Body fat can boost your health

It has been often suspected that not all body fat is bad. Latest research by the Harvard medical school reveals that body fat found under the skin particularly around the buttocks (subcutaneous fat) can help reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes. However fat around the bodies organs (visceral fat) is bad can lead to increased risks of ill health.

Continue reading 'Body fat can boost your health'

Alli, the half strength Xenical, now available from UK Chemists

Alli, the half strength version of Xenical is now available from chemists in the UK. The cost of this weight loss drug is £1 and is also much more available than the stronger version. Ali and Xenical both contain Orlistat which interferes with the bodies ability to absorb fat.

Continue reading 'Alli, the half strength Xenical, now available from UK Chemists'

Burger King's new big breakfast:high on calories, low on goodness

CNN Money is reporting that Burger Kind has launched a new breakfast offering called the Omelet Sandwich. This enormous 'thing' contains on sausage patty, two eggs, two American cheese slices and three strips of bacon. Total of 730 calories and 47 grams of fat.

Continue reading 'Burger King's new big breakfast:high on calories, low on goodness'

Call to end junk food advertising on the Internet

Following the new restraints on UK TV junk food advertising, a new call in being made to curb their use on the Internet. Many youngsters use social networking sites which carry target advertising for junk food etc.

A coalition of of international consumer groups are asking Governments to take up a code which is hoped to curb the apparent rising rate of obesity in children.

Continue reading 'Call to end junk food advertising on the Internet'

A tape measure can be more accurate than the BMI measurement

Could we soon see the end of the BMI? It is now seen by many as a unreliable way of measuring the health risk of being obese. The new method that looks to replace the BMI is the hip-to-waist-ratio measurement.

Continue reading 'A tape measure can be more accurate than the BMI measurement'

Do dietary guidelines contribue to obesity?

Scientific America has an interesting PodCast about how dietary guidelines may actually contribute to obesity. Albert Einstein College of Medicine public health researcher Paul Marantz questions  recommendations on public health based on population studies, are they counter productive? The PodCast also discusses other science related subjects after the first 21 minutes.

Continue reading 'Do dietary guidelines contribue to obesity?'

The top twenty worst foods in Ameriaca

Mens Health Magazine carried out research to find, “The 20 worst foods in America”. It covers drinks, 'healthy burgers', pizza and more. See just how many calories are involved in starters let alone main meals.

Continue reading 'The top twenty worst foods in Ameriaca'

Waist to hip ratio prefered over BMI for older patients

Medical News Today is reporting on new research that suggests that the hip-to-waist ratio (WHR) is a better indication of health risks than the BMI for older patients. The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and was carried out by a team based at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The findings confirm that the BMI when used to risk over estimates in people aged over 75.

Continue reading 'Waist to hip ratio prefered over BMI for older patients'

Researchers look for Obesogens

While there are many contributing factors to obesity, one other that is not often covered is our environment. Could chemicals that make up every day objects contribute to weight gain? The Boston Globe's article, 'Is plastic making us fat?

Continue reading 'Researchers look for Obesogens'

Leptins part in how we feel full

Leptin plays an important part in telling the brain when we are full. Those who have low levels of the hormone may eat more because the brain does not know when to stop. Hence the abundant research in how to deal with low levels and Leptin resistance.

Continue reading 'Leptins part in how we feel full'