Articles tagged with Obesity
The university's Task Force for Obesity Research will tackle key molecular pathways, develop new approaches to prevent obesity and treat associated metabolic complications. Researchers will use data from the Dallas Heart Study and provide interdisciplinary training for postdoctoral fellows.
Researchers found that mice with a disrupted enzyme involved in protein metabolism became slimmer despite eating more food, showing improved glucose and insulin tolerance. The study suggests a new potential weight-loss therapy by manipulating protein turnover through pharmacological means.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a single gene that controls fat formation in various organisms, including humans. The 'adipose' gene is believed to be a high-level master switch that determines whether the body accumulates or burns fat.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that overweight toddlers are at a higher risk of iron deficiency due to exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months without supplementation, early introduction of milk, and excessive cow's milk consumption. The study also highlights the importance of preventing iron deficiency in ear...
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging technique that detects fat buildup in the heart of pre-diabetic people. The study found that fat accumulation occurs before diabetes onset and is unrelated to blood sugar or liver fat, but correlated with stomach fat.
Recent symposium discussions highlighted the brain's role in initiating and regulating obesity, as well as its response to nutrient abundance. Research suggests impaired brain function may contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, fueling obesity and type 2 diabetes development.
Researchers found that consumers estimate sandwiches contain 35% fewer calories when from healthy restaurants, leading to increased consumption of high-calorie beverages and sides. Encouraging people to examine health claims eliminates the 'health halo' effect, highlighting the need for quantitative food assessment.
Researchers found a strong correlation between median home prices and local obesity rates, with 2% drop for every $100,000 increase. The study also revealed six-fold disparities in obesity rates across the Seattle metropolitan area, with disadvantaged areas affected the most.
A study found that morbidly obese mice can gain protection against diabetes by consuming excess calories without developing insulin resistance. The key hormone adiponectin plays a crucial role in this process, and its abundance helps store excess fat in the right places.
A long-term study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reveals that bariatric surgery reduces mortality in severely obese patients by 29%. The researchers found that the actual weight loss is less important than the surgery itself in reducing risk, opening up new possibilities for treatment development.
PCOS is characterized by multiple health complications, including menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, and metabolic syndrome. Research focuses on identifying the primary cause of PCOS, which may be linked to defects in the ovary, hypothalamic-pituitary axis, or abnormal insulin activity.
A new study suggests that infection with human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) may contribute to the development of obesity in some individuals. The virus transforms adult stem cells into fat cells, leading to increased fat accumulation.
A new study at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a protein called Sirt2 as playing a major role in how fat is produced and stored in the body. Increasing Sirt2 levels may block fat cell differentiation and reduce fat storage.
Researchers found that people with low IGFBP-1 levels were twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those with higher levels. This protein's role in modulating insulin and IGF hormones may hold clues to the disease's development, potentially aiding in risk prediction.
A RAND Corporation study reveals a sharp decline in undiagnosed diabetes cases among American men over the past 25 years, with ethnic disparities largely eliminated. The study also found that education levels play a significant role in diabetes diagnosis, with those having less education being less likely to receive accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that waist-to-hip ratio is a stronger indicator of cardiovascular risk than body mass index. The study suggests that measuring this ratio can help identify individuals with an increased risk of heart disease and guide more effective treatment strategies.
Scientists have discovered that leptin controls our fondness for food by activating brain regions responsible for rewarding emotions and desires. The study found that individuals deficient in leptin show strong responses to food pictures, even after eating, whereas treatment with leptin normalizes these responses.
A study in aged female rats suggests estrogen depletion may trigger high blood pressure and obesity after menopause. The researchers found that estrogen-depleted rats experienced significant weight gain, increased blood glucose levels, and elevated blood pressure compared to intact rats.
A study found that obesity is associated with higher levels of parathyroid hormone in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Weight loss may help lower PTH levels, while other treatments could lead to weight loss. The association was strongest in patients with signs of malnutrition and inflammation.
