Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
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.
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.