Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
A new study published in eBioMedicine found that integrating measurements such as body fat percentage and waist circumference can help identify individuals at high risk of developing obesity-related diseases. The research team analysed data from 489,311 participants and found that those with an adverse adiposity profile despite normal ...
A research study, COACH trial, is testing different ways to help children and families improve their health through lifestyle changes delivered by primary care clinics. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of personalized nutrition counseling, community resources, and online interactive lessons on weight management.
Weight loss followed by weight regain, known as 'yo-yo dieting,' is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The authors found that benefits of losing weight outweigh the theoretical risks of weight cycling in most cases. Repeated attempts at weight loss can provide meaningful periods of improved metabolic health and quality of life.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity, dietitian societies, and patients' organizations have issued a new consensus statement on using incretin drugs to treat obesity. The statement highlights the importance of medical nutritional therapy (MNT) and reinforces healthy dietary patterns. It also emphasizes the need to monitor ...
A comparative study found that endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is associated with significantly greater short-term weight loss than oral semaglutide. Patients undergoing ESG achieved a mean total body weight loss of 12.7%, compared to 8.7% in those receiving semaglutide.
A nationwide self-controlled cohort study found that GLP-1 class of obesity drugs were associated with a 26% fall in asthma exacerbations and a 14% drop in use of asthma inhaler reliever. The study suggests that weight loss, modulation of airway inflammation, and improvements in metabolic functions may improve asthma outcomes.
A meta-analysis of 32 studies and 43,618 adults found a clinically relevant drop in blood pressure with obesity drugs for weight loss. The study shows that GLP-1RAs and MHRMs can induce significant BP reductions, with a 0.34 mmHg reduction per 1% weight loss.
A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity found that participants who underwent rapid weight loss lost significantly more weight than those who followed a gradual weight loss plan. After one year, the rapid weight loss group had achieved clinically meaningful weight loss and maintained it better than the gradual weight ...
A nationwide study in Denmark shows a 7% reduction in triptan use for migraine treatment among women taking semaglutide for weight loss, with no significant change observed among men. The study suggests that weight loss and potential direct effects of GLP-1RA treatments may contribute to reduced migraine medication use.
Two scientists, Dr. Anna Elizabeth Thalacker-Mercer and Dr. Rachel Whooten, receive awards for their groundbreaking research on micronutrients and muscle health in relation to aging and disease, as well as innovative approaches to childhood obesity care.
Research reveals bidirectional relationships between higher BMI and financial difficulties, loneliness and stress. Higher BMI may lead to stigma, social isolation and healthcare costs, while financial strain can limit access to healthy food and physical activity.
The article discusses how studying art history can aid in treating obesity, highlighting its long-standing depiction as a sign of prosperity and physical strength. Doctors can become more empathetic towards patients by understanding this historical context.
A new study suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to substantial fat loss while preserving skeletal muscle mass in relative terms. The study found that muscle mass remained stable over time when accounting for changes in fat mass.
New research links excessive weight gain across adulthood to increased risks of various obesity-related cancers, including liver and colon cancer. The study found that steeper weight gain was associated with higher incidence rates.
A randomised controlled trial found semaglutide (Wegovy) significantly reduced BMI by 19% and fat mass in young adults with severe obesity, improving metabolic syndrome severity. The study suggests GLP-1 based treatment as a promising option for managing severe obesity in young people resistant to prior hospital-based care.
A systematic review found that obesity surgeries resulted in a higher proportion of fat-free mass loss compared to diet and exercise interventions. Incretin-based obesity drugs also led to greater fat-free mass loss than traditional weight loss methods.
NUTRITION 2026 will feature new, unpublished research findings relevant to consumer choices, clinical practice and public policy. The meeting is the premier place to dig deep into the discourse on what we eat and why it matters.
Research found that people with obesity experience fewer pleasant emotions during exercise and are more likely driven by external motives. Positive emotional experiences and intrinsic motivational factors explain both physical activity levels and future exercise intentions.
