{"title":"New Frontiers: Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Uncover Developmental Roots and Biological Underpinnings of Obesity Susceptibility.","authors":"Lauren E Gyllenhammer, Kristen E Boyle","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00599-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13679-024-00599-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To review evidence supporting human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) as an innovative model system advancing obesity precision medicine.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Obesity prevalence is increasing rapidly and exposures during fetal development can impact individual susceptibility to obesity. UC-MSCs exhibit heterogeneous phenotypes associated with maternal exposures and predictive of child cardiometabolic outcomes. This recent evidence supports UC-MSCs as a precision model serving three purposes: (1) as a mechanistic tool to interrogate biological underpinnings of obesity in human studies, (2) as a sensitive index of early life causes and determinants of obesity, and (3) as a marker and transducer of susceptibility, highlighting populations most at risk for future obesity. Data from UC-MSCs emphasize nutrient sensing and lipid partitioning as phenotypes most relevant to neonatal and early childhood adiposity and implicate a role for these cell-autonomous features of mesodermal tissues in the biological underpinnings of obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11735562/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143001620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bone Marrow Adipocytes as Novel Regulators of Metabolic Homeostasis: Clinical Consequences of Bone Marrow Adiposity.","authors":"Hanghang Liu, Linyi Liu, Clifford J Rosen","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00594-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-024-00594-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Bone marrow adipose tissue is a distinctive fat depot located within the skeleton, with the potential to influence both local and systemic metabolic processes. Although significant strides have been made in understanding bone marrow adipose tissue over the past decade, many questions remain regarding their precise lineage and functional roles.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies have highlighted bone marrow adipose tissue's involvement in continuous cross-talk with other organs and systems, exerting both endocrine and paracrine functions that play a crucial role in metabolic homeostasis, skeletal remodeling, hematopoiesis, and the progression of bone metastases. The advancement of imaging techniques, particularly cross-sectional imaging, has profoundly expanded our understanding of the complexities beyond the traditional view of bone marrow adipose tissue as an inert depot. Notably, marrow adipocytes are anatomically and functionally distinct from brown, beige, and classic white adipocytes. Emerging evidence suggests that bone marrow adipocytes, bone marrow adipose tissue originate from the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells; however, they appear to be a heterogeneous population with varying metabolic profiles, lipid compositions, secretory properties, and functional responses depending on their specific location within the bone marrow. This review provides an up-to-date synthesis of current knowledge on bone marrow adipocytes, emphasizing the relationships between bone marrow adipogenesis and factors such as aging, osteoporosis, obesity, and bone marrow tumors or metastases, thereby elucidating the mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal pathophysiology.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142977950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diana M Thomas, Ira Crofford, John Scudder, Brittany Oletti, Ashok Deb, Steven B Heymsfield
{"title":"Updates on Methods for Body Composition Analysis: Implications for Clinical Practice.","authors":"Diana M Thomas, Ira Crofford, John Scudder, Brittany Oletti, Ashok Deb, Steven B Heymsfield","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00593-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13679-024-00593-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recent technological advances have introduced novel methods for measuring body composition, each with unique benefits and limitations. The choice of method often depends on the trade-offs between accuracy, cost, participant burden, and the ability to measure specific body composition compartments.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To review the considerations of cost, accuracy, portability, and participant burden in reference and emerging body composition assessment methods, and to evaluate their clinical applicability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted comparing traditional reference methods like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) with emerging technologies such as smartphone camera applications, three-dimensional optical imaging scanners, smartwatch bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), and ultrasound.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Reference methods like CT and MRI offer high accuracy and the ability to distinguish between specific body composition compartments (e.g., visceral, subcutaneous, skeletal muscle mass, and adipose tissue within lean mass) but are expensive and non-portable. Conversely, emerging methods, such as smartwatch BIA and smartphone-based technologies, provide greater accessibility and lower participant burden but with reduced accuracy. Methods like three-dimensional optical imaging scanners balance portability and accuracy, presenting promising potential for population-level applications.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The selection of a body composition assessment method should be guided by the clinical context and specific application, considering trade-offs in cost, accuracy, and portability. Emerging methods provide valuable options for population-level assessments, while reference methods remain essential for detailed compartmental analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"8"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142963969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Simancas-Racines, Giuseppe Annunziata, Ludovica Verde, Federica Fascì-Spurio, Claudia Reytor-González, Giovanna Muscogiuri, Evelyn Frias-Toral, Luigi Barrea
