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 socioeconomic disparities in obesity among US adolescents have significantly increased over the past two decades. The findings suggest that adolescents from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to be obese, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
This supplement explores the complex contributors to obesity and obesity-related health disparities, highlighting the role of social determinants, behavioral factors, and biological influences. Researchers propose strategies for improving population wellbeing and inform healthcare and public policy approaches.
A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.
A long-term study found that bariatric surgery improves physical activity and diet quality in participants, but only a small percentage meet federal guidelines. Patients may need continued support to maintain weight loss and health benefits after surgery.
Researchers found that using analytical language when describing weight loss goals led to greater weight loss success and lower dropout rates. Analytical language, such as focusing on what's important and why, was associated with more weight loss and less program attrition.
Researchers identified a molecule called Lac-Phe that suppresses food intake by 50% in diet-induced obese mice. Lac-Phe also improves glucose tolerance and reduces body weight, paving the way for potential exercise pills to treat obesity and related conditions.
Researchers have developed a test that measures blood levels of ceramides, a waxy substance similar to cholesterol, to predict diabetes remission in gastric bypass surgery patients. The study found that individuals with low ceramide levels prior to surgery had a higher likelihood of achieving diabetes remission two years later.
Scientists at CNIC discovered a complex network between liver tissue connections that allows the liver to regulate body temperature. The secretion of IL-12 by liver-infiltrating macrophages blocks FGF21 production, reducing heat generation by brown fat in mice.
A new study found that women with obesity have suppressed ovarian follicle development and reduced production of reproductive hormones, which may underlie reduced fertility. The researchers also discovered that luteal phase defects are more prevalent in obese women during natural ovulatory cycles.
A new study found that teens' consumption of ultra-processed foods decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to decline even after restrictions eased. This reversal took place due to changes brought by the pandemic, including school closures and working from home.
A study by the University of Queensland found that obese patients were up to 17.3 times more likely to undergo a knee replacement than their healthy weight counterparts. Modest weight loss has been shown to effectively reduce knee OA symptoms, suggesting a potential solution to address the growing burden of revision knee replacements.
A recent study reveals that patients with lower body mass indexes (BMIs) could benefit from weight-loss surgery due to its effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and other comorbidities. The study found that patients with Class I obesity who underwent weight-loss procedures had shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and improv...
A new study published in Pediatrics found that a 12-week app program improved children's motor skills by an average of 15.5 percentage points. The app-based program focused on six motor skills, including hopping, throwing, and jumping, and was shown to be effective in preventing childhood obesity.
A new study reveals that weight bias is pervasive across racial and ethnic groups, with Hispanic and Black adults experiencing it at higher rates. The study also found that nearly half of all respondents support laws against weight-based discrimination, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding of this issue.
Researchers found that weight-loss surgery patients saw significant reductions in several types of cancer incidence and improved survival rates compared to non-surgical patients. The 10-year incidence of any new cancer was lower and the 10-year survival rate was higher for bariatric group patients.
The primary causes of liver cancer are changing globally, with advances in hepatitis B vaccinations and antiviral therapies reducing HBV-associated liver cancer. However, alcohol consumption and obesity are rising, leading to increased liver cancer deaths. The incidence of NASH is projected to increase further due to rising obesity rates.
A customized WeightWatchers program has been shown to effectively manage Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels and promoting significant weight loss. Participants in the six-month clinical trial experienced improved glycemic control and overall well-being, with clinically meaningful and statistically significant results.
A nationwide study found a significant association between excessive BMI in late adolescence and the development of type 1 diabetes in young adulthood. The researchers analyzed data from over 1.4 million adolescents and found that those with obesity had double the risk of developing type 1 diabetes compared to those with optimal BMI.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of developing obesity-associated cancers and dying from cancer. The research, published in JAMA, showed a 32% lower risk of cancer development and a 48% lower risk of cancer-related death compared to non-surgical controls.
