MedWorm: Obesity

What Is A Healthy Weight?

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0100

Your "healthy" weight cannot simply be calculated from a general source - people's healthy weight, or ideal weight, depends on several factors, including their age, sex, body type, bone density, muscle-fat-ratio, overall general health, and height. Over the last few decades, using BMI (body mass index) was seen as an excellent means for calculating a person's healthy weight. However, BMI, as you will see later on in this article, is at best, a ballpark calculation with several limitations. BMI is more useful when studying large populations, rather than individuals... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Body mass index and the risk of obesity in coeliac disease treated with the gluten‐free diet

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:13:33 +0100

ConclusionsIndividuals with coeliac disease have lower BMI than the regional population at diagnosis. BMI increases on the GFD, especially in those that adhere closely to the GFD. On the GFD, 15.8% of patients move from a normal or low BMI class into an overweight BMI class, and 22% of patients overweight at diagnosis gain weight. These results indicate that weight maintenance counselling should be an integral part of coeliac dietary education. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Dealing With Bullies: Survival Skills

WebMD Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:26:28 +0100

Being bullied hurts you both physically and emotionally. Experts offer advice and tips for overweight teens on what to do about bullying. (Source: WebMD Health)

Mayo Clinic Study Finds Obesity Affects Severity of Symptoms in Fibromyalgia Patients

News from Mayo Clinic — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:49:50 +0100

One factor associated with fibromyalgia symptoms is a patient's weight, according to a Mayo Clinic study published this month in "Arthritis Care & Research." A higher rate of obesity in those who have fibromyalgia may be caused by a cycle of pain and physical inactivity. (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)

Methyleseleninic acid downregulates aromatase

Society for Endocrinology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Cytochrome P 450 aromatase (CYP19) is the key enzyme required for oestrogen biosynthesis and is responsible for converting androgens to oestrogens. Oestrogen is known to play a critical role in breast cancer development and progression, making aromatase an important target for breast cancer prevention and therapy. Although aromatase inhibitors have been used as first line of therapy for oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in post menopausal women, their use has been limited by toxicities and high costs. Gao et al. show that methylseleninic acid (MSA), can effectively suppress aromatase activation by dexamethasone and forskolin. MSA suppression of aromatase activation is not mediated through direct inhibition of aromatase enzymatic activity but is attributable to a marked downregulati...

Leptin in Anorexia and Cachexia Syndrome

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Leptin is a product of the obese (OB) gene secreted by adipocytes in proportion to fat mass. It decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure by affecting the balance between orexigenic and anorexigenic hypothalamic pathways. Low leptin levels are responsible for the compensatory increase in appetite and body weight and decreased energy expenditure (EE) following caloric deprivation. The anorexia-cachexia syndrome is a complication of many chronic conditions including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and aging, where the decrease in body weight and food intake is not followed by a compensatory increase in appetite or decreased EE. Crosstalk between leptin and inflammatory signaling known to be activated in these condi...

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Soda Linked to Lung Disease (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- More bad news for soda lovers: in addition to obesity and heart disease, the sugary drinks may be tied to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Australian researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

What We Eat Can Alter The Brain Regions That Regulate Body Weight

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

An editorial authored by University of Cincinnati (UC) diabetes researchers published in the Feb. 7, 2012, issue of the journal Cell Metabolism sheds light on the biological factors contributing to rising rates of obesity and discusses strategies to reduce body weight. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about one-third of U.S. adults are obese, a number that continues to climb. "While we don't usually think of it this way, body weight is regulated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Consumer: New Weight Watchers Plan Leaves Some Grumbling

NYT — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:39 +0100

An overhaul to Weight Watchers' diet plan has caused many longtime members to complain about slow weight loss. (Source: NYT)

Are Brains to Blame for Weight Gain?

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire)— According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about out of 3 U.S. adults are obese and that number continues to grow. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Anti-obesity drugs with a modified lifestyle helps weight loss -- new study

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Leicester) A study led by the University of Leicester has found that anti-obesity drugs coupled with lifestyle advice are effective in reducing weight and BMI. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Breastfeeding can reduce risk of childhood obesity

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Colorado Denver) Children of diabetic pregnancies have a greater risk of childhood obesity but new research from the Colorado School of Public Health shows breastfeeding can reduce this threat. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Moffitt, Sanford-Burnham and Florida Hospital create Personalized Medicine Partnership of Florida

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute) Moffitt Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and Florida Hospital have announced they will collaborate on the creation of a Personalized Medicine Partnership of Florida. The partnership will conduct collaborative research to accelerate discovery and develop new treatments in the areas of cancer and metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Obese children more likely to suffer growth plate fractures

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) Obese and overweight children are more likely to suffer growth plate fractures, and their injuries were more often from a "low-energy" impact, according to new research presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Gestational Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosed During Pregnancy

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:03:01 +0100

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders)

Systolic Heart Function, Kidney Filtration and the Number of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques in Lean and Overweight Patients

Karger Publishers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Cardiorenal Med 2012;2:110-116 (DOI:10.1159/000335561) (Source: Karger Publishers)

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Obesity Epidemic Linked To Brain Mechanisms

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

America's rising rates of obesity in virtually all age groups is partly due to biological factors, researchers from the Cincinnati Diabetes and Obesity Center reported in the journal Cell Metabolism. Approximately one third of all American adults are obese today, and the percentage continues to rise, says the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Co-author, Randy Seeley, PhD, said: "While we don't usually think of it this way, body weight is regulated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Obesity and Daily Pain Linked, Study FindsObesity and Daily Pain Linked, Study Finds

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:20:05 +0100

The 1 million-person Gallup poll suggests excess weight makes Americans prone to higher rates of pain. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Wal-Mart debuts 'Great for You' seal

USATODAY.com Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:29:05 +0100

The green and white seal is part of a multiyear campaign to promote healthier products and fight childhood obesity. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Behavior programs may cut child obesity risk

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:15:03 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Programs that teach parenting skills early on may help prevent obesity in poor U.S. kids, a study published Monday suggests. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Back Pain and Weight

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:53 +0100

Source: HealthDay - Related MedlinePlus Pages: Back Pain, Obesity (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the Heart

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0100

Study finds changes in physical fitness affect disease risk at any weight (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology)

Letting Baby Eat Finger Foods May Spur Healthier Weight

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0100

Babies who are spoon-fed purees more likely to prefer sweets, become overweight, study says Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Child Nutrition, Toddler Nutrition (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Georgia's child obesity ads aim to create movement out of controversy

CNN.com - Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:21:03 +0100

Georgia's controversial child obesity ads are being phased out, but debate continues over whether they do more harm than good. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Wal-Mart Debuts 'Great for You' Seal

Arkansas Business - Health Care — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:09:40 +0100

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. adds a new green icon that reads "Great for You" to packaging of some of its house-brand foods, part of a multiyear campaign to promote healthier products and fight childhood obesity. (Source: Arkansas Business - Health Care)

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Ads more harm than good?

CNN.com - Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:08:30 +0100

Georgia's controversial child obesity ads are being phased out, but debate continues over whether they do more harm than good. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Obesity ads hurt more than help?

