Being overweight or obese is difficult enough for adults, but for children and adolescents, it can be especially harmful, both for now and in years to come. However, new research offers hope that one type of surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band), may greatly improve the health of teenagers struggling with morbid obesity.

In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, New York University researchers focused on about 50 girls and boys ages 14-17. The findings of the study revealed that the subjects demonstrated significant decreases in both total and “android fat” mass 2 years after surgery. “Android fat,” or abdominal obesity, has been associated with the development of obesity-related illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and insulin resistance.

Benefits for Weight Loss & Overall health
The researchers found that undergoing Lap band surgery effectively improved glucose metabolism. In turn, this then reduced the teenage subjects’ risks for developing insulin resistance. The researchers also found that as the surgery had no impact on bone mineral density, bone growth was not affected.

“This study is the first to demonstrate the improvements in overall health and distribution of weight loss after Lap band surgery in adolescents,” said Evan Nadler, MD, the lead author. “While weight-loss surgery should always be a last resort for adults and adolescents, these findings show us that surgery in adolescents reduces the risk of significant health complications.”

SOURCE: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbidly Obese Adolescents Affects Android Fat Loss, Resolution of Comorbidities, and Improved Metabolic Status. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2009; 209 (5): 638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.07.022

Does this sound familiar? You run out to the store for a few things, and you’re suddenly gripped in a battle for your soul – and your weight! If you’re struggling with being overweight or obesity, you know how hard it can be to control those cravings, despite the best efforts. But when do these cravings cross the line into “food addiction”? That’s the fine line at the heart of major debate, and it may lead to a solution to this struggle.

In a published study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario found that food addiction may be responsible for some individuals’ struggles with their weight.

“The concept of addiction is complex, and the delineation of its defining characteristics has fostered considerable debate, states Dr. Valerie Taylor, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at McMaster, and director of the Bariatric Surgery Psychiatry Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. “Despite a lack of consensus, researchers nevertheless agree that the process involves a compulsive pattern of use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences.”

Similarities Shared By Other Addictions
The researchers emphasize that like other addictive behaviors, such as drugs, food can cause a tolerance. It can also lead to increases in the amounts required to achieve intoxication or satiety. They noted that food addiction may result in withdrawal symptoms, such as mood changes that occur when dieting. Patients who have undergone weight loss surgery may exhibit addictive behavior, as well.

The authors mention that addictive behavior can’t take all of the blame, as these men and women still have free will and personal choice. They state: “The current ‘blame’ mentality that is often applied to individuals with obesity needs to be re-examined. Although medicine may not yet accept compulsive overeating as an addiction, we cannot ignore evidence highlighting the role played by biologic vulnerability and environmental triggers.”

Nevertheless, the researchers feel that this addictive behavior does help to illustrate the struggle to live with and overcome obesity. As such, the researchers believe that traditional therapies may also be applied to food addiction.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174694.php

If you value your health, you work out on a regular schedule, and pride yourself on following a healthy diet. But besides the valuable benefits for your body, you may actually be gaining advantages in the workplace, as well. New research suggests that keeping your weight in control may mean the difference between finding, or even holding onto, employment!

In today’s economy, and with almost 10% unemployment, we all have to stay on our toes, as any job can be eliminated at any moment. And as if this wasn’t enough pressure, the obesity epidemic is now affecting employment issues. A 2008 Wayne State University study determined that overweight workers are viewed negatively by perspective employers, especially when applying for a job with face-to-face interactions.

Studies show that employers are now placing a larger-than-ever emphasis on current and future employees’ waistlines. Researchers have found that these adults are associated with three very negative traits: 1.) higher absentee levels; 2.) lower productivity; and 3.) higher healthcare costs.

Employers Bearing the Health Care Load
As such, companies of all sizes are searching for ways to limit costs, especially for health care. This means that only the best performers and employees are safe, and all others are at risk — especially overweight and/or obese workers, whose are believed to account for an estimated 1/3 of the entire American population.  And to make matter worse, the workplace may actually be contributing to the weight gain: normal job-related stress, long hours, and poor dietary habits and vending machines all play a large part.

