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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Obesity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 25439

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Javier Gómez-Ambrosi

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Guest Editor

Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Metabolic Research Lab, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: obesity; dietary treatment; adipose tissue dysfunction; inflammation; adipokines; metabolic surgery; cardiometabolic risk improvement; body composition changes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Victoria Catalán

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Guest Editor

Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Metabolic Research Lab, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: obesity; type 2 diabetes; adipose tissue dysfunction; inflammation; adipokines; metabolic surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Obesity is a major global health challenge favoring the development of cardiometabolic alterations, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, MASLD/MASH, and cancer, among others. Recent years have seen a significant advancement in our knowledge of the biology of obesity, as well as the emergence of innovative obesity treatment strategies. Nonetheless, there are no indications that the obesity pandemic is slowing down. This year marks the 15^th Anniversary of Nutrients. To mark this occasion, we are launching this Special Issue, “Hot Topics on Nutrition and Obesity 2024”.

This Special Issue aims to attract high-quality original papers and reviews related to any aspect of obesity research and treatment. We will consider manuscripts regarding, but not limited to, the following:

Nutritional epidemiology: studies on dietary patterns, macronutrient and micronutrient intake, and their association with obesity;
Mechanisms of obesity: research exploring the physiological, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms linking nutrition to obesity;
Obesity-associated inflammation: investigations into the role of chronic inflammation in the development and progression of obesity, and how dietary components can modulate inflammatory responses;
Dietary interventions: evaluations of dietary programs and interventions aimed at weight loss and obesity prevention, including low-carb, low-fat, and balanced diet plans;
Novel approaches, such as the different modalities of intermittent fasting, including aspects relative to their effectiveness or the different physiological mechanisms involved;
The use of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, mobile apps, or wearable devices;
Public health nutrition: community-based interventions, policy implications, and strategies for promoting healthy eating habits to prevent obesity;
Physical activity and sleep habits as causes of or treatments for obesity through lifestyle modification;
Childhood obesity: studies focusing on early-life nutrition, parental influences, school-based interventions, and long-term health outcomes;
Nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition: research on how genetic variations affect individual responses to diet and implications for personalized dietary recommendations;
Socioeconomic and cultural influences: examinations of how socioeconomic status, culture, and environment impact nutritional choices and obesity rates;
Innovative nutritional products: the development and efficacy of new nutritional supplements, functional foods, and other products aimed at combating obesity;
The importance of monitoring body composition in the management of patients living with obesity.

Dr. Javier Gómez-Ambrosi
Dr. Victoria Catalán
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

obesity
obesity-associated comorbidities
adipose tissue dysfunction
adipokines
artificial intelligence in obesity research and treatment
dietary treatment
lifestyle intervention
pharmacological treatment
metabolic surgery
intermittent fasting
cardiometabolic risk improvement
body composition changes
weight regain
predictors of treatment success
use of apps for weight loss
treatment of children and adolescents

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 378 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Influence of Experienced Stress and Emotional Eating on Body Mass in a Population of Polish Female Adolescents: PLACE-19 Study

by Dominika Głąbska, Dominika Skolmowska and Dominika Guzek

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010085 - 26 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 573

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Emotional eating is defined as a coping mechanism characterized by food consumption in response to negative emotions, and it typically involves overconsumption and a preference for energy-dense and highly palatable foods. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of experienced stress and emotional eating on body mass in a population of Polish female adolescents. Methods: This study included 816 participants (aged 15–20 years) recruited within the nationwide PLACE-19 Study using random quota sampling of Polish secondary schools, and data were collected by the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI). Perceived stress was measured with the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), emotional eating was measured with the Emotional Eating Subscale (EE-3) of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and self-reported body mass was also recorded. Body mass was interpreted either using standard BMI values for adults or growth reference values for minors. Results: Adolescents with excessive body weight reported higher levels of stress on the peer pressure (p = 0.0011 for continuous variables; p = 0.0016 for categories) and financial pressure component scales (p = 0.0319 for continuous variables) than their normal-weight and underweight counterparts. They also displayed higher emotional eating scores across all subscales and for the total emotional eating score (p < 0.05 for continuous variables), particularly for anxiety (p = 0.0345 for categories). The association was confirmed within mediation analysis, as the direct influence explained 79% of the influence of stress on body mass, and the indirect influence, mediated by emotional eating, explained 21% of the influence of stress on body mass. Conclusions: Adolescents with excessive body weight are more prone to stress and emotional eating. The stress itself affects body weight not only directly, but also by affecting emotional eating; therefore, adolescent girls should be taught how to cope with negative emotions using strategies other than increasing food consumption in response to negative emotions. Further studies should assess the mediating role of emotional eating among adolescent girls and evaluate the impact of stress management interventions on body weight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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15 pages, 915 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Nutritional Status and Systemic Immune–Inflammation Indices Across BMI Categories

