Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
A multidisciplinary taskforce developed a Clinical Care Pathway for NAFLD/NASH, outlining practical guidance from screening to patient care management. The pathway aims to provide efficient, safe, and value-based care for patients with NAFLD and NASH, highlighting the importance of early interventions and shared decision-making.
A study found that people living with overweight or obesity experience lower levels of care across eight quality markers, including emotional support and fast access. Healthcare professionals often make rude comments about weight, contributing to poor experiences.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain, offering a promising lead in developing new treatments for obesity. The findings were made using a worm model of obesity and automation to test hundreds of genes.
A new strategy proposes that weight loss of 15% or more should be the main treatment focus for patients with type 2 diabetes, with potential to slow progress and reverse cases. This approach aims to address not just high blood sugar but other obesity-related complications.
A new review concludes that people with type 1 diabetes can manage their weight, but more research is needed to understand the specific needs of this patient group. The review explores strategies such as nutrition education, adjunct therapies like metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, and obesity surgery.
A new USC study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can trick the brain into feeling hungry, leading to increased calorie consumption. This study, one of the largest to-date on artificial sweeteners, suggests that females and people with obesity may be more sensitive to these sweeteners.
Problem-solving therapy led to short-term changes in the amygdala, a key region for emotion regulation, in individuals with comorbid depression and obesity. The study suggests that neural target changes at two months predicted improved behavioral outcomes after 12 months.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a low-carb diet with high saturated fat levels produced better cardiovascular and metabolic profiles than a low-fat diet. The low-carb diet improved blood lipid profiles, increased adiponectin, and reduced lipoprotein(a), a risk factor for heart disease.
Glyscend Therapeutics has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial in Australia investigating an oral polymer therapy that improves glucose homeostasis with weight loss in nonclinical models. The therapy targets mechanisms underlying bariatric surgery and aims to replicate its benefits without the need for surgery.
A recent US study found that major weight loss can reverse most cardiovascular risks associated with obesity. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 adults and found that the risk of high blood pressure and dyslipidemia was similar in those who lost weight and those who never had obesity.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 3 million adults and found that those with 'metabolically healthy obesity' had a higher risk of developing heart failure and atrial fibrillation. However, they were not at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular deaths.
A study of over 19,000 bariatric surgery patients found men are five times as likely to die within 30 days after the procedure compared to women. Men's long-term mortality is also almost three times higher due to comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team found that statistically overweight children who followed a healthy eating pattern significantly improved weight and reduced various cardiovascular disease risks. The study also showed improvements in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels.
A recent study published in Nature found that a high-fat diet or genetic obesity can deplete hair follicle stem cells, leading to hair thinning and loss. The researchers discovered that inflammation signals block hair follicle regeneration, ultimately resulting in loss of hair follicles.
A new study suggests that failing to meet sleep recommendations can lead to higher intake of non-meal calories, including carbohydrates, added sugar, fats, and caffeine. Adults who don't get enough sleep tend to make poorer snacking choices, such as reaching for salty snacks and sweets.
Increasing physical activity and improving fitness are superior to weight loss in reducing mortality risk and treating obesity-related health conditions. Employing a weight-neutral approach also reduces the risks associated with yo-yo dieting.
A study by the University of the Basque Country analyzed the nutritional profile and level of processing of food products sold in vending machines. The results show that 48.6% of the products were classified as low-quality, while 73.8% were ultra-processed.
A study found that psychological factors and social determinants of health, such as race, education, and food security, influence a patient's likelihood of undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients with depression, anxiety, lower education, and SNAP benefits were less likely to receive surgery.
Researchers found that modest weight loss was achieved through financial incentives and environmental changes, but participants felt more guidance would have helped. The study suggests that ongoing support and personalized coaching could lead to better weight loss outcomes.
A study at 19 workplace cafeterias found that reducing portion sizes and replacing high-calorie food with lower-calorie options led to a 4.8% reduction in calories purchased per day. This simple intervention could contribute towards tackling obesity, particularly in deprived areas where access to healthy foods is limited.
