Great Medicaments

As children around the world have gotten fatter, adults have watched with concern. And sometimes acted on their worry by launching school-based programs that have concerned eating disorder professionals even more. Programs such as sending home 'weight report cards,' banning 'junk food' in cafeterias and even classroom birthday parties, limiting vending machines in school, and launching campaigns emphasizing Read the rest of this entry »

As children around the world have gotten fatter, adults have watched with concern. And sometimes acted on their worry by launching school-based programs that have concerned eating disorder professionals even more. Programs such as sending home 'weight report cards,' banning 'junk food' in cafeterias and even classroom birthday parties, limiting vending machines in school, and launching campaigns emphasizing Read the rest of this entry »

German scientists carrying out research on mice have shown how the FTO gene (which has been associated with obesity for some time) might cause people to become fat.

Reuters reported that the scientists found that mice with an inactive FTO gene (sometimes dubbed the “obesity gene”):

…did not become obese and had less fat tissue overall because they burned off more calories even though they moved less and ate more.

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A recent study the effect of arginine, an amino acid, on the reduction of fat in obese rats may hold some promise for helping people lose weight and fight obesity.

“Given the current epidemic of obesity in the U.S. and worldwide, our finding is very important,” said Dr. Guoyao Wu, an AgriLife Research animal nutritionist in College Station and Senior Faculty Fellow in the department of animal science at Read the rest of this entry »

A recent study the effect of arginine, an amino acid, on the reduction of fat in obese rats may hold some promise for helping people lose weight and fight obesity.

“Given the current epidemic of obesity in the U.S. and worldwide, our finding is very important,” said Dr. Guoyao Wu, an AgriLife Research animal nutritionist in College Station and Senior Faculty Fellow in the department of animal science at Read the rest of this entry »

A survey of 32,000 people suggests that more and more Americans are suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure – many struggling with several at a time.

Between 1996 and 2005, the average annual cost of medical expenses not covered by health insurance rose from $427 per American in 1996 to $741 in 2005.

The survey, carried out by Social & Scientific Systems Inc. and reported on here Read the rest of this entry »

It is well known that many people with type 2 diabetes(anywhere from 30-50%) suffer from obstructive sleep apnea(OSA),but there is also a potential cardiovascular and other health risks associated with the disorder. Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway temporarily collapses while you sleep and you stop breathing (apnea) for as much as ten seconds or more. Read the rest of this entry »

It is well known that many people with type 2 diabetes(anywhere from 30-50%) suffer from obstructive sleep apnea(OSA),but there is also a potential cardiovascular and other health risks associated with the disorder. Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your upper airway temporarily collapses while you sleep and you stop breathing (apnea) for as much as ten seconds or more. Read the rest of this entry »

Globesity… The term really resonated with me the first time I heard it. In the past few years, there has been a focus on previously lean nations getting heavy at an alarming rate. China is a particular concern, due to its large population and its recent economic boom – skyrocketing the number of overweight/obese residents to 30% (CDC China). Things are on pace to get pretty bad.

The government appears Read the rest of this entry »

Researchers in the UK have found that most obese adolescents gained much of their weight before they were five.

A study carried out by Professor Terry Wilkin of the Peninsula Medical School (due to be published in the journal Pediatrics) found obese children and teens gain most of their excess weight before they reach school age – suggesting that factors in the home environment play a heavy role in childhood obesity.

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