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Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Obesity Medications for Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) for long-term weight maintenance following initial weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library from inception to 31 October 2025. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing AOMs with placebo during the weight-maintenance phase in adults with overweight or obesity after initial weight loss achieved through lifestyle, dietary, surgical or pharmacological interventions. Outcomes included anthropometric indices, cardiometabolic measures, safety endpoints, quality of life and neuropsychiatric adverse events. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs), each with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were pooled for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively, using fixed-effect or random-effects models as appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261293040). RESULTS: A total of 12 RCTs comprising 4915 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, AOM therapy during the weight-maintenance phase was associated with prevention of weight regain and additional improvements in anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes. AOMs led to further reductions in body weight (BW, WMD: -8.68 kg, 95% CI: -13.25 to -4.11), waist circumference (WC, WMD: -7.16 cm, 95% CI: -10.34 to -3.98) and body mass index (BMI, WMD: -3.58 kg/m2, 95% CI: -5.69 to -1.46). Additional benefits were observed for triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common with AOMs, whereas serious adverse events were not significantly increased. Neuropsychiatric adverse events were generally comparable between groups, and available quality-of-life measures favoured AOM treatment. CONCLUSIONS: AOM therapy during the weight-maintenance phase can help prevent weight regain, provide further reductions in body weight and improve cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with overweight or obesity. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common with AOMs, whereas serious adverse events were not significantly increased. Further long-term trials are needed to clarify optimal treatment strategies and safety.

Humans

Specialized pro-resolving mediators in obesity and overweight conditions: A systematic review of human and animal evidence on comparative differences and associations.

Obesity and overweight are characterized by persistent low-grade inflammation. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived metabolites, actively promote inflammatory resolution, and their dysregulation has been linked to unresolved inflammation and metabolic disturbances in obesity. This systematic review synthesized human and animal evidence on adiposity-related differences and associations in SPMs and SPM precursors. The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251067464). PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to 22 May 2026. Eligible studies included human and animal research comparing SPMs and/or SPM precursors between overweight/obese and normal-weight/lean groups or assessing their associations with adiposity indices. Due to heterogeneity across matrices and analytical platforms, findings were synthesized narratively. Twenty-seven unique studies were included, providing 28 experimental datasets (14 animal and 14 human). The most consistent alterations were observed in adipose tissue and circulation, where overweight/obesity was frequently associated with lower concentrations of SPMs and/or SPM precursors. In humans, circulating Resolvin E1 showed reproducible reductions and was inversely associated with adiposity measures in several cohorts. In contrast, selected metabolites, including SPM Lipoxin A4 and the SPM precursors 15-HETE and 18-HEPE, exhibited mixed directionality across studies. Evidence for hepatic and central nervous system compartments was limited and heterogeneous. Overall, available evidence suggests that excess adiposity is associated with altered SPM and precursor profiles, most consistently in adipose tissue and circulation, whereas hepatic and central nervous system findings remain inconsistent. Future studies using standardized quantification and tissue-specific designs are needed to clarify whether targeting pro-resolving pathways has translational potential in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.

Animals

Gut microbial diversity at baseline conditions the clinical, microbiome, and metabolic response to paraprobiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5282 in overweight adults.

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a target for obesity management; however, whether baseline gut microbial diversity conditions responsiveness to microbiota-targeted interventions remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether baseline gut microbial diversity is associated with responsiveness to a paraprobiotic derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5282 (LP5282-P) in overweight adults. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of 120 overweight adults, LP5282-P produced no significant between-group differences in any clinical outcome across the overall per-protocol population. However, in the low-diversity subgroup, LP5282-P was associated with significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and circulating leptin levels. These clinical changes were accompanied by compositional shifts in the gut microbiota, including higher relative abundances of Christensenellaceae, Faecalibacterium, and Alistipes. Fecal metabolite profiles showed elevated acetate and butyrate concentrations and altered bile acid composition. Within the low-diversity subgroup, changes in the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Eubacterium were inversely correlated with changes in body weight, body fat mass, and leptin levels. In contrast, the high-diversity subgroup exhibited no consistent response across the outcome domains examined. Overall, baseline gut microbial diversity was associated with differential responsiveness to LP5282-P, supporting its potential use as a stratification variable in future microbiota-targeted intervention trials. Further studies integrating direct measures of microbial activity and host response are warranted to elucidate the biological pathways underlying this diversity-dependent responsiveness. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT0008119.

