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ScienceDaily — Another study has then established the major benefit of exercise and physical activity, even at the least extents. The study was initiated at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Cambridge University along with the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and has ascertained how light to moderate exercise – like cycling or walking – has reduced risks of early demise, apart from significantly losing weight as you take on a slimming pill. Results of which can be found at the International Journal of Epidemiology.

These results have been combined from the largest studies ever conducted around the world to show how light physical activity can add to your years, aside from helping you lose weight. The most benefits were seen to those who never did any exercise at all, and who were consistently living a sedentary lifestyle who never engaged into the slightest physical activity but is actively pursuing weight loss regimens (slimming pills, fat burners, etc) thinking that exercise is no longer necessary. Though studies across the globe have established that more is better, the health benefits of even the lightest forms of exercise are enormous to those who were the least physically active.

The study doesn’t suggest for one to become an exercise or a gym freak to receive the health benefits. What the study then recommends is to involve into a certain level of exercise which can be a 30minute walk daily, at least 5 days a week, as study results demonstrate how these light to moderate exercises reduced death risks by 19%. For 7 hours weekly of exercise with moderate intensity, early death risks are further reduced by a staggering 24%.

Study Author James Woodcock concludes, “This only goes to show that even the slightest bit of exercise can bring about many health benefits, and it’s not only intensive and high-impact exercises can provide such. A simple walk is enough – whether it’s a short walk to the shop, or walking your kids to school, or just walking to run some errands, can bring about a lot of health benefits which can extend your life. Not only that you add to your precious years to enjoy life longer, but you’re also assured of other health benefits, you see dramatic results of your weight loss efforts while saving the environment.”

ScienceDaily — Hot flashes happen when a woman’s hormonal levels drastically change; though some encounter faints because of the impact. Heat is felt first on the face, then on the back and neck, with excessive sweating, when the environment says otherwise. Overweight and obese women are the ones most likely to experience these bothersome flashes, and this is especially true for those in the menopausal age. It had been published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (just one of the helpful journals in the JAMA archives) that a good weight loss program may help to counter these hot flashes.

Researchers note that hot flashes happen to women with a higher body mass index (with BMI being calculated as weight in kg divided by height in meters squared) and are reported to be more persistent and terrible. While those women in the normal BMI, they don’t suffer as much.

University of California expert Alison J. Huang, M.D along with other colleagues did a six month trial gathering data from more than 300 women who were obese, overweight, and complained of urinary incontinence. To see whether a good weight loss program could alleviate sever hot flashes, researchers assigned a behavior and lifestyle program to the group receiving intensive intervention which entailed 9% of initial weight loss on the first 6 months. They were given one hour group sessions to ask the nutrition and exercise experts. This also included more physical activity – at least 200 minutes of brisk walking (or an exercise equivalent in terms of intensity) were imposed to this particular group. Dietary intake was naturally part of the intervention program; strict instructions were given to abide by a reduced calorie diet, though meal alternatives or replacements were offered.

Analyses illustrate that women who had higher BMIs and abdominal circumferences who often complained of hot flashes say that they felt significant improvements after losing weight. for those who reported frequent and severe hot flushe

According to the authors, in analyses of all women reporting bothersome hot flushes at the initial stages, decreases in weight, BMI and abdominal circumference were each associated with improvement in self-reported hot flushes during six months. However, there were no significant associations between changes in physical activity, calorie intake, blood pressure or overall self-reported physical and mental functioning and change in bothersome flushing.

Researchers further conclude that symptoms were relieved after these obese and overweight women pursued behavioral weight loss techniques. It only goes to show that relief of these hot flashes are is only caused by weight loss per se, but it had to involve some change of attitudes towards weight loss.

It’s not to say that you need to replace a knee or a hip just to lose weight. Another study has revealed that significant weight decreases have been reported to those who underwent athroplasty – also known as hip or knee replacement surgeries. Either doctors know best how to drastically reduce weight for these cases, or it’s out of the need that the new hip or knee won’t function well if weight is not reduced. The study has been conducted from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and in fact one of the firsts to establish proper correction to the ever-increasing BMI’s of North America in the age group of 29 to 73 years. A 21.5% BMI decrease was reported in knee replacement patients than a mere hip replacement which garnered at 16.9%. Weight loss was more pronounced in patients who were categorized as obese having a BMI of more than 30.

