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Unlocking the secrets of ketosis

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown metabolic pathway involving beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a key ketone body. This finding suggests that ketones have additional roles in the body's metabolic landscape, potentially influencing appetite suppression and weight regulation under ketosis conditions.

SourceStanford University·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 2024

Study finds bariatric surgery declined with rise in GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity

A recent study found that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) as anti-obesity medications more than doubled from 2022 to 2023, while rates of metabolic bariatric surgery dropped by one quarter. This shift in treatment options has implications for access to comprehensive multidisciplinary care for obesity.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2024

The secret to slimming? Special ‘skinny genes’ double weight loss

A recent study discovered 14 'skinny genes' associated with significant weight loss in response to regular exercise. Participants who carried more of these genes lost up to 5kg during an eight-week period. Exercise was found to be crucial for unlocking the full potential of these genes, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

Study probes how eating less can extend lifespan

A recent study by The Jackson Laboratory reveals that reducing calorie intake can significantly extend the lifespan of mice, with the most robust animals living the longest. However, the researchers found that losing weight on these diets had a negative impact on lifespan in humans.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 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

Technology-assisted health coaching intervention does not improve weight loss in veterans and high-risk patients

A technology-assisted health coaching intervention called Goals for Eating and Moving (GEM) was tested in a cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 19 primary care teams. The study found that patients receiving the GEM intervention did not show significant weight loss compared to those receiving enhanced usual care, highlighting ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 23, 2024

The heart of the question: Who can get Medicare-covered weight loss medicine?

A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2024

Breast cancer research: New studies show how post-treatment lifestyle choices shape long-term outcomes after diagnosis

Two studies found breastfeeding after breast cancer diagnosis is safe and feasible for young patients with specific genetic variations, as well as hormone receptor-positive breast cancer survivors. A third study shows a telephone-based coaching program can significantly increase physical activity in overweight patients, potentially imp...

Cleveland Clinic study identifies key factors that can impact long-term weight loss in patients with obesity who were prescribed GLP-1 RA medications

A Cleveland Clinic study identified key factors that can impact the long-term weight loss of patients with obesity who were prescribed injectable semaglutide or liraglutide. The study found that medication's active agent, dosage, treatment indication, and persistence with the medication were associated with weight change.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2024

Uncertain if lifestyle advice actually works

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that only 3% of lifestyle advice recommendations have positive effects in practice. The researchers suggest alternative community-based interventions for improving public health. The new guideline aims to help policymakers evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 12, 2024

Penn study finds taking semaglutide for weight management does not increase risk of depression or suicidal behavior in people without known major psychopathology

A new Penn study analyzing data from over 3,500 participants in clinical trials found no increased risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior among individuals taking semaglutide for weight management. The study's findings provide assurance that the medication does not increase the risk of mental health issues...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 3, 2024

Brigham-led study finds weight loss drug semaglutide reduced COVID-19 related deaths during the pandemic

A recent study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that semaglutide reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and infections, including COVID-19, in obese and overweight patients. The study involved over 17,000 participants and showed a 19% lower overall death rate compared to placebo.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

Brigham-led study estimates 1 in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with high body mass index may qualify for anti-obesity drug

A new study estimates that 1 in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with elevated body mass index (BMI) may qualify for semaglutide, a popular weight loss medication. The study found that maximum annual costs to Medicare could exceed $10 billion if different definitions of cardiovascular risk are considered.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

High BMI eligibility for semaglutide could cost Medicare an additional $145 billion annually

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that approximately 61% of Medicare-eligible adults have a BMI of 27 or higher, making them eligible for semaglutide. However, the number of patients who will be eligible depends on how cardiovascular disease is defined, with narrow definitions resulting in only 3.6 million people b...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 26, 2024

KKH study: Exclusive breastfeeding leads to greater weight loss in women with high body mass index as compared to women with normal weight

A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2024

Obese children are more likely to develop skin conditions related to the immune system

A large-scale study investigated the relationship between childhood obesity and immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The study found that obese children were more likely to develop these conditions, with changes in body weight affecting their risk of developing these diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2024

Vegan diet better than Mediterranean diet for weight loss and reducing harmful inflammatory dietary compounds, finds new research

A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a low-fat vegan diet reduces advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 73%, associated with an average weight loss of 13 pounds. The reduction came mainly from excluding meat, added fats, and dairy products.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 2024

Prescription fills for semaglutide products

The number of semaglutide prescriptions filled reached 2.6 million in 2023, with Wegovy accounting for most fills since its approval in June 2021. Most Wegovy fills were among commercially insured populations, despite the disproportionate burden of obesity in Medicaid and Medicare Part D.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 2, 2024

Study evaluates treatment interventions for severe obesity in adolescents

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that meal-replacement therapy paired with financial incentives resulted in a greater reduction in body mass index compared to MRT alone. The study enrolled 126 adolescents and found that the combination treatment led to a significant decrease in BMI and total body fat mass.

When you eat may impact your overall health, nutrition experts say

A special issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explores the effects of various fasting regimens on body weight, cardiometabolic disease risk, and sleep. The study found that time-restricted eating can result in clinically meaningful weight loss and reduction in liver enzymes in adolescents with type 2 diabetes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

What fat cats on a diet may tell us about obesity in humans

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from fat cats undergoing different dietary changes and found striking similarities to human studies, particularly in the presence of short-chain fatty acids. The study suggests that feline gut microbiome shifts may correlate with metabolic outcomes and provide valuable insights for obesity treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2024

Weight loss surgery reduces widespread pain among people of color, although disparities persist

A new study found that surgical weight loss significantly reduces widespread pain in Black and Hispanic patients, with the greatest benefit seen within the first three months after surgery. However, disparities persist, with these groups still experiencing a higher pain burden than the general population.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Pain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2024

Optimum protection against diabetes: Weight loss plus remission of prediabetes

Researchers found that people who achieved weight loss and prediabetes remission had a 76% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who only lost weight. This suggests that normalization of blood sugar levels should be included as a therapeutic goal in guidelines to improve diabetes prevention.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetologia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024