Research on body mass index and health risk. Covers BMI and mortality, weight loss and survival, waist size, and abdominal fat.
Increasing physical activity, particularly daily 20-minute walks, can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in heart health. Despite this, only one in four American adults meet the recommended physical activity levels, with certain groups facing additional barriers to accessibility.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
A new study found that the gut microbiota of toddlers at 3.5 years old is predictive of body mass index (BMI) at age 5, with certain types of bacteria associated with a higher or lower risk of obesity. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiota begin in early childhood and can influence weight gain later in life.
A multicentre, one-year real-world study found semaglutide effective for weight loss in patients with overweight and obesity, with 82% losing over 5% body weight. The medication also improved metabolic parameters, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A study found that semaglutide use for one year decreases the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score in patients with overweight or obesity. The treatment also leads to significant improvements in metabolic parameters, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels.
A new substudy of the STEP TEENS trial shows that semaglutide significantly reduces levels of liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which are indicators of liver damage. The study found improvements in ALT levels with weight loss of ≥10%.
A study of treatment-naïve transgender youth found that nearly two-thirds reported eating an unhealthy diet, over three-quarters did not engage in physical activity, and half did not get enough sleep. The research highlights the need for individualized medical and nutrition interventions to protect their long-term metabolic and cardiov...
A study found that muscle fat accumulation, known as myosteatosis, is associated with a higher risk of major adverse events and death in asymptomatic adults. The presence of muscle fat was comparable to the mortality risk associated with smoking or type 2 diabetes.
A UK study of over 420,000 adults reveals that those with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity are five times more likely to suffer a stroke and four times more likely to have a heart attack than those with extreme obesity. The study highlights the substantial impact of living with both conditions on individuals, p...
A new study found that ear acupuncture with beads can help reduce waist circumference, body fat, and BMI in men living with obesity. Participants who received auricular acupuncture with beads lost an average of 10.4cm off their waist circumference and 4% of total body fat.
A new treatment combining a swallowable gastric balloon with the anti-obesity drug liraglutide is safe and effective for boosting weight loss. Participants lost an average of 19% of their initial body weight and reduced BMI by 4.5kg/m2 after 8 months of treatment.
Research reveals both metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity types linked to increased risk of various obesity-related cancers, with stronger association in metabolically unhealthy obesity. Metabolically unhealthy women face higher risks for endometrial, liver, and kidney cancers.
A new study found that being overweight or obese during early and middle adulthood increases the risk of gastrointestinal cancers in later life. The research also suggests that frequent aspirin use does not modify this increased risk.
Overweight and obesity in early adulthood are associated with increased risks of colorectal cancer and non-colorectal gastrointestinal cancers. The study highlights the need for further exploration into the mechanisms driving these associations.
The study found that vaccine type significantly impacts the immune response to COVID-19, with Pfizer and Moderna offering a stronger antibody response than Johnson & Johnson. Age, sex, BMI, and smoking status also affect vaccine effectiveness, with smokers experiencing a 240% lower response.
A study in Kenya's Nairobi city found that preadolescents' diets are shifting towards unhealthy Western patterns, leading to increased obesity. Researchers suggest interventions using peer counselors and lay health educators to promote healthy lifestyles.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that patients with Type 2 diabetes who have full chewing function have significantly lower blood glucose levels compared to those with impaired chewing ability. The research highlights the importance of dental care and occlusal function in managing blood sugar levels.
Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 US adults, finding that those who lost at least 5% of their body weight showed higher diet quality and more moderate physical activity. However, the study also found that many individuals relied on unsustainable non-evidence-based approaches for weight loss, highlighting the need for a paradig...
A new study found that gestational weight gain z scores, standardized by pre-pregnancy BMI, are associated with susceptibility to autism-related traits in children. Pregnant individuals and clinicians can benefit from healthy weight gain guidelines during pregnancy.
