Top in endocrinology: Obesity therapy, significance of meal timing

The Endocrine Society recently held its annual meeting. Highlights from the virtual conference were among the top stories in endocrinology last week.

During one presentation, researchers reported new findings from the STEP 4 study, which demonstrated the efficacy of weekly semaglutide therapy in patients with overweight or obesity.

Another top story was about the timing and duration of eating and how this affects insulin resistance. Researchers looked at fasting glucose and insulin levels in study participants.

Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:

STEP 4: Significant weight loss maintained with weekly semaglutide

Adults with obesity who continued once-weekly semaglutide therapy beyond 20 weeks saw continued weight loss or weight maintenance compared with adults who were switched to placebo, data from the STEP 4 study show. Read more.

Timing of eating, not duration, associated with better cardiometabolic health

Adults who ate their first meal before 8:30 a.m. each day had lower insulin resistance compared with those who started eating after 8:30 a.m., independent of eating interval duration, according to data presented at the ENDO annual meeting. Read more.

Genetic data show evidence for ‘male PCOS,’ with cardiometabolic consequence

Genetic risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome can act independently of ovarian function, causing cardiometabolic dysfunction and hyperandrogenism through biological pathways common to both men and women, according to a speaker. Read more.

Propylparaben may alter mammary gland, reduce breast cancer protection in pregnancy

Exposure to propylparaben, an endocrine-disrupting chemical used as a preservative in personal care products and food, may alter normal pregnancy-related breast changes, data showed. Read more.

Obesity increases risk for COVID-19 ICU admission, but not mortality

Obesity is associated with a greater risk for ICU admission, but not mortality, in COVID-19 patients admitted to a five-hospital health system in the Northeast, according to a presenter. Read more.