Articles tagged with Obesity
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A recent UC Berkeley-led study found that vitamin C supplements can decrease levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) by 24% in healthy adults. CRP is a biomarker of inflammation linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that a hormone associated with obesity also plays a key role in male fertility, influencing testosterone production and sperm transport. Orexin receptors were found in areas of the testis, epididymis, and penis, suggesting its potential involvement in penile function and erection.
A two-stage weight loss surgery approach reduced mortality and operative risk in high-risk, morbidly obese patients. Patients who underwent the less drastic initial procedure showed significant improvements in life-threatening co-morbidities.
Mice with disrupted STAT3 proteins exhibit severe obesity and enlarged livers due to excessive fat deposits. The study also reveals a link between STAT3 and energy balance through its effect on leptin, which could lead to new therapeutics for treating obesity and infertility.
Researchers found that leptin changes the wiring of the brain by controlling synapses, regulating feeding behavior. The hormone induces visible changes in synaptic connections and recordable changes in electrical activity of specific brain cells.
Researchers at OHSU discovered a possible connection between infant hormone exposure and obesity risk. The study found that early-life leptin surge affects brain development, particularly in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus.
Research reveals leptin rewires neural feeding circuits by suppressing appetite-stimulating neurons and enhancing those that decrease hunger. The study suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between neuronal changes and behavioral changes, potentially contributing to obesity.
Dr. Dean Ornish challenges the effectiveness of low-carb diets like Atkins, recommending a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. He argues that these foods enhance fullness without adding significant calories, promoting healthier weight loss options.
Researchers at the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute have patented a new treatment for type II diabetes, focusing on regulating insulin resistance by manipulating melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels. The approach has shown promise in genetically engineered mice and may offer a new direction in understanding and treating the disease.
A recent report by the WHO and FAO recommends restricting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy, providing scientific justification for global strategies. Dr Jim Mann's research suggests that sucrose and other free sugars contribute significantly to the global obesity epidemic, highlighting the importance of reducing sugar intake.
A study published in Obesity Research found that customers who were served larger portions of high-calorie foods consumed significantly more calories, often without noticing. The study's findings suggest that portion size can have a significant impact on food consumption and weight management.
Researchers will examine inflammatory process in obese patients to understand how it contributes to cardiovascular disease. High levels of free fatty acids in the blood stream may trigger inflammation, which increases risk of atherosclerotic disease in obese patients with diabetes.
Researchers found that subjects viewing 'before and after' ads indicated a strong anti-fat bias and believed weight is more easily controllable than those who viewed only the 'before' or 'after' pictures. The study suggests that such biases can influence further weight and eating disorder psychopathology.
Rimonabant demonstrated significant weight loss and improvement in metabolic profile in patients with obesity and untreated dyslipidemia. The drug also improved cardiovascular risk factors, including HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, by reducing inflammation and increasing adiponectin levels.
A recent study found that college-educated Caucasian women have lower BMI levels compared to similar African American women, regardless of age or other factors. However, the study suggests that socioeconomic status may not be as protective against obesity for black women.
A new study found that multiple Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are present in patients with active TB, contradicting the long-held theory of a single strain. Additionally, researchers developed a method to isolate and quantify airborne TB aerosols from coughs, showing promise for studying the disease's transmission.
Research by Martin Muurling found that mice on low-fat diets were more sensitive to insulin, suggesting a low-fat diet may be a more effective remedy for diabetes. The study also showed that consuming fish oil had no positive effects on reduced insulin sensitivity.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a moderate-fat diet may be more beneficial for heart health than a low-fat diet. After six weeks, participants on the moderate-fat diet had a healthier heart profile, with reduced cardiovascular risk and improved lipid profiles.
A moderate-fat diet, rich in monounsaturated fats from peanuts and peanut oil, produced a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, with a 14% decrease compared to the low-fat group. The study found that despite weight loss, high fat diets can rebound and cause adverse effects on HDL cholesterol levels during maintenance.
A recent study found that even moderate amounts of exercise can help prevent weight gain in overweight individuals. The research, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, suggests that more intense physical activity is necessary for weight maintenance and that a modest amount of exercise can reverse positive caloric imbalances.
