The Fat Report » Obesity In America

The Obesity Virus

Chuck Edwards — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:29:03 +0000

The Obesity Virus

Julie Chen with CBS news interviews Dr. Louis Aronne about research which suggests that obesity could actually be contagious – like the common cold. Dr. Aronne is an obesity expert at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Adenoviruses

The research Dr. Aronne is citing centers around a human adenovirus, AD-36. Researchers in both the U.S. and India have found evidence that several human adenoviruses can cause obesity in animals. Among these are AD-5, AD-36 and AD-37.

Doctors don’t normally test for adenoviruses during a normal examination. One common way that leads physicians to suspect an adenovirus infection is a blood test. If a person has a low cholesterol level, coupled with weight problems, it could be a sign that they have the virus. Dr. Aronne says, “It looks like what it does, is it makes fat cells sort of suck fat into them, and that could make you gain more weight.”

The Theory

The theory that a virus could lead to obesity is widely challenged in the scientific community. Most of the research has been done on animals, rather than humans, and many people who’ve been diagnosed with AD-36 show no signs of weight gain. Supporters of the theory contend that the explosion of obesity in recent years can’t all be linked to overeating, especially in Third World countries. More than 1 billion adults are overweight, according to the World Health Organization.

Dr. Aronne admits that it’s very rare for a person to be diagnosed with AD-36, and it will likely make most patients gain “a little bit of weight.” Researchers believe a third of obese adults may have contracted AD-36 at some point in their lives, and about ten percent of lean adults.

Like most weight problems, diet and exercise are the main prescription for a person who’s been diagnosed with AD-36.

Dr Kal’s Addendum:
I wouldn’t worry too much about whether or not you have the “Obesity Virus” because chances are you do not. It would not matter anyway because the treatment of your Obesity would be the same. Small lifestyle modifications lead to slow permanent weight loss.

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Obesity: The Killer At Large

Chuck Edwards — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:01:29 +0000

Obesity: The Killer At Large

This video is a trailer for the film “Killer at Large,” released on DVD in March 2009. The film examines the obesity epidemic in America in a no-holds-barred fashion.

The Terrorist Within

Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona is featured heavily in the trailer. Carmona says that during his time as Surgeon General, reporters were more interested in terrorism than obesity.

“One reporter one day made a mistake,” says Carmona. “He said to me, ‘Surgeon General, what’s the most pressing issue before you today?’ And I said obesity. He was silent. No one knew what to ask.”

Citing terrorism statistics versus obesity statistics, the gist of the film becomes clear: 28 American citizens were killed in acts of terrorism in 2006, while more than 100,000 died from obesity related illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and complications from diabetes. In addition, the CDC now estimates that a third of cancer deaths are related to obesity.

The Problem

“Killer at Large” follows the disturbing story of a 12-year-old girl who undergoes liposuction surgery, along with the remedies other patients have tried. Even the filmmaker himself chronicles his problems with weight gain.

Just as the evidence of the problem is clear, so is the cause. Americans are eating larger portions of unhealthy foods, loaded with fats and sugars, and exercising less. “Killer at Large” looks for solutions to the problem – not only on a personal level – but also on a societal level.

Dr Kal’s Addendum:
All I can say is WOW! I haven’t seen the movie yet, but it’s at the top of my to-do list.

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Obese Men Can Reverse Erectile Dysfunction

Chuck Edwards — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:37:21 +0000

Overweight Men Can Reverse Erectile Dysfunction

Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, urologist and erectile dysfunction (ED) expert, explains the link between abdominal obesity and low testosterone, which leads to ED.

Dr. Shabsigh says that abdominal obesity has a dramatic impact on sexual health in men. Abdominal fat has been linked to low testosterone in men. Testosterone is known as the “masculine” hormone, which produces sexual desire. It also affects the metabolism by giving men energy and building muscle mass. When testosterone levels drop due to abdominal obesity, the following symptoms can occur:

Low sexual desire
Erectile dysfunction
Frequent fatigue
Small muscle mass
Weak muscles

Just Lose 10%

Research shows a strong connection between sexual health and overall men’s health. Studies show that obese men who lose weight have an improvement in erectile function, even without the use of medication.

Here‘s Dr. Shabsigh‘s advice for his patients: “If you are overweight or obese, as a first step, 10 percent of your weight. If you lose 10 percent of your weight, your chemical function, your body composition, and your erectile function will improve.”

