Obesity

Obesity traditionally has been defined as a weight at least 20% above the weight corresponding to the lowest death rate for individuals of a specific height, gender, and age (ideal weight). Twenty to forty percent over ideal weight is considered mildly obese; 40?100% over ideal weight is considered moderately obese; and 100% over ideal weight is considered severely, or morbidly, obese.

Brain genes linked to BMI, obesity

New research suggests that genes that predispose people to obesity act in the brain and that perhaps some people are simply hardwired to overeat. – A genetic study of more than 90,000 people has identified six new genetic variants that are associated with increased Body Mass Index (BMI), the most commonly used measure of obesity. Five of the genes are known to be active in the brain, suggesting that many genetic variants implicated in obesity might affect behaviour, rather than the chemical processes of energy or fat metabolism.

Money incentives effective for weight loss

The use of economic incentives produced significant weight loss during the 16 weeks of intervention that was not fully sustained. The longer-term use of incentives should be evaluated. – Financial or Economic incentives (money) appear to be effective for achieving short-term weight loss, according to a report in the December 10 issue of JAMA – Journal of the American Medical Association.

Brain senses fatty food

Researchers have identified a molecule that tells your brain your stomach is full ? signaling that it’s time to say no to a second piece of pumpkin pie and push back from the Thanksgiving table. – In the battle against obesity, Yale University researchers may have discovered a new weapon – a naturally occurring molecule secreted by the gut that makes rats and mice less hungry after fatty meals.

Weight loss maintenance through telephone is effective

Extended care delivered either by telephone or in face-to-face sessions improved the 1-year maintenance of lost weight compared with education alone. Telephone counseling constitutes an effective and cost-efficient option for long-term weight management. – Face-to-face and telephone follow-up sessions appear to be more effective in the maintenance of weight loss for women from rural communities compared with weight loss education alone, according to a report in the November 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Increase in waist circumference increases mortality risk

Each 5cm increase in waist circumference increases the mortality risk by 17% in men and 13% in women. – Having a large waistline can almost double your risk of dying prematurely even if your body mass index is within the ‘normal’ range, revealed by researchers in a new study.

Acomplia rimonabant obesity drug withdrawn

Sanofi-aventis is complying with the EMEA’s recommendation to temporarily suspend the marketing authorisation of Acomplia in obese and overweight patients. – Sanofi-aventis announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended to the European Commission (EC) the temporary suspension of the marketing authorisation of Acomplia(R) (rimonabant) for the approved indication of overweight and obese patients.

Eating fast may make you overweight and obese

Eating quickly and until full trebles the risk of being overweight. – The combination of eating quickly and eating until full trebles the risk of being overweight, according to a study published on bmj.com – site of British Medical Journal, UK.

Gut bacteria helps control body weight and obesity

Waste from gut bacteria helps host control weight, UT Southwestern researchers report. – A single molecule in the intestinal wall, activated by the waste products from gut bacteria, plays a large role in controlling whether the host animals are lean or fatty, a research team, including scientists from UT Southwestern Medical Center, has found in a mouse study.

Parents believe their children are in average weight range

43% parents with underweight and overweight children mistakenly believe their children are in the average weight range. – More than four in 10 parents with underweight and overweight children mistakenly believe their children are in the average weight range, according to University of Melbourne research.

Genes, lower reward response linked to weight gain, obesity

Yale researchers tie genes, lower reward response to weight gain and obesity. – The brains of obese people seem to respond to a tasty treat with less vigor than the brains of their leaner peers, suggesting obese people may overeat to compensate for a reduced reward response, according to a new brain imaging and genetics study conducted by researchers at Yale University, The John B. Pierce Laboratory, the University of Texas and Oregon Research Institute.

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