Weight Loss Surgery Channel

Dr. David Provost Visits India to Teach Latest Bariatric Surgery Techniques

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:32:14 +0000

Dr. David Provost, faculty advisor for the Weight Loss Surgery Channel and ASMBS Executive Council member, last week traveled to Hyderabad, India to educate local surgeons on the latest bariatric procedures. As a featured presenter, Dr. Provost performed four sleeve gastrectomy surgeries and one gastric bypass revision surgery.

‘Biggest Loser’ Winner Shows Off Tummy Tuck

admin — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:57:24 +0000

Biggest Loser winner Olivia Ward opted for a tummy tuck to remove excess skin after shedding 116 pounds. See her journey and dramatic transformation. Weight loss surgery patients often face the curse of excess skin after the blessing of overcoming obesity following their bariatric procedure. For many, the loose folds of skin hanging from their stomach, [...]

UK Quietly Disbands Government Obesity Panel

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:08:35 +0000

Obesity rates continue to rise across the UK at a startling pace, so why did government leaders disband the panel tasked with tackling obesity in Britain? Ministers from Britain’s Department of Health are coming under scrutiny after disbanding an advisory group initially formed to address the obesity crisis in the UK. “Ministers were more inclined to involve [...]

Obesity Increases Risk of Injury

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:20:10 +0000

Obesity raises the odds of injury at home and at work, and also slows recovery time, according to a recent study. Comedian Chris Farley was well-known for his characters’ ham-fisted antics and pratfalls, but the dangers of physical clumsiness represent a real burden for those who struggle with obesity, new research shows. Being obese increases the risk [...]

WLS Success: Separating Head Hunger from Physical Hunger

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:35:25 +0000

WLS patients often have to break the lifelong habit of emotional eating and relearn what it really means to be physically hungry. Bariatric Physician Assistant Chrystyna Senkel explains how. Weight loss surgery not only limits the amount of food that you can eat, but also brings about temporary hormonal changes that stave off physical hunger. [...]

Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Eating

admin — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:28:02 +0000

Emotional eating is often a root cause of obesity. Learn how to break the cycle of emotional eating and develop healthy new habits after weight loss surgery.

Obesity Can Be Predicted in Infants, Study Shows

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:34:06 +0000

The risk of obesity can be recognized from infancy, according to new research findings, which point to two key milestones on doctors’ growth charts. Babies that passed two key milestones on growth charts by age two have twice the risk of childhood obesity compared to infants that grow at a slower rate, a new study shows. [...]

Exercise May Counteract Obesity Gene

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:22:39 +0000

Regular, moderate physical activity can curb the impact of the obesity gene, a new study shows. People who are genetically predisposed to obesity can reduce their risk by engaging in regular exercise, according to recent study findings. Researchers at the Genetic Aetiology of Obesity Programme at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, England, analyzed data from 45 prior studies [...]

Flu Shot Less Effective for Obese Individuals

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:04:00 +0000

Flu season is upon us, but preventative flu shots may be ineffectual for people who are obese, according to a new study. Overweight and obese individuals may face a higher risk of serious illness if they get the flu, according to a recent report published online in the International Journal of Obesity. What’s more, the [...]

CMS Considers Medicare Coverage for Gastric Sleeve

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:28:05 +0000

Gastric sleeve surgery soon may be covered by Medicare, following a review of public comments demonstrating evidence of the procedure’s effectiveness for the treatment of obesity. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) soon will begin its review of public comments on a proposal to cover gastric sleeve surgery for Medicare patients suffering from morbid [...]

Weight Loss Clinics Offering HCG Diet Under Scrutiny

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 06:13:52 +0000

Weight loss clinics in Texas are now forbidden from marketing the HCG Diet, following action by the state Attorney General’s Office. The HCG Diet, a weight loss program that requires participants to receive injections of the prescription hormone chorionic gonadatropin (HCG) while eating a scant 500 calories a day, may be on the way out in [...]

Healthy Fats Regaining Popularity with Consumers

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:03:19 +0000

Consumers are opting for natural, healthy fats over processed low-fat and non-fat foods, according to a new market industry report. After years of following the low-fat and fat-free food trend, American shoppers are returning to healthy fats that are actually good for you, a recent food industry study reveals. The change of direction is a result [...]

