Here is a something that might interest parents of obese children. Programs that appear to support and help parents during the early development years of their child may prevent obesity, says a new research. One-fifth of American children suffer from obesity-related problems. Overweight children are several times more likely than their lean peers to grow up to be an obese adult. Obese adolescents and children, especially those belonging to low income groups, are at risks for a plethora of social, academic and medical problems, the study further reveals. The research was conducted by a professor at the New York University. The study looked at the results of two long-term researches on high-risk children.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092555.htm

Weight loss is contagious, suggest new findings. The study was based on the results of a weight loss competition where team mates appeared to have influenced each other’s weight gains and losses. Hence, if the results were anything to go by, it could only be suggested that shedding weight has a ripple effect, says the new research. The study was conducted by the Miriam Hospital’s Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center in collaboration with Brown University. It was found that participants in the weight loss program not only managed to achieve similar outcomes for weight loss, but those who believed that co-participants played a significant role in their weight loss actually showed the best results.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122124.htm

A group of researchers from various corners of the globe have come together in a recent study that sheds light on how fructose causes metabolic syndrome and obesity. The study was performed mosty on lab animals. Results showed that metabolism of fructose occurs through an enzyme that is known to exist in two different forms. Problems like obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver appear to be caused by one form. The other form works to protect animals developing the above features. The research promises to open up new avenues for the study of a pre-diabetic condition called metabolic syndrome which affects one quarter of the adult population in the U.S.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227152723.htm

A new research throws light on the role of brain in triggering obesity. In a majority of Western nations, the annual rate of increase in the severity and prevalence of obesity is presently quite substantial. Energy intake in excessive amounts is considered to be the most general cause for obesity. However, the prime factors that prompt people to overeat and gain weight remains under the wraps. As the central nervous system plays a crucial role in controlling hunger signals and food intake, the cause of obesity and weight gain might be inside the brain, says the new research. The study conducted by the University of Turku in collaboration with Aalto University therefore sheds light on the human brain’s role in obesity. Researchers got multiple brain circuits measured with the help of brain imaging techniques. The results showed that brain glucose metabolism in obese people were significantly higher in the important regions of the brain. Moreover, it was found that reward systems of obese individuals responded vigorously to food images.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131452.htm

A recent study has found a close association between pain and obesity. Heavy individuals appeared to be suffering from higher degrees of pain than their lean counterparts. The study conducted by researchers at the Stony Brook University included 1,010,762 respondents interviewed and questioned over phone between 2008 and 2010. Small scale researches conducted previously have already shown links between pain and obesity. The Stony Brook survey was based on a large sample of men and women from America who answered questions related to health. The researchers started by calculating the body mass index of the respondents based on weight and height questions. A majority of the respondents answered questions related to pain. Sixty three percent of those who answered the questions in the survey appeared to be suffering from obesity problems. Excess fat in the body gives rise to complex processes that ultimately result in pain and inflammation, the study reports.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126142906.htm