People are typically counselled to keep a healthy weight in order to lower their risk of dementia. However, other research indicates that obesity may potentially offer a defence against dementia.

People are typically counselled to keep a healthy weight in order to lower their risk of dementia. However, other research indicates that obesity may potentially offer a defence against dementia. What is the truth behind it? Understanding the link At first glance, the research that links obesity to dementia seems solid. It is generally accepted that obesity throughout middle age raises the risk of dementia in later life. Obesity harms the brain's small blood arteries and is a key contributor to diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation—all conditions that have been repeatedly associated with an increased risk of dementia. Exploring the 'obesity paradox' However, if dementia is indeed caused by obesity, then why have dementia rates declined in the west in recent decades while the number of obese individuals has increased? An "obesity paradox" wherein being fat seems to be related with a lower risk of dementia, has been shown in a number of studies. Due to data constraints, scientists find it difficult to establish a cause-and-effect link. While a randomised experiment would be ideal, but assigning people to be obese is unethical. The majority of research is based on observational studies, which include long-term follow-up on large populations. However, these studies may be biased. "Reverse causation" is an issue, especially when researching elderly persons. People in the early stages of dementia may lose weight as a result of the condition, rather than the reverse. This may explain the obesity paradox. Also read: Changes in eyesight linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia: Study Another issue is called "confounding bias." A third factor associated with both obesity and dementia might explain the apparent relationship between the two. One example is childhood intelligence, which is rarely assessed in these research. Researchers found that although there was a clear association between higher levels of obesity and lower cognitive skills in midlife, this probably wasn't because one was causing the other. Researchers discovered that, while there was a strong link between greater levels of obesity and decreased cognitive skills in midlife, it was unlikely that one caused the other. Instead, it was probably because a third component (childhood intelligence) was linked to both. To summarise, the research of obesity and dementia is complicated. While maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial to general health, the relationship to dementia risk is uncertain. (With inputs from agencies)

Does obesity really increase risk of dementia or is it the opposite?

Teenagers teased by parents about their weight are more likely to struggle with body image well in their adulthood, regardless of their weight, a new study by the University of Bristol reveals.&nbsp;

The research, published in Lancet Regional Health Europe, shows that pressure from family to lose weight during adolescence can have lasting consequences on the children.

Thirteen-year-olds who felt pressure from family members to shed pounds and endured weight-based teasing showed higher levels of internalised weight stigma when they turned 31, according to research by the University of Bristol.

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Internalised weight stigma also means when people believe negative stereotype about weight and apply them to themselves. This can make them feel unattractive, incompetent, or even worthless, regardless of their actual size. It affects people of all weights, not just those with obesity or who are underweight.

The internalised stigma can be a major contributor to eating disorders and an unhealthy obsession with thinness, as per the study.

These negative feelings are fueled by pressure from parents, families, bullies, and even the media, leading to "strong and long-lasting effects on adult psychological health."

More than 4,000 children from in and around Bristol who were first studied in the 1990s and are now 33 were part of the study.

Children in their 13 were asked about how often their parents had made a comment about their weight and how much they were eating that made them feel bad, to what extent family members and people at school teased them about their weight or body shape, and how much pressure they felt to lose weight from family, friends and people they dated.

The researchers reached out to the original group of 4,060 participants 18 years later. Now adults, they were asked a series of questions to determine their current feelings about their weight. These questions delved into their self-esteem and body image, with statements like "I hate myself because of my weight" and "I am less attractive than most other people because of my weight."

The analysis revealed a clear link, those who experienced negative weight comments from parents, pressure to lose weight from family, or felt bombarded by similar messages from the media during their teenage years, showed the strongest association with internalized weight stigma as adults. &nbsp;The researchers highlighted the long-term consequences of such experiences.

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“The kids who get these comments from family members almost 20 years later have a more negative evaluation of themselves,” said Dr Amanda Hughes, a co-author of the report and a fellow at Bristol medical school’s department of population health science. “This is predicting a difference in people’s self-esteem and psychological health.”

She urged parents to “be really careful” when they talk to children about weight.

“This isn’t to say you shouldn’t be promoting healthy eating or saying exercise is a good thing, but it is about why you are making that case,” she said. “It’s about encouraging healthy eating practices for their own sake or because it makes you feel good. Don’t make it about ‘you need to be thin to be good’.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Teenagers teased by parents about their weight are more likely to struggle with body image well in their adulthood, regardless of their weight, a new study by the University of Bristol reveals.

Teenagers teased by parents about their weight are more likely to struggle with body image well in their adulthood, regardless of their weight, a new study by the University of Bristol reveals. The research, published in Lancet Regional Health Europe, shows that pressure from family to lose weight during adolescence can have lasting consequences on the children. Thirteen-year-olds who felt pressure from family members to shed pounds and endured weight-based teasing showed higher levels of internalised weight stigma when they turned 31, according to research by the University of Bristol. Also read: North Indians are mistaken for Bengalis in THIS country. The simple reasoning dates back to British rule Internalised weight stigma also means when people believe negative stereotype about weight and apply them to themselves. This can make them feel unattractive, incompetent, or even worthless, regardless of their actual size. It affects people of all weights, not just those with obesity or who are underweight. The internalised stigma can be a major contributor to eating disorders and an unhealthy obsession with thinness, as per the study. These negative feelings are fueled by pressure from parents, families, bullies, and even the media, leading to "strong and long-lasting effects on adult psychological health." More than 4,000 children from in and around Bristol who were first studied in the 1990s and are now 33 were part of the study. Children in their 13 were asked about how often their parents had made a comment about their weight and how much they were eating that made them feel bad, to what extent family members and people at school teased them about their weight or body shape, and how much pressure they felt to lose weight from family, friends and people they dated. The researchers reached out to the original group of 4,060 participants 18 years later. Now adults, they were asked a series of questions to determine their current feelings about their weight. These questions delved into their self-esteem and body image, with statements like "I hate myself because of my weight" and "I am less attractive than most other people because of my weight." The analysis revealed a clear link, those who experienced negative weight comments from parents, pressure to lose weight from family, or felt bombarded by similar messages from the media during their teenage years, showed the strongest association with internalized weight stigma as adults. The researchers highlighted the long-term consequences of such experiences. Also read: 'Alien mummies' conference takes bizarre turn after ufologist unveils 'pregnant' alien “The kids who get these comments from family members almost 20 years later have a more negative evaluation of themselves,” said Dr Amanda Hughes, a co-author of the report and a fellow at Bristol medical school’s department of population health science. “This is predicting a difference in people’s self-esteem and psychological health.” She urged parents to “be really careful” when they talk to children about weight. “This isn’t to say you shouldn’t be promoting healthy eating or saying exercise is a good thing, but it is about why you are making that case,” she said. “It’s about encouraging healthy eating practices for their own sake or because it makes you feel good. Don’t make it about ‘you need to be thin to be good’.” (With inputs from agencies)

Teasing kids about weight linked to long-term body image issues, study finds

As per a new study, obese children may be at a greater, almost more than double risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as compared to adults.

<h2>The study findings</h2>

Previous research has suggested a link between the risk of multiple sclerosis in adolescence and high body mass index (BMI).

However, as per The Guardian, these studies were retrospective in design and only relied on self-reported data.

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The new study by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden on the other hand sought to prospectively assess the risk of developing MS in a large cohort of obese children as compared to the general population.

For this, scientists used data from the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register, also known as Boris, which happens to be one of the largest registries for childhood obesity treatment globally.

They examined information from over 21,600 children with obesity aged between two and 19 years. They then compared the data of children who entered the registry between 1995 and 2020 with data from more than 100,000 children without obesity.

Tracking them for an average of six years, researchers during the follow-up period diagnosed MS in 28 of those with obesity and 58 in the group without obesity.

For both the groups, on average MS was diagnosed at the age of 23, but the incidence of MS was more frequent in obese children (0.13 per cent of the group), as compared to children without obesity (0.06 per cent).

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Acknowledging the study's limitations, the authors said: "Despite the limited follow-up time, our findings highlight that obesity in childhood increases the susceptibility of early-onset MS more than twofold."

Study authors Associate Professor Emilia Hagman, and Professor Claude Marcus, noted that childhood obesity triggers chronic inflammation, likely increasing the risk of MS and other diseases. They highlighted the potential for weight loss to reduce inflammation and disease risk.

"It is also believed that chronic low-grade inflammation increases the risk for other such diseases as asthma, arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and some forms of cancers. However, we know that weight loss reduces the inflammation and most likely the risk of developing such diseases," they said.

<h2>What is Multiple Sclerosis?</h2>

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an immune disease that affects the brain and the spinal cord. It is a lifelong condition that can at times cause disability and seriously disrupt a person's life.

Its symptoms include problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per a new study, obese children may be at a greater, almost more than double risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as compared to adults. The study findings Previous research has suggested a link between the risk of multiple sclerosis in adolescence and high body mass index (BMI).

As per a new study, obese children may be at a greater, almost more than double risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as compared to adults. The study findings Previous research has suggested a link between the risk of multiple sclerosis in adolescence and high body mass index (BMI). However, as per The Guardian, these studies were retrospective in design and only relied on self-reported data. Also read | New study reveals AI's hidden bias in screening depression in Black people The new study by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden on the other hand sought to prospectively assess the risk of developing MS in a large cohort of obese children as compared to the general population. For this, scientists used data from the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register, also known as Boris, which happens to be one of the largest registries for childhood obesity treatment globally. They examined information from over 21,600 children with obesity aged between two and 19 years. They then compared the data of children who entered the registry between 1995 and 2020 with data from more than 100,000 children without obesity. Tracking them for an average of six years, researchers during the follow-up period diagnosed MS in 28 of those with obesity and 58 in the group without obesity. For both the groups, on average MS was diagnosed at the age of 23, but the incidence of MS was more frequent in obese children (0.13 per cent of the group), as compared to children without obesity (0.06 per cent). Also read | Delving deep: Earth's crust holds more water than its ice caps, reveals study Acknowledging the study's limitations, the authors said: "Despite the limited follow-up time, our findings highlight that obesity in childhood increases the susceptibility of early-onset MS more than twofold." Study authors Associate Professor Emilia Hagman, and Professor Claude Marcus, noted that childhood obesity triggers chronic inflammation, likely increasing the risk of MS and other diseases. They highlighted the potential for weight loss to reduce inflammation and disease risk. "It is also believed that chronic low-grade inflammation increases the risk for other such diseases as asthma, arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and some forms of cancers. However, we know that weight loss reduces the inflammation and most likely the risk of developing such diseases," they said. What is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an immune disease that affects the brain and the spinal cord. It is a lifelong condition that can at times cause disability and seriously disrupt a person's life. Its symptoms include problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. (With inputs from agencies)

Childhood obesity tied to more than double the risk of Multiple Sclerosis, finds study

More than a billion people worldwide are obese, W.H.O. study finds. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2022, 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight, including over 890 million adults who were living with obesity.

More than a billion people worldwide are obese: Study

The number of people suffering from obesity has more than quadrupled since 1990, according to a new study released by the Lancet medical journal. As per its findings, more than one billion people across the world have obesity.

<h2>An "epidemic"</h2>

The study, done in collaboration with the World Health Organization, estimates that compared to 226 million in 1990, there were 1,038 million obese adults, adolescents, and children in 2022.

As per the study released ahead of World Obesity Day (Mar&nbsp;4), the "epidemic" is particularly hitting poorer countries. It also found that, compared to adults, the rate of obesity is growing faster among children and adolescents.

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Even though doctors knew obesity numbers were on a fast rise, a rise past one billion&nbsp;wasn't expected until 2030.

As quoted by AFP, it has come "much earlier than we have anticipated," said Francesco Branca, director of nutrition for health at the WHO.

<h2>Obesity rate</h2>

To reach their estimates, as per the Lancet, experts analysed the weight and height measurements of more than 220 million people in more than 190 countries. They found that an estimated 504 million adult women, 374 million men, and 159 million children were obese in 2022.&nbsp;

Compared to 1990, this is a more than triple increase among men, and double for women, while for children this was a five times increase (up from 31 million).

Experts blame bad eating habits for it, and say "very rapid transformation of the food systems is not for the better".

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WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "This new study highlights the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life to adulthood, through diet, physical activity, and adequate care, as needed."

Obesity is a chronic and complex illness that comes with a greater risk of death from heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, and even a higher risk of death from coronavirus.

<h2>Which nations are most affected?</h2>

"In the past, we have tended to think of obesity as a problem of the rich, now a problem of the world," said Branca.