It’s not only to improve and to relieve pain and disability, but indeed the weight loss correction is more defined post-surgery. Overweight incidences and obesity has constantly increased in the last 50 years where lifestyle has been greatly modified affecting patterns of diet and exercise. Being the cornerstones of weight management, obesity and weight gain strikes whenever there’s a problem with either or both. Osteoarthritis is a valid concern which decreases mobility and their ability to exercise, as they are usually hopeful that weight loss might be an easier alternatively after surgery.

End result, nutritional guidance and long-term fitness goals in arthroplasty postoperative patients were shown to be more effective. But how does it compare to the usual weight loss programs we find across the internet?

Another study will have to answer this question, but an educated guess would perhaps say – it has to establish long term goals for it to work well.

Exercise means lesser obesity, but a new study has again revealed that weight loss rates do vary by ethnic, gender, and racial differences – and also if their work allows for it.

Dong-Chul Seo, an obesity expert studying over 12,000 participants aged 20 to 64, has concluded that obesity rates were inversely proportionate to leisure time physical activity. This means that obesity rates were dropping as physical activity increased. Obesity rates dropped the steepest for Caucasian women as they followed the minimum national guidelines prescribed for physical activity.

The study revealed that even if leisure time physical activity or LTPA worked well for Caucasians to counter weight gain and obesity, Hispanics and Africans have different physical activity requirements. Hispanics were found to have obesity rates dropping drastically whenever occupational physical activity or OPA (not in their leisure time) increased.
Obviously, this shatters the conventional wisdom that exercise only done during leisure time works for everyone.

Researchers do point out that this finding now underscores the value of physical activity in the workplace, most particularly true for those who engage in sedentary work. A number of studies have also pointed out that productivity in the workplace increases by 25% whenever employers encourage physical wellness and regular exercise programs or incentives within the organization. “As employers, you’re not only giving your employees a chance for health enhancement but along the way you’re increasing their productivity levels at work.”

Head researcher Seo also points out that workout spaces should be present in the workplace, but most importantly, the incentive to do more physical activity before or after their work hours. Indeed a good motivation to encourage weight loss.

But how do they measure?

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey gathered data from 199 to 2006 and is unique in such a way that physical measures of weight and height are given more importance than self reports. Metabolic Equivalents or MET are also measured during leisure time physical activity. MET measures the total amount of physical activity compared to other forms of physical activity. As an example, a 30-minute brisk walk is measured at 100MET where national guidelines prescribe at least 450-750MET minutes per week. If you run for 30minutes at the speed of 6mph, that’s about 300MET.

ScienceDaily— Olive oil, along with a lot of health benefits, may indeed help you lose more weight especially if you are a breast cancer survivor. A study conducted at the Miriam Hospital has looked closely into this new development.

Weight gain needs to be strictly monitored in breast cancer survivors since even a moderate weight gain during treatment may mean recurrence of cancer. This is significantly true for women in their post-menopausal stages.

To compare the results, the pilot study initiated two diets for women who participated in the study. One was rich in olive oil while the other was a conventional low-fat diet – where after two months, the participants were asked to select a diet of their choice for the next six months for their weight loss regime..

Turns out that about 80% of women who selected the plant-based olive oil diet were more successful in their weight loss campaigns compared to those who chose a conventional low-fat diet. Findings of which are already published in the Journal of Women’s Health. It was also discovered that more women chose the higher fat olive oil diet as it was more affordable, accessible, and more appetizing.

Lead author Mary Flynn, PhD, RD, LDN, notes that a lot of women don’t even realize how a simple weight gain could mean cancer recurrence. She mentions further that these choices after the 2-month observation period were crucial because it’s the kind of diet that women are more likely to stick to without any guilt.