A new study reveals a correlation between body weight and gut microbiota composition, which can lead to gastrointestinal diseases. However, genetics also play a role in shaping the gut microbiome.
Research by Dr. Hanim Diktas at Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with behavioral intervention leads to a greater reduction in 'food noise', a persistent thought about food disrupting daily life and healthy behaviors. The study found significant decreases in food noise for participants u...
New research finds that participants in the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial maintained a significant percentage of weight loss when switched from injectable tirzepatide or semaglutide to daily oral orforglipron treatment. The study shows that nearly all weight loss achieved on injectable therapies can be maintained by switching to oral therapies.
Patients on tirzepatide at maximum dose have seven times higher odds of maintaining weight loss compared to those who stop treatment. Those on the lower 5mg dose have four times higher odds, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
New research finds lift capacity signs across Europe are outdated, failing to reflect current obesity trends. The study suggests that modernizing these signs is crucial for maintaining safety and comfort, while also acknowledging limitations in the investigation.
The updated algorithm incorporates evidence from multiple randomised clinical trials, highlighting the strength of tirzepatide for weight loss and semaglutide for liver disease management. The new guidance also recommends semaglutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis remission.
A cohort study found a potential association between GLP-1 RA use and improved survival rates among obese breast cancer patients with related metabolic conditions. Further evaluation of GLP-1 RA therapy in randomized clinical trials is warranted based on these findings.
A new study found that obesity-related changes in body fat send harmful signals to the brain, disrupting brain immune function and worsening Alzheimer's pathology. Restoring balance in phosphatidylethanolamines reduced lipid dysregulation, improved brain function and cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease models.
A study of 65 countries found that consuming food away from home is consistently associated with obesity. Eating out is driven by sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, income, and education, and is linked to higher energy intake and body mass index.
A new post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron treatment for obesity, with or without diabetes, in users aged 65 years and over. The study found that orforglipron significantly reduced body weight and improved blood sugar markers compared to placebo, with a similar safety profile to the overall ATTAIN clinical trial population.
A pooled analysis of trials reveals semaglutide's safety and efficacy in individuals aged 65 years and older with obesity. The study found significant reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, with a lower proportion of adverse events compared to placebo.
A new study found that reducing annual working hours by 1% is linked to a small decline in obesity rates across 33 OECD countries, with the impact being stronger for men than women. Higher income levels and urbanization also showed significant correlations with lower obesity prevalence.
The 'Ozempic Era' suggests a paradigm shift in understanding obesity, blaming commercial food systems rather than individual failings. Emerging medical data on GLP-1 agonists may drive policy responses to regulate ultra-processed foods.
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
A new study found that patients who lost more weight with GLP-1 treatment had a lower risk of developing obesity-related conditions. In contrast, those who gained weight or only lost a small amount saw increased risks for osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research found that increasing daily step count to around 8,500 can help prevent weight regain in people with overweight or obesity. Participants who increased their steps during the weight loss phase and maintained this level over time lost less weight and regained less weight.
The ECE 2026 brings together researchers and clinicians to share the latest endocrine research and developments. Key sessions include Plenaries, Symposia, Awards, Meet the Experts, Debates, and Oral Communications.
A study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that changes in gut bacteria composition after bariatric surgery are strongly associated with improved glucose metabolism and insulin release. Patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved improved glycemic control exhibited greater microbial gene richness and enhanced fermentation processes.
A new study found that bariatric surgery offers significantly greater protection against major adverse cardiovascular events compared to GLP-1 drugs. After five years, surgical patients were nearly 16% less likely to develop heart attacks, strokes, and deaths compared to those treated with GLP-1 drugs.
A study published in Cancer Medicine reveals that the same genes active in pancreatic cancer are also linked to obesity and diabetes, driving inflammatory and immune pathways. This discovery helps explain poorer cancer outcomes for those with metabolic disease and offers new avenues for targeted treatment.
A large real-world study comparing bariatric surgery to GLP-1 drugs found that surgery produced significantly greater weight loss and higher rates of obesity-related disease remission. After 12 months, patients who underwent surgery achieved more than 20% greater weight loss than those treated with GLP-1 therapy.
