Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
A recent study found that college students reporting high levels of loneliness were more likely to have altered diet quality and engage in sedentary behavior. The research suggests that interventions targeting loneliness may also promote health improvement among this population.
A new study from Tufts University finds that dollar stores have doubled their share in rural areas, with households headed by people of color and lower-income households relying heavily on them. The growth of dollar stores raises concerns about the nutritional value of their food offerings and potential displacement of local grocers.
A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.
A recent gene expression study has discovered 45 novel genes associated with body mass index (BMI), shedding light on the biology of obesity and potential treatments. The research, conducted in a diverse multiethnic cohort, highlights the importance of genetic factors in obesity and opens doors to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
A new study by the University of Coimbra found that higher coffee intake is associated with reduced NAFLD severity in overweight people with T2D. Caffeine and polyphenols in coffee may help alleviate liver fibrosis and improve glucose homeostasis.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a link between obesity and diabetes, highlighting the importance of an enzyme in fatty acid processing. The study suggests that defects in this enzyme contribute to insulin hypersecretion and beta cell failure, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
A Canadian study reveals that obesity reprograms immune system cells, making them destructive to the eye as it ages. The research sheds light on the molecular mechanism behind AMD and may lead to tailored treatments in the future.
A recent study found that education about gene-by-environment interaction (G X E) causes of eating behaviors can positively affect attitudes toward people with higher weight. Participants who received G X E education reported higher empathy and held fewer stigmatizing attitudes.
A new study from York University sheds light on biological underpinnings of sex differences in obesity-related disease. Female mice grow more new blood vessels to supply fat tissue with oxygen and nutrients, whereas males have a high level of inflammation-associated processes.
Researchers from prominent institutions discuss hepatocellular carcinoma's pathogenesis, genomic heterogeneity, and targeted therapy options. The review aims to characterize HCC's complexities and develop clinically relevant biomarkers for better management.
A collaborative study between University of Galway and Brunel University London found that patients with severe obesity respond differently to a dietary weight loss programme based on their genes. The research identified a
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that Grb10 promotes leptin activity in the brain, which may help overcome leptin resistance. This finding suggests that increasing Grb10 activity could lead to weight loss by decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover thousands of previously unknown microproteins in brown and white fat tissue, finding that one, Gm8773, increases feeding activity in mice. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic to promote weight gain in certain disease situations.
Research found that approximately 40% of Danish population has gut microbes that extract more energy from food, leading to a higher risk of obesity. This composition of gut microbes is also associated with faster digestion and greater nutrient extraction.
A study by Nagoya University researchers has identified EP3 neurons as crucial in maintaining a stable body temperature of 37°C in mammals. The discovery could lead to the development of technologies that artificially adjust body temperature to treat heat stroke, hypothermia, and obesity.
A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain and inflammation to brain tissue. The research identified Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) as a potential therapeutic target for protecting against NAFLD-induced brain dysfunction.
A study published in Circulation found that walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps per day significantly lowers the risk of a cardiovascular event in older adults. For those who are least active, even small increases in daily step count can have a substantial impact on heart health.
A recent study by University College London reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and food insecurity among individuals living with obesity. Nearly half of participants reported worsening mental health, while nearly a third experienced severe depression. Food insecurity also increased significantly, wi...
A new study found that chronic inflammation in lactating mothers with obesity may contribute to low milk production. The researchers analyzed fatty acid and inflammatory marker profiles in blood and breast milk, finding a strong correlation between the two in non-obese mothers but not in those with chronic inflammation.
Researchers at UCLA Health have found that masks can prevent not only COVID-19 but also whooping cough, while obesity is linked to an increased risk of stroke and cognitive impairment. The institute has also designed a clinical trial to reduce the use of low-value treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...
A study published in JAMA found that patient satisfaction with their physicians is associated with the likelihood of following through with metabolic or bariatric surgery. The research suggests that high-quality care and strong patient-physician relationships are crucial for successful surgery completion.
