BPA linked to obesity in children and teenagers

20.40 Add Comment
BPA linked to obesity in children and teenagers -
Betsie Van der Meer / Getty Images

researchers say poor diet and lack of exercise are not the only culprits of obesity. BPA can share some of the blame.

In the latest study on bisphenol plastic additive A, or BPA, scientists have found that children harboring higher levels of endocrine disrupting chemical in their bodies were more likely to be obese compared to youth with low levels of BPA.

The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association The question of the theme of "obesity, was led by Dr. Leonardo Trasande, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine environmental at New York University School of Medicine. 2008. Approximately 34% of children were overweight and 18% were obese.

( PLUS BPA exposure in pregnant women can affect girls' behavior)

Those in the highest quartile of exposure to BPA also had the highest rate of obesity at 22.3%, while those with the lowest levels of the chemical in their urine were the least likely to be obese at 10%. For more than a doubling of the risk of obesity among people with BPA exposure is greater.

"It is a very strong association, surprisingly strong," said Trasande, "and it cuts across all socio-economic strata. Poor diet and lack of physical activity are the main contributors to childhood obesity in the United States, but this study shows that we need to consider environmental factors such third major contributing factor to the epidemic. "

BPA is ubiquitous in our environment, mainly found in plastics used in food packaging and aluminum can linings and is also found in dental fillings and sealants and coatings received heat used in shops. a government study found that 93% of more than 6 years Americans have some detectable amount of BPA in their urine, according to a comprehensive 2007 study in preschoolers in North Carolina and Ohio, about 99% of children's exposure to BPA comes from food. That's why concerns over BPA leaching plastics in baby bottles and sippy cups led the Food and Drug Administration to ban the product chemical these products earlier this year. the agency stopped to eliminate BPA from cans and other food packaging, however, citing the lack of definitive evidence of its health harms. (In 2010, Canada not only banned BPA in baby bottles, but also took the further step of declaring toxic chemicals to human health, which are resting easier to remove the chemical from other food contact products)

( MORE:. mom of exposure to air pollution may boost the risk of obesity Kids)

Trasande said the current findings call question this decision because it establishes a potential metabolic link between exposure to chemicals and obesity, which can lead to a host of chronic diseases, heart disease, diabetes and asthma. But while the study establishes a link between the two, it does not specify in which direction the relationship work. It is possible, for example, that instead of BPA exposure contributing to obesity, it may be that obese children are simply consume more foods rich in BPA, like sodas, canned or microwaveable products. But Trasande said that this scenario is less likely, since he and his colleagues saw the strong correlation between BPA and obesity among children who consumed more than the average number of calories each day or less. The connection also remained strong after the researchers adjusted for the amount of young people watching television.

The other explanation is that exposure to the chemical, which has been shown to disrupt hormone levels, interferes somehow still developing the capacity of the young body to compensate for the calories come with those that are burned, which leads to an imbalance that promotes weight gain. [In addition to the risk of obesity] we know at least one study in which BPA is associated with effects on brain development. And BPA may also affect the development of a child's lung "

( MORE: If parents lose custody of their extremely obese children)

Interestingly. the association between BPA and obesity is highest among whites than in other racial or ethnic group. Since the NHANES data revealed no significant difference in how participants ate, the researchers think there may be some difference in the genetic makes Caucasian populations more vulnerable to chemicals

Although BPA has a half-life of around 4 to 43 hours. - which means that half of any amount ingested is eliminated from the body within that time - recent studies are showing that if the chemical is pulled in adipose tissue, it can not be removed as quickly people who fasted longer. that this time continue to harbor high levels of BPA.

Taken together, the evidence suggests that BPA exposure may be an important factor to obesity in children, and potentially put them at higher risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, problems heart and liver failure. adults among studies have linked higher urinary concentrations of BPA with these conditions. "This study suggests that we need to reconsider the recent choice not to ban BPA in cans," said Trasande, especially that there are alternatives to safer boxes.

PLUS obesity in children: Three Lifestyle Changes that helps

Alice Park is a writer at TIME Find her on Twitter at @aliceparkny you can continue.. the discussion on TIME's Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.

Power Up, Slim Down Mobile Apps can help lose weight

19.39 Add Comment
Power Up, Slim Down Mobile Apps can help lose weight -
Getty Images

Even for seniors who are not -savvy technology, simple digital tools and occasional telephone support can significantly improve weight management success -. and at a fraction of the cost of intensive consultations one-on-one

This is what the latest research on the subject published in the newspaper Archives of Internal Medicine shows. of mOVE s'! Regular health education class. More than three months to a year, people in the technology group lost 7 pounds more, on average, that people just attending classes - even if almost everyone in the study was illiterate computer when the program begin.

But the secret of success of the new technology, researchers say, are relatively low-tech and well-established principles to make the management of the practice weight and ensure that people feel responsible for their choices .

"As behavior change specialists, we know very sad truth: knowledge is rarely enough to change behavior," said Bonnie Spring, lead author of the new study and a professor of preventive medicine and Director of Behavior Center and health at Northwestern medicine.

"what [usually] takes to treat obesity is a lot of intensive counseling in person" Spring said. But it is not easy to provide in the current health system. "Physicians are encouraged to be responsible for managing their weight patients," she said, "but they do not really have the time or expertise." That's why she and her colleagues sought a technology-based "work-around". something that would be inexpensive and would not require a major commitment of time users, but would still provide personalized attention and frequent feedback that makes expert advice so effective

In the study, each volunteer was encouraged to attend MOVE every two weeks! classes, who teaches nutrition, setting realistic objectives and strategies to overcome bad habits. In addition, however, members of the Technology group also received mobile personal digital assistants (PDAs) to help them track the number of calories they eat and how much exercise they received. When updated, these devices would inform users about the calorie intake so far that day, and especially transmit data to a health coach. Then the coach, a person trained in counseling, but without specialized medical training, would check with each user by phone for 10 or 15 minutes, once every two weeks to discuss the progress of the participant. At each point, participants interacted with their coach, their weight was measured and each weighing in three months, six months and one year in the study - people who use the devices had shed more pounds than people who only attend classes.

