Obesity

Is “yo‑yo dieting” really harmful? New analysis challenges long‑standing assumptions about weight cycling

Obesity and dietician societies combine to issue consensus recommendations on use of incretin drugs in obesity therapy

Endoscopic procedure associated with greater short-term weight loss than oral semaglutide, study finds

Study links use of new obesity drugs to reduction of asthma exacerbations and inhaler use

Analysis of 32 studies and more than 43000 participants shows how using obesity drugs for weight loss is associated with a clinically relevant drop in blood pressure

Trial shows rapid weight loss is much more effective than gradual weight loss in achieving and sustaining clinically meaningful weight loss

Nationwide study finds reduced triptan use for migraine one year after semaglutide initiation for weight loss among women

American Society for Nutrition Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation announce 2026 awardees advancing nutrition and obesity science

Higher BMI is associated with more financial problems, loneliness, and stress

How understanding art history can help doctors treat obesity – and why “GLP-1 face” will likely feature in future artwork

Study suggests muscle mass preserved after obesity drug treatment

Study shows that people who gain the most weight are at more than double the risk of certain cancers

Semaglutide effective for severe obesity even in young people who have been treatment resistant for many years, finds randomised controlled trial

Review shows that obesity drugs and obesity surgery lead to a higher proportion of fat-free mass loss than diet and exercise interventions

Program announced for NUTRITION 2026 to be held July 25–28

Enjoyment of exercise matters – people with overweight find physical activity less pleasurable

Body weight affects your gut microbiota

Study shows use of obesity drugs alongside behavioral intervention is associated with reduced “food noise”

Study shows that most weight loss achieved using injectable obesity drugs can be maintained by switching to daily oral orforglipron (ATTAIN-MAINTAIN)

People who have lost weight using tirzepatide are seven times more likely to maintain their weight loss if they continue on the maximum dose compared to those who stop treatment

Lifts capacity/safety signs for maximum number of people permitted based on weight often out of date

EASO issues new update of its ‘living’ guidance for appropriate use of pharmacotherapy in obesity management

Survival and recurrence with GLP-1 receptor agonists in breast cancer

A cohort study found a potential association between GLP-1 RA use and improved survival rates among obese breast cancer patients with related metabolic conditions. Further evaluation of GLP-1 RA therapy in randomized clinical trials is warranted based on these findings.

New research identifies how obesity alters brain lipids to accelerate Alzheimer’s progression

A new study found that obesity-related changes in body fat send harmful signals to the brain, disrupting brain immune function and worsening Alzheimer's pathology. Restoring balance in phosphatidylethanolamines reduced lipid dysregulation, improved brain function and cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease models.

Almost half of adults worldwide eat out at least once a week—exacerbating the obesity epidemic, suggests study in 65 countries

A study of 65 countries found that consuming food away from home is consistently associated with obesity. Eating out is driven by sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, income, and education, and is linked to higher energy intake and body mass index.

New post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron in adults over 65 with obesity, with or without diabetes

A new post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron treatment for obesity, with or without diabetes, in users aged 65 years and over. The study found that orforglipron significantly reduced body weight and improved blood sugar markers compared to placebo, with a similar safety profile to the overall ATTAIN clinical trial population.

Pooled analysis of trails reveals semaglutide shows good efficacy in older adults aged over 65 years

A pooled analysis of trials reveals semaglutide's safety and efficacy in individuals aged 65 years and older with obesity. The study found significant reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, with a lower proportion of adverse events compared to placebo.

Study shows that a 1% reduction in annual working hours is associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates across OECD countries

A new study found that reducing annual working hours by 1% is linked to a small decline in obesity rates across 33 OECD countries, with the impact being stronger for men than women. Higher income levels and urbanization also showed significant correlations with lower obesity prevalence.

The ‘Ozempic Era’ could shift blame for obesity from individuals to the food industry

The 'Ozempic Era' suggests a paradigm shift in understanding obesity, blaming commercial food systems rather than individual failings. Emerging medical data on GLP-1 agonists may drive policy responses to regulate ultra-processed foods.

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.

Study shows for benefits on obesity-linked conditions of losing more weight with GLP-1 treatment

8,500 steps a day can help dieters keep weight off

The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) starts tomorrow

Gut microbiota plays a role in metabolic health after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery more effective than GLP-1 drugs at preventing heart attacks, stroke and death in older adults

A new study found that bariatric surgery offers significantly greater protection against major adverse cardiovascular events compared to GLP-1 drugs. After five years, surgical patients were nearly 16% less likely to develop heart attacks, strokes, and deaths compared to those treated with GLP-1 drugs.

Common inflammatory genes link pancreatic cancer with obesity and diabetes

A study published in Cancer Medicine reveals that the same genes active in pancreatic cancer are also linked to obesity and diabetes, driving inflammatory and immune pathways. This discovery helps explain poorer cancer outcomes for those with metabolic disease and offers new avenues for targeted treatment.

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.

$10 million grant funds research and solutions on ‘forever chemicals’

A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Limit ultra processed foods to lower risk of heart disease, say experts

A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.

Study finds bariatric surgery less costly than GLP-1 drugs over time

A real-world analysis of over 90,000 patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes reveals that metabolic and bariatric surgery is the more affordable treatment option compared to GLP-1 drugs. Total costs for GLP-1 therapy were $17,000 more than sleeve gastrectomy and $7,200 more than gastric bypass after two years.

