Research on weight loss and its health effects. Covers GLP-1 injections, companion digital programs, pregnancy guidelines, and asthma benefits.
A study of obese women who underwent gastric sleeve or bypass surgery found that weight loss reversed precancerous tissue changes in the womb. By 12 months after surgery, high-risk changes had reversed and no further pre-cancerous changes were detected.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new treatment that stimulates the body's cold and nicotinic receptors to improve metabolism, suppress appetite, and promote weight loss. The treatment, tested on mice, results in a 12% weight loss over 20 days.
Among pediatric patients aged 20 or younger, there was a notable increase in vertical sleeve gastrectomy and a decrease in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures between 2005-2014. The use of adjustable gastric bands also decreased during this time period, reflecting trends seen in adult metabolic bariatric surgery procedures.
Low-income obese patients lost a clinically meaningful amount of weight using a free phone app and coaching calls in a primary care clinic. The study found that 43% of participants lost more than 5% of their body weight, while 56% reached a healthy weight loss threshold.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that individuals who achieved greater weight loss showed increased activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex associated with self-control. Additionally, the hormone leptin returned to baseline levels after successful weight loss, indicating a new set point was achieved.
A recent analysis of published studies found that preoperative weight loss interventions do not significantly reduce post-surgical risks in obese patients. Lifestyle changes leading to modest weight loss have been shown to be ineffective in reducing morbidity and mortality during and after surgery.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that measuring percentage of weight regained after bariatric surgery can help predict serious health problems. The rate of weight regain was highest in the first year following maximum weight loss, indicating early detection and treatment may be crucial.
A study published in CANCER found that weight loss in postmenopausal women is associated with a 12% lower risk of invasive breast cancer. Women who lost 5% of their body weight had a lower risk, while those who gained weight had an increased incidence of triple negative breast cancer.
A new study published in The Lancet found that lorcaserin, an appetite-suppressant drug, decreases the risk of developing diabetes and increases the rates of remission of high blood sugar in obese and overweight patients. Lorcaserin also reduces the risk of kidney complications due to diabetes.
The CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial found that lorcaserin reduced the risk of diabetes by 19% in patients with pre-diabetes, induced remission in patients with diabetes, and reduced diabetic microvascular complications. Lorcaserin also significantly increased rates of diabetes remission and reduced the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
A study funded by NIH found that gastric banding is as effective as metformin in stabilizing disease for people with prediabetes or new-onset type 2 diabetes. Participants who underwent gastric banding surgery lost significantly more weight and showed similar improvements in insulin sensitivity compared to those taking metformin.
Researchers found that obese patients who underwent a combined liver transplant and weight-loss surgery experienced significant weight loss maintenance and reduced metabolic complications. The study suggests that this dual approach is safe and effective over the long term for treating obesity-related liver disease.
A new six-year single-center study found a web-based program to be an effective approach to manage lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD, comparable to group-based interventions. The web program reduced weight loss and improved liver health, suggesting counseling as a key therapeutic option until drugs are approved.
A multi-center study of adolescents reveals that bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy lead to substantial weight loss, while adjustable banding is less effective. The study, which included 544 teens, found comparable weight loss outcomes for gastric bypass and sleeve procedures.
A new study suggests that weight loss can put type 2 diabetes into remission by improving pancreatic beta cell function. Nearly half of participants who lost fat from around the liver and pancreas achieved diabetes remission, compared to six in the control group.
An observational study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that bariatric surgery is associated with fewer complications during childbirth, including reduced risk of post-term delivery or uterine inertia. The study compared deliveries in women who had undergone weight loss after bariatric surgery to those who did not.
Researchers found that online participants lost an average of 10.3 pounds at 6 months and 8.8 pounds at 12 months, comparable to in-person program results. The online program also showed better participation rates than the in-person program.
A new study shows Functional Imagery Training (FIT) significantly increases weight loss by 5 times compared to Motivational Interviewing (MI). Participants who used FIT lost an average of 4.11kg in six months and continued to lose weight after the intervention ended.
The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral interventions focusing on dietary changes and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity is associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer, disability, and death, particularly among adults younger than 65 years.
