Articles tagged with Obesity
A research team led by NUS scientists has identified several potent inhibitors that selectively target FTO, a gene strongly linked to obesity. The discovery paves the way for the development of novel anti-obesity drugs and treatments.
Research at ASHG 2014 Annual Meeting uses genetic analysis to break down complex conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and obesity into their underlying metabolic proteins. This approach enables the development of new drugs that directly target these processes, with potential treatments on the horizon.
A study reveals that disrupting daily rhythms of gut microbes due to jet lag can cause obesity and metabolic issues. This disruption leads to changes in the microbial community, favoring bacteria linked to obesity and metabolic disease.
A new study in mice found that male and female brains respond to high-fat diets in remarkably different ways, with males experiencing greater inflammation and reduced cardiac function. The findings suggest that dietary advice should be made more sex-specific, with women allowed occasional high-fat meals and men advised to avoid them.
Researchers have found that high-fat diets can lead to brain inflammation and heart disease in male laboratory mice but not in female counterparts. The study suggests sex-specific nutritional guidance is needed for effective obesity treatment.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that gradual weight loss is not more effective than rapid weight loss for achieving long-term weight control. In the trial, participants who lost weight quickly were more likely to achieve target weight loss and had lower drop-out rates.
Research published in JAMA Psychiatry found that leisure time physical activity reduces depressive symptoms and risk of depression, with a protective effect across the entire population.
Researchers found that eating breakfast, particularly protein-rich meals, increases levels of a brain chemical associated with feelings of reward, which may reduce food cravings and overeating later in the day. This study suggests that incorporating breakfast into daily routines can help prevent obesity.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that substantial weight loss is more likely achieved through rapid weight loss programmes. Researchers compared two groups: one following a 12-week rapid weight loss programme with an average weekly weight loss of 1.5kg, and the other on a 36-week gradual weight loss pr...
Research from the University of Adelaide found that healthy eating and increased physical activity during pregnancy are associated with significant improvements in baby outcomes. Pregnant women who received dietary and lifestyle advice experienced reduced weight gain, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and improved respiratory ...
Researchers at UNC Health Care are testing the effect of physical activity calorie expenditure (PACE) labels on consumers' food decisions. The goal is to determine if labeling calories with equivalent exercise time can lead to reduced calorie consumption.
Researchers used an epigenetic clock to measure the biological age of liver tissues in obese subjects, finding a significant acceleration of liver aging. The study suggests that obesity may contribute to the premature development of age-related diseases such as liver cancer and insulin resistance.
A Yale study reveals the brain's control over transforming white fat into brown fat, which burns energy and aids in weight loss. The researchers found that neurons controlling hunger and appetite regulate this process, suggesting a novel approach to combating obesity.
A new study reveals that cold exposure can convert white fat tissue into calorie-burning beige fat, which can help prevent obesity. However, obese individuals exhibit a reduced ability to produce beneficial beige fat due to inflammation.
New research found large chain restaurants introduced lower-calorie options, averaging 12% fewer calories than traditional menu items. This voluntary action may help reduce caloric intake and impact the nation's obesity epidemic.
A recent study by American Cancer Society researchers reveals that the increased risk of premature death associated with higher body mass index (BMI) is similar for African Americans and whites. The analysis included approximately one million men and women, showing that excess body weight significantly increases mortality rates.
A new review article suggests that a 'weight-inclusive' approach should be used instead of the current 'weight-normative' approach, which emphasizes weight as a key factor in defining health and wellbeing. This shift would focus on social determinants of health and accept human diversity, including size diversity.
A new study from UMass Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health found that even highly motivated individuals struggle to change their diet if they need to travel far to access healthy food. The study suggests that community health programs should prioritize creating supportive neighborhood environments to facili...
A new Penn Medicine study reveals that patients with fatter tongues are more likely to suffer from severe sleep apnea. The researchers found a correlation between tongue fat volume and sleep apnea severity, suggesting that increased tongue fat may explain the pathogenic relationship between obesity and sleep apnea.
The September issue of Health Affairs explores accountable care systems worldwide, suggesting five international framework components. The article also examines the effectiveness of social networking in reducing body mass index and highlights the potential for hospital transition interventions to reduce readmissions.
