Obesity alters brain function, hindering weight loss maintenance, study finds
Researchers from Amsterdam UMC and Yale University have recently unveiled a ground-breaking link between obesity and altered brain responses to nutrients. Their study indicates that obesity leads to reduced dopamine release and diminished nutrient-sensing activity in the brain. Worryingly, these changes persist even after weight loss, potentially explaining why maintaining weight loss is so challenging for many.
The research, published in Nature Metabolism, highlights that the brain’s responses to certain nutrients are impaired in individuals with obesity and don’t show improvement even after shedding weight.
Mireille Serlie, the lead researcher and Professor of Endocrinology at Amsterdam UMC, elaborates on the implications of the study, “Our results point toward enduring alterations in the brain among individuals with obesity, which could have a substantial impact on eating behaviour. We observed that, compared to individuals of normal weight, those with obesity exhibited lower dopamine release in a brain region that plays a pivotal role in the motivation associated with food consumption. Dopamine is crucial for the rewarding aspects of eating. Moreover, those with obesity demonstrated diminished brain activity in response to the infusion of nutrients into the stomach. Collectively, these results suggest that the brain’s ability to sense nutrients in the stomach and gut, or to process nutritional signals, is compromised in obesity, which may have significant repercussions on food intake.”
The regulation of food consumption is dependent on a complex interplay of metabolic and neural signals among the brain and various organs, such as the gut, as well as nutritional signals in the blood. This intricate network governs hunger and satiety sensations, regulates food intake, and controls the motivation to seek food. Though advances have been made in understanding these processes in animals, especially regarding metabolic diseases like obesity, less is known about the human mechanisms, mainly due to challenges in creating experimental setups within clinical settings that can elucidate these processes.
Addressing this knowledge gap, Serlie and her team, including colleagues from Yale, conducted a meticulously designed controlled trial. The study involved 30 participants with obesity and 30 of normal weight. It entailed infusing specific nutrients directly into the participants’ stomachs while simultaneously assessing their brain activity using MRI scans and monitoring dopamine release with SPECT scans.
The study discovered that while participants of normal weight showed distinct patterns of brain activity and dopamine release in response to nutrient infusion, these responses were significantly weakened in those with obesity. Furthermore, even after achieving a 10% body weight loss through a 12-week diet, the brain responses in individuals with obesity did not improve. This finding suggests that obesity induces long-term adaptations in the brain that persist even after weight loss.
“The enduring nature of these brain alterations, which do not reverse even after weight loss, might elucidate why so many individuals tend to regain weight following initial successful weight loss,” Serlie concludes.
This discovery brings to light the intricate challenges faced by those striving to lose weight and maintain the loss, suggesting that strategies need to address not only the physical aspects but also the neurological factors entangled with obesity.
Read MoreDigital health applications: A game-changer in post-hospitalisation heart failure care
According to a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology, the use of electronic health services via health applications after heart failure (HF) hospitalisation notably enhances patient outcomes and reduces mortality risk.
The research team aimed to scrutinise the effectiveness of digital health interventions (DHI) in comparison to conventional care for patients who had previously been hospitalised due to HF. To do this, they performed a retrospective study involving ten randomised controlled trials listed on databases such as MEDLINE, Cochrane, OVID, CINHAL, and ERIC. The trials studied the effects of DHI on patients with HF. The sample size comprised 7204 patients, predominantly men, with an average age of 65.7 years. These patients were followed for nearly 16 months, with all-cause death being the primary outcome measured.
Upon comparing the group utilising DHI with the standard care group, researchers discovered a reduction in all-cause mortality (8.5% vs. 10.2%; risk ratio [RR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.96; P =.02) as well as cardiovascular mortality (7.3% vs. 9.6%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94; P =.01). However, the study found no significant difference in HF-related hospitalisations (23.4% vs. 26.2%; RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.66-1.02; P =.07) and all-cause hospitalisations (48.3% vs. 49.9%; RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1.03; P =.11).
Further, the DHI group experienced fewer lost days due to HF-related hospitalisations when compared with the standard care group (mean difference [MD], -1.77; 95% CI, -3.06 to -0.48; P =.01; I2 = 51). However, the number of days lost to all-cause hospitalisations was similar in both groups (MD, -0.76; 95% CI, -3.07 to -1.55; P =.52; I2 = 69).
