Articles tagged with Obesity
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A recent study found that the French eat smaller portions compared to Americans, which may contribute to their lower obesity rates and healthier diets. The researchers examined portion sizes at restaurants in Paris and Philadelphia, as well as single-serve foods sold in supermarkets.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that obesity is associated with acute mountain sickness in high-altitude destinations. Obese individuals are more susceptible to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue, highlighting the importance of gradual ascent and medication for preventive measures.
Research suggests that obesity increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women by raising serum estrogen levels. The study analyzed blood samples from over 1,600 women and found a significant link between obesity and increased estrogen levels, highlighting the importance of controlling this modifiable risk factor.
Research reveals that obese individuals are more likely to develop symptoms of acute mountain sickness at high altitudes, with lower blood oxygen levels. In contrast, smoking marijuana or taking synthetic cannabinoids in HIV patients did not affect key treatment indicators, according to a new study. A no-fault medical malpractice syste...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that altering leptin's signaling pathway can minimize or even reverse left ventricular hypertrophy, a condition causing the heart to expand and stiffen. Leptin infusions led to weight loss and improved heart function in mice with obesity, while caloric restriction had no effect.
Recent studies highlight the importance of addressing weight concerns without stigmatizing obese patients. The American Thoracic Society Journal reports on innovative approaches to weight loss treatment and sheds light on previously unexplored phenomena such as chimerism in human lung tissue after stem cell transplantation.
The WHO leader highlights three key priorities for action: reinstating health as a focus of organizational agendas, scaling up effective interventions to reach more dying children, and building capacity at the district level. Collaborative partnerships are necessary to achieve these goals and reduce child mortality worldwide by two-thi...
A new study by Cornell University professor David Levitsky found that college freshmen gain an average of 4.2 pounds in their first 12 weeks, with breakfast and lunch at all-you-can-eat dining facilities accounting for 20% of the weight gain. The study suggests that this phenomenon may be contributing to the rise in obesity among Ameri...
Researchers at McGill University have identified a receptor protein on fat cells that stimulates lipid storage when stimulated. Dr. Katherine Cianflone's team found that disrupting the ASP-C5L2 complex may help slow down fat production, which could be a potential key to treating obesity.
Researchers have identified a gene called Foxa-2 that is switched on only in the fat cells of obese mice. This gene acts as a brake to slow down further fat production and storage. In pre-adipocytes, Foxa-2 activates genes important for insulin sensitivity, providing an ideal combination for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A large-scale study will test three weight-maintenance strategies: self-directed/usual care, personal contact, and interactive technology. Participants who lose 9 or more pounds in the initial phase will be eligible to enroll in phase II.
Women who developed Alzheimer's disease between ages 79 and 88 were significantly more likely to have been overweight at age 70. A moderate, healthy weight seems to be best according to the study.
A study by Penn State researchers suggests that ancestry mix may be a key factor in obesity prevalence among African-American women. The analysis found an association between body mass index and West African ancestry, with implications for understanding the genetic basis of health disparities.
Researchers found that adding interleukin-6 to the preservative solution before transplantation significantly increased post-transplant survival of rats receiving organs with fatty degeneration. The treatment reduced cell death and improved liver function in steatotic livers, suggesting a promising strategy for addressing organ shortages.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that daily injections of growth hormone helped obese patients lose an average of five pounds. The weight loss was primarily due to the reduction of body fat, particularly in the abdominal area.
A large prospective study of over 6,300 patients found no significant difference in postoperative complications between obese and non-obese individuals. Obesity alone does not appear to be a risk factor for postoperative complications, contrary to previous attitudes.
A new blend of cooking oil made from medium chain triglycerides (MCT) has been shown to heighten metabolism, lower cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. In two clinical trials, participants who consumed the oil for 27 days experienced significant reductions in body fat and upper body fat, as well as improved blood lipid profiles.
Researchers discovered a significant link between obesity and periodontal disease among individuals aged 18-34 years. The association was found to be 76% higher than normal weight individuals in this age group.
Researchers have developed genetically modified fat that protects mice from obesity and insulin resistance by increasing adiponectin production. The study suggests that knocking out the Dgat1 gene perturbs the metabolic function of fat tissue, leading to increased energy expenditure and improved insulin sensitivity.
