Childhood Obesity
News Articles on the Web
Obesity news courtesy of Science Daily News
New evidence that fat cells are not just dormant storage depots for calories ... read more
September 2, 2010
Scientists are reporting new evidence that the fat tissue in those lower belly pooches -- far from being a dormant storage depot for surplus calories -- is an active organ that sends chemical signals to other parts of the body, perhaps increasing the risk of heart attacks, cancer, and other diseases. They are reporting discovery of 20 new hormones and other substances not previously known to be secreted into the blood by human fat cells and verification that fat secretes dozens of hormones and other chemical messengers.
Children who eat vended snack foods face chronic health problems, poor diet, study finds ... read more
September 2, 2010
School children who consume foods purchased in vending machines are more likely to develop poor diet quality -- and that may be associated with being overweight, obese or at risk for chronic health problems such as diabetes and coronary artery disease, according to new research.
Why fish oils work swimmingly against inflammation and diabetes ... read more
September 2, 2010
Researchers have identified the molecular mechanism that makes omega-3 fatty acids so effective in reducing chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.
High-fat diet during puberty linked to breast cancer risk later in life ... read more
September 1, 2010
Girls eating a high-fat diet during puberty, even those who do not become overweight or obese, may be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer later in life, according to researchers. The implications -- that a high-fat diet may have detrimental effects independent of its effect to cause obesity -- could drive new cancer prevention efforts.
DASH eating plan lowers long-term heart attack risk, especially among African-Americans ... read more
September 1, 2010
The DASH diet reduced the estimated risk of having a heart attack in the next ten years by 18 percent when compared to a typical American eating plan, according to a new study. Both whites and African-Americans benefited from the diet, but African-Americans had the greatest benefit. Researchers provided all the food to the participants in this eight-week study.
Link between everyday stress and obesity strenthened with study using an animal model ... read more
September 1, 2010
A new study examined the effects of stress on the meal patterns and food intake of animals exposed to the equivalent of everyday stress on humans. The results suggest that, not only does stress have an impact on us in the short term, it can cause metabolic changes in the longer term that contribute to obesity.
Less is more: Teens who sleep less eat more fatty foods and snacks, study shows ... read more
September 1, 2010
Teens who slept less than eight hours on weeknights consumed 2.2 percent more calories from fats and 3 percent fewer calories from carbs than teens who slept eight hours or more, according to new research. In secondary analyses stratified by sex, the results were significant among girls but not boys. Also, for each one-hour increase in sleep duration, the odds of consuming a high amount of calories from snacks decreased by an average of 21 percent.
Newly discovered protein gets to the roots of obesity and osteoporosis ... read more
August 31, 2010
Here's good news for anyone trying to lose weight or has osteoporosis: Scientists are on the trail of a weight loss drug that may revolutionize how we treat these two conditions. Researchers have discovered a new protein, called "Sprouty," responsible for regulating body fat and bone mass.
Physical activity can reduce the genetic predisposition to obesity by 40 percent, study finds ... read more
August 31, 2010
Although the whole population can benefit from a physically active lifestyle, in part through reduced obesity risk, a new study shows that individuals with a genetic predisposition to obesity can benefit even more.
Obesity, diabetes epidemics continue to grow in California, study finds ... read more
August 31, 2010
A majority of adults in California are obese or overweight and more than 2 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to a new study. Both conditions have increased significantly in just six years -- the prevalence of diabetes alone jumped 21 percent between 2001 and 2007. The "epidemic" of both obesity and diabetes leaves no racial, ethnic, economic or geographic segment of the state unscathed.
Study into teenage diet quality, physical activity and lifestyle characteristics shows the need to encourage better behaviours ... read more
August 31, 2010
Researchers in Greece conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate the relationship between diet quality, levels of physical activity and key lifestyle characteristics amongst a group of 12- to 17-year-old schoolchildren. The objective was to determine the most appropriate health actions to reduce the risks of long-term cardiovascular disease. The study concludes that almost half of Greek schoolchildren have a low quality diet, while just 6 percent adhere to the traditional Mediterranean diet along with high levels of physical activity.
Exploring the health benefits of increased physical activity in schoolchildren from different socio-educational backgrounds ... read more
August 31, 2010
A year-long study into the effects of increased physical activity at school has shown that children’s fitness levels and body composition do improve with daily participation in sport – and particularly so for children from deprived backgrounds.
Cinnamon extracts may reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease, study suggests ... read more
August 30, 2010
A water soluble extract of cinnamon, which contains antioxidative compounds, could help reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease, a new study suggests.
Patients with diabetes may need fewer medications after bariatric surgery ... read more
August 30, 2010
Bariatric surgery appears to be associated with reduced use of medications and lower health care costs among patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.
Grapefruit's bitter taste holds a sweet promise for diabetes therapy ... read more
August 27, 2010
A new study demonstrates the mechanism by which a single grapefruit compound controls fat and glucose metabolism, replacing multiple drugs.
