Obesity Research Articles

Global prevalence of obesity in the older adults: A meta-analysis.

Global prevalence of obesity in the older adults: A meta-analysis.

Modulation of the fecal microbiota and metabolome from an obese adult using a dynamic in vitro human ascending colon model with Triphala extract

Modulation of the fecal microbiota and metabolome from an obese adult using a dynamic in vitro human ascending colon model with Triphala extract

Alterations in gut microbiome and metabolite profiling during in vitro fermentation of duckweed (Wolffia globosa) and its extracts by gut bacteria from obese adults

Alterations in gut microbiome and metabolite profiling during in vitro fermentation of duckweed (Wolffia globosa) and its extracts by gut bacteria from obese adults

Craniofacial, Dental, and Upper Airway Morphologic features of Severely Obese Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Craniofacial, Dental, and Upper Airway Morphologic features of Severely Obese Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of weight gain and metabolic changes in children and adolescents using second-generation antipsychotics.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of weight gain and metabolic changes in children and adolescents using second-generation antipsychotics.

The interplay between depressive symptoms, body mass index change patterns in adulthood, and all-cause mortality risk: a population-based study

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested body mass index (BMI) change patterns in adulthood may be crucial for depression. This purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of adult BMI change patterns on depression.MethodsThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007 to 2018 generated the data. The relationships between adult BMI change patterns and depression / Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) were investigated using logistic regression and generalized linear model with a Poisson distribution. The relationships between BMI change patterns, depressive symptoms, and all-cause mortality were examined by Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan-Meier curves were employed to illustrate the cumulative incidence over time. To explore whether adult BMI change patterns mediate this link between depression and all-cause mortality, mediation analysis was conducted.ResultsA total of 10,448 participants were included, with 7.8% reporting depression. Significant differences were observed in demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics across BMI change patterns. The high-increase pattern was linked to a1.61 times greater odds of depression after adjustment (odds ratio = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.16, 2.24], P = 0.006) compared to the non-overweight pattern. Gender and age differences were also observed. The higher PHQ-9 was correlated with increased all-cause mortality risk, even after adjustment (hazard ratio: 1.03; 95%CI: 1.02–1.05). Mediation analysis revealed that adult BMI change patterns mediated 26.98% of the correlation between depressive symptoms and all-cause mortality.ConclusionPersistent obesity in adulthood rises the risk of depression, and BMI change patterns playing a modest role in mediating the link between depressive symptoms and all-cause mortality. Early intervention in individuals at-risk BMI change patterns might reduce depression risk. Future research should investigate whether modifying BMI change patterns can lower depression incidence.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Accuracy of Body Fat Cutoff Points in Predicting Fall Risk Among Older Women

Introduction Physiological changes occur with aging, including a reduction in body weight and lean mass, along with an increase in body fat. Overweight and/or obese older adults have an increased risk of falls. Aim To identify the cutoff points for fall risk in older women based on body fat mass and fat percentage. Method This cross-sectional study included 182 older women (age: 70 ± 6 for the non-fallers group and 68 ± 6 for the fallers group). Body weight and height were measured, and body composition analysis was performed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine cutoff values. Results The cutoff point for fat mass was 25 kg, and for fat percentage, it was 35%, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 and 0.72, respectively. Conclusion The cutoff points of 25 kg for body fat mass and 35% for fat percentage may serve as references for identifying older women at an increased risk of falls.

Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Glycemic Control in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Meta-analysis of RCTs

Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a non-pharmacological intervention with potential metabolic benefits, particularly in overweight and obese individuals. However, the effect of IF on glycemic control among non-diabetic adults remains inconsistent across studies. Objective: To evaluate the impact of intermittent fasting on glycemic control, specifically fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, in overweight and obese adults through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify RCTs published up to April 2024. Studies were included if they involved overweight or obese adults without diabetes, assessed any form of intermittent fasting, and reported glycemic outcomes. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were pooled using a random-effects model. Results:Three RCTs involving various IF regimens, including time-restricted eating and alternate-day fasting, were included. IF significantly improved glycemic control, with a pooled SMD of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.24 to 2.24) in favor of IF over control groups. Subgroup analysis revealed variation based on fasting protocol type. Heterogeneity was high (I² = 82%), and one study exhibited a high risk of attrition bias. Funnel plot analysis showed no significant evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the use of intermittent fasting as an effective dietary strategy to improve short-term glycemic outcomes in overweight and obese adults. Further high-quality, long-term RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and optimize IF protocols for clinical use.

