High Protein Diet May Assist Women in Long-Term Weight Loss
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates a diet high in protein may assist in long term-weight loss.  The study found that middle-aged women who followed a high-protein diet compared with those who followed a low-protein diet lost more weight over a 1-year study period.  Whether this was actually due to the protein per se or the fact that those women best able to restrict calories chose high protein foods, is not known," lead investigator Dr. Peter M. Clifton of Adelaide University told Reuters Health.  Regardless of protein levels, Clifton added, "even small amounts of weight loss at 12 months were associated with considerable benefits in terms of lipids."  Among those women that lost weight, there was a 20 percent increase in HDL levels, “the good cholesterol.” 

Source: Reuters Health, January 29, 2008; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2008

Study Indicates Weight Loss is Difficult When Exercise is Inconsistent
Weight gain caused by inconsistent bouts of exercise is not easily lost by resuming a previous exercise routine, suggests a study published in the February 2008 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.  The study found that weight gain among men and women who decreased their running distances per week was significantly more than weight loss among men and women who increased their running distances per week by the same amount.  you stop exercising with the intention of starting again later, you don't get to pick up where you left off," said lead researcher Paul Williams, PhD.. "You're likely to gain weight and get stuck with it unless you exercise a lot more. It's an ounce of prevention or a pound of cure, literally.”

Source: Medical News Today, February 4, 2008; Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, February 2008

Sedenary Lifestyles May Promote the Aging Process
A new study indicates inactivity may not only promote obesity related to diseases such heart disease and diabetes, but may also increase the aging process.  The authors conclude, relating this to daily life. The study found that participants with sedenatary lifestyles had reduced telomere length contributing to an average loss of 21 nucleotides (the basic structural units of DNA) per year. The authors suggest a few mechanisms by which more sedentary lifestyles might contribute to telomere degeneration. One could be damage to cells caused by exposure to oxygen, called oxidative stress. Increased inflammation in sedentary persons may also create this effect Additionally, telomere length has been linked to perceived stress levels. This psychological stress may be reduced by physical activity, thus lessening its severity on telomeres and the aging process"The U.S. guidelines recommend that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days a week can have significant health benefits," state the authors. "Our results underscore the vital importance of these guidelines. They show that adults who partake in regular physical activity are biologically younger than sedentary individuals. This conclusion provides a powerful message that could be used by clinicians to promote the potential anti-aging effect of regular exercise."

Source: Medical News Today, February 2, 2008; Archives of Internal Medicine, January 28, 2008

Study Indicates Prebiotics May Help Prevent Weight Gain Among Teens
A daily supplement of prebiotic inulin and oligofructose may help adolescents maintain an appropriate body weight and BMI, according to new research in the Journal of Pediatrics. The research adds to an ever-growing body of science on the health benefits of inulin and oligofructose, ranging from boosting bone health and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, to potential benefits for the immune system, weight management, and intestinal health. The study found that the adolescents receiving the prebiotic supplement had a smaller BMI increase compared with the placebo group, with an average BMI difference of 0.52 kg per sq. m.“We found that supplementation with a prebiotic, in addition to its benefit to bone mineralization, had a significant benefit in the maintenance of an appropriate BMI increase during pubertal growth in primarily non-obese young adolescents," wrote lead author Steven Abrams.

Source: Food Navigator, October 2, 2007; Journal of Pediatrics, September 2007

New Study Examines Obese Pregnant Women
Obese women who gain little or no weight during pregnancy are at lower risk for high blood pressure, have fewer cesarean sections and more likely to have a normal weight baby, finds a new study published in the October 2007 issue of the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Researchers from the St. Louis School of Medicine examined data from more than 12,000 obese pregnant women living in Missouri and ranked the women in three levels of obesity – from heavy to heaviest.  The results indicate that the least-heavy obese women had best outcomes when they gained 10 to 25 pounds.  The next heavier group of obese women had the best outcomes if they gained zero to 10 pounds.  The heaviest group had the best outcome when they lost weight during pregnancy.  The fear has been that not gaining weight would have a deleterious effect on the fetus," said Dr. Raul Artal, study author and chairman of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and women's health at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.  "The fear has been that not gaining weight would have a deleterious effect on the fetus," said Dr. Raul Artal, study author and chairman of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and women's health at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.  “Not only were there no deleterious effects, but there are benefits. Women, by not gaining weight in pregnancy, reduce their risk of hypertensive disorder, have less C-sections and have babies of normal weight."

Source: Associated Press, October 2, 2007; Obstetrics and Gynecology, October 2007

Obesity and Lifestyle Factors May Increase Lymphoma Risk
A person’s body weight and lifestyle factors such smoking can increase a person’s risk for developing Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, suggests a new study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).  Results from the study, published in the September 2007 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, indicate morbid obesity -- defined as having a body mass index greater than 35 -- and being tall also raised the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  Current smokers and those who had recently quit (less than 4 years prior) had a significantly higher risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma compared with never smokers.  Research conducted more than two decades ago estimated that "modifiable" lifestyle factors, like drinking, smoking and a Western diet, may account for two thirds of all cancers not related to genetics, the study team notes. "Subsequent studies have confirmed the estimate and added the contribution of obesity and physical inactivity," note Dr. Unhee Lim of the National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, and colleagues.

Source: Reuters Health, October 1, 2007; American Journal of Epidemiology, September 15, 2007

New Survey Reveals Dieting a Constant Concern
For more than 95 million American adults, dieting is a constant concern, reveals a new national survey released this week.  Nearly two-thirds (62%) of people trying to control weight think about dieting year-round and that number is even higher among dieters (70%). 

Although the percentage of people who are dieting has declined (from 33 percent in 2004 to 29 percent in 2007), the number of dieting attempts is on the rise.  In 2004, on average, just 2.5 dieting attempts were made by dieters during the year, compared with almost four attempts made in 2007 – a significant increase. In more than 15 years, this is the greatest number of dieting attempts made by dieters in a one-year period, according to the Calorie Control Council, which has been tracking dieting and weight control habits in the U.S. since 1984.

Although 9 out of 10 (88%) dieters say they have been successful in losing weight, 46 percent say they need to lose 10 pounds or more (also a significant increase since 2004).  So, with the number of dieting attempts and people saying they need to lose weight escalating, and with dieting being a year-round obsession for many, just what are people doing to control their weight?  Among dieters, cutting down on foods high in sugar remains the top weight control strategy at 87 percent.  Other methods include:

• Exercise (83%)
• Eating smaller portions of favorite foods (82%)
• Using low-calorie, reduced-sugar and sugar-free foods and beverages (80%)

Combining calorie reduction with exercise (73%)

For more information, please visit: http://www.caloriecontrol.org/pr_08092007-b.html.

Observational Study Alleges Increased Risk for Heart Disease Among Those Who Consume Diet Soda
A recent observational study reported in the journal Circulation alleges an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (which can lead to increased risk of heart disease and diabetes) for those who consume diet soda.

However, this conclusion does not reflect the extensive scientific literature confirming the safety and benefits of low-calorie sweeteners and the products that contain them.  The study authors note in the paper, “Individuals with greater intake of soft drinks also have a dietary pattern characterized by greater intake of calories and saturated and trans fats, lower consumption of fiber and dairy products and a sedentary life.”  Experts agree that factors such as caloric imbalance and sedentary lifestyle are related to weight gain, heart disease and metabolic syndrome.  Further the researchers note, “Given the observational nature of the present study, we cannot infer that the observed associations are causal.  As noted above, it is conceivable that residual confounding by lifestyle/dietary factors not adjusted for may have contributed to the metabolic risks associated with soft drink intake.”

The American Heart Association (AHA) notes regarding the study, “Since this is an observational study, it is important to note that the study does not show that soft drinks cause risk factors for heart disease.”  AHA adds: “Diet soda can be a good option to replace caloric beverages that do not contain important vitamins and minerals. The American Heart Association supports dietary patterns that include low-calorie beverages like water, diet soft drinks, and fat-free or low-fat milk as better choices than full calorie soft drinks.”

Previous research has shown that consuming low-calorie foods and beverages not only aids in facilitating weight loss, but also weight control.  Experts agree that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of heart diabetes, diabetes, and other risks associated with obesity.

For more information, please visit: http://www.caloriecontrol.org/pr_072507.html.

NZFSA Supports Safety of Aspartame
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) recently issued a statement saying recent concerns about the safety of aspartame are not justified and noted, "Aspartame is probably one of the most studied products on sale today, and there is an extensive body of evidence that tells us it is a safe product that offers consumers a sweet low-calorie option in their diet,” says Sandra Daly, NZFSA’s Deputy Chief Executive. In addition, Daly also noted, "NZFSA continually assesses the weight of sound, scientific evidence that surrounds the use of all products, including aspartame. We can find no scientific basis for claims that the product is not safe to consume in sensible quantities."

