Research on obesity, its causes, and its treatment. Covers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diet, metabolic health, treatment guidelines, and obesity in children.
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.
A major review in Frontiers in Science highlights how unsustainable food systems contribute to both health and climate crises. Experts examine evidence-based strategies to tackle industrial food systems promoting overconsumption and environmental pressures.
A Brazilian study of nearly 900 adults under 40 found that obesity and systemic inflammation accelerate lung aging and increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking remains the main risk factor for lung function loss, but these two conditions can also contribute to COPD.
Researchers identified a specific type of gut bacteria, Turicibacter, that promotes metabolic health and reduces weight gain in mice. The bacterium produces fatty molecules that are absorbed by the small intestine, improving ceramide levels and preventing excessive weight gain.
Researchers discover RFP's role in adipogenesis, a process that forms fat-storing cells. The study found that high RFP levels promote easy fat cell formation and weight gain, while low levels resist weight gain.
Research from Florida Atlantic University strengthens evidence that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, particularly for breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. Higher intake and specific groups, such as African Americans and those with obesity or diabetes, are found to be more vulnerable to the risks.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that immune cells can slow fat breakdown when exposed to physiological stressors, helping early humans preserve energy stores. This finding provides new insight into the underlying metabolism of obesity and other metabolic disorders.
A new Cochrane review found that free or subsidized school meals slightly improve math achievement and enrolment rates in low- and middle-income countries. School feeding programs also likely contribute to small gains in physical growth indicators, but evidence from high-income countries is limited.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center launched its first international scientific symposium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, exceeding expectations with distinguished audience engagement and new institutional contacts.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that GLP-1 receptor agonists probably have little or no effect on the risk of thyroid, pancreatic, breast, or kidney cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes or overweight/obesity. However, longer-term studies are needed to clarify potential risks or benefits for other obesity-related cancers.
Experts discuss GLP-1 drug efficacy in treating obesity and its associated health issues. Key findings include the neurobehavioral links between mental health and obesity, as well as policy implications for access to these treatments.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that early normalization of weight can protect the heart from childhood overweight. Researchers found that individuals who had normal weight in young adulthood after being overweight as children had a lower risk of heart attack compared to those who remained overweight.
A new study published in Gut Microbes reveals that married individuals with higher perceived emotional support have a lower body mass index and fewer food addiction behaviors. The study found that oxytocin pathways linking the brain, gut microbiome, and eating behaviors play a crucial role in shaping obesity risk.
A study found that mitochondria in people with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease have impaired ability to utilize ketone bodies for energy production. This defect was greater than the overall decline in mitochondrial function, suggesting a potential new target for improving energy metabolism in diabetes.
A recent study suggests that adverse childhood experiences may increase the risk of obesity in Latinx and Hispanic youths. The study found that promoting resiliency-focused skills may help improve pediatric weight trajectories among these populations, potentially mitigating the impact of adverse experiences on health outcomes.
A new study published at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that individuals with obesity have a 95% faster increase in Alzheimer's disease biomarkers compared to non-obese individuals. Blood tests were more sensitive than PET scans in capturing the impact of obesity on Alzheimer's pathology.
Researchers found estrone hormone drives inflammatory activity in postmenopausal women with obesity, increasing risk of aggressive breast cancer. Lifestyle interventions may not be sustainable, but GLP-1 drugs show promise as a therapy.
A new study using advanced imaging found that abdominal obesity is associated with more harmful changes in heart structure than overall body weight alone. The research, presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting, suggests that male patients may be more vulnerable to structural effects of obesity on the heart.
A new trial found that increasing or decreasing sugar intake in a person's diet has no effect on their preference for sweet foods. Researchers suggest that public health advice may need to focus on reducing sugar and energy-dense foods, rather than eliminating all sweet options.
A research team at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft found that pregnant mice exposed to fatty food smells developed more pronounced obesity and insulin resistance in their offspring. The brains of the offspring showed similarities to those of obese adult mice, suggesting a potential link between maternal diet and child health.
