A retrospective cohort study of 44,000 individuals found associations between baseline fasting glucose levels, age, sex, and body mass index with the development of diabetes. The study highlights individual variation in diabetes risk according to commonly measured clinical variables, suggesting potential for targeted interventions.
A new study found disparities in access to semaglutide based on insurance plan, job industry, sex, and other factors. Individuals with female identities, preferred provider organization coverage, and antidepressant use were more likely to start taking semaglutide compared to males or those with certain employment industries.
Research published in the European Heart Journal found that people with high amounts of intermuscular fat are more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction and future serious heart disease. The study's lead author suggests that existing measures of obesity may not be accurate for all individuals, particularly women.
A new Cochrane review found that calorie labelling in supermarkets, restaurants, and other food outlets leads to a small reduction in the calories people select and purchase. The average reduction was 1.8%, equating to around two almonds per 600-calorie meal.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 16, 2025
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
The Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity proposes a new model for diagnosing clinical obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level. The proposal aims to settle the ongoing dispute around the idea of obesity as a disease, providing a medically coherent framework for diagnosis.
The global Commission recommends diagnosing obesity based on excess body fat measures and objective signs of illness, shifting from BMI-based definition. This approach aims to provide personalized care for individuals with clinical and pre-clinical obesity, facilitating fair allocation of healthcare resources.
A new study found that exposure to high aircraft noise levels can lead to stiffer and thicker heart muscles, increasing the risk of poor heart function and major cardiac events. People exposed to night-time aircraft noise were particularly at risk, with increased risks of heart attacks, life-threatening rhythms, and strokes.
Research found that infants given milk cereal drinks after six months old experience early rapid weight gain but not higher body mass index or waist-to-height ratio. Early rapid weight gain is predictive of later adiposity, regardless of supplement consumption.
A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.
Researchers from the University of Granada and the Public Health Agency of Canada identified the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents, with a degree of scientific agreement exceeding 85%. The top tests include the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index.
Adult obesity trends in the US have declined for the first time in more than a decade, according to recent data. The South region experienced the largest decreases in body mass index and obesity prevalence, despite also facing high COVID-19 mortality rates among obese individuals.
Consuming 20-30% of daily energy at breakfast is associated with lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, significantly lower triglyceride levels, and higher HDL cholesterol. A high-quality breakfast with proper balance of proteins, fats, fiber, and nutrients also contributes to reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Population-level improvements in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels slowed, while adverse trends in glucose levels accelerated in more recent US birth cohorts. Public health initiatives targeting antecedent health behaviors are needed to improve cardiometabolic health across generations.
Researchers found that women who had both ovaries surgically removed before age 50 are at high risk of late-life Alzheimer's disease, with a fourfold increase in risk linked to the APOE4 allele. Hormone therapy reduces this risk by half in these women.
A recent study found that excessive sitting significantly harms young adults, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Reducing sitting time improves health outcomes, while doubling recommended exercise hours is more effective at lowering health risks.
A study published at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that ultra-processed food intake is associated with higher amounts of intramuscular fat in thigh muscles. This increase in fat can lead to knee osteoarthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers have discovered a specific type of body fat linked to abnormal proteins in the brain that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Higher levels of visceral fat were found to be associated with increased amyloid accumulation and higher PET levels of hallmark pathologic proteins.
A cross-sectional study found significant increases in postpartum depression diagnosis among all racial and ethnic groups and body mass index categories over the past decade. The persistently high rates underscore the need for preventative interventions to mitigate PPD's impact on maternal and child health.
The large cohort study identified common pregnancy complications, such as premature rupture of membranes and gestational diabetes mellitus, affecting 18.29% and 16.74% of participants, respectively. High-risk groups were also identified, including women with assisted reproductive technology and those aged 35 and older.
The international SUMMIT trial found tirzepatide lowered the risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death in obese adults with preserved ejection fraction. Participants experienced improved health status, physical function, and exercise tolerance compared to placebo.
