Thursday, June 26, 2014
Most Americans prefer surgery, meds to lose weight
Obese and overweight Americans who have tried losing weight report far greater overall satisfaction with weight loss surgery and prescription weight loss medications than with diet, exercise and other self-modification methods, according to results presented at the joint meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society.
Of more than 39,000 respondents, 58.4 percent of obese people were not currently taking any steps to lose weight. The percentage of obese respondents who reported being extremely or very satisfied with their weight loss method was 39.3 percent in the Surgery/Rx group versus only 20.2 percent in the group that used self-modification methods.
The researchers observed similar findings in the overweight respondents, with 44.4 percent of the Surgery/Rx group being extremely or very satisfied with their treatment compared with 19.7 percent of participants who used self-modification.
Electrocute Yourself to Lose Weight?
On June 17, an FDA advisory panel moved closer to full FDA approval on VBLOC—a new implant designed to curb appetite by electrocuting stomach nerves. The device is implanted under the skin of the chest, and delivers electrical shocks down the two trunks of the vagus nerve (the nerve that controls the digestive system, heart, lungs, and some glands). The jolts stun nerves around the stomach, decreasing hunger pangs and simulating a feeling of fullness.
The panel voted 8-to-1 that the device is safe, 6-to-2 that the device’s benefits outweigh its risk, and 4-to-5 that the device will effectively help patients lose weight (that is, a majority voted that it would not help patients lose weight). The side effects of VBLOC, produced by EnteroMedics, Inc., include pain, heartburn, constipation, nausea, depression, diarrhea, infection, organ or nerve damage, device movement, and device malfunction. The vagus nerve is one of the body’s most important organs. If it is damaged, the effects will be horrendous for health.
This is absolutely shocking.
Of more than 39,000 respondents, 58.4 percent of obese people were not currently taking any steps to lose weight. The percentage of obese respondents who reported being extremely or very satisfied with their weight loss method was 39.3 percent in the Surgery/Rx group versus only 20.2 percent in the group that used self-modification methods.
The researchers observed similar findings in the overweight respondents, with 44.4 percent of the Surgery/Rx group being extremely or very satisfied with their treatment compared with 19.7 percent of participants who used self-modification.
Electrocute Yourself to Lose Weight?
On June 17, an FDA advisory panel moved closer to full FDA approval on VBLOC—a new implant designed to curb appetite by electrocuting stomach nerves. The device is implanted under the skin of the chest, and delivers electrical shocks down the two trunks of the vagus nerve (the nerve that controls the digestive system, heart, lungs, and some glands). The jolts stun nerves around the stomach, decreasing hunger pangs and simulating a feeling of fullness.
The panel voted 8-to-1 that the device is safe, 6-to-2 that the device’s benefits outweigh its risk, and 4-to-5 that the device will effectively help patients lose weight (that is, a majority voted that it would not help patients lose weight). The side effects of VBLOC, produced by EnteroMedics, Inc., include pain, heartburn, constipation, nausea, depression, diarrhea, infection, organ or nerve damage, device movement, and device malfunction. The vagus nerve is one of the body’s most important organs. If it is damaged, the effects will be horrendous for health.
This is absolutely shocking.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Why Food Stamp Changes Only Helped Hispanic Children?
Beginning in 2009, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) revised its food packages and provided more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and fewer foods with high saturated fat content.
Eighteen months following the WIC food package revisions, significant decreases in total fat and saturated fat, increases in dietary fiber, and overall diet quality were observed among Hispanic children only. No significant changes in nutrient intake or diet quality were observed for any other group.
Bonnie: Unfortunately, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine study leaves us with more questions than answers. Hopefully, if we give the changes more time to take, we will get better results for all groups at all ages.
Eighteen months following the WIC food package revisions, significant decreases in total fat and saturated fat, increases in dietary fiber, and overall diet quality were observed among Hispanic children only. No significant changes in nutrient intake or diet quality were observed for any other group.
Bonnie: Unfortunately, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine study leaves us with more questions than answers. Hopefully, if we give the changes more time to take, we will get better results for all groups at all ages.
What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid?
Known as the universal antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid is most commonly known for addressing blood sugar balance disorders and neuropathy, but according to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, has been studied for its contribution for helping 48 different maladies. Alpha lipoic acid is accessible to every type of cell of every organ system in the body. Dosing is completely dependent on the individual and the issue(s) at hand. Because of its blood sugar lowering capacity, be very careful using it if on blood sugar lowering medication.
Friday, June 06, 2014
Circadian rhythm and inflammation
A disruption of circadian rhythms, when combined with a high-fat, high-sugar diet, may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease and other harmful conditions, according to a recent study. "Circadian rhythms, which impose a 24-hour cycle on our bodies, are different from sleep patterns," the first author of the study explained. "Sleep is a consequence of circadian rhythms." While circadian rhythm disruption may be common among some, the research suggests that it may be contributing to a host of diseases. The study is online at the peer-reviewed, open-access journal, PLOS ONE.
Thursday, June 05, 2014
American kids failing fitness
American children are scoring failing marks in fitness because of the lure of the Internet, time-pressed parents and the culture of the car, fitness experts say.
Only one quarter of children aged 6 to 15 meet the current guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, said Dr. Russell R. Pate, chairman of the non-profit National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) Alliance, which issued the first U.S. report card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.
"Fifty percent of waking hours are spent in sedentary activity," said Pate, professor in the Department of Exercise Science in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina.
Fitness experts say it is up to parents and policy makers to get their children to be more active.
Only one quarter of children aged 6 to 15 meet the current guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, said Dr. Russell R. Pate, chairman of the non-profit National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) Alliance, which issued the first U.S. report card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.
"Fifty percent of waking hours are spent in sedentary activity," said Pate, professor in the Department of Exercise Science in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina.
Fitness experts say it is up to parents and policy makers to get their children to be more active.
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