Health and Diet News
Teens Girls Smoke Now, Pay Later With Larger Waistlines As Adults
Remember the cool girls, huddled together in high school restrooms, puffing their cigarettes? Well, here's consolation for the nerds in the crowd: Those teen smokers are more likely to experience obesity as adults, according to a new study from Finland.
Remember the cool girls, huddled together in high school restrooms, puffing their cigarettes? Well, here's consolation for the nerds in the crowd: Those teen smokers are more likely to experience obesity as adults, according to a new study from Finland.
Obesity Linked To Elevated Risk Of Ovarian Cancer
A new epidemiological study has found that among women who have never used menopausal hormone therapy, obese women are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with women of normal weight.
A new epidemiological study has found that among women who have never used menopausal hormone therapy, obese women are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with women of normal weight.
Wii Fit A Promising Tool For All Ages, Though Game's Health Measurements Are Flawed
Games like Nintendo's Wii Fit can help promote physical rather than sedentary activities for people of all ages.
Games like Nintendo's Wii Fit can help promote physical rather than sedentary activities for people of all ages.
Obesity: Reviving The Promise Of Leptin
The 1995 discovery of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone, generated great hopes for an effective obesity drug. But hopes dimmed when it was found that obese people are leptin-resistant. Now, researchers have, for the first time, re-sensitized the brain to leptin, using oral drugs that are already FDA-approved. In mice, this led to significant weight loss when combined with leptin treatment.
The 1995 discovery of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone, generated great hopes for an effective obesity drug. But hopes dimmed when it was found that obese people are leptin-resistant. Now, researchers have, for the first time, re-sensitized the brain to leptin, using oral drugs that are already FDA-approved. In mice, this led to significant weight loss when combined with leptin treatment.
Protein Has Pivotal Role In Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome
COUP-TFII, a protein known to play a role in development and the formation of organs is also an important factor in the control of obesity and diabetes, said researchers in the journal Cell Metabolism.
COUP-TFII, a protein known to play a role in development and the formation of organs is also an important factor in the control of obesity and diabetes, said researchers in the journal Cell Metabolism.
On A High-fat Diet, Protective Gene Variant Becomes Bad Actor
New evidence in mice bolsters the notion that a version of a gene earlier shown to protect lean people against weight gain and insulin resistance can have the opposite effect in those who eat a high-fat diet and are heavier, reveals a new report in the journal Cell Metabolism.
New evidence in mice bolsters the notion that a version of a gene earlier shown to protect lean people against weight gain and insulin resistance can have the opposite effect in those who eat a high-fat diet and are heavier, reveals a new report in the journal Cell Metabolism.
Physical Activity May Not Be Key To Obesity Epidemic
A recent international study fails to support the common belief that the number of calories burned in physical activity is a key factor in rising rates of obesity.
A recent international study fails to support the common belief that the number of calories burned in physical activity is a key factor in rising rates of obesity.
Nutrigenomics: Developing Personalized Diets For Disease Prevention
The emerging field of nutrigenomics aims to identify the genetic factors that influence the body's response to diet and studies how the bioactive constituents of food affect gene expression.
The emerging field of nutrigenomics aims to identify the genetic factors that influence the body's response to diet and studies how the bioactive constituents of food affect gene expression.
Low-carb Diets Prove Better At Controlling Type 2 Diabetes
In a six-month comparison of low-carb diets, one that encourages eating carbohydrates with the lowest-possible rating on the glycemic index leads to greater improvement in blood sugar control, according to Duke University Medical Center researchers.
In a six-month comparison of low-carb diets, one that encourages eating carbohydrates with the lowest-possible rating on the glycemic index leads to greater improvement in blood sugar control, according to Duke University Medical Center researchers.
Trying To Eat Less Becomes More Important To Fend Off Middle-Age Weight Gain
Lots of experts disagree over the seemingly obvious notion of keeping weight off by trying to eat less -- a debate that centers on whether the practice backfires, leading to binging and weight gain.
Lots of experts disagree over the seemingly obvious notion of keeping weight off by trying to eat less -- a debate that centers on whether the practice backfires, leading to binging and weight gain.
Doctors Not Properly Diagnosing Overweight And Obesity In Children
Despite recent widespread media attention given to studies that have indicated one-third of American children have a weight problem, a new study shows just one-third of children who are overweight or obese actually receive that diagnosis by a pediatrician. The study also stresses that this failure to diagnose appears to mostly impact children who may most greatly benefit from early intervention.
