Unlocking Brown Fat’s Power: A New Strategy Against Obesity

A groundbreaking study from the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) has revealed an innovative approach to combating obesity by enhancing the body’s natural ability to generate heat. Researchers have discovered that blocking the mitochondrial protein MCJ in brown fat significantly increases thermogenesis, leading to weight loss in obese mice and providing protection against obesity-related diseases such as diabetes. The study was recently highlighted in SciTechDaily.

Obesity and its global impact

Obesity is a pressing global health issue, affecting over 650 million people and contributing to the rise of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer risk. The study, led by Guadalupe Sabio from CNIO and Cintia Folgueira from CNIO and the National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), sheds light on a crucial biological mechanism that could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.

The role of MCJ in energy metabolism

At the heart of this discovery is MCJ, a mitochondrial protein that regulates energy production within cells. The researchers found that eliminating MCJ in obese mice led to a marked increase in heat production, resulting in significant weight loss. Furthermore, the transplantation of MCJ-deficient fat tissue into obese mice also triggered weight reduction, underscoring the protein’s pivotal role in metabolic regulation.

Understanding brown fat and thermogenesis

Adipose tissue, commonly known as body fat, is not merely a passive energy reservoir but an active participant in metabolic regulation. There are two primary types of adipose tissue. White adipose tissue (WAT), which primarily stores energy. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is rich in mitochondria and specializes in thermogenesis — the process of generating heat in response to cold and other stimuli.

The authors write in Nature Communications:

Obesity is the result of either excessive food intake or inadequate total energy expenditure. We now know that adipose tissue –body fat–, in addition to storing energy, plays a crucial role in the management of that energy by the body. Adipose tissue is a complex organ that acts as a regulator of the whole body’s metabolism, and therefore modulating its function could well be a way to combat obesity.

For years, scientists have sought ways to activate brown fat as a means to combat obesity. “Understanding how brown fat generates heat is essential if we want to leverage it as a tool against obesity,” explains Sabio. The CNIO study now identifies MCJ as a key player in this process.

A new path to weight loss and disease prevention

By blocking MCJ, brown fat burns more energy, leading not only to weight loss but also to improved metabolic health. Mice lacking MCJ in their brown fat exhibited protection against common obesity-related health issues, including diabetes and high blood lipid levels. According to lead researcher Beatriz Cicuéndez, this protection is attributed to the activation of the catabolic pathway — a vital metabolic route that enhances fat, sugar, and protein consumption to produce heat.

Future therapeutic potential

The findings highlight MCJ as a promising therapeutic target for obesity treatment. However, before moving to clinical applications, further research is necessary to assess whether MCJ plays critical roles in other tissues. Additionally, scientists are investigating how changes in fat metabolism might influence cancer progression or conditions like cachexia, a syndrome characterized by extreme muscle and fat loss.

Looking ahead

This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for developing new obesity treatments that harness the body’s natural energy-burning mechanisms. By targeting MCJ, researchers may unlock a novel approach to weight management and metabolic disease prevention, bringing hope to millions struggling with obesity worldwide.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Goodbye Obesity: Scientists Uncover Fat-Burning Protein Switch,” SciTechDaily, 1/27/25
Source: “Absence of MCJ/DnaJC15 promotes brown adipose tissue thermogenesis,” Nature Communications, 1/13/25
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A “Strong” Study Looks at Pediatric Obesity Treatment

Children who respond positively to pediatric obesity treatment show significantly lower risks of health problems and early death in young adulthood, according to a study published on January 21 in JAMA Pediatrics.

The gist of the study

Led by Resthie R. Putri, Ph.D., and a team from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, the researchers analyzed data from 6,713 children and adolescents with obesity, drawn from Sweden’s Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS) and compared them to general population data. The study used baseline information collected between 1996 and 2019 and analyzed outcomes in 2023.

Study’s results

The study tracked health outcomes for young adults, ages 18-30, from 2005 to 2020. The participants included children aged 6-17 who had received at least one year of obesity treatment. These individuals were compared to a group from the general population matched for sex, birth year, and geographic location.

The research team categorized the participants’ responses to obesity treatment based on changes in their body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores. These categories included poor, intermediate, good, or remission of obesity. Health outcomes in young adulthood that were assessed included type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, depression or anxiety, and the need for bariatric surgery.

The findings showed that compared to a poor treatment response, those who achieved obesity remission or had a good treatment response were at much lower risk for early death. Additionally, a good response was linked to a lower likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and requiring bariatric surgery. Only the remission group showed a reduced risk for hypertension. However, treatment response did not appear to influence the risk of depression or anxiety, a noteworthy observation as it suggests that these mental health conditions need to be addressed separately from obesity.

The study’s large sample size and Sweden’s universal healthcare system, which facilitated continuous data tracking, were key strengths. The authors noted that the results may not be applicable to other countries, as the study’s findings are based on Swedish data.