Source: New Zealand Food Safety Authority, July 6, 2007

Childhood Obesity Task Force Extends Deadline
A government task force examining the effect the media might have on childhood obesity is delaying the release of its report Thursday. Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, along with FCC chairman Kevin Martin, said they expect the committee to finish its work in the fall instead of midsummer as originally planned. Recent proposals like the promise the Kellogg Co. made in June to adopt nutrition standards for the products it markets to children or to cease marketing them altogether have given the committee pause, said an FCC official. Members of the task force wanted time to digest the moves in order to make informed decisions, aides said. It is vital that the task force address the critical issues of achieving a balance in food/beverage advertising, the use of licensed characters, as well as innovative media initiatives to help reduce the rates of childhood obesity in this country," the senators wrote. "We look forward to the Task Force's report and commend their efforts in this area."

Source: Reuters Health, July 6, 2007

Study Indicates Many Diets Produce Similar Results
A new study indicates that most diets yield similar results, according to researchers at the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston. A typical diet helps people lose an average of 6 percent of their weight, typically 10 to 15 pounds, and most people put it all back on after five years. Weight loss drugs are similarly ineffective in the long run, said Dr. Michael Dansinger. Programs that made people eat fewer calories worked better, as did those that involved more frequent visits to either diet groups or to a counselor's office. But there is good news — even a small, temporary weight loss can benefit health. The only commercial program included in the study was Weight Watchers. Most were government or university-sponsored programs. No studies that included food or shakes were included because they did not include a non-dieting group for comparison.

Source: MSNBC, July 2, 2007

Fatty acid Supplement May Aid Weight Loss
A new study indicates supplements containing the fatty acid conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help the body shed excess fat. The fatty acid CLA can be found in products such as beef, lamb and dairy. Animal research has suggested that CLA can help melt away body fat, but studies in humans have yielded mixed conclusions.

The new study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, combined data from 18 previous studies on CLA in order to analyze the body of evidence. It found that, when given at a dose of 3.2 grams per day, CLA appeared moderately effective at promoting body fat loss.

People who took CLA lost an extra 0.2 pounds of fat per week compared with study participants given a placebo, or inactive pill. The effect is "modest," according to the study authors, but still meaningful, considering the tendency of the average U.S. adult to gain weight with each passing year.

Source: Reuters Health, May 31, 2007

Diet High in Carbohydrates May Elevate Blood Pressure
People whose diets are rich in carbohydrates may have slightly higher blood pressure than those whose diets are rich in monounsaturated fats, according to the findings from researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.  The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examined 10 published studies and compared high-carbohydrate and high-monounsaturated fat diets to better understand their effects on blood pressure. The results of the authors' mathematical model revealed that the carbohydrate-rich diets led to a significantly higher blood pressure compared with the diets rich in monounsaturated fat. However, the difference is not enough to justify making recommendations to change the carbohydrate and monounsaturated fat content of the diets to control blood pressure.

 Source: Reuters Health, May 29, 2007

Overweight Infants Likely to be Overweight Later in Life
Babies who are born heavy and grow fast have a 150 percent chance of being overweight or obese by the time they are seven years old, a survey shows. Obesity has long been associated with a person's lifestyle and dietary habits, but the study shows it might just as well be dependent on "epigenetics" -- factors such as genes, and the eating habits and lifestyle of parents and grandparents, said researchers at the University of Hong Kong.  More than 8,300 children were involved in the study and the children were monitored several times throughout their childhood.  Of the 8,300 children involved in the study, 800 are now overweight or obese.  "What we have shown here is that babies who are born big and who have grown fast have a higher risk of being overweight or obese at age 7," Schooling said.

Source: Reuters, May 29, 2007

Overwhelming Scientific Evidence Supports Safety of Aspartame
The Calorie Control Council stated that an unpublished rat study conducted by Italy’s Ramazzini Institute and presented today to media is totally contradictory to the extensive scientific research and regulatory reviews conducted on aspartame. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has said they are not recommending any changes in the use of aspartame ... The allegations made by Ramazzini are at complete odds with the wealth of scientific literature demonstrating that aspartame is safe and not a carcinogen. A recent study conducted by Italian and French researchers in humans and published in the Annals of Oncology in 2006 demonstrates no association between aspartame and cancer.

Just last week, on April 20, 2007, FDA issued a statement that it has completed a review of the Ramazzini study, concluding that the study data made available to them by the European Ramazzini Foundation (ERF) “do not appear to support the aspartame-related findings reported by ERF.” FDA added, “These data do not provide evidence to alter FDA's conclusion that the use of aspartame is safe.”

In its statement, available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpaspar2.html, FDA noted: “Based on our review, pathological changes were incidental and appeared spontaneously in the study animals, and none of the histopathological changes reported appear to be related to treatment with aspartame.”

Source: Calorie Control Council; U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Research Indicates Longevity Gene May be Linked to Low-Calorie Diet
Researchers have found a gene in roundworms that may increase longevity of life by consuming less food. Roundworms are excellent subjects for longevity research because they usually only live three weeks, making any increment in lifespan quickly apparent, according to the New York Times. In order to create a drug that would stimulate the life-extension mechanism, researchers first need to identify the genetic pathway through which the mechanism is set off so that possible drugs can be tested first in mice and then, perhaps, in people. In what may prove to be a major clarification of the issue, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies reported in a recent issue of the journal Nature the existence of a life-extending genetic pathway, which they believe is the one naturally set off by dietary restriction.

Source: New York Times, May 3, 2007

Obesity Canada Releases Childhood Obesity Prevention Guidelines
Obesity Canada’s evidence-based guidelines on the treatment and prevention of childhood obesity were released in April 2007. The guidelines recommend ongoing follow-up of overweight and obese children by qualified health professionals and a multi-sectoral approach that targets all age groups from infancy to the senior years. The guidelines also under score the importance of enhancing undergraduate training programs and professional continuing education to better address the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to enable health practitioners, including dietitians, to be more effective counselors and health promoters with respect to obesity prevention and treatment.

Source: Obesity Canada, April 26, 2007; Medical News Today, April 26, 2007

New Study Confirms Safety of Aspartame
A new study conducted by Italian and French researchers, and published in the Annals of Oncology, concluded there is no association between low-calorie sweetener consumption and cancer.  The researchers evaluated a variety of studies between the years of 1991 and 2004.  These studies assessed the relationship between low-calorie sweeteners and many cancers including oral and pharynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, larynx, breast, ovary, prostate and renal cell carcinomas.  The researchers examined the eating habits of more than 7,000 middle-aged men and women (mainly 55 years and over).  Based on the data evaluated, the authors noted, “In conclusion, therefore, this study provides no evidence that saccharin or other sweeteners (mainly aspartame) increase the risk of cancer at several common sites in humans.”

Study Indicates Food Advertisements on Television Target Children
A recent study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that children between the ages 8-12 see the most food ads on TV, an average of 21 ads a day, or more than 7,600 a year. Teenagers see slightly fewer ads, at 17 a day, for a total of more than 6,000 a year. For a variety of reasons - because they watch less TV overall, and more of their viewing is on networks that have limited or no advertising, such as PBS and Disney - children ages 2-7 see the least number of food ads, at 12 food ads a day, or 4,400 a year. Of all food ads in the study that target children or teens, 34% are for candy and snacks, 28% are for cereal, and 10% are for fast foods. Four percent are for dairy products and 1% for fruit juices. Of the 8,854 ads reviewed in the study, there were none for fruits or vegetables targeting children or teens.  “The vast majority of the foods that kids see advertised on television today are for products that nutritionists would tell us they need to be eating less of, not more of, if we're going to get a handle on childhood obesity," said Vicki Rideout of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation, March 28, 2007

Dutch Scientists Hope to Create Foods That Prevent Obesity
Scientists in the Netherlands are developing a new generation of foods that can help prevent obesity by making people eat less, a research institute said on Thursday.  The Top Institute Food and Nutrition (TIFN), funded by the Dutch government and food groups like CSM Anglo-Dutch Unilever, is also developing food ingredients which can stop an obese person from developing diabetes.  "We are working on certain food ingredients, which provoke more satiety than others do on the long run, so that our partners can use them in food manufacturing," said Professor Robert-Jan Brummer, program director at TIFN.  "These products should trigger satiety and stop us eating more and more. They should also meet our dietary requirements, have a very good taste and be enjoyable to eat," he told Reuters.

Source: Reuters, March 22, 2007

Study Indicates Increased TV Watching May Cause Poor Dietary Habits
A study presented at the American Heart Association’s 47th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention indicates poor dietary habits are associated with increased TV or video viewing, patterns associated with obesity and cardiovascular problems. Increased TV watching was associated with increased intakes of less healthful foods and nutrients, and the researchers said it was also associated with decreased intakes of more healthful foods and nutrients, including fruits and vegetables, calcium and dietary fiber. “We don’t really know from this observational study whether kids are substituting unhealthful foods for the more healthful ones. All we can say is that we see a pattern of less healthful foods and nutrients with increased TV use," said Matthew Gillman, M.D., S.M., senior author and associate professor of ambulatory care and prevention and director of the Obesity Prevention Program for Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health

Source: American Heart Association, February 28, 2007

Study Suggests Children More Likely to Gain Weight During Summer
A new study found that kids are gaining more weight in the summer than the school year. The findings suggest that school-based measures -- like getting rid of vending machines or requiring more gym class -- are not enough to fight childhood obesity. Researchers from Ohio State University in Columbus followed nearly 5,400 children from kindergarten through first grade, and found that kids tended to gain weight more quickly during summer vacation than during the school year. This was especially true for children already at risk for gaining weight such as African-American and Hispanic children as well as those that were already overweight.