"The two most effective elements of weight management are encouraging [people] to self-monitoring, and provide social support," says Spring.

She believes the mobile app action works because it simplifies the tracking calories and because participants know that someone, namely their health coach will notice their efforts and support them when they are struggling. "I think it is a support mixture being held responsible, "said Spring. "We all need that. We need a parental figure, helping us to stay on track. "

This personal connection defines the intervention of spring apart many weight loss tools in previous base Tech, which were less effective. In an editorial published with the new study Archives Dr. Goutham Rao of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Dr. Katherine Kirley of note NorthShore University health system that most weight loss programs currently fall into one of two categories: "simple and easy to implement, but ineffective or intense and effective but impractical or expensive to implement. "Mobile technology, they say, represents an opportunity for programs that are both effective and cheap. Counseling replacement in person with feedback by phone or wireless device, for example could potentially save hundreds of dollars specialized costs, while saving time patients significantly Travel (and the costs of babysitter or loss of pay) at the same time.

Spring said she is now working on loss interventions weight that would not cost more than $ 500, since that's more or less what the insurance companies are willing to spend on weight loss programs for health prevention. in comparison, bariatric surgery for loss of weight can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, a consequence of the health of obesity can cost tens or hundreds of thousands as well.

Spring said that new interventions, she studied will be similar to those tested in the Archive study that combine education with e-health, digital tools to help users monitor and record their own behavior, and phone support for a live person to provide a personal touch - and social pressure -. to help people stay on track

Power Up, Slim Down Mobile Apps can help lose weight

18.38 Add Comment
Power Up, Slim Down Mobile Apps can help lose weight -
Getty Images

Even for seniors who are not -savvy technology, simple digital tools and occasional telephone support can significantly improve weight management success -. and at a fraction of the cost of intensive consultations one-on-one

This is what the latest research on the subject published in the newspaper Archives of Internal Medicine shows. of mOVE s'! Regular health education class. More than three months to a year, people in the technology group lost 7 pounds more, on average, that people just attending classes - even if almost everyone in the study was illiterate computer when the program begin.

But the secret of success of the new technology, researchers say, are relatively low-tech and well-established principles to make the management of the practice weight and ensure that people feel responsible for their choices .

"As behavior change specialists, we know very sad truth: knowledge is rarely enough to change behavior," said Bonnie Spring, lead author of the new study and a professor of preventive medicine and Director of Behavior Center and health at Northwestern medicine.

"what [usually] takes to treat obesity is a lot of intensive counseling in person" Spring said. But it is not easy to provide in the current health system. "Physicians are encouraged to be responsible for managing their weight patients," she said, "but they do not really have the time or expertise." That's why she and her colleagues sought a technology-based "work-around". something that would be inexpensive and would not require a major commitment of time users, but would still provide personalized attention and frequent feedback that makes expert advice so effective

In the study, each volunteer was encouraged to attend MOVE every two weeks! classes, who teaches nutrition, setting realistic objectives and strategies to overcome bad habits. In addition, however, members of the Technology group also received mobile personal digital assistants (PDAs) to help them track the number of calories they eat and how much exercise they received. When updated, these devices would inform users about the calorie intake so far that day, and especially transmit data to a health coach. Then the coach, a person trained in counseling, but without specialized medical training, would check with each user by phone for 10 or 15 minutes, once every two weeks to discuss the progress of the participant. At each point, participants interacted with their coach, their weight was measured and each weighing in three months, six months and one year in the study - people who use the devices had shed more pounds than people who only attend classes.

"The two most effective elements of weight management are encouraging [people] to self-monitoring, and provide social support," says Spring.

She believes the mobile app action works because it simplifies the tracking calories and because participants know that someone, namely their health coach will notice their efforts and support them when they are struggling. "I think it is a support mixture being held responsible, "said Spring. "We all need that. We need a parental figure, helping us to stay on track. "

This personal connection defines the intervention of spring apart many weight loss tools in previous base Tech, which were less effective. In an editorial published with the new study Archives Dr. Goutham Rao of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Dr. Katherine Kirley of note NorthShore University health system that most weight loss programs currently fall into one of two categories: "simple and easy to implement, but ineffective or intense and effective but impractical or expensive to implement. "Mobile technology, they say, represents an opportunity for programs that are both effective and cheap. Counseling replacement in person with feedback by phone or wireless device, for example could potentially save hundreds of dollars specialized costs, while saving time patients significantly Travel (and the costs of babysitter or loss of pay) at the same time.

Spring said she is now working on loss interventions weight that would not cost more than $ 500, since that's more or less what the insurance companies are willing to spend on weight loss programs for health prevention. in comparison, bariatric surgery for loss of weight can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, a consequence of the health of obesity can cost tens or hundreds of thousands as well.

Spring said that new interventions, she studied will be similar to those tested in the Archive study that combine education with e-health, digital tools to help users monitor and record their own behavior, and phone support for a live person to provide a personal touch - and social pressure -. to help people stay on track

Salty Truth: Adults Eating Too Much Sodium Worldwide

17.37 Add Comment
Salty Truth: Adults Eating Too Much Sodium Worldwide -
Grove Pashley / Getty Images

last research shows that almost everyone needs to hold the salt.

There is a critical flavor enhancer in many foods, and in centuries past, it was necessary for the preservation of perishable foods before the advent refrigerators. But salt, alas, is one of many factors that undermine the American health. The American Heart Association (AHA) links too much salt in the diet at a higher risk of heart disease, hypertension and stroke, according to a study presented this week to 2013 Scientific Sessions of the AHA, the excess salt leads to almost 2.3 million heart related deaths worldwide in 2010.

the researchers analyzed 247 surveys of adults participating in the global burden of Disease survey, a study of collaboration between researchers from 50 different countries in 2010. participants reported their sodium intake from 1990 to 2010 in food questionnaires. Overall, adults from around the world ate an average of 4,000 mg of sodium per day, prepared or table salt foods, soy sauce or salt sprinkled in extra meals during cooking. That's twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (2000 mg daily) and nearly three times the amount the AHA says is healthy (1500 mg daily).

