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BU researchers find opioid prescriptions linked to obesity

Two studies from Boston University School of Public Health found that patients with higher BMIs were up to 158% more likely to use prescription opioids long-term. Osteoarthritis, other joint disorders, and back pain accounted for most opioid prescriptions linked to obesity.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Liraglutide can help adolescents with obesity manage their weight

A randomized controlled trial found that liraglutide improves BMI SDS, body weight, waist circumference, and other weight-related outcomes in adolescents with obesity. The study also showed a similar safety profile to adults, with minimal gastrointestinal side effects.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Bariatric surgery before diabetes develops leads to greater weight loss

A recent study suggests that bariatric surgery performed before developing diabetes results in greater weight loss. Patients without diabetes achieved a higher chance of successful weight loss compared to those with diabetes, with diabetes diminishing weight loss by 1.2 BMI points.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 30, 2020

Underweight diabetic patients in Singapore have increased risk of tuberculosis

A study by Singapore researchers found that underweight diabetics have an eight-fold increase in risk of contracting active TB compared to obese individuals. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and targeted screening for this vulnerable population.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalThe International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·DateMar 23, 2020

Obesity alert for April 2020

Researchers examined the impact of antibiotics during pregnancy and infancy on childhood obesity and found no association. Additionally, a study investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on mental health and recommended managing challenges through evaluation and support.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateMar 23, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Bariatric surgery is linked to significantly fewer heart attacks and strokes

A nationwide study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes among obese patients. The surgery was associated with a 60% lower rate of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and stroke, as well as significant weight loss and improved type 2 diabetes management.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 18, 2020

Biomarker in saliva predicts childhood obesity risk

A molecular marker in saliva is associated with childhood obesity emergence in preschool-aged Hispanic children. Salivary methylation of the NRF1 gene predicted childhood obesity three years later, even after controlling for maternal BMI and behavioral factors.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalBMC Medical Genetics·DateMar 6, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Impact of obesity on ability to work highest amongst women over 50

A new study by the University of Southampton found that older women with obesity are at a higher risk of prolonged sickness absence or losing their jobs due to health reasons. Women with severe obesity were almost three times as likely to lose their job because of their health.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 4, 2020

Researchers propose new disease classification system for obesity

A new disease classification system for obesity is proposed by researchers, replacing the current BMI-based diagnosis. The ABCD system has four domains: pathophysiology, body mass index classification, complications, and complication severity. This new framework aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of obesity as a chronic disease.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateFeb 24, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Obesity embargo alert for February 2020 issue

Researchers found that dietary disinhibition was associated with 5-year longitudinal weight gain in obesity-prone individuals. Additionally, breastfeeding duration and timing of solids introduction significantly impacted BMI trajectories in early childhood.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateJan 23, 2020

Kids born to moms with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia at greater risk for obesity

A new longitudinal study shows a link between multiple metabolic disorders in mothers during pregnancy and children's body mass indexes later in life. The study found that when a mother experiences both gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, the child has an increased risk of high childhood BMI over time.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateJan 22, 2020

BMI over time beats genetics in predicting future obesity

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that a person's BMI measurement from 25 years ago is a better predictor of their current BMI than a polygenic risk score. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 young adults and found that baseline BMI explained 52.3% of BMI variation over time.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 8, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

High BMI may improve cancer survival

Researchers found that patients with high body mass index (BMI) responded better to atezolizumab, a common immunotherapy treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This unexpected result may lead to further investigation into the potential link between BMI and inflammation in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 26, 2019

Obesity embargo alert for January 2020

Researchers link various environmental factors such as food access, recreational opportunities, and natural amenities with engagement in weight management programs. The study also examines the impact of changes in the food, built, and socioeconomic environment on BMI in US counties.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateDec 20, 2019

Study: Obesity could affect brain development in children

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with higher BMI tend to have a thinner cerebral cortex, especially in the prefrontal area. This may help explain the correlation between obesity and decreased executive function, such as working memory.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 18, 2019

Close to half of US population projected to have obesity by 2030

By 2030, nearly half of US adults are expected to have obesity, and more than a quarter will have severe obesity. The study predicts that several states will have obesity rates close to 60%, with severe obesity becoming the most common BMI category among low-income adults.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 18, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Lower BMI means lower diabetes risk, even among non-overweight people

Researchers found that a lower body mass index (BMI) is associated with reduced type II diabetes risk, including in individuals who are not overweight. A study of 287,394 British individuals found that a 1 kg/m2 BMI reduction lowered diabetes risk by 37% among non-overweight people without a family history of diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 10, 2019

How much will we eat in the future?