by Hafize Uzun, Aysen Kutan Fenercioglu, Abdulhalim Senyigit and Gunay Can

Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3799; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233799 - 3 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1176

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nutritional status and systemic inflammation using four validated nutrition indices—Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score, Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, and Nutritional Risk Index (NRI)—and three immune–inflammation biomarkers—Systemic Immune–Inflammation Index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)—in healthy adults with varying body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods: This retrospective study included 290 clinically healthy adults aged 18–60 years, categorized by BMI. Individuals with chronic diseases, medication use, or morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) were excluded. Nutrition scores (HALP, PNI, NRI, CONUT) and systemic immune–inflammation indices (SII, NLR, PLR) were calculated from laboratory data. For the comparisons of SII, PLR, NLR, PNI, HALP, NRI, and CONUT values between groups, age was adjusted for, and an ANCOVA test was performed. Results: Among the systemic immune–inflammation indices, SII and NLR were significantly higher in both the overweight and obesity groups. The CONUT score, a negative indicator of nutritional status, demonstrated positive correlations with SII, NLR, and PLR in the overweight group, and with PLR in the obesity group. Although PNI showed significant inverse correlations with SII, PLR, and NLR in both groups, the mean PNI values remained above 50, indicating overall normal nutritional status in the study population. HALP was inversely correlated with SII, PLR, and NLR in both groups. Conclusions: The HALP score appears to be the most reliable marker, as it reflects the inverse relationship between nutritional status and systemic immune–inflammation indices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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15 pages, 2725 KB

Open AccessArticle

Muscle Strength, Lipid Metabolism and Hepatic Steatosis Are Improved with Ursolic Acid Treatment in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

by Dongyang Kang and Li Cao

Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3158; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193158 - 5 Oct 2025

Viewed by 2667

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of obesity globally has increased steadily in the past decades. Obesity, sarcopenic obesity (SO) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) commonly coexist. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has demonstrated potential anti-obesity properties. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-obesity efficacy of UA in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, with a particular focus on its impact on muscle function and NAFLD. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice (6 weeks old) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20 per group): a control group (CON) fed a normal chow diet, a high-fat diet group (HFD), and a UA treatment group (UA). The HFD and UA groups received a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to induce obesity. Thereafter, mice in the UA group were administered UA orally once daily for 6 weeks. Results: In HFD-induced obese mice, UA administration significantly reduced body weight (BW), abdominal fat weight and liver weight; improved grip strength and muscle weight; and enhanced lipid profiles, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and free fatty acid levels in serum. UA also improved histological changes in the liver and abdominal adipose tissues, regulated serum GH, IGF-1, T3, T4 and leptin levels and downregulated the inflammation-associated gene expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in abdominal adipose tissue. Conclusions: UA could enhance muscle strength, improve lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis and might be considered a potential therapeutic agent for managing obesity and related metabolic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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18 pages, 853 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Abdominal Obesity in Polish Adults: Sociodemographic Analysis from the 2016–2020 National Health Program

by Iwona Traczyk, Alicja Kucharska, Beata I. Sińska, Mariusz Panczyk, Piotr Samel-Kowalik, Anna Kłak, Filip Raciborski, Mariusz Wyleżoł, Bolesław Samoliński and Dorota Szostak-Węgierek

