Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
Research from Karolinska Institutet finds that abnormal BMI in children can lead to impaired lung function, but normalizing BMI before adulthood may offset this. The study, which followed over 4,000 children, also found a correlation between low BMI and reduced lung growth.
A recent study found that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) as anti-obesity medications more than doubled from 2022 to 2023, while rates of metabolic bariatric surgery dropped by one quarter. This shift in treatment options has implications for access to comprehensive multidisciplinary care for obesity.
Medically induced weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to substantial muscle loss, compromising physical strength and immune function. The authors emphasize the need for a multimodal approach combining medication with exercise and nutritional interventions to preserve muscle mass.
A cross-sectional study found a significant increase in GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) use as anti-obesity medications from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, the rate of metabolic bariatric surgery decreased by 25.6% during the same period. These findings suggest a potential shift in treatment strategies for obesity management
A study conducted by Hiddo L. Heerspink at the University Medical Center Groningen found that Ozempic reduced protein in urine by 52% and decreased kidney inflammation by 30%, as well as lowering blood pressure and reducing a key measure of heart failure
Researchers developed an algorithm that splits obesity into 5 separate diagnostic profiles with contrasting risk of developing obesity complications. This can help clinicians identify individuals who need early interventions, improving disease prediction and treatment.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that high-intensity exercise significantly suppressed ghrelin levels and reduced feelings of hunger in healthy adults. Women demonstrated greater sensitivity to this response compared to men, suggesting sex-specific differences in appetite regulation.
Researchers at Rockefeller University identified a three-neuron circuit connecting hunger-signaling hormone to jaw movements of chewing. Inhibiting these BDNF neurons leads animals to consume more food and triggers unnecessary chewing motions, while stimulating them reduces food intake and stops chewing motions.
Research from Lancaster University found that restricting new fast-food outlets led to fewer overweight and obese children in Gateshead, England. The policy resulted in a statistically significant reduction of 4.80% in childhood obesity prevalence in deprived areas.
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 1 diabetes has significantly increased between 2010 and 2023. This trend is driven by their benefits in weight management and cardiorenal protection, but caution is advised due to concerns about euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
A new study led by Yale researchers estimates that expanding access to highly effective weight-loss medications could prevent over 40,000 deaths annually in the US. The findings highlight the need to remove barriers hindering people's access to effective treatments and address the national obesity crisis.
A new clinical guideline from the American Stroke Association outlines strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout a person's lifespan. The guideline recommends regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and medications to reduce the risk of a first stroke.
Two studies found that bariatric surgery is more cost-effective in the long term compared to GLP-1 RA weight loss drugs alone. Combining both treatments is even more cost-effective. The use of GLP-1 RA before surgery appears safe and may be a novel approach to treating obesity.
A new study found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older adults. The Polsenior2 study revealed that middle and high FGF21 levels were associated with increased mortality risk, particularly when adjusted for age, co-morbidities, and blood parameters.
Researchers at Brown University have found a way to extend the lifespan of flies by suppressing a hormone that regulates insulin secretion. The study suggests that certain medications used to treat human obesity and diabetes may also impact aging, making it a promising area of research for future studies.
A recent study analyzing data from the ANCORS-YW study found that overweight and obese women in this region are at a higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Researchers recommend tailored preventive strategies, including lifestyle modification programs and socioeconomic support, to address this public health challenge.
A new study found that GLP1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of suicidal ideation or attempts in adolescents with obesity. The treatment, compared to lifestyle intervention, showed a favorable psychiatric safety profile and potential avenues for future research.
A novel nanoparticle therapy targets fat absorption in the small intestine, showing significant potential to prevent diet-induced obesity. The treatment involves inhibiting an enzyme called Sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2), which plays a critical role in fat absorption.
A new study suggests that a hydrogen sulfide-generating molecule targeting mitochondria can significantly slow weight gain and reduce liver fat accumulation in mice. The treatment, AP39, inhibits key metabolic pathways associated with obesity and inflammation, offering a promising new option for treating metabolic diseases.
