Articles tagged with Obesity
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The number of people overweight/obese increased significantly in sub-Saharan Africa between the early 1990s and early 2000s. The rate of increase was higher among the poor group, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
A two-year study found that moderate weight loss improved four key measures of heart health in obese patients, including decreased heart muscle thickness and improved pumping functions. After weight regain, some cardiovascular benefits were retained.
Research found moderate to heavy alcohol consumption increased breast cancer recurrence risk by 1.3-fold, with wine being the most popular choice among drinkers. Postmenopausal and overweight participants were more susceptible to the effects of alcohol on recurrence.
The NIH is launching a $37 million program to develop more effective interventions to reduce obesity by applying findings from basic behavioral and social sciences. The program will fund interdisciplinary teams conducting experimental research, formative studies, and pilot trials to identify promising new approaches.
A new study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 30% increased risk of breast cancer recurrence. Post-menopausal and overweight women may be most susceptible, regardless of type of alcohol consumed.
A large prospective study of over 20,000 Dutch men and women aged 20-65 found that accurately measured BMI and waist circumference can predict the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The associations between BMI and waist circumference with heart disease were equally strong, explaining half of all fatal and one quarter ...
Researchers found that college football linemen are at risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome due to their high body fat percentage. The study suggests that athletes concerned about maintaining a large size should prioritize healthy weight management and nutrition strategies.
Recent studies in fruit flies have identified a nuclear receptor that plays a critical role in regulating cholesterol levels, similar to humans. The findings suggest that fruit flies can teach humans about their own regulatory mechanisms for maintaining proper balances of cholesterol and stored fat.
A study by University of Michigan and Harvard researchers found that despite declines in smoking rates, the US population is experiencing a rise in obesity, which is overtaking the health benefits gained from quitting smoking. The study suggests that if current trends continue, nearly half of the population will be obese by 2020.
A retrospective study found that 52.1% of overweight adolescents had spine abnormalities, with most occurring within the discs. The study suggests a strong relationship between increased BMI in children and the incidence of lumbar disc disease.
A new study suggests that highly palatable, energy-dense foods can lead to increased fat storage by activating genes. Researchers found that a diet high in fat and sugar stimulates the kappa opioid receptor, causing the body to hold onto more fat than usual.
The number of Americans living with diabetes will nearly double from 23.7 million in 2009 to 44.1 million in 2034, and spending on diabetes will almost triple, rising from $113 billion to $336 billion. This growth is expected to add a significant strain to the healthcare system.
A new study by a European research team has found that obese people have high levels of the molecule CXCL5, produced by fatty tissue cells. This discovery could lead to an experimental treatment aimed at inhibiting the action of CXCL5 to protect against type 2 diabetes.
A recent study by Loyola University Health System found that one out of five adults with Type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese. The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes increased by 141% between 1976 and 2006, highlighting the growing public health implications.
A consensus statement on diabetes surgery recognizes the legitimacy of surgery as a dedicated treatment for type 2 diabetes in carefully selected patients. The document summarizes evidence showing that bariatric surgery effectively reverses type 2 diabetes, and its findings justify considering surgery as a specific diabetes intervention.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that robotic surgery is effective in removing uterine fibroids regardless of patient weight. Obesity was not shown to be a risk factor for poor surgical outcome, contradicting previous concerns.
Tufts University researchers identified a gene-diet interaction linked to body weight and obesity, replicated in three independent studies. Men with the CC genotype consuming high-saturated fat diets showed higher BMI scores and obesity risk compared to those with low-saturated fat intake or other genotypes.
A study found that the average BMI of adult Americans increased from 26.5 to 28.8 kg/m2, undermining progress in reducing blood pressure and fasting glucose risk factors. Despite public health efforts, there is no net improvement in the overall cardiovascular risk factor profile.
Research found that 8% of obese individuals perceive themselves as satisfied with their body size or believe they can gain weight. These misperceptions are associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases and lower likelihood of seeking medical care.
