An international study found that countries with high rice consumption have lower obesity levels, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The researchers estimate that increasing average rice intake could reduce the worldwide prevalence of obesity by 1%.
A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity highlights the significant impact of obesity and excess weight on premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. According to the research, controlling or 'wiping out' obesity and overweight could reduce premature deaths by up to 31% in some countries.
Research from WHO Europe found that babies who were never or only partially breastfed have a higher risk of becoming obese as children compared to exclusively breastfed babies. The study suggests that promoting breastfeeding practices can help prevent childhood obesity in Europe, but adoption rates are still below global recommendations.
A systematic review by Newcastle University researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy increases the risk of childhood obesity by over three times. The study also identified higher risks for children born to mothers with overweight BMI, emphasizing the need for early interventions focused on weight management.
The study found a significant variation in the prevalence of severe child obesity across European countries, with Southern Europe showing the highest rates. Severe obesity is associated with worse health outcomes and limited treatment options, highlighting the need for effective policy measures to prevent obesity.
An international study of 14,500 people with obesity and 2,800 healthcare professionals found a significant disconnect between their perceptions. Only 7% of people with obesity reported not being interested in losing weight, despite 71% of healthcare providers believing this.
A new study of 2.8 million UK adults found that higher BMI is associated with a significant increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, heart failure, high blood pressure, and premature death. Adults with severe obesity class III are 12 times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
A large nationally representative sample of over 17,000 UK children found that obesity and emotional problems tend to co-occur and develop together from mid-childhood onwards. This association remains after adjusting for socioeconomic status and other factors.
A nationwide study published at the European Congress on Obesity found that children and adolescents with obesity are more likely to develop anxiety or depression compared to their peers. The study, which analyzed over 12,000 Swedish children, revealed a clear increased risk of anxiety and depressive disorders in those with obesity.
A new genetic test, known as the Obesity Genome-wide Polygenic Score (GPS), has been developed to predict an individual's risk of developing severe obesity. The test uses a genetic score based on over 2 million variations in a person's genetic code and shows high predictive power.
A new study reveals that obesity and insulin resistance can break down the protective blood brain barrier in the brain, leading to problems with learning and memory. Blocking Adora2a receptors in a model of diet-induced obesity maintained barrier function, suggesting that controlling inflammation may prevent cognitive impairment.
Researchers have developed a scoring system based on genetic markers to predict an individual's inborn risk for obesity. The score accurately predicted BMI and obesity in over 300,000 individuals, with those in the top 10% being 29 pounds heavier on average and 25 times more likely to develop severe obesity.
Research at the University of Liverpool found that people with obesity are stigmatized and explicitly considered to be less human than those without obesity. This blunt dehumanization was linked to support for health policies that discriminate against individuals due to their weight.
Researchers found that obesity at older ages is linked to worse outcomes, with higher tumor growth in obese mice compared to lean mice. They also discovered a connection between leptin, a biological signal released by fat tissue, and increased numbers of tumor-initiating cells.
A new study reveals that obesity in boys accelerates the start of puberty, with central and total obesity increasing the odds of early puberty. The study found that controlling obesity in children could help decrease risks of behavior problems and testicular cancer.
A new study suggests that the adipose hormone aP2 is associated with obesity-related asthma and may be a key factor in its development. Higher levels of aP2 were found in people with overweight or obesity who also had asthma, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.
A new mouse model shows enhancing lymph vessel formation via VEGF-D stimulation in obese adipose tissue has beneficial anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects. This approach may provide a new target for ameliorating the metabolic syndrome associated with obesity.
An integrated therapy combining behavioral weight loss treatment and problem-solving therapy with antidepressant medication improved weight loss and depressive symptoms in patients with co-occurring obesity and depression. The study showed that participants receiving integrated therapy experienced a decline in body mass index and depre...
Research suggests a reciprocal relationship between obesity and self-control, with reduced prefrontal cortex activity leading to overeating and weight gain. Exercise and mindfulness can improve prefrontal cortex activity, promoting better dietary choices.
