Dr. Candida Rebello's five-year NIH grant will explore lifestyle strategies to reduce excess body fat and declining muscle mass in older adults with obesity. The study aims to protect skeletal muscle health, independence, and quality of life for this rapidly growing population.
The DASH Diet, developed at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been ranked as the best heart-healthy diet and second-best overall by US News & World Report. The diet's focus on fiber, heart-healthy minerals, and whole grains helps lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Pennington Biomedical researchers investigated competing body weight regulation models, analyzing the interaction of energy intake and expenditure. The study highlights the need to test state-of-the-art technology and could help explain why losing weight is challenging for some individuals.
Dr. Gang Hu, a leading expert in chronic disease epidemiology, has been appointed to the NIH Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health Review Group. He will evaluate studies on reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric health, with a focus on lifestyle factors and their impact on chronic diseases.
Dr. Jennifer Rood, Associate Executive Director for Cores and Resources, takes on interim leadership role at Pennington Biomedical Research Center while an international search for the next full-time Executive Director is underway. She brings over 30 years of experience in obesity and chronic disease research.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center launched its first international scientific symposium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, exceeding expectations with distinguished audience engagement and new institutional contacts.
Dr. Corby Martin has been appointed as the Associate Executive Director for Scientific Education at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He will provide leadership for key programs such as the T32 Postdoctoral Training Program, the Pennington Scientific Symposium and the Bray Obesity Symposium.
A recent study published in Obesity found a direct relationship between obesity severity and the likelihood of disease burden in the US population. The researchers discovered that higher BMI levels were associated with increased odds for various cardiometabolic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.
Dr. Leanne Redman joins the Charles Perkins Centre to lead research on obesity, diet, and exercise, building on her extensive experience in women's health issues and translational research. With over 300 publications and numerous awards, she will expand the centre's impact on global health.
Four researchers from LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center have been named among the world's most highly cited scientists. Dr. Steven Heymsfield, Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, Dr. Eric Ravussin and Dr. Donna Ryan are recognized for their significant and broad influence in their respective fields.
The Louisiana ECHO program, which focuses on pre-, peri- and postnatal outcomes, obesity, and other areas, will continue its efforts to expand access to clinical trials for Louisiana children. The grant renewal supports the collaboration between researchers from Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health System, as well as two free-stand...
Pennington Biomedical researchers will participate in numerous panels and presentations during the conference, sharing their latest findings on obesity treatment and prevention. The institution is well-represented at the event, with faculty members among the experts leading courses, presentations, and speaker panels.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed Pennington Biomedical's Metabolic Basis of Disease Center for five years, providing $2.2M per year to support research on the mechanisms of metabolic health. The center aims to address the obesity epidemic and its related illnesses.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that people with higher muscle mass and stronger handgrip are less likely to progress to obesity, organ issues, or death. Grip strength was consistently associated with lower risk across multiple muscle metrics.
The four-day training program equipped postdoctoral fellows with state-of-the-art methods for clinical research in obesity, metabolism and nutrition. Participants deepened their skills in gold-standard methodologies crucial for advancing clinical and translational research.
A new report highlights the potential of precision medicine to improve obesity prevention and treatment by identifying high-risk individuals and tailoring interventions. The authors emphasize the need for rigorous clinical trials to empirically determine the effectiveness of precision-based treatments.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with severe obesity are less likely to receive recommended cancer screenings. The research analyzed data from over 2 million US adults and discovered a significant reduction in screening rates for certain types of cancer among those with a BMI of 50.0 or greater.
The 2025 Childhood Obesity Conference, hosted by Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Health initiative, aims to educate healthcare providers and promote healthier futures for Louisiana's children through cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies. Participants can earn up to 7.5 CMEs and gain practical tools to support healthier fu...
Dr. Steven B. Heymsfield joins an elite group of scholars recognized for advancing knowledge and transforming their fields. He has authored over 1,300 scientific publications with nearly 79,000 citations, placing him among the top 500 most-cited researchers globally.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical researchers found that pregnant women with metabolically unhealthy obesity were twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes and had more body fat at birth. Despite lower weight gain, these mothers' metabolic health played a crucial role in their baby's development.
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has opened a new Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic in Baton Rouge, providing specialized care for patients managing diabetes and endocrine disorders. The clinic is led by Dr. Timothy Gilbert, who brings nearly 20 years of private practice experience to the region.
The conference will feature keynote speakers Donna Ryan and Erik Wilson, as well as informative presentations and breakout sessions on the latest advances in obesity research. The Louisiana Obesity Society aims to support healthcare providers treating obesity through education and networking.
Answer ALS is launching a groundbreaking collaboration with Tulane University and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center to harness AI for ALS treatment discovery. The Louisiana AI Drug Development Infrastructure for ALS (LADDIA) will prioritize therapeutic targets using AI-driven insights from the Answer ALS' Neuromine Data Portal.
Researchers found that tirzepatide significantly reduced body weight, food intake, and measures of appetite compared to a placebo and liraglutide. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced activity in hunger-sensitive brain areas while viewing high-fat foods.
