Recent, and now recently controversial, statistics have celebrated some good news about obesity rates. Even if a modest improvement has been made, obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to be prevalent, pervasive and among the greatest causes of premature death in the U.S. and the Western world. Globally, the population with type 2 diabetes, primarily fueled by obesity, is expected to double between 2000 and 2030.   

The risks with type 2 diabetes - for example, the risk for cardiovascular disease - are well known. In fact, nearly two-thirds of those with diabetes die from cardiovascular disease.  While we're making progress with diabetes, excess weight continues to halt progress toward better health. A 2013 study found that all of the traditional risks factors for cardiovascular disease in the diabetic population were improving over the last decade except for body mass index and waist circumference.

We know that evidence-based innovations and interventions can significantly improve weight and health. For example, a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity demonstrated that new classes of drugs for type 2 diabetes not only lower blood sugar but also have significant weight loss effects. This article also discussed three new medical devices currently in development for obesity treatment: the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner, gastric stimulators and gastric balloons. The authors clearly stated that significant and sustainable weight loss can be achieved through a combination of existing and emerging treatments.

These innovative answers to this ongoing problem offer hope and promise, where for too many years the answers relied solely upon personal responsibility and admonitions to simply "eat less, move more." We continue to work toward building integrated multi-factorial interventions for weight loss and prevention of weight regain. It will continue to take a concerted effort from many overlapping areas of science, medicine, public health, industry and others to create successful solutions to address obesity and diabetes.

Sincerely,

 

Obesity Prevention Programs Might Help Lower Kids' Blood Pressure 

March 19, 2014

Reuters

By Shereen Jegtvig

A review published in Circulation of previous studies of obesity interventions found that programs designed to prevent childhood obesity by targeting diet and physical activity may help lower children's blood pressure. Researchers note that 3.5 percent of children and adolescents have hypertension and another 3.5 percent are at risk because of slightly elevated blood pressure.

Hug More, Scold Less: Strict Parenting Linked to Child Obesity 

March 19, 2014

Today Health

By Linda Carroll

A study presented at a recent American Heart Association meeting shows that authoritarian parents are more likely to have children with obesity than those who take the time to explain rules. Researchers found that for children ages 6-11, having a demanding parent who is quick to punish and also is not nurturing or emotionally responsive increased the risk of obesity by 37 percent.    

Fried Foods' Effects May Be Greater in People With Obesity Genes

March 18, 2014

The Huffington Post

By Rachael Rettner

Research conducted at Harvard School of Public Health found that people with certain genes may be more susceptible to the fattening effects of fried food. Researchers found that among women with a high genetic risk for obesity, those who ate fried food four times a week had an average BMI that was one point higher compared to those who ate fried food less than once a week. Among women with a lower genetic risk for obesity, those who ate fried food frequently had a BMI that was just 0.5 points higher than those who rarely ate fried food.

March 8, 2014

The New York Times

By Pagan Kennedy  

A group of medical investigators have begun to wonder whether antibiotics given to farm animals to make them bulk up more quickly might cause the same growth promotion in humans. Researchers found that lab raised mice on both high-calorie food and antibiotics gained about twice as much body fat as the control-group mice that ate the same food.

March 3, 2014

ConscienHealth.org

By Ted Kyle

The blog post, written by The Obesity Society's Ted Kyle, discusses the disconnect between numerous headlines reporting that a recent CDC study found a drop in the obesity rate for young children and what the CDC study actually found. According to the blog post, the actual conclusion of the CDC report is that "there have been no significant changes in obesity prevalence in youth or adults between 2003-2004 and 2011-2012. Obesity prevalence remains high."