Latest news with #EuropeanCongressonObesity
Perth Now
13-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Weight loss jabs could be dished out like statins
Weight loss injections could be handed out like statins. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, a medical director of NHS England, thinks the jabs will become cheaper in the future, and they will be used to lower people's risks of getting an illness. His belief comes as it was recently revealed that weight loss jabs could cut the risk of obesity-related cancers. Experts in Israel analysed data from 6,356 people - with around half of the volunteers having had bariatric surgery, which modifies the digestive system to lower food intake, and the rest took slimming jabs - and after an average follow-up of 7.5 years, 298 patients were found to have had obesity-related cancers. Weight-loss jabs, or GLP-1-based medicines, such as tirzepatide - act like the glucose hormone GLP-1 by decreasing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. And researchers, who presented the findings - which are in the journal eClinicalMedicine - at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, said "new generation, highly potent GLP1-RAs with higher efficacy in weight reduction" such as Wegovy, can produce could result in an "even greater advantage" of reducing obesity-related cancers. Prof Powis told The Sun newspaper: "I think, over time, it's highly likely they will become more widespread. "I think there will be a combination of increased evidence of positive outcomes and cost dropping."
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 surprising health benefits of drinking coffee
We're often warned of the dangers of caffeine but new research has turned up some reassuring news for women who love their coffee. A study, which tracked nearly 50,000 females across 32 years, found that those who drank coffee in midlife were more likely to stay sharp, mentally well and physically strong into their 70s. However, it's bad news for tea lovers. The same link with healthy ageing wasn't seen for all hot beverages. "The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee – not tea or decaf – may uniquely support ageing trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function," said Dr Sara Mahdavi, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard TH Chan School of Health, who led the research. In the study, healthy ageing was defined as living to 70 or older and being free from 11 major chronic diseases – including cancer and type 2 diabetes – as well as having good physical function and mental health, no cognitive impairment or memory complaints. In 2016, 32 years after the study began, 3,706 of the participants were considered healthy agers. In midlife, these women consumed an average of 315 mg of caffeine per day, which is roughly equivalent to three small cups of coffee. Each extra cup of coffee they drank per day was linked to a 2% to 5% higher chance of doing well later in life, up to a limit of five small cups per day. In the UK, the Food Standards Agency says up to 400mg of caffeine per day, the equivalent of four small cups of coffee, are unlikely to cause adverse effects in adults. However Dr Mahdavi noted that coffee alone wasn't enough to help you age well. "Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviours such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding smoking," she said. "The benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits and warrant further investigation." While coffee isn't a magical cure-all, a range of studies have shown there are certain health and wellbeing benefits that can be gleaned from a steaming cup of Joe. 1. It could help you live longer A 2017 study suggested that drinking three cups of coffee a day could add years to our lives. After adjusting for lifestyle factors, such as smoking and diet, the scientists found that those who drank the most coffee had a lower risk of death in comparison to those who spent their lives coffee-free. However, scientists say more research is needed to find out which of the compounds in coffee may potentially be benefitting health. Research, from 2019, suggested that a diet rich in coffee, fruit and vegetables could help protect women against breast cancer. The study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Glasgow, found that a diet full of phenolic acids may provide a protective effect on the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Coffee may also help protect the liver from cancer, with one research paper finding that people who drink more coffee are less likely to develop hepatocellular cancer (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer. People who drank two cups a day had a 35% reduced risk, but for those who drank five cups, the risk was halved. 3. It could reduce your risk of heart disease According to research published earlier this year, morning coffee drinkers could not only be 31% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those who don't drink it at all, they are also 16% less likely to die earlier of any cause. The lead author of the study, Dr Lu Qi of Tulane University, noted: "A possible explanation [for why morning coffee drinkers see a reduced risk in cardiovascular disease] is that consuming coffee in the afternoon or evening may disrupt circadian rhythms and levels of hormones such as melatonin. This, in turn, leads to changes in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and blood pressure." He added: "Further studies are needed to validate our findings in other populations, and we need clinical trials to test the potential impact of changing the time of day when people drink coffee." 4. It may protect your liver One study found that people who drink coffee daily have a lower risk of developing and dying from liver disease. The study analysed data from nearly 495,000 people in the UK over a median of 10 years. They tracked which people developed chronic liver disease and related liver conditions. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, people who drink coffee had a 21% reduced risk of chronic liver disease and a 20% reduced risk of chronic or fatty liver disease. They were also much less likely to die from chronic liver disease if they did contract it. A 2023 study suggested that drinking a cup of coffee each day may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers looked at the health data of more than 150,000 people, including how much coffee they drank and the incidences of diabetes. They found that drinking one extra cup a day was associated with a 4% to 6% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, for people drinking between 0 and six cups daily. However, it's not recommended that people consume more than 400mg of coffee (or 200mg if pregnant). It's also worth noting that the study, which was led by professors at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, was funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC). 