If the brain no longer responds properly to insulin (insulin resistance), this can lead to overweight, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) in Potsdam and Tübingen have discovered small chemical modifications to genetic material (epigenetic changes*) in the blood that indicate how well the brain responds to insulin. These markers could help to detect insulin resistance in the brain – by means of a simple blood test. The findings were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

A new analysis using data from a longitudinal study that followed children between the ages of 5 and 17 has revealed a surprising association; kids who engaged in kind, caring, and helpful behaviors (being prosocial), were more likely to sustain healthy eating habits as teenagers. The findings from the study appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, suggest that fostering prosociality throughout childhood may be a novel intervention strategy to promote healthy eating.

Pharmacotherapy is an effective, evidence-based treatment for people living with obesity, as part of a long-term, individualized treatment plan. An updated pharmacotherapy guideline for obesity management in adults reflects new evidence and Health Canada–approved medications, with increased emphasis on individualized and personalized care. The guideline is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).