Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
The Obesity Society's new position statement confirms COVID-19 vaccines are highly efficacious in individuals with and without obesity. Trials demonstrate similar vaccine efficacy in both groups against COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death.
A meta-analysis found that obese patients with colorectal cancer receive lower cumulative doses of adjuvant chemotherapy relative to their body surface area than non-obese patients. This may explain the poorer survival rates observed in obese patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The study suggests that obese ...
A massive exome-wide association study identifies rare gene coding variants strongly associated with BMI, including GPR75, which confers protection from obesity in mouse models. This finding provides potential therapeutic targets for treating obesity and demonstrates the power of massive-scale exome sequencing.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity provides evidence-based physical activity recommendations for adults with overweight and obesity. The guidelines highlight the benefits of exercise training on health and wellbeing beyond weight loss.
Researchers discovered that lowering iron content in fat cells limits the absorption of lipids by intestinal cells, leading to reduced weight gain and associated health issues. This finding could lead to new therapeutic approaches to protect against obesity and related diseases.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have found that obesity in mice models led to accelerated tumor growth, but anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade successfully blocked this progression. The study suggests that obese patients with breast cancer may respond better to immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers discovered a brain mechanism that regulates whole-body glucose balance without altering body weight, indicating a promising therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. By modulating this mechanism, it may be possible to regulate blood sugar levels in obese individuals with diabetes without requiring weight loss.
A Rutgers-led study found that C-section babies can be restored to healthy bacteria through exposure to maternal vaginal fluids. The study's results suggest a normalization of microbiome development in the first year of life and may offer disease protection against obesity, asthma, and metabolic diseases.
A 10-week lifestyle modification programme improved cardiovascular and mental health in people living with obesity, with significant reductions in anxiety, depression, body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The programme's personalized approach, non-judgemental environment, and focus on emotional eating triggers led to su...
Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase a baby's risk of obesity and related diseases. Hispanic mothers who lived in areas with high levels of pollutants had babies who grew unusually fast, gaining excess fat that puts them at risk of obesity later in life.
A new study found high fluorine levels in most waterproof mascara, liquid lipsticks, and foundations tested, indicating probable presence of PFAS. Many products with confirmed PFAS had no PFAS listed on the label, making it impossible for consumers to avoid these chemicals through labeling.
A study published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that immunotherapy outcomes differ based on dosing strategy and patient weight. Overweight patients receiving weight-based dosing lived an average of over 20 months, compared to less than 10 months for lighter patients.
Researchers found a direct link between placental mTOR and an infant's birthweight, with implications for obesity and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study suggests that manipulating mTOR in the placenta can cause permanent impact on offspring health.
A new study found that individuals with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) are at higher risk of developing diabetes, heart diseases, strokes, and respiratory diseases. Despite having a normal metabolic profile, MHO individuals face increased mortality rates compared to those with normal weight but unhealthy metabolism.
Abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, while general obesity does not show the same correlation. The research team recommends prioritizing studies on obesity exposure over a lifetime and further analysis of body fat distribution to better understand the risks.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patient-provider discussions about bariatric surgery result in patients with obesity losing more weight; however, such discussions occur in less than 10% of eligible cases. Patients who had these conversations were 10 times more likely to undergo weight loss surgery.
A new statewide study in Michigan found that smokers needed their blocked arteries fixed nearly a decade earlier than non-smokers, with patients with obesity undergoing procedures four years earlier than non-obese patients. The study suggests that preventing smoking and obesity could delay the onset of heart disease.
Researchers discovered a new bacterium, Dysosmobacter welbionis, present in 70% of the population, which produces butyrate and has anti-inflammatory effects. The bacteria was found to increase mitochondrial activity, lowering sugar levels and weight in mice, suggesting potential for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Research suggests men with hearing loss are 1.78 times more likely to be obese than those without hearing loss, while inactive people with vision loss have a likelihood of obesity 1.375 times higher. Exercise plays a crucial role in preventing obesity for men with sensory losses.
