Articles tagged with Obesity
A new study reveals that highly educated women weigh less than less educated women in wealthier countries due to rapidly growing obesity rates. In contrast, better-educated women in poorer countries tend to weigh more, as they exit under-nutrition and adjust their diet.
A body image program called the Body Project has been shown to reduce the risk of onset of eating disorders by 61% and obesity by 55% in young women. The program, which consists of four one-hour weekly sessions, helps participants challenge negative body ideals and adopt healthier attitudes towards food and exercise.
Researchers found that administration of triflusal increased insulin secretion significantly in relation to dose size, but did not improve insulin sensitivity. The study's findings suggest salicylates may have a therapeutic benefit in the fight against type 2 diabetes in obese individuals.
A study found that regular physical activity lowers heart disease risk in overweight women, despite the presence of obesity. However, physical activity alone may not fully reverse the negative effects of being overweight on coronary heart disease risk.
The Lancet Editorial warns that rising food prices are causing starvation and pushing millions into poverty. The article highlights the need for long-term solutions to tackle biofuels, agricultural subsidies and trade distortions contributing to the crisis.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that low levels of adiponectin, a hormone produced by fat cells, are linked to elevated albumin protein in the urine and increased inflammation in the kidney. The study suggests that supplementing with adiponectin or other therapies may help protect kidney function in obese patients.
A recent study published in the journal Cancer found that nearly half of Canadian cancer survivors were overweight or obese, comparable to the general population. The research highlights the importance of promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits among cancer patients to prevent recurrence and improve overall health.
A new study reveals that cancer survivors in Canada have low levels of physical activity and high prevalence of obesity. The findings suggest that lifestyle interventions to promote physical activity and healthy weight management are necessary among cancer survivors to control their disease.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario discovered that abdominal fat tissue produces a hormone called Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which stimulates fat cell production. This novel finding may lead to new therapeutic targets for combating obesity, including the development of a simple blood test to detect increased levels of NPY.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that where and how the body stores excess calories is more important than overall weight in determining an individual's risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Overeating, rather than obesity itself, may trigger the development of this health condition.
Studies found obese breast cancer patients have poorer disease-free and overall survival rates compared to non-obese counterparts. Obesity also affects diagnostic characteristics, including stage at diagnosis, surgical delay, and hospital stay.
Mark Friedman, a leading researcher in eating behavior, has received a Guggenheim Fellowship to study the effects of diet on obesity. His work aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving diet-induced obesity, with a focus on the interaction between dietary fat and carbohydrate.
Infants who slept less than 12 hours per day had a higher risk of being overweight at age 3 than those who slept 12 hours or more. The study also found that restricting sleep changes hormone levels, stimulating hunger and increasing weight gain.
A new study found that rats fed tart cherry powder on top of a high-fat, Western-style diet had lower body weight, fat mass, total cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 levels. These findings suggest a potential link between tart cherry consumption and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
A large-scale study found that men are more likely to tolerate discrimination than women, but both sexes tend to accept prejudice against poorly educated immigrants and Arab-American airplane travelers. The study also revealed a significant sex gap in tolerance levels, with men more willing to accept discrimination.
A new study found that rimonabant, a weight loss medication, showed no significant effect on slowing the progression of coronary artery disease in patients with abdominal obesity. However, it did show improvements in metabolic parameters such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.
The study found that gut microbiota play a significant role in regulating weight and energy balance. Researchers suggest that manipulating the gut microbiota could be a useful strategy for treating obesity. However, more research is needed to establish the relationship between gut bacteria and obesity.
A study found that both short and long sleeping times are associated with an increased risk of future body weight and fat gain in adults. Adults who slept less than 7 hours or more than 10 hours per night gained more weight over six years compared to those who slept for 7-8 hours.
A Yale study reveals weight bias is as common as racial discrimination, with women experiencing twice the risk of men, and affecting workplace and interpersonal interactions. The study documents self-reported weight discrimination and compares it to experiences of racial and gender-based discrimination among adults.
A study of 6,583 people found that those with larger stomachs in their 40s were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia by age 70. Abdominal obesity was associated with a higher risk of dementia regardless of weight status or existing health conditions.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that people with larger stomachs in their 40s have a higher risk of dementia by age 70. The study showed that abdominal obesity in midlife is a strong predictor of dementia risk.
