Overweight Women Who Learn How To Reduce Stress, Eat Mindfully Can Curb Weight Gain December 7, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A study by researchers at the University of California–San Francisco has found that mastering some easy techniques for mindful eating and stress reduction can help prevent weight gain during the hectic holiday season without resorting to dieting. Twenty-four of the 47 chronically stressed, overweight and obese women were randomly assigned to mindfulness training and practice, while the other 23 served as a control group. The test group learned stress reduction techniques, how to be more aware of their eating by recognizing bodily sensations, and how to meditate silently. Those who learned best how to listen to their bodies' cues (e.g., hunger, fullness and taste satisfaction), and how to reduce stress, experienced the highest loss of abdominal fat. Jennifer Daubenmier et al., "Mindfulness Intervention for Stress Eating to Reduce Cortisol and Abdominal Fat among Overweight and Obese Women", Journal of Obesity, December 07, 2011, © Jennifer Daubenmier et al.

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Study Finds That Children Can Learn How To Curb Overeating When Not Hungry December 7, 2011: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers report the successful testing of two methods of curbing overeating and binge eating in the absence of hunger among obese children and their parents. Thirty-six obese 8-to-12-year olds with high levels of overeating and their parents were assigned to eight-week-long training, either in appetite awareness or cue exposure. Appetite awareness training teaches children to recognize and respond appropriately to hunger and satiety cues. Cue exposure training uses a “toolbox” of coping skills to teach children parents to resist food in front of them. Many of the children were able to reduce overeating and binge eating using the new skills and may have found a way to prevent weight gain by gaining “a sense of control over what they chose to eat.” Boutelle, Kerri N. et al., "Two novel treatments to reduce overeating in overweight children", Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, December 07, 2011, © American Psychological Association

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Milk-Allergic Children Conquer Their Sensitivity Faster With Powdered Milk Protein December 6, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study involving 30 young patients with moderate to severe milk sensitivity showed that consuming higher doses of milk protein as a dry powder did significantly better than sublingual milk extract in treating the allergies. Giving allergic children increasing doses of liquid milk extract under the tongue has been a strategy for training the immune system to tolerate milk. However, by the end of the two-year trial, half of the patients in the study were able to take eight grams of milk protein — the equivalent of 8 ounces of liquid milk — without any sign of allergic reaction. Most children treated with the dry-milk approach could eventually drink real amounts of milk with fewer and milder reactions over two years. Corinne A. Keet et al., "The safety and efficacy of sublingual and oral immunotherapy for milk allergy", Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, December 06, 2011, © Elsevier Inc.

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Women Who Eat Fish Rich In Omega-3s Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Problems December 5, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Childbearing-age women who regularly eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may significantly reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, Danish population research has found. The study included 49,000 women aged 15-49 years who were interviewed or submitted questionnaires about their fish consumption  and other lifestyle issues. The most common fish consumed by women in the study were cod, salmon, herring, and mackerel. Those who rarely or never ate fish had 50 percent more cardiovascular problems over eight years than those who ate fish regularly. Compared to women who ate fish high in omega-3 weekly, the risk was 90 percent higher for those who rarely or never ate fish. Marin Strøm et al., "Fish, n-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Diseases in Women of Reproductive Age: A Prospective Study in a Large National Cohort", Hypertension, December 05, 2011, © American Heart Association

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Sympathetic Nervous System Activity is Linked To Dietary Weight Loss In Obese People December 5, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Australian researchers who examined 42 overweight and obese people who cut their daily caloric intake by 30 percent for 12 weeks found that those who lost the most weight had significantly higher resting nerve activity compared to those who experienced weight loss resistance. The study showed for the first time that resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) measured by microneurographyis is a significant independent predictor of weight loss. Microneurographyis involves the insertion of metal microelectrodes into bundles of nerve fibers. The researchers said their findings suggest a significant contribution of subconscious nervous system activity to the success of dietary weight loss and may help in developing weight loss treatments through stimulating this specific nervous activity. Nora E. Straznicky et al., "Baseline Sympathetic Nervous System Activity Predicts Dietary Weight Loss in Obese Metabolic Syndrome Subjects", Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, December 05, 2011, © The Endocrine Society

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Study Links Low Vitamin D Levels With Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes In Obese Children December 5, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Low vitamin D levels in obese children are a significant predictor of the risk of type 2 diabetes, U.S. researchers find. Past studies have associated low vitamin D levels to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, though the mechanisms of the association are not fully understood. The study shows that obese children with lower vitamin D levels had higher degrees of insulin resistance. The researchers said they could not prove that low vitamin D causes type 2 diabetes, but the findings “suggest that low vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes." They noted that poor dietary habits such as skipping breakfast and increased soda and juice intake were associated with the lower vitamin D levels in obese children. Micah L. Olson et al., "Vitamin D Deficiency in Obese Children and Its Relationship to Glucose Homeostasis", Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, December 05, 2011, © The Endocrine Society