The study found that countries in Polynesia and Micronesia, the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa have suffered more from the rise in obesity.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of people suffering from obesity has more than quadrupled since 1990, according to a new study released by the Lancet medical journal. As per its findings, more than one billion people across the world have obesity.

The number of people suffering from obesity has more than quadrupled since 1990, according to a new study released by the Lancet medical journal. As per its findings, more than one billion people across the world have obesity. An "epidemic" The study, done in collaboration with the World Health Organization, estimates that compared to 226 million in 1990, there were 1,038 million obese adults, adolescents, and children in 2022. As per the study released ahead of World Obesity Day (Mar 4), the "epidemic" is particularly hitting poorer countries. It also found that, compared to adults, the rate of obesity is growing faster among children and adolescents. Also read | London is world's most exposed city to air pollution from aviation: Study Even though doctors knew obesity numbers were on a fast rise, a rise past one billion wasn't expected until 2030. As quoted by AFP, it has come "much earlier than we have anticipated," said Francesco Branca, director of nutrition for health at the WHO. Obesity rate To reach their estimates, as per the Lancet, experts analysed the weight and height measurements of more than 220 million people in more than 190 countries. They found that an estimated 504 million adult women, 374 million men, and 159 million children were obese in 2022. Compared to 1990, this is a more than triple increase among men, and double for women, while for children this was a five times increase (up from 31 million). Experts blame bad eating habits for it, and say "very rapid transformation of the food systems is not for the better". Also read | Chilean expedition finds over 100 new deep sea species, including 'walking' fish WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "This new study highlights the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life to adulthood, through diet, physical activity, and adequate care, as needed." Obesity is a chronic and complex illness that comes with a greater risk of death from heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, and even a higher risk of death from coronavirus. Which nations are most affected? "In the past, we have tended to think of obesity as a problem of the rich, now a problem of the world," said Branca. The study found that countries in Polynesia and Micronesia, the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa have suffered more from the rise in obesity. (With inputs from agencies)

Obesity 'epidemic' on the rise, more than 1 billion afflicted around the world: Study

US&nbsp;pharma company Eli Lilly is gearing up to introduce its flagship diabetes medication and popular obesity treatment, Mounjaro, into the Indian market, Reuters news agency reported citing the company's CEO. 
 
India is a significant market opportunity due to its high population, escalating rates of obesity, particularly among women, and a substantial number of individuals grappling with type-2 diabetes, ranking second globally.

Concurrently, Indian pharmaceutical firms are exploring their formulations for weight-loss drugs, while counterfeit versions proliferate online.

Eli Lilly CEO&nbsp; David Ricks, speaking during the BioAsia conference in the south Indian state of Telangana,&nbsp; expressed optimism about Mounjaro's entry into India, pending regulatory approval.

The company remains open to partnerships to enhance market reach, ensuring both patient access and company viability, he said.

"Our famous Mounjaro – it's under review now. So, perhaps as early as next year to the Indian market," Ricks told Reuters on the sidelines of the BioAsia conference.

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Sold as Mounjaro in the UK and Europe, and as Zepbound for weight loss in the US, the drug, chemically known as tirzepatide, is undergoing regulatory review in India. Lilly leverages data from global trials, which include participants from India.

Mounjaro, alongside Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs, originally developed to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity for their additional benefit of inducing satiety.

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Analysts project the global market for these therapies to exceed $100 billion by the decade's end.

Novo Nordisk aims to introduce Wegovy in India by 2026, while Indian pharmaceutical giants including Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's, and Lupin, are already in the race, developing their versions, Reuters said in a report.

Ricks stressed on&nbsp;the need for India to streamline its regulatory processes, enhance patent protection, and rationalise policies to attract greater investment from global pharmaceutical companies.

Simplifying regulations would facilitate the entry of innovative medicines into the market and bolster the export capabilities of local biotech firms.

(With inputs from agencies)

US pharma company Eli Lilly is gearing up to introduce its flagship diabetes medication and popular obesity treatment, Mounjaro, into the Indian market, Reuters news agency reported citing the company's CEO.

US pharma company Eli Lilly is gearing up to introduce its flagship diabetes medication and popular obesity treatment, Mounjaro, into the Indian market, Reuters news agency reported citing the company's CEO. India is a significant market opportunity due to its high population, escalating rates of obesity, particularly among women, and a substantial number of individuals grappling with type-2 diabetes, ranking second globally. Concurrently, Indian pharmaceutical firms are exploring their formulations for weight-loss drugs, while counterfeit versions proliferate online. Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks, speaking during the BioAsia conference in the south Indian state of Telangana, expressed optimism about Mounjaro's entry into India, pending regulatory approval. The company remains open to partnerships to enhance market reach, ensuring both patient access and company viability, he said. "Our famous Mounjaro – it's under review now. So, perhaps as early as next year to the Indian market," Ricks told Reuters on the sidelines of the BioAsia conference. Also read | Explained | Ozempic, Wegovy and now Zepbound: The era of magic pills for treating obesity Sold as Mounjaro in the UK and Europe, and as Zepbound for weight loss in the US, the drug, chemically known as tirzepatide, is undergoing regulatory review in India. Lilly leverages data from global trials, which include participants from India. Mounjaro, alongside Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs, originally developed to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity for their additional benefit of inducing satiety. Also watch | Gravitas | Oprah admits to using weight-loss drug Analysts project the global market for these therapies to exceed $100 billion by the decade's end. Novo Nordisk aims to introduce Wegovy in India by 2026, while Indian pharmaceutical giants including Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's, and Lupin, are already in the race, developing their versions, Reuters said in a report. Ricks stressed on the need for India to streamline its regulatory processes, enhance patent protection, and rationalise policies to attract greater investment from global pharmaceutical companies. Simplifying regulations would facilitate the entry of innovative medicines into the market and bolster the export capabilities of local biotech firms. (With inputs from agencies)

Launch of obesity medicine in India by next year, says pharma firm: Report

Scientists have come up with a path-breaking ingestible capsule that artificially stimulates a feeling of fullness in the stomach, which could lead individuals to eat less and thereby control and treat obesity.

The ingestible capsule vibrates within the stomach, which causes the stretch receptors to believe that the stomach is full already.

<h2>What happens in the stomach?&nbsp;</h2>

When the stomach undergoes distension, specialised cells known as mechanoreceptors detect the stretching and transmit signals to the brain via the vagus nerve.&nbsp;

Consequently, the brain initiates the production of insulin and various hormones, including C-peptide, Pyy, and GLP-1.&nbsp;

These hormones collaboratively facilitate food digestion, induce a feeling of fullness, and regulate eating cessation.

Simultaneously, the levels of ghrelin, a hormone that promotes hunger, decrease.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report

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“For somebody who wants to lose weight or control their appetite, it could be taken before each meal,” says Shriya Srinivasan PhD ’20, a former MIT graduate student and postdoc who is now an assistant professor of bioengineering at Harvard University.&nbsp;

“This could be really interesting in that it would provide an option that could minimize the side effects that we see with the other pharmacological treatments out there.”

<h2>Research conducted on animals</h2>

In an animal study, the researchers demonstrated that when the vibrating pill is activated, it triggers mechanoreceptors, sending signals to the brain via vagus nerve stimulation.&nbsp;

Hormone levels tracked during vibrating periods mirrored patterns observed after a meal, even in fasting animals.

The researchers further examined the impact of this stimulation on the animals' hunger.&nbsp;

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Activation of the pill for approximately 20 minutes before offering food resulted in an average 40 per cent reduction in food consumption compared to periods when the pill was inactive.

Additionally, animals treated with the vibrating pill exhibited slower weight gain.

“The behavioural change is profound, and that’s using the endogenous system rather than any exogenous therapeutic. We have the potential to overcome some of the challenges and costs associated with delivery of biologic drugs by modulating the enteric nervous system,” said Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, at MIT.

The researchers now plan to explore ways to scale up the manufacturing of the capsules, which could enable clinical trials in humans.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have come up with a path-breaking ingestible capsule that artificially stimulates a feeling of fullness in the stomach, which could lead individuals to eat less and thereby control and treat obesity.

Scientists have come up with a path-breaking ingestible capsule that artificially stimulates a feeling of fullness in the stomach, which could lead individuals to eat less and thereby control and treat obesity. The ingestible capsule vibrates within the stomach, which causes the stretch receptors to believe that the stomach is full already. What happens in the stomach? When the stomach undergoes distension, specialised cells known as mechanoreceptors detect the stretching and transmit signals to the brain via the vagus nerve. Consequently, the brain initiates the production of insulin and various hormones, including C-peptide, Pyy, and GLP-1. These hormones collaboratively facilitate food digestion, induce a feeling of fullness, and regulate eating cessation. Simultaneously, the levels of ghrelin, a hormone that promotes hunger, decrease. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report × “For somebody who wants to lose weight or control their appetite, it could be taken before each meal,” says Shriya Srinivasan PhD ’20, a former MIT graduate student and postdoc who is now an assistant professor of bioengineering at Harvard University. “This could be really interesting in that it would provide an option that could minimize the side effects that we see with the other pharmacological treatments out there.” Research conducted on animals In an animal study, the researchers demonstrated that when the vibrating pill is activated, it triggers mechanoreceptors, sending signals to the brain via vagus nerve stimulation. Hormone levels tracked during vibrating periods mirrored patterns observed after a meal, even in fasting animals. The researchers further examined the impact of this stimulation on the animals' hunger. Also read: Researchers find world`s smallest fanged frog on Indonesian island Activation of the pill for approximately 20 minutes before offering food resulted in an average 40 per cent reduction in food consumption compared to periods when the pill was inactive. Additionally, animals treated with the vibrating pill exhibited slower weight gain. “The behavioural change is profound, and that’s using the endogenous system rather than any exogenous therapeutic. We have the potential to overcome some of the challenges and costs associated with delivery of biologic drugs by modulating the enteric nervous system,” said Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, at MIT. The researchers now plan to explore ways to scale up the manufacturing of the capsules, which could enable clinical trials in humans. (With inputs from agencies)

Weight loss with ‘vibrating’ capsule: Scientists develop new way to treat obesity

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Gravitas: Is being overweight affecting your fertility?

Leading global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk on Saturday (Nov 12) said that the cardiovascular benefits of its immensely popular obesity treatment, Wegovy, were not solely attributable to the process of its weight loss process.

The study was presented at the American Heart Association annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia which saw the presence of many experts from the medical field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the findings revealed that Wegovy, recognised chemically as semaglutide, has additional positive cardiovascular effects that emerged before the patients even began to shed weight.

Novo said that this implied that the heart benefits were not just associated with weight loss.&nbsp;

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<h2>Can Wegovy be a primary treatment for heart diseases?</h2>

Dr. Chad Weldy, a cardiologist at Stanford University, said that the trial focused on how semaglutide might prevent heart disease from worsening and not how it can be prevented.&nbsp;

Considering the extensive 17,604-patient trial, the study should make doctors contemplate about who can be prescribed Wegovy.&nbsp;

“Anyone who has had a heart attack or obstructive coronary disease and has a body mass index of more than 27 fits in with this study, which is a very large patient population,” he said.

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During the medical&nbsp;conference, Dr. Bruno Halpern, head of the obesity centre at Hospital 9 de Julho in Sao Paulo, Brazil, also argued that Wegovy should now be considered a frontline treatment for heart disease.&nbsp;

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August's trial conducted by the Danish pharmaceutical company indicated that Wegovy not only facilitated an average weight loss of 15 percent but also demonstrated a 20 percent reduction in the incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease.

Examining overweight and obese patients with preexisting heart disease but without diabetes, the study revealed that Wegovy led to a 28 per cent reduction in non-fatal heart attacks, a 7 per cent decrease in non-fatal strokes, and a 15 percent drop in heart-related deaths compared to the placebo.&nbsp;

There are however several risk factors associated with the obesity treatment which include inflammation, blood sugar control, and blood pressure.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Leading global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk on Saturday (Nov 12) said that the cardiovascular benefits of its immensely popular obesity treatment, Wegovy, were not solely attributable to the process of its weight loss process.