A systematic review highlights common thoracic CT imaging findings in obese patients, including dynamic upper airway collapse and mosaic attenuation. The review also explores the potential link to fibrotic interstitial lung disease and discusses advancements in AI body morphometry for improved prognosis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that weight-loss surgery reduces pancreatic cancer risk among individuals with obesity by 44%, and among those with both obesity and type 2 diabetes by 79%. The study suggests that metabolic-bariatric surgery may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
The conference will feature comprehensive coverage of various topics in cardiovascular medicine, including can't-miss sessions. ACC Middle East chapter teams will also compete in the ACC FIT Jeopardy competition.
A team of scientists from NTU Singapore and HKU found that electro-acupuncture can reverse the effects of obesity in obese individuals and mice on a high fat diet. The treatment targets osteoprotegerin, a protein linked to fat cell formation and obesity development.
A study published in Surgical Endoscopy found that the cost of taking popular anti-obesity medications like Saxenda or Wegovy exceeds that of metabolic and bariatric surgery in less than a year. Bariatric surgery offers more permanent and rapid weight loss, with significant long-term cost savings.
Researchers found that intestinal absorption of fats plays a crucial role in preventing diet-induced fatty liver disease. The absence of gut hormones, such as proglucagon-derived peptides, prevents fat accumulation by reducing lipid absorption from the intestines.
A recent study published in Liver Cancer found that patients with diabetes mellitus and comorbid obesity are at a higher risk of liver cancer recurrence after resection. The risk is significantly higher for those with comorbid obesity, increasing by approximately 3.8 times over five years postoperatively.
A six-month study found that reducing daily sitting by 40 min/day can prevent back pain from worsening. The researchers suggest trying to reduce sitting at work or leisure time, but emphasize the importance of physical activity such as walking or brisk exercise.
A Carnegie Mellon University-led team is developing a bioelectronic implant called ROGUE that can produce a year's supply of treatment for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The device will offer continuous, adjustable therapy deployment via a minimally invasive procedure.
A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating (TRE) led to greater improvements in glucose control, weight loss, and fat reduction compared to standard nutrition counseling in adults with metabolic syndrome. TRE resulted in a lower risk of muscle mass loss during weight loss.
A clinical trial found time-restricted eating improved blood sugar regulation and reduced markers of metabolic dysfunction in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants who followed a customized eight-to-ten-hour eating window saw significant improvements compared to standard treatments.
Early-stage HR+ breast cancer survivors experience weight gain, particularly those with healthy BMI or overweight at diagnosis. Black women have higher rates of obesity and related comorbidities compared to White women, leading to a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate.
Scientists identify PICALM as a key player in regulating glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling in adipocytes. Reduced expression of PICALM improves insulin sensitivity and glucose transport, holding promise for new therapeutic approaches for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A new study found that a high body roundness index over 6 years was associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in adults older than 45. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggested that BRI may be a valuable predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.
Research finds poor sleep quality directly relates to mortality risk, even before adjusting for lifestyle factors. Dementia is associated with increased mortality risk among individuals with better sleep quality, males, and older White adults.
The 2024 guideline provides comprehensive recommendations for assessing cardiovascular disease risk and managing patients taking SGLT2-inhibitors. It also highlights the importance of judicious screening and evidence-based management of cardiovascular conditions before, during, and after noncardiac surgery.
A new study demonstrates the potential of semaglutide in treating hidradenitis suppurative (HS) in people with obesity. The results show marked improvements in patient outcomes across several key measures, including reduced flare frequency, improved quality of life, and better glycaemic control.
A technology-assisted health coaching intervention called Goals for Eating and Moving (GEM) was tested in a cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 19 primary care teams. The study found that patients receiving the GEM intervention did not show significant weight loss compared to those receiving enhanced usual care, highlighting ...
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 3.6 million mother-child pairs found that maternal obesity during pregnancy significantly linked with psychiatric and behavioral problems in children later in life, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A new study by UCL researchers found that 54% of heavier drinkers would make changes to their drinking if calorie labels were introduced. Hazardous drinkers were more likely to choose lower-calorie drinks and consume fewer drinks.
A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that higher levels of leptin are associated with better signal-transmitting brain white matter in middle-aged adults. The researchers also discovered a link between leptin bioavailability and reduced risk of cognitive impairment, providing potential insights into obesity's role in dementia.