Source: Reuters Health, February 28, 2007

Consumers in Britain Growing More Health Conscious
According to a poll from Britain’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), healthy eating is a growing concern for consumers in Britain, with many people checking labels for nutritional information as well as increasing their awareness of the need for five portions of fruit and vegetables in their diet every day. The FSA said it was encouraged that salt was mentioned by over half of the more than 3,500 people surveyed and fat and sugar each by more than two-fifths of respondents when prompted with a list of possible concerns. A large number of consumers said they looked at nutritional information on food labels to check the fat and salt content.

Source: Reuters Health, February 22, 2007

Large Groups Cause Children to Eat More
The finding sheds light on the problem of child obesity. University of Michigan researchers assessed the eating habits of 54 pre-school children aged between two and a half and six and a half. Accompanied by their regular classroom teachers, but discreetly filmed by two cameras, the children were given a snack of whole-wheat biscuits and offered a drink of milk, juice or water. If the snack time was relatively short, the children ate slightly more in a group of nine than when they were in a group of three. But if the snack time was long, they ate almost 30 percent more on average in the larger group than when they were in the smaller group. Social arousal -- noise and group activity -- are the likely drivers for the higher consumption, say the authors.

Source: Agency France-Presse, February 14, 2007

Study Indicates Napping May Reduce Risk for Heart Disease
A new study indicates that napping may reduce one’s risk for heart disease. The study examined more than 23,000 people from Greece with no history of heart disease, stroke or cancer and followed participants for more than 6 years. Results indicate that a midday nap may reduce the risk for heart disease by more than 37 percent among those that nap at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes.

Source: WebMD, February 13, 2007

New Study Supports the Safety of Aspartame
A recent study published in the Annals of Oncology indicates that low-calorie sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin do not cause several types of cancer. This study included approximately 7,000 individuals with various types of cancers and over 7,000 individuals who did not have cancer. Researchers tracked the rates of consumption of the participants and found that there were no associations found between consumption of saccharine, aspartame and other sweeteners and the development of several common types of cancer.

Source: CancerConsultants.com, February 1, 2007

Exercise is Important for Older Dieters
For older adults who want to lose weight, exercise may be even more important than cutting calories, new research suggests. In a study of 34 adults in their 50s and 60s, researchers found that both dieters and exercisers lost weight. The exercise group, however, did so while maintaining their muscle mass, strength and fitness levels, whereas dieters showed declines in all these measures. Findings from the study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, suggest that exercise has added benefits over dieting alone.

Source: Associated Press, November 27, 2006

Yo-yo Dieting May Increase Men’s Gallstone Risk
A recent study shows men who repeatedly lose, then regain 20 or more pounds through dieting are up to 76 percent more likely to develop gallstones later in life than men who maintain a constant weight. In the study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers analyzed data on nearly 25,000 men who participated in another recent study. The men provided information on weight fluctuations from 1988 to 1992 and were followed from 1992 to 2002 for gallstones.

Results from the study indicate gallstones were more likely in men whose weight fluctuated more than 5 pounds than those who maintained a constant weight, and the risk of gallstones increased with the degree of weight fluctuation.

Source: WebMD, November 27, 2006

Overconsumption During Holidays Causes College Students to Gain Weight
A recent study from the University of Oklahoma examined the effects of holiday eating on college students, weighing 94 students the week before Thanksgiving and within a week of their return to classes — a span of roughly 12 days. Students gained an average of 1.1 pounds. Of the 94 students in her study, 84 came back for a third weigh-in after the winter break in mid-January. Most of the extra "Thanksgiving pound" had disappeared for normal-weight students, but not for those who started out overweight.

Source: Associated Press, November 26, 2006

College Women More Likely to Diet Than Men
A recent study from the University of Nebraska Lincoln found college women to be more weight-conscious and more likely to diet than college men.  Among men, 45.2 percent were overweight or obese, compared to 13.9 percent of women. But 57.4 percent of the women said they needed to lose weight, compared to 28.6 percent of the men. Women were also more likely than men to say they ate too much sugar (59.7 percent vs 41.9 percent), and to say that it's important to limit carbohydrate consumption (46.4 percent vs 27.6 percent). Among the women, 71.4 percent agreed that it is important to eat less fat to lose weight, while 52.4 percent of the men held this opinion. Among men, 79.1 percent said they had never tried dieting, compared to 65.6 percent of women.  These findings are in agreement with reports of women's tendency to hold stronger beliefs related to nutrition than men," Dr. Judy A. Driskell of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and colleagues write. "Though men have some sensitivity to body fat, women are much more sensitive." 

Source: Reuters Health, October 16, 2006

Diet and Exercise Best Combination for Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
A study from the Department of Health and Human Services in Tasmania, Australia indicates exercise is an effective weight loss method but those who want to keep the weight off must incorporate dietary changes as well. Low- and high-intensity exercise were equally effective in helping people slim down when combined with dietary changes, lead researcher Dr. Kelly Shaw and her team found, but when people relied on exercise alone for weight loss, higher intensity workouts were more effective. The researchers also found that exercise reduced blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose, while increasing levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, whether or not people lost weight.

Source: Reuters Health, October 27, 2006

Institute of Medicine to Release National Exercise Guidelines
The federal government will begin to work on national exercise guidelines, to be completed in 2008, according to the Associated Press. Although most people know they should eat less and exercise more, scientific guidelines can help motivate people. "If we can have the best science brought to bear and you can put out guidelines that would be age-specific, something for school, something for home, you could end up with something that might be useful" said Dr. Douglas Kamerow, a member of the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Childhood Obesity.

Source: Associated Press, October 26, 2006

American Calorie Consumption Increased Over 15 Years
Research from Tufts University indicates Americans are eating as many as 350 calories more a day than they did 15 years ago. This calorie increase is partly due to the selection of tempting, high calorie foods Americans face daily in grocery stores, vending machines and restaurants. Restrictive weight loss plans that forbid certain food choices or restrict entire food groups work in the short term because a person eats less of a food that has been eaten repeatedly. The problem is that the desire for a variety of tastes does not go away just because food choices have been restricted

Source: Auburn Citizen, October 11, 2006

Meta-Analysis Indicates Aspartame Effective for Weight Loss
Foods and beverages sweetened with aspartame can help consumers lose weight, according to a recent review of previous aspartame studies published in the June issue of the British Nutrition Foundation Nutrition Bulletin.  Researchers examined 16 randomized controlled trials of aspartame and its effect on caloric intake and body weight.  Fifteen of the studies used energy intake as an outcome measure.  The estimated rate of weight loss for the 16 studies was approximately 0.4 pounds per week.  “Strategies to reverse the upward trend in obesity rates need to focus on both reducing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure," explained lead author Anne de la Hunty. "The use of intense sweeteners as a substitute for sucrose potentially offers one way of helping people to reduce the energy density of their diet without any loss of palatability."  This recent review indicates that aspartame, as part of an overall healthy diet, can help consumers cut calories and lose weight.

More information is available at the American Council on Science and Health’s Web site at: http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsID.832/news_detail.asp. 

Recent Study Indicates Small Changes May Help Combat Childhood Obesity
A recent study indicates small changes in the diet may help prevent excessive weight gain in children. The study, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, found that eliminating 100 calories from the diet using products such as Splenda (a low-calorie sweeteners containing sucralose) and adding 2,000 steps a day may help children lose or maintain weight. Dr. James O. Hill, of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and colleagues evaluated the effectiveness of the America on the Move Foundation’s, “Families on the Move,” Program created to combat rising childhood obesity rates. Researchers examined more than 200 families, all of which had at least one overweight child between the ages of 7 and 14 years. One hundred and eleven families followed the “Families on the Move Program,” cutting 100 calories from the diet by using Splenda and adding 2,000 steps a day. Ninety-five families served as the control group and were self-monitored their usual calorie and activity levels. After six months, 43 of the children following the “Families on the Move Program” lost or maintained weight. However, half of the children in the control group increased their body mass index (BMI). “I think a small change approach is the only way we’re going to get a handle on childhood obesity,” said Hill.

Source: Reuters Health, May 1, 2006

Study Indicates Doctors and Patients Have Different Views on Body Size and Health
Patients and doctors have differing opinions when it comes to body size and losing weight, according to a study from Yale University School of Nursing. The study indicates that when doctors tell patients they are overweight they are referring to body size and health but patients believe doctors simply have different ideas about attractiveness, sexual desirability and self-esteem. “There is such a disconnect between what we healthcare providers mean when we talk about obesity and overweight, and what those concepts mean to different people,” said Yale doctoral student Maryanne Davidson, MSN, RN, SPNP. Davidson and Kathleen A. Knafl, PhD with Oregon Health & Science University analyzed 20 papers from 18 different studies regarding patients’ concepts of obesity.