Leading global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk on Saturday (Nov 12) said that the cardiovascular benefits of its immensely popular obesity treatment, Wegovy, were not solely attributable to the process of its weight loss process. The study was presented at the American Heart Association annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia which saw the presence of many experts from the medical field. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the findings revealed that Wegovy, recognised chemically as semaglutide, has additional positive cardiovascular effects that emerged before the patients even began to shed weight. Novo said that this implied that the heart benefits were not just associated with weight loss. Also Read | Melting sea ice causing heavier snowfall in Antarctica, staving off high sea levels Can Wegovy be a primary treatment for heart diseases? Dr. Chad Weldy, a cardiologist at Stanford University, said that the trial focused on how semaglutide might prevent heart disease from worsening and not how it can be prevented. Considering the extensive 17,604-patient trial, the study should make doctors contemplate about who can be prescribed Wegovy. “Anyone who has had a heart attack or obstructive coronary disease and has a body mass index of more than 27 fits in with this study, which is a very large patient population,” he said. Watch | Dyson Zone headphones: Worth your money? × During the medical conference, Dr. Bruno Halpern, head of the obesity centre at Hospital 9 de Julho in Sao Paulo, Brazil, also argued that Wegovy should now be considered a frontline treatment for heart disease. Also Read | Earth was more charming for aliens when dinosaurs existed August's trial conducted by the Danish pharmaceutical company indicated that Wegovy not only facilitated an average weight loss of 15 percent but also demonstrated a 20 percent reduction in the incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease. Examining overweight and obese patients with preexisting heart disease but without diabetes, the study revealed that Wegovy led to a 28 per cent reduction in non-fatal heart attacks, a 7 per cent decrease in non-fatal strokes, and a 15 percent drop in heart-related deaths compared to the placebo. There are however several risk factors associated with the obesity treatment which include inflammation, blood sugar control, and blood pressure. (With inputs from agencies)

Heart benefits not solely due to weight loss: Drug maker Novo on its popular Wegovy obesity treatment

The tone of your doctor can have a major impact on your decisions regarding pursuing weight-loss programmes, a new research has found.

Researchers at the University of Oxford conducted a study by analysing encounters between doctors and patients at 38 GP surgeries in England.

They concluded that patients who received advice in an optimistic tone were more likely to subscribe to weight-loss programmes than those who were told about the consequences of obesity.

<h2>Methodology</h2>

Researchers listened to conversations between doctors and patients regarding a free 12-week weight-loss programme.

They categorised the conversations into three broad categories.&nbsp;

The first one was the “good news” approach, where patients were presented with the weight-loss programme as an opportunity or good news. The conversation revolved around the benefits of weight loss. Also, there was very little mention of negative words like obesity, body mass index, or weight as a problem.&nbsp;

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The second was the “bad news approach”, where patients were told about the consequences of obesity. The tone reflected regret and pessimism.

Then there was a third approach termed “neutral,” where no special emphasis was placed on good or bad words. The conversation happened in “news delivery” style, the most commonly observed between doctors and patients.

<h2>Results</h2>

The study revealed that patients who underwent the "positive news" counselling approach experienced the most weight loss within a year.

Individuals in the "positive news" category, on average, shed 4.8kg, while those in the "negative news" group lost 2.7kg, and participants in the "neutral news" group showed a 1.2kg reduction in weight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/7-factors-on-which-weight-loss-depends-1698912409833">Also read:&nbsp;7 Factors on Which Weight Loss Depends</a>

The increased weight loss in the "positive news" group was largely attributed to a higher enrollment rate in the 12-week weight loss programme. Approximately 87 per cent of individuals in this group signed up for the programme, in contrast to less than half in the other groups.

Dr Charlotte Albury, lead author and researcher within the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, said: “What we found was that when doctors framed the conversation as ‘good news’ – emphasising the benefits and opportunities of weight loss in a positive manner – patients were more likely to enroll in a weight-loss programme, attend more sessions, and, importantly, lose more weight compared to a neutral or negative framing.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The tone of your doctor can have a major impact on your decisions regarding pursuing weight-loss programmes, a new research has found. Researchers at the University of Oxford conducted a study by analysing encounters between doctors and patients at 38 GP surgeries in England.

The tone of your doctor can have a major impact on your decisions regarding pursuing weight-loss programmes, a new research has found. Researchers at the University of Oxford conducted a study by analysing encounters between doctors and patients at 38 GP surgeries in England. They concluded that patients who received advice in an optimistic tone were more likely to subscribe to weight-loss programmes than those who were told about the consequences of obesity. Methodology Researchers listened to conversations between doctors and patients regarding a free 12-week weight-loss programme. They categorised the conversations into three broad categories. The first one was the “good news” approach, where patients were presented with the weight-loss programme as an opportunity or good news. The conversation revolved around the benefits of weight loss. Also, there was very little mention of negative words like obesity, body mass index, or weight as a problem. Watch: Gravitas: How effective is intermittent fasting? × The second was the “bad news approach”, where patients were told about the consequences of obesity. The tone reflected regret and pessimism. Then there was a third approach termed “neutral,” where no special emphasis was placed on good or bad words. The conversation happened in “news delivery” style, the most commonly observed between doctors and patients. Results The study revealed that patients who underwent the "positive news" counselling approach experienced the most weight loss within a year. Individuals in the "positive news" category, on average, shed 4.8kg, while those in the "negative news" group lost 2.7kg, and participants in the "neutral news" group showed a 1.2kg reduction in weight. Also read: 7 Factors on Which Weight Loss Depends The increased weight loss in the "positive news" group was largely attributed to a higher enrollment rate in the 12-week weight loss programme. Approximately 87 per cent of individuals in this group signed up for the programme, in contrast to less than half in the other groups. Dr Charlotte Albury, lead author and researcher within the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, said: “What we found was that when doctors framed the conversation as ‘good news’ – emphasising the benefits and opportunities of weight loss in a positive manner – patients were more likely to enroll in a weight-loss programme, attend more sessions, and, importantly, lose more weight compared to a neutral or negative framing.” (With inputs from agencies)

Patients more likely to shed weight if advice offered in ‘optimistic’ tone: Study

The allure of Western brands has put Indians at the risk of a junk food epidemic. Sugary cereals, frozen food and packaged juice, instant noodles have become a staple in Indian households. Here's why you need to rethink your choices.

Gravitas: India's junk food epidemic. Here's why you are at risk

According to a study, obesity during early pregnancy appears to be a strong predictor of future cardiovascular disease and has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

The findings of the study, which was supported by the National Institutes of Health, were published in Circulation Research. Obesity has long been recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and pregnancy difficulties caused by high blood pressure. They didn’t know which factors influenced a person’s cardiovascular disease risk years after pregnancy – obesity or pregnancy problems.

While having adverse pregnancy outcomes was linked with increased cardiovascular disease risks during pregnancy, the complications accounted for a small percentage of increased cardiovascular disease risks in the years following pregnancy for people with obesity.

“We’re finding that certain pregnancy complications are unmasking and then increasing cardiovascular disease risks, such as obesity, that were already present. This study provides insight into potential timing for interventions for people with overweight or obesity who are thinking about pregnancy,” said Victoria L Pemberton, RNC, a study author and researcher in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of NIH.

The researchers analysed data collected from the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study of more than 4,200 first-time mothers – about half of whom were overweight or obese. They compared the participants’ pregnancy experience to their health two to seven years later.

They found mothers who were overweight or had obesity during the first trimester of pregnancy had about twice the risk of developing gestational diabetes or having a pregnancy complicated by high blood pressure, compared to participants with normal body weight. These mothers also had increased risks of developing cardiovascular disease risks after pregnancy.

In comparison, pregnancies complicated by high blood pressure explained just 13 per cent of future risks for developing high blood pressure if a person is obese. Likewise, gestational diabetes explained only 10 per cent of future risks for diabetes.

“We want to do everything we can to support a person’s heart health, but especially around the time of pregnancy – before, during, and in early pregnancy,” said Sadiya S Khan, MD, the study’s lead investigator, a preventive cardiologist, and an associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-the-silent-struggle-the-connection-between-depression-and-creativity--depression-awareness-month-2023-647380">The silent struggle: The connection between depression and creativity | Depression Awareness Month 2023</a>

“That includes achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, knowing your heart health numbers, and finding ways to stay physically active.”

For some complications the researchers found body weight did not factor into risks. For example, people with overweight or obesity did not have increased risks of having a preterm birth or a baby with a low birth weight.

Additionally, researchers found among all participants, those experiencing preterm births had increased risks of having high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol a few years after pregnancy. Having a baby born with a low birth weight wasn’t found to increase risks.

“Looking for ways to support and optimize a person’s cardiovascular health is still of the utmost importance if someone has had an adverse pregnancy outcome,” said Khan.

“However, if we really want to make a difference in improving cardiovascular health and preventing these pregnancy outcomes, we have to shift to the pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy space.”

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According to a study, obesity during early pregnancy appears to be a strong predictor of future cardiovascular disease and has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

According to a study, obesity during early pregnancy appears to be a strong predictor of future cardiovascular disease and has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. The findings of the study, which was supported by the National Institutes of Health, were published in Circulation Research. Obesity has long been recognised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and pregnancy difficulties caused by high blood pressure. They didn’t know which factors influenced a person’s cardiovascular disease risk years after pregnancy – obesity or pregnancy problems. While having adverse pregnancy outcomes was linked with increased cardiovascular disease risks during pregnancy, the complications accounted for a small percentage of increased cardiovascular disease risks in the years following pregnancy for people with obesity. “We’re finding that certain pregnancy complications are unmasking and then increasing cardiovascular disease risks, such as obesity, that were already present. This study provides insight into potential timing for interventions for people with overweight or obesity who are thinking about pregnancy,” said Victoria L Pemberton, RNC, a study author and researcher in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of NIH. The researchers analysed data collected from the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study of more than 4,200 first-time mothers – about half of whom were overweight or obese. They compared the participants’ pregnancy experience to their health two to seven years later. They found mothers who were overweight or had obesity during the first trimester of pregnancy had about twice the risk of developing gestational diabetes or having a pregnancy complicated by high blood pressure, compared to participants with normal body weight. These mothers also had increased risks of developing cardiovascular disease risks after pregnancy. In comparison, pregnancies complicated by high blood pressure explained just 13 per cent of future risks for developing high blood pressure if a person is obese. Likewise, gestational diabetes explained only 10 per cent of future risks for diabetes. “We want to do everything we can to support a person’s heart health, but especially around the time of pregnancy – before, during, and in early pregnancy,” said Sadiya S Khan, MD, the study’s lead investigator, a preventive cardiologist, and an associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago. Also read: The silent struggle: The connection between depression and creativity | Depression Awareness Month 2023 “That includes achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, knowing your heart health numbers, and finding ways to stay physically active.” For some complications the researchers found body weight did not factor into risks. For example, people with overweight or obesity did not have increased risks of having a preterm birth or a baby with a low birth weight. Additionally, researchers found among all participants, those experiencing preterm births had increased risks of having high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol a few years after pregnancy. Having a baby born with a low birth weight wasn’t found to increase risks. “Looking for ways to support and optimize a person’s cardiovascular health is still of the utmost importance if someone has had an adverse pregnancy outcome,” said Khan. “However, if we really want to make a difference in improving cardiovascular health and preventing these pregnancy outcomes, we have to shift to the pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy space.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pregnancy complications enhance short, long-term risk of heart disease for people with obesity: Study

Obesity is increasing in the United States, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As per the data released on Thursday (September 21st) obesity is becoming more common in a growing number of US states.&nbsp;

The survey by the CDC and state health departments revealed that of the 50 US states, 22 have at least 35 per cent of adults dealing with obesity. All states have obesity rates of at least 20 per cent.

<h2>Increasing obesity</h2>

Data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System shows that in 2021, only 19 states had at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity. New data from 2022 shows this number is up, and now 22 states have reported at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity.

The number was highest in Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Virginia, where more than 40 per cent of the adults had obesity.&nbsp;

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Region-wise, overall, the prevalence of obesity was highest in the Midwest and the South, with about 36 per cent. On the other hand, the Northeast and the West had about 30 per cent of obese adults.

Furthermore, the data also found "notable differences" in the prevalence of obesity by race and ethnicity.

Among black adults, obesity was reported by around 35 per cent of adults in 38 states. At least 35 per cent of Hispanic adults in 32 states were found to be obese.&nbsp;

The figure did not exceed 35 per cent among Asian adults in any state. While for white adults, the 35 per cent metric was reached in 14 states.

<h2>How did the report measure obesity?</h2>

The report considers adults with a body mass index of 30 and above as obese. The data, as per a CNN report, is based on self-reported measurements of height and weight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-study-reveals-increased-risk-of-premature-heart-failure-in-young-cancer-survivors-638511">Study reveals increased risk of premature heart failure in young cancer survivors</a>

In a statement, Dr Karen Hacker, the director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said: "Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority."

Hacker, as quoted by CNN, also said, "However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health such as access to healthcare, healthy and affordable food, and safe places for physical activity."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Obesity is increasing in the United States, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As per the data released on Thursday (September 21st) obesity is becoming more common in a growing number of US states.

