Articles tagged with Obesity
Despite slight increase in prescriptions between 2021 and 2024, only 3% of eligible patients received a prescription. Disparities were found based on race, ethnicity, social vulnerability, and urbanicity, with small but significant differences compared to overall underutilization.
A combination of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens reduces obesity-related changes in rats, including fat cell accumulation and insulin resistance. The treatment also increases beneficial gut microbes and improves metabolic health, making it a promising alternative to tamoxifen for women at high breast cancer risk.
The study estimates that expanded Medicare coverage for GLP-1RAs would increase access to these treatments and reduce obesity-related comorbidities. However, this would come with substantial costs over a decade, projected at $8 billion, highlighting the need for further price reductions and cost-saving strategies.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigated tirzepatide's effects on weight loss and metabolic health. The study found that tirzepatide decreased calorie intake and increased fat oxidation, leading to significant weight loss. However, the drug did not decrease the slowing down of metabolic rate usually observed wi...
A randomized clinical trial suggests that metformin can be an effective treatment for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in people with overweight or obesity. The study's results support the use of metformin for this condition, but further confirmation is needed in larger clinical trials.
The European Society of Endocrinology and the European Hormone and Metabolism Foundation launch a global campaign to raise awareness about hormone balance and its impact on chronic diseases. Small steps can make a big difference in improving hormone health.
Researchers found that obesity causes a disruption in the liver's ability to adapt to starvation, specifically in the temporal coordination of molecules. This suggests that obesity makes the body more vulnerable to the negative effects of starvation, despite no significant structural disruptions in the molecular network.
The American Heart Association funds research teams to investigate how risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases impact women differently. The project aims to understand the biological significance of certain life cycles and societal factors on disease development.
A new study identifies that the internationally recognized body mass index (BMI) cut-off points overestimate overweight and obesity in male athletes. The researchers propose new cut-off points of 28.2 kg/m² for overweight and 33.7 kg/m² for obesity, taking into account lower body fat percentages typical of athletes.
Research found that MPO promotes inflammation and inhibits protective mechanisms in perivascular adipose tissue, leading to poorer vascular function. Inhibiting MPO could be a promising therapeutic approach for obesity-related cardiovascular risk reduction.
Among US adults aged 20-59, obesity prevalence by BMI was nearly identical to the confirmed excess adiposity rate. Approximately 98% of obese individuals had excess adiposity, suggesting a strong correlation between the two measures.
A study published by the European Association for the Study of Obesity found that women are significantly more aware of and have a better understanding of obesity drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understanding tolerable side effects, effectiveness, and ability to maintain weight loss is crucial for people commencing treatment.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is may have neuroprotective effects for people with Type 2 diabetes and those without diabetes. These findings suggest that these medications may slow the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
A new study published in The Journal of Internal Medicine found that having an unhealthy metabolic profile increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 69% and subsequent breast cancer mortality by 83% among survivors. This association was consistent across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The 2025 Bray Obesity Symposium provides valuable insights and guidance from leading researchers in obesity medicine. The symposium features topics such as advances in obesity genetics, pediatric obesity, lifestyle intervention, and pharmacotherapy.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease risk factors in midlife. Prioritizing weight management among those considering pregnancy may promote both maternal and future cardiovascular health.
The research aims to bridge the translational gap between animal and human studies, exploring how obesity impacts decision-making around food. The team will measure brain chemical activity while participants consume sugary drinks and complete emotion-related tasks.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of multidimensional sleep health in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The statement reviews evidence on the relationship between sleep and various health factors, including body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
A new analysis of the SURMOUNT-1 trial found that around two-thirds of participants regained only 5% or less of their lowest weight over three years. The study suggests that most patients receiving tirzepatide had a relatively stable weight journey, with limited weight regain after reaching their nadir weight.
A new study found that tirzepatide can produce sustained weight loss of up to 31% in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, regardless of age or BMI. The study also identified patterns of weight loss trajectories and found that females and those without obesity-related complications may be more responsive to the medication.