A WHO expert consultation suggests that traditional BMI cut-off points may not be suitable for Asian populations, who experience a higher risk of adverse health outcomes at lower BMI values. The consultation proposes intermediate public-health action points to address this disparity.
A new study finds evidence of genetic linkages to metabolic syndrome in both black and white patients. The researchers also identified chromosomal regions linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk factors. These findings bring us closer to discovering the actual genes responsible for metabolic syndrome.
Two studies found obesity increases risk of aggressive prostate cancer and cancer recurrence in African-American men. Obesity is associated with higher Gleason scores and elevated PSA levels, suggesting a link between excess body fat and tumor growth.
A study on beclin 1 autophagy gene reveals its role in tumor suppression. In another study, researchers found that obese fatty tissue is characterized by inflammation, which may contribute to insulin resistance. These findings suggest that autophagy and inflammation play crucial roles in cancer biology and obesity-related diseases.
Two studies found that macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue is characteristic of human obesity and precedes insulin resistance. Treatment with an insulin-sensitizing drug triggered downregulation of inflammatory genes, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A new study has identified a link between the size of apolipoprotein(a), a protein component of low-density lipoprotein, and an increased risk of heart disease in overweight individuals. The research suggests that analyzing apolipoprotein(a) size may provide a reliable way to discriminate between those at high risk and those without.
A new study finds that obese mice require the MSH hormone to develop diabetes, increasing resistance to insulin. Researchers believe this may lead to more effective preventive treatments for Type 2 Diabetes.
A study of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass found significant complications and increased risk of obesity-related health issues. The procedure requires major lifestyle changes and can be fraught with complications, highlighting the importance of weighing risks and benefits before surgery.
A study of 335 patients found that gastric bypass surgery is associated with complications such as suture tears, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. The procedure should only be considered for patients who have tried other weight loss methods and are at risk of life-threatening complications due to their obesity.
A study found that a waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Another study discovered that patients rated their doctors' care higher when both were of the same race, leading to longer matched-race visits.
A study found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery carries a high risk of complications, including suture tears, leaks, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and infection. Patients who undergo the procedure are at high risk due to co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes and cardiopulmonary problems.
A global study found that caloric sweetener use increased worldwide, driven by soft drink consumption. The study analyzed data from 103 countries and showed a significant rise in added sugar intake between 1962 and 2000, primarily attributed to soft drinks and fruit drinks.
A study by OHSU researchers found a strong relationship between the decline of estrogen and progesterone in female monkeys and significant weight gain. The study suggests that menopause may play a key role in metabolic changes leading to obesity.
A recent study by the American Heart Association recommends regular brisk but comfortable walking to boost cardiovascular fitness. Middle-aged obese adults walked at a self-selected pace and achieved recommended levels of exercise intensity.
A recent study found that one in eight North Carolina schoolchildren have three or more heart risks, including low HDL levels and obesity. The researchers attribute this to the prevalence of overweight children among girls, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A new gene, BBS8, has been identified as being involved in Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by obesity, learning disabilities, and eye/kidney problems. The protein BBS8 is found only at the base of cilia, which play key roles in mammalian development.
Researchers found that overweight boys experience greater increases in blood pressure during stress, but their ability to restore normal pressures is impaired. In contrast, overweight girls have a more effective natural mechanism for reducing blood pressure, which may be attributed to the effects of estrogen.
A study of 9,790 participants found that exercising more and eating a balanced diet reduced cardiovascular mortality rates by over half. Those who were overweight or obese but exercised less faced increased cardiovascular risks, even if they ate fewer calories.
A new study links variations in the GAD2 gene to obesity and Type 1 diabetes, revealing a potential connection between food intake regulation and body weight control. Researchers hope to further unravel the underlying biology of eating behavior and explore genetic connections to obesity.
Researchers found a genetic link between GAD2 variants and obesity. The study suggests that overexpression of the GAD2 gene may increase GABA levels in the hypothalamus, leading to increased orexigenic effects and overeating.
