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Will your child be a slim adult?

A novel study found that adults who reported lower childhood experiences related to healthy eating, physical activity, and social connections were more likely to have a slim adult life. Conversely, those with common unhealthy childhood experiences such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and bullying had higher adult BMIs.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

New evidence shows increase in obesity may be slowing, but not by much

A new study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that the prevalence of adult obesity has been slowing, but only slightly, with increases seen in those classified as morbidly obese. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze BMI trends between 2000 and 2012.

Tighter economic regulation needed to reverse obesity epidemic -- study

A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization suggests that governments can slow and reverse the growing obesity epidemic by regulating fast food consumption. The study found that countries with stricter market regulations had lower increases in fast food transactions per capita, indicating a potential link between...

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateFeb 2, 2014

The cyborgs era has started

Recent developments combining machines and organisms have great potential but also raise major ethical concerns. Cyborgs, technically modified organisms with extraordinary skills, are already reality in medical implants.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 10, 2014

Ear acupuncture can help shed the pounds

A recent study found that ear acupuncture using five points may be more effective in reducing midriff bulge than single-point stimulation. The treatment led to significant reductions in BMI and waist circumference after four weeks, with the most notable effects seen in the group using the five-point approach.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAcupuncture in Medicine·DateDec 16, 2013

Extent of obesity not strongest factor for patients when choosing weight loss operation

A study by American College of Surgeons found that patients' choice of bariatric surgery is influenced by type 2 diabetes status, desired weight loss, and tolerance for risk, rather than BMI. Patients with uncontrolled eating patterns were more likely to opt for a reversible procedure like gastric banding.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 22, 2013

Obesity may limit overall function 2 years after shoulder replacement surgery

Despite obesity, patients experience improved shoulder function and reduced pain after two years post-surgery, but overall physical function remains unchanged. The study suggests that total shoulder replacement is an effective procedure for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with shoulder arthritis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 7, 2013

Study led by NYU Langone researchers finds the association between a high body mass index and the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease is stronger among east Asians than south Asians

A study led by NYU Langone researchers found that body fat and mortality due to cardiovascular disease differ between south and east Asians. A high BMI above 24.9 is a strong risk factor for death among East Asians, but not among South Asians.

Childbirth risks not the same for all obese women

A new study by Oxford University found that while obesity increases the risk of complications in childbirth, the risks are not the same for all obese women. Healthy first-time mothers of normal weight face a higher risk of medical interventions and complications than 'very obese' but otherwise healthy women having their second or subse...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateSep 10, 2013

Association between hormone replacement therapy use and breast cancer risk varies

A new study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women, but the relationship varies depending on factors such as race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and breast density. The study suggests that HRT may be used for some women without increasing thei...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 3, 2013

Move it and lose it: Every 'brisk' minute counts

A University of Utah study found that higher-intensity activity, even in short bouts, can lower the risk of obesity and promote weight loss. The research used data from over 4,500 adults and showed that daily minutes spent in high-intensity activity can offset up to half a pound of weight.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateSep 1, 2013

Race apparently a factor in sleep apnea, Wayne State University researcher finds

A study by Wayne State University researcher James A. Rowley found that African-American men are more likely to experience severe sleep apnea, especially in younger age groups. The study controlled for body mass index and other factors, revealing a racial disparity in sleep apnea severity.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJun 26, 2013

Depression in postmenopausal women may increase diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk

A recent study found that postmenopausal women who experience depression or take antidepressant medication have a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study, led by Dr. Yunsheng Ma, found associations between elevated depressive symptoms, increased insulin levels, and higher waist circumference.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 13, 2013