Research on body mass index and health risk. Covers BMI and mortality, weight loss and survival, waist size, and abdominal fat.
A Swedish study found that maternal overweight and obesity during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly extremely preterm deliveries. The study analyzed over 1.5 million deliveries and found that women with higher BMI were at a greater risk of preterm birth.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that bariatric surgery can lead to better short-term control of abnormal blood sugar levels and more weight loss in diabetic patients with moderate obesity. However, the findings come from a relatively small number of trials and more information is needed about long-term benefits and risks.
A 8% reduction in BMI improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese teenagers, a threshold found consistent with adult results. The study suggests that modest weight loss can lead to significant improvements in metabolic health.
A systematic review of over 50 studies found bariatric surgery associated with greater short-term weight loss and improved blood glucose levels in non-morbidly obese adults with diabetes. However, the evidence is limited, and long-term benefits are unknown.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that obese patients trust weight-related counseling from overweight physicians more than normal-weight physicians. Patients seeing an obese primary care physician were also more likely to perceive weight-related stigma.
A large study found that adopting four lifestyle behaviors - a Mediterranean-style diet, regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and not smoking - can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and mortality. The researchers found an 80% lower death rate over an eight-year period among participants who adopted all f...
A Saint Louis University study found that obese women who lost weight between pregnancies were more likely to have normal-sized babies. This weight loss period provides a unique opportunity for behavior change and counseling from healthcare professionals.
A new study found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with visceral fat accumulation only in men, while in women, BMI was the only factor linked to this risk. This disparity may contribute to differences in OSA's impact on cardiovascular disease and mortality between genders.
A study by Margarita Teran-Garcia found that Mexican young adults are at a higher risk of obesity due to the FTO gene, leading to increased BMI and waist circumference. Adopting healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise can help mitigate this risk.
Researchers found that living closer to a fast food restaurant was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) among low-income African-American adults. The study controlled for factors such as household income, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors to determine the relationship between fast food density and BMI.
A recent study found that morbidly obese women have a significantly lower risk of developing endometriosis compared to those with low normal BMI. The association was strongest in infertile women, who had a 77% lower rate of endometriosis
A new study found that weight loss surgery is safe and effective in a broader group of patients, including those with moderate obesity. The procedure helped reduce excess body weight and improve associated health conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.
Young men who are obese in their early 20s are significantly more likely to develop serious health issues by middle age. They are eight times as likely to get diabetes and four times as likely to experience a potentially fatal blood clot compared to normal-weight peers.
A study in rural Gambia shows that as people live longer and reproduce less, natural selection favors taller, thinner women. The researchers found that improvements in medical care led to changes in mortality and fertility rates, influencing the way natural selection acts on body size.
A new study published in Diabetologia suggests that consuming one 12oz serving of sugar-sweetened soft drinks daily can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 22% in European populations. The research found a statistically significant association between artificially sweetened soft drink consumption and an increased risk of...
A study by University of Utah researchers found that community gardeners have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and lower odds of being overweight or obese compared to their non-gardening neighbors. The study, which used unique administrative data, also found health benefits for spouses of married gardeners.
A new study from USC reveals that adding social gaming elements to a behavior tracking program led participants to exercise more frequently and decrease their body-mass index. The effects were stronger in groups that started with gaming and were sustained after gaming elements were removed.
A large-scale genetic study has identified three new genetic variants linked to obesity in individuals of African descent, also influencing BMI in the US population with no known African ancestry. The study suggests that these variants are present in nearly all previously identified European-derived obesity genes.
A new study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea severity is higher in African-American men, particularly in certain age ranges. The study found a significant association between race and AHI after controlling for demographic factors, with African-American men showing increased breathing pauses per hour of sleep compared to white men.
Orthopedic surgery faces challenges with obese patients due to increased risk of complications, poor nutrition, and diminished treatment outcomes. Weight loss is recommended for pre-joint replacement surgery to improve outcomes.
Research shows that diseases traditionally associated with wealth are now prevalent in middle-income countries, while obesity and high blood pressure are rising in poorer nations. The study suggests improved diagnosis and lifestyle changes in wealthy countries may be driving the shift.
