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Hormone health climbs the policy agenda as endocrine leaders meet for European Society of Endocrinology’s first Summit of the Presidents

The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.

Gut microbiota plays a role in metabolic health after bariatric surgery

A study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that changes in gut bacteria composition after bariatric surgery are strongly associated with improved glucose metabolism and insulin release. Patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved improved glycemic control exhibited greater microbial gene richness and enhanced fermentation processes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2026

Bariatric surgery significantly more effective than GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and disease remission, large real-world study finds

A large real-world study comparing bariatric surgery to GLP-1 drugs found that surgery produced significantly greater weight loss and higher rates of obesity-related disease remission. After 12 months, patients who underwent surgery achieved more than 20% greater weight loss than those treated with GLP-1 therapy.

Distinct metabolic signature found in HFpEF

Researchers identified a unique metabolic fingerprint in the hearts of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity. The study reveals disrupted glucose metabolism and accumulated metabolic products, which are linked to structural changes in the heart and disease severity.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

One molecule, two effects: A new drug concept to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes

A new approach for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes has been developed using a hybrid molecule that targets specific cells. The treatment combines the well-known GLP-1/GIP signalling pathway with an additional metabolic modulator, delivering improved blood-glucose values and weight loss.

Covid snacking habits and their consequences

A Japanese study examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals with glucose intolerance, revealing a clear divergence in clinical trajectories among those who worsened and improved. Flexible lifestyle adaptation is crucial for restoring metabolic health, suggesting personalized support may improve glycemic control.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

Timing exercise to match body clock chronotype may lower cardiovascular disease risk

Research suggests that exercising at a time that matches an individual's natural chronotype (morning or evening alertness) can lower cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that chronotype-aligned exercise improved blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol levels, and sleep quality more effectively than mismatched timing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOpen Heart·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2026

How does mitochondrial DNA affect your health?

Salk Institute researchers have developed a new biological platform for studying mitochondrial DNA in human physiology, adaptation, and therapeutic development. The platform allows scientists to investigate mitochondrial DNA variation in health and disease, enabling therapeutic innovation for mitochondrial disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2026

New brain–heart guideline takes holistic approach to chronic disease management

The new brain–heart clinical practice guideline provides a holistic approach to managing chronic diseases by integrating neurologic and mental health evidence with cardiovascular guidance. The guideline aims to improve the management of patients with concurrent brain and heart diseases, which often co-occur and share similar risk factors.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2026

Multi-task deep learning identifies four MASLD subtypes for precision cardiovascular– liver–kidney–metabolic management

The study developed a novel multi-task deep LASSO algorithm that identified six core clinical indicators, establishing four stable MASLD subtypes with distinct characteristics. The classification system enables targeted interventions, prioritizing fibrosis screening and aggressive cardiorenal protection for specific subgroups.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2026

Lower hemoglobin levels can offer several health benefits

A new study by Finnish researchers found that lower hemoglobin levels within the normal range may be beneficial for glucose metabolism and cardiovascular health. The study, conducted on 64 adults, revealed an association between lower hemoglobin levels and improved physical fitness, heart health, and reduced liver fat.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAnnals of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2026

Children with obesity are at risk of disease despite normal test results

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that children with obesity but without metabolic complications still face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipid levels later in life. Treatment can greatly benefit these children, reducing the risk of future diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Korea University study identifies liver–metabolic disease as a key risk factor for heart failure in older adults with atrial fibrillation

A Korea University study reveals that liver metabolic disease is a key risk factor for heart failure in older adults with atrial fibrillation, with MASLD having the lowest risk and ALD carrying the highest risk. The study highlights the importance of liver health in cardiovascular disease management.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Activation of hypoxia signaling pathway enhances bone health and metabolism in obesity

Activation of hypoxia signaling improved metabolism and limited fat accumulation in obese mice, while preserving vascular networks and bone health. The intervention also enhanced fracture healing and glucose tolerance, suggesting a dual beneficial effect on metabolism and bone integrity.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Clinical consensus of ultrasound-derived fat fraction for assessment of liver steatosis

Researchers developed an expert consensus to standardize the use of ultrasound-derived fat fraction for assessing liver steatosis. The study found that UDFF showed strong correlations with histological steatosis grades and MRI-PDFF, demonstrating excellent reliability and robust diagnostic accuracy.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 17, 2026

Hidden acid imbalance in kidney disease raises red flags

A Japanese registry study reveals widespread underdiagnosis and undertreatment of metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease patients. Nearly half of patients with bicarbonate measured had metabolic acidosis, and diagnosis and treatment rates were low, highlighting a need for routine bicarbonate testing in CKD care.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2026

New genetic risk score better predicts diabetes, obesity and downstream complications

Researchers developed a comprehensive genetic risk calculator for metabolic disease by integrating genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The polygenic risk score outperformed existing disease-prediction models and predicted downstream morbidity and clinical interventions, particularly in non-European populations.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 16, 2026

Heart and metabolic risk factors more strongly linked to liver fibrosis in women than men, study finds

Women with cardiometabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and high waist circumference face a higher risk of liver fibrosis, with rates increasing 11-fold and 2.8-fold compared to men. The study highlights the importance of managing these risk factors for liver health beyond heart disease prevention.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2026

How do GLP-1 agonists affect gene expression?

Salk Institute researchers identified Med14, a protein connected to GLP-1 drug effects on pancreatic beta cells, leading to improved viability, insulin production, and stress resistance. The study suggests a potential molecular link between GLP-1 drugs and broader benefits, including type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researcher publishes editorial in leading American Heart Association journal

A Pennington Biomedical researcher published an editorial on the benefits of fruit intake for vascular health, citing a study on increasing fruit intake with avocados and mangos. The findings suggest that diets rich in fruits can improve nutrient status and health outcomes, aligning with the goals of the Food Is Medicine initiative.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 3, 2026

GLP-1 drugs combined with healthy lifestyle habits linked with reduced cardiovascular risk among diabetes patients

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System found that using GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with adhering to healthy lifestyle habits significantly reduces cardiovascular risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that these two stra...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026