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Very Few Parents Say Doctors Told Them Their Child Had A Weight Problem December 5, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Doctors and other healthcare providers need to do a better job of informing parents when their children are overweight or obese, according to U.S. researchers who found  that fewer than 25 percent of parents recalled being told their kids had a weight problem. The researchers analyzed data collected between 1999 and 2008 from 4,985 children ages 2 to 15 years old who had an abnormal body mass index. Only 22 percent of parents said a health professional had told them their child was overweight. The percentage increased from 19.4 percent in 1999 to 29.1 percent in 2007-2008. Only 58 percent of parents of very obese children recall a doctor telling them. "Parents might be more motivated to follow healthy eating and activity advice if they knew their children were overweight,” researchers said. Eliana M. Perrin et al., "Parental Recall of Doctor Communication of Weight Status: National Trends From 1999 Through 2008", Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, December 05, 2011, © American Medical Association

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Diet Of Antioxidant-Rich Foods Lowers Risk Of Stroke December 1, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Eating an antioxidant-rich diet reduces the risk of stroke, regardless of any previous history of cardiovascular disease, Swedish researchers have found. Eating fruits, vegetables and grains – foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids and flavonoids – inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation that lead to blood vessel damage. Analyzing dietary data collected from questionnaires, the researchers found that women with a history of cardiovascular disease whose antioxidant intake was the highest had a 46 percent to 57 percent lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke compared with those whose intake was lowest. Among women without a history of cardiovascular disease, those whose antioxidant intake was highest had a 17 percent lower risk of stroke than those with the lowest intake. Susanne Rautiainen et al., "Total Antioxidant Capacity of Diet and Risk of Stroke: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort of Women", Stroke, December 01, 2011, © American Heart Association

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Low-Calorie Diet Eliminates Type 2 Diabetes While Improving Heart Function – Study November 28, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Obese patients with type 2 diabetes who consumed a low-calorie diet were able to eliminate insulin dependence, according to an unpublished Dutch clinical study. They also showed signs of improved heart function. The researchers used cardiac MRI to analyze cardiac function and pericardial fat in 15 patients after four months of a 500-calories-a-day diet. BMI dropped from 35.3 to 27.5 over four months. Pericardial fat decreased and diastolic heart function improved. After an additional 14 months of follow-up on a regular diet, BMI increased to 31.7, but pericardial fat only increased slightly. "Despite regain of weight, these beneficial cardiovascular effects were persistent over the long term," the researchers concluded. Sebastiaan Hammer, M.D., Ph.D. et al., "Restricted calorie diet improves heart function in obese patients with diabetes", News release, presentation at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, November 28, 2011, © Radiological Society of North America

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Snacking Between Meals Can Be Healthy, But It Often Slows Weight Loss November 28, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Postmenopausal women on a diet who snacked between breakfast and lunch lost significantly less weight than women who avoided snacks, a randomized U.S. clinical study has found. Researchers found in the year-long study that mid-morning snackers lost an average of seven  percent of their total body weight. But those who ate a healthy breakfast and did not snack before lunch lost more than 11 percent of their body weight. The researchers said snacks can be a source of additional fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods, but “snacking patterns might also reflect unhealthy eating habits and impede weight-loss progress.” They suggested that future studies should focus on the impact of such factors as timing, frequency, and quality of snacks on weight loss. Angela Kong, Ph.D., R.D. et al., "Associations between Snacking and Weight Loss and Nutrient Intake among Postmenopausal Overweight to Obese Women in a Dietary Weight-Loss Intervention", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, November 28, 2011, © Elsevier Inc.

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Regular Exercise Goes Hand In Hand With Improvement In Diet – Study November 23, 2011: 12:00 AM EST An increase in physical activity is associated with improvement in the quality of diet, a U.S. study has found. The researchers said that an understanding of the interaction between exercise and a healthy diet can improve both preventative and therapeutic measures against obesity. Data from studies suggest that tendencies toward a healthy diet and the right amount of exercise often go hand in  hand: increasing physical exercise actually tends to improve diet quality. The researchers said that “when exercise is added to a weight-loss diet, treatment of obesity is more successful and the diet is adhered to in the long run." R. J. Joseph et al., "The neurocognitive connection between physical activity and eating behavior", Obesity Reviews, November 23, 2011, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Too Much Salt Is Dangerous For Heart Patients … But So Is Too Little – Study November 23, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A study by Irish and Canadian researchers has confirmed that high salt intake may put people with heart disease or diabetes at increased risk of cardiovascular complications, but has also found that too little salt intake may also put these patients at risk. The study found that moderate salt intake is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular events. Higher intake of sodium was associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular events. And low intake was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for congestive heart failure. According to the researchers, the findings call into question current guidelines for salt intake, which recommend less than 2,300 mg a day. M. J. O'Donnell et al., "Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Risk of Cardiovascular Events", JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, November 23, 2011, © American Medical Association

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Fish-Eating Infants Are Less Likely To Have Respiratory Problems In The Preschool Years November 22, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Eating fish during the first nine months of life reduces the likelihood of preschool respiratory wheezing, a Swedish study of 4,171 randomly selected families has found. The researchers also noticed that infants treated with antibiotics in their first week – or whose mothers took the pain/fever reducing drug paracetamol during pregnancy – had a higher risk of preschool wheezing. Researchers analyzed responses from families who answered questions when their children were six months, 12 months and four-and-a-half years of age. Eating fish before the age of nine months almost halved the likelihood of suffering recurrent wheezing at 4.5 years. The fish most commonly eaten was white fish, followed by salmon and flat fish. Emma Goksor et al., "Prenatal paracetamol exposure and risk of wheeze at preschool age", Acta Paediatrica, November 22, 2011, © The Authors/Acta Pædiatrica

