Obesity
Articles tagged with Obesity
EASO issues new update of its ‘living’ guidance for appropriate use of pharmacotherapy in obesity management
Survival and recurrence with GLP-1 receptor agonists in breast cancer
A cohort study found a potential association between GLP-1 RA use and improved survival rates among obese breast cancer patients with related metabolic conditions. Further evaluation of GLP-1 RA therapy in randomized clinical trials is warranted based on these findings.
New research identifies how obesity alters brain lipids to accelerate Alzheimer’s progression
A new study found that obesity-related changes in body fat send harmful signals to the brain, disrupting brain immune function and worsening Alzheimer's pathology. Restoring balance in phosphatidylethanolamines reduced lipid dysregulation, improved brain function and cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease models.
Almost half of adults worldwide eat out at least once a week—exacerbating the obesity epidemic, suggests study in 65 countries
A study of 65 countries found that consuming food away from home is consistently associated with obesity. Eating out is driven by sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, income, and education, and is linked to higher energy intake and body mass index.
New post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron in adults over 65 with obesity, with or without diabetes
A new post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron treatment for obesity, with or without diabetes, in users aged 65 years and over. The study found that orforglipron significantly reduced body weight and improved blood sugar markers compared to placebo, with a similar safety profile to the overall ATTAIN clinical trial population.
Pooled analysis of trails reveals semaglutide shows good efficacy in older adults aged over 65 years
A pooled analysis of trials reveals semaglutide's safety and efficacy in individuals aged 65 years and older with obesity. The study found significant reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, with a lower proportion of adverse events compared to placebo.
Study shows that a 1% reduction in annual working hours is associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates across OECD countries
A new study found that reducing annual working hours by 1% is linked to a small decline in obesity rates across 33 OECD countries, with the impact being stronger for men than women. Higher income levels and urbanization also showed significant correlations with lower obesity prevalence.
The ‘Ozempic Era’ could shift blame for obesity from individuals to the food industry
The 'Ozempic Era' suggests a paradigm shift in understanding obesity, blaming commercial food systems rather than individual failings. Emerging medical data on GLP-1 agonists may drive policy responses to regulate ultra-processed foods.
Hormone health climbs the policy agenda as endocrine leaders meet for European Society of Endocrinology’s first Summit of the Presidents
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
Study shows for benefits on obesity-linked conditions of losing more weight with GLP-1 treatment
8,500 steps a day can help dieters keep weight off
The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) starts tomorrow
Gut microbiota plays a role in metabolic health after bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery more effective than GLP-1 drugs at preventing heart attacks, stroke and death in older adults
A new study found that bariatric surgery offers significantly greater protection against major adverse cardiovascular events compared to GLP-1 drugs. After five years, surgical patients were nearly 16% less likely to develop heart attacks, strokes, and deaths compared to those treated with GLP-1 drugs.
Common inflammatory genes link pancreatic cancer with obesity and diabetes
A study published in Cancer Medicine reveals that the same genes active in pancreatic cancer are also linked to obesity and diabetes, driving inflammatory and immune pathways. This discovery helps explain poorer cancer outcomes for those with metabolic disease and offers new avenues for targeted treatment.
Bariatric surgery significantly more effective than GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and disease remission, large real-world study finds
A large real-world study comparing bariatric surgery to GLP-1 drugs found that surgery produced significantly greater weight loss and higher rates of obesity-related disease remission. After 12 months, patients who underwent surgery achieved more than 20% greater weight loss than those treated with GLP-1 therapy.
$10 million grant funds research and solutions on ‘forever chemicals’
A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Limit ultra processed foods to lower risk of heart disease, say experts
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.
Study finds bariatric surgery less costly than GLP-1 drugs over time
A real-world analysis of over 90,000 patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes reveals that metabolic and bariatric surgery is the more affordable treatment option compared to GLP-1 drugs. Total costs for GLP-1 therapy were $17,000 more than sleeve gastrectomy and $7,200 more than gastric bypass after two years.
Bariatric surgery slashes risk of kidney failure, heart attack and death, new data show
New data show that over 50% of patients with obesity and CKD experienced a significant reduction in kidney failure risk, as well as a nearly 75% drop in mortality rate after undergoing bariatric surgery. This study highlights the transformative impact of metabolic and bariatric surgery on chronic disease outcomes.
Bariatric surgery procedures fall below 200,000, first time since 2020, new research finds
The number of metabolic and bariatric surgery procedures in the US declined by over 20% between 2023 and 2024, falling below 200,000 for the first time since 2020. The decline is attributed to rising obesity rates and increased use of GLP-1 medications, with significant shifts seen in the types of operations being performed.
New study finds metabolic and bariatric surgery after GLP-1 treatment significantly boosts weight loss
Patients treated with GLP-1 drugs before surgery lost more weight than those who went directly to surgery, with total weight loss increasing to over 25% after gastric bypass and 20% after sleeve gastrectomy.
