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.
A new ?372 million cross-government strategy to help everyone lead healthier lives was published today by the Health Secretary, Alan Johnson and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls. – A new ?372 million cross-government strategy to help England’s population lead healthier lives was published by the UK Health Secretary, Alan Johnson and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls.
A new study gives the strongest evidence yet that obesity surgery can cure diabetes. Gastric banding is a medical procedure where a band is placed around a patient’s stomach to reduce appetite and food intake. – A new world-first study by Monash University researchers has found gastric banding surgery has a profound impact on one of society’s biggest health issues – diabetes. Obese patients with Type 2 diabetes who underwent gastric banding were five times more likely to have their diabetes go into long term remission, compared with patients who engaged in conventional weight loss therapies, such as a controlled calorie diet and exercise.
People who participate in a pedometer-based walking program can be expected to lose a modest amount of weight even without changing their diet, with more weight loss the longer they stick with the program, according to a University of Michigan Health System analysis of nine studies. – People walking regularly can expect a modest amount of weight loss even without changing their diet, with more weight loss the longer they stick with the walking program, revealed by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System, US.
Sorbitol intake should be considered in patients with bowel problems, chronic diarrhoea, and weight loss. – Severe weight loss was detected in patients due to chronic diarrhea after eating chewing gum and sweets because of excess sorbitol intake, a widely used sweetener in “sugar-free” products. Sorbitol has laxative properties and is poorly absorbed by the small intestine.
Most experts agree thyroid function tests are generally unnecessary in an overweight child if he/she has normal linear growth and no other symptoms of hypothyroidism. The results of this study support this. – Children treated for hypothyroidism aren’t likely to drop pounds with treatment for the condition says a new study in the Journal of Pediatrics. The study is the first to examine the link between hypothyroidism treatment and weight loss in pediatric patients.
New study suggests that maternal body composition at or near conception has important implications for offspring?s obesity, and obesity during conception phase may set the stage for offspring?s obesity risk. – The number of overweight and obese Americans continues to grow rapidly. Today, 50 percent of adults are overweight and up to 20 percent are obese. While the number of overweight/obese children is at an all time high, the steady increase of overweight infants ? individuals under 11 months old ? is alarming.
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) hormone in the body is capable of promoting weight loss, improving insulin resistance and reversing diabetes. – A new study finds that a chemical found in the body is capable of promoting weight loss, improving insulin resistance and reversing diabetes in an animal model. The hormone is gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor blockade.
Vanderbilt University psychologist reveals that obese people are less likely to use their seatbelts than the rest of the population, adding to the public health risks associated with this rapidly growing problem. – Obese people are less likely to use their seatbelts than the rest of the population, adding to the public health risks associated with this rapidly growing problem.
A new CSIRO study has found that overweight and obese men can lose weight effectively and safely on a high protein diet.
– Presenting the results of the study at the Nutrition Society Conference in Auckland, NZ, CSIRO dietitian Dr Manny Noakes said that the study suggests it is easier than previously thought for men to take action to lose weight.
High calorie diets are cheaper in price, but tend to increase obesity risk. Low calorie diets helpful in maintaining good health are costlier now.
– High-calorie foods tend to cost less than lower-calorie items and are less likely to increase in price due to inflation ? a possible explanation for why the highest rates of obesity are seen among people in lower-income groups, according to researchers at the University of Washington.
Obesity and being over-weight may be bad for bone health, and childhood obesity could have a significant, long lasting negative impact on the skeleton. – Obesity may be bad for bone health, revealed by researchers at the University of Georgia. Being overweight is a known risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and a host of other health conditions. Now, obesity and over-weight may also be bad for bone health.
