Articles tagged with Obesity
A recent study compared two gastric bypass techniques for severe obesity, finding that proximal bypass resulted in greater weight loss and fewer complications. The distal technique had some advantages but also more drawbacks, leading the surgical team to adopt proximal bypass as their first choice.
A longitudinal study of 540 adults found that approximately one third of Canadians with physician-diagnosed asthma do not have asthma when objectively tested. Obesity is linked to increased asthma rates in North America, but overdiagnosis may be more common than previously thought, particularly among obese adults.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center honors Dr. Bruce Spiegelman with the Naomi Berrie Award for his groundbreaking work on metabolic pathways of obesity and diabetes research. Dr. Spiegelman's discoveries have identified key molecules critical in fat cell differentiation, insulin resistance, and energy expenditure. Meanwhile, jun...
A new study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers found that obese women display significantly weaker impulse control than normal-weight women. The study's findings suggest that eating-related disinhibition may be a key factor in this difference.
New study finds direct link between obesity and increased leptin levels, leading to damage similar to hypertension and diabetes. Leptin stimulates greater production of superoxide, creating toxic molecules that harm endothelial cells.
A study of over 5,300 live kidney donors found that obesity was common among donors, particularly those from African- and Hispanic-American backgrounds. Obese donors were more likely to develop hypertension prior to and after donation, but did not experience worse kidney function compared to non-obese donors.
A two-year study found substantial quantities of melanin produced in morbidly obese patients' fat tissue, suggesting a natural defense mechanism against obesity-related conditions. The antioxidant properties of melanin may help suppress inflammatory properties of excess fat.
A new synthetic chemical entity activates the SIRT1 pathway, improving glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and exercise endurance in mice fed a high-fat diet. The study demonstrates that this activation primarily promotes fat consumption in skeletal muscle, liver, and brown adipose tissue.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that overweight women are more likely to report having sex with men than their normal-weight counterparts. The research suggests that physicians should not make assumptions about a woman's sexual behavior based on her weight.
Researchers found that fat cells in obese people produce melanin in excess, which could lead to the development of new treatments for obesity-related metabolic problems. The discovery was confirmed using additional laboratory tests and may provide a safer alternative to weight loss treatments.
A study published in Neurology found that people with obesity and pre-existing health conditions may experience a delay in being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or have more severe symptoms at diagnosis. The study suggests that doctors should carefully consider new neurological symptoms in patients with chronic diseases.
A new antibody strategy has been developed to target gastric hormone ghrelin, which is linked to weight gain and fat storage. The study found that the antibody increased metabolic rate in fasting mice and suppressed feeding after 24-hour food deprivation.
A new obesity drug, Tesofensine, has shown promising results in a phase II study, producing weight loss twice that of currently approved obesity drugs. The drug works by suppressing hunger, leading to an energy deficit and burning off excess body fat.
Women who are overweight and obese often struggle to access healthcare due to stigma and inadequate facilities. They report feeling uncomfortable, dismissed, and stigmatized by healthcare staff, which can lead to delayed or avoided care.
A new study published in The Lancet found that tesofensine can produce weight loss up to twice that of current medications, with the lowest dose showing promising results. Researchers believe this could be a game-changer for treating obesity, but larger trials are needed to confirm.
Researchers discovered that injecting human recombinant interleukin-6 improved insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption, increasing fat metabolism genes. A preliminary study suggests this molecule could help prevent diabetes and obesity in humans in the medium term.
A new study by Eric Stice found obese people exhibit blunted reward responses in the brain's striatum, leading to increased unhealthy weight gain. The research suggests that a genetic variation affecting dopamine D2 receptors may trigger overeating in obese individuals.
Researchers found that women with decreased striatal activation in response to receiving milkshakes were more likely to gain weight over time. The study, which used brain imaging and genetic data, suggests that certain biological factors may impact one's risk for weight gain.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a link between genetics and reduced brain response to food in obese individuals, predicting future weight gain. The study used brain imaging and genetic analysis to show that individuals with a specific genetic variant exhibited a blunted response to food, leading to overeating.
