Obesity: Why are we getting fat? :epizza:

[Michaelangelica]

. . .

"Potatoes, pasta, rice may be relatively safe compared to table sugar. A fructose index may be a better way to assess the risk of carbohydrates related to obesity."

. . ."Processed foods have a lot of sugar," Johnson said. "Probably the biggest source (of fructose) is soft drinks."

 

Johnson also noted that, in relation to obesity, the type of fructose found in foods doesn't seem to matter. For example, the fructose in an apple is as problematic as the high-fructose corn syrup in soda. The apple is much more nutritious and contains far less sugar, but eating multiple apples in one sitting could send the body over the fructose edge.

 

In another UF paper, published in October in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Johnson and his collaborators tracked the rise of obesity and diseases such as diabetes with the rise in sugar consumption. The rates of hypertension, diabetes and childhood obesity have risen steadily over the years.

 

"One of the things we have learned is this whole epidemic brought on by Western diet and culture tracks back to the 1800s," he said. "Nowadays, fructose and high-fructose corn syrup are in everything."

 

Aside from soft drinks, fructose can be found in pastries, ketchup, fruits, table sugar and jellies and in many processed foods, including the sugar substitute high fructose corn syrup.

 

UF researchers plan to test a low-fructose diet in patients soon, Johnson said.

Too Much Fructose Could Leave Dieters Sugar Shocked

[paigetheoracle]

If you do nothing else on this thread at least listen to this.

 

Health Report - 3December2007 - The obesity epidemic

 

This is a very interesting interview for me personally because I suffer from migraines and just before the attack proper, I suffer from an 'insatiable hunger' where no amount of food intake satisfies or stops me eating hand over fist, leading to the migraine the following morning. In other words this is a direct precursor as a symptom, not just something else that occurs as a symptom around this time as a general effect. Hypoglycaemia was always a problem I associated with the condition but until this effect was mentioned, I'd never seen a chemical connection apart from the Insulin one.

[freeztar]

A new study shows that a lack of a gene triggers over-consumption:

Overeating And Obesity Triggered By Lack Of One Gene

 

Part of the mystery is unfolding in the laboratory of Maribel Rios, PhD, at the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Through their work, Rios and colleagues have demonstrated for the first time that a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical in mediating satiety in adult mice.

[Racoon]

A new study shows that a lack of a gene triggers over-consumption:

Overeating And Obesity Triggered By Lack Of One Gene

 

Good article Freezy, but I still hesitate at all the Mice-to-Human scientific comparisons.

 

Why are we getting Fat?

 

Becuz' we drive instead of walk. Sit in front of the computer instead of hunting and gathering. Eat in front of the TV while being bombarded by constant reminders that make us feel insecure and/or hungry.

Our kids play video games instead of basketball or tag.

 

Not to mention our foods are laced w/ unpronouncable chemicals that stimulate our cravings.. ..

 

:lightning

 

But on another note , its good for business. Good for the HMO's and food companies bottom line. :)

[Michaelangelica]

There is no obesity Epidenic

It is all non-sense

Monday 24 December 2007

 

Listen Now - 24122007 | Download Audio - 24122007

Obesity

 

Are we really getting fatter? According to a recent book, Diet Nation, the extra kilos we've put on are not enough to make it an obesity epidemic. Author Patrick Basham also says that the obsession with weight loss in western society is misplaced, as the success rate for those on diets is very small.

Counterpoint

 

Gut hormone 'curbs appetite in fat mice'

 

 

January 11, 2008 - 10:39AM

 

Scientists have discovered a hormone that can switch off food cravings in mice, raising hopes it could help overweight humans beat the bulge.

 

Researchers from the Garvan Institute in Sydney found the hormone, produced by the gut, could also have uses for people with the opposite problem - those losing too much weight.

 

The hormone peptide known as PYY is released into the blood after a meal, signalling to the brain that the body is no longer hungry.

 

Neuroscientists genetically engineered mice to produce more of the hormone and found the creatures lost weight and kept it off long term.