Pill to Cure Obesity Closer to Reality

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:26:01 +0000

A weight loss pill designed to resolve obesity may be closer to becoming reality in light of recent research that reveals how the body develops resistance to the hormone leptin. Researchers at Australia’s Monash University, together with colleagues in the U.S., have a new understanding of how the body develops a resistance to leptin, a hormone [...]

Gastric Bypass Surgery Benefits Endure for Diabetes Patients

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:03:48 +0000

Gastric bypass surgery delivers long-term benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study that followed bariatric patients over a six-year period. A long-term study of 1,156 morbidly obese patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery shows that they maintained their weight loss and improved cardiovascular and metabolic measures in comparison to severely obese [...]

Weight Loss Surgery Improves Heart Health

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:42:14 +0000

Weight loss surgery can resolve high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a review of three medical studies that underscored the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery. The ten-year risk of having a heart attack was reduced from more than six percent to less than four percent after weight loss surgery, according [...]

Obesity Increases Health Risks for Teenage Girls

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:20:04 +0000

Obesity is more harmful to the health of teenage girls, who have a three-fold higher risk of high blood pressure and increased risk of a future heart attack or stroke, according to a new study. Teenage girls who are obese are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than their non-obese peers, according to [...]

Obese People Should Take Personal Responsibility, British Govt Says

admin — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:42:36 +0000

Obese people need to be more honest about how much they eat and drink, say British ministers in reference to a new government initiative to curb England’s obesity rate. The crux of a new strategy introduced by British governmental leaders aimed at curbing obesity is for obese people to take personal responsibility for their eating habits. Rather [...]

Obese People Have Slower Fat Turnover

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:25:18 +0000

Obese people have a slower turnover rate for the fat in their body than average weight individuals, new research shows, making it harder for them to shed excess pounds. Fat is replaced at a slower rate in people who struggle with obesity than in people of an average weight, according to a global team of researchers, [...]

Weight Loss Surgery Patients Rarely Have Excess Skin Removed

admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:00:38 +0000

Weight loss surgery patients often suffer from the discomfort and embarrassment of excess skin after shedding a lot of weight. Even so, the majority do not have body contouring surgery to address the issue, a recent poll shows. Only 12 percent of weight loss surgery patients have body contouring surgery after losing excess weight, according to [...]

Obesity Top Concern for Parents

admin — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:00:12 +0000

Obesity ranks as high as drug abuse on the list of parents' concerns in the U.S., according to a national poll.

Leaner Kids Have More ‘Good’ Fat

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:00:56 +0000

Children with active brown fat tend to be leaner according to a recent study, indicating the ‘good’ fat may play a role in regulating metabolism. Brown fat, a type of ‘good’ fat tissue prevalent in babies and young children, may affect the metabolism, energy, and weight regulation for children as they mature, according to a [...]

Obesity at 25 Tied to Shorter Lifespan

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:43:22 +0000

Obesity during young adulthood significantly increases the risk of early death, research shows, demonstrating the need to watch your weight from an early age. Individuals who are overweight in their mid-20s may have a shorter lifespan, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Obesity rates in the U.S. have risen steadily [...]

Obesity Counseling Should Address the Brain, Not the Food

admin — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:16:15 +0000

Obesity can be better managed by addressing environmental cues and neurological triggers rather than nutrition counseling, researchers say. Telling patients to use sheer willpower and make smarter food choices is not an effective means of treating obesity, according to a team of researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Rather, obesity counseling should focus on [...]

Weight Loss Secret Revealed: Chew More to Eat Less

admin — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 06:00:57 +0000

Weight loss may be as simple as chewing your food, which research shows lead people to consume fewer calories. But is a meal chewed to mush still appetizing? Your mother always said to chew your food so you wouldn’t choke, but she may not have realized she was passing along a weight loss tip, as [...]

Weight Loss Surgery Patients Benefit from Rigorous Exercise

admin — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:03:52 +0000

Weight loss surgery patients often lose a pound a day after their procedure and may be disinclined to exercise as a result. But rigorous exercise can promote faster weight loss and significantly improve quality of life, a new study shows. Pre- and post-operative bariatric patients may be tempted to refrain from exercise after weight loss [...]