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Stay Active, Stick To A Healthy Diet To Avoid Weight Gain During Holidays November 22, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Dieticians at the University of Missouri-Columbia say the healthy way to spend the holidays is by maintaining healthy diet and exercise habits. The basic motivator should be how good you feel when you eat healthy foods and stay physically active. Feeling better is a “great motivator” when holiday stress and cold weather offer convenient excuses to abandon healthy lifestyle habits. To avoid gaining extra weight during the holidays, the dieticians suggest, among other tips, snacking healthily throughout the day on the big dinner days, having a small, high-protein snack such as an apple with peanut butter, a hardboiled egg or yogurt, so you don’t arrive overly hungry at the dinner. "Happy, Feel-Good Holiday Seasons Start With Healthy Choices at Thanksgiving, Nutrition Experts Say", News release, University of Missouri-Columbia, November 22, 2011, © University of Missouri-Columbia

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Simple Way To Orally Deliver An Appetite-Suppressing Hormone In The Works November 21, 2011: 12:00 AM EST U.S. and Australian researchers believe they may soon have a simple way to get an appetite-suppressing hormone into the bloodstream easily – by chewing a vitamin B12 gum after meals. The hormone PYY is a component of a chemical system in the body that regulates appetite and energy. Eating and exercising releases PYY into the bloodstream. The researchers had already developed a way to attach insulin to vitamin B12 to deliver it safely through the digestive system. They have now been able to attach the PYY hormone to this patent-pending vitamin B12 delivery system. The next step is to find a way to insert the B12-PYY system into such things as chewing gum or oral tablets to create a nutritional supplement. Christopher H. Fazen et al., "Oral Delivery of the Appetite Suppressing Peptide hPYY(3–36) through the Vitamin B12 Uptake Pathway", Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, November 21, 2011, © American Chemical Society

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Decline In Cardiovascular Health – Likelihood Of Early Death – Begins In Adolescence November 16, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Worsening teen health linked to high blood sugar levels, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking is likely to lead to death at an earlier age from cardiovascular disease, a U.S. study has found. The researchers analyzed the health profiles of 5,547 children and adolescents who constituted a representative sample of 33.1 million American youth. The poor health condition of today’s teens is already having an impact on the health profiles of young adults: cardiovascular mortality rates in adults aged 35 to 44, particularly women, are on the rise. The researchers said it was especially alarming that “zero children or adolescents surveyed met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health," indicating that “ideal cardiovascular health is being lost as early as the teenage years." Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D. et al., "Today's Teens Will Die Younger of Heart Disease, Study Finds", News release, presentation at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, November 16, 2011, © AHA

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Emiratis Eat Breakfast Daily, But Few Partake In Regular Physical Exercise November 15, 2011: 06:51 PM EST A nationwide survey conducted among 750 residents of the United Arab Emirates has found that about three-fourths eat breakfast daily and nearly two-thirds eat three meals a day. The bad news, however, is that 59 percent consider themselves obese or overweight, only six percent consider fruits and vegetables a key component of a healthy diet, and most of the respondents relieve daily stress by surfing the Internet or watching TV rather than engaging in physical activity. Forty-nine percent of the respondents were of Arab nationalities, and of these 22 percent were Emiratis. Asians, subcontinent and Western expats constituted 51 percent of the respondents. "Health survey shows 76% eat breakfast now", Khaleejtimes.com, November 15, 2011, © Khaleej Times

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Researchers Find That Protein – Not Sugar – Stimulates Wakefulness, Burns Calories November 16, 2011: 12:00 AM EST British scientists have found that amino acids in proteins such as egg whites stimulate orexin neurons that secrete a brain stimulant (orexin/hypocretin) that seems to encourage calorie burning – preventing weight gain – while keeping people awake. The scientists compared the actions of different nutrients on orexin cells. They found that glucose blocks orexin cells, which may be a reason for after-meal sleepiness, but amino acids stop glucose from blocking orexin cells. In other words, the protein negated the effects of sugar on the cells. The findings may shed light on prior puzzling observations showing that protein meals can make people feel less calm and more alert than carbohydrate meals. Dr. Denis Burdakov et al., "Activation of Central Orexin/Hypocretin Neurons by Dietary Amino Acids", Neuron, November 16, 2011, © Elsevier Inc.

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Increased Vitamin C Intake Among Heart Patients Reduces Risk Of Further Cardiac Problems November 13, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Inadequate vitamin C intake among heart failure patients was associated with a greater risk of further “cardiac events,” including emergency room visits or hospitalizations due to cardiac problems, or cardiac death, a Korean/U.S. study has found. Low levels of vitamin C were associated with higher levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hsCRP) and shorter intervals without major cardiac issues or death for heart failure patients. Heart failure patients who had low vitamin C intake were 2.4 times more likely to have higher levels of hsCRP, a marker for inflammation and a risk factor for heart disease compared to those with high vitamin C intake from food. Eun Kyeung Song et al., "Low Vitamin C Levels May Raise Heart Failure Patients' Risk", News release, presentation, American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, November 13, 2011, © American Heart Association

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Fish Consumption Is Healthier For The Heart, Reduces Risk Of Diabetes November 11, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in Spain who analyzed the diets of 935 men and women at risk of cardiovascular disease found that red meat consumption was associated with greater weight gain and a higher obesity rate, while fish consumption was linked to lower glucose concentrations and less risk of diabetes. Intake of large amounts of red meat was linked to higher cardiovascular risk, higher blood pressure, diabetes and a moderate decrease in life expectancy, mainly due from cancer or heart disease. Eating both white and oily fish, however, not only had health benefits for the heart, consumption of fish, it was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Sotos Prieto, M. et al., "Meat and fish consumption in a high cardiovascular risk Spanish Mediterranean population", Nutrición Hospitalaria, November 11, 2011, © Aula Médica Ediciones

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Nutrient-Dense, High-Fiber Foods Reduce Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome In Teens – Study November 10, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Michigan State University researchers have found that as intake of high-fiber, nutrient-dense foods increases among teenagers, the risk of metabolic syndrome drops. The researchers focused on data collected from 2,100 boys and girls aged 12 to 19 as part of a national health survey done from 1999-2002. The study found a three-fold increase in the number of children that had metabolic syndrome – risk factors for diabetes such as high blood pressure and a large waistline – when children receiving the least fiber were compared with those receiving the most. There was not, however, a significant relationship to either saturated fat or cholesterol intake. Joseph J. Carlson et al., "Dietary Fiber and Nutrient Density Are Inversely Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in U.S. Adolescents", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, November 10, 2011, © Elsevier Inc.

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Reduction In Fat Cells Helps The Body Fight Gum Disease November 9, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. pilot study involving 31 obese people has discovered an association between a reduction of fat cells in the body and an improved ability to fight gum disease. Half of the participants had gastric bypass surgery, had fat cells from the abdomen removed and were treated for gum disease. The other half were also treated for gum disease but did not have the gastric bypass surgery or fat removed. While both groups showed improvement in gum health, the surgery group did better on the measures for periodontal attachment, bleeding, probing depths and plaque levels, researchers said. And most of the surgery group experienced a drop in their glucose levels after the procedure, a result that bodes well for overweight people predisposed to diabetes and insulin-related problems. Dima Lakkis et al., "Response to Periodontal Therapy in Subjects Who Had Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery and Obese Counterparts", Journal of Periodontology, November 09, 2011, © American Academy of Periodontology

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Wearable Device Captures Dietary, Exercise And Other Lifestyle Data For Weight-Watchers November 9, 2011: 12:00 AM EST University of Pittsburgh scientists have created a wearable device for weight-watchers that automatically captures a wide variety of data and other information on various health activities, eliminating the need for self-reporting. The eButton can be worn on the chest like a pin. It includes a miniature camera, accelerometer, GPS and other sensors. According to researchers, the eButton extends beyond food and exercise by recording time spent watching TV or sitting at a computer. It tracks where food is bought, how meals are prepared, which restaurants are visited and what items were ordered. The eButton is not yet available commercially: it is being tested in a pilot study estimating the caloric intake and physical activity levels of participants. Mingui Sun, "Researchers Develop eButton, an Easier Way to Monitor Food Intake, Exercise, and Lifestyle", News release, University of Pittsburgh, November 09, 2011, © University of Pittsburgh

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Dairy Foods, Protein With Daily Exercise Induce Weight Loss While Protecting Bone Health November 9, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A diet rich in dairy foods and  protein was associated with improved bone health among obese young women in a study by Canadian researchers. Eating dairy foods and higher-than-recommended amounts of protein resulted in improvements in biomarkers of bone formation and reductions in markers of bone degradation. The 16-week diet- and exercise-induced weight loss program involving 90 premenopausal women and included modest dietary calorie restriction, aerobic exercise and varied intakes of protein and dairy foods. Researchers then tested bone mineral density and blood levels of several bone health biomarkers, finding positive effects on markers of bone turnover, calcium, vitamin D status and bone metabolism. A. R. Josse et al., "Diets Higher in Dairy Foods and Dietary Protein Support Bone Health during Diet- and Exercise-Induced Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Premenopausal Women", Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, November 09, 2011, © The Endocrine Society

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New Test Identifies Fish-Borne Poison Quickly, Reliably November 9, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Scientists in Japan have developed a test that quickly and reliably identifies a difficult-to-detect poison, ciguatoxin, that causes as many as 60,000 people a year to become sick from eating warm water fish such as red snapper and sea bass. The source of the toxin is tropical and subtropical marine algae eaten by smaller fish. The presence of the toxin is undetectable: contaminated fish taste, smell and look fine. The current test for the toxin, which uses mice, is time-consuming and often ineffective. The new test was able to identify 16 varieties of the toxin quickly using standard lab instruments. Kentaro Yogi et al., "Detailed LC-MS/MS Analysis of Ciguatoxins Revealing Distinct Regional and Species Characteristics in Fish and Causative Alga from the Pacific", Analytical Chemistry, November 09, 2011, © American Chemical Society

