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 and Anesthesia

Obesity and Fast Food

Obesity in Children

Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity and Depression

Abdominal Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

Dieting for Obese Children

Obesity and Blood Pressure

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Why is Visceral Fat Dangerous?

See more featured articles »

Obesity and Stress

Obesity in Pregnancy

Obesity Management

Obesity and Infertility

Obesity and Sleep

Obesity and Respiratory Disorders

What does Sleeve Gastrectomy Involve?

Obesity and Exercise

Obesity and Heart Disease

Obesity and Sexual Health

Obesity and Arthritis

Obesity and Skin Problems

Obesity and Genetics

Obesity, What Can be Done?

Obesity and Autism

Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene (FTO)

Obesity Epidemiology

Obesity and Periodontitis

Obesity and Cancer

Obesity and Fractures

Obesity in Adults

Obesity and Hormones

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

What is Obesity Paradox?

Latest Obesity News and Research

Blood metabolite profiling outperforms BMI in predicting pregnancy complications

This study shows that a blood-based metabolomic signature linked to maternal BMI predicts gestational diabetes and preeclampsia more strongly than BMI alone, particularly in late pregnancy. A subset of 16 metabolites statistically mediates the BMI–gestational diabetes association, highlighting metabolic pathways that may improve prenatal risk stratification.

21 Dec 2025

Simple fruit granola intervention shows promising cardio-renal signals in CKD patients

A single-arm intervention study in Japanese adults with moderate chronic kidney disease found that replacing breakfast with fruit granola for two months lowered systolic blood pressure, reduced LDL-related lipid markers, and decreased a urinary marker of tubular injury. Renal function remained stable, bowel habits improved, and findings were exploratory due to the small, open-label design.

21 Dec 2025

Genes influence the gut microbiome beyond the individual

The gut microbiome - made up of trillions of microbes in the digestive tract - is vital for digestion and overall health. Diet and medication shape these microbial ecosystems, but the contribution of genetics has been more difficult to ascertain.

19 Dec 2025

New CPRIT awards expand cancer prevention and treatment research in South Texas

UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio), received nearly $3 million in new academic and prevention awards as part of the latest funding round announced by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

19 Dec 2025

Cutting carbs, not fat, may better control appetite in women

Research indicates low-carb diets may enhance appetite regulation and reduce food cues in women with lipedema, offering a dietary intervention advantage.

19 Dec 2025

Gestational diabetes alters the placenta at the molecular level, study reveals

Gestational diabetes can cause a multitude of complications in the offspring, but to date, the reasons are incompletely understood.

18 Dec 2025

Scientists unravel how citrin deficiency can trigger fat buildup in the liver even in lean individuals

Scientists at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, have unraveled how citrin deficiency (CD), a rare genetic disorder that prevents the liver from converting food into energy efficiently, can trigger fat buildup in the liver - even in lean individuals.

18 Dec 2025

Addressing unsustainable food systems can deliver double benefits for health and climate

A major review in Frontiers in Science highlights how tackling unsustainable food systems-reflected by our changing food environment-is urgent for both health and climate.

18 Dec 2025

Couples-based programs boost heart-healthy behaviors

Research highlights the need for couple-based interventions in heart disease to focus on emotional support and relationship quality for better health outcomes.

18 Dec 2025

ECG-based AI model doubles early liver disease diagnoses

As rates of obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea increase, cases of advanced chronic liver disease and resulting liver scarring or cirrhosis also are rising. Patients often are diagnosed based on symptoms, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, fluid retention or jaundice, which happen when liver disease has progressed to a late stage.

17 Dec 2025

Intermittent fasting edges daily calorie cuts for blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular risk estimates

In a real-world registry study of adults with overweight or obesity, 5:2 intermittent fasting and daily calorie restriction both improved blood pressure over 12 weeks. Intermittent fasting produced modestly greater reductions in systolic and pulse pressure and a larger drop in BMI-based 30-year cardiovascular risk scores, without superior lipid or glycaemic effects.

17 Dec 2025

Specific gut bacterium reduces weight gain and improves metabolic health

The gut microbiome is intimately linked to human health and weight. Differences in the gut microbiome-the bacteria and fungi in the gut-are associated with obesity and weight gain, raising the possibility that changing the microbiome could improve health.

16 Dec 2025

Alcohol-related liver disease deaths surge with widening socioeconomic gaps

Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine say deaths from alcohol-related liver disease have surged in recent years, and the increase is hitting people without a college degree the hardest.

16 Dec 2025

Researchers identify partner protein that supports appetite regulating-protein

A protein essential to the human body for managing energy and regulating appetite relies on a partner protein, according to new research, and the findings could help researchers better understand genetic obesity.

16 Dec 2025

School canteen meals fall short on nutrition and sustainability

An EHU study reveals that the food served to children in canteens exceeds fat, protein and sodium recommendations.

16 Dec 2025

New data supports link between gum disease and heart disease

There is increasing evidence that gum disease is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and cardiometabolic health conditions. Effective prevention and treatment of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, could potentially decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease, according to a new scientific statement published today in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation.

16 Dec 2025

High fructose intake increases fatty liver risk

Excessive fructose intake from soft drinks is linked to liver damage and NAFLD. Lifestyle modifications are essential for effective prevention and treatment.

16 Dec 2025

Tiny blood particles help shuttle a hormone through the body

Researchers at Touro University Nevada have discovered that tiny particles in the blood, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), are a major player in how a group of hormones are shuttled through the body. Physical exercise can stimulate this process.

15 Dec 2025

A new trial investigates whether the MIND diet can be scaled for obesity management

This study protocol outlines a 12-week randomized trial testing whether a MIND diet intervention is feasible, acceptable, and sustainable for adults with obesity in Sweden. It will generate preliminary evidence on adherence, mental well-being, and gut microbiota changes to inform larger efficacy trials.

14 Dec 2025

Metabolic syndrome affects nearly four in ten US adults as rates climb in older and Black populations

A large NHANES analysis found that nearly four in ten US adults met criteria for metabolic syndrome between 2013 and 2023, with no statistically significant change in overall prevalence. However, prevalence rose significantly among adults aged 60 years and older and among non-Hispanic Black individuals, alongside a significant non-linear increase in hypertriglyceridemia.

14 Dec 2025