Articles tagged with Body Mass Index
A study of middle schools found that students' BMI increased by 10% for every additional food practice permitted. Schools with more restrictive food policies had lower average BMIs and fewer overweight students.
This study found that current drinkers had a lower obesity risk than non-drinkers, with heavy drinkers being 46% more likely to be obese. The mechanisms behind this protective effect are not well understood.
Researchers found that intuitive eaters had a significantly lower body mass index and higher levels of high-density lipoproteins compared to restrictive dieters. Intuitive eating was also correlated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, suggesting a healthier relationship with food and weight management.
A recent study found that obesity measured by waist-to-hip ratio is three times stronger than BMI in predicting the risk of heart attack. The researchers analyzed data from over 27,000 people across 52 countries and discovered a striking correlation between waist size and cardiovascular risk.
A recent study found that waist-to-hip ratio is a stronger predictor of heart attack than BMI in diverse ethnic populations. The researchers discovered that larger waist size was harmful, while larger hip size was protective, leading to substantial reassessment of obesity's importance for cardiovascular disease worldwide.
A retrospective study found that Finnish children who had coronary heart disease as adults were born small, thin at age 2, and gained weight rapidly. These growth patterns were linked to insulin resistance later in life, a known risk factor for coronary heart disease.
A new study finds that a lower dose of orlistat can help overweight individuals lose weight and improve their health. The medication, supported by over 100 clinical studies, demonstrated significant weight loss and reductions in cholesterol and blood pressure.
Researchers found that obese individuals who engaged in physical activity experienced fewer gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms compared to those with sedentary lifestyles. High body mass index (BMI) was linked to increased symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
A vast majority of US adults are at risk of developing overweight and obesity, with a growing concern that this trend may worsen in the coming years. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight through simple steps to reduce calorie consumption and prevent chronic conditions.
A study published in Neurology found that people who lost approximately one unit of BMI per year had a 35% greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers also found a similar relationship between changes in BMI and rate of cognitive decline, which is the clinical hallmark of AD.
A multi-center study found that cereal consumption was positively associated with lower body mass index (BMI) and adequate nutrient intake in adolescent girls. The researchers also suggested that other factors related to cereal consumption, such as eating healthful foods like milk and juice, may have an impact on girls' diets.
Researchers report on the first 10 patients to undergo totally robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, achieving comparable surgical times and complication rates with a short learning curve. The study suggests that robotic technology is feasible and safe for this procedure, potentially offering a superior alternative.
A Duke University study found that obesity is associated with lower rates of mammograms, Pap smears, and flu shots among middle-aged women and the elderly. Despite knowing the risks, obese individuals are less likely to receive preventive services due to social stigma, avoidance of healthcare, and bias from providers.
A recent study found that individuals with obesity and extreme obesity are more likely to experience injuries compared to those with normal weight. Overexertion and falls were the most common causes of non-fatal injuries among obese participants, while underweight individuals reported the fewest injuries.
Researchers found a consistent relationship between ideal body mass for running performance and ground forces required at different speeds. Sprinters require more muscle and bulk, while endurance specialists need less due to lower ground forces.
A new study by Ohio State University found that dieting is linked to increased wealth, particularly among white women, but not as strongly among black men or white men. The study analyzed data from over 7,300 people and found that those who lost large amounts of weight experienced more dramatic changes in wealth.
A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.
A new study from the University of Colorado found that walking at a leisurely pace can increase calorie burn by up to 25% for obese adults. Additionally, reducing walking speed from 3 miles per hour to 2 miles per hour can decrease knee joint loads by up to 25%.
A 54-week randomized study found that orlistat, a gastrointestinal tract lipase inhibitor, significantly improved weight management in obese adolescents. The medication was well-tolerated and showed a sustained effect on reducing BMI, waist circumference, and lipid levels.
Researchers found that obesity and smoking accelerate aging by reducing telomere length, which decreases steadily with age. Smokers experience an average of 4.6 years of accelerated aging, while obese individuals see an additional 8.8 years of age loss compared to lean women.
