Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
PsyMetRiC, a new web-based risk prediction tool, forecasts cardiometabolic disorders in young people with psychosis. The algorithm predicts significant weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes within specific time frames, enabling meaningful discussions and interventions.
Researchers mapped GLP-1 expression in 25 brain regions in each sex, uncovering striking differences in key circuits. The atlas reveals sex-biased expression in certain medullary nuclei, with higher Glp1 densities and numbers of Glp1-expressing neurons in females compared to males.
A large cohort study found that fewer than 1 in 4 adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes remained on GLP-1RA treatment after 12 months. Treatment switching between GLP-1RA agents was common, reflecting active therapy management and the emergence of new formulations and weight management agents.
Salk Institute researchers identified Med14, a protein connected to GLP-1 drug effects on pancreatic beta cells, leading to improved viability, insulin production, and stress resistance. The study suggests a potential molecular link between GLP-1 drugs and broader benefits, including type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes.
The Greaux Healthy initiative, launched by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity in Louisiana. Studies show that childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis in Louisiana, with over 1 in 3 children living with overweight or obesity.
A combination of GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide and bimagrumab results in greater weight reduction while preserving lean mass in adults with obesity. The therapy combination addressed lean mass loss associated with GLP-1-based therapies, showing substantial weight loss over 72 weeks.
Researchers found that specific gut bacteria can sense diet and translate information into signals that tell fat cells to burn energy. A low-protein diet activated precise gut microbes that promote beige fat production, leading to improved glucose control and lower cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that GLP-1 medications are effective at reducing the risk of developing substance use disorders across all major addictive substances, including a 14% reduced risk for developing any substance use disorder. The study also showed significant reductions in severe harm, including overdose and death, among patients with p...
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that the human brain continues to respond to tempting food cues even after eating enough. The research used EEG brain scans to monitor volunteers' brain activity as they played a reward-based learning game with food.
A new study conducted by researchers at Penn State found that the presence of a higher variety of foods in a buffet increases both the weight and calories of food selected. Participants who visited buffets with more food options chose higher-calorie dense foods, leading to increased calorie consumption.
A new study finds that a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist, Exendin-4-Phe (Ex-Phe-1), preserves glycemic control while reducing malaise and vomiting behaviors in preclinical models. The compound uses biased agonism to selectively activate certain signaling pathways, achieving desired effects without triggering others.
A new study has identified an altered expression of specific genes in individuals with obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and liver fibrosis. The research team found that inhibiting the gene expression can reduce liver fibrosis, offering a potential new treatment option.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement projects that nearly 6 in 10 US women will have some type of cardiovascular disease by 2050, driven by rising rates in high blood pressure and other health factors. The economic burden is expected to be at least $200 billion annually.
A recent study from WashU Medicine found a strong correlation between parental obesity and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children. Research analyzing data from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children showed that maternal obesity was associated with a 2.9-fold increase in ...
Research published in the journal Gut found that pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity are independently associated with increased odds of developing metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children by age 24. Cumulative excess weight in childhood significantly influences this risk, with children who...
The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.
Cohort study finds prenatal depression and gestational diabetes independently increase childhood obesity risk, while children exposed to both face the greatest risk, highlighting need for universal screening and targeted interventions.
Research finds that negative childhood experiences like divorce, bullying, and abuse can increase obesity risk in Hispanic children. However, caregiver support and self-coping skills may mitigate these effects.
A new study finds salcaprozate sodium may have adverse biological effects on the gut and beyond, including shifts in potentially harmful gut bacteria and elevated inflammatory markers. The research highlights an important gap in understanding the long-term impact of repeated SNAC exposure.
A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients experience weight loss due to selective fat depletion, not muscle loss, driven by impaired carbohydrate-based energy production. This metabolic shift highlights a disorder of both the brain and body, driving disease progression.
University of Pittsburgh scientists discovered a way to fight insulin resistance and diabetes by protecting a special type of immune cell in fat tissue. By improving insulin sensitivity in mice, the research reveals a potential new treatment path for type 2 diabetes that could supplement GLP-1 drugs.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham have identified a neural circuit linking prior experiences with current aversions and preferences when it comes to dining choices. The findings suggest that dysfunction in this brain circuit could be a factor in disordered eating and obesity, providing new potential targets for treatment.
Researchers at NTU Singapore develop a new orally taken, gut-based compound that reduces dietary fat absorption in the intestines. The technology supports weight loss while minimizing effects on other organs and reducing stress on the liver when dietary fat intake is high.
A study found that childhood obesity can lead to premature vascular damage in children as young as six, increasing the risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. The research identified early signs of inflammation and dysfunction in the endothelium, highlighting the need for public policies to prevent childhood obesity.
Overweight and obese dogs have significantly higher eye pressure than lean dogs, with a 1.9 mmHg increase for every one-unit rise in body condition score. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for protecting a dog's long-term vision and ocular health.
The study found excess adiposity remained highly prevalent among US youths in 2024, with certain racial and ethnic subgroups affected more. The prevalence of severe obesity was also higher for these subgroups.
A global study found that a group of bacteria, CAG-170, consistently appeared in high numbers in the gut microbiomes of healthy individuals. This species has the capacity to produce Vitamin B12 and break down carbohydrates, suggesting it plays a crucial role in maintaining human health.
A study by UNICAMP researchers found that women with a history of yo-yo dieting have increased body fat, worse metabolic indicators, and reduced brown fat activity. The 'yo-yo effect' impairs metabolism and reduces BAT activity in women.
ISM0676 demonstrates excellent metabolic stability, superior efficacy at low doses, and a favorable safety profile, leading to significant body weight reduction and improved body composition. The compound's synergistic efficacy with Semaglutide supports its further clinical development as an obesity treatment.