CNN.com - Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:08:30 +0100

Georgia's controversial child obesity ads are being phased out, but debate continues over whether they do more harm than good. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Healthier, Smarter Growth [Editorial]

RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:48:19 +0100

For years, county leaders here have considered sound urban planning mainly as a political issue -- an issue tainted by the specter of intruding on personal property rights and free enterprise. As a result, they have regularly rejected calls for comprehensive land-use planning for the unincorporated areas of the county. But as it turns out, the lack of urban planning in suburbia -- here and elsewhere -- is now being acknowledged as a critical public health issue. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)

Evidence‐based recommendations for the development of obesity prevention programs targeted at preschool children

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:28 +0100

SummaryThe ToyBox intervention was developed using an evidence‐based approach, using the findings of four reviews. These reviews included three critical and narrative reviews of educational strategies and psychological approaches explaining young children's acquisition and formation of energy‐balance related behaviours, and the management of these behaviours, and also a systematic review of behavioural models underpinning school‐based interventions in preschool and school settings for the prevention of obesity in children aged 4–6 years.This paper summarises and translates the findings from these reviews into practical evidence based recommendations for researchers and policy‐makers to consider when developing and implementing interventions for the prevention of overweight and ob...

Existing policies, regulation, legislation and ongoing health promotion activities related to physical activity and nutrition in pre‐primary education settings: an overview

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:26 +0100

SummaryObesity prevention efforts for school‐aged children and adolescents are increasing in number. However, little has been done to address the problem in the preschool age. To address this age group, an evidence‐based preschool programme on physical activity (PA) and nutrition is developed within the ToyBox project. Environmental influencing factors such as policies and competitive health promotion activities could inhibit or induce a successful health promotion programme. This paper describes an overview of existing policies, legislation and/or regulations and health promotion activities in the preschool setting. Method: data were gathered on policies and activities aiming to improve healthy eating and PA of young children (age group 4–6 years) in Belgium‐Flanders, Bulgaria, Ge...

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Identifying effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies underpinning preschool‐ and school‐based obesity prevention interventions aimed at 4–6‐year‐olds: a systematic review

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:24 +0100

SummaryThe aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to identify the most effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies, underpinning preschool‐ and school‐based interventions aimed at preventing obesity in 4–6‐year‐olds. Searching was conducted from April 1995 to April 2010 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library. Epidemiological studies relevant to the research question with controlled assignment of participants were included in the review, if they had follow‐up periods of 6 months or longer. Outcomes included markers of weight gain; markers of body composition; physical activity behaviour changes and dietary behaviour changes. Twelve studies were included in the review. The most commonly used model was social cognitive theory (SC...

Critical narrative review to identify educational strategies promoting physical activity in preschool

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:22 +0100

SummaryThe aim of this narrative review is critically to evaluate educational strategies promoting physical activity that are used in the preschool setting in the context of obesity prevention programmes. Literature search was conducted between April and August 2010 in English and German databases (PubMED, PsychINFO, PSYNDEX, ERIC, FIS Bildung). Outcomes considered were time and intensity of physical activity, motor skills or measures of body composition. A total of 19 studies were included. Ten studies added physical activity lessons into their curriculum, one study provided more time for free play, eight studies focused on the social and play environment. Studies reporting positive outcomes implemented physical activity sessions that lasted at least 30 min d−1. Several studies show...

A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children's eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:20 +0100

SummaryStrategies to reduce risk of obesity by influencing preschool children's eating behaviour are reviewed. The studies are placed in the context of relevant psychological processes, including inherited and acquired preferences, and behavioural traits, such as food neophobia, ‘enjoyment of food’ and ‘satiety responsiveness’. These are important influences on how children respond to feeding practices, as well as predictors of obesity risk. Nevertheless, in young children, food environment and experience are especially important for establishing eating habits and food preferences. Providing information to parents, or to children, on healthy feeding is insufficient. Acceptance of healthy foods can be encouraged by five to ten repeated tastes. Recent evidence suggests rewarding heal...

Influencing factors of screen time in preschool children: an exploration of parents' perceptions through focus groups in six European countries

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:19 +0100

This study aimed to explore parents' perceptions of their preschool children's screen time. One hundred twenty‐two parents of low and medium‐high socioeconomic status from six European countries with children between 4 and 6 years old were involved in 24 focus groups. Following a qualitative content analysis, the available information and key findings were centrally analysed. Results showed that children tend to like watching television (TV) and most parents do not express worries about their children's TV viewing time. Education is considered to be the main benefit of watching TV and in general, parents only have informal rules about TV viewing. Computer and active games use are less frequent compared with TV viewing. No univocal results are found about the influence of siblings or fr...

Energy balance‐related behaviours associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children: a systematic review of prospective studies

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:17 +0100

SummaryThe current review aimed to systematically identify dietary, physical activity and sedentary behaviours in preschool children (4–6 years of age) that are prospectively related to overweight or obesity later in childhood. Prospective studies published between January 1990 and June 2010 were selected from searches in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. Studies examining the prospective association between at least one relevant behaviour measured during preschool period (children aged 4–6 years at baseline) in relation to at least one anthropometric measurement at follow‐up (age <18 years) were included. Harvest plots were used to summarize the results and draw conclusions from the evidence.Of the 8,718 retrieved papers, 23 papers reporting on 15 different s...

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Assessment tools of energy balance‐related behaviours used in European obesity prevention strategies: review of studies during preschool

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:15 +0100

SummaryValid and reliable measures of energy balance‐related behaviours are required when evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions aiming at prevention of childhood obesity. A structured descriptive review was performed to appraise food intake, physical activity and sedentary behaviour assessment tools used in obesity intervention strategies targeting mainly preschool children across Europe. In total, 25 papers are described, addressing energy balance‐related behaviours as study outcomes and targeting individuals or clusters of individuals at school‐ or home‐based environment. Parentally reported food records and 24‐h recalls were commonly used to assess food intake. Subjective levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour were commonly accessed via paren...

Weight status of European preschool children and associations with family demographics and energy balance‐related behaviours: a pooled analysis of six European studies

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:13 +0100

In conclusion, large differences in prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschoolers across Europe were observed. Future obesity prevention interventions in preschoolers should target screen time giving specific attention to children from overweight and/or low socioeconomic status parents. There is a need for high methodological quality studies, preferably with a long‐term prospective design using sensitive, valid and reliable measures of behaviours, assessing whether and which physical activity and dietary behaviours are associated with overweight in preschoolers. (Source: Obesity Reviews)

Correlates of energy balance‐related behaviours in preschool children: a systematic review

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:12 +0100

SummaryChildhood overweight is a multifactorial health problem influenced by several factors. The interaction of behaviours such as physical activity, sedentary behaviour and eating behaviour determines whether or not a positive energy balance or weight gain is experienced. Knowing the correlates of these behaviours in 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children is of major interest for intervention development. According to the systematic literature search, attending a rural preschool was positively associated with physical activity. Gender, age and socioeconomic status were not associated with physical activity, while an indeterminate result was found for ethnicity. Gender and ethnicity were not associated with sedentary behaviour and indeterminate results were found for age and socioeconomic status...

