A new study by Beni-Suef University in Egypt reveals that nearly half of undergraduate students use non-prescription weight loss supplements without prior medical consultation. The researchers found that many users were aware of potential health risks but continued taking the supplements due to social media and family influence.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2025
A new study from UC San Francisco found that saturated fat affects the behavior of a protein called PER2, which orchestrates fat metabolism and circadian rhythms. Mice eating a diet high in hydrogenated fats struggled to adapt to winter, whereas those on unsaturated fat diets adjusted easily.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed Pennington Biomedical's Metabolic Basis of Disease Center for five years, providing $2.2M per year to support research on the mechanisms of metabolic health. The center aims to address the obesity epidemic and its related illnesses.
Researchers at Redoxoma found that mitochondrial potassium channels regulate heat production in brown adipose tissue, a process critical for regulating energy expenditure and promoting metabolic health. Closing the channel is necessary for maximum thermogenesis.
A new study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide, a 'weight loss' drug, can help prevent heart attacks and other major cardiac events, regardless of the amount of weight people lose. The study suggests there are multiple ways the drug benefits the heart, beyond its protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.
Researchers identified a set of biomarkers that can predict blood pressure outcomes five years after adolescents underwent metabolic bariatric surgery. The study found that blood-based biomarkers were more accurate than traditional risk factors, suggesting a potential new approach to predicting long-term blood pressure outcomes.
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
A study found that participants taking GLP-1 agonists experienced delayed effects after drinking alcohol, leading to reduced intoxication. The research provides early data for larger studies testing whether these drugs can help reduce alcohol use.
People with higher muscle mass, as indicated by stronger grip strength, are less likely to develop organ damage or die from obesity. Building and maintaining muscle through weight training may be a practical way to identify individuals at risk and act early.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that the new definition of obesity, which includes measures of body fat distribution, increases the prevalence to 70% among US adults. Those with 'anthropometric-only obesity' have a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The four-day training program equipped postdoctoral fellows with state-of-the-art methods for clinical research in obesity, metabolism and nutrition. Participants deepened their skills in gold-standard methodologies crucial for advancing clinical and translational research.
Researchers found that a combination of nicotinamide, a-lipoic acid, thiamine, pyridoxamine and piperine reduced AGEs, sticky plaque-like molecules, to curb hunger, lower insulin resistance and extend lifespan in mice. The compounds also reversed some molecular hallmarks of hypothalamic aging.
A new study shows that just 30 minutes of less sitting per day can improve the body's ability to utilize fats and carbohydrates for energy production. Participants who successfully reduced sedentary time showed improvements in metabolic flexibility and fat burning during light-intensity exercise.
A new study from the University of Oxford found that underweight children incur comparable healthcare costs as those with obesity, challenging traditional childhood health priorities. The research tracked healthcare use in over 268,000 children aged 2-15 and estimated £340 million in additional annual NHS costs.
The analysis of 2024 English voting patterns suggests that poorer health is associated with higher proportions of votes for Reform UK. This finding highlights the need for policymakers to address health inequalities and improve public health.
Researchers discover that genetic glitches in the blood system, caused by aging, can spark obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Simple blood tests may help identify at-risk individuals to prevent chronic illnesses.
Researchers have found that GLP-1 therapies may help reduce alcohol and other substance use by modulating neurobiological pathways underlying addictive behaviors. The therapies, which are commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity, have shown encouraging results in early clinical trials.
Long-term exposure to fine air pollutants like PM2.5 can impair metabolic health by disrupting the normal function of brown fat through complex epigenetic changes. The study identified two enzymes, HDAC9 and KDM2B, as key drivers of this process.
A growing number of patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists may experience altered FDG uptake patterns on oncological PET-CT scans, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. Researchers recommend documenting medication histories to inform interpretation and developing national guidance.
A University of Waterloo study cautions against using BMI as a measure of health, citing its limitations in distinguishing between muscle and fat, and overlooking important factors such as age, sex, and race. The researchers advocate for more nuanced measures of body size or rejecting BMI altogether.
