Articles tagged with Obesity
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.
A post hoc analysis found semaglutide treatment did not increase the risk of developing depression or suicidal ideation and was associated with a small reduction in depressive symptoms. Monitoring for mental health concerns is essential for individuals with obesity to receive proper support and care.
New studies show semaglutide reduces all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. The medication also improves heart failure symptoms and physical limitations in those with obesity-related HFpEF, regardless of sex.
The global prevalence of obesity has more than doubled over the past four decades, affecting over a billion individuals. Notably, 67.5% of deaths related to high BMI are attributable to cardiovascular disease.
A new substudy of the SELECT Trial found that semaglutide reduced rates of all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death, including death from COVID-19, in patients with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease without diabetes. Semaglutide also showed protective effects against COVID-19-related adverse events.
Researchers in human nutrition developed an innovative tool to assign a healthy hydration recommendation score to governments, promoting water and discouraging sugary beverages. The study analyzed 93 countries with dietary guidelines, finding that 48 had complementary messages encouraging water and reducing sugary beverage intake.
Emotional eating is linked to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Primary care providers can identify emotional eating by screening for disordered eating behaviors and psychosocial stressors using tools like PHQ-9 and GAD-7.
A recent study analyzing electronic medical records found obese individuals have a 34% increased odds of SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The research highlights obesity as a significant transmission risk factor for the virus among exposed individuals, regardless of age or sex.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that approximately 61% of Medicare-eligible adults have a BMI of 27 or higher, making them eligible for semaglutide. However, the number of patients who will be eligible depends on how cardiovascular disease is defined, with narrow definitions resulting in only 3.6 million people b...
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University reveals that people who are overweight and ignore their body's signals to sleep at night experience negative health consequences. The study found sex-specific differences in health impacts, with men having higher levels of belly fat and women having higher overall body fat percentage.
A new Irish clinical trial challenges long-held assumptions about the mechanisms of action for GLP-1 therapy used in obesity treatment. The study found that increased metabolic activity is a significant contributor to weight loss, with patients who had lower metabolic activity before treatment benefiting most from it.
A new study found that semaglutide significantly reduces major adverse cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes, among overweight individuals with cardiovascular disease. The medication also shows similar benefits for people with pre-existing heart failure, regardless of type or severity.
Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed a new compound that suppresses appetite and protects the brain against Alzheimer's disease. The modified molecule, derived from the neuropeptide CART, is effective in reducing pathology associated with Alzheimer's.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that type 2 diabetes prevalence increased by almost 20% between 2012 and 2022, affecting all sociodemographic groups. Non-Hispanic Black people were particularly hard hit, with a diabetes prevalence rate of just under 16%.
Researchers found distinct molecular responses in skeletal muscle following bariatric surgery between obese individuals and those with additional T2D. Obesity individuals showed improvements in metabolic health, while T2D participants had limited changes.
Research from the University of Eastern Finland found that obesity-induced inflammation increases the secretion of extracellular vesicles from human adipocytes, which may contribute to the detrimental health effects of obesity. Visceral adipose tissue secretes more extracellular vesicles than subcutaneous adipose tissue.
CNIO researchers have discovered a 'switch' for the desire to engage in physical activity, revealing a muscle-brain pathway that controls eagerness to train more when we exercise. Two proteins, p38α and p38γ, get activated in the muscle during exercise, influencing interest in physical activity.
Researchers have discovered a new type of beige fat cells that consume energy and produce heat through a futile-cycle mechanism, known as the 'Sisyphus mechanism'. These cells are found in adults and help break down excess fat, leading to improved metabolic health and reduced risk of obesity.
A new study found that digital health tools can improve health and wellbeing by keeping people active, boosting steps, and improving diet and sleep. The research synthesised data from 206,873 people across 47 studies, indicating that electronic and mobile health interventions can help people achieve positive outcomes.
A new heart MRI technique accurately estimates pressures inside the heart to predict heart failure risk in a general population. Key risk factors identified include age over 70, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol consumption, and male gender.
A systematic review found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and no significant improvements in attendance. The study also noted a decrease in obesity prevalence and suspension rates, although the evidence for these findings was moderate to low certainty.
A smartphone healthcare application was found to be more effective for weight loss among non-walkers. Participants who did not have a walking habit at baseline were more likely to achieve successful weight loss with the app, possibly due to increased physical activity triggered by notifications.
