Positive Body Image Helps Weight Loss

Research by Dr. Tracy Tylka indicates that women with a positive body image are more likely to eat “intuitively” meaning that they will respond appropriately to body cues of hunger or satiation.  This argues against the idea that women do or should diet when they are dissatisfied with their bodies.  See the extended summary in Reuters Health online.

Add comment August 31st, 2006

Obesity Contributes to Yet Another Cancer

New research by Andrew Li, a gynecologic oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of LA, suggests that obesity complicates ovarian cancer for women.  Women with the disease have a lower chance of survival and may also experience shorter periods of remission.

The study will be reported in Cancer journal on October 1.  This summary was published by Health Day on the National Institutes of Health website.

Add comment August 29th, 2006

Obesity Drives Medicare Costs

Researchers in Atlanta have found that our Medicare costs (read: taxpayer money) is on the same upward path as our expanding national waist line.  As they say in their article in Health Affairs online, the cause seems to be that more and more people are reaching Medicare age / eligibility in an obese condition.  That means they are bringing pre-existing chronic disease conditions with them.

Add comment August 27th, 2006

OK, even a little overweight is not good

Time for more conflicting stories from the research side of the world.  This time, a huge study finds that being even a little overweight increases mortality rates among baby boomers (read, you are more likely to die). Not long ago, some research claimed that being a little overweight might actually help you.  Probably not.

This research was so widely reported, we at first thought we wouldn’t add it to our blog, but common sense got the better of us.  It’s what we are all about.  See one version of the press report at boston.com.

Add comment August 26th, 2006

Food Environment Called “Toxic” for Children

A meta-study about nutrition and childhood diseases (a study of many studies) says the current food processing and consumption practices create a “toxic environment” for children.  Researcher Dr. Robert Lustig of the University of California, San Francisco says (see summary) the diet has high energy, high fat, high fructose, low fiber and low dairy content, producing an “insulinogenic” nutritional picture for kids.

The result is that obesity is now the #1 childhood ailment diagnosed.  He urges social action.  Do you agree?

Add comment August 26th, 2006

How You Can Help Kids Grow Up Healthy

Well, it’s a small thing, but there is coordinated action in all 50 states to try to get our kids to live more healthy lifestyles.  In the long run, that benefits us all.

The Action for Healthy Kids website can get you to the program in your state and show you how to get involved.

Add comment August 24th, 2006