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How stress and social struggles fuel America’s obesity crisis

A new scientific review reveals that stress, hardship, and social challenges reshape a person's gut bacteria and brain performance, making it harder to keep weight off. Social determinants of health play a key role in obesity risk, and addressing these conditions is crucial for long-term solutions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 2025

Teens with higher blood levels of PFAS regain more weight after bariatric surgery, study finds

A new study found that adolescents with higher blood levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prior to bariatric surgery regained more weight and had greater increases in waist circumference up to five years after surgery. Researchers believe PFAS exposure disrupts endocrine and metabolic processes, leading to weight regain.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalObesity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 14, 2025

UH study finds positive childhood experiences protect against disordered eating

A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdversity and Resilience Science·DateAug 13, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

U.S.-born Latinos have higher rates of obesity compared to foreign-born Latino and white youth

A recent study analyzed data from community health centers in the US between 2012-2020, finding that U.S.-born Latinos have significantly higher obesity rates compared to foreign-born Latino and non-Hispanic White youth. The researchers noted a trend of increasing obesity prevalence over time across all three groups.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 28, 2025

Louisiana Obesity Society Conference returns Aug. 8 and 9 in New Orleans

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.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateJul 24, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New genetic analysis predicts risk of adult obesity from childhood

A new genetic analysis has created a polygenic risk score (PGS) that reliably associates with adulthood obesity, showing consistent patterns in early childhood. This measure could help identify children and adolescents at higher genetic risk of developing obesity later in life, benefiting from targeted preventative strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2025

Obesity and type 2 diabetes in teen years can impair bone health

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that obesity and early type 2 diabetes in adolescence can interfere with bone development, potentially increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Researchers followed 48 teenagers for a year, finding that teens with obesity and type 2 diabetes showed less improvemen...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJul 14, 2025
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Early childhood weight patterns may signal future obesity risk, NIH study finds

A new NIH study found that early childhood weight patterns may signal future obesity risk. The study tracked children's body mass index (BMI) from infancy through age 9 and identified two distinct growth patterns, with a smaller group following a trajectory marked by a sharp rise in BMI.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

GLP-1 drugs are helpful for children who are living with severe obesity, data from Swedish clinic indicates

A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity suggests that GLP-1 agonist drugs can lead to a clinically relevant change in BMI for children with severe obesity. In this study, 30% of children who received GLP-1 drugs experienced a significant reduction in BMI, compared to around 27% of those who did not receive them.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 12, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Key brain areas are larger in teenagers with abdominal obesity

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.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 10, 2025
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The greater a woman’s BMI in early pregnancy, the more likely her child is to develop overweight or obesity, Australian study finds

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.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 9, 2025

A culturally adapted obesity prevention for Latino families

A University of California, Riverside-led research team adapted an intervention for childhood obesity prevention to better serve Latina mothers, non-maternal caregivers, and families of low-income backgrounds. The study emphasizes the importance of involving non-maternal caregivers in the adaptation process.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

Study: Antibiotic exposure before age two linked to childhood obesity

Researchers found that antibiotic exposure in the first two years of life was significantly associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood. The study followed 33,095 vaginally born children in Finland to see if antibiotics before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth were linked to higher BMI at age two and age 12.

SourcePediatric Academic Societies·DateApr 25, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Meeting preview: Hot topics at NUTRITION 2025

At NUTRITION 2025, experts will share the latest research on how genetics impact nutrition, the importance of early childhood feeding, and innovative strategies for managing obesity and promoting healthy aging. Researchers will also explore the role of diet in cancer prevention and control.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateApr 22, 2025

Universal Japanese school lunch program significantly reduces obesity among teenagers, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

A new study published in Health Economics reveals that the universal Japanese school lunch program effectively reduces Body Mass Index (BMI), Percent Overweight (POW), and obesity rates, particularly among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study found significant short-term benefits of such programs in addressing child...

