Scientists at the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet have in two recent studies shown that a receptor called ALK7 plays important roles in the regulation of body fat deposition as well as the release of insulin from beta-cells in the pancreas. The studies conducted by a group lead by Professor Carlos Ibáñez showed that removing the ALK7 receptor improves insulin release by beta-cells in the pancreas, and at the same time decreases fat deposition in situations of high caloric intake. These findings have implications for the development of treatments against diabetes and obesity.

A study, performed by a team led by Professor Li Liang, has indicated that short-term lifestyle intervention should be the first step in the management of children suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research to be published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology has suggested that dietary restriction and exercise has resulted in improved liver function in patients with NAFLD, relative to the short-term vitamin E capsule therapy.

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research demonstrated that obesity during pregnancy requires greater use of health care as well as longer hospital stays. According to Susan Chu, Ph.D., lead scientist of the study, the increased health care use had greater cost implications for the patients.

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According to a Finnish study, expected to be published in the European Heart Journal, low birth weight along with excessive weight gain in childhood raises the risk of heart disease later. The study may further highlight the role of a healthy lifestyle early in life in preventing a heart disease later.