“I think employers are doing what they feel they need to do. Their profits are down, and they’ve got to look at ways to cut costs,” stated author Marsha Petrie Sue, a noted expert on personal accountability issues. “If you have two people apply for a job, and one is overweight and one is not, who would you hire? You know they have to be thinking about it.” Petrie says that this debate is only beginning: “You can legislate not discriminating against someone for sexual orientation or based on their gender. But you can’t really legislate responsibility.”

Until now, fired overweight and obese workers have not had much success in suing under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, new legal provisions may enable these individuals to score more victories, and make it much easier to do so. Plus, multiple lawsuits have resulted in companies being responsible for paying for overweight employees’ bariatric surgeries that were caused by work-related injuries.

Turning the Tables on Obese Workers
For this reason, employers are going to make efforts to ensure the healthy weight of their workers. “Some employers have gotten very aggressive with their smoking policies, even dismissing workers who smoke on their own time, says Denise Wheeler, an employment lawyer with Fowler White Boggs in Fort Myers, Fla. “Are we going to see employers checking the BMI (body mass index) of workers and deciding they’ll terminate if it reaches a certain number?” Employers are making efforts to provide exercise programs, as well as instilling weight-based performance standards.

Even now, heavier employees pay higher health care premiums. “I do think employers have some responsibility. If they don’t have a wellness program, they can go to a local gym and negotiate a deal so employees can go for 30 minutes every day and exercise, and still be paid for that time,” says Petrie Sue. “They also need to get rid of the donuts and coffee in the break room and instead have healthy options and a refrigerator so people can bring healthy food.”

For obese job-seekers and current employees, it may be best to be honest about their weight management efforts. “You can just mention in an interview that you’re on a real health kick. I think that way you’re sending a clear message, states Petrie Sue. “If the employee has health issues, the employer may ask what they can do to help, but they’re also going to ask the employee what they think the consequences should be for not changing.”

Source: http://www.rgj.com/article/20091210/BIZ/912100317/1071

As 2009 comes to a close, and the new decade beckons, it’s only natural that we stop and take stock of our lives. As usual, the nation’s health care is a common theme, as New Year’s resolutions are planned, followed, and often broken.  One big problem that is sure to play a huge role in the coming year(s) is the ever-growing obesity epidemic. With that, let’s take a look at where we now stand weight-wise (and the news isn’t good) …

Every year, health care and financial experts calculate America’s Health Rankings. And unfortunately, the rising weight gain is going to continue to take its toll on everyone’s bank account, regardless of their health. “Obesity is going to be a leading driver in rising health care costs,” states Kenneth Thorpe of Emory University, who was responsible for the analysis’ findings.

The study shows that an estimated 34% of US adults were classified as “obese” in 2006; this is a giant 23% increase from 1994’s scores. In 2008, those American adults who were 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight cost the country about $147 billion in weight-related medical bills, which was double the amount from a decade earlier.

Bank Accounts & Health Care Pay the Price
Specifically, obesity and its related conditions now make up 9.1% of all medical spending as compared to the 6.5% calculated in 1998. Even worse, it’s expected that by 2018, unyielding obesity may cost the nation about $344 billion in annual medical-related expenses. This will represent about 21% of ALL health care spending!

Money aside, this rising weight gain is definitely going to affect health care, especially for cancer rates. A variety of studies demonstrate that obesity is now responsible for 100,500 new cases of cancer every year. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the most common cancers related to excess body fat are: breast, endometrial, kidney, colorectal, pancreas, esophageal and gallbladder. Research finds that obesity also raises health care costs by boosting risks for other related conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Lap Band Surgery May Be Most Effective For Morbidly Obese Teenagers

Being overweight or obese is difficult enough for adults, but for children and adolescents, it can be especially harmful, both for now and in years to come. However, new research offers hope that one type of surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band), may greatly improve the health of teenagers struggling with morbid obesity.

In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, New York University researchers focused on about 50 girls and boys ages 14-17. The findings of the study revealed that the subjects demonstrated significant decreases in both total and “android fat” mass 2 years after surgery. “Android fat,” or abdominal obesity, has been associated with the development of obesity-related illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and insulin resistance.