Humans

Effects of cinnamon supplementation combined with exercise training on anthropometric indices and reproductive hormones in overweight and obese women.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and increased fat in the chest and abdomen in women and hormonal changes, can affect female fertility. The present study aims to investigate the effect of exercise training combined with cinnamon supplementation on chest and abdominal circumference, as well as sex hormones, in overweight and obese women. METHODS: Twenty-six inactive overweight and obese women were randomly allocated to an exercise (E; n = 13) and exercise plus cinnamon supplementation (E+S; n = 13) group. Both groups completed a 4-week exercise program three times weekly, while the E+S group additionally received cinnamon supplementation three times weekly. Chest and abdominal circumferences and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant pre-to-post reductions in chest and abdominal circumference were observed in both groups (all p ≤ 0.005). Estradiol, progesterone, and FSH concentrations increased, whereas LH concentrations decreased significantly in both groups (all p ≤ 0.005). However, between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference only for chest circumference (p = 0.003), with no significant group differences in abdominal circumference or any reproductive hormone concentration (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed favorable changes in anthropometric and reproductive hormone measures following the 4-week study period. However, the significant between-group difference was limited to chest circumference, providing no clear evidence that cinnamon supplementation conferred additional benefits for abdominal circumference or reproductive hormone profiles beyond those observed with exercise. These findings highlight the potential relevance of exercise-based interventions while warranting confirmation in larger, adequately powered trials.

Humans

Metabolic and endocrine modulation of the gut-adipose tissue axis via pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in overweight dogs: A systematic review.

Canine obesity is a complex metabolic disorder driven by luminal dysbiosis, impaired gut barrier function, and metaflammation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review evaluated the efficacy of pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in modulating the gut-adipose tissue axis in overweight dogs (BCS ≥ 6/9) or diet-induced obesity models. Searches across PubMed and Dimensions (April 2026) identified seven eligible experimental trials. Results suggest that postbiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 reduced postprandial glucose AUC by 6 % strictly during energy restriction. Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila postbiotics limited diet-induced weight gain, though glucoregulatory impacts were highly strain-specific (AKK2 reduced fasting glucose and insulin resistance indexes, whereas EB-AMDK19 exerted no significant effect). Specific probiotics (including Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium breve) attenuated fasting hyperinsulinemia and preserved circulating adiponectin, but lipid profile improvements (triglycerides and total cholesterol) were inconsistent across trials. In dogs, increased luminal short-chain fatty acids are not consistently mirrored by endocrine responses, so the coupling between microbial metabolites and incretin signaling remains incomplete. A critical lack of standardized reporting for species-validated insulin sensitivity metrics was identified. In conclusion, microbiome-targeted therapies, particularly inanimate postbiotics, may represent useful adjunctive strategies to mitigate metabolic dysregulation in obesogenic environments. However, clinical efficacy remains strictly strain-specific and dependent on host energy balance. Given the scarcity of high-certainty evidence, future trials must integrate dynamic physiological assessments with species-validated surrogate indexes alongside standardized dietary controls.

Animals

Comparative Efficacy of Tirzepatide Versus Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Head-to-Head Studies.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare&#xa0;the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide versus semaglutide for weight reduction in adults with overweight or obesity. We included randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide with &#x2265;&#x2009;24&#x2009;weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was percentage weight change from baseline. Secondary outcomes included absolute weight change, weight-loss thresholds, HbA1c and safety outcomes. Ten studies including 41&#x2009;381 participants were analysed. Tirzepatide was associated with greater percentage weight reduction than semaglutide (MD -4.28 percentage points; 95% CI -5.28 to -3.28; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.00001) and greater absolute weight loss (MD -4.43&#x2009;kg; 95% CI -5.56 to -3.30; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.00001). Tirzepatide was also associated with a higher likelihood of achieving &#x2265;&#x2009;10%, &#x2265;&#x2009;15% and &#x2265;&#x2009;20% weight loss, with no difference at &#x2265;&#x2009;5%. HbA1c reduction was greater with tirzepatide (MD -0.29%; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0002). Subgroup analyses by study design and type 2 diabetes status yielded consistent findings. There was no significant difference in treatment discontinuation due to adverse events (RR 1.28; p = 0.54), whereas serious adverse events were more frequent with tirzepatide (RR 1.83; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.007). Overall and gastrointestinal adverse events were similar between groups. Tirzepatide was associated with greater weight reduction, greater glycaemic benefit and a higher likelihood of achieving weight-loss thresholds than semaglutide, but with a higher risk of serious adverse events.