A large national study found that preteens carrying excess weight have notable differences in cognitive performance, brain structures, and brain circuitry. The association is concerning as it suggests that excess BMI may impact brain development and function.
Researchers found that women with prediabetes after pregnancy had aberrations in their early pregnancy blood serum metabolomic profile, including higher concentrations of small HDL particles. These metabolic changes predicted prediabetes at postpartum and were associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that people with severe obesity and a genetic pathway variant are at increased risk of developing hypertension. The research identified 168 carriers of the MC4R variant, who had a higher risk of hypertension compared to noncarriers.
Despite the decline in most services, FQHCs reported an increase in patient visits for substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted infections. Quality-of-care measures also plummeted, with only one measure returning to pre-pandemic levels.
A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that virtual fitting rooms can have a negative impact on consumers with a high body mass index (BMI), leading to decreased self-esteem and lower product evaluations. However, the technology appears to enhance sales for shoppers with a low BMI, highlighting the need for marketing...
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that existing associations between cognitive ability and body mass index may be due to confounding by family factors. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 siblings and found a significantly smaller association when comparing siblings within families.
The new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of including non-biological factors and social determinants in CVD risk assessment for women. These factors include economic stability, neighborhood safety, education level, and access to quality healthcare, which disproportionately affect women from dive...
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that people with obesity due to genetic predisposition have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 twins and medical registries, suggesting that genetics may play a role in mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study has identified 60 unique brain proteins that may influence body weight via their expression in the brain. Genetic factors are believed to contribute to up to 50-75% of BMI variation, with the brain playing a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis.
A global study analyzing height and BMI data from 71 million children and adolescents found that urban areas are no longer healthier than rural areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Rural areas have been closing the gap in recent decades due to improvements in nutrition and healthcare.
Research shows that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in the oldest old is associated with a range of health issues. The study also found significant differences between women and men in terms of mental health concerns related to BMI.
A new study suggests that age, not weight, should be used to screen for diabetes, capturing the greatest number of people in all racial and ethnic groups. The approach identifies the greatest proportion of adults with prediabetes and diabetes and maximizes equity across racial and ethnic groups.
Exercise training after bariatric surgery alters brain networks associated with food intake and energy regulation. The study found that exercise increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and sensory areas, while decreasing links to the default mode network and salience network.
UConn researchers have developed simple measurements and equations that better predict fat distribution in individuals based on their sex and ethnicity. The tools account for differences in body composition between ethnic populations and women and men, providing a more accurate assessment of obesity-related health risks.
A new survey found that nearly a third of Americans worry more about obesity due to COVID-19, with 28 million people considering weight loss methods. The survey also showed that nearly 90% with obesity have tried to lose weight at some point in their lives, but many underestimate the effectiveness of treatments like weight-loss surgery.
A recent study found that adolescents living in areas with healthier built environments are less likely to be obese and have healthier eating habits. The study suggests that strategies for addressing childhood obesity should focus on improving built environments.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal shows that using waist-to-height ratio instead of BMI provides a clearer picture of patient outcomes in heart failure. The researchers found that greater adiposity is associated with worse outcomes, including high rates of hospitalization and reduced health-related quality of life.
A new study found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are obese may experience higher rates of DNA damage in their breast tissue, which could contribute to breast cancer development. The researchers suggest that weight management and medications like metformin may be important for preventive care.
ISB researchers constructed a biological body mass index that offers a more accurate representation of metabolic health. The team found that even with no weight loss, individuals can be getting healthier biologically through positive lifestyle changes.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 800,000 children aged 3-17 found that youth with higher BMI were at a 26% increased risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights the importance of preventing hypertension in young people to avoid irreversible organ damage.
Higher body mass index patients undergoing unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) experience lower revision rates with cementless implants, according to a new study. Cementless fixation is preferred in higher-BMI patients, reducing the risk of revision surgery by up to 40%.
