Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
A new study by York University suggests that the broad ethnic categories used in clinical settings may mask differences in sub-ethnic groups. The findings indicate that socio-economic factors play a significant role in weight loss disparities among Black, Middle Eastern, Latin, and South Asian communities.
Limited effectiveness and high prevalence of adverse events are the key limitations of semaglutide. Plant-based dietary interventions have led to long-term, significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
A new study from the University of Bath found that regular, moderate-intensity exercise preserves vitamin D levels in overweight and obese individuals. The study showed that exercise completely maintained the body's active form of vitamin D, which plays a key role in supporting bone health and the immune system.
A new study published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4 has found that the drug buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) produces similar reductions in fat mass and weight gain as the sulfur amino acid-restricted diet. BSO may offer a practical alternative to difficult-to-maintain diets for treating obesity.
SYNT-101 successfully redirects nutrient absorption to the lower intestine, promoting satiety and metabolic balance. The study demonstrated strong safety and tolerability profiles, as well as control of hunger and weight loss.
A global survey found a significant disconnect between physicians' and patients' perceptions of obesity causes and treatment goals. Physicians tend to attribute obesity to behavioral causes, while patients cite biological factors as the primary cause.
Research found that GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Treatment with these medications after bariatric surgery was associated with a 67% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events or death.
Researchers found that individuals who consumed collagen-enriched protein bars lost twice as much weight as a control group. The supplement also improved blood pressure, waist circumference, and liver health. Participants reported feeling less hungry and more full.
A new analysis of the SELECT trial shows semaglutide reduces major cardiovascular events by 40% within 3-6 months, even before significant weight loss and full target dose. The study found that semaglutide's effects on reducing inflammation, blood sugar, and blood pressure may contribute to its early clinical benefits.
A new head-to-head study has shown that tirzepatide results in around 50% more weight loss than semaglutide in adults with obesity. The study found that tirzepatide led to an average weight loss of 20.2%, significantly higher than the 13.7% achieved with semaglutide.
Patients in an online obesity clinic achieved average weight loss of 16.7% after 64 weeks, similar to clinical trials of semaglutide, but using less than half the medication. The study found that personalized doses of semaglutide combined with behavioral therapy and support led to successful weight loss.
Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonists have a direct effect on reducing obesity-related cancer beyond weight-loss, with a 41% lower relative risk compared to bariatric surgery. The study also suggests that these medications work through multiple mechanisms, including reducing inflammation.
Researchers found that a 3-month program of time-restricted eating at any time of the day can result in significant weight loss for at least a year, regardless of eating window timing. The study suggests that restricting the eating window to 8 hours may be an effective long-term approach for sustaining weight loss.
A systematic review of available evidence found GLP-1 RAs lead to significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control in adults with severe mental illness. The analysis also showed that these medications were not associated with a worsening of mental state or suicidal behaviour.
Professor Sadaf Farooqi has been awarded the inaugural Joint ‘Endocrinology Across the Life Course Award’ for her groundbreaking research on human eating behaviour and severe childhood obesity. Her work has changed attitudes towards people with severe obesity by demonstrating its biological basis.
Researchers discovered a key step in the hepatic ERK pathway that triggers insulin production in response to colonic inflammation caused by obesity. The study reveals a novel role of the gastrointestinal tract in regulating glucose homeostasis.
A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that weight loss medications liraglutide or semaglutide can cut alcohol intake by nearly two-thirds in just four months. Patients reported a significant reduction in their drinking habits, with some describing the effects as 'effortless'. The study's findings offer promisi...
A Swedish study discovered that lipolysis is more effective in women than in men, potentially explaining why women are less likely to develop metabolic complications despite having more body fat. The study suggests that understanding this difference could aid in the development of drugs that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in men.
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.
Women who experience menopause before age 50 are at higher risk of developing fatty liver disease and its related metabolic risk factors. The study found that early menopause is associated with increased risks of pre-diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
A cohort study of 12,480 mother-offspring pairs found that pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with increased offspring blood pressure. These risk factors may also promote a faster rate of blood pressure change from age 2 to 18 years.
A new NIH study found that maternal cardiometabolic health before and during pregnancy is associated with higher blood pressure in children. The study analyzed data from 12,480 mother-child pairs and identified three key risk factors: pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children born to mothers with obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study's findings suggest that early blood pressure interventions could start as early as pregnancy.
A recent study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage reveals that obesity is a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis. The research also found that certain lifestyle changes, such as following a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition.
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.
A recent study by Edith Cowan University has found a significant association between excess weight and long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after COVID-19. The researchers suggest that this link could be due to an exaggerated inflammatory response linked to fat tissue, which may store the virus and increase its spread.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that healthy childhood diets are associated with delayed onset of menstruation, independent of body mass index (BMI) or height. The research suggests that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical found that mitochondrial fragmentation can bypass defects in mitophagy to sustain skeletal muscle quality control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. This adaptation helps maintain mitochondrial function despite impaired mitophagy.
A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hepatology has shown that simultaneous bariatric surgery and liver transplant is safe and improves long-term health outcomes for severely obese patients. The combined approach resulted in sustained weight loss, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and lower risk of fatty liver disease recurrence.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that GIPR agonism and antagonism decrease body weight and food intake via different mechanisms. GIPR agonists use GABAergic neurons to exert their effect, while antagonists rely on the GLP-1 receptor signal.
The American Heart Association has awarded $1M to research the link between cardiovascular risk reduction and GLP-1 use. The studies aim to identify predictors of cardiovascular risk reduction among individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease taking GLP-1 medications, enabling more precise and effective care.
