Researchers confirm that obesity leads to a decrease in physical activity over time, with obese participants showing an 8% drop in moderate to vigorous activity. The study uses objective measurement methods and large sample size to provide insight into the relationship between inactivity and weight gain.
A study found that higher birthweight and faster linear growth in infancy and childhood are associated with increased adult height, schooling, and reduced blood pressure. Conversely, excessive weight gain after age 2 may increase the risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Research suggests that skimmed/semi-skimmed milk consumption is associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity in preschool-age children. Milk fat may increase feelings of fullness, reducing appetite for other calorie-dense foods.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Despite potential weight gain, the benefits of stopping smoking far outweigh any associated risks, according to the research.
A recent study published in JAMA found that quitting smoking is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, even after subsequent weight gain. The study included data from the Framingham Offspring Study and found that among participants without diabetes, recent quitters had a 53% lower risk for CVD compared to smokers.
A new CU-Boulder study found that sleeping just five hours a night led to significant weight gain in participants, who also ate more calories than those who slept nine hours. The research suggests that healthy sleep may help people maintain a healthier weight and battle obesity.
Research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol shows that most babies who are slow to put on weight in the first nine months of life have caught up to within the normal range by the age of 13. However, those who show slow weight gain later in infancy tend to remain lighter and shorter than their peers.
A study found that obese pregnant women who followed a healthy lifestyle program were more likely to stay within the recommended weight gain limit, with a lower risk of hypertension, preterm delivery, and gestational diabetes. The program included a 1500 kcal/day diet and mild physical activity.
Researchers found that African-American women with pre-pregnancy obesity and excess weight gain during pregnancy are more likely to have macrosomia, or newborns weighing over 4,000 grams. This increased risk is linked to energy accumulation by the fetus from increased maternal glucose concentrations and insulin resistance.
A new study by Brown University found that Samoan babies experience rapid weight gain in early infancy, which may foreshadow a future trend of obesity in developed nations. The researchers tracked the growth and weight gain of nearly 800 American Samoan babies born between 2001 and 2008.
A study found that overweight and obese individuals are gaining weight rapidly in low-and middle-income countries, while those who are severely undernourished are not experiencing similar weight gains. This growing divide may force governments to balance priorities between addressing health issues afflicting the underweight and the obese.
A study led by a Virginia Commonwealth University professor found that nearly 30% of knee-replacement surgery patients gained 5% or more of their body weight over five years. This is significantly higher than the 20% gain rate in comparison group without surgery.
A University of Florida study has identified a protein called TRIP-Br2 that helps regulate fat storage and release in cells. When absent, this protein enables mice to burn fat and resist obesity, even on high-fat diets.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that glucose ingestion reduces cerebral blood flow and increases feelings of fullness in the brain regions that regulate appetite. In contrast, fructose ingestion had no significant effect on these regions, suggesting that fructose may actually promote food-seeking behavior.
Research found that healthcare providers often advise overweight and obese women to gain less weight than recommended, leading to potential health risks. Women also received limited exercise guidance, with most advised to limit or stop exercising altogether.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that a medication called naltrexone can help women who quit smoking keep their weight off. The drug reduced weight gain in women by more than half, compared to those who took a placebo, and improved their overall success rate.
A Wake Forest Baptist study found that gaining weight back after intentional weight loss in postmenopausal women is associated with negative long-term effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. Maintaining weight loss offers the most health benefit, but even partial weight regain increases cardiovascular risk.
A recent study found that two-thirds of Australian mums-to-be are unsure about how much weight they should gain during pregnancy. The majority knew healthy eating was important but struggled to identify the right amount from different food groups. Overweight women were more likely to gain too much weight, while those with a lower BMI s...
A new study from Indiana University found that excessive soda consumption and screen time contribute to overweight and weight gain in students. In contrast, a regular meal pattern with at least three meals a day appears to be an effective strategy for achieving healthy weight.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that high birth weight, rapid weight gain, and maternal smoking are significant risk factors for childhood obesity. Conversely, breastfeeding and delayed introduction to solid food may reduce the risk.
