Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
The American College of Physicians has awarded $260,000 in grants to support regional programs addressing equity challenges in obesity care. Thirteen grantees will implement collaborative outreach projects to train medical professionals and their patients to combat misinformation and improve clinical capacity for obesity care.
Researchers found that people's activity patterns and visit frequency at healthy food sources are stronger predictors of obesity-related cancer risk than location-based approaches. The study used GPS data and obesity-related cancer mortality data to analyze the relationship between food shopping habits and health outcomes.
A new review of studies on percentage weight-based targets in obesity interventions found that these targets often result in a 'success or failure' outcome, leaving little room for improvement in obesity-related complications, quality of life, and overall physical and social functioning. The study recommends shifting focus towards more...
A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.
A randomized clinical trial found that 4:3 intermittent fasting resulted in modestly greater weight loss over 12 months compared to daily caloric restriction. The study showed improved cardiometabolic outcomes, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting that fasting may be a more effective approach for weight loss.
A study found that only a quarter of mental health providers correctly diagnosed bulimia nervosa, with common misdiagnoses including binge eating disorder. Excessive exercise is often overlooked as a compensatory strategy used by people with bulimia.
The SUMMIT trial shows tirzepatide reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure in patients with obesity, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure, while improving kidney function. Researchers found significant improvements in both patient groups with and without chronic kidney disease.
A new medical database automatically compiles patient records of obese individuals, offering insights for health promotion and drug development. The J-ORBIT database reveals strong links between obesity and various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
A new white paper finds that expanding access to anti-obesity medications can prevent or delay chronic disease by years, providing significant societal benefits. The study estimates a $10 trillion return on investment and 13% annual returns on investment for society.
A study found that consuming sucralose alters brain activity related to hunger and increases appetite, especially in people with obesity. The sugar substitute changes how the hypothalamus communicates with other brain regions, including those involved in motivation, potentially leading to cravings and eating behavior changes.
A high-fat diet reduces neurotensin, a brain peptide that interacts with the dopamine network, leading to reduced pleasure in eating. Boosting neurotensin levels restores pleasure and promotes weight loss in mice, offering new avenues for addressing obesity.
A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.
A new study found that high sodium intake is linked to a higher risk of both general and abdominal obesity in Finnish adults. The study showed that participants with high dietary sodium intake or high urine sodium concentration were more likely to have general or abdominal obesity.
A study published in Nutrients found that men and women eat differently, with women taking longer to finish meals and chewing more. Increasing the number of chews per bite and taking smaller bites can extend meal duration, which is positively associated with reduced food consumption.
A new study reveals how hunger influences dietary decisions by prioritizing tastiness over healthiness, leading to poorer nutritional choices. Researchers used eye-tracking technology and computational modeling to demonstrate that hungry individuals focus more on the visual appeal of food options and ignore nutritional information.
A comprehensive study found that people with fatty liver disease have almost twice the mortality rate of the general population. The disease is caused by overweight or obesity and increases the risk of dying from various causes, including liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infections.
New research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight throughout life and losing weight later in life may reduce the risk of kidney cancer. Higher BMI at various ages across adulthood was associated with increased risks of developing different types of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma, papillary RCC, and chromophobe RCC.
A team of biologists has discovered an ancient neurohormone called bombesin that controls appetite in humans and other vertebrates. The study also found that bombesin-like neurohormones are present in starfish, revealing a common ancestor of appetite regulation dating back over half a billion years.
A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improved weight management and obesity-related health outcomes among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction of 2.61 kg in weight, 1.06 kg/m² in BMI, and 4.17 cm in waist cir...
A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that waist circumference is a stronger risk marker than body mass index (BMI) for obesity-related cancers in men. However, this association was not observed in women.
A new study found that new-onset type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of certain obesity-related cancers, such as bowel and pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank and found a 48% increased risk in men and a 24% increased risk in women for overall obesity-related cancers.