A review of dozens of studies found a positive association between sugary drinks and weight gain in both adults and children, with increasing SSB intake linked to greater weight gain over time. Limiting SSB consumption is an effective way to prevent age-related weight gain.
A University of Gothenburg study of over 37,000 men found that being overweight in childhood and young adulthood significantly increases the risk of venous blood clots later in life. The study also suggests that overweight in puberty has a marked impact on future risks of venous thrombi.
The average age of patients requiring anaesthesia increased by 2.3 years over the last decade, with a higher proportion of patients living with overweight and obesity. Surgical cases are becoming more complex, with a decrease in ASA 1 and an increase in ASA 2 and 3 patients.
A school-based wellness initiative led by MUSC's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness has been shown to reduce the average student BMI over time. The program, which targets policy, systems and environmental change, uses evidence-based strategies such as physical activity, nutrition and social-emotional wellness.
A UIC study published in Obesity links precarious work to increases in body mass index, particularly among Latino and Black women with lower education. The researchers analyzed 20 years of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and found a 2.18-point increase in BMI for every 1-point increase in precarious employment.
A new review paper from Mayo Clinic outlines how obesity impacts common tests used to diagnose heart disease, such as ECG, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiogram. The study highlights the need for alternative approaches to prevent weight gain in patients with heart disease.
New research reveals that excess weight or obesity is more deadly than previously thought, with about 1 in 6 US deaths related to it. The study challenges the 'obesity paradox' and highlights the pitfalls of using body mass index (BMI) as a health metric.
Researchers found 21 Alzheimer's disease-related genes associated with obesity, including those linked to neuro-inflammation and amyloid-beta protein deposition. Obesity in midlife and women is more closely linked to dementia risk than late life or men.
A new study has confirmed that people living with HIV who switch from efavirenz to dolutegravir may gain more weight and have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study found that patients on dolutegravir gained an average of 1.78 kg in 12 months, compared to those on efavirenz.
A systematic review of 32 studies involving 63,000 participants from 16 countries found that disordered eating affects approximately 22% of children and adolescents globally. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent eating disorders, particularly among girls and those with increasing body mass index.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that higher consumption of free sugars is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers analyzed data from 110,497 individuals and found that consuming more free sugar, particularly from sugary drinks and sweets, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In...
The study, involving 14,000 youths aged 5-18, found a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) after the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act was implemented. This suggests that school meal programs are a crucial avenue for addressing childhood obesity.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented studies on the association between obesity and adverse outcomes in forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries, as well as the utility of cervical length surveillance after cerclage placement for predicting preterm birth. Additionally, a new tool for managing postpartum hemorrhage was showca...
A UCalgary study has found a significant link between the diversity of fungal species in an infant's gut and their body mass index (BMI) in early childhood. The research also identified other contributing factors, including maternal diet and exposure to antibiotics, as influencing BMI.
A large-scale observational study from China demonstrates a strong link between ideal cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates. Individuals with higher scores on behavioral and medical factors had approximately a 50% lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory mortality compared to those with lower scores.
A new study finds that Mexican American stroke survivors are less likely to receive intensive rehabilitation services compared to non-Hispanic white peers. Nearly one-third of all stroke survivors in the study did not receive any rehabilitation within 90 days of their stroke.
A new study found that people in highly walkable neighborhoods are more likely to engage in adequate physical activity and have lower BMIs, but the association differs among Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The study highlights persistent inequities in physical activity due to systemic racism and policy barriers.
A meta-analysis of 253,810 individuals from 11 countries found that preterm infants tend to have similar body mass indexes (BMIs) as their term-born peers by adolescence. This suggests that early life factors may not significantly impact long-term BMI in preterm children.
Research published in BMJ Open found that carrying excess weight from mid-life onwards increases the risk of physical frailty in older age. The study tracked over 4500 participants and found that obesity and high waist circumference were associated with a higher risk of pre-frailty/frailty, highlighting the importance of maintaining a ...
A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.