A Johns Hopkins study found that children under 6 are more likely to experience weight gain after tonsillectomy, with an average weight gain of 2-5 pounds in younger age groups. The study dispels the long-held belief that weight gains occurred mostly in children with sleep apnea or recurrent tonsillitis.
A University of Illinois study finds that even small weight gains in college students (1.5 pounds per year) increase systolic blood pressure by 3 to 5 points. Regular physical activity can help mitigate this effect, particularly for young women, who are more susceptible to increased blood pressure.
Researchers discovered that injecting heat-generating cells into mice reduced visceral fat by 20% and converted existing belly fat cells into thermogenic cells. The study suggests a potential new therapy for obesity, targeting patients with aging-related visceral fat accumulation and those who cannot exercise or reduce calorie intake.
A new study found that reducing television viewing among adolescents can lead to a decrease in excess weight gain over one year. The intervention included limiting TV hours, setting up home-based activities, and sending monthly newsletters.
A new study suggests that manipulating the microbiome may be a way to regulate weight gain. Researchers found that mice raised in a germ-free environment did not gain extra weight, even on a high-fat diet. The study highlights the importance of gut bacteria and the immune system in digestion and obesity.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that overweight and obese pregnant women are 65% and 163% more likely, respectively, to have large babies compared to their healthy weight counterparts. Excess weight gain during pregnancy also contributes to having a large for gestational age baby.
New research from IHME found that despite increasing obesity rates in the US between 2008 and 2009, most Americans reported losing weight. Women were more attuned to their weight changes than men, while older adults were less aware of their weight shifts.
Two genetic variants have been found to be associated with rapid weight gain in patients taking antipsychotic medications. These variations near the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene may enable clinicians to identify which patients are at risk and choose strategies to prevent serious side effects.
Researchers found that rats consuming all their sugar solution in the inactive period gained more weight than those consuming it during the active period, despite similar caloric intake. This study suggests that the timing of sugar consumption can significantly affect body weight gain.
Research presented at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior Annual Meeting finds that high-fat diets increase active-period sleep and sleep fragmentation in rats. Poor sleep quality is associated with reduced orexin sensitivity, a key brain chemical involved in regulating sleep and wake states.
Researchers argue that a new focus on controlling energy balance and preventing weight gain is needed to combat the growing epidemic of obesity. By matching food intake to a higher level of physical activity, individuals can achieve 'energy balance' and maintain a healthy body weight.
A new analysis found that physical activity may reduce breast cancer risk by 30% in women, with moderate activity providing the greatest benefit. Exercise before or after menopause also shows promise in reducing breast cancer risk, particularly for hormone receptor-positive tumors.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that older women with low Vitamin D levels gained an average of 2 pounds more than those with sufficient levels over nearly five years. The study, which involved over 4,600 women ages 65 and older, also found no association between Vitamin D insufficiency and weight changes in the entire group.
A new study found that African American women from low-income backgrounds experience greater weight gain and increased obesity risk due to socioeconomic factors. Women with higher education levels are less likely to become obese, suggesting education as a protective factor against weight gain.
Fruit flies developed insulin resistance by overloading on carbs and protein, mimicking Type 2 diabetes. The flies' lifespan shortened and fertility decreased with both diets, offering a new model for studying human disease.
Researchers found that a high-fat diet encourages more eating and fat storage by spurring new neurons in the hypothalamus, a key area for regulating hunger and body weight. This neurogenesis is critical in regulating weight gain and fat storage.
Researchers found that mice on a high-fat diet who ate in restricted eight-hour windows gained less weight, suffered less liver damage, and had lower levels of inflammation compared to those with unrestricted access. The study suggests that our body clocks may be out of sync with our eating habits, leading to metabolic issues.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that Rev-Erb alpha plays a crucial role in regulating fuel use and energy homeostasis. Impairments to this gene can lead to excessive weight gain and related health problems, highlighting the importance of maintaining normal temporal organization.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry identified a gene, MC4R, that increases weight gain in patients treated with commonly-used antipsychotic drugs. Patients who carry the recessive variant of this gene gained up to 20 pounds during a 12-week trial.
Researchers found that mice with intestinal bacteria from obese animals gained more weight and became more obese when fed a high-fat diet. The study suggests that specific gut microbiota profiles may promote excess weight gain and influence food intake. The findings offer hope for developing new strategies to prevent and treat obesity.