The study had certain limitations, including reliance on study-level data rather than individual patient data, the meta-analysis research design, variability in certain study endpoints, and a lack of representation of women in the study group.
The authors of the study concluded, “This meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials supports a reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with less total time spent in HF hospitalisations when DHI is employed in patients with prior HF hospitalisations.” They further highlighted the need for more extensive studies to examine different types of DHI and assess their cost-effectiveness in managing HF.
Read More“Digital health will just be healthcare”: Hospital chiefs predict seamless integration of healthcare and technology
Leading digital authorities within the healthcare sector foresee a more virtual, automated, and user-friendly health system in five years. Their vision includes seamless digital integration, a feature which has already begun to take shape across many hospitals, according to industry leaders interviewed by Becker’s, a leading healthcare publication.
Daniel Barchi, executive vice president and CIO of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, equates the evolution of digital health with the development of e-commerce, noting that just as electronic commerce became a mainstream aspect of business, so too will digital health simply become “health”. CommonSpirit, operating 143 hospitals in 22 states, is embracing this digital evolution by using its size and mission to leverage digital population health tools. These tools aggregate data to assist clinicians and patients in managing health and wellness.
Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health’s executive vice president and chief information and digital officer, Nassar Nizami, expects to see a broad adoption, integration, and implementation of several technologies within the next five years. He asserts that digital health signifies a cultural revolution within traditional healthcare. The organisation is investing in enhancing its existing AI technology, which aids physicians in assessing cancer risk in lumps or nodules, stroke risk in CT scans, and the potential requirement for blood transfusions in patients. Moreover, the organisation is utilising automation in areas such as IT, human resources, sourcing and in its virtual nursing initiative. Jefferson’s telemedicine program, JeffConnect, showcases the effective use of mobile health and remote patient monitoring, and has served as a model for other healthcare systems.
Brenton Burns, executive vice president of UPMC Enterprises, points out that Pittsburgh-based UPMC is targeting increased access to care and efficiencies through automation in various departments, including call centres and scheduling. He emphasises that digital tools have enabled the healthcare provider to extend beyond traditional settings, offering care through diverse channels such as telemedicine and home visits. Accessible and interoperable data, he insists, are vital to success.
Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health is also increasing its digital capacity, while concurrently assisting other health systems through its digital health subsidiary, Accrete Health Partners. Jason Szczuka, the organisation’s chief digital officer, describes how they are developing, investing, and partnering with industry leaders to optimise IT operations, improve patient access to care and unlock crucial data, analytics, and automation capabilities.
New Orleans-based Ochsner Health plans to expand its asynchronous virtual tools such as e-visits and e-consults, enhance its online scheduling system, and bolster its AI and remote monitoring capabilities, explains Denise Basow, MD, executive vice president and chief digital officer. The organisation is utilising technology to predict and prevent health issues, deliver personalised care, manage patients efficiently, and reduce total healthcare costs.
Orlando Health, in Florida, is investing in its foundational IT platforms, infrastructure, data, and analytics to enhance the connection between providers and patients, regardless of their geographical location. Novlet Mattis, the organisation’s senior vice president and chief digital and information officer, reveals plans for an enterprise digital platform infused with clinical decision support tools. She envisions digital health as a standard element of health and wellness management in five years, rather than a novel innovation.
Kelly Jo Golson, executive vice president and chief brand, communications and consumer experience officer at Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health, affirms that their recent merger with Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health has enabled an acceleration in digital transformation. For Advocate Health, consumer-centricity is paramount. The strategy includes a flexible, dynamic platform that provides consistent experiences, simple scheduling, interconnected programs for remote patient monitoring, and the incorporation of 24-7 virtual access into clinical workflows.
Ardent Health Services, based in Nashville, Tenn., is endeavouring to make care easier to access, whether in-person or digital. The chief consumer officer, Reed Smith, predicts that in the future, digital health will be synonymous with healthcare, without any segregation in delivery methods. He anticipates that consumers will have more control, and healthcare providers will be able to offer more support, especially for less critical needs, as care delivery adapts to accommodate more individual, do-it-yourself approaches.