Benefits for Weight Loss & Overall Health
The researchers found that undergoing Lap band surgery effectively improved glucose metabolism. In turn, this then reduced the teenage subjects’ risks for developing insulin resistance. The researchers also found that as the surgery had no impact on bone mineral density, bone growth was not affected.

“This study is the first to demonstrate the improvements in overall health and distribution of weight loss after Lap band surgery in adolescents,” said Evan Nadler, MD, the lead author. “While weight-loss surgery should always be a last resort for adults and adolescents, these findings show us that surgery in adolescents reduces the risk of significant health complications.”

SOURCE: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbidly Obese Adolescents Affects Android Fat Loss, Resolution of Comorbidities, and Improved Metabolic Status. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2009; 209 (5): 638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.07.022

Are You Obese? The Answer May Surprise You!

There’s no denying that weight concerns and obesity are big issues for millions of Americans today. But even as these men and women do their best to eat healthy and work out, the pounds stay on, and the frustration grows. But what if you don’t even know that you need to lose weight? As hard to believe as it may seem, a new study illustrates that many people are not even aware that they’re overweight or obese! And this is actually a very serious matter …

Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas discovered that of their participants, all of whom are considered “obese,” one in 10 expressed satisfaction with their body size. And, they didn’t think they needed to lose any weight at all. But while this positive self-image is good for mental and emotional health, it can lead to deadly consequences for physical health.

According to lead researcher Tiffany Powell, a cardiology fellow, those obese individuals who don’t know or accept that they are may avoid healthy diets and exercise. As such, they’re at increased risk for cardiovascular health problems, such as increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).

The Role of Body Mass Index

In the study, the researchers focused on 2,056 obese individuals, with an average age of about 40. The participants reviewed nine different sex-specific figures, and then selected both the image they thought they looked like and their ideal figure. The figures showed outlines of bodies; the first was the slimmest figure and the images increased up to the ninth and largest). About 8% of the participants thought their body size was smaller than it really was. On average, they felt that their bodies looked like a 4 on the figure scale, while their ideal body size was about 5. Meanwhile, the other participants selected an average of 6 for current body size and under a 4 for their ideal image.

Those participants who were unaware that they were obese had an average body mass index (BMI) of nearly 35. The other participants had BMIs of nearly 37. BMI scores take into account a person’s weight and height and indicate body fatness and weight categories. A BMI score of 30 or above is considered “obese”; 25 to 29.9 “overweight”; 18.5 to 24.9 “normal”; and below 18.5 is considered “underweight.” Among the study’s findings:

• For those who were unaware of or satisfied with their weight issues, 44% had not visited a doctor in the past year; 26% of those who recognized their weight issues did visit a doctor in that time period.
• When the satisfied/unaware group visited the doctor, nearly 40% said that their doctor mentioned the need for weight loss; 70% of the aware group reported the same.
• The satisfied/obese group admitted not exercising on average, while the other group exercised regularly.
• Among the satisfied/unaware group, 35% had high blood pressure, 15% had high cholesterol, 14% had diabetes, and 27% were current smokers.

Becoming Educated About Healthy Weight

As for why some people are unaware of or satisfied with their weight, the researchers believe that it may be due to a lack of education.  “A larger cause may be cultural beliefs and acceptance of obesity as the norm when most around you are obese,” stated Powell. “I think as obesity becomes more prevalent and people around you are larger you reset what is acceptable.”

Powell also noted that African Americans and Hispanics were significantly more likely than whites to be satisfied with their body size. These groups were also more likely to feel that weight loss was unnecessary.  “We’re seeing more prevalence in minority populations because obesity is more prevalent in those groups. I think as a society as all of us become larger we reset what we think of as a healthy body size.”

So what can be done? The researchers believe that it is the job of both physicians and communities as a whole to get involved, and help these obese individuals to make efforts to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Powell adds: “We have to tell people regardless of whether they bring it up that they are obese and they need to lose weight, and they need to change their dietary habits and they need to work on physical activity.”
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20091117/sc_livescience/theobesedontalwaysknowit

Does A Connection Between Multiple Sclerosis & Obesity Exist?

Here’s another reason why maintaining a healthy weight is so important. Recent studies illustrate that for adolescent women, carrying excess pounds may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. As such, healthcare professionals are encouraging young women to follow diets low in fat and calories, while engaging in regular exercise.