( PLUS Top 10 salt sources in your diet)

Of the 187 countries represented in the survey, 181, which houses 99% of the world population, exceeded the World salt limit of the health Organization; only Kenya acceded to the recommendation of the AHA.

To emphasize the contribution that high consumption of sodium can have on health, the researchers then conducted a meta-analysis of 107 studies that measured the relationship between participants of salt intake and blood pressure and heart disease risk.

Among people who die of heart attacks, strokes or other heart problems, 40% were premature and occurred in people 69 and under. Excessive salt consumption - defined as anything above 1,000 mg per day - is linked to 84% of deaths, and the majority occurred in low- and middle-income

.

Of the 30 largest countries in the world, the United States ranks 19th, with 429 deaths per million adults due to excessive consumption of salt.

The Salt Institute has criticized the study, noting that the added heart disease risk was compared to an abnormally low level of salt consumption that no country in the world met. "This latest study AHA statistics on mortality in the world of dietary salt is misleading and completely devoid of authentic evidence," said Morton Satin, vice president of science and research for the Salt Institute, in a statement. "Using a very imperfect statistical model, the researchers simply projected potential reductions in mortality regardless of any known risks to health from the low salt intake."

( PLUS Are we training Babies Crave Salt?)

However, adults are not the only ones at risk. In other research presented at the AHA meeting, scientists have reported that children are already eating too much salt as well. The high sodium content in prepackaged meals and snacks for children pushes them to eat unhealthy amounts. About 75% of pre-packaged meals are high in sodium, according to data that analyzed the salt content in 1115 products for babies and toddlers.

In the analysis, researchers defined "high in sodium" as containing more than 210 mg per serving, and they found that some baby food contained up to 630 mg of sodium per serving. "Our concern is the risk to the possible long-term health of the introduction of high levels of sodium in the diet of a child, because high blood pressure, as well as a preference for salty foods, can develop early in life. the less sodium in the diet of the infant or young child, the less he or she may want when older, "said lead author Joyce Maalouf, a researcher at the National Centre for disease prevention chronic and health Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, in a statement

( MORE:. to Salt or not Salt Study questions benefits of dietary sodium reduction? )

And the AHA said it is good to remember that the salt does not come into the shaker on the table. And when cooking, keep the salt to a minimum and try to replace with other flavors, such as the acidity of the lemon juice, to trick your taste buds into thinking they are getting the salt.

Vegetarians may live longer

16.36 Add Comment
Vegetarians may live longer -
Getty Images

in one of the most important studies to date, researchers at Loma Linda University in California report that vegetarians survive meat eaters.

Among a group of 70,000 participants, the researchers found that vegetarians had a 12% lower risk of death compared to non-vegetarians. The effect was true for other specific vegetarian diets, the study, which is published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine . For example, vegans also had a lower risk of death compared with nonvegetarians.

( MORE: It is not enough fat: There is another Red Meat Way can harm the heart)

Vegetarian diets have been linked to the research before a low likelihood of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation. "We can not tell from this document being sure, but one of the most plausible potential reasons that contribute to this beneficial association is perhaps the absence or reduction of meat consumption," says Dr. Michael J. Orlich, director of preventive medicine residency at Loma Linda University.

red meat was fingers as a potential culprit because of its high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol this can clog arteries. in April, another study showed that carnitine compound also found in red meat, is metabolized by the human intestinal bacteria and fills the blood vessels.

Although ' there is a good amount of evidence linking red meat consumption to increased mortality, other factors could also be involved. "it could also be that consumption of various plant foods can be advantageously combined with reduced mortality, so we really want to discuss these things on the level of food in the future, "said Orlich.

Interestingly, the researchers also found that the association between vegetarian diets and lower mortality was higher in men than in women. The men had lower rates of cardiovascular disease and death from heart conditions. Women are not the same measurable reductions.

( PLUS Gut Bugs: They are what you eat)

"I do not have strong speculation, but it could be that diet plays differently due to biological factors in men and women, "said Orlich, who plans to look deeper into what foods and specific nutrients may be responsible for the association. Understanding what motivates the link is complex, and it may be different for various groups and individuals. For example, a British study of vegetarianism in more than 47,250 participants did not find the same results in mortality. The fact that American vegetarians consume more fiber and vitamin C might be the reason, which emphasizes the need for a better understanding of how the longevity diet impacts.

The Paleo Diet Craze: What is good and evil About eat like a Caveman

15.35 Add Comment
The Paleo Diet Craze: What is good and evil About eat like a Caveman -
Getty Images / First Light / Getty Images / First Light

Call Paleo Chic. The eating habits of cavemen have never been more popular. But should we take menus evidence of our ancestors?

The protein-heavy, principles low carb diet of Paleo arise in restaurants as HG SPLY Co. in Dallas and Hu Kitchen in New York; Paleo inspired new exotic products such as pemmican grass-fed beef, a Native American meat paste, hit the shelves. And Miley Cyrus celebrities Kobe Bryant are followers would greedy.

While the Paleo diet has been around for years, it is just gaining some momentum Mastodon-like. But many nutrition experts are not impressed. June 3, Scientific American ran a long history that ridiculed the Paleo diet as "half-baked". The magazine suggested that the caveman was imagining- movement "a tall, thin, torn and agile 30 years "was an invention.]

Similarly, US News, in its 2014 ranking of the" Best Diets overall, "announced that the Paleo diet was basically very, tied at No. 31 with Dukan diet. "experts questioned the diet on every measure," scolded the magazine.

