Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
A Swedish study found that individuals with large fat cells tend to lose weight over time, while those with small fat cells gain weight. The study suggests that measuring the size of fat cells could be important for weight management later in life.
A Swedish study of people living with obesity found that poor muscle health is associated with a higher risk of an early death. Adverse muscle composition was up to three times more likely to lead to death during the course of the study than those with healthy muscles.
A new endoscopic procedure has been developed to reduce production of ghrelin, a key hunger hormone, by ablating the stomach lining. This process resulted in a 7.7% body weight loss and a 40% reduction in fasting ghrelin levels in a six-month trial involving 10 female patients with obesity.
A new study from Washington State University found that just a few days on a night shift schedule can disrupt protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation and energy metabolism. This dysregulation may lead to chronic metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Researchers have identified a population of mesothelial-like cells in omental adipose tissue that limit fat cell formation, offering new insights into the mechanisms underlying obesity. These cells secrete Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2, which inhibits adipogenesis and regulates metabolic behavior.
The American Society for Nutrition's NUTRITION 2024 will bring together thousands of experts to share emerging scientific and policy developments in food, nutrition, and public health. Over 1,600 original research studies will be presented during the meeting.
A Mayo Clinic study found that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can improve the health and eligibility of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and obesity. The procedure reduced cardiovascular risks, including diabetes and hypertension, and improved access to kidney transplantation.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that combining time-restricted eating with high-intensity functional training improves body composition and cardiometabolic health more than either alone. The research, conducted on inactive women with obesity, showed significant weight loss and favorable changes in lipid and glucose levels.
Researchers have identified a new regulator of eating behavior, the latrophilin 1 receptor, which is linked to obesity. The receptor, primarily studied for its role in synapse formation, was found to be present in brain regions controlling food intake and adipose tissue.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new class of drugs that block mitochondrial function and reverse diet-induced obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes in mice. The treatment increased fat metabolism, leading to drastic weight loss and restored glucose tolerance.
Researchers from Denmark and Germany found a protein that switches off brown fat shortly after activation, limiting its effectiveness as a treatment for obesity. Blocking this protein could lead to promising strategies for safely activating brown fat and tackling weight loss.
A recent study found that individuals with a rare condition known as growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD) have normal or improved levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to their relatives. This suggests that GHRD may actually protect against cardiovascular disease, contrary to previous speculation.
The study reveals that TM4SF19 protein inhibits a pump in lysosomes, impeding macrophage clearance of dead cells. Macrophages lacking TM4SF19 demonstrate enhanced efficacy in clearing dead adipocytes, reducing weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. The findings may open new avenues for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A study of over 7,500 US adults found that higher abdominal obesity, measured by waist circumference-to-height ratio, was associated with a higher risk of fecal incontinence. The researchers suggest that this may be due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and visceral fat-related inflammation.
Atrial fibrillation is more common and deadly among young Americans than previously believed, a new study found. The study of over 67,000 patients under 65 years old showed higher rates of hospitalization, stroke, heart attack, comorbidity, and mortality compared to their peers without Afib.
Researchers investigate the neuroprotective effects of tocotrienols in alleviating obesity-induced cognitive decline. The study found that T3s treatment improved cognitive function and mitigated oxidative stress in mice fed with a high-fat, high-sucrose diet.
The study found that chronic administration of melatonin prevents obesity and reduces visceral obesity by around 3%. Melatonin also enhances weight loss when combined with cold water bathing. The researchers recommend incorporating melatonin, natural light exposure, and physical activity into daily routines to manage obesity.
A new study found that consuming sugary drinks in early childhood increases the risk of obesity later in life. The research tracked 14,000 British children from birth to adulthood and discovered a link between sugar-sweetened drinks and poor diet patterns.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a cost-saving option compared to semaglutide for treating class II obesity. A study found that achieving price parity with semaglutide requires a significant discount of at least 3-fold.
Thorsten Hoppe and Jens Brüning received 2.5 million euros in funding from the European Research Council to investigate protein degradation and neural circuits of metabolic control, respectively. Their projects focus on preventing neurodegeneration and developing new drugs for obesity treatment.
