This review article examines the paradoxical findings from observational studies indicating that weight loss in overweight individuals may be associated with increased long-term mortality, even after adjusting for confounding factors such as underlying diseases and hazardous behaviors. The author highlights the methodological challenges in distinguishing intentional from unintentional weight loss
This study developed Bayesian latent-variable linear models to distinguish the effects of intentional weight loss (IWL) from unintentional weight loss (UWL) on mortality rates. Utilizing data from rodent caloric restriction studies, the researchers found that IWL was associated with increased lifespan, whereas UWL correlated with decreased lifespan. The methodology involved
This comparative study evaluated the impact of weight loss on bone metabolism in morbidly obese patients undergoing vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) versus those receiving medical intervention. Over 12 months, 16 surgically treated (14 female, 2 male) and 65 medically treated (53 male, 12 female) patients were assessed. VBG led to
This 2018 review explores the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in obesity, focusing on the roles of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors, primarily located in the central nervous system, regulate appetite and energy balance; their overactivation is linked to increased food intake and fat accumulation. CB1 antagonists
This 2018 study investigated the role of cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation in humans and rodents. Using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the radioligand [^18F]FMPEP-d_2, researchers observed that cold exposure significantly increased CB1R density and glucose uptake in the BAT of lean men.
This 2024 cohort study analyzed data from 32,995 U.S. adults (mean age 46.7 years; 50.1% women) from the NHANES 1999–2018 cycles to evaluate trends in Body Roundness Index (BRI) and its association with all-cause mortality. BRI, which incorporates waist circumference and height, increased from 4.80 to 5.62 over the study
This 2015 randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, on leptin dynamics during weight loss maintenance in 52 healthy obese individuals. After achieving a 12% weight loss through a low-calorie diet, participants were randomized to receive liraglutide (1.2 mg/day) or no additional treatment for 52
This 2005 randomized, controlled trial assessed the efficacy of combining sibutramine (15 mg daily) with lifestyle modification in 224 obese adults over one year. Participants were assigned to one of four groups: sibutramine alone, lifestyle modification alone, sibutramine plus lifestyle modification, or sibutramine plus brief lifestyle counseling. All groups followed
This 2015 pilot study evaluated the safety and efficacy of dexamphetamine combined with diet and exercise in 14 obese adults over a 6-month period. Participants received up to 30 mg of dexamphetamine twice daily. Twelve completed the treatment, achieving a mean weight loss of 10.6 kg (95% CI: 5.8–15.5, p
This 1-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug, for weight reduction in 225 obese adults (mean BMI 37.6 kg/m²) without diabetes. Participants received daily doses of placebo, 200 mg zonisamide, or 400 mg zonisamide, alongside diet and lifestyle counseling. At 12 months,