The brain can detect calorie content in food independently of taste, according to a study published in Neuron. The research found that the brain's reward system is activated by caloric intake, leading to a preference for calorie-containing foods over non-caloric sweeteners.
A community-intervention study in Calcium, New York, successfully linked increased calcium intake and physical activity with significant weight loss. The 16-week program resulted in an average weight loss of 13.2 pounds among participants.
A recent study by Indiana University found that overweight but active men experienced a 24% improvement in vascular function after exercise, compared to a 32% decrease in inactive individuals. The research highlights the importance of daily physical activity in maintaining cardiovascular health, even if weight loss is not immediate.
A study of 707 morbidly obese adult patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery found that those with two genetic obesity variations had significantly higher BMIs. The presence of these genetic variants may overcome the effects of bariatric surgery, highlighting their potential as susceptibility genes for postoperative weight gain.
Women with breast cancer who are obese experience more aggressive disease, including higher rates of inflammatory breast cancer and increased risk of recurrence. Obesity can lead to weight gain during treatment, further increasing the risk of recurrence.
Researchers found that even short periods of exercise (10-30 minutes) can significantly improve quality of life for postmenopausal women, including social functioning and general health. The study's results support the idea that any amount of physical activity is beneficial, even if it's just a little bit every day.
Scientists develop a new, lean mouse model by crossing mice deficient in protein kinase C beta (PKCB) with the C57 black mouse. The hybrid mice have less fat distribution, less fat tissue overall, and increased ability to burn fat, suggesting a potential strategy for treating obesity and disorders associated with excess weight.
Finnish research reveals clear changes in gene-networks and mitochondria function in obese individuals, associated with pre-diabetic changes and increased insulin release. Mitochondrial inefficiency may maintain obesity state.
Obese women should not be encouraged to gain at least 15 pounds during pregnancy, according to Saint Louis University obstetrician Raul Artal. Engaging in physical activity and proper diet can help prevent health issues like hypertension and diabetes.
A study by the American Heart Association found that individuals who received monthly personal counseling maintained significant weight loss over a 30-month period. The results showed that 42% of participants lost at least 4kg and 71% weighed less than their initial weight.
A study found that monthly personal contact with a counselor reduced weight regain by 3.3 lbs compared to self-directed programs, while interactive technology-based interventions showed similar results. More than 70% of participants maintained at least 8.8 lbs of weight loss.
Researchers found that personal contact and computer-based support systems helped participants maintain weight loss for two and a half years. Over 70% of participants weighed less at the end of the study than when they started, with those in the personal contact group achieving the highest success rate.
Scientists at Maastricht University have discovered that mitochondrial uncoupling occurs naturally in human skeletal muscle cells when exposed to mild cold. This process can increase energy consumption, potentially leading to new obesity treatments. Further research is needed to identify the proteins responsible for uncoupling.
Patients prioritize thorough examination ($40.87), followed by seeing a physician who knows them well, over other aspects of patient-centered care. Research suggests that local communities can develop tailored strategies to retain patients by improving services and customer service.
A new Penn study reveals that college-age females experience high levels of discomfort about being weighed in public, potentially leading to missed health tests and treatments. The study's findings suggest that women may avoid doctor visits due to embarrassment, highlighting the importance of private weighing for improved health outcomes.
Middle-aged women's waistlines have widened in recent years, increasing their stroke risk. The study found that obesity and blood sugar markers are key contributors to this trend, highlighting the need for obesity-curbing efforts.
Researchers found that mildly obese men's PSA scores were fourteen percent lower than normal-weight men, while moderately and severely obese men had 29 percent lower PSA values. The study highlights the need to reconsider PSA threshold values for heavier patients to ensure timely diagnosis.
A meta-analysis of 221 datasets found that a 5kg/m2 increase in BMI raises the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, thyroid cancer, colon and kidney cancers in men, and endometrial, gallbladder, and oesophageal adenocarcinoma in women. The study also found stronger associations between increased BMI and colon cancer in men.
