Body Mass Index
Articles tagged with Body Mass Index
Gut microbiota plays a role in metabolic health after bariatric surgery
New weight-loss mechanism without GLP-1 has fewer adverse GI side effects
Researchers have discovered a new weight-loss mechanism that eliminates the need for GLP-1, reducing gastrointestinal side effects and increasing treatment tolerability. This breakthrough offers hope for patients who struggle with adverse reactions to existing obesity medications.
World Hormone Day 2026
The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.
Waist-to-height ratio predicted the risk of hypertension better than BMI
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland and Rutgers University found that waist-to-height ratio predicted the risk of hypertension better than body mass index. Waist-to-height ratio-assessed high fat mass was associated with a 50% increased likelihood of elevated blood pressure and an 82% increased likelihood of hypertension.
Study finds link between low birthweight and increased stroke risk in young adults, independent of BMI and gestational age
Researchers found a 21% increased risk of all stroke events for individuals with low birthweight compared to those above median weight. Low birthweight was also linked to increased risks of ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage strokes, independent of gestational age and BMI.
Testosterone level not a given sign of well-being
A higher testosterone level does not always indicate well-being in men, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg. Muscle health and inflammation are linked to testosterone levels, but symptoms like fatigue and depression have weaker connections.
General population study shows that BMI classification system wrongly identifies some people as having overweight or obesity
A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that the traditional WHO body mass index (BMI) classification system misidentifies significant numbers of people as having overweight or obesity. Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), researchers showed that more than one-third of those with obesity defined by BMI were actual...
New City of Hope and TGen study uncovers mechanism explaining how obesity increases cancer risk
A new study reveals that excess weight can physically enlarge organs, creating more opportunities for cancer to take hold. The study found that organs grew larger as body weight increased, with the liver growing by 12%, kidneys by 9%, and pancreas by 7% for every 5-point increase in BMI.
Testosterone improves fat distribution for older women
A novel study found that using a topical testosterone gel in conjunction with exercise can selectively reduce visceral fat in older women who have suffered a hip fracture. This reduction in visceral fat has beneficial health impacts, including decreased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Adherence to healthy lifestyle and risk of cardiometabolic diseases in individuals with hypertension
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a high-quality diet, moderate exercise, and low alcohol consumption, was associated with lower cardiometabolic disease risk. The study found that adhering to these healthy behaviors reduced the risk of major cardiometabolic diseases independent of medication use.
FAU researchers find concerning rise in US teen obesity over a decade
A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.
Trends in metabolic and bariatric surgery use during the GLP-1 receptor agonist era
Semaglutide and tirzepatide prescriptions increased dramatically between 2018 and 2025, while MBS use rates declined substantially starting in 2023. Recent shifts in MBS use may be more pronounced in certain patient subgroups, such as those seeking sleeve gastrectomy or with lower BMIs.
Science reveals why you can’t resist a snack – even when you’re full
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that the human brain continues to respond to tempting food cues even after eating enough. The research used EEG brain scans to monitor volunteers' brain activity as they played a reward-based learning game with food.
A risk factor for liver disease: your parent’s body weight
A recent study from WashU Medicine found a strong correlation between parental obesity and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children. Research analyzing data from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children showed that maternal obesity was associated with a 2.9-fold increase in ...
Indigenous Peoples and local communities in three continents report a drastic decline in bird body mass
A global study documents the collective ecological memory of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, revealing a consistent pattern of large-bodied bird species disappearing from local environments replaced by smaller-bodied species, with average bird mass declining from 1500g to 535g over eight decades.
Evidence behind intermittent fasting for weight loss fails to match hype
A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.
Canine obesity and its link to eye pressure
Overweight and obese dogs have significantly higher eye pressure than lean dogs, with a 1.9 mmHg increase for every one-unit rise in body condition score. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for protecting a dog's long-term vision and ocular health.
Strength training delivers the best and healthiest dieting results for both sexes
A new study found that strength training is the most effective tool for achieving 'high-quality' weight loss, reducing body fat while preserving and even increasing muscle mass. This type of exercise also reduces waist circumference, a key indicator of abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic risk.
Researchers quantify role of reducing obesity in preventing common conditions
Researchers have quantified the role of obesity in common long-term conditions, showing that losing weight can prevent multiple diseases. Obesity was found to be the main shared cause between ten pairs of commonly occurring conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Genetic predisposition to excess body weight and survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer
Women with a genetic predisposition to higher body mass index are at increased risk of all-cause mortality after breast cancer diagnosis. Targeted lifestyle recommendations can mitigate this risk.
Metabolic BMI reveals disease risk even in people of normal weight
A new study reveals that people with an unexpectedly high metabolic BMI have up to a five times higher risk level for diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver. Metabolic BMI is based on advanced metabolomic analyses and identifies obesity-linked changes in metabolism that can be present even at normal weight.
