Research on body mass index and health risk. Covers BMI and mortality, weight loss and survival, waist size, and abdominal fat.
A new study published in The BMJ suggests that reducing alcohol consumption, even for light-to-moderate drinkers, could be linked to improved cardiovascular health. Individuals carrying a genetic variant associated with lower alcohol consumption had a 10% lower risk of coronary heart disease and other health issues.
Severe obesity is associated with considerable excess risk for cardiovascular diseases in young Hispanic adults, according to a new study. Young adults with severe obesity are more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes, both risk factors for heart disease.
A recent study found that adults with extreme obesity are at a higher risk of dying from cancer and other causes, including heart disease and diabetes. The analysis of pooled data from 20 large studies revealed that people with class III obesity had a significant reduction in life expectancy compared to those with normal weight.
A study found that higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass are associated with an increased risk of asthma in mid-childhood. The research, published in PLOS Medicine, used Mendelian randomization to assess the causal effect of BMI on childhood asthma.
Research finds that children who know more about unhealthy food brands are more likely to be overweight or obese. Exercise may not be enough to offset the negative effects of exposure to these logos, suggesting a need for limiting advertising exposure.
A Mayo Clinic study found that body mass index (BMI) might be missing 25 percent of children who are overweight despite having a normal BMI. This omission raises serious long-term health concerns for these children.
Adults with Type 2 diabetes who undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery achieve better blood glucose control two years post-surgery compared to those receiving standard medical care. This study highlights the benefits of a surgical approach in improving diabetes outcomes.
The Family Wellness Program, a behavioral treatment for obesity, shows promise in real-world settings. Children's body mass index improves, with 70% experiencing significant improvement and nearly half achieving weight loss. Parents' BMI also declines, leading to improved quality of life for children.
A recent EULAR study found that obese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have higher disease activity scores than non-obese patients, irrespective of their disease stage. This suggests that treatment to target protocols may result in obese patients being treated more aggressively than non-obese patients.
A study of professional rugby players found that exercise increased the diversity of gut microbiota, which was positively correlated with a favourable metabolic profile and immune system response. Higher dietary protein intake also played a role in this association.
A Loyola University Chicago study found that targeting overweight kids at random is more effective than targeting popular teens in reducing teenage obesity. The researchers used real-world data to simulate various weight-loss interventions, including those targeting popular kids.
A Penn study found that people in online fitness programs ignore fitness aptitude when choosing partners and instead select contacts based on age, gender, and BMI. This self-selection may limit opportunities for discovering new health information.
Two recent JAMA Surgery studies investigate bariatric surgery as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes in obese patients. The studies found that bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar control, suggesting it may be an effective adjunctive therapy for managing the condition.
A study found that the number of total knee replacement surgeries more than tripled between 1993 and 2009, with a 95% increase attributed to obesity. Younger patients experienced a greater rise in overweight and obesity, leading to a surge in knee replacements.
A study associates depression with atypical features, including increased appetite, with obesity. The researchers emphasize the importance of screening for these atypical features in individuals with depression and recommend dietary measures during depressive episodes.
A new study found that individuals with a high genetic risk score for obesity who consume more saturated fat have higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Limiting saturated fat may help people with a genetic predisposition to obesity.
Researchers investigated whether obese patients with stroke experienced a 'weight loss paradox', where heavier individuals have better outcomes than expected. The study found no such correlation, contradicting previous hypotheses on the topic. Obesity status did not affect stroke mortality rates in this cohort.
A study of North European and twin populations found sagging eyelids to be more common among older adults and those with certain physical characteristics. The study also suggests a possible link between current smoking and sagging eyelids.
Global obesity rates have increased substantially over the last three decades, with nearly 30% of the world's population affected. The study found that children and adolescents are particularly at risk, with rates increasing by nearly 50% between 1980 and 2013.