Want to Prevent Belly Fat? Eat More Fiber

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:00:31 +0000

People who eat more soluble fiber have healthier bodies, maintain a slimmer physique, and have less risk of chronic illness, new research shows. An apple a day may not only keep the doctor away, but may also help your jeans fit better, according to a new study. Recent findings show that the soluble fiber [...]

Weight Loss Surgery More Effective in Less Obese Patients

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 06:00:49 +0000

Weight loss surgery can be more effective in patients who are less obese, leading to greater weight loss and a 100 percent rate of remission from type 2 diabetes, a recent study shows. According to a recent study by researchers at Stanford University, weight loss surgery can be more effective when performed on patients who have [...]

Fat Substitutes Could Cause Obesity

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:00:14 +0000

Fat substitutes may backfire for people looking to lose weight, and instead set off a chain reaction of metabolic and hormonal responses that lead to obesity, new research shows. Synthetic fat substitutes can actually lead to obesity, according to a recent study published in the American Psychiatric Association’s journal Behavioral Neuroscience. Tests performed on laboratory rats [...]

Obesity Cuts Lifespan for Non-Smoking Women

admin — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 06:00:16 +0000

Obese women who do not smoke, especially those in low income groups, are susceptible to premature death from heart disease and cancer, new research shows. It is well known that smoking is a direct cause of extreme health issues, such as lung cancer and heart disease, which can lead to premature death. Now, results of a [...]

Diet Sodas Linked to Increased Obesity, Diabetes

admin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:08:43 +0000

Obesity risk increases for every can of diet soda consumed per day, say researchers, and artificial sweeteners may contribute to the growing rate of diabetes. Although intended to help consumers keep a sleek physique, diet sodas actually foster weight gain, according to a new study. The research stemmed from a long-term study tracking the health of [...]

WLS Journeys – Guest Monica Martin

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:00:38 +0000

Hurricane Katrina victim Monica Martin is not much of a victim after all, having reinvented herself as a successful plus-size model after weight loss surgery. Hear how Monica's extreme weight jeopardized her pregnancy, and how she overcame struggles and self-doubt to achieve true happiness.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: What You Should Know

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:30:35 +0000

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), also referred to as the gastric sleeve procedure, is gaining popularity as a viable weight loss surgery solution. Learn the risks and benefits of this bariatric procedure, and how results compare to the gastric bypass and Lap-Band.

Weight Loss Surgery Doesn’t Help Older Men Live Longer

admin — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:01:20 +0000

Weight loss surgery may not extend the life expectancy of older men, and mortality rates following surgery may be higher for this demographic, a new study shows. A study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that weight loss surgery does not improve longevity in older men. Prior studies found [...]

Anti-Obesity Vaccine Shows Positive Results

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:00:48 +0000

Obesity could be treatable with a vaccine designed to suppress an appetite-inducing hormone, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Porto in Portugal have developed a vaccine that fights obesity by suppressing the hormone ghrelin, which is an appetite stimulant. “An anti-ghrelin vaccine may become an alternate treatment for obesity, to be used in [...]

High Fat Diet Could Damage Your Brain

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:51:21 +0000

High fat diets may be linked to brain damage, according to a new study. Findings indicated that consuming a diet high in fat not only damaged neurons in laboratory rodents, but also triggered greater food consumption and ongoing weight gain. Research findings presented at the 93rd Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society last week in Boston indicate [...]

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admin — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:57:44 +0000

Too Fat? Your ‘Thrifty’ Gene May Be to Blame

admin — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 06:10:35 +0000

People who struggle with weight issues could have their ancestors to blame. Scientists have identified a “thrifty” gene that helps the body store fat and can cause someone to gain weight, even when following a healthy diet. A new study has found that a “thrifty” gene that once helped our ancestors survive famines could be to [...]

Obesity Rates Consistent Across Income Levels

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 21:10:07 +0000

Obesity rates increased for children and adults across all income levels over a period of 20 years, according to two recent government reports. Two new reports released by the U. S. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) show that the obesity epidemic is spread across the economic spectrum. The NCHS reports compared data on obesity rates from [...]