What beef experts, so to speak, with the regime? When it surfaces in academia in the late 1970s and the popular diet books began emerging in the 1990s, the program was promoted as a way of life and a loss method weight, cousin to Dr. Atkins and the low-carb craze.

The theory behind the diet is simple: our hunter-gatherer ancestors who survived the meat and fish that has not been saturated with antibiotics or hormones stimulating growth, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, were on track until the agricultural revolution introduced toxins in the food chain there are about 10,000 years. So the goal is for citizens of the 21st century lean back and back and eat the way primitive people made in the Paleolithic era, there are about two million years.

But dieticians find its debt, even fussy, requirements such as bonding with very lean, meats and pure plant unrealistic. As Scientific American said, "The Paleo diet is based on more privileged than logic. Hunter-fathers in the Paleolithic hunted and gathered because they had to. people at the Paleo diet try to eat as hunter-gatherers because they want to. "Any diet that restricts certain food groups and emphasizes other are not balanced, these experts say, and there is no solid scientific evidence to prove that Paleo-eaters live longer, or are healthier than those who do not follow the diet

Marlene Zuk, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Minnesota, has a different reproach in his new book, "Paleofantasy.. Qu'est- what evolution really says about sex, food, and how we live, "she rips most contemporary notions of our Paleolithic ancestors. "I have not written a diet book," she said, "and I do not want to tell people how to eat. But I want people to understand evolution."

But the Paleo crowd passionately defends his ancestral diet. Kellyann Petrucci, nutritional clinician who is the author of three "Dummies" books on popular lifestyle Paleo ( "Living Paleo", "Paleo Cookbook" and "Paleo Workouts), it offers the benefits of part A primitive habits. "I became interested in Paleo because when I hit 40 a few years ago, I fell and burned," she said. "I was gaining weight like crazy ... my skin was lifeless, my hair started thinning and I had no energy. When I followed the Paleo model, it was clear to me that something was going on a deep cellular level. Not only have I myself back, but a healthier and more dynamic version. "

Perhaps the most outspoken defender of Paleodom Chris Kresser, whose new book" Your code Paleo Personal "(read an excerpt here) provides a detailed roadmap for the lifestyle. Kresser who practices integrative and functional medicine in Berkeley, Cal., Assigns regime with restoring his own health after years of painful digestive disease. "Today, I am blessed with good health, a loving family and a thriving practice, "he said.

Kresser argues that in fact science supports Paleo principles. "There is a broad consensus among scientists that our Paleolithic ancestors consumed mainly meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and starchy tubers "He rejects the claim that the diet is too labor-intensive for the average person, or is difficult to find the ingredients of these previous regimes, citing a plethora of restaurants and new convenience foods such as gluten / sugar / soy-free beef jerky, kale chips and grain gluten-free crackers and deserts.

Over the past three years, he said he has treated 900 people in his office in Berkeley, California. "My practice has been closed to new patients for most of the past two years," he says, "because there is a high demand for clinicians who embrace Paleo in their work." Kresser said that the plan is booming in popularity because "Many people experience a profound change in their health after switching to Paleo and they are happy to share with others. This created one base, the movement of people wanting to get the word powerful word-of-mouth. "

This word is not enough, however. New York City nutritionist Jennifer Andrus sees wise nutritional principles in food, such as meats and lean fish, fruits and vegetables, but said that it is not necessary to go to extremes of Paleo crowd. "it eliminates dairy products, legumes and other foods that can be part of healthy diet." Although she shares the concerns of the people about Paleo food and modern convenience candy, she is also concerned about our current gluttony "I think that processed foods deserves criticism, but probably not because we have not evolved. most likely because we eat too much of it and most of it is empty nutritionally. "

Andrus suggests a common sense strategy, one that Kresser said in his book, he can take out." Some people like to comply with the 80/20 rule; if 80% of your diet is perfect, there is some leeway for the rest, "she said. After all," There is plenty of space between Paleo and a shit eating Pop-Tarts and McDonald . "

The Paleo Diet Craze: What is good and evil About eat like a Caveman

14.34 Add Comment
The Paleo Diet Craze: What is good and evil About eat like a Caveman -
Getty Images / First Light / Getty Images / First Light

Call Paleo Chic. The eating habits of cavemen have never been more popular. But should we take menus evidence of our ancestors?

The protein-heavy, principles low carb diet of Paleo arise in restaurants as HG SPLY Co. in Dallas and Hu Kitchen in New York; Paleo inspired new exotic products such as pemmican grass-fed beef, a Native American meat paste, hit the shelves. And Miley Cyrus celebrities Kobe Bryant are followers would greedy.

While the Paleo diet has been around for years, it is just gaining some momentum Mastodon-like. But many nutrition experts are not impressed. June 3, Scientific American ran a long history that ridiculed the Paleo diet as "half-baked". The magazine suggested that the caveman was imagining- movement "a tall, thin, torn and agile 30 years "was an invention.]

Similarly, US News, in its 2014 ranking of the" Best Diets overall, "announced that the Paleo diet was basically very, tied at No. 31 with Dukan diet. "experts questioned the diet on every measure," scolded the magazine.

What beef experts, so to speak, with the regime? When it surfaces in academia in the late 1970s and the popular diet books began emerging in the 1990s, the program was promoted as a way of life and a loss method weight, cousin to Dr. Atkins and the low-carb craze.

The theory behind the diet is simple: our hunter-gatherer ancestors who survived the meat and fish that has not been saturated with antibiotics or hormones stimulating growth, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, were on track until the agricultural revolution introduced toxins in the food chain there are about 10,000 years. So the goal is for citizens of the 21st century lean back and back and eat the way primitive people made in the Paleolithic era, there are about two million years.