Researchers identified a group of metabolites produced in the intestine that travel to the liver and heart, influencing metabolic pathways and insulin sensitivity. The study found that environmental factors can regulate these metabolites, which play a crucial role in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A study conducted at the University of California, Riverside, has uncovered a link between soybean oil consumption and obesity in mice. The research found that a genetically engineered group of mice on a high-fat diet rich in soybean oil did not gain weight, suggesting that the liver protein HNF4α plays a crucial role in fat metabolism.
A five-year NIH-funded study will explore the role of glucagon hormone in human metabolism, focusing on its impact on insulin secretion, glucose regulation, and energy balance. The research aims to clarify glucagon's function and inform more effective drug development for obesity and Type 2 diabetes treatment.
Researchers found that higher muscle mass combined with a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio tracks with a younger brain age. Building muscle and reducing visceral fat are actionable goals for improving brain health. The study used whole-body MRI and AI algorithms to quantify muscle volume, fat tissue, and brain age.
Withdrawal of tirzepatide after 36-week treatment led to 25% or greater weight regain in most participants within a year, reversing initial cardiometabolic parameter improvements. Continued obesity treatment is crucial for sustained benefits.
A study found that women with obesity who stopped using GLP-1 receptor agonists experienced more gestational weight gain and a higher risk of preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders. The research suggests that discontinuation of these medications may impact pregnancy outcomes.
A study found that pregnant women who discontinued GLP-1 medications before or early in their pregnancy experienced higher risks of weight gain, diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and preterm delivery. Those who stopped taking the medications gained an average of 7.2 pounds more weight during pregnancy.
The study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly used for postpartum weight loss in overweight women without a documented diabetes diagnosis. The primary indication for use was weight reduction, suggesting a potential shift in treatment guidelines.
A new review connects gut microbiome imbalances to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and colorectal cancer, highlighting the potential for diet and microbiome-based treatments. The study also explores racial and socioeconomic disparities in microbiome-related diseases, emphasizing the need for inclusive prevention strategies.
The European Society of Endocrinology is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of hormone health. The #BecauseHormonesMatter initiative aims to improve public understanding of hormones and promote practical steps for better hormone health, following the success of last year's campaign.
Combining improved diet quality with increased physical activity significantly reduces body fat, particularly visceral fat, associated with higher risks of diseases. The study found that simultaneous changes in both behaviors result in greater benefits than individual changes.
A new study by UC San Francisco combines genetic risk with cardiovascular disease risk factors to predict who is more likely to develop dementia. The expanded view may help those worried about dementia, as lifestyle changes and improved control of illnesses can reduce brain damage and potentially delay or prevent symptoms.
A new oral GLP-1 medication has been found to help adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes lose more weight and improve their blood sugar levels. The study showed that the pill reduced body weight by 5.5% to 10.5% compared to a placebo, with significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
A University of California, Riverside-led study found a community-based health program improving lifestyle changes in low-income, rural Latinas. The program, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva!, combined health education, cooking demos, and exercise, resulting in increased healthy habits, weight loss, and improved chronic disease management.
A study published in Obesity found that young adults exposed to a diet high in ultra-processed foods ate more calories at an all-you-can-eat meal. The researchers, led by Brenda Davy and Alex DiFeliceantonio, used a controlled feeding study to investigate the effects of ultra-processed food on eating habits.
Researchers developed a probe to visualize lipid breakdown in living cells, revealing differences in breakdown rates among individual droplets. The study found that an enzyme called ATGL drives these variations, which may contribute to abnormal lipid metabolism in liver cancer cells.
A nationwide survey by the American Gastroenterological Association found that nearly two-thirds of Americans recognize obesity as a chronic disease, while over 80% believe insurance should cover its treatment. However, barriers such as high out-of-pocket costs and lack of coverage for procedures or medications hinder access to weight-...
The University of Cincinnati has received a $985,000 grant to test Healthy Eating for My Infant (HEMI), a community-based intervention promoting healthy eating and feeding practices for children 0-12 months. HEMI aims to address specific risk factors and barriers faced by low-income families. The NIH-funded study will enroll 60 infants...