The commentary

One of the study’s authors, Emilia Hagman, who is a principal researcher at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, commented:

The results are very good news. Whether or not the treatment of obesity in childhood has long-term health benefits has been debated, since weight-loss is hard to maintain… This emphasizes the importance of providing early treatment, as we know that timely intervention increases the likelihood of success and helps mitigate the long-term health risks associated with obesity.

In an accompanying commentary, Leonard H. Epstein, Ph.D., and colleagues praised the study for its robust design and the insights it offers into how much weight change is needed for significant health improvements, which could inform future treatment guidelines. However, they pointed out that the study didn’t specify the types or intensity of treatment provided to the children, which makes it difficult to compare with U.S. guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The commentary also highlighted a key finding: Younger children (ages 6-11) had a higher rate of achieving good responses or remission compared to adolescents (ages 12-17). This suggests that earlier intervention in childhood may lead to better outcomes, emphasizing the importance of starting obesity treatment early rather than waiting to see if the child will “outgrow” the condition.

The bottom line

The study also found no strong connection between obesity treatment response and anxiety or depression, thus suggesting that these conditions should be treated independently of obesity. The study provides important evidence on how pediatric obesity treatment affects long-term health, including risks for cardiometabolic diseases, the need for bariatric surgery, and even mortality. This information is vital for refining clinical guidelines and improving obesity treatment strategies.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Successful Pediatric Obesity Treatment Linked With Long-Term Health,” Medscape, 1/22/25
Source: “Effect of Pediatric Obesity Treatment on Long-Term Health,” JAMA Network, 1/21/25
Source: “Weight-loss treatment for children with obesity has lasting effects, finds study,” MedicalXPress, 1/21/25
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The “Miracle Drugs” Are Not Without Risk

A new study of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) effects revealed that they have proven benefits for weight management. However, less is known about their impact on various organs and body systems.

Carissa Wong, New Scientist Health Reporter, in her recent article, offered her takeaway:

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, called GLP-1 agonists, carry more benefits than risks when taken for their approved uses, according to a comprehensive analysis of their effects on 175 conditions. The same may not be true for people taking the drugs for other uses, however.

News Medical also reported on the study, mentioning that demand for weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continues to rise, with one in eight Americans using (or had used) them to treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. Often referred to as “miracle drugs” by the media, patients, and some doctors due to their significant weight loss effects, GLP-1RAs also include drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound.

The study’s findings

A new study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System assessed health outcomes in over two million people with diabetes who were using these weight-loss drugs. The study found notable improvements in cognitive and behavioral health, but also uncovered potential risks, such as an increased likelihood of pancreatitis and kidney issues. The study was published on January 20 in Nature Medicine.

The study’s senior author, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist at WashU Medicine, emphasized the importance of thoroughly examining the effects of these drugs, given their rapid rise in popularity and relatively recent emergence.

For the study, WashU Medicine researchers analyzed de-identified health records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, comparing outcomes between veterans using GLP-1RAs for diabetes and those on traditional medications like Jardiance, Glipizide, and Januvia. The dataset included over two million veterans treated for diabetes between 2017 and 2023, spanning various ages, races, and genders.

The benefits and the risks

The results showed that GLP-1RA drugs were linked to significant improvements in mental and behavioral health, including a reduced risk of seizures, addiction to substances like alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids, and even a lower likelihood of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, bulimia, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. These medications were also associated with a decreased risk of neurocognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Dr. Al-Aly explained that these drugs work on brain areas involved in impulse control and reward, which could help explain their effectiveness in reducing both appetite and addiction behaviors. Additionally, they seem to reduce brain inflammation, which may contribute to improved brain health and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

However, the benefits, while meaningful, are modest, with reductions of around 10% to 20% for most outcomes. Despite this, Dr. Al-Aly emphasized that even small improvements can be valuable, particularly for conditions like dementia, where effective treatments are limited. These drugs may also be more beneficial when combined with lifestyle changes or other medications.

The study reaffirmed previous findings that GLP-1RA drugs can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues. However, it also highlighted some negative side effects, including gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, stomach paralysis. These side effects are already well-known in the medical literature and have been observed anecdotally.

More concerning, though, are the potential risks to the pancreas and kidneys. While these adverse effects are relatively rare, they can be severe, and Dr. Al-Aly stressed that doctors need to monitor patients carefully for signs of pancreatitis and kidney issues, which can develop without obvious symptoms until they are advanced and harder to treat.

An unexpected self-reported side effect

Journalist Johann Hari was recently interviewed by A. Pawlowski, TODAY Health Reporter, about his journey of taking Ozempic and Wegovy. He was prescribed the drugs in 2023, for weight loss, as Hari weighed 203 pounds and had a body fat percentage of 32%. Eventually, Hari lost 42 pounds and wrote a book, “Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs.”

To the interviewer’s question about what specifically bothered Hari about taking the meds, he replied:

For myself, the one risk that I didn’t see coming was the psychological effect. That was really strange. For the first six months I was taking the drug, I was getting what I wanted — I was losing loads of weight, my back pain went away, all sorts of good things happened.

