Latest

body mass index

·October 6, 2025·5 min read

Why It’s Time to Retire the Body Mass Index

A growing number of researchers are calling for the end of BMI as a measure of health, arguing it’s outdated, misleading, and rooted in discrimination. The metric, a simple weight-to-height ratio, fails to account for fat distribution, muscle mass, age, or ethnicity—yet it still influences medical decisions and public perception.

This shows a brain and a measuring tape.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 16, 2024·5 min read

High BMI Linked to Weak Smell-Eating Circuit in Brain

A new study reveals a novel brain circuit linking the sense of smell and eating behavior. The weaker the connection between these regions, the higher a person's Body Mass Index (BMI).

This shows an older couple riding bicycles

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 14, 2022·2 min read

Exercise May Protect Brain Volume by Keeping Insulin and BMI Levels Low

The role exercise plays in maintaining insulin levels and BMI may help protect brain volume and stave off dementia in older adults.

This shows a woman holding out her jeans

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 27, 2022·3 min read

Many Adults Inaccurately Perceive Their Own BMI and Body Size

Study finds less than 2/3 of people can correctly estimate their BMI, and less than half of people can identify their body size.

This shows a little girl sleeping with her teddy bear

Featured Neuroscience

·February 22, 2021·5 min read

Inconsistent Sleep Times Linked to Higher BMI Percentile in Toddlers

Young children with inconsistent sleep times at night have, on average, a higher body mass index than those who sleep at regular times.

This shows a weighing scale and measuring tape

Brain Cancer Featured Neuroscience

·December 28, 2019·4 min read

High BMI may improve cancer survival

Those with a higher body mass index who are given atezolizumab to treat cancer have an improved rate of survival, a new study reveals.

This shows a woman next to a bowl of salad measuring her tummy

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 28, 2019·3 min read

The role of a single molecule in obesity

A molecule called 27HC directly affects white adipose tissue and increases body fat, even if you eat a healthy diet.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 27, 2019·4 min read

Weight gain and high BMI linked to lower risk of ALS

While being overweight may be bad for your general health, researchers discovered an association with higher body mass index (BMI) and a reduced risk of developing ALS. Those with a BMI considered to be in the obese range had a 31% reduced risk of developing ALS, while those considered overweight had an 18% lower risk.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 24, 2019·4 min read

Could coffee be the secret to fighting obesity?

Caffeine can promote brown adipose tissue function and improve thermogenesis, helping to burn fat more efficiently.

This shows a depressed looking man and a plate of food

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 8, 2019·3 min read

Research highlights role of psychological distress and emotional eating in obesity

Lower socioeconomic status is associated with a higher risk of psychological distress. The increase in psychological distress is, in turn, associated with higher levels of emotional eating and obesity risks.

This shows the hands of a child coloring in a picture

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 28, 2019·3 min read

Obesity and emotional problems appear to develop together from age 7

Regardless of socioeconomic status, children who were overweight by age 7 had a higher risk of developing emotional problems by age 11, researchers report.

This shows a woman holding out loose pants

Featured Neuroscience

·April 19, 2019·3 min read

Marijuana users weigh less, defying the munchies

On average, cannabis users weight 2 pounds less, and have a lower BMI, than those who do not consume marijuana. The findings contradict the popular belief that those who get the munchies after using the substance gain more weight.