Obesity Problems: August 2010

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

New Way of Measuring Body Fat

The measurement most often quoted in terms of overweight and obesity is body mass index, though taking a BMI measurement is inexpensive and easy, it has been widely criticized for not being an accurate way of measuring body fat... a flawed, limited measurement. Still many doctors use this ratio of weight to height to gauge your weight. Trouble is, if you're an athlete, or very muscular your BMI might fall into an unhealthy category. For older adults BMI is likely to underestimate your total body fat.

One of the biggest shortcomings to BMI is that it doesn't give an accurate measure of central body fatness. And since the pounds that come from excess body fat (not the larger muscles) are the trouble, experts have been looking for more precise and practical ways to measure levels of fat in the body.

Measurements of the neck can do this.

A new study examined the idea that measuring neck circumference might have value in screening youngsters for extra pounds. Earlier studies have focused on exploring the connection between the neck circumference and potential obesity as well as heart problems in adults.

In this latest work, a team assessed a group of 1,102 children and teens who were undergoing surgery, recording standard measures like height, weight and neck circumference in an effort to see if this measurement could be a way to determine obesity in the young.

They saw that neck circumference correlated with BMI and waist size in both sexes and all age groups from 6 to 18. As an example, a 6 year old boy with a neck measurement over 11.2 inches was 3.6 times more likely to be either overweight or obese using BMI than a child of the same age who had a smaller neck circumference. Using these measurements the researchers pinpointed optimal cutoff points at which children could be considered at risk for added weight.

Neck circumference was also found to be helpful in identifying kids at risk for sleep apnea. Obesity, and particularly weight in the upper body, are risks for this condition.

Research has found that regional adiposity, also known as fat around the middle, is a solid indicator of the risk for obesity related complications like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. The correlation between this type of fat deposit and neck circumference is strong. Used with BMI, it gives a doctor good clues about a child's fat deposits. What's more, the measurement is quick, easy and comfortable for the patient.

Patient comfort is one of this method's of measuring body fat strongest points. Unlike the waist-to-hip ratio, there's no question where to put the tape, no awkwardness for the patient and no variation in readings. For these reasons, plus the invaluable information on fat placement in the body, neck circumference is likely to become another initial screening tool, alongside BMI and waist-to-hip ratio, that can give a medical professional a more accurate picture of weight and the location of fat in the body. It's important to remember that like obesity itself, a wider neck measurement is associated with things like sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes. All unpleasant, life-altering conditions best prevented.

Monday, 30 August 2010

Tips For Fighting Back Against Sugar Addiction For Better Health

Many people may think that sugar addictions only happen to some people, however they are much more common then we think. Americans eat an average of twenty to thirty teaspoons daily of sugar. Sugar also meets many of the criteria for being considered addictive such as compulsively eating it even if you want to stop, and having trouble functioning without it in severe cases. The most important tip for helping any sugar addiction is to keep the foods out of your house. This includes white, brown, maple, and even corn syrup. Another tip is to eat plenty of foods to satisfy your hunger such as fruits, vegetables, and drink plenty of water. If you feel the need for something sweet try to pick healthy foods that already have sugar in them or use a bit of fruit juice to sweeten a drink.

It also may be helpful to take a multivitamin containing Chromium picolinate and l-glutamine. These substances have been known to help some people addicted to sugar to reduce their cravings. Learn different ways to manage stress including walking, swimming, riding a bike, talking to a friend, listening to music, or writing in a journal. This way you can feel better without giving in to the need for a sugar filled treat. Making sure you get plenty of exercise, sleep and sunlight can also help reduce sugar cravings and also make you feel happier as well.

Resisting a sugary snack or treat can be very challenging for many people. However, following these tips and advice can help you learn to need sugar less and enjoy other foods and activities more. This will help you to not only be healthier but happier about yourself and your life in the long run.

Sunday, 29 August 2010

Information on Obesity

Like many people I am always concerned about my weight. Don't get me wrong I eat junk food and I do enjoy my food but I'd like to think that I eat it in moderation and also watch my weight and what I eat. Obesity is seen as an extremely bad thing but until recently I didn't know what causes it and what it is other than eating too much and becoming over weight. I've written the following article to inform you about Obesity, I hope the following article helps.

Obesity can seriously affect your health and can be a major concern, and can affect both females and males and people of all ages from young children to old people. In the last thirty years the number of obesity cases has trebles and is estimated to continue to higher rates.