Research at Duke University Medical Center shows that physical inactivity leads to a significant increase in visceral fat, while high amounts of exercise can lead to significant decreases. The study also found that lower amounts of exercise prevented the accumulation of visceral fat but did not lead to improvements.
In a six-month clinical trial, participants on a low-carbohydrate diet lost an average of 13 pounds and reduced triglyceride levels by 20%, compared to 4 pounds and 4% for the low-fat group. Insulin sensitivity improved in non-diabetic participants and blood sugar levels decreased in diabetic patients on the low-carbohydrate diet.
A five-year initiative aims to change primary care practice in Canada by focusing on physical activity, rather than diet. The PROACTIVE study will examine the effectiveness of a behavioral-based program to increase physical activity and reduce obesity.
Researchers found that interventional procedures can effectively relieve symptoms and allow time for optimization before repeat surgery. The procedures are less invasive and better tolerated than repeat surgery, with shorter hospital stays.
Studies suggest atypical antipsychotics like Clozaril and Seroquel may have a protective effect against diabetes in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Researchers recommend routine screening for diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in mentally ill patients.
A University of Pittsburgh study examines the effects of gastric bypass surgery on type 2 diabetes in 1,150 patients over a five-year period. The results show that diabetes resolves after an average of 62 days following surgery, with patients experiencing significant weight loss and improvement in glucose levels.
The PREMIER study found that an all-in-one approach to lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, significantly lowered blood pressure in participants. The study showed that those who made the greatest lifestyle changes had the best results, with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
A study published in Cell identified the function of PPARd, a key receptor that regulates how fat is used. The receptor was found to regulate adaptive thermogenesis, a physiological defense against obesity.
A Penn State study found that larger restaurant portions increase calorie intake, regardless of whether consumers eat all or most of the food. In a related two-day study, participants who received more food consumed more calories, even if they had eaten less the previous day.
A Saint Louis University study found that fat mice get fatter as they age due to a blood-brain barrier defect, while skinny ones remain the same. The researchers propose identifying substances that impair leptin transport to develop new obesity treatments.
Researchers studied nondiabetic adults with a family history of diabetes and found they were 1.4 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease. Obese individuals were also at higher risk, defined by a body-mass index greater than 30, with a 2.2 times increased risk compared to normal weight individuals.
Researchers found that obese baboons had normal leptin levels, indicating that high cholesterol and obesity are triggered by different mechanisms. The study's findings suggest that humans can get away with indulging in unhealthy habits without suffering severe health consequences.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that eating fast food meals more than twice a week was associated with double the risk of abnormal glucose control and a 50% increase in obesity risk. Additionally, frequent TV viewing habits were linked to increased odds of obesity and abnormal glucose metabolism.
Research finds that eating breakfast daily lowers rates of obesity and insulin resistance syndrome, a key factor in type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Whole-grain cereals also appear to have protective effects, with daily consumption associated with a 15% reduced risk of the syndrome.
A new study links overweight individuals to poor community environments with crime and safety concerns. Missouri residents who perceived their neighborhoods as unsafe were more likely to be overweight.
According to a recent study, 20% of Los Angeles County public school children are overweight, with Latino children facing the highest prevalence rate. The data also shows that boys are more likely to be overweight than girls, with over 23% of 5th graders and 19% of 7th graders meeting this criteria.
Researchers found the prevalence of overweight among Los Angeles County school children to be 20.6 percent, with higher rates among boys and Latinos. An email-based program for nutrition intervention was also shown to be effective in changing dietary behavior, with over 50% of participants reporting success.
Agricultural surpluses and tariffs imposed by wealthy nations deny developing countries the opportunity to produce more food and lift people out of poverty. The solution lies in investing in rural infrastructure, technology, and market structure to increase productivity and reduce hunger.
A Pittsburgh study found that even among those with normal weight, excess fat distribution in the body increases insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk. The study of elderly men and women with normal glucose tolerance showed that two-thirds of those with type 2 diabetes were not obese.
A new study suggests that middle-aged mice burn fewer calories during exercise, contributing to weight gain. The researchers identified the serotonin 5-HT(2c) receptor as a potential target for therapy.
Researchers estimate that 90% of the population is gaining up to 50 extra calories a day, which can be addressed by taking an extra mile of walking each day. Closing the energy gap will also require a fundamental change in how people think about physical fitness.
