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A potential protector against a mild heart attack’s aftereffects on metabolism

A study in mice suggests that transplanted brown fat can reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors after a heart attack by dampening gene activation linked to negative effects. The transplantation method could help researchers understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Impact of obesity and metabolic disorders on severity of COVID-19 and vaccine-breakthrough infections

A study found that obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission or death. Additionally, accelerated immunosenescence may be a key mechanism explaining the relationship between obesity and T2DM in severe COVID-19. Vaccination effectiveness may also be impacted by metabolic disorders.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

HKU biologists reveal how obesity damages the skeletal muscle metabolism, a naturally occurring flavone is identified as a potential drug for obesity treatment

Researchers at HKU have identified a naturally occurring flavone as a potential drug for obesity treatment. The study found that obesity damages skeletal muscle metabolism by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, leading to impaired mitochondrial function and insulin resistance.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAutophagy·DateNov 29, 2021

Telehealth-delivered diet and exercise programs led to significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life

Researchers found that video-based, telehealth-delivered exercise and weight loss programs improved pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The intervention with dietary component led to substantial weight loss and additional benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Deleting dysfunctional cells alleviates diabetes

Researchers at UConn Health have discovered that eliminating senescent cells in human fat tissue can alleviate signs of diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that clearing away these dysfunctional cells could lead to game-changing new treatments for Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Lifestyle factors increase the risk of metabolic disease in non-obese as well as obese people

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior significantly increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in non-obese individuals. Similar risk factors were identified for both obese and lean individuals, highlighting the importance of healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateNov 18, 2021

Researchers uncover potential way to protect against diet-induced obesity and inflammation

Researchers have discovered a protein called CPEB4 that plays a key role in diet-induced obesity. Blocking CPEB4 expression in mice protected them from weight gain, inflammation, and improved their microbiome health. The findings could lead to new treatments for diet-induced obesity and its associated cancer risks.

SourceWorldwide Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Brief 5:2 diet advice is as effective as traditional GP advice, but people like it better, according to new study

A clinical trial found that long-term weight loss was similar for those who received 5:2 diet or standard weight management advice, with 18% and 15% of participants losing at least five per cent of their body weight. However, the 5:2 diet group was more likely to recommend the intervention to others or continue with it.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2021

Study examines adverse effects of obesity medications

A recent study analyzed over 18,000 reported adverse events from patients taking various anti-obesity medications. The study found that 4.9% of reported events were fatal, with 35% requiring hospitalization. Further research and monitoring are needed to address the safety concerns surrounding these medications.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Pharmacy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2021

Rural COVID patients in ICUs at higher risk of dying than urban counterparts, according to WVU researcher

A study by West Virginia University researcher Sunil Sharma found that rural COVID patients who end up in an intensive care unit are more likely to die within 30 days compared to their urban counterparts. The researchers also discovered that rural patients with COVID-linked ARDS have a higher mortality rate, even when controlling for d...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCritical Care Explorations·DateNov 11, 2021

Hunting for human obesity genes in fat fruit flies

A new study identifies four novel obesity genes and predicts a fifth, using a platform of fat fruit flies. The research found that these genes are involved in a neuronal signaling pathway that increases fat levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Brain reveals the risk for developing obesity

A study at the University of Turku found that brain function regulating satiety and appetite is altered before obesity develops, with family background risk factors contributing to these changes. The findings suggest the brain and central nervous system are key targets for treating obesity.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 3, 2021

One in twenty achieve remission from type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that around 5% of patients with type 2 diabetes in Scotland are in remission, suggesting a need for updated guidelines to support clinicians. Individuals in remission tend to be older and have lower blood sugar levels at diagnosis, and often achieve remission after weight loss since their diagnosis

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

The 5:2 diet - a good choice for gestational diabetes

New research from the University of South Australia finds that the 5:2 diet is just as effective as a continuous energy-restricted diet in achieving weight loss and preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The study suggests that this diet offers greater choice and flexibility for women loo...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2021

New study finds potatoes, when enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, are not associated with elevated heart health risk factors among adolescent girls

Researchers found that moderate potato consumption among adolescent girls did not increase the risk of overweight or high blood pressure, and may even be associated with improved nutrient intakes. The study suggests that potatoes can be a part of a healthy diet pattern, particularly when consumed in moderation.

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateOct 27, 2021

Weight-loss drugs, revisited

About 42% of U.S. adults are considered clinically obese due to increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) show promise in safely aiding weight loss, but long-term side effects and sustainability remain concerns.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 20, 2021

Lifetime excess weight linked to subclinical heart injury

A study of 9,739 adults found that those with stable overweight and obesity had elevated cardiac troponin I levels, a marker of subclinical heart injury. Long-standing obesity is associated with injurious effects on cardiac health before symptoms occur.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2021

USC researchers find that interrupting a high-fat, high-calorie diet with regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet helps mice live a longer, healthier life

Researchers found that regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet in mice helped counteract the negative effects of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. The study suggests that this diet may have potential as 'medicine' to prevent obesity and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Americans are eating more ultra-processed foods

An 18-year study found a significant increase in ultra-processed food consumption among US adults, contributing to obesity and chronic diseases. The study recommends policies to reduce ultra-processed food intake, such as revised dietary guidelines and taxes.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 14, 2021

Higher fasting ‘hunger hormone’ levels from healthy diet may improve heart health and metabolism

A clinical trial found that a green Mediterranean diet rich in leafy greens like Mankai and green tea can elevate fasting ghrelin levels, reducing belly fat and improving insulin sensitivity. This approach may also have additional cardiometabolic benefits.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 2021

New biomarker for severe COVID-19

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a carbohydrate called mannose as a biomarker for severe COVID-19 disease severity. The study found that glycolysis and glutaminolysis play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's spread and growth, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Ketone supplement might be a novel therapeutic for boosting brain function in obesity

A new study found that ketone supplements enhanced blood flow to the brain and improved aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory and processing speed, in adults with obesity. This suggests that ketone supplements may be a novel therapeutic strategy for protecting and improving brain health in people with obesity.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021