Humans

Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide 2.0&#x2009;mg as an Add-On to Dose-Reduced Insulin Glargine versus Dose-Titrated Insulin Glargine in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight (SUSTAIN OPTIMIZE).

AIMS: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management with basal insulin can lead to hypoglycaemia and weight gain. SUSTAIN OPTIMIZE compared once-weekly semaglutide 2.0&#x2009;mg as add-on to dose-reduced insulin glargine (Sema+IGlarreduced) versus dose-titrated IGlar (IGlartitrated) on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight (BW), daily insulin dose, and participant satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SUSTAIN OPTIMIZE was a 40-week, phase 3b, open-label, randomised study. Adults with T2D, overweight (body mass index &#x2265;&#x2009;25&#x2009;kg/m2), and treatment with basal insulin &#x2264;&#x2009;40&#x2009;units/day were randomised 1:1 into Sema+IGlarreduced or IGlartitrated. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c using a non-inferiority approach. Secondary endpoints assessed superiority of Sema+IGlarreduced versus IGlartitrated in reducing HbA1c, BW, daily insulin dose, and improving Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire change version (DTSQc) scores. RESULTS: Overall, 573 participants were randomised. Sema+IGlarreduced achieved both non-inferiority and superiority versus IGlartitrated in HbA1c reduction (estimated treatment difference [ETD]: -0.74%; 95% confidence interval [CI95]: -0.90, -0.59) and superiority in BW change (ETD: -8.5&#x2009;kg; CI95: -9.5, -7.4), relative daily insulin dose change (ETD: -121.9%; CI95: -143.1, -100.6), and DTSQc scores (ETD: 2.6; CI95: 1.6, 3.5) (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001 for all endpoints). No new safety concerns were identified. Severe hypoglycaemia was reduced (rate ratio: 0.45; CI95: 0.23, 0.87; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02), while gastrointestinal events were higher for Sema+IGlarreduced (310 vs. 32 events). CONCLUSIONS: Once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.0&#x2009;mg as add-on to dose-reduced IGlar achieved superior reductions in HbA1c, BW, and daily insulin dose in people with T2D and overweight, while reducing their risk for severe hypoglycaemia compared to dose-titrated IGlar alone.

Adult

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate in individuals with overweight and obesity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 dose-finding trial.

The present study aimed to examine the short-term safety and tolerability of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB) and to explore preliminary efficacy and dose selection as secondary objectives in individuals with overweight or obesity. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 trial, conducted from July 2024 to January 2025, 177 adults with overweight or obesity were randomized, of whom 116 completed the 12-week trial. Participants received placebo or NaB at doses of 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1,000&#x2009;mg for 12&#x2009;weeks, alongside a standardized diet and exercise programme. The primary safety objective was to investigate short-term safety and tolerability through adverse events, hypoglycaemic episodes, gastrointestinal adverse events, and changes in haematological and biochemical parameters. The primary exploratory efficacy outcome was percentage change in body weight from baseline to week 12. Secondary and exploratory efficacy outcomes included body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, glycaemic markers, lipid parameters, and blood pressure. Baseline characteristics were broadly similar across groups (all p&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;0.05), and no major short-term safety signal was observed. Mean body weight decreased in the 400&#x2009;mg (-2.6&#x2009;kg), 600&#x2009;mg (-1.2&#x2009;kg), and 1,000&#x2009;mg groups (-3.1&#x2009;kg). Compared with placebo, the 1,000&#x2009;mg dose resulted in the largest reductions in body weight (mean difference, -2.30&#x2009;kg; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01) and BMI (mean difference, -0.85&#x2009;kg/m2; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02). The 1,000&#x2009;mg dose showed preliminary efficacy for reducing body weight and BMI over 12&#x2009;weeks compared with placebo, with no major short-term safety signal and no clinically meaningful changes in renal, hepatic, or haematological markers. All reported adverse events were mild. These short-term findings are exploratory and require confirmation in future phase 3 trials with extended follow-up to investigate long-term safety and efficacy.

