https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/obesity/ Obesity research and facts. Read the latest medical research on obesity. Evaluate weight loss programs and choose a diet plan based on your health and lifestyle needs. en-us Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:39:19 EDT Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:39:19 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/obesity/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213228.htm A Yale study found that lowering parent stress can help protect young children from obesity. When parents practiced mindfulness and stress-management skills, their kids showed healthier eating patterns and avoided the weight gain seen in families that only focused on diet and exercise. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:28:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213228.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000317.htm A sweeping new scientific review suggests that pecans — America’s native nut — may pack more heart power than many people realize. After analyzing over 20 years of research, scientists found consistent evidence that eating pecans can improve key markers of cardiovascular health, including total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, while also supporting antioxidant defenses. Sun, 22 Feb 2026 08:52:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000317.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216084521.htm A decades-long study of nearly 200,000 adults challenges the low-carb versus low-fat debate. Both eating patterns were tied to lower heart disease risk when they emphasized whole grains, plant-based foods, and healthy fats. Versions filled with refined carbs and animal fats increased risk instead. Quality, not just quantity, appears to make the difference. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:29:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216084521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211204204.htm A new clinical trial suggests that changing when you eat could make a meaningful difference for people living with Crohn’s disease. Researchers found that time-restricted feeding, a form of intermittent fasting that limits meals to an 8-hour daily window, reduced disease activity by 40% and cut abdominal discomfort in half over 12 weeks. Participants also lost weight and showed healthier inflammation and immune markers, even though they did not reduce calories or change what they ate. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:25:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211204204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209064254.htm Scientists have discovered why ovarian cancer spreads so rapidly through the abdomen. Cancer cells enlist normally protective abdominal cells, forming mixed groups that work together to invade new tissue. These helper cells lead the way, allowing cancer to spread faster and resist chemotherapy. The findings uncover a critical weakness that future treatments may target. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:51:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209064254.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121547.htm People who switch to a fully unprocessed diet don’t just eat differently—they eat smarter. Research from the University of Bristol shows that when people avoid ultra-processed foods, they naturally pile their plates with fruits and vegetables, eating over 50% more food by weight while still consuming hundreds fewer calories each day. This happens because whole foods trigger a kind of built-in “nutritional intelligence,” nudging people toward nutrient-rich, lower-calorie options. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:04:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121547.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030551.htm Popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can dramatically curb appetite, but experts warn many users are flying blind when it comes to nutrition. New research suggests people taking these medications may not be getting enough guidance on protein, vitamins, and overall diet quality, increasing the risk of muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:43:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030551.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112127.htm Where your body stores fat may matter just as much as how much you carry—especially for your brain. Using advanced MRI scans and data from nearly 26,000 people, researchers identified two surprising fat patterns tied to faster brain aging, cognitive decline, and higher neurological disease risk. One involves unusually high fat buildup in the pancreas, even without much liver fat, while the other—often called “skinny fat”—affects people who don’t appear severely obese but carry excess fat relative to muscle. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:33:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112127.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010156.htm Carbohydrates don’t just fuel the body—they may also influence how the brain ages. A large long-term study found that diets high in fast-acting carbs that rapidly raise blood sugar were linked to a higher risk of dementia. People who ate more low-glycemic foods like fruit, legumes, and whole grains had a noticeably lower risk of Alzheimer’s. The quality of carbs, not just the amount, appears to matter for brain health. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:41:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010156.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010144.htm A long-term study found that while a ketogenic diet prevented weight gain, it also triggered major metabolic problems. Mice developed fatty liver disease, abnormal blood fats, and an impaired ability to control blood sugar—especially after reintroducing carbohydrates. Male mice were hit hardest, showing severe liver damage. The results suggest keto’s benefits may come with hidden risks over time. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:24:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224639.htm Bariatric surgery far outperformed GLP-1 weight loss drugs in a new real-world comparison of more than 50,000 patients. Two years after treatment, surgery patients lost about 58 pounds on average, while those using semaglutide or tirzepatide lost roughly 12 pounds. Even patients who stayed on GLP-1 drugs for a full year saw much smaller results than surgical patients. High dropout rates and real-world challenges appear to blunt the drugs’ effectiveness. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:36:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224639.