Exercise Keeps Dangerous Visceral Fat Away a Year After Weight Loss

A study conducted by exercise physiologists in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Human Studies finds that as little as 80 minutes a week of aerobic or resistance training helps not only to prevent weight gain, but also to inhibit a regain of harmful visceral fat one year after weight loss. (University of Alabama at Birmingham, 10/28/09)

Obesity Costs U.S. About $147 Billion Annually, Study Finds

Annual medical expenditures attributable to obesity have doubled in less than a decade, and may be as high as $147 billion per year, according to a new study by researchers at RTI International, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (RTI International, 7/27/09)

“Eating for Two” Has Consequences for Mom and Baby"

There is more medical evidence that pregnant women should steer clear of advice to “eat for two.” Alison Stuebe, M.D., at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine, found that women who consumed extra calories, as well as fried foods and dairy, had excessive gestational weight gain. The good news: there are concrete messages care givers can provide to women to prevent unhealthy weight gain. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 5/22/09)

Obese Moms, Asthmatic Kids

Babies born to obese mothers may have an increased risk of asthma, according to data from a new study to be presented on May 19 at the 105th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society in San Diego. (American Thoracic Society, 5/20/09)

New Data Analysis Shows Possible Link between Childhood Obesity and Allergies

A new study indicates there may be yet another reason to reduce childhood obesity — it may help prevent allergies. The study published in the May issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that obese children and adolescents are at increased risk of having some kind of allergy, especially to a food. (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 5/4/09)

Ignoring an Epidemic; Examining Weight Loss Tactics, Doctor’s Role in Helping African-Americans Lose Weight

The conversation on weight management isn't taking place between patient and physician. And when it does. many patients don't like what they're hearing. That's according to a recent study at Temple University School of Medicine. Researchers there say many patients feel their physician isn't initiating or addressing at all their weight concerns. And when they do, they say patients aren't doing enough to lose weight. (Temple University, 5/1/09)

Obesity Rates Differ Among Racial/Ethnic Groups in Kids as Young as 4

Obesity is twice as common in young American Indian/Native Alaskan children as it is in white and Asian children, according to new research offering the first nationally representative analysis of obesity prevalence among preschool-aged kids in five major racial/ethnic groups. (Ohio State University, 4/6/09)

Big Belly and Obesity Linked to Increased Risk of Restless Legs Syndrome

A new study shows both obesity and a large belly appear to increase the risk of developing restless legs syndrome (RLS), a common sleep disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move your legs. The research is published in the April 7, 2009, print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. (American Academy of Neurology, 4/6/09)

Infant Weight Gain Linked to Childhood Obesity

An ongoing study of pregnant women and their babies has found that rapid weight gain during the first six months of life may place a child at risk for obesity by age 3. Researchers studied 559 children, measuring both weight and body length at birth, 6 months, and 3 years. They found that sudden gains throughout early infancy influenced later obesity more so than weight at birth. (Harvard Medical School, 3/30/09)

Sustained Physical Activity Better for Preventing Obesity in Kids

Several bursts of exercise that last five minutes or more might be better for preventing childhood obesity than are intermittent physical activity sessions lasting four minutes or less throughout the day. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 3/17/09)

Love Handles Put the Squeeze on Lungs:

A new study has found that a high waist circumference is strongly associated with decreased lung function—independent of smoking history, sex, body mass index (BMI) and other complicating factors. (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 3/6/09)

Researchers Uncover 'Obesity Gene' Involved in Response to High-Fat Diet:

Scientists have determined that a specific gene plays a role in the weight-gain response to a high-fat diet. The finding in an animal study suggests that blocking this gene could one day be a therapeutic strategy to reduce diet-related obesity and associated disorders, such as diabetes and liver damage, in humans. (Ohio State University, 2/24/09)

JCEM Publishes Supplement on Obesity:

The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism recently published a supplement entitled “Obesity: Epidemiology, Etiology, Morbidity, and Management”. This supplement features ten new obesity-related studies addressing topics such as pediatric obesity, obesity as a genetic legacy, bariatric surgery, and obesity in developing countries. A list of the featured studies can be found here. If interested in reading any of the full articles, contact the Society at media@endo-society.org.

Obesity During Pregnancy Associated With Increased Risk of Birth Defects:

For women who are obese during pregnancy there is an associated increased risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida and neural tube defects, although the absolute increase in risk is likely to be small, according to an analysis of previous studies, reported in the February 11 issue of JAMA. (American Medical Association, 2/10/09)

Advance Toward First Saliva Test for Type 2 Diabetes:

Scientists in Oregon and India are reporting an advance toward developing the first saliva test to diagnose and monitor effectiveness of treatment for Type 2 diabetes. (American Chemical Society, 1/13/09)

Athletes Not Spared From Health Risks of Metabolic Syndrome:

College-age football players who gain weight to add power to their blocks and tackles might also be setting themselves up for diabetes and heart disease later in life, a new study suggests. (Ohio State University, 1/13/09)