A new study examining the effects of fructose on cells shows different consequences for different metabolizing enzymes in the cell. The work sheds light on how cells respond to the sugar, as researchers have found that some enzymes are activated that may function to protect the body from developing the metabolic syndrome. A group of… [Continue Reading]
Cellular Effects of Fructose Links Its Consumption to Metabolic Syndrome
February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Alcohol Consumption and Obesity Interact to Increase Risk of Colorectal Cancer
February 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new study suggests that drinking alcohol might put obese patients at an even higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. A case-control study from Newfoundland/Labrador has reported that greater alcohol intake may increase the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) among obese subjects, but not among non-obese subjects. This is not a particularly large study, and… [Continue Reading]
Fructose May Not Deserve Bad Reputation in Weight Gain and Obesity
February 21, 2012 By 1 Comment
An increasing consumption of fructose has been singled out as a contributing factor to weight gain and obesity, but a new study suggests that it may simply be a too-high total calorie intake to blame. Is fructose being unfairly blamed for the obesity epidemic? Or do we just eat and drink too many calories? Researchers… [Continue Reading]
Mutant Protein Underlies Abnormal Fat Metabolism and Obesity
February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Genetic studies have revealed a protein that has a critical role in the processing of fat in the diet. Mutations in the gene encoding the protein are linked to the incidence of obesity, and work in mouse models has shown that the protein acts as a receptor to sense the levels of fat in the… [Continue Reading]
Replacing Soft Drinks Has Major Impact on Weight Loss
February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Switching calorie- and sugar-laden soft drinks with lower calorie options can strongly boost weight loss, researchers say. A new study examined different groups of people trying to lose weight, who were advised to switch their usual beverage. Those who switched to water showed the greatest improvement in weight and health, while switching to diet soda… [Continue Reading]
Counselling Program Improves Health for Teenage Girls
February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A program involving both peers and health care providers can make a big difference in the health of teenage girls, according to a new study. Researchers designed a series of interventions to help improve girls’ body image and eating habits, and found that the program was effective in reducing weight gain. Teenage girls gained less… [Continue Reading]
High Calorie Diet Linked to Memory Loss and Decreased Cognitive Skills
February 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
High calorie diets are associated with significant reductions in cognitive abilities, such as learning and memory, according to a new study. The risk of cognitive decline was doubled in people consuming more than 2100 calories per day. New research suggests that consuming between 2,100 and 6,000 calories per day may double the risk of memory… [Continue Reading]
Obesity Drug May Have Worrying Side Effects on Bone Density
February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
An anti-obesity drug currently in clinical trials may have worrying side effects, according to new research. The drug is actually a signaling molecule normally found in the body, called FGF21. However, high doses have harmful effects in mouse models, causing severe loss of bone mass. An endocrine hormone used in clinical trials as an anti-obesity… [Continue Reading]
Genes Drive Us Toward Preference for Fatty Foods
February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Our tastes and food preferences are influenced by our genetic background, according to a new research study. Scientists have found that certain variations in a certain gene, involved in signalling, correlate with a preference for high-fat foods. The work may explain why some people have more trouble than others in sticking to a healthy diet,… [Continue Reading]
Banning Junk Food Advertising to Children Could Make Big Difference in Obesity, Experts Say
January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Advertising junk food to children is often cited as a major obstacle in the fight against obesity. New evidence suggests that a national ban would lead to a reduction in consumption of low quality foods. A study of the diets of children in Quebec, where junk food advertising was illegal, suggests the ban resulted in… [Continue Reading]