Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Research sheds new light on whether we are all getting fatter

A study of BMI trends in England from 1992 to 2013 found that median BMI is not increasing as much as thought, but the top end of the scale is experiencing significant increases across all social groups and sexes. Researchers highlight the growing issue of obesity among the most obese individuals, costing billions to the NHS annually.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

A flawed measure

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that 34.4 million Americans considered overweight by BMI are actually healthy, and 19.8 million who are considered obese are also healthy. The research reveals that BMI mislabels millions of individuals as unhealthy, while overlooking those with 'healthy' BMIs who a...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 5, 2016

The waiter's weight

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that diners ordering from heavier wait staff were four times more likely to order dessert and 17% more alcohol. The research suggests that a waiter's weight can play a significant role in influencing diner behavior, particularly when it comes to indulging in treats.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateJan 6, 2016

Is junk food to blame?

A Cornell University study suggests that diet and physical activity are key factors in managing weight, rather than eliminating specific foods like junk food. The research found that intake of soda, candy, and fast food is not linked to Body Mass Index (BMI) for most adults, except those at the extreme ends of the BMI spectrum.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity Science & Practice·DateNov 5, 2015

Study suggests increased sleep duration and chronic short sleep duration linked to increased diabetes risk in middle-aged and older women

Chronic short sleep duration of 6 hours or less increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older women. Increasing sleep duration by 2 hours or more also associated with a modest increased risk of diabetes, even after adjusting for other factors such as diet and physical activity.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateNov 2, 2015

Weight loss surgery offers new hope to children and adolescents with Prader-Willi Syndrome

A new study published in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases found that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy resulted in significant weight loss in obese pediatric patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome. The surgery showed no apparent negative impact on growth, offering a promising treatment option for these patients.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateSep 28, 2015

Tall and slim: They go together, genetic study shows

A genetic study by University of Queensland researchers found a strong correlation between genes that result in greater height and those that reduce body mass index. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that genetic variation may play a role in creating national differences in disorders such as dementia and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 14, 2015

Effect of presymptomatic BMI, dietary intake, alcohol on ALS

Research suggests that ALS patients consume more daily calories but have a lower body-mass index (BMI) than those without the disease. Higher premorbid intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, and cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of ALS, while higher alcohol intake is linked to a decreased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 17, 2015

Gastric bypass surgery lowers women's alcohol tolerance

A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery can alter how the body metabolizes alcohol, leading to higher and more rapid blood-alcohol levels. Women who underwent the surgery experienced changes similar to those seen in men, with a significant increase in blood-alcohol content after consuming just two drinks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015

Fatherhood makes men fat

A study by Northwestern University found that new fathers experience significant weight gain, averaging 3.5 to 4.5 pounds, which can lead to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Pediatricians are in a unique position to counsel dads on maintaining their health due to the lack of personal physicians among new fathers.

Eating habits matter most with overweight children

A recent study reveals that eating habits play a crucial role in the weight gain of overweight children. The researchers found that children who are triggered by food and eat when they are full tend to have a steeper BMI curve. In contrast, physical activity and TV viewing do not explain why some children's BMI increases more than others.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateJul 16, 2015

Physical fitness in US youth assessed: NFL PLAY 60 FITNESSGRAM shows more activity needed

A nationwide sample of 1st through 12th graders showed less than 60% meeting healthy fitness standards for aerobic capacity and body mass index. The middle school years are critical when aerobic capacity declines and body mass index increases, emphasizing the need for early intervention to prevent declining physical activity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 15, 2015

Is marriage good or bad for the figure?

A comparative study of 9 European countries found that married couples have a higher body mass index than singles, with differences attributed to changes in eating behaviors. However, the study also shows that married couples tend to eat healthier, with increased consumption of regional and organic products.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 29, 2015