The energy balance model fails to explain the biological causes of weight gain, whereas the carbohydrate-insulin model identifies excessive consumption of rapidly digestible carbohydrates as a key contributor to obesity. This perspective argues for a shift in focus from calorie restriction to dietary pattern change.
A new study by Oregon State University finds that xanthohumol improves glucose metabolism in mice only when the gut microbiota is present. The researchers discovered that three specific bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila, Parabacteroides goldsteinii and Alistipes finegoldii, are responsible for XN's health benefits.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals with inflexible metabolisms exhibit higher carbohydrate oxidation rates at night, indicating a reduced ability to burn fat during sleep. This discovery has the potential for practical use in disease prevention and early intervention.
A study of Finnish adults with overweight found that higher sleep-time parasympathetic activity is associated with healthier diets and lower alcohol consumption. Those with a good stress balance reported better diet quality, fibre intake, and self-control.
A new study found that non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American adults are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at an average age of 46-47 years old, four to seven years earlier than non-Hispanic white adults. Preventive measures such as nutrition counseling and physical-activity programs can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
Researchers have found that blocking DHPS, an enzyme necessary for activating elF5A, can reduce inflammation and improve glucose control in mice. The study suggests macrophages play a key role in inflammation in obesity, and targeting this pathway may be a promising approach to treating the condition.
Researchers found that high-fat diets disrupt the body clock's satiety control, leading to overeating and obesity in rats. The study suggests that restoring the proper functioning of the body clock may help tackle obesity.
A new study found that young adults aged 18 to 24 are four times more likely to become overweight or develop obesity over the next 10 years than those aged 65 to 74. The study suggests that age is the most important sociodemographic factor for BMI change, and that targeted interventions for young adults may be necessary to prevent obes...
A controlled trial found that consuming an avocado daily for 12 weeks reduced visceral abdominal fat and the ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat in female participants. The benefits were primarily seen in females, with no impact on glucose tolerance or male participants.
A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.
A recent study discovered a connection between the brain's opioid system and food craving triggered by external stimuli. The researchers found that individuals with fewer opioid receptors were more likely to overeat in response to appetizing food, suggesting the opioid system as a potential target for anti-obesity drugs.
A Brazilian-UK study found that older individuals with both abdominal fat and muscle weakness experience a significant loss of gait speed over eight years. This decline can lead to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls, impacting independence. Researchers urge health workers to measure abdominal fat and muscle strength to pred...
A new study found that women are experiencing a greater increase in non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as work stress and sleep disorders, compared to men. The trend coincides with an increase in women working full-time, highlighting the need for prevention strategies to address these emerging risks.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that individuals with obesity burn fewer calories on body maintenance when exercising, reducing the calorie-burning gains of exercise. This reduction in energy expenditure was most pronounced in individuals with obesity and older adults.
A study led by McMaster University scientists found that chlorpyrifos slows down the burning of calories in brown adipose tissue of mice, leading to weight gain and obesity. This process, known as diet-induced thermogenesis, is critical for regulating calorie storage and metabolism.
A study published in Current Rheumatology Reviews found that rehabilitation exercises significantly improved functional strength and reduced weight in knee osteoarthritis patients. The researchers also noted an increase in exercise adherence among the rehabilitation group compared to the control group.
The USPSTF has lowered the recommended starting age of screening for type 2 diabetes from 40 to 35. Screening is now recommended for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, particularly those aged 35-70 who are overweight or obese. This recommendation aims to detect and treat these conditions earlier.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that college students who were physically active before starting university remained so, while those with low motivation to exercise gained significant weight. The researchers recommend teaching children the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits.
Research of over 18,000 mother and child pairs found that maternal obesity was associated with a heightened risk of bowel cancer in adulthood. Conditions in the womb may be key risk factors for the disease, which is expected to increase globally due to rising rates among younger adults.
A new study led by UT Southwestern researchers found that fat cells release extracellular vesicles containing dying mitochondria, which trigger oxidative stress in the heart. However, this stress triggers a strong protective response from antioxidant molecules, reducing cardiac damage.
