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 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.
A study of 3,000 Punjabi Sikhs identified new molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular disease, including a link between lipid metabolites and immune cell signaling. These findings offer insights into diverse molecular origins of cardiometabolic disease and potential pathways for designing innovative therapies.
A study published in PLOS Medicine has identified two new genetic pathways contributing to cardiometabolic disease, including heart disease and obesity. The research analyzed lipid metabolites and their link to disease, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could prevent or lower the risk of disease.
A new study has found that postmenopausal white women with higher genetic risk of obesity regained weight about two times faster than those with lower genetic risk. Despite this difference, Black women in the study regained weight at a similar rate, regardless of their genetic risk.
Researchers found that women with prediabetes had persistent changes in gene expression in fat tissue after bariatric surgery, leading to impaired lipid metabolism and greater weight regain. Despite clinical improvement, these molecular alterations may reduce the ability of adipose tissue to adapt after weight loss.
A nationally representative study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults with heavy drinking and obesity conditions, highlighting the need for preventive efforts in younger and middle-aged adults without insurance or Medicaid coverage to curb rising rates of alcohol-associated liver disease deaths.
A cluster-randomized trial found that an adaptive mobile health intervention effectively reduced the rate of gestational weight gain and total gestational weight gain among pregnant patients with overweight or obesity. The study suggests that technology-based interventions can be a valuable tool in managing excess weight during pregnancy.
A new report published in Nature Metabolism sheds light on fructose's distinct role in driving metabolic disease, separate from its caloric contribution. Fructose bypasses key regulatory steps, leading to increased fat synthesis and cellular energy depletion, which may contribute to metabolic syndrome.
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that the widely cited 'adiposity rebound' may reflect lean muscle growth, not increased body fat. Waist-to-height ratio, a measure that better reflects body fat, continues to drop despite BMI increases after an initial decline.
The study reveals that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is emerging as a major contributor to liver cancer worldwide and in China. Researchers call for integrated global prevention and early detection strategies to address this growing burden.
Researchers found that obesity significantly impaired antibody production to a Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine in mouse models. The study suggests prioritizing tissue-resident immunity to boost protection against infections. Understanding this relationship addresses a significant gap in current vaccine research.
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
A new study reveals that men with obesity are more likely to develop abdominal fat and poorer liver health, while women with obesity are more susceptible to systemic inflammation and a less healthy blood fat profile. The findings highlight the importance of sex-specific research and targeted therapies for managing obesity.
A study of over 600,000 people found that early weight gain is associated with a higher risk of dying from various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain during adulthood also increases the risk of premature death, especially for those who develop obesity at a younger age.
A real-world study found that adults taking GLP-1 RAs for weight loss have significantly lower total energy and protein intake. The use of an AI-powered nutritional tracking app revealed that 88% of users were under national protein guidelines, with many skipping meals to reduce protein intake.
A new study by Mass General Brigham reveals that long-term exposure to excess weight is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than BMI at a single point in time. Younger individuals with high cumulative exposure to excess weight are particularly at increased risk.
The Endocrine Society suggests that redefining obesity beyond BMI could complicate diagnosis and delay treatment. The proposed framework requires clinicians to prove organ dysfunction is caused by body fat for a clinical obesity diagnosis. This approach may hinder access to effective obesity treatment.
A lower semaglutide price could generate savings that offset the cost of treating an additional 550,000 to 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries eligible for expanded obesity-indication coverage. This voluntary price agreement may lead to substantial savings for Medicare spending on semaglutide treatment.
A new study found that adults with obstructive sleep apnea have a 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events or death from any cause compared to those without the condition. People with OSA also experience higher rates of obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, anxiety, and depression.
A higher testosterone level does not always indicate well-being in men, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg. Muscle health and inflammation are linked to testosterone levels, but symptoms like fatigue and depression have weaker connections.
Researchers found a clear connection between oral health and kidney health, with immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation driving the relationship. The study highlights the need for physicians to integrate oral and renal health into clinical care systems.
A team from SickKids discovered a therapeutic target in fat tissue that improves cellular function and reduces inflammation. Low-dose homoharringtonine treatment selectively eliminates senescent cells, improving metabolic problems and preserving lean mass.
A new tool developed by UCL researchers can identify diet and nutrition misinformation, as well as its risk for potential harm. The tool assesses the content's risk based on factors like inaccuracy, hazardous omissions, and manipulative framing.
A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that the traditional WHO body mass index (BMI) classification system misidentifies significant numbers of people as having overweight or obesity. Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), researchers showed that more than one-third of those with obesity defined by BMI were actual...
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that obesity control is a potentially effective strategy for cancer prevention. The research reveals that successful weight management can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of various cancers, making it an underutilized approach in cancer prevention.
A study found that late sleep schedules are linked to unhealthy eating habits, including increased calorie intake and snacking, as well as reduced physical activity, particularly during school hours. The researchers suggest that parents should pay attention to their children's sleep timing during adolescence.
Researchers have identified a key protein that activates brown fat by expanding blood vessels and nerves, which can regulate body temperature and is linked to weight loss. The findings suggest a new approach to treating obesity that deviates from suppressing appetite.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the eMERGE network found that sharing genetic disease risk information with patients can be done responsibly, with a 70% success rate. The team shared results with over 24,000 people using various methods, including one-to-one conversations for those with higher-risk findings.
Children with metabolically healthy obesity at treatment initiation have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Reduction in BMI z score is associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk, suggesting treatment should be recommended for these children as well.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that children with obesity but without metabolic complications still face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipid levels later in life. Treatment can greatly benefit these children, reducing the risk of future diseases.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Obesity will provide graduate students and early career researchers with a two-week training program on obesity research and prevention. The school will feature renowned keynote speakers and cover topics such as epidemiological aspects, genetic nutrition, epigenetics, and emerging preventive ...
Regular morning exercise is associated with lower rates of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and obesity compared to later-day exercise. Morning exercise timing may be an underappreciated aspect of cardiometabolic health.
Activation of hypoxia signaling improved metabolism and limited fat accumulation in obese mice, while preserving vascular networks and bone health. The intervention also enhanced fracture healing and glucose tolerance, suggesting a dual beneficial effect on metabolism and bone integrity.
A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.
Researchers found that D, L-buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine (BSO) replicates the anti-obesity effects of sulfur amino acid restriction without causing bone loss in male mice. The study suggests BSO as a promising tool for dissecting the beneficial versus deleterious axes of sulfur amino acid biology.
A $3.4 million NIH grant will fund a semi-automated feedback system to support people tracking diet, exercise, and weight in weight-management programs. The system aims to provide personalized feedback to increase tracking and weight loss success.
A Cleveland Clinic analysis of nearly 8,000 patients found that discontinuing semaglutide and tirzepatide does not lead to significant weight regain in clinical practice. Many patients successfully stabilized their weight after one year through alternative treatments and therapeutic lifestyle interventions.