Chronic melatonine consumption in young obese rats with diabetes mellitus type two improves mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing free-radicals stress and preventing mitochondrial membrane destruction. Melatonine also helps combat obesity by enhancing oxygen consumption and mitigating adipose tissue damage.
A recent Cornell University study found that eating with someone who appears overweight can lead to consuming more unhealthy foods and less healthy portions. Researchers discovered that participants served and ate 31.6% more pasta when the actress wore a prosthesis, but reduced salad intake by 43.5%.
A new NYU study suggests that focusing attention on a specific target during exercise can reduce perceived distance and increase walking speed. Participants who focused their attention on a finish line walked 23% faster and reported less physical exertion than those who looked around their surroundings.
A study analyzing over 1.37 million social media posts found pervasive negative stereotypes and jokes about weight, as well as instances of support and advice. Blogs and forums offered a safe space for online discussions about healthy eating and weight management.
A study of obese adults with obstructive sleep apnea found a significant correlation between tongue size, fat content, and increased risk. The research proposes that enlarged tongues with high-fat deposits may impair airway function, leading to sleep apnea.
A study found that a type of gut bacteria called Clostridium ramosum promotes obesity in mice, particularly when fed a high-fat diet. The bacteria appears to improve nutrient uptake, leading to increased energy conversion and weight gain.
Granny Smith apples contain high amounts of non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon. This can help stabilize metabolic processes and reduce inflammation associated with obesity.
A recent study by Brandeis University found that overweight individuals experience higher levels of stress-induced inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diseases. The researchers measured interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in normal-weight and overweight individuals during psychological stress tests.
Women with PTSD experienced higher rates of food addiction due to earlier symptom onset and more severe trauma experiences, suggesting a potential link between PTSD and obesity-related issues.
Researchers have developed a magnetic resonance technique to detect and quantify fat in the liver, improving upon traditional hepatic biopsy methods. The study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure liver fat content with high accuracy, providing valuable insights for diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases.
The prevalence of abdominal obesity and average waist circumference increased significantly among US adults between 1999-2012. The overall age-adjusted average waist circumference rose by 1.2 inches in men and 1.5 inches in women, with significant increases seen across different racial groups.
A University of Illinois study found that female college freshmen understand the benefits of a healthy diet, but struggle with confidence in preparing it. Women's self-efficacy and outcome expectations play a significant role in their ability to make healthy choices.
Researchers found that magnetic stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) increases cravings for high-calorie snacks and consumption among healthy young women. Weakening DLPFC activity also reduces inhibitory control strength and increases reward sensitivity, making individuals more susceptible to overeating.
Pennsylvania is experiencing a higher rise in thyroid cancer incidence compared to the rest of the US, with significant increases seen in white women and black women. The study suggests that actual disease increase contributes to the rising rates, not just increased detection.
A 16-week randomized clinical trial found that reducing calorie intake by 800 calories per day improved obstructive sleep apnea and lowered blood pressure in obese adults. The study suggests that moderate energy restriction can reduce both body fat and the severity of sleep apnea, leading to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study of 2,944 UK adults found that those who experienced weight discrimination gained more weight than those who did not, on average gaining 0.95kg while those without discrimination lost 0.71kg over four years. This contradicts the common perception that fat shaming might encourage weight loss.
Researchers at Oregon Research Institute found that watching junk food ads can activate reward regions in the brain of adolescents, leading to increased risk of weight gain. This study suggests that individual differences in neural vulnerability may identify youth at risk for excess weight gain.
A study by the NIH found that obese individuals have greater dopamine activity in the habit-forming region of the brain, making them more drawn to overeat in response to food triggers. This differences could contribute to the development of effective weight-loss programs.
A new study published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights suggests that consuming 10 grams of freeze-dried mango daily may lower blood sugar levels in obese individuals. The study found significant reductions in blood glucose levels, particularly in males, without any negative impact on body weight.
Research by Imperial College London combining 12 previous studies shows social networking programmes have achieved modest but significant results in helping participants lose weight. The programme provides a community of support from clinicians and peers, empowering patients to be more proactive in their treatment.