According to a landmark study published in Neurology, women who were obese at 18 years old had double the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) at some point in her lifetime. This study was actually the first to connect MS and obesity, the researched stated.

Explaining Multiple Sclerosis

A disease targeting the central nervous system, MS is thought to affect as many as 500,000 Americans, with an estimated 10,000 new cases being diagnosed annually.  Although MS is typically not fatal, it is a chronic condition with no cure, as of yet. The disease’s symptoms may include: dizziness, blurred vision, slurred speech, sexual dysfunction, incontinence, shakiness, loss of coordination, and weakness. The disease is actually very rare, especially for women; there is a 1 in 100 risk of developing the condition (women have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer).

For this study, the researchers observed more than 200,000 female subjects enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II, which covered a 40- year period. These subjects were asked questions regarding weight, height, body size, smoking and exercise habits, and disease status. In the study, 593 cases of MS were diagnosed.

Above all else, there was no connection established between the risk of MS and having a large body size, whether at ages 5 and 10 or as an adult. However, if a woman was obese at age 18, the risk for MS more than doubled. Those women with a large body size at age 20 were shown to have a 96% increased risk for developing MS.

Exposing the Study’s Limitations

Despite the study’s findings, the researchers do caution that further research is required. While these findings were only applicable to white women, the researchers believe that the boys would show similar results. However, they do believe that racial differences may play a role in MS, especially for African Americans and Asians, who have a lower incidence of MS. This genetic protection may be “stronger than obesity would be at increasing their risk,” stated study co-author Dr. Kassandra L. Munger of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

In addition, the researchers emphasize that for MS, weight is not the most significant risk factor. The three top ranking risks are all environmental: infection with the Epstein Barr virus, vitamin D deficiency, and cigarette smoking.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091120/hl_nm/us_obesity_adolescence

Research Shows that Obesity on the Rise in the South

Does it ever seem as though the nation’s overall level of health care is heading “South”? Well, it’s not all in your imagination, as studies indicate that the Southern region of our country is a hotbed of obesity. And unfortunately, it’s not just a few isolated areas; the majority of these states are boasting sky-high obesity rates.

A county-by-county obesity survey, the first of its kind, was conducted in 2007 by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). These results were published in the agency’s journal, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. According to these findings, more than 80% of Appalachian counties, including those in Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee, now report high levels of diabetes and obesity. Additionally, counties in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina reported levels of 75% for these conditions.

Alabama and Mississippi at the Top
These particular counties, all of which were small and rural, had obesity rates of around 43-44%, and included: Alabama’s Greene and Dallas counties, and Mississippi’s Holmes, Humphreys and Jefferson counties. These are exceptionally high when you consider that the nation’s adult obesity rate measures about 26%. The CDC stated that it was difficult to identify the country with the highest level, as many counties shared similar levels.

Meanwhile, the CDC found that western states had the lowest levels for obesity, as well as that for type 1diabetes, which is related to obesity. Those counties reporting the lowest found in Western states, and included: Boulder County, Colorado, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, and Summit County, Utah. In these counties, a little less than 13% of these counties’ residents were considered obese; about 4% reported having diabetes.

The Reasons Behind the Weight Gain
Why do these Southern counties have higher levels of adult obesity? Healthcare experts believe that residents in these regions favor fatty, unhealthy foods, while avoiding exercise more than other areas.  And while genetics may the cause of rising waistlines, both income and education play large roles, as well. That’s because those living in these poor areas may not be able to afford healthier foods, or gym memberships.

But while these high levels of obesity may be cause for worry, they could also offer hope for the future – although local efforts must be taken. “In the end, it comes down to those that have to direct resources at the local level,” said Dr. Miriam Vos, assistant professor of pediatrics at Atlanta’s Emory School of Medicine. “It’s not something that can change as easily at the federal level.” And of course, the individuals at risk must do their best to maintain healthy weights.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091120/ap_on_he_me/us_med_obesity_counties

The Bottom Line(men)? Obesity Levels for Football Players Growing

No matter the state of your own weight, you probably look at football players as the pinnacle of good health. After all, these gridiron heroes ARE athletes, so they must be in excellent shape, right? Well, new research suggests that a growing number of college and professional players are actually obese, and may be at risk for life-threatening health conditions!

