Sleep loss rewires the brain for cravings and weight gain – a neurologist explains the science behind the cycle

Even one night of inadequate sleep can shift your hunger into overdrive, setting off a chain reaction in the brain. But one or two nights of solid sleep can help reset metabolism.

Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
June 16, 2025 ~7 min

A high-fat diet sets off metabolic dysfunction in cells, leading to weight gain

Researchers also found these effects can be reversed by treatment with an antioxidant.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
May 28, 2025 ~7 min


MAHA report on children’s health highlights harms of ultraprocessed foods – a food scientist explains the research

The majority of children’s diets in the US consist of ultraprocessed foods, which a growing body of research suggests can lead to metabolic diseases and other conditions.

Paul Dawson, Professor of Food Science, Clemson University • conversation
May 26, 2025 ~7 min

Scientists identify genes that make humans and Labradors more likely to become obese

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered genes linked to obesity in both Labradors and humans. They say the effects can be over-ridden with a

Cambridge University News • cambridge
March 6, 2025 ~6 min

Rural Americans don’t live as long as those in cities − new research

The study shows rates for smoking, obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease are comparatively higher in rural areas, leading to shorter life expectancy.

Jack Chapel, Postdoctoral Scholar in Economics, University of Southern California • conversation
Feb. 11, 2025 ~6 min

Map of brain’s appetite centre could enable new treatments for obesity and diabetes

Scientists have created the most detailed map to date of the human hypothalamus, a crucial brain region that regulates body weight, appetite, sleep, and stress.

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Feb. 5, 2025 ~5 min

Health Experts Seek New Ways to Identify and Treat Obesity

VOA Learning English • voa
Jan. 29, 2025 ~6 min

Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs may lower risk of 42 health conditions, but also pose risks

Research shows that people who take these weight-loss medications may have a lower risk of dementia and numerous other health conditions.

Ziyad Al-Aly, Clinical Epidemiologist, Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Jan. 22, 2025 ~8 min


Why is obesity linked to irregular heart rhythms? Researchers found 1 potential mechanism

Obesity can put strain on the heart, resulting in an increased risk of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythms.

Arvind Sridhar, Postdoctoral Scholar in Cardiology, University of Illinois Chicago • conversation
Jan. 21, 2025 ~6 min

An inflatable gastric balloon could help people lose weight

The new balloon can be expanded before a meal to prevent overeating, then deflated when no longer needed.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Dec. 3, 2024 ~6 min

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