Indirect costs constitute a major part of the total economic burden of obesity: a Finnish population-based cohort study

BackgroundThe growing prevalence of overweight and obesity (OB) poses a considerable economic burden worldwide. However, nationally representative, detailed analyses estimating the total burden of OB are few. We characterized direct, indirect, and total costs of overweight and obesity in a population-based cohort of Finnish adult individuals and evaluated the additional total costs attributed to overweight and obesity.MethodsThe study cohort included 5,587 randomly-selected individuals (≥18 years of age) who participated in the national FinHealth 2017 health examination survey. The main study group consisted of working-age individuals (18–64 years of age; n = 3,914). Individual-level data were collected from the nationwide registers by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (healthcare resource utilization), Social Insurance Institution of Finland (prescription medications, sick leaves, disability pensions, rehabilitation periods), and Statistics Finland (deaths). Indirect costs were calculated using the Human Capital Approach, and direct costs were based on the medication purchases and healthcare resource use.ResultsThe mean annual indirect costs were €1,683 (SD, €6,395) per person for the working-age individuals with normal-weight (NW), €2,957 (€8,797) for individuals with overweight (OW), €4,488 (€11,607) for individuals with class I obesity (OBI), and €4,654 (€11,383) for individuals with class II–III obesity (OBII–III). The mean annual total (direct + indirect) costs were €3,314 (SD, €8,358) per person in the NW, €4,902 (€10,747) in the OW, €7,129 (€14,313) in the OBI, and €7,372 (€14,423) in the OBII–III groups. Compared with individuals with NW, OW was associated with 31% (rate ratio, RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.09–1.58; p = 0.005), OBI with 83% (RR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.46–2.28; p < 0.001), and OBII–III with 95% (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.48–2.55; p < 0.001) higher total costs in working-age individuals. When adjusted for age and sex, the predicted total annual cost difference per person was €1,124 for OW, €3,002 for OBI, and €3,443 for OBII–III compared with a person with NW.ConclusionsIndirect costs constitute a major part of the total costs of obesity in the working-age population. Compared with NW, the total costs are significantly higher not only for severe obesity, but also for OW and OBI.

Status and Opportunities of Machine Learning Applications in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Narrative Review.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and potentially severe sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Machine learning models have been increasingly applied in various aspects of OSA research, including diagnosis, treatment optimization, and developing biomarkers for endotypes and disease mechanisms. This narrative review evaluates the application of machine learning in OSA research, focusing on model performance, dataset characteristics, demographic representation, and validation strategies. We aim to identify trends and gaps to guide future research and improve clinical decision-making that leverages machine learning. This narrative review examines data extracted from 254 scientific publications published in the PubMed database between January 2018 and March 2023. Studies were categorized by machine learning applications, models, tasks, validation metrics, data sources, and demographics. Our analysis revealed that most machine learning applications focused on OSA classification and diagnosis, utilizing various data sources such as polysomnography, electrocardiogram data, and wearable devices. We also found that study cohorts were predominantly overweight males, with an underrepresentation of women, younger obese adults, individuals over 60 years old, and diverse racial groups. Many studies had small sample sizes and limited use of robust model validation. Our findings highlight the need for more inclusive research approaches, starting with adequate data collection in terms of sample size and bias mitigation for better generalizability of machine learning models in OSA research. Addressing these demographic gaps and methodological opportunities is critical for ensuring more robust and equitable applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Regional prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in adults from 1999 to 2023 at their first endocrinological examination: a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in liguria, italy

Regional prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in adults from 1999 to 2023 at their first endocrinological examination: a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in liguria, italy

Pharmacological treatment of obesity in adults and its impact on comorbidities

Pharmacological treatment of obesity in adults and its impact on comorbidities

Assessment of nutritional status in obese adults undergoing weight loss interventions

Assessment of nutritional status in obese adults undergoing weight loss interventions

Separating the effects of childhood and adult obesity on depression, subjective well-being, and suicide attempt: a Mendelian randomization study.

