Obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined by the WHO as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to an individuals health.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer and while it was once an issue only in high income countries, overweight and obesity has now dramatically risen in low- and middle-income countries.Such countries are now facing a "double burden" of disease, for while they continue to deal with the problems of infectious disease and under-nutrition, they are also experiencing a rapid upsurge in chronic disease risk factors such as obesity and overweight, particularly in urban settings.

What is Obesity?

Obesity and overweight have in the last decade become a global problem - according to the World Health Organization (WHO) back in 2005 approximately 1.6 billion adults over the of age 15+ were overweight, at least 400 million adults were obese and at least 20 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight.

Causes of Obesity and Overweight

Obesity, What Can be Done?

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Obesity and Fast Food

Obesity and Exercise

Obesity Management

Obesity and Blood Pressure

Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity and Cancer

Obesity and Depression

Obesity and Autism

See more featured articles »

Obesity and Sleep

Obesity and Hormones

Obesity and Genetics

Obesity in Adults

Obesity in Pregnancy

Obesity and Infertility

Obesity and Sexual Health

Obesity and Stress

Obesity and Fractures

Obesity and Arthritis

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity Epidemiology

What is Obesity Paradox?

Obesity and Periodontitis

Obesity in Children

Obesity and Respiratory Disorders

Obesity and Heart Disease

Obesity and Anesthesia

Obesity and Skin Problems

Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene (FTO)

What does Sleeve Gastrectomy Involve?

Dieting for Obese Children

Abdominal Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

Why is Visceral Fat Dangerous?

Latest Obesity News and Research

Insulin degradation uncovered as a new driver of resistance

Researchers reveal insulin resistance may be driven by insulin degradation during transit in the bloodstream, challenging the belief that cell defects are the primary cause.

22 Dec 2024

Study reveals brain circuits and chemical messengers behind the regulation of meal initiation

When you are feeling hungry, the brain takes the necessary steps toward consuming a meal. Many of these steps are not well known, but a new study published in the journal Metabolism by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston reveals brain circuits and chemical messengers that contribute to the regulation of meal initiation and food intake.

20 Dec 2024

Subjective walking speed is a quick, equipment-free tool for identifying metabolic health risks

The study reveals a strong association between walking speed and metabolic disease risk in obesity, suggesting fast walking as a vital health intervention.

20 Dec 2024

Eggs are back on the menu: Study finds no link to obesity with moderate intake

Frequent but moderate egg consumption, coupled with proper cooking methods, does not increase obesity risk and may even support healthy lipid metabolism.

19 Dec 2024

Study reveals significant improvements in the health of older adults in England

A new study from the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center at the Mailman School of Public Health reveals significant improvements in the health of older adults in England when compared to previous generations.

19 Dec 2024

Self-reported walking speed can predict metabolic disease risk

Walking speed can provide insights into health, extending beyond mere mobility, so much so that it is considered to be the "sixth vital sign."

19 Dec 2024

The role of phytochemicals in combating metabolic diseases

This editorial reviews the impact of phytochemicals on metabolic diseases, emphasizing their potential in reducing inflammation and improving health outcomes.

19 Dec 2024

Light and moderate wine consumption linked to lower risk of cardiovascular complications

Light and moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications, according to a multicenter study led by researchers from the University of Barcelona, the Hospital Clínic and the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), the Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBEROBN) and the University of Navarra (UNAV).

19 Dec 2024

Research pinpoints critical age for improving children's cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical public health concern, with risk factors such as high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, elevated cholesterol, and obesity beginning in childhood.

18 Dec 2024

Home food environment shapes adolescent dietary choices

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, published by Elsevier, highlights the significant influence of the home food environment on adolescent dietary patterns compared to neighborhood food options.

18 Dec 2024

Study finds racial and ethnic disparities in the use of obesity-management drugs

Asians, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics were significantly less likely than whites to use obesity-management medications to lower their weight compared with whites, new research suggests.

18 Dec 2024

Nutraceuticals: exploring potential benefits and challenges of an unregulated healthcare frontier

Nutraceuticals offer potential health benefits, from migraine relief to cognitive support, but safety and regulatory issues must be addressed for effective use.

18 Dec 2024

New drug approach shows promise in treating metabolic liver diseases

A MedUni Vienna study has identified a new approach to the drug treatment of metabolic liver diseases. In an experimental study, pharmacological inhibition of an enzyme that plays a central role in fat metabolism promoted liver health reduced liver fat, inflammation and fibrotic remodeling (connective tissue scarring).

18 Dec 2024

A comprehensive review of atrial fibrillation

In the U.S., atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart, affects up to one in three people in their lifetime.

17 Dec 2024

Genetic shifts in reproductive traits link to aging and health risks

This study explores the genetics of human reproductive traits, revealing links to aging, health outcomes, and longevity while highlighting the role of genetic factors in modern fertility shifts.

17 Dec 2024

Study reveals impact of negative language in handoffs on patient care

When doctors and nurses pass patient information from one shift to another -; an exchange known as a "handoff" -; the specific words they use behind closed doors matter more than they might realize.

17 Dec 2024

Danish studies find increased risk of optic nerve damage with diabetes medicine

Two independent studies from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) show that patients with type 2 diabetes who are treated with the drug Ozempic have an increased risk of developing damage to the optic nerve of the eye, which can lead to severe and permanent loss of vision.

16 Dec 2024

Balanced breakfasts improve heart and metabolic health in older adults

Older adults with metabolic syndrome consuming either low- or high-energy breakfasts or low-quality breakfasts faced higher triglycerides, increased body fat, and worse kidney function. Breakfasts providing 20-30% of daily energy and high-quality nutrients improved lipid profiles and metabolic health.

16 Dec 2024

Obesity prevalence and BMI decrease in the US for the first time in a decade

Obesity prevalence in the US decreased in 2023, with significant drops in the South, highlighting the impact of GLP-1RA medications on health trends.

16 Dec 2024

Targeting brain enzyme may offer new treatment for obesity

Endocannabinoids in the brain play a key role in food intake and energy use. Modulating the action of these molecules could help fight obesity, say researchers at Université de Montréal's affiliated hospital research center.

16 Dec 2024