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
The Impact of the Rate of Weight Loss on Body Composition and Metabolism
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWeight loss has multiple beneficial effects on body composition and metabolism, but whether these depend on the rate at which body weight is lost is not clear. We analyzed data from studies in which the same amount of weight loss was induced rapidly or gradually.Recent FindingsThirteen studies were included in which the same percentage weight loss was achieved at slow or fast rates (range: 0.2 to 3.2 kg/week) by means of dietary calorie restriction, exercise, and bariatric surgery. Faster rates of weight loss may result in more fat-free mass and less fat mass being lost during the dynamic phase o...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - February 8, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Effects of Movement Behaviors on Overall Health and Appetite Control: Current Evidence and Perspectives in Children and Adolescents
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo present the definitions and recommendations for movement behaviors in children and adolescents, including physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SB), and sleep, and to provide an overview regarding their impact on health and obesity outcomes from childhood to adulthood, as well as interactions with appetite control.Recent FindingsPA represents a variable proportion of daily energy expenditure and one can be active with high SB or vice versa. Studies have described movements across the whole day on a continuum from sleep to SB to varying intensities of PA. More PA, less SB (e.g., less scree...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - January 12, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Batokines: Mediators of Inter-Tissue Communication (a Mini-Review)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights aspects of brown adipose tissue (BAT) communication with other organ systems and how BAT-to-tissue cross-talk could help elucidate future obesity treatments.Recent FindingsUntil recently, research on BAT has focused mainly on its thermogenic activity. New research has identified an endocrine/paracrine function of BAT and determined that many BAT-derived molecules, termed “batokines,” affect the physiology of a variety of organ systems and cell types. Batokines encompass a variety of signaling molecules including peptides, metabolites, lipids, or microRNAs. Recent studies ...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - January 7, 2022 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Neuromusculoskeletal Health in Pediatric Obesity: Incorporating Evidence into Clinical Examination
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe study aims to highlight the clinical importance of assessing and managing neuromusculoskeletal health in pediatric obesity and to support translation of evidence into practice.Recent FindingsA growing evidence base suggests that children with obesity experience neuromusculoskeletal impairments and physical complications including increased pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired balance and motor skill, gait deviations, postural malalignment, greater fatigue, and potentially reduced flexibility and sub-optimal bone health. Such evidence supports the need to screen, assess, and optimize neuromus...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - December 27, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Sexual Orientation and Obesity: What Do We Know?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes research addressing sexual orientation disparities in obesity and their sequelae, with a focus on new findings from the past year and areas for future work.Recent FindingsSexual minority people of color experience important health disparities related to obesity. Sexual minority women may be at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than their heterosexual counterparts, potentially because of obesity-related disparities. Bisexual men also appear to experience more obesity and potential greater risk for type 2 diabetes than heterosexual men. Stigma and discrimination are imp...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - December 1, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Neuromusculoskeletal Health in Pediatric Obesity: Incorporating Evidence into Clinical Examination
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe study aims to highlight the clinical importance of assessing and managing neuromusculoskeletal health in pediatric obesity and to support translation of evidence into practice.Recent FindingsA growing evidence base suggests that children with obesity experience neuromusculoskeletal impairments and physical complications including increased pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired balance and motor skill, gait deviations, postural malalignment, greater fatigue, and potentially reduced flexibility and sub-optimal bone health. Such evidence supports the need to screen, assess, and optimize neuromus...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - December 1, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Mobile Health and Telehealth Interventions to Increase Physical Activity in Adolescents with Obesity: a Promising Approach to Engaging a Hard-to-Reach Population
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAdolescence represents a critical time to set habits for long-term health, yet adequate rates of physical activity are uncommon in this age group. Mobile technology use, however, is ubiquitous. We review advantages and challenges posed by mobile health (mHealth) and telehealth-based physical activity interventions aimed at adolescents.Recent FindingsMobile Health (mHealth) and telehealth interventions to increase physical activity in adolescents include use of wearable activity trackers, text messages or apps, and video visits with exercise specialists. Definitions and goals for physical activity d...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - December 1, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Sex/Gender Differences in Obesity Prevalence, Comorbidities, and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewObesity is a heterogeneous condition, yet sex/gender is rarely considered in the prevention or clinical care of this disease. This review examined and evaluated recent literature regarding the influence of sex and gender on obesity prevalence, comorbidities, and treatment in adults.Recent FindingsObesity is more prevalent in women than men in most countries, but in some countries and population subgroups, this gap is more pronounced. Several obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension, demonstrate sex-specific pathways. Women, compared to men, are more likely to be dia...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - December 1, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Neural Vulnerability Factors That Predict Future Weight Gain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe current article discusses five neural vulnerability theories for weight gain and reviews evidence from prospective studies using imaging and behavioral measures reflecting neural function, as well as randomized experiments with humans and animals that are consistent or inconsistent with these theories.Recent FindingsRecent prospective imaging studies examining predictors of weight gain and response to obesity treatment, and repeated-measures imaging studies before and after weight gain and loss have advanced knowledge of etiologic processes and neural plasticity resulting from weight change.Sum...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - December 1, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
Exercise in Obesity —the Role of Technology in Health Services: Can This Approach Work?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPhysical activity (PA) is an important strategy to prevent and treat obesity. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions, such as wearable activity monitors and smartphone apps, may promote adherence to regular PA and successful weight loss. This review highlights the evidence for eHealth interventions in promoting PA and reducing weight.Recent FindingsWearables can increase PA and are associated with moderate weight loss in middle/older-aged individuals, with less convincing effects long-term (> 1 year) and in younger people. Data for interventions such as mobile phone applications, SMS, a...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - November 17, 2021 Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research