Obesity Affects Wealthy in Poorer Countries, Poor in Wealthy Nations

admin — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 22:35:56 +0000

Obesity rates are higher among lower-income groups in the United States, but in developing nations, wealthier citizens are the ones with excess weight. Developed nations have seen an upsurge in the rates of obesity over the past 40 years, with poorer populations experiencing the greatest impact. Now, the obesity epidemic has spread to developing countries, as [...]

Fat-Busting Research Could Help Whittle Waistlines

admin — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:18:51 +0000

Fat cells have a maximum load they can withstand. Exceed it—through pressure or vibration—and the cells disintegrate, research shows. Fat responds to mechanical loads in the same way as muscle or bone, say researchers from Tel Aviv University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. Their findings could help scientists develop new technologies to beat the battle of [...]

Weight Loss Surgery Saves Sabrina Kershaw’s Life

admin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:00:41 +0000

Sabrina Kershaw had a family history of obesity and relied on food as an emotional crutch. Her food addiction and other factors eventually pushed her weight to 270. At age 40, she finally made a change.

Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

admin — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:00:31 +0000

For many Americans, the holidays are filled with high-calorie fare. Here are a few smart strategies to keep your waistline in check through the final weeks of 2010, so you can start the New Year with a positive outlook.

Military Recruits Too Fat to Fight

admin — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:00:25 +0000

Military recruits are increasingly rejected for the armed forces because they are overweight or obese, putting America’s national defense at risk. A growing number of military hopefuls are being deemed too fat to fight for their country. A team of researchers at Cornell University looked at data from 2007 to 2008 and found that 5.7 million American [...]

Obesity Costs Twice as Much

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:00:54 +0000

Obesity has twice the impact on our nation’s health care expenses than previously estimated, new research shows. As politicians and pundits debate the repeal of President Obama’s health care plan, a new study shows that the treatment of obesity could fall under greater scrutiny when the legislation takes effect. The reason? Medical costs related to obesity [...]

Obesity Driving Increase in Arthritis Cases

admin — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:35:59 +0000

Obesity could lead to a significant increase in people suffering from arthritis in the U.S. over the next two decades, according to a new study. Doctors warn that unless Americans can learn to better control their weight, the number of people suffering from arthritis will continue to rise. A new study reports that 50 million Americans have [...]

Weight Loss Surgery Increases Suicide Risk

admin — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:23:56 +0000

Weight loss surgery can reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases, like type 2 diabetes, but it may increase the risk of suicide, a new study shows. A new study finds that people who are severely obese and undergo weight loss surgery could have a higher risk of suicide in the years following the surgery. Researchers from the [...]

Nick Jonas to Help Fight Obesity

admin — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 21:05:46 +0000

Nick Jonas is joining first lady Michelle Obama in the battle against obesity, Disney recently announced. Actor, musician and teen heartthrob Nick Jonas is joining the anti-obesity campaign, according to Disney, with hopes that his celebrity status will help fans make healthy choices. The 18-year-old member of the Jonas Brothers will star in a series of public [...]

Seeing More Food as Less May Drive Obesity

admin — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:00:52 +0000

In the battle of the bulge, how we see food may be the cause of our nation’s obesity epidemic. The issue? We tend to underestimate the calories on our plate. A new study finds that our eyes can play tricks on us when it comes to counting calories. According to the findings, people think if they [...]

Childhood Obesity Linked to Cold Virus

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 07:20:16 +0000

Childhood obesity may increase the risk of the common cold, according to a new study that found children with the cold antibodies were markedly heavier. Childhood obesity could be linked to a certain strain of the cold virus, new research shows. Researchers found that children who were infected by adenovirus-36 (AD 36), the virus that causes [...]

Battling Obesity with Brain Surgery

admin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:00:07 +0000

Obesity treatments range from physician-supervised diet and exercise programs to bariatric surgery. Now, a team of neurosurgeons is trying a different approach by stimulating the brain. Many people have tried virtually everything to lose weight, from exercise programs to countless diets, supplements and even weight loss surgery. Now, a group of doctors is taking a revolutionary [...]

High Fructose Corn Syrup Tries to Sweeten Its Image

admin — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:00:52 +0000

High fructose corn syrup has a bad reputation as a potential cause of obesity in America. Now manufacturers are hoping a name change will revamp its image. As the American consumption of high fructose corn syrup has hit an all time low, producers of corn syrup are worried that people are becoming more concerned with its [...]

