Obesity
Weight-loss drugs show early promise for alcohol and other addictions, review finds
Heather Vogel Image generated by AI Fact checked
Medications such as semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic/Wegovy) could aid treatment of alcohol and other substance use disorders, according to a peer‑reviewed review in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. Early animal and human data suggest these GLP‑1 receptor agonists act on brain reward circuits; lead author Lorenzo Leggio urged caution, saying, “Early research in both animals and humans suggests that these treatments may help reduce alcohol and other substance use.”
Hidden fat damages arteries even in seemingly healthy people
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered that visceral fat around organs and fat in the liver can silently harm arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risks, regardless of outward appearance. The study, involving MRI scans of over 33,000 adults, challenges the reliability of BMI for assessing cardiovascular health. Published on October 17, 2025, the findings urge a shift toward imaging-based evaluations.
Running reverses junk food's depressive effects in rats
New research from University College Cork shows that voluntary exercise can counteract the mood-damaging impacts of a high-fat, high-sugar diet in rats. The study highlights specific gut metabolites and hormones that explain these benefits. However, poor diet still limits brain neurogenesis despite exercise.
Cleveland Clinic study shows surgery outperforms GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes
A Cleveland Clinic study has found that weight-loss surgery provides greater long-term health benefits than GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Over 10 years, surgery patients experienced lower risks of death, heart problems, kidney disease, and eye damage. The research highlights surgery's advantages even amid advances in obesity drugs.
Study highlights disparities in obesity care access
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A recent analysis reveals significant gaps in obesity treatment for certain demographic groups in the United States. Researchers found that access to care varies widely based on race, income, and location, underscoring ongoing challenges in healthcare equity.
Higher semaglutide dose boosts weight loss in obesity trials
Two phase 3 clinical trials show that a 7.2 mg weekly dose of semaglutide leads to greater weight loss than the approved 2.4 mg dose in adults with obesity, including those with type 2 diabetes. Nearly half of participants on the higher dose lost 20% or more of their body weight over 72 weeks. The results, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, suggest improved metabolic health with a favorable safety profile.
Study links prediabetes remission to lower diabetes risk without weight loss
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Researchers in Tübingen have found that people with prediabetes can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 71% through lifestyle changes that normalize blood sugar levels, even if they do not lose weight. The study emphasizes the role of improved fat distribution over mere weight reduction. This challenges current guidelines focused primarily on shedding pounds.