More than 20 leading organizations and providers urge the FDA to take action following the recent resolution of GLP-1 medicine shortages. Signatories include the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention, Association of Black Cardiologists, and National Hispanic Medical Association.
A Swedish study of over 1,300 participants found that losing a significant amount of weight still offers protection against health issues like cancer and cardiovascular disease, even if some weight is regained. However, regaining weight can increase the risk of microvascular disease and other health problems.
A new study reveals a cell atlas of the endometrium in women with PCOS, showing distinct differences in cellular composition and gene expression. The findings suggest that targeting specific cell types may lead to better treatment options for women with PCOS and related reproductive issues.
A new study in The Journal of Immunology reveals how a high-fat diet can impair the immune system's ability to respond to infection. Male mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited impaired neutrophil function, including reduced bacterial killing capacity and abnormal gene expression.
A study found no increased risk of suicidal events among adults taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes or obesity, but continued monitoring is warranted to identify at-risk patients. The findings ease concerns about these potential adverse effects, allowing extended use of GLP-1 RAs.
The review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms linking obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and metabolic syndrome, highlighting recent advancements in therapeutic strategies. Treatment approaches aim to break the harmful cycle between OSA and MetS, which affects approximately 14% of the global population.
Research suggests that people with obesity experience a redistribution of their body compartments, such as increased fat trunk accumulation and lower muscle mass, particularly in extremities, as they age. This shift occurs without significant changes in BMI, making it a less useful tool for assessing weight status.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer by identifying the molecule Neuropeptide Y (NPY) as a key driver of its spread. Blocking NPY's function has been shown to reduce cancer cell movement and metastatic outgrowth, potentially limiting disease progression.
Tirzepatide and semaglutide offer substantial long-term health benefits in US adults, reducing obesity risk. However, the high costs of these medications make them not cost-effective at current net prices, hindering equitable access.
Media professionals can register for ENDO 2025 to discuss groundbreaking research on obesity, diabetes, and more with world-renowned experts. The event features nearly 2,500 abstracts and over 200 sessions, offering a premier global conference in endocrinology research and clinical care.
A national survey found that nearly 90% of Americans believe eating healthy foods is crucial for preventing conditions like obesity and type-2 diabetes. More than half would participate in produce prescriptions or medically tailored meal programs if offered through their healthcare providers.
A recent study published in Heart journal found that extreme weight fluctuations significantly increase the risk of death among obese individuals with cardiovascular disease. Both weight loss and gain above 10kg raise mortality risk, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable weight even within the obese range.
A cohort study found that healthier diets and lower waist-to-hip ratios were associated with improved brain connectivity and memory in older adults. The study suggests that interventions targeting diet and central obesity may be most effective between ages 48 and 70 to promote better cognitive health.
Breast cancer death rates are predicted to increase in EU patients aged 80 years and older, while falling in all other age groups. This is attributed to a lack of regular screening and access to modern treatments.
A new study suggests that chronic stress and an unhealthy diet may work together to fuel the early development of pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that both stress-related neurotransmitters and obesity-related hormones activate a protein called CREB, which is linked to cancer cell growth.
A recent study by Professor Mamas highlights the significant risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with cancer, particularly in aging populations. The review emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and regular monitoring to improve quality of life.
Researchers found that high-fat diets caused significant changes in the brains of aged rats, including inflammatory markers and impaired memory functions, even after only three days. The study suggests that aging and diet-related inflammation may be key factors contributing to age-related memory decline.
Researchers found that dogs carrying the genetic variant DENND1B had higher body fat content, while humans also carry this gene linked to obesity. The study highlights the importance of fundamental brain pathways in regulating appetite and body weight.
A study of 350 patients found that taking semaglutide before bariatric surgery did not increase total weight loss and had similar health outcomes to surgery alone. Researchers suggest a surgery-first strategy may lead to better obesity treatment outcomes.
