Obesity

For healthy body weight, the brain's reward system may need to be 'just right'

Defining obesity in children and recalibrating the caloric needs of overweight kids are key steps in shrinking the epidemic, researchers say

Could added incentives and other changes to the federal food stamp program trim rampant obesity rates among low-income groups?

The diversity of germs in the human gut suggests microbiota play a greater role in health than previously thought, even driving obesity and other metabolic conditions

Research shows that children born with the help of reproductive technology might be at a higher risk for genetic defects leading to chronic disorders

A study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine finds that the ratio of TV sets to exercise equipment in the home is predictive of weight loss success. Karen Hopkin reports

In this episode, award-winning journalist Paul Raeburn talks about his article in the September issue of Scientific American, called "Can Fat Be Fit?" as well as another piece he wrote as a sidebar to a feature, about losing weight and keeping it off. Plus we'll test your knowledge of some recent science in the news. Websites related to this episode include www.audible.com/sciencetalk; www.paulraeburn.com

New study: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes have a greater chance of having obese offspring, but treatment can cut risk

The presence of human adenovirus-36 seems to transform adult stem cells found in fatty tissue into fat cells--infection with the virus may therefore be a factor in at least some cases of obesity. Steve Mirsky reports.

Obesity may be contagious

Scientists tie a circadian-regulated gene to metabolism, fat storage

A nutrient gate in fat cells serves as signal router between the immune system and metabolism