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New sleep medicine research

Research studies found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients experience poor bedtime behaviors, fragmented sleep affects cholesterol levels, and first-night comfort determines CPAP compliance. Additionally, nightshift nurses are more likely to experience sleepiness despite receiving the same amount of sleep as dayshift counterparts.

More fast food means greater BMI

A Temple University analysis reveals that eating three to six fast-food meals per week is associated with a significant increase in body mass index. The study also found that Americans are less willing to pay more for healthy dishes, less knowledgeable about healthy menu items, and more likely to consider healthy items bland-tasting.

'Extreme' teenagers

A Norwegian study found that teenagers in Norway increased in height and weight between 1966-69 and 1995-97. The study also revealed a shift in the distribution of body mass index (BMI), with more underweight adolescents than previously thought.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 3, 2007

Soft drinks alone do not affect children's weight

A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found no evidence that soft drinks alone contribute to children's weight gain. Instead, researchers discovered that overweight children consumed more food overall and had a greater tendency towards savory rather than sweet foods.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science and Nutrition·DateSep 11, 2007

Curbing the obesity epidemic

A new protocol developed by Swedish researchers can identify preschool children at risk for obesity with high precision, using only weight and height data. The protocol has the potential to save significant societal costs and reduce suffering among affected individuals and their families.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 2007

Study finds dietary fat interacts with genes

Researchers found that for people with a specific genetic variant, dietary fat intake was not significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) or risk of obesity. However, consuming monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like olive oil may help lower the likelihood of obesity in these individuals.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateApr 10, 2007

BMI not accurate indicator of body fat

A study by Michigan State University found that BMI does not accurately reflect body fat percentage in most cases, particularly among athletes and younger individuals. Researchers suggest reevaluating BMI cutoff points for different age groups and fitness levels to improve its accuracy as a fat indicator.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMar 5, 2007

Living in densely populated areas linked to lower body mass

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that living in densely populated, pedestrian-friendly areas is associated with lower body mass index levels. Researchers discovered that access to public transit, proximity to commercial goods and services, and population density are inversely related to BMI levels.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateFeb 20, 2007

U of MN study shows Twin Cities residents get exercise through personal lifestyle activities

Researchers found that Minnesotans in the Twin Cities metro area are expending a significantly greater amount of energy participating in moderately intense physical activities than they were five years ago. The majority of this energy expenditure came from leisure-time physical activities such as walking, running, or biking.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 21, 2006

Obesity independently impacts prostate cancer screening

A new study found that obese men have lower levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free PSA, suggesting they may be at higher risk for prostate cancer. The researchers also discovered an inverse relationship between BMI and PSA levels, which was strongest in men under 60.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 9, 2006

Overweight in early childhood increases chances for obesity at age 12

Children who were overweight as toddlers are 5 times more likely to be overweight at age 12. BMI measurements collected over an extended period show a strong correlation between childhood and adolescent obesity. The study suggests that early intervention is crucial in preventing the progression of abnormal weight gain.

Obesity leads to more aggressive ovarian cancer

A new study found significant differences in histological types of epithelial ovarian cancer depending on body mass index (BMI), with obese women having a worse outcome. Higher BMI was also associated with decreasing survival rates and increased risk of mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 28, 2006

Study finds some faithful less likely to pass the plate

A study by Purdue University researcher Ken Ferraro found that women who use religious media resources are more likely to be obese, while men who seek comfort through religion are less likely to be obese. To combat this, religious leaders should encourage physical activity and healthy eating habits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateAug 24, 2006