Research suggests that individuals with weaker activation of brain reward circuitry when eating are more likely to be obese and gain weight over time. Those with a genetic variation associated with compromised dopamine signaling in this region are at even greater risk.
A study of 320 participants with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) found that they consumed a diet higher in unhealthy fats, protein, and cholesterol compared to those with less severe OSA. Women were more affected by these dietary habits, which may contribute to greater cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Researchers found black patients with chronic pain were less likely to have their weight or BMI recorded, despite being at higher risk for obesity. Obesity contributes to greater disability and poorer functioning over and above the impact of pain level.
A case report highlights the risk of thiamine deficiency disease after gastric bypass surgery for obesity, which can lead to severe neurological symptoms. Patients are advised to take multivitamins and monitor their thiamine levels to prevent this condition.
A new study from UC Irvine researchers shows that unsaturated fatty acids stimulate production of oleoylethanolamide, which decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness. The discovery points towards new approaches to treating obesity and eating disorders.
Recent figures from the HEALTHY Study found that standard school vending machine offerings contain high-calorie beverages and snacks, contributing to excess calorie intake among students. The study aims to limit snack calories to 200 and eliminate unhealthy options from vending machines.
Patients with metabolic syndrome have a significantly higher lifetime risk of colorectal cancer compared to those without the condition. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends closely adhering to published guidelines for colorectal cancer screening.
A study by Temple University researchers found that obese women face significant mental barriers to exercise, including feeling self-conscious, fearing injury, and having perceived poor health. These aversions can significantly hinder their ability to engage in physical activity and adhere to a weight loss plan.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that severely obese individuals who exercised just one hour a week reported better overall-quality of life and improved ability to perform daily tasks. Even small amounts of physical activity can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, regardless of weight.
A substudy of the Physician's Health Study found that overweight men with high plasma concentrations of C-peptide, a protein reflecting insulin secretion, had significantly higher prostate-cancer mortality rates. Men with both high C-peptide and BMI prior to diagnosis had a four times higher risk of disease-specific mortality.
Temple University researchers found that obese women reported their activity levels most accurately compared to overweight and normal weight women. The accuracy of estimates increased with education and participation in physical activity over time.
Research published in Obesity journal reveals overweight individuals sit closer to food, use larger plates, and eat more when dining at all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurants. These subtle differences contribute to increased food consumption among obese diners.
Scientists have discovered an important fat precursor cell that may explain how changes in fat cells lead to obesity. The discovery could also shed light on conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A research team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a brain pathway responsible for regulating food intake and body weight. The discovery, published in Cell, suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to new treatments for obesity and related disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers found that inactivating key genes involved in 'fat-burning' can increase energy expenditure and lower diet-induced obesity. By forcing the body to use less efficient methods, mice became resistant to obesity despite consuming a high-fat diet.
A new study found that patients with specific genetic variations lose more weight when taking the weight loss drug sibutramine and undergoing behavioral therapy. The research suggests gene pairs can predict treatment effectiveness, which could help personalize medicine for obesity treatment.
A new JAMA study reveals a genetic link between obesity and colon cancer risk, showing those with a common genetic variant of ADIPOQ carry up to 30% reduced risk. This finding may lead to improved screening and early detection for colon cancer through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
A study found that vitamin A's carrier protein, retinol-binding protein (RBP), was significantly lower in obese subjects than nonobese subjects. This suggests a potential link between RBP and insulin resistance in obesity. Further research is needed to determine the role of apo-RBP, an unbound form of RBP, in mediating insulin signaling.
For obese patients, a single session of exercise boosts fat-burning oxidation and reduces accumulated fat by-products inside the muscle, improving metabolic health. The study found that exercising increased fat storage in muscles, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit for individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Urinary stress incontinence affects many young women's lives, impacting routine and recreational activities. The condition is relatively high among women, with around 1 in 7 experiencing symptoms, and can be triggered by physical activity such as basketball or athletics.
Researchers found significant declines in hip bone mineral density after gastric bypass surgery, associated with the extent of weight loss. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies may be due to alterations in the gastrointestinal tract during these procedures.