But dieticians find its debt, even fussy, requirements such as bonding with very lean, meats and pure plant unrealistic. As Scientific American said, "The Paleo diet is based on more privileged than logic. Hunter-fathers in the Paleolithic hunted and gathered because they had to. people at the Paleo diet try to eat as hunter-gatherers because they want to. "Any diet that restricts certain food groups and emphasizes other are not balanced, these experts say, and there is no solid scientific evidence to prove that Paleo-eaters live longer, or are healthier than those who do not follow the diet

Marlene Zuk, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Minnesota, has a different reproach in his new book, "Paleofantasy.. Qu'est- what evolution really says about sex, food, and how we live, "she rips most contemporary notions of our Paleolithic ancestors. "I have not written a diet book," she said, "and I do not want to tell people how to eat. But I want people to understand evolution."

But the Paleo crowd passionately defends his ancestral diet. Kellyann Petrucci, nutritional clinician who is the author of three "Dummies" books on popular lifestyle Paleo ( "Living Paleo", "Paleo Cookbook" and "Paleo Workouts), it offers the benefits of part A primitive habits. "I became interested in Paleo because when I hit 40 a few years ago, I fell and burned," she said. "I was gaining weight like crazy ... my skin was lifeless, my hair started thinning and I had no energy. When I followed the Paleo model, it was clear to me that something was going on a deep cellular level. Not only have I myself back, but a healthier and more dynamic version. "

Perhaps the most outspoken defender of Paleodom Chris Kresser, whose new book" Your code Paleo Personal "(read an excerpt here) provides a detailed roadmap for the lifestyle. Kresser who practices integrative and functional medicine in Berkeley, Cal., Assigns regime with restoring his own health after years of painful digestive disease. "Today, I am blessed with good health, a loving family and a thriving practice, "he said.

Kresser argues that in fact science supports Paleo principles. "There is a broad consensus among scientists that our Paleolithic ancestors consumed mainly meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and starchy tubers "He rejects the claim that the diet is too labor-intensive for the average person, or is difficult to find the ingredients of these previous regimes, citing a plethora of restaurants and new convenience foods such as gluten / sugar / soy-free beef jerky, kale chips and grain gluten-free crackers and deserts.

Over the past three years, he said he has treated 900 people in his office in Berkeley, California. "My practice has been closed to new patients for most of the past two years," he says, "because there is a high demand for clinicians who embrace Paleo in their work." Kresser said that the plan is booming in popularity because "Many people experience a profound change in their health after switching to Paleo and they are happy to share with others. This created one base, the movement of people wanting to get the word powerful word-of-mouth. "

This word is not enough, however. New York City nutritionist Jennifer Andrus sees wise nutritional principles in food, such as meats and lean fish, fruits and vegetables, but said that it is not necessary to go to extremes of Paleo crowd. "it eliminates dairy products, legumes and other foods that can be part of healthy diet." Although she shares the concerns of the people about Paleo food and modern convenience candy, she is also concerned about our current gluttony "I think that processed foods deserves criticism, but probably not because we have not evolved. most likely because we eat too much of it and most of it is empty nutritionally. "

Andrus suggests a common sense strategy, one that Kresser said in his book, he can take out." Some people like to comply with the 80/20 rule; if 80% of your diet is perfect, there is some leeway for the rest, "she said. After all," There is plenty of space between Paleo and a shit eating Pop-Tarts and McDonald . "

Turn down the thermostat, lose a few pounds?

12.32 Add Comment
Turn down the thermostat, lose a few pounds? -
Getty Images

central heating feels good on windy winter nights, but a new study conducted by researchers from University College London suggests that keeping your home can be too soft you fat.

( More about Time.com:[19459048~~number=plural] 5 ways to improve your diet on the cheap)

The idea is that the exposure to cold prompts humans to generate their own heat - by chills, for example, in extremely cold conditions - which, in turn, helps burn calories. When he is already toasty inside, we should not expend extra energy to get comfortable. The New York Times reports

Even in slightly colder conditions, such as in a cold room with the thermostat turned down to the 60 lowest, people produce additional heat without trembling. This process, called non-shivering thermogenesis, may involve a substance called brown fat than adults are in some areas, like the upper back and side of the neck. Unlike regular fat, which stores excess energy and calories, brown fat acts like an internal furnace that consumes a lot of calories, but it must first be activated - and cold temperatures make

.

The authors of the new study, published in the journal Reviews obesity noted that the average indoor temperatures have increased steadily in the United Kingdom and the United States in recent decades, central heating has become increasingly available - and obesity rates have increased too. The average temperature in British living rooms increased from 64.9 degrees to 70.3 degrees F F, from 1978 to 2008. Living in the United States have long been heated to at least 70 degrees F. In fact, average temperatures have increased throughout the house - and winter, people tend not to leave their homes much, at least not unless it's in a heated car. ( More on Time.com: 5 Fitness Apps to Get You Off the Couch)

"expectations increased time spent indoors, widespread access to central heating and air conditioning, and an increase in thermal comfort contribute to limit the range of temperatures we experience in daily life and reduce the time our bodies spend under mild thermal stress - meaning we burn less energy " said lead author Fiona Johnson in a statement. "This could have an impact on energy balance and ultimately have an impact on body weight and obesity."

Although humans are born with significant deposits of brown fat - whose main purpose is to regulate body temperature by burning energy for heating. - these stores decreased over time as adults our brown fat stores fell, having been replaced the more familiar white fat, the stuff that hangs over belt buckles and swings on the back of the arms. ( More on Time.com: 5 Weight loss Working Applications)

Studies show, however, that the brown fat activity can be triggered even in adults. Thus, the Times asks: "Could lower the thermostat to make a noticeable difference in the weight of the people"

Dr. C. Ronald Kahn, a professor at Harvard Medical School? who did research on brown fat, said it could actually help with weight control over time, as long as people stick with it.

"When we put people in a room 60 degrees, they increase their energy expenditure of 100 or 200 calories a day if they are in light clothing, "as scrubs in the hospital, he said. "They are not shivering. They activate their brown fat."

Over a period of several weeks, they burned an extra 3,500 calories, which results in the loss of a book.

The problem, Dr. Kahn said, is that "most people will not stay at that temperature for a long time."