A study by Penn State researchers found that non-nutritive sweeteners are not as sweet as commonly believed, contrary to marketing claims. Participants could detect these sweeteners at lower levels but did not perceive them as sweeter than sugar.
The international standards provide a common set of criteria for healthy growth, allowing for early detection of underweight and overweight babies. This enables targeted nutritional support and treatment to prevent infant mortality and long-term health problems.
A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that normal-weight nutrition and exercise counselors report feeling significantly more successful in getting their obese patients to lose weight than those who are overweight or obese. Patients may be more receptive to those who practice what they pr...
The Lancet has published new international growth standards for fetal development, providing accurate measurements of ideal growth from conception to birth. These standards will help identify signs of under-nutrition, stunting, wasting, and overweight in newborns, enabling early intervention to reduce long-term health problems.
A recent study analyzing bariatric surgery data in Michigan reveals a significant shift towards sleeve gastrectomy (SG) as the most commonly performed procedure. SG became the predominant bariatric surgery procedure for patients with type 2 diabetes and its use increased by 61% between 2008 and 2013.
A meta-analysis of nearly 50 trials involving over 7,300 individuals found that low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets resulted in significant weight loss, with minimal differences between individual diet programs. The study suggests that patients can choose a diet that suits their needs and preferences for optimal weight loss.
A new study found that primary seatbelt laws increase seatbelt usage, mitigating the drop in seatbelt use associated with increasing obesity rates. Seatbelt laws can help prevent automobile fatalities by reducing the risk of injury or death in car accidents.
A recent study published in JAMA found that branded diets, such as Atkins and Weight Watchers, are effective for weight loss when adhered to. Behavioural support and exercise also play a significant role in enhancing weight loss outcomes.
A study examining the effectiveness of blocking the vagus nerve for weight loss found that participants who received the treatment lost more weight than those in a control group, but failed to meet primary efficacy objectives. The intervention was also associated with fewer serious adverse events compared to traditional bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery has been shown to prolong life and prompt reductions in weight and associated conditions like diabetes and heart attacks. However, the long-term effectiveness of different procedures is unclear, and more research is needed to standardize reporting and design trials.
A low-carbohydrate diet is more effective than a low-fat diet in reducing body weight and cardiovascular risk factors. The study found that participants on a low-carb diet experienced greater decreases in weight, fat mass, and other cardiovascular risk factors compared to those on a low-fat diet.
A diet of junk food reduces rats' preference for novel foods and leads to overeating and obesity. Researchers found that the brain's reward circuitry is affected by excessive consumption of junk food.
A new study found that weight loss surgery can improve cognitive function and reduce altered brain activity associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery may contribute to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease in obese people, according to researchers.
Researchers found that high insulin levels foster processes leading to obesity, even in mice given insulin to counter diabetes. Suppressing glucagon action may prevent hyperinsulinemia without causing diabetes.
Racial and ethnic stereotypes may contribute to obesity among minority groups due to negative messages about health, self-image, and behavior. A Rutgers-led study found that exposure to hurtful messages can diminish motivation to lose weight and promote unhealthy food choices.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive behavioral counseling for overweight and obese patients with at least one additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This intervention helps individuals lose weight and improve their lipid levels, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
A new study found that overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes who lose weight through dieting and physical activity can reduce their healthcare costs by an average of over $500 per year. Those in the intensive lifestyle intervention group had fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, and used fewer prescription medications.
Research reveals that being obese in one's 30s triples the risk of developing dementia later in life. The study found an incremental decrease in dementia risk with age, suggesting that weight loss or delayed onset of obesity may lower the risk of dementia.
Researchers found that post-menopausal women with higher levels of physical activity had a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation, regardless of their weight status. The study's lead author notes that more physically active women were less likely to develop the condition.
A new study from Concordia University reveals that financial struggles significantly impact weight loss efforts, with lower-income individuals less likely to engage in healthy habits like exercise or reducing fat intake. Instead, they often turn to quick fixes like diet pills or skipping meals.