A recent study published at the Euroanaesthesia Congress found that patients with higher body mass index (BMI) and weight prior to bariatric surgery are more likely to experience complications and have worse outcomes. The research analyzed data from over 4,000 adults who underwent weight loss surgery between 2006 and 2020, revealing a ...
A study by NIH found that people with food allergies have a lower risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, obesity and high body mass index (BMI) are associated with increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A new mobile app provides effective support for children with obesity by tracking their weight development in real-time and offering personalized care. The app achieved twice the weight loss results compared to conventional care, particularly benefiting adolescents who were previously difficult to reach with behavioral therapy.
The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...
Virginia Tech scientists led by Sora Shin are investigating the brain pathways responsible for high-fat diet overconsumption. The study aims to identify a framework for understanding how leptin-responsive circuits respond to food exposure and increase the risk of emotional overeating after abstinence.
A recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that lowering blood glucose levels can partially restore reproductive hormone levels and ovulation in female mice with obesity. The study used dapagliflozin, a common type 2 diabetes medication, to treat the mice, resulting in improved fertility outcomes.
Researchers analyzed mobile app data to gain insight into behaviors of middle-aged women living with severe obesity in urban poverty. The study found associations between anxiety and weight loss or gain, as well as correlations between location, timing, and eating/drinking frequency.
A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal has established a strong link between sarcopenic obesity and dementia in elderly patients. The research found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity were more likely to experience cognitive impairment and dementia compared to those without muscle loss or obesity.
Researchers discovered that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite lower rates of other health conditions, lean patients with NAFLD exhibited increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that crown-like structures surrounding breast tumors in overweight and obese patients can hinder their response to therapy. Researchers identified a potential molecular biomarker, CD32B, which is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that men with obesity who lost weight saw a 50% increase in sperm concentration and a 40% increase in sperm count over an 8-week period. This improvement was sustained for up to 52 weeks and even doubled for those who maintained weight loss after a year
Researchers at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine are studying the role of obesity and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease. Obesity is a key predictive factor for Alzheimer's disease, which affects 14 million Americans by 2060.
Researchers found obese and thin individuals misreport food intake by the same amount, contrary to official guidelines. The study suggests a reevaluation of public health recommendations, focusing on dietary risk factors rather than energy expenditure.
Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.
A new weight-loss intervention has been developed to target the instinctive desire to eat, particularly in individuals who struggle with resisting food cues. The Regulation of Cues program trains individuals to use natural hunger cues, reinforces tolerance of cravings, and inhibits urges to eat palatable foods when not physically hungry.
A recent study published in Obesity Reviews found that resistance training, in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet, can lead to significant fat mass and muscle loss. This breakthrough highlights the importance of considering non-aerobic exercise options for individuals struggling with obesity.
A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that FGF21 is critical for extending lifespan and improving metabolic health in mice fed a low-protein diet. Without FGF21, mice fail to adapt to the diet and exhibit detrimental effects on health.
A new study found that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite having lower risks for other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, lean patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
A new study provides recommendations for behavioral weight loss interventions to address the unmet needs of Black people with obesity. The research emphasizes the importance of enhancing recruitment and retention of Black men and women in behavioral weight loss intervention studies, as well as combining policy with behavioral changes.
Researchers investigate how enzymes regulate metabolism, weight gain, and liver disease, revealing diet's significant role in obesity and altered lipid profiles. The study also shows that age affects metabolic processes, leading to weight gain, increased fat storage, and unhealthy liver changes.
A recent study found that obesity, impaired blood glucose metabolism, and high blood pressure significantly increase the risk of dying from COVID-19 in young and middle-aged people. Researchers analyzed data from the European case registry LEOSS and found that patients with all three conditions had a similar increased risk of death as ...
A new study suggests that tailoring diabetes screening for Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans based on lower BMI thresholds and younger ages can significantly reduce disparities in diabetes diagnosis rates. This approach may improve health equity by identifying cases earlier and reducing mortality rates associated with diabetes.