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4248; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234248 - 9 Dec 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5830

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive body weight, particularly the abdominal distribution of adipose tissue, has remained an important public health concern for years. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of general overweight status and obesity, as well as abdominal overweight status and obesity in the adult Polish population. Material and methods: The results are based on the analysis of anthropometric data of 3735 people aged 19 and over who were surveyed under the 2016–2020 National Health Program. Results: Excessive body weight (BMI > 25 kg/m²) was reported in 56.6% of the respondents. Abdominal overweight was found in 20.8% of respondents and abdominal obesity in 31.7% of the respondents. Abdominal obesity was more common in women than in men (44.3% vs. 18.0%, p < 0.001). Over half of women over 55 (approx. 60%) had abdominal obesity. The odds of becoming overweight/obese as measured by the BMI depended on the age and sex of the respondents. It was confirmed that men were over 28% more likely to develop such a condition than women (OR = 1.288, p < 0.001). The odds increased with age (OR = 1.029, p < 0.001). The type of person with obesity/found to be overweight in Polish population was most often a rural resident, aged 65.0–74.9, assessing their financial situation as average, being married/in a partnership, and not declaring the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The person with an overweight status had secondary education, and the person with obesity had primary/lower secondary/vocational education. Conclusions: Being overweight and having obesity, both general and abdominal, are still a major epidemiological problem in Poland. The results obtained in this study suggest that the prevalence of being overweight and having obesity has decreased over the last 10 years, though this assumption requires further investigation. Rural residents with lower education should be covered by educational activities adapted to their needs and possibilities, considering that obesity in young women, especially when having abdominal obesity, may be associated with an increased risk of infertility caused by ovulation disorders. Further research and educational activities are necessary. Excessive body weight affected almost 42% of the women from the youngest age group, and abdominal obesity was found in 21% of them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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19 pages, 635 KB

Open AccessArticle

Body Composition Trend in Slovene Adults: A Two-Year Follow-Up

by Boštjan Jakše, Zlatko Fras and Uroš Godnov

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4123; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234123 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2789

Abstract

This research re-evaluates the prevalence of obesity in a cohort of 432 Slovenian adults two years after an initial population-based cross-sectional examination, utilizing the World Health Organization’s body mass index (BMI) and total body fat percentage (FAT%) classifications. Herein, a medically approved electrical bioimpedance monitor was used to analyse body composition, and the results revealed a significant increase in the percentage of individuals classified as having overweight or obesity on the basis of BMI, from 40.7% initially to 45.2% at follow-up (FU); however, these percentages were notably higher in males than in females. The increases in body mass, BMI, fat mass, and FAT% were observed mainly in adult females, whereas in adult males, the increases in BM and BMI were attributed to fat-free mass (FFM) rather than fat mass. In this study, BMI was also compared with the FAT% obesity classification, and the BMI classification was shown to result in significantly fewer participants with obesity in both measures. However, the proportion of participants with obesity based on the two classifications did not differ substantially between the initial and FU measurements. In this study, mixed linear models were used to analyse overall trends and subgroup variations and highlight the importance of considering sex, age, and time of measurement when assessing body composition metrics. These findings emphasize the need for personalized health assessments and the importance of measuring body composition to evaluate adult obesity more accurately for both clinical assessments and public health policies. The state, in collaboration with social initiatives and industrial stakeholders, should prioritize these data and advance public health through innovative educational and awareness initiatives that are founded on robust scientific principles and that empower and promote the adoption of a healthy, active lifestyle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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9 pages, 422 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Weight Management of Children with Spina Bifida

by Joanna Bagińska-Chyży and Agata Korzeniecka-Kozerska

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3222; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183222 - 23 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2164

