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 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 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 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 ...
Research finds significant variation in obesity prevalence among Asian American subgroups, with health risks starting at lower BMIs. The study suggests using specific criteria for Asian populations to accurately assess obesity-related health risks.
A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.
Researchers identify two distinct types of obesity with physiological and molecular differences that may impact health, disease, and treatment response. The study reveals new insights into the link between insulin and obesity, as well as the role of epigenetics in shaping individual body types.
Weekly injections of semaglutide reduce type 2 diabetes risk by over 60%, mirroring significant weight loss. Sustained treatment is necessary to maintain the benefit.
Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes and obesity are twice as likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study. The researchers found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy was a significant risk factor for ADHD in offspring, but not within normal weight gain ranges.
The new GSA KAER Toolkit provides a framework for primary care teams to address obesity in older adults, focusing on patient-centered care and addressing biases. The toolkit builds on the successful KAER Framework and offers additional resources, including information on getting paid for KAER-based care.
A new study suggests that exercise training is crucial for individuals with diet-resistant obesity, improving skeletal muscle metabolism and enhancing weight loss capacity. The research challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity and has the potential to help reshape the science of weight-loss programs.
A study found eight classes of health conditions common among pediatric obese patients, including respiratory and sleep disorders. The researchers used a pattern mining algorithm on electronic health records of 49,694 patients to identify clinically similar subtypes.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022
A new study found that a fully-automated online behavioral obesity treatment program led to significant weight loss among participants, with an average 12-week weight loss of 5.10%. The program addressed barriers in primary care, including limited resources and overburdened providers.
Childhood obesity rates are increasing, with younger children affected and severe cases reported. The study found that despite public health efforts, the incidence of obesity in elementary school children has risen higher and earlier than previously thought.
Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that cold exposure can resolve obesity-induced inflammation while improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice. Brown adipose tissue is activated to produce anti-inflammatory molecules, including Maresin 2.
This supplement explores the complex contributors to obesity and obesity-related health disparities, highlighting the role of social determinants, behavioral factors, and biological influences. Researchers propose strategies for improving population wellbeing and inform healthcare and public policy approaches.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022
A new study found that women with obesity have suppressed ovarian follicle development and reduced production of reproductive hormones, which may underlie reduced fertility. The researchers also discovered that luteal phase defects are more prevalent in obese women during natural ovulatory cycles.
The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...
A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal has established a strong link between sarcopenic obesity and dementia in elderly patients. The research found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity were more likely to experience cognitive impairment and dementia compared to those without muscle loss or obesity.
A recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that lowering blood glucose levels can partially restore reproductive hormone levels and ovulation in female mice with obesity. The study used dapagliflozin, a common type 2 diabetes medication, to treat the mice, resulting in improved fertility outcomes.
A new study provides recommendations for behavioral weight loss interventions to address the unmet needs of Black people with obesity. The research emphasizes the importance of enhancing recruitment and retention of Black men and women in behavioral weight loss intervention studies, as well as combining policy with behavioral changes.
Obesity rates in Denmark have increased dramatically, from 6% in 1987 to over 18% in 2021, with a strong period effect observed. The study highlights the need for concerted action to reverse this trend and addresses social inequality in obesity.
A recent study found that only 3% of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in England are referred to weight management programmes, indicating under-reporting in primary care. The programme's effectiveness varies across the country, and the lack of national registry makes it difficult to determine access for patients.
A recent study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that low-income US children and teenagers experienced significant weight gain during the first 3–6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend was particularly pronounced among younger children, girls, and ethnic-minority youth.
A UK study of nearly 400,000 adults found that being overweight or obese amplifies the harmful effects of alcohol on cancer risk. Higher obesity levels are associated with a greater risk of developing both obesity-related and alcohol-related cancers, regardless of alcohol consumption.
Women with obesity and high waist circumference are more susceptible to fractures than those with normal weight. The study found a linear relationship between waist circumference and the incidence of fracture at any site and at the distal lower limb, particularly at the ankle.
Researchers found antibody levels in people with severe obesity are significantly lower than normal weight controls after receiving two doses of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or CoronaVac vaccine. The study suggests that individuals with severe obesity may generate a weaker immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.
A review of over a decade of data from the HOLBAEK Study reveals wide range of obesity-related complications present at young age, including dyslipidaemia and sleep apnoea. The study also found family-based weight management programmes to have positive effects on overweight and related complications.
A 10-country survey of adolescents with obesity found that nearly 24% are unaware they have the condition, while two-thirds believe it's their sole responsibility to lose weight. Most participants worry about the impact of obesity on their future health.