Read MoreUnlocking the potential of digital health in Sub-Saharan Africa
A new report titled “Leveraging Digital Health in Primary Health Care: Current Status and Future Possibilities in Sub-Saharan Africa” has been released by the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) at Imperial College London. The study, conducted in partnership with Imperial’s Global Digital Health Unit and the African Forum for Primary Health Care (AfroPHC), examines the usage and impact of digital health technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing persisting healthcare challenges and highlighting areas of opportunity.
The report presents several key findings. The rising accessibility of mobile phones in Sub-Saharan Africa has led to a surge in mobile health (mHealth) applications. These apps have become instrumental in delivering health services and information, and facilitating remote consultations. Remarkable strides in infrastructure, such as increased internet access – from 53% to 81% over the past five years – have played a crucial role in this expansion.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has seen a considerable rise in adoption across Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts agree on its long-term utility in primary care, pointing to a blend of telemedicine and in-person consultations – a trend termed “hybrid medicine.”
Electronic health records (EHRs), critical for enhancing care continuity and efficiency, are also gradually gaining traction. Despite these advancements, their widespread application remains limited in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Niki O’Brien, lead author of the report, praised the extensive application of digital technology in African healthcare. She acknowledged the hurdles and prospects for broader implementation to benefit patients, providers, and health systems.
Nevertheless, there are substantial challenges in integrating digital technologies into healthcare service delivery. Barriers such as lack of healthcare professionals, limited infrastructure, and geographic hindrances still exist. Also, gaining widespread acceptance for digital health services remains a challenge due to disparities in socioeconomic status and literacy rates across the region.
Limited resources for service transformation, high costs of digital systems implementation, and inadequate funding are other significant obstacles. Many institutions operate using outdated technologies, leading to quality of care and data security concerns.
The report suggests that despite these challenges, the swift advancement in digital health can help overcome these barriers and transform healthcare delivery across the region. Recommendations have been put forward for various stakeholders, including government leaders, healthcare providers, NGOs, research funders, and the industry, to create a strategic and equitable digital health ecosystem.
Ultimately, digital technology could be a powerful ally in delivering primary health care, enabling access to remote and marginalised populations, reducing costs, and improving the quality and safety of services. It opens up a considerable opportunity for countries within Sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income nations to shape the future of digital primary health care, fostering innovation and impact.
Read MoreHarnessing machine learning to predict obesity: A focus on the first 1000 days of life
The recent publication in the Scientific Reports Journal showcases a novel utilisation of machine learning (ML) to forecast obesity in adults by examining risk factors and monitoring body mass index (BMI) during the initial 1,000 days of life, spanning from two to four years old.
The rise in obesity rates in both children and adults worldwide is undeniable. Early onset obesity in children is indicative of potential adult obesity, cardiometabolic risks, and other childhood diseases.
Obesity, once entrenched, is challenging to manage and is often chronic. As a result, a preventative approach to obesity is becoming a research priority. Identifying individuals at an elevated risk of obesity in adulthood during their early years could significantly enhance these prevention efforts.
Known adjustable risk factors encompass a mother’s higher pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy weight gain, socioeconomic status, high neonatal weight, and local community variables such as crime rates and food availability. Despite this, the cumulative risk estimation of these factors remains underexplored.
Currently, there is a lack of initiatives aimed at estimating childhood obesity, particularly those considering prenatal and neonatal risk factors. This is despite studies highlighting that the period between two to four years of age provides a valuable window for intervention due to heightened developmental flexibility and the ability to influence health behaviours.
The study in question employs ML algorithms to pinpoint children with a higher risk of obesity, providing vital data for the creation of prevention policies and strategies. Additionally, the researchers introduced a dynamic BMI tracker for use throughout childhood to help identify obesity risks in adulthood.
The researchers utilised a machine learning technique known as least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. This allowed them to maintain features that most significantly and relevantly relate to paediatric obesity, outside of height, weight, and body mass index.