A new study found that cardiovascular-related complications during pregnancy affect approximately 15% of pregnancies, with increases seen across all age groups. The rise in health risk factors before and during pregnancy drives these complications, emphasizing the importance of early identification and prevention strategies.
A new report highlights the potential of precision medicine to improve obesity prevention and treatment by identifying high-risk individuals and tailoring interventions. The authors emphasize the need for rigorous clinical trials to empirically determine the effectiveness of precision-based treatments.
Research presents evidence suggesting that metabolically active visceral fat is associated with more advanced stages of endometrial cancer and lymph node metastases. The study found no strong correlation between visceral fat volume and its metabolic activity.
The study found a significant increase in the use of weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide among patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. The proportion of patients receiving these medications rose from 1.8% to 29.4% between 2020 and 2024, reflecting growing popularity and perceived effectiveness.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) has recommended Semaglutide and Tirzepatide as the first-line treatment for people living with obesity and most of its complications. These medications have been shown to be effective in promoting total weight loss and reducing complications such as obstructive sleep apnea, knee ...
A new study found that adipose-derived extracellular vesicles, tiny cell messengers in obese individuals, accelerate the buildup of amyloid-β plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope targeting these tiny cell messengers could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in people with obesity.
A new study found that over 40% of specialty clinics in the US turn away patients weighing 465 pounds or more due to lack of accessibility features. The study highlights a need for staff training on inclusive care and accommodations for patients with severe obesity.
A large-scale study of over 17,000 pupils and 2,300 teachers found dramatic differences in physical activity levels across England, with some schools achieving double or triple the levels of others. The research highlights growing evidence that children in deprived areas face bigger barriers to physical activity, even during school hours.
Researchers have identified a new population of hypothalamic neurons, Crabp1 neurons, that play a critical role in regulating energy expenditure. Silencing these neurons leads to reduced energy expenditure and obesity, while activating them enhances locomotor activity and protects against high-fat diet-induced weight gain.
A new study found that fat distribution appears to influence cancer risk, but the relationship varies by cancer type. The study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the role of adiposity distribution in 12 obesity-related cancers.
This study found a significant association between arsenic exposure and MASLD in humans, with higher urinary arsenic levels increasing the risk ofMASLD. The analysis also showed that arsenic exposure persisted across key subgroups, suggesting its contribution to hepatic steatosis even at moderate exposure levels.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that regular phone support after losing weight is crucial for maintaining weight loss. Participants who received monthly phone calls maintained an average of 8% weight loss from their starting weight, with about 60% keeping off at least 5% of their initial weight.
A Georgia State University researcher has received a $25,000 grant to develop mechanisms for treating obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions. The goal is to identify therapeutic candidates with strong clinical translation capabilities.
A review of hundreds of studies found a link between childhood plastic exposure and long-term health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and asthma. Parents can take simple steps to limit their children's plastic exposure, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel.
Researchers have designed a novel quintuple agonist combining GLP-1R, GIPR, and PPAR agonism to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. The molecule, lanifibranor, shows potent effects in reducing body weight and improving hyperglycaemia in mice with obesity and insulin resistance.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered two new ciliary proteins that regulate cell communication and may lead to the development of new treatments for chronic diseases. The study found that defective cilia can disrupt signaling in almost all tissues and organs, leading to various diseases.
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
A new study uses three wearable sensors to track eating behavior and identifies five distinct patterns, including late-night snacking and stress binging. The findings lay the groundwork for personalized interventions to help individuals overcome unconscious habits that drive overeating.
Metabolic bariatric surgery shows promise as a cost-effective weight loss option for class II and III obesity patients. The study found bariatric surgery resulted in greater weight loss compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
A new RNA-based drug, RES-010, is designed to block an RNA molecule called miR-22, which plays a key role in obesity. The treatment has shown promising results in preclinical studies, inducing significant weight loss without regaining weight after treatment stops.