A new study by Suresh Ramanathan and Patti Williams examines the affective outcomes of indulgent consumption among both prudent and impulsive consumers. Both groups experience a mixture of positive and negative emotions immediately after consuming a food indulgence, but with different components and time courses.
Mayo Clinic physicians found that obese patients who received an obesity diagnosis were more likely to form a weight loss management plan than those without a diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of proactive discussion between physicians and patients about obesity, a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
A study published in the August 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that adding a lifestyle intervention led by a registered dietitian to usual care for obese people with type 2 diabetes did not increase health-care costs. Instead, it may result in cost savings of up to $8,046 per person per year.
A survey of UK nurses found that many primary care surgeries lack effective obesity support, with only 14% having a well-developed programme. Despite this, 89% recognize the need for more support and 88% believe health risks are not overstated.
Researchers found that when an individual gains weight, their friends and siblings have a significantly increased risk of becoming obese. The closer two people are in a social network, the stronger the effect. Geographical distance appears to have no effect, suggesting that environmental factors play a smaller role.
A study by Harvard and the University of California, San Diego found that obesity is socially contagious, spreading from person to person in a social network. The greatest effect was seen among friends, with a 171% increase in chances of becoming obese if a mutual friend becomes obese.
A new NIH-supported study shows that obesity spreads within social networks, with closer connections increasing the influence on developing obesity. The study analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study, finding that a person's chance of becoming obese increased by 57% if they had a close friend who became obese.
A landmark study found that adult Delawareans with disabilities have only fair to poor health, with high rates of obesity, diabetes, and secondary health conditions. The study also highlighted the importance of caregivers and the need for improved health education and awareness.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that obesity is a significant risk factor for developing multiple myeloma. The research, which analyzed data from over 100,000 participants, discovered that individuals with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) were more likely to develop the disease.
Research shows a slowdown in heart disease deaths among younger Britons, with death rates levelling off in some age groups. This trend is concerning as it may indicate that the gains made in reducing heart disease mortality are being reversed due to rising obesity and diabetes rates.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a gene and protein known as PRDM16 that controls the production of brown fat, a type of adipose tissue that generates heat and counters obesity. The study suggests that turning up this switch in humans could be a new strategy for treating overweight and obesity.
A new study found that measuring retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels in blood can indicate the amount of visceral fat surrounding abdominal organs. Elevated RBP4 concentrations are linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease risk.
A study conducted by Virginia Tech researchers found that 51% of evaluated horses were overweight or obese, posing serious health problems like laminitis and hyperinsulinemia. The study suggests changes in horse care practices can help mitigate these risks.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet with sucrose achieved significant weight loss and improved health outcomes for overweight women. The study suggests that excluding sucrose from a diet may not be necessary to achieve weight reduction.
Rimonabant reduces liver damage markers, decreases pro-inflammatory proteins, and improves lipid profiles in obese rats. It also normalizes levels of adiponectin, a hormone involved in metabolic disorders.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that dietary counseling results in significant weight loss, with 10-15 pounds lost after one year. Moderate weight loss reduces diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure risk, making a lasting impact on overall health.
Scientists have discovered a direct connection between stress and obesity, revealing that neuropeptide Y can 'unlock' fat cells. Blocking the Y2 receptor may prevent fat growth or even kill fat cells.
Researchers found that mice without CD38 were protected from high-fat diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. The study suggests that a CD38 deficiency has a protective effect against obesity, highlighting the importance of genes in regulating body weight.
Researchers found that using portion-control dishes led to an average weight loss of 1.8% among participants, compared to 0.1% for those receiving usual care. Additionally, more patients using the dishes experienced a decrease in diabetes medication use after six months.
A study of over 42,000 individuals aged 65 and older in Hong Kong found that obese or overweight participants had a significantly lower risk of developing active tuberculosis compared to those at a normal weight. The researchers suggest that obesity may be associated with a lower risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in the elderly population.
Research published in the European Heart Journal reveals obese and very obese patients have a lower risk of dying after treated for heart attacks compared to normal-weight patients. After three years of follow-up, obese patients had less than half the long-term mortality rate as normal BMI patients.
