Some individuals can maintain a thin appearance and report that they expend little or no effort to control their weight. Researchers from the University of Colorado wanted to determine if these constitutively thin individuals unknowingly increased their spontaneous physical activity (SPA) after a period of short-term overfeeding, which may protect them from weight gain over time, as compared to individuals who are prone to weight gain. They found that increased levels of SPA likely do not significantly contribute to obesity resistance, although a decrease in SPA following overfeeding may contribute to future weight gain in individuals prone to obesity.

Bariatric surgery, bone loss, obesity and possible mechanisms

The potential long-term effects of bariatric surgery on bone health are only partially understood. Given the prevalence of bariatric surgery procedures, any ill effects of these procedures need to be known and communicated to obese patients who are considering the weight-loss surgery. This review article focuses on the complex relationship between body weight, fat mass and bone mass, including peripheral and central mediators that are potentially involved in the regulation of both energy and bone homeostasis.

Omega-3 supplementation and cognitive function in young adults 

Studies in rodents indicate that diets deficient in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) lower dopamine neurotransmission, which is related to dopamine-dependentcognitive functions such as working memory. To test the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation in human cognitive function, participants age 18-25 were given positron emission tomography (PET) scans, a blood test and memory tests before and following six months of n-3 PUFA (2g/day) supplementation. The post tests showed improved memory and cognitive function in participants who took the n-3 PUFAs.