Despite recent widespread media attention given to studies that have indicated one-third of American children have a weight problem, a new study shows just one-third of children who are overweight or obese actually receive that diagnosis by a pediatrician. The study also stresses that this failure to diagnose appears to mostly impact children who may most greatly benefit from early intervention.
Another Reason To Avoid High-fat Diet: It Can Disrupt Our Biological Clock, Say Researchers
Indulgence in a high-fat diet can not only lead to overweight because of excessive calorie intake, but also can affect the balance of circadian rhythms -- everyone's 24-hour biological clock, researchers have shown.
Indulgence in a high-fat diet can not only lead to overweight because of excessive calorie intake, but also can affect the balance of circadian rhythms -- everyone's 24-hour biological clock, researchers have shown.
Moderate Drinking Can Reduce Risks Of Alzheimer's Dementia And Cognitive Decline, Analysis Suggests
Moderate drinkers often have lower risks of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive loss, according to researchers who reviewed 44 studies. In more than half of the studies, published since the 1990s, moderate drinkers of wine, beer and liquor had lower dementia risks than nondrinkers.
Moderate drinkers often have lower risks of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive loss, according to researchers who reviewed 44 studies. In more than half of the studies, published since the 1990s, moderate drinkers of wine, beer and liquor had lower dementia risks than nondrinkers.
Women Double Fruit, Veggie Intake With Switch To Mediterranean Diet Plan
Women more than doubled their fruit and vegetable intakes and dramatically increased their consumption of 'good' fats when they were counseled by registered dietitians and provided with a list of guidelines on the amount of certain foods they should eat each day.
Women more than doubled their fruit and vegetable intakes and dramatically increased their consumption of 'good' fats when they were counseled by registered dietitians and provided with a list of guidelines on the amount of certain foods they should eat each day.
Common Food Additive Found To Increase Risk And Speed Spread Of Lung Cancer
New research in an animal model suggests that a diet high in inorganic phosphates, which are found in a variety of processed foods including meats, cheeses, beverages and bakery products, might speed growth of lung cancer tumors and may even contribute to the development of those tumors in individuals predisposed to the disease.
New research in an animal model suggests that a diet high in inorganic phosphates, which are found in a variety of processed foods including meats, cheeses, beverages and bakery products, might speed growth of lung cancer tumors and may even contribute to the development of those tumors in individuals predisposed to the disease.
Both Major Theories About Human Cellular Aging Supported By New Research
Aging yeast cells accumulate damage over time, but they do so by following a pattern laid down earlier in their life by diet as well as the genes that control metabolism and the dynamics of cell structures such as mitochondria, the power plants of cells.
Aging yeast cells accumulate damage over time, but they do so by following a pattern laid down earlier in their life by diet as well as the genes that control metabolism and the dynamics of cell structures such as mitochondria, the power plants of cells.
Berry Compound Reduces Aging Effect
Aged laboratory animals that ate a diet rich in the berry and grape compound pterostilbene performed better than those in a group that did not eat the enriched diet, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service have reported. Pterostilbene reversed measurable negative effects of aging on brain function and behavioral performance.
Aged laboratory animals that ate a diet rich in the berry and grape compound pterostilbene performed better than those in a group that did not eat the enriched diet, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service have reported. Pterostilbene reversed measurable negative effects of aging on brain function and behavioral performance.
Breast Cancer: Diet High In Vegetables, Fruit And Fiber May Cut Risk Of Cancer Recurrence In Women Without Hot Flashes
A secondary analysis of a large, multicenter clinical trial has shown that a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and fiber and somewhat lower in fat compared to standard federal dietary recommendations cuts the risk of recurrence in a subgroup of early-stage breast cancer survivors -- women who didn't have hot flashes -- by approximately 31 percent. These patients typically have higher recurrence and lower survival rates than breast cancer patients who have hot flashes.
A secondary analysis of a large, multicenter clinical trial has shown that a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and fiber and somewhat lower in fat compared to standard federal dietary recommendations cuts the risk of recurrence in a subgroup of early-stage breast cancer survivors -- women who didn't have hot flashes -- by approximately 31 percent. These patients typically have higher recurrence and lower survival rates than breast cancer patients who have hot flashes.
Diet For Diabetics: Low-glycemic Diet Shows Greater Improvement In Glycemic Control Than High-fiber Diet
Persons with type 2 diabetes who had a diet high in low-glycemic foods such as nuts, beans and lentils had greater improvement in glycemic control and risk factors for coronary heart disease than persons on a diet with an emphasis on high-cereal fiber, according to a new study.
