Articles tagged with Obesity
The American Physiological Society hosts a series of briefings on the physiology and pathophysiology of obesity, featuring renowned experts who examine gene-environment interactions, neurobiology, endocrine/metabolic consequences, and cardiovascular regulation. The conference aims to advance understanding of human health and disease.
A population-based study found that waist-to-hip ratio was a stronger predictor of stroke risk than body mass index (BMI), especially among normal and overweight individuals. The study recommends incorporating education about waist-to-hip ratio into stroke prevention programs.
Scientists have found a potential mechanism for obesity resistance in mice lacking the fat-making enzyme DGAT1. These mice are more sensitive to leptin and insulin, leading to lower tissue triglyceride levels and increased sensitivity to insulin, resulting in weight loss despite high-fat diets.
Scientists at Michigan Medicine have discovered that leptin is linked to blood clot formation, particularly in obese individuals. Knowing how to block this interaction could help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals a significant connection between the brain and bone health, with implications for osteoporosis treatment. The findings suggest that certain neurological factors contribute to the development of bone disorders, opening up new avenues for therapy.
A study of 206 men and 135 women found that waist circumference and BMI are both strong predictors of nonabdominal, abdominal subcutaneous, and visceral fat stores. Combining these two measures is more effective at predicting abdominal obesity and its associated health risks than using either variable alone.
A recent study found that heightened depressive symptoms, emotional eating, and low self-esteem can predict binge-eating disorders in teenage girls. The research also revealed that low peer support increases the risk of binge eating, while parental support has no effect on this issue.
A new study finds that lifestyle factors, including obesity and stress, significantly predict healthcare costs among young employed adults. Participants with high-risk scores for overall wellness, stress, or obesity used more healthcare services and incurred higher costs.
The study found that restrained eating behavior was associated with lower risk of adult-onset obesity, whereas disinhibition was linked to increased weight gain. A high level of restraint attenuated weight gain even when there were high levels of disinhibition, suggesting a protective effect.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who gained weight after weight loss had significantly lower energy expenditure due to physical inactivity. To match their initial weight, these individuals would need to engage in at least 80 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day.
C75 blocks fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme in energy storage, to alter brain messengers regulating appetite. Lean mice quickly regain normal eating habits after treatment, while obese mice fail to recover.
The study, conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota, found that only a small percentage of people utilize recommended approaches to weight loss. The efforts being undertaken by CardioVision 2020 aim to reduce cardiovascular disease burden through diet and exercise changes. Meanwhile, another study on breast cancer patients highlights the...
The Look AHEAD trial will examine the effects of a lifestyle intervention program on cardiovascular health in people with type 2 diabetes. The study, which began screening participants in July, aims to enroll 5,000 volunteers and follow them for up to 11.5 years.
A recent study reveals a critical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes through the AMPK pathway and leptin hormone. Researchers found that AMPK activation, triggered by leptin, inhibits an enzyme involved in fat metabolism, increasing fat burning.
Research suggests that a single enzyme, 11beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta HSD-1), is involved in the accumulation of visceral fat and metabolic symptoms. Increasing this enzyme's activity in fat cells leads to obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that obese women converted carbohydrates to fat at a faster rate than lean women. This increased conversion was observed even when both groups were overfed with carbohydrate-rich diets, suggesting an intrinsic genetic potential for de novo lipogenesis.
A study of 633 HIV-positive participants found that sociodemographic factors significantly affect their nutritional adequacy. Gay men, those with higher household incomes and educational attainment, were more likely to meet the Recommended Daily Allowances for nutrients. In contrast, individuals with lower incomes, fewer children at ho...
Individuals with normal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may still be at increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly if they carry additional risk factors like central obesity and insulin resistance. Targeting atherogenic dyslipidemia, including abdominal obesity, is recommended to prevent CAD risk.
Middle-aged women with obesity, stress, financial struggles, and certain medical conditions are more likely to experience daily functional limitations. A national survey of 16,000 women aged 40-55 found that these factors significantly impact physical function.
A recent study published in American Journal of Health Promotion reveals that military personnel struggle more with weight gain than tobacco use, hindering successful smoking cessation rates. Active-duty participants were four times more likely to relapse if they anticipated gaining 5-10 pounds after quitting smoking.