Humans

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 12): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 3b trial.

BACKGROUND: Semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces bodyweight, and provides other cardiometabolic benefits, among people with a BMI at least 30 kg/m2 or at least 27 kg/m2 and with weight-related comorbidities. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg in adults from mainland China and Taiwan with overweight or obesity according to locally defined, BMI thresholds. METHODS: This completed randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, two-armed, parallel-group, phase 3b trial (STEP 12) was conducted at 19 sites across mainland China and Taiwan. Adults with a BMI of 24-<28 kg/m2 and at least one weight-related comorbidity, or a BMI of 28-<30 kg/m2, with or without type 2 diabetes, were randomly assigned (2:1) to once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention, for 44 weeks. Randomisation was performed by the study sponsor using the Randomisation Trial Supplies Management System. Coprimary endpoints were percentage change in bodyweight and the proportion of participants achieving at least 5% bodyweight reduction. Safety was analysed descriptively in all participants who received the trial intervention. Missing data at week 44 were imputed with washout multiple imputation. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06041217, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Sept 15, 2023, and May 7, 2025, of 254 screened participants, 161 (66&#xb7;5%) of 242 participants were randomly assigned to semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg and 81 (33&#xb7;5%) to placebo; 121 (50&#xb7;0%) participants were female, and 47 (19&#xb7;4%) participants had type 2 diabetes. Bodyweight reduction was greater with semaglutide versus placebo (-12&#xb7;1% [SE 0&#xb7;6] vs -2&#xb7;2% [0&#xb7;8]; estimated treatment difference -9&#xb7;9 percentage points [95% CI -11&#xb7;8 to -8&#xb7;0]; p<0&#xb7;0001), with a greater proportion of participants achieving at least 5% bodyweight reduction (80&#xb7;5% vs 24&#xb7;4%; odds ratio [OR] 14&#xb7;8 [95% CI 7&#xb7;4 to 29&#xb7;6]; p<0&#xb7;0001). Adverse events were reported in 141 (87&#xb7;6%) of 161 participants in the semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg group and 61 (75&#xb7;3%) of 81 participants in the placebo group, with gastrointestinal disorders being the most common. INTERPRETATION: Semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg provided a superior reduction in bodyweight versus placebo in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity. The safety profile was consistent with the known profile of semaglutide. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk A/S. TRANSLATION: For the Mandarin translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Adult

A 12-week, double-blind, quasi-randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Coleus forskohlii (Forcslim) on body weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity have emerged as a global epidemic, significantly impacting human health. Traditional usage and growing scientific evidence suggest that Coleus forskohlii extract (Forcslim) may aid in reducing excess body weight and fat. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Forcslim supplementation in overweight individuals. METHODS: A quasi-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 overweight subjects aged 20-70&#x2009;years over a period of 12&#x2009;weeks. The participants were assigned to receive either Forcslim or placebo. The key outcome measures included body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and anthropometric parameters. Additionally, lipid profile parameters and safety markers (including metabolic, hepatic, and cardiovascular indicators) were assessed throughout the study duration. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the Forcslim group showed significant reductions in waist circumference (-1.83&#x2009;cm; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01) and body weight (-1.93&#x2009;kg; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Significant improvements in anthropometric parameters were observed exclusively in the Forcslim group. Furthermore, triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly reduced (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels showed a significant increase (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001). No clinically significant changes were observed in metabolic markers, liver and muscle enzyme levels, heart rate, blood pressure, or reported adverse effects, indicating a favorable safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Forcslim demonstrated significant anti-obesity effects, including reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and improvements in the lipid profile. These findings suggest that C. forskohlii extract supplementation may serve as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic anti-obesity drugs.

Humans

Empagliflozin and functional aerobic capacity in individuals with increased risk of heart failure: The Empire Prevent Cardiac trial.