6. It could aid weight loss Research from 2019 suggested coffee might be the key to aiding weight loss. University of Nottingham researchers found coffee might help the body to burn calories. It does this through stimulating certain fat cells – known as brown adipose tissue – into releasing their energy. The study used thermal imaging to monitor participants' brown fat reserves, with results revealing that drinking coffee had a positive effect on the cells' ability to generate heat, burning energy in the process. A separate study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, saw researchers adding caffeine into exercisers' routine before they worked out. Those in the caffeine group rated their workouts as easier and more enjoyable than those who did not. Additionally, the caffeinated group ate, on average, 72 fewer calories that same day. While there are plenty of perceived benefits of coffee, it's also important to stress it isn't a magic bullet and should be enjoyed in moderation. According to the European Food Safety Authority's review of caffeine safety, a safe coffee intake can be defined as three to five cups per day. It is also important to keep in mind the limitations of some of the research into coffee's potential health benefits. Many of the studies are observational and don't take into account other lifestyle factors, which may play a part on the results. Read more about nutrition: 5 health benefits of strawberries as UK sees giant fruit you 'cannot fit in your mouth' (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) 5 ways to do the Mediterranean diet for less (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) 6 ridiculously easy ultra-processed food swaps to make on your next big shop (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Shirley Ballas shares two-ingredient dinner she eats to stay slim
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has shared her thoughts on dieting while speaking on a podcast, revealing that she only eats once a day and follows a very simple meal plan Strictly Come Dancing's head honcho, Shirley Ballas, 64, has revealed her strict and much-debated diet plan to maintain her svelte figure. The 'Queen of Latin' dancer and TV star believes that after turning 60, it's 'impossible' to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, so she sticks to just one meal a day. During her chat with Grace Dent on the Comfort Eating podcast, Shirley explained her simple daily dinner: chicken flavoured with lemon. She mentioned that she usually forgoes any extra spices: "Just lemon chicken and then I cut it. But it's a hot chicken that has just been baked and that's what I have on Strictly. I have that every year, every week." On occasion, she'll add some rice to the mix. "I do intermittent fasting," she confessed. "I don't have anything in the morning and normally around lunch I'll have a juice, and then about 4 or 5pm my mother does a lovely meal.", reports Surrey Live. What is intermittent fasting? Popular amongst celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Carol Vorderman, intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern where you switch between eating and fasting periods. A study released this month indicates that fasting at specific times during the day for three months may be a solid approach for sustained weight management. Experts have discovered that overweight or obese individuals who limited their eating to an eight-hour "window" each day managed to lose weight and maintain the loss. The fresh research was unveiled at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga. The study's lead author, Dr Alba Camacho-Cardenosa from the University of Granada in Spain, stated: "Our study found that restricting the eating window to eight hours at any time of the day for three months can result in significant weight loss for at least a year. These benefits can be attributed to the 16-hour fasting window rather than the time of eating." A previous randomised controlled trial by the same team, published in Nature Medicine, revealed that limiting eating to eight hours per day reduced body weight and enhanced cardiometabolic health. Their most recent study examined the long-term effects over 12 months on 99 participants. They were divided into four groups for 12 weeks – eating within a 12-hour or longer window; limiting eating to an eight-hour window starting before 10am; limiting eating to an eight-hour window starting after 1pm; and allowing individuals to choose their own eight-hour window. All groups received advice on following a Mediterranean diet to promote healthier eating habits. The researchers recorded body weight, waist and hip measurements at the beginning of the trial, after the 12-week plan, and again 12 months later. The research discovered that while those consuming food over a 12-hour period or longer shed an average of 1.4kg, the groups with restricted eating times lost more, approximately 3kg to 4kg. Shirley's daily treat is quite simple, consisting of "one cup of coffee, in a china cup,' with 'a teaspoon of brandy, Coffee Mate and two brown sugars. That is the highlight of my day." She also occasionally enjoys a small slice of cake. As reported by the Daily Mail, Shirley has also dabbled with the controversial 'plant paradox' diet which limits certain vegetables. This diet advises against eating lectins – carbohydrate-binding proteins found in legumes like beans, lentils or chickpeas. However, detractors argue that restricting foods rich in lectin could lead to nutrient deficiencies, as these foods are packed with fibre, vitamins, and essential minerals. The Mayo Clinic emphasises that grains and legumes are 'a powerhouse of nutrients'. Both she and fellow Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse aim to get their five-a-day through juicing, with Shirley having two per day. She also takes part in an annual juice retreat, as revealed by the Daily Mail, named Juicy Oasis Portugal, where guests survive solely on juices for seven days. Since celebrating her 40th birthday, Shirley has been mindful of her diet, as reported by The Sun. Her rigorous approach to diet and exercise drew attention after she shed nearly 5kg in just one week in 2023. Additionally, she revealed to the Daily Mail that she commits to a yearly weight-loss regimen ahead of the show's premiere. Shirley has spoken candidly about the biting comments she's faced throughout her illustrious dancing career and their impact on her self-image: 'I've constantly had people tell me I needed to be thinner or that I had to look a certain way. Comments throughout my life have always stuck with me and in the past, they've made me feel conscious of how I look. Sadly I thought that validation from others was necessary. '. However, she has since learned to focus on self-validation. "I'm proud of myself and pleased with how I look. I feel good in my own skin. ".