A systematic approach for the development of a kindergarten‐based intervention for the prevention of obesity in preschool age children: the ToyBox‐study

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:10 +0100

SummaryThe increasing childhood obesity epidemic calls for appropriate measures and effective policies to be applied early in life. Large‐scale socioecological frameworks providing a holistic multifactorial and cost‐effective approach necessary to support obesity prevention initiatives in this age are however currently missing. To address this missing link, ToyBox‐study aims to build and evaluate a cost‐effective kindergarten‐based, family‐involved intervention scheme to prevent obesity in early childhood, which could potentially be expanded on a pan‐European scale. A multidisciplinary team of researchers from 10 countries have joined forces and will work to realize this according to a systematic stepwise approach that combines the use of the PRECEDE‐PROCEED model and inter...

The ‘ToyBox‐study’ obesity prevention programme in early childhood: an introduction

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:08 +0100

(Source: Obesity Reviews)

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A systematic review on use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for treatment of obesity

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:43:24 +0100

SummaryObesity is a major health hazard and despite lifestyle modification, many patients frequently regain any lost body weight. The use of western anti‐obesity drugs has been limited by side effects including mood changes, suicidal thoughts, and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications. The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine including Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and acupuncture provide an alternative established therapy for this medical challenge. In this systematic review, we used standard methodologies to search, review, analyse and synthesize published data on the efficacy, safety and relapse of weight regain associated with use of CHM and acupuncture. We also examined the rationale, mechanisms and potential utility of these therapies. A total of 12 e...

Preventing Obesity Through Positive Parenting During Early Childhood

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Programs that support parents during their child's early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study in the online issue of Pediatrics. Today, one out of five American children is obese. Young children who are overweight are five times more likely than their peers of normal weight to be obese by adolescence. Obese children and adolescents, especially low-income and minority youth, are at increased risk for a range of medical, social and academic problems... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Pathway To Losing Fat Is Heavily Influenced By A Hormone Produced In The Heart

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

It's well known that exercising reduces body weight because it draws on fat stores that muscle can burn as fuel. But a new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) suggests that the heart also plays a role in breaking down fat. In their study, published February 6 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Sheila Collins, Ph.D. and colleagues detail how hormones released by the heart stimulate fat cell metabolism. These hormones turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study: Rapid bone loss as possible side effect of anti-obesity drug now in clinical trials

UT Southwestern Medical Center News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:29:12 +0100

An endocrine hormone used in clinical trials as an anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drug causes significant and rapid bone loss in mice, raising concerns about its safe use, have shown. (Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center News)

Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the Heart

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the HeartCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/7/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

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Counties with thriving small businesses have healthier residents, LSU and Baylor researchers find

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Baylor University) Counties and parishes with a greater concentration of small, locally-owned businesses have healthier populations -- with lower rates of mortality, obesity and diabetes -- than do those that rely on large companies with "absentee" owners, according to a national study by sociologists at LSU and Baylor University. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

The A-allele of the common FTO gene variant rs9939609 complicates weight maintenance in severe obese patients

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: A Woehning, J-H Schultz, E Roeder, A Moeltner, B Isermann, P P Nawroth, C Wolfrum & G Rudofsky (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

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A gene variant of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is associated with obesity in children

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A gene variant of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is associated with obesity in children International Journal of Obesity advance online publication, February 7, 2012. doi:10.1038/ijo.2012.4 Authors: J Olza, M Gil-Campos, R Leis, A I Rupérez, R Tojo, R Cañete, A Gil & C M Aguilera (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

Insulin receptor-independent upregulation of cellular glucose uptake

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: R Krishnapuram, H Kirk-Ballard, E J Dhurandhar, O Dubuisson, V Messier, R Rabasa-Lhoret, V Hegde, S Aggarwal & N V Dhurandhar (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

Adiposity and sex hormones across the menstrual cycle: the BioCycle Study

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: E H Yeung, C Zhang, P S Albert, S L Mumford, A Ye, N J Perkins, J Wactawski-Wende & E F Schisterman (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

SIRT1 and CLOCK 3111T>C combined genotype is associated with evening preference and weight loss resistance in a behavioral therapy treatment for obesity

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: M Garaulet, A Esteban Tardido, Y-C Lee, C E Smith, L D Parnell & J M Ordovás (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

Additive feeding inhibitory and aversive effects of naltrexone and exendin-4 combinations

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: N-C Liang, N T Bello & T H Moran (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

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Effect of protein intake and weight gain velocity on body fat mass at 6 months of age: The EU Childhood Obesity Programme

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: J Escribano, V Luque, N Ferre, G Mendez-Riera, B Koletzko, V Grote, H Demmelmair, L Bluck, A Wright & R Closa-Monasterolo (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

Spatial accessibility to physical activity facilities and to food outlets and overweight in French youth

International Journal of Obesity — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: R Casey, B Chaix, C Weber, B Schweitzer, H Charreire, P Salze, D Badariotti, A Banos, J-M Oppert & C Simon (Source: International Journal of Obesity)

Top off breakfast with -- chocolate cake?

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Friends of Tel Aviv University) In a study of nearly 200 clinically obese, non-diabetic adults, professor Daniela Jakubowicz of Tel Aviv University found that a 600-calorie breakfast that includes dessert as well as proteins and carbohydrates can help dieters lose weight and keep it off over the long term. Her research indicates that such a morning meal staves off cravings and defuses psychological addictions to sweet foods. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

The relationship between breastfeeding and weight status in a national sample of Australian children and adolescents

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Breastfeeding for 6 or more months appears to be protective against later overweight and obesity in this population of Australian children. The beneficial short-term health outcomes of breastfeeding for the infant are well recognised and this study provides further observational evidence of a potential long-term health outcome and additional justification for the continued support and promotion of breastfeeding to six months and beyond. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

How does lifestyle intervention affect depressive symptoms? Results from the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study

Diabetic Medicine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Participation in the study lowered depression scores, with no specific group effect. Among the lifestyle changes, particularly successful reduction of body weight was associated with the greater reduction of depressive symptoms. Thus, regardless of the intensity of the treatment, the success in executing alterations in one’s lifestyle and behaviour is associated with beneficial changes in mood.© 2012 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2012 Diabetes UK (Source: Diabetic Medicine)

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Full‐length visfatin levels are associated with inflammation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

European Journal of Clinical Investigation — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:06:28 +0100

Conclusion Our results suggest that circulating visfatin levels correlate with WBC and CRP but are not associated with PCOS, obesity or metabolic markers, suggesting that visfatin may act as a proinflammatory cytokine. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Investigation)

Finger Foods During Weaning Help Maintain Healthy Body Weight Later On

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

A study published in BMJ Open reveals that infants tend to eat healthier and be a healthy weight as they get older if they are allowed to feed themselves with finger foods from the start of weaning (baby led weaning), compared to infants who are spoon fed. According to the researchers, findings from the study indicate that baby led weaning may help prevent childhood obesity. Findings from the study were based on 155 children aged between 20 months and 6.5 years, whose parents filled out a survey regarding their children's food preferences and weaning style... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Consumer: New Weight Watchers Plan Leaves Some Grumbling

NYT Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:40:00 +0100

An overhaul to Weight Watchers' diet plan has caused many longtime members to complain about slow weight loss. (Source: NYT Health)

The Consumer: New Weight Watchers Plan Leaves Some Grumbling

NYT Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:40:00 +0100

An overhaul to Weight Watchers' diet plan has caused many longtime members to complain about slow weight loss. (Source: NYT Health)

Junk foods widely available at elementary schools

USATODAY.com Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:01:07 +0100

Junk food remains plentiful at the nation's elementary schools despite widespread efforts to curb childhood obesity. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

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Immature Citrus sunki Peel Extract Exhibits Antiobesity Effects by β-Oxidation and Lipolysis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100

In this study, we investigated the antiobesity activity of immature C. sunki peel extract (designated CSE) using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice and mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In the animal study, body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, serum total cholesterol, and triglyceride in the CSE-administered group decreased significantly compared to the HFD group. Also, CSE supplementation reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, it significantly decreased the accumulation of fatty droplets in liver tissue, suggesting a protective effect against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Dietary supplementation with CSE reversed the HFD-induced decrease in the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein k...