A new guideline published by the American Thoracic Society recommends weight loss strategies for adults with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those who are overweight or obese. The guideline suggests comprehensive lifestyle interventions and behavioral counseling to help patients achieve weight loss.
Researchers found that patients who experienced a shift from sweet and fatty food preferences to bitter tastes after bariatric surgery lost the most weight. These altered preferences were temporary and generally returned to pre-surgery levels over time, but the majority of patients successfully maintained their weight loss.
Research found that even moderate weight loss (20+ pounds) over 20 years increases risk of death by 74%, while greater weight variability is associated with poor physical function. Long-term weight loss may be a marker for increased health decline in older women.
A weight loss drug, lorcaserin, does not increase the risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study that enrolled over 12,000 adults. The trial found noninferiority of lorcaserin for major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo after three years.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lorcaserin, a weight loss drug, helped patients lose weight without increasing the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. The trial involved 12,000 overweight or obese patients at risk for cardiovascular events.
Scientists have identified a brain receptor protein that controls the body's 'fat rheostat', regulating energy balance and weight gain. The discovery opens new doors for developing anti-obesity drugs, particularly targeting the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) to treat obesity.
A new study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that Americans who lost more than a fifth of their body weight experienced a significant improvement in metabolic health, with those losing 5-10% showing a 22% lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
A recent study found that gastric bypass surgery increases the risk of fractures, particularly in individuals without diabetes. The researchers compared data from over 38,000 patients who underwent gastric bypass operations with a control group and found a significant increase in fracture rates, with risks ranging from 26% to 32%.
A study found that resistance training may help minimize bone loss associated with active weight loss in older adults. However, the results suggest that additional intervention strategies are needed to maximize skeletal benefit and preserve overall bone health.
A recent study found that nearly half of individuals with type 2 diabetes achieved remission after a weight-loss intervention. The research suggests that substantial weight loss at diagnosis can rescue beta cells and reverse the condition. However, only those who experienced early and sustained improvement in beta-cell function were ab...
A Mayo Clinic study found that specific gut bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium and Dialister, are associated with weight loss success and failure, respectively. The research suggests that individualized strategies may be needed to address the unique metabolic needs of each person.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that bariatric surgery wait times in the US have increased significantly over the past decade, with eligible patients often facing longer waits. The delay is largely attributed to insurers requiring patients to lose weight before surgery, which can deter some individuals from pursuing th...
Researchers observed red-fronted lemurs in Madagascar chewing on millipedes to rid themselves of intestinal parasites. The animals then rubbed the area around their genitals, anuses, and tails with the chomped millipedes to treat conditions like itching and weight loss.
A new study found that low-carb diets can improve artery flexibility in women, even if men lose weight more, suggesting a potential benefit for pre-diabetic women. This improvement in artery flexibility reduces the risk of developing serious heart conditions.
A novel drug, Metabocin, based on capsaicin has reversed damaging effects of high fat diet in mice, improving blood sugar, cholesterol levels, insulin response, and symptoms of fatty liver disease. Long-term use of the drug showed no adverse effects or weight regain.
A new diabetes diagnosis can lead to higher rates of healthy behaviors among a patient's partner, including weight management and smoking cessation. Partners with newly diagnosed diabetics exhibited greater behavioral change even when clinicians didn't focus on them.
A web-based health behavior change support system improved weight loss and waist circumference reduction for up to 2 years. HBCSS, combined with cognitive behavioral group therapy or as a standalone treatment, offers a personalized approach to obesity treatment.
A series of setbacks can lead to an 'action crisis,' causing individuals to question the importance of their goal. New research reveals that repeated struggles and setbacks can cause people to devalue their goal, making it harder to stick to it. However, knowing ahead of time when an action crisis may occur allows individuals to prepar...
Research highlights how normalizing plus-size body shapes can lead to underestimation of weight, undermining efforts to tackle obesity. The study shows that socioeconomic inequalities play a significant role in patterns of weight misperception.
A new study from MIT and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that pancreatic tumors can cause weight loss due to reduced digestive enzymes, but treatment with enzyme replacement did not improve survival. The researchers suggest a potential protective mechanism underlying this process.
People with severe obesity report using various weight loss methods, but none prove more effective than maintaining lower caloric intake. Weight loss surgery is a proven method for reducing weight in the long term and lowering disease risk, but not suitable for everyone.
