Research, advocacy, policy and opinion related to the obesity epidemic, which is sweeping both "developed" and "developing" countries.

• Yuan Pang Wang

  Does anybody know about any family intervention (with involvement of family members) for weight loss program?

  Provided that several family members share same living style (eating habits, type of diets, leisure activities, physical activities, etc), the engagemente of multiple members of the same family in aProvided that several family members share same living style (eating habits, type of diets, leisure activities, physical activities, etc), the engagemente of multiple members of the same family in a weight reduction program can lead to better long-term results?

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    Ellen Ersfjord replied

    Hi! There is a A Norwegian study (randomized) called FamilY. I am writing my PhD on the project, but I am a social antropologist and do not use statistical material. You can askHi! There is a A Norwegian study (randomized) called FamilY. I am writing my PhD on the project, but I am a social antropologist and do not use statistical material. You can ask ronnaug.odegard@stolav.no, the md responsible for the project.

    26 minutes ago
• Satyaprasad Venkata

  Obesity is a common phenomena world wide, what is the most common factor invovled to the global epidemic of obesity

  Weight gain is occuring in all sections of the society irrespective of class and creed.more so the youngsters are becoming fatter by the day, do we blame the fast foods, like kellogs chips, aeratedWeight gain is occuring in all sections of the society irrespective of class and creed.more so the youngsters are becoming fatter by the day, do we blame the fast foods, like kellogs chips, aerated drinks, beer, only or are there chemicals that have been used in our daily foods consumed like what they give to cattle to make them grow bigger

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    David Brown replied

    As noted in an earlier comment, food quality is important. Apparently, fabricated foods do not contain enough supportive nutrition to satisfy the appetite. Some observations regarding animal feedingAs noted in an earlier comment, food quality is important. Apparently, fabricated foods do not contain enough supportive nutrition to satisfy the appetite. Some observations regarding animal feeding behavior suggest that mineral deficient food reduces metabolic efficiency. For example: "It has also been observed that when given high Brix grass, cows eat only half of the amount of grass they would eat when fed low Brix grass. The pasture, which had a high Brix, consisted of various grasses including fescue and timothy. In this case, the cost of forage fed to the cows was immediately reduced by half." http://www.abcarticledirectory.com/Article/Why-Higher-Brix-Readings-in-Forage-Makes-Animal-Raising-More-Profitable-/473386 "There is an old farmer’s saying: 'You can starve a horse to death quicker by feeding him straw than by feeding him nothing at all.' That saying only buttresses the idea that a horse trying to digest non-nutritive straw is going to come up short as he wastefully expends whatever digestive energy he had to start with. I think that poor quality fruits and vegetables create a similar situation in our bodies. It seems to me that when our systems expend minerals, energy and enzymes to break down 'food' that doesn’t even have enough value to replace what is expended, then we will lose the battle for life at some point." http://www.westonaprice.org/farm-a-ranch/nutrient-dense-food-high-brix-farming-gardening "People like the idea of being able to determine quality in their food. Measuring Brix also has some fun geek-appeal, e.g. carrying a scientific instrument in your purse or pocket that can graphically show the difference between a sweet orange and one not worth tasting. When Chefs de Cuisine start meeting food deliveries at the back door with a refractometer in hand, the game changes. When the shopper at the local fruit stand pulls out a refractometer, the game really changes. It's no longer just about having pretty produce. Two green peppers may look identically perfect, but the pepper that "Brixes" 12 is likely going to taste like a green pepper; the one that Brixes 4 is only going to look like the real thing." http://thenewagriculture.blogspot.com/2010/03/part-v-is-high-brix-enough.html

    18 hours ago
• Stephen Stotland

  Is obesity untreatable, or is weight loss surgery the only viable option?

