The Role of Devices in the Management of Pediatric Obesity
AbstractPurpose of ReviewApproximately 20% of children and adolescents in the USA suffer from obesity with significant long-term effects well into adulthood. Metabolic and bariatric surgery, although well adopted in the adult population, has been underutilized in children.Recent FindingsThere are four categories of weight loss devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for use in adults - gastric bands, gastric balloon systems, electrical stimulation systems, and gastric emptying systems.SummaryIn this commentary we discuss the role these devices may play in increasing the adoption of procedural intervention for...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - June 23, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

From the Ketogenic Diet to the Mediterranean Diet: The Potential Dietary Therapy in Patients with Obesity after CoVID-19 Infection (Post CoVID Syndrome)
We report a presentation of nutritional therapeutic approach based on a ketogenic diet protocol followed by a transition to the Mediterranean diet in patients post-infection by CoVID, combined to a physical activity program to address conditions associated with post-CoVID syndrome. (Source: Current Obesity Reports)
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 6, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

Hepatocyte Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics in Obesity-Related Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewMitochondrial dysfunction has long been proposed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a considerable number of disorders, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders, including obesity-related insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo functional and structural adaptations to meet the metabolic requirements of the cell. Alterations in nutrient availability or cellular energy needs can modify their formation through biogenesis and the opposite processes of fission and fusion, th...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 2, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

Anti-obesity Medications for the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewObesity is closely associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a highly prevalent disease without any approved medication. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the effect of anti-obesity medications on NAFLD, especially focusing on hepatic histology.Recent FindingsOrlistat and some glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogs, including liraglutide and semaglutide, have beneficial effects on hepatic steatosis and inflammation, but not fibrosis. Other anti-obesity medications, including lorcaserin, setmelanotide, phentermine hydrochloric, phentermine/topiramate, and nalt...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 2, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

Hepatocyte Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics in Obesity-Related Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewMitochondrial dysfunction has long been proposed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a considerable number of disorders, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders, including obesity-related insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo functional and structural adaptations to meet the metabolic requirements of the cell. Alterations in nutrient availability or cellular energy needs can modify their formation through biogenesis and the opposite processes of fission and fusion, th...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 2, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

Anti-obesity Medications for the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewObesity is closely associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a highly prevalent disease without any approved medication. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the effect of anti-obesity medications on NAFLD, especially focusing on hepatic histology.Recent FindingsOrlistat and some glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogs, including liraglutide and semaglutide, have beneficial effects on hepatic steatosis and inflammation, but not fibrosis. Other anti-obesity medications, including lorcaserin, setmelanotide, phentermine hydrochloric, phentermine/topiramate, and nalt...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - May 2, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

Obesity, Hypovitaminosis D, and COVID-19: the Bermuda Triangle in Public Health
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe COVID-19 pandemic has challenged public health to a significant extent by markedly increasing morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that obesity and hypovitaminosis D constitute important risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity of disease, and poor outcomes. Due to their high prevalence globally, obesity and hypovitaminosis D are considered pandemics. This review presents current epidemiologic and genetic data linking obesity, hypovitaminosis D, and COVID-19, highlighting the importance of the convergence of three pandemics and their impact on public health. We also briefly summari...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - April 7, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

Mental Health and Obesity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
We present emerging evidence for this phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals with and without pre-existing obesity.Recent FindingsA sizeable proportion of the population exhibits deterioration in mental health during the pandemic and those affected often report unhealthy weight-related behaviours such as “junk food” consumption and physical inactivity. Women, individuals with obesity, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions seem to be particularly at risk for overeating in response to stress (i.e. emotional eating). A number of psychological interventions including cognitive behavio ural th...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - March 7, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

Does Body Mass Index Confer Risk for Future Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors? A Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Studies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBody mass index (BMI) outside of the “normal” range is commonly cited as a predictor of adverse health outcomes and has been identified as a potential risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This meta-analysis provides a descriptive and quantitative summary of the literature evaluating the longitudinal relationship between BMI/weight status and STBs.Recent FindingsThe longitudinal literature examining the relationship between BMI/weight status and STBs is small and methodologically constrained. Within the existing literature, BMI and weight status are generally weak or nonsignif...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - February 16, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

The COVID-19, Obesity, and Food Insecurity Syndemic
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo introduce and provide evidence for the new Syndemic of COVID-19, Obesity, and Food Insecurity and propose strategies for mitigating its impact, particularly among vulnerable populations.Recent FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated obesity, food insecurity, and the existing inequities in the essential workforce. Food insecurity is driven by unsustainable dietary patterns and is associated with higher rates of obesity, which increases the risk of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the essential food supply chain workforc...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - February 9, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research

How Can We Act to Mitigate the Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change?
This report builds on our earlier publication that described the Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change. We focus here on the contributions that the USA makes to the Global Syndemic and the policy solutions necessary to reduce the effects of the transport and food and agriculture systems on greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.SummaryA recent study suggests that people are interested and ready to address local solutions to climate change. Changing the individual behaviors that sustain the US transport and food and agriculture systems is the first step to the broader engagement nece...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - February 9, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research