On Monday, May 24th, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appealed to Congress that billions of additional dollars would have to be poured into programs dedicated to child obesity and hunger. And it appears that his words are echoed by the rest of the government, as President Barack Obama, in his 2011 budget proposal set aside an additional one billion dollars a year over 10 years for the child nutrition bill, which Congress will re-authorize this year.

Impacts for Healthcare, the Economy & National Security
Speaking at the launch of a report on child hunger at the Center for American Progress, Vilsack stated that both childhood hunger and obesity should be made national priorities. He said that it was morally wrong for so many children to be going hungry in the world’s richest nation. He then added that these health threats had major impacts on our national healthcare system, as well as the nation’s economy and national security.

“Research shows that youngsters who are either obese or who are hungry simply do not learn as well as they ought to, he said. “Youngsters who are obese take chronic disease into adulthood which substantially reduces their productivity as individuals and causes our health care costs to escalate.”

In regard to the nation’s national security, the high number of childhood obesity means that there may not be future candidates to serve in the military. As for the economy, Vilsack said that child hunger costs the US economy at least 28 billion dollars per year “because poorly nourished children perform less well in school and require far more long-term health care spending. Further, food insufficiency severely hampers children’s emotional, intellectual, and physical development, and it strongly hinders the upward mobility of their parents.”

About one-third of US children is now considered “obese,” or is becoming obese. At the same time, an estimated 17 million children now live in households forced to occasionally skip meals to make their finances stretch further.

In particular, researchers have uncovered potential risks for liver damage for one specific ingredient found in the majority of weight loss drugs. Known as “orlistat,” this drug is flying off the shelves under the over-the-counter brand name “Alli.” In addition, orlistat is also available as a prescription drug called “Xenical.” And while rare, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received 13 separate reports of consumers developing severe liver damage after taking the drug. However, it should be noted that 12 of these cases were reported to have occurred overseas.

Rare, But Serious Health Risks Reported
But while there have been few US-based cases, the agency still wants to get the warning out to consumers. It’s estimated that about 40 million people worldwide are currently taking orlistat in some form. And while the risk is low, the FDA wants to spread the word about any potential drug-related side effects.

The agency has not determined if orlistat is actually responsible for liver damage. They do suspect that any side effects may be related to how patients metabolize the drug, as well as their health risks (if any). According to Dr. Eugene Schiff, director of the Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the drugs may have been exposed to some contamination.

“We are telling consumers and health-care providers to be vigilant should [patients] develop symptoms suggestive of liver impairment,” stated FDA spokeswoman Elaine Gansz Bobo. “We are not advising routine monitoring of liver enzymes as that will not help predict who may develop hepatic impairment on the drug. We were unable to identify any particular group that may be at increased risk.”

For these 13 most recent orlistat-related cases reported to the FDA, they “were cases that, on review and categorization by the agency, received severity scores of 4 or 5 using the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network scoring system,” stated Gansz Bobo. “Basically, a ‘5’ means resulting in death or liver transplantation, and a ‘4’ means it was severe and required hospitalization.” In addition, Gansz Bobo said that in regard to these “cases of significance,” the FDA determined that they were either “likely” or “possibly” related to the use of orlistat.

A History of FDA Research
In 1999, orlistat was first approved by the FDA as a prescription medicine. Then, in 2007, the drug became the first non-prescription drug approved to treat adult obesity in the United States. In August 2009, the agency began a review of orlistat in regard to possible liver damage incidents.

This announcement came after 32 cases of serious liver injury were reported between 1999 and October 2008; two of these occurred in the United States. The majority of these patients reported cases involving typical signs of liver damage, such as jaundice, weakness and abdominal pain. Twenty-seven patients had symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Today, orlistat is approved in about 100 countries.

So what should be done if you’re taking orlistat? Above all else, patients should see their healthcare professional if and when they develop dark urine, itching or yellow skin or eyes.

There’s no denying it that childhood obesity is a growing concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the levels have more than tripled over the past 30 years! For children between the ages of 6 and 11, obesity rates have increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. Even worse, one in five American teenagers has been shown to have abnormal cholesterol levels, and therefore, higher risks for heart disease. Plus, children and teenagers are consistently being diagnosed with obesity-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.

The First Lady Takes the Cause to the People

As such, it’s understandable that Michelle Obama would choose childhood obesity as her cause. In her efforts to spotlight obesity, she has embarked on a tour to discuss this healthcare situation, and her personal issues related to the situation. For instance, she mentions that while her children were diagnosed as being overweight, and later body mass index (BMI) scores confirmed these findings. So, Michelle made effective changes to her children’s diets and exercise regimes, resulting in healthy weight loss.

However, while the First lady’s efforts were ultimately successful, she did experience some criticism. Some people mistakenly believed that the children were put on calorie-restrictive “starvation” diets; this was proven to be untrue. Rather, she ensured that her daughters followed physician-approved guidelines, such as consuming healthy food in moderate portions, reducing their intake of sugary drinks, and eating more fruits and vegetables. The children also watched less television and exercised more.

Many felt that the First Lady overlooked such weight-related health issues as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. But it was pointed out that these conditions typically target normal-weight individuals, and not the obese; they’re usually diagnosed in only about 1-2% of the population. Obesity and its related conditions are far more prevalent than anorexia at all ages, and represent a much bigger threat for children and teenagers.

As a result, healthcare professionals — and the First Lady — believe that it’s much more dangerous and misguided to avoid telling children and teenagers that they’re overweight and/or obese, for fear of hurting their feelings. There’s even research to back this up: it’s been shown that about 90% of teens feel good about themselves. Meanwhile, less than 25% of Americans are dieting at any given time, while two-thirds are overweight or obese.

