Researchers found an epigenetic signature in cheek cells of obese twins that differs from their thinner siblings, suggesting a susceptibility to obesity may be written into molecular processes. The discovery could lead to a simple cheek swab test for an obesity biomarker and enable earlier prevention methods.
A recent meta-analysis found that women in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by obesity, with risks ranging from 2-3 times higher than men. This disparity is most pronounced in the Sub-Saharan region, where women are up to 10 times more likely to have obesity.
A recent scientific publication found that sterilized dogs of different sizes exhibit varying levels of obesity, with small breeds at highest risk and giant breeds at lowest. The study also discovered that the optimal time for spaying/neutering differs by breed size, with young large breeds facing a higher risk of obesity.
Having obesity before and during early pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. These complications account for a small percentage of increased cardiovascular disease risks in the years following pregnancy for people with obesity.
Studies show that people with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) have a 50% increased risk of coronary heart disease, despite not exhibiting metabolic complications. This raises questions about the validity of the MHO concept.
Researchers discovered that in obesity, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) does not function normally, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, after bariatric surgery, LDL quality improves and correlates with weight loss, suggesting a lower risk of CVD.
Despite recent advances in obesity research, governments struggle to curb rising rates, with experts identifying key unanswered questions about the causes of obesity. The intricacies of body weight regulation, energy demand sensing, and environmental factors are still unclear, highlighting the need for continued research.
A recent study found a three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020. The study highlights racial disparities, particularly among Black women, who faced the highest rates of obesity-related cardiovascular mortality.
A new opinion piece highlights the safety gap in clinical trials and drug labeling for people with obesity, arguing that correct dosing instructions should be included on labels. The authors recommend a three-pronged approach to address this gap, including conducting studies in people with obesity before market approval.
A National Institutes of Health-supported study suggests that adults with obesity may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when in intensive care for respiratory failure. The study found lower mortality rates among patients with obesity who received ECMO compared to those without, contradicting previous concerns.
The study reveals that obesity-induced oxidative stress degrades CtBP2 protein, impairing pancreatic beta-cell function. This finding highlights the importance of targeting CtBP2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity-related diseases.
Studies reveal hyper-connectivity of VTA with visual processing regions and hypo-connectivity with cognitive control regions in patients with obesity. This imbalance is associated with food craving and cognition, but not impulsivity or hunger.
The University of Tennessee Extension will address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in seven rural Tennessee counties. The CDC's High Obesity Program funding aims to reduce chronic diseases by improving access to fresh foods and opportunities for physical activity.
Researchers found that liraglutide improves associative learning in people with obesity by restoring brain activity to normal-weight levels. The study showed that participants with obesity had reduced ability to associate sensory stimuli and decreased brain activity compared to those with normal weight.
Ten medical schools nationwide and internationally have been selected to participate in a two-year quality improvement project to refine and implement a competency-based obesity education curriculum. The program aims to improve the care of people living with obesity by educating future physicians.
Recent advances in medical treatments for obesity offer hope for a turning point in the disease. However, these new weight-loss drugs face challenges, including high costs and potential health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered that female mice secrete more RELMalpha, an immune protein, which protects them against obesity and inflammation. In contrast, male mice have lower levels of RELMalpha, leading to increased inflammation and obesity.
A new hypothesis suggests that obesity is linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and exposure to environmental toxins. Researchers believe that these toxins can generate misinformation in the body, leading to weight gain and obesity.
Adolescents in Zimbabwe exhibit rising rates of obesity, contrary to traditional perceptions of malnutrition and health. A study found that 15.8% were obese or overweight, with girls more affected, and low obesity awareness prevalent among girls, attributed to poor eating habits and lack of formal education.
A new study suggests renaming 'obesity' to 'adiposity-based chronic disease' to clarify the nature of the complex condition. This could help address inequities in treatment and reduce stigma associated with body size.