In addition, Davidson and Knafl interviewed obese children and their parents and asked the children about their experiences related to being obese. When the children admitted being teased, parents made excuses for the children such as “It’s in the genes.” Once the parents were informed about health issues affecting obese children, they were more concerned and began to take action. Researchers concluded that conversations about obesity must focus on health rather than weight itself.

Source: WebMD, April 27, 2006

Lead researcher Dr. Dennis T. Villareal and colleagues concluded diet and exercise “should be considered as primary therapy in frail, obese older adults.”

Source: Reuters Health, May 1st, 2006

Weight Loss May Reduce Frailty and Improve Health Among Obese Seniors
A recent study indicates obese adults in their 60s and 70s can improve physical function and reduce frailty with moderate weight loss. The study, published in the April 24th edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine, assigned 27 frail, obese adults to 26 weeks of diet and exercise (treatment group). Another group received no treatment (control group). In addition to monitoring calorie intake and exercise, the treatment group attended weekly weight loss meetings and participated in exercise training three times a week for six months. The treatment group also maintained an energy deficit of 750 calories per day. After six months, the treatment group lost an average of 8.4 percent of their body weight while the control group did not lose any weight. The treatment group reported improvements in physical function, muscle strength, walking speed, endurance and balance.

New NCI Study Indicates Aspartame Does Not Increase Risk of Cancer
The low-calorie sweetener, aspartame, does not increase the risk of leukemias, lymphomas or brain tumors, suggests a recent study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).  The study involved more than a half a million Americans, ages 50 to 69. Participants filled out surveys detailing food and beverage consumption in 1995 and 1996, and researchers calculated the amount of aspartame each person consumed over the period of two years.  Researchers found there was no link between aspartame consumption for these cancers in general or for specific types, even among people who consumed numerous diet beverages sweetened with aspartame every day.

The study confirms the findings of a recent 2005 report, Review of Lymphatic and Hematopoietic Cancer Incidence Trends & Consumption of Aspartame, in which researchers concluded, upon examining cancer trends from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program there is no consistent pattern (of leukemias or lymphomas) that parallels the rise in aspartame consumption.   Further, the findings also support those of three recent animal studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) designed to evaluate whether aspartame is capable of causing cancer. 

Source: Associated Press, April 4, 2006

Global Obesity Rates Expected to Soar by 2010
Experts predict childhood obesity rates around the globe will increase significantly if the present trend continues.  Researchers from the International Obesity Task Force predict nearly half of the children in North and South America and 38 percent of children in the European Union will be overweight by the year 2010.  The report, published in the March issue of the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, predicts obesity rates will rise significantly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia as well.  Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Egypt have rates comparable to fully industrialized nations, according to Dr. Phillip James, chairman of the International Obesity Task Force and author of an editorial in the journal.  Researchers analyzed medical obesity reports from 1980 to 2005 and data from the World Health Organization (WHO).  Analyzing the data, researchers tracked the growth of obesity rates around the world.  “We have a truly global epidemic which appears to be affecting most countries around the world,” said James. 

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, March 2006; Associated Press, March 7, 2006

Study Suggests Portion Size has Direct Effect on Amount of Food Eaten
Portion size, as opposed to taste, has a greater influence on how much a person eats, suggests a study from Cornell University.  Lead researcher, Brian Wansink, Ph.D., and colleagues examined the amount of stale popcorn people ate when served different portion sizes.  Some of the participants received fresh popcorn while others received stale popcorn.  Participants were given either a medium or large bucket of popcorn.  Those served the stale popcorn described it as “stale” and “terrible.”  However, participants with large buckets of stale popcorn ate 34 percent more than those with medium containers.  Those who received large buckets of fresh popcorn ate 45 percent more than those with medium containers.  Participants denied the big buckets had any effect on the amount of popcorn consumed.  Previous studies have also concluded that portion size has a direct effect on the amount of food people consume. 

Source: MSNBC, January 13, 2006

Obesity Rates in France on the Rise
A new study from Kaiser Permanente suggests France is heading toward American levels of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.  Researchers with France’s Institute National de la Sant et de la Recherche Mdicale (INSERM), followed a normal-weight group of more than three thousand French men and women for a period of six years.  Results from the study, published in the February issue of the International Journal of Epidemiology, indicated that every two pounds of weight gain increased the risk of metabolic syndrome by 22 percent.  After six years, participants who gained 20 pounds or more developed metabolic syndrome – a cluster of heart disease and diabetes risk factors including excess body weight, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels. Teresa Hillier, lead author of the study, notes that the more people of normal-weight gain, the higher the risk for metabolic syndrome becomes.  Among the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, insulin levels had the greatest increase across all of the weight-change groups, nearly doubling for both men and women.  “This is important new information because it shows that even mild weight gain is associated with insulin resistance,” said Hillier.

Currently, France has the lowest obesity rate among nine northern European countries and has the lowest of westernized countries in the world.

Source: Internal Journal of Epidemiology, February, 2006

Portion Control and Counting Calories May Help People Lose Weight Effectively
Counting calories and practicing portion control may be the most effective weight loss methods – especially when used together, suggests a study from Pennsylvania State University.  Results from the study, published in the January edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicate practicing portion control and calorie consciousness helped women cut 812 calories from their daily intake.  Lead researcher Dr. Barbara J. Rolls and colleagues examined 24 women between the ages 19 and 35 as they followed four different menu plans for two days apiece.  First, the women consumed standard portions of common foods such as pizza, pasta and salad.  Then, the women consumed lower-calorie versions of the same meals as well as dinners with larger portions of vegetables.  The third plan consisted of full-calorie meals served in smaller portions.  Finally, the fourth menu plan included meals that were smaller in portion as well as low in calories.  “What’s exciting about the results,” Rolls said, “is that the calorie plummet came without huge changes to the diet, and without leaving the women feeling hungry at the end of the day.”

Additionally, the study suggests calorie density, the number of calories in a specified food amount, may play a vital role in cutting the daily calorie intake.  Foods with a high energy density have a lot of calories in a small serving.  On the other hand, foods with low energy density such as fruits and leafy vegetables allow people to consume much greater portions for fewer calories.  The results indicate consuming calorie-dense foods without cutting portions was more effective than simple portion control.  Dr. Rolls recommends consuming a salad or broth-based soup before each meal to help cut calories and still increase satiety.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2006; Reuters Health, January 16, 2006

Study Suggest Excess Weight May Cause Early Death
A study from Northwestern University suggests simply being overweight in middle age may lead to an increased risk of death later in life.  The study, which appeared in the January 9th edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, examined more than 17,000 men and women aged 31 to 64 for more than three decades. Results from the study indicate that participants who had been obese in their middle years but had no health conditions were 43 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 11 times more likely to die from diabetes after the age of 65 than people of normal weight.  Overweight people assessed at moderate risk due to high blood pressure, cholesterol levels or smoking, more than doubled their risk of dying from heart disease compared to people of a normal weight.

“Even for those who didn’t have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes – but who were overweight or obese in middle age – were at much higher risk of being hospitalized for heart disease or diabetes or even dying from it in older age,” said Lijing Yan, a researcher at Northwestern and Peking University.

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, January 9, 2006; Reuters, January 11, 2006

Study Indicates Low-Fat, High-Carbohydrate Diet Does Not Cause Weight Gain
A diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates does not appear to cause weight gain, according to a study published in the January 4th edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.  Dr. Barbara V. Howard and colleagues evaluated the long-term weight changes among nearly 49,000 women between the ages 50 and 79.  One-third of the women participated in group and individual sessions that promoted a 20 percent reduction of dietary fat as well as an intake of five servings of fruits and vegetables and six servings of grains - without a restriction on calories.  Another group of women received diet and health educational materials while a third group served as the control.  During the first year, the average weight of the group receiving educational sessions decreased their weight by almost 5 pounds and over time the women’s weight remained significantly lower by about 1 pound compared to the other groups during the nine-year period. 

“A low-fat dietary pattern may help attenuate the tendency for weight gain commonly observed in postmenopausal women,” Howard’s team concludes. 

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, January 4, 2006; Reuters Health, January 3, 2006

Recent Study Finds Eating Habits and Exercise May Vary by Season
Eating habits, physical activity and body weight may vary according to the season, suggests a study from the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  The study, published in the December issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examined the seasonal variations in relation to food intake, physical activity and body weight over the course of one year.  Lead researcher Dr. Yunsheng Ma and colleagues found that the 593 overweight men and women participating in the study consumed an average of 1,963 calories per day, with approximately half of those calories coming from carbohydrates and one-third from fat.  Findings from the study indicate calorie intake was highest during the fall season and lowest during the spring season.  Furthermore, the participants’ body weight was highest during the winter season due to a lower amount of physical activity than in the spring.  “Energy in – food intake – must be equal to energy out – mainly physical activity – to avoid weight gain,” Ma explained.  Researchers hypothesize the winter weight gain may be due to excess eating throughout the holiday season. 

