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

New review highlights advances in diabetes research and treatment

A new paper surveying advances in diabetes pathogenesis and treatment explores the complex factors contributing to the onset and progression of the disease, suggesting that an understanding of these dynamics is key to developing targeted interventions to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and managing its complications.

25 Jul 2024

Could a Mediterranean diet be the secret to avoiding gestational diabetes?

The Mediterranean diet significantly reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. Higher adherence to this diet correlates with lower GDM incidence.

25 Jul 2024

UN report shows stagnant hunger rates and rising food insecurity

Around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published today by five United Nations specialized agencies.

25 Jul 2024

New study helps better understand the pathology of fatty liver disease MASH

A new study brings researchers closer to better understanding the pathology of the fatty liver disease MASH, which stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

24 Jul 2024

Boosting ketone levels enhances heart function in mice with HFpEF, study shows

Increasing ketone supply to the heart in mice with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) allowed their hearts to utilize more ketones and produce more energy, according to preliminary research presented today at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2024.

24 Jul 2024

Lifestyle and socioeconomic status affect health impacts of ultra-processed foods

A recent study found that lifestyle and socioeconomic factors influence the negative impact of ultra-processed foods (UPF) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Higher UPF intake is linked to poorer physical health, especially among women, smokers, and those with low socioeconomic status.

24 Jul 2024

Dietary interventions improve mitochondrial function and reduce inflammation in obesity

Study demonstrates that dietary interventions such as calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diet improve mitochondrial function in monocytes and reduce inflammation in obesity by modulating gut microbiota.

23 Jul 2024

Obese children infected with dengue appear to be at higher risk of hospitalization

Very overweight children infected with dengue appear to be at higher risk of hospitalization, according to researchers who say more public awareness is needed about the risks of obesity and severe disease.

23 Jul 2024

Financial incentives boost meal replacement therapy success in severely obese adolescents

Adolescents with severe obesity who received meal-replacement therapy plus financial incentives experienced a greater reduction in body mass index compared to those who received meal replacement therapy alone, according to recent findings published in JAMA Pediatrics.

23 Jul 2024

Study investigates the link between an exposome score and metabolic health across childhood

The combined effect of environmental exposures and unhealthy lifestyle habits can affect children's cardiometabolic health in a way that exceeds their separate effects.

23 Jul 2024

Why millions are trying FDA-authorized alternatives to big pharma’s weight loss drugs

Pharmacist Mark Mikhael has lost 50 pounds over the past 12 months. He no longer has diabetes and finds himself "at my ideal body weight," with his cholesterol below 200 for the first time in 20 years. "I feel fantastic," he said.

23 Jul 2024

Beyond the anti-obesity benefits of glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs

The advantages of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medicines beyond glycemic and weight control.

23 Jul 2024

Irregular sleep and poor REM sleep linked to higher risk of chronic diseases

Longitudinal data from wearable devices linked to health records show that irregular sleep patterns and inadequate REM sleep increase the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and depression. This emphasizes the importance of consistent and high-quality sleep for overall health.

22 Jul 2024

Study identifies trends in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

Investigators at Cedars-Sinai and other institutions conducted a nationwide, population-based study to identify trends in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs)-;prescription medications sold under popular drug names like Ozempic and Wegovy-;in the United States.

22 Jul 2024

Saffron: A golden remedy for modern health challenges

Review highlights saffron's potential in preventing and treating various human diseases through its bioactive compounds. Clinical and preclinical studies confirm saffron's benefits in conditions like maculopathy, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.

21 Jul 2024

Ultra-processed food consumption trends among UK adolescents show regional and socioeconomic disparities

A study in the European Journal of Nutrition reveals that UK adolescents' ultra-processed food consumption varies by age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, with significant differences across regions.

21 Jul 2024

Weight loss reduces risky decisions and boosts mood in highly obese individuals, study finds

Researchers examine how significant weight loss in highly obese individuals influences their metabolism, psychological state, and decision-making processes.

21 Jul 2024

Early adulthood obesity linked to adverse heart outcomes in later life, study finds

A study published in the European Heart Journal reveals that fat accumulation in early or mid-adulthood adversely impacts heart structure and function in individuals aged 60-64, highlighting the importance of managing adiposity throughout life.

21 Jul 2024

Scurvy on the rise in the United States: Pediatric cases triple in five years

Researchers found that pediatric scurvy cases tripled from 2016 to 2020, highlighting a significant rise in incidence, particularly among low-income, male, and autistic children.

19 Jul 2024

Exploring the expanding horizons of GLP-1 therapies beyond diabetes and obesity

In a Perspective, Daniel Drucker highlights the growing body of evidence that hints at the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based medications in treating conditions other than diabetes and obesity, including cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

18 Jul 2024