Intestinal Bacteria May Help Cause Obesity

Studies have recently found that bacteria stored in the large intestine may stump the calorie burning activity of good “brown” fat as opposed to bad “white” fat. Bacteria in the trillions can play a role in the immune system as well as digestion. Tests performed on mice without large-intestine bacteria have found that the brown fat did more to maintain a healthy weight. These tests also helped determine that brown fat activity is linked to gender, as male mice that weren’t germ-free gained more weight than females. This research has helped begin to find solutions to obesity and how brown fat can be stimulated and controlled to maintain weight.  READ MORE >>

Doctors Print New Bones Using Ink Jet Printer

Scientists released a report on the 29th of November in the journal, Dental Materials, declaring that they have been able to create a bone-like material with the use of a 3D inkjet printer. This new material may find itself useful in surgical and dental procedures, as well as for treating osteoporosis.

This created bone-like material is used like scaffolding as the bone is allowed to grow onto it. It can be customized to fit personally to each person’s needs. Then once the bone is fully formed and healed the material disintegrates completely.  READ MORE >>

Friends Who Exercise Together, Stay Together

One of the greatest ways to stick with a workout or diet plan is to have a friend who will do it with you according to researchers at MIT. The study involved 710 participants who were assigned “health buddies”.

Participants were given access to anonymous profiles to see how other participants were doing, including whether they kept a diet diary.  Researchers looked at how many people started using a diet diary after someone in their group did.

The researchers found that being in a network matched for common traits made people three times more likely to adopt the new health habit.  READ MORE >>

Food Scientist Provides Insight on Toxic Foods Along With Alternatives

Fox News published an interesting article the other day that I wanted to share. Some canned foods are packed with chemicals that can be harmful to long term health. Here’s a few food items to avoid provided by Fredrick Vom Saal, an endocrinologist University of Missouri

Don’t eat canned tomatoes!
The lining of the can contains bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to reproductive problems, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The acidity in the tomatoes wears away at the lining, causing it to seep into the food. Use fresh tomatoes or sauces sold in glass jars instead.  READ MORE >>

San Francisco Ban On Happy Meals Toys — A Step Towards Healthier Children?

Childhood obesity is on the rise, as the number is over triple what it was 30 years ago, with roughly 1 out of 6 children and teenagers being overweight or obese. And a lot of places are pointing the fingers at the fast food restaurants. Recently, San Francisco took an initiative and made the city the first to ban giving away free toys with a happy meal purchase. This shows that the city is taking the helm and trying to give children healthier meal options… or does it?  READ MORE >>

Menopausal Woman and Insomniacs May Reap Rewards From Yoga

A new study has found that there may be help available for menopausal women in the form of yoga. The study of 44 women was divided into three separate groups. One group had no treatment, another performed stretches twice weekly with a physical therapist and the last group practiced yoga twice a week.

The yoga group reportedly found the greatest reduction in their overall menopausal symptoms. This includes restless nights as their group reported a significantly lower rate of insomnia than the group receiving no treatment.  READ MORE >>

Genetically Engineered Mice Use Sugar to Increase Athletic Abilities. What About Humans?

When a person is exercising, their muscles are using sugar as a source of energy at a cellular level. The efficiency of this process is directly affected by the fitness of the individual. If a person is exceptionally fit, then their muscles have the capability to burn more sugar. A person who is limited to a more sedentary lifestyle will have muscles that can utilize only small amounts of sugar.  READ MORE >>

Businesses That Pay Employees to Lose Weight Could Save Money in the Long Run

As health care costs continue to rise, many companies are embracing nearly any method that could curtail these costs. One such method has companies paying their employees to lose weight.

In most cases, a system like this includes the employee putting a portion of their own money on the line. If the employee successfully loses the specified amount of weight, then their money is doubled.

In a country where nearly one-third of the population is obese, a condition that leads to countless other health risks like diabetes, the benefits of these programs far outweigh the minor costs that the employer has to cover. The employees that participate find their health improving and their employers enjoy the benefit of cheaper annual premiums.

Hormone Infused Chewing Gum Could Suppress Appetite

When it comes to weight loss, a person’s best efforts may be undermined by their own appetite. In response to this situation researchers are working on a system to trick the body into thinking that it is “full”. This system is based on the fact that the human body releases a hormone into the bloodstream, after eating, that conveys a message to the brain indicating that the person is “full”.  READ MORE >>

Swearing Can Help Ease Pain For Certain Individuals !@$

A recent study was conducted to determine whether, or not, uttering swear words in a painful situation could aid in pain management. The researchers found that uttering swear words did indeed help increase participants tolerance to pain due to increased heart rates from the associated emotional response of the swear words.