Researchers have identified several genes necessary for fat accumulation in nematode worms, which are also present in humans. These findings provide a crucial platform to rapidly identify key proteins regulating fat formation, potentially leading to new therapies for obesity and diabetes.
A new study by Dee W. Edington, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan found that individuals with obesity incur significantly higher medical costs than those with normal weight, with average annual costs rising from $2,225 to $3,753 for obese individuals. The economic burden of obesity is estimated to be substantial, with conservative e...
A study of over 3,357 people found that excess weight can cut years off a person's life, with smokers losing up to seven years. Meanwhile, hormone therapy was shown to lower the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women by 35%.
A UMass scientist has identified a gene, Nhlh2, that regulates body weight, physical activity levels, and sex behaviors in mice. The knockout mice are severely obese and exhibit reduced physical activity, illustrating the critical role of the gene in regulating appetite and exercise.
A study of Puerto Rican men found that small amounts of physical activity significantly protected against mortality, while moderate or intense exercise provided little additional benefit. Physical inactivity was a stronger predictor of death than being overweight or obese.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that larger portion sizes result in consuming 30% more calories, regardless of individual eating habits. This suggests that portion control is crucial for weight management and suggests alternatives like low-calorie vegetables and broth-based soups.
A study of 51 participants found that serving food on an individual plate with varying portion sizes led to less eating than when participants served themselves. The authors suggest developing strategies to limit portion sizes in restaurants and at home to combat the national obesity epidemic.
A 12-week aggressive exercise program showed high adherence rates among low-income, inner-city participants with disabilities. Participants experienced improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility despite chronic health conditions.
Studies suggest that moderate dietary restriction, exercise, and healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can delay breast cancer growth and reduce risk. Calorie restriction is effective in both spontaneous and chemically induced rodent tumor models, but may have adverse effects on bone density.
The new recommendations aim to lower average systolic blood pressure among Americans by 5 mmHg, resulting in a 14% drop in stroke deaths and 7% overall mortality. Proven behavioral changes such as regular physical activity, weight loss, and dietary potassium intake can also significantly lower blood pressure.
A study by Dr. Ninh T. Nguyen found that surgeons with over 75 procedures performed laparoscopic gastric bypass had fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and reduced operative times. Patients who were male or older were more susceptible to postoperative problems.
A recent study found that only a quarter of patients receive nutrition counseling during doctor visits, falling short of national nutritional objectives. Physicians can be trained to offer tailored nutrition messages, but more in-depth counseling is needed for optimal patient outcomes.
In a 6-month study, black women experienced a 26% decrease in daily energy expenditure after weight loss, while white women saw a 16% increase. The authors conclude that black women's decline in physical activity increases their risk of weight relapse.
A 10-week study found that participants consuming artificial sweeteners lost an average of 1 kg, while those consuming sucrose gained 1.3 kg of fat mass and rose in blood pressure. The authors suggest overweight individuals consume beverages with artificial sweeteners to prevent weight gain.
A recent study reveals that nearly 25% of adults with disabilities are obese, compared to 15% without disabling conditions. Adults with lower limb mobility difficulties face the highest risk and often lack exercise counseling from their physicians.
A recent study has revealed a significant decrease in leisure-time physical activity among black girls (56%) and white girls (31%) aged 16-17. Lower parental education levels and higher body mass indexes were found to predict activity decline in both racial groups, while pregnancy was associated with activity declines only in black girls.
The XENDOS study found that 28.3% of obese individuals had undetected or untreated diabetes or pre-diabetes. Xenical-treated patients experienced significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular risk factors compared to lifestyle intervention alone.
The XENDOS study demonstrates that Xenical plus lifestyle intervention is more effective than lifestyle intervention alone in preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes. Significant and sustained weight loss was achieved with Xenical, which also improved cardiovascular risk factors.
Consuming whole grains daily can lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, particularly in non-obese men. High fiber and magnesium content in whole grains slows glucose release and improves insulin response, leading to reduced risk.
Researchers found no association between obesity and better mental health, contradicting the 'jolly fat' hypothesis. The study examined eight indicators of mental health in 1,739 participants over a decade, suggesting further research on nutrition's impact on mental state.