A comprehensive Scandinavian study has found no evidence that popular diabetes medications GLP-1 analogues increase the risk of thyroid cancer. The research analysed data from over 145,000 patients treated with these drugs and compared them to other patient groups.
Researchers found that CMS121 reduced body weight gain by 40% and improved glucose and lipid indexes in aging mice. The compound also showed anti-inflammatory effects and increased mitochondrial biogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for metabolic diseases.
Researchers found that undertaking majority of daily aerobic physical activity in the evening is associated with lower risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease for people with obesity. The study, published in Diabetes Care, suggests that planning physical activity into certain times of the day may help offset some health risks.
A four-component school-based nutritional intervention package improved diet quality among adolescents and their household members, reducing undernutrition and obesity. The study found promising spillover effects into households and communities, highlighting the transformative potential of schools in combating adolescent malnutrition.
Scientists have discovered genetic variants in BSN and APBA1 genes linked to adult-onset obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. These variants are associated with a significant increase in obesity risk, highlighting a new biological mechanism for the condition.
A study finds that gut microbiota play a key role in obesity development, with distinct differences between men and women. Researchers identified specific bacterial species and metabolites associated with higher BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference in women, but not men.
Studies at the University of Gothenburg found a clear shift in arterial disease risks in diabetes, with decreases in central organ diseases like heart attack and stroke, but increases in peripheral vessel complications. Closer monitoring of long-term blood sugar levels can reduce peripheral arterial disease risk by 30-50%.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found no increased health risks for mothers or children with weight gain below recommended guidelines for women with obesity classes 1 and 2. In contrast, weight loss was associated with reduced risk of adverse outcomes in women with class 3 obesity.
A new study has found that replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods does not make people hungrier, but may help reduce blood sugar levels. The trial involved 53 adult men and women with overweight or obesity and found no differences in appetite or endocrine responses compared to sugar.
The study found that obesity rates have nearly tripled in adult men and doubled in women since 1990. The prevalence of malnutrition is now the most common form of malnutrition globally, affecting nearly 880 million adults and 160 million children. Obesity can lead to comorbidities like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Individuals at high genetic risk of obesity needed higher daily step counts to reduce obesity risk. Population-based recommendations may underestimate physical activity needed among those at high genetic risk.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with higher genetic risk of obesity need to walk more steps per day than those with lower risk to avoid becoming obese. Participants with a higher polygenic risk score required significantly more physical activity, with some needing up to 11,020 steps per day.
Researchers have identified two plant compounds with potential as GLP-1 agonist weight loss pills, derived from common plants and potentially offering fewer side effects than current medications. The discovery was made using high-performance artificial intelligence techniques to analyze over 10,000 compounds.
A new study evaluates the use of tirzepatide in overweight/obese adults with type 1 diabetes, showing significant weight loss and improved glucose control. Tirzepatide also reduces insulin dose and increases time-in-range on continuous glucose monitoring.
A European randomized controlled trial found that replacing sugar with sweeteners improved weight loss control for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults. The study also showed greater diet satisfaction and lower cravings for sweet foods among participants who consumed low/no-energy sweetened products.
Researchers have identified the unique nutritional profile of Canadian sea buckthorn berries, which are rich in polyphenols with potential health benefits for cardiovascular protection and anti-inflammatory properties. The study found that geographical factors influence the polyphenolic profile of the berries, making them a promising s...
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that the diabetes drug metformin and solid foods increase a hunger-reducing factor called Lac-Phe, while sugary drinks have minimal effect. This discovery could lead to new anti-obesity treatments and help explain why liquid calories drive obesity.
Researchers found obese individuals exhibit distinct walking patterns, characterized by shorter strides and modified ankle muscle activation. This study suggests these differences may increase the risk of falls and musculoskeletal disorders.
Recent medications for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss have positive effects on cardiovascular and kidney health but are not always prescribed or accessible to those who need them. The studies highlight the need to address barriers to access and equity, particularly among Black adults with severe obesity.