A study found that every 1% decrease in BMI leads to a 4% reduction in cardiovascular risk. Blood sugar control also lowers the risk of chronic kidney disease independently of weight change.
Researchers found that cancer survivors with overweight or obesity are more likely to develop a second cancer, especially obesity-related ones. This study highlights the importance of promoting weight management and increasing awareness of second cancers among physicians and cancer patients.
A researcher at Georgia State University has received a grant to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a new small molecule in obesity-linked diabetic models. The study aims to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of this new molecule in improving pancreatic islet cell function and mitigating adiposity.
A Cleveland Clinic study identified key factors that can impact the long-term weight loss of patients with obesity who were prescribed injectable semaglutide or liraglutide. The study found that medication's active agent, dosage, treatment indication, and persistence with the medication were associated with weight change.
A retrospective cohort study of 3,389 patients with obesity found that semaglutide and liraglutide were associated with significant weight reduction at 1 year. The study suggests that persistent medication coverage, dosage, treatment indication, and patient sex are important factors in determining weight loss outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that body mass index (BMI) has a more complex relationship with mortality risk during cancer therapy than previously thought. For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, higher BMI was associated with lower mortality when undergoing immunotherapy or conventional chemotherapy. Howe...
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that only 3% of lifestyle advice recommendations have positive effects in practice. The researchers suggest alternative community-based interventions for improving public health. The new guideline aims to help policymakers evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions.
Researchers found that semaglutide and tirzepatide led to significant weight loss (9.1% and 21.4%, respectively) and improved blood sugar control in patients with type 1 diabetes. Weight loss was associated with reduced insulin dose, indicating improved insulin resistance.
Across England, nearly half of patients struggle to get appointments with specialist teams for weight loss support and care. Bariatric surgery services are also severely limited, affecting over one in five local health areas. Experts warn that without radical action, obesity prevalence and costs will continue to rise.
A large-scale population analysis confirms tirzepatide's similar gastrointestinal tolerability to other GLP-1 medications without increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, medullary thyroid cancer, or pancreatitis. Researchers analyzed real-world evidence from the FDA adverse event reporting system database and found that tirzepatide has...
A post-hoc analysis of the SURMOUNT trials found that tirzepatide consistently reduced body weight in both males and females, but women experienced greater weight loss with up to 24.6% reduction compared to 18.1% for men. The safety profile was broadly similar by sex, but females were more likely to experience nausea and vomiting.
The study found that semaglutide was effective in preventing heart attacks and other major adverse cardiovascular events as well as death in adults with impaired kidney function. The results showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk with semaglutide, even among those with poor kidney function.
A new study estimates nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults have A-Fib, a three-fold increase from previous estimates. Early detection and treatment can reduce its adverse outcomes.
A phase 1 trial found that a new oral weight loss drug, Amycretin, resulted in significant weight loss of up to 13% over three months. The drug targets both amylin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) biology, leading to appetite regulation and reduced hunger.
A Dutch study found that night owls are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes due to a disrupted circadian rhythm. Participants with late chronotypes had a 46% higher risk of T2D and increased body fat, including visceral and liver fat.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pregnant women with higher levels of PFAS during pregnancy were more likely to experience obesity and heart health issues later in life. Women with lower PFAS levels had healthier cardiometabolic outcomes at age 50.
Research highlights the positive impact of bariatric surgery on controlling high blood pressure in people with obesity. Combining data from 18 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,300 participants, studies found that weight-loss surgery consistently improved blood pressure control and lowered cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a cellular pathway essential to obesity-induced atrial fibrillation. Blocking NOX2, an enzyme that produces reactive oxygen species, may prevent and reverse changes in heart structure and function caused by high-fat diets.
A new study by Mass General Brigham has found that obesity may be an important risk factor for infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Individuals with obesity were 34% more likely to become COVID positive after reported exposure than those without obesity, indicating a possible link between obesity and increased transmission risk.
A large-scale study in Sweden and Denmark found no clear link between the use of GLP-1 analogues and an increased risk of suicide or self-harm. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 adults treated with the medication, concluding that it is reassuring to see no apparent increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors.