Mental Attitude: Obesity May Be “Hardwired” in the Brain.
Using MRI scans to investigate how the brains of nearly 80 individuals responded to pictures of food, researchers from the University of Granada in Spain and Monash University in Australia claim at least some people become obese because of the way food cravings are processed in the brain. The researchers found that a food craving activates a different brain network in obese individuals than in those who are not overweight. They conclude that the risk of obesity may be tied to the brain, which may explain why some people have difficulty losing weight and staying on diets.
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology’s Annual Conference, September 2015
Health Alert: More School Athletes Using Chewing Tobacco.
While high school athletes may be getting the message that cigarettes are bad for their health, it appears many don’t see the dangers involved with smokeless tobacco. Between 2001 and 2013, high school athletes use of chew, moist snuff, or dip increased 10% to 11%, while no change was noted among non-athletes. According to their findings, young athletes are almost 80% more likely to use smokeless tobacco products than those who do not participate in organized sports. Health officials believe tobacco-free policies that ban all tobacco use by players, coaches, referees, and fans on school campuses and at all public recreational facilities may help make smokeless tobacco use less acceptable and reduce its use among student athletes.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, September 2015
Diet: Saturated Fats May Increase Inflammation.
High levels of saturated fat in the blood may cause a person to be more prone to inflammation and tissue damage. Investigators examined mice with unusually high levels of saturated fat in their blood to see if they were more prone to tissue damage than mice in a control group. The results led investigators to conclude that maintaining high levels of saturated fats by constantly snacking on cakes, biscuits, and pastries may cause monocytes (a type of white blood cell) to migrate out of the blood and into surrounding tissues, leading to an inflammatory response and possible tissue damage. The results support the view that excessive consumption of saturated fat can be detrimental to your health.
Cell Reports, September 2015
Exercise: Seniors with Low Muscle Mass Have Increased Risk for Metabolic Syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is the clustering of at least three of the following five risk factors: elevated fasting glucose, excess waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and abnormal cholesterol levels. This syndrome is known to increase an individual’s risk for both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Korean researchers have found that men and women with low muscle mass have a greater risk for metabolic syndrome, even if they have a healthy body mass index. This study underscores the importance of remaining physically active into old age in order to maintain a healthy muscle mass.
Journal of Bone Metabolism, August 2015
Chiropractic: Half of Adults in the US Have Seen a Chiropractor!
A new survey by Gallup finds that half of adults in the United States have visited a doctor of chiropractic and roughly one in seven did so during the previous year.
Gallup, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Check Your Weight Regularly.
Weighing yourself regularly is an important part of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. The Obesity Action Coalition recommends weighing yourself once per week using the same scale, weighing yourself at the same time and day of the week, logging your weight each week, and avoiding weighing yourself more than once per week as weight fluctuates daily.
Obesity Action Coalition, September 2015