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 randomized crossover trial found that 5 minutes of exposure to junk food adverts resulted in children consuming significantly more calories during the day. The study found that 7–15 year-olds consumed an average of 130 kcals extra, equivalent to two slices of bread.
A systematic review of available evidence found GLP-1 RAs lead to significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control in adults with severe mental illness. The analysis also showed that these medications were not associated with a worsening of mental state or suicidal behaviour.
Researchers found that a 3-month program of time-restricted eating at any time of the day can result in significant weight loss for at least a year, regardless of eating window timing. The study suggests that restricting the eating window to 8 hours may be an effective long-term approach for sustaining weight loss.
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 UK study of 48,417 women found that significant weight gain after age 20 and late first pregnancy increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who experienced early first pregnancy were found to have greater weight gain during adulthood than those with a late first pregnancy.
A Swedish study discovered that lipolysis is more effective in women than in men, potentially explaining why women are less likely to develop metabolic complications despite having more body fat. The study suggests that understanding this difference could aid in the development of drugs that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in men.
A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that weight loss medications liraglutide or semaglutide can cut alcohol intake by nearly two-thirds in just four months. Patients reported a significant reduction in their drinking habits, with some describing the effects as 'effortless'. The study's findings offer promisi...
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.
A study published by the European Association for the Study of Obesity found that women are significantly more aware of and have a better understanding of obesity drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understanding tolerable side effects, effectiveness, and ability to maintain weight loss is crucial for people commencing treatment.
A new study published in The Journal of Internal Medicine found that having an unhealthy metabolic profile increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 69% and subsequent breast cancer mortality by 83% among survivors. This association was consistent across Europe, North America, and Asia.
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 analysis of the SURMOUNT-1 trial found that around two-thirds of participants regained only 5% or less of their lowest weight over three years. The study suggests that most patients receiving tirzepatide had a relatively stable weight journey, with limited weight regain after reaching their nadir weight.
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.
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 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 new study found that new-onset type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of certain obesity-related cancers, such as bowel and pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank and found a 48% increased risk in men and a 24% increased risk in women for overall obesity-related cancers.
A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that waist circumference is a stronger risk marker than body mass index (BMI) for obesity-related cancers in men. However, this association was not observed in women.
Research suggests that having an overweight or obesity trajectory during childhood is associated with a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The study found that women with above-average childhood BMI trajectories had a 26% higher risk, while those with an obesity BMI trajectory had a 65% higher risk.
Research suggests that people with obesity experience a redistribution of their body compartments, such as increased fat trunk accumulation and lower muscle mass, particularly in extremities, as they age. This shift occurs without significant changes in BMI, making it a less useful tool for assessing weight status.
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.
The risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D) decreases in girls after age 10, while the risk in boys remains stable. Males with a single autoantibody have a significantly higher risk of T1D than their female counterparts.
A new framework for diagnosing and managing obesity in adults proposes modernizing obesity diagnosis to take account of all the latest developments in the field. The authors recognize that BMI alone is insufficient as a diagnostic criterion and that body fat distribution has a substantial effect on health.
A new study quantifies the impact of childhood obesity on long-term health and life expectancy. Childhood obesity was found to have a profound effect, with a child living with severe obesity at age 4 having a life expectancy of just 39 years. Weight loss can give back decades of life.
A new study suggests a lower BMI threshold of 27 kg/m² may be more appropriate than the existing WHO BMI threshold (30 kg/m²) for middle-aged and older adults. This could lead to improved health outcomes for millions of older adults, as body fat percentage is a more accurate indicator of obesity.
A new UK-based trial found that text messages with financial incentives can help men with obesity lose weight, with an average of 4.8% body weight loss over 12 months. The study, which involved 585 men living with obesity, suggests that text messaging alone may not be as effective in promoting weight loss.
A UK survey found that only 13% of respondents would be willing to regularly consume insects, highlighting the need to overcome the 'disgust factor' for entomophagy to become mainstream. The study suggests that incorporating insect flours into processed foods may help reduce disgust and increase consumer acceptance.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity highlights TikTok's potential in addressing childhood obesity. Analysis of Dr Anthos' TikTok account reveals popular videos on obesity medication and stigma combating, with live Q&A sessions generating significant discussion.
