Junk Food News and Research

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Health leaders discuss polio, alcohol, childhood obesity at WHA

From the 63rd World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, the Associated Press reports on what some "describe as a new strategy to get rid of" polio that focuses on developing solutions to "problems in each country, provides more WHO monitoring, like more teleconferences, and holds governments more accountable." The plans also provide "[n]ew [polio] outbreak response plans," according to the AP.

24 May 2010

Study to assess therapy for feeding difficulties in kids

It is a common complaint of many mothers that their children refuse food. Now Australian scientists are looking for answers to this problem in order to reduce the increase in the number of malnourished children who need medical help because of their picky eating.

6 May 2010

Advertising codes failing NZ children

A study conducted at Otago University’s Wellington campus in New Zealand by Louise Thornley and her colleagues has found that the self regulating Advertising Standards Authority is failing to protect children. As per the advertising codes, advertisements are not supposed to target children to encourage consumption of junk food.

28 Apr 2010

Today's opinions: Health overhaul reflects history of government intervention; Importance of repairing clinical trials system; Stopping Medicare fraud

The system's opacity gives insurers the upper hand in debates over government payment rates (Austin Frakt, 4/26).

26 Apr 2010

ASH named fourth healthiest large-group business employer in San Diego county

American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), a leading national health and wellness organization, announced that it was named the fourth healthiest large-group business in San Diego county in the first annual "San Diego's Healthiest Employers Awards," produced by the San Diego Business Journal. Certificates were presented to 50 finalists, and only the top five companies in small, medium, and large categories were named as honorees.

16 Apr 2010

Obesity prejudice in medical community

Prejudice towards obese people is rife among trainee health professionals, but can be modified, new research has found.

16 Apr 2010

Attack on ‘junk food’ marketing to cut down on obesity

Amidst warnings of the obesity epidemic health authorities voicing their concern called for restrictions on fast non healthy food and alcohol advertising. Australia is one of the most overweight nations in the world, with more than 60% of adults and 25% children overweight or obese.

5 Apr 2010

Addiction to high calorie fat rich food: likened to cocaine and heroin addiction

In a new research our worst fears are confirmed – fatty, fried and fattening foods are addictive. The addiction with these delicious ‘yummies’ may be as potent as that with cocaine or heroin. The study was conducted on experimental animals, rats in this case. When fed with fatty foods in great quantities these rats showed a compulsive need to eat.

29 Mar 2010

Study provides new clues to obesity epidemic

In a newly published study, scientists from The Scripps Research Institute have shown for the first time that the same molecular mechanisms that drive people into drug addiction are behind the compulsion to overeat, pushing people into obesity.

29 Mar 2010

Taxing less healthful foods may steer adults toward healthier diets

Adults tend to eat less pizza and drink less soda as the price of these items increases, and their body weight and overall calorie intake also appear to decrease, according to a report in the March 8 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

9 Mar 2010

Junk food consumption on the rise among U. S. children

Children in the United States are snacking more than ever before on salty chips, candy and other junk food, according to a new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study.

3 Mar 2010

Taxing unhealthy foods may promote healthy food choices

Recently, the Obama administration called for a total ban on candy and soda in the nation's schools. States are beginning to impose "sin taxes" on fat and sugar to dissuade people from eating junk food. Pricing strategies may well be a key to changing behavior, but others favor subsidies over punitive taxes, as a way to encourage people to eat fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

25 Feb 2010

Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish: Foundation to transform junk food culture and reduce incidence of obesity

Celebrated British chef and food activist Jamie Oliver announced his 2010 TED Prize "wish to change the world" moments ago on the first day of the annual TED conference.

11 Feb 2010

Millennials overly optimistic about their health despite unhealthy habits

According to Life University, a leading chiropractic college and vital health university, Millennials (ages 15-27), are overly optimistic about their own health, despite admitting to the same unhealthy habits that have caused chronic illness in previous generations.

2 Feb 2010

Companies may hit new anti-discrimination law when asking workers about health issues

Employers offering wellness and preventive health programs can sometimes run afoul of a new anti-discrimination law restricting their ability to ask workers about family medical histories, The Wall Street Journal reports.

2 Feb 2010

Smart for Life introduces new THIN ADVENTURE Children's Weight Loss Program

With many American children overweight and obese, Smart for Life's new THIN ADVENTURE(TM) Children's Weight Loss Program introduces an affordable 30-day weight-loss program designed for children between the ages of 6 and 14. It will be available at http://www.smartforlife.com and other affiliated retailers in January 2010.

29 Dec 2009

Second part of the 2009 Food Safety Naughty and Nice list released

Food Safety News, the web-based newspaper that covers all things food safety, today released the second part of its 2009 Food Safety Naughty and Nice list. The web-based newspaper’s “Naughty” list was published yesterday and included food safety missteps, missed opportunities, and downright dirty deeds.

28 Dec 2009