“To avoid the winter weight gain, individuals need to be conscious of their diet and physical activity in the winter,” Ma said.  “It is important to maintain a healthy weight throughout the year,” he added. 

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2005; Reuters Health, December 20, 2005

Obesity Costs North Carolina $24 Billion Annually
A recent report found that obesity, physical activity and other weight-related issues cost the state of North Carolina more than $24 billion annually.  The report, commissioned by the non-profit group, “Be Active North Carolina,” indicates that such costs are due to weight-related medical problems, lost productivity at work and worker’s compensation claims.  “Be Active North Carolina” estimates that the total economic cost for children is $38.2 million a year. 

“The good news is that we know…if we could just get…5 percent of our adults who are overweight or diabetic to be more active and engage in healthier lifestyles, we could save over $1.5 billion every year,” said Shellie Pfohl, executive director of “Be Active North Carolina.”

Source: Associated Press, December 19, 2005

High-Carbohydrate Diet May Modestly Increase Blood Pressure in People with Type 2 Diabetes
A high-carbohydrate diet may slightly increase blood pressure in people with Type 2 diabetes, suggests a study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.  The purpose of the study, published in the November issue of Diabetes Care, was to compare the effects of a high-carbohydrate diet to a high-monounsaturated fat diet on blood pressure levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.  For six weeks 42 participants with Type 2 diabetes followed either a high-carbohydrate diet or a high-monounsaturated diet.  Participants following the high-carbohydrate diet consumed 55 percent of calories as carbohydrates, 30 percent as fat and 10 percent as monounsaturated fat.  Participants following the high-monounsaturated diet consumed 45 percent of calories as fat, 25 percent as monounsaturated fat and 40 percent as carbohydrates.  At the end of the six weeks the participants switched to the other diet.  After following the second diet for six weeks, lead researcher Dr. Abhimanyu Garg and colleagues invited participants to continue on the second diet for an additional eight weeks.  Eight participants continued the high-monounsaturated fat diet and 13 participants continued the high-carbohydrate diet.

Garg and colleagues found no difference in blood pressure among those participants that followed the program for 12 weeks.  However, the 8-week extension of the monounsaturated fat diet led to a significant lowering of heart rate in comparison to the end of the initial 6-week periods.  “Although the exchange of carbohydrates with monounsaturated fats may not affect blood pressure in the short-term, long-term consumption of a high-carbohydrate diet may modestly raise blood pressure in Type 2 diabetic patients,” the researchers noted.  

Source: Diabetes Care, November 2005; Reuters, November 28, 2005

Parents Worry About Lack of Exercise Among Children
A survey of 961 parents found lack of exercise to be the greatest concern among parents with overweight children.  Although inactivity was the main concern, more than half of the parents surveyed cited the cost of healthy food, television commercials and food packaging as minor problems, according to a poll conducted by Ipsos for the Associated Press and KOL, a kids’ service of American Online.  The poll indicated that 30 percent of parents would like their children to lose weight but factors such as the food served in school cafeterias and the lack of time for home-cooked meals resulted in children consuming too many calories. 

Health professionals agree that getting children outdoors will help increase their level of activity.  “One of the strongest correlates of how overall active a child is, is how much time they spend outdoors,” said Dr. Nancy Krebs, who co-chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics’ obesity panel.  “Nature takes over from there,” she added.

Source: Associated Press, November 21, 2005

Excess Weight Among Teen Girls May Lead to Metabolic Syndrome

A new study suggests adolescent girls with excess weight around the middle and who have high levels of triglycerides are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome– a cluster of heart disease and diabetes risk factors including excess body weight, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels.  The study, published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics, followed 1,000 girls for 10 years starting at ages 9 and 10.  Findings from the study indicate that increased waist circumference and high triglyceride levels were significant predictors of metabolic syndrome

“Early interventions aimed at managing preteen obesity could reduce the risk of developing the syndrome,” lead author Dr. John A. Morrison, from Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH, and colleagues note. 

Source: Pediatrics, November 2005; Reuters, November 28, 2005

Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Following the Mediterranean-style diet may reduce the risk of heart disease by 15 percent, suggests a recent study published in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish and olive oil, with minimal amounts of red meat.  Researchers at the Faculty of Medicine Timone in Marseille, France, asked 212 men and women at moderate risk for heart disease to follow the Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet for three months.  Overall, participants on the Mediterranean diet had a total cholesterol drop of 7.5 percent while those on the low-fat diet had total cholesterol drop of 4.5 percent.  Additionally, those following the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of heart disease by 15 percent while those on the low-fat diet reduced their risk of heart disease by 9 percent. 

“Both diets significantly reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors to an overall comparable extent,” researchers said.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 1, 2005; Reuters, November 28, 2005

300 Minutes of Exercise May Help Obese Individuals Lose Weight and Keep it off
A study from the University of Pittsburgh indicates getting approximately 300 minutes of exercise a week may facilitate the greatest weight loss among obese individuals. Lead researcher John Jakicic and colleagues examined 191 women, most of who were considered obese, as they followed a low-fat eating program and exercise regimen. All of the participants lost weight, losing an average of 7.2 percent of their starting body weight but the women who continued to exercise more than 270 minutes a week at the end of two years kept the weight off. “It appears you need this amount of activity to achieve and sustain weight loss of this magnitude,” says Jakicic.

Walking for approximately 50 minutes a day five days a week is key but Jakicic notes, “It’s important to walk with intensity like you’re late for an important meeting.”

Source: USA Today, Oct. 24, 2005

Military Finds Weight Loss Success on the Internet
Military personnel who need to lose weight may find the greatest success using Internet weight loss programs, indicates a study from the U.S. Air Force. The 452 overweight U.S. Air Force Personnel who participated in the study were asked to choose a typical weight loss program or an interactive weight loss program that consisted of a self-help book, two motivational phone calls and an Internet weight loss program with food and exercise diaries. After 6 months, the participants following the Internet weight loss program lost an average of four pounds while participants following the typical weight loss program gained an average of one pound. Additionally, those using the Internet weight loss program reported favorable changes in waist circumference and body fat.

“Despite how commonplace it is, there is a stigma in the military about being overweight and joining a weight loss program,” said lead researcher, Christine Hunter, Ph.D.

“Finding programs that offer a private atmosphere to promote healthy weight management and overcome the barriers to attending a group program are essential to ensure the health and readiness of military personnel,” added Hunter.

Source: North American Association for the Study of Obesity, Oct. 2005

Study Suggests Most Americans Likely to be Overweight
A study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that 90 percent of U.S. men and 70 percent of women are likely to become overweight as they grow older. Lead researcher Dr. Ramachandran Vasan and colleagues followed 4,000 Caucasian men and women for more than 30 years and monitored their body mass index (BMI). Findings from the study show that one in five women and one in four men who are at a healthy weight are likely to become overweight after four years. In addition, 23 percent of the women and 13 percent of the men who began the study overweight became obese within four years.

“National surveys and other studies have told us the United States has a major weight problem, but this study suggests that we could have an even more serious degree of overweight and obesity over the next few decades,” said Elizabeth Nabel, director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Source: Reuters, Oct. 3, 2005

Regular Exercise and Protein-Rich Diet May Build Muscle Mass, Aid Weight Loss
A diet rich in protein may assist women who exercise regularly to lose fat and build muscle, suggests a study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The study, which appeared in the August issue of the Journal of Nutrition, compared the effects of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet against a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet in 48 obese women. Both of the diets were reduced in calories but women in the high-carbohydrate diet consumed 30 percent of their total calories from protein while the high-protein group consumed 60 percent of their total calories from protein. In addition, lead researcher Donald Layman randomly separated the women into two groups, a low-level exercise group and a high-level exercise group. The low-level exercise group was asked to voluntarily walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week while the high-level exercise group participated in mandatory 30-minute walking sessions, five days a week as well as two 30-minute weight lifting sessions per week for a period of four months.

Findings from the study indicate that while protein may help maintain muscle and assist in weight loss, caloric reduction and exercise appear to be key to losing body fat. Both groups of dieters lost weight but the women who exercised lost more fat and less muscle. However, nearly all of the weight lost in the high-protein exercise group was fat, while 25 to 30 percent of the weight lost in the high-carbohydrate exercise group was muscle, according to researchers. “Both diets work because, when you restrict calories, you lose weight. But the people on the higher-protein diet lost more weight [fat],” says Layman.

Source: Journal of Nutrition, Aug. 2005; WebMD, Aug. 29,2005

Excess Body Fat in Children May Lead to Cardiovascular Disease
Children with excess body fat, even those who are not obese or overweight, may be at risk for cardiovascular disease suggests a study in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Lead researcher Peter H. Whincup, Ph.D., professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London, and his colleagues examined 471 children between the ages of 13 and 15 and measured their blood pressure, lipids, insulin and body fat percentages. In addition, researchers used ultrasound to measure the elasticity of the blood vessels, a strong indicator of one’s risk for heart disease. Researchers found that children with excess fat in the body tissue (adiposity) had reduced blood vessel elasticity and an increased risk of heart disease. Although children considered obese or overweight had the greatest risk, researchers found that adiposity occurred at “BMI levels well below those considered to represent obesity,” according to researchers.

