Low calorie sweeteners helpful in weight control

Low-calorie sweeteners may be one piece in solving the obesity puzzle, several studies conducted in humans have shown that low-calorie sweeteners and the products that contain them can be useful tools in weight control. – A recent review of the scientific literature has concluded that low-calorie (or no-calorie) sweeteners can be helpful in resolving the obesity problem. Although they are not magic bullets, low-calorie sweeteners in beverages and foods can help people reduce their calorie (energy) intakes.

New immigration rules in UK for international medical graduates

The UK Home Office has laid immigration rules implementing the first part of the new Points Based System, which is the Tier 1 (General) route for highly skilled migrants. – The UK Home Office has laid immigration rules that will restrict international medical graduates’ (IMGs) access to UK post graduate medical training. The new rules start to take effect from 29 February 2008. New immigration rules were welcomed by the UK Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

Strong genetic influence on childhood obesity

Evidence for a strong genetic influence on childhood adiposity despite the force of the obesogenic environment. – A British study reveals that obesity in children is not only because of lack of exercise and wrong dietary habits, but there is a strong genetic influence amongst other factors that lead to childhood obesity.

Teenage fathers have babies with birth problems

Teenage fathers are at increased risk of having babies born with birth problems ranging from pre-term delivery or low birth weight, through to death in or near to the time of delivery, according to new research. – Teenage fathers carry an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, whereas advanced paternal age is not an independent risk factor for adverse birth outcomes, revealed by researchers in a study published in Human Reproduction.

Bird flu samples negative from Uttar Pradesh, India

35.17 lakh birds culled; 298 rapid response teams in field; and samples from uttar pradesh test negative. – As per the latest report received from the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, samples of poultry birds collected from Bareilly and Shahjahanpur of Uttar Pradesh, have tested negative. The samples were from the part of the consignment transported from West Bengal.

Obesity prescriptions up eight times in UK

In UK, more than 1 million prescriptions are made for obesity drugs a year – eight times the number dispensed seven years ago. – The number of prescriptions to treat obesity and overweight health problems in 2006 was increased eight times the number prescribed in 1999 in UK, revealed by Information Centre for health and social care (IC) as part of a wider report on obesity and the health of people in England.

Sugary soft drinks linked to gout in men

Consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks and fructose is strongly associated with an increased risk of gout in men, finds a study published on bmj.com. – Consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks and fructose is strongly associated with an increased risk of gout in men. Gout is a joint disease which causes extreme pain and swelling. It is most common in men aged 40 and older. It is caused by excess uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) which leads to uric acid crystals collecting around the joints.

Bird flu in new areas in West Bengal, India

Bird flu in new areas in West Bengal, India. Samples collected from the Howrah district, Birbhum district and Nadia district have tested positive for Avian Influenza virus. – Bird flu samples collected from the Panchla block of Howrah district, Suri-I, Mayureswar-I and Nanoor blocks of Birbhum district and Kalyani municipality of Nadia district have tested positive for Avian Influenza virus.

OTC eardrops may cause hearing loss

OTC eardrops may cause hearing loss

Over-the-counter eardrops may cause hearing loss or damage. The Montreal Children?s Hospital of the MUHC recommends these products be used with extreme caution. – A new study, led by researchers at The Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) of the MUHC, has revealed that certain over-the-counter earwax softeners can cause severe inflammation and damage to the eardrum and inner ear. The results of the study, recently published in The Laryngoscope, suggest that use of these medications should be discouraged.

Breast size predicts type 2 diabetes risk

In a cohort study involving young and middle-aged women, researchers found that a larger bra cup size at age 20 predicted the onset of type 2 diabetes. Bra cup size, a simple, easily ascertained measure, explained the association beyond the well-established measure of BMI. – Elevated waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), both traditional measures of obesity, are accepted risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Girls who are obese experience earlier onset of puberty and possibly greater breast development. Young women with a larger bra cup size may be at higher risk of diabetes in adulthood, says a new study led by St. Michael’s Hospital physician Joel Ray.

Health Newstrack