This can cause-
• Stress
• Depression
• Long term health problems

Some people can struggle to lose weight with natural dieting and exercise and they may need to seek medical advice and take a medication to help with weight lose. The two main options are

• Xenical
• Reductil

This problem is when people become seriously overweight for their height and excess fat is often the cause as opposed to muscle weight. This can increase over time and result in obese people.

This is caused by a continuous poor diet; eating foods high in calories and love in goodness and nutrients. A lack of exercise can also be a cause. Other possible cause of obesity is-

• Stress
• Insomnia
• Muscle Loss
• Antidepressants
• Hormone problems such as underactive thyroid other polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This problem can often run in the family and you need a high determination to prevent yourself from following the trend.

I hope my article has helped.

Saturday, 28 August 2010

How Gastric Bypass Can Change Your Life

A successful Gastric Bypass surgery can change a life in many ways. The first and most obvious is the health of the individual. That is a major benefit and one that can save a life. The surgery can boost your energy level, and self esteem. Traveling is easier and having to ask for a seatbelt extender on an airplane will no longer be necessary. There are smaller advantages, and some big disadvantages, which will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

Gastric Bypass surgery can change a life in numerous ways. Flying is more fun because a smaller suitcase can be carried on board. Placing more clothes in the washer is another plus. Wearing a car seatbelt is not only mandatory, but possible. Being more active will help lower health risk factors associated with obesity. Doing simple things like picking up dropped keys or papers are more easily done, and for the first time in a very long time exercise is possible.

Gastric Bypass sometimes has its disadvantages too. Complications are possible and should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor before making a decision. Blood clots, ulcers, acid leaks, and even death are real possibilities. Problems with vomiting are also associated with the Gastro Bypass surgery. If one overeats the pain can be quite severe. Chewing well is a must so food won't get stuck. Alcohol is sometimes totally restricted due to the fast absorbsion. Enough nutrients are sometimes impossible to absorb, and a daily multi vitamin should probably be taken daily.

Many Gastric Bypass patients may return to normal sugar and cholesterol levels. Blood pressure problems may dissipate. Sleep apnea and back pain may no longer be problems. The benefits are clear, but so are the possible complications. Be aware and make an informed decision before jumping into the decision to have the surgery.

Many patients of Gastro Bypass have a positive healthy outcome that probably wouldn't have been obtainable if not for the surgery. The Gastro Bypass surgery is not a cure, but can change one's life. Discovering a new and exciting way of life can be so rewarding.

Friday, 27 August 2010

Melanocortin Melanotan 2 (MT-2) For Appetite Suppression, Weight and Fat Loss

Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is an analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH). This protein peptide hormone has an effect on body composition, feeding, fatty acid oxidation and metabolism to name a few. MT-II use is common among fitness enthusiasts and now possibly the obese as a melanocortin diet aid.

The central melanocortin system is important in the control of food intake and body weight. Melanotan 2 suppress food after administration. Disruptions in melanocortin receptors (MCR) have been found to be the cause of obesity in some.

Melanocortins have a direct effect on adipocytes through lipid mobilization. Increasing evidence is showing peripheral action of leptin expression in the adipocytes. Future valuable insight in regards to melanocortin peptides could be used to improve insulin sensitivity by stimulating fatty acid oxidation.

Energy balance and food intake are critical pathways that the melanocortin system regulate. The melanocortin system is critical signaling pathway for the actions of adiposity signals such as leptin and insulin. Data shows reduced food intake being primarily responsible for weight loss on Melanotan 2, among other (energy, etc) mechanisms. MT-II reduces food intake until lowered leptin levels are attained. Dosing while fasting could prove to reduce both visceral and subcutaneous adipose compartments.

Robust reductions in food consumption and body weight occur from Melanotan 2. The body adjusts to the energy and food intake through continuous applications. If taken intermittently a user can sustain a appetite reduction after administration. Regardless, both continuous and intermittent MT-II regimens produce body fat and weight reduction. The fourth MCR is conceivably the channel that can stimulate fat oxidation.

Melanotan 2 applications result in remarkable and sustainable weight and fat loss. Learn more at Melanotan Headquarters today!

Obesity - The First of Seven Sins in Obesity

This article is not directed to any woeful sins that you are currently enjoying that are causing your obesity. The sins are what is society is creating, that makes it difficult for you to lose weight.

