Articles tagged with Body Mass Index
A large prospective study of over 20,000 Dutch men and women aged 20-65 found that accurately measured BMI and waist circumference can predict the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The associations between BMI and waist circumference with heart disease were equally strong, explaining half of all fatal and one quarter ...
A study by University of Michigan and Harvard researchers found that despite declines in smoking rates, the US population is experiencing a rise in obesity, which is overtaking the health benefits gained from quitting smoking. The study suggests that if current trends continue, nearly half of the population will be obese by 2020.
A retrospective study found that 52.1% of overweight adolescents had spine abnormalities, with most occurring within the discs. The study suggests a strong relationship between increased BMI in children and the incidence of lumbar disc disease.
A recent study by Loyola University Health System found that one out of five adults with Type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese. The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes increased by 141% between 1976 and 2006, highlighting the growing public health implications.
African-Americans have lower survival rates than whites after surgery for colon cancer; the study suggests genetic variation, tumor characteristics, access to healthcare, and other factors may be involved. Obesity was found to be protective in patients with advanced-stage disease, contradicting earlier assumptions.
A consensus statement on diabetes surgery recognizes the legitimacy of surgery as a dedicated treatment for type 2 diabetes in carefully selected patients. The document summarizes evidence showing that bariatric surgery effectively reverses type 2 diabetes, and its findings justify considering surgery as a specific diabetes intervention.
A study found that Brief Motivational Interviewing (BMI) was more effective in reducing risky drinking among drivers with alcohol problems. The intervention led to significant declines in risky drinking and longer-lasting reductions compared to a control intervention.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that robotic surgery is effective in removing uterine fibroids regardless of patient weight. Obesity was not shown to be a risk factor for poor surgical outcome, contradicting previous concerns.
A study found that fructose-sorbitol (F-S) ingestion provoked gastrointestinal symptoms in over half of female ED patients, with a significant difference in response between underweight and normal-weight individuals. The response was specific for F-S and more common in anorexia nervosa patients.
Tufts University researchers identified a gene-diet interaction linked to body weight and obesity, replicated in three independent studies. Men with the CC genotype consuming high-saturated fat diets showed higher BMI scores and obesity risk compared to those with low-saturated fat intake or other genotypes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a link between fat accumulation around the heart and aorta, as well as within the liver, and decreased cardiac pumping function. Measuring body mass index (BMI) does not accurately predict the amount of unwanted fat in these areas.
A study published in Neurology found that teenage women who are obese may be more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as adult women compared to female teens who are not obese. Weight during adolescence, rather than childhood or adulthood, is critical in determining the risk of MS.
A study led by researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley found that regular PE class participation is significantly associated with greater cardiovascular fitness and lower body mass index. Engagement in at least 20 minutes of exercise during PE class also improved weight status and decreased mile times.
Research by Michigan State University's Barbara Luke found that obese women are 28% less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. Women who are overweight also face a 14% lower chance of a successful pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 50,000 women using assisted reproductive technology.
The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness declines more rapidly after age 45, with men experiencing a greater decline than women. Maintaining a healthy BMI, being physically active, and not smoking are associated with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness throughout adult life.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment can lead to weight gain in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The research highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and weight management, to mitigate this effect. By ...
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that physicians have less respect for obese patients, with higher BMI associated with lower levels of respect. The findings raise questions about whether physician attitudes towards obesity impact patient care and health outcomes.
A recent study found that bariatric surgery is associated with a higher risk of death in superobese patients. The research, published in Archives of Surgery, analyzed data from 856 veterans who underwent bariatric surgery between 2000 and 2006. Patients classified as superobese had a significantly increased risk of dying within one yea...
A study found that overweight women's self-esteem decreases when exposed to thin models, while underweight women's esteem increases regardless of model size. Comparably, overweight and underweight women showed similar levels of self-esteem when not looking at models.
A study of 2,285 adults found that neighborhoods with better physical activity resources and access to healthy foods were associated with a 38% lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. The authors conclude that modifying environmental factors may be a key step in arresting the rising epidemic of type 2 diabetes.
Visual impairment without correction is associated with a higher risk of death among individuals aged 49-74 and all visual impairments. Disability in walking may represent an important indirect pathway to mortality for persons with visual impairment.
Excess weight increases severity of oxygen desaturation in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing during and after apneas and hypopneas. BMI predicts degree of oxygen depletion associated with SDB events.
A recent study published by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that uvopalatopharyngoplasty surgery can effectively treat certain patients with sleep apnea. The procedure is particularly effective for young patients with normal to mildly obese body mass indexes and moderate breathing stoppages per hour.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that overweight women in mid-life had more health problems and impaired cognitive function later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood may increase the odds of enjoying a healthy life in later years, according to the study.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure pancreatic fat in humans, finding a significant correlation between fat content and diabetes risk. The study suggests that measuring pancreatic fat could be an effective clinical tool for identifying high-risk individuals.
A new calculation method determines an individual's 'Maximum Weight Limit' based on height and weight, closely matching BMI recommendations. The simple formula allows for easy calculation and remembering of a single, safe weight limit.
A new study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents are more likely to understand a body mass index (BMI) chart if it's color-coded, like a traffic light. The color-coded charts were most helpful to parents with the lowest math abilities, increasing correct answers from 51% to 81%.
Adults living in areas with high fast food concentration who don't own a car are at increased risk of excess body mass index and weight gain. Not owning a car in these areas is associated with a 12-pound weight difference compared to those living without fast food outlets.
A new study published in Annals of Epidemiology found that the waist-to-hip circumference ratio was a better indicator of obesity in high-functioning adults over 70 than BMI. The research also showed a significant link between increased waist size and higher mortality risk in both men and women.
