Top stories in endocrinology: Obesity Week highlights

This week, meeting news from Obesity Week comprised the most-read stories in endocrinology. Healio’s live coverage highlighted data that demonstrated the critical role GLP-1 agonists play in some cases of pediatric obesity, a review of the role the food industry played in the ongoing obesity epidemic, and an analysis that showed how total meal replacement lowered the odds for nonresponsiveness in obesity.

Other popular stories included the results of a pilot study that indicated low-calorie diets lowered hunger hormone levels, and a discussion on how left gastric artery embolization may help in weight loss. – by Janel Miller

GLP-1 receptor agonists may be 'critical' weight-loss tool in severe pediatric obesity

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Adolescents with severe obesity who struggle with weight loss may derive the most benefits from a combination of intensive lifestyle modification and an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, according to a speaker here. Read more.

With ‘bliss points’ and ‘mouth feel,’ food industry plays role in unhealthy eating habits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The growing obesity epidemic in the U.S. is helped along, in part, by a savvy food industry that uses a combination of science and expert marketing to influence vulnerable consumers, according to a speaker here. Read more.

Total meal replacement intervention decreases nonresponsiveness in obesity

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A behavioral weight-loss intervention using total meal replacement decreased the odds of nonresponsiveness by 60% after 1 year vs. a standard food-based intervention, according to study data presented here. Read more.

Tapering caloric intake may decrease hunger, help avoid weight regain

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The gradual introduction of a low-calorie diet was shown to lower hunger hormone levels more significantly when compared with immediate introduction, according to data from a pilot study presented at the ObesityWeek annual meeting. Read more.

Bariatric embolization targets ghrelin for weight loss

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Left gastric artery embolization — an interventional radiology procedure in which microparticles are introduced by catheter into the artery to partially block blood supply to the gastric fundus — is being explored in several small studies as a possible minimally invasive treatment for obesity, according to a speaker at ObesityWeek. Read more.