  Weight loss surgery has become the treatment of choice for morbid obesity, but it is available for a very small percentage of eligible patients, and a majority of obese individuals are not eligibleWeight loss surgery has become the treatment of choice for morbid obesity, but it is available for a very small percentage of eligible patients, and a majority of obese individuals are not eligible for surgery. Therefore, most obese individuals must be treated with non-surgical methods, or not treated at all.

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    Fabio Campanile replied

    I agree that the topic is far too large to be discussed. However we have to stick to facts: more than one well conducted studies demonstrate that after non-surgical therapies for severe obesity (wellI agree that the topic is far too large to be discussed. However we have to stick to facts: more than one well conducted studies demonstrate that after non-surgical therapies for severe obesity (well established diet regimen followed closely by physician) the failure rate at one year exceeds 95%. Obesity is not untreatable however is a chronic condition and, as such, needs a permanent change either in metabolism or in eating behavior and lifestyle: we cannot think to treat a chronic lifetime disease with only a temporary regimen aimed at reducing weight. The only way we have today to achieve such a permanent change is surgery and surgery it is considered, nowadays, the only effective cure for severe obesity once the disease is established. We also know that id a surgical procedure is reversed, for whatever reason, after an adequate weight loss, we will have a weight regain in most cases, confirming that a permanent modification is needed.

    1 day ago
• Faisal Al-Emrani

  Does childhood socioeconomic position influence obesity in adult more than adult SEP? If so which are the underlying ,mechanisms do you think?

  There are a numbers of studies that reports an inverse associations between low childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and obesity in adult independent of adult SEP. This relation is more consistentThere are a numbers of studies that reports an inverse associations between low childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and obesity in adult independent of adult SEP. This relation is more consistent among women but less consistent amng men.

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    Prof .Madhav Gautam replied

    It would be good to see the relation between diet ,hormone and enzyme activity. japanese and meditrian costal diet seem to causes less obesity for pregnant mother and new born baby. The diet haveIt would be good to see the relation between diet ,hormone and enzyme activity. japanese and meditrian costal diet seem to causes less obesity for pregnant mother and new born baby. The diet have more fiber and more green vegetables. These diet do not require more hormone and enzyme action. Prof Dr madhav gautam, Kathmandu University

    1 day ago
• Priyanka Kapoor

  Is the main cause of obesity related with oral microflora of an obese person? is it genetically linked?

  98.4% of the overweight women could be identified by the presence of a single bacterial species (Selenomonas noxia) at levels greater than 1.05% of the total salivary bacteria as suggested within a98.4% of the overweight women could be identified by the presence of a single bacterial species (Selenomonas noxia) at levels greater than 1.05% of the total salivary bacteria as suggested within a publication 'Is Obesity an Oral Bacterial Disease?,J Dent Res 88(6):519-523, 2009

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    Sigrun Eick replied

    The main cause certainly not. But it might be an underlying factor.

    3 days ago
• Nadeem Al-Duaij

  Childhood obesity reduction - successful models

  In Kuwait, and the broader GCC region, we are suffering an unprecedented obesity epidemic. Most data so far indicate an overweight rate of 75% in Kuwaiti women. Although reliable data are scarce,In Kuwait, and the broader GCC region, we are suffering an unprecedented obesity epidemic. Most data so far indicate an overweight rate of 75% in Kuwaiti women. Although reliable data are scarce, childhood obesity is clearly becoming a massive problem. I'd like to both highlight an example of a successful European initiative and make a call for existing or future research plans in the Gulf. Most importantly, I'd like to identify ways of translating successful models or solid research into implementable policies in this peculiar, high-income, developing region. EPODE is a French model that has succeeded in blunting the epidemic and has now been replicated in numerous European cities. Check out http://www.epode-european-network.com/