A new study found that each additional hour of sleep is associated with a lower BMI for teens. Increasing sleep duration to 10 hours per day could help reduce the prevalence of adolescent obesity. The findings suggest delaying school start times could also aid in reducing obesity rates.
Research from the Million Women Study found that every 5 unit increase in BMI increases CHD incidence by 23%, equivalent to a 2.5 year age increase. One in six obese women and one in eleven lean middle-aged women will develop CHD between ages 55-74, highlighting the importance of small lifestyle changes.
A new study found that nearly all (98%) total knee replacement patients returned to work after surgery, with 89% able to return to their previous job. The study also showed significant improvements in physical activity levels among THR patients over a decade, with many resuming activities like biking and swimming.
Research studies found that obesity is associated with longer hospital stays and higher related costs in total knee replacement patients, but not with an overall increase in complication risk. Patients with a BMI of 25-30kg/m2 had the lowest length of hospital stay and direct medical costs.
A study found that individuals with chronic kidney disease who adhered to a healthy lifestyle had a greater likelihood of surviving over a 13-year period. Nonsmoking was associated with the greatest survival benefits.
A new study found that teen mentors led by Ohio State University researchers can help younger students make healthier lifestyle changes and lose weight. In contrast to traditional teaching methods, the teen-mentored group showed significant improvements in physical activity and nutrition knowledge.
A structured weight management program improved weight loss outcomes for overweight and obese children in low-income households. The study found that 53% of participants met or exceeded the Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity.
A longitudinal study found that people who carry excess weight over their lifetime have increased left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness, strong predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The earlier someone becomes overweight, the greater the increase in heart muscle mass later in life.
A minimally invasive procedure called gastric artery chemical embolization (GACE) was found to be safe and effective in reducing hunger hormone levels and promoting weight loss in obese patients. After six months, participants experienced significant weight loss, with an average of 45 pounds lost.
Women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more are at increased risk of vacuum extraction delivery or Cesarean section. Excessive gestational weight gain also increases the risk of forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-section. Obesity is associated with lower gestational weight gain but larger baby sizes.
A new study found that aerobically-fit children had a greater chance of passing math and reading tests compared to their unfit peers. Aerobic fitness and socioeconomic status both positively impacted academic success.
A new analysis found that combining spaced retrieval and Montessori-based activities can improve nutrition, increase body mass index, and reduce depressive symptoms in dementia patients. The study suggests that clinicians consider using this intervention for individuals with poor nutrition and signs of depression.
Adolescents who volunteered regularly for 10 weeks showed improved cardiovascular health by having lower levels of inflammation and cholesterol. The volunteers also experienced increased empathy, altruistic behavior, and mental health benefits, which contributed to their improved heart health.
A new study shows that weight-loss surgery can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease in patients with a body mass index (BMI) below 40. Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, monitored 104 patients who underwent surgery despite their BMI being considered
A study found that obese pregnant women who followed a healthy lifestyle program were more likely to stay within the recommended weight gain limit, with a lower risk of hypertension, preterm delivery, and gestational diabetes. The program included a 1500 kcal/day diet and mild physical activity.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. The research, led by Dr Elina Hypponen, used genetic markers to explore the link between body mass index (BMI) and genes associated with vitamin D synthesis and metabolism.
A clinical trial found that treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with reduced body mass index and body weight in adolescents with severe obesity. The medication exenatide resulted in a significant reduction in BMI, with an average decrease of 4 percent during the open-label phase.
Researchers found that physical activity alone does not correlate with obesity or body fat among the Tsimane, suggesting excess food intake may be more responsible for chronic disease. The study also revealed that modernization has little impact on physical activity levels, but women are more likely to be overweight.
A University of Liverpool study found that people with cystic fibrosis who live in deprived areas have lower weight, height, and BMI compared to those from more affluent areas. They are also more likely to experience worse lung function and pick up severe lung infections.
