Science Weekly
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 Obesity has been under scrutiny recently and you can see it from the publications of the last week or so too. Other topics include the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and heart health, the performance-enhancing effect of the colour of sports drinks and the relationship between meat-eating, health markers and pollution. The highlights:
Alcohol in moderation may help the heart by calming stress signals in the brain Moderate alcohol intake -- defined as no more than one alcoholic drink for women and two for men per day -- has been associated with a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease when compared with individuals who abstain from drinking or partake in excessive drinking, according to a new study. Source: American College of Cardiology How bullying and obesity can affect girls' and boys' mental health Depressive symptoms are more common in teenage girls than in their male peers. However, boys' mental health appears to be affected more if they suffer from obesity. Irrespective of gender, bullying is a considerably greater risk factor than overweight for developing depressive symptoms. Source: Uppsala University Prenatal exposure to famine heightens risk for later being overweight An analysis of historical medical records found that men who were prenatally exposed during early gestation to the Dutch famine of 1944-1945 were 30 percent more likely to be overweight with a Body Mass Index of 25 or over at age 19, compared to a similar group not exposed to the famine. Source: Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health Managing children's weight, blood pressure and cholesterol protects brain function mid-life Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or obesity from childhood through middle age were linked to poorer brain function by middle age. These cardiovascular risk factors were linked with low memory, learning, visual processing, attention span, and reaction and movement time. Strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke should begin in childhood to promote better brain health by middle age. Source: American Heart Association Animal production responsible for vast majority of air quality-related health impacts from U.S. food Poor air quality caused by food production in the U.S. is estimated to result in 16,000 deaths annually, 80% of which are related to animal production, according to a new study. The study also shows how improving animal and crop management practices, as well as how eating more plant-rich diets, can substantially reduce mortality from food-related air pollution. Source: University of Minnesota Vegetarians have healthier levels of disease markers than meat-eaters Vegetarians appear to have a healthier biomarker profile than meat-eaters, and this applies to adults of any age and weight, and is also unaffected by smoking and alcohol consumption, according to a new study in over 166,000 UK adults. Source: European Association for the Study of Obesity Boosting body heat production: A new approach for treating obesity Targeting a heat production 'brake' on fat tissues may be a safer way to treat obesity than current medication. Source: Garvan Institute of Medical Research 10 years after obesity surgery: How did life turn out? In a new study, patients were interviewed about their experiences ten years after undergoing obesity surgery. The results show that the effect on eating and weight regulation persisted, whereas other problems, such as feelings of guilt about still not being healthy enough, remained. Source: Lund University Pink drinks can help you run faster and further, study finds A new study shows that pink drinks can help to make you run faster and further compared to clear drinks. Source: University of Westminster Many people could reduce their 'feeding window' by three hours A new study has revealed 'real world' factors that influence people's interest in adopting a dietary pattern called time-restricted feeding.
Source: University of Surrey |
