BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization estimates that more than 500 million people will be affected by diseases related to physical inactivity in the next decade. Individuals with overweight or obesity are particularl...BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization estimates that more than 500 million people will be affected by diseases related to physical inactivity in the next decade. Individuals with overweight or obesity are particularly vulnerable, making exercise adherence a critical public health concern. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of interventions designed to improve adherence to exercise in this population. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Virtual Health Library, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus. Two independent researchers performed screening, data extraction, and synthesis of studies including adults aged 18-59 years with overweight or obesity. Eligible interventions lasted at least 12 weeks, included a control group, and reported adherence-related outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. When possible, meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Group-based programs and interventions supervised by trained professionals were consistently associated with higher adherence. Factors, such as body weight, exercise frequency, session duration, intensity, and type of intervention, showed no consistent influence. However, most studies presented a moderate to high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Group and supervised interventions appear effective in improving exercise adherence among adults with overweight or obesity, but further high-quality studies are needed.
BACKGROUND: Butterfly pea flowers ( L.) and lemon fruits () are rich in phytochemicals and have shown potential anti-obesity effects. However, the combination of these two medicinal plants as an herbal beverage has not b...BACKGROUND: Butterfly pea flowers ( L.) and lemon fruits () are rich in phytochemicals and have shown potential anti-obesity effects. However, the combination of these two medicinal plants as an herbal beverage has not been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an herbal beverage composed of butterfly pea flowers and lemon fruits (BPL) on body weight (BW), Lee index (LI), body fat content (BFC), lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], and triglycerides [TGs]), leptin levels, and DPP4 activity in obese male Wistar rats. METHODS: A pre- and post-test experimental design was conducted using 40 obese male Wistar rats, divided into five groups: NC (negative control, given 3 mL/day mineral water), positive control (PC, given 3 mL/day plant stanol ester), BPL1 received 3 mL/day BPL 75:25%, BPL2 received 3 mL/day BPL 80:20%, and BPL3 received 3 mL/day BPL 85:15%. All treatments were administered orally via gastric probe for 21 days. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to assess significant differences. RESULTS: The BPL3 group showed the greatest reduction in BW and LI. The BPL1 group had the greatest reduction in TG levels, followed by the BPL3 group. The greatest reduction in leptin levels was found in the BPL2 group, followed by the BPL3 group. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of BPL herbal beverage with 85:15% formulation reduces BW and LI through the modulation of lipid metabolism and hormonal regulation.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is among the most common global public health issues in the 21 century and contributes significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality burden. The success of well-targeted policies...BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is among the most common global public health issues in the 21 century and contributes significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality burden. The success of well-targeted policies and intervention strategies aimed at addressing obesity depends heavily on understanding the effect of geographical location on obesity and other predictors. The study aim was to quantify county-level geographical differences in obesity across Florida counties while simultaneously identifying predictors of obesity prevalence. METHODS: This study used the 2019 data from the Florida state-based telephone surveillance systems, known as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) which provides county-level data on measures of the prevalence of personal health behaviors that are risk factors for morbidity and mortality. The survey collected data on a total sample of 54,260 adults residing in 67 counties of Florida. This study applied Bayesian geospatial models and interactive web-based mapping approaches to analyze and map county-level geographical differences in the risk of obesity. The estimated coefficients were presented as log mean with their associated 95% credible intervals (Cr.Is). RESULTS: The study identified sedentary lifestyle (log mean = 0.023, 95% Cr.I: 0.006, 0.039) as the only risk factor independently associated with increased burden of obesity. The results showed substantial county-level geographical differences in the predicted obesity prevalence with an overall obesity prevalence of 68.6% with a range of 59.0%-75.7%. Residing in Holmes was associated with the highest burden of obesity. Furthermore, the prevalence was relatively high in Levy, Columbia, Lafayette, Hendry, Bradford, Calhoun, Dixie, Okeechobee, and Gadsden counties. CONCLUSION: The substantial county-level geographical difference in obesity prevalence found is of great importance for sound public health policy and intervention strategies at the local level. The geospatial modeling supported by the web-based spatial mapping tool employed in this study can help guide the design of geographical prioritization of targeted public health policies and intervention strategies to combat adult obesity and its associated mortality.