 

The results suggest it could potentially be used

Gut hormone 'curbs appetite in fat mice' - Breaking News - National - Breaking News

[paigetheoracle]

Interesting new research with experimental drug called Taranabant because my last post on this subject was about Leptin/ Insulin ratio research by Dr Robert Lustig and it too is based on something similar - namely the Cannabis 'munchies' and this drug as an antagonist. I also find it interesting (in light of my migraines) that it curbs the appetite but has side effects from overdose conditions that mimic what happens abdominally (stomach problems, nausea and vomiting)during one of my attacks: It seems that chemically at least this research (Merck Research Laboratories, New Jersey?) and Dr Lustig's, could have implications not only for weight control problems (gain as well as loss) but for the possible treatment of migraines - at least in those cases where hypoglycaemia is involved.

 

Possible, personal evidence of an insulin link to migraines is the sweet taste I get after an attack (insulin rebalancing?) and the bitter one I have, pre-attack stage, which I always thought was bile or coffee but could it be a sign of Leptin depletion? Another possible clue is being revolted by the thought of anything sweet, when nauseous (reaction to, too much insulin?).

 

I know this may be off-topic a little but I believe it may be more allergic reaction than genetic (even if you can turn off hunger through a specific gene) in both cases as otherwise 'why' the obesity plague now, when this gene has existed up until this point without surfacing as a problem? If it was the cause surely it would be in evidence all the time, not only be triggered now for some unknown reason?

[Michaelangelica]

Fascinating paigetheoracle ,

I have always thought there was a gut connection with migraine

 

Have you tried taking a couple of leaves of Feverfew daily as a prophalaytic?

It has some gut anti-inflammatory action.

Grow your own as the pills often do not contain the right herb (Chrysanthemum parthenium)

 

Feverfew, recognition and eradication

 

I think this whole obesity thing is being oversimplified and not enough attention is being paid to the very many factors involved. It is just NOT fast food that is making us fat. If it was, developing nations would not also be having the same epidemic.

Rates of obesity in the developing world are fast approaching levels similar to those in industrialised nations.

 

According to the World Health Organisation, there are twice as many overweight as the 800 million who are undernourished.

BBC NEWS | Programmes | Documentary Archive | Globesity

 

 

Globesity Part Two

First broadcast July 2007

 

With 1.6 billion people overweight worldwide, fat is now recognised as a major global health threat - even in the developing world.

25 Jul 2007

Programmes - Documentary Archive - Globesity

BBC NEWS | Programmes | Documentary Archive | Globesity Part Two

[paigetheoracle]

Glad you liked it Michaelangelica! (migraine/ gut connection)

 

As for feverfew - that would explain why I never found it any use.

[Michaelangelica]

Glad you liked it Michaelangelica! (migraine/ gut connection)

have you ever heard of painless migraine?

Just been listening Dr sacks interview on the BBC (See "Psychology of Music" thread) a brilliant writer. He gets migraines with all the visual bells and whistles.

I think he may have written a book about it.

Perhaps it is a part of being creative.

 

As for feverfew - that would explain why I never found it any use.

I have seen what the Chinese sell as Feverfew it is a chrysanthemum but not C. parnetium

It is a easy-to-grow, pretty, mostly self-seeding, little, annual Daisy. You could grow it in a big pot in a sunny spot or under a grow plus light. About three plants should get you going. Then sprinkle some seeds about.(Very fine, dust-like seeds)

Those in the Guy's Hospital Migraine Clinic research (1980s?) chopped it up an put it on sandwiches or froze it in winter. Many got used to the bitterness. It is just like a very bitter lettuce. From memory, Guy's Hospital had 50% of their patients on feverfew without Migraine after a year 90% after 2years (!0% dropped out for various reasons -some because the feverfew gave them mouth ulcers!-like over-indulging in fresh pineapple does, sometimes, to me!).

I have heard some herbalists say the bitter taste is important as it stimulates something (the liver? gall bladder?) into secreting 'something' which helps the whole healing process. Sorry I can't remember the details.

