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Supports help keep Aussie firefighters safe

Research from University of South Australia shows professional firefighters have lower movement quality as they age, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Functional strength training can help maintain a fit and healthy workforce.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Early study shows health benefits of creative arts therapies and nutrition education for postmenopausal women

A recent study from Drexel University explored an art therapy intervention to address the health needs of overweight, postmenopausal women. The integrated approach showed significant improvements in psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and body image, with participants also experiencing decreases in BMI and blood pressure.

SourceDrexel University·JournalArt Therapy·DateJan 11, 2024

Early breastfeeding linked to lower risk of childhood obesity, regardless of mother’s weight, NIH study finds

A new NIH study finds that consistently breastfeeding infants in their first three months is associated with a lower risk of childhood obesity, regardless of the mother's pre-pregnancy BMI. The study suggests that health professionals can encourage and promote breastfeeding among all women, especially those who have obesity.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2024

High adolescent BMI increases risk of early chronic kidney disease, according to JAMA study by Hebrew University researchers

High adolescent BMI significantly increases the risk of developing early chronic kidney disease in young adulthood, according to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers emphasize the need for preventive measures and management of risk factors associated with CKD in adolescents with elevated BMI.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024

Assisted reproductive technologies not associated with body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos – according to new Danish study

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between assisted reproductive technologies and body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos. The study analyzed data from Denmark and other countries, providing insights into the health outcomes of children born through assisted reproductive technologies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 19, 2023

Being overweight costs society far more than obesity

The study found that people who are only slightly overweight, with a BMI of 25-30, and those with mild obesity, have the highest costs for healthcare services. This is because these individuals represent a larger proportion of the population than obese individuals, who have a higher risk of disease but lower costs.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalTidsskrift for Den norske legeforening·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2023

A spinal muscle’s size and shape is linked to body fat, according to new Concordia research

A new study by Concordia researchers found a strong positive relationship between percentage body fat and echo intensity, indicating more fat within the muscle. The study also revealed differences in lumbar multifidus characteristics between male and female athletes, with females having larger LMs than males.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Musculoskeletal Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

Study shows price discounts on healthful foods like vegetables and zero-calorie beverages lead to an increase in consumption of these foods

A randomized controlled trial found that significant price discounts on healthful foods like vegetables and zero-calorie beverages lead to increased consumption of these items. The study suggests that subsidies or modifications to the Farm Bill could promote healthier dietary intake behaviors.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

Canadians’ feelings about the causes of obesity are often harmful to self-esteem, new Concordia study shows

A Concordia University study found that Canadians of all sizes hold negative attitudes towards individuals with overweight and obesity, often internalizing these feelings and blaming their own behavior. The study also showed that females are more likely to report weight bias internalization than males.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal article reveals key insights on the trends of asthma mortality

A recent study analyzed asthma mortality rates in China and the US from 1990 to 2019, revealing substantial differences in mortality rates and risk factors. The study found that smoking was a leading risk factor for asthma mortality in China, while high body mass index (BMI) was a larger public health challenge in the US.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

International clinical trial finds that semaglutide reduced cardiovascular events by 20% in adults with overweight or obesity who don’t have diabetes

A recent clinical trial found that semaglutide significantly reduced cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity who do not have diabetes. The medication was shown to lower the risk of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal heart attacks, and strokes by 20% compared to placebo.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 11, 2023

Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals linked to childhood growth changes

A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is linked to accelerated BMI gain in children from birth to nine years old. The study found that certain mixtures of these chemicals increase the risk of childhood obesity and its related health consequences.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

Surrogate adiposity markers and mortality

A large UK-based study found that waist-to-hip ratio was the strongest predictor of mortality, regardless of body mass index. The study's findings suggest that focusing on adiposity distribution rather than overall weight may be a more effective approach to reducing mortality risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 20, 2023

Umass Amherst research finds benefits, risks in state-mandated school-based BMI assessments

State-mandated school-based BMI assessments may help overweight students recognize their weight status but also lead to distorted self-image and body perception among non-overweight girls. The research found a small decrease in teens' BMI, primarily among those on the margin of being overweight.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Two studies demonstrate the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy

Two studies demonstrate that artificial intelligence in colonoscopy can increase adenoma detection rates and reduce miss rates, but also lead to increased removal of non-neoplastic polyps. The findings suggest the need for additional research on more defined detection parameters before AI can be integrated into routine clinical care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 28, 2023

Socioeconomic adversity and weight gain during the pandemic

Researchers found significant increases in body mass index among US youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with effects most pronounced in low-income youth. The study highlights how preexisting social inequalities were exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to greater weight gain among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 14, 2023

No increase in mortality for most overweight people, study finds

A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023

Fewer teens now perceive themselves as overweight – international study of more than 745,000 adolescents

A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChild and Adolescent Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

BMI cutoffs for total shoulder arthroplasty increase health disparities by preventing those in need from undergoing surgery

Researchers at MUSC suggest re-evaluating patients as a whole, considering factors beyond BMI when determining eligibility for total shoulder arthroplasty. This approach could help address health disparities and ensure that those in greatest need receive life-changing procedures.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery·DateJun 28, 2023

Health is where the home is: study shows pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity. The study showed that three times as many children in the treatment group had a clinically meaningful reduction in body mass index (BMI), resulting in improved cardiometabolic outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2023

Obesity associated with increased inflammation and prolonged symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that obese patients with mild traumatic brain injuries had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and prolonged symptoms compared to those with healthy body mass indexes. The study suggests that obesity may mediate the inflammatory response and symptoms in mTBI patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2023

Brigham researchers identify factors associated with lower breastfeeding duration for mothers with higher BMIs

A multi-nation cohort analysis found that mothers with higher BMIs have shorter breastfeeding durations due to inflammation and cesarean section deliveries. The study identified dietary and systemic inflammation as modifiable factors associated with longer lactation duration in people with high BMI.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Plant-based food packages linked to reduced BMI in children

A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Alcohol and smoking to blame for premature deaths among night owls, 37-year study suggests

A 37-year study in Finland found that evening types have a slightly increased risk of dying compared to morning types, primarily linked to smoking and drinking habits. The study tracked nearly 23,000 twins and found that lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking status, play a significant role in mortality rates.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChronobiology International·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2023