The study examined data from 149,625 visits by 19,724 individuals aged up to 48 months, with an analysis of 10,348 individuals specifically aged between 30.0 and 48.0 months. Following data correction, the supplementation of missing values, and variable normalisation, 50 variables were chosen for consideration. After application of LASSO regression and subsequent tests, a final 19 variables were scrutinised.
The proposed model comprised variables such as mean height, BMI, weight at various intervals within the first two years, time differences between visits, and percentile ranks for weight and height at two years.
The predictive ability of the model was tested with a validation dataset comprising 20% of the patients. It showed an impressive accuracy in estimating childhood BMI, with a mean error of 1.0 across all three age ranges (30.0 to 36.0 months, 36.0 to 42.0 months, and 42.0 to 48.0 months).
Most variables in the model showed a significant association with paediatric BMI across all estimated ranges. These findings suggest that this predictive model could bolster both clinical and population-wide obesity prevention efforts in the earliest days of life.
Risk factors associated with higher childhood BMI identified in the study included maternal risks during pregnancy, C-section delivery, higher infant birth weight, and sleep disturbances in infants requiring assistance to sleep.
Interestingly, living in a food desert and having Hispanic ethnicity were factors that appeared protective against high BMI.
In summary, this study highlights that machine learning can help track paediatric BMI trajectories and identify modifiable risk factors during early childhood. This supports efforts to intervene before the onset of unhealthy weight gain, aiming to alleviate the health burden of obesity.
Factors such as maternal health, a child’s sleep quality, and socioeconomic influences can shape the weight trajectories of children into later
Read MoreSaudi Arabia’s healthcare industry embraces major digital overhaul
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of the digital revolution in the wellness industry, propelling improvements in patient care, overall experience, and sustainable health development to match international standards.
The Kingdom’s strategic focus is to reorganise its healthcare sector, augmenting its potential to operate as a cohesive, value-driven ecosystem centred around patient health.
To accomplish these lofty objectives, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to substantial investments in the health technology industry. Reflecting the government’s commitment to this initiative, the 2023 budget allocates more than SR180 billion ($50.3 billion) to healthcare and social development.
A significant portion of this budget is channelled towards digital health strategies to promote accessibility, efficiency, and transparency within the healthcare system.
One such initiative is the establishment of a national electronic health record system, serving as a comprehensive database for patient data. This ensures nationwide access for medical professionals, facilitating smooth collaboration and expedited decision-making.
The Kingdom is also prioritising investments in telemedicine platforms to guarantee healthcare access even in isolated regions.
Under its Vision 2030 plan, the government is also aiming to privatise the healthcare industry, focusing its efforts on 290 government hospitals and 2,300 primary health centres within the Kingdom.
In a conversation with Arab News, Jalil Allabadi, CEO of Amman-based digital health platform Altibbi, clarified that the government’s initiatives to decentralise would significantly improve the sector and boost healthcare technology.
Allabadi shared that larger institutions and corporations are developing their health tech solutions, while smaller companies are focusing on the consumer end.
He emphasised that as hospitals and clinical centres move towards decentralisation, they will concentrate on profit generation. This shift will motivate the adoption of healthcare technology for automation and digitisation of their operations, enhancing efficiency.
Altibbi, one of the largest digital health platforms in the Middle East, has raised over $52.4 million in funding since its launch.
In line with the Kingdom’s focus on preventive health services and reducing reliance on hospital care, the aim is to digitise 70 percent of patient activities by 2030.
According to Allabadi, digital health consultations and activities are still in the early stages compared to the Vision 2030’s targets, but growth is “happening very fast.”
Startups are invigorating the health tech sector by integrating digital tools such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics into healthcare services for more effective prediction, prevention, and disease management.
Saudi Arabia’s health tech sector offers a blueprint for a future where digital health solutions are integral to comprehensive and patient-focused care. This groundbreaking transformation represents not only an investment in the health of its citizens but also a stimulus for economic diversification and sustainable development.
Chronic diseases, prevalent among the elderly, are a significant concern. A report by the Saudi government estimates that by 2050, 25 percent of its projected 40 million population will be 60 or older, necessitating an overhaul in healthcare delivery.
In conversation with Arab News, Sacha Haider, a partner at the UAE-based venture capital firm Global Ventures, explains that the next evolution in Saudi health tech focuses on preventive healthcare and longevity.
