Research on body mass index and health risk. Covers BMI and mortality, weight loss and survival, waist size, and abdominal fat.
A new framework for diagnosing and managing obesity in adults proposes modernizing obesity diagnosis to take account of all the latest developments in the field. The authors recognize that BMI alone is insufficient as a diagnostic criterion and that body fat distribution has a substantial effect on health.
A recent study found that for every same increase of BMI, fat mass and type 2 diabetes risk are increased in taller people. The authors hypothesize that the cardiometabolic risk of a higher BMI may be underestimated in taller grown populations worldwide.
A new German study reveals widespread grading bias based on gender, ethnicity, social origin, and body size, with minority students and those with higher BMIs receiving lower grades. The study used data from over 14,000 ninth graders, showing that biases stack up against students with multiple intersectional identities.
Research emphasizes the impact of parental factors on offspring's health outcomes. The study discovered a significant association between parents' weight status at 17 and their children's risk of obesity. This finding suggests that health issues can be inherited across generations, with parental characteristics playing a crucial role.
A cohort study of 10,634 participants reveals that childhood risk factors are associated with adult cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of intervening in childhood to reduce the incidence of adult CVD, particularly for body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Research highlights need for prevention and treatment approaches for children with obesity born underweight, finding links between low birth weight and cardiometabolic disease risks. Visceral fat storage issues contribute to type 2 diabetes risk.
A recent study has identified three subgroups of gestational diabetes with different treatment needs, enabling personalized therapy and reducing complications for mothers and children. The analysis used cluster methods and machine learning to analyze data from 2682 women with gestational diabetes.
The USPSTF recommends providing or referring children and adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) to comprehensive behavioral interventions. Approximately 19.7% of US children aged 2-19 have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, with higher prevalence among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and lower-income families.
Researchers have discovered a better way to identify those at high risk of potential heart attacks and strokes by adding genetic information to health checks. The study found that combining clinical risk scores with polygenic risk scores significantly improves identification rates, especially among younger people.
Research shows people with obesity are more sensitive to price when buying unhealthy foods, while those with normal weight are not. A 10% price hike on these categories can lead to a significant reduction in consumption, such as decreased frozen pizza purchases.
Research published in the Stroke journal found that teenage women who were overweight or obese had a higher risk of ischemic stroke before age 55. The study analyzed data from over 50 years and suggested that even temporary excess weight may have long-term health effects.
Current medical training neglects to educate future doctors on how to encourage healthier eating habits and focuses on weight loss and BMI. Researchers advocate for small changes in medical education to address anti-obesity bias and promote cardiometabolic health, a stronger predictor of overall well-being.
A new study found that people exposed to higher levels of airplane noise were more likely to have a higher body mass index, an indicator for obesity that can lead to cardiometabolic diseases. The study highlights the role of environmental factors in shaping health outcomes.
Longitudinal study finds that higher baseline body mass index is associated with more depressive symptoms over time. Children's cognitive performance also declines as they enter adolescence, highlighting the importance of monitoring children with overweight or obesity for depression problems.
A comprehensive study found that living with obesity for 10 years or more significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research, published at ENDO 2024, analyzed data from over 109,000 participants and revealed a 25-60% increased risk in younger adults.
A study published in Andrology found that testosterone therapy significantly improves body composition in transgender men, with no long-term side effects. Researchers also discovered that higher doses of testosterone may lead to faster results.
A study in Seattle found a small but significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among children living in areas with a sweetened beverage tax compared to nontaxed areas. The results support the effectiveness of such taxes as a policy for improving children's BMI, building on existing US studies.
A recent study uses AI to analyze body composition in patients with lung cancer treated with immunotherapy, finding that changes in muscle mass and fat quality are important indicators of outcomes. The research provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between body composition and response to immunotherapy.
A recent study found that high cumulative BMI is associated with smaller brain volume, larger white matter lesions, and abnormal microstructural integrity in adults. Maintaining a healthy BMI below 26.2 kg/m² is suggested for better brain health.