Persons with type 2 diabetes who had a diet high in low-glycemic foods such as nuts, beans and lentils had greater improvement in glycemic control and risk factors for coronary heart disease than persons on a diet with an emphasis on high-cereal fiber, according to a new study.
Ovarian Cancer: Obese and non-obese patients have same overall survival
A new study showed that when actual body weight was used in chemo dosing for epithelial ovarian cancer, the overall survival is 40 months for non-obese patients and 47 months for obese patients, not a significant difference. Similar outcomes are seen in obese and non-obese cancer survivors being monitored for recurrence of their ovarian cancer, the study authors said. Earlier studies found obesity as a negative indicator.
A new study showed that when actual body weight was used in chemo dosing for epithelial ovarian cancer, the overall survival is 40 months for non-obese patients and 47 months for obese patients, not a significant difference. Similar outcomes are seen in obese and non-obese cancer survivors being monitored for recurrence of their ovarian cancer, the study authors said. Earlier studies found obesity as a negative indicator.
Nutritious Fast-food Kids' Meals Are Scarce, Researchers Find
Only three percent of kids' meals served at fast-food restaurants met federal dietary guidelines in the first study to examine the nutrient quality of such meals in a major US metropolitan market. The small percentage of meals that did meet dietary guidelines included fruit as a side dish and milk, and nearly all were deli-sandwich meals.
Only three percent of kids' meals served at fast-food restaurants met federal dietary guidelines in the first study to examine the nutrient quality of such meals in a major US metropolitan market. The small percentage of meals that did meet dietary guidelines included fruit as a side dish and milk, and nearly all were deli-sandwich meals.
Breathing Problems During Sleep Associated With Calories Burned At Rest
Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders appear to burn more calories when resting as their conditions become more severe, according to a new report.
Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders appear to burn more calories when resting as their conditions become more severe, according to a new report.
New Evidence That Humans Make Aspirin's Active Principle -- Salicylic Acid
Scientists are reporting evidence that humans can make their own salicylic acid -- the material formed when aspirin breaks down in the body. Salicylic acid, which is responsible for aspirin's renowned effects in relieving pain and inflammation, may be the first in a new class of bioregulators, according to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Scientists are reporting evidence that humans can make their own salicylic acid -- the material formed when aspirin breaks down in the body. Salicylic acid, which is responsible for aspirin's renowned effects in relieving pain and inflammation, may be the first in a new class of bioregulators, according to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Medical Myths For The Holiday Season: True, False Or Unproven?
In a new study, researchers applied rigorous search methodology to explore the science behind six medical myths commonly associated with the holidays yet relevant year-round.
In a new study, researchers applied rigorous search methodology to explore the science behind six medical myths commonly associated with the holidays yet relevant year-round.
Dark Chocolate Is More Filling Than Milk Chocolate And Lessens Cravings
Dark chocolate is far more filling than milk chocolate, lessening our craving for sweet, salty and fatty foods, according to new research. In other words, eating dark chocolate may be an efficient way to keep your weight down over the holidays.
Dark chocolate is far more filling than milk chocolate, lessening our craving for sweet, salty and fatty foods, according to new research. In other words, eating dark chocolate may be an efficient way to keep your weight down over the holidays.
Not All Fats Are Created Equal
Eating saturated fats from butter, cream and meat, as well as trans fats found in hydrogenated oils can boost our risk of cardiovascular disease, while consuming mono-unsaturated fat can be good for our heart. Yet what's the effect of all these fats on our weight? Are some better than others?
Eating saturated fats from butter, cream and meat, as well as trans fats found in hydrogenated oils can boost our risk of cardiovascular disease, while consuming mono-unsaturated fat can be good for our heart. Yet what's the effect of all these fats on our weight? Are some better than others?
Protein Levels Indicate Risk Of Death In Some Colorectal Cancer Patients
A pair of proteins may help explain why people with surgically removed colorectal cancer and who are overweight, physically inactive and follow a Western-pattern diet may have an increased risk of dying of the disease or other causes, scientists report.
A pair of proteins may help explain why people with surgically removed colorectal cancer and who are overweight, physically inactive and follow a Western-pattern diet may have an increased risk of dying of the disease or other causes, scientists report.
Poor Perceptions Of Weight Pre-pregnancy Can Lead To Excessive Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Researchers have found that women with a poor perception of their weight were up to seven times more likely to gain excess weight over their pregnancies.
Researchers have found that women with a poor perception of their weight were up to seven times more likely to gain excess weight over their pregnancies.