More on Time.com:

Brown Fat: a fat that helps you lose weight

study: Scientists Find a way to Trigger Fat-Fat Burning

Overcoming obesity: on the front line of the battle of the bulge

It's Fat Talk Free Week (and you could win $ 1000)

11.31 Add Comment
It's Fat Talk Free Week (and you could win $ 1000) -

Did you know that 54% of women would rather be hit by a truck that being fat? Yep, you read right. Women obsessed with their weight is hardly new; if you think that this should change, you may want to celebrate Fat Talk Free Week, which begins today.

It might even make you $ 1,000 richer. The national campaign to crack down against the fat talk is sponsoring a video contest in which would-be filmmakers can create videos showcasing how they creatively spread the message to stop talking about fat. Entries must be uploaded to the Facebook fan page at midnight CST Wednesday; fans will choose a winner, who receives a gift certificate of $ 1,000 at Best Buy. ( More on Time.com: The 'Other' Salt: 5 Foods Rich in Potassium)

The week program is modeled on the Image Reflections body, which was created by Delta Delta Delta sorority, local sororities at Trinity University in San Antonio and Carolyn Becker, associate professor of psychology at Trinity. Dozens of university campuses have adopted the philosophy that encourages women to turn against the stereotype of the ideal woman as thin. Instead, what is important is to feel good skin you are.

But - and talk exorcise fat - is harder than it seems. To participate in Fat Talk Free Week, you have to engage on their Facebook fan page to eliminate "fat talk" from your vocabulary. What this means in real terms is not moaning about how you need to eat a salad for lunch because your jeans feel tight. No gossip about the girl in the hallway that looks a bit plump when you met.

Learning to talk down fat conversation is an art. "One of the first things we teach women is the meaning fat-talk," says Sarah Williamson, director of educational initiatives at the Delta Delta Delta headquarters. One of the next things? "Healthy looks different for everyone," says Williamson. ( More about Time.com: You want good health? There are 10 Apps for That)

Williamson office for example, is an area all year nonfat conversation If an uneducated soul must wander in and join them for lunch, to proclaim, "Oh, I can not eat, I feel I'll. gain 10 pounds, "they are slightly cut off. "We say he is fat-talk-free here," says Williamson. Then they finished their lunch.

More about Time.com:

See photos on the way you dress thin

Fitness Tech: 10 cool ways to be fit

When a salad is not a salad? Why Dieters are easily confused by labels

20.28 Add Comment
When a salad is not a salad? Why Dieters are easily confused by labels -
Flickr via Getty pictures

Dieters are a target group: they calculate the calories, sugar and fat content and conscientiously ask for dressing on the side. Right? University of South Carolina; Beth Vallen, assistant professor of marketing at Loyola University Maryland; and Stefanie Rosen Robinson, a graduate student at the University of South Carolina, in a statement [PDF]. "Thus, dieters are likely to assume that a given element an unhealthy name (for example, pasta) is less healthy than an item assigned a healthy name (for example, salad), and they do not spend time considering other product information that might impact their product evaluations "

given the pervasiveness of health products lime currently on store shelves - marketed chips as milkshakes sold as "smoothies", sugary drinks repositioned as "flavored water" "vegetable chips." - which could lead to much confusion, the authors

.

( More about TIME.com: "Why Obese People watching makes us want to eat more, not less")

In a series of experiments, the researchers asked participants - some who have dieting, some not -. to assess the relative safety and flavor of food, and measured these assessments against how many people consumed in one experiment, people were asked to imagine the command from a lunch menu and evaluate their health status or the "daily special salad" or the "daily special pasta" was. They were given a list of ingredients and photos of the dishes, which were in fact exactly the same - both contained romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, red peppers, pasta shells, salami, mozzarella cheese and a vinaigrette salted herbs. Both totaled 900 calories, with 60 grams of fat. The only difference is that one called a salad, and one pasta.

The label alone was sufficient to influence the diet "- but not nondieters' - Notes. When the product was called pasta, dieters were judged significantly less healthy than nondieters did. Interestingly, however, when it was given the name of "healthy" salad, it led to no difference in ranking between the two groups. (But, overall, dieters believed the same dish, when called salad was healthy.)

because dieters tend to be more sensitive to certain names of foods taboos - such as pasta, ice cream, chips and sweets - that people are not constantly watch their weight, and are more motivated to avoid. On the other hand, however, their judgment healthy food sounding no different from nondieters'. So the strategy of the typical diet is not necessarily to eat more good food, but rather to prevent disappointments.

( More on TIME.com: "Health-Washing :? Is" Healthy "Fast Food for Real")

Why are nondieters not as easily fooled by product labels? The authors write:

It is important to note here that we do not believe that the odds of nondieters reason are immune to the impact of the food name is that these people tend to assess food more consistently than the diet. In fact, we believe that the reason why the product name does not affect the nondieters assessments is that they have no motivation to spontaneously assess food safety or implicit associations between certain categories of food and healthfulness that dieters do.

In other words, people who are not concerned about the weight loss simply care less about that stuff.

In another experiment, dieters and nondieters were asked to assess the safety and flavor of acid Jelly beans Jelly Belly - presented as "fruit chews" or not only "candy Mash." the dieters more likely to evaluate chewing sweets as less healthy and less tasty than nondieters do, but, ironically, they ate more snack when he was named fruit chew.

( More on TIME.com: "Can pregnant mother feeding a future influence of the weight of the child")

appears that dieters are so busy to avoid a long list of "forbidden" foods they are failing to take note of what really matters: product ingredients, not marketing hype

.

The study was published in Journal of Consumer Research .

Study: An apple a day may keep the disease at bay

19.27 Add Comment
Study: An apple a day may keep the disease at bay -
Getty Images

Eating white flesh fruits like apples and pears was associated with a significant dip in the risk of stroke, is a large new study by Dutch researchers.

