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.
More frequently eating chocolate appears related to lower BMI – More frequently eating chocolate was linked to lower body mass index (BMI). Despite eating more calories, chocolate lovers were found to have a lower body weight. People who ate chocolate a few times a week or more weighed less than those who rarely indulged.
First large study to evaluate impact of EHR on childhood obesity evaluation — Computer-assisted tools alert pediatricians to obese patients – Electronic health records and embedded tools can alert and direct pediatricians so they can better manage the weight of children and teenagers. Researchers analyzed visits for nearly 740,000 children and adolescents ages 2 to 17 to evaluate the impact of computer-assisted decision tools.
Would you stop eating out to lose weight? — A study reveals that you don’t have to – Going out to eat has become a major part of our culture. Frequently eating out and consuming high-calorie foods in large portions at restaurants can contribute to excess calorie intake and weight gain. However, a study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior demonstrates that individuals can eat out and still lose weight.
Study links quality of mother-toddler relationship to teen obesity – Obesity linked to poor mother-toddler bond – The quality of the emotional relationship between a mother and her young child could affect the potential for that child to be obese during adolescence, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed national data detailing relationship characteristics between mothers and their children during their toddler years. The lower the quality of the relationship in terms of the child’s emotional security and the mother’s sensitivity, the higher the risk that a child would be obese at age 15 years, according to the analysis.
65 million more obese adults in the US and 11 million more in the UK expected by 2030 — Resulting rise in US medical costs estimated to reach up to $66 billion a year – The rising prevalence of obesity around the globe places an increasing burden on the health of populations, on healthcare systems and on overall economies. A major challenge for researchers is to quantify the effect of these burdens to inform public policies.
Large weight gains most likely for men after divorce, women after marriage – Both marriage and divorce can act as “weight shocks,” leading people to add a few extra pounds-especially among those over age 30-according to new research to be presented at the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association. But when it comes to large weight gains, the effects of marital transitions are quite different for men than they are for women.
Weight loss improves sexual health of overweight men with diabetes – Modest weight loss and diet of high nutritional quality improves erectile function, sexual desire and lowers urinary tract symptoms in obese men with type 2 diabetes. This is evidenced in a new study.
Obesity counseling should focus on neurobehavioral processes, not personal choice, researchers say – Current approaches to dietary counseling for obesity are heavily rooted in the notion of personal choice and will power ? the ability to choose healthy foods and portion sizes consistent with weight loss while foregoing sweets and comfort foods. According to preventive medicine and behavioral experts at Rush University Medical Center, research supports a new counseling approach that views obesity as a result of neurobehavioral processes – ways in which the brain controls eating behavior in response to cues in the environment.
Fat substitutes linked to weight gain — Rats on high-fat diet gained more weight after eating low-calorie potato chips made with fat substitutes – Eating food which is naturally low in fat and calories may be a better route than relying on fat substitutes or artificial sweeteners. Synthetic fat substitutes used in low-calorie potato chips and other foods could backfire and contribute to weight gain and obesity, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association.
Children as young as 10 vomit to lose weight, with highest rates in boys — Study of nearly 16,000 schoolchildren showed that 10 percent of girls and 16 percent of boys made themselves vomit – Children as young as ten are making themselves vomit in order to lose weight and the problem is more common in boys than girls, according to a study of nearly 16,000 school pupils published by the Journal of Clinical Nursing. Self-induced vomiting is an early sign that children could develop eating disorders and serious psychological problems, such as binge eating and anorexia.
