The World Health Organization predicts that over half of the global population will develop overweight or obesity by 2035. Despite treatment strategies like lifestyle changes, surgery, and medications, these methods are not universally available or effective. An international team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery – a genetic test that can predict adulthood obesity in early childhood.

By leveraging genetic data from over five million people, the researchers created a polygenic risk score (PGS) that identifies children at higher genetic risk of developing obesity. This finding could lead to targeted preventative strategies, such as lifestyle interventions, at a younger age.

“What makes this score so powerful is its ability to predict, before the age of five, whether a child is likely to develop obesity in adulthood,” says Assistant Professor Roelof Smit from the NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) at the University of Copenhagen and lead author of the research published in Nature Medicine.

The study draws on data from the Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits (GIANT) Consortium, an international collaboration of human genetics researchers. The research involved a partnership with 23andMe, inc., and contributions from over 600 scientists from 500 institutions globally.

Twice as effective at predicting obesity as the next best test, the new PGS combines the effects of thousands of genetic variants that increase our risk of obesity. These variants act in the brain and influence our appetite, making them a crucial factor in the development of adulthood obesity.

“This new polygenic score is a dramatic improvement in predictive power and a leap forward in the genetic prediction of obesity risk,” says Professor Ruth Loos from CBMR at the University of Copenhagen.

While genetics is not destiny, the researchers also investigated the relationship between a person’s genetic risk of obesity and the impact of lifestyle weight loss interventions. They found that people with a higher genetic risk of obesity were more responsive to interventions but also regained weight more quickly when the interventions ended.

However, the new PGS has its limitations – it was far better at predicting obesity in people with European-like ancestry than in people with African ancestry. Further research is needed to address these disparities and make this groundbreaking test universally useful.

The article reveals groundbreaking research on the effectiveness of vaccinating pregnant women against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The study found that babies born to vaccinated mothers had a 72% reduction in hospitalizations due to RSV, making it a crucial tool for reducing infant hospital admissions and pressures on healthcare systems.

Research conducted by universities across England and Scotland involved 537 babies who were admitted to hospital with severe respiratory disease during the winter of 2024-2025. The findings showed that mothers of babies without RSV were more likely to have received the vaccine before delivery, highlighting the importance of timely vaccination for maximum protection.

The study highlights the significance of raising awareness about the availability and effectiveness of the new RSV vaccine, which can be given as early as 28 weeks of pregnancy, allowing for optimal antibody transfer to the baby. However, it is recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally before delivery, to maximize protection.

The research collaboration also included experts from various institutions and emphasized the value of vaccination in preventing RSV-related illnesses. The study’s findings were published in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.

Key Takeaways:

* Vaccinating pregnant women can reduce RSV hospitalizations by 72% among newborns.
* Timely vaccination during pregnancy is crucial for maximum protection against RSV.
* The new RSV vaccine offers a significant opportunity to protect babies from severe respiratory disease.
* Awareness about the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine should be raised among healthcare providers, pregnant women, and their families.

Are you struggling to sleep at night, feeling restless and unfocused during the day? Do you find it hard to concentrate on tasks or activities that normally bring you joy? You’re not alone. Research suggests that adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) traits are more likely to experience insomnia, which can exacerbate their symptoms.

A recent study published in BMJ Mental Health found a strong link between ADHD traits, insomnia severity, and reduced life satisfaction. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 adult participants who completed an online survey about ADHD traits, sleep disturbances, circadian factors, depression, and quality of life. Their findings revealed that:

* Adults with higher ADHD traits reported worse depression, more severe insomnia, lower sleep quality, and a preference for going to bed and waking up later.
* Insomnia severity predicted a lower quality of life, suggesting that it may be a key factor in the vicious cycle between ADHD and reduced well-being.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa, notes that “sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioral and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation.” This underscores the importance of addressing insomnia in individuals with ADHD traits.

Professor Samuele Cortese, a co-author on the paper, emphasizes the need for further research to understand this complex interplay between ADHD and insomnia. He suggests that targeting insomnia complaints through therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or Sleep Restriction therapy may help improve the quality of life for individuals with higher ADHD traits.

While the study’s findings are promising, it’s essential to remember that every individual is unique, and addressing insomnia requires a personalized approach. By acknowledging the intersection of ADHD and insomnia, we can begin to break this vicious cycle and work towards improving overall well-being.

If you or someone you know struggles with ADHD and insomnia, consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.