Benefits of Low Carbohydrate Diets: a Settled Question or Still Controversial?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review was to provide an update on the available data on the benefits of low-carbohydrate (low-carb) diets for weight management and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and determine if low-carb diets were a settled question or still controversial.Recent FindingsMost of the recent published literature in this area consists of reviews of past trials, with a relatively smaller number of recent trials. Low-carb is most commonly compared to low-fat, with problematically inconsistent definitions of both. There are numerous challenges in trying to draw clear conclusions about efficacy and effectiv...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - July 23, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
The Most Undertreated Chronic Disease: Addressing Obesity in Primary Care Settings
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWhile obesity-related comorbidities are frequently addressed and treated in primary care (PC), obesity itself is undertreated. We review the current treatments for obesity and provide potential provider and system-level strategies for integrating weight management and improving longer term obesity care within PC settings.Recent FindingsWe now understand that the body develops multiple mechanisms to resist weight loss and promote weight regain, making both weight loss and weight loss maintenance challenging. Therefore, weight management often requires medically supervised interventions and should be...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - July 23, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Endoscopic Procedures for Weight Loss
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide updated evidence on the endoscopic procedures for weight loss and to bring personal insights on the future of endobariatrics.Recent FindingsIntragastric balloons promote significant improvement in histologic and radiologic aspects of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is effective up to 5 years and seems particularly beneficial to patients with BMI ≤40kg/m2; distal POSE is a promising technique but still lacks adequate clinical data; aspiration therapy triggers remarkable weight loss, but data on weight trends after removal of the device are still lacking...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - July 23, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Opportunities to Address Obesity Disparities Among High-Risk Latino Children and Adolescents
We present two exemplar studies that demonstrate that integrating cultural values and enhancing the overall cultural fit of prevention programs can increase engagement among high-risk Latino families. We also examine the use of multi-sector collaborations to build community capacity and address key SDoH that impact health behaviors and outcomes. Our last example study demonstrates the utility of technology for engaging youth and extending the reach of prevention strategies in vulnerable communities.SummaryTo address growing obesity-related disparities, there is an urgent need to develop and test these strategies among high...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - July 14, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
COVID-19 Self-quarantine and Weight Gain Risk Factors in Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe COVID-19 pandemic is associated with weight gain in certain individuals. This review highlights the risk factors for weight gain during COVID-19 self-quarantine in adults.Recent FindingsAmong those who have gained weight during COVID-19 self-quarantine, self-reported body weight has increased between .5 and 1.8 kg ( ± 2.8 kg) after just 2 months of quarantine. Identified risk factors for weight gain during COVID-19 self-quarantine are the following: increased sedentary behaviors, decreased physical activity, increased snacking frequency (particularly after dinner), increased alcohol intake, de...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - July 12, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
The Use of Self-Help Strategies in Obesity Treatment. A Narrative Review Focused on Hypnosis and Mindfulness
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this narrative review was to summarize the evidence evaluating the possibilities and limitations of self-hypnosis and mindfulness strategies in the treatment of obesity.Recent FindingsPsychological factors, such as mood disorders and stress, can affect eating behaviors and deeply influence weight gain. Psychological approaches to weight management could increase the motivation and self-control of the patients with obesity, limiting their impulsiveness and inappropriate use of food. The cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) represents the cornerstone of obesity treatment, but complementary a...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 29, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Weight Management in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that clinically presents during adolescence. PCOS is associated with increased rates of overweight and obesity, as well as higher rates of metabolic disease, especially type 2 diabetes. Weight loss decreases PCOS symptoms and risk for metabolic disease. The goal of this review is to evaluate recent studies describing the hormonal, metabolic, and weight effects of different weight loss strategies: dietary, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, mood modification, and sleep.Recent FindingsCalorie restriction continues to be suppor...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 27, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
The Use of Effective Language and Communication in the Management of Obesity: the Challenge for Healthcare Professionals
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInitial conversations about weight with patients are important to set the tone for future dialogue and management of obesity. There is often reluctance in raising the topic of overweight or obesity in consultations. We aimed to evaluate literature to discover the perceived barriers to optimal discussion about weight status and preferred weight-based terminology for adults, adolescents and parents of younger children.Recent FindingsFear of offending patients, insufficient training and lack of knowledge of referral pathways were identified as factors hindering healthcare professionals ’ ability to ...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 18, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Racial Disparities in Obesity Treatment Among Children and Adolescents