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020018.htm Time-restricted eating has been widely promoted as a simple way to boost metabolic health, but new research paints a more complicated picture. When calorie intake stayed the same, an eight-hour eating window did not improve insulin sensitivity or cardiovascular markers. What did change was the body’s internal clock, which shifted based on meal timing and altered sleep patterns. The results suggest calorie reduction, not the eating window itself, may be the real driver of health benefits. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 04:11:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004140.htm A major update to how obesity is defined could push U.S. obesity rates to nearly 70%, according to a large new study. The change comes from adding waist and body fat measurements to BMI, capturing people who were previously considered healthy. Many of these newly included individuals face higher risks of diabetes and heart disease. The findings suggest that where fat is stored may be just as important as overall weight. Wed, 31 Dec 2025 22:23:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004140.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093319.htm A major new meta-analysis finds that vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children when properly planned. Kids on plant-based diets often had better heart health markers, including lower “bad” cholesterol, and consumed more fiber and vitamins. But the study also flagged common nutrient gaps—especially vitamin B12 and calcium—without supplementation. Experts say plant-based eating is achievable for kids, but only with careful planning. Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:26:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093319.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217231141.htm Researchers have identified a previously overlooked protein that helps regulate appetite and energy use in the body. This “helper” protein supports a key system that decides whether the body burns energy or stores it, and when it does not function properly, appetite signals can weaken. Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:18:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217231141.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043055.htm A Virginia Tech study shows that ultra-processed foods may influence adolescents differently from slightly older young adults. Participants aged 18 to 21 ate more at a buffet and snacked even when not hungry after two weeks on an ultra-processed diet. Because eating without hunger predicts future weight gain, these findings hint at a heightened vulnerability during late adolescence. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:53:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043055.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052534.htm Deep-brain recordings showed that Mounjaro and Zepbound briefly shut down the craving circuits linked to food noise in a patient with severe obesity. Her obsessive thoughts about food disappeared as the medication quieted the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s reward hub. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:37:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052534.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251205054739.htm FGF19 triggers the brain to burn more energy and activate fat-burning cells, offering a potential new path for obesity treatments. The hormone enhances thermogenesis and reduces inflammation, but only when the sympathetic nervous system is active. Researchers uncovered how cold exposure increases receptor expression for FGF19 in the hypothalamus, hinting at an evolutionary role in temperature regulation. Ongoing work aims to discover how to boost natural production of this powerful metabolic hormone. Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:32:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251205054739.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251129044513.htm Millions face Medicare decisions each year, but many don’t take advantage of tools that can save them money and stress. Insurance marketing often overshadows unbiased options like SHIP, leaving people unaware of better choices. Comparing real costs—not just premiums—can prevent unpleasant surprises, especially when provider networks or drug rules change. New assistance programs for low-income adults offer valuable help for 2026. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:22:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251129044513.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125112506.htm Scientists discovered that more muscle and less hidden abdominal fat are linked to a younger biological brain age. Deep visceral fat appeared to accelerate brain aging, while muscle mass offered a protective effect. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:34:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125112506.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124094317.htm Participants lost more weight on a low-fat vegan diet than on the Mediterranean diet, largely due to eliminating animal foods and reducing oils and nuts. Increased intake of plant foods, even “unhealthy” ones, was strongly associated with greater weight loss. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:03:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124094317.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251123115437.htm A massive long-term study shows that Mediterranean and plant-based diets can help prevent chronic constipation in aging adults. Surprisingly, the benefits weren’t explained by fiber alone. Western and inflammatory diets raised constipation risk, while low-carb diets showed minimal impact. The research underscores how diet quality influences gut health well beyond traditional advice. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 04:26:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251123115437.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118220041.htm Scientists are uncovering how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy act on brain regions that control hunger, nausea, pleasure-based eating, and thirst. These discoveries may help create treatments that keep the benefits of weight loss while reducing unwanted side effects. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:48:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118220041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251106003913.htm Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide 25 mg achieved up to 16.6% weight loss in a landmark study, rivaling injectable Wegovy. The pill also improved cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity levels. With a safety profile consistent with existing treatments, experts see it as a breakthrough for patients preferring oral options. Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:39:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251106003913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251030075125.htm Semaglutide appears to safeguard the heart even when patients lose little weight. In a massive international trial, heart attack and stroke risk dropped by 20% regardless of BMI. The benefit seems tied not just to slimming down but to deeper biological effects on inflammation, blood pressure, and vessel health. Researchers say this could expand who qualifies for the drug. Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:09:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251030075125.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251024041819.htm ASU scientists found that people whose gut microbes make more methane extract more calories from fiber-rich foods. Methanogens help the microbiome turn fiber into energy by consuming hydrogen and producing methane. Using advanced metabolic chambers, researchers measured how diet and gut chemistry interact, showing that methane may signal efficient digestion. The work could lead to personalized diets based on individual microbiomes. Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:46:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251024041819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251023031610.htm McMaster researchers found that deep abdominal and liver fat can quietly damage arteries, even in people who appear fit. Their MRI-based study of over 33,000 adults shows these fats are closely linked to artery thickening and stroke risk, regardless of cholesterol or blood pressure. The findings challenge BMI as a reliable indicator of health and suggest new imaging-based approaches to assessing cardiovascular risk. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:16:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251023031610.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm Scientists discovered that lean pork builds muscle more effectively post-workout than high-fat pork, even with identical protein levels. Using advanced tracking techniques, they found that fat content blunted the body’s muscle-building response. The results contradict previous findings about fattier foods enhancing synthesis, suggesting that food form and processing matter. Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:02:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054621.htm Spanish researchers found that combining a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet with exercise and professional support cut type 2 diabetes risk by 31%. Participants also lost weight and reduced waist size, proving that small, consistent lifestyle shifts can yield major health gains. Experts say this realistic approach could be integrated globally to tackle diabetes and obesity epidemics. Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:47:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054621.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033247.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising new way the body can burn energy and stay warm. Deep inside fat tissue, they found a hidden system that helps the body use up calories, even without exercise. By studying mice, researchers discovered that brown fat — the type that keeps us warm — has a backup “heater” that kicks in when needed. Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:03:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051117.htm A major study from Tübingen found that prediabetic individuals who normalized their blood sugar through healthy habits — even without shedding pounds — cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by 71%. Researchers discovered that improved fat distribution, particularly less abdominal fat, was key. The findings suggest that focusing solely on weight loss may overlook the true drivers of diabetes prevention. Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:11:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051117.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085625.htm Researchers from Leeds found that overeating is driven more by what people believe about food than by its actual ingredients or level of processing. Foods perceived as fatty, sweet, or highly processed were more likely to trigger indulgence. Surprisingly, the “ultra-processed” label explained almost none of the difference in overeating behavior. The findings suggest that perception and psychology may be more important than packaging or processing. Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085625.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054915.htm Researchers found that middle-aged adults, especially women, are far more likely to be addicted to ultra-processed foods than older generations. Marketing of diet-focused processed foods in the 1980s may have played a major role. Food addiction was linked to poor health, weight issues, and social isolation, highlighting long-term risks. Experts warn that children today could face even higher addiction rates in the future. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:57:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250924012257.htm For decades, scientists believed Alzheimer’s was driven mainly by sticky protein plaques and tangles in the brain. Now Purdue researchers have revealed a hidden culprit: fat. They found that brain immune cells can become clogged with fat, leaving them too weak to fight off disease. By clearing out this fat and restoring the cells’ defenses, researchers may have uncovered an entirely new way to combat Alzheimer’s — shifting the focus from plaques alone to how the brain handles fat. Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:56:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250924012257.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250919085244.htm Scientists have uncovered how exercise suppresses appetite through a surprising molecular pathway. A compound called Lac-Phe, produced during intense workouts, directly quiets hunger neurons in the brain while boosting appetite-suppressing ones, causing mice to eat less without side effects. This discovery reveals a natural mechanism linking physical activity and reduced hunger, paving the way for new obesity treatments. Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:07:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250919085244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202848.htm Some people taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro notice that food suddenly tastes sweeter or saltier, and this subtle shift in flavor perception appears tied to reduced appetite and stronger feelings of fullness. In a study of more than 400 patients, roughly one in five experienced heightened taste sensitivity, and many reported being less hungry and more easily satisfied. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:48:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202848.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250914205759.htm New research from Denmark challenges long-held assumptions about body weight and health, revealing that being overweight—or even moderately obese—does not necessarily increase the risk of death compared to those at the upper end of the "normal" BMI range. In fact, those who are underweight or at the lower end of the so-called healthy spectrum faced higher risks. Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:42:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250914205759.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250907172611.htm Children with higher blood pressure as young as age 7 face a sharply increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by their mid-50s, according to a massive decades-long study. Researchers found that even moderately elevated readings, not just full hypertension, raised the danger, with risks climbing as much as 40–50%. Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:51:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250907172611.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250906013451.htm Hidden fat wrapped around organs, known as visceral fat, has now been linked to faster heart aging. Using AI and imaging from more than 21,000 people in the UK Biobank, scientists found that this invisible belly fat accelerates stiffening and inflammation of the heart, while fat stored around hips and thighs may actually protect women. Sat, 06 Sep 2025 01:34:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250906013451.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250904103917.htm Meal timing shifts with age, and researchers found that eating breakfast later is tied to depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and an increased risk of death. Monitoring when meals are eaten could provide an easy health marker for aging adults. Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:39:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250904103917.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104645.htm Scientists are racing to improve weight loss treatments beyond drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are effective but plagued by nausea, bone loss, and weight regain. Tufts University chemists have created a new multi-target compound that goes beyond the usual GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon approaches by adding a fourth hormone, PYY. This “quadruple-action” design aims to deliver weight loss results on par with bariatric surgery—up to 30%—without invasive procedures, and could change the future of obesity treatment. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 23:48:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104645.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809101024.htm Sunniva Kwapeng struggled with lipoedema, a painful condition causing disproportionate fat accumulation, until finally being diagnosed in her 40s. An NTNU study found that a low-carb diet helped alleviate pain and resulted in more weight loss than a low-fat diet. Though compression garments provided relief, the overall treatment options for this poorly understood condition remain scarce. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 01:57:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809101024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm Ozempic’s weight loss benefits might come at the cost of muscle strength, even if muscle size remains relatively stable. This raises significant concerns for older adults, who are already at risk for muscle loss and reduced mobility. Researchers stress the urgent need for human clinical trials to understand these effects fully. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:15:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233045.htm Cutting calories doesn’t just slim you down—it also reduces cysteine, an amino acid that flips fat cells from storage mode to fat-burning mode. Researchers found that lowering cysteine sparks the conversion of white fat into heat-producing brown fat, boosting metabolism and promoting weight loss in both humans and animal models. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:46:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233045.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250805041616.htm People eating minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those on ultra-processed diets, even though both diets were nutritionally balanced and participants could eat freely. This real-world, long-term study revealed that food processing itself—not just nutrients—plays a significant role in shaping body weight and health outcomes. Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:14:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250805041616.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030400.htm GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are transforming weight loss, but a new UVA study warns they're not improving a critical measure of health: cardiorespiratory fitness. While these medications help people shed fat, they also strip away vital muscle mass raising concerns about long-term heart health, physical function, and mortality. The researchers urge combining treatment with exercise, protein intake, and possibly future drugs to avoid hidden downsides of rapid weight loss. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:04:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030400.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm A massive global survey has revealed that people with eating disorders often turn to cannabis and psychedelics like magic mushrooms and LSD to ease their symptoms, rating them more effective than traditional medications. Surprisingly, common prescriptions like antidepressants were seen as helpful for overall mental health but fell short for eating disorder relief. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:42:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230325.htm Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery may be in for more than just cosmetic changes — a new study shows they often keep losing weight for years after the procedure. Researchers followed 188 patients and found consistent weight reduction up to five years later, especially in those with higher initial BMIs. Interestingly, lifestyle improvements, such as better diet and exercise habits, may play a key role in this surprising long-term effect. This could mean tummy tucks aren't just sculpting bodies — they may be reshaping lives. Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:05:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230325.