Haider elaborates that regular consultations and check-ins will significantly energise health tech and digital health in the Kingdom.
In the post-COVID-19 era, the industry has embraced digital technologies to enhance patient experiences and improve care quality. Saudi-based platforms like Nala and Cura are leading examples of successful digital health services companies, offering a range of services from instant consultations to tailored digital care programs.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has introduced apps like Mawid, Tabaud, and Seha, which offer virtual consultations, effectively reducing the need for in-person hospital visits.
The advent of express clinics within pharmacies, providing immediate primary care services, is another trend gaining traction. These clinics offer services ranging from consultation, blood glucose and blood pressure measurements, skincare analysis, weight management, and vaccination.
Global data firm Statista projects the digital health market in Saudi Arabia to grow by 9.06 percent from 2023 to 2027, culminating in a market volume of $1.16 billion.
Read MoreWhat’s wrong with GPs’ obesity guidance – and what actually works?
General practitioners (GPs) often dispense vague and unproductive weight-loss advice to patients struggling with obesity, reveals a study led by the University of Oxford and published in the journal Family Practice. Having analysed 159 audio recordings of consultations in 137 UK surgeries, researchers found that doctors’ advice, such as “reduce your carbohydrates” and “move more,” was largely generic and rarely tailored to the patients’ pre-existing knowledge and habits.
The complexity of obesity management, particularly its multifactorial nature, can make the provision of comprehensive, effective advice a daunting task for many overworked and diligent GPs. However, in a healthcare landscape where a mere 0.1% of doctors have received any training in obesity care (1), it becomes essential to question the status quo.
Indeed, the imperative nature of this issue becomes clearer when considering the qualitative research led by Dr. Madeleine Tremblett at the University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. For patients living with obesity, Tremblett argues that the common message to “eat less and do more” isn’t fitting. Micro-behavioural changes typically suggested by GPs often fail to create meaningful weight-loss impacts for these patients.
GPs themselves require guidance about evidence-based advice they can offer to people living with obesity, hinting at the need for a more profound understanding and specialised training in obesity care.
While many nutrition professionals acknowledge that weight-loss management is a specialist subject, the current training gap among healthcare professionals indicates an unmet need in medical education. We need to look beyond a sole consultation with a nutritionist and understand the value of comprehensive training, such as that provided by the College of Contemporary Health (CCH).
The case of Mel Idroos, a PGDip in Lifestyle Medicine (Obesity Care) graduate from CCH, serves as an inspiring example of the difference professional training in obesity care can make. Working in the Well-being directorate, Mel’s patient base predominantly consists of individuals with overweight or obesity.
With her Postgraduate Diploma from CCH, Mel has already begun to apply her newfound knowledge, developing and delivering Tier 2 adult weight management services. Mel’s experience underscores the potential of robust and comprehensive training in the treatment of obesity. With her newfound confidence, she can now navigate the complexities of patient questions and provide valuable advice that enhances patient health outcomes.
The training offered by institutions like CCH, coupled with practical implementation, can bring a significant change in patient care. It’s therefore essential for health systems and medical institutions to acknowledge this training gap and equip healthcare professionals with the skills they need to improve their patients’ health.
Obesity is a complex condition that demands a sophisticated approach. Only by tailoring advice to the unique needs and circumstances of each patient can we hope to make strides in obesity care. It’s time to move beyond the “one-size-fits-all” advice and equip our healthcare professionals with the skills to provide non-judgemental nuanced, patient-specific advice. Only then can we truly claim to be tackling the obesity epidemic head-on.
Thus, training healthcare professionals in obesity care is not just an opportunity to improve individual patient outcomes, it’s a public health imperative. Institutions like the College of Contemporary Health, which provide such comprehensive training, are leading the way in this essential work.
- Candesic Consultancy (2015) Obesity training levels in the UK workforce (analysis of HSCIC workforce statistic)
Elevated risk of stillbirth among pregnant women with obesity
Obesity before pregnancy appears to considerably increase the likelihood of perinatal mortality, suggests a mediation analysis study.