The study reveals a staggering 28% increase in adult obesity rates and a 47% rise in childhood obesity globally. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to reverse this trend, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A pilot study found that a 12-month self-care program reduced lymphedema risk in 97% of breast cancer survivors by promoting lymph flow and optimizing body mass index (BMI). The Optimal Lymph Flow program empowered patients to take proactive steps, dispelling fear and anxiety.
Research by Swedish and US researchers reveals that mothers who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low Apgar scores, indicating an oxygen deficit at birth. The study suggests that preventing women from becoming overweight or obese during reproductive age could improve perinatal health.
A new study of nearly 12,000 individuals found that those with dyspnea at baseline had a greater risk of dying, even after adjusting for other risk factors. Dyspnea was associated with a significant increased risk of death in rural Bangladesh, and identifying underlying causes may offer an opportunity to reduce mortality risk.
A study of over 1,100 patients with severe PH found that higher BMI was associated with lower one-year mortality rates, even after adjusting for other factors. The researchers suggest that increased levels of serum lipoproteins in obese individuals may play a role in neutralizing circulating toxins and inflammatory proteins.
Researchers found that patients with low pulmonary vascular resistance who underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy had lower mortality rates and fewer complications compared to those with high pulmonary vascular resistance. Additionally, these patients experienced shorter hospital stays and improved recoveries.
A recent study found that obesity is associated with longer hospital stays and higher costs for total knee replacement patients, regardless of comorbidities. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 patients and found that every 5-unit increase in BMI beyond 30 kg/m² resulted in higher hospitalization costs and longer hospital stays.
Researchers link BMI at age 25 to increased risk of class III obesity after age 35. Current weight is a better indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than duration of obesity.
Pediatricians using motivational interviewing techniques successfully reduced children's body mass index (BMI) percentiles over a 2-year period. The study, conducted with the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that this approach can be a powerful tool to help healthcare practitioners address child obesity.
A study found that dialysis patients with higher muscle mass had better scores on a 6-minute walking test and improved physical and mental health. Higher body fat measures, such as waist circumference and intra-abdominal fat, were linked to poorer outcomes.
A new study found that genetic influence on body weight increases from 43% at age 4 to 82% at age 10, with environmental factors playing a lesser role. The research used twin and genomic analyses to demonstrate the rising association with BMI.
Researchers used CT angiography to assess coronary artery plaque volume index (PVI) in asymptomatic diabetic patients. PVI was related to age, BMI, and duration of diabetes, highlighting the importance of obesity as a modifiable risk factor.
A large study has found that a larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. However, when adjusting for body mass index (BMI), the association disappeared. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight, regardless of body shape, may be key to reducing breast cancer risk.
A study found that women with higher body mass index (BMI) before or in early pregnancy have an increased risk of fetal death, stillbirth, and infant death. Women who are severely obese face the greatest risk, with a two- to three-fold increase compared to those with a BMI of 20.
Research suggests that both underweight and overweight women during pregnancy may increase the risk of their children becoming overweight. Women with normal BMI before pregnancy who gain too much or too little weight are more likely to have a child with obesity.
A new study found all classes of obesity in US children have increased over the last 14 years, with more severe forms of obesity rising significantly. The study analyzed data from 26,690 children ages 2-19 and found 17.3% were obese in 2011-2012.
New research by Andrew Stokes suggests that excess weight in the US substantially increases mortality risk, contrary to previous findings. Using individuals' highest BMI in life to predict mortality rates, Stokes found a 33% attributable risk for overweight and obesity.
A Northwestern University study found that people exposed to early morning sunlight have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than those who get afternoon light. The study suggests that bright morning light can be used as a strategy for managing weight, and recommends getting at least 500 lux of brightness between 8am and noon.
A recent study published in Pediatrics reveals that early strengthening activities can lead to a decrease in cardiometabolic health risks in children and adolescents. The research team found that boys and girls with greater strength-to-body mass ratios had lower BMIs, lower percent body fat, and higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness.
A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.
