Research on body mass index and health risk. Covers BMI and mortality, weight loss and survival, waist size, and abdominal fat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution experienced rapid weight gain and higher BMI by age 13, leading to increased insulin resistance in their mid-20s. The study suggests early interventions can help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
A child's body mass index (BMI) at six years old is a strong predictor of their risk of overweight or obesity at 18. Reaching a healthier weight before six can reduce this risk, but returning to it later does not have the same effect.
A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.
A recent study published in The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology reveals a significant increase in obesity rates among US adults, particularly those with BMI above 60 kg/m2. The rate of severe obesity rose by 210% over 20 years, posing serious health risks and economic burdens.
A study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution in childhood is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance later in life. Higher BMI growth from early adolescence into young adulthood may partially explain this link.
A new study identifies that the internationally recognized body mass index (BMI) cut-off points overestimate overweight and obesity in male athletes. The researchers propose new cut-off points of 28.2 kg/m² for overweight and 33.7 kg/m² for obesity, taking into account lower body fat percentages typical of athletes.
Among US adults aged 20-59, obesity prevalence by BMI was nearly identical to the confirmed excess adiposity rate. Approximately 98% of obese individuals had excess adiposity, suggesting a strong correlation between the two measures.
Research found a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among English adolescents, from 22% to 33% between 2008-2010 and 2021-2023. Adolescents living with these conditions are at higher risk for developing comorbidities, including mental health issues, physical problems, and cardiometabolic diseases.
A new study found that tirzepatide can produce sustained weight loss of up to 31% in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, regardless of age or BMI. The study also identified patterns of weight loss trajectories and found that females and those without obesity-related complications may be more responsive to the medication.
A new analysis of the SURMOUNT-1 trial found that around two-thirds of participants regained only 5% or less of their lowest weight over three years. The study suggests that most patients receiving tirzepatide had a relatively stable weight journey, with limited weight regain after reaching their nadir weight.
Most older U.S. adults support Medicare covering weight management medications, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or greater. The survey also found that more than half of participants were interested in using these medications to manage their weight.
A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.
New research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight throughout life and losing weight later in life may reduce the risk of kidney cancer. Higher BMI at various ages across adulthood was associated with increased risks of developing different types of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma, papillary RCC, and chromophobe RCC.
A new study found that new-onset type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of certain obesity-related cancers, such as bowel and pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank and found a 48% increased risk in men and a 24% increased risk in women for overall obesity-related cancers.
A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that waist circumference is a stronger risk marker than body mass index (BMI) for obesity-related cancers in men. However, this association was not observed in women.
Research suggests that having an overweight or obesity trajectory during childhood is associated with a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The study found that women with above-average childhood BMI trajectories had a 26% higher risk, while those with an obesity BMI trajectory had a 65% higher risk.
Research suggests that people with obesity experience a redistribution of their body compartments, such as increased fat trunk accumulation and lower muscle mass, particularly in extremities, as they age. This shift occurs without significant changes in BMI, making it a less useful tool for assessing weight status.
A recent study published in Heart journal found that extreme weight fluctuations significantly increase the risk of death among obese individuals with cardiovascular disease. Both weight loss and gain above 10kg raise mortality risk, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable weight even within the obese range.
A new study found that waist-to-height ratio is more accurate than BMI in estimating body fat in children. The study included 7,600 children and found that 64% of those classified as BMI-overweight had normal fat according to waist-to-height ratio.
A responsive parenting intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in child weight outcomes from age 3 to 9 compared to a control group. The intervention's benefits were most pronounced among female participants, and its long-term effects may be sustained with a life-course approach.
A new study found that the proportion of visceral fat, rather than the absolute amount, is a stronger predictor of high triglyceride levels and inflammation. Lowering visceral fat proportion during weight loss can lead to better metabolic health outcomes.
A third of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese within the next 25 years, according to a new study. The global obesity rate for those between 5-24 years old tripled from 1990 to 2021, rising by 244 per cent to 174 million.
A major new analysis predicts that over half the world's adult population (3.8 billion) and a third of all children and adolescents (746 million) will be living with overweight or obesity by 2050. The study forecasts a substantial rise in obesity among young people globally, with an additional 186 million cases predicted by 2050.
A University of Turku study reveals that mothers' weight and diet during pregnancy influence their child's motor skills up to age 5-6. Children of overweight or obese mothers are almost three times more likely to develop a developmental coordination disorder, highlighting the importance of healthy prenatal nutrition.
A long-term study found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass outperforms sleeve gastrectomy in treating obesity, with patients losing more excess body mass index. The Swiss Multicenter Bypass or Sleeve Study demonstrated the superiority of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass over sleeve gastrectomy for patient weight loss.
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that consuming sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts improved blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes. The compound had a significant effect on fasting blood sugar levels, particularly in those with certain pathophysiological and microbiome characteristics.
Researchers identified two new patterns in childhood BMI development, differing from the traditional 'Type 1' trajectory. Type 2 and Type 3 trajectories have distinct profiles, with Type 2 showing a steeper rise and fall before and after infancy peak, while Type 3 has more irregular peaks and troughs.
The American Heart Association and NFL Alumni Association collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles through Life's Essential 8, which includes four indicators of cardiovascular health and four behavioral/lifestyle factors. By following these steps, adults can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight face triple the risk of self-harm compared to those who do not, regardless of objective weight. The study also highlights the critical role of schools and communities in creating supportive environments.
A study of older adults found that decline in body mass index, waist circumference, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) occurred up to a decade before dementia diagnosis. These cardiometabolic changes may provide insights into the potential for early monitoring and intervention.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that breast reduction surgery can lead to weight gain in adolescents and young women, particularly those who were at a healthy body mass index (BMI) before surgery. The study suggests that these patients should be targeted for healthy lifestyle changes to prevent weig...
The American Heart Association's 2025 statistics report shows an increase of over 10,000 cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US, with a slight decrease in age-adjusted death rates. Rising kidney disease, hypertension, and obesity are contributing to these trends.
A cohort study found city-level sugar-sweetened beverage taxes associated with reduced mean body mass index (BMI) among adults. These associations were seen in demographic subgroups, including young adults who consumed the most SSBs.