Obesity News and Research

Latest Obesity News and Research

Study examines racial differences between obesity and vitamin D among children

A recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that while black and white children with vitamin D deficiency both had higher fat levels, black children were more likely to have higher levels of fat just under their skin and white children were more likely to have higher levels of fat between their internal organs.

28 Apr 2011

Vitamin E effective against severe fatty liver disease in some children

A specific form of vitamin E improved the most severe form of fatty liver disease in some children, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Results appear in the April 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. A previous study found vitamin E effective in some adults with the disease.

28 Apr 2011

Pfizer announces global launch of new child nutrition products

Pfizer Inc. today announced the global launch of its new advanced GOLD range of child nutrition products, developed to meet the changing nutritional and feeding needs of young children. The GOLD range of infant and follow-on formulas, and growing-up milks provides the right balance of high-quality nutrients needed to support ideal health, growth and development in growing children.

28 Apr 2011

Legislative approaches needed to address obesity epidemic in Canada

With the increase in numbers of overweight children and young adults, Canada and other developed countries are facing an obesity epidemic and legislative approaches are required to address this issue, states an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

28 Apr 2011

Study finds prevalence of low vitamin D status among obese adolescents

A new study from Hasbro Children's Hospital has found that most obese adolescents are lacking in vitamin D.

28 Apr 2011

Maternal consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy reduces risk of childhood obesity

New research shows a possible connection between the risk of childhood obesity and maternal consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. Intake of the omega-3s found in seafood is also linked to reduced risk of recurrent breast cancer, stroke in women and early age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

27 Apr 2011

CDC: States can do more to improve Children's food environment

States can do more to improve food access, regulations and policies to promote healthy eating and fight childhood obesity, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2011 Children's Food Environment State Indicator Report also notes that the communities, child care facilities and schools all have roles to play.

27 Apr 2011

CTNNB1 activation can improve colorectal cancer survival in obese patients

Among obese patients, activation of the protein biomarker CTNNB1 was associated with better colorectal cancer-specific survival and overall survival, whereas post-diagnosis physical activity was associated with better colorectal cancer-specific survival among patients negative for CTNNB1, according to a study in the April 27 issue of JAMA.

27 Apr 2011

Children, adolescents with liver disease may not benefit from vitamin E or metformin

In contrast to previous preliminary data, use of vitamin E or the diabetes drug metformin was not superior to placebo on a measured outcome for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents, according to a study in the April 27 issue of JAMA.

27 Apr 2011

Synthes, JNJ sign merger agreement for orthopaedics business

Johnson & Johnson, the world's most comprehensive and broadly-based manufacturer of health care products, and Synthes, Inc., a premier global manufacturer of orthopaedic devices, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Johnson & Johnson will acquire Synthes for CHF159 per share, or $21.3 billion.

27 Apr 2011

Blueberries may help fight obesity

Recently a study out of the Texas Women's University looked at whether blueberries with their high polyphenol content could help in fighting obesity. Blueberries after all have already been cited as having positive health effects on other conditions like cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The study was conducted in Petri dishes (not live animals) using a blueberry polyphenol extract and tissue cultures from mice.

27 Apr 2011

Most Americans unaware of recommended alcohol limits and risks of sea salt

Most Americans believe drinking wine is good for your heart but are unaware of recommended alcohol limits, and most mistakenly believe sea salt is a low-sodium alternative to regular table salt, according to a new survey about these common products.

26 Apr 2011

Active Healthy Kids Canada releases 2011 Report Card on physical activity for children, youth

School's out, do you know what your kids are doing? You may want to think again if you believe they are being physically active.

26 Apr 2011

University of Arkansas receives USDA grant for childhood obesity project

University of Arkansas scientists and educators are attacking childhood obesity in a project funded by a $4.78 million grant for five years from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

26 Apr 2011

University of Texas receives $5 million USDA grant to fight childhood obesity

The use of family-focused gardening in the fight against childhood obesity may become a growing trend with a near $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to a Texas higher education partnership.

26 Apr 2011

Cedars-Sinai's community benefit contribution is $502.4 million for 2010

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's financial contribution to community benefit programs and services totaled $502.4 million in fiscal year 2010, reflecting its long-standing mission and dedication to improving community health.

26 Apr 2011

People who travel extensively for business have high rates of health risk factors

People who travel extensively for business have increased rates of poor health and health risk factors, including obesity and high blood pressure, reports a study in the April Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

26 Apr 2011