Obesity is increasing in the United States, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As per the data released on Thursday (September 21st) obesity is becoming more common in a growing number of US states. The survey by the CDC and state health departments revealed that of the 50 US states, 22 have at least 35 per cent of adults dealing with obesity. All states have obesity rates of at least 20 per cent. Increasing obesity Data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System shows that in 2021, only 19 states had at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity. New data from 2022 shows this number is up, and now 22 states have reported at least 35 per cent of adults with obesity. The number was highest in Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Virginia, where more than 40 per cent of the adults had obesity. Also read | How can weight impact your knees? Know the connection! Region-wise, overall, the prevalence of obesity was highest in the Midwest and the South, with about 36 per cent. On the other hand, the Northeast and the West had about 30 per cent of obese adults. Furthermore, the data also found "notable differences" in the prevalence of obesity by race and ethnicity. Among black adults, obesity was reported by around 35 per cent of adults in 38 states. At least 35 per cent of Hispanic adults in 32 states were found to be obese. The figure did not exceed 35 per cent among Asian adults in any state. While for white adults, the 35 per cent metric was reached in 14 states. How did the report measure obesity? The report considers adults with a body mass index of 30 and above as obese. The data, as per a CNN report, is based on self-reported measurements of height and weight. Also read | Study reveals increased risk of premature heart failure in young cancer survivors In a statement, Dr Karen Hacker, the director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said: "Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority." Hacker, as quoted by CNN, also said, "However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health such as access to healthcare, healthy and affordable food, and safe places for physical activity." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Obesity on rise in US, at least 20% adults are obese, shows new survey

The World Health Organisation defines overweight and obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. The issue has grown to epidemic proportions; and rates of overweight and obesity continue to grow in adults and children. From 1975 to 2016, the prevalence of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5–19 years increased more than four-fold, from 4% to 18% globally. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems. The latest who projections indicate that at least one in three of the world's adult population is overweight. Almost one in ten of the world's adult population is obese. Additionally, there are over 40 million children under age five who are overweight.

Growing rates of obesity in adults and children

Obesity not just a cosmetic concern | At least 1 in 3 of world's adult population overweight

All fat Santas should be banned from shopping centres, as an overweight Father Christmas will send the wrong message and promote binge eating, says Dr Vincent Candrawinata, a health and wellness expert and researcher at the University of Newcastle, NSW.

He says that being overweight has nothing to do with happiness and that all entertainment venues should tell all their Santas to slim down.&nbsp;

The good doctor feels that a chubby Santa will promote unhealthy eating over Christmas and that he is yet to see a skinny Santa posing for photos with kids. He also says that a fit Saint Nick should be the new norm.

For the uninitiated, Saint Nick is where the real story of Santa Claus as an entity begins from. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick's Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas).

This particular saint was known for his generosity and kindness, which gave rise to legends of miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy. As a result of his good deeds, devotion to Nicholas extended to all parts of Europe.

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Dr Candrawinata says he wants to fight the stigma that one needs to eat a lot and overindulge to celebrate festivities and be joyful.&nbsp;

But it doesn't look like all Santas are set to toe the line. According to a report in Reuters, losing weight is a big 'no,no' for the jolly, rotund character that has brought happiness to children all over the world.

In recent years, Santa has been accused of being a fraud, an interloper and even politically incorrect but now he also faces accusations of being unhealthy and a bad role model as child obesity rates soar.&nbsp;

Read now |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/santa-claus-spotted-distributing-masks-to-thai-kids-on-elephants-351780">Santa Claus spotted distributing masks to Thai kids... on elephants!</a>

At a British shopping centre -- Bluewater near Dartford, Kent, Santas were under pressure to get rid of the wobbling belly under the red suit and ordered to attend a month-long boot camp with exercises before greeting children.

Even the acting US Surgeon General Steven K. Galson had similar views about Santa going on a diet. He said it was important that the people who kids look up to as role models are in good shape, eating well and getting exercise.

Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Divers dressed as Santa swim with sharks and exotic fish at Budapest aquarium

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But not everybody thinks so, as supporters of the portly lovable Santa say he is not the right person to lead a campaign against childhood obesity. After all he has boasted a wide girth for over 20 years since transforming from Saint Nicholas and a plump Father Christmas in a green robe in Britain in the 17th century into the rotund man in a red suit and white beard whose image was cemented through Coca-Cola advertisements during the 1930s.

“We have so many things to worry about in the universe besides Santa saying Merry Christmas, ‘ho ho ho’ and what Santa’s chowing down on,” said Susen Mesco, president of event planning company American Events and a frequent Mrs. Claus.

All fat Santas should be banned from shopping centres, as an overweight Father Christmas will send the wrong message and promote binge eating, says Dr Vincent Candrawinata, a health and wellness expert and researcher at the University of Newcastle, NSW.

All fat Santas should be banned from shopping centres, as an overweight Father Christmas will send the wrong message and promote binge eating, says Dr Vincent Candrawinata, a health and wellness expert and researcher at the University of Newcastle, NSW. He says that being overweight has nothing to do with happiness and that all entertainment venues should tell all their Santas to slim down. The good doctor feels that a chubby Santa will promote unhealthy eating over Christmas and that he is yet to see a skinny Santa posing for photos with kids. He also says that a fit Saint Nick should be the new norm. For the uninitiated, Saint Nick is where the real story of Santa Claus as an entity begins from. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick's Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). This particular saint was known for his generosity and kindness, which gave rise to legends of miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy. As a result of his good deeds, devotion to Nicholas extended to all parts of Europe. Read now | Here’s what David Harbour has to say on playing Santa Claus in next, ‘Violent Night’ Dr Candrawinata says he wants to fight the stigma that one needs to eat a lot and overindulge to celebrate festivities and be joyful. But it doesn't look like all Santas are set to toe the line. According to a report in Reuters, losing weight is a big 'no,no' for the jolly, rotund character that has brought happiness to children all over the world. In recent years, Santa has been accused of being a fraud, an interloper and even politically incorrect but now he also faces accusations of being unhealthy and a bad role model as child obesity rates soar. Read now | Santa Claus spotted distributing masks to Thai kids... on elephants! At a British shopping centre -- Bluewater near Dartford, Kent, Santas were under pressure to get rid of the wobbling belly under the red suit and ordered to attend a month-long boot camp with exercises before greeting children. Even the acting US Surgeon General Steven K. Galson had similar views about Santa going on a diet. He said it was important that the people who kids look up to as role models are in good shape, eating well and getting exercise. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Divers dressed as Santa swim with sharks and exotic fish at Budapest aquarium But not everybody thinks so, as supporters of the portly lovable Santa say he is not the right person to lead a campaign against childhood obesity. After all he has boasted a wide girth for over 20 years since transforming from Saint Nicholas and a plump Father Christmas in a green robe in Britain in the 17th century into the rotund man in a red suit and white beard whose image was cemented through Coca-Cola advertisements during the 1930s. “We have so many things to worry about in the universe besides Santa saying Merry Christmas, ‘ho ho ho’ and what Santa’s chowing down on,” said Susen Mesco, president of event planning company American Events and a frequent Mrs. Claus.

Ban 'fat' Santas, says Australian health expert

A new study has found that obesity is likely to damage the ability of the brain to recognise the sensation of fullness of the stomach and to detect satisfaction after consuming sugars and fats.&nbsp;

The study emphasised the changes in the brain may last forever even after a significant amount of weight is lost by people who are considered medically obese, which further explained why a lot of people regain their weight after losing it.&nbsp;

“There was no sign of reversibility — the brains of people with obesity continued to lack the chemical responses that tell the body, ‘OK, you ate enough,’” stated Dr Caroline Apovian, who works as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is also the co-director of the Centre for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

“This study captures why obesity is a disease — there are actual changes to the brain,” stated Apovian, who was not part of the group that carried out the study.

“The study is very rigorous and quite comprehensive,” stated Dr I Sadaf Farooqi, who is a professor of metabolism and medicine at the University of Cambridge in the UK and was not involved in the new research.

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“The way they’ve designed their study gives more confidence in the findings, adding to prior research that also found obesity causes some changes in the brain,” she added.&nbsp;

<h2>Clinical trial</h2>

On Monday, Nature Metabolism published the study which was done based on a controlled clinical trial involving 30 people who are considered medically obese and 30 people who have normal weight. The group of people were fed sugar carbohydrates (glucose), fats (lipids) or water (as a control). On separate days, each group of nutrients were fed to people directly into the stomach through a feeding tube.

“We wanted to bypass the mouth and focus on the gut-brain connection, to see how nutrients affect the brain independently from seeing, smelling or tasting food,” stated lead study author Dr &nbsp;Mireille Serlie, professor of endocrinology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.

One night before the testing, the participants were given the same meal for dinner at home and they did not consume anything till the feeding tube was in place the next morning. &nbsp;When either fats or sugars entered the stomach through the tube, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were used by researchers to capture the response of the brains for over 30 minutes.

WATCH |&nbsp;UK: Semaglutide, the weight-loss drug, to be given out for free to eligible patients

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“The MRI shows where neurons in the brain are using oxygen in reaction to the nutrient — that part of the brain lights up,” stated Farooqi. “The other scan measures dopamine, a hormone that is part of the reward system, which is a signal for finding something pleasurable, rewarding and motivating and then wanting that thing," he added.&nbsp;

In people who had normal weight, the study found evidence of brain understanding that the body had been fed when either sugars or fats were put into the stomach. Also, the levels of dopamine rose in people with normal weight which signalled that the brain's reward centres were activated. However, in medically obese people, no evidence was found of brain understanding that food has been given to the body and there was no rise in dopamine levels.

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A new study has found that obesity is likely to damage the ability of the brain to recognise the sensation of fullness of the stomach and to detect satisfaction after consuming sugars and fats.

A new study has found that obesity is likely to damage the ability of the brain to recognise the sensation of fullness of the stomach and to detect satisfaction after consuming sugars and fats. The study emphasised the changes in the brain may last forever even after a significant amount of weight is lost by people who are considered medically obese, which further explained why a lot of people regain their weight after losing it. “There was no sign of reversibility — the brains of people with obesity continued to lack the chemical responses that tell the body, ‘OK, you ate enough,’” stated Dr Caroline Apovian, who works as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is also the co-director of the Centre for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “This study captures why obesity is a disease — there are actual changes to the brain,” stated Apovian, who was not part of the group that carried out the study. “The study is very rigorous and quite comprehensive,” stated Dr I Sadaf Farooqi, who is a professor of metabolism and medicine at the University of Cambridge in the UK and was not involved in the new research. ALSO READ | More than half of the world is set to become overweight or obese by 2035: Report “The way they’ve designed their study gives more confidence in the findings, adding to prior research that also found obesity causes some changes in the brain,” she added. Clinical trial On Monday, Nature Metabolism published the study which was done based on a controlled clinical trial involving 30 people who are considered medically obese and 30 people who have normal weight. The group of people were fed sugar carbohydrates (glucose), fats (lipids) or water (as a control). On separate days, each group of nutrients were fed to people directly into the stomach through a feeding tube. “We wanted to bypass the mouth and focus on the gut-brain connection, to see how nutrients affect the brain independently from seeing, smelling or tasting food,” stated lead study author Dr Mireille Serlie, professor of endocrinology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. One night before the testing, the participants were given the same meal for dinner at home and they did not consume anything till the feeding tube was in place the next morning. When either fats or sugars entered the stomach through the tube, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were used by researchers to capture the response of the brains for over 30 minutes. WATCH | UK: Semaglutide, the weight-loss drug, to be given out for free to eligible patients “The MRI shows where neurons in the brain are using oxygen in reaction to the nutrient — that part of the brain lights up,” stated Farooqi. “The other scan measures dopamine, a hormone that is part of the reward system, which is a signal for finding something pleasurable, rewarding and motivating and then wanting that thing," he added. In people who had normal weight, the study found evidence of brain understanding that the body had been fed when either sugars or fats were put into the stomach. Also, the levels of dopamine rose in people with normal weight which signalled that the brain's reward centres were activated. However, in medically obese people, no evidence was found of brain understanding that food has been given to the body and there was no rise in dopamine levels. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is obesity impacting your brain forever? Experts say yes

Obesity - the cold and silent killer - can now be treated with this weight-loss drug that is being given for free in the UK. The country is planning on giving obese and diabetic patients, a free access to the new diet drug.