Observational studies have linked obesity, both in childhood and adulthood, with higher risks of depression, reduced subjective well-being (SWB), and suicide attempts (SA). However, the causality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal effects of childhood and adult obesity on depression, SWB, and SA. A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to examine the causal effects of body mass index (BMI) on depression, SWB, and SA. The inverse variance weighted method was used for primary analysis. Univariable and multivariable MR were employed to assess the total and independent effects of early life and adult body size. Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept were applied to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Genetically predicted BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD: OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.06-1.22, p = 6.1 × 10⁻⁴), SA-ISGC (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.08-1.27, p = 1.9 × 10⁻⁴), and SA-iPSYCH (OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.12-1.54, p = 6.2 × 10⁻⁴). No significant causal effects of MDD, SWB, or SA on BMI were found. Early-life body size showed no direct effect on MDD or SA. However, adult body size was directly linked to increased risks of MDD (OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.13-1.55, p = 4.7 × 10⁻⁴), SA-ISGC (OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.03-1.47, p = 0.022), and SA-iPSYCH (OR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.29-2.50, p = 5.6 × 10⁻⁴). This study provides robust evidence supporting a causal link between obesity and an increased risk of both depression and SA, with adult body size exerting a more direct impact on these outcomes than early-life body size.

Association of childhood-to-adulthood body size change with cancer risk: UK Biobank prospective cohort

BackgroundWhile excess weight in adulthood and childhood has been associated with increased cancer risk, the link between body size change from childhood to adulthood and cancer risk requires further investigation. We aimed to examine the associations of childhood-to-adulthood body size change with the risk of obesity-related cancers.MethodsWe used data from the UK Biobank, a prospective population-based cohort study. The main exposure was childhood-to-adulthood body size change, constructed from self-reported body size at age 10 (categories: thinner, average, and plumper than average) and measured body mass index (BMI) at recruitment (normal weight, overweight, and obesity). Primary outcome was obesity-related cancer (13 different cancer types).ResultsAmong 448,936 participants (mean [SD] age, 56.2 [8.1] years; 240,023 were female [53.5%]) and during a median follow-up of 11.7 years (interquartile range [10.9–12.4]), 21,289 incident obesity-related cancer cases were recorded. Most participants were either overweight (42.6%) or had obesity (24.4%) at recruitment, while only a minority (16.0%) reported to have been plumper than average at age 10. Having a larger body size in childhood was strongly associated with having overweight or obesity in adulthood. Compared to participants with average childhood and normal adulthood body size, participants with overweight or obesity in adulthood had a significantly increased risk of obesity-related cancers, regardless of the childhood body size (adjusted hazard ratios ranged from 1.15 [95% CI, 1.06–1.24] to 1.61 [95% CI, 1.50–1.73]). The strength of the association was mostly determined by adulthood BMI, and similar patterns were observed for colorectal, endometrial, kidney, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer. However, a larger body size in childhood was associated with a lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.79–0.93]).ConclusionsWhile larger body size in childhood predisposes individuals to overweight and obesity in adulthood, maintaining a healthy weight in adulthood may help mitigate the risk of obesity-related cancers. Our findings highlight the importance of preventing and reducing overweight and obesity in adulthood for primary cancer prevention.

Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide in the Treatment of Obesity in Adults: A Comprehensive Review

Obesity is one of the most serious health challenges of the modern world, associated with an increasing incidence and serious health consequences, including cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. Pharmacotherapy of obesity is developing rapidly, and tirzepatide, an agonist of GIP and GLP-1 receptors, is emerging as a promising solution. In the SURMOUNT and SURPASS clinical trials, tirzepatide was shown to effectively reduce body weight and improve metabolic parameters in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, surpassing other available therapies, such as semaglutide in terms of efficacy. Tirzepatide not only promotes weight loss but also helps maintain the effects achieved and reduces cardiovascular risk, making it an important tool in the treatment of obesity. Its clinical benefits are further enhanced by the introduction of intensive lifestyle interventions before starting therapy. In summary, tirzepatide is an innovative approach to the treatment of obesity, offering promising long-term effects while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Effects of weight status, sex, age, sedentary behavior, pubertal status and socioeconomic status on the physical activity of children and adolescents

