For years we ve been hearing about the obesity epidemic and how it will pose an ever-greater public health threat if we don t somehow manage to slow it down. Of particular concern has been the extent of overweight and obesity in children, since data indicate that obese youngsters tend to retain their excess padding as adults, making them more likely to fall victim to diabetes, incapacitating arthritis, and other chronic ills.
obesity
There has been confusion about the impact of obesity on health as people age, with some data even suggesting that obese folks might have an advantage in terms of longevity. Perhaps more important, however, might be the impact of obesity on older folks quality of life.
Recent reports published by the World Health Organization predict a dramatic rise in cancer cases worldwide.
According to the USDA, about 23.5 million Americans live in areas known as food deserts areas lacking access to fresh fruits and
In a new study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. S.A. Cunningham of Emory University and colleagues reported that later incidence (new cases) of obesity is greater for children who are overweight as early as kindergarten.
The campaign against artificial sweeteners continues full speed ahead. And judging from the headlines these stories typically generate, it is smooth sailing.
One of the newer tactics is based on a supposition that drinking diet soda actually makes you gain weight, rather than lose it. Except it s utter nonsense.
Every New Year, millions of Americans vow to lose weight. But it s a challenging resolution, because losing weight can be a slow process involving denying oneself the pleasures of sloth and snacking.
People at risk for type 2 diabetes are often overweight or obese, and are counseled to lose weight to help prevent the disease. But a new study just published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that weight loss isn t the only means of prevention diet might work too.
Although the 2004 documentary by Morgan Spurlock blamed his 30-day Mickey-D diet for a decline in health and increased weight, we have shown that it s possible to eat at McDonald s for 30 days and actually improve health for both men and women. Now that conclusion has been further substantiated by Mr. John Cisna of Akeny, Iowa.
there is widespread acceptance of the utility of bariatric surgery for severely obese individuals. However, according to a report in JAMA Surgery, there has not been a comprehensive review of and comparison between the various types of bariatric surgery since 2003
Dr. Suzanne Koven from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston explores the reasons why primary care physicians (herself included) are unlikely to prescribe weight-loss medications to their obese patients.
About 50 million Americans have arthritis, and about 22 million have some disability from it. As we age, this problem will only get worse. We need more research into its root causes, and also we should lose weight! Thank heavens for joint replacement surgery.