Olive oil is consumed in higher amounts in Spain, Italy and Greece as it has long been linked with decreasing rates of breast cancer. Numerous studies have also pointed out the fact that carotenoids found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables are potent cancer protectors. Obesity has always been a risk factor for a disease like cancer to recur, but a study recommending a particular diet for weight loss has not been initiated as of yet.

The researchers have developed an olive oil diet with some nuts during breakfast, and at least three tablespoons of olive oil daily. Included were some vegetables, fruits, whole grains, though on fish and poultry, these will have to be limited. Red meat and vegetable oils were strictly prohibited.

“Women have enjoyed the olive oil diet because they lost weight but didn’t feel hungry – all because fat consumption is okay in the form of nuts or olive oil for every meal. With this diet plan, they weren’t likely to snack in between, and this causes weight gain.”

ScienceDaily— Though the study focused on men, another important development in medical science has been found noting that sensitivity to fat can indeed cause obesity and weight gain.

Obesity is a recurring problem not only in the UK and US but in major parts of the world, mostly in developed nations. Over consumption of excessive fatty foods are the obvious causes. If a person has a limited ability to taste the fat and react to it will cause overeating. If overeating is not balanced by exercise, weight gain strikes and obesity begins.

Prof. Christine Feinle-Bisset, from the University of Adelaide, Australia, led a study which asked lean men and obese men to sip drinks with small amounts of fat – and later determine if they could taste the fat. Researchers also had to measure blood levels of hormone released from the gut when fat is taken in. Study authors found out that obesity was indeed linked to a reduced ability to sense fat which in turn inhibits the release of the gut hormone which suppresses the appetite. Results of this study were just as important to determine why some overweight and obese individuals eat more of high-fat diets compared to leaner individuals.

Though study authors disclaim that ”It has not been established whether reduced responsiveness to fat or the limited gut hormone release directly causes over-consumption of fat, or whether high fat content impairs both. To investigate further, the team is conducting another study to establish whether a high fat diet can produce the same effects to leaner individuals over a given period of time, and whether it is the delayed or limited response to fat that causes overconsumption of a fatty diet.

When food intake stops, our body’s metabolism to generate fats and cholesterol stops too – according to a study conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators. This power enzyme is called SIRT1, classified under a group of enzymes called sirtuins, which limits the activity of SREBPs responsible for controlling our synthesis on the handling of cholesterol and fats.

This new finding is considered to be an important breakthrough considering that it can pave the way for treating cholesterol related conditions, not to mention obesity and weight gain problems. It can also lead to a development of a drug which can shut down the body’s fat generation mechanism and utilize all the stored fat instead.

“SIRT1 has been established to perform as an energy sensor to utilize stored fat in the body in the face of starvation, though it cannot be established as of yet how this directly affects the shutdown of fat and cholesterol synthesis”, notes lead researcher Amy Walker, PhD, of the MGH Cancer Center. “This only points out that SIRT1 is the primary enzyme responsible for the physiological aspect on how the body synthesizes stored fat and its conversion into fuel.”

The body needs normal levels of cholesterol and fat as these are still essential to life, though in excess it can translate into weight gain, obesity, heart diseases, and sometimes diabetes. Once the body is starved for a while, it shuts down the production and continuous storage of new fat and relies on stored fat for energy reserve. Fasting can turn off the functions of SREBP proteins responsible for fat synthesis.

Though the study focused on animal models such as mice, worms, and fruit flies, it was also established in human cells that an increased sirtuin function can limit SREBP fat synthesis as it greatly reduced stored fat levels in the liver.

Indeed a breakthrough study which tells us that to burn all the stored fat, dieting and fasting in moderation is the key. Not only that it will pave the way for treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes, but it can also help as much with weight loss efforts and a treatment program for obesity.

Adolescent girls who think they are overweight are far more emotionally troubled than those who are obese and actually know it. They are more likely exposed to depression than those in the overweight and obese category who acknowledges that fact.

This is what Penn State sociologists have gathered which directly dissents the usual public perception that obese and overweight daughters are more likely to be mentally unhealthy.

