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Effects of Obesity Worse for Teen Girls

Obesity ‘worse for teen girls’ blood pressure’

Obesity has a greater impact on the blood pressure of teenage girls than on teenage boys, a US study has suggested.

High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke in later life.

The study of 1,700 teenagers, presented to the American Physiological Society conference, found girls had three times the risk of higher blood pressure.

A British Heart Foundation spokeswoman said a third of young people in the UK were overweight or obese.

The teenagers, aged between 13 and 17 had their blood pressure measured as part of school district health surveys and health checks. Their body mass index (BMI) – a measure of weight/height ratio – was also recorded.

There are two types of blood pressure which are measured. Diastolic pressure – the lower number in a reading – measures the force on the arteries between heartbeats. Systolic blood pressure, represented by the top number in a blood pressure reading, is the amount of force that blood exerts on blood vessel walls when the heart beats.

High systolic measurements indicate risk for heart disease and stroke.

It was found obese boys were 3.5 times more likely to develop elevated systolic blood pressure than non-obese boys.

But similarly obese girls were nine times more likely to develop elevated systolic blood pressure than their non-obese peers.

Danger ‘highlighted’

The researchers from the University of California say the link may be counteracting the known protective effect of the hormone oestrogen on the heart.

Dr Rudy Ortiz, who led the study, said: “Overall, there is a higher likelihood that those who present with both higher BMI and blood pressure will succumb to cardiovascular complications as adults.

“But the findings suggest that obese females may have a higher risk of developing these problems than males.”

Dr Ortiz said the significant difference between boys and girls could be explained by exercise levels.

“Obese adolescent females participate in 50 to 60% less physical activity than boys in the population surveyed.”

Natasha Stewart, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Here we have yet more evidence highlighting the danger that obesity poses to the health of our children.

“Based on this American study alone, it’s too early to say for sure whether girls are more at risk than boys, but we do know girls tend to be less active than boys which could play a part.

“What is certain is that obesity is clearly putting both boys’ and girls’ health at risk.

“This is a very real problem for lots of families – about a third of young people in England are now overweight or obese.

“Healthy eating and physical activity during childhood is vital to ensure growth, development and a pattern of healthy habits which will carry through into adulthood.”

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Type 2 Diabetes in Newly Diagnosed ‘Can Be Reversed’

An extreme eight-week diet of 600 calories a day can reverse Type 2 diabetes in people newly diagnosed with the disease, says a Diabetologia study.

Newcastle University researchers found the low-calorie diet reduced fat levels in the pancreas and liver, which helped insulin production return to normal.

Seven out of 11 people studied were free of diabetes three months later, say findings published in the journal.

More research is needed to see whether the reversal is permanent, say experts.

Type 2 diabetes affects 2.5m people in the UK. It develops when not enough insulin is produced in the body or the insulin that is made by the body doesn’t work properly.

When this happens, glucose – a type of sugar – builds up in the blood instead of being broken down into energy or fuel which the body needs.

The 11 participants in the study were all diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within the previous four years.

They cut their food intake drastically for two months, eating only liquid diet drinks and non-starchy vegetables.

Fat loss

After one week of the diet, researchers found that the pre-breakfast blood sugar levels of all participants had returned to normal.

MRI scans of their pancreases also revealed that the fat levels in the organ had decreased from around 8% – an elevated level – to a more normal 6%.

Three months after the end of the diet, when participants had returned to eating normally and received advice on healthy eating and portion size, most no longer suffered from the condition.

Professor Roy Taylor, director of Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre at Newcastle University and lead study author, said he was not suggesting that people should follow the diet.

“This diet was only used to test the hypothesis that if people lose substantial weight they will lose their diabetes.

“Although this study involved people diagnosed with diabetes within the last four years, there is potential for people with longer-standing diabetes to turn things around too.”

Susceptibility question

Dr Ee Lin Lim, also from Newcastle University’s research team, said that although dietary factors were already known to have an impact on Type 2 diabetes, the research showed that the disease did not have to be a life sentence.

“It’s easy to take a pill, but harder to change lifestyle for good. Asking people to shift weight does actually work,” she said.

However, not everyone in the study managed to stay free of diabetes.

“It all depends on how much individuals are susceptible to diabetes. We need to find out why some people are more susceptible than others, then target these obese people. We can’t know the reasons for that in this study,” Dr Lim said.

Professor Edwin Gale, a diabetes expert from the University of Bristol, said the study did not reveal anything new.

“We have known that starvation is a good cure for diabetes. If we introduced rationing tomorrow, then we could get rid of diabetes in this country.

“If you can catch people with diabetes in the early stages while beta cells are still functioning, then you can delay its onset for years, but you will get it sooner or later because it’s in the system.”

But Keith Frayn, professor of human metabolism at the University of Oxford, said the Newcastle study was important.

“People who lose large amounts of weight following surgery to alter their stomach size or the plumbing of their intestines often lose their diabetes and no longer need treatment.

“This study shows that a period of marked weight loss can produce the same reversal of Type 2 diabetes.

“It offers great hope for many people with diabetes, although it must be said that not everyone will find it possible to stick to the extremely low-calorie diet used in this study.”