A recent study published in Public Library of Science Biology has identified the GAD2 gene as a strong candidate for human obesity. The research suggests that an active form of this gene contributes to excessive hunger and eating behaviors, particularly in individuals with a higher risk of obesity.
A new study found that lower family income and parental education levels significantly contribute to the development of depression and obesity among adolescents. The researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 teenagers and found that these socioeconomic factors accounted for a substantial proportion of the disease burden.
Researchers discovered that portion size and calorie density both contribute to caloric intake, with combined effects leading to a 56% increase. By choosing water-rich foods or smaller portions, individuals can reduce their risk of overeating.
Using National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data, researchers found that 18% and 15% of black and Hispanic females respectively became obese over the five-year exam period. Obesity rates among older adolescents were higher and more likely to remain stable or increase.
The study found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improved diabetes outcomes in patients, with nearly all achieving normal blood sugar levels and reducing their reliance on anti-diabetic medications. Patients with shorter disease durations and milder type 2 diabetes saw the greatest improvements in glycemic control.
Researchers found that high-fat diet causes downregulation of CYP4A and CYP2C23 enzymes in renal tubules, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and elevated blood pressure. This study highlights the importance of eicosanoid synthesis in regulating renal function and blood pressure.
Researchers found increased COX-2 protein expression and changes in TXA2 and PGE2 levels in the Obese Zucker rat, which led to kidney damage. The study suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be beneficial for preventing renal damage in obesity-related type II diabetes.
A recent study of early-stage breast cancer patients found that tamoxifen is effective in reducing recurrence and mortality regardless of body mass index. However, obesity was linked to increased risks of second cancers and all-cause mortality.
A study found that health professionals who treat and study obesity are biased against overweight patients, associating them with negative stereotypes. Younger people show greater bias, while those working directly with obese patients and having understanding friends exhibit lower levels of bias.
A research team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a potential new contributor to obesity and learning disabilities, faulty cilia, in the rare genetic disorder Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Cilia play key roles in mammalian development, but defects have never been directly linked to this condition before.
A study of 276 adolescents found overweight teens with scoliosis experienced worsening curvatures despite bracing, with over half requiring surgery. The Hopkins team recommends considering weight in treatment decisions for scoliosis.
A study by Stephanie A. Roberts and colleagues found that lesbians have a significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio than their sisters, which may trigger more heart disease. The researchers recommend focusing on reducing weight around the middle of the body to decrease cardiovascular risk.
Researchers investigate how excess fat contributes to hypertension by increasing blood volume, as opposed to constricting it. Studies show impaired sodium handling mechanisms lead to prolonged elevated pressures in obese individuals.
A new study reveals that poor American families struggle to balance heating costs with nutrition during the cold season. Despite a 10% calorie reduction, researchers argue that this may not be as detrimental to health as previously thought.
A study found that obese individuals have lower levels of the naturally occurring gut hormone PYY3-36, which limits appetite. Infusing PYY3-36 reduced calorific consumption in both lean and overweight volunteers by around a third for 24 hours.
Researchers identified OEA, a natural fatty acid, that activates cell receptors to curb hunger and reduce weight in rodents. The study found that increasing OEA levels while maintaining normal receptor activity can lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Researchers have discovered an engineered mouse that can eat a high-fat diet without gaining weight or developing diabetes. The mouse lacks the SCD-1 gene, which affects fat production and glucose regulation. As a result, muscle cells are more sensitive to insulin, enabling them to absorb glucose and regulate blood sugar levels.
The Exten Fitness System uses motorized chairs to provide a safe all-body workout for those unfit or overweight, helping counter the UK's 'couch potato' culture. The system offers 23 exercises in 30 minutes, promoting increased muscle tone and mobility, improved circulation and coordination.
A new study is investigating the role of genetics in exercise response, seeking to identify genes that influence body composition and fitness. The project aims to develop personalized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, which could lead to improved weight loss and reduced obesity-related risks.
The UNC study found that residents with access to trails, sidewalks, and well-lit streets were more likely to meet the recommended physical activity levels. Notably, blacks, American Indians, and those with lower education and income levels reported less favorable neighborhood environments and reduced access to exercise spaces.