While many are trying to keep the number of calories they take in under control, correctly estimating the calorie content of meals may be thwarting their efforts. A new study has shown that most people underestimate the number of calories in their meal, and a significant proportion were 500 calories off. People eating at fast… [Continue Reading]
Skipping Meals Increases Purchases of High-Calorie Foods
May 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
People who skip meals may think it is an effective technique to trim calories and lose weight, but a new study suggests the practice is counterproductive. A new study has found those skipping meals tend to purchase more high-calorie foods while shopping. Skipping meals can sabotage your shopping – and your diet, according to a… [Continue Reading]
Cutting Calories Changes the Way the Brain Makes Food Choices
May 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Many individuals trying to lose weight take the approach of simply cutting calories, but new research shows that fasting, skipping meals, and strongly restricting calories changes the way we view food. These kinds of behaviors could therefore be counterproductive for the goal of shedding pounds, scientists say. The story is a familiar one: most people… [Continue Reading]
Fat Burning and Fat Storing Cells Can Be Interconverted
April 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The body has two types of fat cells: white fat cells, which store fat, and brown fat cells, which burn fat to maintain body temperature. Researchers have discovered that the cells can switch from one type to another, opening a new avenue in obesity research. Scientists from ETH Zurich have shown for the first time… [Continue Reading]
Menus with Walking Time Equivalents to Calories Tested to Better Inform Consumers
April 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have found that including the calorie equivalent in minutes spent walking may help consumers better understand what nutrition information on menus really means. The study, presented at a scientific conference this week, however, found no difference in what consumers ordered depending on the type of menu. More restaurants are displaying calorie information on their… [Continue Reading]
Health Initiatives Discussed to Reduce Obesity in Preschoolers
April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The rise of childhood obesity continues to alarm professionals, as rates rise even in the youngest children. An upcoming conference on children’s health and development will have a special session on the topic, discussing key research questions and ways to try and reverse the trends. More than 12 percent of preschoolers are obese, which means… [Continue Reading]
People Seeking Healthy Lifestyles Juggle Time for Exercise and Meals at Home
April 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Perhaps because of the time-crunch of modern life, people are juggling their time between healthy behaviors, such as preparing healthy meals at home and exercising. A new study has found that people that increase the time spent on either at-home meal preparation or physical activity find themselves reducing the other. American adults who prepare their… [Continue Reading]
Protein Acts as a High-Level Regulator of Metabolism and Cardiovascular Health
April 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A protein has been discovered to play a key role in part of the brain that controls multiple aspects of the body’s metabolism, linking body weight, appetite, and cardiovascular health. The finding is helping scientists better understand how the different body systems are interconnected and regulated. Obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure (hypertension) are… [Continue Reading]
Lessons from Consumer Behavior Impact Health Management Strategies
April 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Studies of consumer behavior could help improve public health, researchers say. A new article argues that changes to marketing and the prices of healthy food could help people with diabetes or other health issues improve their diet and nutrition. It may seem counter-intuitive to take health advice from a marketing professor, but when it comes… [Continue Reading]
High Protein Breakfast Can Help Reduce Unhealthy Evening Snacking
March 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Unhealthy snacking can sabotage any weight loss plan. A new nutrition study suggests that one way to keep evening snacking under control is to eat a healthy, protein-rich breakfast. In the study, participants that ate a protein-rich breakfast were less likely to snack than those who ate the same number of calories in the form… [Continue Reading]