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620030423.htm Fitness trackers often fail people with obesity by underestimating their energy burn, leading to discouraging results and misguided health data. A scientist's frustrating experience in an exercise class with his mother-in-law where her effort wasn t reflected on the fitness leaderboard sparked a breakthrough. His team at Northwestern developed a new open-source smartwatch algorithm that accurately captures energy expenditure for individuals with obesity, rivaling gold-standard lab equipment and paving the way for more inclusive, empowering health tracking. Fri, 20 Jun 2025 03:04:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620030423.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620030326.htm Self-esteem scores jumped a remarkable 131% within just one year of bariatric surgery, according to a large study presented at ASMBS 2025. Tracking nearly 5,800 patients, researchers found a direct link between weight loss and rising confidence, with the greatest psychological boosts seen in those who lost the most weight. Despite differences in gender, race, or procedure type, patients across the board reported profound improvements in self-worth. The findings shine a spotlight on how addressing weight stigma through surgery can dramatically reshape not just bodies but minds. Fri, 20 Jun 2025 03:03:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620030326.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250619090901.htm Intermittent fasting might not be a miracle solution, but it stands shoulder to shoulder with traditional calorie-cutting when it comes to shedding pounds and improving metabolic health. A major new analysis reveals that alternate day fasting may have a slight edge, yet none of the methods alone reached clinically meaningful thresholds for weight loss. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:09:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250619090901.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250614034230.htm Rutgers scientists have uncovered a tug-of-war inside the brain between hunger and satiety, revealing two newly mapped neural circuits that battle over when to eat and when to stop. These findings offer an unprecedented glimpse into how hormones and brain signals interact, with implications for fine-tuning today's weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Sat, 14 Jun 2025 03:42:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250614034230.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250612081323.htm Tufts University scientists are aiming to revolutionize the future of weight loss drugs by engineering a new compound that targets four gut hormones instead of the usual one to three. These next-gen tetra-functional peptides may overcome the limitations of current drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro especially their nausea, muscle loss, and rebound weight gain. Thu, 12 Jun 2025 08:13:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250612081323.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250612031553.htm A team of scientists has discovered a direct link between the smell of food and feelings of fullness at least in lean mice. This brain circuit, located in the medial septum and triggered by food odors, helps animals eat less by making them feel satiated even before taking a bite. But intriguingly, obese mice lacked this response, highlighting how excess weight may interfere with this satiety mechanism. The finding could have major implications for how we think about the role of smell in appetite and offer new strategies to combat overeating. Thu, 12 Jun 2025 03:15:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250612031553.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250611084115.htm A team of scientists has identified specialized neurons in the brain that store "meal memories" detailed recollections of when and what we eat. These engrams, found in the ventral hippocampus, help regulate eating behavior by communicating with hunger-related areas of the brain. When these memory traces are impaired due to distraction, brain injury, or memory disorders individuals are more likely to overeat because they can't recall recent meals. The research not only uncovers a critical neural mechanism but also suggests new strategies for treating obesity by enhancing memory around food consumption. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:41:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250611084115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607103056.htm New research reveals a surprising downside to calorie-cutting diets: a link to higher levels of depressive symptoms, especially in men and those who are overweight. Despite popular beliefs that healthy eating boosts mental wellness, real-life restrictive diets may be nutritionally unbalanced, potentially harming emotional and cognitive health. Sat, 07 Jun 2025 10:30:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607103056.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132243.htm Obesity is a global health problem that affects many people. In recent years, very promising anti-obesity drugs have been developed. Despite these successes, there are patients who do not respond to these drugs or suffer from side effects. Therefore, there is still an unmet need for therapies. Researchers have now discovered a small group of nerve cells in the hypothalamus of mouse brains that influence eating behavior and weight gain. This discovery could pave the way for the development of new targeted anti-obesity drugs. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:22:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132243.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124747.htm Throwing a little heat on your meal might be an effective strategy for cutting back on calories, according to a new study. Thu, 22 May 2025 12:47:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124747.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520012832.htm Cravings may not be your enemy after all. A study from the University of Illinois found that dieters who allowed themselves dessert in moderation not only lost more weight but also kept cravings in check long-term. By practicing an “inclusion strategy” — weaving small portions of favorite foods into balanced meals — participants shed nearly 8% of their weight in the first year and maintained most of it during the next. Tue, 20 May 2025 01:28:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520012832.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131434.htm Unique Danish longitudinal study with over 136,000 measurements reveals the connection between pubertal development and weight throughout adolescence. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:14:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131434.htm