Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation has renewed its $53 million commitment to the Broad Institute's Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease. This funding will accelerate research into the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes and obesity, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets. The center will expand on it...
Retatrutide demonstrates substantial weight loss and improved blood sugar control in adults with overweight and type 2 diabetes, with 47% of participants losing at least 20% of their starting weight. The treatment also improves cardiometabolic risk factors and reduces inflammation.
A systematic review of 43,000 women with diabetes exposed to GLP-1 RAs found no significant associations with preterm birth, stillbirth, or neonatal death, but evidence gaps remain for early pregnancy loss and postpartum use. Further research is needed to address these gaps and provide clearer evidence for women with diabetes
Women are more likely to experience weight loss and improved blood sugar control with GLP-1 RAs, but face higher rates of side effects and unequal access to treatment worldwide. Extensive research is needed to address these disparities and optimize treatment for women in various domains.
Petrelintide, an amylin-based obesity drug, shows significant weight loss of over 10% in a phase 2 trial, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to GLP-1 drugs. The study also reveals improvements in key cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and lipid parameters.
A Danish study suggests that GLP-1 drugs could protect heart health in millions of people with overweight. The research found that individuals with a BMI of 25-26.9 and high remnant cholesterol and/or low-grade inflammation have a similar risk of coronary heart disease as those eligible for GLP-1 RAs for weight loss.
A new post-hoc analysis of the ATTAIN-1 and -2 studies found significant and similar weight reductions for women of different menopausal status, with up to 14% body weight loss and 12.5cm waist circumference reduction
Researchers found substitution effects between obesity-labeled and diabetes-labeled GLP-1 receptor agonists, which vary by state coverage policies. The study suggests that these effects could impact coverage decisions for obesity treatment in Medicaid.
Researchers at MIT identified a cellular pathway necessary for colorectal cancer metastasis, controlled by protein YAP1, which promotes cell proliferation and migration. A high-fat diet triggers activation of this pathway, and drugs blocking ceramide production may help prevent metastasis.
A new study suggests that semaglutide reduces heart disease risk beyond just weight loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. The study analyzed data from a clinical trial of semaglutide, which found that patients taking the drug had a 20% lower risk of heart disease, but only half of this reduction could be explained by changes in kno...
Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that mothers with poor sleep quality in late pregnancy had babies with lower weight in the first 6 months of life, but higher weight after age 1-2 years. This effect was strongest in male infants and in babies born at term.
A new study from Florida International University found that preschoolers with a higher body mass index (BMI) showed differences in brain regions involved in reward, taste, and hunger. The study suggests that the relationship between obesity risk and brain development may begin years earlier than previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Basel found that a drug called fenoterol increases energy expenditure in humans without activating brown fat. This suggests that a more complex regulation of brown fat in humans may be at play, and could have implications for future obesity treatments.
A study found that adolescents with a high body mass index may age biologically faster, increasing their risk of developing obesity-related diseases and premature death. The study's findings suggest a link between genetic predisposition to high BMI and accelerated biological aging.
Dr. Mark Walker led a seminar on pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects 2-4% of pregnancies and can be life-threatening. The seminar reviews current knowledge, strategies for prevention, and highlights a critical global health challenge, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 87 clinical trials found that consuming four to six servings of wholegrain per day can lower cardiovascular risk factors, including body weight, waist circumference, and total cholesterol levels. Benefits were most pronounced at intakes of 60 to 100 grams per day.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that people with excessive visceral fat around their organs are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultrafine particulate air pollution. Using HEPA filters can help mitigate this risk, especially for those with high waist circumference.
BioLife has developed a novel oral peptide delivery technology that uses a dissolvable effervescent tablet format to protect peptide medicines during digestion. Preclinical studies have demonstrated measurable systemic semaglutide exposure following oral administration, providing in vivo proof of concept.
Researchers at Harrington Discovery Institute have identified a biological mechanism that may explain why obesity relapse occurs and how it is passed down through generations. They found that obesity creates a lasting biological change in fat cells that keeps the hunger hormone asprosin elevated, even after weight loss, and that this s...