BACKGROUND: Higher maximal oxygen consumption (VO&#x2082; max) is associated with lower risk of developing heart failure (HF). Empagliflozin improves VO2 max in HF with reduced ejection fraction, but the effect on VO2 max in individuals at risk of HF remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 180 days treatment with empagliflozin compared to placebo on VO2 max, daily physical activity level, and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with overweight or obesity and risk of HF. METHOD: This investigator-initiated, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial included elderly individuals with body mass index >28 kg/m2 and at least one additional risk factor for HF, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stroke, or chronic kidney disease. Individuals with HF or type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded. The primary endpoint was the mean difference in change of VO2 max. The secondary outcome was objectively measured physical activity level. QoL was an explorative outcome. RESULTS: Among 191 randomized individuals (94 empagliflozin, 97 placebo), 89% had hypertension and 66% ischemic heart disease. At baseline, 69% were male, median age was 68 years, median body mass index 31.9 kg/m&#xb2;, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 65 &#xb1; 9%, and mean VO&#x2082; max 18.1 &#xb1; 4.3 mL/min/kg. Empagliflozin did not change VO2 max with an estimated treatment difference of -0.2 mL/min/kg (97.5% confidence interval -1.2 to 0.8), adjusted P = 1.00. No significant treatment differences were observed for neither daily physical activity nor QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Empagliflozin did not affect VO2 max, physical activity level, or QoL in elderly individuals with overweight or obesity and risk of HF.

Humans

Effects of intensive lifestyle interventions with calorie-carbohydrate-restricted diet versus time-restricted eating on appetite and binge eating in type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

The impact of intensive lifestyle interventions on appetite regulation and binge eating in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of combined lifestyle interventions on appetite responses and binge eating in overweight or obese adults with T2D. In a randomized trial, 120 participants with T2D were allocated to three groups (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;40 each): (1) Calorie-carbohydrate restriction (CCR), (2) Time-restricted eating with CCR (TRE&#xa0;+&#xa0;CCR), or (3) Control. Intervention groups received structured exercise and behavioral education based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model. Appetite perceptions (hunger, satiety, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption) and binge eating (Binge Eating Scale; BES and objective binge episodes) were evaluated at baseline, week 12, and week 24 using linear mixed models. Both CCR and TRE&#xa0;+&#xa0;CCR significantly improved subjective appetite compared with the control group at 12 and 24 weeks (all p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01). At 24 weeks, hunger decreased by -24.1&#x202f;mm (95% CI: -35.8, -12.5) in the CCR group and -32.7&#x202f;mm (95% CI: -44.2, -21.3) in the TRE&#xa0;+&#xa0;CCR group. Satiety also increased by 21.7&#x202f;mm (95% CI: 9.46, 33.9) and 29.4&#x202f;mm (95% CI: 17.4, 41.4), respectively. Significant reductions were observed for desire to eat and prospective food consumption. In contrast, changes in BES and objective binge episodes were not significantly different between groups at any time point. No significant differences were detected between the CCR and the TRE&#xa0;+&#xa0;CCR groups. Intensive lifestyle interventions incorporating CCR or TRE&#xa0;+&#xa0;CCR effectively reduced appetite in adults with T2D but did not significantly affect binge eating. Future research should target individuals with higher baseline BES scores to clarify potential benefits for binge eating behavior.

Humans

A New Highly Concentrated Insulin Aspart AT278 (500&#x2009;U/mL) Demonstrates Ultra-Rapid Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Properties in Type 2 Diabetes Regardless of BMI.