The liver has been found to have a major impact on body weight regulation through its ability to influence appetite hormones in the brain. Research published in Diabetes reveals that overexpression of FBPase enzyme in the liver leads to reduced fat accumulation and decreased food intake.
Researchers found that mothers who exceeded gestational weight gain recommendations were more likely to have children born larger than average for gestational age. The study suggests that addressing weight gain during pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
A Dartmouth study found that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans can predict future weight gain and sexual activity in individuals. By analyzing the brain's response to appetite-driven cues and other triggers, researchers were able to identify correlations between brain activity and real-world behavior.
Food-insecure mothers face increased weight gain due to skipping meals and eating cheaper, less nutritious foods to ensure their children are fed. This behavior is linked to metabolic responses that retain fat, exacerbating obesity risks.
A new study found that planning doesn't aid self-control for those who perceive themselves as overweight, leading to unhealthy choices. Conversely, confident savers were less likely to spend their tax rebate after planning, highlighting the importance of a positive self-view in goal attainment.
A recent study found that fitness programs for minority adults are often culturally insensitive, leading to modest improvements in fitness but limited long-term effects. Researchers call for more culturally tailored approaches to increase the effectiveness of exercise interventions.
Researchers found that most women with bulimia regain significant weight while having the disorder, contrary to expected weight loss. Weight history is a crucial factor in understanding and treating bulimia.
A study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that excessive or insufficient weight gain during pregnancy does not affect a child's cognitive development. The research controlled for various confounding factors, including genetic and environmental influences, to separate the effect of gestational weight gain on cognition.
A recent study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital reviewed over 40 published studies on fructose and its link to obesity. The findings suggest that it may not be the fructose molecule itself causing weight gain, but rather consuming too many calories from any food source.
A 6-month program involving weekly peer meetings, consultations with primary care providers, and family meals resulted in less weight gain, improved body image, and healthier habits among teenage girls. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, showed modest but significant weight changes compared to usual care.
A new study found that weight gain and dietary changes are not effective in preventing repeat preterm birth. Women who have had a prior preterm birth should follow standard weight gain guidelines during their second pregnancy to minimize risk.
Researchers found that obese individuals' brains exhibit altered glucose metabolism in reward regions, leading to increased food cravings. The study suggests the brain plays a crucial role in obesity and weight gain, highlighting potential for new treatments.
The study sheds light on how calorically dense foods influence brain regions that regulate body weight, leading to increased food intake and weight gain. By understanding this mechanism, scientists aim to develop interventions that work with the body's biology to reduce obesity rates.
A 6-week program called Mindful Restaurant Eating helps develop skills to reduce caloric and fat intake when eating out. Participants lost significantly more weight and had lower daily caloric intake after completing the intervention.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that young women are more likely to recognize weight gain if they are black or using DMPA. The researchers surveyed 466 women with an average age of 25, finding nearly one-third and one-quarter did not recognize gains of 4.5 and 8.8 pounds during a six-month interval.
A study of 25 healthy individuals found that consuming a low-protein diet resulted in less weight gain compared to normal and high protein diets, with calories alone contributing to an increase in body fat. Protein intake also affected energy expenditure and lean body mass.
A new study found that both pre-pregnant weight and weight gain during pregnancy are important predictors of babies' birthweight. Women with higher education levels had the highest offspring birthweight, highlighting the importance of a healthy weight before conception and moderate weight gain during pregnancy.
A 15-minute walk can cut snacking on chocolate at work in half, regardless of task difficulty or stress levels. Researchers found that employees who took a short break consumed an average of 15g, equivalent to a small 'treat size', compared to 28g for those who didn't exercise.
Women who practiced stress reduction and mindful eating had greater reductions in deep belly fat, associated with an elevated risk for heart disease or diabetes. Mindfulness techniques helped prevent weight gain even without dieting.
Research by Paul Williams found that certain risk factors, such as lower education level and high meat/low fruit diets, become stronger for those with a higher BMI, contributing to accelerated weight gain. This phenomenon may explain the recent increase in obesity rates in Western societies.