Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
New research from WashU Medicine finds that weight loss after surgery, not the surgery itself, drives improvements in metabolism and remission of diabetes. The study compared patients who lost weight through gastric bypass surgery with those who achieved equivalent weight loss through diet alone.
A study by the University of Oxford found a connection between traffic noise and obesity, with long-term exposure associated with a 2% increase in obesity prevalence. Lifestyle factors were accounted for, but air pollution was also considered.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A University of Houston researcher has identified sphingomyelinase as a key player in the development of obesity-induced cardiovascular disease. The study aims to develop therapeutic strategies for treatment or prevention of this condition, which affects millions worldwide.
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.
A new study found that 20% of middle-aged UK South Asians have a very severe vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to health problems such as osteomalacia. The study also identified factors like geographic location and BMI as contributors to the deficiency, highlighting the need for targeted public health campaigns.
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.
The new clinical practice guideline published in CMAJ recommends a holistic approach to obesity management, focusing on root causes and patient-centered outcomes. The guideline targets primary health care professionals, policy-makers, and people living with obesity.
A study found that African Americans with higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to develop severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Obesity was identified as a significant determinant of disease severity in this population.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that pairing bariatric surgery with LVAD heart surgery improved the eligibility of previously ineligible patients for heart transplants. After a year, 66% of patients met listing requirements and 33% received transplants.
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.
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.
Researchers found that fat-burning neurons in mice can grow and increase their ability to burn energy when given the hormone leptin. This discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity by targeting these neurons.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that consuming whey protein at night increases blood sugar levels in the morning for healthy individuals. This unexpected result may help inform strategies to improve blood sugar control, but further research is needed to confirm its applicability to other populations.
A study of 212 newborns found that higher proportions of Bacteroidetes bacteria in meconium were associated with later obesity. The infant's microbiome before birth may play a role in their weight status.
A study of over 2,800 breast cancer patients found that those who were overweight or obese had poorer outcomes when treated with docetaxel. The researchers believe this is due to the fat in their bodies absorbing part of the drug before it can reach the tumor.
Scientists have identified a microRNA in obese mouse mothers that increases the odds of liver cancer in their offspring and throughout future generations. The study found that maternal obesity causes susceptibility to liver cancer in offspring, with the severity increasing over generations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that nearly 73% of patients with obesity experienced increased anxiety, while 84% reported depression. The pandemic disrupted their access to healthy food and exercise opportunities, leading to increased stress eating and decreased physical activity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity had a similar prevalence of metabolic syndrome as those without sarcopenia. The study also did not detect an association between the presence of sarcopenic obesity and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in pregnancy face increased risks of maternal and infant health complications. The study found that NAFLD is associated with hypertensive complications, preterm birth, and maternal bleeding after delivery, independent of other metabolic diseases.
A recent study published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found that high-fat diets change the nutrient-sensing capacity of Enterochromaffin (EC) cells in mice, leading to increased serotonin levels and potential implications for obesity and type 2 diabetes
Scientists identify key proteins required for autophagy gene transcription during fasting, enabling activation of autophagic pathways to maintain a normal body weight. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy and its potential therapeutic applications.
The $11 million grant will support four research projects investigating lipid metabolism, reproductive fat tissue's contribution to preeclampsia, and the neural circuit linking metabolism and anxiety. The goal is to develop new treatments for obesity-related illnesses.
Researchers found that anti-obesity medications like phentermine and topiramate can significantly reduce weight regain in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The study, which analyzed nearly 1,200 patients, showed a 10% decrease in cumulative weight regain.
A Penn State study found that eating a meal with six grams of spice blend reduced inflammation markers compared to meals with less or no spices. The researchers discovered anti-inflammatory properties in the blend, which may help offset inflammation caused by high-carb and high-fat meals.
A UBC scientist has identified a gene called ALK that plays a role in resisting weight gain in humans. The study found that a mutation in the ALK gene is associated with thinner individuals, and that deleting the gene in mice made them resistant to diet-induced obesity.
A new Swedish study found no correlation between obesity and the distance to fast food restaurants or gyms, contradicting previous research. The study also showed a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and obesity.
The study found that women who watched videos of themselves and their peers experienced increased autonomous motivation and self-efficacy, leading to a significant decrease in fat intake. The intervention's emphasis on coping self-efficacy also reduced participants' stress levels.
A Baylor University study found that exposure to obesogens, chemical compounds disrupting normal metabolic processes, can lead to increased susceptibility to weight gain across the lifespan. The study highlights the potential effects of chemicals in consumer products on lipid-related diseases, including obesity and fatty liver disease.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that disulfiram, normally used to treat alcohol use disorder, can help obese mice normalize their body weight and reverse metabolic damage. The drug's anti-inflammatory properties are believed to be key to its beneficial effects.
A recent study found that excessive coffee consumption can increase the risk of osteoarthritis, arthropathy, and obesity. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and used a genetic approach to establish true effects on various diseases.
Analysis of data from 147 countries found a strong association between rising incomes and increasing obesity rates, with an average increase in obesity rates for every 1% rise in GDP per capita. The study suggests that policy initiatives may be necessary to combat obesity in low- and middle-income countries undergoing income growth.
Experts recommend prioritizing surgical treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes or severe obesity due to the risk of complications from their disease and COVID-19. Bariatric and metabolic surgery can lead to significant weight loss, reduced cardiovascular risk, and improved survival.
Researchers evaluated teens with normal weight and those with obesity, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure to assess carotid artery health. Teens with these conditions were found to have thicker and stiffer arteries, increasing the risk of early heart attacks and strokes.
Research finds that statin drugs may modulate disrupted gut microbiota and inflammation in obesity, with improved Bact2 enterotype composition in treated individuals compared to non-treated counterparts. Statin therapy may also have anti-inflammatory effects via improvement of an aberrant gut microbiota.
Research finds statin-treated individuals have lower prevalence of gut microbiota dysbiosis compared to non-treated obese individuals. The study suggests that statins may modulate harmful gut inflammation, potentially leading to a healthier microbiome.
A study published in The BMJ found that Mexico's sugary drinks tax led to significant reductions in soft drink consumption. After three years, the probability of non-consumers increased by 4.7 percentage points and low consumers by 8.3 percentage points.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered two subtypes of human white subcutaneous fat cells with distinct patterns of gene expression, which may help control whether cells become mature fat cells. This study highlights the potential of bringing together biology, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to better understa...