An amazing new vaccine, developed by The Scripps Research Institute, is being called a “breakthrough” in the global battle against obesity.  The Institute says this may mark a “turning point” in the treatment of obesity by confirming the effectiveness of immunopharmacotherapy. 

Immunopharmacotherapy is a method of therapy that “engages” the immune system’s antibodies to bind to selected targets.  This approach may also be an effective method of dealing with drug addiction, especially addiction to cocaine and nicotine.

So far the research has involved mature male rats.  The rats were immunized with specific types of the active vaccine and ate normally.  The immunized rats gained less weight, leading the researcher to believe that the vaccine directly affects the body’s metabolism and energy use.  Complete Article

Fat Americans Say They Eat Healthy and Exercise – Denial By Overweight and Obese People or They Don’t Understand Healthy Lifestyle

Research indicates that obese Americans believe they are living a healthy lifestyle, according to the Michigan-based health care research firm, Thomson Medstat.  The study involved 11,000 people, of which three-quarters of the respondents said they also do "vigorous" exercise at least three times a week.

The All Headline News Website reports that Thomson Medstat found that 28 percent of obese people admit to taking snacks two or more times a day, which is just a little higher than the 24 percent of people with normal weight. 

There were some unanswered questions with this phone survey.  According to WTVM in Atlanta, Doctor Jeffrey Koplan of Emory University of Atlanta says the survey failed to ask people what and how much they ate. The respondents may not understand what a healthy lifestyle is.  Complete Article

Researchers from Pennsylvania say that a meal size has a lot to do with psychology.  The size may depend on the size of the plate or package or what is served.  This may help explain how culture has a lot to do with obesity. 

For instance, in France the food package size of yogurt is a little over half-the-size of the American counterparts.  The researchers say that the French don’t eat two packages of food; they just accept the one package as the size of a meal. 

The researchers used environmental cues to manipulate people’s ideas of how big a food unit is.  They put a bowl of M&Ms on a table of an upscale apartment building with a sign that read “Eat Your Fill. Please use the spoon to serve yourself."  They varied the size of the spoon from a quarter cup to a tablespoon.   Complete Article

New research from Australia shows that daily doses of Omega-3 fatty acids can help obese people lose weight.  The study included 68 participants divided into four groups.  One group was given fish oil with another was given sunflower oil.  There was no change in diet but both were asked to exercise for 45 minutes, three times per week.  The other two groups were given the same oils, but did not exercise. 

Reuters reported that those who took the fish oil and exercised lost an average of 2 kg over a three month period.  The other three groups did not lose any weight. The researchers believe it has something to do with the Omega-3 fatty acids found in the fish.  The sunflower oil did not have these fatty acids.   

Researcher Alison Hill told the news agency "The Omega-3 found in fish oil increases fat-burning ability by improving the flow of blood to muscles during exercise.  We were very surprised to see it was so effective, especially since these people were still eating whatever they wanted."  Complete Article

Researchers say that four out of 10 obesity surgery patients develop complications and complications for those non-elderly obesity surgery patients with private insurance increased by 81 percent.  Amazingly 21.9 percent of these patients developed complications while they were still in the hospital and 39.6 percent developed complications by the end of the 180-day study period.

According to Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D, “Obesity surgery is helping thousands of Americans who have not succeeded at losing weight reduce their risk of diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, but this study shows how important it is for patients to consider the potential complications when they make the decision to undergo the procedure.  The study also should give clinicians information that will help them make improvements in the procedure and post-surgical care.”  Clancy is a doctor and Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).  Complete Article

You will never be healthy, eating healthy foods occasionally. You have to make healthy eating a habit if you want to obtain nutritional health.

I have been doing push-ups five days a week for over 25 years. My arms are pretty strong but it did not happen overnight. I did not do push-ups for a couple weeks or months and then stopped. I had to make push-ups a habit if I wanted to continuously get the results I have. Exactly the same holds true with having a healthy diet.

People jump on the "band wagon" of healthy eating when they read books or view web sites that talk about nutrition. While many of these books and web sites tell you what you should eat in-order to be healthy, they fail to teach you how to make healthy eating a habit. Thus in a short period of time when temptations come, people fall right back into their unhealthy eating habits.  Complete Article

Scientists have new understandings why some weight loss drugs work by enhancing the serotonin levels in the brain.  The diet drugs that have these mood boosting effects on serotonin include sibutramine (marketed as Meridia), and fenfluramine.  Fenfluramine has been recalled because of the combination with dexfenfluramine, marketed as fen-phen because of the possibility of fatal heart valve abnormalities.