A new Italian study has found that people living with obesity often conceal their bodies in WhatsApp profile pictures, indicating potential body dysmorphic disorder. The study suggests that such images could provide valuable insights into patients' psychological states.
Two studies based on the SELECT trial show semaglutide leads to sustained weight loss of 10% body weight and 7cm waist reduction after 4 years, regardless of starting weight or BMI. The medication also delivers cardiovascular benefits, with a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.
Research suggests that the source of sugar, rather than the amount consumed, is crucial in developing obesity in children. A study found that children who got their sugar from unsweetened dairy products and fruit had a lower risk of becoming overweight or obese.
A randomized trial found that aerobic exercise significantly reduced inflammatory markers in adults with obesity, including IL-6 and IFN-γ levels. Exercise combined with liraglutide treatment showed no additional benefits in reducing inflammation compared to placebo or liraglutide alone.
A Danish study found that patients who tapered off semaglutide slowly and focused on lifestyle changes maintained their weight loss for at least 6 months. Lower doses of the drug were as effective as higher ones, with a tailored approach minimising side-effects.
A Europe-wide study found that individuals living with overweight or obesity have a higher probability of being absent from work due to health issues, as well as taking longer sick days. This has significant implications for economies and productivity across the continent.
Researchers found that smokers skip meals more often, go longer without eating, and are more likely to snack between meals. They also tend to eat fewer sweet foods, but more fried foods, salt, and sugar than non-smokers.
Food and drink advertisements on videogame livestreaming platforms (VGLSPs) like Twitch are associated with more positive attitudes towards and purchases of unhealthy foods. Researchers call for stronger regulations to protect young viewers from the potential harms of digital food marketing.
A UK Biobank study suggests that adults living with obesity who were underweight or average weight in childhood may be at increased risk of all-cause mortality. The study found that adult men and women who reported being thinner as children had higher mortality risks, with a 63% and 60% increase respectively.
A Swedish study of people living with obesity found that poor muscle health is associated with a higher risk of an early death. Adverse muscle composition was up to three times more likely to lead to death during the course of the study than those with healthy muscles.
A Swedish study found that individuals with large fat cells tend to lose weight over time, while those with small fat cells gain weight. The study suggests that measuring the size of fat cells could be important for weight management later in life.
Researchers found that men with obesity have increased adipose tissue insulin resistance and higher levels of free fatty acids in the blood. This may partly explain why type 2 diabetes is more common in men. The study suggests that sex differences in adipose tissue insulin sensitivity could be a key factor in this disparity.
A study finds that gut microbiota play a key role in obesity development, with distinct differences between men and women. Researchers identified specific bacterial species and metabolites associated with higher BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference in women, but not men.
Research finds children's weight at age 8 and pubertal BMI changes independently predict high blood pressure in mid-life. Targeted initiatives for preventing childhood obesity may reduce disease burden.
Research suggests that for individuals under 65, maintaining a normal BMI is advisable, while those over 65 may benefit from moderate overweight. This study found a U-shaped relationship between BMI and cardiovascular death risk, with optimal BMI cut-off points varying by age group.
A study found that children and adolescents with obesity are at a significantly higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis, with the risk being more than two-fold. The study also suggests that the persistent low-grade inflammatory state associated with obesity may be mediating this association.
Researchers have identified two plant compounds with potential as GLP-1 agonist weight loss pills, derived from common plants and potentially offering fewer side effects than current medications. The discovery was made using high-performance artificial intelligence techniques to analyze over 10,000 compounds.
A European randomized controlled trial found that replacing sugar with sweeteners improved weight loss control for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults. The study also showed greater diet satisfaction and lower cravings for sweet foods among participants who consumed low/no-energy sweetened products.
Research in Canada found that kids perceive sponsored sports as 'generous' and 'cool', increasing their desire to purchase unhealthy products. The study suggests regulatory actions are necessary to protect children from unhealthy food marketing.
A new study found that short-term very low calorie diets are safe and acceptable for teenagers with moderate to severe obesity, with most experiencing rapid weight loss and some reporting side effects. The diets were closely monitored by an experienced dietitian and included meal replacements to ensure essential nutrient requirements.
A new analysis shows that tirzepatide effectively reduces body weight across different BMI subgroups, achieving significant weight loss of 5% or more in up to 100% of participants. The treatment also demonstrated superior weight reduction compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes.