Obesity News and Research

Latest Obesity News and Research

Unlocking the neural basis of overeating

Can memory influence what and how much we eat? A groundbreaking Monell Chemical Senses Center study, which links food memory to overeating, answered that question with a resounding "Yes." Led by Monell Associate Member Guillaume de Lartigue, PhD, the research team identified, for the first time, the brain's food-specific memory system and its direct role in overeating and diet-induced obesity.

16 Jan 2025

Air pollution before conception may increase child BMI

In a study of more than 5,000 mothers and their children, exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy predicted higher child body mass index (BMI) and related obesity risk factors up to two years of age.

15 Jan 2025

Global Commission proposes new framework for obesity diagnosis and treatment

A global Commission, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and endorsed by 75 medical organizations around the world, presents a novel, nuanced approach to diagnose obesity, based on other measures of excess body fat in addition to body mass index (BMI), and objective signs and symptoms of ill health at the individual level.

15 Jan 2025

College students gain new muscle, not fat during the holiday season

With the holidays behind us, many Americans are seeing the numbers on the scale go up a pound or two. In fact, data shows that many American midlife and older adults gain 1 to 1.5 pounds over the November through January holiday period.

15 Jan 2025

Lifestyle support shows promise in reducing chronic back pain disability

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide with many treatments, such as medication, often failing to provide lasting relief.

15 Jan 2025

GroceryDB helps shoppers spot ultra-processed foods

This open-source database utilizes machine learning to assess food processing, promoting nutrition security and informed consumer choices in the grocery market.

15 Jan 2025

Study reveals how bile acids impact immunotherapy in liver cancer

Immunotherapy is a modern approach to cancer treatment that uses a patient's own immune system to help fight tumors.

15 Jan 2025

Machine learning identifies women at risk of severe cognitive decline during menopause

Artificial intelligence (AI) is positioned to make a major impact on almost every industry, including healthcare. A new study suggests that machine learning models can more quickly and affordably identify women with severe subjective cognitive decline during the menopause transition, effectively opening the door to better management of cognitive health. Results of the study are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society.

15 Jan 2025

Study unravels the links between obesity and cancer

Obesity, recognized as a complex and growing health issue, is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. A comprehensive review provides insights into the mechanisms linking obesity to cancer risk and discusses potential clinical implications.

15 Jan 2025

Unveiling the hidden benefit of bariatric surgery

Welcoming a newborn is something many couples dream of doing, but it can get complicated when conceiving becomes a roadblock. Infertility affects one in six people, but obesity can also be a problem. When diet and exercise aren't enough to lose weight, bariatric surgery can become an option. Yet a new national survey by Orlando Health finds that 56% of Americans do not know that bariatric surgery is an effective way to improve fertility.

14 Jan 2025

High-fat diet linked to impulsive behaviors and brain changes

Researchers examines how a high-fat diet modifies inhibitory control.

14 Jan 2025

Genetics, brain development, and mental health shape teen eating

Investigating the interplay of genetics, brain maturation, and mental health, this study reveals insights into adolescent eating behaviors and obesity risk.

14 Jan 2025

Time-restricted eating paired with exercise: Small changes, big impact

Study reveals that combining time-restricted eating with exercise results in small but significant reductions in fat mass and body fat percentage while preserving fat-free mass. However, variability in outcomes and short study durations highlight the need for further research.

13 Jan 2025