Researchers found that restricting methionine intake via a low-methionine diet or oral administration of recombinant methioninase-producing E. coli reversed old-age-induced obesity in mice, leading to significant weight loss after just 14 days.
A study using molecular imaging found that individuals with obesity respond differently to food cues than normal-weight individuals, with altered connectivity between brain networks. The research offers valuable insights into potential medical interventions for obesity, including novel drug treatments and behavioral therapies.
A large study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that moderate to light alcohol consumption does not protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 408,000 participants, confirmed that heavy drinking increases measures of obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes.
A study found that individuals with obesity have diminished brain responses to specific nutrients and do not improve after weight loss. This impairment affects eating behavior and the motivational aspect of food intake, suggesting long-lasting brain adaptations occur in obesity.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein called MINAR2, which plays a crucial role in the development of obesity and diabetes. The discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of effective therapies targeting obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A multicentre, one-year real-world study found semaglutide effective for weight loss in patients with overweight and obesity, with 82% losing over 5% body weight. The medication also improved metabolic parameters, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A study found that semaglutide use for one year decreases the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score in patients with overweight or obesity. The treatment also leads to significant improvements in metabolic parameters, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels.
Research finds past obesity associated with greater depressive symptoms and impaired psychological wellbeing, even after weight loss. Past obesity may be 'psychologically scarring', increasing the risk of early death by around 30%.
A new analysis of the STEP TEENS trial shows that nearly half (45%) of adolescents using semaglutide lost enough weight to drop below the clinical cut-off for obesity. Treatment with semaglutide reduced the proportion of participants with severe obesity from 37% to 14% after 68 weeks.
A UK study of over 420,000 adults reveals that those with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity are five times more likely to suffer a stroke and four times more likely to have a heart attack than those with extreme obesity. The study highlights the substantial impact of living with both conditions on individuals, p...
Research reveals both metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity types linked to increased risk of various obesity-related cancers, with stronger association in metabolically unhealthy obesity. Metabolically unhealthy women face higher risks for endometrial, liver, and kidney cancers.
A recent study found that a vast majority of tweets about obesity are negative, with only 8.25% containing positive sentiments. The analysis suggests that Twitter activity spiked around significant political events, including comments from influential politicians and celebrities.
Researchers found that people with severe obesity have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and may need more frequent booster doses. Immunity declines faster in obese individuals, putting them at greater risk of infection over time.
Maynooth University research finds that the obesity treatment drug GLP-1 can restore the body's natural cancer-killing defences by boosting NK cell function. The study shows independent benefits of GLP-1 on cancer risk, beyond its weight loss effects.
New research published in the journal SURGERY found that obesity is associated with increased risk of complications following surgery, including infection, blood clots, and kidney complications. Patients with overweight or obesity had higher risk-adjusted odds of developing these post-operative outcomes compared to those of normal weight.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that people with obesity due to genetic predisposition have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 twins and medical registries, suggesting that genetics may play a role in mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new UCLA study identifies sex-specific brain signatures associated with obesity in men and women, revealing differences in brain networks related to early life adversity, mental health, and sensory stimulation. The findings suggest the need for tailored interventions based on an individual's sex.
The Obesity Society joins European, US, and Canadian organizations in promoting the use of people-first language for pediatric overweight and obesity. This approach aims to minimize negative bias, stigma, and discrimination while acknowledging individuals as more than their weight or disease.
A new survey found that nearly a third of Americans worry more about obesity due to COVID-19, with 28 million people considering weight loss methods. The survey also showed that nearly 90% with obesity have tried to lose weight at some point in their lives, but many underestimate the effectiveness of treatments like weight-loss surgery.
A new study maps the pathways leading to childhood obesity, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions beyond diet and exercise. Factors such as socio-economic status, parental education, and social disadvantage play a significant role in determining a child's risk of developing obesity.
A new study found that girls born to obese mothers are at higher risk of developing obesity or overweight, with similar BMI and fat mass to their mothers. The association was not seen in boys or daughters from non-obese fathers.