But I didn’t actually feel better in my emotions. If anything, I felt slightly worse. I realized it was about my inability to comfort eat, and how bad that was making me feel.

No longer being able to use food as a stress-coping mechanism, Hari had to face “the deep underlying emotional reasons why you ate in the first place.” He said,

I realized how much of my eating was about the need to comfort myself — stuffing myself to calm myself. And I couldn’t do that when I was on Ozempic.

The bottom line remains the same. While GLP-1RA medications offer broad health benefits, the study underscores that they are not without risks. Their potential applications are vast, but careful monitoring is essential to manage the associated risks.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “How GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy affect risk of 175 conditions,” New Scientist, 1/20/25
Source: “Benefits and risks of popular weight-loss drugs revealed,” News-Medical, 1/20/25
Source: “Is Ozempic a ‘magic’ drug? Author who lost 42 pounds on benefits, ‘very real concerns’,” TODAY, 6/20/25
Image by Andres Segura/Pexels

Trauma Doubles the Risk for Obesity, But It Can Be Helped

Unsurprisingly, children who face trauma early in life are at a higher risk of becoming obese, but new research suggests that positive experiences can help reduce this risk. A new article in The Conversation discusses the research and throws some light on what could be done to reverse or improve the situation.

Childhood trauma is unfortunately widespread. A study of nearly 5,000 children in New Zealand found that 87% had experienced at least one major traumatic event by age eight, and about a third (32%) had endured three or more. Traumatic experiences can range from physical and emotional abuse to exposure to bullying, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, parental incarceration, divorce, or discrimination.

Children from lower-income families, as well as Māori and Pasifika children, were particularly affected by multiple types of adversity and had higher rates of trauma overall.

The consequences of these early experiences are significant. Children who had at least one traumatic event were twice as likely to be obese by age eight, with the likelihood increasing with the number of adverse experiences. Children who had four or more traumatic events were nearly three times more likely to be obese. Certain types of trauma, such as physical abuse and exposure to domestic violence, were more strongly linked to obesity, emphasizing the connection between early adversity and physical health.

One possible explanation is that stress from these traumatic experiences contributes to emotional distress, which may lead children to adopt unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, poor diet choices, lack of sleep, too much screen time, and physical inactivity. The study found that children who had faced adversity were more likely to engage in these behaviors, which in turn raised their risk of obesity.

However, the research also highlighted a hopeful finding: Positive experiences can help counteract some of the negative effects of trauma.

Positive experiences included things like:

  • Parents in stable relationships
  • Mothers having positive interactions with their children
  • Children involved in community activities, like visiting museums or participating in sports
  • Families with structured routines for bedtimes, screen time, and mealtimes
  • Access to quality early childhood education

The study found that children who had more positive experiences were significantly less likely to be obese. For instance, children with five or six positive experiences were 60% less likely to be overweight or obese compared to those with no or just one positive experience. Even having two positive experiences reduced the likelihood of obesity by 25%.

To offset the impact of trauma, a minimum of four positive experiences was necessary. Although nearly half of the children in the study had at least four positive experiences, a concerning number (more than 10%) had very few positive experiences at all.

The key takeaway is that traditional weight-loss programs focusing solely on behavior change are insufficient. A more holistic approach is needed, one that addresses the social, emotional, and environmental factors contributing to childhood obesity. Fostering positive experiences is critical, as they not only protect children from the harmful effects of trauma but also promote overall physical and mental well-being.

For vulnerable children, creating supportive environments is essential. Policymakers, schools, and families all have a role to play. Community programs such as after-school activities, healthy relationship initiatives, and mental health services can provide crucial support. A trauma-informed approach, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, is essential to address the impacts of domestic violence and other traumatic events.

Families can help by creating stable routines, engaging in social networks, and involving children in enriching activities. Schools and early childhood education providers also play a vital role in helping children build resilience and recover from trauma. Policymakers must invest in programs that provide positive experiences, helping to level the playing field for children who are at greater risk due to their circumstances.

When positive experiences outweigh the negative, children have a far greater chance to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Children with traumatic experiences have a higher risk of obesity — but this can be turned around,” The Conversation, 1/13/25
Source: “Identification of positive childhood experiences with the potential to mitigate childhood unhealthy weight status…,” BMC Public Health, 1/13/25
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E-Health and Social Media Studies in the News This Week

We’ve discussed before how e-health and telehealth can be effectively used to combat childhood obesity in conjunction with other interventions. This week, in the news, there were two studies that seemed of interest. One was an Australian study involving kids ages 7-13 and dealt with e-health (electronic health) intervention, and another looked at the connection between social media use and binge eating behaviors in adolescents.

The purpose of the e-health study

E-health interventions have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of traditional, in-person treatments for childhood obesity. This study assessed the impact of a 10-week, web-based healthy lifestyle program designed for school-aged children with overweight or obesity. The results were published in BMC Public Health this week.