Research suggests that leptin, a hormone involved in weight regulation, may be more closely tied to mental factors than previously thought. Studies have found that alterations in brain structure and function may play a key role in leptin-related obesity.
New research presents preliminary results of a study on Xenical's effectiveness in promoting rapid and sustained weight loss. The medication has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors and maintain weight loss for up to two years, resulting in significant health benefits.
A new study reveals that 12% of Indian women are overweight and 2% obese, with urban areas showing higher rates of overweighness. The research highlights the need for targeted health education programs for high socioeconomic groups to combat obesity.
Researchers found that adding leptin to sibutramine increased weight loss in obese rats, as it prevented a decrease in leptin levels that normally occurs with weight loss. This study provides new clues on how to overcome the plateau effect and may lead to successful treatments for obesity.
A study found that leptin treatment reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness in obese men. However, the participants did not experience significant weight loss, suggesting that reduced appetite may not be representative of overall food intake.
A study published in Obesity Research found that bupropion, an antidepressant approved for depression and smoking cessation, is effective for long-term weight loss in obese women. Women who took bupropion combined with a 1,600-calorie diet lost significantly more weight than those on placebo, with sustained effects for up to two years.
A groundbreaking study has found that Avandia can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The results have provided proof of concept for a larger prospective study to establish the effectiveness of Avandia in preventing Type 2 diabetes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that over one-third of adults aged 45+ had plaque buildup on their aortic valves, increasing the risk of hardening and narrowing of the aorta. Lifestyle changes can help prevent life-threatening complications. Risk factors include male gender, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated homocysteine levels.
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has released a comprehensive guide for primary care doctors on obesity diagnosis and management. Obesity rates increased by 30% between 1980 and 1994, carrying significant direct health care costs for the United States. The guide addresses key aspects of medical a...
A 2-year study found that brief counseling by health professionals significantly increased physical fitness and activity levels in inactive adults, particularly women. The interventions were equally effective for men and women, with a 5% improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness.
A Mayo Clinic study found that overweight or obese patients had their first heart attacks at a younger age, with obese patients experiencing an average of 8.2-year gap compared to normal-weight patients. The study also revealed similar in-hospital outcomes among the three groups.
Researchers found a correlation between lower dopamine receptor availability and higher BMI in severely obese individuals compared to control subjects. Exercise is recommended as the most practical application for improving dopamine receptors and reducing pathological overeating.
Scientists found obese individuals have fewer dopamine receptors than normal-weight subjects, with the number decreasing as body mass index increases. Exercise has been shown to increase dopamine release and raise dopamine receptors in animal studies, suggesting it may help stimulate dopamine pleasure circuits.
A study by Raben et al. found that postobese women have different metabolic profiles than never obese women, with greater insulin sensitivity and more efficient triacylglycerol storage. This suggests that weight loss may not entirely eliminate the risks associated with obesity.
A new study from the University at Buffalo reveals that obese individuals carry a massive oxidative load that increases their risk of heart disease. Severe calorie restriction decreases free radical production by over 50%, reducing the risk of developing heart disease without medication.
A Penn State study found that restricting foods has negative effects on children's self-esteem, particularly among overweight girls as young as 5 years old. The research suggests that parents' concern about their daughter's weight and restriction of food access can lower perceived physical and cognitive ability.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that two major US dietary patterns, prudent and Western, result in distinct health risks. The prudent diet was associated with a favorable biomarker profile, while the Western diet was linked to higher plasma levels of biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk and l...
Researchers found that obese individuals were twice as likely to be diagnosed with asthma, but not more responsive airways. Underweight individuals, on the other hand, experienced increased airway responsiveness and reduced lung function.
A study found that pneumatic compression and extended anticoagulant drug therapy lower the risk of developing symptomatic blood clots after hip replacement surgery, with overweight patients most at risk. Pneumatic compression was effective in normal-weight patients, while warfarin therapy benefited all patients.