A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.
A real-world analysis of over 90,000 patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes reveals that metabolic and bariatric surgery is the more affordable treatment option compared to GLP-1 drugs. Total costs for GLP-1 therapy were $17,000 more than sleeve gastrectomy and $7,200 more than gastric bypass after two years.
New data show that over 50% of patients with obesity and CKD experienced a significant reduction in kidney failure risk, as well as a nearly 75% drop in mortality rate after undergoing bariatric surgery. This study highlights the transformative impact of metabolic and bariatric surgery on chronic disease outcomes.
The number of metabolic and bariatric surgery procedures in the US declined by over 20% between 2023 and 2024, falling below 200,000 for the first time since 2020. The decline is attributed to rising obesity rates and increased use of GLP-1 medications, with significant shifts seen in the types of operations being performed.
Patients treated with GLP-1 drugs before surgery lost more weight than those who went directly to surgery, with total weight loss increasing to over 25% after gastric bypass and 20% after sleeve gastrectomy.
A recent analysis found that GLP-1 prescriptions have grown exponentially, while bariatric surgery procedures have declined in recent years. The study revealed that over 90% of patients with severe obesity receive no treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to weight-loss therapies.
A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.
A National Institutes of Health grant supports Mary Elizabeth Baugh's research into how metabolic health influences brain systems that shape eating behaviors. The study aims to understand the interactions between metabolic signals and brain circuits engaged in everyday learning and eating behavior.
A new tool can predict an individual's risk of developing 18 obesity-related diseases, identifying those at highest risk for earlier intervention. The OBSCORE model uses 20 commonly collected health measures to provide a more accurate and personalized way to identify individuals at higher risk.
Researchers found that NRG4, an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue, suppresses breast cancer metastasis via ERBB4-YAP1 signaling. The study also showed that higher NRG4 levels correlate with improved patient survival outcomes.
A new approach for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes has been developed using a hybrid molecule that targets specific cells. The treatment combines the well-known GLP-1/GIP signalling pathway with an additional metabolic modulator, delivering improved blood-glucose values and weight loss.
A Mayo Clinic study found that bariatric surgery reduces long-term cardiovascular risk more effectively than weight-loss medications. The study analyzed outcomes for 812 adults with obesity and found that greater weight loss led to larger reductions in lifetime cardiovascular risk.
A new analysis of nearly 400 young participants found that those starting a healthy lifestyle program in spring showed weaker improvement than those beginning in summer, autumn, or winter. The study suggests that school calendars, daily routines, and long holiday breaks can impact treatment success.
A preclinical study found that mice stopped and restarted GLP-1s gained less weight over time, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. The researchers suggest that clinicians help patients preserve muscle mass while on these medications through exercise or nutrition.
A 10-year study found that obesity leaves a lasting impact on the immune system, with helper T cells carrying a long memory of being overweight. This 'memory' can lead to ongoing risk of obesity-related conditions even after weight loss.
Researchers reveal how expansion of bone marrow fat promotes immunosuppressive PD-L1 signaling, leading to enhanced osteoclast activity and accelerated bone loss. Reducing bone marrow fat improves bone structure.
A new procedure, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, has shown promising results in preventing weight regain after GLP-1 therapy discontinuation. The study found that patients who underwent the procedure maintained over 80% of their weight loss and regained less weight compared to those who received a sham procedure.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 32% of the US adult population. Obesity was identified as the strongest independent MRF among Asians, Whites, and Hispanics, particularly in individuals younger than 50 years, whereas hypertension was the strongest independent MRF in Blacks.
Researchers have mapped blood vessels in human adipose tissue with unprecedented detail, revealing that they are not only affected by disease but also play an active role in its processes. The study identifies unique cell types with mixed characteristics, suggesting a new approach to treating metabolic diseases.
Researchers found that people with severe obesity and heart failure have weakened heart muscles, which can be reversed through weight loss. The study identified a chemical change in a protein called troponin I as the underlying cause of this condition.