Articles tagged with Obesity
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.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge solved the puzzle of why stimulating and blocking a specific 'switch' in the brain can help people lose weight. By targeting distinct regions of the brain, they found that GIPR agonists suppress appetite, while GIPR antagonists boost weight loss by releasing a 'brake'.
Researchers identified endotrophin as a biological marker that rises and falls with changes in body fat, reflecting changes in metabolic health. The study suggests endotrophin could serve as a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for reducing obesity-related health risks.
A new Global Burden of Disease study found that people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability as global life expectancy increases. The analysis revealed that high-income countries face the widest morbidity gaps, while women consistently live longer but spend more years in poor health.
The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...
Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.
A Northwestern University study found that average total payments per user for GLP-1 drugs more than doubled from 2017 to 2022. This raises concerns about the long-term affordability of these medications, which may be taken by patients for years or decades.
Researchers identified a distinct biological subtype of obesity that responds well to GLP-1-based medications like tirzepatide. Patients in this group lost an average of 21.5% of their body weight after six months of treatment.
Dr. Kaja Falkenhain receives the Peter J. Reeds Early Career Investigator Award for her groundbreaking work on human nutrition and metabolism. Her research focuses on cardiometabolic health and glycemic control, highlighting the impact of nutritional exposures on energy expenditure.
The study found associations between mitochondrial heteroplasmy and cardiometabolic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome. Intermediate heteroplasmic mutations were associated with the degree of vascular stenosis and lipid metabolism parameters.
Researchers found a slight association between GLP-1 medications and ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition causing reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. The risk remains low, but clinicians should be aware of this potential association, particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
A new review calls on Mexico to add liver health to its existing chronic disease programs, citing the country's high liver disease prevalence. Liver disease affects nearly half of Mexican adults and is linked to diabetes and obesity.
Mouse study uncovers how oxygen-sensing transcription factors regulate muscle physiology, improving glucose tolerance and producing erythropoietin. The findings suggest that selectively targeting each isoform can lead to different physiological outcomes.
Researchers identified a potential new treatment strategy combining popular weight-loss medications with anti-inflammatory drugs to help patients with obesity-associated leukemia. The study found that obesity creates a state of chronic inflammation that accelerates the growth of mutated, leukemia-causing blood stem cells.
A six-month study found that regular avocado consumption was associated with a reduced concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the blood, corresponding to an approximate 4% reduction in heart disease risk. This modest reduction indicates that anyone with obesity could benefit from avocado consumption.
A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.
A recent study published in Obesity Reviews found that knowledge about genetic risk alone is not sufficient to change behavior and reduce excess weight. Long-term, personalised support is crucial for effective behavioural change.
After Medicare expanded coverage for Wegovy to prevent heart complications in obese patients with heart disease, prescription fills jumped sharply. However, a significant fraction of eligible beneficiaries still did not receive the treatment.
Dr. Tim Allerton's research focuses on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions of Americans. His team aims to determine how declining hydrogen sulfide levels contribute to muscle function and exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF.
Researchers found that yeast-based supplements can reprogram early-stage immune cells to produce enhanced anti-tumor responses. The study suggests a potential solution for obesity-related immune dysfunction and cancer, using a food-grade supplement with an excellent safety record.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercise plays a crucial role in improving cardiovascular health even after significant weight loss. Participants who exercised developed healthier blood vessels and lower inflammation compared to those who relied on medication alone.
A clinical trial has shown that setmelanotide, a new drug, can achieve significant weight loss in people whose weight has become dysregulated following treatment for a brain tumor. The treatment resulted in a 20% reduction in BMI, with participants experiencing substantial health benefits.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity, dietitian societies, and other organizations have issued a consensus statement on the use of incretin drugs in obesity therapy. Key findings include the importance of medical nutrition therapy delivered by registered dietitians to complement incretin-based therapies. The statement also...
New analysis reveals that most obesity medications do not meaningfully improve quality of life, cardiovascular health, or reduce mortality risk. However, some emerging drugs like tirzepatide and subcutaneous semaglutide show potential benefits in weight loss and reduced heart failure risk.
The study found a 37% increase in obesity and a two-fold increase in severe obesity among both adults and youth over 20 years. Obesity rates have major implications for cardiovascular disease and mortality, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to address the rising epidemic.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
Researchers have identified high rates of overweight/obesity (82%) and hypertension (higher than statewide average) in Franklin Parish, with income levels linked to lower hypertension rates. Older residents are also more likely to have undiagnosed high cholesterol and diabetes.
A study published in The Lancet found that blood pressure and cholesterol levels among adults with obesity have converged with those with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) over the past three decades, particularly in high-income countries. This trend is attributed to the greater use of cholesterol-lowering medication and blood pressure me...
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that longer sleep is linked to more stable blood sugar levels in healthy 18-year-olds, even among those with no previous health issues. The researchers tracked participants over two weeks and found a two-way relationship between sleep duration and blood sugar stability.
Dr. Logan Townsend joins Pennington Biomedical to study the connection between metabolic disease and mental health, investigating circulating factors influencing anxiety and depression. His research program aims to improve both metabolic and mental health outcomes.
A CU Anschutz study reveals reduced mitochondrial efficiency in healthy yet sedentary individuals, which may precede the development of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Regular exercise acts as a literal shield for cellular health, helping mitochondria seamlessly switch between burning fat and carbohydrates.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery can lead to a significantly higher risk of developing alcohol problems. The altered anatomy affects how the body processes and absorbs alcohol, leading to faster intoxication and prolonged recovery times.
The GSA has released a new online version of the KAER Toolkit, providing practical tools to integrate evidence-based obesity care into routine practice. The toolkit emphasizes treating obesity as a chronic disease and includes strategies for managing older adults using medications.
Rates of new obesity cases rose by 4% between 2019 and 2025, with the largest increases seen among young adults. The study also found significant disparities in obesity rates across sociodemographic groups and geographical regions, highlighting the need for deep-seated change to address the underlying factors driving obesity.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.