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    David Brown replied

    Caloric restriction will likely not cause problems as long as the mineral content of the food is adequate to support metabolic requirements for cell replacement, immune response, and tissue repair.Caloric restriction will likely not cause problems as long as the mineral content of the food is adequate to support metabolic requirements for cell replacement, immune response, and tissue repair. Unfortunately, the packaged food industry is providing consumers with tasty foods that lack balanced mineral content. This dilution effect may be part of the reason people consume excess energy. Animal behavior hints that this might be the case. For example, "It has also been observed that when given high Brix grass, cows eat only half of the amount of grass they would eat when fed low Brix grass. The pasture, which had a high Brix, consisted of various grasses including fescue and timothy. In this case, the cost of forage fed to the cows was immediately reduced by half." http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/why-higher-brix-readings-in-forage-makes-animal-raising-more-profitable-1116237.html Satiety issues are also involved. Low-fat diets paradoxically promote high triglyceride levels which inhibits leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier so satiety is delayed. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15111494 Conversely, a diet high (percentage wise) in saturated fats and low in carbohydrate translates into lower triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. http://rdfeinman.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/saturated-fat-on-your-plate-or-in-your-blood/ Contrast this with the effect of foods rich in omega-6s. For example, "Linoleic acid, which is found in relatively high amounts in soybean, sunflower and corn oil, increased levels of endocannabinoids in mice and caused obesity according to research by scientists from the University of Bergen, Norway, and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, USA. Researchers investigated the effects of a 14-week diet high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. They hypothesized that this fatty acid, a precursor of arachidonic acid, from which endocannabinoids are formed, would induce endocannabinoid hyperactivity. Intake of linoleic acid was increased from 1 per cent to 8 per cent of calories of the diet, intended to reflect the increase of omega-6 fatty acids in the food of US Americans during the 20th century. This was mainly due to a dramatic increase in the consumption of soybean oil used for the production of margarines, vegetable oil, fast food, baked goods and other processed foods. http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=367 "Omega 6s can contribute to weight gain. They are essential fatty acids, which means we need some of it to survive. The downside is they convert to cannabinoids in the liver and kidneys. If any pot smokers are in the crowd tonight, you may recognize the name cannabinoid. Marijuana is the cannabis plant. It gives people what has been coined as ‘the munchies’. If omega 6s convert into cannabinoids and if marijuana stimulates the production of cannabinoids, or motivates them somehow, then they may have a similar effect as far as hunger cravings are concerned." http://holisticandnutritionalhealing.com/2012/02/17/do-omega-6s-make-us-fat/

    4 days ago
• Madhusudan Swarnkar

  why obesity epidemic spreading sofast in India

  may because of increasing affluence in India and westernization habits in youngers

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    Peter Walsh replied

    It is societal, you don't see many Indian women jogging down the street in spandex exercise wear.

    4 days ago
• Satyaprasad Venkata

  Is childhood obesity linked in any way to breast feeding, or top feed?

  Children are gaining weight in excess. Is there any relation to breast feed nuclear family, top feed and junk food consumed by the mother or fed to the child?

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    Sri Ambikai replied

    Yes, according to the survey children's obesity is linked with nuclear family because the family gene will be affecting the child and lead to obesity it is because of nuclear family

    9 days ago
• Hariet Carin

  how the measurement of triceps,biceps,subscuplar and suprailiac can determine BMI

  how the measurement of triceps, biceps, subscuplar and suprailiac can determine BMI

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    Satyaprasad Venkata replied

    Body fat calculator using calipers is being used in some places. Personally have not used but have read that it is more accurate but cumbersome

    18 days ago
• Stacey Pulk

  Should our government put more effort and funding into awareness and prevention of obesity ( especially targeting children), or wait for the impending...

  Should our government put more effort and funding into obesity awareness and prevention (especially of children) or wait for the impending medical crisis which will exist as a result of this issue? Should our government put more effort and funding into obesity awareness and prevention (especially of children) or wait for the impending medical crisis which will exist as a result of this issue? If intervention is warrented now, what should it look like? Should the medical community become more proactive in its approach to this problem? I think this is a problem for everyone, not just women. I believe that women are more verbal about their weight problems, but this is an issue that cuts across all of society: ages, races, nationalities and gender.

