Obesity
Fitter Kids Have More Brain Gray Matter
While much research has pointed to a relationship between kids’ fitness and academic performance, we now have a new piece of the puzzle: A recent study found that aerobic fitness and speed–agility levels among overweight and obese children aged 8–11 were independently associated with more gray matter in parts of the brain related to better academic performance.
The Federal Government Keeps Making Nutrition Headlines
The current administration appears determined to weaken federal nutrition policy:
Face the Fats
For years, fat was demonized as dietary “Public Enemy Number One.” Despite the essential roles it plays in the body, including temperature regulation, hormone production and protection of organs, we were told it was also responsible for weight gain and a host of health woes. As a result, the public shied away from the macronutrient and instead stocked their kitchens with skim milk, fat-free snacks and low-fat dressings. This approach backfired spectacularly.
The Well-Stocked Pantry: A Cook’s First Line of Healthy Defense
Coach clients to spring-clean and restock their cupboards, freezers and spice cabinets with sensible, versatile ingredients. These grab-and-go lists and how-to guides provide an approachable game plan for getting started.
Understanding Set-Point Weight
Humans are hardwired to resist dietary restrictions. Science bears this out: In the absence of an ongoing weight maintenance program, half of the people who lose 10% or more of body weight gain it all back within 5 years or so (Montesi et al. 2016).
Strength Training and Type 2 Diabetes
A regular exercise program can help people with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels and maintain or improve fitness levels and overall health.
Taking the Right Step—Walking Research for the Ages
Have you ever heard clients say that “walking doesn’t count” as exercise? The truth is that walking can be a valuable part of your clients’ wellness routines—but how those steps fit into a whole program may depend on age. Two different studies offer valuable feedback on the benefits of walking through a workout.
STUDY #1: When Walking and Weight Loss Are in Step
New Way to Calculate Childhood Obesity
Over the years, experts have questioned the accuracy of body mass index scores, known as BMI “z-scores,” for estimating body fat percentages in kids (the z is specific to younger age groups and requires complicated calculations to get results). The criticism is that adolescent weight doesn’t scale with height, which can produce faulty data. Now, researchers claim to have discovered a new, more accurate formula for measuring body fat in kids aged 8–17.
A Weigh-In a Day Keeps the Pounds Away?
Stepping on the scale daily may help women lose weight, according to a
new study. For 2 years, at intervals, 294 college-age women provided information on their self-weighing practices and underwent body mass index and body fat testing. According to the data, women who weighed themselves daily saw significant decreases in BMI and body fat percentage over time.
CrossFit® Benefits People With Type 2 Diabetes
A common characteristic among people with type 2 diabetes is dysfunction of beta cells, which are responsible for storing and releasing insulin. New research suggests that high-intensity training workouts may help to restore beta-cell function.
New Dangers Associated With Childhood Obesity
Having obesity as a kid doesn’t just create immediate risks. According to a new study, it may also set the stage for significant health problems later on.
While being obese in childhood is known to predict adulthood obesity, the study’s purpose was to learn about other potential and undetermined weight-related health risks that might take root in the early years. Specifically, the researchers focused on how childhood obesity related to cardiovascular disease and abnormal blood sugar levels that result in disease.
Treat & Reduce Obesity Act of 2017 Gains Momentum
Efforts to help people with obesity may get a little more support. In April, pertinent new legislation was introduced in both the House and the Senate.
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2017 aims to provide healthcare professionals with more funding and better treatment options for obesity. If the legislation passes, it would improve counseling, intervention and drug treatments for patients.
Migraines: A Weighty Issue?
Migraines have long been a malady of unknown etiology, confounding medical practitioners and sufferers alike. A research review suggests that weight may be a factor.
The review included 12 studies and examined records from 288,981 individuals. Analysis showed that people with obesity had a 27% greater chance of developing a migraine than normal-weight people, while underweight individuals were 13% more likely to have a migraine than those of normal weight. Age and gender also correlated with migraine risk.
Some People Are Genetically Predisposed to Be Overweight, Obese
According to a new study, certain continental Africans and African-Americans carry a genomic variant that causes them to be an average of 6 pounds heavier than those without it.
In this study, researchers hoped to zero in on a potential genetic basis for overweight and obesity levels among continental Africans. To this end, the scientists performed a genome-wide association study for body mass index (BMI) in 1,570 West Africans and then replicated the study in independent samples of West Africans and African-Americans.
Exercise and Children: Better Brain Health, Less Obesity, Less Stress
Physically active young people can do better in school and improve their self-expression, self-confidence and social interaction compared with more sedentary children (WHO 2017). Indeed, two studies published in 2017 underscore the value of children getting plenty of exercise.
Let’s take a quick look at this research. Study 1. Fitness and Academic Achievement
Reducing CVD Risk in Older Adults Who Are Obese
Exercise may protect against cardiovascular disease regardless of body mass index, according to researchers from Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
They examined the health records and activity levels of 5,344 adults aged 55—97. Participants were categorized as normal weight, overweight or obese and were also classified by activity level. The study's purpose was to understand associations among weight, physical activity levels and CVD risk.
Is Exercise an Ineffective Tool for Weight Management?
Being physically active is a primary way to lose or manage weight—right? And sedentary behavior is largely to blame for
current rates of obesity? Well, let's slow down. Findings from
a study conducted at Loyola University Chicago challenge both those statements.
“Fat Shaming” Has Negative Consequences
The term "fat shaming" has garnered plenty of attention lately. Some believe that criticizing people for their size will inspire them to lose weight. According to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the practice can be harmful.
Parents’ Perceptions of Child Weight May Cause Weight Gain
It might seem illogical that children would gain more weight if their parents acknowledged them as being overweight. After all, the knowledge could help parents mitigate future weight gain. Not so, according to two new studies. It turns out that children are more likely to gain weight over 10 years if their parents see them as overweight.
To Help Clients Succeed, Keep Change Simple
Samuel L. Berry, MS, is a Master Trainer for the American Council on Exercise and for Functional Movement Systems. He serves a wide range of clients and athletes aged 11—81 who are working toward a variety of objectives. In addition to his roles as a trainer and educator, he has contributed to publications for Harvard Medical School, Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine, PTontheNet.com and prominent peer–reviewed publications such as The Journal of Pediatrics.