Obesity News and Research

Latest Obesity News and Research

ASBP concerned over FDA rejection of Contrave drug

The American Society of Bariatric Physicians is concerned that the FDA recently rejected the weight-loss drug Contrave, contradicting the FDA advisory panel's recommendation for approval. The rejection of Contrave marks the third weight-loss drug to be rejected by the FDA in the past six months.

8 Feb 2011

Study estimates 1.3 million cancer deaths in Europe in 2011

There will be nearly 1.3 million deaths from cancer in Europe in 2011 according to predictions from a study published in the cancer journal, Annals of Oncology today.

8 Feb 2011

Australian teenagers could see declines in life expectancy and more heart problems: Study

Experts warn that the present generation of Australian teenagers could be the first with a decline in life expectancy and an increase in heart disease. This comes from the first comprehensive national study of young Australians since 1985 that shows that a quarter are overweight or obese.

8 Feb 2011

KONAMI announces physical education program to combat childhood obesity

Kids across the U.S. are getting off the couch and getting their dance on. Following the lead of a successful tournament throughout the state of West Virginia, KONAMI today announced the 2011 DanceDanceRevolution Hawaii State Championship Tournament, designed to promote the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyles for youths all across the Aloha State and nationwide.

8 Feb 2011

Prenatal exposure to coal byproducts can impact early childhood growth

Children raised in homes using indoor coal for cooking or heating appear to be about a half-inch shorter at age 36 months than those in households using other fuel sources, according to a report posted online today that will appear in the June print issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

8 Feb 2011

Obesity more prevalent in areas with lower educational attainment than suburban sprawl

Obesity is more prevalent in areas with lower educational attainment and certain ethnic profiles than in areas of suburban sprawl, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

8 Feb 2011

NIMH awards two BUSM members with BRAINS grant for innovative research on mental disorders

Two Boston University School of Medicine faculty members, Pietro Cottone, PhD, an assistant professor of pharmacology and psychiatry and Michael Silverstein, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics, were each awarded the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health Biobehavioral Research Awards for Innovative New Scientisits grant with ten other investigators from around the country.

7 Feb 2011

Obesity rates double worldwide

The latest research has shown that obesity is on the rise worldwide and has actually doubled since 1980. On the other hand people in the developed countries have also managed to reduce their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This comes from three new studies published online Feb. 3 in The Lancet.

7 Feb 2011

Gastric bypass surgery good for the heart in obese: Study

A new study has found that gastric bypass surgery, besides enabling severely obese people to lose weight, may also help their overly stressed hearts return to more normal function and appearance. The study appeared in the Feb. 8 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

7 Feb 2011

Acupuncture and exercise help women with PCOS

Acupuncture and physical exercise improve hormone levels and menstrual bleeding pattern in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reveals research from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

7 Feb 2011

Viewpoints: (Still) Debating health law's constitutionality; Food labels; Lawmakers' abortion divide

For state governments, the bill presents huge new costs, as we are required to enroll 15 million to 20 million more people in our Medicaid systems. ... Perhaps worse, the law expects to conscript the states as its agents in its takeover of health care. It assumes that we will set up and operate its new insurance "exchanges" for it (Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, 2/7).

7 Feb 2011

AMRI fourth quarter total revenue increases 12% to $48.6 million

AMRI today reported financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010.

7 Feb 2011

New Northern Ireland ambulances to cater for obese

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has had to equip a number of ambulances to deal with obese patients. With rise of overweight and obese people across UK more and more services have to buy specialist equipment to deal with these patients. Special equipments include wider stretchers, more lifting gear and reinforcing existing vehicles.

6 Feb 2011

The Dannon Company announces launch of Activia Parfait Crunch

The Dannon Company today announced the launch of Activia Parfait Crunch, a delicious blend of creamy Activia lowfat yogurt, fruit pieces, and lowfat crunchy granola. With 220 calories and three grams of fat per 6oz, Activia Parfait Crunch offers people a convenient choice to add to their breakfast or a delicious snack option that helps naturally regulate the digestive system.

5 Feb 2011

NQF annual conference to focus on population health

The passage of sweeping healthcare legislation and the recent election of the 112th Congress make these exciting but uncertain times for American healthcare. The National Quality Forum's annual conference, "Achieving Health of Individuals and Populations Within Their Communities," will focus on population health and bring together policymakers and key public- and private-sector stakeholders, each representing their own perspectives for improving health and healthcare throughout the country.

5 Feb 2011

NFL, NDC, Gen YOUth Foundation collaborate to tackle childhood obesity

Some of our nation's principal thought leaders in child health, physical activity and education will converge today in North Texas, site of Super Bowl XLV, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines an unprecedented private-public partnership committed to child health and wellness.

5 Feb 2011

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to sponsor Get Fit 3v3 Soccer Challenge for children

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada is proud to announce the first annual "Get Fit 3v3 Soccer Challenge" on Sunday, Feb. 13 at the Desert Breeze Soccer Complex – South Fields. The soccer challenge is designed to encourage kids ages 7 to 14 to become physically active and empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices now and in the future.

5 Feb 2011

Family mealtimes with ABC guidelines can improve quality of life in asthma children

A University of Illinois scientist reports that family mealtimes that contain three ingredients in the right amounts can improve the quality of life in children who have chronic asthma.

5 Feb 2011

Studies show growing problems of non-communicable diseases in low-, middle-income countries

Obesity rates have doubled worldwide since 1980," according to a study published Friday as part of a series in the Lancet that also looked at global blood pressure and cholesterol trends, ABC News reports (Carolo, 2/4).

5 Feb 2011

MetaMorphix announces sale under Chapter 11

MetaMorphix, Inc., an animal biotechnology company, announced its intention to sell all, or substantially all, of its assets as part of its reorganization under a sale in Chapter 11 pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Company also announced that American MedTech Advisors has been retained to assist in the sale of the Company.

5 Feb 2011