Researchers at Monash University and the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne show that one specific procedure — lap-band surgery — may lead to a loss of up to 80% of excess fat in patients!  In fact, the surgery’s outcomes, which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, were shown to be much more effective for adolescents than just following severe dieting and exercise programs.

The Lap-Band Vs. “Lifestyle” Changes
For the government-funded study, the researchers observed 50 severely obese teens between the ages of 14 and 18 from May 2005 to September 2008. Half of the patients underwent gastric banding surgery, in which a silicon clamp is implanted that shrinks the stomach and reduces appetite. These patients were told to eat only three small meals and exercise for 30 minutes each day. Meanwhile, the other 25 patients remained on a strictly supervised diet and exercise regime.

It was found that those receiving the surgery lost an average of 77 pounds, which was more than 10 times the weight of the other group. Overall, after two years, those teens undergoing surgery lost an average of 79% of their excess weight, while those following just the lifestyle changes lost just 13%. It should be mentioned that six of the lifestyle group withdrew from the study after gaining weight, even though they had access to a personal trainer, physician, dietician and regular guidance.

Weight Loss Benefits, But NOT A “Quick Fix”
The bottom line? Lap-band weight loss surgery may offer remarkable benefits for weight loss for teenage patients. “While this study confirms that some adolescents can achieve substantial weight loss and health improvements through diet and exercise, gastric banding should be considered for those severely obese adolescents who find primary weight loss methods unsuccessful,” stated study author Professor Paul O’Brien.

However, healthcare professionals caution that this and other procedures are not a “quick-fix” solution for weight loss, especially for younger patients.

In a new meta-study (group of studies) published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, Dutch researchers focused on the connection between depression and obesity. The 15 studies, which focused on almost 59,000 subjects, showcased the strong ties between weight gain and negative mental and emotional health. In particular, they found that this association was stronger among Americans than Europeans. Also, there were stronger ties for those actually diagnosed with depression, rather than those with only the symptoms.

According to Dr. Floriana S. Luppino, of Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands: “We found bidirectional associations between depression and obesity: obese persons had a 55 percent increased risk of developing depression over time, whereas depressed persons had a 58 percent increased risk of becoming obese.”

The Science Behind Depression & Weight Gain
But what is the reasoning behind this association? Scientists feel that as obesity is thought to be an inflammatory condition, it may be linked with depression risks. And in both the United States and Europe, being thin is the ideal beauty factor.

This may explain why the overweight and obese suffer from both body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, thereby increasing depression risks. It’s also thought that antidepressant drugs may contribute to weight gain, which then increases depression risks. And, this depression may actually impact the body’s endocrine system, which may lead to weight gain.

But the researchers believe that these findings may help to improve the health and well-being of patients. “Because weight gain appears to be a late consequence of depression, care providers should be aware that within depressive patients weight should be monitored. In overweight or obese patients, mood should be monitored. This awareness could lead to prevention, early detection and co-treatment for the ones at risk, which could ultimately reduce the burden of both conditions.”

Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20100302/hl_hsn/obesityanddepressionaviciouscircle

The Benefits Outweigh the Risks
According to ground-breaking findings conducted by University of Cincinnati researchers, bariatric procedures may actually improve the well-being — and even extend the lives — of the five percent of the American population faced with the highest measures of obesity. Essentially, the study, which was published in Archives of Surgery, found that weight loss surgery’s benefits far outweigh the risks of being morbidly obese. The label “morbid obesity” refers to those having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

Up until now, potential surgical patients have had to take into account such factors as age. But a new program is being developed that should enable both patients and medical professionals weigh the “pro’s” and con’s” of surgery.
“In the future, we plan on having a Web-based decision support tool,” stated Dr. Daniel P. Schauer, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center. “Hopefully, it will be available some time in the next year. It is in the development and testing phase.”

Life Expectancies May Be Boosted
For this study, the researchers focused on more than 23,000 post-surgical patients. The study was designed to contrast prospective patients’ immediate risk of death due to surgery and the possible years of life expectancy due to undergoing these procedures. Schauer and his colleagues determined that after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, one of the most popular types, a 42-year-old woman with a BMI of 45 would gain three years of life expectancy. Meanwhile, a 44-year-old man with the same BMI would gain 2.6 years of life.

The study also showed that the 30-day mortality related to the surgery varies among populations.  “The patients who benefit the most are younger patients who have a lower risk of dying from the surgery and a higher BMI,” said Schauer said. “The patients who benefit the least are older patients with a higher surgical risk because of a combination of age and comorbidities [other illnesses].” It should be mentioned that these findings don’t take into account risks related to coronary disease and other conditions. However, this is being incorporated in the next round of studies.

Good News for Healthcare Practitioners?
These findings are making healthcare professionals very happy, especially in relation to improvements in both costs/savings and health and well-being. Research shows that one diabetic costs the healthcare system about $13,000 annually. But weight loss surgery has been found to have impressive benefits for reducing and even eliminating diabetes.

In another study conducted by researchers at the University of California at Irvine, it was shown that the U.S. Government’s approval of Medicare and Medicaid payment in 2006 for these procedures has had a big effect, as well. To qualify for coverage, patients must have their procedure at a medical center certified by the American College of Surgeons or the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Additionally, these facilities must perform at least 125 operations a year.

For this study, the researchers examined the outcomes of almost 3,200 operations done just before the Government’s approval and almost 3,100 done just after approval. They found that there was a shift to patients having their procedures at certified, high-volume centers. In addition, it was shown that hose having surgery after government approval had shorter hospital stays (3.5 days vs. 3.1 days) and lower rates of complications (12.2 percent vs. 10 percent). No significant difference was seen in the in-hospital mortality rate (0.28 percent vs. 0.2 percent).

Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20100119/hl_hsn/forveryobesegastricbypassmayextendlife

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

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

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.

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