A new preclinical study found that glucocorticoid-rhythm disruption concentrates insulin resistance in skeletal muscle while preserving key insulin responses in fat tissue and liver, leading to a different type of obesity. This allows fat tissue to continue storing lipids, while the liver remains largely protected from fat accumulation.
The Endocrine Society's new Scientific Statement emphasizes the importance of addressing overall health in obesity treatment, rather than solely focusing on weight loss. Research highlights the benefits of improved health and reduced risk of conditions like heart disease, sleep apnea, and liver disease.
Weight loss injections can impact reproductive health, and a new study provides evidence-based guidelines for families and health professionals. The guidelines recommend that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy, but women who used the injections without realizing they were pregnan...
The study found that prescriptions for GLP-1 weight-loss medications increased 310-fold among young children with obesity, from 0.03% in 2019 to 9.3% in 2026. Younger children with severe obesity and girls were more likely to receive the medications, highlighting the need for better access and monitoring.
A clinical trial found that a ketogenic diet significantly improves metabolic health in people with obesity, with 50% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for prediabetes. The diet also showed the greatest improvements in liver health and insulin sensitivity.
A low-carb ketogenic diet was found to improve liver health and blood sugar control more significantly than other diets, reducing liver fat by 67% and lowering blood glucose measurements by 20%. The study suggests that weight loss alone is not enough to combat metabolic health risks and that dietary choice remains an important factor.
A mother's obesity during pregnancy may program her son's liver metabolism and lead to glucose intolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity in adulthood. Transplacental extracellular vesicle RNA signaling is thought to play a key role in this effect.
A study of 1.26 million bariatric surgery patients found 5.3% had extreme obesity, defined as a BMI of 60 kg/m² or higher. Despite a higher burden of health conditions, surgical risk remained relatively low, with complications occurring in 2.57% of cases.
A new study identified why men struggle with weight loss, finding traditional diet programs are often perceived as too restrictive and female-focused. Support from spouses and incorporating sport or physical activity may be key to successful weight-loss initiatives tailored for men.
The University of Louisville is launching the Nutrition and Metabolic Health Center to tackle chronic diseases, with a focus on prevention and new treatments. Researchers will investigate the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on health, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment options.
The 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference, 'Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy,' will explore strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community leaders. The conference will feature keynotes, sessions, and poster presentations on emerging topics in pedi...
The updated guideline recommends routine obesity screening, comprehensive lifestyle intervention, and individualized use of medications and endoscopic and surgical procedures. Obesity should be treated as a chronic disease requiring longitudinal, flexible care pathways.
A new study by the University of Illinois Chicago found that time-restricted eating may be a safe and effective tool to control blood sugar levels in adults with Type 1 diabetes. The study, led by Krista Varady, showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels after six months, with no increased risk of extreme highs or lows.
The global burden of chronic kidney disease in women has grown, with 359 million cases in 2021, driving increasing mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years. Postmenopausal women and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to metabolic and behavioral drivers that can be modified to reduce risk.
A new trial will assess whether Semaglutide reduces alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder, obesity, and liver disease. The four-year CURB project aims to explore the potential benefits of the weight loss drug in treating alcohol-related liver disease and obesity.
Research shows a link between dollar store food quality and higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Traditional grocery store access is associated with better health metrics, according to a new study published in BMC Public Health.
A case-control study found that patients with overweight or obesity at diagnosis had better survival rates than those with normal weight. However, the apparent advantage was largely due to prediagnostic weight loss associated with cancer, and should not be taken as evidence for weight gain in healthy individuals.
Researchers highlight unanticipated benefits of GLP-1 medications, including reduced inflammation and lower risk of certain cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions. However, questions remain about lean body mass and nutritional health following weight loss associated with these medications.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that waist circumference measures nearly as accurately as a new obesity definition incorporating multiple body measurements, identifying potential health risks earlier. Waist measurement can provide a practical tool for clinicians and patients to detect unhealthy amounts of body fat.
