Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that close relatives and partners of people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and severe liver disease. This suggests that family members could benefit from the same lifestyle advice as patients with MASLD.
A groundbreaking study by UNIST researchers reveals that high levels of endotrophin in fat cells disrupt autophagy, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance. Inhibiting ATG7 protein function or neutralizing endotrophin shows promise as a potential treatment for obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery leads to an increase in caries and periodontitis, as well as alterations in salivary inflammatory markers. The study's findings emphasize the importance of dental assessment for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
A new $1.9 million NIH grant will investigate the role of glycogen in supporting healthy pregnancies. The study aims to understand how glycogen storage in the uterus affects fertility and pregnancy loss, with a focus on obesity's impact on uterine glycogen metabolism.
A recent study found a three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020. The study highlights racial disparities, particularly among Black women, who faced the highest rates of obesity-related cardiovascular mortality.
A new opinion piece highlights the safety gap in clinical trials and drug labeling for people with obesity, arguing that correct dosing instructions should be included on labels. The authors recommend a three-pronged approach to address this gap, including conducting studies in people with obesity before market approval.
Researchers at State University of Campinas found that coconut oil supplementation led to significant alterations in food intake, weight gain, and anxious behavior in mice. The study suggests that long-term consumption of coconut oil can contribute to the development of obesity and associated comorbidities.
A new study has found that higher levels of inflammation in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery predict poorer weight loss. The research suggests that personalised interventions targeting inflammation could improve physical and mental health outcomes after surgery.
Researchers have identified a cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus called GABRA5 that regulates energy expenditure. Astrocytes control this cluster, producing tonic GABA that inhibits it, leading to weight gain.
Researchers discovered a gut bacteria that helps reduce insulin resistance and protect against diabetes. The study found that a specific bacteria, Alistipes indistinctus, consumed excess monosaccharides in the gut, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance.
Researchers found that individuals with higher body mass indexes have impaired connections between the hippocampus and hypothalamus, leading to an inability to control eating habits. The study suggests that targeting this brain circuit may lead to new treatments for obesity and related disordered eating conditions.
Researchers developed a liver-targeting drug that reversed obesity and lowered cholesterol in obese mice by delivering the drug via nanogel. The treatment, which was administered intraperitoneally, effectively normalized weight and reduced cholesterol levels despite continued high-fat diet consumption.
Women who maintained a stable weight were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to achieve exceptional longevity compared to those who lost 5% or more, with a 51% lower survival rate at age 90. Stable weight is associated with increased longevity in older women.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that GDF15 improves insulin sensitivity in rodents, particularly in their liver and fatty tissue. This finding raises interesting perspectives for treating type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as increased insulin sensitivity is a critical indicator of health.
A National Institutes of Health-supported study suggests that adults with obesity may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when in intensive care for respiratory failure. The study found lower mortality rates among patients with obesity who received ECMO compared to those without, contradicting previous concerns.
The study reveals that obesity-induced oxidative stress degrades CtBP2 protein, impairing pancreatic beta-cell function. This finding highlights the importance of targeting CtBP2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity-related diseases.
A new study presented at ESC Congress 2023 found that semaglutide improved heart failure-related symptoms, physical function, and exercise function in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity. The treatment also resulted in greater weight loss compared to placebo.
Researchers found that telomere shortening, a biomarker of cellular aging, accelerated in untreated obstructive sleep apnea patients. However, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) attenuated this damage. The study suggests that CPAP can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to slower aging.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center identifies GDF15 as a protein that acts as a cellular signal to enhance insulin secretion. High-intensity exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes was found to have elevated levels of GDF15, associated with improved glycemic control.
A new study projects nearly 1 billion people will be living with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, by 2050. Currently, 15% of individuals aged 30 and older experience osteoarthritis, with obesity being a major risk factor.
Scientists have identified a molecule that regulates nerve cell sensors, which could lead to new therapeutics for obesity, osteoporosis, and inflammatory diseases. The molecule can be modified into peptide-based therapeutics to boost the activity of channels involved in bone strength and satiety.
A new study reveals that being divorced is associated with a two-thirds higher risk of lower limb amputation (LLA) in individuals with diabetes compared to those who are married. Additionally, men have a 57% higher risk of LLA than women. The study also found that obesity has a less-than-half the risk of LLA for people with normal weight.
A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that the biggest metabolic changes following gastric bypass surgery occurred immediately after the procedure. However, one year later, the concentration of metabolites and fats had returned to nearly pre-surgery levels.
Researchers found that liraglutide improves associative learning in people with obesity by restoring brain activity to normal-weight levels. The study showed that participants with obesity had reduced ability to associate sensory stimuli and decreased brain activity compared to those with normal weight.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment approach for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by targeting a receptor called Adgrf1. Overexpressing Adgrf1 improved insulin sensitivity and reduced lipid accumulation in liver cells, suggesting its role in fat metabolism.
A recent study at UC Irvine found that semaglutide medication can lead to significant weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk in 93 million U.S. adults. The medication may prevent up to 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes over 10 years, resulting in 43 million fewer obese people.
A new study from Tulane University found that Black adults are 54% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than White Americans, largely due to social factors. The study's lead author suggests that addressing unemployment, low income, and lack of a partner can help reduce this disparity.
A new study found that intensive lifestyle intervention, including weekly counseling on diet and exercise, is associated with increased employment among people with type 2 diabetes. Study participants without a college degree had even larger employment gains from lifestyle changes recommended by specialists.
The study of 18.4 million patients indicates a low annual probability of 5% or greater weight loss, but a higher likelihood of BMI reduction to the healthy weight category, especially among those with high initial BMIs.
Researchers found that the hypothalamus, a key region controlling appetite, is larger in individuals who are overweight or obese compared to those with a healthy weight. The study suggests that increased volume may be linked to inflammation and altered hormone regulation.
