Healthier Weight Research - General Health articles

Overweight People Outweigh the Hungry August 2008

For the first time, the number of overweight people in the world has overtaken the number of malnourished, with a billion people considered as heavier than advised. 

Obesity – another form of prejudice February 2008              

Preoperative psychological screening of bariatric
surgery candidates has become routine and a significant
proportion of patients have their surgery deferred as a
consequence.      

Obesity Surgery Cures Diabetes January 2008

News headlines around the world read "Obesity Surgery Can Cure Diabetes" after the first randomized controlled study of the effect of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) on type 2 diabetes was published this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 

Fit for Obesity Surgery October 2006

Fitness is important for patients undergoing obesity surgery according to a recent study by McCullough et al. 

Obituary - Lubomyr Kuzmak October 2006

This obituary of one of the visionary pioneers of obesity surgery appeared in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, the official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, January/February 2007.

Fertility in Obesity - Does it only affect women? October 2006

Much is published on the subject of female fertility and obesity, however, does obesity have an effect on male fertility? This study from Prince Henry's Institute, Melbourne, Australia, examines if there may be a link.

Changes in Muscle Mass During Weight Loss October 2006

To identify the proportion of weight lost as fat-free mass (FFM) by various weight loss interventions.

Obesity and Progression of Renal Failure September 2006

Recent studies have reported an alarming increase in the incidence of obesity-related kidney disease, in context of a worldwide spread of obesity.

Body mass Index versus waist-to-hip ratio August 2006

The most common method of assessing body weight in clinical practice is the body mass index (BMI) which is calculated by taking the weight in kilograms and dividing by the height in metres2.  A BMI of 25-29.9 is regarded as overweight, whereas a BMI of 30 kg/m2  or above is classified as obese. 

Link between Sleep and Weight August 2006

Physiologic studies suggest that sleep restriction has metabolic effects that predispose to weight gain.

Metabolic Syndrome - what is it? August 2006

Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. Its definition is the presence of any three of the following:

Obesity and Breast Cancer August 2006

The evidence that obesity adversely affects women's health is overwhelming and indisputable. The risk of postmenopausal breast cancer increases with obesity; measured as weight gain, body mass index, waist-hip ratio or percent body fat.  

Long-term follow-up of severely obese individuals treated with an intense behavioral program July 2006

One of the challenges in reporting the effectiveness of a weight loss programme is the availability of follow up data. The authors of this study had access to eight years of data relating to patients treated for obesity.

Metabolic Obesity - the hidden epidemic? July 2006

'The new definition of metabolic syndrome by the international diabetes federation (IDF) is less likely to identify metabolically abnormal but non-obese individuals than the definition by the revised national cholesterol education program (NCEP)'. This is the title of a report from Korea. Metabolic syndrome is an asymptomatic cluster of risk factors which leads to heart disease and diabetes, both of which can be prevented if identified in time.

Attacking the Obesity Epidemic July 2006

Requiring restaurants to present nutrition information on menus is under consideration as a potential way to slow the increasing prevalence of obesity. 

Sleep Apnoea Patients at High Risk of Depression June 2006

Sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD, also known as sleep apnoea) and depression have each been independently associated with substantial morbidity, impairment and disability.

Barriers to Obesity Surgery in Primary Care June 2006

Physicians in primary care are often seen as the first contact point in the treatment of obese and overweight patients. This study from a primary healthcare setting in the USA reveals some interesting findings.

Could Weight Loss Improve Asthma? May 2006

There is increasing evidence for an association between asthma and body weight change. This collaborative study involving centres in the USA and Switzerland examined the relationship between asthma and obesity.

Obesity and Sleep Apnoea Syndrome May 2006

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common disorder and affects approximately 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women.

Obesity - where can patients get help Januaury 2006

Obesity has become a major public health issue and there is concern about the response of health services to patients who are obese. The perceptions of obese patients using primary care services have not been studied in depth. This study from Sheffield aimed to explore obese patients' experiences and perceptions of support in primary care.

GP's Views on Treating Obesity September 2005

GPs primarily believed that obesity was the responsibility of the patient, rather than a medical problem requiring a medical solution. They also believed that in contrast to this, obese patients wanted to hand responsibility over to their doctor.

PCOS and Diabetes May 2005

The syndrome of polycystic ovaries (PCOS) is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes..

One Sure Way to Reduce the Risk of Cancer January 2001

There is growing evidence that excess body weight increases the risk of cancer at several sites, including the kidneys, the lining of the womb, the large bowel, prostate, gallbladder and breast in post-menopausal women. The proportion of all cancers attributable to overweight has, however, never been systematically estimated.

Asthma Improvement after Obesity Surgery January 1999

Asthma and obesity are common chronic conditions that may be related.  Laparoscopic banding provides effective weight control for patients with morbid obesity and it may, therefore, provide an additional benefit in terms of reduction in the severity and frequency of asthmatic symptoms.