New research links ancient Jomon hunter-gatherer genetic signature to higher body mass index (BMI) among individuals in modern Japan. The study found strong support for the tripartite ancestry model, suggesting a significant influence of Jomon ancestry on BMI across populations.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered that GLP-1 receptor agonists may be effective in reducing alcohol consumption. The study suggests that this type of diabetes medication could potentially treat excessive alcohol use and lead to a reduction in alcohol-related deaths.
A new study from deCODE genetics/Amgen highlights the importance of Body Mass Index (BMI) in disease pathology, suggesting that reducing BMI could lower the risk of various diseases. For some conditions like fatty liver disease and glucose intolerance, the genetic link to disease disappears when BMI is taken into account.
A recent study published in Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation found that slightly overweight stroke survivors (BMI 22.1-27.5 kg/m²) have a lower risk of sustaining disabilities compared to those with normal weight. The research suggests that a higher-than-normal BMI may be beneficial for recovering from a stroke with less disability.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that prolonged sitting can boost the risk of heart disease and accelerate aging in young adults. The study found that even moderate exercise may not be enough to counteract the negative impacts of prolonged sitting.
A new NIH study found exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) during pregnancy may affect childhood obesity risk. Children exposed to higher levels of certain OPEs had a greater or lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower exposure.
Research from Karolinska Institutet finds that abnormal BMI in children can lead to impaired lung function, but normalizing BMI before adulthood may offset this. The study, which followed over 4,000 children, also found a correlation between low BMI and reduced lung growth.
Elevated body mass index (BMI) was associated with a significantly increased post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. The study highlights the need for targeted care to prevent chronic conditions in at-risk children and young adults.
Research from Lancaster University found that restricting new fast-food outlets led to fewer overweight and obese children in Gateshead, England. The policy resulted in a statistically significant reduction of 4.80% in childhood obesity prevalence in deprived areas.
A large cohort study found that mothers with eating disorders were more likely to have children with psychiatric disorders, while those with pre-pregnancy BMI outside the normal range also showed an increased risk. The findings suggest that clinicians should consider these factors when preventing offspring mental illness.
The EAT2 study, led by Dr. Ursula White, investigates the lasting health effects of short-term weight gain and loss on fat tissue and overall health. Participants will undergo a dietary intervention program followed by an eight-week weight loss treatment.
A recent study analyzing data from the ANCORS-YW study found that overweight and obese women in this region are at a higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Researchers recommend tailored preventive strategies, including lifestyle modification programs and socioeconomic support, to address this public health challenge.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that body weight is a significant factor in pregnancy complications, affecting women born in different countries. Researchers estimated that approximately half of all cases of gestational diabetes could be prevented if all women were of normal weight during pregnancy.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity suggests that extending overnight fasts and eating an early breakfast may be associated with a lower body mass index. The research, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, involved over 7,000 volunteers who answered questionnai...
A study of 793 girls found significant variation in height growth after their first period, with most not reaching the expected 6-8 cm. Early onset of menstruation is linked to greater growth, while late onset is associated with shorter final height. Childhood BMI also plays a role in determining menarche age and subsequent growth.
Early-stage HR+ breast cancer survivors experience weight gain, particularly those with healthy BMI or overweight at diagnosis. Black women have higher rates of obesity and related comorbidities compared to White women, leading to a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate.
Childhood obesity has surged globally, with nearly half of all overweight children under 5 years old found in Asia. The authors highlight the need for coordinated efforts to address this epidemic, including increased physical activity and healthier diets.
A study conducted by the University of Gothenburg found that meal boxes with healthy recipes and subsidized meals led to a greater reduction in children's BMI compared to lifestyle treatment alone. The intervention also involved family meals, which were perceived as tolerable and reduced conflicts over food shopping.
A new study found that a high body roundness index over 6 years was associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in adults older than 45. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggested that BRI may be a valuable predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.