I feel that you need to understand what these sins are, in the hope that you can learn to make changes in your lifestyle that will better your overall health status.

I describe obesity as a condition, because it is a state that has developed, not out of your choice; but as a natural progression, due to convenience of the western style of eating. This style of eating gives you little opportunity to physically burn off the calories that should be utilized as a productive source of energy in an active lifestyle.

Dieting is not a cure for obesity, because it creates deprivation and misery with little assurance that you will not gain the weight back again. Dieting leads you down a spiral of more associations with food and less feelings of control in your eating habits.

As a qualified Occupational Therapist, I teach people practical ways of safe, independent activities in daily living, which has largely been with the frail elderly with multiple health problems. I see people with obesity having similar difficult problems and but with limited solutions to be safe and healthy.

I have about a dozen books from the library that discuss all aspects of obesity and why people have reached the size they have. All the books make for interesting reading, because each book uses a different focus for discussing the problem of being overweight.

The subject has become a political and a social topic of discourse, because of all the many negative health implications that obesity breeds. You as individuals are therefore not entirely to blame, but you need to see why you are "feeding" the corporate level of success and think about how you can change your life to make yourself a more healthy and active individual.

From my own perspective, I consider the worst sin in western society is our total dependency on the car as the vehicle for transportation. We have completely removed our functional ability use any other forms of transportation, such as walking a few blocks to pick up a newspaper, a carton of milk, or a cycle ride to visit the library.

My aim through these next seven papers is for you to look at your environment outside your home and think of ways that you can overcome the sins that is 'feeding' your obesity.

Think about this as an exercise towards healthy living. How would you get to the shops, to the library, to visit friends, or your doctor if you did not have your car to take you there?

How about this for a cringing scenario! I see people paying money to join a gym. They drive to the gym, spend money on wearing fancy outfits and running shoes; they use gym equipment, such as stair climbers, running and bicycle machines as well as continue to watch TV. They can actually perform most of these exercises that can be completed on a daily basis without even paying for them!

I no longer use a vehicle, because I seldom need one in Vancouver. Like any big city, parking a vehicle in Vancouver has become an expensive premium; with cycling becoming a much better supported alternative for transportation in a city.

As part of your fight with obesity, please look for other ways that you can get around your neighborhood so that you are less dependent on your vehicle sitting outside for getting round. You have been given legs to use, so use them in order to create a more active lifestyle.

Thursday, 26 August 2010

What Can We Do About the Obesity Epidemic?

Approaching the issue of obesity is not about all the pandemic stuff, the wars against it or obsession and worrying. It's about the enjoyment of this life experience. Good health is about fostering, within ourselves, an unfettered determination to be happy and be in a good-feeling place at all cost. That said, stop giving so much attention to the very thing that you don't want and start focusing instead on the thing that you do want which is to lead a successful life that treats you well. Do this and you will soon see the manifestation of what it is you want to see in the world.

Health, fitness and wellness is a state of mind. So, if you want to be happy instead of being overcome by the pandemics and epidemics like obesity then you must be happy. Use the power of positive thought to manifest the wonderful life that you want for yourself and the world. Turn your attention away from what is wrong and instead redirect it to what is empowering, uplifting and conducive to what you want.

I think the beauty of children is that they find joy in the simplicity of life. Children understand that the key to life is happiness. It's really that simple. While we're focused on our limitations children are focused on growth, abundance and wonderment. While we're consumed with contrast (what we perceive as challenges) children are overflowing with desire. We're often so filled with worry about this statistic and the alleged impending world destruction that we forget to acknowledge the bliss of the moment.

Do you want to lead a happy, joyous, wonderful life? Then stop worrying, anticipating the worst, and amplifying what you perceive to be your or someone else's limitations and imperfections and instead enjoy the gift that is the present. Who cares about what could happen if this, that and the other transpires? Who cares about the risk of something that today does not exist? Who cares about statistics? Statistics are nothing more than historical data! The past is where it belongs and the present is the gift that lies before us.

That said, make a pledge to stop ranting about this alleged pandemic that we are going to war against! After all, the media has already done a superb job of flooding your radio, television and internet with tons of information on the stuff. As far as I can see its not obesity that is the epidemic. What has reached epidemic proportions is all the media-aroused pandemonium.

Solution- invoke the power of thought, adopt healthy eating habits, and enjoy life!