“These observations emphasize the importance of population-wide strategies to reduce childhood adiposity by a combination of changes in diet and physical activity,” said Whincup.

Source: Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, Sept. 20, 2005; WebMD, Sept. 19,2005

Mothers’ Opinion of Family Meal May Influence Children’s Weight
Mothers who place importance on the family meal may be able to help their children understand the importance of nutrition, suggests a study from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. The study, published in the August edition of the journal Obesity Research, examined 3,800 boys and girls from birth to age 14. Researchers found the prevalence of overweight boys at age 14 was 24 percent and 27 percent for girls. Lead researcher Dr. Abdullah A. Mamun and his colleagues studied the frequency at which the children ate family meals and then questioned the mothers about the importance of the family meal. While 79 percent of mothers said their family ate together at least once a day, only 43 percent of mothers said they felt it was important to eat together. The researchers found that children whose mothers placed less importance on family meals were 30 percent more likely to be overweight by age 14 compared with children whose mothers valued the family meal.

In general, there was no association between the number of family meals and the weight of children, only the mothers’ attitude toward the importance of the meal. Lola O’Rourke, a dietician and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, believes mothers who value the family meal may also provide more emotional support to their teens as well as teaching them about healthy eating habits. “You would think people who are more concerned about family meals are also probably more concerned about nutrition,” said O’Rourke.

Source: Obesity Research, Aug. 2005; HealthDay, Sept. 19,2005

New Study Indicates Excess Fat May be Worse Than Lack of Fitness for Teens
Excess body fat may be a greater detriment to the health of teens than a lack of fitness, a recent study suggests. Findings from the study, published in the July issue of the journal Pediatric Research, found that excess body fat in teens resulted in high levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and decreased levels of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol. Lead researcher Dr. Bernard Gutin of the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and his colleagues measured the percentage of body fat, physical fitness and factors related to cardiovascular disease in 400 teenagers between the ages 14 and 18. According to researchers, the percentage of body fat and fitness were linked to cholesterol and triglyceride profiles but when the researchers removed the influence of body fat, fitness had little effect on cardiovascular risk factors.

Children with unfavorable lipid profiles, therefore, are likely at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, Gutin noted. ‘We now know that the pathophysiologic processes underlying heart disease begin during childhood, even though the heart attacks usually occur much later in life,” he said.

Source: Pediatric Research, July 2005; Reuters Health, Aug. 10, 2005

Cereal May Assist in Weight Control for Women
New research indicates women who eat cereal for breakfast may weigh less than women who eat other breakfast foods or skip breakfast altogether. The study, published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that women who consumed a serving of cereal for breakfast on a daily basis were 30 percent less likely to be overweight than women who chose other foods or omitted breakfast. Findings from the study were compiled from a larger national and health and nutrition survey conducted by health officials from 1999-2000. Data from the survey of more than 4,000 adults showed that 77 percent of participants ate breakfast, with 22 percent of those choosing boxed cereals.

Lead researcher Dr. Won O. Song of Michigan State University in East Lansing, and her colleagues are unsure if there is a direct link to cereal and weight loss but speculate that the fiber, vitamins and minerals found in many cereals may help facilitate weight control.

Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Sept. 2005; Reuters Health, Sept. 7, 2005

Link Between Dairy and Weight Loss Debated
A recent study adds fuel to the weight loss and dairy debate. The study, published in the August issue of the journal Obesity Research, examined 72 participants following three different types of reduced-calorie diets. One group followed a standard diet with two daily servings of dairy, the second group followed a standard diet incorporating four daily servings of dairy and the third group ate a low-glycemic diet (high in fiber) with four servings of dairy each day. After following the three groups for 48 weeks, researchers found that all three groups lost approximately 22 pounds of body weight and 8 pounds of fat. Lead researcher Dr. Warren G. Thompson of the Mayo Clinic suggests conducting larger trials in multiple centers to more accurately determine whether there is link between dairy consumption and weight loss.

Whether dairy was a factor in the pounds lost is still unknown but health professionals agree that consuming dairy on a daily basis is important. The Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 servings of milk and milk products daily, yet most Americans only consume 1-2 servings daily. Health professionals advise those who want to lose weight to balance their calories and incorporate physical activity.

Source: Obesity Research, August 2005; Reuters Health, Sept. 8, 2005

Percentage of Obese Americans Increases in Most States
According to the advocacy group, Trust for America’s Health, the percentage of obese Americans has increased in almost every state. Data from the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) shows that the national percentage of obese adults increased from 22 percent in the 2001-03 cycle to 22.7 percent nationally in the 2002-04 cycle. The Southeastern region of the U.S has the highest percentage of obese adults, and Alabama is currently increasing its rate of obesity faster than any other state. Oregon was the only state not to increase its rate of obesity. The lowest percentage of obese adults can be found in Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and Montana. Hawaii was not included in the report.

Source: Associated Press, Aug. 23, 2005; Trust for America’s Health, Aug.2005

Obesity May Increase Risk of Physical Disability in Later Years
A new study indicates that while obesity may not cause death at an earlier age, it does increase the risk of disability. The study, published in the August issue of TheGerontologist, found that both obese and non-obese adults who reach the age of 70 could both expect to live approximately 15 fifteen years. However, obese adults are more likely to spend more years with a physical disability. For example, a 70-year-old normal woman can expect to live 10 “active” years followed by five years with a disability. However, an obese woman can expect only eight years of an active lifestyle and seven years of disability. Researchers defined “disability” as the inability to perform one or more daily tasks such as dressing, walking, eating or getting out of bed.

Source: The Gerontologist, Aug. 2005; WebMD, Aug. 5, 2005

Losing Weight May Help Some Women Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer
Losing 10 pounds may help young women with a certain gene mutation reduce their risk of breast cancer at an early age, a recent study suggests. Findings from the study, published in the August issue of the journal Breast Cancer Research, indicate that women who lost 10 pounds between the ages 18 and 30 may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 65 percent—among women with BRCA1 gene mutations—compared with those who did not lose or gain more than 10 pounds. (Mutations in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 greatly increase the risk of breast cancer in women.) Additionally, the study suggests women who had two full-term pregnancies and gained more than 10 pounds between the ages 18 and 30 have a 44 percent increased risk of breast cancer than women whose weight remains stable. “The results from this study suggest that weight loss early in life (age 18 to 30) protects against early onset BRCA-associated breast cancers,” writes Steven Narod, MD, PhD, and colleagues in Breast Cancer Research Narod is a professor at the University of Toronto and directs the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit at the university’s Centre for Research in Women’s Health.

“The period between age 18 and 30 years appears to be a critical one when weight gain should be avoided in mutation carriers,” write the researchers. Although the majority of the 2,000 participants in the study had the BRCA1 gene mutation, a relatively small number of participants had the BRCA2 gene mutation. Although researchers found that women between the ages 18 to 30 years with the BRCA2 gene mutation could make “modest” improvements in their risk for breast cancer by losing weight, the greatest benefit was seen in women with mutations in BRCA1. Experts from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation advise women to reduce the risk of breast cancer by maintaining a normal weight, staying active, limiting alcohol to less than a drink per day and reducing the amount of saturated and trans fats in the diet.

Source: Journal of Breast Cancer Research, Aug.19,2005; WebMD, Aug. 23,2005

Slightly Elevated Blood Pressure May Increase Risk of Heart Attack
Research published in the August edition of the journal Stroke suggests slightly elevated blood pressure may significantly increase the risk of a heart attack. The study findings indicate that people with blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89, known as prehypertension, are three times as likely to have a heart attack and twice as likely to have heart disease than a person with normal blood pressure. “If we could eliminate prehypertension, we could potentially prevent about 47 percent of all heart attacks,” says lead researcher Dr. Adnan Qureshi.

Although prehypertension may increase the risk of heart attacks and heart disease, researchers found it does not increase the risk of stroke. To lower blood pressure levels, experts recommend exercise, reducing salt intake and a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Medication may also be needed.

Source: Reuters Limited, Aug. 4, 2005; MSNBC.com, Aug. 2005

Study Raises Concern About Hormone and Supplement Use Among Teens
Concerns about appearance are leading more teens to use hormones and dietary supplements to improve their physiques, suggests a study published in the August edition of Pediatrics. The nationwide survey of 10,000 adolescent boys and girls found that one in eight boys and one in 12 girls are using such products to lose weight or gain muscle mass and strength. According to the survey, teens that frequently worry about their appearance and aspire to look like media figures are three times as likely as their peers to use hormones and supplements.

“The take-home message here is that we really need to think about body-image dissatisfaction in boys as well as girls,” says Alison Field, a Harvard Medical School professor of pediatrics and lead researcher of the study. “Both are influenced by the images they see in the media, which can be unrealistically thin for girls and unrealistically muscular for boys,” added Field. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota and author, provides tips for parents to help teens overcome unrealistic expectations about their appearance:

• Lead by example, making healthy (but not perfect) food choices.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle that focuses on wellbeing rather than weight.
• Prohibit weight-related comments in the household.
• Let your teen know you’re there to listen and talk.