BACKGROUND: Parents' support for the National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP, England) is typically mixed, with qualitative data from small samples of self-selecting parents highlighting different responses depend...BACKGROUND: Parents' support for the National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP, England) is typically mixed, with qualitative data from small samples of self-selecting parents highlighting different responses depending on whether their child is classified as a 'healthy' or alternative weight. OBJECTIVE: Using data from the Gemini cohort study, we explored parents' emotional and behavioural responses to feedback on their children's weight status. METHODS: We performed secondary data analysis on data collected when children were 12-13 years old (2019-2021). Their parents completed a questionnaire online, which included (optional) questions about the NCMP. Parents indicated the weight status assigned to their child by the NCMP and answered questions about the weight feedback, including an open-ended question about their emotional responses. RESULTS: There were 567 complete responses to the NCMP questions (55.8% of parents who completed the questionnaire). The majority of children were categorised as 'healthy weight' ( = 440, 77.6%). Among parents whose children were categorised as an alternative weight status ( = 101), 29.7%, 54.5% and 45.0% of those with children categorised as underweight, overweight or very overweight, respectively, reported that they took action following the NCMP feedback. Qualitative results highlighted emotional responses and inferences made about children's well-being based on the feedback received; parents usually reacted positively (happy, inferred their child was healthy) if their child was categorised as a healthy weight, and negatively (worried, inferred their child was not healthy) if their child was categorised as an alternative weight status. There was also some distrust of the feedback and the NCMP itself. CONCLUSION: The negative reactions of many parents to NCMP feedback, and the programme itself, highlight the need to involve parents and caregivers in the delivery of the NCMP and framing of feedback. Parent and caregiver input is vital to understand how best to communicate information about children's weight to parents, signpost them to support and what support pathway should be implemented to increase parent uptake.
BACKGROUND: Globally, many patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are now characterized by excess adipose tissue and features of insulin resistance. In Kuwait, rapid urbanization, shifts in dietary patterns, and decreased p...BACKGROUND: Globally, many patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are now characterized by excess adipose tissue and features of insulin resistance. In Kuwait, rapid urbanization, shifts in dietary patterns, and decreased physical activity have contributed to rising obesity prevalence in the general population. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the interplay between the diseases of obesity and T1D, examining patients' perspectives on why they gained body weight, psychological aspects, and management challenges. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was employed, encompassing quantitative analysis of body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle factors among 51 participants with T1D and obesity or obesity-related complications and a thematic analysis of perceptions and experiences related to obesity and T1D using an online survey. RESULTS: Participants identified lifestyle factors as the primary contributors to obesity, emphasizing the need for holistic interventions. About 56.8% of the participants perceived T1D as a barrier to obesity treatment. The qualitative analysis revealed four themes: 1) negative perceptions about obesity, 2) poor interface with healthcare professionals (HCPs), 3) lack of suggestions for improving obesity management, and 4) poor self-image and awareness. This provided in-depth insights into participants' perceptions, worries, experiences, and suggestions for managing obesity in the context of T1D. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes a nuanced understanding of obesity in patients with T1D, shedding light on the complexities beyond glycemic control. The findings emphasize the need for patient-centered, multidisciplinary approaches that consider both medical and psychological aspects in the management of obesity within patients with T1D.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the molecular mechanisms and metabolic outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) using a preclinical model. ME...OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the molecular mechanisms and metabolic outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) using a preclinical model. METHODS: Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats with diet-induced obesity underwent RYGB, SADI-S, or sham surgery. Metabolic parameters, including glucose tolerance, body weight, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose biodistribution, were assessed at 1- and 2-month postsurgery. The expression of Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucose metabolism-related genes in intestinal segments was analyzed. RESULTS: Although RYGB and SADI-S yielded comparable improvements in glucose tolerance and body weight at 1 month postsurgery, they exerted their effects through distinct mechanisms. RYGB enhanced GLUT1-mediated glucose excretion in the common limb, whereas SADI-S upregulated the expression of the glycolytic genes and in the colon. Two months postsurgery, the observed metabolic improvements diminished despite sustained weight loss, which coincided with decreased expression of GLUT1 and glycolytic genes. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB and SADI-S achieve similar benefits through distinct glucose handling pathways; however, these effects decline over time. Our data do not support the superiority of SADI-S over RYGB, particularly given its higher complication rate, and instead highlight the need for strategies aimed at prolonging the therapeutic benefits of metabolic surgeries.