{"title":"Nutritional Strategies for Battling Obesity-Linked Liver Disease: the Role of Medical Nutritional Therapy in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) Management.","authors":"Daniel Simancas-Racines, Giuseppe Annunziata, Ludovica Verde, Federica Fascì-Spurio, Claudia Reytor-González, Giovanna Muscogiuri, Evelyn Frias-Toral, Luigi Barrea","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00597-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13679-024-00597-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This narrative review explores the role of Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) in managing Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It aims to examine the effectiveness of specific nutritional strategies in preventing and treating this obesity-linked liver disease.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Emerging evidence underscores the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, low-carbohydrate diets, and intermittent fasting in reducing liver fat, improving insulin sensitivity, and mitigating inflammation. Supplementing with vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and silymarin can potentially reduce liver fibrosis and promote liver health. MNT is a key intervention for MASLD management, emphasizing dietary patterns, caloric restriction, and nutraceutical supplementation. Integrating these strategies with lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity, offers a comprehensive approach to improving metabolic and liver outcomes in patients with MASLD. Further research is needed to refine and personalize these therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11724794/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142963968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alyssa Huang, Dabin Yeum, Leticia E Sewaybricker, Sandra Aleksic, Melbin Thomas, Susan J Melhorn, Yumei Feng Earley, Ellen A Schur
{"title":"Update on Hypothalamic Inflammation and Gliosis: Expanding Evidence of Relevance Beyond Obesity.","authors":"Alyssa Huang, Dabin Yeum, Leticia E Sewaybricker, Sandra Aleksic, Melbin Thomas, Susan J Melhorn, Yumei Feng Earley, Ellen A Schur","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00595-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13679-024-00595-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To evaluate the role of hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis in human obesity pathogenesis and other disease processes influenced by obesity.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies using established and novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to assess alterations in hypothalamic microarchitecture in humans support the presence of hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis in adults and children with obesity. Studies also identify prenatal exposure to maternal obesity or diabetes as a risk factor for hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis and increased obesity risk in offspring. Hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis have been further implicated in reproductive dysfunction (specifically polycystic ovarian syndrome and male hypogonadism), cardiovascular disease namely hypertension, and alterations in the gut microbiome, and may also accelerate neurocognitive aging. The most recent translational studies support the link between hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis and obesity pathogenesis in humans and expand our understanding of its influence on broader aspects of human health.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"6"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11963668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142946107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Reyhaneh Yousefi, Tair Ben-Porat, John O'Neill, Vincent Gosselin Boucher, Jovana Stojanovic, Annabelle Fortin, Kim L Lavoie, Simon L Bacon
{"title":"Understanding the Components of Eating Behaviour-Focused Weight Management Interventions Adjunct to Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: Systematic Review of Published Literature.","authors":"Reyhaneh Yousefi, Tair Ben-Porat, John O'Neill, Vincent Gosselin Boucher, Jovana Stojanovic, Annabelle Fortin, Kim L Lavoie, Simon L Bacon","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00596-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-024-00596-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Eating behaviour-focused interventions are essential for improving health and weight-related outcomes in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). This work aims to examine the content of eating behaviour-focused weight management interventions adjunct to MBS in terms of the type and quantity of behaviour change techniques (BCTs). A literature search retrieved randomised controlled and parallel group trials up to March 2024.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>A total of 25 trials were included in the final analysis. Trained coders used Michie's BCT taxonomy v1.0 to code intervention components from each trial and applied descriptive methods to report the types and frequency of BCTs. Calculated effect sizes were used to compare the impact of the experimental and comparator arms. Common BCTs applied in eating behaviour-focused interventions were '4.1 Instruction on how to perform a behaviour' (68%), '2.3 Self-monitoring of behaviour' (56%), '1.1 Goal setting (behaviour)' (52%), '1.2 Problem solving' (44%), '3.1 Social support (unspecified)' (40%), and '1.4 Action planning' (40%). However, the BCTs associated with the largest intervention effect sizes (2.1. Monitoring of behaviour by others without feedback and 4.2. Information about antecedents) were not among the most frequently employed techniques. Only one study described the intervention explicitly using BCT taxonomy groupings. In more than half of the studies (52%), authors did not use BCTs to describe interventions. This work highlights the importance of using standard frameworks for reporting the components of behavioural interventions to enhance scientific replication, evidence synthesis, and the ability to test interventions' effectiveness in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142926793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Iron-Mediated Regulation in Adipose Tissue: A Comprehensive Review of Metabolism and Physiological Effects.","authors":"Xinyu Yang, Xianghong Wang, Zhe Yang, Hongyun Lu","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00600-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13679-024-00600-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Review the latest data regarding the intersection of adipose tissue (AT) and iron to meet the needs of AT metabolism and the progression of related diseases.