A large register-based study found that young adults with low stress resilience are more likely to develop psoriasis later in life. The study, based on data from over 1.6 million Swedish men, showed a significant link between stress resilience and the risk of developing severe cases of psoriasis.
A newly discovered connection between two brain regions may help regulate how much we eat, according to a Northwestern University study. The weaker the connection between these regions, the higher a person's BMI, suggesting that individuals with weak brain circuits may overeat even when full.
The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.
A recent study found a significant association between body mass index (BMI) trajectories in middle adulthood and the risk of bone fractures in late adulthood. Maintaining a stable BMI throughout adulthood may reduce fracture risk later in life, according to researchers.
A study found a dose-dependent association between adolescent body mass index and mental health, with the strongest link observed over time. The U-shaped relationship was consistent across sex and grade levels, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing body image and mental health.
A new study quantifies the impact of childhood obesity on long-term health and life expectancy. Childhood obesity was found to have a profound effect, with a child living with severe obesity at age 4 having a life expectancy of just 39 years. Weight loss can give back decades of life.
A new study suggests a lower BMI threshold of 27 kg/m² may be more appropriate than the existing WHO BMI threshold (30 kg/m²) for middle-aged and older adults. This could lead to improved health outcomes for millions of older adults, as body fat percentage is a more accurate indicator of obesity.
Two studies based on the SELECT trial show semaglutide leads to sustained weight loss of 10% body weight and 7cm waist reduction after 4 years, regardless of starting weight or BMI. The medication also delivers cardiovascular benefits, with a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.
Researchers found that smokers skip meals more often, go longer without eating, and are more likely to snack between meals. They also tend to eat fewer sweet foods, but more fried foods, salt, and sugar than non-smokers.
Research suggests that the source of sugar, rather than the amount consumed, is crucial in developing obesity in children. A study found that children who got their sugar from unsweetened dairy products and fruit had a lower risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Researchers discovered a link between high arm fat and low bone quality, particularly in the spine. Those with excess body fat, regardless of BMI, had lower bone quality and strength in their vertebrae.
A study of over 7,500 US adults found that higher abdominal obesity, measured by waist circumference-to-height ratio, was associated with a higher risk of fecal incontinence. The researchers suggest that this may be due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and visceral fat-related inflammation.
A Finnish study found that only 10% of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics lost weight, while 3% gained weight, highlighting the challenges of achieving weight loss in these patients. The study also showed a strong association between weight gain and increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that nerve-stimulation treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is less effective for people with higher BMIs. The study analyzed data from 76 patients with BMIs of less than 35 and showed that the likelihood of successful treatment drops significantly as weight increases.
Healthcare professionals express frustration with limited time and training to support families in addressing childhood obesity. They highlight the need for dedicated services and practical advice to help parents make healthy lifestyle changes.
Research finds children's weight at age 8 and pubertal BMI changes independently predict high blood pressure in mid-life. Targeted initiatives for preventing childhood obesity may reduce disease burden.
Research suggests that for individuals under 65, maintaining a normal BMI is advisable, while those over 65 may benefit from moderate overweight. This study found a U-shaped relationship between BMI and cardiovascular death risk, with optimal BMI cut-off points varying by age group.
A recent study found that eating fortified eggs had no adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels and may even have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Subgroup analyses revealed potential benefits among older adults and those with diabetes.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found no increased health risks for mothers or children with weight gain below recommended guidelines for women with obesity classes 1 and 2. In contrast, weight loss was associated with reduced risk of adverse outcomes in women with class 3 obesity.
The study found that obesity rates have nearly tripled in adult men and doubled in women since 1990. The prevalence of malnutrition is now the most common form of malnutrition globally, affecting nearly 880 million adults and 160 million children. Obesity can lead to comorbidities like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 3- and 4-year-olds in Sweden has decreased after the pandemic. The researchers observed a reversal of unhealthy weight trends, indicating that an unhealthy weight status can be reversed.