Guy's Hospital then tried to get everyone to go off the Feverfew to test for placebo effect. They had 100% non-compliance.

ie They were told to "Get stuffed I am not going off this for anything!"

 

Of course tests with a double blind placebo etc are difficult without using pills and I don't think the pills work. Either because they are using the wrong herb, the active ingredient is not there -in the dried herb, or the bitter-taste thing. I know of no other research where they have just used the fresh herb

 

Remember this was in a Clinic which specialised in Migraine and had very severe sufferers referred to them.

 

My daughter suffers from Migraine and has a few gut problems like me. She takes strong coffee for it sometimes!

I have yet to do something about her gardening skills. I sent her feverfew seeds and she reckons lemon basil came up!:eek2:

Good luck

[paigetheoracle]

have you ever heard of painless migraine?

Just been listening Dr sacks interview on the BBC (See "Psychology of Music" thread) a brilliant writer. He gets migraines with all the visual bells and whistles.

I think he may have written a book about it.

Perhaps it is a part of being creative.

 

I have seen what the Chinese sell as Feverfew it is a chrysanthemum but not C. parnetium

It is a easy-to-grow, pretty, mostly self-seeding, little, annual Daisy. You could grow it in a big pot in a sunny spot or under a grow plus light. About three plants should get you going. Then sprinkle some seeds about.(Very fine, dust-like seeds)

Those in the Guy's Hospital Migraine Clinic research (1980s?) chopped it up an put it on sandwiches or froze it in winter. Many got used to the bitterness. It is just like a very bitter lettuce. From memory, Guy's Hospital had 50% of their patients on feverfew without Migraine after a year 90% after 2years (!0% dropped out for various reasons -some because the feverfew gave them mouth ulcers!-like over-indulging in fresh pineapple does, sometimes, to me!).

I have heard some herbalists say the bitter taste is important as it stimulates something (the liver? gall bladder?) into secreting 'something' which helps the whole healing process. Sorry I can't remember the details.

Guy's Hospital then tried to get everyone to go off the Feverfew to test for placebo effect. They had 100% non-compliance.

ie They were told to "Get stuffed I am not going off this for anything!"

 

Of course tests with a double blind placebo etc are difficult without using pills and I don't think the pills work. Either because they are using the wrong herb, the active ingredient is not there -in the dried herb, or the bitter-taste thing. I know of no other research where they have just used the fresh herb

 

Remember this was in a Clinic which specialised in Migraine and had very severe sufferers referred to them.

 

My daughter suffers from Migraine and has a few gut problems like me. She takes strong coffee for it sometimes!

I have yet to do something about her gardening skills. I sent her feverfew seeds and she reckons lemon basil came up!:eek2:

Good luck

 

My wife gets painless migraines - just the aura and inability to think. As for Oliver Sacks book - read it ages ago and always quote the fact that he calls them rage headaches as it was this emotion that definitely kick-started my attacks.

 

As for feverfew and bitter taste - as I said in one of my posts on this subject, I get a bitter attack in my mouth before an attack anyway but yes, Chysanthemum etc would need getting used to and does it work on severe cases like mine? (fortnightly attacks, lasting 3 days on average). If the answer is yes, then maybe I'd give it a go. Personally I'm thinking of going to see a specialist, to at least try to get to the bottom of what makes them tick and if, given their severity, there is something that can be used on them apart from Beta-blockers (which don't work for me) or imigran, that is okay formild attacks.

[Michaelangelica]

Green Tea May Ward Off Weight Gain

 

But You'd Have to Drink a Lot of Tea to Match Preliminary Lab Tests in Mice

 

By Miranda Hitti

WebMD Medical News

 

Jan. 23, 2008 -- The benefits of green tea might include blocking fat and keeping extra pounds at bay, according to preliminary lab tests in mice.

. . .

Here's what those preliminary lab tests in mice show:

 

* Less weight and fat gain. Among mice with an obesity gene, those that ate chow laced with green tea extract gained less weight and less fat.