BACKGROUND: Obesity has emerged as a pressing global health challenge, and therapies based on glucagon-like Peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed its management. Currently, liraglutide, semaglutide, and...BACKGROUND: Obesity has emerged as a pressing global health challenge, and therapies based on glucagon-like Peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed its management. Currently, liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide are FDA-approved for obesity treatment, while other agents are used off-label. These drugs not only provide unprecedented efficacy and acceptable safety in weight reduction and glycemic control for patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes but also hold promise in broader indications, including neurodegenerative disorders, fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular conditions. METHODS: This narrative review examined the therapeutic applications of GLP-1RAs for obesity, emphasizing their efficacy, safety profile, challenges with patient adherence, and limitations. The review also explored emerging innovations such as ultralong-acting formulations, combination therapies, and the integration of digital health and artificial intelligence in advancing antiobesity drug development. RESULTS: GLP-1RAs represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases, with rapidly expanding indications and global uptake. Recent evidence highlights improvements in tolerability, global accessibility, and the potential of novel technologies to optimize patient outcomes. By 2025, GLP-1RAs are anticipated to receive FDA approval for new indications, such as chronic kidney disease, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Novel agents including CagriSema and higher dose oral semaglutide are advancing through clinical trials, while pivotal trial results for orforglipron, mazdutide, retatrutide, and survodutide are anticipated to further expand the therapeutic landscape. At the same time, the arrival of generic liraglutide and evolving insurance coverage are reshaping access and affordability. CONCLUSION: The convergence of pharmacological innovation, digital health strategies, and equitable care initiatives is expected to revolutionize obesity therapeutics in the coming decade. Priorities for future research include sustaining long-term weight loss, establishing disease-modifying potential in nonmetabolic disorders, and addressing health equity concerns to ensure broader global benefit.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs in adults with obesity or overweight, by comparing different GLP-1 RAs, identifying the most effective agents, and evaluating adverse...OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs in adults with obesity or overweight, by comparing different GLP-1 RAs, identifying the most effective agents, and evaluating adverse effects. METHODS: We systematically searched Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane for phase 3 and 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a minimum duration of 40 weeks. Included studies compared GLP-1 RAs to placebo or to each other in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m), with or without type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We excluded crossover trials, open-label studies, early-phase trials, and studies focusing on specific subpopulations. RESULTS: A total of 22 RCTs involving 41,757 participants were included. Among adults with T2DM, the greatest weight reductions were observed with tirzepatide 15 mg (-9.5 kg at 40 weeks; 72% lost ≥ 5% of baseline weight) and semaglutide 2.4 mg (-9.6% body weight at 68 weeks; 69% lost ≥ 5%). In participants without T2DM, semaglutide 2.4 mg (-14.9% body weight at 68 weeks) and tirzepatide 15 mg (-20.9% at 72 weeks) produced the most substantial effects, while semaglutide 50 mg was also effective in nondiabetic patients. Liraglutide 3 mg showed modest efficacy. Across trials, GLP-1 RAs were consistently associated with a higher frequency of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to placebo, including nausea (14%-28% vs. 5%-10%), vomiting (6%-12% vs. 2%-4%), and diarrhea (8%-20% vs. 4%-7%). The risk of pancreatitis and serious adverse events remained comparable to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 RAs, especially semaglutide and tirzepatide, are effective for weight management. Liraglutide may remain a viable, cost-effective alternative.