A survey of UK registered dietitians revealed explicit and implicit weight bias attitudes, with nearly a quarter feeling their weight affects their professional performance. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing weight stigma in the dietetic profession to promote inclusivity and effective care.
Research reveals that social determinants such as access to healthy food, health insurance, and physical activity spaces are key drivers of obesity disparities. Successful interventions like community-based programs can reduce disparities, but more work is needed to expand these initiatives at local, state, and national levels.
Dr. Elks' research focuses on the communication loop between fat cells and immune cells, which promotes inflammation and insulin resistance when disrupted. The grant aims to uncover patterns in cell communication that can be used to treat obesity and other metabolic diseases.
A USC study found that prescription fills for semaglutide increased by over 400% between 2021 and 2023, with most prescriptions going to privately insured patients. The study suggests that this may worsen disparities in diabetes and obesity outcomes among Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
Researchers found that Megamonas degrades intestinal myo-inositol, enhances lipid absorption, and contributes to obesity. The study suggests potential strategies for future obesity management by illustrating the bacterium's mechanism.
The number of semaglutide prescriptions filled reached 2.6 million in 2023, with Wegovy accounting for most fills since its approval in June 2021. Most Wegovy fills were among commercially insured populations, despite the disproportionate burden of obesity in Medicaid and Medicare Part D.
Researchers found that serving a dip with a salty snack significantly increased overall energy intake, with participants consuming more calories from the combination. The study suggests that adding dip to snacks can substantially increase energy intake without people realizing it.
Researchers discovered ultrastructural abnormalities in obese patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which may be related to the impact of obesity on muscle structure. The study suggests that reducing obesity and using certain medications could help improve HFpEF outcomes.
The paper explores evolving landscape of genetics research into obesity, emphasizing both new discoveries and challenges. Researchers highlight complexity of body weight regulation and advocate for precise phenotyping methods targeting relevant and refined phenotypes related to adiposity.
A study found that city-level sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are associated with lower body mass index percentile among youth. Policymakers may consider implementing such taxes to prevent or reduce youth overweight and obesity, ultimately reducing chronic disease risk, particularly among children under 12.
Rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increased from 6.1% to 8.5%, while related health conditions declined, according to a Canadian study. The growing population of high-risk obstetrical patients highlights the need for easily accessible specialized care.
Infants born to mothers with obesity are at higher risk of SUID due to a dose-dependent association between increasing maternal BMI and SUID risk. Research suggests that maternal obesity should be added to the list of known risk factors for SUID.
A nationwide study found a marked increase in new GLP-1RA prescriptions for obesity, particularly since 2020. Semaglutide was the most prescribed GLP-1RA, but prescriptions among those with obesity without type 2 diabetes spiked, worsening existing racial and ethnic disparities.
A nationwide study found a significant increase in GLP-1RA prescriptions for weight loss management, with a notable uptick since 2020. The researchers hope their findings will inform healthcare policies to ensure equitable access to these essential treatments.
A UC Riverside-led research team found that obesity causes chronic changes in the brain, leading to reduced connections between neurons and lower testosterone levels. The study suggests that the primary site of obesity's effects on reproductive function is the brain, rather than the testes or pituitary gland.
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from fat cats undergoing different dietary changes and found striking similarities to human studies, particularly in the presence of short-chain fatty acids. The study suggests that feline gut microbiome shifts may correlate with metabolic outcomes and provide valuable insights for obesity treatment.
A major study found that people who gained excess weight from their 20s onwards had less healthy hearts by the time they were in their 60s. The researchers linked weight gain in young and middle-aged adults to enlarged hearts that pump blood less well, over and above the effect of being overweight in later years.
Severe obesity can alter metabolism and psyche, leading to impulsive behavior and a willingness to take risks. A study found that massive weight loss improved glucose metabolism and mood, allowing for more metabolically driven decision-making.
A study reveals that the gene SH2B1 controls feeding and energy expenditure, with mutations associated with obesity and metabolic diseases. Enhancing SH2B activity may offer a promising treatment for obesity and related conditions with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that mice lacking certain signal molecules produced during exercise had reduced oxygen consumption and fat burning, leading to increased susceptibility to weight gain. In humans, those producing more of these alternative versions consumed less oxygen and had lower body fat.
A new study found that surgical weight loss significantly reduces widespread pain in Black and Hispanic patients, with the greatest benefit seen within the first three months after surgery. However, disparities persist, with these groups still experiencing a higher pain burden than the general population.