Weight Loss, Dieting & Obesity

Blog of Weight Loss & Obesity Research - Archive #0115.

Penn scientists map molecular regulation of fat-cell genetics

November 4, 2008 - University of Pennsylvania / Genes and Development

A research team has used state-of-the-art genetic technology to map thousands of positions where a molecular "master regulator" of fat-cell biology is nestled in DNA to control genes in these cells

A new weapon in the fight against obesity and diabetes

November 4, 2008 - EurekAlert / Cell Metabolism

A study demonstrates that a synthetic new chemical entity protects against diet-induced obesity, improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and enhances exercise endurance by enhancing fat utilization in certain target tissues

Apelin hormone injections powerfully lower blood sugar

November 4, 2008 - EurekAlert / Cell Metabolism

By injecting a hormone produced by fat and other tissues into mice, researchers report that they significantly lowered blood sugar levels in normal and obese mice. The findings suggest that the hormone known as apelin might be a promising target for managing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance, in which normal amounts of insulin are insufficient to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels, is a precursor to diabetes

Drug mimics low-cal diet to ward off weight gain, boost running endurance

November 4, 2008 - EurekAlert / Cell Metabolism

A drug designed to specifically hit a protein linked to the life-extending benefits of a meager diet can essentially trick the body into believing food is scarce even when it isn't

Gaining too much weight during pregnancy nearly doubles risk of having a heavy baby

October 31, 2008 - EurekAlert / Obstetrics and Gynecology

A study of over 40,000 women and their babies found that women who gained more than 40 pounds during their pregnancies were nearly twice as likely to have a heavy baby. The study found that more than one in five women gains excessive weight during pregnancy, doubling her chances of having a baby that weighs 9 pounds or more

Simple blood test predicts obesity

October 30, 2008 - EurekAlert / International Journal of Obesity

According to new research, the degree of change in blood triglyceride levels following a fatty meal may indicate susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. The findings open doors to new methods of identifying people, including children, who are at risk for becoming obese

Weight does not affect women's sexual behavior

October 30, 2008 - EurekAlert / Obstetrics and Gynecology

Oregon and Hawaiian researchers have found that a woman's weight does not seem to affect sexual behavior. In fact, overweight women are more likely to report having sex with men than women considered to be of "normal weight."

Research shows that the pill does not deserve its reputation for causing weight gain

October 30, 2008 - Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care

Research has not proven that the pill causes weight gain. But many women are put off using contraceptive pills because this has been listed as one of their adverse effects.

New study indicates that exercise prevents fatty liver disease

October 29, 2008 - University of Missouri / Journal of Physiology

A new study indicates that the negative effects of skipping exercise can occur in a short period. The researchers found that a sudden transition to a sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), which affects at least 75 percent of obese people

New drug target in obesity: Fat cells make lots of melanin

October 29, 2008 - EurekAlert / FASEB

Researchers describe a discovery that may allow some obese people avoid common obesity-related metabolic problems without losing weight: they make a common antioxidant, melanin, in excess. Even more promising is that some of the antioxidant drugs that can mimic the melanin effect are FDA-approved and available