Researchers developed a dual-action nanotherapy that converts white fat into beige fat and reduces obesity-related inflammation, significantly improving metabolic health without detectable toxicity.
A comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories identified distinct patterns affecting brain morphology, function, and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. The study suggests sustained obesity accelerates brain aging, highlighting the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management.
A new study found that both employed people with obesity and employer representatives acknowledge the impact of obesity on future health problems and perceive lifestyle change alongside anti-obesity medications as the most effective approach for maintaining weight-loss reduction. Cost of medication coverage remains a significant barrie...
A six-month study found that patients using GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapy experienced minimal lean muscle mass loss as they lost weight. Regular resistance training, consistent protein intake, and close supervision by an expert obesity doctor were associated with better muscle retention.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that restricting carbohydrates can lead to improvements in metabolic markers and better handling of high-fat meals. This approach may be more sustainable than extreme calorie restriction, reducing hunger and increasing energy burning.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that decreased ceramide levels in blood vessels can cause chronic illnesses. Ceramides regulate blood vessel tone and prevent blood clots, but low levels increase inflammation, high blood pressure, and glucose levels, leading to cardiometabolic conditions.
A study found that migrants experience a 'clear change' in their gut microbiome composition after migration, leading to increased rates of cardiovascular disease. The Amsterdam UMC-led research showed that specific groups of microbes disappear or emerge along the migration axis.
The Endocrine Society strongly disagrees with the administration's decision not to finalize a rule allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medications. This decision leaves millions of Americans with obesity without access to evidence-based treatment, exacerbating the country's growing obesity epidemic.
The American College of Physicians has awarded $260,000 in grants to support regional programs addressing equity challenges in obesity care. Thirteen grantees will implement collaborative outreach projects to train medical professionals and their patients to combat misinformation and improve clinical capacity for obesity care.
Researchers found that people's activity patterns and visit frequency at healthy food sources are stronger predictors of obesity-related cancer risk than location-based approaches. The study used GPS data and obesity-related cancer mortality data to analyze the relationship between food shopping habits and health outcomes.
A new review of studies on percentage weight-based targets in obesity interventions found that these targets often result in a 'success or failure' outcome, leaving little room for improvement in obesity-related complications, quality of life, and overall physical and social functioning. The study recommends shifting focus towards more...
A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.
A randomized clinical trial found that 4:3 intermittent fasting resulted in modestly greater weight loss over 12 months compared to daily caloric restriction. The study showed improved cardiometabolic outcomes, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting that fasting may be a more effective approach for weight loss.
A study found that only a quarter of mental health providers correctly diagnosed bulimia nervosa, with common misdiagnoses including binge eating disorder. Excessive exercise is often overlooked as a compensatory strategy used by people with bulimia.
The SUMMIT trial shows tirzepatide reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure in patients with obesity, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure, while improving kidney function. Researchers found significant improvements in both patient groups with and without chronic kidney disease.
A new medical database automatically compiles patient records of obese individuals, offering insights for health promotion and drug development. The J-ORBIT database reveals strong links between obesity and various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
A new white paper finds that expanding access to anti-obesity medications can prevent or delay chronic disease by years, providing significant societal benefits. The study estimates a $10 trillion return on investment and 13% annual returns on investment for society.
A study found that consuming sucralose alters brain activity related to hunger and increases appetite, especially in people with obesity. The sugar substitute changes how the hypothalamus communicates with other brain regions, including those involved in motivation, potentially leading to cravings and eating behavior changes.
A high-fat diet reduces neurotensin, a brain peptide that interacts with the dopamine network, leading to reduced pleasure in eating. Boosting neurotensin levels restores pleasure and promotes weight loss in mice, offering new avenues for addressing obesity.
A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.
A new study found that high sodium intake is linked to a higher risk of both general and abdominal obesity in Finnish adults. The study showed that participants with high dietary sodium intake or high urine sodium concentration were more likely to have general or abdominal obesity.