A human clinical trial found that consuming black cumin seed powder daily for 8 weeks significantly reduced blood triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol levels. The study also showed an increase in HDL cholesterol levels, associated with a lower risk of heart problems.
A recent study published in Obesity found a direct relationship between obesity severity and the likelihood of disease burden in the US population. The researchers discovered that higher BMI levels were associated with increased odds for various cardiometabolic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.
Research using brain-computer interface reveals tirzepatide's temporary suppression of brain activity involved in 'food noise' in a patient with severe obesity, calling for further investigation. The medication, originally developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, may have potential in treating impulse control disorders like binge eating di...
Dr. Leanne Redman joins the Charles Perkins Centre to lead research on obesity, diet, and exercise, building on her extensive experience in women's health issues and translational research. With over 300 publications and numerous awards, she will expand the centre's impact on global health.
Researchers found that taking metformin in addition to standard care after catheter ablation reduced episodes of atrial fibrillation in people with obesity. The study suggests that lifestyle and risk factor modification efforts can be aided by metformin, and future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A study found that reducing amino acids methionine and cysteine in lab mice' diets led to significant weight loss through increased thermogenesis, similar to cold-induced methods. The research team believes this could be a promising approach for obesity treatments and developing functional food products.
Researchers found that the leptin-SCD pathway fuels breast cancer growth and motility, leading to poorer recurrence-free survival. Selectively blocking SCD activity can counteract pro-tumorigenic effects driven by leptin, revealing a potential therapeutic target for obese patients.
A new medication called DR10624 has shown promising results in reducing high triglyceride levels by over 60% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. The treatment also improved cholesterol and liver health, offering a potential alternative for managing this condition.
A recent USC study tracked 85 young adults over four years and found that increased ultra-processed food consumption was linked to elevated blood sugar and early signs of diabetes risk. The researchers also discovered that limiting UPF intake can help prevent disease.
A new study estimates that about 14% of adults worldwide have chronic kidney disease, with 1.5 million deaths in 2023. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe interventions like dialysis and transplantation.
A research team, including Dr. Yong Xu, will use the grant to investigate genetic changes affecting hypothalamic pathways and their impact on metabolism and behavior in humans and animals. The study aims to unravel the precise way brain wiring controls instinctive behavior across species.
Researchers explore the link between senescent cells and metabolic diseases, highlighting potential treatments known as senotherapeutics. Senolytics, senomorphics, and senosensitizers are interventions aimed at eliminating or suppressing senescent cells to mitigate metabolic disease.
A recent study from Houston Methodist reveals how Alzheimer's can disrupt the connection between nerves and blood vessels in fat tissue, worsening heart and metabolic conditions. The research highlights a potential link between neurodegeneration and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
The Louisiana ECHO program, which focuses on pre-, peri- and postnatal outcomes, obesity, and other areas, will continue its efforts to expand access to clinical trials for Louisiana children. The grant renewal supports the collaboration between researchers from Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health System, as well as two free-stand...
This cross-sectional study found an increase in GLP-1RA prescriptions, with Tirzepatide and semaglutide growing the fastest due to their superior glycemic, weight loss, and guideline-emphasized cardiorenal benefits. However, coverage for obesity is limited, especially among off-label semaglutide use in non-T2D patients.
The current NHS rollout of Mounjaro is expected to reach only around 200,000 patients in the first three years. Meanwhile, over one and a half million people are accessing private treatment for obesity. Researchers warn that strict eligibility criteria may exclude vulnerable patients from receiving treatment on the NHS.
Research links low body weight in young Japanese women to reduced gut microbial diversity, with an increased presence of inflammatory species. The study suggests that improving eating habits could lead to improvements in gut microbiota and body weight.
Researchers identified 13 genes linked to obesity across six continental ancestries, including five previously unknown. These genes, expressed in brain and adipose tissue, are associated with increased risk of severe obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.