NPs — heart hormones that regulate brown fat?

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:05 +0100

Thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is well characterized as being under the control of the sympathetic nervous system. The energy-burning capacity of BAT makes it an attractive target for anti-obesity therapies. However, previous attempts to manipulate BAT’s sympathetic activation have lacked specificity. In this issue of the JCI, Bordicchia et al. provide new data indicating that cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) are also able to activate thermogenic machinery in adipose tissue. Their findings suggest a novel strategy to increase energy dissipation in adipose tissue, independent of adrenergic receptors. (Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation)

Overweight Physicians Less Likely to Give Diet AdviceOverweight Physicians Less Likely to Give Diet Advice

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:18:45 +0100

A doctor's weight may be a factor in diagnosing obesity, a study finds. WebMD Health News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Orexigen, FDA agree on trial design for obesity drug

Reuters: Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:28:07 +0100

(Reuters) - Orexigen Therapeutics Inc said it reached an agreement with U.S. health regulators on the design of a heart-safety trial required for the approval of its experimental obesity drug. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Positive Parenting During Early Childhood May Prevent Obesity

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:26:46 +0100

February 6, 2012 (Newswise) — Programs that support parents during their child’s early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study in the online February 6 issue of Pediatrics. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

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Positive parenting during early childhood may prevent obesity

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:25:25 +0100

Programs that support parents during their child’s early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Lung Separation in the Morbidly Obese Patient

Advances in Urology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:46:42 +0100

Lung separation techniques in the morbidly obese patient undergoing thoracic or esophageal surgery may be at risk of complications during airway management. Access to the airway in the obese patient can be a challenge because they have altered airway anatomy, including a short and redundant neck, limited neck extension and accumulation of fat deposition in the pharyngeal wall contributing to difficult laryngoscopy. Securing the airway is the first priority in these patients followed by appropriate techniques for lung separation with the use of a single-lumen endotracheal tube and a bronchial blocker or another alternative is with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube. This review is focused on the use of lung isolation devices in the obese patient. The recommendations are based upon ...

Prenatal exposure to a natural disaster increases risk for obesity in 5-year-old children. - Dancause KN, Laplante DP, Fraser S, Brunet A, Ciampi A, Schmitz N, King S.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

Introduction:An adverse environment in utero, including exposure to prenatal maternal stress (PNMS), can result in poor birth outcomes such as low birth weight, which increases risk of later cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension and obesity. It is ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Weight Management Programs For African-American Women Are More Successful If Held In A Church

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

As a brand new year gets underway, people all over America are resolving to better manage their weight and have a more healthy 2012. According to a new study, those starting new weight loss programs may be surprised to find out that both location and level of experience may influence their success... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Purple Potatoes Lower Blood Pressure in Overweight People

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Purple Potatoes Lower Blood Pressure in Overweight PeopleCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/4/2012 11:01:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/6/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

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Neuronal transplants for treatment of obesity

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:58:00 +0100

There are many different factors which go into whether animals (or humans) develop obesity and diabetes. Different sensitivity to different chemicals, in different areas of the body and brain, can cause major differences in feeding behavior, body weight, fat, and insulin sensitivity. And now we’ve learned that changes in one circuit of the hypothalamus could make a big difference in a certain kind of obesity in mice. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Positive parenting during early childhood may prevent obesity

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine) Programs that support parents during their child's early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study in the online Feb. 6 issue of Pediatrics. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Stability and change in screen-based sedentary behaviours and associated factors among Norwegian children in the transition between childhood and adolescence

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Use of TV/DVD and computer/electronic games increased with age and tracked over time in this group of 11-13 year old Norwegian children. Interventions targeting these sedentary behaviours should thus be introduced early. The identified modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with change in TST and tracking of high TST should be taken into consideration when planning such interventions. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Restoration of adipose function in obese, glucose-tolerant men following pioglitazone treatment is associated with CCAAT enhancer-binding protein {beta} upregulation

Clinical Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Obese adipose tissue (AT) exhibits increased macrophage number. Pro-inflammatory CD16+ peripheral monocyte numbers are also reported to increase with obesity. The current study was undertaken to simultaneously investigate obesity-associated changes in CD16+ monocytes and adipose tissue macrophages (ATM). In addition, a pilot randomised placebo controlled trial using the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, pioglitazone and fenofibrate was performed to determine their effects on CD14+/CD16+ monocytes, ATM and cardiometabolic and adipose dysfunction indices. Obese glucose-tolerant men (n=32) were randomised to placebo, pioglitazone (30 mg/day) and fenofibrate (160 mg/day) for 12 weeks. A blood sample was taken to assess levels of serum infla...

Study: Rapid bone loss as possible side effect of anti-obesity drug now in clinical trials

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(UT Southwestern Medical Center) An endocrine hormone used in clinical trials as an anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drug causes significant and rapid bone loss in mice, raising concerns about its safe use, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have shown. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Glycated hemoglobin and associated risk factors in older adults

Cardiovascular Diabetology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Older women had higher HbA1c than men, even after controlling for BMI. HbA1c associates equally with BW, BMI or WC. Population-based criteria are recommended to classify obesity and to identify higher levels of HbA1c in obese older adults. HbA1c associates with atherogenic dyslipidemia particularly with TG and TG/HDL-C ratio, but not with TC, HDL-C, or LDL-C. HbA1c is not associated with hs-CRP, and with functional fitness and aerobic endurance. (Source: Cardiovascular Diabetology)

The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome, glucose tolerance status and serum preptin level

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Irrespective of PCOS status, women with IGT had higher serum preptin levels compared with women with NGT. Preptin levels are related with glucose tolerance status, but not with PCOS status. (Source: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology)

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Deflazacort: Morbid obesity in a child: case report

Reactions — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:54 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: update on monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: the role of interleukin (IL)-1 and an emerging role for cytokines beyond IL-1.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:15 +0100

Authors: Goldbach-Mansky R Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: The disease-based discovery of the molecular basis for autoinflammatory diseases has led not only to a rapidly growing number of clinically and genetically identifiable disorders, but has unmantled key inflammatory pathways such as the potent role of the alarm cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 in human disease. Following its initial failures in the treatment of sepsis and the moderate success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, IL-1 blocking therapies had a renaissance in the treatment of a number of autoinflammatory conditions, and IL-1 blocking therapies have been Food and Drug Administ...

Physical activity, cardio‐respiratory fitness, and metabolic traits in rural mexican tarahumara

American Journal of Human Biology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study suggests high levels of overweight and hypertension in the Tarahumara, and points to fitness and physical activity as potential intervention targets although findings should be confirmed in larger samples. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Human Biology)

Doctors' looks: Significant factor in your care?

Health News: CBSNews.com — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:31:19 +0100

Study: Obese physicians less likely to discuss obesity with patients and to diagnose them as being obese (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Video: Doctors' looks: Significant role in your care?

Health News: CBSNews.com — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:36:34 +0100

A new study shows obese physicians are less likely to discuss obesity with patients and to diagnose them as being obese. So, should you consider a doctor's looks when choosing a physician? Nancy Cordes and Jeff Glor asked Dr. Holly Philips and body image coach Emme. (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

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YMCA's 'Fit Start' Program Aims to Curb Childhood Obesity

RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:24:10 +0100

School funding cuts and a focus on academics over physical fitness has emptied playgrounds and stalled physical education programs across the country, causing the childhood obesity rate to skyrocket. That prompted Phillip Newman, wellness director at the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth & Family Center, to brainstorm a solution. His idea came to fruition last August, when Newman started the Fit Start program at the YMCA. The program allows kids and teenagers to participate in physical activity through activities such as obstacle courses, spinning, zumba classes and boot-camp style training. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)

El Monte City School District in More than Decade-Long Process to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The menu items available to El Monte City School District students on a recent Wednesday were a far cry from the staples that for years dominated school lunches - offerings like sloppy joes and tater-tots. The change is the product of a more-than-decade-long effort to bring healthier options to the children of the K-8 school district. Combined with a hefty nutritional curriculum that has pervaded regular classroom lessons, the district has landed several prestigious awards and brought it closer to creating a healthier student population, officials said. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)

West Perry Lands $43,294 Health Initiative Grant

RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

West Perry School District was among three recipients of a new school health initiative grant. The Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation presented the grants in support of its 5210 Youth Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative. In all, $105,000 was split among West Perry, $43,294; Big Spring, $33,582; and Carlisle Area, $28,083. The program emphasizes a daily wellness message: Eat five or more fruits and vegetables, have no more than two hours of screen time, get one or more hours of physical activity and consume zero sugar-sweetened beverages. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)

Cancer campaigners say levels of fat, salt and sugar in food must be reduced

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:43:00 +0100

Health researchers claim maintaining healthy lifestyle and eating well could prevent as many as a third of all cancersFoodstuffs and drinks need to contain less sugar, salt and fat in order to help combat the growing number of people developing cancer, campaigners against the disease have said.The call from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) came as it released fresh estimates that the number of Britons being diagnosed with cancer annually will rise to almost 400,000 by 2030.The UK will see about 396,000 new cases of cancer a year in 2030 – a 30% rise on the 304,000 seen in 2008 – according to WCRF projections released today to mark World Cancer Day.Its analysis of the likely increase in cancer cases in all 27 EU member states by 2030 says that the UK will have the 16th biggest prop...

DIY science: should you try this at home?

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:59:00 +0100

When Richard Handl was arrested for attempting to split the atom on his stove, he joined a growing band of home experimenters cooking up all kinds of trouble behind the kitchen doorÄngelholm is a pretty southern Swedish town, famed for its clay cuckoo manufacturing, a clay cuckoo being a kind of ocarina, which is a kind of flute. The crime rate here is practically zero. Except one of its residents was last year arrested for trying to split the atom in his kitchen. His name is Richard Handl and he buzzes me into his first-floor flat.I wanted to meet Richard because I keep seeing reports of home science experimenters clashing with the authorities. There's been a spate of them this past year or two.I glance into Richard's kitchen and recognise his cooker from the news. It was horrendously, a...

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Michelle Obama to Tour Little Rock Air Force Base

Arkansas Business - Health Care — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:41:04 +0100

The White House says first lady Michelle Obama will visit the Little Rock Air Force Base next week to promote the second anniversary of her "Let's Move!" initiative geared at reducing childhood obesity. (Source: Arkansas Business - Health Care)

Effect of obesity and glycemic control on serum lipocalins and insulin-like growth factor axis in type 2 diabetic patients

Acta Diabetologica — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:53:08 +0100

In conclusion, serum RBP-4 and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio but not LCN-2 were prominently elevated with poor glycemic control rather than obesity in T2DM patients. Whereas, declining β-cell function is associated with elevation of serum RBP-4, LCN-2 as well as IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00592-012-0373-6Authors Hala O. El-Mesallamy, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, 11566 EgyptNadia M. Hamdy, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, 11566 EgyptAl-aliaa M. Sallam, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt Journal Acta DiabetologicaOnline ISSN 1432-5233Print I...

Obesity, Mental Illness 'Dangerously Linked'Obesity, Mental Illness 'Dangerously Linked'

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:19:00 +0100

The complex link between obesity and mental illness involves several driving factors, all of which should be considered when choosing effective interventions, researchers say. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Postoperative spondilodiscitis

International Orthopaedics — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:12:18 +0100

Conclusions Appropriate management requires aggressive medical treatment and, at times, surgical intervention. If recognised early and treated appropriately, a full recovery can often be expected. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the clinical presentation of such infections to improve patient outcome. A review of the literature was done to advance our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and outcome of these infections. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00264-011-1442-0Authors Antoine Gerometta, Spine Services, Lenox Hill Hospital, 130 East, 77th street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10075, USAFabian Bittan, Spine Services, Lenox Hill Hospital, 130 East, 77th street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10075, USAJuan Ca...

Spontaneous CSF Rhinorrhea Our Experience

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:11:21 +0100

Abstract To analyse the possible factors contributing to spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and to assess the outcome of Transnasal endoscopic repair at our centre. Retrospective case series of patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea at our institution from Jan 2006 to May 2010. 7 patients were diagnosed with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. 5 of the 7 patients were obese, middle aged females managed with Transnasal endoscopic repair with fascia lata auto graft. Successful repair of CSF rhinorrhea was achieved in all the patients with a single endoscopic procedure; no patient required a revision procedure. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea is a rare condition seen mostly in middle aged obese females with the anterior part of the cribriform plate being the most common si...

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How would you support a child trying to live healthier?

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:08:12 +0100

Daivd Ludwig, MD, MPH Every month the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) publishes an article called Clinical Crossroads, where a patient case is presented and medical professionals are invited to share their thoughts on how they might treat that person. A few weeks later the case is presented again, this time with commentary from an expert who specializes in the medical condition profiled in the article. The most recent Clinical Crossroads was written by David Ludwig, MD, PhD, director of the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center Boston Children’s Hospital. Ludwig’s case focuses around Ms K, a 14 year-old girl struggling to lose weight. Unlike typical medical case studies that focus on diagnosis and treatment of acute illness, Clinical Crossroads often ...

