Obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined by the WHO as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to an individuals health.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer and while it was once an issue only in high income countries, overweight and obesity has now dramatically risen in low- and middle-income countries.Such countries are now facing a "double burden" of disease, for while they continue to deal with the problems of infectious disease and under-nutrition, they are also experiencing a rapid upsurge in chronic disease risk factors such as obesity and overweight, particularly in urban settings.

What is Obesity?

Obesity and overweight have in the last decade become a global problem - according to the World Health Organization (WHO) back in 2005 approximately 1.6 billion adults over the of age 15+ were overweight, at least 400 million adults were obese and at least 20 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight.

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity in Adults

What is Obesity Paradox?

Causes of Obesity and Overweight

Obesity Management

Obesity and Periodontitis

Obesity and Autism

Obesity Epidemiology

Obesity and Fast Food

Obesity in Children

Obesity and Stress

See more featured articles »

Obesity and Arthritis

Obesity and Infertility

Abdominal Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity and Anesthesia

What does Sleeve Gastrectomy Involve?

Obesity and Sleep

Obesity, What Can be Done?

Obesity and Depression

Obesity and Cancer

Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity and Sexual Health

Obesity and Hormones

Obesity and Skin Problems

Obesity and Blood Pressure

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Why is Visceral Fat Dangerous?

Obesity and Fractures

Obesity in Pregnancy

Obesity and Heart Disease

Dieting for Obese Children

Obesity and Genetics

Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene (FTO)

Obesity and Respiratory Disorders

Obesity and Exercise

Latest Obesity News and Research

Tailored granola transforms gut bacteria and improves mood

A study reveals that custom granola can boost gut health and mood by increasing beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids based on individual microbiota.

4 Aug 2025

Eating more ultra-processed food raises your risk of lung cancer

The association between ultra-processed food consumption and lung cancer risk underscores the importance of nutrition in cancer prevention strategies.

4 Aug 2025

Can your diet and health change your breast milk? Review uncovers the key maternal and birth factors

This review highlights how maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal factors influence the energy and macronutrient content of breast milk. The findings underscore significant variability in milk composition, with implications for tailored nutritional support in early life.

3 Aug 2025

New study shows brain's role in diabetic ketoacidosis

More than a decade ago, researchers found that an acute complication of type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), can be resolved with the hormone leptin, even in the absence of insulin.

1 Aug 2025

Researchers trace metabolic superpowers of hibernators to shared DNA

Animals that hibernate are incredibly resilient. They can spend months without food or water, muscles refusing to atrophy, body temperature dropping to near freezing as their metabolism and brain activity slow to a crawl.

1 Aug 2025

The vicious circle of aging and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD) and aging are locked in a vicious circle: senescence of liver cells accelerates fat accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis, while chronic steatosis in turn hastens hepatic decline.

1 Aug 2025

Salk Institute's ShortStop revolutionizes genetic search

Proteins sustain life as we know it, serving many important structural and functional roles throughout the body. But these large molecules have cast a long shadow over a smaller subclass of proteins called microproteins.

1 Aug 2025

FAU experts recommend high-potency statins to reduce LDL cholesterol

There is broad consensus that the overall body of evidence shows lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol provides both statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefits in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease.

31 Jul 2025

Saliva testing offers a non-invasive way to detect early metabolic risk

Measuring elevated levels of insulin in blood, called hyperinsulinemia, is a proven way to measure metabolic health and can show risk of developing future health concerns, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

31 Jul 2025

Gut bacteria produce hormone-like proteins that regulate weight and blood sugar

Our intestines are home to trillions of microorganisms that produce substances capable of regulating all the body's organs via the bloodstream and the gut's nervous system.

31 Jul 2025

Powerful bioactives found in overlooked Amazonian fruits

Lesser-known Amazonian fruits exhibit strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, highlighting their role in public health and biotechnology research.

31 Jul 2025

Promising treatment slows liver cancer by inhibiting fat enzyme

Liver cancer cells thrive on fat, posing a serious risk of cancer diagnosis for millions of people living with fatty liver disease.

31 Jul 2025

Chronically ill? In Kennedy’s view, it might be your own fault

On a recent weekday evening, Ashly Richards helped her 13-year-old son, Case, with homework. He did math problems and some reading, underscoring how much he's accomplished at his school for children with autism.

31 Jul 2025

Why Spirulina could be a helpful natural option for lowering blood pressure

A comprehensive meta-analysis found that consuming whole microalgae, especially Spirulina, can significantly lower blood pressure, particularly in adults with elevated levels. No significant effects were observed for macroalgae or algae extracts.

30 Jul 2025

Promising new treatment helps the immune system attack and destroy liver tumors

Liver cancer cells thrive on fat, posing a serious risk of cancer diagnosis for millions of people living with fatty liver disease.

30 Jul 2025

Patients face vitamin deficiencies years after bariatric surgery

A review reveals dangerous vitamin deficiencies post-bariatric surgery, highlighting the need for improved follow-up to prevent life-threatening complications.

30 Jul 2025

Canadian scientists trap gut microbe fuel to improve blood sugar and liver health

A team of Canadian scientists has discovered a surprising new way to improve blood sugar levels and reduce liver damage: by trapping a little-known fuel made by gut bacteria before they wreak havoc on the body.

30 Jul 2025

Eating meals earlier could help people at high obesity risk

Research indicates that early eating habits may lower genetic obesity risk, enhancing weight loss maintenance in at-risk adults after dietary treatments.

30 Jul 2025

Eating more ultra-processed food links depression and diabetes

New research links ultra-processed food intake to increased diabetes risk in individuals with depression, highlighting the need for healthier dietary choices.

30 Jul 2025

New study connects ultra-processed foods to lung cancer

A higher intake of ultra processed food (UPF) is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, suggests research published online in the respiratory journal Thorax.

30 Jul 2025