AIMS: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of a novel U500 insulin aspart formulation (AT278 [500&#x2009;U/mL]; AT278-U500) compared with standard concentration insulin aspart (InsAsp [100&#x2009;U/mL]; InsAsp-U100) and U500 human regular insulin (HumIns [500&#x2009;IU/mL]; HumIns-U500). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-centre, randomised, double-blind crossover 12-h euglycaemic clamp study was conducted in 41 overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes (BMI 25.0-38.7&#x2009;kg/m2) receiving a single subcutaneous dose (0.5&#x2009;U/kg) of AT278-U500 and InsAsp-U100. HumIns-U500 was consecutively studied open label in a 24-h clamp. RESULTS: AT278-U500 exhibited a significantly faster insulin absorption than InsAsp-U100 and HumIns-U500 (t Early50%Cmax: 9&#x2009;min vs. 35&#x2009;min vs. 55&#x2009;min), leading to a significantly higher glucose-lowering effect within the first hour (AUCGIR,0-60min) compared with both InsAsp-U100 (treatment ratio 2.02 [95% CI 1.64; 2.50]) and HumIns-U500 (3.91 [2.89; 5.27]). When divided by median BMI (29.7&#x2009;kg/m2), AUCGIR,0-60min was significantly higher with AT278-U500 in both the low-BMI and high-BMI subgroup compared to InsAsp-U100. Linear regression showed a significant inverse relationship between BMI and AUCGIR,0-60min for InsAsp-U100 (slope -0.142, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001), whereas AT278-U500 showed no such relationship. Overall insulin exposure was similar for AT278-U500 and InsAsp-U100, while overall glucose-lowering effect was comparable across all three treatments. CONCLUSIONS: AT278-U500 maintains its ultra-rapid onset characteristics independent of BMI, representing the first ultra-rapid U500 option for prandial dosing in insulin-resistant people with type 2 diabetes requiring high-dose therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05754424.

Humans

Complementary feeding patterns in preterm and term infants.

Complementary feeding is essential for infants' nutritional status and development, marking the transition to solid foods when breast milk or formula alone is insufficient. Despite its importance, clear recommendations on which foods to introduce when initiating complementary feeding in preterm infants are lacking. By using data from our previously published randomized controlled trial on the timing of complementary feeding in preterm infants, the current study explores the complementary feeding patterns of preterm infants and compares them with those of term-born infants, providing insights into parental decision-making and potential long-term health impacts. Complementary feeding practices differed significantly between preterm (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;255) and term (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;159) infants, with preterm infants more often receiving vegetables as their first solid food (85.4% versus 68.8%, difference 17.6% with 95% CI 12-35%). The group with early introduction of vegetables had a lower BMI-for-age z-scores (&#x3b2; -0.28 [95% CI -0.55 - 0.02]) and weight-for-height z-scores (&#x3b2; -0.27 [95% CI -0.53 to -0.01]) at two years of age. Additionally, preterm infants showed a greater variety in the numbers of different fruits and vegetables consumed by six months (corrected) age than term-born counterparts (8.29 (SD 3.65) versus 6.26 (SD 3.47), p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). These results indicate that complementary feeding patterns in preterm infants differ from term-born infants, with potential positive implications on growth. These data contribute to the development of accurate feeding protocols for preterm infants. Given that feeding practices are culturally influenced, further multinational research is essential to refine complementary feeding guidelines for preterm infants and support caregivers in informed decision-making.

Humans

Infant Dietary Patterns and Early Childhood Weight Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis from the Starting Early Program Trial.

BACKGROUND: The Starting Early Program (StEP) promotes healthy nutrition during early life and leads to healthier child weight, but whether dietary patterns contribute to weight or mediate StEP weight outcomes has not been studied. OBJECTIVES: This secondary analysis identified infant dietary patterns in StEP, determined associations between dietary patterns and child weight outcomes, and examined whether dietary patterns mediated the relationship between StEP and child weight. METHODS: Data were from 377 mother-infant dyads in a randomized trial testing the efficacy of StEP. Dietary patterns at 10 months were identified using latent class analysis. Child weights were abstracted from medical records at 12, 24, and 36 months. Associations between infant dietary patterns and weight-for-age z-score (WFAz) and likelihood of being classified as overweight (WFA &#x2265;85th percentile) were assessed using linear and logistic multivariable regression models. Mediation was used to assess intervention effects on WFAz via impacts on infant dietary patterns. RESULTS: Four classes of infant dietary patterns were identified: Breastfed-High variety, Formula fed-High variety, Formula fed-Low variety, and Mixed fed-Low variety. Compared to the Breastfed-High variety class, infants in the Formula fed-Low variety class had higher WFAz and were more likely to be classified as overweight at 24 and 36 months. Participation in StEP increased membership in Breastfed-High variety, which mediated the association between StEP and lower WFAz at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Infant dietary patterns were identified, and some were associated with child overweight. StEP was associated with a dietary pattern most consistent with guidelines, which mediated intervention effects on child weight.

