Articles tagged with Body Mass Index
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.
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.
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.
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.
The study found that obese trauma patients were 6 times more likely to die from their injuries compared to non-obese patients. The researchers also discovered that the obese group had a higher incidence of multiple organ failure, with 13% experiencing this complication compared to 3% in the non-obese group.
A study of 37,878 women found that being overweight increases the risk of diabetes by 3.2 times and obese individuals face a 9.1 times higher risk compared to normal-weight counterparts. Increasing physical activity can reduce the risk of diabetes, but it should be performed in conjunction with weight loss.
Research suggests that increased physical activity is a crucial factor in preventing cardiovascular risk, regardless of body weight. Women with moderate to high levels of physical fitness had significantly greater event-free survival compared to those with low activity scores.
New data from 1999-2002 shows no decline in childhood overweight and adult obesity rates, with 65.1% of adults aged 20+ being overweight or obese. The prevalence of extreme obesity also remains unchanged.
A recent study found that obese postmenopausal women are more likely to be recalled for additional tests after screening mammographies, with women in the obese category II and III groups being 31% more likely to be recalled. Obese women also experience a 20% increased risk of false-positive mammogram results compared to underweight and...
A study published in JAMA found that a specific genetic variation in the COX-2 gene is associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The -765GC polymorphism was more prevalent in controls than in patients, resulting in a 52% lower relative risk of MI and a 67% lower relative risk of ischemic stroke.
Research suggests that higher pre-pregnancy BMI increases the risk of developing preeclampsia sharply, even within normal BMI ranges. The study found a curvilinear relationship between BMI and preeclampsia risk, with women considered 'obese' facing a three-fold increased risk.
Researchers found that body shape, rather than weight alone, plays a crucial role in determining cardiovascular risk. The study's findings suggest that individuals with large waists and narrow thighs are more likely to experience increased cardiovascular mortality, regardless of their overall weight.
Researchers created an effective domestic violence intervention program, increasing resource use among patients and referrals to social workers. Higher body mass index before pregnancy also increases the risk of preeclampsia, with a two-fold risk at a BMI of 26 compared to 21.
Research suggests that video game play is related to children's weight status, while television use is not. Children with higher BMIs spent moderate amounts of time playing electronic games, whereas those with lower BMIs played either little or a lot of time on other devices.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that C-reactive protein levels are not a reliable indicator of osteoarthritis due to their strong correlation with body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity. Instead, these proteins can serve as an indicator of a patient's response to therapy for osteoarthritis.
Researchers found a strong correlation between obesity and high blood pressure in children aged 8-17. The prevalence of high blood pressure increased by 4.2% among overweight children, 3.5% among obese children, and 2.6% among normal-weight children over 10 years.
Researchers found that teenagers with lower BMIs had higher average anger control scores, while those with increasing BMI's had decreasing anger expression scores. This suggests that unhealthy ways of expressing anger are associated with overweight in teens.
A study found that obesity rates among US teens have increased significantly since the 1970s, with total cholesterol and blood pressure strongly correlated to weight gain. The rate of weight gain during the teen years has roughly doubled, posing a significant risk for diabetes, strokes, and heart disease later in life.
A recent study found that college-educated Caucasian women have lower BMI levels compared to similar African American women, regardless of age or other factors. However, the study suggests that socioeconomic status may not be as protective against obesity for black women.
A WHO expert consultation suggests that traditional BMI cut-off points may not be suitable for Asian populations, who experience a higher risk of adverse health outcomes at lower BMI values. The consultation proposes intermediate public-health action points to address this disparity.
A recent study found that the US has the highest prevalence of overweight teenagers among 15 countries, with adolescents aged 13-15 years experiencing significantly high rates of obesity. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 children and adolescents across Europe, Israel, and the US.
A long-term study found that BMI tracking from adolescence to adulthood is significant and strongly related to adult weight gain. Lifestyle factors like physical activity, smoking, and parental education also play a crucial role in determining an individual's adult BMI.
A study found that a waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Another study discovered that patients rated their doctors' care higher when both were of the same race, leading to longer matched-race visits.
A study of 9,790 participants found that exercising more and eating a balanced diet reduced cardiovascular mortality rates by over half. Those who were overweight or obese but exercised less faced increased cardiovascular risks, even if they ate fewer calories.
Miguel Nicolelis and colleagues present results from long-term studies in monkeys, showing that the same set of brain cells can control two distinct movements using a brain-machine interface. This finding has important practical implications for spinal-cord patients, offering flexibility in introducing electrodes or functional enhancem...
Researchers found five SNPs associated with differences in BMI, waist size, and skinfold totals, highlighting the interplay between genetics, SES, and family history of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that a combination of genetic makeup and behavioral environment is responsible for obesity development
Women who developed Alzheimer's disease between ages 79 and 88 were significantly more likely to have been overweight at age 70. A moderate, healthy weight seems to be best according to the study.
A large prospective study of over 6,300 patients found no significant difference in postoperative complications between obese and non-obese individuals. Obesity alone does not appear to be a risk factor for postoperative complications, contrary to previous attitudes.
A study of 4,764 Chinese men found that cigarette smoking is associated with a 60% higher risk of erectile dysfunction. The risk increased with the number of cigarettes smoked daily, highlighting the negative impact of smoking on male sex life.