The Star
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
First five years key to preventing obesity in kids
Help your kid stay in the healthy weight range during their first five years of life to optimise their chances of not becoming overweight or obese as they grow up. — dpa The first five years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to preventing obesity in the future, according to researchers. Experts in the Netherlands found that body mass index (BMI) at age six is a better predictor of obesity in later life than at other points of childhood. They suggest the first years of life are a 'fantastic opportunity to intervene' and give youngsters a 'chance at a happy, healthy' future. The researchers used data from an ongoing study known as Generation R to track the BMI of thousands of children in the Netherlands at ages two, six, 10, 14 and 18. Of the 3,528 youngsters, some 32.3% were considered overweight or obese at age two, 22.3% at age six, 24.7% at age 10, and 20.6% at age 14. Many of these children were still classed as overweight or obese at age 18. The researchers found every one unit increase in BMI at age six more than doubled a child's odds of being overweight or obese at 18. They also suggest that if a child with a higher BMI reached a healthy weight by the age of six, they were no longer at risk. Presenting the findings at the European Congress on Obesity held in Malaga, Spain, on May 11-14 (2025), Erasmus MC PhD candidate and medical student Jasmin de Groot said: 'We need to understand how children grow and develop if we are to help future generations grow up healthier and give every child a chance at a happy, healthy life. 'Our research assists with this by showing that a child with overweight or obesity isn't destined to live with overweight or obesity as a young adult, and that the first five years of a child's life provide a fantastic opportunity to intervene and prevent them experiencing overweight and obesity in the years to come.' – PA Media/dpa
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Weight-loss jab Mounjaro helps people shed much more weight than rival
Weight-loss jab Mounjaro – dubbed the 'King Kong' of similar medicines – helps people shed significantly more weight than rival Wegovy, new research suggests. Key research pitching the drugs against each other found Mounjaro was superior when it came to shedding pounds and losing inches, though both drugs worked. Experts presented their findings at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga and published them in the New England Journal of Medicine. Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are weight-loss medicines that make people feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry. The new randomised controlled trial involved 751 adult with obesity, but without type 2 diabetes. They received either Mounjaro at the maximum tolerated dose (10mg or 15mg) or Wegovy (1.7mg or 2.4mg) once a week for 72 weeks. The typical age of the people was 45 and most (65%) were female, with a typical body mass index (BMI) of 39. All had at least one known obesity-related complication, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or heart disease. The typical drop in body weight at the end of the trial was a 20.2% reduction with Mounjaro and 13.7% with Wegovy, showing Mounjaro was superior. The drop in waist circumference was also 18.4cm on average with Mounjaro and 13cm with Wegovy. People on Mounjaro were more likely to reach their weight loss goals. One limitation to the study was that people knew which drug they were taking, though the researchers said the findings were in line with previous studies. The research was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Mounjaro. Our study shows that treatment with tirzepatide was superior to semaglutide with respect to reduction in body weight and waist circumference Dr Louis Aronne, from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, who led the work, said the dual action of Mounjaro may explain the findings. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy mimic a hormone produced in the body called GLP-1 – a substance that is released in the gut when people consume food. This hormone slows the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, reduces appetite via the brain and works on insulin levels. But Mounjaro also mimics another hormone known as GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Dr Aronne said: 'Our study shows that treatment with tirzepatide was superior to semaglutide with respect to reduction in body weight and waist circumference. 'Tirzepatide, while a single molecule, pharmacologically activates two metabolic receptors, GIP and GLP-1, which have both overlapping and non-overlapping expression and function. 'This dual agonism of tirzepatide may contribute to the higher weight reduction observed in the current study compared to semaglutide, a mono-agonist.' As people lost weight in the study, health factors such as blood pressure and unhealthy blood fats all improved. Speaking at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain on Sunday, Dr Aronne said: 'This is actually the first head-to-head trial of two obesity medications, so I think we're going to start seeing more of these as new medications become available. 'I saw a list the other day of 150 medications… that are now in development, so many people now realise how important it is to manage body weight in addition to other metabolic factors. 'I've called it the golden age of obesity treatment. It took a long time!' Dr Aronne said semaglutide still remained an 'extremely effective' weight loss medication and that the trial did not intended to minimise its effects. He added: 'For example, if you have a patient with a BMI of 32, which is class one obesity, they could get to a BMI in the mid 20s, right around 25 (with semaglutide), which is normal. 'So the majority of people with obesity will do just fine on semaglutide. People at the higher end – class two, class three obesity – may ultimately do better with tirzepatide.'