Source: USA Today, July 31, 2005

Strict Diet May Help Fight Prostate Cancer
A study from the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that a strict vegan diet in conjunction with regular exercise and relaxation techniques may help slow the growth of prostate cancer. The study, which appears in the September issue of the Journal of Oncology, is the first of its kind to provide direct evidence that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may affect the progression of cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Dean Ornish and his colleagues recruited 93 men with early prostate cancer that were not actively seeking medical treatment. Half of the men followed a restricted vegan diet, exercised for at least 30 minutes a day for six days a week, participated in weekly support group meetings and learned about stress-management techniques such as yoga and meditation. The other half of the men made no changes in their lifestyles.

After one year, the men who followed the restricted plan scored better on a standard blood test (which indicates prostate cancer growth) than the men who made no diet and exercise changes. They were also less likely to need treatment for cancer and their blood tests indicated the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. “The take-home message is that an active-lifestyle combined with a healthy diet definitely decreases the risk of many types of cancer, and in the case of early nonaggressive prostate cancer, it may slow disease progression,” says Durado Brooks of the American Cancer Society.

Source: Washington Post, Aug. 11,2005

“Double Diabetes” Phenomenon Worries Doctors
A more complicated form of diabetes appears to be on the rise as patients begin to demonstrate symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Coined “Type 3 diabetes” or “diabetes 1 ½,” this new hybrid form of diabetes makes accurate detection and treatment more complicated. “There are many people in which it’s very blurred as to what kind of diabetes they have,” says Dr. Francine Kaufman, a University of California pediatric endocrinologist and past president of the American Diabetes Association.

	Type 1 Diabetes	Type 2 Diabetes
Who it affects	Mostly in children but is becoming more prevalent in older patients	In the past, mostly adults but now occurs at any age; associated with obesity
Problem	The body no longer produces enough insulin	Body cannot properly use insulin; Insulin resistance
Solution	Daily insulin shot or insulin pump	Weight loss, exercise; Medication

Health professionals are seeing an increase in the number of patients, including children, who display symptoms of both forms of the disease yet they are unsure of the cause. According to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, approximately 25 percent of children with Type 1 diabetes are overweight but also have other Type 2 symptoms. Type 1 diabetes may require daily insulin injections that stimulate appetite and cause weight gain. Weight gain may lead to insulin-resistance and the development of Type 2 diabetes. An ongoing study at the University of Washington indicates that many children with Type 2 diabetes also have antibodies that signal the development of Type 1 diabetes. Scientists have not yet determined if special treatment will be needed for “double diabetes. In the meantime, scientists suggest taking steps toward prevention, such as exercise and healthy eating.

Source: Associated Press, July 2005

Additional Hours of Exercise Per Week May Prevent Obesity Among Girls
Research from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Growth and Health Study (NGHS) suggests the physical activity equivalent of 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week might prevent weight gain in adolescent girls. The study, published in the July 14 th online edition of The Lancet, followed 1,213 African-American and 1,166 Caucasian girls over a period of ten years, tracking Body Mass Index (BMI), skinfold thickness and activity levels. The study found that 2.5 hours of additional exercise might help combat rising obesity rates and aid in preventing obesity-related diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.

Head researcher Dr. Sue Y.S. Kimm and colleagues also found African-American girls “were significantly heavier and fatter than white girls throughout adolescence, with increasing racial differences with age.” The study suggests that adding the physical activity equivalent of 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week may prevent an eight to 13 pound weight gain in Caucasian girls and a 13 to 20 pound gain in African-American girls.

Source:MSNBC, July 13, 2005

Gene May Explain Link Between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
A recent study in the journal Nature Genetics suggests the link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes may be the result of a gene that interferes with both appetite and the ability to use insulin correctly. Head researcher Philippe Froguel and colleagues at the Imperial College London studied 62 families prone to obesity and diabetes and discovered a common gene called ENPP1. Researchers then studied 4,000 people in Northern Europe. They found different variations of the gene, six of which were linked to severe obesity. ENPP1 controls the cell’s response to insulin and the ability to use glucose. Froguel believes the gene may interfere with appetite and the ability to use insulin correctly.

“The identification of ENPP1 as a molecular mechanism for obesity and diabetes means we may be able to use it as a target to develop new therapies and treatments, ultimately leading to more effective ways of treating diabetes,” Froguel said.

Source: CNN.com, July 2005

Smaller Portions May Help Fight Childhood Obesity
Serving children smaller portions of food may be the key to preventing childhood obesity, suggests a study from Cornell University. The study, published in the June issue of Appetite, found that children are more likely to eat what they are served, as opposed to regulating their food intake based on feelings of hunger and satiety.

The study also found that snacking between meals did not cause children to eat less at subsequent meals. “We found that the more food children are served, the more they eat, regardless of what they’ve eaten previously in the day, including how big their breakfast was,” says researcher David Levitsky, professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University. These new findings may indicate a greater responsibility on the part of parents and caregivers in controlling the amount of food given to children to help reduce weight gain.

Source: WebMD, June 17,2005; Appetite, June 2005

Slow Walks May Burn More Calories
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder suggests that casual walking may prove more beneficial than vigorous exercise for obese individuals, resulting in more calories burned per mile and a reduced risk of injury to the joints. Doctoral student Ray Browning and his colleagues examined 40 men and women-- 20 of average weight and 20 considered obese. They found that the obese individuals who walked at a slower pace for a longer period of time diminished stiffness in their joints and burned a greater number of calories than their counterparts.

“We’re not at all advocating less physical activity, or less vigorous activity. We’re just saying slow walking might be a way to burn a few extra calories a week,” said Browning, a former professional triathlete. “The message we need to give people is, get out and walk,” said James Hill, head of the Center for Nutrition at the University of Colorado at Denver. “Any speed is fine. Some speeds are better than others, but get out and do it.”

Source: Associated Press, 2005

Cutting Calories May Help Improve Overall Health
Research suggests that cutting back on excess calories may help prevent cancer and improve overall health, according to experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research. Laboratory studies indicate that reducing caloric consumption by 10 percent may help inhibit all types of cancer by slowing the development of cancer cells, increasing their rate of self-destruction and minimizing DNA damage.

Reducing caloric consumption may be beneficial but experts advise consuming at least 1,500 calories each day in order to meet the nutrient needs of the body. Consuming too few calories can worsen a person’s health, making them more susceptible to cancer. Experts advise cutting 50 to 200 calories a day of nutrient-poor foods in order to obtain the benefits of a reduced calorie diet. Substituting reduced-calorie foods in place of full calorie foods can also help. For example, a reduced-calorie yogurt would save 130 calories. Choosing 2 percent milk in place of whole milk would save 30 calories.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research; MSN, June 2005

Diet Soda Study Not Supported by Other Studies
Research from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio suggests that people who drink diet soft drinks are more likely to become overweight. The study, which was presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 65 th Annual Scientific Session, monitored the drinking habits of 1,177 patients for 8 years. However, this recent study is inconsistent with the majority of scientific research on this topic. The researchers are also quick to point out that this study does not prove a direct relationship between drinking diet soft drinks and weight gain. It is well established that in order to lose weight, a person must consume fewer calories than they expend.

The weight loss process is best achieved by a reduction in caloric intake combined with an increase in exercise yet can be accomplished at a slower rate by a reduction in caloric intake or exercise alone. Human studies support the use of low-calorie sweeteners in conjunction with a weight management program. For example, in 2001 Ludwig and colleagues studies 548 ethnically diverse children (ages 7-11 years) for 19 months. They found that there was an inverse relationship between diet soft drink consumption and obesity.

“Low-calorie sweeteners and the products that contain them are a useful tool for those trying to control or lose weight,” notes Dr. John Foreyt, director of the Nutrition Research Clinic and professor, Department of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Source: New York Times, June 14, 2005

Color Contributes to Nutrition
As part of the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) “365 Days of Healthy Eating” campaign, the ADA suggests that consumers focus on adding color to their diet. According to the ADA, consuming fruits and vegetables with a variety of colors is important in order to consume nutrients needed by the body. The various colors of fruits and vegetables denote unique nutrients and antioxidants, especially in the edible peels of certain selections.

The ADA offers the following suggestions for “color consumption:”

Color	Nutrient	Food Source	Health Properties
Green	Lutein	Broccoli, collards, green peas and spinach	May reduce risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Deep Yellow/Orange	Beta Carotene	Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, peaches and mangoes	May help slow aging and the risk for heart disease and cancer. Helps boost the immune system.
Purple/Blue	Anthocyanins	Blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, plums purple grapes	May help protect against urinary tract infections and may reduce cancer risk.
Red	Lycopene	Tomatoes, red cabbage, sweet sherries, strawberries, pink grapefruit, watermelon	Helps protect against prostate cancer.
White	Allyl sulfides	Garlic, leeks, onions	May boost immune system, help control cholesterol, and control blood pressure.