Humans

Effects of time-restricted eating on markers of glucose metabolism and regulation in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on glucose metabolism and regulation in individuals with prediabetes (fasting blood glucose of 5.6-6.9 mmol/l or HbA1c of 39-47 mmol/mol [5.7-6.4%]) or type 2 diabetes (fasting blood glucose &#x2265;7 mmol/l or HbA1c &#x2265;48 mmol/mol [6.5%]). METHODS: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL from inception to 5 August 2025. Moreover, forward and backward citation searches were performed. Eligible studies were RCTs in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, lasting &#x2265;2 weeks, reporting markers of glucose metabolism and regulation, comparing TRE (&#x2264;12 h eating window) with a non-time-restricted control diet. Studies involving pregnancy, other fasting regimens, or non-peer-reviewed publications were excluded. Data were pooled as weighted mean differences with 95% CIs using random-effects generic inverse variance models in Cochrane Review Manager Web, and results are presented as forest plots. The certainty of evidence was defined using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations methodology, and risk of bias was estimated by using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). RESULTS: Out of 2043 records identified through the database search, as well as 1249 from forward and backward citation searches, ten RCTs including 599 participants were included. The mean length of the studies was 4 months, and the eating windows ranged from 4 to 10 h per day. The pooled meta-analysis showed no overall effect of TRE on HbA1c (-3.33 mmol/mol; 95% CI -6.87, 0.20 (-0.30% points; -0.63, 0.02); p=0.06, moderate certainty). Nevertheless, following stratification by subgroups, TRE resulted in a reduction in HbA1c of 0.93 mmol/mol (-1.70, -0.17 [-0.09% points; -0.16, -0.02]; p=0.02) in individuals with prediabetes but not in individuals with type 2 diabetes (-4.68 mmol/mol; -10.08, 0.72 (-0.43% points; -0.92, 0.07); p=0.09). TRE reduced fasting blood glucose in the pooled analysis (-0.30 mmol/l; -0.53, -0.07; p<0.01, moderate certainty) as well as in the subgroup analyses in individuals with prediabetes (-0.14 mmol/l; -0.27, -0.01; p=0.03) and with type 2 diabetes (-0.48 mmol/l; -0.78, -0.17; p<0.01). Moreover, TRE lowered body weight by 1.6 kg (-2.2, -1.0; p<0.001) in the pooled analysis. The evidence was limited by imprecision arising from wide confidence intervals in some of the included studies, which may be due to small sample sizes. Lastly, the effects of TRE on markers of insulin sensitivity, beta cell function and continuous glucose monitoring measurements were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Moderate-certainty evidence indicates that TRE reduces fasting blood glucose but not HbA1c. The subgroup analyses revealed that TRE improved HbA1c and fasting glucose in individuals with prediabetes and improved fasting glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Future large-scale studies should investigate long-term effects of TRE in prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42024523591 FUNDING: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. Three authors (JS, A-DT, THA) are employed at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, a public hospital and research institution under the Capital Region of Denmark, partly funded by a grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Humans

Adolescent health across Asia Pacific, 2000-23: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.

