Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
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...
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and The Obesity Society (TOS) have formed a strategic alliance to accelerate progress in both fields. This collaboration will drive evidence-based solutions that shape practice, inform policy, and improve health outcomes worldwide.
A new study by Pennington Biomedical and collaborators found that Americans with the highest levels of obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures overall. Despite the increasing prevalence of extreme obesity, these individuals appear to be receiving proportionally fewer surgical interventions each year. The research highlights gr...
A cohort study found that smartphone acquisition at age 13 was linked to increased risk of insufficient sleep at age 14. Excessive smartphone use was also tied to higher odds of depression and obesity. Limiting screen time may protect adolescents from these outcomes.
A study analyzing insurance claims data found similar risks between continued and non-continued GLP-1RA medication use during early pregnancy. The authors conclude that further research is needed to better understand the safety of GLP-1RAs in pregnancy due to imprecise estimates for rare outcomes.
Mazdutide, a GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, provides clinically meaningful weight reduction in Chinese adults with obesity. However, gastrointestinal adverse reactions are more common among those taking the drug compared to placebo.
A study of over 229,000 obese adults without diabetes found that weight loss drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, were associated with a 41% decrease in the overall risk of developing obesity-related cancers. GLP-1 RAs also showed larger reductions in certain subgroups, including men and gynaecologic cancers.
Adults with both obesity and an autoimmune disease who took a GLP-1-based medication had fewer emergency department visits and lower mortality rates compared to those not taking the medication. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 adults treated in the OneFlorida+ network between 2014 and 2024.
A new study reveals how Philip Morris Companies Inc. used cigarette research and flavor engineering to design Lunchables, a successful ultra-processed food for children. The company's strategy was based on optimizing 'technical synergies' between tobacco and food divisions.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical will showcase their latest findings on prevention, care, and cures for diabetes and obesity at the American Diabetes Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions. The sessions will highlight cutting-edge advancements driving progress in diabetes research and management.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received significant funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to develop innovative cancer research technologies and treatments. The institution will focus on pressing cancers such as Ewing sarcoma, obesity-related endometrial cancer risk, and AI in clinical oncology.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical published the first study to estimate pediatric obesity prevalence among US children and adolescents aged 5-18 years using the new Lancet Commission definitions. The study found that many children are already experiencing measurable health impairments associated with obesity.
The use of weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide could deepen existing health inequalities if patients lack access to nutrition advice, healthy food, and ongoing healthcare support. Researchers warn that poorer patients may face barriers to using these treatments safely and maintaining health improvements over time.
Researchers highlight latest developments in pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of MASLD and IPFD, revealing correlations with chronic diseases like liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. Innovative treatments, such as AI-driven approaches and organ-targeted therapies, show promise for precision prevention and therapy.
Weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with better ability to cope with daily household tasks such as cleaning and grocery shopping. The study also found that maintaining weight loss for long periods results in improved functionality and independence. Patients who regained lost weight experienced poorer outcomes over time.
A study found that BMI significantly understates obesity levels in the US, with up to 50% of overweight individuals reclassified as obese under a new clinical definition. This highlights the need for healthcare providers to adopt this new measure to better identify and treat obesity-related health risks.
A new study found that nearly a quarter of adults with a normal weight BMI may still be at risk for obesity-related health complications. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors beyond body mass index (BMI) to accurately identify individuals at risk for these conditions.
Two new international studies found that healthy lifestyles can have a protective effect on childhood cancer survivors, reducing the risk of chronic health problems. The studies suggest that physical activity, a healthy weight, and other lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the burden of disease in adulthood.
Researchers found that obesity alters the biological changes in breast cancer cells, enabling them to survive and thrive. The study's findings could improve prediction and treatment of invasive breast cancer, reducing overtreatment and unnecessary treatments.
A new study found that drinking tomato-soy juice lowered pro-inflammatory proteins in healthy adults with obesity after four weeks. The findings hint at the juice's promise as a functional food that may help curb chronic inflammation and improve health outcomes for patients with pancreatitis.
Two studies suggest that weight loss after bariatric surgery reduces cancer risk in women, with insulin levels and genetic background playing key roles. Women carrying a specific FTO genetic variant showed significant breast cancer risk reduction.
A new study published in Nature Medicine finds that semaglutide improves weight loss and metabolic health outcomes in patients who do not respond well to bariatric surgery. Patients taking semaglutide showed significant weight loss from body fat, improved blood sugar levels, and better quality of life.
A new study reveals that metabolic dysfunction in offspring is caused by excess microRNA in sperm from obese fathers. After weight loss, these molecular marks disappear, and offspring develop normally. Research suggests that interventions promoting health and longevity may trigger an increase in this enzyme expression.
A low-calorie diet and behavioral support program significantly reduced weight in older patients with overweight and persistent atrial fibrillation at 8 months. The study found no safety concerns or impact on atrial fibrillation symptoms, cardiac remodeling, or need for further rhythm control interventions.
Researchers developed an AI framework, MouseMapper, to map disease-related changes in the entire mouse body. They found widespread inflammation and previously unrecognized damage to facial sensory nerves caused by obesity, which was also observed in human tissue.
Researchers identified a subgroup of patients who experience nearly twice the improvement in sleep apnea when treated with tirzepatide GLP-1. These strong responders have distinct characteristics, including severe upper-airway collapsibility and breathing control instability. The study aims to provide personalized treatment options for...