Obesity Linked to Chronic Social Stress

admin — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 06:00:35 +0000

Obesity and excess belly fat can be brought on by daily stresses, like pressure at work or prolonged financial struggles, experts say. A new study out of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine claims that everyday stresses can lead to changes in metabolism that can contribute to obesity in the long run. Researchers in the departments [...]

Weight Loss Pill Raises Risk of Heart Attack

admin — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 07:00:48 +0000

The weight loss pill Meridia may increase the risk of heart attacks, according to a company-sponsored study, and is set for review by the FDA next week. New research indicates that Meridia, a weight loss pill manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, may increase the risk of heart attacks, prompting consumer advocates to call for the drug to [...]

Exercise Can Counteract Obesity Genes

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:00:48 +0000

Obesity is often genetic, but a new study shows that maintaining an active lifestyle and getting regular exercise can trump DNA in the battle of the bulge. A new study finds that people with the obesity gene can offset their risk of obesity by maintaining a physically active lifestyle. The study, conducted by the Medical Research Council [...]

Aging Overweight Women Need More Exercise to Maintain Weight

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:00:49 +0000

Overweight women who are past menopause have a harder time keeping off extra pounds than their thinner counterparts, research shows. A new study conducted by Harvard Medical School finds that more exercise may be needed for overweight women to shed unwanted pounds than previously thought. Researchers analyzed the data of 34,079 women who were a part of [...]

Short-term Overeating Could Have Long-term Effects

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:13 +0000

Overeating for just a few weeks could have lasting health consequences. In a new study, participants continued to pack on fat even after returning to a healthy diet. A new study claims that even short-term overeating could be costly in the battle of the bulge. New research out of Sweden suggests that eating unhealthy for just one [...]

Drinking Water Can Promote Weight Loss

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:50:05 +0000

Drinking two glasses of water before each meal could help you shed excess pounds, according to a new study. A new report out of Virginia Tech finds that adults who drink two cups of water prior to each meal not only consume fewer calories, but also lose more weight than those who don’t fill up on [...]

Obese Girls Hitting Puberty Younger

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:00:12 +0000

Obese girls as young as seven years old are demonstrating signs of early puberty, a recent study shows, which could pose future health risks. American girls are hitting puberty earlier than ever before and obesity could be the main reason, according to a new report. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, assessed more than 1,200 girls [...]

Obesity-Related Health Issues More Prevalent after 40

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:00:09 +0000

Obesity has been linked to health conditions ranging from high blood pressure to type 2 diabetes, but the effects may not manifest until after age 40. A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity indicates that the effects of obesity may not become apparent until after age 40. The study analyzed medications taken by nearly [...]

Large Waist Increases Death Risk

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:00:18 +0000

A large waist can not only make finding well-fitting jeans a challenge, but can also shorten one’s lifespan, researchers say. People who have a large waist circumference have a higher mortality rate than those with a smaller waist, according to a new study. The study, published earlier this month in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that [...]

Obesity Rates Still on the Rise

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:04 +0000

The rates of obesity and obesity-related diseases among Americans continue to increase, in spite of multifaceted efforts to address the epidemic. Despite efforts on the part of state and federal government and countless private organizations to help our nation slim down, the obesity epidemic shows no signs of slowing. In fact, a new government study shows [...]

School Lunches Will Soon be Healthier

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:00:16 +0000

School lunches are getting a gourmet makeover, thanks to new federal legislation aimed at curbing the growing childhood obesity trend. With the number of obese children and teens on the rise, the demand for healthier food options in the lunch room has received a lot of attention in recent years. First lady Michelle Obama has even [...]

Department Store Debuts Plus-Sized School Uniforms

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:00:08 +0000

Marks and Spencer recently launched a new line of school uniforms geared toward overweight and obese children as young as three. A leading British department store has embraced the nation’s growing trend of childhood obesity by introducing a plus-sized line of school uniforms for children ages 3 to 16. The clothes are being distributed by retailer Marks [...]