A new study evaluates the use of tirzepatide in overweight/obese adults with type 1 diabetes, showing significant weight loss and improved glucose control. Tirzepatide also reduces insulin dose and increases time-in-range on continuous glucose monitoring.
A researcher is studying patterns of weight gain and BMI increases in children based on behavioral, social, environmental, and biological factors. The study aims to identify monthly patterns in BMI change and associated behaviors.
Long-term BMI variability was a significant risk marker for adverse cardiovascular events, independent of mean BMI, across major racial and ethnic groups. The study's findings have implications for the phenotype of high BMI variability and potential preventive measures.
A new analysis shows that tirzepatide effectively reduces body weight across different BMI subgroups, achieving significant weight loss of 5% or more in up to 100% of participants. The treatment also demonstrated superior weight reduction compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A collaborative study found that patients with end-stage renal disease who undergo weight loss surgery can experience significant improvements in BMI, hypertension, and diabetes management. This enhancement of overall health and transplant viability offers hope for previously ineligible patients.
New Norwegian research reveals a strong association between parental BMI and offspring's obesity status, even after adulthood. Individuals with both parents living with obesity have six times higher odds of developing obesity in middle age.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) is significantly associated with worse mental health in women, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. The research adjusted for lifestyle and demographic factors, suggesting a stronger link between excess weight and mental health issues in this population.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that waist circumference-to-height ratio accurately detects fat obesity in children and adolescents, distinguishing it from muscle mass. This method is more effective than BMI in predicting premature death and could replace BMI as an assessment tool for childhood obesity.
A new study found that waist circumference-to-height ratio detects excess fat mass and distinguishes it from muscle mass in children and adolescents significantly better than body mass index (BMI). The measure is inexpensive and accurate, making it a promising alternative to BMI for diagnosing childhood obesity.
A large study found that people with class I obesity had double the risk of stillbirth at 39 weeks' gestation compared to those with normal BMI. The risk further increased with gestational age, with a more than fourfold risk at 40 weeks. Researchers hope that these findings will improve care for pregnant individuals with obesity.
Researchers found unique bacteria taxa in normal-weight children vs overweight/obese children, suggesting BPA promotes different microbial communities. Gut microbiota responds differently to BPA exposure depending on BMI.
The study highlights the urgent need to tackle obesity and underweight globally, particularly in poor countries. Obesity rates have surpassed one billion, with combined rates of underweight and obesity being more common than malnutrition in many countries.
The study found that bariatric surgery improved blood sugar control and reduced diabetes medication use more effectively than medical and lifestyle modifications. Bariatric surgery also led to superior cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can contribute to fewer heart attacks and strokes.
A Rutgers Health study found that abdominal fat depots are related to lower cognitive functioning and brain volumes in middle-aged males at high Alzheimer's risk, but not females. The study challenges the use of BMI as a primary measure for assessing obesity-related cognitive risks.
A new study in tens of thousands of people with obesity shows the impact of different weight management treatments on achieving a 5% weight loss. Effective treatment options include nutrition counseling, medically supervised meal replacements, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgery.
A five-year study shows that bariatric surgery maintains normal blood pressure levels without medications, while reducing BMI compared to medical therapy alone. Participants who underwent bariatric surgery had fewer medications and lower blood pressure rates than those on medication alone.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure levels in nearly 500 adults with obesity. The results suggest treating obesity with this weight loss medication may be an effective strategy for preventing or treating high blood pressure.
A global study has identified evidence-based approaches to prevent breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema (BCRAL) by addressing risk factors and implementing surveillance programs. The research provides a clinical guide for healthcare teams worldwide to adopt a proactive approach in preventing this irreversible complication.
A study of over 1,700 adult patients found that gastric bypass and sleeve surgeries have few short-term complications and are equivalent in terms of risk. The results suggest that patients and doctors can choose between the two procedures without worrying about short-term surgical risks.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of several pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. However, being overweight also has a lower risk of anaemia during pregnancy and low birthweight babies. The research used mul...