Functional Polymorphism Located in MMP-9 Gene Promoter Is Strongly Associated with Obesity

DNA and Cell Biology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:44:50 +0100

DNA and Cell Biology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: DNA and Cell Biology)

Allergan to rely less on U.S. for sales, Asia key

Reuters: Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:51:14 +0100

(Reuters) - Allergan Inc, maker of wrinkle treatment Botox, eye drops and obesity treatments, said it will rely less on the United States for revenue in coming years as its products gain wider acceptance in Asia, particularly China. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Metabolic Side Effects Such As Obesity And Diabetes Caused By Antipsychotic Medications

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

In 2008, roughly 14.3 million Americans were taking antipsychotics - typically prescribed for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a number of other behavioral disorders - making them among the most prescribed drugs in the U.S. Almost all of these medications are known to cause the metabolic side effects of obesity and diabetes, leaving patients with a difficult choice between improving their mental health and damaging their physical health... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Assessing The Value Of BMI Screening And Surveillance In Schools

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Discussion in the current issue of Childhood Obesity, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., debates the pros and cons of routine BMI screening in the school setting, discusses the most recent data, and explores when and for what purpose BMI screening results should be shared with parents and the potential benefits. The Roundtable is available online*. Patricia B... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Key Factors In Student Weight - Impoverished Schools, Parent Education

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Attending a financially poor school may have more of an effect on unhealthy adolescent weight than family poverty, according to Penn State sociologists. Poor schools even influence how parental education protects kids from becoming overweight. "It was once thought that family income was the main factor when we talk about the research on adolescent weight," said Molly Martin, assistant professor of sociology and demography. "That's not true. The environments the children live in play a key role in weight problems among adolescents... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Potatoes Lower Blood Pressure In Those With Obesity And Hypertension Without Increasing Weight

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

The first study to check the effects of eating potatoes on blood pressure in humans has concluded that two small helpings of purple potatoes (Purple Majesty) a day decreases blood pressure by about 4 percent without causing weight gain. In a report in the ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the researchers say that decrease, although seemingly small, is sufficient to potentially reduce the risk of several forms of heart disease. Joe Vinson and colleagues point out that people in the U.S. eat more potatoes than any other vegetable... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Overweight mothers who smoke while pregnant put children at risk for heart defects

MedWire News - Pediatrics — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:07:04 +0100

Women who are both overweight and smoke during pregnancy are at an increased risk for having a child with a heart defect, suggest results of a study published in Heart. (Source: MedWire News - Pediatrics)

Blood pressure and associated factors in a North African adolescent population. A national cross-sectional study in Tunisia

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Within the limits of BP measurement on one visit only, these results suggest that Tunisian adolescents of both genders are likely not spared from early elevated BP. Though further assessment is likely needed, the strong association with overweight/obesity observed suggests that interventions aimed at changing lifestyles to reduce this main risk factor may also be appropriate for the prevention of elevated BP. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Credible Mendelian Randomization Studies: Approaches for Evaluating the Instrumental Variable Assumptions

American Journal of Epidemiology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

As with other instrumental variable (IV) analyses, Mendelian randomization (MR) studies rest on strong assumptions. These assumptions are not routinely systematically evaluated in MR applications, although such evaluation could add to the credibility of MR analyses. In this article, the authors present several methods that are useful for evaluating the validity of an MR study. They apply these methods to a recent MR study that used fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) genotype as an IV to estimate the effect of obesity on mental disorder. These approaches to evaluating assumptions for valid IV analyses are not fail-safe, in that there are situations where the approaches might either fail to identify a biased IV or inappropriately suggest that a valid IV is biased. Therefore, the authors d...

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Pioneering research will assess the effects of obesity on bone development

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Sheffield) Researchers from the University of Sheffield are conducting ground-breaking research to determine how body weight and hormones affect bone health from childhood to adulthood. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin: an immune cytokine gene associated with the metabolic syndrome and blood pressure in severe obesity

Clinical Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A previous expression profiling of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) revealed that the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) gene was less expressed in severely obese men with (n=7) vs. without (n=7) the metabolic syndrome (MS). We hypothesized that TSLP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with TSLP gene expression in VAT and with MS phenotypes. Following validation of lower TSLP expression (p=0.003) in VAT of severely obese men and women with (n=70) vs. without (n=60) MS, a detailed genetic investigation was performed at the TSLP locus by sequencing its promoter, exons and intron-exon splicing boundaries using DNA of 25 severely obese subjects. Five tagging SNPs were genotyped in the 130 subjects from the expression analysis to test whether these SNPs contributed to TSLP expre...

Purple Potatoes Lower Blood Pressure in Overweight People

WebMD Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

When overweight people included two servings of purple potatoes a day in their diet for a month, they not only reduced their blood pressure, but they also didn't gain weight in the process, a small study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)

Subcutaneous adipose tissue fatty acid desaturation in adults with and without rare adipose disorders

Lipids in Health and Disease — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The positive associations between the DIs and measures of adiposity (BMI and percent body fat) support increased desaturase activity in obesity. The lower vaccenic/stearic DI in DD SAT compared with Controls suggests presence of other factors involved in fat accumulation in addition to lifestyle. Other mechanisms driving fat accumulation in DD such as inflammation or lymphatic dysfunction should be investigated. (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Digestion animation

About.com Eating Disorders — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Return to Index Step 1: Understanding Morbid Obesity Step 2: The Health Risks of Obesity Step 3: Treatment (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

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Use of glucocorticoids and risk of breast cancer: a Danish population-based case-control study

Breast Cancer Research — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

IntroductionGlucocorticoids are widely prescribed drugs. In the human body, glucocorticoid is the main stress hormone, and controls a variety of physiological and cellular processes, including metabolism and immune response. It belongs to the same steroid superfamily as estrogens, which are known to play a role in breast cancer. However, the effect of glucocorticoid use on the risk of breast cancer is not clear. Methods: We conducted a case-control study using population-based medical databases from Northern Denmark (1.8 million inhabitants) to investigate the association between glucocorticoid prescriptions and breast cancer risk. The study included 9,488 incident breast cancer cases diagnosed between 1994 and 2008 and 94,876 population controls. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95%...

High-fat diets induce changes in hippocampal glutamate metabolism and neurotransmission

AJP: Endocrinology and Metabolism — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Obesity and high-fat (HF) diets have a deleterious impact on hippocampal function and lead to impaired synaptic plasticity and learning deficits. Because all of these processes need an adequate glutamatergic transmission, we have hypothesized that nutritional imbalance triggered by these diets might eventually concern glutamate (Glu) neural pathways within the hippocampus. Glu is withdrawn from excitatory synapses by specific uptake mechanisms involving neuronal (EAAT-3) and glial (GLT-1, GLAST) transporters, which regulate the time that synaptically released Glu remains in the extracellular space and, consequently, the duration and location of postsynaptic receptor activation. The goal of the present study was to evaluate in mouse hippocampus the effect of a short-term high-fat dietary tr...

Multiparity leads to obesity and inflammation in mothers and obesity in male offspring

AJP: Endocrinology and Metabolism — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Multiparity is an independent risk factor for obesity in parous females. In addition to being a health issue for the mother, offspring of multiparous females may also be at risk for obesity later in life. The aim of the current study was to establish a mouse model that mimics the human pathology of multiparity and determine the effects of multiparity-induced obesity (MIO) on offspring in adulthood. C57BL/6 mice were mated and studied when primiparous (1st pregnancy) or multiparous (4th pregnancy). Dams became obese with multiparity, an effect that was independent of the age of the dam. Multiparous dams also had increased markers of inflammation (JNK activation, cytokine expression) in adipose tissue and liver that was greater than inflammation in nulliparous females made obese with a high-...