Researchers have found that leptin can help mobilize extra fat in the liver, reversing conditions like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with partial lipodystrophy and/or low leptin levels. Leptin therapy showed promise in improving insulin sensitivity and body weight.
A recent study has identified a constellation of genetic variants in the FTO gene that correlate with metabolic and behavioral changes linked to obesity. The research found that these variants influence the expression of IRX3 and IRX5, which collectively mediate risk of obesity.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that using traditional methods like BMI can misclassify obesity as a non-risk factor for lung cancer. The researchers measured visceral fat index through CT scans and found a clear correlation between central obesity and poor lung cancer outcomes.
The HealthyMoms app has been shown to improve a pregnant woman's diet and physical activity, leading to healthier weight gain. Women with overweight or obesity who used the app gained an average of 1.7 kg less weight than those in the control group.
A recent international study found that over 50% of adults across six countries report experiencing weight stigma, leading to negative healthcare encounters and avoidance. The study highlights the need for a global effort to address weight stigma in healthcare settings and family environments.
A new study shows that tai chi mirrors the beneficial effects of conventional exercise by reducing waist circumference in middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The 12-week intervention found significant reductions in waist circumference, body weight, and improved lipid profiles among those who practiced tai chi.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of developing liver diseases compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants and found that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead...
Researchers identify immunosuppressive cells as key link between obesity and cancer risk, progression, and metastasis. Altered metabolic factors in obesity activate these cells, leading to poor survival and resistance to immunotherapy in cancer patients.
A recent study by the University of Washington found that living in a more densely populated neighborhood is associated with lower body weight and less obesity. However, proximity to fast-food restaurants or supermarkets did not have a significant impact on weight gain.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a higher BMI is associated with improved survival rates in patients hospitalized for severe bacterial infections. In the short and long term, patients with higher BMIs had significantly lower mortality rates compared to those with normal weights.
Researchers found that obesity-associated metabolic factors activate myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which can enhance cancer risk. Additionally, a prospective cohort study revealed meaningful differences in cancer risk by race and sex among obese adults.
A low-calorie ketogenic diet has been found to increase total testosterone and sex hormone (SHBG) levels in overweight men. After four weeks on the diet, body weight, fat mass, and BMI decreased significantly, while testosterone and SHBG levels substantially increased.
A recent study found that successful weight losers sit significantly less during the week and weekends compared to those who are weight stable. Weight loss maintainers expended more calories per week in physical activity, suggesting that moving more may be key to long-term weight maintenance.
Researchers found that excess pericardial fat increases the risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for established risk factors. High pericardial fat volume was associated with a double increase in risk for women and a 50% increase for men, according to the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
A new diet that restricts methionine has shown promising results in improving biomarkers of metabolic health, potentially slowing the aging process. The palatable oxidized casein diet could be a solution to offset major components of metabolic disease.
A study found that violent crime rates in urban Black and Hispanic communities are associated with higher rates of physical inactivity and obesity among adults. The analysis, which examined 2018 data from Chicago's police records and CDC data, suggests that exposure to violence may be a contributing factor to these health disparities.
The European Society of Endocrinology has confirmed the strong links between hormones and COVID-19, with evidence suggesting an 'endocrine phenotype' of the disease. Diabetes and obesity have emerged as comorbidities associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19.
A new study finds that 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is an effective treatment for vitamin D deficiency in patients with fat malabsorption syndromes, including gastric bypass surgery and obesity. This water-soluble form of vitamin D3 is better absorbed in these patients and does not get diluted by body fat.
Eating a Western diet impairs gut immune function, increasing the risk of infection and inflammatory bowel disease. Paneth cell damage caused by high sugar and fat consumption can lead to excessive inflammation.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have developed synthetic biotherapeutics with anti-tumor, insulin-sensitizing, and hepatoprotective activities, offering potential treatments for obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
The ASMBS Foundation announced PatientPartner as a premier sponsor of its monthly giving program, AWARE. The partnership aims to raise funds for obesity research and increase access to metabolic and bariatric surgery, a proven effective treatment for severe obesity.
