Obesity in the News

A new study funded by the Wellcome Trust, assisted UK researchers to determine the link between childhood obesity and missing DNA. The missing DNA is hereditary in families and is likely to show early in age resulting in a strong drive to eat and can easily put on weight.

Obesity is a global concern and in most cases directly related to environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle. However, no two children are alike – genetics play an important role in determining why some will gain weight and why others won’t.

Unfortunately for some children, their obesity has been blamed on neglect and poor eating. The impact of this new research will help diagnose and better direct care for these children. Additionally, supporters of the study hope this results of this research will help shift current attitudes toward childhood obesity toward supporting and promoting children's overall health and wellness. 

Click here to read more about the study.

Obesity in the News

As the epidemic of obesity continues to rise, CNN reports one college is making headlines with its newly implemented health policy for current students. According to the Lincoln University’s health policy, with a body mass index of 30 or above will be required to take a fitness course that meets three hours a week. If students choose to not complete the course they will not be allowed to graduate.

Critics are calling this policy extreme and suggesting it become a college-wide requirement rather than requiring it for just obese students. Supporters of the policy admit it is a radical approach however obesity is too much of a health risk and hope the policy change will begin to refocus the importance of health education and physical fitness.

To read the whole story here http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/30/lincoln.fitness.overweight/index.html

More Exercise = Less Anxiety

 

Can exercise really reduce stress and anxiety? Yes, thanks to ongoing research geared toward to understanding the neurological connection between exercise and its positive effects on the brain. 

Information released by the Mayo Clinic suggests exercising helps improve moods and lowers anxiety in a number of ways: It releases feel-good brain chemicals (neurotransmitters and endorphins), it reduces immune system chemicals, and it increases body temperature, which offers calming effects.

Exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits too. It can help you:

Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. 

Take your mind off worries. Exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.

Get more social interaction. Exercise may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood can help your mood.

Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage anxiety or depression is a healthy coping strategy.

According to The New York Times, exercise has positive effects on health, both physical and psychological but the changes do not happen over night. The results from physical activity are different for everyone, but the changes will begin if exercise is a part of your lifestyle.  Check out the whole story at http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/phys-ed-why-exercise-makes-you-less-anxious/?emc=eta1

 

Exercise Works

A recent article in Time magazine (Aug. 9) reported that exercising cannot help you lose weight. This, according to experts at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center—a major resource for the article—was a great misrepresentation of the facts present to the reporter. The fact is that exercise burns calories and reduced calories forces your body to shed weight. And, according to the National Weight Control Registry, consistent exercise is the best predictor of long-term weight management. So get out there and walk, run, bike, swim, play tennis, garden—just get moving.

Fitness for Moms-to-Be

A recent study determined that if a mom-to-be exercises, her child is less likely to become obese. We have always known that exercise is a good idea for the overwhelming majority of people—now that group has been shown to includespregnant women. The experts recommend that you'll achieve best results if you start exercising before you become pregnant, but regardless you should check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. So, get out there and go for a walk, do some light strength training, dance. This may also help some of the unfortunate side effects of pregnancy like swollen ankles and sore hips. Your body will thank you, and your child will, too!

Mobile Fitness

The iPhone and other smart phones have hundreds of inexpensive applications available for just about every purpose imaginable. Guess what? Many of them are related to fitness. The New York Times does us the favor of compiling and summarizing some of the best. From a marathon trainer to a calorie counter to physical fitness and yoga programs, there are options to suit every wellness pursuit. Check out the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/technology/personaltech/10basics.html?_r=1&ref=health.

Get a Virtual Trainer

If you don’t have the time, money or inclination for a personal trainer, why not try Shape’s virtual personal trainer? While it does require a brief sign up (you can say no to the e-newsletters), this e-trainer offers personalized workouts, tracking mechanisms and more. You can get a free routine that includes an exercise schedule, demonstrations and more. Try it at http://www.shape.com/virtualtrainer/public/index. If you don’t feel like that, why not try writing down your goals? It’s often the first step to making change happen.

Workout by Body Type

One of the problems with global statements about workouts is that each of us has very specialized strengths, needs and problem areas. Women’s Health has developed a great solution, with specialized workouts for the primary female body types, from athletic to pear-shaped. With both a diet and specific exercise recommendations, you can’t go wrong by visiting http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/best-workout-for-your-body-type.

Boost Your Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise and its calorie-burning benefits are key to health. Yet the same old cardio routine can become painfully boring. Good news: Self has three excellent tips for boosting your cardio routine. Start by varying intensity during your workout. If you’re a runner, spend some time sprinting during your workout, for example. Next, vary your type, time and duration of workout. If you usually run in the evening, add a 20-minute early-morning bike ride to your repertoire. Finally, remember that muscle burns fat. Add some muscle-building lifts to your routine, and watch the pace of success accelerate.

Try a Half

If you live in the Midwest and are a runner, the Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon is becoming an absolute must-run. The race offers a great field,a scenic route that goes into Canada and back again, and the opportunity to enjoy downtown Detroit before and after the race. But what if you’re not a marathoner? Great news! The race offers not just a marathon, but also a half-marathon, walking distances and even a team run. If you’re considering a half-marathon, Runner’s World has put together a straightforward training program that anyone can use to get there. You can do it! Take a look at http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--6851-1-2X5X8-4,00.html.