As GLP-1 use skyrockets and bariatric surgery slows, most obesity goes untreated
A recent analysis found that GLP-1 prescriptions have grown exponentially, while bariatric surgery procedures have declined in recent years. The study revealed that over 90% of patients with severe obesity receive no treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to weight-loss therapies.
FAU review: Obesity and Alzheimer’s linked by disease-driving metabolic pathways
A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.
Grant backs early-career research on metabolism and food choices
A National Institutes of Health grant supports Mary Elizabeth Baugh's research into how metabolic health influences brain systems that shape eating behaviors. The study aims to understand the interactions between metabolic signals and brain circuits engaged in everyday learning and eating behavior.
New tool helps to identify people at highest risk of obesity-related diseases
A new tool can predict an individual's risk of developing 18 obesity-related diseases, identifying those at highest risk for earlier intervention. The OBSCORE model uses 20 commonly collected health measures to provide a more accurate and personalized way to identify individuals at higher risk.
NRG4 – the missing link connecting obesity and breast cancer
Researchers found that NRG4, an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue, suppresses breast cancer metastasis via ERBB4-YAP1 signaling. The study also showed that higher NRG4 levels correlate with improved patient survival outcomes.
One molecule, two effects: A new drug concept to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes
A new approach for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes has been developed using a hybrid molecule that targets specific cells. The treatment combines the well-known GLP-1/GIP signalling pathway with an additional metabolic modulator, delivering improved blood-glucose values and weight loss.
Mayo Clinic study finds bariatric surgery associated with greater long-term heart risk reduction than weight-loss medications
A Mayo Clinic study found that bariatric surgery reduces long-term cardiovascular risk more effectively than weight-loss medications. The study analyzed outcomes for 812 adults with obesity and found that greater weight loss led to larger reductions in lifetime cardiovascular risk.
Why spring may undercut childhood obesity programs
A new analysis of nearly 400 young participants found that those starting a healthy lifestyle program in spring showed weaker improvement than those beginning in summer, autumn, or winter. The study suggests that school calendars, daily routines, and long holiday breaks can impact treatment success.
Stopping and restarting certain GLP-1s to lose weight may make the drug less effective
A preclinical study found that mice stopped and restarted GLP-1s gained less weight over time, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. The researchers suggest that clinicians help patients preserve muscle mass while on these medications through exercise or nutrition.
Obesity leaves a lasting memory in immune cells
A 10-year study found that obesity leaves a lasting impact on the immune system, with helper T cells carrying a long memory of being overweight. This 'memory' can lead to ongoing risk of obesity-related conditions even after weight loss.
How bone marrow fat drives immune suppression and bone loss in obesity
Researchers reveal how expansion of bone marrow fat promotes immunosuppressive PD-L1 signaling, leading to enhanced osteoclast activity and accelerated bone loss. Reducing bone marrow fat improves bone structure.
Simple ‘gut reset’ procedure may prevent weight rebound following GLP-1 discontinuation
A new procedure, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, has shown promising results in preventing weight regain after GLP-1 therapy discontinuation. The study found that patients who underwent the procedure maintained over 80% of their weight loss and regained less weight compared to those who received a sham procedure.
Metabolic risk factors and clinical presentations of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease using data from the all of US research program
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 32% of the US adult population. Obesity was identified as the strongest independent MRF among Asians, Whites, and Hispanics, particularly in individuals younger than 50 years, whereas hypertension was the strongest independent MRF in Blacks.
New map reveals that blood vessels play an active role in disease
Researchers have mapped blood vessels in human adipose tissue with unprecedented detail, revealing that they are not only affected by disease but also play an active role in its processes. The study identifies unique cell types with mixed characteristics, suggesting a new approach to treating metabolic diseases.
Scientists find people with severe obesity and heart failure have weakened heart muscle contractions. Weight loss may reverse this condition
Researchers found that people with severe obesity and heart failure have weakened heart muscles, which can be reversed through weight loss. The study identified a chemical change in a protein called troponin I as the underlying cause of this condition.
Genetic study in Indians finds new pathways involved in cardiometabolic disease
A study of 3,000 Punjabi Sikhs identified new molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular disease, including a link between lipid metabolites and immune cell signaling. These findings offer insights into diverse molecular origins of cardiometabolic disease and potential pathways for designing innovative therapies.
Genetic study finds new pathways involved in cardiometabolic disease
A study published in PLOS Medicine has identified two new genetic pathways contributing to cardiometabolic disease, including heart disease and obesity. The research analyzed lipid metabolites and their link to disease, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could prevent or lower the risk of disease.
Postmenopausal white women with genetic risk regain weight two times faster
A new study has found that postmenopausal white women with higher genetic risk of obesity regained weight about two times faster than those with lower genetic risk. Despite this difference, Black women in the study regained weight at a similar rate, regardless of their genetic risk.