* Less fat in the liver. There was less sign of "fatty liver" disease in the mice with the obesity gene that ate chow laced with green tea extract.

* Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice with the obesity gene that ate the chow laced with green tea extract, compared to other mice with the same obesity gene.

 

A healthy liver isn't fatty. But obesity -- in mice or in people -- can lead to fatty buildup in the liver and cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Green Tea May Ward Off Weight Gain - Weight Loss and Weight Management Information Including Popular Diet Plans on MedicineNet.com

[Michaelangelica]

I know this may be off-topic a little but I believe it may be more allergic reaction than genetic

Could it be both?

I heard a naturopath say, in a lecture one day, that the way the body deals with toxins is to wrap them in fat and store them away.

 

Then there is this research.

Obesity May Be Wired In The Brain, Rat Study Suggests

 

ScienceDaily (Feb. 6, 2008) — A predisposition for obesity might be wired into the brain from the start, suggests a new study of rats.

. . .

obese rats harbor defects in neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARH) of the hypothalamus, which leaves their brains less responsive to the hunger-suppressing hormone leptin.

 

"The neurodevelopmental differences in these animals can be seen as early as the first week,

Obesity May Be Wired In The Brain, Rat Study Suggests

 

also

HEALTH BOMB #1: High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a modern-day plague. Not only does it contribute to our obesity epidemic, but it has also been linked to:

 

* Pancreas dysfunction, diabetes and insulin resistance

* High cholesterol and heart disease

* Cancer

* High blood pressure

* Anemia

* Liver damage

* Infertility

DR mercola

[moyself]

4 words.

 

High fructose corn syrup

[Eye Sky]

Speaking for myself, my family and my friends, we have all maintained weights of under 60 kilos, or 140 pounds.

No meat, no cakes, very little dairy, no soda, no pizza, no bread. no butter. No problem.

 

Regular exercise, eating home cooked meals, and very little consumption of restaurant food.

 

If weight gain were so easy as everyone believes it to be, then all the African countries suffering shortages of food supplies would be gaining weight instead of starving.

 

Americans are obese from the non nutritional food intake. Coupled with sedentary lives.

 

When McDonalds first opened in Paris (they had to open a McDonalds as the US threatened a trade embargo if not) The French government fearing that the society would become obese and therefore pay for their health, (socialized medicine) promptly implemented nutritional classes in the elementary schools.

 

Obesity and all other health ailments are a gold mine for the US Companies.

 

In England (where they also have socialized medicine) they have ads on the back of the buses, which say " Do you want your back to be this wide?"

In order to stay trim.

 

If the US had socialized medicine, many diseases would be non existent, so would obesity.

[Michaelangelica]

If weight gain were so easy as everyone believes it to be, then all the African countries suffering shortages of food supplies would be gaining weight instead of starving.

strangely, many are.

4 words.

 

High fructose corn syrup

Yep.

[Michaelangelica]

Murphy's law

Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad For Your Weight?

POSTED: Friday, February 15, 2008

 

Low or no calories should help you to lose weight.

 

So imagine the surprise of doctors and clinicians when two scientists from Purdue University found that artificial sweeteners may actually make you gain weight.

 

That’s because people who eat food with artificial sweeteners may be eating more calories than people who eat food with normal sugar.

 

These conclusions come from a rat study, but the researchers believe it may explain why humans gain weight, too.

Health Blog Posts powered by BlogBurst | Reuters.com

[Michaelangelica]

Ivory Coast's 'big-bottom' craze

Bobaraba dancers

 

By John James

BBC News, Abidjan

 

 

A national dance craze in Ivory Coast has spawned a black market in treatments claiming to increase one's bottom size.

 

The dance in question has been inspired by DJ Mix and DJ Eloh's hit song Bobaraba, which means "big bottom" in the local Djoula language.

BBC NEWS | Africa | Ivory Coast's 'big-bottom' craze

If you are fit and exercising why not.

Better than emaciated,skeletal, modern models.