A study of pediatrician attitudes towards childhood obesity found that many felt unconfident in their ability to treat the condition, with a scarcity of educational materials and personal biases being major factors. Despite this, nearly half of overweight pediatricians did not identify themselves as such.
Researchers found that African-American girls consistently ate breakfast less frequently than white girls, and that those who skipped breakfast had lower body mass index and lower fiber and calcium intakes. The study suggests that skipping breakfast may predispose adolescent girls to diets that are inadequate in these essential nutrients.
Research reveals that high BMI is associated with increased risk of colorectal adenoma and weight reduction significantly decreases this risk. Obesity is also linked to an increased incidence of esophageal cancer, particularly in patients with Barrett's Esophagus.
Research highlights that body mass index is just one aspect of ischemic heart disease risk, with insulin resistance syndrome playing a significant role. Metabolically healthy obese men and metabolically unhealthy lean men have been found to have different heart disease risks.
A large-scale study found that quitting smoking slows lung function decline in men and women, with a 38% decrease in men and 17% in women. However, weight gain significantly diminishes the beneficial effects of quitting on lung function, particularly in men.
A study of 2,019 middle-aged women found that college education was protective against obesity for white women, but not African American women. The disparity in weight gain persists despite higher educational attainment.
Research suggests being obese and underweight are associated with a higher risk of death. The study estimated excess deaths in the US population in 2000 and found that obesity was linked to 111,909 excess deaths, while underweight was linked to 33,746 excess deaths.
Research by University of Utah Health reveals that overweight and obese individuals are at least three times more likely to tear their meniscus, while the most obese face a 25 times greater risk. The study's findings have significant implications for meniscal surgeries and the nation's medical costs.
A study of 750 consecutive morbidly obese patients found that complication rates decreased significantly after the first 100 cases, with a mean complication rate of 13% and stable death rate of 0.3%. High-volume programs demonstrated better patient outcomes due to significant experience with the procedure.
Chronic daily headaches are more prevalent in obese and morbidly obese people than those with normal body weight, the study found. Obese individuals reported severe pain and missed more work days due to headaches.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends a multi-faceted approach to treating obesity, including lifestyle changes, weight-loss drugs, and bariatric surgery. ACP identifies six valid weight-loss drugs, but emphasizes the need for frank discussions about potential side effects and lack of long-term efficacy data.
The American College of Physicians recommends a weight loss approach that includes diet and exercise for everyone, with medication or surgery considered only for those who fail to achieve weight loss goals. However, the guidelines also warn about potential side effects and risks associated with surgical procedures.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that larger waist sizes and higher body fat are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adult men. The researchers recommend measuring waist circumference instead of waist-to-hip ratio to assess health risk.
African-American stroke survivors with obesity have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The study found that nearly all patients were overweight or obese, with diabetes increasing with BMI, and that class three obesity significantly increases the risk of recurrent stroke.
Research suggests education level has no observable benefit on BMI for African-American women, despite their high rates of obesity and related illnesses. Prevention efforts should begin in adolescence or early adulthood to address this disparity.
The Endocrine Society recommends classifying childhood obesity as a legitimate disease to encourage public funding and insurer reimbursement for treatment programs. This classification aims to prevent and treat obesity in children, reducing serious health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.
A study of 314 children found that those in the high normal weight range were at an elevated risk of becoming overweight or obese as adults. Nearly half of male subjects and nearly a quarter of female subjects became overweight or obese between childhood and young adulthood.
A daily micronutrient supplement increased birthweight by an average of 77g, reducing the prevalence of low birthweight by 25% among 1200 Nepalese mothers. The supplement showed a more marked effect on female infants and those with higher body mass index.
A recent workshop on SARS published in the American Thoracic Society's peer-reviewed journal emphasizes the need for antiviral drugs to prevent and treat SARS. The study also explores the association between obesity and asthma, finding a significant link in female children who become overweight during late adolescence and early adulthood.
