Obesity

Two new studies are offering strong evidence that bowel inflammation and obesity are risk factors for developing dementia. The studies are observational, and cannot determine causality, but they build on prior research reaching similar conclusions.

In 2012, researchers opened up a promising new avenue in the pursuit of advanced treatments for obesity with the discovery of "beige fat." A study has now uncovered an immune cell that activates this form of fat in mice.

Researchers at the University of Michigan have conducted studies in fruit flies and found that excess amounts of sugar can shut down crucial neural circuits linked to regulating satiety, possibly leading to overeating in humans.

Researchers have identified a new molecule that manipulates the metabolic process so that the body burns more fuel than is actually necessary, reducing body fat in mice without requiring changes to their diet.

Great insights have been gathered recently into the genetic drivers underpinning obesity, but little has focused on genes related to thinness. A new study has identified one gene that seems to play a role in promoting thinness in humans and animals.

A comprehensive new study, led by scientists from UC San Francisco, is offering robust new insights into the way a ketogenic diet can influence the gut microbiome, and subsequently result in broader health benefits.

New research has found an old drug, used for over half a century to treat alcoholism, could be repurposed as a useful anti-obesity medication. The animal study saw the drug prevent obesity and improve metabolic health in mice fed a high-fat diet.

A compelling new study, led by scientists from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has found a novel gene therapy can prevent obesity and build muscle without the need for additional exercise, in mice being fed a high-fat diet.

Eating whatever we want and staying slim is many people’s dream come true – and new research may have brought it a step closer. By blocking a gene in certain immune cells, scientists have prevented mice from becoming obese, even on a high-fat diet.

Scientists exploring new treatments for obesity have found that implanting virus particles gleaned from the feces of lean mice into mice on a high-fat diet curtailed weight gain and progression of a precursor of type 2 diabetes.

Losing unwanted pounds can be difficult, particularly if your body "thinks" you should weigh a certain minimum amount. According to a new study, however, it may be possible to trick your body's weight-maintenance system by wearing a heavy vest.

For years, studies have linked short sleep patterns with obesity. Generally researchers have suspected poor sleep causes obesity but a new study has flipped it suggesting obesity may be causing the poor sleep, and not the other way around.