Researchers confirmed smoking and obesity increase COVID-19 severity, with ACE2 mediating detrimental effects. Lower socioeconomic position also increases COVID-19 risk, highlighting social inequalities.
Females with more subcutaneous fat are protected against brain inflammation, a risk factor for dementia and stroke. Removing subcutaneous fat increases brain inflammation in females, even on low-fat diets.
A study followed over 7,000 Canadians for three years to find that being female, physically active, and not obese were key to maintaining excellent health. Factors such as high income and social support also played a crucial role in optimal aging.
A study of 159 consultations between doctors and patients with obesity found that weight loss advice was rarely effective and mostly consisted of generic tips like eating less and being more active. Doctors often offered unsupported guidance and stigmatizing stereotypes, hindering patient progress.
A large longitudinal study found that weight-loss surgery significantly reduces urinary incontinence episode frequency in adults with severe obesity. After seven years, improvements persist despite some weight regain, offering a durable benefit to patients.
Researchers found that when nursing mother mice are fed a low-fiber diet, their offspring's microbiome is permanently altered, resulting in gut inflammation and obesity. The study suggests that regular fiber intake helps fuel the microbiome, allowing diverse bacteria to thrive.
Engaged feeding practices, such as recognizing fullness cues and responsive feeding, can help parents guide their children towards healthier eating habits. By adopting these practices, parents can create a positive relationship with food that lasts into adulthood.
A study suggests that visceral fat cells, rather than subcutaneous fat cells, are more susceptible to infection by the COVID-19 virus. This increased susceptibility leads to a higher viral load and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can exacerbate severe disease.
A new study of twins found that consistent exercise can change the molecules in the human body that influence gene behavior, leading to lower signs of metabolic disease. The study suggests that markers of metabolic disease are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment, rather than just their inherited genetics.
Researchers found that P2-HNF4α expression is associated with p-STAT3 and c-Myc expression in NAFLD patients, suggesting potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Additionally, p-STAT3 expression was linked to hypertension, while c-Myc expression was associated with advanced fibrosis.
Research highlights importance of long-term screening and healthy lifestyle behaviors in reducing cardiovascular disease risk among young cancer survivors. Factors such as sociodemographic status, income, education, smoking status, and physical activity levels are associated with increased or decreased CVD risk.
A new study shows that paying cash to people with obesity for losing a specific amount of weight works better than offering free tools like weight-loss programs and wearable fitness trackers. Incentives tied to actual weight lost were most effective in the short term, while goal-focused financial rewards performed better in the long run.
Researchers developed a new method to target and treat visceral adiposity using positively charged P-G3 nanomaterials, which inhibit unhealthy lipid storage in enlarged fat cells. This approach also rejuvenates healthy fat cells, promoting metabolically healthy fat cell formation.
A recent study led by the University of Nevada, Reno and the Pan American Health Organization suggests that the adoption of front-of-pack nutrition labeling can help reduce poor-nutrition related non-communicable diseases in the region. Improved FOPNL systems have been associated with improved diet quality and reduced risk of NCDs.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that overweight women are more likely to experience symptoms of long Covid. The research also shows that people with long Covid are much more likely to need additional and lasting NHS care than those who make a swift recovery.
A low-cost prenatal intervention benefits mothers’ mental health up to eight years later. The eight-week class intervention supported healthier stress responses in their children, and cut their short-term risk of depression and diabetes.
Researchers review myeloid-derived suppressor cells' phenotypes, mechanisms of immunosuppression, and roles in cancer treatment. Studies on non-malignant diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and obesity, are lacking, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Researchers found that excess fat triggers immune cells to overeat serotonin in the brain of developing male mice, leading to depression-like behavior. Female mice are not affected in the same way, with higher levels of oxytocin linked to social withdrawal.
A recent study found metabolic perturbations in young nonhuman primates' liver and skeletal muscle after maternal obesity during pregnancy, even after a normal diet was introduced post-weaning. The study identified 58 altered metabolites in the liver and 46 in skeletal muscle, suggesting long-term health consequences.