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK, which funded the study, said the diet was not an easy fix.

“Such a drastic diet should only be undertaken under medical supervision. Despite being a very small trial, we look forward to future results particularly to see whether the reversal would remain in the long term.”

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Why You Should Plan to Deliver in the Fall

Babies born in spring are slightly more likely to develop anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder characterized by extremely low body weight, distorted body image and an obsessive fear of gaining weight), while those born in the fall have a lower risk, say researchers.

A report published in the British Journal of Psychiatry suggests temperature, sunlight, infection or the mother’s diet could be responsible.

Other academics said the effect was small and the disorder had many causes.

The researchers analysed data from four previous studies including 1,293 people with anorexia.

The researchers found an “excess of anorexia nervosa births” between March and June – for every seven anorexia cases expected, there were in fact eight.

There were also fewer than expected cases in September and October.

Dr Lahiru Handunnetthi, one of the report’s authors, at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, said: “A number of previous studies have found that mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression are more common among those born in the spring – so this finding in anorexia is perhaps not surprising.

Screening methods

“However, our study only provides evidence of an association. Now we need more research to identify which factors are putting people at particular risk.”

The report suggests seasonal changes in temperature, sunlight exposure and vitamin D levels, maternal nutrition and infections as “strong candidate factors”.

Dr Terence Dovey, from the Centre for Research into Eating Disorders, at Loughborough University, said: “Anorexia is a very complex multifaceted disorder,” adding that the study looked at just one aspect.

“Should we concentrate screening methods to those born in the winter months? No, we should not. It leaves too much error of margin and the potential significant difference is only small.”

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Smart Steps to Healthy Living

Whether rich or poor, many people fail to see the link between their habits and their health. They may regard enjoying good health as a matter of chance or something over which they have little control. Such a fatalistic view holds many back from improving their health and leading a more productive life.

In reality, whatever one’s financial situation, there are basic steps that can be taken to protect and improve ones health and those of close associates. Some common healthy habits are provided below:

EAT WISELY– Concentrate on eating ‘real’ food- whole, fresh foods that people have been enjoying for millenniums- rather than modern processed foods. Commercially prepackaged foods and fast food from chain restaurants usually contain high levels of sugar, salt, and fat which are associated with heart disease, stroke, cancer and other serious ailments. When cooking, try steaming, baking, and broiling instead of frying. Try using more herbs and spices to cut down on salt. Make sure meats are properly cooked, and never eat spoiled foods.

The World Health Organization reports a dangerous worldwide increase in overweight and obesity, most of which result from overeating. One study found that in parts of Africa, ”there are more children who are overweight than malnourished”. Obese children carry both present and future health risks including diabetes. A balanced plate favors a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains over meats and starches. Once or twice a week, try substituting fish for meat. Reduce refined food such as pasta, white bread, and white rice, which are usually stripped of much of their nutritional value. Adults and children need to drink plenty of water and other unsweetened liquids every day. Drink more of this during hot weather and when doing heavy physical exercise. Such liquids aids digestion, and cleanse the body of poisons, make for healthier skin, and facilitate weight loss.

TAKE CARE OF BASIC BODY NEEDS– The demands and distractions of modern life have whittled away the time people spend sleeping. But sleep is germane to good health. Studies have shown that during sleep, our body and brain repair themselves, which benefiting memory and mood. Sleep reinforces the immune system and reduces our risk of infections, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer, obesity, depression and so on. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep every night to feel good and perform their best. Young people need more.

KEEP YOURSELF MOVING– Leading a physically active life can help us feel happier, think more clearly, have more energy, be more productive and, along with proper diet, control our weight. Exercise needs not be painful or extreme to be effective. Regular periods of moderate exercise several weeks can be beneficial. Jogging, brisk walking, biking can help prevent heart attack and stroke. Simply using your feet instead of a car, bus or elevator is a good step. Why wait for a ride when you can walk to your destination? No matter how old you are and when you start, you can benefit from moderate physical exercise. If you are older or have health problems and have not been exercising, it is wise to consult a doctor about how to begin. But do begin! Exercise that is started gradually and not overdone can help even the oldest to maintain muscle strength and bone mass.

PROTECT YOUR HEALTH– ”Hand washing is the single most important thing that you can do to help prevent the spread of infections and stay healthy and well”, reports the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As much as 80 percent of infections are said to be passed on by unclean hands. So wash them often throughout the day. Do so especially before eating, preparing food, or dressing or even touching a wound, and do so after touching an animal, using the toilet, or changing a baby’s diaper. Washing with soap and water is more effective than using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Bathing everyday and keeping one’s clothes and bed linens fresh and clean also contribute to better health. Avoid close physical contact or sharing of eating utensils with any who have a cold or the flu. Their saliva and nasal secretions can pass the illness to you. Avoid insect bites. Do not sit or sleep outdoors unprotected when mosquitoes or other disease-carrying insects are active. Use bed nets especially for children, and use repellents. Make whatever effort is required to keep your home clean, inside and out. If there is no toilet, build a simple latrine rather than just relieving yourself in a field. Cover the latrine to keep out flies. Obey safety laws when working, riding a bicycle or motorcycle, or driving a car. Use appropriate protective equipments such as safety glasses, headgear, and footwear, as well as seat belts and hearing protection. Avoid excessive sun exposure, which causes cancer and premature aging of the skin.