Researchers found comparable weight loss results in patients over 60 compared to those under 60 undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Both age groups also experienced significant reductions in obesity-related diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Researchers found that men and women who drank moderately but frequently had the lowest BMI scores, while infrequent heavy drinkers had the highest BMIs. The study suggests that drinking frequency and quantity can be important risk factors for obesity.
Research found that total sleep time decreased as body mass index increased, except in severely obese individuals. Sleeping less than 16 minutes per day was associated with a lower BMI.
A study by Victoria Holt found that overweight and obese women on oral contraceptives have a significantly higher risk of getting pregnant due to body-mass index. The study suggests that an additional two to four women will get pregnant per year among those who are overweight or obese.
A recent study published in the Journal of American Public Health found that African-Americans with higher body mass index (BMI) did not have significantly higher healthcare spending compared to those with lower BMIs. In contrast, white Americans and people under 35 with higher BMI had increased healthcare costs.
The study found that immigrants living in the US for over 15 years have a higher BMI and obesity rate compared to those living less than 1 year. Early clinician intervention on diet and physical activity may help prevent weight gain and obesity-related chronic illnesses among immigrant populations.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that average annual and cumulative Medicare charges are significantly higher for obese individuals, with severe obesity resulting in costs of up to $175,000. The study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to address obesity and reduce healthcare costs among older adults.
A study of over 9,600 participants found that those who were severely obese in young adulthood had significantly higher Medicare charges at age 65 compared to non-overweight peers. The average annual Medicare charges for severely obese individuals were $6,192 more than for non-overweight men and $5,618 more than for non-overweight women.
A study analyzing US children's weight trends found increasing overweight prevalence (28 states >10% in 2000) while underweight decreased, indicating a national problem. The researchers call for expanded prevention and intervention efforts to reverse the trend.
A study found that short sleep duration is associated with reduced leptin levels, elevated ghrelin levels, and increased BMI in a large cohort of participants. This hormonal imbalance may contribute to the development of obesity in societies where excess calories are easily accessible.
A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found a significant link between sleep loss and hormonal changes that contribute to obesity. Ghrelin and leptin hormone levels were consistently increased and decreased with reduced sleep duration, respectively.
A recent study found that obesity is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation, with obese individuals having a significantly higher risk of developing the condition. The study examined data from the Framingham Heart Study and found that age-adjusted incidence rates for AF increased across BMI categories in men and women.
Long-term obesity is associated with a significant loss of brain tissue, particularly in the temporal lobe, increasing dementia risk. The study found that women with higher BMI experienced greater atrophy and increased dementia risk over time.
Research suggests that abdominal fat is more closely associated with disability than overall body fat, even among normal-weight individuals. The study, which followed over 16,000 participants for nine years, found that high levels of abdominal fat increased the risk of difficulty performing daily tasks.
Research from the Look AHEAD study reveals that individuals with diabetes who are overweight or obese have poorer control of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The findings highlight the importance of weight loss programs as part of preventing cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
Women with a BMI of 40 or more are 5.2 times more likely to have significant colonic neoplasia detected during colonoscopy compared to those with a healthy weight. The study highlights the importance of physicians counseling overweight and obese women about colorectal cancer screening due to their increased risk.
The study found that almost half of patients with pre-existing high blood pressure were off medications after surgery, while 92% of those with diabetes were no longer taking oral medications. Additionally, degenerative joint disease improved significantly in patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery.
Studies found that morbidly obese patients experience high rates of GERD symptoms, including heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additionally, a systematic review revealed a significant dose-dependent association between body mass index and risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Obese individuals have significantly higher one-year health care costs compared to nonobese counterparts. Prescription drugs and hospitalizations are key drivers of these increased costs. The study found obese patients had a median total healthcare cost of $585.44, while nonobese patients averaged $333.24.
A study found that nearly a quarter of weight loss surgery patients tested positive for H pylori, and 48% experienced significant upper GI symptoms. Treatment for these patients was recommended to alleviate postoperative foregut symptoms.
A controlled study found that bariatric surgery is associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition causing pain and weakness. The study highlights the importance of nutritional counseling and follow-up care to prevent PN complications, which are largely preventable.