BackgroundPhysical inactivity, especially in the context of the worldwide childhood obesity epidemic, is still a growing public health concern. Moreover, both physical inactivity and overweight often become ingrained and subsequently persist into adulthood. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate how weight status, sex, age, sedentary behavior, pubertal status and socioeconomic status influence physical activity levels in children and adolescents.MethodsThis study utilized accelerometer data (SenseWear Pro 2, Bodymedia) to explore correlations between the outcome variable physical activity levels and the predictor variables weight status, sex, age, sedentary behavior, pubertal status and socioeconomic status. We analyzed 847 observations from 397 children and adolescents between the ages of 5.9 and 17.9 years, employing linear mixed-effect regression models. Roughly 55% of participants were categorized as overweight, 45% normal- or underweight.ResultsA mere 18% of the cohort met the World Health Organization`s activity recommendations for 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day on weekdays. Specifically, children classified as overweight/obese participated less frequently in MVPA compared with their normal or lower weight peers. Children 14 years of age or younger with overweight or obesity were 30 min less active per day on weekends (p < 0.001). Furthermore, girls were less active than boys. This effect was most pronounced on weekends for those between the ages of 14 and 17.9, when girls engaged in 21 fewer min of MVPA (p = 0.013). Across all participants, every year older corresponded to a weekly decrease in MVPA of approximately 47 min (p < 0.001). Additionally, MVPA levels declined significantly with advancing pubertal stage, with postpubertal adolescents accumulating 4.1 h less MVPA than their prepubertal peers (p < 0.001). Low socioeconomic status was associated with an 18-minute reduction in MVPA (p = 0.016) on weekends, but only in boys.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate a significant association between physical activity levels and the examined predictors, highlighting the importance of addressing multiple factors to enhance physical activity engagement. The results underscore the need for a multifaceted, targeted approach at enhancing physical activity levels and improving child health, curbing the ongoing prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood and subsequent adulthood.

High-fat diet and fructose drink stimulate apoptotic signaling via cleaved caspase-3 protein in hepatic cells of rats

Introduction: The intake of a high-fat, high-fructose diet during childhood may lead to obesity, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation in adulthood. Objective: To investigate the effects on hepatic metabolism of intake of diets with various levels of fat associated with fructose drinks during childhood. Methods: Male 21-days-old rats were divided into groups: Control (C, 16.3% kcal from lipids diet and water); High-fat (HF, 45% kcal from lipids diet and fructose drink); and very high-fat (VHF, 60% kcal from lipids diet and fructose drink). After 10 weeks, blood and liver were collected for biochemical, histological, lipid profile, and Western blotting analyses. Results: The HF and VHF animals presented higher adiposity index, hepatic accumulation of lipids, and inflammatory cells, suggesting the treatments were effective at inducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in its inflammatory form. The hepatic content of cleaved caspase-3 and deposition of collagen fibers were increased in the HF group. Conclusion: In summary, lipid-rich diets combined with fructose drinks seem to promote the increase in body lipids content and accumulation of lipids, inflammation, activation of apoptotic signaling pathways, and the initiation of a fibrotic process in the liver in adulthood.

Weight-neutral interventions for people with obesity and the perspective of patients, carers and healthcare professionals: a mixed methods review.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (prototype). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effects of weight-neutral interventions for managing obesity in children and adults (quantitative data). To explore the views, perspectives and experiences of children and adults receiving the intervention, their close family members or, if appropriate, carers, and healthcare personnel who recommend or deliver weight-neutral interventions to determine their feasibility and acceptability and any factors that create barriers and facilitators to optimal implementation (qualitative data). To determine whether the programme theories, components and delivery of interventions take account of the views, perspectives and experiences of intervention recipients and whether patient-centred interventions have greater effects.

The Obesity-Epigenetics-Microbiome Axis: Strategies for Therapeutic Intervention.

Obesity (OB) has become a serious health issue owing to its ever-increasing prevalence over the past few decades due to its contribution to severe metabolic and inflammatory disorders such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The unbalanced energy metabolism in OB is associated with substantial epigenetic changes mediated by the gut microbiome (GM) structure and composition alterations. Remarkably, experimental evidence also indicates that OB-induced epigenetic modifications in adipocytes can lead to cellular "memory" alterations, predisposing individuals to weight regain after caloric restriction and subsequently inducing inflammatory pathways in the liver. Various environmental factors, especially diet, play key roles in the progression or prevention of OB and OB-related disorders by modulating the GM structure and composition and affecting epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we will first focus on the key role of epigenetic aberrations in the development of OB. Then, we discuss the association between abnormal alterations in the composition of the microbiome and OB and the interplays between the microbiome and the epigenome in the development of OB. Finally, we review promising strategies, including prebiotics, probiotics, a methyl-rich diet, polyphenols, and herbal foods for the prevention and/or treatment of OB via modulating the GM and their metabolites influencing the epigenome.