UK: Semaglutide, the weight-loss drug, to be given out for free to eligible patients

Out of the 201 children who received the ‘skinny jab’ aka Semaglutide, nearly half of them have lost enough weight and are no longer classified as ‘clinically obese’.&nbsp;A study led by the co-director of the Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine at the University of Minnesota, Dr Aaron Kelly, administered one dose of 2.4mg of semaglutide to nearly 134 children aged between 12 and 18 years of age once a week for a duration of 68 weeks.

Meanwhile, the remaining 67 children received a placebo over the same duration of time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/most-people-are-feeling-too-tired-to-be-healthy-says-yougov-poll-593329">Most people are 'feeling too tired' to be healthy, says YouGov Poll</a>

Semaglutide is typically a medication, sold under the brand name Ozempic used to treat type 2 diabetes by suppressing appetite. However, Dr Aaron’s study found that semaglutide can also be used to treat obesity when administered in small amounts over a long period of time.&nbsp;

<h2>Placebo v/s Semaglutide</h2>

The results presented to the European Congress on Obesity in Dublin concluded that 12 per cent of adolescents who took placebo lost enough weight to no longer be classified as ‘clinically obese’.

Moreover, nearly 45 per cent of adolescents who took semaglutide were able to no longer fall under the ‘clinically obese’ category.&nbsp;

The results of the study further concluded that nearly 74% of children who were administered semaglutide showed an improvement of one Body Mass Index (BMI), as opposed to just 19% of children who took placebo.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;5 things to do daily to maintain a healthy heart

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<h2>A transformative drug for children dealing with obesity&nbsp;</h2>

During a press conference, Dr Aaron stated that while the drug might not solve the obesity problem in its entirety, it is an important piece of the puzzle in solving it. He further added that the drug could be transformative for children dealing with obesity. However, the drug is not a quick fix to an otherwise larger problem - unhealthy lifestyle; and that the drug should be used in conjunction with lifestyle therapies and other anti-obesity measures.&nbsp;

<h2>Semaglutide gets a thumps-up from the internet</h2>

Semaglutide, which is believed to be a transformative drug for people dealing with obesity has gone on social media platforms like Tiktok and has also received various celebrity endorsements.&nbsp;Expert drug advisers from the UK recommended its usage on the NHS in adults with a BMI above 35 and with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure.&nbsp; 
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Out of the 201 children who received the ‘skinny jab’ aka Semaglutide, nearly half of them have lost enough weight and are no longer classified as ‘clinically obese’.

Out of the 201 children who received the ‘skinny jab’ aka Semaglutide, nearly half of them have lost enough weight and are no longer classified as ‘clinically obese’. A study led by the co-director of the Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine at the University of Minnesota, Dr Aaron Kelly, administered one dose of 2.4mg of semaglutide to nearly 134 children aged between 12 and 18 years of age once a week for a duration of 68 weeks. Meanwhile, the remaining 67 children received a placebo over the same duration of time. ALSO READ | Most people are 'feeling too tired' to be healthy, says YouGov Poll Semaglutide is typically a medication, sold under the brand name Ozempic used to treat type 2 diabetes by suppressing appetite. However, Dr Aaron’s study found that semaglutide can also be used to treat obesity when administered in small amounts over a long period of time. Placebo v/s Semaglutide The results presented to the European Congress on Obesity in Dublin concluded that 12 per cent of adolescents who took placebo lost enough weight to no longer be classified as ‘clinically obese’. Moreover, nearly 45 per cent of adolescents who took semaglutide were able to no longer fall under the ‘clinically obese’ category. The results of the study further concluded that nearly 74% of children who were administered semaglutide showed an improvement of one Body Mass Index (BMI), as opposed to just 19% of children who took placebo. WATCH | 5 things to do daily to maintain a healthy heart × A transformative drug for children dealing with obesity During a press conference, Dr Aaron stated that while the drug might not solve the obesity problem in its entirety, it is an important piece of the puzzle in solving it. He further added that the drug could be transformative for children dealing with obesity. However, the drug is not a quick fix to an otherwise larger problem - unhealthy lifestyle; and that the drug should be used in conjunction with lifestyle therapies and other anti-obesity measures. Semaglutide gets a thumps-up from the internet Semaglutide, which is believed to be a transformative drug for people dealing with obesity has gone on social media platforms like Tiktok and has also received various celebrity endorsements. Expert drug advisers from the UK recommended its usage on the NHS in adults with a BMI above 35 and with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Semaglutide - the new transformative weight loss drug in the market

New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet"&nbsp;for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years.

The global health body is first revising guidelines for treating children and adolescents with obesity, and will then update recommendations for adults, said Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety.

The WHO last issued global guidelines on the topic in 2000, which are used as a blueprint for countries without the resources to draft their own plans.

As part of the work, the WHO has commissioned the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan, Italy, to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – from older options like GSK's Xenical to newer, more effective treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly and Co’s Mounjaro, Branca told Reuters.

"The kind of communication that has been done around these drugs – ‘We’ve found a solution’ – that’s wrong,"&nbsp;said Branca. Drugs for obesity are important but must be “part of a comprehensive approach,” he said.

"This is not a silver bullet."

Branca said that other interventions, including diet and exercise, remain critical to help manage obesity. The latest WHO data shows that the percentage of children and adolescents aged five to 19 who are obese or overweight has risen to just over 18 per cent in 2016 from just four per cent in 1975, and this now represents more than 340 million people.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose. More recently, they have been shown to help people lose around 15 per cent&nbsp;of their body weight, capturing the attention of patients, investors and even celebrities.

Part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, they are given by a weekly injection and work by affecting hunger signals to the brain and slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer.

Studies suggest people are likely to have to take drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off.

Wegovy is approved for weight loss in the United States and Europe, while Mounjaro is expected to receive US&nbsp;approval later this year. The enormous demand for the drugs is expected to be worth $100 billion in annual sales within a decade, with as many as 10 different drugs on the market.

US&nbsp;medical groups are also reviewing their obesity treatment guidelines to consider the best use of Wegovy and similar drugs, with some specialists advocating broad use while others recommend prioritising them for high-risk patients with health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that are exacerbated by excess weight.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended using such medicines in children age 12 or older with obesity, even though the long-term impacts have yet to be studied.&nbsp;

More robust&nbsp;

The WHO said its revised guidelines will be based on more robust methodology than previous iterations and include up-to-the-minute science. The first draft of the new management guidelines for children and adolescents are expected by the end of this year.

Branca said the researchers at Mario Negri, as well as other institutions working on the guidelines, had been extensively vetted to avoid conflict of interest concerns.

Novo Nordisk was suspended earlier this year from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its marketing practices, such as alleged funding of health professionals and providing training that the association alleged was intended to promote its drug.

“We really screen the potential conflicts of interest,” said Branca.

He described obesity as a "rising epidemic".

"There are multiple reasons why we really have to take much more serious and bolder action,” he said. 
 
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New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet" for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years.

New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet" for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years. The global health body is first revising guidelines for treating children and adolescents with obesity, and will then update recommendations for adults, said Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety. The WHO last issued global guidelines on the topic in 2000, which are used as a blueprint for countries without the resources to draft their own plans. As part of the work, the WHO has commissioned the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan, Italy, to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – from older options like GSK's Xenical to newer, more effective treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly and Co’s Mounjaro, Branca told Reuters. "The kind of communication that has been done around these drugs – ‘We’ve found a solution’ – that’s wrong," said Branca. Drugs for obesity are important but must be “part of a comprehensive approach,” he said. "This is not a silver bullet." Branca said that other interventions, including diet and exercise, remain critical to help manage obesity. The latest WHO data shows that the percentage of children and adolescents aged five to 19 who are obese or overweight has risen to just over 18 per cent in 2016 from just four per cent in 1975, and this now represents more than 340 million people. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose. More recently, they have been shown to help people lose around 15 per cent of their body weight, capturing the attention of patients, investors and even celebrities. Part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, they are given by a weekly injection and work by affecting hunger signals to the brain and slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer. Studies suggest people are likely to have to take drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off. Wegovy is approved for weight loss in the United States and Europe, while Mounjaro is expected to receive US approval later this year. The enormous demand for the drugs is expected to be worth $100 billion in annual sales within a decade, with as many as 10 different drugs on the market. US medical groups are also reviewing their obesity treatment guidelines to consider the best use of Wegovy and similar drugs, with some specialists advocating broad use while others recommend prioritising them for high-risk patients with health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that are exacerbated by excess weight. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended using such medicines in children age 12 or older with obesity, even though the long-term impacts have yet to be studied. More robust The WHO said its revised guidelines will be based on more robust methodology than previous iterations and include up-to-the-minute science. The first draft of the new management guidelines for children and adolescents are expected by the end of this year. Branca said the researchers at Mario Negri, as well as other institutions working on the guidelines, had been extensively vetted to avoid conflict of interest concerns. Novo Nordisk was suspended earlier this year from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its marketing practices, such as alleged funding of health professionals and providing training that the association alleged was intended to promote its drug. “We really screen the potential conflicts of interest,” said Branca. He described obesity as a "rising epidemic". "There are multiple reasons why we really have to take much more serious and bolder action,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wegovy, other weight loss drugs not ‘silver bullets’, says WHO amid obesity guidelines review

The W.H.O. is considering including obesity medicines on its essential drugs list. This would make these medicines more accessible in low to middle-income countries that house 70% of the World's obese people. But is the W.H.O.'s move enough? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: W.H.O considers obesity medicines for essential drug list | Obesity in America on a rise

Obesity is&nbsp;a lifestyle disorder, not a&nbsp;disease!&nbsp;And, this lifestyle disorder emerges from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise. It is a major challenge for millennials and&nbsp;is ranked among one of the primary causes of preventable deaths across the world. Surprisingly, obesity didn't exist 50 years ago, presumably because people at the time&nbsp;led more active lives, and did not have access to high-calorie, processed foods.

Before we check out some tips to manage our body weight, let's decode&nbsp;the primary causes of obesity!

One of the primary reasons the current generation is dealing with obesity is the absence of physical activity&nbsp;on a day-to-day basis. People have become increasingly lethargic and lazy.

Another major cause for a considerable surge in obesity rates is unorganised eating habits. There isn't adequate awareness about the nutritive value of the meals we consume, and individuals usually eat without considering the effects on their health.

Today, people&nbsp;consume more calories than their body requirements, which results in weight gain and gradual obesity.

Despite the significant challenges our lifestyle and obesity pose to our health, we can transform our lives with some simple strategies.&nbsp;Aminder Singh, Fitness Guru and founder of Team Aminder, spoke to IANS and revealed the following:

<ol>
	<li>Keep your calorie intake in check</li>
	<li>Aim for natural weight loss</li>
	<li>Look for a proficient fitness coach</li>
	<li>Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle</li>
</ol>

Keep your calorie intake in check

To combat obesity, our calorie intake should be proportional to our physical activity. If we lead a more active lifestyle, we must consume meals that are nutritious and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is built on two main pillars - good nutrition and proper exercise. Disregarding either of these pillars will negatively influence your health.

Aim for natural weight loss

Look for&nbsp;natural weight loss strategies rather than opting for cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction. While these surgeries yield quick results, they can be detrimental in the long run. So, try to focus on weight loss techniques that are sustainable and healthy.

Look for a proficient fitness coach 

Another important element of combating obesity is choosing a fitness coach who has the required knowledge and expertise. It is also crucial to understand the difference between a trainer and a teacher. While many claims to be fitness coaches, they lack the essential qualifications and experience. Hence it gets pivotal to shortlist a coach who possesses the necessary experience to direct you on the right path.

Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle

An efficacious method&nbsp;to fight obesity is to enlighten yourself about the significance of healthy living. We need to be conscious of the nutritional value of the food we consume and comprehend the impact of our choices on our health.

"A result-yielding strategy here would be to make short, sustainable changes in our lifestyle. For instance, we can begin by making minor changes in our diet, like lowering the intake of high-calorie, processed foods and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. We can also begin by including more physical activity into our daily routine, such as walking or cycling to workplaces. By encouraging healthy lifestyles and making healthy choices easier, we can prevent and address obesity, enhance overall health outcomes, and lessen the burden on healthcare frameworks," the fitness coach shared.

(With inputs from agencies)

Obesity is a lifestyle disorder, not a disease! And, this lifestyle disorder emerges from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise.