Research suggests that active Wii sports and Wii fit activities can increase energy expenditure to levels comparable to moderately intense exercise. The study found that some activities, such as boxing and single-arm stand, require high energy expenditures of up to 5.6 METs.
A new UCLA study found that individuals between 60-69 years old experienced significant increases in disabilities, including basic activities, instrumental activities, mobility, and functional limitations. This trend is concerning as it may put a burden on the healthcare system and boost health costs.
A study published in Neurology found that teenage women who are obese may be more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as adult women compared to female teens who are not obese. Weight during adolescence, rather than childhood or adulthood, is critical in determining the risk of MS.
A one-year study found that participants on a low-fat diet experienced improved mood and well-being compared to those on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. The study suggests that the low-carb diet may have detrimental effects on mood due to its structured nature and potential social challenges.
A prospective study found obesity and hypertension to be independent predictors of left atrial enlargement, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke, and death. Obesity was associated with greater increases in left atrial volume and incidence of LAE compared to hypertension.
The energy gap concept estimates the change in energy balance required to achieve and sustain reduced body weight outcomes. Researchers suggest that small changes of 100 kcal/day can prevent weight regain in most adults, but larger gaps of 200-300 kcal/day are needed for maintenance.
Research by Michigan State University's Barbara Luke found that obese women are 28% less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. Women who are overweight also face a 14% lower chance of a successful pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 50,000 women using assisted reproductive technology.
The 'energy gap' concept suggests that small behavior changes, such as eating 100 less calories per day, are effective in preventing further weight gain. This approach must be included in public health strategies and policies to address obesity.
Researchers have discovered that saturated fatty acids can 'anger' the immune system by hijacking Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) on blood cells, leading to chronic inflammation. This interaction may be the key to understanding obesity-related metabolic consequences, and a new class of insulin sensitizers is being explored.
A new study finds that obesity and diabetes increase the risk of chest pain and skin reactions after stereotactic body radiation therapy. Patients who receive a high dose of radiation to cancer close to the chest wall are more likely to experience these side effects, highlighting the need for further research into reducing radiation-re...
A study found that sustained modest weight loss can prevent or lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk, delaying diagnosis by about four years. Lifestyle changes also improved cardiovascular risk factors and were particularly beneficial among older adults.
Despite concerns about decreased physical activity contributing to rising obesity rates, research suggests that physical activity levels may actually be increasing among US adolescents. While minority students and girls are less active than their peers, sedentary behaviors like screen time remain a concern.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a previously unknown gene in fruit flies that controls fat metabolism. The gene, called 'schlank', is structurally similar to genes found in humans and may play a role in energy metabolism. Introducing mouse Lass genes into mutant flies showed promise for new obesity treatments.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds a connection between adolescent girls' weight and their participation in risky sexual behaviors. The research suggests that ethnicity, actual weight, or perceived weight may influence decision-making around sex.
Researchers found that intensive lifestyle changes reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk by 34 percent over 10 years. Lifestyle changes also lowered blood pressure and triglyceride levels in patients.
A decade-long study found that intensive lifestyle changes reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared to placebo, resulting in a delay of about four years. In contrast, treatment with metformin reduced the risk by 18 percent after 10 years.
Researchers will develop a computer simulation model to predict the effects of prenatal risk factors like obesity and diabetes on infant health in African-American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white populations. The study aims to identify potential disparities in disease development and continuation across ethnic groups.
Research from University of Rhode Island found that chewing gum decreases calorie intake at lunch by 68 calories. Participants also reported feeling less hungry after chewing gum. Additionally, gum chewing increased energy expenditure before and after eating, with a 5% increase in both cases.
The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness declines more rapidly after age 45, with men experiencing a greater decline than women. Maintaining a healthy BMI, being physically active, and not smoking are associated with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness throughout adult life.
A study found that living near a variety of restaurants and supermarkets lowers the risk of obesity. In contrast, residents who live far from any food outlets are more likely to be overweight. The researchers also found that access to healthy grocery options in low-income neighborhoods significantly reduces obesity rates.