Fat distribution plays a role in weight loss success in patients at risk of diabetes ... read more
August 26, 2010
Why is it that some people lose weight and body fat when they exercise and eat less and others don't? Researchers say MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy can provide the answer -- and help predict who will benefit from lifestyle changes.
A moment on the lips, a year on the hips ... read more
August 26, 2010
A short period of excess food consumption can have long term effects on your body weight and fat storage even after the initial weight is lost. A new study has found that a four-week episode of increased energy intake and decreased exercise can cause increased weight and fat mass more than two years later when compared to control individuals.
Federal school lunches -- but not breakfasts -- linked to childhood obesity, research finds ... read more
August 26, 2010
Children who eat school lunches that are part of the U.S. federal government's National School Lunch Program are more likely to become overweight, according to new research. Yet children who eat both the breakfast and lunch sponsored by the federal government are less heavy than children who don't participate in either, and than children who eat only the lunch, says an economist.
Banana plantain fibers could treat Crohn's disease, research suggests ... read more
August 26, 2010
Scientists have found that soluble fibers found in plantain, a type of large banana, could be used to treat patients with Crohn's disease.
10-fold rise in obesity surgery in England since 2000 ... read more
August 26, 2010
The use of bariatric or weight loss surgery has increased 10-fold in NHS hospitals in England since 2000, a new study finds.
Exercising restores sensitivity of neurons that make one feel full ... read more
August 25, 2010
There is now another good reason to exercise. Besides burning calories, exercise restores the sensitivity of neurons involved in the control of satiety (feeling full), which in turn contributes to reduced food intake and consequently weight loss. This is the conclusion of a study led by Brazilian researchers.
Stress of freshman year can trigger eating disorders for some young people ... read more
August 24, 2010
While the start of college is a positive, momentous event for many young people, it also can be an episode that pushes some into a dangerous battle with eating disorders, says a psychologist who fought her own battle against bulimia as a college student. Hear her story.
Drink water to curb weight gain? Clinical trial confirms effectiveness of simple appetite control method ... read more
August 23, 2010
Has the long-sought magic potion in society's "battle with the bulge" finally arrived? An appetite-control agent that requires no prescription, has no common side effects, and costs almost nothing? Scientists report results of a new clinical trial confirming that just two 8-ounce glasses of the stuff, taken before meals, enables people to shed pounds. The weight-loss elixir is ordinary water.
Low bone mineral density common in children and teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease ... read more
August 23, 2010
New research from Sweden is the first in Scandinavia to study the occurrence of low bone mineral density in children and teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease. Half of the patients in the study showed signs of low bone mineral density. The results emphasise the importance of treating the underlying inflammatory bowel disease more effectively, and of measuring bone mineral density in this group of patients.
Delaying fat digestion to curb appetite ... read more
August 23, 2010
Scientists have discovered an unexpected synergy that helps break down fat. The discovery provides a focus to find ways to slow down fat digestion, and ultimately to create food structures that induce satiety.
Diabetes risk in children increases risk for weak bones ... read more
August 20, 2010
Children at risk for diabetes before they reach puberty also appear to be at risk for weak bones, researchers report. A study of 140 overweight children age 7-11 who got little regular exercise found that the 30 percent with signs of poor blood sugar regulation had 4-5 percent less bone mass, a measure of bone strength, said a bone biologist.
Link between walking, cycling and health ... read more
August 20, 2010
Want a slimmer, healthier community? Try building more sidewalks, crosswalks and bike paths. Communities with more walkers and cyclists are healthier than those where people must rely on cars to get around, according to new research.
Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique significantly reduces radiation dose associated with abdominal CT scans ... read more
August 20, 2010
A new low-dose abdominal computed tomography (CT) technique called adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) can reduce the radiation dose associated with abdominal CT scans by 23-66 percent, according to a new study. Abdominal CT scans are typically used to help diagnose the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain and diseases of the internal organs, bowel and colon.
Overweight American children and adolescents becoming fatter ... read more
August 19, 2010
Overweight American children and adolescents have become fatter over the last decade, according to a new study that found adiposity shifts across sociodemographic groups over time and found US children and adolescents had significantly increased adiposity measures such as body mass index, waist circumference and triceps skinfold thickness. The increases in adiposity were more pronounced in some sex-ethnic groups such as black girls.
Even modest weight gain can harm blood vessels, researchers find ... read more
August 19, 2010
Researchers have found that healthy young people who put on as little as nine pounds of fat, specifically in the abdomen, are at risk for developing endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial cells line the blood vessels and control the ability of the vessels to expand and contract.
