January 2005
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IN THIS ISSUE

What's New in Obesity Research? [RETURN TO TOP]

Coming this month in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

What Effect Do Race and Familial Traits Have on Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a complicated endocrine-related condition with many characteristics, including increased risk for diabetes and obesity, irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, excessive hair growth and infertility. In the study, "Effects of Race and Family History of Type 2 Diabetes on Metabolic Status of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome," researchers set out to examine the effect race and familial factors have on the risk of developing impaired glucose intolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS. Researchers analyzed body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and a number of glycemic measures - including glucose and insulin levels and glucose to insulin ratio - in 408 women with PCOS. The researchers concluded that women with PCOS tend to be at increased risk for type 2 diabetes or IGT when they have a family history of the condition in a first-degree relative. This finding indicates that it is important for women with PCOS and their healthcare providers to monitor for the development of diabetes based on personal and familial health history.

Is There a Genetic Determinant for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

In a recent study, "Beta-Cell Function: A Key Pathologic Determinant in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome," researchers aimed to identify if there may be a genetic determinant indicating who may be more apt to develop PCOS. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES III, 1988-1994), specifically focusing on assessing insulin resistance, pancreatic ß-cell function and androgen levels. When the scientists compared data from women with PCOS to that from women without evidence of the condition, they found that there was a significantly stronger relationship between ß-cell function and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. After exploring these data further, the researchers concluded that ß-cell dysfunction might be a key determinant of PCOS. These findings provide further insight into the complexity of PCOS and hint at the possibility that evaluating ß-cell function may aid clinicians when diagnosing and managing the condition.

Does Weight Loss Spur Bone Loss for Postmenopausal Women?

In the study "Protection of Bone Mass by Estrogens and Raloxifene During Exercise-Induced Weight Loss," researchers evaluated whether estrogen or raloxifene could maintain bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women enrolled in a 6-month weight loss program. Women were randomly assigned to placebo, raloxifene (60 mg/d) or estrogen (0.625 mg/d). The researchers found that modest exercise-induced weight loss (~10 lbs) caused a reduction in BMD, particularly among women in the placebo group. Because exercise per se has beneficial effects on BMD, diet-induced weight loss may have an even greater negative impact on BMD. It is unknown whether reductions in BMD as seen in this study increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture, but these data support the growing evidence for important links between body weight and bone health.

Will Walking Faster Help Overweight Children Lose Weight? Researchers Say No

According to researchers who conducted the study "Nutrient Oxidation During Moderately Intense Exercise in Obese Prepubertal Boys," increasing the intensity of exercise may not cause fat oxidation, more commonly known as "fat burning," to speed up. A study of 24 overweight boys (mean BMI: 25.5 +/- 3.5 kg/m2) between the ages of nine and 11, examined fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates, among other measures, and showed that fat burning did not change significantly when the speed and intensity of exercise increased. The researchers found that the highest fat and carbohydrate burning rate occurred at a walking speed of 4 km/h (approximately 2.5 mph). Based on these findings, researchers speculate that even a moderately intense exercise regimen could be beneficial for obese boys and others with childhood obesity.

See these studies and more in the upcoming issue of JCE&M from The Endocrine Society. To interview an author or to obtain a copy of the studies discussed above, contact Tadu Yimam at media@endo-society.org



Expert Resources [RETURN TO TOP]

According to a compilation of recent surveys conducted by Gallup, nearly half of Americans (46 percent) make New Year's resolutions, however, 80 percent of those resolutions fail. For those resolving to lose weight this year, it is important to keep in mind that obesity is not always just a behavioral condition. In some cases, obesity is caused by more than just improper diet and lack of exercise. Endocrinologists are specially-trained doctors who play an important role in both researching, assessing and treating obesity and its related conditions.

In preparation for the New Year, the following endocrinologists are available to comment on emerging trends in obesity research and treatment, as well as their individual research interests.

Dr. George Bray, a Boyd professor at Louisiana State University, professor of medicine and chief of the Clinical Obesity and Metabolic Diseases at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, is available to discuss:

  • Effects of obesity on diabetes and related insulin disorders
  • Advances in research regarding the relationship between obesity and diabetes
  • Available treatment options for the management of obesity-related diabetes

Dr. Francine Kaufman, head of the Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is well-versed on the topic of childhood obesity. She can offer perspective on the following:

  • Assessing overweight and obesity in children
  • Complications related to obesity in childhood and adolescence, including physiological and psychosocial effects
  • New developments in childhood obesity research

Dr. Holly Wyatt, a physician and clinical researcher at The Center for Human Nutrition in Denver, Colorado, can address:

  • Clinical approaches to weight loss and weight management in obese individuals
  • Effects of energy expenditure and metabolism on obesity and weight loss
  • Recent advances in research regarding weight-loss, metabolism and energy expenditure

To schedule an interview with Drs. Wyatt, Bray, Kaufman or any of The Endocrine Society's experts, please contact Tadu Yimam at media@endo-society.org.



Other Happening/Events [RETURN TO TOP]

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Dietary Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) planned to release revised dietary guidelines and an updated food pyramid in January. However, this month, officials announced that the release of this information will likely be delayed until the new Agriculture Secretary-designate is confirmed by the U.S. Congress.
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ENDO 2004 Webcasts
The Endocrine Society now offers more than 20 hours of endocrine research online through its ENDO 2004 Webcasts at www.endo-society.org The Webcasts provide detailed information about current science related to several areas of endocrinology including obesity. Topics include Global and Childhood Obesity, Controversies in Treating Obesity and Secondary Causes of Obesity. The easy to view format includes slide graphics with accompanying audio from talks that were given during The Endocrine Society's annual meeting.

To request a username and password, which will provide access to the Webcasts, please contact Tadu Yimam at media@endo-society.org.



Fast Facts [RETURN TO TOP]

fastfacts icon The majority of endocrinologists surveyed in a 2004 poll of the Society's membership (73 percent) say the message they most want to communicate to the public is that obesity is not just a behavioral condition. Rather, weight management efforts require a balanced combination of behavior change, medical/scientific understanding and intervention. While no single approach is right for every patient, it is important that obese patients are aware of the potential medical and quality of life benefits of consulting with an endocrinologist.

If you have any questions about this issue of The Endocrine Edge or The Endocrine Society, please contact Tadu Yimam at 301-941-0251 or via email at tyimam@endo-society.org or media@endo-society.org

*The Endocrine Society conducted an online survey of its membership through its Web site between January 26 and February 16, 2004. The survey yielded a response from 250 endocrinologists. The confidence level of the survey is 95 percent.