Obesity is a lifestyle disorder, not a disease! And, this lifestyle disorder emerges from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise. It is a major challenge for millennials and is ranked among one of the primary causes of preventable deaths across the world. Surprisingly, obesity didn't exist 50 years ago, presumably because people at the time led more active lives, and did not have access to high-calorie, processed foods. Before we check out some tips to manage our body weight, let's decode the primary causes of obesity! One of the primary reasons the current generation is dealing with obesity is the absence of physical activity on a day-to-day basis. People have become increasingly lethargic and lazy. Another major cause for a considerable surge in obesity rates is unorganised eating habits. There isn't adequate awareness about the nutritive value of the meals we consume, and individuals usually eat without considering the effects on their health. Today, people consume more calories than their body requirements, which results in weight gain and gradual obesity. Despite the significant challenges our lifestyle and obesity pose to our health, we can transform our lives with some simple strategies. Aminder Singh, Fitness Guru and founder of Team Aminder, spoke to IANS and revealed the following: Keep your calorie intake in check Aim for natural weight loss Look for a proficient fitness coach Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle Keep your calorie intake in check To combat obesity, our calorie intake should be proportional to our physical activity. If we lead a more active lifestyle, we must consume meals that are nutritious and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is built on two main pillars - good nutrition and proper exercise. Disregarding either of these pillars will negatively influence your health. Aim for natural weight loss Look for natural weight loss strategies rather than opting for cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction. While these surgeries yield quick results, they can be detrimental in the long run. So, try to focus on weight loss techniques that are sustainable and healthy. Look for a proficient fitness coach Another important element of combating obesity is choosing a fitness coach who has the required knowledge and expertise. It is also crucial to understand the difference between a trainer and a teacher. While many claims to be fitness coaches, they lack the essential qualifications and experience. Hence it gets pivotal to shortlist a coach who possesses the necessary experience to direct you on the right path. Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle An efficacious method to fight obesity is to enlighten yourself about the significance of healthy living. We need to be conscious of the nutritional value of the food we consume and comprehend the impact of our choices on our health. "A result-yielding strategy here would be to make short, sustainable changes in our lifestyle. For instance, we can begin by making minor changes in our diet, like lowering the intake of high-calorie, processed foods and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. We can also begin by including more physical activity into our daily routine, such as walking or cycling to workplaces. By encouraging healthy lifestyles and making healthy choices easier, we can prevent and address obesity, enhance overall health outcomes, and lessen the burden on healthcare frameworks," the fitness coach shared. (With inputs from agencies)

Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss

March 4 is observed as World Obesity Day every year. Obesity is turning into a global epidemic with each passing year. Even though we all talk about making healthy food choices and getting some physical activity to stay healthy, not a lot of us practice these things. The reason most often being hectic and busy lives where we try to pack in work, family, and some me time. With the ever-increasing food apps, ordering a quick snack has become easier than ever. So after a hectic day at work, many people tend to turn the easy way and end up filling themselves with a greasy snack.&nbsp;

Our youth is also taking this route as a lot of them have grown into a world where long working hours are the norm, leaving them with little time to work out or cook a healthy meal.&nbsp;

"The root cause of obesity is multi-fold. There are many factors that negatively impact our metabolic pathways and when the collective burden of these factors overloads our metabolic system, it breaks down and this manifests as obesity or some other metabolic disease like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease," Functional Nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, who is also the CEO and Founder of iThrive, told WION.

A new study by the World Obesity Federation warns that more than half the world's population will be classified as obese or overweight by 2035. The report says that over four billion people will be affected, with children being the worst hit.&nbsp;

So the problem needs to be addressed at the root level. Kids need to be made aware of healthy food choices. Their lifestyle needs to be moulded around the idea of becoming healthy, and not giving in to the idea of overworking themselves while compromising on their health. Mobile phones and gaming devices have meant that kids don't play outside as much, depriving them of all-important physical activity. They aren't exposed to the sun as much, leading to weaker bones.&nbsp;

"The average modern urban lifestyle is a health hazard chamber consisting of a &nbsp;lifestyle that is highly sedentary, locked indoors, away from the sun-food environment consisting of highly processed foods, toxins in our air, water, and household products, nutrient-depleted soil, just to name a few," Mugdha says.&nbsp;
<img alt="Eating healthy is the first step towards avoiding obesity." data-caption="Eating healthy is the first step towards avoiding obesity." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff6bdac4-99fc-4b09-88e1-2a6f00d29fd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-03T205026.711.png" />
All we need to do is make an effort that we as adults and our kids make healthier choices. Instead of ordering fast food, cook something that won't take as long to cook, and is yet healthy, such as porridge, khichdi, dal rice, etc. Prepping meals for the entire week is another popular option that people are going for lately. There are several YouTube videos that can help you prep some meals that simply need 5-10 minutes to get ready during meal time.&nbsp;

Is fat-free healthy?

Avoid falling for the fat-free trend as most packaged foods aren't really healthy, despite saying so on the packet. "Just becoming more aware and not falling for fraudulent health products is key to maintaining good metabolic health because the health market is saturated with bad products and bad advice," Pradhan&nbsp;says.

Exercising in combination with healthier food choices will not only help you maintain good body fat but also make you feel nice and energetic.&nbsp;
<img alt="Kids need to be engaged in some form of physical activity." data-caption="Kids need to be engaged in some form of physical activity." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da5b9328-cb14-4a33-8b93-b38ba908b5de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-03T205145.245.png" />
Good sleep

Getting enough sleep is also the key to avoiding obesity. When you don't get a good night's sleep, you tend to put on weight. This is because when you don't get enough sleep, you create a hormone imbalance in the body that promotes overeating and weight gain. Studies suggest that you also tend to choose high-fat food when you are sleep deprived. Lack of sleep leads to growth hormone deficiency and elevated cortisol levels, both known to promote obesity.

Similarly, when children don't get enough sleep, they also take a step towards obesity. Increased screen time often means that kids don't go to sleep at a reasonable hour, leading to sleep deprivation. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"Eating healthier, whole nutrient-dense foods, avoiding processed and inflammatory foods, monitoring your health markers, working out and maintaining good muscle mass, getting sunlight and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, and avoiding toxins are simple steps to maintain good metabolic health," Mugdha says.
<img alt="Meal prep is a great way to ensure you don't order food regularly." data-caption="Meal prep is a great way to ensure you don't order food regularly." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2bb491f-bafa-47e9-ac2c-6db9effe62ea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-03T205005.155.png" />
Don't fall for marketing gimmicks

There are certain things that you can do at the community level as well. While buying food, read the label and don't pick up items simply because they have been marked as "healthy". You will find that the market is full of food items targeted at people aiming to become healthy. But it doesn't necessarily mean that every such food item is healthy. If you are not careful, they might end up making you gain weight.

"We strongly believe in the practice of 'voting with our wallet'. Educating yourself and making the right choices as a consumer is the most effective way to help the community. Malicious corporations that make a profit at the cost of your health and the environment cannot do so without your consent and would go bankrupt without it," Mugdha says.

So this World Obesity Day, let's promise to not only work to make ourselves healthy but also gift our youth with a healthier future.&nbsp;

 
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March 4 is observed as World Obesity Day every year. Obesity is turning into a global epidemic with each passing year. Even though we all talk about making healthy food choices and getting some physical activity to stay healthy, not a lot of us practice these things.

March 4 is observed as World Obesity Day every year. Obesity is turning into a global epidemic with each passing year. Even though we all talk about making healthy food choices and getting some physical activity to stay healthy, not a lot of us practice these things. The reason most often being hectic and busy lives where we try to pack in work, family, and some me time. With the ever-increasing food apps, ordering a quick snack has become easier than ever. So after a hectic day at work, many people tend to turn the easy way and end up filling themselves with a greasy snack. Our youth is also taking this route as a lot of them have grown into a world where long working hours are the norm, leaving them with little time to work out or cook a healthy meal. "The root cause of obesity is multi-fold. There are many factors that negatively impact our metabolic pathways and when the collective burden of these factors overloads our metabolic system, it breaks down and this manifests as obesity or some other metabolic disease like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease," Functional Nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, who is also the CEO and Founder of iThrive, told WION. A new study by the World Obesity Federation warns that more than half the world's population will be classified as obese or overweight by 2035. The report says that over four billion people will be affected, with children being the worst hit. So the problem needs to be addressed at the root level. Kids need to be made aware of healthy food choices. Their lifestyle needs to be moulded around the idea of becoming healthy, and not giving in to the idea of overworking themselves while compromising on their health. Mobile phones and gaming devices have meant that kids don't play outside as much, depriving them of all-important physical activity. They aren't exposed to the sun as much, leading to weaker bones. "The average modern urban lifestyle is a health hazard chamber consisting of a lifestyle that is highly sedentary, locked indoors, away from the sun-food environment consisting of highly processed foods, toxins in our air, water, and household products, nutrient-depleted soil, just to name a few," Mugdha says. All we need to do is make an effort that we as adults and our kids make healthier choices. Instead of ordering fast food, cook something that won't take as long to cook, and is yet healthy, such as porridge, khichdi, dal rice, etc. Prepping meals for the entire week is another popular option that people are going for lately. There are several YouTube videos that can help you prep some meals that simply need 5-10 minutes to get ready during meal time. Is fat-free healthy? Avoid falling for the fat-free trend as most packaged foods aren't really healthy, despite saying so on the packet. "Just becoming more aware and not falling for fraudulent health products is key to maintaining good metabolic health because the health market is saturated with bad products and bad advice," Pradhan says. Exercising in combination with healthier food choices will not only help you maintain good body fat but also make you feel nice and energetic. Good sleep Getting enough sleep is also the key to avoiding obesity. When you don't get a good night's sleep, you tend to put on weight. This is because when you don't get enough sleep, you create a hormone imbalance in the body that promotes overeating and weight gain. Studies suggest that you also tend to choose high-fat food when you are sleep deprived. Lack of sleep leads to growth hormone deficiency and elevated cortisol levels, both known to promote obesity. Similarly, when children don't get enough sleep, they also take a step towards obesity. Increased screen time often means that kids don't go to sleep at a reasonable hour, leading to sleep deprivation. "Eating healthier, whole nutrient-dense foods, avoiding processed and inflammatory foods, monitoring your health markers, working out and maintaining good muscle mass, getting sunlight and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, and avoiding toxins are simple steps to maintain good metabolic health," Mugdha says. Don't fall for marketing gimmicks There are certain things that you can do at the community level as well. While buying food, read the label and don't pick up items simply because they have been marked as "healthy". You will find that the market is full of food items targeted at people aiming to become healthy. But it doesn't necessarily mean that every such food item is healthy. If you are not careful, they might end up making you gain weight. "We strongly believe in the practice of 'voting with our wallet'. Educating yourself and making the right choices as a consumer is the most effective way to help the community. Malicious corporations that make a profit at the cost of your health and the environment cannot do so without your consent and would go bankrupt without it," Mugdha says. So this World Obesity Day, let's promise to not only work to make ourselves healthy but also gift our youth with a healthier future. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXPLAINED: On World Obesity Day, let's train our youth for a healthier tomorrow

A new report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that 51 per cent of the world, which would amount to more than four billion people, will be obese or overweight in the next 12 years if no significant action is taken by governments to curb the growing epidemic. The report also found that the rates of obesity are increasing fastest among children and lower-income countries.&nbsp;

Currently, at least 38 per cent or 2.6 billion of the world’s population is already overweight or obese, said the report. It also highlights the rate of obesity among children and teenagers is expected to double from 2020 among both girls as well as boys. The report found that childhood obesity would affect 208 million boys and 175 million girls in the next 12 years.&nbsp;

After the findings of the report were released, the President of the World Obesity Federation Louise Baur said that the trend was “particularly worrying”, in reference to the high rates of obesity among children and teenagers. He also called the data a “clear warning” and said “governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation” by assessing the root causes and factors that contribute to obesity.

Nine out of the 10 countries which are expected to witness an increase in obesity are low or lower-middle-income states in Africa and Asia, said the report. It added that such countries are “often the least able to respond to obesity and its consequences”. Notably, the economic cost linked to being overweight is more than $4 trillion every year by 2035 or three per cent of the global GDP.&nbsp;

It also emphasised and acknowledged the economic impact of obesity “is in no way a reflection of blame on people living with obesity” rather the authors have called for a focus on societal, environmental and biological factors which contribute to the condition. The report also uses Body Mass Index (BMI) for its assessments in line with World Health Organization’s guidelines. A BMI score over 25 is considered overweight while over 30 is obese. The report will be presented to the UN on Monday (March 6).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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A new report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that 51 per cent of the world, which would amount to more than four billion people, will be obese or overweight in the next 12 years if no significant action is taken by governments to curb the growing epidemic.