The study, involving 392,820 women, revealed that women with obesity before pregnancy had a 55% increased risk of perinatal mortality – defined as stillbirth or neonatal death prior to hospital discharge, as informed by Jeffrey Bone, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, along with his team.
The study, published in PLoS One, also showed that even women who had overweight before pregnancy exhibited a 22% increased risk of perinatal mortality compared to women who had a normal BMI.
The largest mediator between obesity and perinatal death was the gestational age at delivery, which accounted for 63.1% of the association, according to the researchers. Adjustments were made for factors such as chronic hypertension, smoking, alcohol and substance use, previous stillbirths or preterm births, parity, maternal age, year of birth, chronic diseases, and asthma during the study.
Bone commented that women with obesity often face higher neonatal death rates and stillbirths, and the exact reasons for this remain to be fully deciphered. He said, “Our aim was to determine whether this could be partially attributed to their pregnancies ending earlier than those of women with normal weight.”
Even though these findings were anticipated, Bone believes there are still numerous questions that warrant further investigation. The team has recommended future studies to identify the specific factors contributing to higher pre-pregnancy BMI and their impact on perinatal mortality, such as inactive lifestyle, high calorie diet, and medical or genetic conditions.
The study emphasises the necessity for healthcare professionals to pay extra attention to pregnant women with obesity to prevent stillbirth and neonatal death, especially in the second trimester. Bone emphasised the complexity of the reasons for increased risks, which include maternal complications leading to preterm birth more frequently in obese women, as well as foetal and placental reasons. He stressed that more research is needed to better devise interventions for women with high pre-pregnancy BMI.
The research team evaluated data from 547,401 single live births and stillbirths in British Columbia between 2004 and 2017. The study excluded data from late terminations and women with births before 20 weeks of gestation.
Of the 392,820 women included in the study, 12.8% (50,352) were classified as having obesity, 20.6% (81,065) as having overweight, 60.6% (237,726) as normal weight, and 6.0% (23,677) as underweight. These pre-pregnancy weight categories were self-reported based on the following BMI ranges: underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5 to <25), overweight (25 to <30), and obese (BMI 30+).
The study found that, compared to women with normal BMI, those with obesity were more likely to have multiple births, smoke during pregnancy, suffer from chronic and gestational hypertension or diabetes, and have a history of caesarean delivery.
In terms of preterm birth rates, a pattern emerged correlating higher rates with an increased BMI: 7.3% among women with a normal BMI, 8.1% among overweight women, and 9.7% among women with obesity, according to the researchers.
Read MoreIncreased risk of obesity and high blood sugar in children linked to prenatal cannabis exposure
A newly conducted study suggests that the use of cannabis during pregnancy may heighten the likelihood of children developing obesity or experiencing elevated blood sugar levels by the age of five.
Products containing non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) or the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are often employed by pregnant women to mitigate symptoms such as morning sickness, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and pain.
However, the study establishes a correlation between the exposure to such compounds during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and “increased percentages of fat mass and fasting glucose levels” in children upon their entry into school.
Brianna Moore, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Colorado, who focuses her research on how early-life exposure to tobacco and cannabis impacts children’s growth and brain development, is the author of the study. Moore advises women to “avoid all forms of cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding in order to minimise potential adverse health outcomes in their children.”
The research team analysed urine samples from 103 pregnant women, revealing that 15% of the women had detectable cannabinoid compounds in their bodies.
The findings show that the five-year-old children of these mothers had greater fat mass and fasting glucose levels compared to children whose mothers did not use cannabis during pregnancy.
Cannabis is known to contain over 100 cannabinoids, with CBD and THC being the most widely recognized. According to Dr. Moore, further studies are required to explore the effects of the other compounds on babies exposed to them during gestation and through breastfeeding.
In a separate 2016 study conducted in Colorado, it was discovered that up to 22% of pregnant women exhibited detectable cannabinoid levels in their bodies.
Earlier studies have also indicated that women who use CBD and THC during pregnancy not only increase the risk of their children having low birth weights and behavioural issues but are also doubling the likelihood of premature birth. Additionally, cannabis use during pregnancy has been associated with a higher prevalence of “psychotic-like” behaviours in nine-year-old children, as per other studies conducted in 2019 and 2020.