A study of 4254 Canadian schoolchildren found a direct association between BMI and satisfaction with their body shape, with girls happier when thin and boys unhappy when too skinny or fat. Poor body satisfaction was more common among rural girls from low-income families.
A nationwide study found that food stamp users had a 1.15 point higher BMI than non-users, with an average increase of 5.8 pounds for women. The study also showed that people's BMI increased faster when they were on food stamps and increased more the longer they were in the program.
Patients with BMI under 18.5 kg/m2 had higher retransplantation rates due to graft failure, and were more likely to die from hemorrhagic complications or cerebrovascular accidents. Patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 experienced higher death rates due to infectious complications and cancer.
A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.
A recent NIH study found that bariatric surgery for extreme obesity has a low risk of short-term complications and death rates. The study, LABS-1, followed 4,776 patients who underwent bariatric surgery for the first time and found that less than 1% died within 30 days.
Researchers found that the prevalence of severe obesity in US children increased from 0.8% to 3.8% between 1976-80 and 1999-2004. The study highlights the significant health risks facing morbidly obese children, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
A study of 83,882 young adult women found that adopting six low-risk lifestyle factors was independently associated with lower risk of developing high blood pressure. The combination of normal BMI, daily vigorous exercise, DASH-style diet, modest alcohol intake, and folic acid supplementation resulted in an 80% lower risk of hypertension.
A new study found that underweight people have the highest risk of dying, followed by extremely obese individuals. In contrast, overweight people had a lower risk of dying compared to their normal-weight counterparts.
A study published in JAMA found that young adults who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Being overweight at an older age is also associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Research by Dr. Janet D. Latner and Dr. Alice D. Boyes investigated associations between body mass index (BMI) and relationship quality among 57 couples in New Zealand. Heavier women reported lower quality relationships, partnering with less desirable men and perceiving themselves as less attractive.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that young adults with low aerobic fitness levels are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes over a 20-year period. The study highlights the importance of regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
A study of twins found that habitual sleep duration affects body mass index (BMI), with optimal sleep duration between 7 and 8.9 hours per night. The relationship remained even after controlling for genetics and environment.
A recent study found a significant association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and weight gain. Participants with severe OSA had an increased BMI by 0.52 kg/m2 compared to those with moderate OSA. The study suggests that people with more severe OSA may be more likely to experience weight gain over time.
Conventional body fat measurements overestimate obesity in African-Americans compared to Caucasians of the same age and weight. The study suggests that muscle mass may be higher in Blacks, which could explain the discrepancy.
A recent study published in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that regular daily exercise does not increase total sleep time. The study, which involved 14 subjects who wore actigraphy armbands for approximately 23 days, showed that increased activity was followed by lower total sleep time, and vice versa.
Researchers found that private insurance patients had better weight loss outcomes and lower complication rates compared to Medicare patients. Duodenal switch surgery may be more effective than gastric bypass surgery for certain obesity-related medical problems, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that obesity is an independent predictor of inadequate bowel preparation at colonoscopy. Patients with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) are more likely to require more rigorous bowel preparation regimens.
Researchers Halliday and Kwak found strong correlations between adolescent weight gain and friend BMI, but also noted that sorting on BMI contributes to these effects. The study's policy implications focus on school-based interventions to combat obesity.
A new study found that obese mothers may be responsible for an increased risk of asthma in their children. Maternal obesity was associated with a 65% higher risk of developing asthma symptoms in offspring, regardless of other factors such as birth weight and BMI.
Two genes have been identified as key regulators of female sexual maturation, with their variants associated with earlier onset of menstruation. The study's findings suggest a genetic basis for the links between early menstruation and body mass index and height.
Researchers found that short sleepers had higher BMI and lower sleep efficiency compared to long sleepers. Overweight individuals also tended to be more active, but this did not lead to reduced weight gain.
Researchers at Temple University discovered that women who perceive their bodies as ideal, even if they are obese or overweight, can still experience health issues. The study found that African-American and Hispanic women underestimated their current body size more often than white women.
A study published by the American Urological Association found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of urinary tract infections. Morbidly obese patients were most at risk, highlighting the importance of urologic care for individuals with elevated body mass indexes.
Morbidly obese patients experienced significant weight loss and improvements in comorbidities after gastric bypass surgery, with 90% maintaining a BMI below 35 six years post-surgery. Superobese patients also saw improvements, although with less weight loss and fewer long-term weight reductions.
A study found that a lean population would consume 20% less food and produce fewer greenhouse gases than an obese one. Staying slim also leads to lower transport-related emissions.
A new study finds that weight discrimination contributes to the glass ceiling effect for women, with overweight and obese women underrepresented among top CEOs. In contrast, overweight men were overrepresented in top CEO positions, suggesting a tolerance for larger sizes among men.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that carrying extra weight earlier in life significantly increases the risk of developing problems with mobility in old age. Even if weight is eventually lost, the longer an individual was overweight or obese, the greater the risk.
A new study published in Circulation: Heart Failure found that a larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in both men and women. The research examined two Swedish population-based studies and found that excess body weight was linked to higher rates of heart failure, regardless of BMI.
Research suggests that young children who struggle with self-regulation are more likely to gain weight and develop obesity by their pre-teen years. Studies found that children with limited ability to delay gratification were 29% more likely to be overweight at age 11.
A new study found that obesity prevalence differs among racial and ethnic groups in US children as young as 4, with American Indian/Native Alaskan children being twice as likely to be obese as white and Asian children. An estimated 18.4% of 4-year-olds are considered obese.
A study of 36,903 men found significant associations between obesity measures and periodontal disease. Obesity was associated with a 25% and 29% increased risk of periodontal disease compared to normal weight, with waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio also linked to an increased risk.