Some studies suggest that body fat distribution differs between sexes; there remains a gap regarding the exact mechanisms that regulate these differences and their cardiometabolic consequences. This study investigated se...Some studies suggest that body fat distribution differs between sexes; there remains a gap regarding the exact mechanisms that regulate these differences and their cardiometabolic consequences. This study investigated sex-specific differences influencing the concentration and metabolic risk associated with visceral abdominal adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). This cross-sectional study includes outpatients from a university-affiliated public hospital. Consecutive patients aged ≥ 20 years were included in our sample. VAT and SAT were measured using ultrasound (the mean of three attempts). Intra- and interevaluator reproducibility was tested, demonstrating high reliability (> 0.90) for both VAT and SAT. Demographic (age, sex, and self-reported race), anthropometric, behavioral, and biochemical variables were assessed. A total of 253 patients were included. They had a mean age of 46.3 ± 11.6 years (64.4% females and 68.7% non-white). Although the mean total abdominal adipose tissue was similar between sexes (=0.125), males exhibited a higher mean VAT (7.3 ± 3.0 vs. 6.0 ± 2.1 cm; < 0.001), while women presented with a higher mean SAT (3.4 ± 1.2 vs. 2.7 ± 1.4 cm; < 0.001). Among females, VAT was directly associated with serum triglycerides (TG), TG/HDL ratio, blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and inversely associated with HDL. VAT/SAT ratio predicted higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL, TG, TG/HDL ratio, glucose, and HbA1c ( < 0.05). Among males, VAT did not significantly affect metabolic alterations. In conclusion, within the same mean BMI, males had higher VAT concentrations, whereas in females, despite lower VAT, a worse adverse metabolic profile was observed.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Macrosomia is associated with overweight and obesity across the life course. Most research to date has been based on cross-sectional analyses, and longitudinal investigations between macrosomia and...BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Macrosomia is associated with overweight and obesity across the life course. Most research to date has been based on cross-sectional analyses, and longitudinal investigations between macrosomia and developmental trajectories of growth throughout the first decade of life are lacking. This research aimed to examine associations between macrosomia and postnatal growth trajectories from birth to 10 years of age. SUBJECTS: Children ( = 337) from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort, who were born to mothers with previous macrosomic delivery. METHODS: Birthweight was recorded at delivery and dichotomised using the cut-off criteria for macrosomia (birthweight ≥ 4 kg and < 4 kg). Child weight, length/height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured at birth, 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years of age. Postnatal growth trajectories were developed using these longitudinal measurements from birth up to 10 years of age. Linear spline multilevel models were used to examine associations between macrosomia and postnatal trajectories with adjustment for confounders (maternal ethnicity, socioeconomic status, maternal age at delivery, maternal smoking in pregnancy, paternal BMI, adherence to gestational weight gain guidelines in pregnancy, sex of the child, original study group allocation, adherence to a special diet in pregnancy, maternal physical activity levels, metabolic complications in pregnancy and breastfeeding). RESULTS: In this cohort, 53.7% ( = 181) had a birthweight ≥ 4 kg. The median (IQR) early pregnancy BMI was 25.4 (23.1, 28.6) kg/m, and mothers were 33.1 (30.6, 35.3) years old at delivery. We found no strong evidence of associations between macrosomia and trajectories of childhood growth from birth to 10 years of age. Significant findings in crude and adjusted models were close to the null and provide limited evidence for a meaningful association. CONCLUSION: Macrosomia was associated with early, but not later, childhood growth trajectories. Associations were weak and varied according to definition and growth measurement. The lack of strong results indicates uncertain clinical relevance and warrant additional future research in a larger cohort.
The increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity is a significant public health issue, with conventional diagnostic methods often overlooking its psychological, social, and lifestyle consequences. This study aimed to creat...The increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity is a significant public health issue, with conventional diagnostic methods often overlooking its psychological, social, and lifestyle consequences. This study aimed to create and confirm the validity of the obesity-related well-being (ORWB) scale, a new tool designed to evaluate the diverse impacts of obesity on children and adolescent's physical, psychological, social, and lifestyle well-being. The scale was developed through extensive literature analysis and consultations with experts in the field. The study included 672 students aged 12-18 years, predominantly overweight, from a pool of 19,876 students across four Tunisian governorates. The scale's internal consistency was evaluated using robust measures such as McDonald's omega, Cronbach's alpha, and Guttman's lambda 6. Construct validity was supported by factor analyses, with RMSEA approaching zero and CFI/TLI exceeding the 0.95 benchmark. The scale's multidimensional structure was validated, corresponding to its theoretical notion. The ORWB scale is a significant advancement in pediatric obesity, offering healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers a comprehensive tool to evaluate and enhance the well-being of children affected by obesity.
OBJECTIVE: The combination of genetic and environmental contributors to obesity can be studied through intergenerational associations as previously shown in studies of parents and their children and adolescents. Few stud...OBJECTIVE: The combination of genetic and environmental contributors to obesity can be studied through intergenerational associations as previously shown in studies of parents and their children and adolescents. Few studies have investigated this in adulthood. This study aims to explore sex-specific associations in body mass index (BMI) and obesity status between parents and their adult offspring. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from two surveys in the population-based Tromsø Study. Individuals participating in the seventh (Tromsø7 2015-2016) survey were linked to their parents in the fourth (Tromsø4 1994-1995) survey. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations adjusting for sibling clusters, parents' age and education level, and offspring's sex, age, education, and physical activity level. The analytical sample included 2068 parent-offspring trios, both parents and offspring aged 40-59 years. RESULTS: Results showed strong associations between parents' and adult offspring's BMI and obesity status, which remained strong after adjustments. Having two parents with obesity (compared to normal weight) showed a 3 times higher risk of obesity in the offspring. Mother-daughter relationships tended to be stronger than mother-son relationships. CONCLUSION: Our study adds to previous studies of familial transmission of obesity from parents to their young children and adolescents, confirming these associations persist into middle age.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether metabolic syndrome is associated with an elevated risk of cervical cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data on 1,410,650 women without a history of cancer, using the JMDC Claims D...OBJECTIVE: To determine whether metabolic syndrome is associated with an elevated risk of cervical cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data on 1,410,650 women without a history of cancer, using the JMDC Claims Database, a nationwide epidemiological database in Japan, between 2005 and 2022. The look-back period was set at 2 years. Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess cervical cancer risk associated with metabolic syndrome and its components (waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose). Further, we conducted age-stratified analyses. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 43,029 participants (median age: 53 years), and 1579 cervical cancer cases were recorded over a median follow-up of 942 days. Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that metabolic syndrome was associated with a higher cervical cancer incidence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.82). Among the metabolic factors, cancer risk was associated with higher plasma glucose (per 10 mg/dL increase) (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (per 10 mg/dL decrease) (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10), whereas waist circumference, blood pressure, or triglyceride levels showed no significant relationship. Metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer, with a stronger association observed in younger women in age-stratified analyses ( for interaction = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer, with a stronger association observed among younger women. Elevated plasma glucose and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were identified as significant contributing factors.
