Articles tagged with Obesity
Researchers found that fat cells from obese patients with type 2 diabetes were epigenetically reprogrammed after exposure to palmitate and TNF-alpha. Healthy precursor fat cells also exhibited reprogramming after 24 hours of exposure, suggesting a potential link between diet and metabolic health.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that central obesity, even in patients with normal BMI, significantly increases the risk of heart problems. Measuring central obesity can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular health than relying solely on BMI.
Researchers generated hypothalamic-like neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells of super-obese and normal-weight individuals. These brain cells responded differently to hunger hormones and obesity-related genes. The study provides a platform for modeling complex polygenic diseases like obesity.
A new study found weight-loss surgery reduces average costs to the UK National Health Service by €2742, while gaining 0.8 life-years and 4.0 quality-adjusted life years compared to usual care. The procedure also has potential benefits in reducing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Researchers discovered that DOR protein deficiency stimulates the generation of new adipose cells and leads to a less harmful form of obesity. This type of obesity is characterized by an increase in the number of fat cells rather than their volume, which may be less susceptible to metabolic complications.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the neural circuit in the hypothalamus that mediates leptin's anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. The study reveals two distinct mechanisms underlying leptin's inhibition of appetite, providing important insight into how leptin works and how resistance to it develops.
A new Northwestern Medicine study shows that screenings for diabetes and prediabetes could be improved by expanding the screening criteria to include additional risk factors. This would lead to the identification of most cases of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, with only 23% of patients being missed.
Research found that having an evening preference is linked to a higher BMI among people with Type 2 diabetes. Participants with late breakfast times had a BMI of 28.4 kg/m^2, compared to those who ate earlier, who had a lower BMI by 0.37 kg/m^2.
A new paper challenges the concept of 'healthy obesity,' arguing that it is flawed and misleading. Researchers propose further investigation into factors such as early life events, smoking, and obesity duration to understand why some obese individuals are healthy while others develop diseases.
A comprehensive study assesses health patterns in the US, revealing wide disparities between states. The Global Burden of Disease study estimates change in disease, injuries, and risk factors from 1990 to 2016 by state.
A new US health study reveals 'dangerous disparities' among states, with West Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama having the highest probability of premature death. The study found that substance abuse, suicide, and alcohol-related conditions were key factors driving these disparities.
Mice fed on high-fat or chocolate-based diets exhibit abnormal feeding behaviors such as snacking and bingeing. The study reveals that extended access to hypercaloric diets impairs control of food seeking behavior, leading to negative effects on learning, motivation, and behavioral flexibility.
Research found that women with PCOS are two to three times more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, regardless of their weight. High testosterone levels also increase the risk, even in normal-weight women.
Research suggests individuals who undergo bariatric surgery are more likely to find a new partner or get married compared to non-operated control subjects. However, separations and divorces may also increase slightly after surgery due to lifestyle changes.
A Swedish study found that weight-loss surgery is associated with changes in relationship status among obese patients. The observational study analyzed data from over 29,000 patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery and compared them to obese individuals without the procedure.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the CUSFTA led to an increase in caloric availability of approximately 170 kilocalories per person per day in Canada. This rise coincided with a US$1.82 billion increase in US investment in the Canadian food and beverage industry.
Obesity and severe obesity have increased among US adults from 2007-2008 to 2015-2016, while rates among youth remained stable. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to track these trends.
A study found that most healthcare professionals lack knowledge and understanding of recommended obesity treatments, including behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy. The results suggest that additional obesity training is needed among health care professionals to improve patient care management, communication, and behavior change.
A study found that smoking and obesity individually increase the risk of periodontitis, with their effects being multiplicative. The research discovered unique bacterial patterns in obese smokers and non-smokers, highlighting the need for precision dentistry incorporating multiple metrics.
A novel study found sex-specific responses to maternal diet and androgen excess in animal offspring, with female offspring developing anxiety-like behavior due to maternal androgen exposure. Male offspring were unaffected by maternal androgens but displayed anxiety-like behavior on a high-fat-high-sucrose diet.
A Cancer Research UK landmark study found that smoking remains a major preventable cause of cancer, accounting for 32,200 cases in men and 22,000 in women. Excess weight is also a significant risk factor, with over 22,800 cases attributed to being overweight or obese annually.
A recent study published in International Journal of Obesity found that patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had a significantly lower risk of developing severe chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. The Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study followed over 4,000 patients with obesity for more than 20 years and showed that surgica...
A new study found that incorporating pecans into a typical American diet significantly improved insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults. Pecan consumption had a significant effect on markers of cardiometabolic disease, particularly in those with excess belly fat.
A study found that bariatric surgery significantly improves cardiovascular disease risk factors and blood glucose control, while medication has limited effectiveness. The analysis of existing data from two studies showed a 70% improvement rate in A1c levels among surgically treated teens.
A pilot study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of freezing the posterior vagal trunk nerve, which carries hunger signals to the brain, resulting in significant weight loss. The procedure, known as cryovagotomy, showed a 3.6% average weight loss and nearly 14% decline in excess BMI.
A multicenter study found that metformin lowers the chance of late miscarriage and premature birth among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but has no effect on gestational diabetes risk. The medication also led to less weight gain during pregnancy, a positive finding for overweight women.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that obesity is associated with a decline in taste buds due to chronic inflammation and fat accumulation. Mice fed an obesogenic diet had 25% fewer taste buds than lean mice, with increased apoptosis rates and decreased progenitor cells.
A new study suggests that semaglutide, a compound mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1, can aid in significant weight loss for individuals with obesity but without diabetes. Participants receiving semaglutide lost an average of 6-13% of their body weight, with higher doses resulting in greater weight reductions.
New research finds a positive link between BMI and DNA damage in BRCA mutation carriers. Obesity is associated with higher levels of gamma-H2AX foci, indicating increased DNA damage.
A new study suggests that low-calorie sweeteners can promote metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of prediabetes and diabetes in overweight individuals. The research found that these substances can lead to increased glucose entry into cells through enhanced activity of genes called glucose transporters.
A new study found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery may increase the risk of non-vertebral fractures, such as hip and wrist fractures, compared to adjustable gastric banding. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults who underwent either RYGB or AGB surgery between 2006 and 2014.
A recent study published in Science Immunology highlights a crucial immune cell type involved in healthy weight gain, removing excess fat and regulating blood sugar levels. The discovery offers new insights into the complications of obesity and potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate its effects.
A study of nearly 300,000 people found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, with a BMI above 22-23 kg/m2 and increased waist circumference also linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help minimize this risk.
Researchers are exploring how obesity impacts cardiovascular health in premenopausal women, a population with heightened risk due to estrogen levels and hormone sensitivity. They aim to understand the underlying mechanisms and identify potential treatments to restore protection against cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that obesity and inflammation promote resistance to anti-VEGF therapy in breast cancer. Blocking specific molecules like IL-6 or FGF-2 may overcome this resistance and improve treatment response.
Mice lacking the cold-sensing ion channel TRPM8 consumed more food during the day when they should be asleep, leading to obesity and high blood sugar in adulthood. This study reveals a previously unrecognized link between thermal sensing systems, thermoregulation and food intake.
A researcher at George Washington University is studying the link between stress in the brain and obesity-induced hypertension, with a focus on understanding how cell stress may alter blood pressure regulation. The five-year study aims to identify potential new treatments for hypertension using existing drugs.
A new study reveals the 2008 Great Recession led to a significant increase in obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems, especially among women and those with lower education. The researchers found a decrease in smoking and drinking, but an increase in the use of medicines and mental health issues.
The Hastings Center Report has published a new article examining the ethics of rationing healthcare resources through inconvenience. The authors argue that under certain conditions, this approach can be ethical and even preferable to direct rationing. Meanwhile, another author highlights the potential downsides of this practice, includ...
Research debunks the 'obesity paradox' by revealing that maintaining a normal weight can postpone cardiovascular disease and reduce overall risk. Normal weight individuals live longer and have a greater proportion of life with cardiovascular disease compared to overweight or obese individuals.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that obesity is associated with a significantly shorter lifespan and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In contrast, being overweight was not linked to a reduced risk of death but did increase the likelihood of developing CVD at a younger age.
