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In a recent study led by Catherine Gibbons from the University of Leeds, the effects of sweetener reformulated biscuits on appetite and endocrine responses in adults with overweight or obesity were evaluated. This study, conducted between 2021 and 2022 in England and France, sheds light on the potential benefits of substituting sucrose with sweeteners like neotame and stevia rebaudioside M (StRebM). The findings suggest that while the reformulated biscuits yielded similar appetite responses compared to sucrose-sweetened ones, they demonstrated a significant advantage in terms of post-meal insulin and glucose levels. Participants consuming biscuits with neotame and StRebM experienced lower postprandial insulin levels compared to those consuming sucrose, indicating a potential positive impact on blood glucose control. This is particularly noteworthy in the context of individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, it's essential to acknowledge the limitations highlighted ...

  In a recent study, researchers were concerned about the impact of obesity on cognitive health,  Even knowing that obesity is linked to cognitive decline and problems with the brain, they investigated if giving overweight or obese women a zinc supplement could help. In the study participated 42 women aged 40 to 60 and were splitted into two groups. One group received a zinc supplement (30 mg per day), while the other received placebo, for 12 weeks. Information about these women, like age, weight, diet, and physical activity was collected. To measure cognitive function and mood, various tests and questionnaires were used. They also checked certain substances in women's saliva to understand what was happening in their bodies. The results showed that the women who took the zinc supplement had better scores in cognitive tests, even though they didn't lose weight.  This suggests that taking zinc might help overweight or obese women maintain better cognitive function, regardle...

Researchers have conducted a study focusing on specific brain cells called GABRA5 neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of male rats to understand their role in managing obesity.  These neurons have connections to both white and brown fat tissues in the body.  When obese mice had their GABRA5 neurons suppressed, they experienced metabolic impairments and weight gain, whereas reducing the activity of an enzyme called MAO-B in nearby astrocytes led to increased fat burning and less weight gain.  This suggests that these neurons may help prevent fat accumulation, offering potential insights into obesity treatment strategies.  Additionally, brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been associated with lower risks of cardiometabolic diseases, and a drug called KDS2010, which inhibits MAO-B, has shown promise in promoting weight loss and is in Phase 1 clinical trials as a potential obesity treatment.  Read Original Article

  Breakthrough Obesity Drugs. Could dieting become obsolete? Carlos Martinez Sagasta In the past 50 years, the prevalence of obesity has tripled. Being significantly overweight increases the chances of developing various health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and several malignancies. The need for the creation of efficient obesity treatments is growing as obesity rates rise. New hormone-mimicking pharmaceuticals may reduce hunger and encourage weight loss regarding the advancement and possibility of novel treatments for obesity. It may reduce the cause of experiencing emotions of guilt and the stigma associated with being overweight. GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have been biochemically designed to increase potency and have a sustained effect, are successfully used in clinical settings to treat type-2 diabetes. The GLP-1 analogue Semaglutide was initially licensed by the US FDA to treat type 2 diabetes, but was later approved as a medication to treat obesity. In a...

Inhaling Pleasant Scents During Sleep Tied to a Dramatic Boost in Cognition In a small, randomized control trial researchers found that when cognitively normal individuals were exposed to the scent of an essential oil for 2 hours every night over 6 months, they experienced a 226% improvement in memory compared with a control group who received only a trace amount of the diffused scent. Ozempic is in the spotlight but it's just the latest in a long and ... Patients on an endless cycle of dieting and exercise want something more convenient, with a more certain outcome. And doctors, too, want to offer patients effective treatment, and a drug prescription is a workable option given the constraints of appointment times. 5 Ways Jaclyn Smith Loses Weight at 77 "What we put on our bodies shows up on our faces," she told Fox and one way she ensures she gets the nutrients needed is by having a green smoothie every day. Obesity as a Disease of Civilization Nigel Barber Ph.D. on Aug...

Four key questions on the new wave of anti-obesity drugs Nature.com Scientists want to know who will benefit most, what the long-term effects might be and whether the treatments will change views on obesity. Researchers and clinicians are excited about the latest wave of drugs for obesity treatment, offering hope for patients and potentially changing the perception of obesity.  These medications challenge the notion that obesity results from a lack of willpower, as they target the brain's role in regulating eating behavior.  The hope is that a better understanding of the biological basis of obesity will convince insurers to cover these drugs.  However, some experts express concerns about the potential negative effects, such as exacerbating eating disorders and weight stigma.  The drugs are being introduced into a society with pervasive diet culture and pressure to be slim, highlighting the need for a more nuanced view of health that is independent of weight.  No...