How to reduce the risk of lymphedema
Researchers found that patients with low physical activity levels are at higher risk of developing lymphedema. The study used a lymph scanner to measure tissue water and identified limits for what is considered lymphedema. Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment.
Increased risk of severe bacterial infection after high teenage BMI
A new study from the University of Gothenburg has found that high teenage BMI and poor physical fitness are associated with a higher risk of developing severe bacterial infections in adulthood. The study, which followed over 44,000 men for three decades, shows that even at high normal weight, individuals are already at increased risk.
Does losing weight make an athlete better?
A study found that reducing body fat percentage improves long-distance running and cross-country skiing performance, but converting body fat into muscle tissue is a more effective way for female athletes to optimize their body composition. Training and dietary habits that promote muscle growth outweigh the benefits of weight loss.
Changing the sweet taste of someone’s diet has no impact on their sweet tooth or health, study suggests
A new trial found that increasing or decreasing sugar intake in a person's diet has no effect on their preference for sweet foods. Researchers suggest that public health advice may need to focus on reducing sugar and energy-dense foods, rather than eliminating all sweet options.
Metabolic roots of memory loss
Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.
More muscle, less belly fat slows brain aging
Researchers found that higher muscle mass combined with a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio tracks with a younger brain age. Building muscle and reducing visceral fat are actionable goals for improving brain health. The study used whole-body MRI and AI algorithms to quantify muscle volume, fat tissue, and brain age.
Improve diet and increase physical activity at the same time to limit weight gain, study suggests
Combining improved diet quality with increased physical activity significantly reduces body fat, particularly visceral fat, associated with higher risks of diseases. The study found that simultaneous changes in both behaviors result in greater benefits than individual changes.
Study finds no increased safety risk for obese patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery
A large-scale study of over 20,000 elective shoulder replacement surgeries in the UK and Denmark found that higher BMI is not linked to increased risk of death or complications. Underweight patients, however, were found to have a slightly higher risk of death.
Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Leanne Redman recruited to lead the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney
Dr. Leanne Redman joins the Charles Perkins Centre to lead research on obesity, diet, and exercise, building on her extensive experience in women's health issues and translational research. With over 300 publications and numerous awards, she will expand the centre's impact on global health.
Grip strength identified as simple method for identifying individuals at risk for obesity-related complications
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that people with higher muscle mass and stronger handgrip are less likely to progress to obesity, organ issues, or death. Grip strength was consistently associated with lower risk across multiple muscle metrics.
New blood-based biomarkers could help predict bariatric surgery outcomes in teens
Researchers developed innovative blood-based biomarkers to predict long-term blood pressure improvements after bariatric surgery. The study analyzed pre-surgery blood tests and identified top 10 molecules linked to improved blood pressure outcomes.
GLP-1 agonists pose emerging challenge for PET-CT imaging, study finds
A growing number of patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists may experience altered FDG uptake patterns on oncological PET-CT scans, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. Researchers recommend documenting medication histories to inform interpretation and developing national guidance.
Think your BMI reflects your health? Think again, study warns
A University of Waterloo study cautions against using BMI as a measure of health, citing its limitations in distinguishing between muscle and fat, and overlooking important factors such as age, sex, and race. The researchers advocate for more nuanced measures of body size or rejecting BMI altogether.
Tiny cell messengers in obese individuals accelerate Alzheimer’s-linked plaque buildup in the brain
A new study found that adipose-derived extracellular vesicles, tiny cell messengers in obese individuals, accelerate the buildup of amyloid-β plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope targeting these tiny cell messengers could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in people with obesity.
AI tool may enable opportunistic assessment of body composition from routine imaging, identify patients at cardiovascular risk
A prospective cohort study found an AI tool accurately assesses body composition from routine MRI, identifying patients at high cardiometabolic risk. Associations were strongest with visceral adipose tissue proportion and skeletal muscle fat fraction.
Distribution of fat could influence cancer risk, study suggests
A new study found that fat distribution appears to influence cancer risk, but the relationship varies by cancer type. The study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the role of adiposity distribution in 12 obesity-related cancers.
Cardiovascular disease risk rises in Mexico, despite improved cholesterol control
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
Three-sensor overeating detection could reshape obesity treatment
A new study uses three wearable sensors to track eating behavior and identifies five distinct patterns, including late-night snacking and stress binging. The findings lay the groundwork for personalized interventions to help individuals overcome unconscious habits that drive overeating.
Family-based intervention programs are insufficient to prevent childhood obesity, major study finds
A landmark study by the University of Sydney found that family-based early obesity prevention programs did not improve BMI in young children. The researchers analyzed data from 17 international studies and concluded that environmental and structural drivers are key to addressing childhood obesity. Governments, health officials, and loc...
