 31 trials across 10 countries, suggests that broader societal changes are needed to address childhood obesity.
The 2025 Childhood Obesity Conference, hosted by Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Health initiative, aims to educate healthcare providers and promote healthier futures for Louisiana's children through cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies. Participants can earn up to 7.5 CMEs and gain practical tools to support healthier fu...
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical researchers found that pregnant women with metabolically unhealthy obesity were twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes and had more body fat at birth. Despite lower weight gain, these mothers' metabolic health played a crucial role in their baby's development.
A recent study found that large portions of obesity-related conditions in US adolescents and young adults are attributable to obesity. Treating and preventing obesity may reduce these conditions and associated costs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent future health issues.
The updated Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guideline recommends a personalized approach to treating obesity, focusing on waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. Two new medications, tirzepatide and setmelanotide, are included in the guideline for managing obesity-related complications.
A new study found that kids of obese parents are more likely to have obesity due to inheriting related genes. The study suggests that a mother's BMI may be particularly important in determining a child's weight, both through direct genetic inheritance and indirect nurture effects.
Research reveals obesity's role in cancer development through mechanisms like chronic inflammation, hormonal disorders, and microbial dysbiosis. Lifestyle changes and targeted treatments hold potential in preventing obesity-related cancers.
A recent study analyzed data from community health centers in the US between 2012-2020, finding that U.S.-born Latinos have significantly higher obesity rates compared to foreign-born Latino and non-Hispanic White youth. The researchers noted a trend of increasing obesity prevalence over time across all three groups.
The Obesity Society has appointed a new CEO, Sherlyn Celone-Arnold, and several key experts to its leadership team, enhancing its commitment to addressing obesity through innovative strategies and expert guidance.
The conference will feature keynote speakers Donna Ryan and Erik Wilson, as well as informative presentations and breakout sessions on the latest advances in obesity research. The Louisiana Obesity Society aims to support healthcare providers treating obesity through education and networking.
A new genetic analysis has created a polygenic risk score (PGS) that reliably associates with adulthood obesity, showing consistent patterns in early childhood. This measure could help identify children and adolescents at higher genetic risk of developing obesity later in life, benefiting from targeted preventative strategies.
A new genetic test can predict adulthood obesity in early childhood, allowing for targeted preventative strategies. The test was developed using data from over five million people and found to be twice as effective as previous tests at predicting obesity risk.
A new study found that anti-obesity medications can normalize testosterone levels in men with obesity or type 2 diabetes. This positive effect on reproductive health was observed after a 10% weight loss, with total and free testosterone levels increasing by 24%.
Cancer deaths linked to obesity have increased sharply in the US, especially among women and older adults, with sharp regional disparities. The study highlights the need for targeted public health strategies to address this growing public health crisis.
Researchers found that tirzepatide reduced body weight and body fat by approximately 20% in mice, resulting in a significant reduction of tumor volume. The study suggests that this new anti-obesity drug may have a beneficial impact on breast cancer outcomes.
The AMA has passed a resolution calling for easier access to anti-obesity medications, which have been shown to help adults lose an average of 15-20% of their weight. Improved access could benefit millions nationwide, reducing obesity-related medical costs estimated at $173 billion annually.
The Endocrine Society supports the bipartisan legislation to ensure people living with obesity have access to effective treatments. The bill will cover anti-obesity medications and intensive behavioral therapy, addressing the chronic disease's complications like cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Researchers found that obese mice displayed more anxiety-like behaviors and showed different signaling patterns in the hypothalamus, a region involved in regulating metabolism. The study also observed distinct differences in the makeup of gut bacteria in obese mice compared to lean mice.
A new analysis of over 18,000 cancer cases suggests that obese patients may fare better after immunotherapy treatment, with improved overall survival rates. The study's findings raise intriguing questions about the role of obesity in immunotherapy effectiveness and highlight the need for further research to understand this phenomenon.
Bariatric surgery, a critical tool for combating obesity, is under threat in Australia due to skyrocketing indemnity insurance premiums. The study found that surgeons are being penalized by rising premiums, forcing some to reconsider their future in the field.
A study found that impulsivity in ADHD is linked to reduced physical activity, which can contribute to obesity. Urban lifestyle factors like food insecurity and access to mental health care influence this relationship.
Research reveals rural preschoolers spend more time on screens and engage in less physical activity than their urban counterparts. The study found 24% of rural children have overweight or obesity, compared to 16% in urban areas.
A global survey found a significant disconnect between physicians' and patients' perceptions of obesity causes and treatment goals. Physicians tend to attribute obesity to behavioral causes, while patients cite biological factors as the primary cause.
A new head-to-head study has shown that tirzepatide results in around 50% more weight loss than semaglutide in adults with obesity. The study found that tirzepatide led to an average weight loss of 20.2%, significantly higher than the 13.7% achieved with semaglutide.
A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity suggests that GLP-1 agonist drugs can lead to a clinically relevant change in BMI for children with severe obesity. In this study, 30% of children who received GLP-1 drugs experienced a significant reduction in BMI, compared to around 27% of those who did not receive them.
A Danish study found that adverse waist-to-height ratio trajectories in childhood are associated with increased cardiometabolic risk at age 10. Children with gradually increasing central obesity showed early signs of metabolic and cardiovascular risk, including elevated blood pressure and insulin resistance.
A Swedish study found that individuals who lived with obesity as children are four times more likely to be on sick leave aged 25 than their peers in the general population. The study also revealed that those with severe childhood obesity were three times more likely to be on long-term sick leave.
Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonists have a direct effect on reducing obesity-related cancer beyond weight-loss, with a 41% lower relative risk compared to bariatric surgery. The study also suggests that these medications work through multiple mechanisms, including reducing inflammation.
A child's body mass index (BMI) at six years old is a strong predictor of their risk of overweight or obesity at 18. Reaching a healthier weight before six can reduce this risk, but returning to it later does not have the same effect.
A US study found that teenagers with abdominal obesity have larger brain areas, particularly in the hippocampus and amygdala, which play critical roles in memory, learning, and emotion regulation. This research raises serious concerns about the impact of obesity on brain development and long-term health risks.
A new Australian study highlights the need to support women and their families with overweight or obesity before pregnancy. The research found that a woman's BMI in early pregnancy is linked to her child's weight from birth to age 10, with every 5kg/m² increase in maternal BMI associated with an increase in child BMI.
A recent study highlights the alarming rise in cardiovascular deaths for those with obesity, disproportionately impacting minorities and women. Contrary to common perception, patients with obesity and critical limb ischemia experience significantly improved survival rates compared to non-obese patients.
A recent study published in The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology reveals a significant increase in obesity rates among US adults, particularly those with BMI above 60 kg/m2. The rate of severe obesity rose by 210% over 20 years, posing serious health risks and economic burdens.
A new study identifies that the internationally recognized body mass index (BMI) cut-off points overestimate overweight and obesity in male athletes. The researchers propose new cut-off points of 28.2 kg/m² for overweight and 33.7 kg/m² for obesity, taking into account lower body fat percentages typical of athletes.
The 2025 Bray Obesity Symposium provides valuable insights and guidance from leading researchers in obesity medicine. The symposium features topics such as advances in obesity genetics, pediatric obesity, lifestyle intervention, and pharmacotherapy.
Research found a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among English adolescents, from 22% to 33% between 2008-2010 and 2021-2023. Adolescents living with these conditions are at higher risk for developing comorbidities, including mental health issues, physical problems, and cardiometabolic diseases.
A new study found that tirzepatide can produce sustained weight loss of up to 31% in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, regardless of age or BMI. The study also identified patterns of weight loss trajectories and found that females and those without obesity-related complications may be more responsive to the medication.
A new study found that both employed people with obesity and employer representatives acknowledge the impact of obesity on future health problems and perceive lifestyle change alongside anti-obesity medications as the most effective approach for maintaining weight-loss reduction. Cost of medication coverage remains a significant barrie...
A comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories identified distinct patterns affecting brain morphology, function, and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. The study suggests sustained obesity accelerates brain aging, highlighting the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management.
A six-month study found that patients using GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapy experienced minimal lean muscle mass loss as they lost weight. Regular resistance training, consistent protein intake, and close supervision by an expert obesity doctor were associated with better muscle retention.
The Endocrine Society strongly disagrees with the administration's decision not to finalize a rule allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medications. This decision leaves millions of Americans with obesity without access to evidence-based treatment, exacerbating the country's growing obesity epidemic.
The American College of Physicians has awarded $260,000 in grants to support regional programs addressing equity challenges in obesity care. Thirteen grantees will implement collaborative outreach projects to train medical professionals and their patients to combat misinformation and improve clinical capacity for obesity care.
A new review of studies on percentage weight-based targets in obesity interventions found that these targets often result in a 'success or failure' outcome, leaving little room for improvement in obesity-related complications, quality of life, and overall physical and social functioning. The study recommends shifting focus towards more...
A new white paper finds that expanding access to anti-obesity medications can prevent or delay chronic disease by years, providing significant societal benefits. The study estimates a $10 trillion return on investment and 13% annual returns on investment for society.
A new study found that high sodium intake is linked to a higher risk of both general and abdominal obesity in Finnish adults. The study showed that participants with high dietary sodium intake or high urine sodium concentration were more likely to have general or abdominal obesity.
A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers found that dogs carrying the genetic variant DENND1B had higher body fat content, while humans also carry this gene linked to obesity. The study highlights the importance of fundamental brain pathways in regulating appetite and body weight.
A genome-wide association study of Labrador retrievers identified the DENND1B gene as a key factor in canine obesity, with strong genetic similarities to its human counterpart. The study highlights the value of using dogs as a model for studying human obesity and reveals potential targets for future research.
A major new analysis predicts that over half the world's adult population (3.8 billion) and a third of all children and adolescents (746 million) will be living with overweight or obesity by 2050. The study forecasts a substantial rise in obesity among young people globally, with an additional 186 million cases predicted by 2050.
The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.
New guidelines from European Association for the Study of Obesity aim to improve patient safety in obesity surgery medical tourism. The guidelines recommend multiple aspects of care, including at least 2 years of follow-up and pre-operative alcohol screening, to prevent serious injuries and death.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that childhood obesity treatment can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in young adults. However, it did not have a lasting impact on depression and anxiety, which remained unchanged regardless of treatment outcomes.
The Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity proposes a new model for diagnosing clinical obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level. The proposal aims to settle the ongoing dispute around the idea of obesity as a disease, providing a medically coherent framework for diagnosis.
Obesity increases cancer risk via chronic low-grade inflammation, hormonal disturbances, and gut microbiota dysregulation. Prevention strategies include weight management through diet and exercise, bariatric surgery, and pharmacotherapy.
The global Commission recommends diagnosing obesity based on excess body fat measures and objective signs of illness, shifting from BMI-based definition. This approach aims to provide personalized care for individuals with clinical and pre-clinical obesity, facilitating fair allocation of healthcare resources.