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How education can save your life

A new study reveals that education is inversely correlated with high blood pressure, with educated individuals experiencing a significant decrease in blood pressure over time. The research also found that higher levels of education are associated with lower BMI, smoking rates, and alcohol consumption.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2011

Obese women may be less likely to develop glaucoma

A study of 3,939 participants found that obesity was associated with higher eye pressure and a lower risk of open-angle glaucoma in women. The authors suggest that high estrogen levels and hormone therapy may be protective against open-angle glaucoma in obese women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Engaging pediatricians and primary care physicians in childhood obesity prevention and intervention

A panel of experts identified key barriers to physician engagement in childhood obesity prevention and discussed strategies to overcome them, including the creation of 'community hubs' and incorporating nutrition education into medical student training. The panel emphasized the need for government reimbursement and financial resources ...

NIH study identifies ideal body mass index

A recent NIH study found that a body mass index (BMI) between 20.0 and 24.9 is linked to the lowest risk of death in healthy, non-smoking adults. For individuals who are overweight or obese, the risks of death increase dramatically, with certain BMI ranges associated with significantly higher mortality rates.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 1, 2010

Overweight primarily a problem among wealthier women in low- to middle-income countries

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds that high body mass index (BMI) is primarily a problem among wealthy women in developing countries. The study analyzed data from 54 low- to middle-income countries and found an association between BMI and wealth, with richer women more likely to be overweight.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 22, 2010

Sunday news tips

Researchers found that xanthelasmata, cholesterol deposits on eyelids, are an independent marker of underlying artery disease and predict a higher risk of heart attack, ischemic heart disease, and death. Additionally, women who slept for 10 hours or more had a 63% increased risk of stroke compared to those who slept seven hours per night.

APHA 2010: College days -- more sedentary days

College students experience a gradual decrease in moderate and vigorous physical activity as they progress through their studies, resulting in increased body mass index and weight. The transition period can lead to weight gain, emphasizing the importance of colleges providing programs and choices to support healthy lifestyle changes.

Obese workers cost workplace more than insurance, absenteeism

A new study by Duke University researchers estimates the total value of lost job productivity due to health problems among U.S. full-time employees with obesity, which exceeds medical expenditures. The per capita cost of obesity is as high as $16,900 for obese women and $15,500 for obese men.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 8, 2010

Moving closer to outdoor recreation not a recipe for being more physically active

A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that those who moved to live closer to outdoor recreation facilities had a higher body mass index (BMI) over six years. In contrast, individuals who prioritized walkability and ease of walking in their neighborhoods maintained stable BMIs.

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateSep 24, 2010

Johns Hopkins scientists find genes related to body mass

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified 13 genes associated with human body mass index, shedding light on the complex relationship between epigenetics and obesity. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, used genome-wide profiling to uncover epigenetic fingerprints that correlate with body weight.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 15, 2010

Fat distribution plays a role in weight loss success in patients at risk of diabetes

A study using MRI and MR spectroscopy found that abdominal and liver fat are key predictors of successful weight loss in individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. After a lifestyle intervention, participants with lower baseline levels of these fats experienced greater reductions in body weight and improved insulin sensitivity.

Larger waist associated with greater risk of death

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that larger waist circumferences are associated with a greater risk of dying from any cause. The research, which included over 48,000 men and women, found that very large waists were linked to approximately twice the risk of death, even among those at normal weight.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers identify risks of hypertension in young adults

A large-scale study published by BGU researchers found that normal blood pressure at age 17 can predict hypertension in early adulthood, particularly in teenage boys. The study also revealed that estrogen may protect against hypertension in girls, and that monitoring weight and blood pressure is crucial for adolescents and young adults.

Obesity harms women's memory and brain function

A new study found that obesity is associated with poorer memory and brain function in older women, particularly those who carry excess weight around their hips. The research controlled for various health factors and suggests that different types of fat may have varying effects on cognition.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 14, 2010