Fat cells’ ‘memory’ of prediabetes could make maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery more difficult
Researchers found that women with prediabetes had persistent changes in gene expression in fat tissue after bariatric surgery, leading to impaired lipid metabolism and greater weight regain. Despite clinical improvement, these molecular alterations may reduce the ability of adipose tissue to adapt after weight loss.
Heavy drinking, alcohol use disorder, and obesity
A nationally representative study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults with heavy drinking and obesity conditions, highlighting the need for preventive efforts in younger and middle-aged adults without insurance or Medicaid coverage to curb rising rates of alcohol-associated liver disease deaths.
Adaptive mobile health intervention to reduce excess gestational weight gain
A cluster-randomized trial found that an adaptive mobile health intervention effectively reduced the rate of gestational weight gain and total gestational weight gain among pregnant patients with overweight or obesity. The study suggests that technology-based interventions can be a valuable tool in managing excess weight during pregnancy.
New report highlights fructose as a key driver of metabolic disease
A new report published in Nature Metabolism sheds light on fructose's distinct role in driving metabolic disease, separate from its caloric contribution. Fructose bypasses key regulatory steps, leading to increased fat synthesis and cellular energy depletion, which may contribute to metabolic syndrome.
Study challenges decades-old puzzle about childhood body fat
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that the widely cited 'adiposity rebound' may reflect lean muscle growth, not increased body fat. Waist-to-height ratio, a measure that better reflects body fat, continues to drop despite BMI increases after an initial decline.
Hidden epidemic: Metabolic disorders drive the next wave of liver cancer
The study reveals that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is emerging as a major contributor to liver cancer worldwide and in China. Researchers call for integrated global prevention and early detection strategies to address this growing burden.
Researchers uncover how obesity impairs vaccine response
Researchers found that obesity significantly impaired antibody production to a Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine in mouse models. The study suggests prioritizing tissue-resident immunity to boost protection against infections. Understanding this relationship addresses a significant gap in current vaccine research.
New partnership broadens reach of Pennington generation study
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
Heart, metabolic and inflammatory risk patterns differ markedly between men and women with obesity
A new study reveals that men with obesity are more likely to develop abdominal fat and poorer liver health, while women with obesity are more susceptible to systemic inflammation and a less healthy blood fat profile. The findings highlight the importance of sex-specific research and targeted therapies for managing obesity.
Early weight gain is linked to lifelong health consequences
A study of over 600,000 people found that early weight gain is associated with a higher risk of dying from various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain during adulthood also increases the risk of premature death, especially for those who develop obesity at a younger age.
AI-based monitoring reveals protein deficiencies in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss
A real-world study found that adults taking GLP-1 RAs for weight loss have significantly lower total energy and protein intake. The use of an AI-powered nutritional tracking app revealed that 88% of users were under national protein guidelines, with many skipping meals to reduce protein intake.
Long-term obesity associated with risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in younger adults
A new study by Mass General Brigham reveals that long-term exposure to excess weight is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than BMI at a single point in time. Younger individuals with high cumulative exposure to excess weight are particularly at increased risk.
Moving obesity diagnosis beyond BMI may delay treatment
The Endocrine Society suggests that redefining obesity beyond BMI could complicate diagnosis and delay treatment. The proposed framework requires clinicians to prove organ dysfunction is caused by body fat for a clinical obesity diagnosis. This approach may hinder access to effective obesity treatment.
Medicare spending implications for semaglutide under voluntary price agreements
A lower semaglutide price could generate savings that offset the cost of treating an additional 550,000 to 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries eligible for expanded obesity-indication coverage. This voluntary price agreement may lead to substantial savings for Medicare spending on semaglutide treatment.
Study shows association between obstructive sleep apnea, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events
A new study found that adults with obstructive sleep apnea have a 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events or death from any cause compared to those without the condition. People with OSA also experience higher rates of obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, anxiety, and depression.
Testosterone level not a given sign of well-being
A higher testosterone level does not always indicate well-being in men, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg. Muscle health and inflammation are linked to testosterone levels, but symptoms like fatigue and depression have weaker connections.
University of Cincinnati researchers discover clear link between chronic kidney disease and periodontal disease
Researchers found a clear connection between oral health and kidney health, with immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation driving the relationship. The study highlights the need for physicians to integrate oral and renal health into clinical care systems.
SickKids team identifies precision approach to selectively eliminate old, damaged fat cells
A team from SickKids discovered a therapeutic target in fat tissue that improves cellular function and reduces inflammation. Low-dose homoharringtonine treatment selectively eliminates senescent cells, improving metabolic problems and preserving lean mass.
New tool spots and evaluates nutrition misinformation’s potential for harm
A new tool developed by UCL researchers can identify diet and nutrition misinformation, as well as its risk for potential harm. The tool assesses the content's risk based on factors like inaccuracy, hazardous omissions, and manipulative framing.