The anorexigenic cytokine ciliary neurotrophic factor stimulates POMC gene expression via receptors localized in the nucleus of arcuate neurons

AJP: Endocrinology and Metabolism — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a neural cytokine that reduces appetite and body weight when administrated to rodents or humans. We have demonstrated recently that the level of CNTF in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), a key hypothalamic region involved in food intake regulation, is positively correlated with protection against diet-induced obesity. However, the comprehension of the physiological significance of neural CNTF action was still incomplete because CNTF lacks a signal peptide and thus may not be secreted by the classical exocytosis pathways. Knowing that CNTF distribution shares similarities with that of its receptor subunits in the rat ARC, we hypothesized that CNTF could exert a direct intracrine effect in ARC cells. Here, we demonstrate that CNTF, together with its receptor su...

The impact of maternal body mass index on the phenotype of pre‐eclampsia: a prospective cohort study

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Among women with pre‐eclampsia, those who are overweight or obese in early pregnancy are not more likely to have term pre‐eclampsia compared with women with a normal BMI. Overweight and obese women require vigilant surveillance for the development of preterm as well as term pre‐eclampsia. (Source: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

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Prenatal Exposure to Perfluorooctanoate and Risk of Overweight at 20 Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study

EHP-in-Press — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings on low dose developmental exposures to PFOA are in line with experimental results suggesting obesogenic effects in female offspring at 20 years. (Source: EHP-in-Press)

Ligand Selectivity and Activation of GLP-1 Receptor [Protein Structure and Folding]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study may provide critical clues for the development of peptide and/or nonpeptide agonists acting at GLP1R. (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry)

Reduced Adipose Fibrosis in 11{beta}HSD1 Deficiency [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In obesity, rapidly expanding adipose tissue becomes hypoxic, precipitating inflammation, fibrosis, and insulin resistance. Compensatory angiogenesis may prevent these events. Mice lacking the intracellular glucocorticoid-amplifying enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1−/−) have “healthier” adipose tissue distribution and resist metabolic disease with diet-induced obesity. Here we show that adipose tissues of 11βHSD1−/− mice exhibit attenuated hypoxia, induction of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) activation of the TGF-β/Smad3/α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) signaling pathway, and fibrogenesis despite similar fat accretion with diet-induced obesity. Moreover, augmented 11βHSD1−/− adipose tissue angiogenesis is associated with enhanced peroxisome pro...

Trans fat follies in Colorado

Health Facts and Fears — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In a sadly misguided effort, ostensibly intended to curb obesity, Colorado lawmakers are considering a ban on trans-fat in schools. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

U.S. counties with thriving small businesses have healthier residents

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:15:15 +0100

U.S. counties and parishes with a greater concentration of small, locally-owned businesses have healthier populations — with lower rates of mortality, obesity and diabetes — than do those that rely on large companies with “absentee” owners, according to a national study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Matrix metalloproteinases in metabolic syndrome.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:28:42 +0100

Authors: Hopps E, Caimi G Abstract Metabolic syndrome is commonly accompanied by an elevated cardiovascular risk with high morbidity and mortality. The alterations of the arterial vasculature begin with endothelial dysfunction and lead to micro- and macrovascular complications. The remodeling of the endothelial basal membrane, that promotes erosion and thrombosis, has a multifactorial pathogenesis that includes leukocyte activation, increased oxidative stress and also an altered matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression. MMPs are endopeptidases which degrade extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen, gelatins, fibronectin and laminin. They can be secreted by several cells within the vascular wall, but macrophages are determinant in the atherosclerotic plaques. Their activit...

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are favourable to Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists: No.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:27:40 +0100

Authors: Madsbad S Abstract Incretin-based therapies, which include the GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, use the antidiabetic properties of potentiating the GLP-1 receptor signalling via the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion, inhibition of gastric emptying and suppression of appetite. Most physicians will start antidiabetic treatment with metformin, but adding a GLP-1 receptor agonist as the second drug seems to be optimal since more patients will reach an HbA1c below 7% than with a DPP-4 inhibitor or another oral antidiabetic agents and with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia. The GLP-1 receptor agonists are also more effective in weight and systolic blood pressure control than DPP-4 inhibitors. The side effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily nause...

Quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus after a very low calorie diet and exercise.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:27:21 +0100

CONCLUSION: A 16-week VLCD induces considerable weight loss, metabolic amelioration, and major improvements in QoL in obese T2DM patients. The addition of exercise is of paramount importance for the maintenance of better QoL. PMID: 22284244 [PubMed - in process] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

Huge Increase of Calories in Cookbook Recipes

Psychology Today Food and Diet Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:41:21 +0100

By comparing cookbook recipes from 1936 and 2006, this helps us shed light (not weight) on one source of the obesity epidemic. read more (Source: Psychology Today Food and Diet Center)

How Red Wine's Resveratrol Confers Health Benefits

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

Scientists have found out why resveratrol, a chemical naturally found in red wine, grapes, and some other fruit and vegetables, has health benefits, according to an article published in the journal Cell, February 3rd issue. The researchers, from the Laboratory of Obesity and Aging Research at the NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, explain that resveratrol inhibits PDEs (phosphodiesterases), proteins (enzymes) that play a crucial role in cell energy regulation. Resveratrol's molecular formula is C14H12O3... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Impaired superficial femoral artery vasodilation and leg blood flow in young obese women following an oral glucose tolerance test

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:41:57 +0100

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Volume 37, Issue 1, Page 176-183, February 2012. (Source: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism)

The Link Between the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Renal Injury in Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

Current Hypertension Reports — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:54 +0100

This article reviews the role of the RAAS in renal injury seen in obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Hypertension and Metabolic Disarray: Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Resistance, and Obesity (E Reisin, Section Editor)Pages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11906-012-0245-zAuthors Tina Thethi, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., #SL - 53, New Orleans, LA 70112, USAMasumi Kamiyama, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., #SL39/M720, New Orleans, LA 70112, USAHiroyuki Kobori, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., #SL39/M720, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA Journal Current Hypertension ReportsOnline ISSN 1534-3111Print ISSN 1522-6417 (Source: Current Hypertension Reports)

Does parental involvement make a difference in school-based nutrition and physical activity interventions? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

International Journal of Public Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:05 +0100

Conclusions There is a need for more studies comparing school-based interventions with and without a parental component, and dose, strategies and content of parental components of school-based interventions should be better reported in articles. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00038-012-0335-3Authors Wendy Van Lippevelde, Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, BelgiumMaïté Verloigne, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, BelgiumIlse De Bourdeaudhuij, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, BelgiumJohannes Brug, Department of Epidemiology and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsMona Bjelland, D...

Comparable early changes in gastrointestinal hormones after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-En-Y gastric bypass surgery for morbidly obese type 2 diabetic subjects

Surgical Endoscopy — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:07:50 +0100

Conclusions The data show that in a cohort of morbidly obese T2DM subjects, SG and RYGBP are associated with an early improvement in glucose tolerance, similar changes in insulin and glucagon secretion, and a similar GLP-1, GIP, and GLP-2 response to a standardized mixed liquid meal. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00464-012-2166-yAuthors Fabiola Romero, Endocrinology and Diabetes Department, Obesity Unit, Hospital Clinic Universitari, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, SpainJoana Nicolau, Endocrinology and Diabetes Department, Obesity Unit, Hospital Clinic Universitari, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, SpainLílliam Flores, Endocrinology and Diabetes Department, Obesity Unit, Hospital Clinic Universitari, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, SpainRoser ...