Although recent studies have touted the brightly colored fruits and vegetables as the healthiest - sweet potatoes orange, green cabbage and bright blueberries, for example - he was humbly the apples and pears in pale flesh that came out as the big winners in the new study.

The researchers analyzed data on more than 20,000 men and women aged 20 to 65 who were healthy and free of cardiovascular disease at baseline 10 years. Based on questionnaires completed by the participants, the researchers tracked their consumption of fruits and vegetables by color: green (broccoli, kale, spinach and other leafy greens), orange / yellow (citrus fruits, carrots, peaches), red / purple (tomatoes, beets, cherries) and white (apples, including applesauce, pears, bananas, cauliflower, cucumber, chicory).

LIST: 5 Healthy Alternatives to Potato chip

Overall, the white category was the most widely consumed time color groups this represents 36% of all products consumed. The most common foods in this group were apples, pears and applesauce.

The researchers followed the participants for a decade, logging the number of people suffered strokes. There were 233. When the rate of stroke was compared with the participants' diet, the researchers found no association with the amount of fruit and brightly colored vegetables they ate, a bit of a surprise being as the phytochemicals that lend their color these foods have been linked to heart health and a lower risk of cancer.

The participants who consumed 171 grams of daily whitefish products, however - the equivalent of a medium to large apple - were 52% less likely to have suffered a stroke than people who ate less than 78 grams of white goods. Overall, 25 grams of white fruit consumed each day, participants saw a 9% reduction in the risk of stroke.

It is unclear why white fruits can be associated with such a dramatic effect on stroke and the authors cautioned that the results need to be replicated before making specific recommendations on white fruits. But it is known that diets rich in fiber - found in apples and pears - contribute to overall cardiovascular health. And as Tara Parker-Pope's Well blog notes: "The fruits also contain a number of nutrients and phytochemicals, including flavonols quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory properties."

PLUS $ 5 Friday: How to eat healthy for five bucks a pop

As other research based on self-reported questionnaires, the the study is limited by the potentially faulty memories people about what they ate. However, the study was large and the population based and tends to support some widely accepted nutritional advice :. Eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health

The study was published Thursday in Course :. Journal of the American Heart Association and was funded by grants combined Dutch and European public health agencies and the Council of Dutch horticultural products

Meredith Melnick is a journalist TIME . Find her on Twitter at @MeredithCM. You can also continue the discussion on TIME Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.

DIY Plans: The diet books to a Slimmer You in 2012

18.26 Add Comment
DIY Plans: The diet books to a Slimmer You in 2012 -
Getty Images

It is January, which means the Great American Holiday Pig-Out is finally over. It's time to waddle to the bathroom scale and assess the damage, and make that the resolution (again) to shed some pounds. If joining a gym or signing up for a diet delivery service sounds like too much work, some authors and publishers best do the job for you. Yes, it's time to buy a diet book, and this season there is no shortage of advice such weight. Some contributions are serious and reflection; others are, well, a little pie-in-the-sky, temporary solutions to a persistent problem. Here's a look at 10 (no particular order) you could soon be flipping on your new e-reader.

Next 'The Petite Advantage Diet

All Hype? gluten-free diets may not help much

17.25 Add Comment
All Hype? gluten-free diets may not help much -
White Packert / Getty Images

products without gluten are all the rage these days, but many health-conscious eaters who buy them can waste their money, the authors of a new review in Annals of Internal Medicine suggest.

Going is necessary for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, found in wheat, barley and rye gluten. The disease causes inflammation in the small intestine and can lead to malnutrition.

Yet many others without celiac disease have also adopted gluten-free lifestyles - no doubt partly inspired by athletes and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham - in the hope of lose weight, increase energy and resolve a number of potentially related to gluten symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, headaches, ADHD and mouth sores.

Many of the adopters were diagnosed by their doctors with "nonceliac gluten sensitivity," a condition that, according to some estimates affects up to 18 million Americans. But the authors of the commentary, researchers coeliacs Dr. Antonio Di Sabatino and Dr. Gino Roberto Corazza University of Pavia in Italy, a question that figure, noting that there is no official data on the prevalence of gluten sensitivity nonceliac, nor is there a consensus among doctors about how to diagnose. Unlike celiac disease, which can be identified through blood tests and biopsies of the bowel, there is no good test to determine sensitivity gluten.

What there is, however, is a lot of hype surrounding the supposed benefits of eating gluten-free. These allegations "seem to increase daily, without adequate scientific support to back them up," write authors. gluten foods - pasta, bread, baked goods and breakfast cereals - can actually be sensitive to the other in wheat flour or other ingredients in food something the authors suggest it is. also possible that some people develop gastrointestinal symptoms or other simply because they believe they are sensitive foods.

This is not to say that there is no sensitivity gluten nonceliac. But the authors say that more clinical research is needed to help identify and prevent a "gluten concern to evolve in the conviction that gluten is toxic for most of the population."

in the meantime, until the researchers include the best way to diagnose gluten sensitivity, the authors discourage people from cutting gluten completely, which could lead to a diet lacking in fiber - and put serious dent in your wallet - and suggests that doctors use a "food challenge", a test in which a patient drinks a beverage gluten to see if symptoms occur, to help identify probable cases of sensitivity.

Most overweight children parents do not hear the Doctor

16.24 Add Comment
Most overweight children parents do not hear the Doctor -
Getty Images

Parents hate to hear that their children are fat. It is much more difficult for doctors to use the term 'overweight'.

But even suppliers that have mastered the art of tactfully inform parents that Junior must slim down may not share this information with parents.

( PLUS : Q & A: Losing weight does not help obese girls love Themselves - Can parents)

The percentage of doctors telling parents that their children are overweight has increased in the last decade, but not enough do -. or they are apparently not communicate in a way that is sinking into

"Parents might be more motivated to follow healthy eating advice and activity if they knew their children were overweight, but very little overweight parents of children say they have never heard that from their doctor, "said Eliana M. Perrin, lead author of the study and associate professor of pediatrics at North Carolina University at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Medicine, in a statement.

