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Could the contraceptive pill reduce risk of ovarian cancer?

Researchers found that women who had used the oral contraceptive pill had a lower risk of ovarian cancer, with a 39% reduced risk for those who had given birth to two or more children. The study also identified certain biomarkers and lifestyle factors associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, including lower body weight and short...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2025

Study reveals how sex and racial disparities in weight loss surgery have changed over 20 years

A new study by Mass General Brigham investigators found that Black people were less likely than non-Black people to undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery, even though both groups were equally likely to discuss it with health care providers. Men were also less likely to discuss and receive MBS than women.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Surgery Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2025

A healthy diet helps the weighty battle with chronic pain

A new study published in the journal Nutres found that adopting a healthy diet can reduce the severity of chronic pain, regardless of body weight. The research, conducted by the University of South Australia, explored associations between body fat, diet, and pain and found that higher consumption of core foods was directly associated w...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNutrition Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2024

Cause of the yo-yo effect deciphered

A study by ETH Zurich researchers has found that epigenetic markers in fat cells can lead to the yo-yo effect, where weight drops but returns. The researchers also found evidence of this mechanism in humans, suggesting that obesity can leave a lasting mark on gene expression.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

Anti-obesity drugs, lifestyle interventions show cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss

Studies published in JACC found that anti-obesity drugs such as tirzepatide and semaglutide improved cardiac structure and function, as well as reduced cardiac risk biomarkers with lifestyle interventions. These findings suggest that these treatments may have a transformative impact on cardiovascular health beyond weight loss.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 18, 2024

Time-restricted eating associated with greater blood sugar control and fat loss than standard nutrition counseling

A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating (TRE) led to greater improvements in glucose control, weight loss, and fat reduction compared to standard nutrition counseling in adults with metabolic syndrome. TRE resulted in a lower risk of muscle mass loss during weight loss.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 30, 2024

Heritability of body mass index among familial generations

Research emphasizes the impact of parental factors on offspring's health outcomes. The study discovered a significant association between parents' weight status at 17 and their children's risk of obesity. This finding suggests that health issues can be inherited across generations, with parental characteristics playing a crucial role.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2024

Tirzepatide reduces body weight and waist circumference in people living with overweight or obesity regardless of duration of their condition

New research shows tirzepatide consistently reduces bodyweight and waist circumference, with greater reductions in participants with longer disease durations. Tirzepatide also achieves higher weight loss targets and reduces waist circumference more significantly than placebo across all disease duration categories.

Researchers examine accuracy of adult body weight estimates in the emergency department

A systematic review of 95 studies found that 3D camera system estimates, patient self-estimates, and the Lorenz method are accurate for estimating adult body weight. However, no method is foolproof, and alternative strategies should be available when patients are unable to provide an estimate.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing healthy, plant-based sources associated with slower long-term weight gain

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that low-carbohydrate diets rich in plant-based proteins and fats, along with healthy carbohydrates, are linked to slower long-term weight gain. Diets high in animal proteins and unhealthy carbohydrates, on the other hand, are associated with greater weight gain.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 27, 2023

No universal body image experience in pregnancy - study

A new study found that body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy varies widely among women, influenced by complex factors such as positive and negative experiences. Negative body image can have serious effects on the mother and baby, including depression, anxiety, and poor quality interactions. The research highlights the importance ...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateOct 12, 2023

Innovative therapy for anorexia nervosa shows promise

Researchers at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found significant effects of floatation-therapy on body image and anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study showed immediate and sustained reductions in body image dissatisfaction and improved anxiety, which remained after treatment and lasted up to six months.

SourceLaureate Institute for Brain Research·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2023

Fewer teens now perceive themselves as overweight – international study of more than 745,000 adolescents

A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChild and Adolescent Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

Treatment naïve transgender youth exhibit unhealthy lifestyle behaviours that may have gender-specific effects on body weight

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...

New, comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis illustrate the need for nuance in public health guidance related to consumption of sugars

A comprehensive review of 169 clinical trials found that the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity varies among food sources and energy control. High doses of certain sources, like SSBs, lead to increased body weight, while others, such as fruit and honey, show moderate beneficial effects when consumed in moderation.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 26, 2023

Men and women have different obesity drivers, pointing to the need for tailored interventions

A new UCLA study identifies sex-specific brain signatures associated with obesity in men and women, revealing differences in brain networks related to early life adversity, mental health, and sensory stimulation. The findings suggest the need for tailored interventions based on an individual's sex.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Study sheds light on concerning new trend in drug advertising: Patient influencers

A new study explores the growing trend of patient influencers promoting prescription drugs on social media, often with close ties to pharmaceutical companies. Despite some good intentions, researchers raise concerns about the lack of medical training and potential for misinformation, highlighting the need for greater regulation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 13, 2023

Study suggests vitamin D benefits and metabolism may depend on body weight

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2023