A study published in Nutrients found that men and women eat differently, with women taking longer to finish meals and chewing more. Increasing the number of chews per bite and taking smaller bites can extend meal duration, which is positively associated with reduced food consumption.
A new study reveals how hunger influences dietary decisions by prioritizing tastiness over healthiness, leading to poorer nutritional choices. Researchers used eye-tracking technology and computational modeling to demonstrate that hungry individuals focus more on the visual appeal of food options and ignore nutritional information.
A comprehensive study found that people with fatty liver disease have almost twice the mortality rate of the general population. The disease is caused by overweight or obesity and increases the risk of dying from various causes, including liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infections.
New research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight throughout life and losing weight later in life may reduce the risk of kidney cancer. Higher BMI at various ages across adulthood was associated with increased risks of developing different types of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma, papillary RCC, and chromophobe RCC.
A team of biologists has discovered an ancient neurohormone called bombesin that controls appetite in humans and other vertebrates. The study also found that bombesin-like neurohormones are present in starfish, revealing a common ancestor of appetite regulation dating back over half a billion years.
A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improved weight management and obesity-related health outcomes among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction of 2.61 kg in weight, 1.06 kg/m² in BMI, and 4.17 cm in waist cir...
A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that waist circumference is a stronger risk marker than body mass index (BMI) for obesity-related cancers in men. However, this association was not observed in women.
A new study found that new-onset type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of certain obesity-related cancers, such as bowel and pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank and found a 48% increased risk in men and a 24% increased risk in women for overall obesity-related cancers.
More than 20 leading organizations and providers urge the FDA to take action following the recent resolution of GLP-1 medicine shortages. Signatories include the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention, Association of Black Cardiologists, and National Hispanic Medical Association.
A Swedish study of over 1,300 participants found that losing a significant amount of weight still offers protection against health issues like cancer and cardiovascular disease, even if some weight is regained. However, regaining weight can increase the risk of microvascular disease and other health problems.
A new study reveals a cell atlas of the endometrium in women with PCOS, showing distinct differences in cellular composition and gene expression. The findings suggest that targeting specific cell types may lead to better treatment options for women with PCOS and related reproductive issues.
A new study in The Journal of Immunology reveals how a high-fat diet can impair the immune system's ability to respond to infection. Male mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited impaired neutrophil function, including reduced bacterial killing capacity and abnormal gene expression.
A study found no increased risk of suicidal events among adults taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes or obesity, but continued monitoring is warranted to identify at-risk patients. The findings ease concerns about these potential adverse effects, allowing extended use of GLP-1 RAs.
The review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms linking obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and metabolic syndrome, highlighting recent advancements in therapeutic strategies. Treatment approaches aim to break the harmful cycle between OSA and MetS, which affects approximately 14% of the global population.
Research suggests that people with obesity experience a redistribution of their body compartments, such as increased fat trunk accumulation and lower muscle mass, particularly in extremities, as they age. This shift occurs without significant changes in BMI, making it a less useful tool for assessing weight status.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer by identifying the molecule Neuropeptide Y (NPY) as a key driver of its spread. Blocking NPY's function has been shown to reduce cancer cell movement and metastatic outgrowth, potentially limiting disease progression.
Tirzepatide and semaglutide offer substantial long-term health benefits in US adults, reducing obesity risk. However, the high costs of these medications make them not cost-effective at current net prices, hindering equitable access.
Media professionals can register for ENDO 2025 to discuss groundbreaking research on obesity, diabetes, and more with world-renowned experts. The event features nearly 2,500 abstracts and over 200 sessions, offering a premier global conference in endocrinology research and clinical care.
A national survey found that nearly 90% of Americans believe eating healthy foods is crucial for preventing conditions like obesity and type-2 diabetes. More than half would participate in produce prescriptions or medically tailored meal programs if offered through their healthcare providers.