A recent study found that adolescents living in areas with healthier built environments are less likely to be obese and have healthier eating habits. The study suggests that strategies for addressing childhood obesity should focus on improving built environments.
A study from George Mason University found elevated insulin and hemoglobin A1C levels in early elementary-aged Latino youth with obesity, a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. The research aims to identify at-risk children and implement interventions earlier to mitigate the effects of childhood obesity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends earlier and more intensive treatment of childhood and teen obesity, citing evidence that diet and exercise alone are insufficient. The ASMBS supports this guideline, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
Research reveals obesity increases risk of diabetes and hypertension more significantly in women, with weight loss effective in reducing disease risk. However, merely losing weight is insufficient for reducing dyslipidemia in women, highlighting the need for lifestyle improvement guidance and treatment.
Research found maternal obesity reduces placental formation, blood vessel density, and nutrient exchange capacity. Both obesity and gestational diabetes impact placental hormone production and inflammation markers.
Researchers found 21 Alzheimer's disease-related genes associated with obesity, including those linked to neuro-inflammation and amyloid-beta protein deposition. Obesity in midlife and women is more closely linked to dementia risk than late life or men.
The Strategically Focused Research Network on Obesity has published its findings, revealing new information about the causes of obesity and its link to cardiovascular disease. The research team made significant strides in understanding the interface between obesity and cardiovascular disease, including the role of a specific drug target.
A new study finds that obesity-related neurodegeneration mimics Alzheimer's disease, with grey matter atrophy patterns similar in both groups. The researchers suggest that controlling excess weight could lead to improved health outcomes and slowed cognitive decline.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that the UK's soft drinks industry levy may have prevented 5,000 cases of obesity per year in year six girls due to an 8% relative reduction in obesity levels. However, there was no significant association between the levy and obesity levels in year six boys or younger children.
A new study found that UK soft drink taxes led to an 8% reduction in obesity among 10-11 year old girls, with greatest reductions seen in most deprived areas. The tax, introduced in 2018, was associated with a decrease in childhood obesity rates.
A collaborative study between University of Galway and Brunel University London found that patients with severe obesity respond differently to a dietary weight loss programme based on their genes. The research identified a
A gene called CRTC1 suppresses obesity when functioning in specific neurons, but its deletion leads to overeating and weight gain. Researchers created mice with a modified version of the gene to study its effects on obesity and diabetes.
Researchers have identified a rare gene mutation that causes severe childhood obesity, leading to a constant feeling of hunger and decreased sensation of satiety. The discovery provides a new understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying monogenic human obesity.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide, an approved obesity drug for adults, also helps adolescents with obesity lose weight and have healthier hearts. After 68 weeks, 72.5% of participants who received semaglutide had achieved at least 5% weight loss compared to just 17% on placebo.
Researchers argue that obesity should be recognized as a disease and treated early on to prevent complications. Culinary medicine is proposed as an effective intervention, combining nutrition and cooking skills to promote healthy eating habits.
Experts recognize obesity as a prime inducer of CKD and related adverse outcomes, emphasizing the need for bridging common ground between nephrology and obesity medicine. Strategies include recognizing obesity as a chronic disease with targeted treatments and trained clinical extenders to promote effective care.
The American Gastroenterological Association releases new guidelines recommending medications paired with lifestyle changes for adults struggling to lose weight. The guidelines highlight the importance of treating obesity as a biological disease, reducing health complications like diabetes and fatty liver.
Researchers call for a shift in Australia's approach to obesity, advocating for weight-inclusive policies and challenging the conventional emphasis on personal responsibility. The study highlights the need to address weight stigma in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and social media.
A new study reveals that exercise training has opposite effects on muscle and fat tissues compared to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Exercise is found to down-regulate extracellular matrix-related pathways, while obesity up-regulates them. Conversely, exercise up-regulates circadian rhythm pathways, which are reversed by obesity. This ...