The European Region has the highest obesity prevalence among all WHO regions, with 59% of adults and 29% of children classified as overweight or obese. To address this growing epidemic, the WHO recommends a range of interventions and policy options to prevent and tackle obesity, including building back better after the COVID-19 pandemic.
A European survey found that over three-quarters of adults with obesity have attempted to lose weight in the past year. Most respondents used diet or exercise strategies, but only 25% achieved clinically meaningful weight loss. The study highlights the need for increased support and solutions for weight management.
A UK study of over 400,000 adults with obesity found that losing weight reduces the risk of 13 obesity-related complications, with greater benefits for those with lower initial BMIs. Weight gain increases these risks, particularly in individuals with lower starting BMIs.
Research shows that around three quarters of total US healthcare costs for people with obesity are accounted for by the 20% highest-cost cases. These high-cost individuals had substantially more obesity-related complications and economic burden than those in lower cost categories.
A new study examines childhood obesity disparities within integrated and segregated schools, finding larger gaps between Latino, Black, and Filipino children compared to White children. The study suggests that school segregation fosters obesogenic conditions disproportionately affecting these groups.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology discovered that tocotrienols, a subtype of vitamin E, can lower body weight, reduce white adipose tissue, and protect the liver in mice fed with a high-fat diet. The study suggests a potential compound to prevent obesity and its secondary diseases.
A study at McMaster University found that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is less active in boys with obesity compared to their normal-weight peers. The research team used MRI scans to measure BAT activity in response to a cold stimulus, revealing reduced activity in obese boys.
Scientists have identified a new immune process that regulates inflammation in human fat, which may help manage obesity. The research found that specific immune cells can work together in fat tissue to cause weight gain and obesity.
A team of UTSA researchers has developed an innovative inhibitor that blocks the effects of cytochrome P450 8B1, a key enzyme linked to cholesterol absorption and obesity. The treatment shows promise in reducing glucose levels without affecting body weight, offering potential relief from obesity-associated metabolic disorders.
A study published in Obesity found that telemedicine can mitigate barriers to obesity care, including limited access to specialized care and high costs. Virtual interactions between patients and healthcare providers may be more cost-effective and lead to better weight loss outcomes.
A study by Brandi Rollins and Lori Francis found that early positive interactions with caregivers can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that children's early exposures to family psychosocial assets protect against obesity.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between obesity and various female reproductive conditions. Researchers used Mendelian randomization to investigate causal links between body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and risk of conditions like uterine fibroids and pre-eclampsia.
A new study found a strong association between social determinants of health and obesity rates, with higher SDOH burden leading to increased obesity prevalence. The study analyzed data from nearly 165,000 adults in the US and found that middle-aged and non-Hispanic Black adults were more likely to be overweight or obese.
A new interdisciplinary treatment method has shown significant improvements in reducing overeating episodes and emotional issues among individuals with morbid obesity. The treatment combined mental health care with somatics, resulting in a nearly 30% reduction in overeating episodes and improved emotional well-being.
Researchers at HKU have identified a naturally occurring flavone as a potential drug for obesity treatment. The study found that obesity damages skeletal muscle metabolism by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, leading to impaired mitochondrial function and insulin resistance.
Researchers have discovered a protein called CPEB4 that plays a key role in diet-induced obesity. Blocking CPEB4 expression in mice protected them from weight gain, inflammation, and improved their microbiome health. The findings could lead to new treatments for diet-induced obesity and its associated cancer risks.
A recent study analyzed over 18,000 reported adverse events from patients taking various anti-obesity medications. The study found that 4.9% of reported events were fatal, with 35% requiring hospitalization. Further research and monitoring are needed to address the safety concerns surrounding these medications.
A new study identifies four novel obesity genes and predicts a fifth, using a platform of fat fruit flies. The research found that these genes are involved in a neuronal signaling pathway that increases fat levels.
An 8-country study finds that obesity will contribute 3.6% of a nation's GDP by 2060, with total costs projected to double in Spain and increase 19-fold in India. Reducing obesity prevalence could cut average annual costs by 5-13%.
A study at the University of Turku found that brain function regulating satiety and appetite is altered before obesity develops, with family background risk factors contributing to these changes. The findings suggest the brain and central nervous system are key targets for treating obesity.
A new study suggests that novel obesity treatments such as modulation of the gut microbiome and gene therapy could help end the obesity epidemic. However, lack of insurance coverage and cost issues create barriers to treatment. Researchers are working on developing safer and more effective medications with fewer side effects.
The Obesity Society's 39th Annual Meeting presents research on COVID-19 and its effects on obesity, including increased childhood obesity among severe cases. Researchers also examine changes in healthcare access for bariatric surgery patients and the effectiveness of telemedicine for weight management.