A woman in her 20s suffered from Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by excess steroid hormones, after using an unregulated skin-lightening cream containing clobetasol. The medical team warns that these creams can have devastating consequences and urges caution.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that desire to weigh less was more predictive of unhealthy days than BMI, particularly among Whites and women. The study suggests social constructs surrounding ideal body types contribute to the obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that obese rats have abnormalities in brain regions critical for appetite control, including reduced responsiveness to the hunger-suppressing hormone leptin. This suggests that obesity may be wired into the brain from early life, making it challenging to reverse with exercise and diet alone.
Researchers at Boston University found that increasing type II muscle mass reduces body fat and improves metabolic parameters in genetically engineered mice. This study suggests that strength training may be beneficial for overweight individuals and could lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that an appetite-controlling hormone named leptin also affects the immune system, while natural versions of certain steroids do not. Leptin supports white blood cell production and enhances immune function in obese individuals.
Researchers estimate that preventing obesity could reduce healthcare costs for healthy individuals due to their longer lifespan and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study found the opposite: obese individuals and smokers had lower lifetime healthcare costs compared to healthy non-smokers.
A study by Paul Williams found that quitting exercise can lead to significant weight gain, especially at lower intensity levels. Resuming exercise after an hiatus is often not enough to reverse the weight gain, highlighting the importance of consistent and year-round physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.
A study suggests government dietary guidelines, introduced in the late 1970s, may have had a negative impact on health due to limited scientific data. The researchers argue that without proper studies, such guidelines may be harmful and recommend more cautious direction.
A new study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the hypothalamus can evoke detailed autobiographical memories in a patient with morbid obesity. After three weeks of continuous stimulation, the patient showed significant improvements in learning tests and was more likely to remember unrelated objects.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge highlight a strong correlation between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and insulin resistance, leading to adult-onset diabetes. Research suggests that individuals with high POPs levels in their blood are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they are thin.
Researchers at Queen's University discovered a genetic link between the nervous system and obesity, shedding new light on the condition's causes. The study found that deleting a specific nerve receptor in worms leads to increased fat accumulation and altered behavior.
A study found that obese patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent gastric banding surgery had a higher likelihood of achieving diabetes remission compared to those using conventional methods. The surgical group achieved significant weight loss and improved blood glucose control, suggesting intensive weight-loss therapy may be an eff...
A study by Monell researchers found that over 6,000 genes contribute to an individual's body weight, contradicting the idea of a single 'obesity gene.' This suggests that quick fixes for obesity are unlikely and highlights the complexity of the issue.
A new study suggests that African-American women's magazines often encourage fad diets and faith-based approaches to weight loss, while mainstream magazines focus on evidence-based diet strategies. Mainstream magazines were twice as likely to suggest eating more whole grains and protein, smaller portions, and low-fat foods.
A yearlong study showed that overweight individuals who lose a moderate amount of weight experience improved heart health, regardless of whether it's achieved through calorie restriction or exercise. The researchers found that participants' hearts regained some of the elasticity characteristic of younger heart tissue, allowing them to ...
Blocking the enzyme SCD1 reduces fat accumulation, improves insulin sensitivity and weight loss in FH-mice affected by metabolic syndrome. This finding highlights SCD1 as a potential drug target for individuals with familial hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.
A study by Dr. Dorry L. Segev and colleagues found that severe obesity is associated with a lower chance of receiving a kidney transplant, even after adjusting for medical factors. Obese patients tend to wait longer and are more likely to be bypassed when a kidney becomes available.
A brain-imaging study found that overweight people's brains respond differently to feelings of fullness, with reduced activation in areas signaling satiety. Treatments targeting these circuits may help control chronic overeating, according to the authors.
Participation in physical education decreases the likelihood of being an overweight adult by 5-28%. Wheel-related extracurricular activities show the most significant impact on maintaining a healthy weight into young adulthood. Regular physical activity is crucial for reducing obesity risk, especially during adolescence.
A recent study found that participating in school-based physical education and certain extracurricular activities during adolescence may lower the risk of becoming overweight as a young adult. The likelihood of being overweight was reduced by 48% for teens who performed wheel-related activities more than four times a week.
Research found that obese individuals are less likely to use seatbelts due to discomfort, leading to increased risk of injury or death in car accidents. The study suggests promoting awareness about seatbelt extender availability and designing more comfortable seatbelts for overweight individuals.