Choosing healthier protein-rich foods instead of red and processed meats may reduce heart disease ... read more
August 18, 2010
American women who ate more protein-rich foods instead of red meat had a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease, according to a new study. Eating more fresh red meat, processed red meat and high-fat dairy carried an increased risk of heart disease in the study. Women who had two servings per day of red meat compared to those who had half a serving per day had a 30 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Scientists closer to finding what causes the birth of a fat cell ... read more
August 18, 2010
Just what causes the birth of a human fat cell is a mystery, but scientists using mathematics to tackle the question have come up with a few predictions about the proteins that influence this process. The research is intended to increase understanding of how and why preadipocytes, or pre-fat cells, either lie dormant, copy themselves or turn into fat.
Novel diabetes hope comes from Chinese herbs ... read more
August 18, 2010
Emodin, a natural product that can be extracted from various Chinese herbs including Rheum palmatum and Polygonum cuspidatum, shows promise as an agent that could reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes. New findings show that giving emodin to mice with diet-induced obesity lowered blood glucose and serum insulin, improved insulin resistance and lead to more healthy levels of lipid in the blood. It also decreased body weight and reduced central fat mass.
High stress levels may delay women getting pregnant, study suggests ... read more
August 17, 2010
Healthy women trying for a baby may have reduced chances of becoming pregnant in any month if they are stressed, the results of a study suggest.
Obesity rates decline for many adolescents, but disparities worsen ... read more
August 17, 2010
Obesity rates have started to decline and level off for many adolescents, but continue to increase for certain racial and ethnic minorities, according to a new study.
Birth control pill equally effective for women regardless of their weight ... read more
August 16, 2010
The first study to compare the effectiveness of the birth control pill in women with marked weight differences has found that the pill works equally well in women with obesity and thinner women. This new finding by physician-scientists refutes a long-held conviction among many doctors that the pill may not reliably prevent pregnancy in women who are overweight or obese.
Obesity and diabetes: Immune cells in fat tissue explain the link ... read more
August 14, 2010
Inflammation-causing cells in fat tissue may explain the link between obesity and diabetes, researchers in Australia have shown.
Free statins with fast food could neutralize heart risk, scientists say ... read more
August 12, 2010
Fast food outlets could provide statin drugs free of charge so that customers can neutralize the heart disease dangers of fatty food, researchers suggest in a new study.
Focusing on immediate health effects may improve weight loss success ... read more
August 12, 2010
Most weight loss programs try to motivate individuals with warnings of the long-term health consequences of obesity: increased risk for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma. New research suggests the immediate health benefits -- such as reduced pain -- may be the most effective motivator for helping obese individuals shed extra weight and commit to keeping it off.
Larger waist associated with greater risk of death ... read more
August 10, 2010
Individuals with a large waist circumference appear to have a greater risk of dying from any cause over a nine-year period, according to a new report.
'Lap-band' weight loss surgery in very obese adults improves mental health, study finds ... read more
August 10, 2010
One year after weight loss surgery with laparoscopic gastric banding, extremely obese adults demonstrate not only better physical health but also improved psychological health, a new study shows.
Bariatric surgery in diabetic adults improves insulin sensitivity better than diet, study finds ... read more
August 9, 2010
Gastric bypass surgery improves type 2 diabetes by other mechanisms in addition to weight loss and does so better than a low-calorie diet despite achieving equal weight loss, a new study finds.
Schools, communities share responsibility for child nutrition ... read more
August 9, 2010
The American Dietetic Association has published an updated position paper on local support for nutrition integrity in schools that calls on schools and communities to work together to provide healthful and affordable meals for all children and to promote educational environments that help students learn and practice healthy behaviors for their entire lives.
Light shed on triglyceride metabolism ... read more
August 8, 2010
New findings are offering new leads as to why some people might suffer from high levels of triglycerides. High triglycerides are a risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. They can also lead to inflammation of the pancreas, the researchers said.
Diabetes or not, dietary habits of Aftrican-Americans are similar ... read more
August 6, 2010
Researchers looking for differences in eating habits of African Americans based on whether or not they had Type 2 diabetes uncovered an unexpected result: no matter what the blood sugar level was, the dietary intakes were pretty much the same. African-Americans are 1.8 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and 1.4 times more likely to be obese than are non-Hispanic whites, according to federal health agencies.
Obesity prevention begins before birth: Excess maternal weight gain increases birth weight after controlling for genetic factors ... read more
August 6, 2010
A large population-based study looks at two or more pregnancies in the same mother and provides evidence that excess maternal weight gain is a strong, independent predictor of high birth weight.
Chew on this: Six dental myths debunked ... read more
August 5, 2010
Your teeth need more than daily brushing and flossing. Researchers debunk six dental myths and discuss the role nutrition plays in oral health.
One high-fat diet, two different outcomes: The path to obesity becomes clearer ... read more
August 5, 2010
Why is it that two people can consume the same high fat, high-calorie Western diet and one becomes obese and prone to diabetes while the other maintains a slim frame? This question has long baffled scientists, but a new study provides a simple explanation: weight is set before birth in the developing brain.