A recent study published in Nature Metabolism discovered that reducing cysteine intake leads to increased fat burning, thermogenesis, and weight loss. Researchers found that cysteine triggers the transition of white fat cells to brown fat cells, a more active form of fat cells that burn energy.
The Greaux Healthy initiative aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity through partnerships with healthcare providers, educators, and families. The program has developed tools and resources for four priority populations, including expectant families, preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and adolescents and young adults.
The June Small Shifts campaign focuses on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into daily meals and snacks, leading to energy, mood, and immune function improvements. By making simple changes, such as adding berries or carrot sticks, individuals can make a big impact on their overall health.
Dr. Pasiakos joins Pennington Biomedical to lead research on muscle physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and technology to optimize human performance in extreme conditions. His expertise strengthens capabilities for U.S. Military resilience, spaceflight bioenergetics, and elite athlete development.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical found that mitochondrial fragmentation can bypass defects in mitophagy to sustain skeletal muscle quality control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. This adaptation helps maintain mitochondrial function despite impaired mitophagy.
Pennington Biomedical welcomes Dr. Adithya Hari, MD, with expertise in nuclear oncology and translational science, strengthening cancer research and patient-centered innovation in Louisiana. He will establish a research program focused on nuclear medicine and dedicate time to direct patient care through a clinical partnership.
A recent study published in The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology reveals a significant increase in obesity rates among US adults, particularly those with BMI above 60 kg/m2. The rate of severe obesity rose by 210% over 20 years, posing serious health risks and economic burdens.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigated tirzepatide's effects on weight loss and metabolic health. The study found that tirzepatide decreased calorie intake and increased fat oxidation, leading to significant weight loss. However, the drug did not decrease the slowing down of metabolic rate usually observed wi...
The 2025 Bray Obesity Symposium provides valuable insights and guidance from leading researchers in obesity medicine. The symposium features topics such as advances in obesity genetics, pediatric obesity, lifestyle intervention, and pharmacotherapy.
Dr. Catherine Champagne, a renowned nutrition expert, has been selected as an Excellence in Nutrition Fellow by the American Society for Nutrition. She is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of nutrition, including her leadership in dietary assessment and nutrition counseling.
Dr. Leanne Redman, a leading authority on body weight regulation, has received the prestigious E.V. McCollum Award for her translational research on maternal nutrition and energy regulation, with significant impact on public health. The award recognizes her dedication to advancing research that improves women's and families' health.
Researchers discovered Lepr neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus communicate using glutamate and GABA to regulate metabolism, body weight, and energy use. The study sheds light on fundamental neuronal interplay influencing metabolic adjustments.
Researchers will apply anonymized data from electronic health records to an artificial intelligence-based decision-making system to guide personalized drug dosing and treatments. The goal is enhanced blood pressure control, reduced cardiovascular risks, and improved quality of life for Type-2 diabetes patients.
FGF21 hormone plays a key role in regulating protein appetite, making protein-rich foods more rewarding and motivating animals to seek them out. The discovery could lead to better strategies for promoting healthy eating and understanding how the body naturally regulates protein appetite.
The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.
A comprehensive review explores the evolution and application of electronic health records (EHRs) in medical research over the past 25 years. The study highlights significant advancements in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine, while also discussing challenges such as data security and privacy.
Dr. Kaja Falkenhain, a postdoctoral researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association. The fellowship will support her research project on studying brain reward circuitry and cravings in relation to obesity medication and modern food environment.
A recent study introduces an innovative method for analyzing body composition, providing accurate assessments of body fat and muscle distribution. The approach utilizes deep, nonlinear methods to enhance estimation accuracy, surpassing previous linear models.
The Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity proposes a new model for diagnosing clinical obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level. The proposal aims to settle the ongoing dispute around the idea of obesity as a disease, providing a medically coherent framework for diagnosis.
Stephania Cormier and colleagues lead a Frontiers in Immunology research collaboration to explain RSV's complex interplay with host immune responses. The team identifies gaps in knowledge, hindering therapeutics and vaccines development.
The DASH Diet has been ranked as the best heart-healthy diet and second-best overall in US News & World Report's 2025 rankings. Developed by Pennington Biomedical Research Center scientists, the diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing saturated fat and added sugars.
A study reveals that lower-income and minority mothers face disproportionate challenges in postpartum health due to inadequate social support systems. The research emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions to improve maternal health equity, strengthen postpartum care, and reduce health disparities.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that metabolic and bariatric surgery is largely safe and effective for patients with a BMI of 70 kg/m2 or higher, with low rates of complications and durable weight loss. The study analyzed data from 84 patients and demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these surgeries in tre...
The editorial highlights how digital tools improve patient outcomes through better monitoring, individualized care, and seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers. Digital health innovations also address key challenges such as data privacy and accessibility.
A recent study suggests that metabolic surgery can reduce the need for oral diuretics in patients with heart failure, resulting in a 65% decrease in diuretic use at 24 months after surgery. Patients who underwent metabolic surgery also experienced significant weight loss and improved quality of life.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will lead courses, presentations, and speaker panels at ObesityWeek 2024, showcasing exceptional obesity research. The center's faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and staff will engage with global potential collaborators and demonstrate progress in metabolic health.