They tested their theory on 71 students in a cold water challenge by having swear words and non-swear words repeated. They have found that the analgesic effects applied mainly to those who rarely use swear words in their daily lives. Those who swear often did not reap these benefits.

Sustaining Weight Loss May Take More Than Willpower… Says Hormones

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that hormonal changes after weight loss may be a major cause of post-diet weight gain.

The study followed 50 overweight or obese adults though a ten-week low calorie diet and for a year afterward measuring hunger related hormones. Participants lost an average of 28.6 pounds during the diet, but regained an average of 11 pounds within the following year. Tests showed hormone changes related to increased hunger were present immediately following the diet and for up to a year after.  READ MORE >>

Fertility Doctors Discover that Junk Food Can Reduce Sperm Count

While the link to junk food and obesity and heart disease is long-established, researchers from Harvard University and the University of Murcia in Spain have recently uncovered a potential link between foods containing trans-fat and infertility in young men.

The study compared men between 18 and 22 with nutritious diets against those who routinely eat junk foods. Men were asked to keep a journal chronicling their eating habits for several months, and then completed a fertility test.  READ MORE >>

Metabolic Health Improved by Ingredient in Red Wine

Resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine, is showing promise in initial trials of helping improve metabolism. Previous trials in animals showed that resveratrol reduces insulin resistance and other diet-related ills. In the first human study 11 obese men were given trans-resveratrol supplements for 30 days.

Researchers recorded the participants’ diet and energy output. Positive results included a reduction of fat in the liver, decreased blood glucose levels and lower blood pressure readings. Researchers noted that the participants’ metabolic rate lowered and their cells used energy more efficiently; these results are similar to those seen in people with very low calorie diets. More testing will need to be done to determine whether resveratrol can be used to combat aging and obesity.

Can Happiness Lead to Longer Life?

Maybe.

A recent study conducted in the UK asked 3,800 participants ages 52-79 to log their levels of anxiety, happiness, etc. at four times during the day. Participants who reported feeling typically content or happy at the beginning of the five-year test period were up to 35% less likely to die during this test period.

Test participants were divided into three comparable groups of happy, medium-happy, and least happy. After 5 years, 4% of the happiest group had died, compared to 5% of the medium happy group, and 7% in the least happy group.  READ MORE >>

Lack of Physical Activity Promotes Cancer

A recent study presented at an American Institute for Cancer Research conference presents a correlation between lack of physical activity and certain types of cancer, especially colon and breast cancer.

This new development creates concern among Americans as it may pose a threat even for people who regularly spend half an hour exercising everyday and assume this is sufficient daily activity, as such time only accounts for a small portion of the day.  READ MORE >>

Killing “Zombie Cells” Linked to Slowing the Aging Process

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic may have identified the cause of age-related illnesses. They believe that heart disease, dementia, cataracts and some cancers are caused by senescent cells, also called “zombie cells.” These cells have stopped dividing as they should and remain in the body despite being obsolete.

In addition to taking up space, the senescent cells release chemicals that damage other healthy cells nearby. This creates the conditions needed for an age-related illness to take hold. Researchers say that the body’s immune system should remove these cells, but somehow fail to over time. Now, research shifts to finding ways to remove those zombie cells or block the chemicals they secrete. When such drugs are discovered, the tides will turn in the fight against aging.

Georgia Cuts Funding For Weight Loss Surgery

Alice McCormack, 61, weighs 305 pounds and has several obesity-related health issues. She thought she found the answer after learning Georgia’s health plan covered bariatric surgery. At her first appointment, she was informed her insurance was cancelling the benefit for 2012. Since the plan requires patients to go on a diet for six months pre-surgery, she will not make the cutoff.

Georgia claims the cut is necessary to balance the budget. The bariatric surgery has cost the state $30.8 million, and they are facing an estimated shortfall of $815 million for the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years. Missouri has decided to bring the program back because it will eventually cost them more when patients develop obesity-related health problems. For now, Georgia is looking at the short-term picture to save money.

Diet Tricks Used by Medical Experts

Diet tips and tricks are a dime a dozen, but some actually work. The best way to sort out the myths from the sound advice is to turn to the pros. If an expert is recommending a diet trick, it will likely help you lose weight and improve your health.