Abstract

Background: Children with spina bifida (SB) face an elevated risk of obesity, which necessitates precise methods for assessing body composition to ensure effective weight management. Conventional measures like BMI are inadequate for this population because of variations in growth patterns and skeletal structure. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method that offers a clearer picture of body composition, yet its use in children with SB remains underexplored. Methods: Conducted on 57 children with SB and 28 healthy controls, with a median age of 11 years, this study evaluated anthropometrics, including BMI and BIA-derived metrics. The Hoffer’s scale to assess physical activity was applied in SB children. Results: Results showed that while 32% of SB patients were classified as overweight or obese based on BMI, 62% exhibited high body fat percentage via BIA. Fat-free mass, muscle and fat mass, and fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR) differed significantly compared to the reference group. Non-ambulators showed a higher median body fat mass percentage (25.9% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.01) and FMR (0.92 vs. 0.44, p = 0.003) in comparison to the community walkers. Conclusions: In SB children, BIA-measured fat mass is a better obesity indicator than BMI. Non-ambulatory, SB patients with obesity had the highest FMR values, indicating a higher risk for metabolic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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12 pages, 5200 KB

Open AccessArticle

Palmitic Acid Induces Oxidative Stress and Senescence in Human Brainstem Astrocytes, Downregulating Glutamate Reuptake Transporters—Implications for Obesity-Related Sympathoexcitation

by Mahesh Kumar Sivasubramanian, Raisa Monteiro, Manoj Jagadeesh, Priya Balasubramanian and Madhan Subramanian

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2852; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172852 - 26 Aug 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3948

Abstract

Obesity has been associated with a chronic increase in sympathetic nerve activity, which can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary studies from our lab found that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brainstem contribute to sympathetic overactivity in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. However, with glial cells emerging as significant contributors to various physiological processes, their role in causing these changes in obesity remains unknown. In this study, we wanted to determine the role of palmitic acid, a major form of saturated fatty acid in the high-fat diet, in regulating sympathetic outflow. Human brainstem astrocytes (HBAs) were used as a cell culture model since astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells and are more closely associated with the regulation of neurons and, hence, sympathetic nerve activity. In the current study, we hypothesized that palmitic acid-mediated oxidative stress induces senescence and downregulates glutamate reuptake transporters in HBAs. HBAs were treated with palmitic acid (25 μM for 24 h) in three separate experiments. After the treatment period, the cells were collected for gene expression and protein analysis. Our results showed that palmitic acid treatment led to a significant increase in the mRNA expression of oxidative stress markers (NQO1, SOD2, and CAT), cellular senescence markers (p21 and p53), SASP factors (TNFα, IL-6, MCP-1, and CXCL10), and a downregulation in the expression of glutamate reuptake transporters (EAAT1 and EAAT2) in the HBAs. Protein levels of Gamma H2AX, p16, and p21 were also significantly upregulated in the treatment group compared to the control. Our results showed that palmitic acid increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, cellular senescence, and SASP factors, and downregulated the expression of glutamate reuptake transporters in HBAs. These findings suggest the possibility of excitotoxicity in the neurons of the brainstem, sympathoexcitation, and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases in obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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Review

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36 pages, 1281 KB

Open AccessReview

Microbiota-Based Intervention Alleviates High-Fat Diet Consequences Through Host-Microbe Environment Remodeling

by Lanlan Yi, Zhipeng Li, Hong Xu, Dejia Shi, Ying Huang, Hongbin Pan, Yanguang Zhao, Hongye Zhao, Minghua Yang, Hongjiang Wei and Sumei Zhao

Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1402; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091402 - 22 Apr 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2984

Abstract

A high-fat diet leads to metabolic disturbances, which are important factors in the development of obesity. Gut microbial composition and diversity are altered by a high-fat diet. In general, a high-fat diet resulted in increased Firmicutes abundance and decreased alpha diversity. Bile acids (BAs) are involved in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine and are also the metabolic substrates of microorganisms with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. High-fat diets (HFDs) have been shown to alter gut microbiota composition and BA profiles in murine models. Similarly, probiotic supplementation reverses HFD-induced adverse effects. This review focuses on the energy composition characteristics of a high-fat diet and its effects on body weight, plasma lipid-related biochemical markers, changes in gut microbiome characteristics, and the important role of BAs. The regular mechanism by which a high-fat diet affects the intestinal microenvironment was attempted to be found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Nutrition and Obesity)

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