Exercise Suppresses Appetite By Affecting Appetite Hormones
A vigorous 60-minute workout on a treadmill affects the release of two key appetite hormones, ghrelin and peptide YY, while 90 minutes of weight lifting affects the level of only ghrelin. The research shows that aerobic exercise is better at suppressing appetite than nonaerobic exercise and provides a possible explanation for how that happens. This line of research may eventually lead to more effective ways to use exercise to help control weight.
A vigorous 60-minute workout on a treadmill affects the release of two key appetite hormones, ghrelin and peptide YY, while 90 minutes of weight lifting affects the level of only ghrelin. The research shows that aerobic exercise is better at suppressing appetite than nonaerobic exercise and provides a possible explanation for how that happens. This line of research may eventually lead to more effective ways to use exercise to help control weight.
Higher Levels Of Obesity-related Hormone Found In Patients With Psoriasis
Patients with the skin disease psoriasis appear more likely to have higher levels of leptin (a hormone produced by fat cells that may contribute to obesity and other metabolic abnormalities) than persons without psoriasis, according to a new report.
Patients with the skin disease psoriasis appear more likely to have higher levels of leptin (a hormone produced by fat cells that may contribute to obesity and other metabolic abnormalities) than persons without psoriasis, according to a new report.
New Psychotherapy Has Potential To Treat Majority Of Cases Of Eating Disorders
Researchers have developed a new form of psychotherapy that has been shown to have the potential to treat more than eight out of ten cases of eating disorders in adults, a new study reports.
Researchers have developed a new form of psychotherapy that has been shown to have the potential to treat more than eight out of ten cases of eating disorders in adults, a new study reports.
Lean Muscle Mass Helps Even Obese Patients Battle Cancer
Lean muscle-mass may give even obese people an advantage in battling cancer, a new study shows.
Lean muscle-mass may give even obese people an advantage in battling cancer, a new study shows.
Financial Incentives Appear Effective For Short-term Weight Loss
A preliminary study suggests that economic incentives appear to be effective for achieving short-term weight loss.
A preliminary study suggests that economic incentives appear to be effective for achieving short-term weight loss.
Helping Children Lose Weight: Group Treatment May Help Children Achieve Healthier Weights
Children who participated in family-based or parent-only group weight-management programs were not as overweight after six months as children in a control group.
Children who participated in family-based or parent-only group weight-management programs were not as overweight after six months as children in a control group.
Once Upon A Time, Scales Were Displayed In Parlors, Not Hidden In Bathrooms
Stepping onto a scale after a calorie-filled holiday season isn't an activity many 21st-century Americans relish. But in the late 19th century, scales were all the rage at festive gatherings -- the 1800s' answer to Guitar Hero. "A family would think it fun to weigh themselves before and after a big holiday dinner to see how much they had gained," said Deborah I. Levine, Ph.D. "Knowing your weight was a novelty, a kind of parlor trick."
Stepping onto a scale after a calorie-filled holiday season isn't an activity many 21st-century Americans relish. But in the late 19th century, scales were all the rage at festive gatherings -- the 1800s' answer to Guitar Hero. "A family would think it fun to weigh themselves before and after a big holiday dinner to see how much they had gained," said Deborah I. Levine, Ph.D. "Knowing your weight was a novelty, a kind of parlor trick."
Brain Enzyme May Play Key Role In Controlling Appetite And Weight Gain
An enzyme in the hypothalamus appears to regulate feeding behavior. Researchers have found that overactivity of a brain enzyme may play a role in preventing weight gain and obesity.
An enzyme in the hypothalamus appears to regulate feeding behavior. Researchers have found that overactivity of a brain enzyme may play a role in preventing weight gain and obesity.
Overweight Children At Increased Risk Of Arm And Leg Injuries Following Motor Vehicle Crash
Children who are overweight or obese are over two and a half times more likely to suffer injuries to their upper and lower extremities following a motor vehicle crash compared with normal weight children, according to a report.
Children who are overweight or obese are over two and a half times more likely to suffer injuries to their upper and lower extremities following a motor vehicle crash compared with normal weight children, according to a report.
Children With Diabetes At Increased Risk For Developing Eating Disorders
Children with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing eating disorders, and researchers want to know if it's their disease or treatment that's to blame.
Children with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing eating disorders, and researchers want to know if it's their disease or treatment that's to blame.
Doctors 'Could Do More' To Help Obese Avoid Surgery, Expert Says
Surgery to treat obesity could be avoided if GPs and health care trusts put more time and money into early stage weight management programs, a senior clinical researcher will reported.
Surgery to treat obesity could be avoided if GPs and health care trusts put more time and money into early stage weight management programs, a senior clinical researcher will reported.