Researchers explore the interactions between adipose tissues and surrounding blood vessels in connection with lipid metabolism and associated diseases. Targeting angiogenesis may provide a gateway for treating obesity, while its inhibition or promotion depends on the specific disease context.
A new smartphone healthcare app called CALO mama Plus has been found to lead to significant reductions in body weight. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Tsukuba, tested the efficacy of a comprehensive behavior modification app and found it to be as effective as established interventions.
A UK Biobank study found that screening all adults aged 40-70 years for type 2 diabetes using HbA1c could detect up to 250,000 undiagnosed cases, bringing diagnoses forward by 2.2 years on average.
Researchers found that metabolic disease affects blood vessels in different organs, leading to vascular dysfunction and increased risk of diseases. A healthy diet can partially reverse this damage, but some blood vessels may retain the disease signature, making it difficult to fully reverse.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that eating 30-50 grams of almonds can help people cut back on kilojoules consumed each day. This leads to a reduced energy intake by 300 kilojoules, mostly coming from junk food.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators has identified risk factors for developing diabetes in people with chronic pancreatitis, including smoking and being overweight. The findings suggest that models can be built to predict diabetes risk, allowing clinicians to connect patients with weight loss or smoking cessation programs.
Research finds that increased body weight is associated with higher levels of inflammation, signs of gut permeability, and poorer asthma control. The study suggests that targeting the gut could be an effective treatment target for improving asthma control in patients with obesity. Weight loss may also improve symptoms for these patients.
Rates of complications, death, and subsequent surgery were similar for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents with severe obesity. Adolescents who underwent sleeve gastrectomy had lower emergency room visits and hospital admissions compared to those who had gastric bypass surgery.
A Rutgers study of 86,964 adults with obesity and NAFLD found that bariatric surgery reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 49% compared to nonsurgical care. This is significant because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US, and NAFLD can lead to liver damage and inflammation.
A study by Okayama University researchers found that neuromedin U (NMU) is involved in metabolic processes but its 'anti-hunger' function may not be crucial for rats. Unlike mice, NMU expression is restricted in the rat brain and does not suppress feeding behavior.
Research recognizes significant association between unhealthy behaviors and conditions like obesity, diabetes, smoking, leading to poorer COVID-19 outcomes. Experts emphasize promoting healthy lifestyles to combat syndemics, particularly impacting underserved communities.
The study highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in metabolic conditions like obesity and neurological diseases such as Parkinson's. Pesticide exposure is also found to disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to brain-gut alterations that can exacerbate these conditions.
A University of Gothenburg study found that severe obesity at age 18 is associated with a three- to fourfold increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation in younger middle age. The study analyzed data from over 1.7 million men in Sweden and found that higher BMI was linked to mortality risk, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.
Researchers identified a genetic variant that predisposes people to being slim, carried by 60% of Europeans. The variant affects the amount of fat stored in the body and is associated with the biochemical signalling pathway that tells cells what nutrients are available.
A recent UK-based experiment found no significant change in the overall number of calories purchased when food and drink labels showed physical activity calorie-equivalent values. The study suggests that PACE labelling may not be effective in reducing energy intake, contradicting previous expectations.
A genetic variant associated with a 10-15% reduction in fat storage has been identified in 60% of Europeans. Researchers studied the effect of this variant in mice and found it to be linked to leanness, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and obesity.
A new comprehensive guideline, C-CHANGE, offers 83 actionable recommendations to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in Canadian adults. The updated resource incorporates new or revised recommendations from 11 guideline groups, addressing key risk factors such as dietary habits, smoking, and physical activity.
A recent study shows that eight weeks of exercise can restore the brain's insulin sensitivity in severely overweight adults, leading to improved metabolism and reduced visceral fat. This opens up new therapeutic possibilities for reducing obesity and diabetes risk factors.
A large-scale Australian study found that highly processed and refined foods are the primary contributor to rising obesity rates. The 'Protein Leverage Hypothesis' suggests that people overeat fats and carbohydrates due to their strong appetite for protein, leading to an increased risk of chronic disease.