Atrial fibrillation, Australia's most common heart rhythm disorder, can be alleviated by losing weight and treating lifestyle factors. Obesity is a leading cause of stroke and heart failure, but research shows that reducing weight by 10% can reverse the progression of the disease.
Researchers found that participants who followed a 16:8 diet consumed fewer calories, lost weight, and had improvements in blood pressure. The study suggests that daily fasting is an effective tool for weight loss in obese adults.
Researchers found that a weight loss of 20% or more leads to improved physical health-related quality of life, reduced pain, and better function. Additionally, this significant weight loss results in an additional 25% reduction in pain compared to a 10-19.9% weight loss.
Researchers found that gastric bypass surgery leads to rapid initial weight loss, but subsequent muscle mass is maintained over five years. The study dispels fears of long-term muscle insufficiency despite weight regain.
Researchers found weight loss over 40 years linked to significant bone deterioration, increasing fracture risk by almost three-fold. Weight-bearing exercise and balanced diet may help counteract negative effects on the skeleton.
According to a new study published in Pediatrics, adolescents with severe obesity should not be excluded from weight loss surgery due to pre-existing psychiatric disorders. The research found no association between pre-operative psychiatric diagnosis and post-surgical weight loss outcomes, suggesting that bariatric surgery can be equal...
Researchers discover that people with monogenic obesity can lose weight with liraglutide, a modified form of GLP-1 hormone. The medicine has a positive effect on reducing hunger and body weight, even for those who respond poorly to existing treatments.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that individuals with coronary heart disease who are physically active live longer, regardless of their weight. The study revealed that even slight physical activity is better than none at all, but sustained high-intensity exercise is crucial for reaping benefits.
A 16-week study found that combining recreational football training with dietary guidance significantly improves physical fitness, reduces blood pressure, and promotes healthier weight loss. This innovative intervention demonstrates the potential for exercise and diet to prevent type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
A recent study found that rapid weight loss following sleeve gastrectomy can rapidly reverse obesity-related hypogonadism in morbidly obese men, restoring normal levels of testosterone and sex drive. The study showed a significant increase in testosterone levels after one month, while estradiol levels fell.
A study analyzing Google trends data found that weight loss searches increased and obesity searches decreased over the past 12 years, potentially indicating a normalization of obesity in society. The research suggests that public awareness of obesity is decreasing, while interest in losing weight is on the rise.
A new study found that over three-quarters of on-pack nutrition and health claims on UK meal replacement shakes are unauthorised and do not comply with EU regulation. Consumers often have false perceptions about the efficacy of these products, despite understanding the claims.
A novel wearable nasal device was found to reduce body weight and change dietary preferences in individuals aged 50 and under. The study showed a significant drop in olfactory sensitivity and improved insulin levels in participants who used the device, while those over 50 experienced greater weight loss.
Successful weight loss maintainers exhibit distinct behavioral and physiological responses to food, including decreased salivation and heart rate after consuming highly palatable foods. This difference in response may contribute to their ability to sustain weight loss over time.
Fasting every other day impairs insulin function, leading to potential long-term health risks, including type-2 diabetes. This study found that even in normal-weight rats, intermittent fasting diets can cause damage to the pancreas and increase insulin resistance.
A study found that armodafinil did not improve driving performance or reduce daytime sleepiness in individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, participants taking the drug lost more body fat than those receiving a placebo, suggesting potential benefits for weight loss.
A new study by University of Sydney researchers found that eating up to 12 eggs per week does not increase cardiovascular risk factors in people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The study also showed no impact on weight loss or cholesterol levels in participants.
A new study suggests that couples who support each other's weight loss goals through unsuitable strategies can put their relationship under strain. The study identified four relational environments, with 'synchronized' partners experiencing the most positive effects from weight loss approaches.
Weight loss surgery can cause declines in bone mass and strength, with increased risk of bone fractures. Nutritional factors, mechanical unloading, hormonal changes, and body composition alterations contribute to poor bone health.
A new study from Saint Louis University found that ketogenic diets negatively impact exercise performance in activities dependent on anaerobic energy systems. The research suggests athletes should avoid low-carb diets for weight loss or improved performance unless medically necessary.