A new report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that 51 per cent of the world, which would amount to more than four billion people, will be obese or overweight in the next 12 years if no significant action is taken by governments to curb the growing epidemic. The report also found that the rates of obesity are increasing fastest among children and lower-income countries. Currently, at least 38 per cent or 2.6 billion of the world’s population is already overweight or obese, said the report. It also highlights the rate of obesity among children and teenagers is expected to double from 2020 among both girls as well as boys. The report found that childhood obesity would affect 208 million boys and 175 million girls in the next 12 years. After the findings of the report were released, the President of the World Obesity Federation Louise Baur said that the trend was “particularly worrying”, in reference to the high rates of obesity among children and teenagers. He also called the data a “clear warning” and said “governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation” by assessing the root causes and factors that contribute to obesity. Nine out of the 10 countries which are expected to witness an increase in obesity are low or lower-middle-income states in Africa and Asia, said the report. It added that such countries are “often the least able to respond to obesity and its consequences”. Notably, the economic cost linked to being overweight is more than $4 trillion every year by 2035 or three per cent of the global GDP. It also emphasised and acknowledged the economic impact of obesity “is in no way a reflection of blame on people living with obesity” rather the authors have called for a focus on societal, environmental and biological factors which contribute to the condition. The report also uses Body Mass Index (BMI) for its assessments in line with World Health Organization’s guidelines. A BMI score over 25 is considered overweight while over 30 is obese. The report will be presented to the UN on Monday (March 6). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

More than half of the world is set to become overweight or obese by 2035: Report

New study finds that money is an effective incentive to get obese people to lose weight. Priyanka Sharma brings you the details.

WION Fineprint | People more willing to shed weight for money

The experimental obesity drug of Amgen Inc showed trends of promising durability in its initial trial, making way for a large mid-stage study in the next years, said company officials on Saturday, before the data presentation.&nbsp;In the Phase I trial, it was discovered that weight loss is being maintained by patients for 70 days after they have been administered the injected highest tested dose of the drug which is known as AMG133. 
 
The shares of Amgen gained about 5% after the company on November 7 said that in the trial treatment of 12 weeks in which the highest monthly dose of AMG133 was administered, it was observed that there was a mean weight loss of 14.5%.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/airborne-baby-killer-pollution-in-china-kills-64000-babies-in-womb-every-year-539933">‘Airborne baby killer’: Pollution in China kills 64,000 babies in womb every year</a> 
 
After 150 days of the last dose, there was a drop in the maintained weight to 11.2% below the original weight when the trial started, as per the findings discussed in the meeting of the World Congress of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease held in Los Angeles. 
 
Amgen stated that the patients who were treated with AMG133 did suffer side effects which include vomiting and nausea, however, in most cases the symptoms were mild and the issues resolved in a couple of days after taking the first dose. 
 
It was estimated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that more than 40% of the population in the US is obese, which annually costs nearly $173 billion. This is a primary reason for type 2 diabetes, a few cancers, heart disease and complications in health like severe COVID-19. 
 
Amgen's head of cardiovascular metabolic discovery explained that the company had developed the drug to identify genetic signals which are related to body weight and lower fat mass, as well as healthy metabolic profiles.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/playing-piano-may-help-deal-with-mental-health-issues-like-depression-study-539926">Playing piano may help deal with mental health issues like depression: Study</a> 
 
"Genetics clearly showed in multiple large populations that decreased activity genetically of the GIP receptor gene was associated with lower BMI (body mass index)," he added. 
 
The biotech now plans to start AMG133's mid-stage study early next year in which a wide range of patients will be enrolled, which will include people suffering from additional health conditions like diabetes.

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The experimental obesity drug of Amgen Inc showed trends of promising durability in its initial trial, making way for a large mid-stage study in the next years, said company officials on Saturday, before the data presentation.

The experimental obesity drug of Amgen Inc showed trends of promising durability in its initial trial, making way for a large mid-stage study in the next years, said company officials on Saturday, before the data presentation. In the Phase I trial, it was discovered that weight loss is being maintained by patients for 70 days after they have been administered the injected highest tested dose of the drug which is known as AMG133. The shares of Amgen gained about 5% after the company on November 7 said that in the trial treatment of 12 weeks in which the highest monthly dose of AMG133 was administered, it was observed that there was a mean weight loss of 14.5%. ALSO READ| ‘Airborne baby killer’: Pollution in China kills 64,000 babies in womb every year After 150 days of the last dose, there was a drop in the maintained weight to 11.2% below the original weight when the trial started, as per the findings discussed in the meeting of the World Congress of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease held in Los Angeles. Amgen stated that the patients who were treated with AMG133 did suffer side effects which include vomiting and nausea, however, in most cases the symptoms were mild and the issues resolved in a couple of days after taking the first dose. It was estimated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that more than 40% of the population in the US is obese, which annually costs nearly $173 billion. This is a primary reason for type 2 diabetes, a few cancers, heart disease and complications in health like severe COVID-19. Amgen's head of cardiovascular metabolic discovery explained that the company had developed the drug to identify genetic signals which are related to body weight and lower fat mass, as well as healthy metabolic profiles. ALSO READ| Playing piano may help deal with mental health issues like depression: Study "Genetics clearly showed in multiple large populations that decreased activity genetically of the GIP receptor gene was associated with lower BMI (body mass index)," he added. The biotech now plans to start AMG133's mid-stage study early next year in which a wide range of patients will be enrolled, which will include people suffering from additional health conditions like diabetes.

Experimental obesity drug promising, demonstrating durability, claims pharma firm

The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;announced Wednesday billions of&nbsp;dollars&nbsp;in pledges from major corporations -- including the likes of fast food behemoth Burger King -- to craft a national strategy on ending the twin US challenges of&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;and&nbsp;obesity.

The private sector pledges were unveiled as President Joe Biden hosted what the administration touted as the first big White House summit on food and diet since Richard Nixon was in office more than half a century ago.

Nearly 42 per cent of American adults are technically&nbsp;obese&nbsp;and about 10 per cent of US households suffer food insecurity, according to the latest government statistics.

Biden told the&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;Conference on&nbsp;Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that government, Congress, private companies and society must work together to end&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;and reduce diet-related diseases in the United States by 2030.

"If you can’t feed your child, what the hell else matters?" he asked the audience of Congress members, activists, health experts and food industry representatives including top chef and humanitarian Jose Andres. "In America, no child should go to bed hungry. No parent should die of disease that can be prevented."

Because Congress is unlikely to fund major federal dietary programs, Biden finds his hands largely tied. However, officials said he was using the power of the presidency to get major companies involved and that the response has been strong.

"We know that we can only achieve the goals... if we rally a whole of society response," a senior official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Officials briefing reporters said that $8 billion in public and private sector commitments already made include pledges from more than 100 organizations, ranging from hospitals to tech companies and food industry players.

"All have committed to bold and in some cases, paradigm shifting commitments that will meaningfully improve nutrition, promote physical activity, and reduce&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;and diet related disease over the next seven years," an official said.

What's 'healthy'?

The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;says that poor diets are behind ever-rising cases of diseases like type 2 diabetes,&nbsp;obesity, hypertension, and certain cancers, warning that "there is no silver bullet to address these complex issues, and there is no overnight fix."

One idea being pushed by the administration is to regulate the use of the term "healthy" on food packaging.

"More than 80 percent of people in the US aren’t eating enough vegetables, fruit and dairy. And most people consume too much added sugars, saturated fat and sodium," the US Food and Drug Administration said.

For now, the quickest response is coming from the private sector.

S2G investments, which champions "a more humane and healthy planet," and food industry innovation specialists&nbsp;Food Systems for the Future are set to launch a $2.5 billion private investor coalition over the next three years.

The National Restaurant Association will expand a project aimed at getting children to eat healthier food at 45,000 more outlets, including at chains like Burger King.

IT and communications giant Cisco will contribute $500 million over five years for healthier meals and food production in areas where it does business.

Officials acknowledged that there is no enforcement mechanism for the spending programs but "we will continue to certainly work closely with these partners to ensure they execute on the actions committed to."

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The White House announced Wednesday billions of dollars in pledges from major corporations -- including the likes of fast food behemoth Burger King -- to craft a national strategy on ending the twin US challenges of hunger and obesity.

The White House announced Wednesday billions of dollars in pledges from major corporations -- including the likes of fast food behemoth Burger King -- to craft a national strategy on ending the twin US challenges of hunger and obesity. The private sector pledges were unveiled as President Joe Biden hosted what the administration touted as the first big White House summit on food and diet since Richard Nixon was in office more than half a century ago. Nearly 42 per cent of American adults are technically obese and about 10 per cent of US households suffer food insecurity, according to the latest government statistics. Biden told the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that government, Congress, private companies and society must work together to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases in the United States by 2030. "If you can’t feed your child, what the hell else matters?" he asked the audience of Congress members, activists, health experts and food industry representatives including top chef and humanitarian Jose Andres. "In America, no child should go to bed hungry. No parent should die of disease that can be prevented." Because Congress is unlikely to fund major federal dietary programs, Biden finds his hands largely tied. However, officials said he was using the power of the presidency to get major companies involved and that the response has been strong. "We know that we can only achieve the goals... if we rally a whole of society response," a senior official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Officials briefing reporters said that $8 billion in public and private sector commitments already made include pledges from more than 100 organizations, ranging from hospitals to tech companies and food industry players. "All have committed to bold and in some cases, paradigm shifting commitments that will meaningfully improve nutrition, promote physical activity, and reduce hunger and diet related disease over the next seven years," an official said. What's 'healthy'? The White House says that poor diets are behind ever-rising cases of diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and certain cancers, warning that "there is no silver bullet to address these complex issues, and there is no overnight fix." One idea being pushed by the administration is to regulate the use of the term "healthy" on food packaging. "More than 80 percent of people in the US aren’t eating enough vegetables, fruit and dairy. And most people consume too much added sugars, saturated fat and sodium," the US Food and Drug Administration said. For now, the quickest response is coming from the private sector. S2G investments, which champions "a more humane and healthy planet," and food industry innovation specialists Food Systems for the Future are set to launch a $2.5 billion private investor coalition over the next three years. The National Restaurant Association will expand a project aimed at getting children to eat healthier food at 45,000 more outlets, including at chains like Burger King. IT and communications giant Cisco will contribute $500 million over five years for healthier meals and food production in areas where it does business. Officials acknowledged that there is no enforcement mechanism for the spending programs but "we will continue to certainly work closely with these partners to ensure they execute on the actions committed to." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

White House announces multi-billion dollar plan to attack obesity, hunger

Overweight and obesity prevalence is set to cost the global economy 3.3 per cent of GDP by 2060, according to a new study by the World Obesity Federation and RTI International. The study, which was peer-reviewed and published today in BMJ Global Health, analyses the current economic impact of overweight and obesity in 161 countries. It provides the first-ever country-specific global estimate of the economic impacts of the non-communicable disease (NCD), mainly due to avoidable healthcare costs of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to obesity. &nbsp;

The study found that if the number of people living with obesity remained at 2019 levels, US$2.2 trillion could be saved. A five per cent reduction in the projected prevalence of the NCD between 2020 and 2060 would result in an average of US$429 billion in global annual savings.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/obesity-growing-in-india-and-fertility-is-dipping-national-family-health-survey-481988">Obesity growing in India and fertility is dipping: National Family Health Survey</a>

China, the United States and India are expected to have the biggest increase in cost to GDP. It is predicted to cost China over $10 trillion, the United States over $2.5 trillion and India nearly $850 billion (2.47% of GDP). Other countries with the economic costs of overweight and obesity projected to exceed $100 billion include Germany, Canada, Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Japan. Of all those countries, it is expected to cost the United Arab Emirates the highest proportion of GDP (11.04 per cent).

Estimates suggest that obesity is currently costing 2.19 per cent of global GDP. The estimated economic loss per capita in 2019 ranges from US$6 in lower-income countries and US$1,110 in higher-income countries.&nbsp;

Johanna Ralston, CEO, World Obesity Federation said, “These estimates of the economic impact of overweight and obesity should alarm governments across the world. The persistent stigmatisation of people living with obesity and policies that do not reflect the most recent evidence have led to failing approaches that ignore obesity’s root causes."

The study also says that total economic costs are likely to increase by four times in high-income countries whereas the increase is expected to be between 12-25 times in low and middle-income countries. In the WHO Europe region, they are expected to more than double compared with a 26-fold increase in the WHO Western Pacific Region.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/diabetes-drug-helps-people-with-obesity-to-lose-weight-significantly-says-study-485412">Diabetes drug helps people with obesity to lose weight significantly, says study</a>

Both direct and indirect costs were analysed in the study. The former includes medical and non-medical expenses while the latter includes the costs in the process of seeking formal healthcare, such as the cost of travel for patients and caregivers. Other indirect costs include economic loss from premature mortality, missed days of work, and reduced productivity while at work.