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Web-based Program Encouraging Healthier Lifestyle Has Little Impact On Adolescents November 7, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Dutch researchers who tested a Web-based computer-tailored intervention designed to increase exercise and promote healthy eating among 883 adolescent students (12 to 13 years of age) found that the program did not impact long-term behavior but may have had some positive short-term effects. The program encouraged drinking less sugar-sweetened beverages, eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and increasing physical activity. The researchers concluded that the intervention showed some positive short-term effects on diet but no effect either way on physical activity and sedentary behavior. Moreover, the intervention had no effect on body mass index, waist circumference, or percentage of students being overweight or obese. N. P. M. Ezendam et al., "Evaluation of the Web-Based Computer-Tailored FATaintPHAT Intervention to Promote Energy Balance Among Adolescents", Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, November 07, 2011, © American Medical Association

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Krill Oil Sales Soaring, Despite Environmental Concerns November 4, 2011: 06:31 PM EST Annual krill oil sales are growing at a rate of 20 percent, despite concerns about the sustainability of krill harvesting. Whole Foods and other natural foods stores have banned the sale of krill products because of environmental concerns. However, consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits of krill oil, which has more omega-3s than other fish and contains a potent carotenoid known as astaxanthin. The increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of krill oil should drive sales – and probably prices – higher in the future, according to industry observers. However, environmental conservation groups are relentless in their opposition to krill harvesting. James Townsend, "Krill awareness hits critical mass", Functional Ingredients, November 04, 2011, © Penton Media Inc

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Adopting An English Diet In Other U.K. Countries Would Save Thousands of Lives November 3, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Researchers who analyzed mortality data for various diseases and conditions associated with diet in the U.K. say that thousands of deaths could be prevented each year in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales if people in those countries adopted the average diet eaten in England. According to the study, the English diet includes more fiber, less salt and saturated fat, and more fruits and vegetables. People in Scotland and Northern Ireland consistently eat more saturated fat and salt and fewer fruits and vegetables every day. The differences between Wales and England were less consistent over the three years, the researchers said, noting that 4,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and cancer could be prevented every year by adopting the English diet. Peter Scarborough et al., "Differences in coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer mortality rates between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: the role of diet and nutrition", BMJ Open, November 03, 2011, © http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000263.full

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Commercial Weight Management Programs Work Better Than Primary Care Services November 3, 2011: 12:00 AM EST British researchers who compared the effectiveness of commercial weight loss programs with primary care-led programs found the commercial programs to be cheaper and more effective. The 12-week study involved 740 obese and overweight men and women. Programs included were Weight Watchers, Slimming World, Rosemary Conley, a group-based dietetics program, general practice one-to-one counseling, pharmacy one-to-one counseling, or a choice of any of the six programs. A control group was given vouchers for free use of a local fitness center. All programs achieved significant weight loss. But the researchers concluded that commercial weight management services were more effective and cheaper than primary care based services led by specially trained staff, which were no more effective than the control group. K. Jolly et al., "Comparison of range of commercial or primary care led weight reduction programs with minimal intervention control for weight loss in obesity: Lighten Up randomized controlled trial", BMJ.com, November 03, 2011, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

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Diet That Includes Small Amounts Of Nuts Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease November 2, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Eating about one ounce of a mixture of raw unpeeled walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts daily reduces inflammatory substances in the blood and increases serotonin levels, which in turn decreases hunger pangs, makes people feel happier, and improves heart health, researchers in Spain report. The scientists analyzed the compounds excreted in the urine of 22 patients with metabolic syndrome who consumed a nut-enriched diet for 12 weeks. A control group consisted of patients who did not eat nuts during the study period. Nut consumption not only boosted levels of serotonin metabolites in urine, it reduced levels of substances in the body associated with inflammation and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients. Sara Tulipani et al., "Metabolomics Unveils Urinary Changes in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome following 12-Week Nut Consumption", Journal of Proteome Research, November 02, 2011, © American Chemical Society

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Mediterranean Diet Helps Improve Sleep Apnea Symptoms In Obese People November 2, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A study by Greek scientists has found that eating a Mediterranean diet improves sleep apnea symptoms among obese people compared to a simply prudent diet. The researchers examined 40 obese patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Half of the patients ate a prudent diet, and half followed a Mediterranean diet. Both groups walked for at least 30 minutes each day. While sleeping, all patients also wore a mask that generates an air stream, keeping the upper airway open. People who followed the Mediterranean diet had a reduced number of disturbances, or apneas, during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep (about 25 percent of total sleep). However, patients did not show an overall improvement in severity of the condition, researchers acknowledged. C. Papandreou et al., "Effect of Mediterranean diet vs. prudent diet combined with physical activity on OSAS: a randomized trial", European Respiratory Journal, November 02, 2011, © European Respiratory Society

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High Schoolers Motivated To Lose Weight Engage In Counterproductive Behaviors November 1, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A study that analyzed survey data on 44,000 Philadelphia high school students found that about 75 percent are trying to lose weight, but their behaviors – playing video games, drinking sugary sodas, not exercising, etc. – tended to be counterproductive. Girls trying to lose weight were more likely to do 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day. But they also tended to drink regular sodas daily. Boys trying to lose weight were more likely to do no physical activity, and averaged more than three hours of video games a day. The researchers suggested that teenagers motivated to lose weight may simply not know that their actions are actually a hindrance than a help. "Overweight Teens Want to Lose Weight, Going About It the Wrong Way", News release, presentation at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, November 01, 2011, © American Public Health Association

