Free school meals for all may reduce childhood obesity, while easing financial and logistical burdens for families and schools

School meals are critical to child health. Research has shown that school meals can be more nutritious than meals from other sources, such as meals brought from home. A recent…

Less Obesity and Depression in NPD Individuals

Summary: A comprehensive study across 38 states in the U.S. has revealed a surprising link between narcissism and positive health outcomes, including lower obesity and depression rates. States with higher…

As Zepbound dominates headlines as a new obesity-fighting drug, a nutritionist warns that weight loss shouldn’t be the only goal

If the buzz surrounding a medication could elevate it to celebrity status, then Zepbound is reaching Taylor Swift rank. Zepbound is the newest addition to the weight loss drug arena.…

What does weight-inclusive health care mean? A dietitian explains what some providers are doing to end weight stigma

Weight-inclusive health care means a focus on better health with no weight loss required. This includes practices such as eating for overall well-being rather than for the number of calories.…

Adolescent BMI Link: Rising Weights, Rising Depression Risks

Summary: New research identifies a strong correlation between higher BMI in children aged 12-16 and increased risks of depression symptoms. The association weakens for the age bracket 16-21, suggesting an…

Fixing the global childhood obesity epidemic begins with making healthy choices the easier choices – and that requires new laws and policies

The global childhood obesity epidemic has exploded. Over the past four decades, the world has witnessed a tenfold increase in obesity in children and adolescents between 5 and 19 years…

Global diabetes cases on pace to soar to 1.3 billion people in the next 3 decades, new study finds

The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. The big idea The number of people living with diabetes worldwide is on pace to more than double in…

Exercise may or may not help you lose weight and keep it off – here’s the evidence for both sides of the debate

The global fitness industry will generate over US$80 billion in revenue in 2023, estimates suggest. And why not, given the many excellent reasons to exercise? Better cardiovascular health, lower risk…

Curing America’s loneliness epidemic would make us healthier, fitter and less likely to abuse drugs

A national health advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on May 3, 2023, sheds light on the urgent public health issues of loneliness and isolation. The report reflects…

Obesity Alters Brain’s Response to Food Cues

Summary: New research using molecular imaging with 18F-flubatine PET/MRI shows a distinct response to food cues in the brains of obese individuals compared to those of normal-weight individuals. The study…