Dr. Shabsigh says this is a tremendous incentive for men to lose weight. Not only does weight loss reduce the risk of heart disease in men, it also increases their overall sexual health.

“So I tell my patients,” says Dr. Shabsigh, “If you are sexy, you are healthy, and if you are healthy, you are sexy.”

Dr Kal’s Addendum:
Before you start taking pills or miracle treatments, consider changing your lifestyle first. Your erectile dysfunction may be cured by simply losing weight, eating healthier, moving more, and living better.

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Obesity in America: Join the Battle

Guest Poster — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:28:52 +0000

Obesity in America – Joining the Battle Against it and Winning it

By Richard Morrison

300,000 people in the USA alone die from obesity and obesity related health diseases every year! Alright, no need to jump off your seats…that’s uncalled for, although I must agree that it’s one scary fact about obesity in America. Why am I telling you this? Simple, because whether you like it or NOT you are involved in the battle against obesity in America.

Here’s a couple of more fact to show you how crucial the situation is:

- CDC has reported that, for the past 20 years, for every 3 American adults, 2 of them are obese! – The number of kids and teens that have been victimized by obesity in America has increased to a worrying 33%!

And I could go on and on and on…unless you start taking action, everyone will soon get bloated, obese, and that’s UNHEALTHY plus life-threatening.

So what should you do then?

First off, realize that there are 2 BIG factors why one gets obese:

1. We are living an inactive, deskbound lifestyle that’s stopping us from burning fats and carbs.
2. The foods we eat are jam-packed with fats and carbs contributing to weight gain…and eventually obesity.

With that in mind, here are a couple of things you can start doing today in the battle against obesity in America:

1. Start living an active lifestyle, do some heavy lifting…anything to make you sweat for 30 minutes or so. Turn it up a notch to lose weight.
2. Be alert and aware of what you’re eating. Check out the nutritional facts and if it’s jam-packed with unwanted carbs…it’s about time to replace them with healthier alternatives.
3. Set a weight loss goal in mind. One that’s explicit, to the point, and achievable. And more importantly, stick to it and nail it down!

The war against obesity in America is something we all need to win.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Morrison
http://EzineArticles.com/?Obesity-in-America—Joining-the-Battle-Against-it-and-Winning-it&id=1516367

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The Skinny Gene

Chuck Edwards — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:27:35 +0000

The Skinny Gene

Jeff Stier, with the American Council on Science and Health, discusses the possibility of a “skinny gene” being used to help treat people with weight problems.

Scientists discovered in 2007 that gene responsible for fat formation in worms, fruit flies and mice. Researchers have been able to turn the gene on or off in some animals, causing their weight to fluctuate. Before you get your hopes up, Stier points out that we don’t know for sure whether the gene exists in humans. Even if it does, it could be years before the knowledge leads to any benefit for patients suffering from diabetes or other weight-related illnesses.

The Big “IF”

“If it does exist in humans,” says Stier, “Perhaps there is some hope that we can somehow manipulate that gene, and perhaps turn the dial a bit, and help us in terms of obesity and perhaps diabetes, but it’s not going to give you license to do what you want to do.”

In other words, even if scientists figure out how to use the so-called “skinny gene” to control a patient’s weight, it won’t be a cure-all. Eating right and getting the proper amount of exercise remain the best way to maintain a healthy body weight. Stier is cautious in his approach to the discovery, stating that science can provide some tools to help prevent obesity and weight gain, but there is no proverbial “silver bullet.”

Dr Kal’s Addendum:
Some people may have been lucky enough to be born with a “skinny” gene. I’m not one of them and maybe you aren’t either. So, what are you going to do? Give up? I hope not. You don’t need a “skinny” gene to be skinny. You just need to change your thinking and your behavior.

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Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat

Dr. Kal — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:31:31 +0000

America’s Greatest Health Threat: Obesity

The author in this article discusses the same analysis I mentioned in a previous post: The Rising Cost of America’s Obesity.

This author mentions all of the many strides we have made medically, such as:

Treating cancer,
Decreasing and preventing the transmission of infectious diseases,
Decreasing infant mortality,
Decreasing the number of smokers, and
Treating many chronic diseases.