Call to 'tax sugar like alcohol'

NHS News Feed — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

This article will be of interest to food scientists, health policy makers and the public alike, but the use of strategies to restrict the consumption of added sugar is complicated and, indeed controversial. The implications of such moves would need to be considered in both medical and societal terms. They would need both medical evidence to support their effectiveness and assurance that the public would accept drastic changes, such as age limits on buying sweets. For example, in recent years, Denmark has imposed taxes on fatty foods, a move that has divided opinions greatly. It is generally accepted that added sugar or excessive sugar consumption is bad for health and dietitians advise restricting sugar intake to the occasional “treat”. However, to what extent sugar is directly to blam...

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Anti-Xa Levels 4 h After Subcutaneous Administration of 5,700 IU Nadroparin Strongly Correlate with Lean Body Weight in Morbidly Obese Patients

Obesity Surgery — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:58:24 +0100

Abstract Background Morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism, especially after surgery. Despite limited evidence, morbidly obese patients are often administered a double dose of nadroparin for thromboprophylaxis compared to non-obese patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different body size descriptors on anti-Xa levels after a double dose of nadroparin (5,700 IU) in morbidly obese patients. Methods In 27 morbidly obese patients with a mean total body weight of 148 kg (range 107–260 kg), anti-Xa levels were determined peri-operatively until 24 h after administration of a subcutaneous dose of 5,700 IU of nadroparin. Results &nbs...

A comparison of the accuracy of self-reported intake with measured intake of a laboratory overeating episode in overweight and obese women with and without binge eating disorder

European Journal of Nutrition — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:57:45 +0100

Conclusions Findings confirm that those with BED consume significantly more than controls during a laboratory binge and controls tended to be more accurate in recalling their intake 24 h later. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0302-zAuthors Lindsay T. Bartholome, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, F282/2A West, 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USARoseann E. Peterson, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USASusan K. Raatz, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USANancy C. Raymond, Department of Psychiatry, University of M...

Accuracy and measures of association of anthropometric indexes of obesity to identify the presence of hypertension in adults: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

European Journal of Nutrition — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:57:43 +0100

Conclusions Anthropometric indexes provide an effective, simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive means for a first-level screening for hypertension. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0314-8Authors Diego Augusto Santos Silva, Programa de Pós Graduação em Educação Física, Centro de Desportos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, Florianópolis, SC CEP 88010-970, BrazilEdio Luiz Petroski, Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, BrazilMarco Aurelio Peres, Post-Graduation Program in Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil Journal European Journal of NutritionOnline ISSN 1436-621...

Great Changes in Store for School Lunches

Pediatric Health Associates — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:10:00 +0100

Childhood obesity is an epidemic and the bottom line is too many American children are overweight! The problem not only stems from unhealthy meal choices at home but in their daily school lunches. Parents struggle with the choice to have their child eat the unhealthy and possibly free lunch at school or pack a lunch in the morning. Packing a lunch in the morning requires more time, more rush and more groceries. If only there was an easier way! From the desk of Kim GubbinsPHA Pediatric Nurse PractitionerThankfully, some changes are underway for the school lunch menus in grades kindergarten through twelfth. A well-balanced, healthy school lunch will soon be possible! Over the next three years a new menu will be mandated that will impact 32 million children. Changes will include only...

Virtual coaches keep overweight people on track

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:20:40 +0100

Source: Eric Wicklund, Healthcare IT News Content: “Overweight people who make use of web-based virtual coaches show more commitment to improving their health than those who don’t, according to a new study by the Center for Connected Health and Massachusetts General Hospital. The study gives added weight to the ability of mobile health tools to change [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

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An Internet-Based Virtual Coach to Promote Physical Activity Adherence in Overweight Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:17:33 +0100

Source: Watson A et al, J Med Internet Res, 14(1) Content: Background: Addressing the obesity epidemic requires the development of effective, scalable interventions. Pedometers and Web-based programs are beneficial in increasing activity levels but might be enhanced by the addition of nonhuman coaching. Objectives: We hypothesized that a virtual coach would increase activity levels, via step count, in [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

Microalbuminuria and Left Ventricular Mass in Overweight and Obese Hypertensive Patients: Role of the Metabolic Syndrome

High Blood Pressure — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:05:41 +0100

(Source: High Blood Pressure)

Healthcare, keep kicking the tires on wellness

mobihealthnews — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:22:25 +0100

This week results from a study conducted in 2008 found their way into a medical journal: Virtual coaches work. According to the study, conducted by researchers at the Center for Connected Health, Northeastern University, and Massachusetts General Hospital overweight people wearing wireless pedometers upped their average activity levels by a significant amount if they checked [...] (Source: mobihealthnews)

Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: update on monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: the role of interleukin (IL)‐1 and an emerging role for cytokines beyond IL‐1

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:18:22 +0100

OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIESAllergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases.SummaryThe disease‐based discovery of the molecular basis for autoinflammatory diseases has led not only to a rapidly growing number of clinically and genetically identifiable disorders, but has unmantled key inflammatory pathways such as the potent role of the alarm cytokine interleukin (IL)‐1 in human disease. Following its initial failures in the treatment of sepsis and the moderate success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, IL‐1 blocking therapies had a renaissance in the treatment of a number of autoinflammatory conditions, and IL‐1 blocking therapies have been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved for the treatmen...

Cardiovascular metabolic syndrome: mediators involved in the pathophysiology from obesity to coronary heart disease

Future Medicine: Biomarkers in Medicine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:44:58 +0100

Biomarkers in Medicine , February 2012, Vol. 6, No. 1, Pages 35-52. (Source: Future Medicine: Biomarkers in Medicine)

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Public Health Burden Could Be Eased By Societal Control Of Sugar

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Sugar should be controlled like alcohol and tobacco to protect public health, according to a team of UCSF researchers, who maintain in a new report that sugar is fueling a global obesity pandemic, contributing to 35 million deaths annually worldwide from non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Non-communicable diseases now pose a greater health burden worldwide than infectious diseases, according to the United Nations. In the United States, 75 percent of health care dollars are spent treating these diseases and their associated disabilities. In the Feb... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Obesity-Related Diseases In Adolescents Improves With Bariatric Surgery Within First Two Years

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Today, about one in five children in the United States are obese. That means that in just one generation alone the number of obese kids in this country has quadrupled. Doctors at Nationwide Children's Hospital who perform weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) on adolescents took a look at their patient population in a retrospective study published in the January 2012 print edition of Pediatric Blood & Cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sugar should be controlled 'like tobacco and alcohol'

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:57:04 +0100

Experts warn sugary foods and drinks are responsible for illnesses including obesity, heart disease, cancer and liver problems. And they claim it contributes to 35million deaths a year worldwide. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Potential Link Between Daily Consumption Of Diet Soft Drinks And Risk Of Vascular Events

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Individuals who drink diet soft drinks on a daily basis may be at increased risk of suffering vascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and vascular death. This is according to a new study by Hannah Gardener and her colleagues from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and at Columbia University Medical Center. However, in contrast, they found that regular soft drink consumption and a more moderate intake of diet soft drinks do not appear to be linked to a higher risk of vascular events... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)