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Vitamin D Improves Bone Health In Older Women, But Does Not Protect Against Mortality November 1, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A long-term U.S. study has found that postmenopausal women who took vitamin D supplements were not protected from death due to cancer, cardiovascular disease or other conditions, though vitamin D did improve bone health. Researchers looked at data from 2,429 older women, tracking blood levels of vitamin D and mortality over ten years. A total of 225 of the women died, including 79 from cardiovascular disease and 62 from cancer. What was apparent in the data, researchers said, was that the women with the lowest levels of vitamin D also had a lot of other negative health indicators. After controlling smoking, history of cardiovascular disease, history of cancer, alcohol consumption, and waist circumference, the impact of vitamin D was essentially zero. C. B. Eaton et al., "Prospective association of vitamin D concentrations with mortality in postmenopausal women", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 01, 2011, © American Society for Nutrition

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High Doses Of Vitamin D Found Safe, Effective For Obese Adolescents November 1, 2011: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who conducted a study among obese adolescents – all of whom were diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency – found that a daily dose of 4,000 IUs of vitamin D3 was a safe and effective way to improve vitamin D levels. Obese adolescents are only about half as efficient at using vitamin D as lean adolescents. For example, lean adolescents need only take about 100 IUs to increase their serum 25OHD levels by 1 ng/ml. Obese adolescents, however, require about 200 IUs to achieve the same increase. The researchers recommended that physicians need to carefully evaluate the vitamin D status of overweight and obese patients. Catherine Peterson et al., "Safety and efficacy of using high dose (4000 IU daily) vitamin D supplementation to improve the vitamin D status of obese adolescents", Press release, presentation at the annual meeting of Experimental Biology, November 01, 2011, © Experimental Biology

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Study Finds That “The Freshman 15” Pounds Of Weight Gain Is A Myth October 31, 2011: 12:00 AM EST An Ohio State University study reports that the commonly held belief that college students gain an average of 15 pounds during their freshman year is a myth. Not only do college students not gain anywhere near “the freshman 15” pounds, college has little to do with weight gain, which is more associated with becoming an adult. The average college freshman gains an average of 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, the study found. The study analyzed data from 7,418 young Americans who participated in a survey beginning in 1997 and were interviewed every year after that. Women gained an average of 2.4 pounds as freshmen; men gained an average of 3.4 pounds. Only 10 percent gained 15 pounds or more, and 25 percent actually lost weight. Jay L. Zagorsky et al., "The Freshman 15: A Critical Time for Obesity Intervention or Media Myth? ", Social Science Quarterly, October 31, 2011, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Obesity And Depression Act Independently To Drive Up Health Costs October 31, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Previous research had drawn an association between depression and obesity and higher health care costs, but a new study says the two conditions do not act together to boost costs. Researchers used telephone interviews to determine obesity and depression, then analyzed medical records to calculate health care costs for 4,462 women aged 40-65. Obesity was measured as body mass index (BMI); depression was measured with a 9-item American Psychiatric Association questionnaire. The researchers found that in middle-aged women, health care costs increased 65 percent in women with a BMI of 30-35, and 157 percent in women with a BMI higher than 35. Health care costs increased with higher depression scores, but depression did not significantly impact the obesity cost results. Gregory E. Simon et al., " Obesity, Depression, and Health Services Costs Among Middle-Aged Women", Journal of General Internal Medicine, October 31, 2011, © Springer

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Extract Of Cranberry Flavonoids Not As Effective At Fighting Infections As The Juice October 31, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute studying whether a cranberry extract might offer more health benefits than the juice have found that the juice is better at preventing biofilm formation, a precursor of urinary tract infections (UTI). The study tested the group of flavonoids in cranberries known as proanthocyanidins or PACs, the ingredient scientists have assumed gives the juice its infection-fighting properties and therefore could be candidate for creation of an extract deliverable in pill form. The researchers tested the extract and the juice on E. coli bacteria, the primary cause of UTI, finding that the PACs were no “silver bullet,” showing only limited ability to reduce biofilm formation, and only after extended exposure to the E. coli. Terri Camesano et al., "Impact of Cranberry Juice and Proanthocyanidins on the Ability of Escherichia coli to Form Biofilms", Food Science and Biotechnology, October 31, 2011, © Springer

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Consumer Focus On Shedding Pounds Drives Healthy Retail Sales Of Weight Loss Products October 29, 2011: 08:41 PM EST Consumers interested in losing weight are responding to marketing promises, driving healthy weight management product sales, according to a Euromonitor report. Weight loss companies have successfully upgraded their meal replacement lines, introducing new flavors for current products, and launching new powders, soups and bars. All have enjoyed success at the retail level. Palatability and texture have improved markedly, thanks to the application of new ingredient technologies. Meal replacement slimming and weight loss supplements posted the highest sales in the U.S., mainly because of strong promotional efforts from direct sellers Amway and Herbalife. “A combination of high overweight/obesity rates, affluence and the desire for a perfect body helped North America dominate retail value sales of weight management products in 2010,” Euromonitor said. "An overview of weight management results 2009-2010", Euromonitor International, October 29, 2011, © Euromonitor International