A study of over 6,000 American adults found that incorporating short bursts of physical activity into daily life can be beneficial for improving health outcomes such as metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. Researchers suggest making movement a way of life by adding activity to everyday tasks like walking or raking leaves.
Research finds widening gap in obesity estimates attributed to biased self-reports of weight. Increasing bias in self-reported weight contributes to underestimation of clinically measured BMIs.
A study found that overweight and obese individuals are gaining weight rapidly in low-and middle-income countries, while those who are severely undernourished are not experiencing similar weight gains. This growing divide may force governments to balance priorities between addressing health issues afflicting the underweight and the obese.
Research examines data from multiple studies to better understand how obesity impacts kidney transplant patients. Obese patients experience more adverse outcomes, including wound infections and cardiac disease, leading to poorer health outcomes after surgery.
A study found that non-use of donor livers rose significantly between 2004 and 2010, primarily linked to decreased donor liver quality and increased donation after cardiac death. This trend threatens a significant decline in liver transplant availability.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese patients with lumbar disc herniation tend to have poorer outcomes with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The study included 854 non-obese patients and 336 obese patients, and compared their outcomes over a four-year period.
A study of nearly 3 million adults found that obesity and higher levels of body mass index (BMI) are associated with a significantly higher risk of death. Conversely, being overweight was found to have a lower risk of death. The researchers suggest possible explanations for these findings, including earlier presentation of heavier pati...
National trends in extreme obesity among young children living in low-income families have shown a decline in recent years. Obesity rates among this age group decreased from 13.05% in 1998 to 14.94% in 2010, while extreme obesity rates also declined from 1.75% to 2.07% over the same period.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that primary care physicians feel unprepared to address obesity due to inadequate medical education. Despite this, they support additional training and practice-based changes to improve their skills. Key findings include the importance of nutritionists and dietitian...
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that reducing daily automobile travel and caloric intake both correlate with body weight reduction. The study predicts a 0.21 kg/m2 decrease in national average BMI after six years if all adults drove 1 mile less per day.
Researchers from Singapore found that carotenoids decrease hip fracture risk in lean, elderly Chinese men. Low BMI is a stronger risk factor for hip fractures in men compared to women, according to the study.
Researchers found metformin improves body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose levels in obese children at risk for type 2 diabetes. The study's results suggest a potential treatment option for preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes in childhood, offering hope for reducing long-term health risks.
Research suggests that people with high BMI may benefit from different antihypertensive treatment regimens than those with normal weight. The study found that a combination of benazepril and amlodipine was equally effective across all weight categories, while diuretic-based regimens were more effective in obese individuals.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with severe periodontal disease are three times more likely to suffer from erection problems. The researchers compared 80 men aged 30 to 40 with erectile dysfunction to a control group of 82 men without erection problems.
A large international study shows that children with psoriasis are twice as likely to be overweight or obese as healthy children, and US children with severe psoriasis have four times the odds. Lifestyle interventions, such as increasing exercise and decreasing caloric intake, are crucial to reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.
New research reveals the benefits of gratitude for social and personal well-being, as well as its cultural variations. Additionally, studies show that weight stigma can negatively affect health and performance, while questioning traditional assumptions about monogamy's benefits.
A study of 1,638 women found that early menarche is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, as well as overall obesity in adulthood. The researchers suggest that targeting lifestyle interventions for high-risk women may help prevent metabolic consequences of obesity and cardiovascular disease.
A study of nearly 4,000 women found that respiratory symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough change throughout the menstrual cycle, varying by body mass index, asthma, and smoking status. These patterns suggest a link between hormonal changes and respiratory symptoms through the menstrual cycle.
A Montreal Heart Institute study found that middle-aged people with increased cardiovascular risk showed significant improvements in cognitive functions after four months of high-intensity interval training. The participants' waist circumference and trunk fat mass decreased, while their VO2max and insulin sensitivity increased.
A nationwide population-based study found that adolescents' being overweight and obese during their teenage years are linked to a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the following 25 years. Researchers also noted an increased risk for diabetic ESRD, with risks increasing six-fold and 19-fold among overweight and...