Articles tagged with Obesity
Researchers discovered a key brain receptor that regulates gastric emptying and food intake. Mice lacking this receptor showed accelerated obesity and faster food consumption.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a surprising finding about WNT signaling and its role in fat cell growth. They discovered that Sfrp5, a molecule previously thought to have an opposing effect, actually stimulates fat cells to grow larger and burn fat slower.
A new study suggests that ghrelin increases the incentive for humans to eat high-calorie foods, even when already full. Rats without the ghrelin receptor gene ate less sweet treat after a meal compared to those with the intact gene.
Adults exposed to secondhand smoke have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes and obesity compared to nonsmokers. They also experienced insulin resistance, higher fasting blood glucose, and a higher body mass index.
A new study finds that physical fitness significantly lowers the risk of death in diabetes patients with heart abnormality. Diabetic patients who were physically fit had a lower risk of death compared to those who were not physically fit, regardless of the presence or absence of left ventricle wall thickness.
A new study reveals that gastric bypass surgery successfully cures Type 2 diabetes in 92% of obese patients, but the disease recovers in approximately 21% of them within three to five years after surgery.
Researchers identify marker of successful dieters, finding that a pre-diet leptin/ghrelin ratio can predict which individuals will maintain weight loss and who will not. The study shows that this ratio can be used to individualize weight-loss therapeutic programs, leading to improved obesity management.
Researchers used deep brain stimulation to treat binge eating in mice and found a significant reduction in consumption of high-fat food. The study suggests that deep brain stimulation may be an effective therapy for obesity by modulating activity of neurons expressing the type 2 dopamine receptor.
A new study by The Endocrine Society found that a combination of diet-induced weight loss and frequent exercise almost doubled the improvement in insulin sensitivity compared to dieting alone. This suggests a distinct complementary effect of exercise on diet-induced weight loss, according to the study.
A new study published by Ohio State University found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can lower inflammation in healthy but overweight middle-aged and older adults. After four months of supplementation, participants experienced a significant decrease in inflammatory markers, with the low-dose group showing a 10% reduction in interle...
A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects. Ursolic acid increases muscle and brown fat in mice on a high-fat diet, leading to increased calorie burning and reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
A high-fat/calorie diet has been shown to accelerate the development of pancreatic cancer in both human epidemiological studies and mouse models. In the latter, mice fed a diet rich in fat and calories developed obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation, all conditions that can stimulate the growth of precancerous cells.
A new series by PLOS Medicine examines the role of the multinational food industry in shaping global health policies. Guest editors Marion Nestle and David Stuckler argue that public health professionals must recognize Big Food's influence and take action to expose and regulate its interests.
A study found that adults who underwent weight-loss surgery had a significantly higher risk of developing alcohol use disorders two years after surgery. The study, which followed 1,945 participants, found that the risk was highest among those who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
A study found that bariatric surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, increases the risk of alcohol use disorders (AUD) in patients. The prevalence of AUD symptoms was higher in the second postoperative year compared to before and after surgery.
A study estimated the total mass of the human population, defining its distribution by region and proportion due to overweight and obesity. The world's biomass would increase by 58 million tonnes if all countries had the same average BMI as the USA, equivalent to an additional 935 million people.
A new model predicts the effectiveness of weight-loss groups based on their psychological meaningfulness to members. The study aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of group participation's impact on health and contribute to future development of weight-management programs.
A new study has identified a genetic factor associated with lean type 2 diabetes patients, indicating that genetic predisposition may vary depending on body type. The 'Jack Spratt' gene is linked to an increased risk of the disease in lean individuals, contrasting with obese patients where other factors are more influential.
A study by a CCNY-led team found correlations between the spread of obesity and food marketing and distribution patterns. The researchers suggest that collective behavior plays a significant role in the spread of the epidemic, not individual factors such as genetics or lifestyle choices.
Three studies link obesity and depression to excessive daytime sleepiness, with weight loss shown to improve symptoms in those who lost weight. The research highlights the importance of addressing these conditions to prevent related health risks and accidents.