Source: American Dietetic Association; The Huntington Herald Dispatch, June 6, 2005

Proper Guidance Can Teach Children How to Consume Nutritious Diet
If children are given appropriate nutrition education, they will be more likely to consume a nutritious diet, suggests a study that appears in the June edition of the journal, Pediatrics. The study, sponsored by the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), found that children who attend nutrition education programs are more likely to develop healthier eating habits than children who only receive general information about nutrition.

The findings suggest that teaching children about healthy food choices at an early age will help them develop healthier eating habits in the long run. “Habits developed in childhood will hopefully last throughout their lives,” study lead author Linda Van Horn said.

Source: Pediatrics, June2005; HealthyDay News, June 1, 2005

Childhood Obesity Becoming a Global Problem
Research published in the May edition of the British Medical Journal suggests a growth in the global childhood obesity problem. The study on 140,000 adolescents aged 10 to 16 in 34 countries shows that in 77 percent of countries, at least 10 percent of the adolescents were overweight (Body Mass Index – BMI – of 25 or greater). In 20 percent of the countries at least 3 percent of children were obese (BMI of 30 or greater). The countries with the highest proportion of overweight youth were Malta (25.4 percent) and the United States (25.1 percent). High rates of overweight youth were found primarily in countries in North America, Great Britain and southwestern Europe.

The study’s findings also show that many countries with a high proportion of overweight children was associated with lower levels of physical activity and longer television viewing times by youth. These findings suggest that television viewing is often replacing physical activity for many youths, and contributing to a lack of overall physical activity.

The authors, researchers from Canada, Scotland and England among others, suggest that because the problem of childhood obesity is a growing problem worldwide, the World Health Organization should provide global leadership for finding an obesity solution. “The prevention and treatment of overweight in school-aged youth required increased efforts and partnerships at all levels, including regional, national governments and international agencies,” note the authors. “All of these groups should be responsible for promoting physical activity, healthy diets and healthy body weights.”

Source: British Medical Journal, May 2005; Obesity Review, May 2005

Low-Glycemic-Load Eating Plan Focuses on Slow Carb, Not Low Carb
While low-carbohydrate diets may be fading in popularity, a similar approach to eating and weight loss is emerging. The low-glycemic-load or low-glycemic-index eating plan focuses on eating foods the body cannot quickly convert into sugar, such as foods that contain complex carbohydrates, rather than simple sugars. This method of eating may be easier to follow than diets that severely restrict fat or carbohydrates. Preliminary research has also shown that low-glycemic plans have the additional benefit of reducing the risk of chronic disease.

While this method may be easier to sustain over long periods, it can be complex to understand. The glycemic index of foods can be higher or lower depending upon how much of the food is eaten, how the food is cooked and what other things the food is eaten with. In general, this method involves eating large amounts of fruits and vegetables cooked or served with healthful oils. Participants can consume reduced-fat dairy foods, lean meats and fish, nuts and beans as well, but less frequently. Foods to be eaten even less frequently are whole grains, unrefined grains and pastas. Foods to be eaten sparingly are refined grains, potatoes and sweets.

A study comparing the low-glycemic eating plan with traditional low-fat diets, and published in the May edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that a low-glycemic method may be more conducive to weight loss. After 12 months on a diet, participants on a slow-carb (low glycemic) plan lost 7.8% of their body weight, while those on a low-fat plan lost 6.1% of their body weight. Those on the low-glycemic eating plan also experienced a larger decrease in their triglyceride levels. The findings suggest that not only will a low glycemic method help people lose weight, it may help improve heart health as well.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2005; www.webmd.com, May 11, 2005

Getting the Most Out of Grains
With the dawn of the low-carb era, as well as the newly revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans, much attention is being given to various types of breads. With a large number of new products, navigating the bread aisle can be a difficult task. Which breads offer the most nutritional benefits? Many consumers think that breads cannot be part of a healthy diet. However, whole grain breads offer excellent nutrition and can improve health. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming six servings of grains per day, with half of the servings coming from whole grains. According to an April 2005 article in the Nutrition Action Healthletter, breads that are 100 percent whole grain, or mostly whole grain are the healthiest and most beneficial options available. In order to make the most nutritious choices, consumers must know what the claims on the labels mean, and which health components to look for. The following are common labels that appear in the bread aisle:

Fiber – The National Academy of Sciences suggests that young women should consume 25 grams a day, and women over 50 should consume 21 grams a day. Younger men should consume 38 grams a day, while men over 50 should consume 30 grams a day. A typical slice of whole wheat bread contains 2 grams of fiber. Many whole grain or multi-grain breads contain as much as 4 o 5 grams of fiber per slice.

Heart Healthy - Any bread that is at least 51 percent whole grain can claim it may lower the risk of heart disease or cancer.

Added Vitamins and Minerals – Some companies add nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, extra fiber and folic acid to their products.

Partially Whole Grain – These products contain more whole grain or whole grain flour than refined flour. The refined flour is typically notated as bleached or unbleached enriched wheat flour. When looking at the ingredient list on the product’s nutrition label, the ingredients with the highest amounts are listed first, with the rest in descending order. While not as good a choice as whole grain selections, partially whole grain breads still offer a great deal of nutrients, as long as the whole grains are listed as the first or second ingredient.

Light – Products labeled as “light” typically have slices that are 40-50 calories per slice, smaller in size and contain added fiber. However, the majority of light breads are mostly made up of white flour and do not contain many whole grains.

Lower-Carb – These breads typically have a lower number of total carbohydrates than normal breads and generally contain 40-70 calories per slice. The slices are often smaller and contain added fiber, similar to “light” breads. However, many lower-carb breads contain more whole grains and nutrients.

Source: Nutrition Action HealthLetter, April 2005; National academy of Sciences, 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Eating Habits of Mother Has Impact on Nutritional Habits of Children
Research from Pennsylvania State University suggests that a mother’s habits may wield more power of their daughters eating habits than originally thought. The study, published in the April 2005 edition of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association studied the effect interactions between mothers and their 9-year old daughters have on the children’s eating habits. The results suggest that moms who eat more fruits and vegetables foster similar habits in their daughters. Those mothers who are less likely to eat healthful produce are more likely to have daughters who do not eat enough fruits and vegetables and who are picky eaters.

Leann Birch, the author of the study, suggests that nurturing healthy eating habits is an important part of parenting, as the home environment helps shape the food preferences and eating patterns of children. The study’s findings also suggest that a mother’s nutritional knowledge and exercise habits are just as important as food choices in creating healthy habits with their children. In addition, actions such as eating breakfast with your children, proper portion size and excluding bribes related to eating can help foster healthy eating habits fro children.

Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association, April, 2005; The Washington Post, May 3, 2005;

Average American Diet Lacking Adequate Vegetable Intake
Although a great deal of research advises adults and children alike to eat enough vegetables for proper health, consumption by the average American remains too low. As such, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released in January by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests vegetable intake should be a focus in adult diets. More specifically, the Guidelines focus on increasing the consumption of dark green vegetables in the diet because most American diets tend to lack adequate potassium and magnesium. Potassium and magnesium are linked with blood pressure and blood sugar.

According to the Guidelines, the average adult should consume three cups (six servings) of dark green vegetables a week. Foods such as spinach, Swiss chard, kale, watercress, arugula, bok choy, broccoli, collard greens, mustard greens and turnip greens are rich in potassium and magnesium, as well as folate and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Folate promotes heart health and is necessary for DNA duplication and repair.

Source: MSNBC.com, April 8, 2005; American Institute for Cancer Research; 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, January 2005;

Conventional Low-Fat Diet Not Enough to Lower Cholesterol Levels
Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a conventional low-fat diet may not be enough to lower cholesterol unless it is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. The recent research from Stanford University studied a group of people on a conventional low-fat diet and compared them with a group of people on a plant-based low-fat diet that included whole-grain cereals, dark lettuces, bean burritos and vegetable soups in addition to other low-fat foods.

Although both diets were calorie controlled and contained the same amount of saturated fat, protein, carbohydrate and cholesterol, the results were surprisingly different. The participants in both groups were able to lower their cholesterol levels. However, those on the conventional diet lowered their LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) by an average of 4.6 percent, while those on the plant-based low-fat diet lowered their LDL levels by 9.4 percent. The findings suggest that low-fat diets may fail to lower cholesterol because they don’t contain the proper nutrients. Those who are looking to control their cholesterol levels should include fruits, vegetables and whole grains into an overall low-fat diet, rather than simply relying on a low-fat diet that may not include enough plant-source foods.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, April 2004; Reuters, May 2, 2005; MSNBC.com, May 2, 2005

 

USDA Introduces New Food Guidance System, MyPyramid
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled their new Food Guidance System last week. The new interactive food guide system, MyPyramid, is an updated version of the Food Guide Pyramid originally launched in 1992 and focuses on balancing the foods people eat with physical activity. The central message behind the new system is “Steps to a Healthier You,” which emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle. MyPyramid incorporates recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which was released by the USDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in January.

Health professionals agree that making small changes in caloric intake and expenditure can help people manage their weight. This new food guidance system is another small step in helping to relay that information to consumers. Combined with the new 2005 Dietary Guidelines and the Food & Drug Administration’s umbrella campaign, “Calories Count,” adults