Bariatric surgery slashes risk of kidney failure, heart attack and death, new data show

New data show that over 50% of patients with obesity and CKD experienced a significant reduction in kidney failure risk, as well as a nearly 75% drop in mortality rate after undergoing bariatric surgery. This study highlights the transformative impact of metabolic and bariatric surgery on chronic disease outcomes.

Bariatric surgery procedures fall below 200,000, first time since 2020, new research finds

The number of metabolic and bariatric surgery procedures in the US declined by over 20% between 2023 and 2024, falling below 200,000 for the first time since 2020. The decline is attributed to rising obesity rates and increased use of GLP-1 medications, with significant shifts seen in the types of operations being performed.

New study finds metabolic and bariatric surgery after GLP-1 treatment significantly boosts weight loss

Patients treated with GLP-1 drugs before surgery lost more weight than those who went directly to surgery, with total weight loss increasing to over 25% after gastric bypass and 20% after sleeve gastrectomy.

As GLP-1 use skyrockets and bariatric surgery slows, most obesity goes untreated

A recent analysis found that GLP-1 prescriptions have grown exponentially, while bariatric surgery procedures have declined in recent years. The study revealed that over 90% of patients with severe obesity receive no treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to weight-loss therapies.

FAU review: Obesity and Alzheimer’s linked by disease-driving metabolic pathways

A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.

Grant backs early-career research on metabolism and food choices

A National Institutes of Health grant supports Mary Elizabeth Baugh's research into how metabolic health influences brain systems that shape eating behaviors. The study aims to understand the interactions between metabolic signals and brain circuits engaged in everyday learning and eating behavior.

New tool helps to identify people at highest risk of obesity-related diseases

A new tool can predict an individual's risk of developing 18 obesity-related diseases, identifying those at highest risk for earlier intervention. The OBSCORE model uses 20 commonly collected health measures to provide a more accurate and personalized way to identify individuals at higher risk.

NRG4 – the missing link connecting obesity and breast cancer

Researchers found that NRG4, an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue, suppresses breast cancer metastasis via ERBB4-YAP1 signaling. The study also showed that higher NRG4 levels correlate with improved patient survival outcomes.

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.

Mayo Clinic study finds bariatric surgery associated with greater long-term heart risk reduction than weight-loss medications

A Mayo Clinic study found that bariatric surgery reduces long-term cardiovascular risk more effectively than weight-loss medications. The study analyzed outcomes for 812 adults with obesity and found that greater weight loss led to larger reductions in lifetime cardiovascular risk.

Why spring may undercut childhood obesity programs

A new analysis of nearly 400 young participants found that those starting a healthy lifestyle program in spring showed weaker improvement than those beginning in summer, autumn, or winter. The study suggests that school calendars, daily routines, and long holiday breaks can impact treatment success.

Stopping and restarting certain GLP-1s to lose weight may make the drug less effective

A preclinical study found that mice stopped and restarted GLP-1s gained less weight over time, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. The researchers suggest that clinicians help patients preserve muscle mass while on these medications through exercise or nutrition.

Obesity leaves a lasting memory in immune cells

A 10-year study found that obesity leaves a lasting impact on the immune system, with helper T cells carrying a long memory of being overweight. This 'memory' can lead to ongoing risk of obesity-related conditions even after weight loss.

How bone marrow fat drives immune suppression and bone loss in obesity

Researchers reveal how expansion of bone marrow fat promotes immunosuppressive PD-L1 signaling, leading to enhanced osteoclast activity and accelerated bone loss. Reducing bone marrow fat improves bone structure.

Simple ‘gut reset’ procedure may prevent weight rebound following GLP-1 discontinuation

A new procedure, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, has shown promising results in preventing weight regain after GLP-1 therapy discontinuation. The study found that patients who underwent the procedure maintained over 80% of their weight loss and regained less weight compared to those who received a sham procedure.

Metabolic risk factors and clinical presentations of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease using data from the all of US research program

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 32% of the US adult population. Obesity was identified as the strongest independent MRF among Asians, Whites, and Hispanics, particularly in individuals younger than 50 years, whereas hypertension was the strongest independent MRF in Blacks.

New map reveals that blood vessels play an active role in disease

Researchers have mapped blood vessels in human adipose tissue with unprecedented detail, revealing that they are not only affected by disease but also play an active role in its processes. The study identifies unique cell types with mixed characteristics, suggesting a new approach to treating metabolic diseases.

Scientists find people with severe obesity and heart failure have weakened heart muscle contractions. Weight loss may reverse this condition

Researchers found that people with severe obesity and heart failure have weakened heart muscles, which can be reversed through weight loss. The study identified a chemical change in a protein called troponin I as the underlying cause of this condition.

Genetic study in Indians finds new pathways involved in cardiometabolic disease

A study of 3,000 Punjabi Sikhs identified new molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular disease, including a link between lipid metabolites and immune cell signaling. These findings offer insights into diverse molecular origins of cardiometabolic disease and potential pathways for designing innovative therapies.

Genetic study finds new pathways involved in cardiometabolic disease

A study published in PLOS Medicine has identified two new genetic pathways contributing to cardiometabolic disease, including heart disease and obesity. The research analyzed lipid metabolites and their link to disease, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could prevent or lower the risk of disease.