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Iron is involved in fundamental biological metabolic processes and is precisely fine-tuned within the body to maintain cellular, tissue and even systemic iron homeostasis. AT not only serves as an energy storage depot but also represents the largest endocrine organ in the human body, maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis. It is involved in physiological processes such as energy storage, insulin sensitivity regulation and lipid metabolism. As a unique iron-sensing tissue, AT expresses related regulatory factors, including the classic hepcidin, ferroportin (FPN), iron regulatory protein/iron responsive element (IRP/IRE) and ferritin. Consequently, the interaction between AT and iron is intricately intertwined. Imbalance of iron homeostasis produces the potential risks of steatosis, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, leading to AT dysfunction diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Despite the role of AT iron has garnered increasing attention in recent years, a comprehensive review that systematically organizes the connection between iron and AT remains lacking. Given the necessity of iron homeostasis, emphasizing its potential impact on AT function and metabolism regulation provides valuable insights into physiological effects such as adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis. Futhermore, regulators including adipokines, mitochondria and macrophages have been mentioned, along with analyzing the novel perspective of iron as a key mediator influencing the fat-gut crosstalk.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142926786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luigi Barrea, Mara Boschetti, Elena Gangitano, Valeria Guglielmi, Ludovica Verde, Giovanna Muscogiuri
{"title":"Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Nutritional and Pharmacological Strategies for Obesity.","authors":"Luigi Barrea, Mara Boschetti, Elena Gangitano, Valeria Guglielmi, Ludovica Verde, Giovanna Muscogiuri","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00602-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-024-00602-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review examines the long-term efficacy and safety of various nutritional and pharmacological strategies for managing obesity. The focus is on the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), very low-energy ketogenic therapy (VLEKT), and pharmacological interventions such as naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide. Given the chronic nature of obesity, understanding the sustainability and impact of these treatments over time is critical.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The MedDiet has shown significant benefits for cardiovascular health and moderate long-term weight loss, though it does not always outperform other diets in terms of weight reduction. VLEKT is highly effective for rapid weight loss, but concerns remain about its long-term sustainability. Pharmacological treatments, including naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide, have shown promise in promoting significant weight loss and improving metabolic markers. However, issues related to long-term adherence and potential side effects need further exploration. Both nutritional and pharmacological strategies offer valuable tools in obesity management. While treatments like VLEKT and pharmacological options provide significant short-term benefits, the MedDiet remains a sustainable long-term approach. The long-term efficacy and safety of naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide require more investigation to address challenges in weight maintenance and side effects. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal duration and combination of these therapies for sustained obesity management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142926790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Depression and Obesity.","authors":"Gina Gerardo, Ninoska Peterson, Kasey Goodpaster, Leslie Heinberg","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00603-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13679-024-00603-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To summarize the recent literature regarding the interaction between the public health concerns of obesity and depression and provide preliminary recommendations for assessment and management of patients with co-occurring obesity and depression. RECENT FINDINGS : Recent studies have reinforced that while there is a bi-directional link between obesity and depression, there is stronger evidence that obesity contributes to the development of depression. Recent research has also elucidated potential mediating factors in the association between depression and obesity (e.g., demographical, biological, and psychological) as well as a moderating effect of treatment of depression on outcomes for treatment of obesity. There is evidence to suggest that in co-occurring depression and obesity, it is beneficial to treat depression first. Cognitive behavioral therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in treating co-occurring depression and obesity and there is preliminary evidence suggesting that increasing emotion regulation and reducing weight bias internalization may be important treatment targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"5"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142920813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lauren Moss, Marci Laudenslager, Kristine J Steffen, Sanjeev Sockalingam, Janelle W Coughlin
{"title":"Antidepressants and Weight Gain: An Update on the Evidence and Clinical Implications.","authors":"Lauren Moss, Marci Laudenslager, Kristine J Steffen, Sanjeev Sockalingam, Janelle W Coughlin","doi":"10.1007/s13679-024-00598-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13679-024-00598-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To highlight recent research on antidepressant use and weight change and explore best clinical practices for reducing weight gain and obesity risk in individuals with depression.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Research on antidepressant use and weight gain suggests that genetic and biological factors including metabolizer phenotypes and inflammation can help to predict an individual's threshold for weight change among specific agents. For individuals with increased susceptibility to metabolic complications, medications including bupropion, fluoxetine, and newer agents (e.g., gepirone) have shown to be efficacious in improving depressive symptoms while concurrently reducing metabolic risks. Additional areas of focus following antidepressant related weight gain include switching to a weight neutral drug alternative, integrated behavioral interventions, and/or pharmacotherapy including GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., metformin, liraglutide). Individuals experiencing depression are at heightened risk of metabolic disorders and weight gain, which may be further exacerbated by antidepressant treatment. The increased support of weight neutral antidepressant agents in addition to innovative lifestyle interventions, breakthroughs in drug mechanisms, anti-obesity medications and overall familiarity with the side effects of each antidepressant class will help clinicians make appropriate decisions when treating patients with depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":10846,"journal":{"name":"Current Obesity Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":9.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142926782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}