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Regaining Weight Lost On A Diet Seems To Be Hormonal Problem October 28, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Obese people who restrict their diet and lose weight are likely to regain that weight because of hormonal changes, not because of a return to a poor diet. Fifty overweight or obese adults with a BMI of between 27 and 40 participated in a 10-week low-calorie weight loss program. Researchers measured appetite-regulating hormones at the beginning of the study, at the end, and a year later. Participants lost an average of 13 kgs, but the hormone levels changed in a way associated with an increase in hunger. After a year, participants had regained an average of five kgs. “The relapse has a strong physiological basis and is not simply the result of the voluntary resumption of old habits," researchers concluded. Priya Sumithran et al., "Long-Term Persistence of Hormonal Adaptations to Weight Loss", New England Journal of Medicine, October 28, 2011, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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Girls’ Self-Image More Affected By Magazines, TV Shows That Focus On Body Image October 28, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Adolescents, especially girls, who read magazines and watch TV shows that focus on body image are more likely to have a poor self-image, according to a Spanish study of 1,165 high school students. The researchers said the relationship between exposure to these media and body dissatisfaction is not direct, but is real. Psychological variables – eating disorders, self-esteem, internalization of a “thin-body ideal” – can moderate the relationship. Researchers found that exposure to media content such as diet, beauty, health or music videos had a bigger negative impact on girls than on boys. The girls in the study had a lower BMI than the boys, but displayed greater body dissatisfaction: 16.5 percent in women as opposed to 5.4 percent in men. María Calado et al., "The Association Between Exposure to Mass Media and Body Dissatisfaction Among Spanish Adolescents", Women's Health Issues, October 28, 2011, © Elsevier Inc.

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New Abbott Glucerna Shakes, Bars Help Diabetics Manage Hunger, Sugar Spikes October 27, 2011: 06:41 PM EST Abbott Nutrition has introduced Glucerna Hunger Smart shakes and bars for diabetics. According to the company, the products are designed as meal replacements that assist in managing hunger and blood sugar spikes while helping diabetics achieve weight management goals. The Glucerna shakes contain a proprietary carbohydrate blend called Carb Steady with both low glycemic and slowly-digestible carbohydrates to help minimize blood sugar spikes. Each 180-calories shake has 15 grams of protein and six grams of sugars, as well as 25 vitamins and minerals. The snack bars are 140-150 calories with 10 grams of protein in addition to Carb Steady. "Abbott Launches Glucerna Hunger Smart™ Nutrition Products for People with Diabetes", Press release, Abbott Nutrition, October 27, 2011, © Abbott Nutrition

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Children Who Eat Less Fat, More Fiber, Reduce Their Risk Of Chronic Disease In Adulthood October 27, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Children and adolescents whose diet is lower in total fat and saturated fat and higher in dietary fiber have a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease later in life, a U.S. study has found. Researchers evaluated 230 women in their mid- to-late-twenties who had participated nine years earlier in a dietary intervention study. Participants in that study ate a diet that limited fat intake to 28 percent of calories and included fruit, vegetables and whole grains. In the follow-up nine years later, researchers found that the women had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose levels and lower systolic blood pressure, risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. J. F. Dorgan et al., "Adolescent Diet and Metabolic Syndrome in Young Women: Results of the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) Follow-Up Study", Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, October 27, 2011, © The Endocrine Society

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Weight Levels In European Children Linked To Sleep Time, TV Time October 27, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A European research project has found that adequate sleep and reduced TV/computer time have a significant effect on children’s weight. Children who slept less than nine  hours a night were twice as likely to be overweight compared to children sleeping 11 hours; children sleeping 9-10 hours were 1.3 times more likely. Children viewing more TV consumed higher-fat and particularly higher-sugar diets, researchers found. The length of time children sleep varies significantly among European countries: children in Estonia average 9-10 hours a night, while children in Belgium average more than 11 hours. Generally, children from Southern and Eastern Europe get less sleep than children in the North. Children who get more exercise, and spend less time in front of the TV or computer are more likely to eat healthily. Wolfgang Ahrens et al., "Watching Less TV, Being More Active and Sleeping More Is Linked to a Healthy Body Weight in Young Children", News release, presentation, European Nutrition Conference, October 27, 2011, © IDEFICS

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Survey Finds That Americans Believe Canned Foods Are Not As Nutritious As Frozen Or Fresh October 25, 2011: 07:45 PM EST A survey conducted by a group representing steelmakers and some food processors found that only 46 percent of Americans know that canned foods count toward U.S. government recommended dietary guidelines; 40 percent believe canned foods are less nutritious than frozen foods; and sixty percent believes canned foods are not as nutritious as fresh. But according to the Canned Food Alliance, food packaged in steel cans “can be just as nutritious (and sometimes more nutritious) than fresh and frozen varieties.” CFA Executive Director Rich Tavoletti said canned foods provide affordable, accessible and convenient nutrition. "Survey: Consumers Underestimate Canned Foods’ Benefits", News release, Mealtime.org, October 25, 2011, © Canned Food Alliance

