Articles tagged with Body Mass Index
About 42% of U.S. adults are considered clinically obese due to increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) show promise in safely aiding weight loss, but long-term side effects and sustainability remain concerns.
A study by University of Gothenburg found that people with obesity were overrepresented among adults in Sweden receiving intensive care for COVID-19, with a 50% increase in mortality risk compared to normal-weight individuals. Obesity also boosted the risk of ICU stays lasting more than 14 days.
A large Swedish cohort study found that obese patients (BMI >35 kg/m2) were twice as likely to experience a prolonged ICU stay or die from COVID-19. The study also showed that obesity is an independent risk factor for severe outcomes, suggesting closer monitoring for individuals with obesity hospitalized for COVID-19.
A review of 25 studies on intermittent fasting found that all forms produced mild to moderate weight loss, similar to traditional calorie-restrictive diets. Intermittent fasting regimens also showed benefits in decreasing blood pressure and insulin resistance, and improving appetite regulation.
A study found that chronic stress, measured by allostatic load, was associated with a lower likelihood of completing chemotherapy and lower overall survival rate in patients with lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative HER2-negative breast cancer. Allostatic load may be a better predictor than genetic ancestry for chemothe...
Problem-solving therapy led to short-term changes in the amygdala, a key region for emotion regulation, in individuals with comorbid depression and obesity. The study suggests that neural target changes at two months predicted improved behavioral outcomes after 12 months.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team found that statistically overweight children who followed a healthy eating pattern significantly improved weight and reduced various cardiovascular disease risks. The study also showed improvements in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels.
A new study from Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) reveals that the genetic capacity of the gut microbiome is strongly associated with weight loss success or failure. Microbiomes of those who lost weight had higher bacterial growth rates and were enriched in genes that divert dietary nutrients toward bacterial cell growth. In contras...
A study at 19 workplace cafeterias found that reducing portion sizes and replacing high-calorie food with lower-calorie options led to a 4.8% reduction in calories purchased per day. This simple intervention could contribute towards tackling obesity, particularly in deprived areas where access to healthy foods is limited.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that smoking-related DNA methylation patterns explain around 1/5 of the variation in body mass index between individuals. The study analyzed genomic sequence data from over 390,000 participants and found that genetics accounted for 50% of the variation in BMI.
Research suggests that overweight and obese asthmatic children are less likely to respond to inhaled steroid medication, leading to more frequent asthma attacks. The study used genetic variants linked to BMI to investigate this link, finding a correlation between higher BMI z-scores and poor ICS response.
A randomized clinical trial shows that a community-based weight management program delivered at health centers improved BMI in Hispanic children aged six to 12. The program, which included text messaging and connections to community resources, also reduced sugary beverage consumption, increased physical activity, and led to healthier l...
A new study found that young adults aged 18 to 24 are four times more likely to become overweight or develop obesity over the next 10 years than those aged 65 to 74. The study suggests that age is the most important sociodemographic factor for BMI change, and that targeted interventions for young adults may be necessary to prevent obes...
A single-center retrospective study found that preoperative thoracic CT findings can complement preoperative clinical risk factors to improve risk assessment for the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Bronchial wall thickening, pericardial effusion, and anteroposterior chest diameter were identified as independent predictors...
A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.
A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 200,000 children found that those aged 5-11 gained more weight during the pandemic than teenagers. The result was a significant increase in overweight and obese children, highlighting the need for health-focused interventions to prevent long-term consequences.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that college students who were physically active before starting university remained so, while those with low motivation to exercise gained significant weight. The researchers recommend teaching children the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits.
A new study found that consuming millets can significantly lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and BMI, as well as decrease blood pressure in people who were overweight or obese. The study used meta-analysis to analyze data from 19 studies with nearly 900 participants.
A new study found that being overweight causes depression, with a link between higher BMI and poorer mental health outcomes. The research suggests that both physical and social factors play a role in this relationship, indicating that obesity can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing.
A study found that a body mass index of 25.0 kg/m2 is the cutoff point for developing type 2 diabetes, with elevated liver enzymes increasing the risk. The research suggests a stronger association between BMI and T2DM when liver enzymes are high, likely due to insulin resistance caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that individuals who consumed more hyperpalatable carbohydrate and sodium foods at an all-you-can-eat buffet had significantly greater weight change and percent body fat change. Hedonic eating, characterized by rewarding food properties, may boost a person's risk for weight and body-fat gain in early adulthood.
A new study has found that harmful body fat can increase the risk of dementia and stroke, with grey matter atrophy being a key indicator. The research used genetic data from over 336,000 individuals to establish a link between obesity and declining brain health.
Researchers created a new indicator, CPRS, to measure overall cancer risk based on an individual's unique combination of DNA changes. A healthy lifestyle is associated with decreased cancer incidence in people with a high genetic risk.
A new study found that body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for diabetes, but the optimal BMI threshold for screening varies significantly across low- and middle-income countries. The researchers analyzed data from over 680,000 people in 57 countries and found that individuals with a BMI of 23 kg/m2 or greater had an increased risk o...
A new study found that obese patients with advanced prostate cancer survive longer than their overweight and normal-weight counterparts. Obesity was associated with a 10% higher survival rate over 36 months. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that high body mass index may be protective in certain cases.
A massive exome-wide association study identifies rare gene coding variants strongly associated with BMI, including GPR75, which confers protection from obesity in mouse models. This finding provides potential therapeutic targets for treating obesity and demonstrates the power of massive-scale exome sequencing.
A new analysis of 58 studies and 44305 patients found that COVID-19 ICU mortality is linked to various risk factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, and respiratory disease. The study also confirms associations between diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory comorbidities with mortality in COVID-19 patients.
A new national study found that children in the United States with greater screen time usage at ages 9-10 are more likely to gain weight one year later. Each additional hour spent on screen time is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) one year later.
A high childhood BMI is associated with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and early heart attack in adulthood. Adults who had a high BMI in adolescence were at highest risk for these conditions, regardless of their adult BMI.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that ultra-processed foods make up a high proportion of British children's diets, increasing the risk of obesity and long-term health damage. The research highlights the importance of reducing UPF consumption among children to protect their health.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of developing liver diseases compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants and found that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead...
A low-calorie ketogenic diet has been found to increase total testosterone and sex hormone (SHBG) levels in overweight men. After four weeks on the diet, body weight, fat mass, and BMI decreased significantly, while testosterone and SHBG levels substantially increased.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a higher BMI is associated with improved survival rates in patients hospitalized for severe bacterial infections. In the short and long term, patients with higher BMIs had significantly lower mortality rates compared to those with normal weights.
A Boston Children's Hospital study using neuroimaging data from nearly 6,000 early adolescents found that regular physical activity was associated with more efficiently organized, flexible, and robust brain networks. Physical activity also partially offset the effects of unhealthy body mass index (BMI) on brain circuitry.
A study published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A found that a combination of low body mass index and high genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease predicts greater disease progression in men. The research suggests that lower BMI may be a consequence of neurodegeneration, rather than a preventive factor.
A study conducted in Brazil found that a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment can significantly yield weight loss and improve quality of life. The program was shown to be effective in increasing quality of life in all domains, physical, psychological, social, and environmental, while reducing symptoms of depression.
A double-blind study found that combining endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) with semaglutide increased weight loss in patients, with the ESG group losing an average of 26.7% of their total body weight compared to 19.6% for the control group.
A new study published in Stroke found that adolescents with higher body mass index (BMI) are at a significantly higher risk of first ischemic stroke as adults. The study, which analyzed data from over 1.9 million participants, also found that even those with high-normal BMI had a higher stroke risk compared to those with low-normal BMI.
A study found that obese people with an evening chronotype, characterized by later waking and peak activity, have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is independent of sleep quality, age, gender, and body mass index.
Researchers found that semaglutide treatment leads to significant weight loss across various patient groups, including those with different ages, sexes, and body weights. Female participants and those with lower starting body weights achieved the most substantial weight losses.
A comprehensive new study reveals that chronic pain is on the rise across all adult demographics, with pain increasing in every age group and demographic. The research suggests that physical health conditions, distress, and alcohol use are closely associated with chronic pain trends.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that BMI cut-offs used by the World Health Organization and UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are not suitable for adults from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The research, which included over 1.5 million people, shows that these groups...
Research shows that abdominal obesity is a stronger predictor of severe COVID-19 symptoms, as measured by chest X-ray results. Patients with waist circumference above normal limits had significantly higher X-ray scores and were at 75% increased risk of worse outcomes.
Research reveals that as body mass index (BMI) increases, the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 also rises, especially among overweight and obese patients. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 patients tested for COVID-19 at a major medical center in Israel and found significant associations between BMI and viral infection risk.
A Danish study of over 173,000 women found that girls with a higher BMI during childhood had lower breast cancer risks both before and after menopause. The research suggests an inverse association between childhood BMI and breast cancer risk, but further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
A new metric called 'A Body Shape Index' (ABSI) measures obesity by considering age, sex, weight, height, and waist circumference. ABSI was linked to increased risks for liver, lung, and bowel cancers, while high ABSI combined with BMI increased cancer risk for seven types of cancer.
Research suggests that low childhood BMI is associated with higher anorexia nervosa risk, while high BMI or overweight increases the risk of bulimia nervosa. Monitoring weight and height during childhood may help identify early warning profiles for eating disorders.
A recent study found that obesity, particularly class II and III, is associated with a higher risk of death, severe pneumonia, and intubation in both men and women with COVID-19. However, the association was stronger in men than women, suggesting that obesity may be a more significant risk factor for death from COVID-19 in men.
A new study reveals that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with worse survival in early breast cancer patients but improved survival in advanced disease. The 'obesity paradox' highlights the need to understand the biological basis of obesity impacts on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Research finds that age-related changes in RNA levels alter gene function in human egg cells, leading to impaired maturation and reduced fertility. The study suggests that age may influence an oocyte's ability to process critical genes, with potential implications for reproductive medicine.
A new Australian study found that changes in lifestyle patterns during early childhood are longitudinally associated with concurrent changes in body mass index (BMI) z scores. The study identified three trajectory groups of child lifestyle patterns and BMI z scores, with a healthy lifestyle pattern being the most distinctive in reducin...
Researchers found body mass index and age impact neck strength and endurance, while time of day also plays a role. The study's results can inform strategies to prevent neck pain and improve musculoskeletal biomechanical models.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has found a clear link between disrupted sleep and an increased risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as death from any cause. Women were found to have nearly double the risk of cardiovascular death compared to men.
Changes in BMI vary by sociodemographic group across lifespan and generations, highlighting racial and educational disparities. The study analyzed data from four national longitudinal surveys to understand the magnitude of future disease burden.
A study of 264,230 individuals found that UK adults who are overweight or obese retain their weight over time, associated with an increased risk of health complications and death. The researchers also found greater levels of socioeconomic deprivation linked to increasing severity of obesity.
A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology found an association between higher body weight and greater menstrual blood loss, potentially due to delayed womb lining repair. The research used a combined approach of human and mouse studies, suggesting obesity may contribute to heavier periods through increased inflammation.
Researchers found associations between lifestyle factors and COVID-19 infection risk, including maintaining healthy weight and high HDL cholesterol levels. These factors may help lower the risk of COVID-19 infection.
A new study from the University of Bergen found that positive self-image and self-esteem protect against weight gain in adolescence. The study, which followed 1225 Norwegian adolescents over two years, revealed that body dissatisfaction and a desire to change one's body can impair self-rated health and self-esteem.
A new study analyzing data from over 175,000 people found that excess body weight is associated with higher health care costs for individuals across various BMI levels. The researchers estimated that adult obesity results in $170 billion in excess annual costs per year in the US.
Children who attended a comprehensive preschool program had lower body mass indexes and reduced obesity rates compared to those who did not attend the program. The study found that women participants were particularly less likely to be obese.