Researchers uncover a neuro-immune process by which brain signals instruct immune function in visceral fat stores, providing new approaches for fighting obesity and related illness. The study identifies a critical mediator of neuro-immune communication, mesenchymal cells, and reveals the molecular messages exchanged across all steps.
A preclinical study found that high-fructose diets alter villi in the small intestine, leading to increased nutrient absorption and weight gain. Fructose's primary metabolite promotes elongation of villi and supports intestinal tumor growth.
Research suggests that dieting is a consequence of an unhealthy food environment, rather than the cause of weight loss problems. Experts recommend refocusing concerns on changing the food environment to curb dieting and related issues.
The University of Maryland associate professor will use genetics, cell biology, and pharmacology to examine the mechanisms of copper transport and its connection to thermogenesis and fat burning. The research aims to improve human health by understanding how copper relates to hypothermia, obesity, and diabetes.
A high-fat diet causes inflammation and damages intestinal epithelial cells, leading to the growth of harmful microbes and increased production of trimethylamine-N-oxide, a metabolite associated with cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that restoring intestinal function with a drug can blunt this effect.
A team of University of California, Irvine scientists discovered a novel pharmacological approach to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction that drives diet-induced obesity. They found that a small molecule, SH-BC-893, can correct metabolic disease even when mice continue to consume an unhealthy Western diet.
Scientists discovered beige fat cells mediate subcutaneous fat's brain protection and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Beige fat transplantation restored cognitive function in obese mice with dementia-like behavior.
A study of 4,661 Finnish children found that six hours of physical activity per week reduces the risk of being overweight at age 14 associated with heavy digital media use. Physical activity appears to reverse adverse effects of screen time.
Researchers have developed poly-ion complex (PIC) nanomicelles loaded with CPT1A inhibitors to deliver drugs into brain cells, reducing fatty acid oxidation and improving treatment for glioblastoma. The delivery system successfully increased cellular concentration of the cargo and biological activity.
Scientists discovered impaired leptin transport to the brain via LepR receptors leads to pre-diabetic state and exhausted insulin secretion. Reintroducing leptin restores pancreatic function-promoting action, suggesting a crucial brain role in type 2 diabetes management.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that combining aerobic exercise with moderate calorie restriction resulted in greater improvements in aortic stiffness compared to exercise alone or exercise plus a more restrictive diet. The study, which included 160 sedentary adults aged 65-79 year...
Researchers found that treating obese mice with TSLP stimulates the immune system to release lipids through sebaceous glands, leading to significant abdominal fat and weight loss. The study suggests that increasing sebum production via the immune system could be a strategy for treating obesity in people.
Researchers discovered gastric balloons as a cost-effective and health-improving solution for obesity treatment. The procedure, non-invasively placed in the stomach, shows promise as a substitute or complement to bariatric surgery.
Patients who underwent bariatric surgery reported improved physical health, energy, and reduced body pain compared to those on medical therapy alone. Significant weight loss and insulin independence drove these improvements in general health measures and quality of life.
Patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing NAFLD and NASH. Effective screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies are urgently needed for this growing population.
The ASMBS Foundation has awarded two research grants totaling $50,000 to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents with obesity and the effects of cannabis use after bariatric surgery. The studies will help improve the understanding of these conditions and develop effective therapies.
The new center aims to understand the causes of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Blacks, with a focus on identifying early indicators of heart problems from cancer treatment. Research will also investigate how socioeconomic disparities and obesity contribute to increased risk of both conditions.
A recent study by UNF found that black teenage girls prefer inclusive body types in anti-obesity advertising, showcasing diverse girls of different body types and promoting healthy lifestyles instead of a specific body-mass index measure. Researchers recommend utilizing social media platforms for message dissemination.
A new study found that obese patients with advanced prostate cancer survive longer than their overweight and normal-weight counterparts. Obesity was associated with a 10% higher survival rate over 36 months. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that high body mass index may be protective in certain cases.
A new study found that young South Asian heart attack patients are more likely to be obese and use tobacco products. The study also revealed a higher prevalence of family history of heart disease and abnormal lipids in this patient population. Targeting modifiable risk factors, creating awareness, and decreasing system delays can help ...