The study analyzed US state-level adult obesity prevalence from 1990 to 2022, showing a significant increase to 42.5% by 2022 and forecasted to 46.9% by 2035. Disparities in obesity rates vary substantially by race and ethnicity.
Dr. Candida Rebello's five-year NIH grant will explore lifestyle strategies to reduce excess body fat and declining muscle mass in older adults with obesity. The study aims to protect skeletal muscle health, independence, and quality of life for this rapidly growing population.
Researchers have found a nonlinear dose-response relationship between exercise and hepatic steatosis, indicating that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises can produce clinically meaningful improvements. The study suggests that exercising above 130 MET-min/week can lead to significant reductions in hepatic steatosis.
A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found a causal link between high body mass index (BMI) and dementia. High blood pressure was identified as a driving factor behind the increased risk. Researchers suggest that preventing or treating obesity and high blood pressure could help reduce dementia risk.
The W8Buddy study, a major real-world evaluation of digitally delivered specialist weight management pathways, is recruiting 450 participants from 4 Specialist Weight Management Services across England and Wales. The study aims to assess the long-term health benefits and economic impact of digital tools for obesity care.
Researchers found that obesity and estrogen-based medications synergistically increase thrombotic risk by suppressing Protein S levels. This study offers new insights for cancer care, highlighting the need to monitor and prevent blood clots in patients with obesity or estrogen use.
Obesity is a chronic health condition associated with harm to health, affecting more than one-third of the US population. A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes socioeconomic and structural barriers to obesity prevention and management.
A new weight management process called PATHWEIGH has been developed by CU Anschutz faculty to help patients with weight management. The program mitigates population weight gain by 0.58 kg over 18 months and increases the likelihood of a patient receiving weight-related care by 23%.
Research reveals that fat located near the colon contains an unusually high number of inflammatory fat cells and immune cells, suggesting a unique function in communicating with the immune system in the gut region. This tissue may be an adaptation to the gut microbiome and could contribute to amplifying or sustaining inflammation.
Pennington Biomedical researchers investigated competing body weight regulation models, analyzing the interaction of energy intake and expenditure. The study highlights the need to test state-of-the-art technology and could help explain why losing weight is challenging for some individuals.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Africa has surged, with a significant increase in obesity over the past two decades. Women are nearly five times more likely to be obese than men, while those with tertiary-level education are three times more likely. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted public health interven...
A new study from University of Southern Denmark reveals that weight loss improves the health of fat tissue, reducing inflammation and immune cell activity. Moderate weight loss also promotes the formation of new and healthier fat cells, leading to improved insulin sensitivity.
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
A new study reveals that people with an unexpectedly high metabolic BMI have up to a five times higher risk level for diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver. Metabolic BMI is based on advanced metabolomic analyses and identifies obesity-linked changes in metabolism that can be present even at normal weight.
Researchers at George Mason University are leading a Phase 2 clinical trial of ARD-201, an oral medication that works by activating bitter taste receptors to reduce appetite. The study aims to determine if the drug can help people maintain weight loss after GLP-1 injectable medications stop being used.
A new study found that more than one-in-four adults worldwide may be eligible for GLP-1 use, with women and older individuals among the most eligible. The research emphasizes the need to prioritize global access to these medications, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where obesity rates are highest.
A new study found that light intensity activities, such as walking or household chores, were associated with a lower risk of death for people with CKM syndrome. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to compare activity level duration for each CKM syndrome stage.
A systematic review finds that stopping weight loss drugs leads to rapid weight regain, reversing heart health markers in under two years. Average monthly weight gain is 0.4kg, with all cardiometabolic risk markers projected to return to pre-treatment levels within 1.4 years.
Around 4.9 million British adults, nearly one in ten, have recently used or expressed interest in GLP-1 medications to support weight loss. The demand highlights substantial need for these medications, which help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications.
Experts warn that people taking weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide may not receive sufficient nutritional guidance, leaving them at risk of nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss. The lack of robust evidence surrounding nutritional advice and support has significant implications for overall health and well-being.
A new study found that 4.9 million adults in Great Britain have recently used a drug to support weight loss or were interested in using one in the near future. The usage far exceeds NHS England's initial goal of prescribing these drugs to 220,000 people over three years.
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
A recent study by University of Eastern Finland found that prediabetes has increased significantly in Finnish children living with overweight or obesity, rising from 11% to 50% over two decades. The study suggests a potential link between maternal overweight and the rise in child prediabetes prevalence.
In a prespecified exploratory analysis of the SELECT randomized clinical trial, semaglutide demonstrated significant reductions in hospital admissions and overall time spent in hospital. This finding suggests that semaglutide has broader health benefits for patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease.
A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.
Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a novel enzyme, SCoR2, that removes nitric oxide from proteins controlling fat build-up. Inhibition of this enzyme prevents weight gain and liver injury in mouse models, also lowering bad cholesterol.
A new MIT study shows that high-fat diets cause liver cells to revert to an immature state, making them more susceptible to cancer-causing mutations. This reversion is driven by genes that help the cells survive stressful conditions, but ultimately increases their likelihood of becoming cancerous.
Households taking GLP-1 medications reduce grocery spending by an average of 5.3%, while spending at fast-food restaurants and coffee shops also decrease. Ultra-processed foods see significant declines, whereas yogurt, fresh fruit, and meat snacks experience modest increases.
A Finnish study found that adults who remained physically active throughout adulthood had a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome at age 61. Increasing physical activity later in life, especially muscle-strengthening exercises, also mitigated risks.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $7 million gift commitment from Ed and Linda Whitacre to advance research, student success, and athletics. The gift will fuel groundbreaking discovery in metabolic health and strengthen the institution's role in improving health outcomes for South Texans.