Obesity News Today is the official news channel of the Obesity & Weight Management Alliance

New study highlights impact of anti-obesity medications on gout risk
Findings from new research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology has revealed that weight loss following treatment with anti-obesity medications is associated with a reduced risk of developing gout and experiencing recurrent gout flares among individuals living with overweight or obesity.

Countries with highest obesity levels revealed
American Samoa has been named as the most obese nation around the world, new data has shown.

New trial demonstrates effectiveness of Setmelanotide for rare early childhood obesity
A recent clinical trial has shown promising results for setmelanotide, a medication designed to treat obesity caused by rare genetic disorders in children as young as two years old.

New study highlights link between socioeconomic disadvantage, genetic risk, and obesity in youth
A recent study has revealed how socioeconomic disadvantage and genetic predisposition combine to influence obesity risk from early childhood through adolescence.

Hockey fans in training: A winning strategy for men’s weight loss and health
Recognising that men are less likely to participate in traditional weight-loss programmes, a new study published in The Lancet highlighted an innovative approach to change that - Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT).

Study finds patients on anti-obesity medications may drink less alcohol
At the recent Obesity Week 2024 conference in America, new research revealed that people taking anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including popular GLP-1 drugs, appear to decrease their alcohol consumption.

Tackling weight stigma in healthcare: Join our expert-led webinar
Registrations are now open for a free webinar exploring how bias may influence the care and well-being of people living with obesity.

Scottish Government and NHS Scotland issue consensus on GLP-1-based obesity therapies
The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland have released a landmark consensus statement aimed at standardising the use of injectable weight management drugs across the country.

New study reveals key liver-brain communication pathway for managing eating patterns and obesity
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified a critical link between the liver and brain that helps regulate our daily eating patterns, offering a promising new approach for managing obesity.

UK regulator urges caution over misuse of obesity injections
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning to healthcare professionals, urging vigilance for signs of misuse involving popular obesity injections like Wegovy. The advisory follows reports of individuals using these weight-loss drugs without medical need, leading to severe health complications.

Lasting weight and diabetes benefits seen with tirzepatide, study shows
Tirzepatide is effective for long-term weight loss and diabetes prevention in people with obesity and prediabetes, a trial reported at a meeting of the Obesity Society has demonstrated.

Electro-acupuncture shows promising results for obesity management
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Hong Kong University (HKU) have found that electro-acupuncture, a modern take on traditional Chinese medicine, could play a significant role in managing obesity. Their findings suggest that this ancient technique may impact a protein called osteoprotegerin, a known influencer of fat cell growth.

New study shows once-weekly semaglutide significantly reduces knee osteoarthritis pain
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed promising results for individuals living with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.

Study reveals antidepressant users face increased cardiometabolic risks
A recent study, published in Obesity, has found that individuals using antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), may experience significant changes in fat distribution and muscle composition, potentially heightening their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Call for poster submissions: Obesity & Weight Management Alliance 2025 conference
The Obesity & Weight Management Alliance is excited to announce a call for poster submissions for its highly anticipated 2025 conference, taking place on March 7 at the Thistle London Marble Arch.

House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee calls for urgent action on obesity crisis
The House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee has issued a powerful call to action, highlighting the dire state of the UK’s food system and the escalating public health crisis caused by obesity. Appointed in January 2024 and re-established in July following the State Opening of Parliament, the Committee has presented a comprehensive report detailing a plan to overhaul the nation's approach to diet and health.

Study links ultra-processed foods to liver disease and insulin resistance in children living with obesity
A new study has found a significant connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the rise of metabolic disorders, including liver disease and insulin resistance, in children and adolescents living with obesity. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved dietary guidelines and public health measures to address this growing concern.

China issues first national guidelines to tackle obesity epidemic
China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has introduced its first set of national guidelines to standardise the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, as the country grapples with a growing public health crisis.

Pharmaceutical company warns of risks from weight-loss drugs
George Yancopoulos, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Regeneron, has raised concerns about the long-term impact of popular weight-loss drugs, warning they could cause "more harm than good" due to rapid muscle loss.

Obesity Health Alliance unveils 10-year plan to tackle rising obesity rates
The Obesity Health Alliance has launched its ambitious 10-year strategy, "Turning the Tide: A 10-Year Healthy Weight Strategy," aimed at reversing the rising levels of obesity across the UK.