A new study confirms that obesity impairs vitamin D conversion in the liver, affecting its major form in the blood. This finding highlights the need for targeted treatment approaches, such as calcidiol, to address vitamin D insufficiency in obese individuals.
A 21-year longitudinal study found that family stress, maternal depression, and lack of active stimulation are significant risk factors for childhood obesity. The study, published in Childhood Obesity, identified four BMI trajectories through childhood, highlighting the importance of early intervention strategies.
A new study finds rates are increasing for six of 12 obesity-related cancers in younger adults in the US, with steeper increases in progressively younger ages. Excess body weight is a known carcinogen associated with more than a dozen cancers and suspected in several more.
Exposure to air pollution at school is linked to a higher risk of childhood obesity and overweight. The study found that children exposed to medium or high levels of air pollution had a higher risk of obesity and overweight compared to those with lower exposure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that calorie restriction prevented asthma symptoms in mice, regardless of diet composition. The study's results add to evidence supporting links between obesity, inflammation, and asthma, highlighting the value of anti-inflammatory drugs in treating asthma symptoms in obese individuals.
For adolescents with obesity, weight loss medications may be an effective option that hasn't improved with lifestyle modification or surgery. Researchers recommend evidence-based guidance on medication use, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and further research.
A recent US study by UTSA researchers links food insecurity and living in a food desert to an increased risk of obesity. The study found that women are more likely to experience obesity due to food insecurity, while Black and Hispanic households face higher risks.
A study published in Palgrave Communications found a strong negative correlation between median household income and obesity rates in the US. Since 1990, the rise of obesity has been fastest among the poorest regions, with lower-income households facing a higher likelihood of suffering from obesity and diabetes.
A recent study found that poverty and obesity are connected, with a significant increase in obesity rates among low-income households since the early 1990s. The correlation between household income and obesity rate has grown steadily over time, with the poorest counties experiencing the largest increases.
A new study published in Obesity found that children and adolescents with common obesity gene variants can still lose weight through lifestyle interventions. The researchers examined 754 participants, aged 11.6 years, who underwent a series of behavioral lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical activity, and sleep habits....
Researchers at Texas Biomed are investigating the role of DNA methylation in Hispanic childhood obesity. The four-year grant aims to understand how changes in genes and proteins contribute to obesity and potentially develop targeted treatments.
A Swedish study of 64 children with obesity found that approximately 30% achieved a lower weight category, with some progressing from severe to normal weight over four years. The program included regular advice on diet, physical activity, and sleep, with detailed dietary guidance and follow-up calls.
Sarcopenic obesity is a phenotype characterized by both sarcopenia and obesity, causing significant health concerns. Professor Marwan El Ghoch emphasizes the need for further research to define and manage this condition.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discover that infant gut microbes altered by maternal obesity increase the risk of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease later in life. The study suggests that altering the microbiome through probiotics or supplements may help reduce this risk.
Sarcopenic obesity is a condition characterized by both muscle loss and increased body fat mass. Researchers emphasize the need for more studies to understand its health consequences and develop effective treatments. Experts suggest considering sarcopenic obesity as a scientific priority, citing organizations such as ESPEN and EASO.
Researchers found that postmenopausal Hispanic/Latina women had the highest risk of falls related to sarcopenic obesity. Postmenopausal women younger than 65 were also at a higher risk for falls connected to sarcopenic obesity, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to address this growing health concern.
A new study reveals the mechanistic relationship between cytokine IL-1ß, obesity, and colorectal cancer. Increased IL-1ß levels in obese mice activate multiple pathways leading to colon cancer. The study highlights the close linkage of obesity and inflammatory response, reflecting IL-1ß's broad actions.
A USC-led study of over 20,000 European youths found that children with asthma are more likely to become obese. Asthma increases the risk of obesity by 50-66%, especially in those with persistent wheezing symptoms.
Researchers aim to uncover how altered signaling processes impact appetite regulation and obesity in mice, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches for the condition. The grant could provide valuable insights into the complex communication pathways involved in brain obesity.
The study found large regional variations in diabetes prevalence, with North America and the Caribbean having high current rates, while Africa has low rates despite moderate obesity. If obesity rates are reduced by 25%, millions of cases of diabetes can be prevented, especially in Africa.