BACKGROUND: The Asia Pacific region is home to more than half of the world's 1&#xb7;93 billion adolescents (aged 10-24 years). Addressing adolescent health in this region is of global importance, but to date a systematic analysis of key contributors to disease in adolescents has not been done, which is a barrier to responsive action. This systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of adolescent health across the Asia Pacific region, at both the subregional and national levels, encompassing burden of disease, mortality, and prevalence of adolescent risk factors. METHODS: As part of GBD 2023, we obtained estimates for cause-specific mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and risk factor prevalence by sex for adolescents aged 10-24 years and 5-year age groups (10-14 years, 15-19 years, and 20-24 years) across 44 countries and territories (hereafter referred to collectively as Asia Pacific), grouped by seven UN subregions, from 2000 to 2023. We extracted GBD 2023 population counts and estimates of number and rate (per 100&#x2008;000 population) for mortality and disease burden (DALYs). Risk prevalence estimates were obtained directly from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and binge drinking estimates were sourced from WHO. Estimates are reported with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) where possible. UIs were estimated by running 250 draws of the posterior distribution, ordering the draws, and selecting the 2&#xb7;5th and 97&#xb7;5th percentiles for each metric. FINDINGS: In 2023, in adolescents across Asia Pacific, there were 637&#x2008;496 deaths and a total disease burden of 115&#xb7;8 million DALYs, representing 34&#xb7;1% of global adolescent deaths and 40&#xb7;6% of the global adolescent burden of disease. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs; particularly mental disorders) were the leading causes of disease burden and mortality (64&#xb7;8% of DALYs and 43&#xb7;9% of deaths). Unintentional and transport injuries were also leading causes of death (14&#xb7;7% of deaths due to transport injury and 13&#xb7;3% of deaths due to unintentional injury) and leading causes of disease burden particularly among males in south-eastern Asia. In Melanesia, Micronesia, and some parts of south-eastern Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste), respiratory infections and tuberculosis remained important contributors. Southern Asia had the largest reduction (1&#xb7;5% per year) in all-cause DALYs over the study period, and Australia and New Zealand (0&#xb7;2% per year) had the smallest, with females in Australia and New Zealand showing a slight increase contrary to regional trends. Eastern Asia had the largest reduction (2&#xb7;8% per year) in all-cause mortality rate and Melanesia (0&#xb7;8% per year) the smallest. Risk factors generally had between-subregion and within-subregion variation; however, some regional trends stood out, with overweight and obesity increasing in all countries across the region, and binge drinking increasing in more countries than not. In 2023, prevalence of smoking in males exceeded that in females in every country, from 40% difference in Timor-Leste to less than 1% difference in Australia. Anaemia prevalence is decreasing in all countries, but female prevalence was higher and reducing at a slower rate than in males. Bullying prevalence was slightly higher in Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia combined, Australia and New Zealand, and eastern Asia compared with southern and south-eastern Asian subregions. INTERPRETATION: Several patterns were consistent across the region: the dominance of mental disorders and NCDs, the universal rise in overweight and obesity (particularly high in Oceanic countries but increasing rapidly in south and south-eastern Asia), and persistent sex-specific challenges across subregions: unintentional injuries and smoking in males, and anaemia in females. Actions to tackle shared risk factors (while accounting for context-specific local health profiles, workforce deficits, cultural factors, and health system capacity) should not be forgone due to local variation. Future research could focus on subnational variation, intersecting inequalities, and multi-sectoral interventions targeting shared risk factors. Priority actions should include regional investment in adolescent mental health services and obesity prevention, targeted injury reduction strategies for high-risk populations, and sex-specific approaches to smoking cessation and anaemia reduction, delivered through local health systems with the capacity and cultural responsiveness to meet local needs. FUNDING: Gates Foundation and Australian Government.

Humans

Clustering patterns of behavioral and metabolic risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Iran: findings from a national STEPS survey.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality in Iran, driven by behavioral and metabolic risk factors that frequently co-occur. OBJECTIVE: To identify patterns of co-occurring behavioral and metabolic NCD risk factors among Iranian adults and characterize their demographic and socioeconomic correlates. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 16,618 adults aged &#x2265;25&#x2009;years who participated in Iran's 2021 nationally representative STEPS survey. Thirteen behavioral and metabolic variables, including physical activity, nutrition score, smoking frequency, alcohol intake, salt intake, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid markers, were entered into a K-means clustering analysis. Clusters were characterized by their risk profiles and demographic/socioeconomic attributes. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations between cluster membership and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Five distinct behavioral-metabolic clusters emerged. The smokers-drinkers (SD) cluster (3.1%) comprised mostly older, less-educated men with high smoking and alcohol use. The healthy-low-risk (HLR) cluster (40.3%) showed favorable profiles and included younger, more educated individuals. The physically active (PA) cluster (6.6%) was characterized mainly by younger men with markedly high physical activity levels. The dyslipidemic (DLP) cluster (26.0%) exhibited high dyslipidemia and overweight prevalence, while the hypertensive-diabetic (HTD) cluster (24.0%) had the highest obesity, hypertension, and diabetes rates, common among older urban adults. CONCLUSION: Behavioral and metabolic NCD risk factors in Iran formed five distinct co-occurrence patterns. Nearly half of adults belonged to metabolically high-risk clusters, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies that combine lifestyle interventions with screening and management of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Humans