Research reveals that Caucasian college women are more likely to exhibit binge eating behaviors than African American women. The study found that African-American students were less likely to meet criteria for binge eating and had less severe symptoms, but shared similar predictors such as depressed mood and feelings of fat. This dispa...
A large study found that obese patients with established cardiovascular disease are less likely to reach recommended targets for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Obesity was also associated with poorer control of HDL levels, but not LDL-cholesterol targets.
In the study, participants on liraglutide lost significantly more weight than those on placebo and orlistat. Liraglutide also reduced blood pressure and improved prediabetes rates with all doses.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 1,656 obese women found that nearly three-quarters gained too much weight during pregnancy and retained an average of 40% of the weight one year after delivery. Younger women and first-time mothers were most likely to gain excessive weight.
The study, funded by a $2.2 million grant, will enroll 180 obese pregnant women and test a weight maintenance program with weekly support groups. Preliminary results are expected in three years, aiming to show that obese women who maintain their weight will have better outcomes.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that physicians have less respect for obese patients, with higher BMI associated with lower levels of respect. The findings raise questions about whether physician attitudes towards obesity impact patient care and health outcomes.
A University of Florida study found that eating more plant-based foods can prevent oxidative stress associated with obesity and disease. By incorporating colorful, low-calorie foods like leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables into meals, individuals may be able to control caloric intake and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
New research reveals how diet affects brain chemistry, influencing behavior and physiological changes related to obesity. Studies show that high-fat diets can lead to addictive-like behaviors, reduced insulin sensitivity, and impaired brain development in offspring.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that mangosteen juice lowered C-reactive protein levels by 1.33mg/L in obese participants. The natural treatment was safe at all dosages tested and showed promise as a potential therapeutic option for reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center are studying various approaches to prevent and treat obesity, including behavioral interventions and gene-based research. These studies aim to develop innovative strategies to curb the obesity epidemic and its devastating health consequences.
A study found that overweight women's self-esteem decreases when exposed to thin models, while underweight women's esteem increases regardless of model size. Comparably, overweight and underweight women showed similar levels of self-esteem when not looking at models.
Excess weight increases severity of oxygen desaturation in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing during and after apneas and hypopneas. BMI predicts degree of oxygen depletion associated with SDB events.
Rajiv Kumar, a medical student from Rhode Island, has been awarded the Community Health Leaders Award for his work to reduce obesity among Rhode Islanders. Over 35,000 participants have taken part in his Shape Up RI program, losing thousands of pounds and walking millions of miles.
The UK is launching seven new research projects to combat obesity and heart disease, using a combination of public and private sector funding. Researchers will explore the role of probiotics, polyphenols, and cognition in diet-related health issues.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that restricting fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles may not address the main reasons for high obesity rates. The region's dense small food stores and high-calorie snack availability contribute more to residents' diets than fast-food establishments.
A study of 8,500 low-income children ages 1-5 found an association between household food insecurity and overweight prevalence. Food-insecure households were more prevalent among girls under 2 years old, but not boys; however, among girls aged 2-5, those from food-insecure households had a 47% higher odds of being overweight.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that overweight women in mid-life had more health problems and impaired cognitive function later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood may increase the odds of enjoying a healthy life in later years, according to the study.
Researchers found that obesity did not lead to knee osteoarthritis in mice with leptin deficiency. Leptin hormone levels were high in obese individuals, but the study suggests it may protect against OA development. Further studies on leptin's role in preventing knee OA are recommended.
A new Duke University study has found that leptin plays a crucial role in determining whether obese mice develop arthritis, regardless of their weight. The absence of leptin was shown to prevent osteoarthritis in obese mice, with healthier joint appearance compared to normal control mice.
A $5.2 million NIH grant will fund detailed genotyping of thousands of adults in Samoa to investigate genetic variation associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study aims to identify specific 'susceptibility' genes that may increase the risk of these conditions.
A Temple-led study of 264 obese patients with type 2 diabetes found that those who lost 10% of their body weight nearly eliminated sleep apnea episodes, compared to those who did not lose weight. The results suggest that weight loss can have a significant impact on reducing the disorder and improving overall health.