Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
A large-scale genetic study suggests that inherited taste preferences for sweet and fatty foods can influence eating behaviors and contribute to chronic disease risk. People with a higher genetic predisposition for these tastes tend to eat more of them, leading to a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A qualitative study identified four self-care decision-making patterns among adults with multiple cardiometabolic conditions, including past experiences and leveraging resources. Effective self-care behaviors can improve quality of life for these patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
Researchers have identified a new indicator of obesity risk in children by studying circadian rhythm-related genes. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that certain gene variations may increase caloric intake or from specific macronutrients.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge solved the puzzle of why stimulating and blocking a specific 'switch' in the brain can help people lose weight. By targeting distinct regions of the brain, they found that GIPR agonists suppress appetite, while GIPR antagonists boost weight loss by releasing a 'brake'.
Researchers identified endotrophin as a biological marker that rises and falls with changes in body fat, reflecting changes in metabolic health. The study suggests endotrophin could serve as a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for reducing obesity-related health risks.
A new Global Burden of Disease study found that people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability as global life expectancy increases. The analysis revealed that high-income countries face the widest morbidity gaps, while women consistently live longer but spend more years in poor health.
The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...
Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.
A Northwestern University study found that average total payments per user for GLP-1 drugs more than doubled from 2017 to 2022. This raises concerns about the long-term affordability of these medications, which may be taken by patients for years or decades.
Researchers identified a distinct biological subtype of obesity that responds well to GLP-1-based medications like tirzepatide. Patients in this group lost an average of 21.5% of their body weight after six months of treatment.
Dr. Kaja Falkenhain receives the Peter J. Reeds Early Career Investigator Award for her groundbreaking work on human nutrition and metabolism. Her research focuses on cardiometabolic health and glycemic control, highlighting the impact of nutritional exposures on energy expenditure.
The study found associations between mitochondrial heteroplasmy and cardiometabolic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome. Intermediate heteroplasmic mutations were associated with the degree of vascular stenosis and lipid metabolism parameters.
Researchers found a slight association between GLP-1 medications and ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition causing reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. The risk remains low, but clinicians should be aware of this potential association, particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
A new review calls on Mexico to add liver health to its existing chronic disease programs, citing the country's high liver disease prevalence. Liver disease affects nearly half of Mexican adults and is linked to diabetes and obesity.
Mouse study uncovers how oxygen-sensing transcription factors regulate muscle physiology, improving glucose tolerance and producing erythropoietin. The findings suggest that selectively targeting each isoform can lead to different physiological outcomes.
Researchers identified a potential new treatment strategy combining popular weight-loss medications with anti-inflammatory drugs to help patients with obesity-associated leukemia. The study found that obesity creates a state of chronic inflammation that accelerates the growth of mutated, leukemia-causing blood stem cells.
A six-month study found that regular avocado consumption was associated with a reduced concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the blood, corresponding to an approximate 4% reduction in heart disease risk. This modest reduction indicates that anyone with obesity could benefit from avocado consumption.
A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.
A recent study published in Obesity Reviews found that knowledge about genetic risk alone is not sufficient to change behavior and reduce excess weight. Long-term, personalised support is crucial for effective behavioural change.
After Medicare expanded coverage for Wegovy to prevent heart complications in obese patients with heart disease, prescription fills jumped sharply. However, a significant fraction of eligible beneficiaries still did not receive the treatment.
Dr. Tim Allerton's research focuses on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions of Americans. His team aims to determine how declining hydrogen sulfide levels contribute to muscle function and exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF.
Researchers found that yeast-based supplements can reprogram early-stage immune cells to produce enhanced anti-tumor responses. The study suggests a potential solution for obesity-related immune dysfunction and cancer, using a food-grade supplement with an excellent safety record.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercise plays a crucial role in improving cardiovascular health even after significant weight loss. Participants who exercised developed healthier blood vessels and lower inflammation compared to those who relied on medication alone.
A clinical trial has shown that setmelanotide, a new drug, can achieve significant weight loss in people whose weight has become dysregulated following treatment for a brain tumor. The treatment resulted in a 20% reduction in BMI, with participants experiencing substantial health benefits.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity, dietitian societies, and other organizations have issued a consensus statement on the use of incretin drugs in obesity therapy. Key findings include the importance of medical nutrition therapy delivered by registered dietitians to complement incretin-based therapies. The statement also...
New analysis reveals that most obesity medications do not meaningfully improve quality of life, cardiovascular health, or reduce mortality risk. However, some emerging drugs like tirzepatide and subcutaneous semaglutide show potential benefits in weight loss and reduced heart failure risk.
The study found a 37% increase in obesity and a two-fold increase in severe obesity among both adults and youth over 20 years. Obesity rates have major implications for cardiovascular disease and mortality, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to address the rising epidemic.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
Researchers have identified high rates of overweight/obesity (82%) and hypertension (higher than statewide average) in Franklin Parish, with income levels linked to lower hypertension rates. Older residents are also more likely to have undiagnosed high cholesterol and diabetes.
A study published in The Lancet found that blood pressure and cholesterol levels among adults with obesity have converged with those with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) over the past three decades, particularly in high-income countries. This trend is attributed to the greater use of cholesterol-lowering medication and blood pressure me...
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that longer sleep is linked to more stable blood sugar levels in healthy 18-year-olds, even among those with no previous health issues. The researchers tracked participants over two weeks and found a two-way relationship between sleep duration and blood sugar stability.