Research suggests that employed African-American women have a 33% lower risk of coronary events compared to their homemaking counterparts. The study found no significant difference in heart disease rates among white women who worked outside the home and those who were homemakers.
According to a recent study, 20% of Los Angeles County public school children are overweight, with Latino children facing the highest prevalence rate. The data also shows that boys are more likely to be overweight than girls, with over 23% of 5th graders and 19% of 7th graders meeting this criteria.
A study by Dr. Michael Gaziano and colleagues found a significant link between greater height and increased risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 and above, with risks increasing by 32% for those over 72 inches tall. However, no association was found between weight or body mass index and prostate cancer risk.
A broad-based research program is needed to understand obesity, which cannot be easily explained by personal failing. Genes and environment interact to determine body weight, with genetic factors accounting for individual differences in weight among present time.
A study of Puerto Rican men found that small amounts of physical activity significantly protected against mortality, while moderate or intense exercise provided little additional benefit. Physical inactivity was a stronger predictor of death than being overweight or obese.
A study of 18 obese and 18 normal-weight adolescents found significantly lower physical activity levels in the obese group. The results suggest that intensity and duration of physical activity are important for maintaining energy balance in a society with unrestricted food consumption.
A new study published in Obesity Research reveals that shedding excess pounds decreases activity of the ACE enzyme, a key player in high blood pressure regulation. By losing weight, individuals can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease, as well as experience significant improvements in blood pressure.
A study of 9019 participants found that waist circumference correlates better than BMI with most CVD risk factors. The authors propose WC
A study found that childhood body mass index (BMI) values are strongly linked to adult overweight or obesity. Younger children with higher BMI-for-age had a greater risk of becoming overweight as adults. The authors recommend monitoring children in the ≥ 85th percentile of BMI for age to prevent weight management issues.
The study of over 5,000 participants found a significant association between excess weight and increased risk of heart failure in both men and women. Obesity was independently linked to an increased risk of heart failure, even after accounting for other risk factors.
Research found that African populations with a fish-rich diet had lower leptin levels compared to those on a vegetarian diet. This association suggests that consuming fish may improve the body's sensitivity to leptin, which could help prevent obesity and related health issues.
A US study found that 26% of men and 28% of women were obese by age 35-37, with black women and Hispanic men at higher risk. Obesity is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Australian Aboriginals are more susceptible to diabetes due to excess weight. The researchers suggest lowering BMI guidelines to reduce the risk, which could potentially prevent up to 46% of diabetes cases.
Declining physical activity levels are strongly associated with increasing obesity rates. A 15-year study found that higher intensity physical activity was inversely related to obesity, suggesting a physically active lifestyle can help prevent weight gain.
Research study finds a positive association between obesity and long QTc, as well as an inverse association between physical activity and QTc duration in African American women. The study suggests that otherwise healthy individuals with obesity are at increased risk for acquiring Long QT Syndrome.
A population-based study found that waist-to-hip ratio was a stronger predictor of stroke risk than body mass index (BMI), especially among normal and overweight individuals. The study recommends incorporating education about waist-to-hip ratio into stroke prevention programs.
A study by Timothy Sullivan found that homeless urban Guatemalan street children have a similar average body mass index (BMI) to American children, suggesting better health and survival rates despite harsh conditions. The research challenges previous assumptions about the negative impact of homelessness on child health.
A study of 206 men and 135 women found that waist circumference and BMI are both strong predictors of nonabdominal, abdominal subcutaneous, and visceral fat stores. Combining these two measures is more effective at predicting abdominal obesity and its associated health risks than using either variable alone.
A study of Maya children in the US found nearly half are overweight and 42% are obese, with TV and computer gaming linked to a higher risk. The disparity is attributed to American acculturation and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A University of Michigan study tracked weight changes among over 10,000 adults for 13 years, finding that about 51% of men and 55% of women remained in the same weight category. The study also revealed a significant 'yo-yo diet effect,' with nearly one-fifth of children aged 2-12 being overweight or at risk.
Premenopausal women who use oral contraceptives may experience lower bone mineral density compared to those who do not use hormonal birth control. The Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study found a significant correlation between oral contraceptive use and decreased bone mineral density in premenopausal women.
A new study reveals that 12% of Indian women are overweight and 2% obese, with urban areas showing higher rates of overweighness. The research highlights the need for targeted health education programs for high socioeconomic groups to combat obesity.
This study found that physical activity has a significant effect on body weight and BMI in school-aged boys, but not girls. The researchers suggest that other factors, such as energy or fat consumption, may be more important determinants of weight in girls.
A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adult obesity is predicted by family social class and weight history. The research examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and social class across four generations. Early age at menarche was also linked to later obesity, while BMI at age 14 was a str...
A large study has established a connection between being overweight and earlier-than-average puberty in white girls, but found a weaker link in black girls. Researchers suggest that genetic or environmental factors may be at play in the latter group.
A Mayo Clinic study found that overweight or obese patients had their first heart attacks at a younger age, with obese patients experiencing an average of 8.2-year gap compared to normal-weight patients. The study also revealed similar in-hospital outcomes among the three groups.