A study of 1961 nonpregnant women found that nearly a quarter report at least one pelvic floor disorder, including urinary and fecal incontinence. The prevalence of these disorders increases with age and weight, affecting over half of women aged 80 or older.
A survey of 515 patients found they were split almost 50/50 on the effectiveness of 'pay for performance for patients' schemes. Smokers and obese individuals thought paying for lifestyle changes was a good idea, citing lower healthcare costs and increased motivation.
Researchers at National Jewish Health found that glucocorticoids are 40% less effective in overweight and obese asthma patients than in those of normal weight. The study suggests a potential mechanism involved in the resistance, which could lead to therapeutic targets for future medications.
A study of 704 Amish adults found that those with low physical activity levels had a stronger association between FTO gene variants and increased BMI. Physical activity levels above average were shown to offset the genetic predisposition to obesity, suggesting personalized lifestyle recommendations may be effective in preventing weight...
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found a correlation between non-subcutaneous fat and calcified plaque in the arteries, increasing cardiovascular event risk. The study suggests targeting non-subcutaneous fat may be key to preventing heart disease.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that obese adults with asthma are nearly five times more likely to be hospitalized for their condition. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that obese people with asthma have significantly worse asthma control and lower quality of life.
Research finds that intellectual work leads to a significant increase in calorie intake, with students consuming up to 253 more calories after mentally demanding tasks. The study suggests that fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels may trigger food overcompensation.
A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that eating high-quality protein foods for breakfast leads to a greater sense of sustained fullness throughout the day. The study concluded that consuming more protein at breakfast, rather than lunch or dinner, is critical for maintaining feelings of fullness.
A new study led by Dr. Keiko Watanabe found that periodontitis accelerates insulin resistance in rats with a high-fat diet. The research will explore the impact of periodontitis on diabetic complications in the retina, aorta and pancreas.
A US study found that nearly half of all US adults and two-thirds of obese adults will develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by age 85. Maintaining a normal weight reduces the risk, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina.
Active video games can help prevent childhood obesity by increasing energy expenditure and heart rate. According to a new study, children aged 6-12 burned significantly more calories while playing active games compared to seated games.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a master switch in the brain that controls both appetite and fertility. Variations in the TORC1 gene may contribute to obesity and infertility, and could be regulated with a novel drug. The study also reveals that leptin plays a crucial role in regulating these processes.
A recent New Zealand study investigated the relationship between obesity and asthma, ruling out systemic inflammation as a common factor. Despite not finding evidence of its involvement, researchers suggest that other possibilities, such as changes in innate immunity or dynamic lung function, may be worth exploring.
A recent study published in the journal Diabetes found that fat tissue in obese patients has impaired cellular function, leading to increased risk of insulin resistance and related conditions. The researchers discovered significant differences in the cellular structure and function of fat cells between lean and obese individuals.
A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found associations between smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity with lower Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) awareness. This may lead to reduced prostate cancer screening rates among affected individuals.
A new study reveals that consumers tend to avoid the largest and smallest options when it comes to soft drinks. By eliminating small drink sizes and adding larger ones, retailers have seen a 15% increase in high-calorie drink consumption. Reversing this trend could curb soft drink consumption with only a slight reduction in profit.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that vigabatrin induced satiety in obese animals, leading to significant weight loss and reduced food consumption. The study suggests that vigabatrin could potentially treat severe obesity, including binge eating patterns similar to those seen in cocaine dependency.
A new study by Dr. Lawrence Cheskin suggests that increasing mushroom intake can help prevent or treat obesity by consuming low-energy-density foods in place of high-energy-density foods like lean ground beef. Mushroom meals were found to be as palatable and appealing as meat meals, with no difference in appetite or satiety.
Researchers at UNC School of Public Health studied over 750 Chinese men and women and found that those who used MSG in their food preparation had a higher prevalence of overweight, even when controlling for physical activity and calorie intake. The study suggests that MSG use may be associated with weight gain in humans.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with low mixed-land use and high fast-food density were more likely to have overweight residents. In contrast, areas with high street connectivity, public transportation, and green spaces promoted neighborhood walking and physical activity.