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Just 3% of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in primary care in England are referred to weight management programmes

A recent study found that only 3% of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in England are referred to weight management programmes, indicating under-reporting in primary care. The programme's effectiveness varies across the country, and the lack of national registry makes it difficult to determine access for patients.

UK study in a million adults suggests under 45s and women more likely to gain weight and jump a BMI category during lockdown

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.

What’s the skinny on those pandemic pounds?

A large US survey found that adults gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in behavior such as increased snacking and alcohol intake. The analysis of more than 3.5 million adults also showed a 3% increase in obesity prevalence, with significant changes in exercise participation, sleep duration, and cigarette smoking.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Appetite genes control how children grow

Researchers at the University of Bergen found that genes linked to extreme obesity, appetite, and energy consumption regulate child growth. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, provides insight into mechanisms controlling appetite and energy metabolism early in life, potentially leading to better treatment for obesity.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 21, 2022

Which promote greater metabolic health, almonds or potatoes? Rigorous, randomized trial weighs in

A rigorous randomized controlled trial found that adding a 300-calorie serving of French fries to one's diet daily for a month did not result in differential weight gain or biomarker changes compared to an isocaloric daily serving of almonds. The study measured body composition, blood sugar, and insulin levels, finding no clinically si...

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2022

New work examines importance of early life factors in pubertal development

A nationwide multi-cohort study found that male children who gained weight or grew faster in the first five years of life entered puberty at a younger age. Female children with faster weight gains during infancy and early childhood also started their periods earlier, suggesting sex-specific associations between early growth and puberta...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 23, 2022

Middle-aged men see weight gain as inevitable

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.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2022

Weight gain in pregnancy may be linked to later growth patterns in daughters

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that rapid weight gain in pregnant women during the first and final months may lead to higher body mass index measurements, larger waist circumferences, and higher body fat percentages in their daughters by age 14. Researchers connected patterns of weight change in pregnancy to p...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

Connection to racial identity may boost body image in Black youth

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...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Chewing to stay slim: how to savor your food better and dodge weight gain, too!

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that chewing food thoroughly increases energy expenditure through diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), which helps prevent obesity. The study involved participants who chewed liquid food for varying durations, revealing that prolonged chewing and tasting increased DIT, gas exchange, pro...

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Association of gestational weight gain with infant illness, death

A large US-based study found that optimal gestational weight gain ranges associated with lower infant illness and death risks exist for different maternal weight categories. The study used birth data to identify these ranges and provide insights into the relationship between maternal weight gain and infant health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 30, 2021

Weight-loss drugs, revisited

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 20, 2021

Researchers simulate an acute decline in exercise, as many experienced during COVID19 lockdowns, to study its metabolic consequences

A team of researchers simulated the loss of physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns to study its effects on metabolism. They found that mice's energy sources shifted based on their diet composition after a sharp decline in exercise, leading to weight gain.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPhysiological Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Study identifies mechanism by which nicotine withdrawal increases junk food consumption

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that nicotine withdrawal can lead to overeating high-calorie foods, possibly linked to the brain's opioid system. This connection may hinder smoking cessation and increase the risk of relapse, emphasizing the need for better understanding the factors driving cravings for unhealthy food.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 23, 2021

Is your child a fussy eater?

A systematic review of 80 health industry studies found that pressuring children to eat negatively influences fussy eating, while a more relaxed parenting style and family meals reduce the likelihood. Researchers recommend positive parenting and involving kids in meal preparation to help them overcome picky eating habits.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2021

Clinicians say there is limited clinical guidance for how to help people lose weight after pregnancy

A new study reveals that few recommendations exist for postpartum weight loss, with a focus on diet and exercise. Researchers emphasize the importance of supporting individuals with excessive weight gain or retention during pregnancy and the postpartum period to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 14, 2021

Scientists claim that overeating is not the primary cause of obesity

The energy balance model fails to explain the biological causes of weight gain, whereas the carbohydrate-insulin model identifies excessive consumption of rapidly digestible carbohydrates as a key contributor to obesity. This perspective argues for a shift in focus from calorie restriction to dietary pattern change.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 13, 2021

Young adults at highest risk of weight gain

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...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Young children gained weight during the pandemic

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.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateAug 27, 2021

Probiotics prove effective in treating antibiotics-induced dysbiosis in mice

A study by Kazan Federal University found that probiotics administered to antibiotic-treated mice improved behavior, reduced oxidative stress, and restored gut microbiota diversity. The researchers demonstrated a strong link between the gut microbiota and brain functioning, with potential therapeutic benefits for treating dysbiosis-rel...

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2021

Weight gain isn’t inevitable when you start college

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateAug 24, 2021

Dieting: Villain or scapegoat?

Research suggests that dieting is a consequence of an unhealthy food environment, rather than the cause of weight loss problems. Experts recommend refocusing concerns on changing the food environment to curb dieting and related issues.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateAug 17, 2021