The research, titled ‘Fetal Exposure to Cannabis and Childhood Metabolic Outcomes: The Healthy Start Study’, is available in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published by the Endocrine Society.
Read MoreSurvey reveals Ireland has second highest rate of obesity in EU
New data indicates that Ireland ranks second within the European Union (EU) for obesity rates, with over a quarter of its adult population falling into this category.
Statistics released by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, show that in 2019, obesity was prevalent in 26% of the Irish adult population. This figure significantly overshadows the EU average of 16%, with only Malta recording a higher rate at 28%. Comparatively, Ireland ranked seventh in a similar survey in 2014, with an obesity rate of 18%.
However, when examining the combined data for those classified as overweight, including individuals identified as having obesity and “pre-obesity,” Ireland presents a better picture. Over half of the adults in the country, about 56%, are categorised as having overweight, which positions Ireland near the middle among the 27 EU nations. Croatia and Malta top this list with 64% of their adults having overweight, while Italy and France record the lowest figures, with 45% of adults in these countries classified as having overweight.
Body Mass Index (BMI), a metric that measures body fat in relation to an individual’s height and weight, is used to determine whether a person has overweight. A BMI of 25 or above classifies a person as having overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity. A BMI range of 18.5-25 is considered normal.
In 2019, according to Eurostat data, slightly over half of all adults in the EU had overweight. Of this population, 45% maintained normal weight, 53% were classified as having overweight, and nearly 3% were considered underweight.
A representative from Eurostat emphasised the serious public health implications of obesity, which notably elevates the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. The spokesperson further explained that obesity could also be linked with various psychological issues. “The societal implications of obesity are significant, resulting in substantial direct and indirect costs that place considerable burden on healthcare and social resources,” they said.
The study discovered that in all 27 EU member states, more men than women had overweight. In Ireland, this discrepancy was evident with 61% of males having overweight compared to 49% of females. However, the rates of obesity were relatively equal, with 26% of Irish men and 25% of Irish women categorised as having obesity.
Eurostat’s data also highlighted a correlation between age and weight, with higher rates of individuals with overweight in older age groups, excluding those aged 75 and above. The highest rate of individuals with obesity in Ireland (32%) was documented among individuals aged between 65-74.
Moreover, a clear link was identified between educational attainment and weight, with a decreasing prevalence of individuals with overweight as education levels increased.
Geographically, in Ireland, people residing in the Border region, which includes counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, and Sligo, exhibited the highest likelihood of having overweight or obesity. Around 59% of adults in this region had overweight, and 30% had obesity. In contrast, the west region (counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon) and the south-west region (Cork and Kerry) recorded the lowest rates of individuals with overweight, at 53%.
The Central Statistics Office compiled these Irish figures by analysing a survey of approximately 7,600 individuals, conducted as part of the Irish Health Survey 2019.
Read MoreObesity associated with diminished bone strength, particularly in men
Despite the protective implication often associated with high body weight in terms of fracture risk, recent studies suggest that obesity may in fact raise the risk of fractures, particularly in men with high body fat content.
A comprehensive examination of dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data from a broad spectrum of over 10,000 U.S. individuals revealed an intricate connection between body weight and bone density. Dr. Rajesh Jain and Dr. Tamara Vokes, both from the University of Chicago, discussed these complex findings in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The duo discovered that each 1 kg/m2 increase in lean mass index correlated with a 0.19 higher T-score in people below 60 years of age. However, every corresponding increase in fat mass index was associated with a 0.10 decline in T-score, with a significant statistical difference (P<0.001).
Their research indicated that while lean mass positively impacted bone mineral density (BMD) equivalently in both genders, the deleterious effect of fat mass was more pronounced in men, leading to a 0.13 lower T-score per additional 1 kg/m2, compared to a 0.08 drop in women (P<0.001 for interaction).
“Our analysis of a large, heterogeneous population presenting a wide range of BMI indicated a clear negative correlation between bone density and fat mass, and a positive correlation with lean mass,” Jain and Vokes stated.