Specifically, Ohio State University researchers discovered that only one type of player — Division I college football linemen – were found to be obese. Their findings were published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. These players were also found to be at greater risk for obesity-related conditions, including: pre-diabetes and diabetes, and various cardiovascular threats, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

College & Pro Players Coping With Weight Issues

In addition, other studies show that retired National Football League (NFL) linemen are more at risk for metabolic syndrome. This is a group of medical disorders related to obesity that may increase risks for diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. These retired NFL linemen were found to be more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than other retired NFL players.

Over the course of the study, the researchers focused on 90 Ohio State University players, encompassing all positions. The researchers examined the body fat levels and other health measures of the players, who had an average age of 20 and weight of 232 pounds. Those players with body fat levels of 25% or more were considered “obese.”

Body Mass Index Not the Best Indicator

Normally, obesity is measured with the body mass index (BMI), which measures obesity in terms of height and weight. But as the BMI doesn’t take into account muscle vs. fat, a big factor in the size and weight of football players, the researchers used the percentage of body fat as a measurement tool. The Ohio State University researchers split the subjects into three groups: offensive and defensive linemen; receivers and defensive backs; and linebackers, quarterbacks, punters and kickers. The findings showed:

Cutting Down on “Bulking Up”

It’s been observed that football players, and especially linemen, whether they’re playing in high school, college or professionally, are getting bigger all the time. Unfortunately, this bulking up may lead to serious health threats later on. As such, health care representatives and nutritional experts are getting involved. These players “have to be big, but they don’t have to be over-fat. The goal is to put on lean mass. … A bigger, leaner athlete also moves more quickly than an athlete whose bulk is mostly fat,” states Leslie Bonci, a registered dietitian who works with the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bonci adds: “Many would benefit from a ‘calorie cap.’”  By this, she means that these players must learn what, when and how much to eat. “Gone are the days of heavily marbled meats, fried chicken. … Now there’s a lot more grilled chicken, fish, ground turkey, flank steak and oven-fried instead of deep-frying. So players can keep their mass but have less jiggle.”

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-12-02-fatfootballplayers02_ST_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Attention Employers! Is Your Business Safe from Obesity-Related Injuries?

As the obesity epidemic spreads “far and wide,” even those men and women in good health are feeling the effects. And if recent legal cases are a sign of things to come, this excess weight gain may take a devastating financial toll, as well!

If you have your own business, no matter how successful you are, you have to look out for your employees’ best interests. And unfortunately, you’re responsible for their overall health care, especially on the job. But for one Indianapolis pizza shop, “Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza,” one legal case involving an employees’ weight may result in the restaurant closing for good.

One Simple Injury, One Costly Result

In March of 2007, Adam Childers, then 25 years old and 340 pounds, was accidentally struck in the back by a freezer door. He sustained a back injury as a result, and his doctors advised that he undergo surgery to relieve the pain. However, due to his obesity, Childers had to first have lap band surgery to lose weight, in order to then have the back surgery.

Naturally, the restaurant agreed to pay for the back surgery. But they felt that they were not responsible for the cost of the weight loss procedure, which would be as high as $25,000. The shop argued that Childers was already obese before the accident. However, the court determined that the restaurant was indeed responsible for both the surgery and disability payments; they felt that Childers’ weight and the accident had combined to create a single injury.

The court stated that the restaurant hadn’t provided any evidence that Childers’ weight had been a medical problem before the accident.

The Latest In A String of Cases

In fact, this case is nothing new, and similar examples have been filed since 1983 in Ohio, California, Oregon, Florida and South Dakota. On August 27th of 2009, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the state workers’ compensation insurance was responsible for paying for gastric bypass surgery, in order to ensure that an obese man’s knee replacement surgery was effective. And unfortunately, many believe that these types of cases may mean that employers are going to be hardest hit.

As for Childers, he has since lost some of the excess weight on his own, and has even tried to quit smoking. However, he has yet to undergo weight loss surgery.

SOURCE: http://www.twirlit.com/2009/11/10/court-rules-pizza-company-must-pay-for-employees-weight-loss-surgery/