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Weight gainers more likely to underestimate their true body size

A new study found that people with obesity who gain weight tend to perceive their body size as smaller than it actually is. Despite improvements in accuracy over time for those maintaining a stable weight, the degree of body image distortion remained significant in weight gainers.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateSep 3, 2020

Study in half a million adults with overweight or obesity suggests benefit of weight loss on serious health problems

A study of over 550,000 adults in the UK found that losing an average of 13% of body weight reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 42%-44%, sleep apnoea by 22%-27%, high blood pressure by 18%-25%, and dyslipidaemia by 20-22%. The study suggests that intentional weight loss can markedly reduce disease risk in people with obes...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateSep 3, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Obesity may alter immune system response to COVID-19

A new study finds that obesity can lead to an overactive immune response to COVID-19, impairing the body's ability to fight the virus. The review highlights the importance of understanding how obesity interacts with new COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 3, 2020

Overlap between immunology of COVID-19 and obesity could explain the increased risk of death in people living with obesity, and also older patients

Research suggests that the immunological disturbances found in COVID-19 and obesity overlap, contributing to increased disease severity and mortality. Fat cells accumulate fat and become larger during weight gain, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalObesity Facts·DateSep 2, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How your BMI might affect your spontaneous food purchases

A small study using mobile eye-tracking technology found that normal-weight consumers noticed and looked at their chosen food earlier and longer than those with overweight or obesity. The researchers also discovered a tendency for all consumers to focus on lower-energy-density foods like fruits and vegetables more often.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateSep 2, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Obesity -- the deadly disease that nobody dies of

A new study found that obesity-related illnesses frequently occur in people with a BMI over 30, yet only 9% had obesity recorded as a cause of death. Researchers argue that obesity is not being accurately documented on medical certificates, highlighting the need for further studies.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateAug 31, 2020

Are all vegetarian diets healthy?

Research suggests that not all vegetarian diets are created equal, with healthier choices linked to maintaining normal blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil were found to be key contributors to better heart health.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study focuses on low-carb, high-fat diet effect on older populations

A new study published in Nutrition and Metabolism found that an eight-week very low-carbohydrate diet improved body composition, fat distribution, and metabolic health in older adults with obesity. The diet also preserved skeletal muscle mass without intentional caloric restriction.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNutrition & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Generic public health messages work best at shifting dietary behaviours

Researchers at the University of Bath found that generic public health messages are more effective than tailored advice in shifting dietary habits. Participants who received generic information selected food baskets with less total fat and spent 34% less on unhealthy items compared to those who received no information.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateAug 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Weight between young adulthood and midlife linked to mortality: BU study

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that weight changes between early adulthood and midlife are crucial in determining a person's risk of early death. Participants whose BMI decreased from obese to overweight range had half the risk of dying compared to those who remained obese throughout their lives.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 14, 2020

Waistline matters in kidney disease

Obesity, as measured by body mass index and abdominal fat content, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and progression of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Lower physical fitness levels are also linked to a higher cardiovascular risk.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateAug 13, 2020

Scientists sound the alarm: Lockdowns may escalate the obesity epidemic

A trio of Danish researchers warn that lockdowns could lead to an explosion in obesity rates due to increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. The study highlights the need for counter strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity while combatting COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·DateAug 13, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Maternal obesity and the risk of early-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Pregnant obese women are at higher risk of early and late-onset hypertensive disorders, with the risk increasing with higher body mass indexes (BMI). The study found a strong association between maternal obesity and both early- and late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 12, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A retrospective cohort study found obesity was a significant independent risk factor for death from COVID-19. Patients with high BMI were 4 times more likely to die within 21 days of diagnosis compared to those in the normal weight group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 12, 2020

Robot technology for everyone or only for the average person?

A recent study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology researchers Roger Andre Søraa and Eduard Fosch-Villaronga calls for exoskeleton designers to consider inclusivity in their designs. The goal is to make the technology accessible to a broader range of users, including those with different heights, weights, and genders.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateAug 12, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

BU study: A quarter of arthritis cases linked to excess weight

A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health found that losing weight between young adulthood and midlife can lower the risk of developing arthritis. The researchers estimated that nearly a quarter of arthritis cases in the US are attributable to excess weight, corresponding to approximately 2.7 million people.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateAug 4, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Fatty liver disease despite a normal weight

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects both obese and non-obese individuals, with distinct differences found in male and female patients of varying body mass indexes. Key findings include lower skeletal muscle mass and insulin resistance in non-obese NAFLD patients compared to their obese counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalHepatology Research·DateAug 3, 2020

Insight on novel genetic approaches to metabolic liver diseases

A Wayne State University team has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the causal relationships between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type-2 diabetes, and obesity. They discovered two subtypes of NAFLD: one caused by genetic factors and another driven by metabolic syndrome.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJul 31, 2020

Obesity linked to social ties in older women, more so than in men

Research found that women with fewer social connections are more likely to be obese, while men with larger networks are less likely. The study suggests that healthcare providers should consider social activities as part of obesity treatment for non-partnered older women.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2020

Overweight and obesity are associated with a low sperm quality

A systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies found associations between adiposity and low semen quality parameters. Overweight and obesity were linked to reduced semen volume, sperm count, vitality, and morphology, while underweight was associated with lower normal morphology.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalObesity Reviews·DateJul 27, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Why is obesity so common in COVID-19 patients?

