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

Early bedtime boosts children's gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria

Study reveals that children who go to bed early have a more diverse and healthier gut microbiome compared to late sleepers, suggesting a link between sleep habits and gut health. It also highlights key metabolic pathways that differ between early and late sleepers.

8 Oct 2024

GLP-1 drugs protect brain health by improving neurovascular function and reducing inflammation

Research highlights how GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve brain health by targeting the neurovascular unit, linking metabolic health to cognitive function. It suggests potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

7 Oct 2024

British adults in midlife show better cardiovascular health than American counterparts

Rates of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are lower among British adults in their 30s and 40s compared to their counterparts in the US, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.

7 Oct 2024

Weekly injections of anti-obesity medications cost more than surgery

The cost of taking weekly injections of popular anti-obesity medications liraglutide (Saxenda) or semaglutide (Wegovy) exceeds that of metabolic and bariatric surgery in less than a year, according to a recent analysis published in the journal Surgical Endoscopy.

7 Oct 2024

US adults face worse midlife health compared to British counterparts

A study reveals poorer cardiometabolic health in middle-aged Americans compared to Brits, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic status on health outcomes.

7 Oct 2024

Study sheds light on a potential new strategy to prevent fatty liver

The accumulation of fats in the liver is driven by high-fat diets and obesity, and is becoming an increasingly prevalent global health concern.

7 Oct 2024

Fear of childbirth may affect duration of breastfeeding

The duration of breastfeeding is shorter than average among mothers with a fear of childbirth - regardless of the mode of delivery, a new study from Finland shows.

7 Oct 2024

COVID-19 increases chronic fatigue risk

Study reveals that COVID-19 significantly increases the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome, with specific populations, such as older adults, Asians, and non-hospitalized patients, at higher risk.

7 Oct 2024

How carnitine transporters boost reproductive health

Research uncovers the critical role of carnitine transporters in maintaining fertility by regulating energy metabolism and protecting reproductive cells from oxidative stress. It suggests new pathways for treating infertility through carnitine supplementation and targeted therapies.

6 Oct 2024

Greater bean and pulse intake linked to improved nutrient intake and diet quality in American adults

New research showing the association between greater bean and pulse consumption and improved shortfall nutrient intakes and a higher diet quality in American adults will be presented during the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy) Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) 2024 in Minneapolis, MN.

4 Oct 2024

Road and aircraft noise linked to elevated atrial fibrillation risk, study reveals

Findings indicate that transportation noise exposure is linked to atrial fibrillation, highlighting the role of environmental factors in cardiovascular health.

4 Oct 2024

Stroke remains a leading cause of death globally, with increased risk linked to lifestyle factors

The Lancet Neurology study provides updated estimates on stroke burden and risks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in high-risk regions.

4 Oct 2024

Research highlights impact of body weight on pregnancy outcomes

Overweight is a major contributor to complications during pregnancy and childbirth – this applies to both women born in Sweden and women who have moved here, something that has not been well researched so far. Interventions that promote a healthy weight have the potential to prevent complications for all women, the researchers conclude.

3 Oct 2024

Rice University leads development of innovative bioelectronic implant for obesity and diabetes

Rice University is part of a multiuniversity research team that has secured an award of up to $34.9 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to accelerate the development of a bioelectronic implant designed to improve adherence for obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment while reducing development and manufacturing costs.

3 Oct 2024

Study links obesity and diabetes to higher recurrence rates in liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer associated with hepatitis infections, is known to have a high recurrence rate after cancer removal.

3 Oct 2024

Health care delivery site- and patient-level characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccination rates

The COVID-19 vaccine, introduced in December 2022, played a critical role in reducing mortality and morbidity related to the pandemic globally.

3 Oct 2024

Bioelectronic 'living pharmacy' implant could transform diabetes and obesity care

A Carnegie Mellon University-led team of researchers has secured an award of up to $34.9 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

3 Oct 2024

Study highlights the role of genetic factors in COVID-19 thrombosis and inflammation

Despite global vaccination efforts, COVID-19 continues to pose significant risks, leading to severe complications and fatalities. These risks are driven by disrupted coagulation, impaired fibrinolysis, which is the process of breaking blood clots, and heightened inflammatory responses.

3 Oct 2024

Depression and anxiety diagnoses in youth spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers analyzed clinical data from over 1.7 million young people, revealing significant increases in diagnosed depression and anxiety from 2017 to 2021, with higher rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 Oct 2024

Postmenopausal hormone therapy use declines amidst risk-benefit concerns

A study reveals a sharp decline in menopausal hormone therapy use among U.S. women, highlighting disparities across racial and ethnic groups over two decades.

2 Oct 2024