Research on body mass index and health risk. Covers BMI and mortality, weight loss and survival, waist size, and abdominal fat.
A new paper challenges the concept of 'healthy obesity,' arguing that it is flawed and misleading. Researchers propose further investigation into factors such as early life events, smoking, and obesity duration to understand why some obese individuals are healthy while others develop diseases.
A new US health study reveals 'dangerous disparities' among states, with West Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama having the highest probability of premature death. The study found that substance abuse, suicide, and alcohol-related conditions were key factors driving these disparities.
Research by INRS professor Tracie A. Barnett found that children living in more walkable neighborhoods have smaller waist measurements and lower BMI levels. The study suggests that infrastructure designed to encourage walking can help reduce childhood obesity.
A new report finds that lap-band surgery significantly reduces arthritic knee pain in extremely obese individuals, with younger patients experiencing more substantial relief. Weight loss is most beneficial for those who lose the most weight, particularly those in their 40s.
A study spanning 1953-2011 found that socioeconomic inequalities in UK children's weight have reversed over time, with disadvantaged children now more likely to be overweight. The difference in BMI levels between the most and least disadvantaged children expanded, while the difference in height narrowed.
Researchers found that children with obesity who exhibited higher levels of impulsivity lost more weight during family-based behavioral treatment than those who were less impulsive. The six-month program aimed to change parent and child behaviors, including eating habits and physical activity.
A new study suggests that poor dental health may be a sign of increased risk for diabetes. The research found a progressive positive relationship between worsening glucose tolerance and the number of missing teeth among adults in the US.
A new study finds that only 0.7% of teenagers and young adults with severe obesity undergo weight loss surgery, a stark contrast to the effectiveness of this treatment modality. The lack of education and awareness among healthcare providers and the public contributes to underutilization of weight loss surgery in this age group.
Research suggests that race and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) affect leptin and adiponectin levels, which can predict weight gain during pregnancy. Lower levels of adiponectin are associated with higher risk of gestational diabetes, while higher leptin levels are linked to pre-eclampsia.
A study of nearly 300,000 people found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, with a BMI above 22-23 kg/m2 and increased waist circumference also linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help minimize this risk.
Research from Imperial College London found that girls who start puberty earlier are more likely to be overweight as adults. The study used genetic variants to investigate the causal link between early puberty and body mass index (BMI) in women, suggesting that early puberty itself is a risk factor for obesity.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found associations between age, body mass index, substance use, and brain structure in patients with psychosis. Higher IQs were positively linked to improved brain health, while higher age, BMI, and substance use were negatively associated.
The study found female sex, previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack diagnosis, and increased BMI to be significant risk factors for UUI. Severe UUI symptoms may represent a distinct disease entity from milder UUI.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that obesity is associated with a significantly shorter lifespan and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In contrast, being overweight was not linked to a reduced risk of death but did increase the likelihood of developing CVD at a younger age.
A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center reveals that childhood obesity rates have increased by 4.7% since 2014, affecting 35.1% of US children aged 2-19. The study also shows significant disparities in obesity rates among different ethnic groups.
Researchers found that a longer history of being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of silent heart damage, even when accounting for other health factors. Maintaining a healthy weight across the lifespan may help minimize heart disease risk.
A study found that 53% of parents questioned the accuracy of their child's BMI report card, leading to limited behavioral changes. Schools can support parents by providing resources and healthcare professional guidance to help improve children's health.
Research suggests that slowing down eating speed, cutting out after dinner snacks, and not eating within 2 hours of sleep may help shed pounds. The study found that slow eaters tended to be healthier and had a healthier lifestyle than fast or normal speed eaters.
A 12-week before-school physical activity program, BOKS, improved body weight and social/emotional wellness in children. Participants who attended sessions three times a week showed significant better BMI z scores and a greater chance of moving to a lower BMI category.
Research finds that postmenopausal women with higher body fat levels, even those with a normal BMI, have an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements show that whole body fat levels are more accurately assessed than traditional BMI methods.