A new study published in Stroke found that adolescents with higher body mass index (BMI) are at a significantly higher risk of first ischemic stroke as adults. The study, which analyzed data from over 1.9 million participants, also found that even those with high-normal BMI had a higher stroke risk compared to those with low-normal BMI.
Researchers found that obesity-related cancer deaths improved at a slower rate than non-obesity related cancer deaths, with declines of 2.29% and .83%, respectively. Obesity contributes to both cancer risk and heart disease risk, but the study suggests that maintaining a healthy weight can improve overall health.
Researchers discovered that a gene called melanocortin 4 (Mc4r) plays a key role in weight gain associated with risperidone. A new drug approved for genetic obesity treatment, when combined with risperidone, prevents weight gain while maintaining therapeutic effect.
Patients who underwent bariatric surgery ten years ago reported that their eating habits and appetite remained affected, with reduced cravings for unhealthy foods. However, they also described struggling to manage their lives, including supporting overweight children, due to ongoing guilt and self-blame.
A new study found that semaglutide, an obesity drug, supresses appetite and food cravings, reducing energy intake in individuals with obesity. The study showed a 35% lower energy intake during a meal where participants could eat as much as they liked.
A new study found that semaglutide causes similar weight loss in patients aged under 40, 40-60 years, and 60 years and over. The treatment also showed a more pronounced effect on body composition in younger patients.
Researchers found that semaglutide treatment leads to significant weight loss across various patient groups, including those with different ages, sexes, and body weights. Female participants and those with lower starting body weights achieved the most substantial weight losses.
A new study has found a reduced risk of eye cataracts associated with obesity surgery. Patients who underwent weight loss through bariatric surgery showed a lower incidence of cataract compared to those who did not have surgery, especially when performed before age 60.
A phase 1 study found that combining cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue, with semaglutide led to greater weight loss compared to semaglutide alone. The combination was well-tolerated and showed an acceptable safety profile.
A study found that obese people with an evening chronotype, characterized by later waking and peak activity, have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is independent of sleep quality, age, gender, and body mass index.
Researchers found blocking a receptor of neuropeptide Y increases fat metabolism and prevents weight gain in obese individuals. The treatment, BIBO3304, targets peripheral tissues without affecting the brain, offering a potentially safer alternative to current medications.
A virtual weight-management support group during lockdown resulted in clinically meaningful weight loss for 27% of participants, associated with reduced risk of diabetes and other chronic conditions. Average weight loss was 7.4lbs or 3.5% of body weight.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that BMI cut-offs used by the World Health Organization and UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are not suitable for adults from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The research, which included over 1.5 million people, shows that these groups...
A study from the University of Surrey found that 67% of UK adults are overweight or obese, with time-restricted feeding showing potential to combat obesity. More than 400 participants believed they could reduce their 'feeding window' by three hours if associated health benefits were clear.
Research reveals that as body mass index (BMI) increases, the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 also rises, especially among overweight and obese patients. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 patients tested for COVID-19 at a major medical center in Israel and found significant associations between BMI and viral infection risk.
Research shows that abdominal obesity is a stronger predictor of severe COVID-19 symptoms, as measured by chest X-ray results. Patients with waist circumference above normal limits had significantly higher X-ray scores and were at 75% increased risk of worse outcomes.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that men prenatally exposed to the Dutch famine of 1944-45 were 30% more likely to be overweight with a BMI of 25 or over at age 19. The researchers speculate that changes in DNA methylation may contribute to this increased risk.
Research finds inflammasomes play a role in inflammation and intestinal barrier integrity. Obesity-associated colon cancer is linked to increased gene expression levels of certain proteins, including NLRP3 and IL1B.
A new metric called 'A Body Shape Index' (ABSI) measures obesity by considering age, sex, weight, height, and waist circumference. ABSI was linked to increased risks for liver, lung, and bowel cancers, while high ABSI combined with BMI increased cancer risk for seven types of cancer.
A study of over 400,000 UK adults found that higher BMI, body fat, and larger waist and hips pose similar risks for developing 10 common cancers. The researchers estimated that excess weight could be responsible for around 40% of endometrial and uterine cancer cases.