BMI is a measurement of the relative percentages of fat and muscle mass in the human body, in which mass in kilograms is divided by height in meters squared and the result used as an index of obesity.
Study finds regular daily exercise does not increase total sleep time – According to a research abstract presented at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, days with increased activity were followed by nights with lower total sleep time (TST), while nights with lower TST were followed by increased activities during the next day.
Race and short sleep duration increase the risk for obesity – According to a research presented on Monday, June 8, at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, race significantly influences the risk of obesity conferred by short sleep duration, with blacks having a greater risk than whites.
Middle-aged women experience more stress but have lower blood pressure – Both blood pressure and serum lipid levels have improved in Swedish middle-aged women during the past 30 years. Levels of perceived mental stress, however, have increased significantly. These are the of a thesis presented at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Study suggests obese women should not gain weight. Findings challenge American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. – For years, doctors and other health-care providers have managed pregnant patients according to guidelines issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Report updates guidelines on how much weight women should gain during pregnancy – Calls on health care providers to help women achieve a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. – A growing amount of scientific evidence indicates that how much weight women gain during pregnancy and their starting weight at conception can affect their health and that of their babies, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council.
Following a healthy lifestyle is on the decline in the US – Researchers urge individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, particularly in middle age. – Despite the well-known benefits of having a lifestyle that includes physical activity, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol use and not smoking, only a small proportion of adults follow this healthy lifestyle pattern, and in fact, the numbers are declining, according to an article published in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
Markers for inflammation discovered in breast cancer survivors are linked to survival – A study led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has identified two proteins in the blood that could become important prognostic markers for long-term survival in breast cancer patients.
Heart disease patients carrying extra pounds do better, live longer – Weight of evidence still points to purposeful weight loss, further research needed. – Being overweight or obese is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors; however, in patients with established CVD, obesity appears to play a protective role.
Could sleep be a critical component to maintaining a healthy body weight? – Body mass index (BMI) is linked to length and quality of sleep in a surprisingly consistent fashion, revealed by researchers on Sunday, May 17, at the American Thoracic Society’s 105th International Conference in San Diego.
Genes that influence start of menstruation identified for first time – Two genes clarify the genetic control of female sexual maturation, and point to regulatory mechanisms involved in human growth and development. – Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School, along with collaborators from research institutions across Europe and the United States, have for the first time identified two genes that are involved in determining when girls begin menstruation.
Does mom know when enough is enough? Missed satiety cues from infants linked to childhood obesity. – As the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States continues, researchers are examining whether early parent and child behaviors contribute to the problem.
Home-based Diet and Exercise Intervention Can Improve Physical Function in Older Cancer Survivors. – A home-based program aimed at improving exercise and diet can lead to meaningful improvements in physical function among older long-term cancer survivors, according to the results of a study led by researchers from Duke University Medical Center and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