CNN published a recent article with just that, advice from the Pros. Here are a few of my favorites.

A lot of dieting is mental. If you are able to trick yourself into thinking healthy food tastes great, you are more likely to eat it. Indulging a little bit everyday helps, too. Occasional treats help prevent unhealthy binging.  READ MORE >>

New Genetic Link to Obesity Discovered

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new genetic link to obesity. The findings build upon the 2007 discovery of a gene named FTO that was found to correlate to obesity. After its discovery, scientists began trying to figure out more about how FTO works.

FTO is involved in a ribonucleic acid (RNA) process, methylation, that adds or subtracts methyl groups from the base substance adenosine. FTO removes a group. This process influences protein functions, including metabolism.  READ MORE >>

UK Obesity Battle Means Cutting 5 Billion Calories a Day?

Across Britain and much of the world, the battle against obesity is on. In the UK alone it is estimated that citizens would need to cut 5 billion calories each day in order to stop the tide of obesity and its health problems. UK Health Secretary Andrew Lansley is calling on all Britons to make healthier choices. Government plans alone will not stop the tide. Reducing calories in everyday food and drinks is one way to cut back, but individuals must begin to make wise choices about what they consume. On average, most people consume 10% more calories than are needed in a day. We’re getting fatter little by little, so reducing waistlines can happen the same way. Losing 5 billion calories a day will happen a bite at a time.

Higher Rates of Breast Cancer in Obese Women

Researchers at the University of Granada published the results of their study showing a correlation between obese women and breast cancer. The study of 524 women with breast cancer included the participants’ weight status and the age of disease onset. The obese and morbidly obese women developed cancer at an earlier age than the women of normal weight. Morbidly obese women are more likely to develop breast cancer throughout their lives, although other studies have found the opposite to be true.  READ MORE >>

Adding Green Tea Helps Mice Subtract Weight

How do scientists help an obese mouse lose weight? By limiting their fat intake? Apparently not. A study conducted by Penn State food scientists allowed mice to eat as much as they wanted of a high fat diet while adding in a compound contained in green tea. Although the appetites of the mice stayed the same, those given the compound, EGCG, were able to lose weight more quickly. The scientists concluded that this compound helped the mice to absorb the fat better and to use it more efficiently.  READ MORE >>

Poor Hygiene Leads To Contaminated Cell Phones

With poor hygiene on the rise, cases of contaminated cell phones have increased. It is estimated that one out of every six cell phones in the UK has been contaminated with feces. The leading cause of contaminated cell phones is improper hand washing.

It is estimated that 28% of Londoners have the E. Coli bacteria present on their hands. E. Coli is directly related to fecal matter. E. Coli can cause food poisoning and even death. Of those surveyed, 95% of people said that that regularly wash their hands. However, the contaminated cell phones are singing another tune. Fecal matter can be transferred through food, door knobs and phones.

Listeria Outbreak Found IN Cantaloupes Kills 25

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that cantaloupes tainted with listeria have now claimed the lives of 25 people across the United States. The two most recent deaths took place in Louisianawith 25 states identifying a total of 116 cases. The elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a weak immune system are most at risk for listeria.

The contaminated cantaloupes are the product of Jensen Farms of Granada, Colorado, which ordered a recall of its Rocky Ford brand cantaloupes voluntarily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that the tainted fruit will be removed from stores and that consumers should dispose of any Jensen Farms cantaloupes they may have purchased. People uncertain of where their cantaloupes came from should also throw it out.

Fit Celeb Hollywood Headlines – Simon Cowell, Jillian Michaels, Jordan Sparks, Mel Gibson

Simon Cowell Tells Us How He Stays Buff
http://fitceleb.com/node/10137

Jillian Michaels Isn't Slowing Down, She Endorses BodyMedia FIT Armband
http://fitceleb.com/node/10147

Primary Schools Are Trying To Teach Children The Difference In Airbrushed Photos From Not To Build Self-Confidence
http://fitceleb.com/node/10148

Jordin Sparks & Zumba Fitness Team Up For Breast Cancer Awareness
http://fitceleb.com/node/10152

Photos: Hilary Duff Naturally Beautiful & In Shape
http://fitceleb.com/node/10158

Mel Gibson Takes Health Campaign To Panama
http://fitceleb.com/node/9783

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