How does serotonin suppress appetite?  The group of researchers, led by Michael Cowley of Oregon Health and Science University conducted research on mice to further investigate how serotonin works with the hypothalamus.  Complete Article

Interestingly people who live in areas were there are fewer grocery stores are at a greater risk of becoming obese and early death.  Chicago researchers say that residents who live in so called “food deserts” are more likely to suffer from hypertension, die from diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

A UPI news report says researchers believe that the lack of stores is likely to cause early death.  The study, funded by LaSalle Bank, investigated what researchers call “health disparities”.  Mari Gallagher said "We know that across the country, the black population generally has higher diet-related deaths and health disparities."  Gallagher is one of the researchers.  Complete Article

Harvard researchers say that overweight children have an increased risk of premature death.  The researchers found that being overweight at 18 years of age is associated with an increased risk of premature death in younger and middle-aged women.

The data was extrapolated from 102,400 participants in the Nurses Health Study II, launched in 1989.  The study participants were all between the ages of 24 and 44.  They were asked what their weights were at age 18 and from this the researchers calculated their body mass index (BMI).  The BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.  Complete Article

Australian researchers at Sydney's Garvan Institute believe there is a link between obesity and asthma and speculate that this is the reason why asthma is on the increase in Western countries.  They have found a fatty acid binding protein called aP2 in the lungs of asthma patients.

This protein has already been known for its role in diabetes and obesity.  Now they know it is present in the lungs where it is crucial in controlling inflammation in asthma.

There are various triggers, such as dust mites and pollen that bring on asthma attacks.  The scientists believe that high levels of aP2 in human lung cells trick the body into thinking it is undergoing an asthma attack.  The attack is characterized by inflammation of the airways, a tightening of the surrounding muscles, and excess mucus production.  Complete Article

The environmental group, Defenders of Wildlife, says that canned tuna from Costa Rica, Ecuador and Mexico can contain mercury levels 30 percent to 50 percent higher than the federal limit.  It is believed that larger fish have more mercury because they are older and have been exposed to the substance longer.

Tuna caught in Thailand and the United States have less mercury because the fishing is usually done in “dolphin safe” conditions. This type of fishing is more likely to net smaller tuna with less mercury.

The canners in Mexico and Ecuador usually buy from fishers who drop their nets near schools of dolphins.  This usually assures they get the larger / older Tuna.  These tuna usually have the higher levels of Mercury.  Complete Article 

New research shows that when adults expend energy in non-exercise related activities, such as work at paying jobs, washing the dishes or cleaning the house, they had a lower “rate of death”, compared to less active adults.  Since self reporting does not give an accurate assessment of physical activity, the scientists came up with a new method to determine energy expenditures.    

The researchers gave 302 high-functioning adults certain isotopes in their water to measure the rate at which their bodies eliminated carbon dioxide.  Since there is a relationship between carbon dioxide loss and total energy expended, the scientists were able to determine, quantitatively, the amount each adult worked.  Their resting metabolic rate was also measured.  Complete Article

Researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia say that exercise can benefit some cancer patients who experience weight gain or loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.  Most of the cases studied required treatments that produced these side effects.  The exercise helped cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. 

They found that exercise improved the “physical functions” of patients currently or recently being treated for cancer.  Vicki Conn, associate dean of research and professor of nursing, said, “Improvement in physical function, such as the ability to climb a flight of stairs or walk a certain distance, is an important outcome because it greatly impacts patients with jobs and children. Exercise can reduce recovery time and help patients feel better as they deal with the side effects of cancer treatment." She led the team of researchers from MU's Sinclair School of Nursing.

New research from Canada indicates that a low calorie diet may do more than trim your waistline, but may also help you maintain younger muscles as you age.  The study was conducted with rats, and the researchers found that the elderly rats on a calorie-restricted diet had the muscle mass and function of much younger rats.

The rats came from the US-based National Institute of Aging, where they were bred from a young age.  The rats ate about 40 percent fewer calories than normal from nutritionally rich foods.  The Calgary Herald reported that Russ Hepple, a University of Calgary physiologist, believes the muscles age slower on a low calorie diet.  Hepple said “It's the equivalent of an 80-year-old rat with the muscles of a 20-year-old rat.”

Researchers say that the new weight loss surgery cuts the risk of heart disease in half in extremely obese patients.  These patients are also less likely to require bypass surgery to unclog blocked arteries, compared to those that did not have the surgery.

Extremely obese means having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.  BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by his or her height (in meters, squared).  The extremely (or morbidly) obese individual is also more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure than their normal weight counterparts.

Nicolas V. Christou MD, PhD said “No other treatment has been shown to have this much impact on preventing or reducing heart disease in patients with morbid obesity.”  Nicolas is a doctor at the McGill University Health Center in Montreal.

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham have come up with 10 reasons for obesity. Diet and exercise are important, but there are other unexpected obesity factors according to David B. Allison.