Researchers found that a high-fat diet impairs memory formation in fruit flies by reducing autophagy, a crucial cellular recycling process. This suggests that lifestyle interventions promoting autophagy, such as exercise or intermittent fasting, may improve cognitive decline associated with HFD.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that bariatric surgery offers greater long-term benefits compared to GLP-1 medicines, including lower risks of death, heart disease, and kidney failure. Patients who underwent weight-loss surgery experienced better blood sugar control and relied less on diabetes medications over 10 years.
A phase 3 trial of once-daily orforglipron found substantial weight loss in people with obesity but not type 2 diabetes. The medication improved cardiometabolic levels and was associated with significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and non-HDL cholesterol.
A large-scale U.S-based randomized trial shows that intensive lifestyle changes can significantly improve global cognition in older adults at high risk of cognitive decline. The intervention emphasized regular physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement, leading to clinically meaningful improvements. T...
A recent Mount Sinai study analyzed genetic data from over 452,000 individuals to identify genetic differences linked to higher body fat but better metabolic health. The researchers discovered eight distinct obesity subtypes, each associated with unique health risks, and developed a genetic risk score to predict individual outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 trials found GLP-1 RAs significantly improved glycemic and weight outcomes in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes or obesity. However, gastrointestinal adverse effects warrant attention in long-term management.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that tirzepatide offers greater value than semaglutide for most patients with knee osteoarthritis and obesity. Bariatric surgery provides the best option from a clinical and economic perspective for eligible and willing patients.
Research suggests that semaglutide, a weight loss medication, decreases intrusive thoughts about food and improves mental health in individuals with obesity. The study found that 81% of participants experienced less food noise after taking semaglutide for at least four months.
A study found that tirzepatide is more cost-effective than semaglutide for treating knee osteoarthritis and obesity. Tirzepatide offered a more favorable return on investment, making it the better choice for patients.
A Danish study found that individuals with a normal weight range (22.5-25 kg/m2) had the lowest mortality rate, followed by those in the overweight category. However, being underweight was associated with a significantly higher risk of death, while severe obesity was linked to a slightly increased risk. The study suggests that BMI may ...
Two large-scale clinical trials found that a higher dose of semaglutide significantly improves weight loss and related health outcomes in adults with obesity. The study revealed an average weight loss of nearly 19% in those receiving the higher dose, compared to 10% with the standard dose or placebo.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 14, 2025
A study reveals how PGC-1α protein and estrogen work together to boost thermogenesis in females, outperforming males. This finding highlights a sex-specific mechanism of energy metabolism and suggests new therapeutic targets for obesity and diabetes prevention.
The 2025 Childhood Obesity Conference, hosted by Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Health initiative, aims to educate healthcare providers and promote healthier futures for Louisiana's children through cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies. Participants can earn up to 7.5 CMEs and gain practical tools to support healthier fu...
A recent study found that green tea extract improved glucose sensitivity and insulin resistance in obese mice, preserving muscle morphology. The treatment reduced body weight by up to 30% and increased the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism, suggesting a selective effect on excess body fat.
Researchers found genetic peptides called alpha-defensins that shape gut bacteria, producing healthier microbiomes and reducing insulin resistance. This discovery suggests personalized treatments can be tailored to individual genes, offering new hope for addressing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
A landmark study by the University of Sydney found that family-based early obesity prevention programs did not improve BMI in young children. The researchers analyzed data from 17 international studies and concluded that environmental and structural drivers are key to addressing childhood obesity. Governments, health officials, and loc...
High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation.
A cohort study shows bariatric surgery significantly lowers major metabolic comorbidity risk compared to medical weight management. The procedure is deemed a durable approach for obesity-related risk mitigation.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that semaglutide reduced both cocaine use and relapse in rats, with motivation to keep taking cocaine decreasing by 52%. The study suggests that semaglutide may blunt cocaine's ability to raise dopamine levels in the brain.