A new study published in Nutrients found that eating two cups of mango daily can help lower insulin concentration levels and improve insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults. The study, conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology, showed significant reductions in insulin resistance and improved beta-cell function.
A new drug candidate has been developed to target and eliminate senescent cells in the liver, reducing fat buildup and preventing liver damage. The study demonstrates a safer and more effective approach to treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and potentially inhibiting liver cancer development.
A new Northwestern Medicine study suggests that muscle injuries heal faster when they occur during the body’s natural waking hours. The findings could have implications for shift workers and may also prove useful in understanding the effects of aging and obesity.
Researchers discovered that dysregulation of amino acids methionine and leucine leads to hyperactive mTOR in obese mice. Using rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, they reversed leptin resistance and found significant weight loss with minimal effects on muscle mass.
Researchers discovered a gene called Plvap enables the body's metabolic shift from burning sugar to fat when fasting. When Plvap is turned off, the liver continues burning sugar, potentially increasing the effectiveness of weight-loss and diabetes medications.
A major new analysis predicts that over half the world's adult population (3.8 billion) and a third of all children and adolescents (746 million) will be living with overweight or obesity by 2050. The study forecasts a substantial rise in obesity among young people globally, with an additional 186 million cases predicted by 2050.
A recent study found that a brief consumption of highly processed foods can alter the brain's sensitivity to insulin in healthy individuals, potentially leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes. This effect was observed even after returning to a balanced diet for one week.
Researchers found that administration of fish oil reduced insulin resistance and improved blood sugar levels in non-obese rats, reversing a condition similar to type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may be a key factor in reducing inflammation and improving glucose metabolism.
Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals a strong link between antidepressant use and weight gain, with an average 2% increase in body weight among participants. The study highlights the need to consider this association when prescribing antidepressants and monitor weight changes accordingly.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a modest reduction in the risk of obesity-related cancers. The findings suggest that further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which the Mediterranean diet may contribute to cancer prevention.
A cohort study found that patients with obesity undergoing joint replacement who experienced significant weight loss after initiating anti-obesity medications had a lower risk of 5-year and 10-year revision. This suggests that safe and sustainable weight loss may improve implant survivorship in obese patients.
A two-month intervention targeting ultra-processed foods resulted in a significant reduction of UPF intake, with participants consuming almost half the amount initially. Participants also experienced weight loss, improved mood, and reduced sugar, saturated fat, and sodium consumption.
The Adiposetissue.org platform integrates transcriptomic, proteomic, and clinical data from over 6,000 individuals to explore obesity-related changes and weight-loss effects. Researchers can now analyze comprehensive datasets without bioinformatics expertise.
A large-scale study examined the relationship between nutrients and sleep using data from people who used mobile applications to track their eating and sleeping habits. The results showed that participants with high protein, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had improved sleep outcomes.
A long-term study found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass outperforms sleeve gastrectomy in treating obesity, with patients losing more excess body mass index. The Swiss Multicenter Bypass or Sleeve Study demonstrated the superiority of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass over sleeve gastrectomy for patient weight loss.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to convert gut bacteria into mini protein factories that produce and release sustained flows of targeted proteins within the lower intestine. This approach eliminates a major roadblock in delivering drugs to this part of the body, offering potential treatment for chronic diseases.
The American Heart Association has chosen five US regions to implement a new preventive health initiative aimed at improving care for people with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. The initiative will increase awareness and screening for CKM syndrome and facilitate collaboration among healthcare professionals.
Researchers explore the connection between Alzheimer's and metabolic syndrome, finding links between insulin regulation, high blood pressure, and obesity. The study suggests that maintaining healthy blood fat levels may be crucial for brain health, paving way for potential therapeutic developments.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that European life expectancy has slowed down since 2011 due to factors such as poor diets, lack of physical activity, and obesity. The research suggests that prioritizing healthier lifestyles in younger years is crucial for extending old age.