A large observational study found that adults with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of dying from cancer, particularly obesity-related cancers. Non-obesity related cancers also pose a significant threat to individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A simple measurement of abdominal obesity index (ABOI) has been developed to determine central obesity, focusing on abdominal fat content rather than total body weight or shape. ABOI can be calculated by measuring abdominal circumference and chest circumference, providing a more accurate assessment of abdominal obesity.
The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral interventions focusing on dietary changes and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity is associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer, disability, and death, particularly among adults younger than 65 years.
Research reveals obesity activates microglia, consuming healthy synapses and leading to dendritic spine loss. Microglial activity is causally linked to obesity-induced cognitive decline, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this condition.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that rapid weight gain during infancy may be a risk factor for later obesity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mothers who experienced pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity were more likely to have a child with overweight or obesity at ages 2-5.
New research at McGill University found that people with higher BMI tend to have reduced cognitive flexibility, increased volume in the left amygdala and decreased volume in certain memory structures. The study suggests a model where genetics play a role in obesity through brain anatomy and cognitive functions.
A three-year obesity prevention trial found that young children in poor communities made some achievable behavioral changes but still struggled with obesity. The intervention included nutrition and recreation center use, but results diminished over time.
A multi-year study of Nicaraguan households found that obesity extends the duration of influenza A virus shedding from infected adults by approximately 1.5 days, compared to non-obese adults. Chronic inflammation caused by obesity and increasing age are implicated as reasons for extended viral shedding.
Researchers have identified P38 alpha as a crucial protein in activating brown fat cells to burn excess fat and eliminate the risk of obesity and related diseases. The study found that mice genetically modified to lack P38 alpha were protected against obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
A recent study published in Clinical Obesity found that individuals with metabolic healthy obesity, but no other risk factors, do not have an increased rate of mortality. The study followed over 54,000 participants and contradicts current weight management guidelines.
A new study found that 'skinny fat,' a combination of low muscle mass and high fat mass, may predict cognitive decline in older adults. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with the lowest performance on global cognition tests, followed by sarcopenia alone and then obesity alone.
A study published in The BMJ found that children of mothers who follow a healthy lifestyle have a substantially lower risk of developing obesity. The research suggests that if both mothers and their children stick to a healthy lifestyle, this could result in an even further reduction in the risk of childhood obesity.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that mothers' adherence to healthy lifestyle practices can significantly lower the risk of childhood obesity. The study, which examined data from over 24,000 children and their mothers, found that following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy wei...
Two studies found significant differences in obesity rates among children, teens, and adults based on demographic factors and geographic location. Rural areas showed higher rates of severe and moderate obesity compared to urban areas.
A new study by the University of Florida Health found that Florida's obesity rate is nearly 10 percentage points higher than initially reported, at 37.1%. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million adults and found significant geographic variation in obesity rates across the state.
Childhood obesity rates continue to rise due to complex dietary and lifestyle patterns. Research presented at Nutrition 2018 found that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with higher BMI throughout childhood, while promoting healthy drinking habits and eating breakfast can help kids meet dietary recommendations.
Researchers discover that people with monogenic obesity can lose weight with liraglutide, a modified form of GLP-1 hormone. The medicine has a positive effect on reducing hunger and body weight, even for those who respond poorly to existing treatments.
The prevalence of morbid obesity is expected to reach 11% in Wales, 8% in England, and 5% in Scotland by 2035. This trend is projected to have huge health and financial implications for healthcare systems and society.
A study analyzing Google trends data found that weight loss searches increased and obesity searches decreased over the past 12 years, potentially indicating a normalization of obesity in society. The research suggests that public awareness of obesity is decreasing, while interest in losing weight is on the rise.
A comprehensive review of scientific evidence over 27 years concludes that cow's milk and dairy products do not promote childhood obesity. The study analyzed data from 95 trials involving 203,269 individuals and found no association between milk and dairy consumption and body fatness in children.
Avoiding excess body weight and maintaining a stable weight in middle adulthood may help prevent several obesity-related cancers in women. High weight gain is associated with a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer.