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A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 30, 2005

Fat deficiency gene also spurs obesity

A gene that causes severe fat deficiency is also found to promote obesity in mice, according to new research. The protein affects body weight by altering fat storage and metabolism, with excess levels leading to increased body weight and changes in energy expenditure.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 18, 2005

Evidence for fat hormone target in brain

Researchers found that leptin signaling is necessary for regulating body weight homeostasis in mice. The study revealed that leptin receptors on POMC neurons play a key role in this process, and their absence leads to increased fat mass.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 23, 2004

JCI table of contents, December 15 2003

A study on beclin 1 autophagy gene reveals its role in tumor suppression. In another study, researchers found that obese fatty tissue is characterized by inflammation, which may contribute to insulin resistance. These findings suggest that autophagy and inflammation play crucial roles in cancer biology and obesity-related diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2003

Obese children more prone to asthma

A study of nearly 10,000 children in the UK found that obese children are at greater risk of developing asthma. The researchers discovered a significant association between weight and respiratory symptoms, with the heaviest children more likely to experience wheezing and asthma attacks.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalThorax·DateJan 16, 2001

Fat as a target of antidiabetic drugs

A study found that antidiabetic drugs are less effective in mice without adipose tissue, suggesting a possible connection between fatty liver disease and diabetes. The authors also noted that the drugs still had some beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in these animals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 12, 2000

Weight loss and walking in older obese women produces extra health benefits

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that walking and weight loss reduced midthigh fat and improved glucose metabolism in older obese women. The intervention resulted in significant decreases in body weight, waist circumference, and cholesterol levels, as well as improvements in aerobic capacity.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 27, 2000

Racial differences in body composition require modified skinfold-thickness

A recent study found that most existing skinfold-thickness equations developed from white adults do not accurately measure body fat in adolescent minority populations. Researchers identified a new equation, but further refinement is needed for African American girls and women.

Menstrual function develops more rapidly than previously thought

New research reveals that menstrual function matures rapidly after the first period, accompanied by a surge in hormones, rather than gradually over four to six years as previously thought. This finding has significant implications for adolescent pregnancy prevention and contraception initiation.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 13, 2000

Too much fat in heart cells can cause heart failure, researchers find diabetes drug may help

A study of genetically obese rats revealed that an overabundance of fat can collect in heart cells and cause them to die, leading to heart failure. The researchers found that a diabetes drug prevents this damage by oxidizing the fat so it burns up rather than accumulating and causing heart-cell death.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2000

In The Genes: Extra Belly Fat, Insulin Resistance Linked

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found a strong link between genes and the accumulation of extra belly fat and insulin resistance. The study suggests that people with certain genetic traits are more likely to develop type II diabetes and abdominal visceral fat, even if they follow healthy lifestyles.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 24, 1999