Obesity News and Research

Latest Obesity News and Research

Study finds SBRT therapy delays pancreatic cancer progression

For pancreatic cancer patients unable to undergo surgery the only known cure for this form of cancer a highly targeted cancer radiation therapy may help slow cancer progression and lessen disease symptoms, according to researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

30 Oct 2010

Study evaluates community weight loss campaign through online competition

In a time when deficits have reduced states' budgets and the services they can provide, a new study shows that the Internet might offer communities a low-cost way to motivate their overweight residents to lose pounds.

30 Oct 2010

State Watch: R.I. group experiments with payment reform; Ariz. dispute over abortion; Vt. and Feds to end monitoring of caregivers

The Providence (R.I.) Journal: "The Lifespan hospital group and Blue Cross have reached an agreement intended to gradually overturn the way hospital care is financed, with the goal of promoting health, rather than episodes of treatment. The agreement is the first to meet unique-in-the-nation rules from state Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller, who has identified hospital costs as the main reason for increases in health-insurance premiums.

30 Oct 2010

Study suggests curcumin may be an effective therapy for liver fibrosis

Curcumin, a chemical that gives curry its zing, holds promise in preventing or treating liver damage from an advanced form of a condition known as fatty liver disease, new Saint Louis University research suggests.

30 Oct 2010

Merck reports $342 million net income for 2010 third quarter

Merck & Co., Inc. today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2010. The company reported non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter of $0.85, which excludes purchase accounting adjustments, restructuring costs, merger-related expenses and a $950 million legal reserve.

29 Oct 2010

Majority of preschool children exceed screen time recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents limit combined screen time from television, DVDs, computers, and video games to 2 hours per day for preschool-age children.

29 Oct 2010

Number of beta cells remains static after age 30: Research

Beta cells, which make insulin in the human body, do not replicate after the age of 30, indicating that clinicians may be closer to better treating diabetes.

29 Oct 2010

Study finds impact of pre-transplant BMI on post liver transplant survival in pediatric population

A new study from the University of Washington reported obese children are at increased mortality risk in later years following primary liver transplantation (LT).

29 Oct 2010

Prominent scientist in mitochondrial genetics joins Children's Hospital to establish CMEM

Douglas C. Wallace, Ph.D., a pioneer and internationally prominent scientist in the field of human mitochondrial genetics, has joined The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to continue his investigations into the role of mitochondrial energy in health and disease.

29 Oct 2010

VIVUS receives FDA CRL for QNEXA NDA

VIVUS, Inc. announced today that it received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its New Drug Application (NDA) for the investigational new drug QNEXA® (phentermine/topiramate) Controlled-Release Capsules. The FDA issued the CRL to communicate its decision that the NDA cannot be approved in its present form.

29 Oct 2010

Joined-up approach to evaluate childhood obesity programmes

A united front is needed to tackle childhood obesity effectively, according to researchers at the University of Hertfordshire's Weight and Obesity Research Group.

28 Oct 2010

AAP recommends limiting screen time to 2 hours per day for preschool-age children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents limit combined screen time from television, DVDs, computers, and video games to 2 hours per day for preschool-age children. In a study soon to be published in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found that many children are exposed to screen time both at home and while at child care, with 66% exceeding the recommended daily amount.

28 Oct 2010

Study examines children's tendencies toward food and development of obesity

When it comes to understanding where tendencies to overweight and obesity develop, you have to begin with the very young, says John Spence, a behavioural scientist in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta.

28 Oct 2010

New national campaign to drive awareness on DVT and PE prevention in women

As many as 600,000 people are affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) every year, and more than half of those are never diagnosed. Some people experience swelling and varying levels of discomfort in the affected area, and some don't feel anything at all. But the symptoms of DVT can be similar to other conditions, like a pulled muscle, and because some people with DVT do not have any symptoms, there is often a delay in diagnosis. That's when DVT can be fatal.

28 Oct 2010

IPC investigating relationship between BMI and severity of psoriasis in childhood

As people around the world get ready to participate in events for World Psoriasis Day on October 29, the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) is nearing completion with enrollment in a multi-center study on the relationship between obesity and psoriasis in children. The theme of this year’s World Psoriasis Day is childhood psoriasis.

28 Oct 2010

Tips to maintain healthy weight through Halloween and holidays

For many people, the scariest part of every Halloween is not a visit from ghouls and ghosts, but the chocolaty temptation of crunchy candy bars and sweet treats that surround us in stores, at work - even in our own homes. And sometimes it can be just too hard to resist. In fact, the average American will spend more than $20 on candy treats this Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation's 2010 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

27 Oct 2010

Playnormous Video Games receive Creative Child Magazine's 2010 Media of the Year Award

As childhood obesity rates continue to shock the nation, parents and teachers alike are seeking resources to help children learn about making healthier choices. Playnormous, an award-winning producer of research-based health video games and media, puts the power of good health back into the hands of children through creative gameplay. And parents agree. The company's first CD-ROM, Playnormous: Fun For A Change Health Video Games, has been awarded Creative Child Magazine's 2010 Media of the Year Award.

27 Oct 2010

Lifestyle intervention programs result in significant weight loss for overweight and severly obese adults

Lifestyle interventions, including physical activity and structured weight loss programs, can result in significant weight loss for overweight, obese and severely obese adults, according to two reports that were posted online October 9 by JAMA. The studies and accompanying editorials were made available early online to coincide with the presentation of these papers at the 28th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society. The articles appear in the October 27 print issue of JAMA.

27 Oct 2010

Bayer launches unique fitness program for hemophilia A children

Bayer HealthCare is introducing a fitness program to help children ages 7-12 and young adults ages 13-16 with hemophilia A live active lives. "Living Fit! A Joint Effort" is a unique strength training, fitness and wellness program created to increase awareness of the importance of exercise and nutrition among this population and their caregivers.

27 Oct 2010

Study finds anti-obesity drug reduces brain’s response to appetizing foods

Scientists have revealed that an anti-obesity drug changes the way the brain responds to appetising, high-calorie foods in obese individuals. This insight may aid the development of new anti-obesity drugs which reduce the activity in the regions of the brain stimulated by the sight of tasty foods.

27 Oct 2010