December 30, 2022
2 min read
Healio and Endocrine Today editors have compiled the top obesity news from 2022.
Readers were most interested in the latest trial data on anti-obesity medications, such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Novo Nordisk) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Eli Lilly), benefits stemming from bariatric surgery, and the proportion of U.S. adults using medications that may cause weight gain.
Here are 10 of Healio’s most-read obesity stories from 2022.
‘Mind-blowing’ weight loss with semaglutide extends to adolescents with obesity
In findings from the STEP Teens phase 3a trial presented at ObesityWeek 2022 and published in The New England Journal of Medicine, once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg plus lifestyle intervention was associated with a 16.1% reduction in BMI at 68 weeks among adolescents with obesity.
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Weekly tirzepatide confers substantial weight loss in obesity without diabetes: SURMOUNT-1
Data presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions revealed nearly all adults with obesity and without diabetes participating in the SURMOUNT-1 study lost at least 5% of their body weight at 72 weeks with once-weekly tirzepatide, with more than half of those taking a 15 mg dose losing at least 20% of their body weight.
Surgical weight loss can lower obesity-related cancer, cancer-related mortality
In a study published in JAMA, adults with obesity who intentionally lost weight with bariatric surgery have a lower risk for obesity-related cancer and cancer-related mortality than those who did not have surgery.
20% of adults use medications that cause weight gain
According to data from 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about one in five adults in the U.S. filled a prescription for a medication that causes weight gain. Beta blockers and diabetes medications were the most common obesogenic medications used.
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Higher body fat percentage confers higher mortality risk
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found higher levels of body fat were associated with a higher mortality risk. The association was observed with multiple body fat measurements, including body fat percentage, fat mass, fat mass index and visceral adipose tissue.
Personalized diet yields similar weight loss as low-fat diet at 6 months
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a personalized diet does not confer significant weight loss benefits for adults with abnormal glucose metabolism and obesity. Compared with a low-fat diet, a personalized diet targeting postprandial glycemic response resulted in a similar weight loss at 6 months.
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US adults, particularly those with obesity, gained weight during COVID-19 lockdown
Weight gain was common among U.S. adults during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a study published in Obesity, about 30% of adults reported gaining weight from May 2020 to August 2020, with 18.4% having a weight gain of at least 2 kg.
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New hormone-based therapies poised to expand obesity treatment options
A presenter at ObesityWeek 2022 highlighted a number of hormone-based therapies that could be beneficial for adults with obesity. Multiple new agents that are currently in development could greatly expand the number of anti-obesity medications available in the near future.
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Weight loss reduces hedonic hunger, bariatric surgery lowers food cravings
In a study published in Obesity, researchers found that weight loss was associated with reduced hedonic hunger, independent of modality, and bariatric surgery was linked to beneficial changes in food reward and preferences.
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