Methods of the study

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved families with children aged 7–13 years, living in Victoria, Australia, who had a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile (indicating overweight or obesity). Families were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a waitlist control group and participated in the 10-week web-based program. The primary outcome was the change in the children’s BMI scores over the 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in waist circumference, dietary habits, physical activity, and quality of life over the same period.

In the intervention group, families accessed weekly modules on a secure website, covering topics such as healthy eating, physical activity, and family-centered behavior changes. Each week, families had phone sessions with a health professional coach (e.g., dietitians, nutritionists, or exercise physiologists), during which they discussed the week’s content and confirmed the completion of activities. The program also included interactive elements like online quizzes and goal-setting exercises to help families implement lifestyle changes.

The study results

Out of 148 children (125 families) recruited, 102 children (85 families) completed the trial. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in BMI scores compared to the control group after 10 weeks. The web-based program also led to improvements in children’s quality of life and lifestyle behaviors. In the intervention group, there were significant improvements in quality of life scores, overall diet quality, and daily physical activity levels compared to the control group.

Why it matters

A web-based healthy lifestyle program was effective in improving short-term health outcomes for children with overweight or obesity. Future research should focus on identifying factors that contribute to the program’s effectiveness, assessing its long-term impact, and ensuring the program is adapted to meet the needs of diverse populations.

Social media’s impact on binge eating, a study

Dr. Susan Carnell, an associate professor in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, recently spoke about her research on the connection between social media use and binge eating behaviors in adolescents. Carnell is a co-author of the study, “Concurrent and prospective associations of social media usage with binge eating symptoms in early adolescence,” published in Obesity and highlighted this week in Contemporary Pediatrics. The article included an interview with Dr. Carnell conducted by the article’s author, Joshua Fitch, Senior Editor of Contemporary Pediatrics.

Dr. Carnell and her team wanted to investigate how social media might influence eating disorders, particularly by examining the role of social comparison and certain content that could lead to body dissatisfaction. The study used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a large, ongoing project that tracks children across 21 sites in the U.S.

Dr. Carnell said:

The study began by recruiting children around 9 to 10 years old, and we’ve been following them ever since… This allowed us to analyze the relationship between social media use, how much time kids spent on it, and whether they exhibited addictive behaviors related to social media.

Carnell observed that social media use increased with age:

At ages 11 to 12, kids spent an average of about an hour per day on social media, and by adolescence, that rose to over two hours… For those who developed persistent binge eating, however, social media use went up to more than three hours a day.

Interestingly, the study found a key difference. To quote Dr. Carnell one more time,

We didn’t find that simply spending more time on social media was linked to binge eating. However, adolescents who showed high levels of addictive behaviors around social media at the start of the study were about 3.5 times more likely to develop binge eating by ages 14 to 15.

Carnell’s research underscores the importance of addressing addictive social media behaviors to help reduce the risk of eating disorders in adolescents. While the amount of time spent on social media isn’t inherently harmful, compulsive and addictive patterns of use can increase the likelihood of disordered eating behaviors.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “The effectiveness of a 10-week family-focused e-Health healthy lifestyle program for school-aged children with overweight or obesity: a randomised control trial,” BMC Public Health, 1/7/25
Source: “Social media use and binge eating in early adolescence,” Contemporary Pediatrics, 1/6/25
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New Year’s Resolutions and Healthcare Predictions

Happy New Year from all of us at Childhood Obesity News! What a year it’s been in the realms of childhood obesity issues and treatments, and in the ever-expanding world of weight loss drugs. Here is the outlook for the GLP-1 drugs markets heading into 2025, and a quick rundown of what Americans wish to improve for themselves and their families in the year ahead.

The GLP-1 receptor agonist market will keep flourishing

Yahoo Finance Senior Healthcare and Business Reporter Anjalee Khemlani dove into the details, analyzing the outlook for GLP-1 drugs as markets head into 2025. According to the video commentary,

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have dominated healthcare headlines in 2024, marked by expanded employer coverage, dynamic pricing changes, and pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly exploring broader applications beyond weight management, including heart disease and sleep apnea treatments.

Khemlani thinks all these trends will continue well into the future, and depending on the government regulations, will reshape our thinking of weight loss treatments.

Also, according to Khemlani, the biggest catalysts for the healthcare industry in general, expected in the new year, are GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and proposed regulations on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from the second Trump administration.

New Year’s resolutions: the poll

According to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, many Americans are focused on improving their health, fitness, and diet in 2025. These types of resolutions top the list of changes they hope to make in the new year. Additionally, goals related to finances and relationships also rank highly among the 1,251 adults surveyed. The survey, which used a representative sample from NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, has a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points. Newsweek reported on the poll results, with commentary.

Why It matters

This poll, released last Saturday, comes at a time when obesity continues to be a major health concern in the U.S., contributing to rising rates of heart disease and diabetes. By 2035, global obesity rates are expected to affect 1.5 billion adults.

Obesity rates in the U.S. have been steadily climbing for years, but the trend reversed last year for the first time in over a decade. The national obesity rate dropped slightly from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023.

A recent study in the JAMA Health Forum also showed that between 2013 and 2021, the average body mass index (BMI) of the U.S. population increased. However, this trend plateaued in 2022 and dipped slightly in 2023.

Part of this change may be attributed to the rise in popularity of weight-loss medications like Ozempic, which are particularly common in the Southern U.S. and are believed to have played a role in the national decrease in obesity rates.

Poll results

The new poll reveals that over half of Americans plan to set at least one resolution for 2025, with younger generations — millennials and Gen Z — showing the most enthusiasm. Around two-thirds of people in these age groups say they intend to make resolutions, compared to about half of older adults. Women are also more likely than men to set goals for the year ahead.

Among the types of resolutions, nearly 30% of adults are focused on exercise or healthier eating. Around 25% aim to lose weight, while similar percentages are planning financial or mental health-related resolutions.

Newsweek quoted Andres J. Acosta, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor and consultant in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic:

With an influx of new weight-loss drugs poised to enter the market, the trial-and-error process (for obesity treatments) will likely intensify. Patients will face an overwhelming list of choices — and bear the burden of figuring out what works for their bodies. While more treatments may seem like progress, it risks turning obesity care into an endless experiment.

Ohio GOP U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup and Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Representative Gwen Moore also expressed their opinion:

There is now a consensus in the medical community that obesity is a complex and chronic disease that can be caused by many factors. This new understanding of obesity means we must change how it is treated, especially when we have new tools to treat it. This starts by expanding access to treatments such as intensive behavioral therapy (IBT), comprehensive nutritional and mental health treatment and new, highly effective, anti-obesity medications.

What’s next?

Looking to the future, researchers behind a September CDC study predict that the obesity crisis in the U.S. will worsen without significant intervention. They project that by 2050, nearly 260 million Americans will be overweight or obese.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “What’s next for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in 2025?,” Yahoo Finance, 12/24/24
Source: “3 biggest catalysts expected for healthcare in 2025,” Yahoo Finance, 12/24/24
Source: “Here’s How Americans Want to Change Their Lives in 2025: New Poll,” Newsweek, 12/28/24
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December Holidays Generate Half the Yearly Weight Gain

With the holiday season in full swing, let’s bring our attention to a study that specifically addresses how to handle the issue of overeating during the festive season that’s typically laden with rich foods, food-centric gatherings, tempting sugar bombs, and not necessarily focusing on healthy eating.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Obesity Reviews, highlighted and analyzed in a recent Medscape article, suggests that interventions during holidays and school breaks could help prevent weight gain in both children and adults. Research indicates that certain times of the year, including Christmas and summer vacations, are particularly linked to weight gain. For adults, nearly 50% of their annual weight gain happens during December.

Study overview

The study was led by Dr. Michelle Maree Haby de Sosa, an epidemiologist at the University of Sonora, Mexico. She explained that the research team first conducted a narrative review of weight gain during the holiday season. They found that the six-week period between December and mid-January is a critical time when people gain up to half of their annual weight. This finding emphasizes the importance of addressing obesity and overweight through lifestyle changes and prevention efforts.

The research team then performed a systematic review of global interventions aimed at preventing weight gain during these periods. They searched multiple databases, including Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane, and focused on randomized controlled trials. Additional data were also gathered from gray literature and studies not included in the original search.

Key findings

The review covered studies from the United States (10), the United Kingdom (1), and Chile (1). The studies varied in their risk of bias, with two showing low risk, two moderate, seven high, and one critical. Most interventions targeted children and adults, and interventions for adolescents were particularly challenging due to the difficulty in changing behaviors at this age.

In children, interventions implemented during summer vacations (lasting 6-8 weeks) included physical activities, nutrition classes, and the provision of healthy meals. These programs resulted in slightly less weight gain compared to control groups. One meta-analysis of four studies found a small but significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) z-scores in the intervention group.

Among adults, interventions also showed positive effects, though results varied based on how the programs were carried out. A meta-analysis of five studies involving 462 participants indicated a slight reduction in body weight, although the result was not statistically significant.

Three main intervention areas were identified: nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support, including behavioral and cognitive strategies. Rather than strict diets, participants were encouraged to reduce their intake of high-calorie foods and sugary drinks and to increase vegetable consumption.

Promising interventions

The study highlighted effective interventions for both children and adults:

  • For children, 6- to 8-week summer camps with daily physical activities and nutritious meals proved effective.
  • For adults, daily weight monitoring, along with nutrition counseling based on social cognitive theory, also showed promise, especially during the critical holiday period between mid-November and early January.

Expert recommendations

Dr. Carlos Cristi-Montero, a researcher at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Chile, emphasized the importance of portion control for children, particularly during the holidays when families often serve calorie-dense foods. He also recommended using tools like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess not just weight, but also fat and muscle mass.