Researchers found that Kallistatin expression increases after weight loss, improving hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese mice. This protein may be an interesting therapeutic target for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a bedtime nasal spray that can reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The study found that the spray, which blocks potassium channels, improved oxygen levels and reduced markers of OSA severity in 7 out of 10 participants.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found significant cardiometabolic improvements in patients who underwent bariatric surgery, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study analyzed over 7,800 patients and showed that younger females and whites experienced greater post-surgery cardiometabol...
New research shows tirzepatide consistently reduces bodyweight and waist circumference, with greater reductions in participants with longer disease durations. Tirzepatide also achieves higher weight loss targets and reduces waist circumference more significantly than placebo across all disease duration categories.
Researchers found that middle-age obesity is caused by age-related changes in the shape of neurons in the hypothalamus, a region controlling metabolism and appetite. A protein called MC4R detects overnutrition and regulates metabolism to prevent obesity. Dietary restriction may help maintain brain anti-obesity systems as we age.
A new study reveals that adults living in extreme poverty in LMICs have high rates of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and dyslipidemia, yet are often untreated for these conditions. The findings challenge the common assumption that poverty protection against cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A new analysis shows that tirzepatide effectively reduces body weight across different BMI subgroups, achieving significant weight loss of 5% or more in up to 100% of participants. The treatment also demonstrated superior weight reduction compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A collaborative study found that patients with end-stage renal disease who undergo weight loss surgery can experience significant improvements in BMI, hypertension, and diabetes management. This enhancement of overall health and transplant viability offers hope for previously ineligible patients.
Research reveals oestrogen's protective role in preventing fatty liver disease by targeting the TEAD1 protein. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for fatty liver and liver cancer, as well as earlier detection methods.
New Norwegian research reveals a strong association between parental BMI and offspring's obesity status, even after adulthood. Individuals with both parents living with obesity have six times higher odds of developing obesity in middle age.
A genetic mutation in a quarter of all Labradors hard-wires them for obesity, making them hungrier between meals and burning fewer calories. Owners must be strict with feeding and exercising their dogs to keep them slim.
A large study found that people with class I obesity had double the risk of stillbirth at 39 weeks' gestation compared to those with normal BMI. The risk further increased with gestational age, with a more than fourfold risk at 40 weeks. Researchers hope that these findings will improve care for pregnant individuals with obesity.
Research links low birthweight (<2.5 kg/5 lbs 8oz) to increased risk of early type 2 diabetes (59 years or younger) when combined with overweight at aged 20 years, with a 10 times greater risk compared to normal weight peers.
A University of Cincinnati study found liraglutide to be efficacious and safe for weight loss in individuals with stable bipolar disorder, without destabilizing the illness. The drug reduced binge eating behavior and significantly lowered hemoglobin A1C levels.
The study highlights the urgent need to tackle obesity and underweight globally, particularly in poor countries. Obesity rates have surpassed one billion, with combined rates of underweight and obesity being more common than malnutrition in many countries.
A 12-year study published in JAMA found that bariatric surgery significantly improved blood glucose control and type 2 diabetes remission compared to medical management alone. Participants who underwent bariatric surgery experienced greater weight loss, reduced medication use, and higher rates of diabetes remission.
Recent research shows that many mechanisms contributing to obesity affect the brain, particularly dopamine pathways. This insight may impact treatment approaches, including medication and initiatives to make fattening foods less accessible. Society must also take responsibility for destigmatizing obesity.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have invented a new way to synthesize key components of lipid nanoparticles, simplifying their manufacture while boosting efficacy. The new method involves combining three chemicals to create branched lipidoids that promote mRNA delivery to target c...
Researchers found that obesity increases allosteric regulation during feeding and decreases it when fasting in mice livers. This disruption may lead to metabolic disorders like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes.
A new mouse study reveals that the gut microbiome interacts with the loss of female sex hormones to exacerbate metabolic disease. The research suggests that the gut microbiome contributes to weight gain, fat in the liver, and inflammation, particularly in women after menopause.
A one-year interdisciplinary therapy program reduced inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in obese adolescents, improving insulin resistance and weight management. The semi-intensive model produced better results than previous intensive models, reversing hyperlipidemia and promoting energy balance.