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    Ant Riant replied

    The role of government is concerned with the tightening of a growing food company, where its market share is the children. Food production must examine the result of its products to children.

    Apr 20, 2012
• Teresa Mcmenamin

  What are the barriers to clinical engagement in self care, as they relate to obesity and weight loss?

  Does anyone know of any research related to barriers to clinical engagement in self care related to weight loss?

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    Yves Van Assche replied

    Making loose someone weight with any kind of diet is quite easy..... as long as they do this diet ....!!! you all seem to forget one very important element...... It is well know and scientificMaking loose someone weight with any kind of diet is quite easy..... as long as they do this diet ....!!! you all seem to forget one very important element...... It is well know and scientific recognized that fat around the belly is the most dangerous ... because it is loaded with toxins, why not start with to me very obvious question ... Where do these toxins come from ... what would these toxins do when loose on the run in the body .... might this be a response from a body overwhelmed with strong deathly toxins.... Maybe this fat has a purpose ..... prenvent further damage by these toxins .... Why fight body respons to critical situation without taking care of the problem ...(cause of it all) Maybe restudy a little of human physiology ....Who is responsible of getting rid of toxins (transport to system that is able to neutralise or evacuate.... as far as I know and remember that is WATER

    Apr 10, 2012
• Sri Ambikai

  Why obesity has became a greatest problem mainly for women ?

  In an article it has been said that 12.7% of the females are affected by obesity . Because of obesity self esteem ha been decreased . Because of obesity the confident will be decreased because of anIn an article it has been said that 12.7% of the females are affected by obesity . Because of obesity self esteem ha been decreased . Because of obesity the confident will be decreased because of an obesity how a women can became weaker in their confidence level is it acceptable .

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    sudah yehuda kovesh shaheb replied

    Working with populations which are sexually repressed and have high rates of rape and incest (this is in Asia), one can see that obesity is one of the many bad outcomes of it. More than one occasionWorking with populations which are sexually repressed and have high rates of rape and incest (this is in Asia), one can see that obesity is one of the many bad outcomes of it. More than one occasion they have said: I want to make myself as unattractive as possible. so Isabel's point is right, any form of erosion of self esteem can lead to Obesity. You only have to visit poorer areas in rich countries and interview a dozen families to see that . Good Point, Isabel

    Apr 9, 2012
• Meeta Masand

  Dietary charts for reducing weight healthily.

  Can anyone advise on the best dietary chart for a person to follow in order to reduce weight and still have balanced nutrition please?

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    Rajsinh Mohite replied

    central obesity is most dangerous as risk factor for number non communicable,life style diseases.weight gain is mainly due to fat deposition and 1 gm fat gives 9 kcl energy.so diet chart should becentral obesity is most dangerous as risk factor for number non communicable,life style diseases.weight gain is mainly due to fat deposition and 1 gm fat gives 9 kcl energy.so diet chart should be prepared in such a way that how much weight should be reduced per week and according to that reduce calorie intake daily by reducing fatty food in diet, also physical exercise planned and how much energy loss during that should be calculated .thus reducing fatty food and regular physical exercise reduce obesity but also evaluate other disorders play role in obesity.never try to reduce body wt suddenly or very shortly.

    Mar 23, 2012
• Satyaprasad Venkata

  Is obesity in children associated with birth weight or overfeeding or artificial food?

  Children these days are putting on more weight. Is this a direct effect of artificial feeds or excess food, or does it have any relationship to antenatal medication?
• Gregory Miller

  Mechanistic roles for calcium and vitamin D in the regulation of body weight - Soares - 2012 - Obesity Reviews - Wiley OnlineMechanistic roles for calcium and vitamin D in the regulation of body weight - Soares - 2012 - Obesity Reviews - Wiley Online Library http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2012.00986.x/full