Low-carb Diets Can Affect Dieters' Cognition Skills
A new study shows that when dieters eliminate carbohydrates from their meals, they performed more poorly on memory-based tasks than when they reduce calories, but maintain carbohydrates. When carbohydrates were reintroduced, cognition skills returned to normal.
A new study shows that when dieters eliminate carbohydrates from their meals, they performed more poorly on memory-based tasks than when they reduce calories, but maintain carbohydrates. When carbohydrates were reintroduced, cognition skills returned to normal.
Obesity All In Your Head? Brain Genes Associated With Increased Body Mass
Is obesity all in your head? New research suggests that genes that predispose people to obesity act in the brain and that perhaps some people are simply hardwired to overeat. A genetic study of more than 90,000 people has identified six new genetic variants that are associated with increased Body Mass Index. Five of the genes are known to be active in the brain, suggesting that many genetic variants implicated in obesity might affect behavior.
Is obesity all in your head? New research suggests that genes that predispose people to obesity act in the brain and that perhaps some people are simply hardwired to overeat. A genetic study of more than 90,000 people has identified six new genetic variants that are associated with increased Body Mass Index. Five of the genes are known to be active in the brain, suggesting that many genetic variants implicated in obesity might affect behavior.
New Gene Variants Present Opportunities In Nutrigenomics
A new study uncovers 11 gene variants associated with three blood lipids measured to determine cardiovascular disease risk: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. One expert says the discovery opens up new research opportunities.
A new study uncovers 11 gene variants associated with three blood lipids measured to determine cardiovascular disease risk: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. One expert says the discovery opens up new research opportunities.
Alzheimer’s Research Using Animal Models Significantly Increases Understanding Of The Disease
Very few species spontaneously develop the cognitive, behavioral and neuropathological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet AD research must progress at a more rapid pace than the rate of human aging. Therefore, in recent years, a variety of animal models have been created -- from tiny invertebrates with life spans measurable in months to huge mammals that live several decades.
Very few species spontaneously develop the cognitive, behavioral and neuropathological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet AD research must progress at a more rapid pace than the rate of human aging. Therefore, in recent years, a variety of animal models have been created -- from tiny invertebrates with life spans measurable in months to huge mammals that live several decades.
Sweetened Beverage Consumption Increases Dramatically In U.S.
Over the past two decades, the number of adults consuming sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, fruit drinks and punches has increased dramatically, according to a new study.
Over the past two decades, the number of adults consuming sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, fruit drinks and punches has increased dramatically, according to a new study.
Women's Magazines Downplay Emotional Health Risks Of Cosmetic Surgery, Study Finds
While the emotional health implications of cosmetic surgery are still up for scientific debate, articles in women's magazines such as the Oprah Magazine and Cosmopolitan portray cosmetic surgery as a physically risky, but overall worthwhile option for enhancing physical appearance and emotional health, a new study has found.
While the emotional health implications of cosmetic surgery are still up for scientific debate, articles in women's magazines such as the Oprah Magazine and Cosmopolitan portray cosmetic surgery as a physically risky, but overall worthwhile option for enhancing physical appearance and emotional health, a new study has found.
Keeping The Weight Off: Which Obesity Treatment Is Most Successful?
Severely obese patients who have lost significant amounts of weight by changing their diet and exercise habits may be as successful in keeping the weight off long-term as those individuals who lost weight after bariatric surgery.
Severely obese patients who have lost significant amounts of weight by changing their diet and exercise habits may be as successful in keeping the weight off long-term as those individuals who lost weight after bariatric surgery.
Obesity Among California's Low-income Teens Nearly Triple That Of More Affluent Peers
In this policy brief, the authors examine why low-income teenagers are almost three times more likely to be obese than teens from more affluent households. Specifically, persistent barriers to health were found, including high numbers of neighborhood fast food restaurants, high sugary soda consumption and television viewing and low numbers of parks and other opportunities for physical activity.
In this policy brief, the authors examine why low-income teenagers are almost three times more likely to be obese than teens from more affluent households. Specifically, persistent barriers to health were found, including high numbers of neighborhood fast food restaurants, high sugary soda consumption and television viewing and low numbers of parks and other opportunities for physical activity.
One In Three U.K. Adults Will Be Obese By 2012
One in three UK adults -- or 13 million people -- will be obese by 2012, finds research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. And almost half of them will be from low income and disadvantaged communities, widening the health gap between the haves and have-nots even further, say the authors.
1One in three UK adults -- or 13 million people -- will be obese by 2012, finds research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. And almost half of them will be from low income and disadvantaged communities, widening the health gap between the haves and have-nots even further, say the authors.
