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Big kids are getting too big

Researchers found that taller, faster-growing children are more vulnerable to the effects of an obesogenic environment. The study, which surveyed 50,000 three-year-olds, showed a strong relationship between child growth and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateAug 1, 2006

Healthy lifestyle reduces women's stroke risk

A study of 37,636 women found a significant association between healthy behaviors and reduced stroke risk. Women with higher health index scores, indicating healthier lifestyles, had a lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to those with lower scores.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006

Cultural approach is key to tackling obesity

A cultural approach is essential in tackling obesity, with women generally basing their ideal weight on cultural criteria. Obesity is defined in positive terms by Black Americans, relating it to attractiveness, while White women define it negatively, associating it with unattractive and socially undesirable body image.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateMay 16, 2006

Obesity and risk for death due to motor vehicle crashes

A study of over 22,000 drivers found that men with higher BMIs were at greater risk of death from front or left-side collisions, particularly at high speeds. The research suggests that obesity may pose a significant health risk for male drivers and highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve traffic safety policies.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 1, 2006

Many new immigrants to US change diet -- and not for the better

A new study by Ilana Redstone Akresh found that 39% of US immigrants reported significant changes in their diets, resulting in increased junk food and meat consumption. This can lead to negative health outcomes, as those who consume more junk food have higher BMI and lower levels of education, English proficiency, and social integration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Migration Review·DateFeb 9, 2006

Highlights from the September Journal of the American Dietetic Asociation

A multi-center study found that cereal consumption was positively associated with lower body mass index (BMI) and adequate nutrient intake in adolescent girls. The researchers also suggested that other factors related to cereal consumption, such as eating healthful foods like milk and juice, may have an impact on girls' diets.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateSep 1, 2005

Robotic gastric bypass surgery shows promise

Researchers report on the first 10 patients to undergo totally robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, achieving comparable surgical times and complication rates with a short learning curve. The study suggests that robotic technology is feasible and safe for this procedure, potentially offering a superior alternative.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateAug 15, 2005

Injuries higher among obese people, study finds

A recent study found that individuals with obesity and extreme obesity are more likely to experience injuries compared to those with normal weight. Overexertion and falls were the most common causes of non-fatal injuries among obese participants, while underweight individuals reported the fewest injuries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 20, 2005

Dieting linked to increased wealth, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University found that dieting is linked to increased wealth, particularly among white women, but not as strongly among black men or white men. The study analyzed data from over 7,300 people and found that those who lost large amounts of weight experienced more dramatic changes in wealth.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateJul 5, 2005

E-mail can be good for you

A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 30, 2005

Pediatricians lack confidence in managing obesity, and their own weight might be an important factor

A study of pediatrician attitudes towards childhood obesity found that many felt unconfident in their ability to treat the condition, with a scarcity of educational materials and personal biases being major factors. Despite this, nearly half of overweight pediatricians did not identify themselves as such.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmbulatory Pediatrics·DateJun 13, 2005

Smoking and obesity accelerate human ageing

Researchers found that obesity and smoking accelerate aging by reducing telomere length, which decreases steadily with age. Smokers experience an average of 4.6 years of accelerated aging, while obese individuals see an additional 8.8 years of age loss compared to lean women.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 13, 2005

Highlights of the June 2005 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Researchers found that African-American girls consistently ate breakfast less frequently than white girls, and that those who skipped breakfast had lower body mass index and lower fiber and calcium intakes. The study suggests that skipping breakfast may predispose adolescent girls to diets that are inadequate in these essential nutrients.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJun 1, 2005