Obesity During Pregnancy an Epidemic

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:41 +0000

Obesity among women who are pregnant is increasingly prevalent in England, reaching levels that have some health experts calling it an epidemic. Women commonly gain excess weight during pregnancy, but going into pregnancy obese poses health risks for both the mother and her unborn child. In the UK, almost 50 percent of pregnant women are overweight or [...]

Obesity at 20 Can Curtail Longevity

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:38 +0000

Obesity can cause serious health issues at any age, but for men in their 20s, it can mean a shorter life. Men who are obese at age 20 are twice as likely to die young, according to a new study presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Stockholm, Sweden. Researchers examined health factors for close to [...]

Obesity Linked to Poor Memory in Older Women

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:46:53 +0000

Obesity can affect cognitive function in post-menopausal women, according to a new study, which shows a correlation between brain health and body mass index. The more an older woman weighs, the worse her memory becomes, according to a new study out of Northwestern University. The study included 8,745 women from the Women’s Health Initiative ages 65 to [...]

Neck Circumference an Accurate Measure of Obesity in Kids

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:37:06 +0000

Measuring a child’s neck circumference is more accurate than body mass index to determine whether a child is overweight or obese, a new study shows. Researchers from the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital found that measuring a child’s neck circumference can be a more reliable method of determining whether a child is overweight or obese [...]

Obese Children at Higher Risk for Disease

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:38 +0000

Obese children are much more likely to develop a form of acid reflux known as GERD, which can cause heartburn and be a precursor to esophageal cancer. Children who are obese are at a higher risk for developing a painful digestive disease called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to new research from Kaiser Permanente in California. GERD [...]

New Weight Loss Drug Shows Promise

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:00:44 +0000

A new weight loss drug by Arena Pharmaceuticals shows promising results in clinical trials, and could hit store shelves by early next year. Arena Pharmaceuticals has reached a deal with Japan’s Eisai Inc. possibly worth more than $1 billion to fund commercialization of a new weight loss drug that could be on the market by early [...]

Waiting Period for Weight Loss Surgery Ineffective, Experts Say

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:00:37 +0000

Insurance carriers often mandate waiting periods of six months or more for would-be weight loss surgery patients, but a new study says this is wasted time. The mandatory waiting period of six months imposed by some insurance companies between the time of approval and the time of surgery is useless, a new study says. The common belief [...]

Weight Loss Surgery Most Effective with a Relative

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:00:27 +0000

Weight loss surgery is more effective when done with a spouse or relative, according to a new study. A new study released at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery last month found that patients who have weight loss surgery as the same time as a family member are more likely [...]

Jamie Oliver Dissed by UK Health Minister

admin — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:00:38 +0000

Jamie Oliver, celebrity chef and outspoken advocate against childhood obesity, had little luck winning over the new UK health minister in his campaign to improve school lunches. The UK’s new health minister recently dismissed television chef Jamie Oliver’s ongoing attempts to improve school lunches and tackle the childhood obesity epidemic by providing more nutritious options for [...]

‘Huge’ is a Big Hit with Viewers

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:20:31 +0000

Huge, a new drama on ABC Family, drew 2.5 million viewers for its debut this week, indicating the fat-friendly series may have a bright future. A new show on ABC Family aims to foster acceptance of those who are overweight and obese through characters who are comfortable with their body image. Huge is based around a [...]

Obesity, Weight Gain Increase Diabetes Risk after 50

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:00:02 +0000

Obesity and weight gain dramatically increase the chances of developing diabetes for senior citizens, a new study shows. Gaining weight after age 50 can increase the risk of developing diabetes, a new study suggests. Researchers from the University of Washington followed a group of more than 4,000 seniors age 65 and older for over 12 years to [...]

Obesity Doesn’t Always Increase Heart Disease Risk

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:00:39 +0000

Obesity does not impact the risk of cardiovascular disease for individuals without other risk factors, a Dutch study suggests. Research has long shown that carrying excess weight can increase your risk of various health conditions, including heart disease. However, a new study shows that the risk of cardiovascular disease is not any higher for obese individuals [...]

Junk Food Shills: Cartoon Characters Appeal to Young Kids

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:00:48 +0000

Junk food with cartoon characters on the packaging tastes better in the minds of young children, according to a new survey. Kids think junk food with cartoon characters on the packaging taste better, a new study found. Researchers at Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity tested 40 children ages 4 to 6 and found [...]