A new study found that African American women from low-income backgrounds experience greater weight gain and increased obesity risk due to socioeconomic factors. Women with higher education levels are less likely to become obese, suggesting education as a protective factor against weight gain.
A recent study using brain scans found that sleep-restricted individuals exhibit a distinct neural response to unhealthy foods, activating reward centers more intensely than those with adequate sleep. This response is associated with increased consumption of fattening foods after sleep restriction.
A recent study published at EULAR 2012 found that obese patients with psoriatic arthritis have a lower chance of achieving minimal disease activity when treated with anti-TNFs. However, following a hypocaloric diet can increase the likelihood of achieving treatment goals.
A natural milk ingredient called nicotinamide riboside has been found to protect against obesity in mice. It works by boosting levels of NAD+, a molecular sidekick for SIRT1, which helps with metabolism and longevity.
A new study from the University of Exeter has identified a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes in lean patients, contradicting the long-held assumption that obesity is the primary cause. The study found that genetic variants near the LAMA1 gene are linked to type 2 diabetes risk only in lean patients.
A recent study found that a specific gene linked to fat tissue inflammation may protect against diet-induced obesity-related health problems. The researchers discovered that overexpressing this gene increased fat deposition while suppressing inflammatory responses and improving insulin sensitivity in genetically modified mice.
Researchers found that high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) prolong inflammation in obese mice with acute pancreatitis. IL-6 is also linked to the severity of the disease in obese subjects.
A study found that female fat prejudice persists even after weight loss, with participants viewing thin women with a weight loss history as less attractive. The researchers also discovered that negative attitudes towards obese people increase when participants are falsely told that body weight is easily controllable.
New research published in Hepatology found that moderate exercise does not improve lipoprotein concentrations in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While exercise reduced intrahepatic triglyceride content, it did not change liver lipoprotein levels or body weight.
Obese patients have an increased risk of developing kidney damage, or acute kidney injury, after heart surgery. Oxidative stress associated with obesity plays a role in this increased risk. Acute kidney injury affects 5% to 30% of heart surgery patients.
A new study finds that sleep disordered breathing and nocturnal hypoxemia independently predict both glycosylated hemoglobin levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were significant predictors of prevalent T2DM and HbA1c levels, even after adjustment for obesity.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that variations in certain 'obesity genes' are associated with increased snacking, high-fat foods, and more calories per day. These findings suggest that modifying eating habits may help minimize genetic risk for obesity.
Researchers from Sichuan Agricultural University and BGI reported the atlas of DNA methylomes in porcine adipose and muscle tissues, providing a valuable epigenomic source for obesity prediction and prevention. The study found that different methylated regions in promoters play a more important role in regulating gene expression and ar...
Research at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre reveals that high-fat diets can cause chemical reactions in the brain similar to illicit drugs, leading to depression. Mice studies show signs of anxiety and depression after a higher-fat diet, with altered brain chemistry and hormone levels.
A review of medical records suggests that obese patients present with more advanced stage and aggressive forms of papillary thyroid cancer. The study found that higher BMI was associated with more advanced disease stage at presentation, particularly in the obese and morbidly obese categories.
New research reveals that obese adolescents, even those without symptoms of heart disease, already have structural and functional changes to their hearts. The study found that measures of heart size and function were increased in parallel to BMI, indicating damaged hearts with thicker walls and impaired systolic and diastolic function.
Scientists at Salk Institute found that mice who ate for 8 hours a day were healthier than those who ate freely, regardless of diet quality. Regular eating times and extended fasting may help prevent obesity, diabetes, and liver disease.
Researchers found that mice on a high-fat diet who ate in restricted eight-hour windows gained less weight, suffered less liver damage, and had lower levels of inflammation compared to those with unrestricted access. The study suggests that our body clocks may be out of sync with our eating habits, leading to metabolic issues.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have identified a novel base modification in RNA, which pervades the transcriptome and affects up to 20% of human mRNA. The discovery reveals widespread effects on gene expression, with links to diseases such as cancer, autism, and schizophrenia.
A study in mice found a connection between obesity and elevated blood sugar levels, potentially leading to new treatments for Type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that targeting glucagon, a pancreas-produced hormone, may be an effective pathway to lowering sugar levels.