Researchers at the University of South Australia found that chatbots significantly improved physical activity, diet and sleep. Chatbots were effective across different age groups and more conducive to achieving positive outcomes than speech-based AI. A blended approach with human coaching may be the most beneficial.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals that Mallotus furetianus extract suppresses body weight gain and fat accumulation in obesity model mice. The findings suggest a link between the plant's extract and antiobesity effects, indicating its potential as a new food ingredient.
A University of Minnesota-led study found that long-term consumption of aspartame and saccharin is associated with increased volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The researchers recommend considering alternative approaches to artificial sweeteners due to potential health consequences.
Researchers identified five genes influencing BMI in women and two in men, with faulty variants of three genes linked to higher BMI in women. Age-specific factors also emerged, with genes OBSCN and MADD associated with childhood body size and fat.
A study found that breast cancer patients with higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to experience heart damage, or cardiotoxicity, during chemotherapy. The study suggests that addressing obesity and considering the potential risk of cardiotoxicity requires a comprehensive approach.
A new study published in MDPI suggests that pecans have anti-inflammatory properties and can increase energy expenditure, reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes. The research found that pecans modulate adipose tissue lipolysis and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle.
Dr. Prachi Singh of Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a $3.7 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate the cardiovascular risks associated with limited sleep and extended eating duration.
Researchers found a genetic link that explains how certain individuals store fat at the abdomen but remain protected from type 2 diabetes. This discovery could pave the way for personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual genetic variations.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia exposes the real weight gains of everyday Australians, finding that weight fluctuates throughout the year. The study highlights the importance of targeting temporal hot spots to curb unhealthy weight fluctuations and prevent unwanted weight gain.
Two new studies funded by the National Mango Board show that mangos can help reduce vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), key markers of oxidative stress. Additionally, mangoes are a rich source of bioactive compounds like mangiferin, which may contribute to their health benefits.
A new study suggests that replacing traditional protein sources with mealworms in high-fat diets can slow weight gain and improve immune response, inflammation, energy metabolism, and cholesterol profiles. Mealworm protein also beneficially alters the ratio of good to bad cholesterol.
The conference will focus on optimizing patient care in the Latin America region, discussing strategies to improve heart health and address rising cardiovascular disease rates. Key topics include cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure management, and practical approaches for clinicians.
A new hypothesis suggests that obesity is linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and exposure to environmental toxins. Researchers believe that these toxins can generate misinformation in the body, leading to weight gain and obesity.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered that female mice secrete more RELMalpha, an immune protein, which protects them against obesity and inflammation. In contrast, male mice have lower levels of RELMalpha, leading to increased inflammation and obesity.
A Northwestern University study found that only 60% of women with heart disease risk factors received counseling on optimizing their heart health during their six-week postpartum visit. The study highlights the need for improved access to care and increased awareness of maternal cardiovascular health monitoring.
A large-scale study of 107 countries and regions found a strong association between daily soft drink consumption and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The findings suggest that reducing soft drink consumption is crucial in combating adolescent obesity.
Researchers developed a tailored approach to weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors, showing significant improvement in targeted areas like abnormal fullness and emotional eating. The study suggests the need for an actionable, phenotype-based classification of patients in obesity treatment, moving beyond reliance on scales or bod...
Adolescents in Zimbabwe exhibit rising rates of obesity, contrary to traditional perceptions of malnutrition and health. A study found that 15.8% were obese or overweight, with girls more affected, and low obesity awareness prevalent among girls, attributed to poor eating habits and lack of formal education.
Researchers discovered that obesity affects ovarian cancer by altering the tumor's immune microenvironment and stiffening surrounding tissue. This change impairs treatment response to chemotherapy, leading to poorer survival rates among patients with high body mass index (BMI).
Researchers have identified a new factor influencing excess body weight in women, related to epigenetic marking of the POMC gene. The study found that women with an increased number of methyl groups attached to the gene are at a 44% higher risk of obesity.
A new study found that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are ideal spaces to educate and guide US youth of color on healthy weight management. Nearly 1 in 4 adolescents experienced obesity from 2017 to 2020, with youths of color experiencing disproportionately higher rates.
A recent study found a significant association between racial discrimination and obesity in children and adolescents, suggesting that addressing this issue is crucial for improving their health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering racism as a risk factor for obesity in addition to socioeconomic status.
Researchers discovered a hormone in adipose tissue that protects beta cells, which make insulin, in lean individuals and reverses damage in obese people. The study provides hope for developing novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate obesity-related health problems.
Researchers found that among individuals being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, those overweight or obese had lower survival rates. The study suggests obesity may play an adverse role in response to ALL treatment regimens.
A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.
Researchers found that a diet high in soybean oil decreases beneficial bacteria and increases harmful bacteria, leading to increased inflammation and susceptibility to colitis. Olive oil, with lower amounts of linoleic acid, is considered a healthier alternative.
A new study suggests renaming 'obesity' to 'adiposity-based chronic disease' to clarify the nature of the complex condition. This could help address inequities in treatment and reduce stigma associated with body size.
Researchers at MUSC suggest re-evaluating patients as a whole, considering factors beyond BMI when determining eligibility for total shoulder arthroplasty. This approach could help address health disparities and ensure that those in greatest need receive life-changing procedures.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified disparities in end-of-life immunotherapy treatment, highlighting the need for further examination to ensure quality care. A new study also reveals a novel target to improve immunotherapy responses in KRAS-mutant lung cancer and strategies to manage immune-related toxicities.
Researchers found that restricting methionine intake via a low-methionine diet or oral administration of recombinant methioninase-producing E. coli reversed old-age-induced obesity in mice, leading to significant weight loss after just 14 days.