A new study by King's College London reveals that proposed new obesity definitions give greater insight into the ill health of metabolic bariatric surgery candidates compared to BMI. The study found marked variation in disease burden among patients considered for surgery, despite similar BMI.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have uncovered how the liver's internal clock coordinates the release of proteins that regulate metabolism. The findings suggest that understanding this internal clock could help guide future research on metabolic disease and inform optimal timing for meals and medication.
Researchers reviewed grant data from 2015-2022, supporting investment in a strong evidence base for obesity and cancer research. Key areas of focus include obesity's impact on cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as disparities in cancer outcomes.
A new study published in JACC suggests that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide critical information about cardiovascular risk, even among people with a normal BMI. Individuals with elevated central adiposity were associated with higher risks for most outcomes, regardless of their weight status.
A new international study defines clinical obesity as a significant predictor of increased disease burden, operative risk, and cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery. The study found that the majority of patients met criteria for clinical obesity, while a minority had preclinical obesity.
A hybrid lifestyle program showed potential benefits for cardiometabolic health among adherent participants with obesity, but failed to achieve significant weight loss. The study suggests further investigation into the program's effects on metabolic health.
Researchers are seeking 450 participants to explore the health effects of adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet among younger adults with overweight or obesity. Over 12 months, participants will follow a plant-based diet and have regular health checks to measure their health outcomes.
The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission on Obesity definition of obesity was found to have similar diagnostic accuracy as other definitions. The study compared the commission's definition with those from other reputable sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and hospitalizations due to infections in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study found a relative risk reduction of about one-third, corresponding to a 36% reduced risk of infection-related hospitalization.
Researchers found that people with well-controlled HIV have more fibrosis in their fat tissues, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The study also identified a blood marker of scarred fat, which may help predict metabolic future for individuals with HIV.
Adults with type 2 diabetes have a high risk of fragility fractures, but new research found GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce this risk by 21% compared to DPP-4 inhibitors. The largest reductions occurred in hip, femur, and spine fractures.
A study of 5,500 individuals aged 50+ found that both conditions alone increase the risk of death, but together it more than doubles. Abdominal obesity and vitamin D deficiency create a vicious cycle, exacerbating chronic inflammation and impairing bodily functions.
A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals that deleting transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) from macrophages enhances muscle regeneration and mitochondrial function. The research found that this approach protected against obesity-related muscle wasting and improved exercise performance.
A new international review provides comprehensive clinical recommendations for the use of incretin-based medications in women of reproductive age. The guidelines address critical knowledge gaps, including contraception, preconception care, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum management.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center propose a new framework for defining and diagnosing obesity, which considers the effects of excess adiposity on organs and tissues. This approach provides a more biologically grounded and clinically actionable method for guiding treatment decisions.
A study at USC discovers a common genetic variant in Indigenous American populations that silences the microprotein MENTSH, restoring it improves insulin signaling and blocks diet-induced weight gain. MENTSH-based therapies could offer a precision-medicine approach to Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers are developing a new platform for obesity drug discovery using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoid models. They will test thousands of potential drug compounds on specialized brain cells to identify those that activate the protein adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3), a key regulator of appetite and body weight.
Researchers found that Bofutsushosan reduced fibrosis in fat tissue and liver of mice with obesity, and identified herbal components with anti-fibrotic activity. The study suggests that Bofutsushosan may have benefits beyond weight control, providing a scientific basis for studying Kampo medicines.
A new analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that different GLP-1 medications have distinct effects on heart and metabolic health, suggesting a need for personalized treatment selection. Oral GLP-1 therapies are emerging as strong options that could expand accessibility and flexibility.
A large-scale genetic study suggests that inherited taste preferences for sweet and fatty foods can influence eating behaviors and contribute to chronic disease risk. People with a higher genetic predisposition for these tastes tend to eat more of them, leading to a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A qualitative study identified four self-care decision-making patterns among adults with multiple cardiometabolic conditions, including past experiences and leveraging resources. Effective self-care behaviors can improve quality of life for these patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
Researchers have identified a new indicator of obesity risk in children by studying circadian rhythm-related genes. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that certain gene variations may increase caloric intake or from specific macronutrients.