Dr. Logan Townsend joins Pennington Biomedical to study the connection between metabolic disease and mental health, investigating circulating factors influencing anxiety and depression. His research program aims to improve both metabolic and mental health outcomes.
A CU Anschutz study reveals reduced mitochondrial efficiency in healthy yet sedentary individuals, which may precede the development of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Regular exercise acts as a literal shield for cellular health, helping mitochondria seamlessly switch between burning fat and carbohydrates.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery can lead to a significantly higher risk of developing alcohol problems. The altered anatomy affects how the body processes and absorbs alcohol, leading to faster intoxication and prolonged recovery times.
The GSA has released a new online version of the KAER Toolkit, providing practical tools to integrate evidence-based obesity care into routine practice. The toolkit emphasizes treating obesity as a chronic disease and includes strategies for managing older adults using medications.
Rates of new obesity cases rose by 4% between 2019 and 2025, with the largest increases seen among young adults. The study also found significant disparities in obesity rates across sociodemographic groups and geographical regions, highlighting the need for deep-seated change to address the underlying factors driving obesity.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.
A recent study found that maternal obesity and excessive pregnancy weight gain significantly increased the risk of childhood obesity by age 3. Researchers tracked nearly 3,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that excess pregnancy weight gain was common, affecting about four in 10 mothers.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found that combining lifestyle treatment with obesity medications resulted in significant short-term weight loss and improved body composition in adolescents. Health behavior remained crucial to effective weight management.
Research reveals genetic variations linked to obesity are more strongly associated with high BMI in younger generations, suggesting a stronger link between genetics and environment
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed epigenetic drugs that can reprogram perivascular fat cells to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health. By targeting specific gene-expression regulators, these drugs aim to prevent vascular damage in people with obesity and metabolic disease.
New research found that GLP-1 RA users showed weaker associations between impulsivity and violent crime, suggesting these medications may lessen risk factors. The study analyzed data from a US survey of adults who used GLP-1 medications.
The AGA commentary updates the POWER framework to reflect major advances in obesity care, including effective anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery. Gastroenterologists play a crucial role in obesity management, caring for patients with related conditions.
A survey of over 5,700 Chinese adolescents found significant associations between screen time, body weight, and mental health with sleep quality. Rural adolescents and girls fared worse overall, highlighting the need to address these factors to improve sleep.
Research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation in skin diseases. Studies indicate improvements in psoriasis severity indices following treatment with these drugs.
A study found that prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharides reduced harmful metabolites and improved liver health in overweight adults. The composition of the gut microbiota prior to supplementation influenced the benefits observed.
A cohort study found that demographic, clinical, and healthcare factors influence the uptake of metabolic bariatric surgery among US adults with obesity. The study suggests improving access to this life-changing procedure through targeted policies and interventions could have a significant impact.
A study found that tirzepatide significantly increases brown adipose tissue activity and volume in premenopausal women with obesity. The medication also shows potential signs of converting white subcutaneous fat into more metabolically active 'beige' fat.
A new study investigates whether obesity contributes to faster brain aging and earlier memory decline. Researchers found that high K63 polyubiquitination levels in young obese rats matched those seen in older brains, suggesting a connection between obesity-induced and age-related memory loss.
A new study reveals that obesity is reshaping the global cardiovascular disease crisis, with heart disease now peaking in people aged 50-54 rather than the elderly. The study projects over 1.37 million premature cardiovascular deaths attributed to obesity by 2050, primarily in South Asia and low-income countries.
The American College of Physicians recommends semaglutide and tirzepatide as first-line treatments for nonpregnant adults with obesity, while recommending lifestyle modifications including improved nutrition and physical activity. The guideline also emphasizes discussing benefits, harms, costs, and contraindications with patients.
Clinical trials suggest that GLP-1s can improve testosterone levels and sperm quality in men with obesity-related low testosterone. The research also found that GLP-1s address the underlying effects of obesity on fertility. The studies showed no negative impact on hormones, sexual function, or sperm quality.
A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that metabolic and bariatric surgery for teens with severe obesity is a cost-effective option over 10 years. The procedure sends type 2 diabetes into remission, sparing patients years of medication and complications.
A recent study found that women and individuals with minimal motivation to lose weight experienced greater weight loss on tirzepatide. The research also identified baseline clinical, demographic, and behavioral variables associated with weight loss trajectories over 12 months.
A study found that nearly 4 in 10 patients stopped GLP-1 medication within the first year and nearly two-thirds restarted therapy within two years. The researchers also identified sociodemographic, clinical, and provider-level predictors of discontinuation, including Medicaid or Medicare status, Black patients, and side effects.
A study presented at ENDO 2026 found semaglutide was associated with a 15% reduction in bone fractures and greater weight loss compared to other anti-obesity medications. The results suggest that semaglutide may have beneficial effects on bone health in people with type 2 diabetes.
A study found that adults taking GLP-1 receptor agonist medications experienced significant decreases in daily step counts and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote exercise alongside obesity treatment.
A recent study of 42,000 adults taking blood pressure medications and GLP-1s found higher rates of hypotension events, including dizziness and fainting. The study highlights a potential safety concern for patients aged 65 and older and those with diabetes.
A study published in The Lancet found that Chile's comprehensive food policies, including labelling and advertising bans, have a real-world impact on reducing child obesity. After implementing the Food Labelling and Advertising Law in 2016, children who had been at school for 18 months showed a lower risk of overweight or obesity compa...