(excerpts from AWAKE journal- march, 2011)[ad#Adsense-468×60]

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Moderate Alcohol Can Promote Heart Health

According to a compilation of 30 years of research, an alcoholic drink a day can help ward off heart diseases and improve overall heart health and function.

The study which has been published in the British Medical Journal found that there was a reduction of  14% to 25%  in heart diseases in moderate drinkers compared with people who had never drink alcohol.

Another article, by the same Canadian scientist at the University of Calgary, showed alcohol also increased “good” cholesterol levels.

This review showed that the overall risk of death was lower for those consuming small quantities of alcohol, 2.5g to 14.9g, compared with non-drinkers. The researchers also say regular moderate drinking reduced all forms of cardiovascular disease by up to 25%.

It is important to note that this is a slippery slope as what we consider moderate may mean different things to different people. In fact, while consuming small quantities of alcohol had a beneficial effect on the number of strokes, the risk increased significantly with heavier drinking. Heavier drinking is also a leading cause of liver cirrhosis. A little bit does you good, but a lot does you harm

For non-drinkers, this should not be a license to start. Being physically active, adapting stress reducing techniques like prayer or yoga, and eating a balanced diet can help you achieve the same effect.[ad#Adsense-200by200sq]

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Engineering Economics of Obesity and Why Developing Countries Should Be Concerned

The health consequences of obesity such as diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension and some forms of cancer are well known but the engineering design headaches are often overlooked. In the developed nations, there are always provisions to re-engineer or refurbish existing infrastructure to accommodate the increasing weight of the population. Developing countries are not so lucky to have such luxury. In this short article, I will be highlighting a few areas where excess flesh is making re-engineering a necessity and why developing countries should be concerned.

Ambulance Services: Last week it was reported that ambulance services in the United Kingdom are refurbishing their convoy in order to conveniently handle heavier patients.

Airlines: In the US, some airlines, including Southwest, are instituting severe policies towards bulkier passengers. These include charging such passengers for the ‘excess’ weight. The additional fee is meant to enable the airline offer comfortable seating to all passengers and prepare for the additional efforts that may be needed to manage heavier passengers in the case of an emergency evacuation.

The Movie Theater, the Church, and Your Tithe: Surveys shows that today’s movie auditoriums hold half the number of people similar-sized auditoriums held around 1900, about 100 years ago. And what is the reason? Visitors to the auditoriums these days possess bigger bums and so bigger seats are needed to accommodate the extra flesh.

What applies to the movie theater will also hold true for the church auditorium. Much as most Men of God would not be comfortable going over the God-apportioned 10% tithe, the reality is that sooner than later, you will need to give more than 10% help design bigger seats for the same reasons given above.

Sports:

Sports stadiums are not spared the engineering headaches of increasing bums.  For instance, the new Wembley stadium in London, which opened in 2007, was equipped with seats that are 9cm wider and 16cm deeper than those at the old Wembley.

These are just a few examples I wanted to highlight in this post.

The reason African countries should be concerned is that obesity is now going global, as we reported here. Obesity used to be seen as a Western epidemic, but urbanization and infiltration of western lifestyle have robbed the populations of African countries of the ‘immunity’ they used to enjoy against obesity. Unfortunately, scarce economic resources and engineering deficiencies make African countries ill-prepared to deal with the challenges that come with increasing body mass.

Therefore, let us overlook the aesthetic of looking thin and appearing on the front cover of Vogue. The economic of going the opposite direction is terrifying, especially for poorer nations.

This is just Food for Thought.

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Tit Bits: In Health and Sceince

 
 Need to improve your sense of smell? Put on a few more pounds
A study by researchers from the University of Portsmouth finds that people who are overweight have a greater sense of smell for food.
The researchers suggest this may explain why some people struggle to stay slim.
It is an already known fact that the part of the brain that processes information about odor is connected to the feeding centers of the brain.
The latest research is published in the journal Chemical Senses
 
Finally a malaria Vaccine?
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the British pharmaceutical giant, is currently running a Phase 3 clinical trial to confirm the safety profile of what would be a much-awaited for  malaria vaccine. The trial is taking place across seven countries in Africa and data is expected in 2011.

Hope for you if mathematics scares you.

A report in the scientific magazine Current Biology says that by applying electrical current to the brain, they could enhance a person's mathematical performance for up to 6 months without influencing their other cognitive functions.
The findings may lead to treatments for the estimated 20 percent of the population with moderate to severe numerical disabilities (for example, dyscalculia) and for those who lose their skill with numbers as a result of stroke or degenerative disease, according to the researchers.
 
Abortion deaths in Africa
A report from the  UN's Economic Commission for Africa  estimates that about 36,000 women die annually from unsafe abortions in Africa. Many of them are young girls who have unwanted pregnancies and who are forced to have operations illegally….so-called back-street abortions
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