Children of families with low socioeconomic status (SES) are at higher risk for obesity and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors, i.e., unhealthy eating and low physical activity. This review aims to identify changeable d...Children of families with low socioeconomic status (SES) are at higher risk for obesity and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors, i.e., unhealthy eating and low physical activity. This review aims to identify changeable determinants of obesity and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors in children aged 0-12, with a focus on those specific to low SES. A literature search was conducted in PsycINFO/Ovid and PubMed, using terms related to SES, obesity, and individual or environmental determinants. We included 42 systematic review/meta-analysis articles, written in English, that focused on children (0-12 years) and assessed obesity or obesity-related lifestyle behavior outcomes. We extracted modifiable individual and environmental determinants, and the role of SES in their association with obesity and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors in children. Nine reviews examined the relationship between determinants and obesity and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors in children, and the role of SES. These reviews focused mainly on environmental determinants ( = 8), particularly family and peer factors ( = 6). The findings suggest that SES may influence obesity and lifestyle behaviors indirectly through parental factors, such as parental BMI, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and parental TV viewing behaviors. SES may also moderate the impact of parental factors, such as parental BMI, maternal depression, or permissive/indulgent parenting. Our review showed that research on determinants of obesity and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors of children with low SES is limited, with scarce and inconsistent evidence and lacking theoretical explanations. The (parent-related) mechanisms which influence child obesity in families with low SES are still unclear. To develop effective (family) interventions to prevent or decrease obesity in children of families with low SES, future research needs to examine individual and environmental determinants and underlying mechanisms through which SES has its influence on childhood obesity.
To investigate the genetic determinants of fat distribution across anatomical sites and their implications for health outcomes. We analyzed neck-to-knee MRI data from the UK Biobank ( = 37,589) to measure fat at various...To investigate the genetic determinants of fat distribution across anatomical sites and their implications for health outcomes. We analyzed neck-to-knee MRI data from the UK Biobank ( = 37,589) to measure fat at various locations and used Mendelian randomization to assess effects on 26 obesity-related diseases and 94 biomarkers from FinnGen and other consortia. We identified genetic loci associated with 10 fat depots: abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue ( = 2 loci), thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue (25), thigh intermuscular adipose tissue (15), visceral adipose tissue (7), liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) (8), pancreas PDFF (11), paraspinal adipose tissue (9), pelvic bone marrow fat (28), thigh bone marrow fat (27), and vertebrae bone marrow fat (5). Genetically higher abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was associated with an adverse metabolic profile and higher risks of Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular outcomes. Conversely, higher thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue was associated with a favorable profile and lower risks of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes. Higher visceral adipose tissue was associated with gallstones; higher liver PDFF was associated with elevated tyrosine levels, higher Type 2 diabetes risk, and fatty liver disease; pancreas PDFF was associated with thrombotic events; and thigh bone marrow fat was associated with osteoporosis. These results further suggest a unique contribution of fat deposition in different anatomical locations to disease risk, emphasizing the potential, beyond weight loss per se, for future research into depot-specific therapeutic strategies.
Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue, is a novel medication with comparable pharmacological characteristics and has demonstrated promising weight...Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue, is a novel medication with comparable pharmacological characteristics and has demonstrated promising weight reduction outcomes in its antidiabetic trials following the approval of liraglutide and semaglutide for long-term weight control. Nonetheless, this efficacy has not been fully explored, so this meta-analysis was aimed to measure the weight loss efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in adults with overweight or obesity. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for RCTs of once-weekly tirzepatide vs. placebo or GLP-1 receptor agonists. We included studies involving adult participants who were overweight or obese despite T2DM or OHA use, with a trial duration of at least 20 weeks. The primary outcomes accounted for the mean difference in weight from baseline in the three doses of tirzepatide compared to placebo and GLP-1 receptor agonists, separately. The secondary outcomes included safety profiles and achievement of categorical weight loss of 5%, 10% and 15%. We performed the statistical analysis on RevMan 5.4, GRADE assessment using GRADEpro GDT and the quality of the included studies assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias (Version 2) tool. We identified six RCTs in which the data of 6266 subjects were analysed. Once-weekly doses (5, 10 and 15 mg) of tirzepatide were more effective than placebo and GLP-1 RAs. Also, the proportion of patients achieving categorical weight loss goals was higher in the tirzepatide groups than in others. GRADE assessment also indicated high-certainty evidence for ≥ 15% weight loss with tirzepatide and moderate-to-low certainty for lower thresholds. Gastrointestinal side effects appeared similar between the three doses of tirzepatide and GLP-1 RAs, but they were significantly higher than placebo might impact tolerability for certain patients. A dose-dependent tirzepatide was superior to placebo and GLP-1 RAs in weight reduction. However, the lean mass reduction and tolerability require further investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04255433.
Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by excessive accumulation or uneven distribution of fat in the body, which poses a serious threat to health. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing сon...Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by excessive accumulation or uneven distribution of fat in the body, which poses a serious threat to health. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing сonditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and some types of cancer. The prevalence of obesity, especially in childhood, has increased significantly worldwide over the past few decades. The World Health Organization predicts that 250 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years will be obese by 2030, which indicates a global problem with far-reaching consequences. Advances in genomic technologies have led to the identification of multiple genetic loci associated with the disease ranging from severe cases with early onset to common multifactorial polygenic forms. Epigenetic changes driven by dietary and lifestyle factors are now recognized as crucial contributors to obesity. These modifications can alter gene expression and thereby link environmental influences to the observable clinical features of the disease. Significant progress has been made in deciphering the genetic architecture of obesity, particularly in pediatric populations. However, further advancement requires integrative multiomics analyses that encompass genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and microbiome data. To better understand the complex molecular underpinnings and clinical variability of obesity, researchers are increasingly applying methods from machine learning and artificial intelligence. These technologies help analyze large-scale genomic and phenotypic datasets, allowing for the identification of biological pathways involved in weight regulation. In the future, this may support the design of individualized diagnostic tools and targeted treatment plans that reflect a patient's genetic profile, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. To implement the principles of personalized and precision medicine in the treatment of obesity, it is crucial to identify risk profiles by assessing multiple contributing factors. This approach not only enables the prediction of an individual's risk of obesity and its associated diseases but also facilitates the optimization of treatment based on the patient's genetic profile. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of childhood obesity, including its prevalence, genetic determinants, and pathophysiological mechanisms. It highlights the contribution of genetic factors to hereditary and syndromic forms, the role of gene-environment interactions (including nutrition and environmental pollutants), and the influence of epigenetic modifications on metabolic disturbances associated with polygenic obesity.
Calcium signaling contributes to obesity and its related disorders, such as diabetes. We herein investigated the effects of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitors on diet-induced obesity in mi...Calcium signaling contributes to obesity and its related disorders, such as diabetes. We herein investigated the effects of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitors on diet-induced obesity in mice. In mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), the administration of the CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 and the glycolipid acremomannolipin A with the suppression of CaMKII phosphorylation reduced fat mass in the whole body, epididymal and subcutaneous white adipose tissue weights, and lipid accumulation in epididymal and subcutaneous white adipose tissues, but not muscle mass or bone mineral density at the tibia. Moreover, the administration of KN-93 and acremomannolipin A improved glucose intolerance in HFD-fed mice. In an in vitro study on preadipocytic 3T3-L1 cells and mouse adipose tissue-derived stromal cells, KN-93 and acremomannolipin A suppressed adipogenic differentiation, proliferation, and lipid accumulation. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that CaMKII inhibitors mitigated the development of diet-induced obesity in mice partly through the suppression of adipogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, and lipid accumulation in adipocytes. Inhibiting CaMKII could be a potential strategy for obesity treatment.
There are inconsistent findings regarding the different metabolic phenotypes of obesity and associated risk factors. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature that has evaluated the re...There are inconsistent findings regarding the different metabolic phenotypes of obesity and associated risk factors. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature that has evaluated the relationship between genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors and metabolic heterogeneity in obese and normal-weight individuals. This scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A literature search was conducted in Web of Science, the MEDLINE database (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar up to the beginning of April 2024. All observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) were included. Ninety-two studies were included. Of these studies, 20, 38, and 20 were evaluated for the association between genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors with metabolic phenotypes, respectively. Genetic background could be a significant factor in obesity's metabolic phenotypes. Unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, improper sleep habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption could be related to an increased risk of metabolic phenotypes. Environmental and nutritional factors can increase metabolic abnormalities. Metabolic phenotype categories are useful for predicting disease risk and for developing personalized diets and environmental interventions. These findings may help develop strategies to improve metabolic health.