A Cochrane Review found that nutritional labelling on menus and next to food in restaurants, coffee shops, and cafeterias could reduce calorie consumption by about 8% per meal. The review combined results from three studies where calorie labels were added to menus or put next to food, showing a reduction in calories consumed.
Researchers at Lund University found that certain amino acids in blood are connected to obesity and gut microbiome composition. The study analyzed 674 participants and identified metabolites linked to BMI, including glutamate and BCAA, which interact with intestinal bacteria.
A randomized clinical trial of 609 overweight adults found no significant difference in weight loss between low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets. The study also failed to find associations between genetic makeup, insulin secretion levels, and weight loss outcomes.
Researchers found that a longer history of being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of silent heart damage, even when accounting for other health factors. Maintaining a healthy weight across the lifespan may help minimize heart disease risk.
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has received a five-year, $10.78 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate obesity and its related disorders. The funding will support research focused on inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and obesity in West Virginia and central Appalachia.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may interfere with human body weight regulation, leading to greater weight gain after dieting. Higher blood levels of PFASs were linked with lower resting metabolic rates, which can result in slower metabolism and increased calorie burn.
A diet rich in saturated fat results in inflammation in the nucleus accumbens, a part of the brain that controls mood and reward. This inflammation leads to depressive, anxious, and compulsive behaviors associated with metabolic dysfunction and obesity.
Research suggests that slowing down eating speed, cutting out after dinner snacks, and not eating within 2 hours of sleep may help shed pounds. The study found that slow eaters tended to be healthier and had a healthier lifestyle than fast or normal speed eaters.
The study found significant racial/ethnic disparities in hypertension prevalence, with African-American and Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander populations having the highest rates. Maintaining a lower weight was key to preventing hypertension across all racial groups, but other factors contribute to disparities.
A recent study led by York University researchers found that individuals with severe obesity who are fit have a similar health profile to those who weigh significantly less. Regular exercise can lead to dramatic improvements in health for those with severe obesity, even if they don't lose weight.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of cases studied had combinations of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Researchers suggest extending prevention efforts to routine preventive visits for children and young adults to reduce adult cardiovascular disease.
Research finds obese male patients treated with targeted or immune therapies live significantly longer than those with a normal BMI. The 'Obesity Paradox' suggests that obesity may improve survival in men with metastatic melanoma, contradicting prior assumptions about the impact of weight on cancer outcomes.
A new study shows that a plant-based diet improves beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity in overweight adults without a history of diabetes. Participants who followed a low-fat vegan diet experienced increased meal-stimulated insulin secretion and decreased blood sugar levels.
Scientists discover two new feedback loops that regulate energy expenditure, with TBK1 inhibiting AMPK's role in burning fat. Deleting TBK1 from fat cells increases inflammation and weight loss.
The prevalence of obesity in the US has risen dramatically, but its economic impact on individual states is less understood. A recent study found that health care costs devoted to treating obesity-related illness vary significantly across states, with some spending over 12 percent of their total medical expenditures on obesity treatment.
A study found that obese men have higher levels of inflammatory markers in their seminal fluid and lower sperm quality, correlating with body mass index (BMI). Chronic inflammation in the male reproductive organs may explain the link between obesity and reduced fertility.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that exercise training enhances fat metabolism and strengthens the anti-inflammatory properties of the immune system. Daily doses of kynurenic acid activated cell receptor GPR35, converting white fat to energy-burning brown fat.
Dr. Alexis M. Stranahan's study suggests that an apple-shaped physique, characterized by fat depositing around the abdominal cavity, may be worse for the brain than previously thought. Conversely, subcutaneous fat under the skin appears to protect the brain from cognitive decline.
A large retrospective study found that obese men and those with metabolic syndrome had a higher risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Patients with obesity had a 32% higher chance of recurrence compared to those with normal weight, while those with metabolic syndrome had over four-fold increased risk.