Exercise Rates Up, But Americans Still Obese

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:00:27 +0000

Exercise rates are up, but the rate of obesity is staying the same, according to new government data. More Americans are getting regular physical activity, but the increase in exercise rates has yet to have an impact on our nation’s obesity trend, according to a recent government report. A survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control [...]

Depression Can Cause Obesity, Say Researchers

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:15:19 +0000

Depression often causes lethargy and emotional eating, which can lead to excess belly fat and also to obesity, researchers say. New research from the University of Alabama supports the theory that being depressed can make you pack on the pounds. According to the study, young adults who reported feeling depressed or displayed symptoms of depression gained more [...]

Cataract Risk Reduced with Healthy Diet

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:09:26 +0000

Cataract surgery accounts for nearly 60 percent of vision-related Medicare expenditures, but a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cataracts for women, a new study shows. Eating healthy, more nutritious meals and cutting out fatty and salty foods can lower a woman’s risk of developing cataracts, according to researchers. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness [...]

Obesity Can Hinder Sexual Health, Study Shows

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:00:19 +0000

Obesity can put a damper on your sex life, suggests a new study, which points to issues ranging from impotence to an increased risk of STDs. Obesity can have a negative impact on sexual health for both men and women, a team of French and British researchers reports in a new study. Researchers surveyed the sexual [...]

Obesity Named This Century’s Greatest Health Threat

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:40:58 +0000

Obesity is “the single greatest threat to public health in this century,” declares a report by a 13-member panel of national nutrition and health experts. A panel of medical experts is calling obesity the greatest health threat of the century. An advisory panel of 13 nutrition and health specialists recently finalized the government’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for [...]

To Burn Fat, Forego Food Before You Work Out

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:00:18 +0000

To burn more fat when training, don’t eat before you exercise, researchers say. Others recommend a small snack to avoid injury. A recent study found that cyclists who exercised without eating beforehand burned considerably more fat than cyclists who ate prior to training. Researchers at the University of Birmingham and elsewhere monitored outcomes for 14 study subjects [...]

Chocolate-flavored Toddler Formula Pulled from Shelves

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:00:16 +0000

A chocolate-flavored formula geared toward toddlers was pulled after an uproar from parents and nutritionists claiming that sugar-laden flavorings are feeding the childhood obesity epidemic. Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. promised to discontinue a chocolate-flavored formula after numerous complaints from parents and nutritionists. The manufacturer claims that its Enfagrow Premium product contains additives that boost growth, brain development, [...]

Chefs Adopt Schools to Combat Childhood Obesity

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:00:43 +0000

Professional chefs across the country are joining first lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to end childhood obesity by educating kids on smart food choices. First lady Michelle Obama recently recruited the help of professional chefs to fight the childhood obesity epidemic by making school food healthier and tastier. More than 500 chefs from around the country, including celebrity [...]

Children of Battered Moms More Often Obese

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:00:11 +0000

Women who are victims of domestic violence are more likely to have obese preschoolers, a new study shows, indicating an unexpected cause of childhood obesity. A new study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that children of battered mothers were more likely to be obese when compared to children whose mothers come [...]

New Weight Management Center Takes Multidisciplinary Approach

admin — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:00:22 +0000

A team of weight management specialists is expanding treatment options for people who cannot qualify for weight loss surgery, as well as bariatric patients who have gained back the weight. Thousands of Americans who struggle with obesity cannot qualify for weight loss surgery, either because it is not covered by their insurance carrier or they [...]

Trans Fat on the Outs with Food Companies

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:00:46 +0000

Trans fats, those partially hydrogenated oils that raise bad cholesterol, are no longer popular with restaurants and supermarkets, a new study says. Health-conscious consumers often worry that restaurants swap trans fats in products with other high-fat alternatives; however, a new study claims those fears can be put to rest. A Harvard researcher and a consumer advocacy group [...]

Fat Free Milk Promotes Weight Loss after Workout

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:12 +0000

Fat free milk is a smart choice to cool down after a workout because it promotes muscle growth and weight loss, a new study shows. Women who are trying to get in shape and muscle up may be tempted to down protein drinks after their workout. However, a new study shows that women may have [...]