A study found an inverse correlation between waist circumference and fitness, suggesting that high fitness levels can reduce abdominal fat mass and low-grade inflammation. The researchers analyzed data from 10,976 individuals and found that higher fitness was associated with smaller waist circumferences and lower inflammation levels.
Researchers have developed a method to integrate genetic data from multiple studies to assess risk factors for diseases like type two diabetes and heart disease. The study identified 45 potentially causal associations between health risk factors and diseases.
A recent study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that rising obesity in the US has slowed the improvement in mortality rates over the last three decades. By calculating lifetime maximum BMI, the team discovered that this measure better predicts mortality than traditional BMI measures.
Rising US obesity has been linked to exceptionally slow mortality rate improvements and increased life expectancy gaps with other wealthy countries. The study found that a 0.54% reduction in annual death rate gains was associated with the rise in maximum lifetime body mass index.
A retrospective analysis of 73 lung squamous cell carcinoma patients found that higher body mass index and younger age were linked with longer progression-free survival. Patients with a better response to treatment also had longer overall survival.
A study published in The BMJ found that improving diet quality leads to greater weight loss in people with a high genetic risk of obesity. The research analyzed data from two large studies and found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns can attenuate the genetic association with weight gain.
A study found that overweight children tend to underestimate their body size, which can hinder efforts to manage their weight. The research, led by Associate Professor Silje Steinsbekk, suggests that accurate perception of body size is crucial for addressing obesity and related psychological issues.
Recent study reveals directional selection on height, age at first birth, and body mass index in males, while stabilizing selection is detected for several traits in older adults. The findings shed light on the ongoing forces shaping human evolution.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified nine genes that contribute to weight gain in individuals with a high body mass index. These genes can amplify weight gain by up to four times, making them a significant factor in the development of extreme forms of obesity.
Research found that using technology before bed is associated with less sleep, poorer sleep quality, and higher body mass indexes (BMIs) in children. Children who used devices before bed averaged an hour less of sleep than those who did not.
A new study analyzed data from 60,000 parents and children to establish the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk. The research found that previous studies had underestimated the harmful effects of being overweight, with high BMI linked to increased mortality risk.
A global longitudinal study confirmed that people with high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop dementia than those with normal weight. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million adults in the US and Europe, finding that individuals near dementia onset tend to have lower body weight.
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that diabetes and high BMI were responsible for 544,300 new cancer cases globally in 2012. The authors project a significant increase in the proportion of cancers attributable to these risk factors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study found that fat distribution patterns, not just overall weight, are linked to heart attack risk in women and men. Women had higher subcutaneous fat but lower lean mass compared to men, who had more visceral adipose tissue and ectopic fat.
A new study suggests that overweight women with higher body mass index (BMI) may need shorter intervals between mammography screening exams. Women with higher BMI face an increased risk of not detecting their breast tumor until it has become large, leading to a worse prognosis.
A large study found that unhealthy weight before pregnancy is associated with a small increased risk of severe maternal illness or death. Women with underweight, overweight, and obese body mass indexes before pregnancy had higher absolute risks of severe complications.
A recent NIH study found that obese pregnant women are more likely to give birth to large infants, with fetuses experiencing longer bones and higher birth weights. This increased fetal growth may predispose these infants to obesity and cardiovascular disease later in life.
Researchers found that a positive outlook and BMI both contribute to good health among college students. The study showed subjective happiness had the most significant impact on overall health, followed by hope and then BMI. In contrast, gratitude and life satisfaction didn't influence overall health individually.
Research finds that obesity is associated with a higher degree of synovitis in RA patients, leading to worse clinical responses to treatment. Patients who are overweight or obese tend to have higher histological scores and more inflammation in their joints.
A study of Chilean adults aged 65 and older found that maintaining ideal cardiovascular health behaviors, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and not smoking, can reduce the risk of disability. The researchers also discovered that having an ideal body mass index (BMI) can lower disability risk, particularly for those wit...
A high waist-to-hip ratio is associated with a significantly higher rate of complications, longer hospital stays, mortality, and 30-day readmissions after emergency general surgery procedures. The study suggests that measuring waist-to-hip ratio via CT scan may be a reliable predictor of adverse outcomes.
