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IN THIS ISSUE
Obesity and Genetics
Tweens
Recipe of Week
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Chris
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Issue: #32
July 29, 2013

Volume 3, Letter 32
 

July 29, 2013  

 

Obesity and the gene FTO

 

There has been a discovery regarding the obesity epidemic related to the genetics of hunger. FTO stands for the fat mass and obesity gene. In a study in the July 2013 edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Batterham et. al. discovered the gene FTO and its relationship to obesity. 

 

The gene is related to energy regulation, increased food intake and a preference for energy dense foods. This gene was probably an evolutionary advantage in times where food was scarce and gaining weight was a benefit to survive the winter. If you have two copies of this gene, you have a 70% increased risk of becoming obese compared to controls without the gene.

 

The gene alters the activity of the hunger signal hormone, Ghrelin. Ghrelin makes you feel hungry when it is elevated and people with the FTO gene have higher levels of ghrelin after meals. Normally, after you eat the ghrelin signal drops and you feel satiated. Unfortunately, this is not happening in FTO type individuals.

 

Getting closer to understanding the problem.

 

Dr. M


Tweens

Tweens. What an age! They are in a fragile stage of figuring out who they are and what being an adult feels like. They are starting to have more responsibility at home and at school. They relish this newfound responsibility, yet still need much guidance to handle it.
 
The modern world has brought unbelievable pressures on these kids. Technology is the biggest challenge. Whether it is a phone, tablet or computer, these tweens have access to content that they are not ready for. Whether it is sexual explicit material, foul language or inappropriate cyber relationships, we need to be vigilant of the risks and ready to preempt the problems.
 
Sit with your children early and often to check in with their mindset regarding the above. Have an open relationship about their fears and any curiosities. Be prepared to discuss all aspects of tween issues and set their moral code on yours. If you abdicate this responsibility, they will learn it from the Internet or a peer that may have very different morals than you. 
 
Set the parental controls on ALL devices including their personal devices. It is not in their best interests to have uncontrolled access to the Internet. 
 
Periodically stroll their social media pages and make sure they know that you do it. Look for friends that are inappropriate and help them understand why it or they are inappropriate. 
 
Help them understand that sleep and food are paramount to success in school. On average they will need 8 - 10 hours of sleep every night. 

Get them on a whole foods vitamin and some fish oil. 

Promote a culture of learning at home with self exploration and parental backup when roadblocks arise in their studies. Encourage resilience!!!! This is so important for their future. They need to struggle a little to gain the self esteem of success. 

Teach them,

Dr. M

 

Recipe of the Week

Potato Salad

Ingredients:

10 cups cubed red, purple and fingerling potatoes
1 cup chopped red and green bell peppers
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced red onion
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Trader Joe's Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon of minced parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Boil potatoes until firm but cooked. Cube and place in bowl with all other ingredients. Mix and serve. 


Dr. M

 

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Copyright � 2010-2013 Christopher J. Magryta, MD. Readers, please note: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for advice and treatment provided by your physician or other healthcare professional and is not to be used to diagnose or treat a health issue.


 


Chris Magryta
Salisbury Pediatric Associates
Touchstone Pediatrics