A study comparing patients aged 60 and younger found similar postoperative complication rates, with no age-related mortality differences. Bariatric surgery is also deemed acceptable for Medicare recipients, with expert management leading to low morbidity and mortality rates.
Researchers have created a genetic model of obesity in zebrafish, which could lead to the development of new drugs to help people lose weight and keep it off. The study uses a receptor blockage mechanism that is similar to what causes severe obesity in humans.
New data from the University of New Hampshire reveals that at least one-third of college students are overweight or obese. Additionally, a significant number of students have high blood pressure and are not meeting their nutritional needs for iron, calcium, or folate.
A study of 1041 RA patients found obese participants reported significantly increased ratings for pain and fatigue compared to normal weight counterparts. Obese patients also experienced worse physical functioning, with lower overall quality of life assessments.
A study led by Stanford surgeon John Morton found that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery are more sensitive to alcohol, reaching higher breath-alcohol levels and taking longer to sober. This altered metabolism may contribute to an increased risk of addiction.
A study by the University of Kentucky found that OTC strength orlistat (Alli) resulted in significant weight loss, with participants losing approximately 7-15 pounds over four months. The study also demonstrated a reduction in LDL-cholesterol and associated heart health benefits.
Researchers have identified a molecular link between spontaneous physical activity and food intake in mice, which could help explain individual variations in weight gain. The discovery of Bsx, a molecule regulating NPY and AgRP hormones, may lead to new ways to prevent obesity and related diseases.
A study of over 3,000 adults with asthma found that obese patients are more likely to have severe asthma and experience increased healthcare utilization. The researchers also noted that obese patients were less likely to be in asthma remission compared to non-overweight patients.
A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that obese adults are more likely to experience persistent or severe asthma compared to their thinner counterparts. The study analyzed data from 3,059 adults with asthma and found a significant association between obesity and increased risk of asthma severity.
A study published at Digestive Disease Week found that a lifelong vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, consuming a fatty soup as an appetizer before dinner may lead to reduced food intake in both lean and obese individuals.
A Stanford study found that macrophages, known as troublemakers in obesity, can also play a beneficial role in metabolism. The researchers identified a molecular switch that can shift the cells into the more desirable mode, which could help block insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes.
Researchers found that older adults with a history of excess weight in midlife or earlier had worse physical performance than those who were normal weight throughout adulthood. Maintaining healthy weight may prevent or delay physical disability as we age.
Research highlights age-related risks for colon cancer patients undergoing surgery; obesity linked to increased polyp prevalence in women. Racial disparities also affect liver cancer treatment, with African Americans less likely to receive surgical therapy.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that workers with a high body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk of workplace injury. The research suggests that obesity prevention policies and programs in the workplace can also lead to improved injury rates and reduced lost work time.
A study found that even low levels of physical activity, such as 75 minutes a week, can significantly improve fitness levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. The research suggests that sedentary adults who struggle to find time for exercise may benefit from even small amounts of physical activity.
A study found that using a 'walk-and-work' desk increases energy expenditure by 100 kilocalories per hour, equivalent to shedding 20-30 kg annually. The device allows workers to walk on a treadmill while working, reducing sedentary behavior.
A recent study found that obesity is a significant barrier to living kidney donation among African Americans, with over 30% of black donors excluded due to obesity. Social reasons, including failure to complete the donor evaluation process, also contribute to the low rates of donation.
A recent study found that STAMP2 plays a crucial role in preventing chronic inflammation and metabolic diseases by regulating nutrient responses. The protein acts as a barrier to protect the body against excessive nutrients, helping to maintain metabolic homeostasis.
The study found significant improvements in insulin resistance, with a 60% reduction in HOMA scores after six months. Additionally, the group experienced substantial reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and total visceral adipose tissue.
Researchers found a unique pattern of gene expression in rats that may be linked to a conditioned desire for food and excessive food intake. Food-associated cues triggered dramatic changes in brain regions involved in adaptive behavior, such as the amygdala and nucleus accumbens.