The number one reason on the list is (1) inadequate sleep.  According to new research, lack of sleep can cause weight gain and that chronic sleep deprivation boosts appetite and eating.  Allison says (2) endocrine disruptor substances, found in foods, pesticides, plastics and some drugs that may alter fats in the body, can lead to obesity. 

The third reason is air conditioning (3).  People who work in air-conditioned offices burn fewer calories and may become fatter.  Allison also says that the increased number of Hispanics (4) has caused the obesity numbers to go up.  10 Reasons for Obesity - Air Conditioning and Fewer Smokers Given as Reasons - Fat People Mating with Fat People Another Cause

On 20/20 last Friday, one topic that was discussed was stress and how it causes us to age and gain weight.  It was assumed that sun was the only cause of wrinkles, but the truth is, stress also contributes to wrinkles.  There is also evidence the increased stress levels help to raise cortisol levels that trigger the storage of body fat.

One big contributor to stress is called NUT, which stands for Nagging, Unfinished, Tasks.  So if your desk is piled high, and you are constantly behind this is causing stress that is aging you and making you fat.  How can you organize your schedule to manage your chores and not feel overwhelmed?  How to Reduce Stress - Helps in Weight Loss Efforts and Keep you Younger

Many people believe that a high metabolism correlates to a thinner physique. But is that true?  It seems that thin people can eat and eat without gaining weight.  They appear to be blessed with a high metabolism.

It is actually more complicated than that, according to Dr. Jim Levine who was featured on Friday’s ABC News program 20/20.  The program compared two individuals, a lean Kathy Strickland and a heavier Dawn Campion.  According to Levine, an obesity researcher at the Mayo Clinic and has studied the metabolism of lean and heavy people, “Dawn's numbers are actually higher because what we find continuously is that people with weight problems who have obesity have a higher basal metabolism compared to people who are lean.”

This was one of the 10 “body myths” explored by John Stossel along with aging guru Dr. Michael F. Roizen and heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, authors of "You: The Owner's Manual". Weight Loss - Standing At Work Can Lower Your Weight - Dr. Oz on ABC News Program 20/20 with John Stossel Body Myths Program

Celiac Sprue which is an inherited inflammatory disorder of the small intestine may have a non-dietary therapy that may work.  Currently a celiac sufferer would not be able to eat gluten in their diet.  Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye.  The gluten cases an inflammatory reaction that can damage the small intestines.  It is estimated that there are approximately 1 in 200 people that suffer from celiac disease around the world.  Celiac Disease – Enzyme Therapy approach to treating Gluten Intolerance

According to a study published in the today’s online edition of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, drinking cherry juice may help prevent the pain in the repair of muscle caused by weight lifting.

Declan Connolly, associate professor of education and director of the human performance laboratory at the University of Vermont along with colleagues from New York’s Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma and Cornell University all worked together to test a specially made highly-concentrated tart cherry juice blend which they tested in a randomized, placebo-controlled study.  The study had 14 male college students participate in this study.  Body Building and Weight Lifting– Cherry Juice could relieve Muscle Damage Pain

There may be a link between Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy eating habits, according to researchers at Tufts University, and colleagues.  The study by Allen Taylor, PhD, director of the Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA), indicates that a diet of “quality” carbohydrates can limit the risk of AMD.

The researchers analyzed data from a sub-group of participants in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) who were enrolled in the Nutrition and Vision Program.  They evaluated data for a 10 year period examining the total carbohydrate intake and the dietary glycemic index statistics. This index is a measure of the quality of overall dietary carbohydrate. Eye Health - Eating Habits Related to Macular Degeneration - Age Related AMD Linked To Bad or High-Glycemic Carbohydrate Food Consumption

According to researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine animals that ate trans fat compare to those that did not gained more weight from the same amount of calories.  The study was first presented at the 66th annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Washington, D.C by Kylie Kavanagh, D.V.M.

"Diets rich in trans fat cause a redistribution of fat tissue into the abdomen and lead to a higher body weight even when the total dietary calories are controlled," said Lawrence L. Rudel, Ph.D. who is a professor of pathology and biochemistry and is also the head of Lipid Sciences Research Program.  Weight Loss - Eating Trans Fat can make you fatter - Even if you count your Calories

Oprah Winfrey aired a show which first aired on February 14^th, 2005.  She started a boot camp with some of the people that she worked with the help of Bob Greene’s Total Body Makeover in 12 weeks.

You need to “own the number”, which means that what you weigh is your responsibility and you shouldn’t lie to yourself about it and ignore your weight.  She also had the volunteers from her work sign a contract with themselves that said they will work at losing weight.  They agree to eat consciously at each meal, and eat breakfast every morning.  You also will not eat 3 hours before bedtime.  Oprah wanted to limit alcohol consumption, where Bob Greene wants no alcohol consumption for the 12 week period of time.  Oprah's Bootcamp Show – Bob Greene’s Total Body Makeover in 12 weeks