A recent gene expression study has discovered 45 novel genes associated with body mass index (BMI), shedding light on the biology of obesity and potential treatments. The research, conducted in a diverse multiethnic cohort, highlights the importance of genetic factors in obesity and opens doors to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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.
Researchers analyzed data from the VITAL trial and found that vitamin D supplementation increased biomarkers associated with vitamin D metabolism in people, regardless of their weight. However, these increases were significantly smaller in people with elevated BMIs, suggesting a blunted response to supplementation.
A study published in the European Journal of Public Health found a significant rise in body mass index (BMI) among Swedish children aged three to five during the pandemic. BMI rose in both boys and girls, with a notable increase in overweight and obesity rates among disadvantaged areas.
A new study found that living in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability can lead to lower mean BMI trajectory and lower risk of obesity in children. The study suggests that investing in neighborhood environments could help mitigate future chronic disease risk, particularly for marginalized communities.
A large study of over 20,600 children found that living in higher-opportunity neighborhoods at birth was associated with a lower average body mass index trajectory and a lower risk of obesity from childhood to adolescence. Initiatives targeting neighborhood environments may help prevent excess weight in children.
A recent study published in eLife found that childhood body mass index has a minimal effect on anxiety symptoms, but conflicting evidence about its impact on depressive and ADHD symptoms. The researchers suggest that policies targeting social and environmental factors may be more beneficial for improving child mental health.
Global rates of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults have increased significantly between 1990 and 2019, with countries with lower socioeconomic development and women under 30 showing the largest increases. High body mass index is the main contributing factor to this trend.
A large international study found that adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may prevent up to 60% of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cases. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and estimated that a low risk score for inflammatory bowel disease could have prevented a significant proportion of cases if an...
A new study of twins found that consistent exercise can change the molecules in the human body that influence gene behavior, leading to lower signs of metabolic disease. The study suggests that markers of metabolic disease are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment, rather than just their inherited genetics.
A recent study published in Geriatrics found that age, education, social network, pain, and depression are significant predictors of physical activity in older adults. The findings suggest that modifying these factors through targeted interventions can increase physical activity levels.
A study of over 1000 Australian adults found that people with trouble sleeping were more likely to have indicators of poor cardiometabolic health, including inflammatory markers, cholesterol, and body weight. Prioritizing a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining good health, according to researcher Dr Lisa Matricciani.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that overweight women are more likely to experience symptoms of long Covid. The research also shows that people with long Covid are much more likely to need additional and lasting NHS care than those who make a swift recovery.
Higher weight and BMI z-scores in pre-adolescence are associated with poor brain health, including structural changes and decreased connectivity. The findings provide an important mechanistic explanation for the link between childhood obesity and impaired cognitive function.
Research finds that increased body weight is associated with higher levels of inflammation, signs of gut permeability, and poorer asthma control. The study suggests that targeting the gut could be an effective treatment target for improving asthma control in patients with obesity. Weight loss may also improve symptoms for these patients.
A Rutgers study of 86,964 adults with obesity and NAFLD found that bariatric surgery reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 49% compared to nonsurgical care. This is significant because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US, and NAFLD can lead to liver damage and inflammation.
A University of Gothenburg study found that severe obesity at age 18 is associated with a three- to fourfold increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation in younger middle age. The study analyzed data from over 1.7 million men in Sweden and found that higher BMI was linked to mortality risk, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.
Researchers identified a genetic variant that predisposes people to being slim, carried by 60% of Europeans. The variant affects the amount of fat stored in the body and is associated with the biochemical signalling pathway that tells cells what nutrients are available.
A genetic variant associated with a 10-15% reduction in fat storage has been identified in 60% of Europeans. Researchers studied the effect of this variant in mice and found it to be linked to leanness, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and obesity.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide, an approved obesity drug for adults, also helps adolescents with obesity lose weight and have healthier hearts. After 68 weeks, 72.5% of participants who received semaglutide had achieved at least 5% weight loss compared to just 17% on placebo.
A new study shows that a simple nutrition care program can improve nutritional status, physical functionality, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. The program reduced hospitalizations by 40% and associated costs.
Research published in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that obesity at MS diagnosis is associated with higher current and subsequent levels of disability. Reverting to a healthy weight may improve clinical outcomes for obese patients with MS, suggesting a modifiable risk factor.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2022
Researchers from University of South Australia found that porous silica can prevent fats and carbohydrates from being adsorbed in the body. Engineered particles of purified sand are designed to soak up digestive enzymes, fats, and sugars within the gastrointestinal tract.
The new guidelines, issued by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more, regardless of obesity-related conditions. The guidelines also endo...
A recent analysis found that higher BMI in adolescent men is strongly associated with developing early atrial fibrillation, as well as subsequent worse clinical outcomes after diagnosis. Men with higher BMIs had significantly increased risks of mortality, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.
A study published in Hypertension Research suggests that weight gain from childhood with an optimal muscle-to-fat mass ratio may indicate excellent vascular health. The researchers found that increasing muscle mass was associated with optimal vascular function, especially in males.
A study tracking pediatric body mass index (BMI) before and during the pandemic found a significant increase in BMI rates, with girls experiencing an 11% mean rise. The study also linked increased screen time and family time together to rising BMIs.
Research finds significant variation in obesity prevalence among Asian American subgroups, with health risks starting at lower BMIs. The study suggests using specific criteria for Asian populations to accurately assess obesity-related health risks.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found a strong association between prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced lung function in children. The researchers analyzed data from 641 mother-child pairs and discovered that gestational phthalate exposure was associated with decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expirat...