Research suggests a hormone called leptin, which regulates appetite and metabolism, also plays a role in how the body fights off COVID-19. Elevated leptin levels can lead to a low-grade systemic inflammatory state, impairing the body's ability to fight infection, particularly in people with obesity.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 24, 2020

Early menstruation linked to increased menopause symptoms

A University of Queensland study has found that early menstruation increases the risk of hot flushes and night sweats at menopause by 50%. Women who started menstruating before age 14 had a higher risk of experiencing both symptoms, with obesity playing a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateJul 22, 2020

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are risk factors for severe influenza, COVID-19

Research finds obesity and metabolic syndrome to be risk factors for severe disease from viral infections. Patients with these conditions are at increased risk of developing severe pneumonia and a cytokine storm that damages lung tissue, making them more susceptible to severe illness from influenza and COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 15, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New, remote weight-loss method helped slash pounds

A new Northwestern Medicine remote weight-loss program, Opt-IN, helped participants lose 11-13 pounds, matching the success rate of the gold-standard National Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is cheaper and less burdensome than traditional treatments, making it more accessible and affordable.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalObesity·DateJul 14, 2020

Mismatched caregiver-infant interactions during feeding could boost babies' risk of later obesity

Infants who are fed in the absence of hunger or beyond fullness may develop skewed perceptions of hunger and fullness, increasing their risk of obesity. Caregiver-infant interactions during feeding can shape infants' self-regulation of energy intake, with feeding responsiveness to cues being linked to obesity.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateJul 14, 2020

Study finds weight loss surgery cost disparity

A new study from the University of Georgia finds that bariatric weight loss surgery is more expensive for public insurance patients compared to private insurance. The study analyzed a national dataset and found that Medicare patients paid the highest average cost per surgery, while publicly insured patients paid more overall.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalClinical Obesity·DateJul 13, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Blood vessels can make you fat, and yet fit

Researchers have identified Angiopoietin-2 as a hormone that enables the proper transport of fatty acids into blood vessels, preventing insulin resistance and promoting healthier weight distribution. By targeting this mechanism, scientists hope to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating obesity-induced metabolic disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Nutrition a key ingredient for cognitive health of midlife and older Canadians

A new study found that consuming more vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts and pulses, is associated with higher verbal fluency scores. Adults who were immigrants for 20 years or more had better cognitive functioning, while those with stage 2 hypertension, obesity, or high body fat had lower scores.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·DateJun 24, 2020

Obesity linked to higher dementia risk

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of dementia, with women facing a 39% increased risk. The study suggests that weight management could play a significant role in reducing this risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 23, 2020

Statement on metabolic and bariatric surgery during COVID-19 pandemic

The ASMBS emphasizes the effectiveness of metabolic and bariatric surgery in treating severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The organization recommends carefully considering individual patient factors and local COVID-19 prevalence before resuming procedures.

SourceAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateJun 23, 2020

Mouse model identified to study common form of heart failure linked to age-related obesity

Researchers at the University of South Florida Health have identified a mouse model that mimics human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) syndrome. The study found that mice deficient in a receptor needed to clear chronic inflammation develop obesity and heart failure, offering new potential targets for therapies.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 22, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Hormone involved in obesity is a risk factor for sepsis

Researchers found that patients with sepsis had higher levels of GDF15 in their blood, which was correlated with mortality. In mice without the GDF15 gene, the absence of this hormone improved survival rates after bacterial infection.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

People who eat a late dinner may gain weight

A recent study found that consuming calories later in the day can worsen glucose tolerance and reduce fat burned. The effects were more pronounced in people with obesity or diabetes, who already have compromised metabolism.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 11, 2020

Food industry 'shares the blame' for severity of COVID-19, argue experts

Experts argue the food industry is responsible for the severity of COVID-19 and the obesity pandemic. The industry's promotion of unhealthy foods has exacerbated the issue, particularly in low-income communities. Researchers call on governments to force reformulation of unhealthy foods and the industry to stop promoting them.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 10, 2020

Study discovers BAM15 as a potential treatment for obesity

Researchers found BAM15 boosts energy burning, preventing weight gain and fat buildup, while reducing blood sugar levels. The compound also improves insulin sensitivity and restricts fat accumulation in the liver, kidney, and blood.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 10, 2020

Obesity patients report health challenges during shelter in place

A UT Southwestern study found that obesity patients faced significant health challenges during the pandemic, including difficulties with diet and exercise, anxiety, and depression. The study's findings highlight the need for effective strategies to minimize the physical and psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 on adults with obesity.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Obesity·DateJun 10, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.