Cristi-Montero also stressed the importance of physical activity and the need for education on healthy eating and weight management. Both he and Dr. Haby de Sosa agreed that teachers, parents, and primary care professionals have a crucial role in reinforcing healthy behaviors and driving effective interventions.

Future research

The University of Sonora team is currently conducting a controlled trial in Hermosillo, Mexico, focusing on adult participants. Early results highlight the effectiveness of strategies such as nutrition education, physical activity, regular weight goals, and psychological support in promoting long-term behavior changes.

The study’s authors concluded that interventions to prevent weight gain during the holidays and school breaks are crucial, and they call for more research to assess their effectiveness in different regions.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Strategies to Manage Metabolic Health During the Holidays,” Medscape, 12/19/24
Source: “Interventions for the prevention of weight gain during festive and holiday periods in children and adults: A systematic review,” Wiley Online Library, 9/14/24
Image by Adrian Vieriu/Pexels

Is the U.S. Obesity Epidemic Finally Turning a Corner?

For the first time in more than a decade, there’s a glimmer of hope in the battle against obesity in the United States. According to a recent study published in the JAMA Health Forum, obesity rates in the U.S. have shown a slight but meaningful decline. After years of relentless increases, the percentage of American adults considered obese dropped from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023 — a small but significant dip that offers a new sense of optimism about the country’s ongoing struggle with obesity.

The study’s findings

For ABC News, Niki Iranpour, M.D., who is an internal medicine resident at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit, took a look at the study’s findings and implications.

The study, which tracked the body mass index (BMI) of 16.7 million U.S. adults over a 10-year period, revealed an important milestone. After a decade of rising obesity rates, the average BMI, which reached 30.24 in 2022, plateaued and then slightly decreased to 30.21 in 2023. For many public health experts, this marks the first real sign that the alarming trend of rising obesity may be reversing.

John Brownstein, the study’s co-author, and a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, expressed cautious optimism about the findings. He said:

What we’re seeing for the first time is that curve is bending and shows a sign of hope for something that was really a threat to American public health for so many years.

While the drop is small, it’s still a hopeful shift in a battle that has been fought for decades. Since the early 2000s, the obesity rate in the U.S. has steadily climbed, contributing to a host of health issues including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. A decline, even a modest one, suggests that something — perhaps multiple factors — is finally starting to make a difference.

The role of semaglutide and GLP-1 medications

While they’re still being evaluated for safety, especially for children, one factor that may be contributing to this positive change is the increasing use of weight loss medications, particularly semaglutide. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in the medications Ozempic and Wegovy, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs have been shown to significantly aid in weight loss, making them a game-changer for people struggling with obesity.

Between 2019 and 2023, the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss increased by a staggering 700%, according to one study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. These drugs work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, leading to reduced hunger and weight loss. Given their growing popularity and effectiveness, many experts believe that the widespread use of semaglutide may be helping to turn the tide on the obesity epidemic.

Brownstein and his team pointed out that regions in the U.S. where these medications have been dispensed most — particularly in the South — saw some of the most significant declines in obesity. The South also happens to be a region where obesity rates have historically been high, and the use of weight loss medications is rapidly growing.

Other factors at play

While semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications likely play a key role in the decline, experts caution that there are likely other contributing factors as well. For one, the pandemic had a profound impact on lifestyle habits, and as people returned to more normal routines after the height of COVID-19, some may have become more active and healthier.

Benjamin Rader, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and a co-author of the study, suggested that the emergence from pandemic isolation could be influencing this trend. He said:

People are potentially starting to be more active again, stopping the sedentary habits they picked up during COVID… This shift toward more physical activity, combined with a greater awareness of the risks of obesity, may be encouraging healthier choices.

Additionally, the South’s high obesity rate and increased use of weight loss medications were also accompanied by a disproportionately high number of COVID-19 deaths among people with obesity. This tragic impact could have prompted more individuals to seek medical intervention, including weight loss treatments, as a way to manage their health.

A long road ahead

While the findings of this study are encouraging, experts warn against jumping to conclusions. Anne Peters, M.D., a professor at the Keck School of Medicine, emphasized that it’s still too early to determine whether this slight decline in obesity rates will persist in the long term. She told ABC News:

We need to look at this as a positive indicator in a specific database… That may mean that people are doing better and that including therapies [is] helpful, but we need to see how that plays out over time.

Will the trend continue?

As we move into 2025 and beyond, all eyes will be on the U.S. obesity rates to see if this downward trend continues. The increased availability of medications like semaglutide, combined with a renewed focus on physical activity and healthier lifestyles post-pandemic, offers a glimmer of hope that the U.S. may finally be on the road to reversing its obesity epidemic.

For now, the slight decline in obesity rates is a reason to celebrate — but also a reminder that the journey toward healthier habits and improved public health is a long one. The real question is whether this momentary dip will continue into the future or whether the country will face new challenges ahead in the fight against obesity.