Researchers at the UNC looked at 4,985 children aged 2 to 15 who had a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile; Data on children were collected between 1999 and 2008 as part of a national survey.

In 1999, only 19% of parents called a doctor to inform them that their child was overweight. In 2008, this had grown to 29%, which was a step in the desired direction. Yet only 58% of the very obese parents of children reported hearing the news from a doctor.

( PLUS : Childhood Obesity: Most US schools do not require PE Class or Recess)

Why are not more doctors having this conversation ? Undoubtedly, some prefer to avoid what could not help but be an unpleasant exchange. Yet it is hard to imagine a doctor ignoring a risk factor more prevalent for unhealthy results: researchers estimate that in three American children are overweight

.

doctors assuming approach the subject, the key to the motivation of parents and not alienating is sensitive language, according to September 1 study Pediatrics which revealed that mom and dad grind teeth if they hear their beloved described as "chubby" or "fat" or "obese". parents prefer that doctors simply raise the question of the weight of the child, using terms such as "high BMI" or "overweight".

"Many people find the" fat "as pejorative term and judgment," says Rebecca Puhl, lead author of the study and director of research at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at . Yale University "much of the time, suppliers have positive intentions, but the language they use can be seen as blaming, accusatory and not useful."

MORE Outrage on Vogue test by a mom who put his 7-Year-Old on a diet

Q & A: Weight Watchers CEO describes his path to "Weight Loss Boss'

15.23 Add Comment
Q & A: Weight Watchers CEO describes his path to "Weight Loss Boss' -

As you can guess, David Kirchhoff knows a thing or two about weight control. After all, he is the CEO of Weight Watchers International (WW), the largest weight loss program in the world. More than 1 million people in some 25 countries attending meetings WW each week, and 2 million participate online.

But what you might not expect is that the 6-ft.-3-in., 200 lb. Kirchhoff has struggled with her weight for years. In his new inspiring book, Boss weight loss charismatic leader of WW tells its own story and offers countless tips for weight-challenged readers. We caught up with Kirchhoff, 45, shortly after his daily training.

Healthland: In your book, you are remarkably honest about your own weight challenges. Was it difficult to be as open
Kirchhoff: At first it was. When I started writing the man meets the scale blog, every time I wanted to write a post where I expose a new part of myself, I quickly found myself second guessing: is this something I want really put out there, both as a person and the CEO of a large company? But I decided that regardless of personal risk, I felt would be worth it, because I think it is important for obese people to know they are not alone.

You write in your first year at Duke, you "specialized in smorgasbord" and gained 45 pounds. How did this happen?
I would it was a combination of all-you-can-eat cafeteria food and beer and pizza. and fast food on top [of that] and eat a bag of chips. Just kind of unbridled consumption. Ironically, the weight that I put on the back in college made me feel like I was looking more normal, instead of being too thin. [Kirchhoff was 170 lbs. in high school.] It was not really until after college that I continued to gain weight and found myself in the territory of clinical obesity

( PLUS Study: 20% "fat tax" would improve public health).

in the book, you describe going to a doctor in 1999 and discover that you weigh 242 lbs. what effect did it have on you?
I wanted to vomit. I felt physically sick. Getting the job of returning blood was even more shocking. [Kirchhoff found out that his cholesterol was dangerously high.]

You hit your goal WW there three years. What does this mean to you? I then became - like many people - worried how I would keep this course. How will I maintain that loss? That's when my education really began to change my behaviors and habits once and for all.

Your book suggests that weight control is never complete.
No, it never is, but I'm quite Ö.K. with that. But it is true that every day, at mealtimes, in places where I am surrounded by food, I actively works to make better choices. The reward for doing so is so huge that I'm quite a big development in that little effort every day.

Government studies show that the percentage of American men who are overweight is equal to that of women. Yet we hear very little about the male problem. Why
Women face weight for many wrong reasons - pressure from the media and body image - that men have always unknown. However, obesity as a health problem should be treated as a health problem, and it affects men and women equally. And men are less likely to get engaged to deal with it.

( PLUS FDA Panel Backs Approval slimming drug Lorcaserin)

It surprised me that you do not think that the will is a good strategy for dieting.
I actually think the notion of desire can be destructive. The reason I say that is that there is a presumption that one must simply exercise the will to ward off temptation. How our brain works of science, it is a false premise. It never works. On the contrary, my opinion is that it's a place where I get to the bridge battery in my favor. By managing my environment so I'm not tempted, I must not carry nearly as many will.

What do you mean by "a trigger food"?
A trigger food is a food that when you start eating, you feel out of control, and you stop trouble. Everyone has a different food trigger. For some people, it might be a box of chocolates, then you will see that some people will be eating only one or two. For some people, it might be a bag of chips. In my case, it's a pint of ice cream or a big bowl of nuts.

What is the answer for people grazing, nibbling all day?
(Laughter.) That's what I say, not what I do, because I m a large grazer. An obvious tip is that it is difficult to graze if there is no food immediately around you. So if you're in the office, do not keep food in your office. If you are sitting watching television, try not to have food sitting on the coffee table right in front of you. If you're at a party, and there are large food trays, put [your food] on a plate and have just as much. Avoid eating food bags, boxes, large bowls and platters.

Do you exercise every day?
I do. My two habits bedrock are a healthy breakfast and a morning workout.

What do you say to the person who was in 1000 plans and still can not lose weight?
You can not lose weight after a typical diet, and it is one of the major problems. A typical diet is to do something for two to three months, your goal and return to normal life. It will always be the same result: watching the weight back. The trick is to establish models and long term routines that you can live happily with the rest of your life.

Do you feel self-conscious when eating with others? I bet people are watching what you eat very carefully to know what your habits are.
I do. I am sometimes amused when I dine with people, they order more responsibly

! ( PLUS Is 'Social Jet Lag' you Fat?)