Obesity rates in Denmark have increased dramatically, from 6% in 1987 to over 18% in 2021, with a strong period effect observed. The study highlights the need for concerted action to reverse this trend and addresses social inequality in obesity.
Women with obesity and high waist circumference are more susceptible to fractures than those with normal weight. The study found a linear relationship between waist circumference and the incidence of fracture at any site and at the distal lower limb, particularly at the ankle.
A recent study found that only 3% of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in England are referred to weight management programmes, indicating under-reporting in primary care. The programme's effectiveness varies across the country, and the lack of national registry makes it difficult to determine access for patients.
The US military is facing a significant challenge due to the growing obesity epidemic, which limits recruits, decreases re-enlistment candidacy, and reduces mission readiness. Nutrition education and access to healthy food are key solutions proposed by experts to address this issue.
A study suggests that women who have had weight loss surgery should wait at least two years before trying for a baby due to the risk of having an underweight (small for gestational age) baby. The longer interval from surgery to conception is associated with a lower risk of SGA babies.
A UK study of nearly 400,000 adults found that being overweight or obese amplifies the harmful effects of alcohol on cancer risk. Higher obesity levels are associated with a greater risk of developing both obesity-related and alcohol-related cancers, regardless of alcohol consumption.
A $66,000 NIH grant will support Karry Weston's two-year study on the lack of breastfeeding in rural Missouri. The goal is to identify cultural factors influencing mothers' decisions, with a focus on improving maternal care in rural communities.
Researchers found antibody levels in people with severe obesity are significantly lower than normal weight controls after receiving two doses of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or CoronaVac vaccine. The study suggests that individuals with severe obesity may generate a weaker immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.
A meta-analysis of 11 randomised trials found that vegan diets for at least 12 weeks can lead to clinically meaningful weight loss and improved blood sugar control. However, vegan diets did not affect blood pressure or triglycerides compared to other diets.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that obesity is associated with an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer. For every 10cm (four inches) on the waist, the risk of fatal disease increases by 7%. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million men and found a link between body fat and prostate cancer risk.
Researchers developed a genetic-risk score to identify women most at risk for gestational and postpartum diabetes. Intensive lifestyle intervention reduced their risk, but only benefited those with the highest genetic risk.
A 10-country survey of adolescents with obesity found that nearly 24% are unaware they have the condition, while two-thirds believe it's their sole responsibility to lose weight. Most participants worry about the impact of obesity on their future health.
A randomised trial found that poor sleeping habits may contribute to regaining weight after weight loss in adults with obesity. Exercise sessions per week can help maintain better sleep and aid in weight loss maintenance.
Researchers at Lund University found that individuals with a metabolic BMI five units higher than their actual BMI are at twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes associated with obesity can increase the risk, even in those with normal weight, highlighting the need for new screening methods.
The European Region has the highest obesity prevalence among all WHO regions, with 59% of adults and 29% of children classified as overweight or obese. To address this growing epidemic, the WHO recommends a range of interventions and policy options to prevent and tackle obesity, including building back better after the COVID-19 pandemic.
A European survey found that over three-quarters of adults with obesity have attempted to lose weight in the past year. Most respondents used diet or exercise strategies, but only 25% achieved clinically meaningful weight loss. The study highlights the need for increased support and solutions for weight management.
A UK study of over 400,000 adults with obesity found that losing weight reduces the risk of 13 obesity-related complications, with greater benefits for those with lower initial BMIs. Weight gain increases these risks, particularly in individuals with lower starting BMIs.
A UK study found that 70% of adolescents are not consuming the recommended amount of fruit and over 90% are not eating enough vegetables. The researchers analyzed data from 16 schools in the West Midlands region, finding that pupils were exceeding daily intake limits for free sugar, potatoes, red meat, and chicken.
A new study suggests that a diet high in protein, zinc, and niacin, and low in saturated fat, can improve blood vessel flexibility. The study found improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health, including reductions in calorie and saturated fat intake, increases in zinc and niacin, and improvements in blood vessel function.