Only time will tell.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “US obesity rates drop for 1st time in a decade, with possible help from weight loss medications,” ABC News, 12/13/24
Source: “Changes in Adult Obesity Trends in the US,” JAMA Network, 12/13/24
Image by Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Safe for Children?

Weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are becoming increasingly popular, especially as alternatives to the traditional and often ineffective advice of “eat less and exercise more.” These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have gained favor among adults but are also becoming more widely used by children and teenagers (here’s a good rundown on their types, benefits and side effects).

Adolescent use of GLP-1 medications surges

A recent article published on the MedicalXPress website cites a CDC statistic that roughly one in five children in the U.S. is affected by obesity. And, according to a University of [BLOCKQUOTE] study,  the use of GLP-1 medications among adolescents has surged, with over 30,000 young people aged 12 to 17 taking the drugs in 2023.

Are weight loss drugs safe for children under 12?

Doctors generally agree that addressing obesity early can prevent future health problems, but prescribing weight loss drugs to children brings its own set of challenges. Dr. Chris Straughn, a pediatrician in Dallas, explains that while research indicates that GLP-1 medications can be effective and safe for children and teens, the available studies only track their effects over a few years. As these drugs are relatively new, more time is needed to fully understand their long-term impact.

Wegovy, a version of Ozempic, is FDA-approved for children as young as 12, though it has not been approved for those younger than 12. There are ongoing studies on its use in younger children, and some research on Saxenda (a precursor to Wegovy) shows it can be effective for kids aged 6 to 12. This kind of research is promising for the potential use of GLP-1s in younger patients.

The study, which included 82 participants, found that when children discontinued Saxenda, their BMI began to increase once more. This suggests that to maintain the weight-related benefits as they grow, children may need to stay on the medication. The findings were presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Madrid and were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Dan Cooper, a pediatric researcher at UC Irvine, agrees that GLP-1 medications can be useful in certain cases, such as when a child is already developing or has developed diabetes. However, he cautions that the risk-benefit balance is less clear in other children, especially since there is limited research on the long-term effects of GLP-1 use in growing bodies. Puberty is a critical period for bone, muscle, and brain development, and Cooper warns that altering a child’s energy balance during this time could have lasting consequences.

Dr. Cooper reminds parents not to feel ashamed if their child struggles with obesity or weight-related issues. He says,

No one should feel ashamed… Obesity is often driven by biology, and it’s not something to blame yourself or your child for.

The need for alternative solutions

As obesity rates continue to rise, many people are turning to prescription medications like Ozempic for weight loss. However, these drugs come with significant side effects, accessibility challenges, and high costs, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. We’ve discussed them before, including berberine and natural supplements.

A new natural treatment emerges

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a new, natural, food-grade treatment for obesity that not only helps reduce weight and improve metabolic health but allegedly does so without the negative side effects commonly associated with other medications.

The new treatment, called InuMCT microcapsules, is made from a combination of plant fiber (inulin) and MCT oils derived from coconut and palm kernel oils. This formulation helps reduce inflammation and improve key metabolic markers, such as blood glucose levels.

In a 21-day study, the InuMCT microcapsules demonstrated several significant benefits:

  • Weight reduction: The microcapsules led to a substantial decrease in weight gain caused by a typical western diet, which is high in fats and linked to obesity.
  • Blood sugar control: Blood sugar levels were reduced by 15%, an important factor in managing both obesity and diabetes.
  • Reduced inflammation: Inflammatory markers dropped by 78%, which is crucial, as inflammation is a major contributor to obesity and related diseases.
  • Liver health: Liver enzyme levels decreased by up to 47%, as high liver enzymes are often associated with poor diet and obesity.
  • Gut health: The microcapsules improved protective gut bacteria by 8.3-fold, supporting the gut lining and helping prevent conditions like “leaky gut syndrome.”

 

Amin Ariaee, a Ph.D. researcher at UniSA, explains that InuMCT offers a natural solution for obesity and related metabolic conditions:

Obesity is a global epidemic with many complex health issues beyond just weight gain… It’s a state of systemic inflammation driven by complex biochemical processes, rather than just excess calories. Unfortunately, current treatments often overlook the role of the gut microbiome, focusing instead on symptoms like weight and high blood sugar. Additionally, anti-obesity drugs can harm the gut microbiome, leading to unpleasant side effects like nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea, and potentially making long-term inflammation and weight gain worse.”

Our research is different. The InuMCT microcapsules are made from natural, food-grade ingredients that support a healthy gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and effectively address excess weight. The results have been very promising, both in terms of weight reduction and overall metabolic health.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Are weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy safe for kids?,” MedicalXPress, 12/9/24
Source: “Obesity drug worked in children ages 6 to 12, study says, raising hopes and concerns,” StatNews.com, 9/10/24
Source: “New food-grade natural solution created for tackling obesity,” News-Meidcal.net, 12/2/24
Image by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Study Finds That Weight Loss Drugs Reduce Alcohol Craving

A recent study found that many people using medications for obesity, such as Mounjaro or Wegovy, report a decreased enjoyment of alcohol.