Medical fees makes up nearly all (99.8 per cent) of direct costs on average across all countries. The cost of premature mortality contributes to a significant portion (69.1 per cent on average) of all indirect costs. Indirect costs have a greater impact on GDP than direct costs (61-88 per cent vs 12-39 per cent across income groups respectively).

The World Obesity Federation estimated earlier this year that one billion people will be living with obesity by 2030. Last year with RTI International, the organisation launched a pilot study for the economic impact of overweight and obesity, focusing on eight countries. The World Obesity Federation is calling for world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly to address the root cause of obesity through systemic solutions, rather than focusing on individual responsibility.&nbsp;

"This study has highlighted the need for urgent, concerted and holistic action to address the global rise in overweight and obesity prevalence. We can alter this through the right policy and private sector attention to reduce factors in the environment that can cause the non-communicable disease," Ralston said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Overweight and obesity prevalence is set to cost the global economy 3.3 per cent of GDP by 2060, according to a new study by the World Obesity Federation and RTI International.

Overweight and obesity prevalence is set to cost the global economy 3.3 per cent of GDP by 2060, according to a new study by the World Obesity Federation and RTI International. The study, which was peer-reviewed and published today in BMJ Global Health, analyses the current economic impact of overweight and obesity in 161 countries. It provides the first-ever country-specific global estimate of the economic impacts of the non-communicable disease (NCD), mainly due to avoidable healthcare costs of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to obesity. The study found that if the number of people living with obesity remained at 2019 levels, US$2.2 trillion could be saved. A five per cent reduction in the projected prevalence of the NCD between 2020 and 2060 would result in an average of US$429 billion in global annual savings. Also Read | Obesity growing in India and fertility is dipping: National Family Health Survey China, the United States and India are expected to have the biggest increase in cost to GDP. It is predicted to cost China over $10 trillion, the United States over $2.5 trillion and India nearly $850 billion (2.47% of GDP). Other countries with the economic costs of overweight and obesity projected to exceed $100 billion include Germany, Canada, Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Japan. Of all those countries, it is expected to cost the United Arab Emirates the highest proportion of GDP (11.04 per cent). Estimates suggest that obesity is currently costing 2.19 per cent of global GDP. The estimated economic loss per capita in 2019 ranges from US$6 in lower-income countries and US$1,110 in higher-income countries. Johanna Ralston, CEO, World Obesity Federation said, “These estimates of the economic impact of overweight and obesity should alarm governments across the world. The persistent stigmatisation of people living with obesity and policies that do not reflect the most recent evidence have led to failing approaches that ignore obesity’s root causes." The study also says that total economic costs are likely to increase by four times in high-income countries whereas the increase is expected to be between 12-25 times in low and middle-income countries. In the WHO Europe region, they are expected to more than double compared with a 26-fold increase in the WHO Western Pacific Region. Also Read | Diabetes drug helps people with obesity to lose weight significantly, says study Both direct and indirect costs were analysed in the study. The former includes medical and non-medical expenses while the latter includes the costs in the process of seeking formal healthcare, such as the cost of travel for patients and caregivers. Other indirect costs include economic loss from premature mortality, missed days of work, and reduced productivity while at work. Medical fees makes up nearly all (99.8 per cent) of direct costs on average across all countries. The cost of premature mortality contributes to a significant portion (69.1 per cent on average) of all indirect costs. Indirect costs have a greater impact on GDP than direct costs (61-88 per cent vs 12-39 per cent across income groups respectively). The World Obesity Federation estimated earlier this year that one billion people will be living with obesity by 2030. Last year with RTI International, the organisation launched a pilot study for the economic impact of overweight and obesity, focusing on eight countries. The World Obesity Federation is calling for world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly to address the root cause of obesity through systemic solutions, rather than focusing on individual responsibility. "This study has highlighted the need for urgent, concerted and holistic action to address the global rise in overweight and obesity prevalence. We can alter this through the right policy and private sector attention to reduce factors in the environment that can cause the non-communicable disease," Ralston said. (With inputs from agencies)

Economic cost of obesity set to reach 3.3 per cent of global GDP by 2060: Study

In April this year, Maree Todd MSP - Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport in the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on plans to make calorie labelling on menus mandatory in restaurants, takeaways, cafes and even hospitals.&nbsp;

This consultation fulfils a pledge made in the SNP’s 2021 Out of Home Action Plan. The Plan builds on the commitments made in the 2018 Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan and recommendations made by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to Scottish Ministers in 2019.&nbsp;

Mandating calorie labelling at the point of choice was one potential way to support the Out of Home (OOH) sector to make a key contribution to improving the dietary health of all Scottish citizens.&nbsp;

Pre-packed food is not within the scope of these proposals as there are already requirements to provide nutrition information for pre-packed food. Pre-packed food for direct sale (PPDS) is within the scope of these proposals. Similar legislation is already in place in England, where any food serving outlet with over 250 employees have been legally required to display calories since April 2022.&nbsp;

In a recent survey Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity found that 95% of Scots affected by eating disorders would be negatively impacted by calorie labelling on menus, with many worried it would increase feelings of fear and guilt. So, what happens now? Will this add fuel to the fire?&nbsp;

There has been an increase in people suffering from various eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia in the last decade. Young people have been facing the brunt of this epidemic as peer pressure and constant shaming on social media has led to some even resorting to suicide.&nbsp;

This policy of the Scottish government has the potential to wreak havoc on people’s lives and exacerbate the problem even more.&nbsp;

Many experts in food disorders believe the focus should be on informing and educating people about the positive or negative impact of the food and drinks they consume on a daily basis. Young people should be exposed to cooking from a very young age eg. Primary and secondary schools.&nbsp;

Consultant Psychiatrist in eating disorders Dr Stephen Anderson, said: "There is no good evidence that this kind of calorie labelling is effective in reducing obesity. We also hear from people with eating disorders that this would have a detrimental effect on their eating disorder. Calories are one aspect of nutritional information but on its own this figure is not particularly helpful."

"Suggesting that people need a specific number of calories does not take into account the individual’s physiology, gender, race and activity. This could be particularly harmful for children and young people where limiting calorie and nutritional intake can have significant impacts on development. A wider public health initiative looking at social and economic determinants of obesity and improving the population’s nutrition is likely to be more beneficial than listing calorie content on menus."&nbsp;

Many completely agree with the above statement as this is not how food should be consumed. Cooking and eating should be a joy and are meant to be spontaneous and inspiring for all who indulge in this life-sustaining activity. It does not make sense to have people removing their calculators or apps to decide what they can and cannot have depending on the total calories highlighted on the menu. This will have a negligible impact on the very issue the government is trying to address and eradicate.

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In April this year, Maree Todd MSP - Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport in the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on plans to make calorie labelling on menus mandatory in restaurants, takeaways, cafes and even hospitals.

In April this year, Maree Todd MSP - Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport in the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on plans to make calorie labelling on menus mandatory in restaurants, takeaways, cafes and even hospitals. This consultation fulfils a pledge made in the SNP’s 2021 Out of Home Action Plan. The Plan builds on the commitments made in the 2018 Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan and recommendations made by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to Scottish Ministers in 2019. Mandating calorie labelling at the point of choice was one potential way to support the Out of Home (OOH) sector to make a key contribution to improving the dietary health of all Scottish citizens. Pre-packed food is not within the scope of these proposals as there are already requirements to provide nutrition information for pre-packed food. Pre-packed food for direct sale (PPDS) is within the scope of these proposals. Similar legislation is already in place in England, where any food serving outlet with over 250 employees have been legally required to display calories since April 2022. In a recent survey Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity found that 95% of Scots affected by eating disorders would be negatively impacted by calorie labelling on menus, with many worried it would increase feelings of fear and guilt. So, what happens now? Will this add fuel to the fire? There has been an increase in people suffering from various eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia in the last decade. Young people have been facing the brunt of this epidemic as peer pressure and constant shaming on social media has led to some even resorting to suicide. This policy of the Scottish government has the potential to wreak havoc on people’s lives and exacerbate the problem even more. Many experts in food disorders believe the focus should be on informing and educating people about the positive or negative impact of the food and drinks they consume on a daily basis. Young people should be exposed to cooking from a very young age eg. Primary and secondary schools. Consultant Psychiatrist in eating disorders Dr Stephen Anderson, said: "There is no good evidence that this kind of calorie labelling is effective in reducing obesity. We also hear from people with eating disorders that this would have a detrimental effect on their eating disorder. Calories are one aspect of nutritional information but on its own this figure is not particularly helpful." "Suggesting that people need a specific number of calories does not take into account the individual’s physiology, gender, race and activity. This could be particularly harmful for children and young people where limiting calorie and nutritional intake can have significant impacts on development. A wider public health initiative looking at social and economic determinants of obesity and improving the population’s nutrition is likely to be more beneficial than listing calorie content on menus." Many completely agree with the above statement as this is not how food should be consumed. Cooking and eating should be a joy and are meant to be spontaneous and inspiring for all who indulge in this life-sustaining activity. It does not make sense to have people removing their calculators or apps to decide what they can and cannot have depending on the total calories highlighted on the menu. This will have a negligible impact on the very issue the government is trying to address and eradicate. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Will compulsory calorie labelling on menus reduce obesity levels in Scotland?

A diabetes drug seems to help people with obesity in losing weight significantly, said researchers. The effect can be seen with a weekly dose of the drug. The experts have hailed the drug as a game-changer. In a 72-week trial, participants lost around 20% of their body weight. The report has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the research, the team of international researchers said that they had split 2,539 overweight or obese participants into four groups.&nbsp;One group was given a placebo injection once a week for 72 weeks, while the other three were provided either 5mg, 10mg or 15mg of a new drug called tirzepatide. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Every participant was asked to take low-calorie meals and ensure around 150 minutes of physical activity a week. On average, the participants had a body weight of 104.8kg and 94.5% were obese. The majority of the people were white and female. No one had diabetes. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/taller-people-likely-at-risk-for-skin-infection-and-nerve-disorders-study-484782" hreflang="en">Tall people face more health risks than short people, claims study</a>

After the end of the 72-week period, participants who were given 5mg of tirzepatide every week lost an average of 16.1kg, people given 10mg shed an average weight of 22.2kg and the group who had taken the 15mg lost an average weight of 23.6kg. The group which was given a placebo injection lost an average weight of 2.4kg. &nbsp;

Watch | Superfetation: Can a woman get pregnant again while already being pregnant?

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Around 57 per cent of people given the highest dose shed 20% or more of body weight in comparison to 3% of people who were given the placebo.&nbsp;“We should treat obesity as we treat any chronic disease – with effective and safe approaches which target underlying disease mechanisms – and these results underscore that tirzepatide may be doing just that,” said Dr Ania Jastreboff of Yale University, who was the lead author of the research. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A diabetes drug seems to help people with obesity in losing weight significantly, said researchers. The effect can be seen with a weekly dose of the drug. The experts have hailed the drug as a game-changer.

A diabetes drug seems to help people with obesity in losing weight significantly, said researchers. The effect can be seen with a weekly dose of the drug. The experts have hailed the drug as a game-changer. In a 72-week trial, participants lost around 20% of their body weight. The report has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the research, the team of international researchers said that they had split 2,539 overweight or obese participants into four groups. One group was given a placebo injection once a week for 72 weeks, while the other three were provided either 5mg, 10mg or 15mg of a new drug called tirzepatide. Every participant was asked to take low-calorie meals and ensure around 150 minutes of physical activity a week. On average, the participants had a body weight of 104.8kg and 94.5% were obese. The majority of the people were white and female. No one had diabetes. Also Read: Tall people face more health risks than short people, claims study After the end of the 72-week period, participants who were given 5mg of tirzepatide every week lost an average of 16.1kg, people given 10mg shed an average weight of 22.2kg and the group who had taken the 15mg lost an average weight of 23.6kg. The group which was given a placebo injection lost an average weight of 2.4kg. Watch | Superfetation: Can a woman get pregnant again while already being pregnant? Around 57 per cent of people given the highest dose shed 20% or more of body weight in comparison to 3% of people who were given the placebo. “We should treat obesity as we treat any chronic disease – with effective and safe approaches which target underlying disease mechanisms – and these results underscore that tirzepatide may be doing just that,” said Dr Ania Jastreboff of Yale University, who was the lead author of the research. Watch WION's live TV here: (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Diabetes drug helps people with obesity to lose weight significantly, says study

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