Research on body mass index and health risk. Covers BMI and mortality, weight loss and survival, waist size, and abdominal fat.
Research found that people who experience little unemployment after age 35 have better health than those with frequent unemployment in their twenties and thirties. Frequent unemployment can also lead to worse physical and mental health by age 50.
A new study found that children attending center-based childcare between 1 and 4 years old had a lower body mass index (BMI) and were less likely to be overweight or obese in later childhood. The associations were stronger for children from lower-income families.
Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.
A comprehensive register study at the University of Gothenburg shows individuals with diabetes have a substantially increased risk of left-sided heart valve disease. Lowering blood pressure and reducing other risk factors may even reduce this risk more than current treatment targets suggest.
A recent study published at the Euroanaesthesia Congress found that patients with higher body mass index (BMI) and weight prior to bariatric surgery are more likely to experience complications and have worse outcomes. The research analyzed data from over 4,000 adults who underwent weight loss surgery between 2006 and 2020, revealing a ...
The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...
A new study found that crown-like structures surrounding breast tumors in overweight and obese patients can hinder their response to therapy. Researchers identified a potential molecular biomarker, CD32B, which is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that men with obesity who lost weight saw a 50% increase in sperm concentration and a 40% increase in sperm count over an 8-week period. This improvement was sustained for up to 52 weeks and even doubled for those who maintained weight loss after a year
A new study found that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite having lower risks for other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, lean patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds that women aged 55 and over who snore are at significant risk for sleep apnea, which can be fatal. The researchers warn that the phenomenon often occurs during sleep, causing women to be unaware of their condition.
A new study reveals that children experience faster growth in height over the school year compared to the summer, resulting in a higher BMI. This seasonality in growth affects the probability of becoming overweight or obese during the summer, highlighting the need for obesity prevention efforts throughout the year.
A new study suggests that tailoring diabetes screening for Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans based on lower BMI thresholds and younger ages can significantly reduce disparities in diabetes diagnosis rates. This approach may improve health equity by identifying cases earlier and reducing mortality rates associated with diabetes.
A UK study of over a million adults found that young adults (under 45) and women were more likely to gain weight and move up at least one BMI category during lockdown. The study suggests that this could lead to an increased risk of obesity-related health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
A UK study of over 400,000 adults with obesity found that losing weight reduces the risk of 13 obesity-related complications, with greater benefits for those with lower initial BMIs. Weight gain increases these risks, particularly in individuals with lower starting BMIs.
A European survey found that over three-quarters of adults with obesity have attempted to lose weight in the past year. Most respondents used diet or exercise strategies, but only 25% achieved clinically meaningful weight loss. The study highlights the need for increased support and solutions for weight management.
Researchers at Lund University found that individuals with a metabolic BMI five units higher than their actual BMI are at twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes associated with obesity can increase the risk, even in those with normal weight, highlighting the need for new screening methods.
A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.
A study of nearly 9,000 children found that those on a vegetarian diet had similar measures of growth and nutrition compared to those who eat meat. Children with a vegetarian diet also had higher odds of underweight weight status.
Research reveals that older men with higher BMI display reduced reproductive health, particularly in terms of sperm cell production. The study also highlights the potential biomarkers for diagnosis of testis aging and directions for potential treatment.
Research shows that around three quarters of total US healthcare costs for people with obesity are accounted for by the 20% highest-cost cases. These high-cost individuals had substantially more obesity-related complications and economic burden than those in lower cost categories.
A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.
Children's physical fitness and health-related quality of life decreased significantly after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy weight and overall well-being.
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
A new study examines childhood obesity disparities within integrated and segregated schools, finding larger gaps between Latino, Black, and Filipino children compared to White children. The study suggests that school segregation fosters obesogenic conditions disproportionately affecting these groups.
A study of 309 people with long COVID found that fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of sense of smell were the most persistent symptoms. The research also revealed that factors such as history of hospitalization, diabetes, and body mass index increased the risk of developing Long COVID.
Researchers found that adolescents who consumed ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese, having abdominal and visceral obesity. The study used data from 3,587 US adolescents aged 12-19, dividing them into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diets.
A study tracking children for up to half a century found five childhood risk factors predict fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in adulthood. The findings emphasize the importance of preventive strategies starting in childhood.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that certain reproductive events, such as shorter estrogen exposure, may be associated with increased dementia risk in women. However, the association between the number of children and dementia risk was similar for women and men, suggesting social and behavioral factors may play a role.
A recent study found that obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or neonatal death. The research revealed that over 60% of this increased risk is associated with deliveries occurring at an earlier gestational age, highlighting the importance of careful prenatal care and monitoring.
A study of 29,000 Medicare claims data found a strong association between midlife BMI and later-life health outcomes. The research suggests that individuals with higher BMIs in midlife are more likely to experience adverse health and reduced longevity.
Researchers found that post-COVID patients displayed altered autonomic nervous system functioning, with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Obesity and physical inactivity were key factors contributing to these changes.
A new study found significant associations between student discomfort and being weighed by physical education teachers compared to school nurses. Student dissatisfaction with their weight and perceived overweight status were linked to increased discomfort with the weight measurement process.
A study involving 6,500 participants found a significant association between higher childhood body mass index and increased risk of premenstrual disorders. Young adults with higher childhood BMI experienced greater levels of premenstrual symptoms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 9,100 cystic fibrosis patients found a positive association between higher body mass index and improved clinical outcomes. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may be beneficial for these patients.
A new randomized controlled trial found that making small changes to caloric intake and physical activity levels did not prevent long-term weight gain better than monitoring alone. Researchers observed reduced weight at 3, 6, 12, and 15 months but no significant difference by 24 months.
A study of 1.5 million Swedish men found that high BMI in adolescence was associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and intensive care, years later. Obesity in early adulthood also played a role in the severity of the disease.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obesity may increase the risk of end-stage kidney disease in women with type 2 diabetes. Managing blood pressure and sugar levels is not enough to slow progression, emphasizing the need for weight management.
A study by Brandi Rollins and Lori Francis found that early positive interactions with caregivers can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that children's early exposures to family psychosocial assets protect against obesity.
A new study reveals that middle-aged men perceive weight gain as an inevitable consequence of family and career commitments. The research found that these men experience low self-worth and despondency, despite awareness of health risks, due to a lack of education on nutrition and lifestyle factors.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between obesity and various female reproductive conditions. Researchers used Mendelian randomization to investigate causal links between body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and risk of conditions like uterine fibroids and pre-eclampsia.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London found that a high BMI in mothers before and during pregnancy is not a major cause of childhood obesity. Instead, lifestyle factors play a more significant role in determining a child's weight.
A recent study published by The Obesity Society found that metabolic adaptation after weight loss increases the time necessary to achieve weight-loss goals in premenopausal women. The study, which included 65 participants, revealed a significant delay in achieving weight-loss goals due to metabolic adaptation.
A study of 744 Polish adults found that less than two thirds can correctly estimate their own BMI, with men underestimating their size more frequently. The research suggests that psychological interventions may help people better manage their weight by addressing body size perceptions.
A new Penn State study found that Black youth with high BMIs reported fewer weight concerns when they had a strong sense of racial identity. Fathers also played a role in shaping their daughters' body image, particularly when involved in teaching about Black culture. The findings suggest that services promoting youth racial identity an...
A new study found that living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood increases a child's risk of developing overweight by school age. Children born in less affluent areas were more likely to gain weight and develop obesity, even when controlling for other factors.
Researchers found that some people's genes determine whether they store fat in a 'favourable' or 'unfavourable' way, affecting their risk of diseases. Even those with 'favourable adiposity' are still at risk for certain health issues.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
Researchers discovered that Black women have a greater relative abundance of Actinobacteria, associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and elevated inflammation. The study highlights the importance of understanding the role of gut microbiome in cardiometabolic health disparities among Black women.
A new study has identified 74 previously unknown genomic regions that influence how people's bodies break down food into energy. These findings could help develop more personalized ways to maintain a healthy weight by taking into account an individual's genetic profile.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new risk score system that uses genetic data to predict obesity in young children. The scores, called polygenic risk scores, can be easily interpreted and have been shown to be effective in identifying children most at risk for developing obesity.
A new interdisciplinary treatment method has shown significant improvements in reducing overeating episodes and emotional issues among individuals with morbid obesity. The treatment combined mental health care with somatics, resulting in a nearly 30% reduction in overeating episodes and improved emotional well-being.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that prior weight loss achieved with bariatric surgery was associated with a 60% lower risk of developing severe COVID-19. Patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had better clinical outcomes, including reduced hospitalization and need for supplemental oxygen.
Research by Dr. Sarah Crozier found that children aged eight or nine were more likely to be obese if their mother had a poor diet during – and before – pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 2,963 mother-child pairs, suggests that intervening at the earliest possible stage in a child's life can help tackle childhood obesity.
A genetic variation among some Greenlanders makes sugar healthy by converting it into a short-chain fatty acid called acetate, which boosts the immune system. Adult carriers have lower BMI, weight, and fat percentage, while children may experience negative consequences from consuming sugar.
A new Northwestern University study has derived and validated the first set of risk prediction models for lifetime risk of heart failure. The models can identify individuals at greatest risk, especially among young adults, allowing physicians to start prevention measures sooner.
A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...
A new study from the University of Georgia found that overweight youth are developing signs of artery stiffness, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers measured visceral fat levels and arterial stiffness in over 600 children, adolescents, and young adults, revealing higher levels of visceral fat and arterial ...
A recent study has found that Black women are significantly more likely to develop lymphedema following breast cancer treatment compared to white women. The study, which analyzed data from 304 breast cancer patients, also found that Hispanic women had a higher risk of developing the condition.
A study by University of New South Wales has found that one in five future thyroid cancers in Australia is attributable to current levels of overweight and obesity. The prevalence of obesity has doubled in the last two decades, with 75% of Australian men and 60% of women being overweight or obese.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside are studying the keto and intermittent fasting diets on a molecular level, finding that women may metabolize fat differently than men. The study aims to understand why keto diet may not be effective for women and how it affects their overall health.