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.

Obesity and Fast Food

Obesity and Infertility

Obesity in Children

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Obesity Management

Dieting for Obese Children

Obesity and Depression

Obesity and Respiratory Disorders

What does Sleeve Gastrectomy Involve?

Obesity and Fractures

Obesity Epidemiology

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Why is Visceral Fat Dangerous?

Obesity and Sexual Health

Obesity, What Can be Done?

Obesity and Genetics

Obesity and Skin Problems

Obesity and Periodontitis

Causes of Obesity and Overweight

Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity and Sleep

Obesity and Hormones

Obesity and Arthritis

Obesity and Cancer

Abdominal Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity in Pregnancy

What is Obesity Paradox?

Obesity in Adults

Obesity and Autism

Obesity and Heart Disease

Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene (FTO)

Obesity and Anesthesia

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity and Exercise

Obesity and Stress

Obesity and Blood Pressure

Latest Obesity News and Research

Obesity may account for up to one in four polypharmacy cases

The study reveals obesity's role in polypharmacy, indicating that reducing obesity may lower medication burden and enhance quality of life for older adults.

1 Jul 2026

Genetics play a bigger role than pregnancy in childhood obesity risk

Genetic factors primarily explain the link between parental and childhood BMI, with maternal obesity impacting birth weight more than later childhood obesity.

1 Jul 2026

New soft robotic heart accurately mimics the complex movements of human valves

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a fully synthetic soft robotic heart that reproduces the complex movements and internal structures of the human heart, opening the door to better treatments, safer medical devices and more personalized care.

1 Jul 2026

Study links semaglutide and tirzepatide to fewer anxiety and depression diagnoses in obesity care

A US electronic health record study found that adults with obesity who started semaglutide or tirzepatide had lower recorded hazards of anxiety and depression than matched patients using naltrexone-bupropion. However, among adults without type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide was linked to higher recorded hazards of anxiety and insomnia than semaglutide, underscoring the need for cautious monitoring.

1 Jul 2026

Experts reframe steatotic liver disease as a dynamic continuum

The classification of steatotic liver disease (SLD) is undergoing a major conceptual transformation. In a recent article published in eGastroenterology, Dr. Chen, Dr. Horn, and Prof. Tacke from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin argue that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) should not be regarded as rigid diagnostic categories, but rather as interconnected and evolving disease trajectories.

30 Jun 2026

Obesity drives distinct molecular pathway toward invasive breast cancer

A novel study has found that obesity is associated with a distinct molecular program driving the transition from early-stage, premalignant breast lesions to invasive breast cancer.

30 Jun 2026

Obesity makes breathing harder during exercise for young vapers

E-cigarette users with obesity show higher ventilatory demands and breathlessness during exercise, indicating potential long-term respiratory health risks.

30 Jun 2026

Pharmacy expert calls for hybrid digital-human models in NHS healthcare

A pharmacy academic from Kingston University has provided special expertise to the UK Parliament on two key Health and Social Care Committee inquiries.

30 Jun 2026

Experts introduce updated framework for heart failure care worldwide

A new international expert consensus document refines and updates how heart failure is identified and classified, aiming to improve prevention, diagnosis and management of heart failure worldwide.

29 Jun 2026

Study links cardiovascular risk factors to visual impairment in Latinos

In the U.S., Hispanic/Latino populations are disproportionately at risk for eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, or vision loss tied to diabetes.

29 Jun 2026

Under-twos should avoid screen time to protect future health

Using screens during the first 1001 days of life can lead to developmental concerns for the next generation, researchers warn.

29 Jun 2026

Study links diabetes to worse long COVID health outcomes

People with diabetes who have had COVID-19 tend to recover more slowly, experience more long COVID complications, have a poorer quality of life, and require closer and more prolonged monitoring by medical teams.

29 Jun 2026

Simple blood test could identify the most effective obesity drug

Fasting blood tests measuring GLP-1 and GIP levels may predict obesity treatment response to semaglutide and tirzepatide, enhancing personalized therapy.

29 Jun 2026

One in three adults in England now lives with obesity

Obesity trends show significant disparities among demographics, stressing the importance of targeted prevention to address widening health inequalities.

29 Jun 2026

Brighter daytime light is linked to a lower dementia risk

The study finds that greater exposure to daytime light may lower dementia risk, pointing to light's role in enhancing circadian rhythms and cognitive function.

29 Jun 2026

Melatonin dampens fetal membrane inflammation linked to preterm birth

Melatonin reduced infection-related inflammation in human fetal membranes in an ex vivo model. The study suggests that this effect works partly through melatonin receptors and by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

28 Jun 2026

New Florida initiative supports healthier lives for cancer survivors statewide

University of West Florida Assistant Professor of Public Health Dr. Karishma Chhabria Unrue has been awarded a nearly $825,000 grant through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund to lead a statewide initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of breast and prostate cancer survivors.

27 Jun 2026

Single DNA injection provides long-lasting weight loss in mouse study

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have shown that a single injection of a small, circular piece of genetic instructions can produce weight loss and blood glucose control in murine models that lasts up to 10 times as long as incretin-mimicking drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

26 Jun 2026

Breastfeeding linked to longer sleep duration in one year old infants

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life because of its many proven benefits, including protection against infections and support for healthy long-term development.

26 Jun 2026

Semaglutide approval drove a surge in GLP-1 poison center exposures

Following semaglutide's approval, poison center reports of GLP-1 RA exposures doubled, revealing critical trends in patient safety and healthcare utilization.

26 Jun 2026