Researchers at Göttingen University predict a significant increase in global calorie requirements by 2100, driven by rising Body Mass Index (BMI) and body height. This could lead to food shortages and exacerbate malnutrition among the poor if not addressed.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Obesity embargo alert for December 2019 issue

A population-based study found that only 1.3% of eligible patients received weight-loss medications, highlighting a significant gap in treatment access. The study also showed that phentermine was prescribed for over 75% of medication days, with most patients filling it for more than four months.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateNov 20, 2019

Anorexia nervosa comes in all sizes, including plus size

A new study from UCSF finds that adolescents and young adults with plus-size anorexia nervosa are at risk of cardiovascular complications, including slow heart rate and electrolyte imbalances. The study challenges traditional views of anorexia nervosa as solely affecting underweight individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 6, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Bariatric surgery is safe for teens with morbid obesity

A new study from Penn Medicine shows that bariatric surgery is safe and effective for teenagers with morbid obesity, with low rates of complications and readmissions. The study found no evidence that higher BMI was associated with poor health outcomes following adolescent bariatric surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 25, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Study examines timing of weight gain in children

A new study analyzed data from 2010 to 2015 and found that body mass index of Wisconsin children rose in the summer and decreased in the fall. The study suggests that school-based obesity prevention initiatives may benefit from additional weight management support delivered at the start of the school year.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateOct 9, 2019

Survey of truck drivers finds many suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders

A survey of 905 Italian truck drivers found that nearly half suffer from at least one sleep-related breathing problem, with a significant risk of OSA due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and physical inactivity. The study highlights the importance of compulsory testing for sleep-related breathing problems among haulage companies.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 29, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Obesity alert for October 2019

The Obesity Society has released a new evidence-based treatment protocol for intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) to treat obesity in primary care settings. The MODEL-IBT program provides 14 visits in the first 24 weeks, with 7 additional monthly visits through week 52.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateSep 23, 2019

Minorities more likely to have diabetes at lower weights

A new study published in Diabetes Care found that racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to have diabetes or prediabetes at normal or below-normal body mass index (BMI), even among those of normal weight. The research highlights the importance of screening minority patients for diabetes, regardless of their BMI.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 19, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Genetic factors influencing adult obesity take effect in early childhood

A new study published in Science Advances found that genetic factors influencing adult obesity start to take effect in early childhood, around the age of 4-7 years old. Researchers discovered that nearly 100 genetic variants associated with adult BMI begin to play a role during this critical stage of development.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2019

Poor diet can lead to blindness

A young patient's blindness was caused by a 'junk food' diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Researchers recommend clinicians consider nutritional optic neuropathy in patients with unexplained vision symptoms and poor diets.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 2, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How our genes and environment influence BMI and height

Researchers discovered that genetic variations influencing body mass index (BMI) are sensitive to environmental conditions, while those affecting human height are stable across environments. This finding could help determine whether specific traits are influenced by genetics or environment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 2019

Obesity embargo alert for September 2019

Researchers found that frequent interruptions to sitting time with simple resistance activities lowered postprandial insulin responses and insulin:glucose in adults with overweight or obesity. An agent-based model also showed community diffusion strategies as key drivers of pediatric programs for childhood obesity prevention.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateAug 21, 2019

Fast-food availability near commute route linked to BMI

A new study published in PLOS ONE examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and multiple food environments. The research found that a greater number of fast-food restaurants near commute routes is associated with higher BMI.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2019

Strong evidence for causal link between obesity and multiple diseases

A new study has established the strongest evidence yet of a causal relationship between obesity and various serious conditions. The research analyzed data from the UK Biobank to assess associations between body mass index (BMI) and disease outcomes in 337,536 people.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateAug 1, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Low muscle mass in arms and legs can heighten the mortality risk in older men and women

A study of individuals over 65 years old found that low appendicular muscle mass significantly increased all-cause mortality risk nearly 63-fold in women and 11.4-fold in men. The researchers used DXA body composition analysis to determine the correlation between body composition factors and mortality risk.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 31, 2019

Birthweight, height together provide insight into future heart health

A new study suggests that measuring both birthweight and length provides a more accurate indication of fetal growth and future cardiovascular risk. A low ponderal index or body mass index at birth is associated with an increased risk of heart problems later in life.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalEarly Human Development·DateJul 30, 2019

Current guides for starting infants on solid food may lead to overfeeding

A computer-simulated study suggests that standard solid food feeding guides from hospitals and baby-formula makers may not provide accurate recommendations for infants. Following these guidelines can lead to overweight infants as early as 9-11 months old, with the Similac guide producing the healthiest results.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that women with normal weight but high waist circumference were 31% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and obesity-related cancer. Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity, and its inclusion could lead to better risk evaluation and intervention programs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2019

Extra weight in 60s may be linked to brain thinning years later

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that having a higher BMI and bigger waistline in the 60s is associated with greater signs of brain aging. This can lead to accelerated brain thinning, which is tied to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 24, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.