A new study demonstrates the potential of semaglutide in treating hidradenitis suppurative (HS) in people with obesity. The results show marked improvements in patient outcomes across several key measures, including reduced flare frequency, improved quality of life, and better glycaemic control.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that optimizing body mass index (BMI) from preconception to early pregnancy can improve fertility outcomes, including reduced miscarriage risk. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy BMI may be an important strategy for women and men seeking to conceive.
A study found that every 1% decrease in BMI leads to a 4% reduction in cardiovascular risk. Blood sugar control also lowers the risk of chronic kidney disease independently of weight change.
Neighborhood food access in early life is strongly associated with child BMI and obesity trajectories. Residence in low-income areas with limited access to healthy food options increases the risk of severe obesity.
A new NIH-funded study found that children who experienced food insecurity during early childhood or whose mothers experienced it during pregnancy had a higher BMI and increased chance of developing obesity. Researchers explored how neighborhood food access affected child body mass index and obesity over time.
A nationwide multi-cohort study found that residence in low-income-low-food-access neighborhoods during pregnancy or early childhood significantly raises the risk of obesity and severe obesity from childhood to adolescence. The study underscores the importance of early-life neighborhood environments in shaping child health outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that body mass index (BMI) has a more complex relationship with mortality risk during cancer therapy than previously thought. For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, higher BMI was associated with lower mortality when undergoing immunotherapy or conventional chemotherapy. Howe...
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that liraglutide is safe and effective in reducing BMI by 7.4% in children aged 6 to under 12, as well as improving blood pressure and blood sugar control. The treatment was well-tolerated with no new safety concerns.
A Dutch study found that night owls are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes due to a disrupted circadian rhythm. Participants with late chronotypes had a 46% higher risk of T2D and increased body fat, including visceral and liver fat.
A new study found that higher BMI is associated with hospitalization for severe bacterial and viral infections. Conversely, mild hyperglycemia was not linked to increased risk of severe infections.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that approximately 61% of Medicare-eligible adults have a BMI of 27 or higher, making them eligible for semaglutide. However, the number of patients who will be eligible depends on how cardiovascular disease is defined, with narrow definitions resulting in only 3.6 million people b...
A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University reveals that people who are overweight and ignore their body's signals to sleep at night experience negative health consequences. The study found sex-specific differences in health impacts, with men having higher levels of belly fat and women having higher overall body fat percentage.
A smartphone healthcare application was found to be more effective for weight loss among non-walkers. Participants who did not have a walking habit at baseline were more likely to achieve successful weight loss with the app, possibly due to increased physical activity triggered by notifications.
Researchers found that Megamonas degrades intestinal myo-inositol, enhances lipid absorption, and contributes to obesity. The study suggests potential strategies for future obesity management by illustrating the bacterium's mechanism.
A study found that city-level sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are associated with lower body mass index percentile among youth. Policymakers may consider implementing such taxes to prevent or reduce youth overweight and obesity, ultimately reducing chronic disease risk, particularly among children under 12.
Rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increased from 6.1% to 8.5%, while related health conditions declined, according to a Canadian study. The growing population of high-risk obstetrical patients highlights the need for easily accessible specialized care.
Infants born to mothers with obesity are at higher risk of SUID due to a dose-dependent association between increasing maternal BMI and SUID risk. Research suggests that maternal obesity should be added to the list of known risk factors for SUID.
A nationwide study found a marked increase in new GLP-1RA prescriptions for obesity, particularly since 2020. Semaglutide was the most prescribed GLP-1RA, but prescriptions among those with obesity without type 2 diabetes spiked, worsening existing racial and ethnic disparities.
Researchers found that bowel movement frequency is linked to long-term health, with younger people, women, and those with lower BMI tending to have less frequent bowel movements. The study also showed associations between bowel movement frequency and chronic disease risk, mental health history, and gut microbiome composition.