A new study from UMass Amherst suggests that women who are underweight during adolescence or adulthood may be at increased risk for early menopause. The research, which followed nearly 80,000 women over 25 years, found a significant association between being underweight and an earlier onset of natural menopause.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that underweight women are at a greater risk of experiencing an early menopause compared to lean or normal weight women. Women who were underweight as teenagers or in their mid-30s had a significant increase in the risk of early menopause, with some women reporting a 50% higher risk.
Researchers found that genetic predisposition increases risk of high triglycerides, but maintaining a healthy body weight or changing diet can help reverse the risk. A specific gene mutation was associated with higher circulating triglycerides, but the correlation was dependent on BMI and dietary intake.
Researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury had higher VTE rates despite prophylaxis, highlighting the need for optimal heparin dosing in these cases. The study also showed that creatinine clearance was not associated with VTE rates when unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparins were given.
A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2017 annual meeting found that women giving birth in winter or spring are less likely to develop postpartum depression. Higher gestational age and not having anesthesia during delivery increased risk, while increased body mass index was associated with a higher risk.
A study of 690 women found that both short and long surgical incisions for cesarean births are associated with increased pain after delivery. The authors recommend an optimal range of 12-17cm for cesarean incision length to minimize post-delivery pain.
The global prevalence of child and adolescent obesity has increased significantly over the past four decades, from 0.7% to 5.6% for girls and 0.9% to 7.8% for boys. Despite this rise, more children remain moderately or severely underweight than obese globally, highlighting the need to improve food security.
A new study by Imperial College London and the World Health Organization found that childhood and adolescent obesity rates increased tenfold over four decades, from less than 1% in 1975 to nearly 6% in girls and 8% in boys in 2016. The number of obese children and adolescents is expected to surpass those who are underweight by 2022. He...
A new study suggests that weight loss in adults leads to significant cost savings, peaking at age 50. The research found that an adult who goes from obese to overweight can save $17,655 in direct medical costs and productivity losses over their lifetime, while losing weight from obese to healthy results in a savings of $28,020.
A 45-year-old woman developed a rare but life-threatening condition called fat embolism syndrome (FES) after undergoing liposuction. FES is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, emphasizing the need for clinicians to think outside the box and consider alternative diagnoses.
A Chinese study found that women with visceral fat (around internal organs) are at higher risk for developing ER- breast cancer, while those with subcutaneous fat are more likely to develop ER+ breast cancer. The study's findings suggest a complex link between breast cancer and obesity.
Chinese children who go to bed later and sleep less are more likely to be overweight, with each hour later bedtime increasing BMI scores. The study suggests cultural factors, such as emphasis on studying and academic achievement, contribute to shorter sleep durations.
A nationwide study found that women with PCOS have a four times greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and are diagnosed at an average age of 31, compared to those without PCOS.
Underweight patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation are more likely to die, experience longer hospital stays, and incur higher costs compared to normal weight or obese patients. Morbidly obese patients, on the other hand, have better outcomes despite having a lower BMI.
A study found associations between parental BMIs and offspring metabolic traits, but the link was not significantly stronger for maternal BMI, arguing against an intra-uterine mechanism. After accounting for offspring BMI, the data suggested that familial factors rather than intra-uterine overnutrition explain the relationship.
A new study at Drexel University found that female college students who weighed themselves daily lost body fat and experienced modest BMI changes, while those who did not saw little change. The researchers suggest that daily self-weighing can motivate healthy eating and exercise behaviors.
New Indiana University research suggests that limiting access to fast-food restaurants will not reduce obesity. Instead, the study found that changes in the availability of healthy food options, such as supermarkets and nutritious food outlets, may make it easier for people to access healthy foods.
A Norwegian study found that increasing Body Mass Index above one unit from first to second pregnancy drastically increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with BMI less than 25 in first pregnancy showed a strongest risk associated with weight gain, while overweight women who reduced their BMI by more ...
Research finds that black women who gain fat around their midsection are more likely to accumulate heart fat, while white women's risk increases when they gain weight overall. The study, which analyzed data from over 500 women, suggests that excess abdominal fat is a greater threat for both black men and women.