A retrospective cohort study of 7,431,858 patients found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. Bariatric surgery can lead to normal hormone levels, decreased inflammation, and improved overall health.
Research finds that obese patients have a higher risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Diabetes also affects cancer outcomes, particularly in hormone receptor-positive tumours, increasing the risk of death from all causes by 49%.
Research suggests that obese children are more likely to have lower levels of physical activity, which may contribute to further weight gain. The study used genetic data to analyze the relationship between childhood adiposity and physical activity, finding a causal association between the two.
A new study found that children treated with ADHD stimulants experienced slower BMI growth in early childhood, followed by a rapid BMI rebound in late adolescence. Researchers suggest that stimulant use, rather than ADHD diagnosis alone, is associated with higher BMI and obesity.
A study of over 37,000 men and women found that eating fried foods four times a week had twice the impact on body mass index (BMI) for those with the highest genetic risk scores. Genetic variants associated with BMI and obesity also interacted with fried food consumption to influence adiposity.
Two studies found a link between electronic media use in children and poorer well-being, including increased emotional problems and family issues. Electronic media use was associated with reduced self-esteem and social connections among young children.
Obese children are more likely to suffer from distal radius fractures and experience complications related to healing. Surgical pinning at the onset of fracture may ensure faster and more effective healing for these patients.
A new study suggests that gastric bypass surgery can diminish knee pain in obese patients without osteoarthritis, with improvements comparable to those achieved through knee replacement surgery. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery reported significant reductions in knee pain and physical function at one-year follow-up.
A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences found that older Americans with more muscle mass are less likely to die prematurely. The research suggests that clinicians should focus on improving body composition rather than relying solely on body mass index (BMI) when counseling older adults.
Researchers identified DNA methylation changes in the HIF3A gene that correlate with BMI and increase the risk of diseases like diabetes. The study suggests a new potential target for treating obesity-related health issues.
A large waist circumference is associated with increased mortality risk, even among individuals with a healthy body mass index (BMI). Men and women with larger waists are more likely to die younger and die from illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Researchers recommend considering both BMI and waist circumference in risk assessm...
Research suggests that patients with metabolic syndrome are more likely to experience complications after total joint replacement surgery. Obesity is a significant factor in postoperative complications, with risks increasing for those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher.
A study found that low sleep duration in obese adolescents significantly increases their risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers used physical activity monitors to measure typical patterns of physical activity and sleep, and found a strong association between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk score.
A team of University of Leicester academics helped develop NICE guidelines to prevent diabetes in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. The new guidance emphasizes the importance of body mass index as a signal for preventive action, aiming to reduce the incidence of diabetes by increasing physical activity and healthy diet.
A recent study by CHOP researcher Brendan J. Keating found that higher BMI raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, while another study identified genetic signals linked to central adiposity. These findings have significant implications for the obesity pandemic in the US and other countries.
A new analysis has found that babies born by caesarean section are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults. The odds of being overweight or obese are 26 per cent higher for adults born by caesarean section than those born by vaginal delivery, according to the study.
According to a national survey study, the US obesity prevalence has remained high, affecting approximately one-third of adults and 17% of children. The prevalence of obesity among youth and adults showed no significant change from 2003-2004 through 2011-2012.
Research by American University found that higher prices for fruits and vegetables are associated with higher BMI in young children. Children from low- and middle-income households tend to buy less healthy foods when prices rise.
Researchers discovered that slimmer, more traditionally attractive men tend to have fewer potentially pathogenic species of bacteria in their noses compared to heavier men. This link between body mass index (BMI) and bacterial colonization has significant implications for reproductive health.
A study by researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University found that being overweight is associated with lower levels of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory and emotions. The effect was independent of age, sex, and psychiatric diagnoses.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese children are at a higher risk of developing complex elbow fractures and experiencing postoperative complications. The study, which included over 350 patients aged 2-11, highlights the importance of early exercise and bone strengthening to prevent such issues.