Obesity Linked to Asthma in Latest Study

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:25:43 +0000

Obesity often underlies other serious medical conditions. Now a new study shows obesity can more than double the risk of asthma. A new study conducted by the Palo Alto Medical Research Institute confirms a connection between asthma and obesity. Researchers led by Dr. Jun Ma examined about 4,500 men and women from the 2005-2006 National Health [...]

Binge Eating a Psychiatric Disorder, Obesity is Not

admin — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:50:51 +0000

Binge eating should be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but obesity should not, says a group of medical experts. A group of medical experts is recommending that binge eating be included as an official psychiatric disorder in new mental health guidelines; however, obesity should not. At the annual meeting of the American [...]

Cash is King for Promoting Weight Loss in the Workplace

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 06:00:17 +0000

Employers are introducing new incentives to help workers shed excess pounds, including vacations, lower insurance premiums and cash prizes for weight loss. One third of U.S. companies offer financial incentives, or have them in the works, to help their employees trim down and get healthy. The new trend has other businesses taking note. “There’s been an [...]

Obesity is an Economic Issue at the Supermarket

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:00:01 +0000

Obesity has been linked to everything from genetics to junk food, but a new study indicates that economic status is a key factor in what’s making people fat. The number of obese grocery shoppers is ten times higher at less expensive grocery stores than at pricier markets, according to a new study. Researchers say these findings [...]

Obesity Awareness Campaign Aims to Eliminate Stigma

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 06:00:03 +0000

Obesity can be overcome if individuals take action to share their stories and promote acceptance of treatment options, suggests a new public awareness campaign. A new online campaign to combat our nation’s rising obesity rate is aimed at empowering people to become advocates at their computers. Sponsored by Allergan Inc., the makers of the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric [...]

Belly Fat: Why Men and Women Store Fat Differently

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 06:00:34 +0000

Belly fat tends to affect men more than women, who generally get wider in the hips when they gain weight. Now, a new study reveals the reason why. The reason why men store fat in their midsection and women pack on the pounds in their hips may finally be clear. The fat tissue in women and [...]

Diabetes Risk Reduced with Moderate Alcohol Consumption

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:33:34 +0000

Diabetes affects 26 million adult Americans, and rates continue to rise. Now, a new study shows that a couple of drinks a day could minimize the risk of the disease. Two drinks a day can keep the risk of diabetes away, according to a new study from the National Institute for Public Health and Environment and [...]

Weight Loss Surgery Non-Profit Helping to Pay for Procedures

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 06:00:31 +0000

Weight loss surgery can be prohibitively costly when not covered by insurance. Now, a new non-profit group is giving away grant money to help people in need afford the life-saving procedure. A group of individuals from the weight loss surgery community have formed a new non-profit organization to help people who are morbidly obese but [...]

Kids with Working Mothers More Apt to be Overweight

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 06:00:16 +0000

Childhood obesity is driven by many factors and now researchers have added a new one to the list: whether mom has a job. Children who have working mothers are more likely to be overweight, new research shows. A recent study from University College London analyzed the weights of more than 8,500 seven-year-olds in 1965 then repeated [...]

Biggest Loser Breaks Weight-Loss Record

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:30:53 +0000

Biggest Loser winner Mike Ventrella lost a whopping 50.19 percent of his body weight during season nine, dropping 264 pounds to break the show’s weight loss record. After months of suffering through low-cal meals, high-octane screaming matches, and backbreaking workouts, the final three contestants weighed in for the season nine finale of The Biggest Loser. The [...]

High-Fat Foods Could Trigger Asthma

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:00:55 +0000

A high-fat diet not only increases the risk of heart disease, but could also affect lung function, according to a new study. That bucket of fried chicken can do more than add to your waistline — it could trigger an asthma attack, according to a new study that suggests fatty meals may affect lung function. Researchers from [...]

Belly Fat Linked to Alzheimer’s in New Study

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:00:31 +0000

Belly fat could cause a loss of volume in the brain and increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, according to a new study. That spare tire around your midriff could affect your brain function later in life, according to a new study by researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine. Scientists performed CT scans of [...]