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWith the growing obesity epidemic among children and adolescents, the evaluation of disease origin to slow disease progression is necessary. Racial disparities which are evident amid prevalence and treatment must be studied to counteract disease propagation.Recent FindingsDisparities are pronounced among Black and Hispanic pediatric patients prior to conception and birth due to genetic composition and fetal environment. Postnatal environment and psychosocial influences can further increase a child/adolescent ’s propensity to increased weight. Current treatment options including nutrition, physica...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 14, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Contextualising Eating Disorder Concerns for Paediatric Obesity Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEating disorders are complex mental health conditions that share risk factors with obesity. This review outlines the context for concerns that paediatric obesity treatment presents a risk for eating disorder development.Recent FindingsMost children and adolescents undergoing professionally supervised obesity treatment will have improvements or no change to eating disorder risk profiles. However, some may subsequently develop a clinical eating disorder, and this is proposed to relate to weight-focussed dietary interventions that are standard in paediatric obesity treatment. Nevertheless, dietary res...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 10, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
The Bariatric-Metabolic Physician ’s Role in Managing Clinically Severe Obesity
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to outline the obesity physician ’s role in managing patients with severe obesity with a particular emphasis on bariatric surgery candidates.Recent FindingsObesity is a chronic, relapsing and progressive disease. Scoring systems that evaluate the severity of obesity based on the clinical assessment, rather than the Body Mass Index, are a valuable tool. The clinical assessment should explore the underlying contributors for weight gain and screen for obesity-related complications. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective management approach for severe and complex obesi...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 8, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Adolescent and Childhood Obesity and Excess Morbidity and Mortality in Young Adulthood —a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRates of childhood obesity have been soaring in recent decades. The association between obesity in adulthood and excess morbidity and mortality has been readily established, whereas the association of childhood and adolescent obesity has not. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing data regarding the association of the presence of obesity in childhood/adolescence and early-onset adverse outcomes in adulthood, with specific focus on young adults under the age of 45 years.Recent FindingsDiabetes, cancer, and cardiometabolic outcomes in midlife are closely linked to childhood and adolescen...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 5, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Do Antibiotics Cause Obesity Through Long-term Alterations in the Gut Microbiome? A Review of Current Evidence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we summarize current evidence on the association between antibiotics and the subsequent development of obesity through modulation of the gut microbiome. Particular emphasis is given on (i) animal and human studies and their limitations; (ii) the reservoir of antibiotics in animal feed, emerging antibiotic resistance, gut dysbiosis, and obesity; (iii) the role of infections, specifically viral infections, as a cause of obesity; and (iv) the potential therapeutic approaches other than antibiotics to modulate gut microbiome.Recent FindingsOverall, the majority of animal studies and met...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 4, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Understanding the Co-Epidemic of Obesity and COVID-19: Current Evidence, Comparison with Previous Epidemics, Mechanisms, and Preventive and Therapeutic Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewA growing body of evidence suggests that obesity and increased visceral adiposity are strongly and independently linked to adverse outcomes and death due to COVID-19. This review summarizes current epidemiologic data, highlights pathogenetic mechanisms on the association between excess body weight and COVID-19, compares data from previous pandemics, discusses why COVID-19 challenges the “obesity paradox,” and presents implications in prevention and treatment as well as future perspectives.Recent FindingsData from meta-analyses based on recent observational studies have indicated that obesity in...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - April 28, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
The Role of Mitochondrial Adaptation and Metabolic Flexibility in the Pathophysiology of Obesity and Insulin Resistance: an Updated Overview
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe term “metabolic flexibility” denotes the dynamic responses of the cellular oxidative machinery in order to adapt to changes in energy substrate availability. A progressive loss of this adaptive capacity has been implicated in the development of obesity-related comorbidities. Mitochondria are dynamic intracellular organelles which play a fundamental role in energy metabolism, and the mitochondrial adaptation to environmental challenges may be viewed as the functional component of metabolic flexibility. Herein, we attempt to comprehensively review the available evidence regarding the role of ...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - April 10, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