Gastric Bypass is No Cure

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and other types of morbid obesity surgeries are no cure for being overweight. The stomach pouch made during surgery can be stretched to its original size and sometimes even larger by continuing bad eating habits. Yes, the surgery causes malabsorption which does reduce the amount of calories absorbed, but it also restricts nutrients the body needs. Gastric By-Pass and other weight loss surgeries can provide overweight people with an opportunity to change bad eating habits, and that is a huge deal.

A good doctor should be completely honest. He or she should state all the risks involved, including death, and the real probability that any weight lost will be regained if a life time of poor eating habits aren't established as soon as the surgery is done. From day one, Gastric Bypass patients should change their habits. It will be more easily accomplished because the feeling of fullness will be so strong that eating more will cause discomfort, and possibly vomiting. Stop eating as soon as you feel slightly full, and don't continue to eat unhealthy foods. If you do, the Gastric Bypass was done in vain. Weight will be loss initially, but it will be re-gained, and the stomach pouch will stretch out.

With any surgery there are risks. Weigh them carefully. If you have any hesitation at all, don't do it. The doctor will likely send you for a psyche examine. However, the examine most likely weeds out the most least likely to succeed. The Gastric Bypass also inhibits drinking and eating at the same time. You must or should wait a minimum of an hour between meals and a liquid, that is a rule broken more times than not.

If suggested rules are followed the Gastro Bypass surgery can lead the way to a healthier life. A patient will look better, but beware there may be the problem of loose or hanging skin. Height and bone structure are probably key factors in the end result.

The Gastric Bypass surgery should be an individual decision, and one that shouldn't be rushed into. Do plenty of research, and talk to people who have had the surgery for at least five years. Talking to people online is a great way to chat with people who have gone through the experience. There are always risks, but talking with others will help you obtain a well informed decision. All too often, people rush into the surgery and never realize a change of poor eating habits must change. One snickers or ice cream bar can lead to another, and if the feeling of fullness is already present with the smallest amount of food why push fate. It is also easy to fool oneself into thinking those bad habits won't matter since the amount of food eaten is so small, but again, beware that one slip can lead to another.

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Whose Fault is Morbid Obesity?

Based on recent findings, 77% of Americans are actively trying to lose weight and 69% claim to be cutting back on the amount of food they consume. Despite these increasing attempts at weight loss, more Americans are overweight than a generation ago. This prompts one to ask the question, whose fault is this, why so many people become morbidly obese (a BMI greater than 30)?

Common Blames and Misconceptions:

* Fast Foods and Obesity

Many of us continue to blame morbid obesity on fast food restaurants such as McDonald, Burger King and the list goes on. Some even blame it on the high fructose corn syrup used as sweetener in our beverages.

* Overeating and Obesity

Majority of Americans continue to hold firmly to the misconception or the assumption that morbid obese individuals simply eat too much.

All the above statements and assumption are only partially true. Although Overeating is often believed to be the major cause of morbid obesity, this is not necessarily the case. If morbid obesity were truly a disorder that is related to a single cause, and greed and overindulgence were the only factors responsible for the accumulation of fat, then the easiest way to permanently reduce obesity, would surely be to cut back on food intake.

Of course, if this was this simple, obesity would soon be eliminated as a major health problem. The fact is, recent studies have confirmed that the causes of obesity are link to lifestyles and genetics.

Lifestyles

Findings revealed that older men and women who maintain active lifestyles suggest that the "normal" pattern of fat in adulthood can be significantly reduced. For both young and middle-aged men who exercised on a regular basic, time spent in physical activity was indirectly related to body fat level.

Surprisingly, no relationship could be established between body fat and caloric intake. This suggests that the greater levels of body fat observed among the active middle-aged men compared to their younger,more active counterparts were as a result of less vigorous training, not greater food intake.

Genetics

Research conducted with a strain of mice that were overweight five times the girth of normal mice has provided evidence to support the belief that some people are genetically "destined" to become overweight. Based on findings, the mutation of a gene called Obese, or simply Ob, allegedly disrupt hormonal signals that regulate the animal's metabolism, fat storage, and appetite, causing energy balance to go towards the accumulation of fat.

Conclusion

Based on all the information provided above, the conclusion simply is, since the causes of obesity are link to genetics and lifestyles, we have to blame either our parents or ourselves for morbid obesity! Unfortunately, we don't get to choose our parents. However, we do have total control over our sedentary lifestyles, and poor eating habits.