Turns out that daughters with a healthier weight but perceives it otherwise are in for more trouble, according to the findings analyzed by sociology graduate student Jason Houle. Findings of which are published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

Depressive symptoms are more difficult to treat than obesity or overweight alone as this condition alone can develop into an unstable mental health.

“When adolescents are in a healthier weight but thinks otherwise, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they feel good and normal about it,” says Michelle Frisco, sociology and demography professor.

Though with teenage boys, it’s a totally different case. Similar patterns exist with teenage boys though underweight boys are in for more emotional troubles with depressive symptoms.

Society has long associated beauty with thinness that even most celebrities go overboard – thinking that skin and bones are still categorized as “beautiful”. Instead of focusing on the health benefits of being lean, it was always about the measure and the scale.

The study authors however point out that, given the good emotional and mental health an adolescent obese may have, this will never translate to a recommendation that it’s okay to stay obese for the rest of their lives. Associated health risks of obesity and weight gain are numerous – from diabetes, to coronary heart diseases, to pregnancy complications and preterm delivery, apart from the negative public perception and social consequences an obese or an overweight person will have to endure.

Ergo, the need to lose weight cannot be overemphasized.

Weight loss brings about a major health benefit, an aesthetic factor, and a feel-good factor, but if weight loss is brought by an eating disorder, this is already a problem.

These are the pro-anorexia and the pro-bulimia sites prowling the internet. Alarming that these websites promote anorexia and bulimia, even more disturbing are bloggers contending with what they coined as “thinspiration” where Facebook and Twitter updates are regularly sent to somebody’s mobile phone.

It is disturbing that these sites target the vulnerable young audience obsessing about skeletal figures that are already unhealthy. Double the fact that these sites are encouraging otherwise normal and healthy teens not to eat anything just to achieve the bones and skin figure that they promote.

Take a look at this example. A certain website has the “Thin Commandments” where it says “Thou shall not eat fattening food without punishing yourself afterwards,” also, “What the scale says is the most important thing. Some would even go as far to this extent:

They kill their bodies with fats and grease
but we give our bodies nothing at all.”

About 85% of very thin models are featured in these sites which hide a great deal of their eating disorder. 45% were observed to even impart certain instructions on how to hide eating disorders, such as stuffing clothes with certain weights, and drinking lots and lots of water before being weighed.

Studies also suggest that scores of people promoting these eating disorders are using it as their own identity; that more communication ensues with people who too are obsessed with bones and skin, and that a community as such exists – creating a certain notion that it is safe, and reinforcement that everything they’re doing is good.” Major search engines such as MSN and Yahoo have agreed to shut down these sites, though experts do not see so much of an improvement of the alarming situation.

Experts advise that parents need to be aware of this recurring problem because most of the time, these sites prolong the problem and the illness. A typical profile of a person with an eating disorder is someone highly intelligent and highly motivated perfectionists who are never satisfied and is constantly seeking control, and may also have anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder along with other mental health disorders.

(Live Science) – A smaller number of obese people may be free from heart disease and diabetes risks – according to a Dutch research. This means that if an obese woman doesn’t have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and is metabolically healthy, obesity will not necessarily translate to heart complications.

Figures of these lucky obese people are very small, as the general population of obesity precludes
diabetes and heart disease risks. This new finding focuses on the metabolic risk profile and not the weight per se.

Metabolically healthy means having NO history of stroke, heart complications, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. This also means that metabolically healthy means not taking any cholesterol altering drug.

One expert disagrees however with the proposition. Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, dissents that even if this development did not further any risk pertaining to obesity, other studies have shown still that long term, an increased risk is still inevitable even in those metabolically healthy obese. Dr. Tae-Hwa Chun of the University of Michigan supports this dissent that further research will still have to determine what protects the some obese people from cardiovascular complications or risks. Chun maintains that what underscores the link between cardiovascular risk and obesity is the genetic mechanism of an individual, and not the body mass index per se.

Not until everyone has access to determining whether their genetic makeup will dictate heart complications in obesity, 8 out of 10 experts still recommend a healthy and active lifestyle to ward themselves off of heart complications – especially to the overweight and the obese who will need to lose weight.