A study analyzing health data from nearly 3,000 patients found that obesity is associated with lower physical functioning levels and worse perceptions of health. Patients with higher BMI values were also limited in basic activities due to their weight, according to lead author David A. Katz.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified perilipin as a crucial protein that protects fat cells from breakdown. By eliminating this protein, mice lost weight despite consuming more food and gained increased muscle mass. The findings hold promise for developing new anti-perilipin drugs to combat obesity.
Researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 men and women in their 50s and 60s and found that obesity was associated with significantly lower net worth for middle-aged women. The economic cost of obesity on women's wealth is substantial, ranging from $135,670 in 1998 for moderately to severely obese women compared to non-obese peers.
A study found that antidiabetic drugs are less effective in mice without adipose tissue, suggesting a possible connection between fatty liver disease and diabetes. The authors also noted that the drugs still had some beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in these animals.
Researchers have identified a link between obesity, digestive system malfunctions, and excessive alcohol production in the liver. Feeding obese mice antibiotics significantly reduced alcohol production, suggesting a potential treatment strategy using oral antibiotics or yogurt to constrain intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
A German research team found that people who inherit two copies of the GNB3 825T allele gene have a high risk of obesity if they do not engage in regular physical activity. Exercising for two hours or more a week appears to block the genetic tendency, highlighting the importance of lifestyle in preventing obesity-related diseases.
Researchers found that male mice genetically altered to lack estrogen receptors became obese, with up to 170% increase in fat storage. Estrogen was also linked to improved fat burning ability in both males and females, challenging previous understanding of its role in female physiology.
A six-month group exercise program with supervised aerobic exercise and relaxation training reduced depression in obese women by half. The study found no significant weight loss, highlighting the need for long-term behavioral changes.
A study of 24 postmenopausal women found no significant differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) between those who lost weight and a control group. Despite average weight loss of 13 kg, the subjects regained an average of 10.9 kg after energy balance was restored.
A new obesity treatment program has resulted in sustained weight loss for six years by developing two fundamental internal skills: self-nurturing and effective limit setting. Participants lost an average of 13 pounds in the first 12 weeks and continued to lose weight after treatment ended.
Researchers identified gene locations involved in fat deposition and diabetes risk, with effects influenced by a mother's weight. Mice with genetic predisposition for diabesity were less obese if nursed by a lean foster mother, hinting at the role of maternal environment in triggering obesity and diabetes.
The launch of Avandia provides patients with inadequate glycaemic control a new treatment option. Adding Avandia to metformin improves fasting plasma glucose levels in obese patients, reducing the risk of disease progression. This combination therapy also shows promise for patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that walking and weight loss reduced midthigh fat and improved glucose metabolism in older obese women. The intervention resulted in significant decreases in body weight, waist circumference, and cholesterol levels, as well as improvements in aerobic capacity.
Researchers discovered a new receptor site in the brain that causes mice to become obese by storing fat and expending less energy. The study sheds light on genetic determinants of obesity, metabolism, and regulation of fat mass.
Researchers pinpointed the time it takes for the human brain to signal fullness and identified areas involved in eating. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record activity changes in neurons, finding a connection between brain activity and traditional biochemical indicators like glucose and insulin levels.
The study suggests that teenagers' recommendations can inform effective school-based obesity prevention programs, prioritizing fun and interactive activities over weight control. Schools can also create support groups specifically for overweight youth, leveraging their resources to provide low-cost programs.
New antidepressant guidelines suggest both older and newer medications are effective in treating depression. A population-based study found that overweight women are less likely to receive screening for cervical and breast cancer, despite higher mortality rates from these cancers.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that black women who lost weight through dieting had a significantly lower energy expenditure than white women. The researchers suggest that differences in body composition, including denser bones and more lean tissue in the limbs, may contribute to this disparity.
A Harvard study finds that regular vigorous exercise lowers leptin levels in both normal-weight and overweight men, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Men who were more physically active had lower leptin levels, regardless of their weight or diet.
A recent study by Duke University researchers found that moderate exercise alone can improve cholesterol levels and reduce body fat in mildly obese people, regardless of weight loss. The study showed significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including a decrease in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol.
Scientists at National Jewish Health have identified a key protein that regulates fat cell development, which could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and related conditions. By inserting a negative version of CREB into fat cells, researchers can inhibit the growth of new fat cells.