Obesity affects 62% of Canadian adults, with a significant economic burden and increased risk of related diseases. The 5A model provides an effective approach to counselling patients, combining assess/ask, advise, agree, assist, and arrange steps for successful weight loss and maintenance.
A study by Guido Frank and colleagues found that anorexic women's brains are overactive in response to food cues, while obese women's brains are underactive. This suggests a link between brain function and eating behavior in these conditions.
Research at Hebrew University and US researchers found a direct correlation between maternal overweight and increased tendencies towards adult child overweight, high blood pressure, and excess sugar and fat levels. This suggests that avoiding weight gain during adulthood may reduce these risk factors.
A large-scale study found social jetlag contributes to obesity by making people chronically sleep-deprived, increasing smoking and drinking, and living 'against the clock'. The syndrome, mismatching internal and daily schedules, affects modern society's health.
A retrospective analysis of 104 potential living kidney donors found that morbid obesity impedes kidney donation, with only three out of 23 morbidly obese donors able to successfully lose weight and donate. The study highlights the need for larger studies to assess the impact of obesity on kidney donation and explores ways to increase ...
A new study reveals that obesity is associated with disrupted biological rhythms and social jetlag. The research found that individuals who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for serious metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, due to a lack of sleep and an irregular body-mass index (BMI). The study suggests that lifestyle fact...
A team of Rice engineering seniors designed a prototype device that uses suction cups attached to a vacuum pump to gently lift the abdomens of obese patients who are on their backs and under light sedation. The device, called R-Aides, could be invaluable to surgeons performing operations involving the upper or lower body.
The US healthcare system could face a surge in medical expenditures due to rising obesity rates. By 2030, up to 42% of the U.S. population may be obese, with severe obesity rates reaching 11%. To mitigate these costs, experts emphasize the need for effective strategies to prevent obesity.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found a 12-month obesity prevention program for adolescent girls showed small changes in body composition measures. However, the small effects were not statistically significant, but still had potential clinical importance.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a new candidate pathway for treating visceral obesity by manipulating vitamin A metabolism. By inhibiting the enzyme Aldh1a1, white fat cells can take on characteristics of brown fat, leading to reduced fat storage and improved metabolic health.
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that low testosterone levels in men can increase their risk of developing diabetes. The research discovered that testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity, and its impairment is linked to insulin resistance.
A recent study suggests that pleasure eating can activate the body's reward system, leading to overeating. Researchers found that the hormone ghrelin and chemical compounds like 2-arachidonoylglycerol increased during hedonic eating, overriding the body's signal that enough has been eaten.
A study found that in-person counseling improved purchasing of fruits and green and yellow vegetables, resulting in healthier food choices. The study suggests that supermarket interventions can promote meaningful health benefits by encouraging shoppers to choose nutritious options.
A Danish-British study published in PLoS Medicine reveals a direct correlation between high Body Mass Index (BMI) and the risk of developing heart disease. The research, based on data from 75,627 individuals, shows that obesity can damage heart health regardless of other factors.
A study published in Cancer Research found that weight loss of at least 5% reduced markers of inflammation in postmenopausal women. This reduction was observed even when exercise alone was not sufficient to decrease inflammation markers.
A new study by The University of Manchester found that obese women face discrimination in the job market, receiving lower starting salaries than their non-overweight colleagues. Body image and conservative personalities were also linked to obesity discrimination.
Radiologists must understand normal anatomy and possible complications of bariatric surgeries like gastric banding and Roux-en-Y bypass to ensure patient success. By being familiar with these procedures, radiologists can better communicate with surgical colleagues and provide optimal care for obese patients.
A new study at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that fetal growth restriction, a potential cause of stillbirth, is less common in obese pregnancies. In contrast, slow-growing babies are more prevalent among normal-weight women. The researchers suggest that missed diagnoses may not be a major concern in obese pregnancies.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have defined the structure of the human obesity receptor, a key factor in regulating body fat. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for complications of obesity and anorexia.
A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that happy body image is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating habits among overweight teenagers. Researchers suggest improving body satisfaction could be a key component of interventions for overweight youth.