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Low-Fat Diet Plus Fish Oil Supplements Slows Proliferation Of Prostate Cancer Cells October 25, 2011: 12:00 AM EST UCLA researchers found in a six-week clinical study that men with prostate cancer who ate a low-fat diet supplemented with fish oil experienced slower cancer cell growth. The growth rates compared favorably to proliferation rates experienced by men on a high-fat Western-style diet. The findings are important because the slower proliferation of the cancer cells lowers the chances that the cancer will spread beyond the prostate. In addition, the men on the low-fat, fish oil-supplement diet also showed changes in the composition of cell membranes in both healthy cells and cancer cells in the prostates. The scientists found that the membranes had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, and lower levels of omega-6 fatty acids from corn oil. William J. Aronson et al., "Phase II Prospective Randomized Trial of a Low-Fat Diet with Fish Oil Supplementation in Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy ", Cancer Prevention Research, October 25, 2011, © merican Association for Cancer Research

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New Test Can Rapidly Pinpoint Sources Of Food Contamination October 25, 2011: 12:00 AM EST U.S. scientists have developed a technology that allows government agencies and food companies to pinpoint the exact nature and origin of food-borne bacteria with unprecedented accuracy. In the standard method of tracing food-borne illness, the DNA of bacteria samples is broken into smaller pieces and the banding patterns are analyzed. The method is flawed because different strains of bacteria have common DNA fingerprints that are genetically similar. The new technology – dubbed the single nucleotide polymorphism test – involves sequencing the genome of the bacteria. The researchers are able to rapidly discriminate between outbreak-related cases and non-outbreak related cases, and can isolate samples connected to contamination. Henk C. den Bakker et al., "A whole genome SNP based approach to trace and identify outbreaks linked to a common Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Montevideo Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis type", Applied and Environmental Microbiology, October 25, 2011, © American Society for Microbiology

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Obesity Reduces Effectiveness Of Flu Shots October 25, 2011: 12:00 AM EST Overweight and obese people are more likely that healthy weight people to experience flu illness after receiving a flu shot, new U.S. research has found. Scientists had earlier found that obesity impairs the ability of the human immune system to fight the influenza virus. This study found that obesity actually reduces the effectiveness of the annual flu shot: influenza vaccine antibody levels declined much faster in obese people compared to healthy weight individuals. They also found that responses of white blood cells that play a key role in the body's immune system were defective in heavier people. Approximately half of obese participants in the study had a four-fold drop in antibody levels 12 months after the shot, compared to only a quarter of healthy weight participants. P. A. Sheridan et al., "Obesity is associated with impaired immune response to influenza vaccination in humans", International Journal of Obesity, October 25, 2011, © Nature Publishing Group

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Drinking Coffee Reduces Risk Of Basal Cell Carcinoma October 24, 2011: 08:40 PM EST Data drawn from questionnaires provided by nurses and other health professionals show an inverse association between drinking caffeinated coffee and the risk of basal cell carcinoma, according to a study presented at a recent medical conference. Though the study looked at the connection between caffeine and both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a decreased risk was found only with BCC. Nearly 73,000 participants were followed from 1984 to 2008 in the study. Researchers found that women who drank more than three cups of coffee a day reduced the risk of BCC by one fifth. But men who drank more than three cups a day had only a nine percent risk reduction, compared with people who drank less than one cup a month. "Coffee Consumption Associated With Decreased Risk for Basal Cell Carcinoma", Press release, American Association for Cancer Research, October 24, 2011, © American Association for Cancer Research

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Cardiologist Recommends Seven Lifestyle Rules For A Longer, Healthier Life October 24, 2011: 12:00 AM EST By following seven simple lifestyle rules, people could significantly increase their chances of living to the age of 90 or even 100 without heart disease, stroke or chronic illnesses such as cancer. According to U.S. cardiologist Dr. Clyde Yancy, following the seven steps can “compress life-threatening disease into the final stages of life” while maintaining the quality of life. The seven lifestyle rules include: being more active, controlling cholesterol levels, eating a healthy diet, controlling blood pressure, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes and staying tobacco free. Dr. Yancy said governments could promote these healthy lifestyle rules through changes in sodium policies, more tobacco control initiatives, increased green space, and health education. Dr. Clyde Yancy, "Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Add a Decade or More Healthy Years to the Average Lifespan", Press release, presentation at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, October 24, 2011, © Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

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Carbonated Beverages Linked To Aggressive, Violent Behavior Among Teens In Boston Study October 24, 2011: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study has found that teenagers who consume more than 60 ounces of non-diet carbonated soft drinks a week are much more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, such as toting a weapon and acting violently against peers and siblings. Researchers surveyed 1,878 teens in Boston public schools about their soft drink consumption in the prior week, then divided them into low-consumption and high-consumption (five or more cans a week) groups. About 30 percent were classified as high-consumption. The teens were then asked about violent behavior towards peers or siblings, whether they carried a knife or gun, etc. Teens who were heavy consumers of non-diet fizzy soft drinks were nine to 15 percent more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior – the same magnitude as the impact of alcohol or tobacco. Sara J Solnick, David Hemenway, "The 'Twinkie Defense': the relationship between carbonated non-diet soft drinks and violence perpetration among Boston high school students", Injury Prevention, October 24, 2011, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

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