Despite slight increase in prescriptions between 2021 and 2024, only 3% of eligible patients received a prescription. Disparities were found based on race, ethnicity, social vulnerability, and urbanicity, with small but significant differences compared to overall underutilization.
A combination of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens reduces obesity-related changes in rats, including fat cell accumulation and insulin resistance. The treatment also increases beneficial gut microbes and improves metabolic health, making it a promising alternative to tamoxifen for women at high breast cancer risk.
The study estimates that expanded Medicare coverage for GLP-1RAs would increase access to these treatments and reduce obesity-related comorbidities. However, this would come with substantial costs over a decade, projected at $8 billion, highlighting the need for further price reductions and cost-saving strategies.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigated tirzepatide's effects on weight loss and metabolic health. The study found that tirzepatide decreased calorie intake and increased fat oxidation, leading to significant weight loss. However, the drug did not decrease the slowing down of metabolic rate usually observed wi...
A randomized clinical trial suggests that metformin can be an effective treatment for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in people with overweight or obesity. The study's results support the use of metformin for this condition, but further confirmation is needed in larger clinical trials.
The European Society of Endocrinology and the European Hormone and Metabolism Foundation launch a global campaign to raise awareness about hormone balance and its impact on chronic diseases. Small steps can make a big difference in improving hormone health.
Researchers found that obesity causes a disruption in the liver's ability to adapt to starvation, specifically in the temporal coordination of molecules. This suggests that obesity makes the body more vulnerable to the negative effects of starvation, despite no significant structural disruptions in the molecular network.
The American Heart Association funds research teams to investigate how risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases impact women differently. The project aims to understand the biological significance of certain life cycles and societal factors on disease development.
A new study identifies that the internationally recognized body mass index (BMI) cut-off points overestimate overweight and obesity in male athletes. The researchers propose new cut-off points of 28.2 kg/m² for overweight and 33.7 kg/m² for obesity, taking into account lower body fat percentages typical of athletes.
Research found that MPO promotes inflammation and inhibits protective mechanisms in perivascular adipose tissue, leading to poorer vascular function. Inhibiting MPO could be a promising therapeutic approach for obesity-related cardiovascular risk reduction.
Among US adults aged 20-59, obesity prevalence by BMI was nearly identical to the confirmed excess adiposity rate. Approximately 98% of obese individuals had excess adiposity, suggesting a strong correlation between the two measures.
A study published by the European Association for the Study of Obesity found that women are significantly more aware of and have a better understanding of obesity drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understanding tolerable side effects, effectiveness, and ability to maintain weight loss is crucial for people commencing treatment.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is may have neuroprotective effects for people with Type 2 diabetes and those without diabetes. These findings suggest that these medications may slow the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
A new study published in The Journal of Internal Medicine found that having an unhealthy metabolic profile increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 69% and subsequent breast cancer mortality by 83% among survivors. This association was consistent across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The 2025 Bray Obesity Symposium provides valuable insights and guidance from leading researchers in obesity medicine. The symposium features topics such as advances in obesity genetics, pediatric obesity, lifestyle intervention, and pharmacotherapy.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease risk factors in midlife. Prioritizing weight management among those considering pregnancy may promote both maternal and future cardiovascular health.
The research aims to bridge the translational gap between animal and human studies, exploring how obesity impacts decision-making around food. The team will measure brain chemical activity while participants consume sugary drinks and complete emotion-related tasks.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of multidimensional sleep health in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The statement reviews evidence on the relationship between sleep and various health factors, including body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
A new analysis of the SURMOUNT-1 trial found that around two-thirds of participants regained only 5% or less of their lowest weight over three years. The study suggests that most patients receiving tirzepatide had a relatively stable weight journey, with limited weight regain after reaching their nadir weight.
A new study found that tirzepatide can produce sustained weight loss of up to 31% in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, regardless of age or BMI. The study also identified patterns of weight loss trajectories and found that females and those without obesity-related complications may be more responsive to the medication.
Researchers developed a dual-action nanotherapy that converts white fat into beige fat and reduces obesity-related inflammation, significantly improving metabolic health without detectable toxicity.
A comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories identified distinct patterns affecting brain morphology, function, and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. The study suggests sustained obesity accelerates brain aging, highlighting the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management.
A new study found that both employed people with obesity and employer representatives acknowledge the impact of obesity on future health problems and perceive lifestyle change alongside anti-obesity medications as the most effective approach for maintaining weight-loss reduction. Cost of medication coverage remains a significant barrie...
A six-month study found that patients using GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapy experienced minimal lean muscle mass loss as they lost weight. Regular resistance training, consistent protein intake, and close supervision by an expert obesity doctor were associated with better muscle retention.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that restricting carbohydrates can lead to improvements in metabolic markers and better handling of high-fat meals. This approach may be more sustainable than extreme calorie restriction, reducing hunger and increasing energy burning.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that decreased ceramide levels in blood vessels can cause chronic illnesses. Ceramides regulate blood vessel tone and prevent blood clots, but low levels increase inflammation, high blood pressure, and glucose levels, leading to cardiometabolic conditions.
A study found that migrants experience a 'clear change' in their gut microbiome composition after migration, leading to increased rates of cardiovascular disease. The Amsterdam UMC-led research showed that specific groups of microbes disappear or emerge along the migration axis.
The Endocrine Society strongly disagrees with the administration's decision not to finalize a rule allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medications. This decision leaves millions of Americans with obesity without access to evidence-based treatment, exacerbating the country's growing obesity epidemic.