SourceSophia University·JournalHealth Economics·DateApr 14, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New guidance for managing obesity in children and adolescents

The new guideline prioritizes health and quality of life for children and adolescents with obesity, focusing on outcomes such as mental health and cardiovascular risk factors. It recommends a combination of interventions, including nutritional, physical activity, and psychological support, to help manage obesity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 14, 2025

Study estimates proportion of adolescents living with overweight and obesity in England has increased by 50% between 2008 and 2023

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.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateApr 12, 2025

Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Leanne Redman honored with the E. V. McCollum Award from the American Society for Nutrition

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.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateApr 3, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Children of moms who smoked or were obese are more likely to become obese adults

A UK study found that children of obese mothers are more likely to become obese adults, suggesting that societal and early-life factors play a significant role in obesity. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 people born in the same week in 1958 and found that these early life factors persisted through adulthood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

Milk as Medicine: New Study Shows Breast Milk Transforms Challenges into Triumphs

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that breast milk from mothers with gestational diabetes has a unique composition that benefits their infant children. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes experience faster linear growth, lower fat percentages, and reduced weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2025

Study uncovers link between childhood overweight and obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adulthood

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.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMar 21, 2025

USC study shows proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density over time

A USC study found proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over time. The research identified potential biomarkers that could serve as early indicators of a person's risk for bone health issues later in life.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 13, 2025

Mother’s high-fat diet can cause liver stress in fetus, study shows

A new study published in Liver International found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can lead to liver stress and changes in the fetus's bile acid levels. This may be a key factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) later in life.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalLiver International·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

A third of children worldwide forecast to be obese or overweight by 2050

A third of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese within the next 25 years, according to a new study. The global obesity rate for those between 5-24 years old tripled from 1990 to 2021, rising by 244 per cent to 174 million.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2025

THE LANCET: More than half of adults and a third of children and adolescents predicted to have overweight or obesity by 2050

A major new analysis predicts that over half the world's adult population (3.8 billion) and a third of all children and adolescents (746 million) will be living with overweight or obesity by 2050. The study forecasts a substantial rise in obesity among young people globally, with an additional 186 million cases predicted by 2050.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2025
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New toolkit empowers healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies for childhood obesity prevention and treatment

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.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateFeb 19, 2025

Researchers uncover surprising link to stroke risk

A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2025

Biological clock plays critical role in driving teens’ late-day eating habits

Researchers discovered that adolescents with higher body mass indexes consumed more calories later in the day than their peers of healthy weight. The study controlled for environmental and behavioral influences to isolate the role of the circadian system in shaping eating patterns.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2025

Biological clock plays critical role in driving teens’ late eating habits

Researchers found that teens with obesity consumed more calories in the late afternoon and early evening compared to their peers of healthy weight. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrates that the body's biological clock directly impacts food intake throughout the day.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Is this the new 5:2 diet?

Researchers at the University of Sydney recommend adopting a primarily plant-centric fibre-rich diet to enhance overall health and longevity. The plan involves incorporating more plant-based meals into one's diet, starting with two days a week and increasing to five days as recommended by Professor Luigi Fontana.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·DateFeb 12, 2025

When teen body image becomes a deadly perception

Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight face triple the risk of self-harm compared to those who do not, regardless of objective weight. The study also highlights the critical role of schools and communities in creating supportive environments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 10, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New research raises questions about the addictiveness of dexamphetamine

A narrative review of over 1,700 papers found only seven papers addressing dexamphetamine addiction directly. The study raises questions about the evidence underpinning its restriction by regulatory agencies. Dexamphetamine is effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy but may have benefits in treating obesity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPsychoactives·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 3, 2025

Canadian preschoolers get nearly half of daily calories from ultra-processed foods: University of Toronto study

A University of Toronto study found that Canadian preschoolers who consumed more ultra-processed foods were more likely to develop obesity at age five. The researchers also discovered sex-driven differences in the effects of ultra-processed food on obesity risk, with stronger effects seen in males.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.