The researchers highlighted that despite lean mass exhibiting a stronger overall impact than fat mass, the detrimental effects of fat on BMD were significantly more evident in men and individuals with excessive fat content.
These insights hold critical clinical implications as they suggest obesity could contribute to declining BMD in patients traditionally not perceived as high fracture risk, and who therefore might not typically undergo DXA screening.
Contrasting previous studies constrained by small sample sizes or referral bias, Jain and Vokes’ findings reflect broader U.S. population data. They emphasise that obesity does not provide immunity against low BMD, advocating for clinicians to assess bone density, especially when other risk factors are present.
To reach their conclusions, the researchers assessed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted from 2011 to 2018. This dataset encompassed body composition and DXA measurements for 10,814 individuals aged 20 to 59.
Using linear regression models with total body BMD as the dependent variable, the researchers scrutinised the impact of lean and fat mass, accounting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, height, and smoking status. Notably, they highlighted the challenge of disentangling the interconnected influences of fat and lean mass on bone density.
Prior studies exploring the impact of fat mass on bone density reported varying results due to differing statistical methods and are somewhat outdated, the researchers pointed out. Moreover, the current study benefited from a densitometer with a higher weight limit, allowing for the examination of more severe obesity cases.
However, the study had limitations, including its focus on adults below 60 years, leaving room for potentially different body composition and bone mass relationships in older individuals. It also didn’t evaluate factors besides sex hormones that might elucidate the observed gender differences in the link between fat mass and bone density.
Despite women generally having a higher proportion of body fat, fat accumulation patterns differ by gender, with women typically storing fat in the hip and thigh areas, and men in the trunk and abdomen. Jain and Vokes acknowledged that differences in fat distribution might influence BMD, although their study could not conclusively prove this.
Read MoreAI shows potential as a beneficial aid in mental health treatment, UIC study indicates
A recent pilot study by researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) brings forth promising insights into the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mental health treatment. The study demonstrates encouraging correlations between the use of an AI voice assistant named Lumen and improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients, along with noticeable changes in their brain activity.
The UIC study brings hope for the inclusion of virtual therapy in addressing the existing gaps in mental health care. The limited availability of mental health professionals and unequal access to mental health services, particularly among vulnerable communities, often impede proper treatment. The application of AI could potentially circumvent these obstacles.
Dr. Olusola A. Ajilore, UIC Professor of Psychiatry and a co-author of the study, noted the urgent necessity for innovative treatment methods, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19, which resulted in a surge of anxiety and depression cases. He remarked, “This technology could serve as a bridge. It isn’t meant to supersede traditional therapy, but it could be a vital intermediary measure before someone seeks treatment.”
Lumen, which functions as a skill within the Amazon Alexa application, is the brainchild of Dr. Ajilore, Dr. Jun Ma, the senior author of the study, and their colleagues from Washington University in St. Louis and Pennsylvania State University. The National Institute of Mental Health provided a $2 million grant to support the development of Lumen.
The researchers enlisted over 60 patients for this clinical study, which focused on the effect of the application on mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study also looked at activity in brain areas that have been associated with the advantages of problem-solving therapy. Two-thirds of the participants engaged with Lumen through a study-provided iPad for eight problem-solving therapy sessions. The remaining participants served as a control group that did not receive any intervention.
Upon concluding the intervention, the participants who interacted with the Lumen app exhibited reduced scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in comparison to the control group. Moreover, these participants demonstrated enhanced problem-solving skills and increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region related to cognitive control. The results showed particular promise among women and underrepresented populations.
Dr. Ma highlighted the significance of problem-solving therapy delivered through the Lumen app. He stated, “It’s about reshaping the way people perceive problems and their approach to solving them without being overwhelmed by emotions.”
A comprehensive trial comparing the efficacy of Lumen to a control group on a waitlist and patients receiving human-guided problem-solving therapy is presently underway. However, Dr. Ma emphasises that the aim of the virtual coach is not to outperform human therapists but to address the critical shortages in the mental health system.
He concluded, “Digital mental health services should be viewed as a means to bridge the gap between the supply and demand of mental health care. We need to identify innovative, effective, and safe ways to deliver treatments to individuals who might otherwise lack access, thereby filling this gap.”
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