The study, which surveyed WeightWatchers members on obesity medications, found that around half of those who previously drank alcohol reduced their consumption after starting the medication. As was reported by NPR, Tamara Hall, 45, a mother of three, is one such example. She began using Mounjaro in 2023 as part of a WeightWatchers program to manage her obesity and elevated blood sugar. Hall has since lost over 100 pounds, and although she was never a heavy drinker, she now consumes significantly less alcohol.

Hall, whose blood sugar levels have improved, was a moderate drinker who previously enjoyed wine or cocktails at social events. Hall found that her tolerance for alcohol dramatically decreased after starting the medication. One drink would make her feel full and dizzy, an effect she hadn’t experienced before. As a result, cutting back on alcohol was easy.

She said:

I feel amazing… It’s life-changing… I didn’t know it would have this effect — I just don’t crave alcohol anymore, and that’s a huge benefit.

The findings align with a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The study, “Alcohol Use and Antiobesity Medication Treatment,” explored the impact of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) on alcohol use among people in the WeightWatchers telehealth weight management program (January 2022–November 2023). As reported by Medical Xpress, participants had a mean age of 43 and were primarily female (86%). They were prescribed various AOMs, including GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide), metformin, and bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave).

Of the 7,491 participants who used alcohol at baseline, 45.3% reduced their consumption, while 52.4% showed no change, and 2.3% increased their intake. Those with higher obesity levels and baseline alcohol use were more likely to reduce alcohol consumption. Notably, those taking bupropion and naltrexone had the greatest reduction in alcohol use, likely due to naltrexone’s ability to reduce cravings and rewarding effects, though this effect seemed tied to weight loss rather than the medication itself.

When adjusting for weight loss, the effect of bupropion and naltrexone disappeared, suggesting weight loss as a key factor in alcohol reduction. If AOMs reduce alcohol use through weight loss (e.g., via GLP-1 RAs), adjusting for weight loss might obscure the true contribution of the medications.

Interestingly, the reduction in alcohol consumption was observed across both newer obesity medications like Mounjaro and older drugs like metformin. “What surprised me was that alcohol consumption decreased among people using all types of anti-obesity medications,” says study author Lisa Matero, a health psychologist at Henry Ford Health. One possible explanation is that being part of a weight management program could encourage overall healthier behavior changes.

The study’s results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that GLP-1 drugs, such as Mounjaro, have wide-ranging effects on behavior. Clinical trials of these medications have shown that participants report changes in their habits, such as drinking less or shopping less. Dr. Robert Kushner, a researcher at Northwestern University, explains that these drugs influence both appetite and the brain’s reward system, which may explain why many people also experience reduced cravings for alcohol.

While research on the topic continues, the findings highlight the potential of weight-loss medications not only for weight management but also for altering lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption. This comes at a time when there’s growing cultural awareness around the benefits of reducing alcohol intake for overall health and wellness.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Dizzy after one drink? Social drinkers on obesity drugs lose the taste for alcohol,” NPR, 12/2/24
Source: “WeightWatchers combined with weight loss medications may alter alcohol consumption, study finds,” Medical XPress, 12/1/24
Image by Heshan Perera on Unsplash

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Profiles: Kids Struggling with Weight

Profiles: Kids Struggling with Obesity top bottom

The Book

OVERWEIGHT: What Kids Say explores the obesity problem from the often-overlooked perspective of children struggling with being overweight.

About Dr. Robert A. Pretlow

Dr. Robert A. Pretlow is a pediatrician and childhood obesity specialist. He has been researching and spreading awareness on the childhood obesity epidemic in the US for more than a decade.
You can contact Dr. Pretlow at:

Presentations

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation at the American Society of Animal Science 2020 Conference
What’s Causing Obesity in Companion Animals and What Can We Do About It

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation at the World Obesity Federation 2019 Conference:
Food/Eating Addiction and the Displacement Mechanism

Dr. Pretlow’s Multi-Center Clinical Trial Kick-off Speech 2018:
Obesity: Tackling the Root Cause

Dr. Pretlow’s 2017 Workshop on
Treatment of Obesity Using the Addiction Model

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation for
TEC and UNC 2016

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation at the 2015 Obesity Summit in London, UK.

Dr. Pretlow’s invited keynote at the 2014 European Childhood Obesity Group Congress in Salzburg, Austria.

Dr. Pretlow’s presentation at the 2013 European Congress on Obesity in Liverpool, UK.

Dr. Pretlow’s presentation at the 2011 International Conference on Childhood Obesity in Lisbon, Portugal.

Dr. Pretlow’s presentation at the 2010 Uniting Against Childhood Obesity Conference in Houston, TX.

Food & Health Resources