But why aren’t we getting healthier. We are getting sicker in America because while we are treating diseases better than ever, we are getting worse at preventing them. As medical technology improves, our weights balloon. Obesity is actually advancing more rapidly than technology.

Biggest Health Threat vs. Biggest Threat

The title of the article suggests that obesity is America’s greatest health threat. I agree with that. However, it is actually worse. Obesity might be America’s greatest threat overall. As America competes in a global market place, the obesity associated cost are and will continue to be a threat to every aspect of American life.

Source: Business Week

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The Rising Cost of America’s Obesity

Dr. Kal — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:27:40 +0000

The Rising Cost of America’s Obesity

The authors in this article and this article discuss a recent analysis done by Kenneth Thorpe, the chairman of the department of health policy and management at Emory University. The analysis, done for America’s Health Rankings, estimates the future cost of obesity and obesity related diseases in America.

Thorpe estimates that by the year 2018:

43% of Americans will be obese
Obesity and obesity related diseases will cost $344 billion

According to Thorpe, the annual health care cost for an obese person will be $8315 and a non-obese person will only be $5855. That’ $2460 difference is where the $344 billion is coming from.

These estimates are based on our current trajectory. They do not have to come to fruition. If we all work together, we can prevent this from happening.

So, lets do it!

Sources: New York Times and USA Today

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The Cost of Obesity

Guest Poster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:06 +0000

Obesity and the Its Cost on the HealthCare Systems

By Lindsey D’angelo

This article will relate the current obesity problem in America with the increasing costs for weight related diseases on healthcare while also comparing it to the health issues caused by tobacco, which is usually much easier for people to relate to. The following research will show approximately how much money is being spent towards these conditions and who is carrying the most of the burden in costs. There also have been suggested options that are meant to intervene and help improve the persons life but not without improving financially.

According to recent trends, obesity among adults in America has increased 45% in the past ten years. This has been a consequence of the ever decreasing monetary cost of calorie dense foods as well as an increase in the reluctance to engage in physical inactivity (Finkelstein). Health risks associated with excessive weight gain begin when the persons’ body mass index, or BMI, reaches 25. At this point the individual is considered overweight until the BMI reaches 30 then the individual becomes classified as obese. Along with a 30 or above in BMI, a persons’ health becomes at risk with many more conditions due to their obesity. These conditions include hypertension (high blood pressure), osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), Type-2 diabetes and even cause strokes heart disease and certain cancers. In 2000, what has become known as “poor diet and physical inactivity,” caused 365,000 deaths, making it the second leading “actual cause” of death in the United States with tobacco coming in first with 435,000 deaths.

With the significant increase in obesity the economic consequences have vastly increased as well. Medical costs associated with overweight and obesity may involve direct and indirect costs. Direct medical costs may include preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services related to obesity. Indirect costs relate to morbidity and mortality costs. Morbidity costs are defined as the value of income lost from decreased productivity, restricted activity, absenteeism, and bed days. Mortality costs are the value of future income lost by premature death (Overweight and Obesity, 2008).

Most Americans accept the fact that tobacco is responsible for a tremendous percentage of healthcare expenditures. In the late 1990’s into the early 2000’s tobacco was responsible for $75 billion in direct medical costs annually. With two thirds of Americans overweight many are still uninformed that obesity contributed to $47.5 billion in direct medical expenditures in 1998 according to the National Health Accounts (NHA) study (Overweight and Obesity, 2008). To date, medical costs for overweight and obesity is now over $90 billion a year. Roughly 9% of aggregate medical spending goes to treating obesity related diseases. As a result, health insurance premiums and social security taxes have increased, and health care is rationed. Although Medicare and Medicaid pay approximately half of obesity-attributable money, each taxpayer is now responsible for a payment of approximately $180 a year for obesity related medical costs for public sector health plans. These advances have reduced the personal cost of healthcare but have in turn placed the burden on employers and the government (Finkelstein).

In order to set the country straight on the medical issues at hand, economists have concluded that there are no effective options regarding the reduction of the obesity rate in America without reducing the total medical costs as well. Research has shown that a number of obese personalities exist as well as a number of interventions for each. The common factor each has shown is that none of these appear to work without the appropriate financial involvement. A decrease in overall marginal cost will most likely bring about a change in certain behaviors of Americans, appropriately being eating habits and exercising. Although the U.S. health insurance’s stand on obesity is that ultimately, it is not their problem.