A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.
Research suggests that regularly exercising with weights is associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, excluding cancer. A weekly combination of weights and aerobic exercise appears to have an additive effect on mortality risk.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2022
Researchers found that bodies with lower BMI had decreased bacterial diversity, while those with higher BMI maintained constant diversity. The study suggests intrinsic factors like disease and medication load may impact microbial life in the surrounding soil.
A UK trial found that 70% of people with normal weight and type 2 diabetes entered remission by losing around 10% of their body weight, supporting the concept of a personal fat threshold. The study showed that even though participants had normal BMI, they had higher levels of fat in their liver and pancreas than healthy controls.
A study by researchers from UTHealth Houston and the University of Miami found that adolescents with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery before age 22 lost significant weight and experienced complete remission of comorbidities such as diabetes, asthma, and elevated lipids. The study's results show that these young patients c...
A meta-analysis of over 30,000 UK adults found that a higher pre-pandemic BMI was associated with a greater risk of COVID-19 infection and long COVID. The study suggests that obesity-related mechanisms may be responsible for the excess risks, rather than high blood sugar levels.
Researchers identify two distinct types of obesity with physiological and molecular differences that may impact health, disease, and treatment response. The study reveals new insights into the link between insulin and obesity, as well as the role of epigenetics in shaping individual body types.
A Swedish study found that babies who gain weight rapidly in their first six months are more likely to have an increased weight-to-height ratio at 5 years old. The study also identified a link between rapid weight gain and parental body mass index (BMI).
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that losing weight can help combat the structural defects of knee osteoarthritis. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,683 knees and discovered a significant association between reduced body mass index (BMI) and lower incidence and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...
A study found that overweight patients are more inclined to disagree with their healthcare providers on weight loss and lifestyle advice. Disagreement was particularly pronounced for advice given by doctors on weight and lifestyle issues, with overweight patients more likely to disagree.
A large retrospective study found that visceral fat area from fully automated and normalized abdominal CT analysis predicts subsequent myocardial infarction or stroke in Black and White patients. The study suggests that body composition analysis using machine learning could be widely adopted to add prognostic utility to clinical practice.
A large study of over 296,000 patients found that being overweight was negatively associated with dementia in women, while underweight was positively linked to an increased risk of dementia in men. The results suggest that moderate weight gain may be beneficial for cognitive health in older women.
Using standing desks alongside other measures reduced office workers' sitting time by about an hour a day over one year, leading to small improvements in stress, well-being, and energy levels. A height-adjustable desk was three times more effective than the standard SWAL intervention in reducing sitting time.
A West Virginia University study explores the link between pregnancy, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular disease risk in women. The research aims to investigate whether physical activity can reduce or eliminate this accelerated risk development in women.
A recent UK-based study has revealed that vegetarian women have a 33% higher risk of hip fracture compared to regular meat-eaters. The research found that vegetarians had lower intakes of protein, calcium, and other micronutrients, which are crucial for bone and muscle health.
Middle-aged women are at increased risk of serious health outcomes due to weight gain. New guidelines recommend counseling healthy weight management for all middle-aged women.
A large-scale study of nearly 12,000 children aged 9-10 found that disordered eating behaviors are more common than previously thought, with a prevalence of up to 5% in some cases. Children with higher BMIs and those further along in puberty face an elevated risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women, recommending counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. The guideline aims to mitigate concerns about weight stigma by normalizing counseling among all midlife women, regardless of BMI status.
A new study found that a fast food diet before pregnancy can negatively impact breast milk quality and baby's health, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Even short-term consumption of high sugar and fat diets affects women's health and fertility.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that healthy underweight individuals had lower food intakes and lower activity levels, yet surprisingly higher-than-expected resting metabolic rates linked to elevated thyroid hormones. These findings contradict previous assumptions about metabolism in low BMI individuals.
A pooled data analysis of 11 international studies found that NAFLD is associated with a 50% heightened risk of developing heart failure. The severity of NAFLD also increases the risk, especially with extensive liver fibrosis.
Researchers found that healthy underweight individuals consume 12% less food and are 23% less active than those with normal BMIs. They also have higher resting metabolic rates, suggesting that low body fat may trump physical activity in downstream consequences.
A new study found that children's food choices are influenced by their emotional states, particularly during weekends. Children reported consuming more sweet foods and sugary beverages when stressed or sad.
A study of over 500,000 people found that those who always added salt to their food had a 28% increased risk of dying prematurely. This is equivalent to one more person in every hundred dying prematurely due to excessive salt intake.
Eating one avocado a day for six months improved overall diet quality by eight points and slightly decreased LDL cholesterol levels. However, avocados had no effect on belly fat or weight gain in participants with overweight or obesity.
A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced severe disease cases across all BMI groups. Vaccine effectiveness was slightly lower in underweight individuals, but substantial reductions in risk were observed for those with healthy weights and higher BMIs.
New research reveals NHS weight policies are associated with a decline in knee replacement surgery rates, disproportionately affecting less affluent groups. The study found that regions introducing BMI-based policies saw a decrease in surgery, potentially worsening health inequalities.
A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiovascular health checklist to include sleep duration as a key factor in ideal heart and brain health. The new Life's Essential 8 score replaces the previous Life's Simple 7 and assesses factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and blood pressure.
A recent study published in Circulation Journal Report reveals that only 20% of U.S. adults and children have ideal cardiovascular health. The Life's Essential 8 checklist, updated by the American Heart Association, assesses heart health through eight key components, including diet, physical activity, and sleep duration.