GLP-1 RAs and cardiovascular and kidney outcomes by body mass index in type 2 diabetes
A cohort study found GLP-1 RAs offer body mass index-dependent cardiovascular benefits and consistent kidney protection for type 2 diabetes patients. The study suggests BMI stratification is crucial for guiding treatment decisions.
Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Steven Heymsfield named LSU Boyd Professor – LSU’s highest faculty honor
Dr. Steven B. Heymsfield joins an elite group of scholars recognized for advancing knowledge and transforming their fields. He has authored over 1,300 scientific publications with nearly 79,000 citations, placing him among the top 500 most-cited researchers globally.
Overweight older adults face lower risk of death after major surgery
A new study suggests that being overweight (BMI 25–29.9) may actually be protective in the short term after surgery for older adults, with a 0.8% 30-day all-cause mortality rate compared to 18.8% for those with normal BMI.
Kids of obese parents more likely to develop obesity due to inheriting related genes
A new study found that kids of obese parents are more likely to have obesity due to inheriting related genes. The study suggests that a mother's BMI may be particularly important in determining a child's weight, both through direct genetic inheritance and indirect nurture effects.
Low pre-pregnancy blood sugar linked with higher risk of preterm birth, other risks
A study of nearly 5 million Chinese women found that those with low blood sugar levels prior to conception had a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The study also showed varying risks associated with different body mass indices.
GLP-1 drugs fail to provide key long-term health benefit
Research warns that GLP-1 drugs may not provide the long-term health benefit of improved heart and lung function. While they help with weight loss, patients may experience significant muscle loss, which can increase cardiovascular disease risk. Doctors are urging additional research to better understand the effects of these drugs.
Genetic test predicts obesity in childhood
A new genetic test can predict adulthood obesity in early childhood, allowing for targeted preventative strategies. The test was developed using data from over five million people and found to be twice as effective as previous tests at predicting obesity risk.
Early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may fuel food preferences
An animal study found that early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can alter the brain's pathways controlling reward preference and eating behavior. Male rats showed a temporary preference for sugary solutions, while female rats gained weight after preferring high-fat food.
Differential obesity trends in Asian and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander US adults
The study reveals substantial variations in obesity rates across disaggregated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups. Rapid temporal increases in high BMI were seen among Filipino and other Southeast Asian populations, with nearly half of females and two-thirds of males having a BMI greater than or equal to 27.5.
BMI in children before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic
A large study of Danish children found that COVID-19 mitigation policies affected BMI across all weight categories, not just those with obesity. The findings suggest that age and BMI class differences were present, warranting policies targeting all BMI groups in children.
1 in 5 overweight adults could be reclassified with obesity according to new framework
A new framework for defining obesity may reclassify 1 in 5 overweight US adults as obese, but surprisingly shows similar mortality risk to those with normal weight. The study found that larger waist circumference at greater risk for death among postmenopausal women across all BMI categories.
How does body mass index affect breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women with and without cardiovascular disease?
A study of 168,547 postmenopausal women found that excess weight is associated with a 31% higher risk of breast cancer in those with cardiovascular disease. Higher BMI also increases the risk in women without cardiovascular disease, although to a lesser extent.
Focusing on weight loss alone for obesity may do more harm than good
Experts say that focusing on weight loss alone for obesity may not provide sustained long-term results and can contribute to societal weight bias. A patient-centered approach prioritizing health over weight is recommended.
BMI a poor predictor of future health
A new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine has found that body mass index (BMI) is not a reliable predictor of future health risks and heart disease mortality. In contrast, bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measures body fat directly, was shown to be significantly more accurate, with individuals having high body fat l...
New drug for diabetes and obesity shows promising results
A new potential drug treatment has shown promising results in reducing blood sugar levels and increasing fat burning in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The treatment activates metabolism in skeletal muscle, promoting healthy weight loss and preserving muscle mass, a key factor in metabolic health.
BMI, physical activity, and subsequent neoplasm risk among childhood cancer survivors
A cohort study found that obesity in childhood cancer survivors is linked to an increased risk of developing multiple subsequent neoplasms. Conversely, high levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of these cancers.
New research shows excessive oleic acid, found in olive oil, drives fat cell growth
A new study found that excessive oleic acid in olive oil drives fat cell growth, increasing the risk of obesity. High levels of oleic acid stimulate the proliferation of precursor cells that form new fat cells, leading to a larger capacity for storing excess nutrients.
Early-life factors and BMI trajectories among children in the ECHO cohort
A cohort study found children on the path to obesity by age 3.5, highlighting modifiable risk factors that can be targeted in prevention programs. The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort provided valuable insights into early-life factors and BMI trajectories.
Does the “obesity paradox” extend to cancer treatment?
A new analysis of over 18,000 cancer cases suggests that obese patients may fare better after immunotherapy treatment, with improved overall survival rates. The study's findings raise intriguing questions about the role of obesity in immunotherapy effectiveness and highlight the need for further research to understand this phenomenon.