“Obesity and Overweight.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 4 Mar. 2008. 20 July 2008 .
Finkelstein, Eric, comp. The Economic Causes and Consequences of Obesity. RTI. Research Triangle Park: Eric Finkelstein, Ph.D. 1-39. 20 July 2008.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsey_D’angelo
http://EzineArticles.com/?Obesity-and-the-Its-Cost-on-the-HealthCare-Systems&id=1352645
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Fat People Destroying America?

Guest Poster — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:34:40 +0000

Are Fat People Really Destroying America? Obesity is an Epidemic

By Michelle L Devon

As a freelance writer, I often look to write articles on important topics that are making the news, things people want to read about, topics that help people grow, change, learn something new, empowering, affect change or just make someone feel something or thing – in a positive way.

I write for various freelance writing sites, and one of those sites allows other writers to write content for things they too think are hot topics. I enjoy reading and perusing this site, hearing what other people have to say, so one day, during a short break from writing, I stumbled across an article written by a woman who apparently has distaste for fat people… she says that obesity is an epidemic, about which I cannot argue, but she goes so far as to state that fat people are a threat to national security and should be shunned by society.

She offers no solutions to the problem, but rather only rants about how she personally feels about the obesity epidemic in America today.

So I decided to do a bit of research about obesity in America and I discovered that her numbers were accurate in what was reported and the conclusion is: obesity and overweight are increasing in America, and around the globe, and it is affecting people’s health and lives.

However, to go so far as to blame all overweight or obese people for every problem that exists in America today, to say they should be shunned, or somehow insinuate that overweight people should be outcasts is just absurd and does nothing to help fix the problem of obesity and overweight issues in America.

Obesity is on the rise for numerous reasons, including but not limited to: lifestyles – we work more now than before, mostly office jobs, and there is not a lot of time left over for physical activity; overeating – yes, some people are overweight because they eat too much; convenience and fast foods – these have more starch, sugar, salt and fat than home made prepared foods; hormones – cattle and poultry are raised on steroids and hormones, which when we consume meats we consume these too, and this is relatively new; better health care – yes, some diseases that used to kill us now are treatable, but obesity is a potential side effect as well as new medications that weren’t on the market 15 years ago that cause weight gain as a side effect; and more.

If you are truly interested in battling the bulge obesity is causing in America, I invite you all to quit pointing the finger and laying the blame and saying, ‘Bad fat people!” and actually learn about why obesity is an epidemic and what we can do about it.

Michelle L Devon is a freelance writer and editor who frequently writes on the topic of obesity, overweight issues, dieting hints and tips, and provides articles on how to lose weight. To read one of her articles about the growing trend of obesity in America and the causes for it, an in depth view to the causes of obesity in America today, please visit: http://www.accentuateservices.com/obesity.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_L_Devon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-Fat-People-Really-Destroying-America?-Obesity-is-an-Epidemic&id=379081
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National Geographic Obesity Special

Chuck Edwards — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:00:29 +0000

National Geographic Obesity Special

This video, from National Geographic, takes a look at the science behind obesity, and one potential cure.

Francis Cerrano is 28 years old, and he weighs more than 500 pounds. Realizing that he’ll probably die from conditions related to his morbid obesity, Francis decides to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

“Basically what they’re gonna do is make my stomach the size of a shot glass, and then reconnect my intestines to the new portion of my smaller stomach.” – Francis Cerrano

The video includes scenes from Francis’ operation, and then his progress a month later. He’s slimmer and appears to be in good spirits, but still has a long road left for recovery.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

By reducing the amount of food that a patient’s stomach can hold, gastric bypass surgery prevents the intake of excess calories. In fact, the patient’s stomach is so small after the operation, they can’t even drink while eating a meal – the stomach simply has no room to hold it. A majority of patients who undergo gastric bypass lose weight within the first four years after the surgery. This can dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other obesity-related conditions. The surgery is relatively safe, but about one percent of patients die after having the operation.

For people like Francis, gastric bypass surgery can be an option to help them lose a dramatic amount of weight. However, unless patients make equally dramatic changes in their diet and exercise habits, they can still regain that lost weight.

Dr Kal’s Addendum:
Very touching story. I really hope the surgery helps him cure his problem. Hopefully, he makes the neccesary changes to create the life that he desires.

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