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European Association for the Study of Obesity


Study of 1.5 million British people shows BMI cut offs for obesity and diabetes risk do not work for non-white populations

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that BMI cut-offs used by the World Health Organization and UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are not suitable for adults from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The research, which included over 1.5 million people, shows that these groups...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMay 11, 2021

COVID-19 risk and restrictions both motivated and supported participants in online weight loss program, but had a negative impact on mood and behaviors

The COVID-19 pandemic's restrictions both spurred motivation and supported participation in an online weight management program, yet had a negative impact on mood and behaviors. Participants attributed lockdowns to weight gain and found the pandemic motivated them to lose weight, but also reported decreased social support.

Study finds consumption of free sugars by secondary school children in the UK lower during snacking periods than at main mealtimes

Research by Abigail Stewart and colleagues found that secondary school children in the UK consumed more free sugars outside of school hours, with a lower intake during snacking periods. The study suggests that environmental or physical factors at home may increase sugar consumption, contrary to expectations.

Higher levels of ultra-processed food in childhood associated with increased risk of child overweight/obesity and changes in metabolome

New research shows that higher levels of ultra-processed food in childhood are associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity, as well as alterations in the metabolome. The study found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods is negatively associated with certain biomarkers, such as docosahexaenoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids.

New study finds an association between increasing BMI and the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2

Research reveals that as body mass index (BMI) increases, the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 also rises, especially among overweight and obese patients. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 patients tested for COVID-19 at a major medical center in Israel and found significant associations between BMI and viral infection risk.

Higher BMI in childhood may help protect women against breast cancer in later life, both before and after the menopause

A Danish study of over 173,000 women found that girls with a higher BMI during childhood had lower breast cancer risks both before and after menopause. The research suggests an inverse association between childhood BMI and breast cancer risk, but further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Study in half a million adults with overweight or obesity suggests benefit of weight loss on serious health problems

A study of over 550,000 adults in the UK found that losing an average of 13% of body weight reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 42%-44%, sleep apnoea by 22%-27%, high blood pressure by 18%-25%, and dyslipidaemia by 20-22%. The study suggests that intentional weight loss can markedly reduce disease risk in people with obes...

Overlap between immunology of COVID-19 and obesity could explain the increased risk of death in people living with obesity, and also older patients

Research suggests that the immunological disturbances found in COVID-19 and obesity overlap, contributing to increased disease severity and mortality. Fat cells accumulate fat and become larger during weight gain, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity.

Health and social workers divided over whether childhood obesity should be considered a child protection issue, suggests study

A study suggests that childhood obesity should be considered a child protection concern, but disagreements persist among professionals. The research highlights the need for professional guidelines to address the issue, as inconsistent threshold judgments and personal values influence decision-making.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalThe British Journal of Social Work·DateSep 2, 2020

Study shows high phenolic acid intake -- associated with a healthy diet -- is associated with reduced breast cancer risk

A high intake of phenolic acids associated with a healthy diet is linked to a decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. The study found that women who consumed the most hydroxycinnamic acids, particularly chlorogenic acids found in coffee and fruits, had a 62% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with low intake.

Study shows that controlling or 'wiping out' obesity and excess weight could avoid substantial numbers of premature deaths

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.

Children with high BMI who don't become obese adults do not appear to be at increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Research suggests that children with high BMI in childhood are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but this risk disappears if they don't become obese adults. A meta-analysis of over 25,000 children found associations between BMI and type 2 diabetes were not influenced by educational or lifestyle factors.

Study suggests no direct link between drinking sugar sweetened drinks and higher energy consumption or BMI in children

A nationally representative survey of UK children aged 4-10 years found no strong correlation between drinking sugar sweetened beverages and higher energy consumption or BMI. The study suggests that relying on a single-nutrient approach, such as a 'sugar tax', may not be effective in tackling childhood obesity.

WHO study confirms breastfeeding protects against child obesity, however levels of breastfeeding across Europe are well off-target

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.

New WHO research reveals wide gradient of severe child obesity across Europe, with southern Europe having the highest levels

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.