New Blood Test for Intra-Abdominal Fat

A protein found in blood points to rising amounts of a dangerous form of body fat around organs. A report in the July issue of Cell Metabolism shows that as levels of retinol- binding protein 4 (RBP4) rise, so do levels of “intra-abdominal fat.”
Intra-abdominal fat is linked to an increased risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, pointed out that RBP4 is not a cause of obesity; however, increased levels appear to be associated with the amount of fat surrounding the abdominal organs.

Source:
Reuters (June 19, 2007)

Mayo Clinic physicians found that patients diagnosed with obesity are more likely to follow a treatment plan. In the August issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, those patients who were diagnosed as obese had a 2.5 times higher chance of forming a weight loss management plan than if they hadn’t been diagnosed. However, only one in five patients had their obesity documented and a disease management plan made. There is clearly an opportunity for physicians to be more proactive in discussing obesity with overweight patients.

Source:
Medical News Today (August 2, 2007)

A study in the July issue of Economic Inquiry indicates that obesity among women in the U. S. is more socially acceptable than in the past.

The researchers analyzed data from the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that the average weight of women ages 30-60 has increased by 20 pounds since 1976. In addition, the average woman in 1994 weighed 147 pounds but wanted to weigh 132 pounds. In 2002 the average woman weighed 153 pounds, but now wanted to weigh 135 pounds. This increase in the desired weight of women points to a greater social acceptability of these extra pounds. Frank Heiland, one of the authors of the study, indicated that obesity among women is a “social dynamic” whose root causes may be lower food prices, larger portions, shifts in what is considered beautiful and perceptions among women. Heiland went on to say, “Medically speaking, most agree that this trend is a dangerous one because of its connection with diabetes, cancer and other diseases. ”

Source:
Medical News Today (August 10, 2007)

U.S. Adults’ Misconceptions About Weight

Only 12% of U.S. adults report they’ve been told they are obese by a healthcare professional. What’s more, the National Consumers League released data that show consumers have misconceptions about their weight. Fifty-two percent of respondents referred to themselves as overweight, and only 12% as obese, severely obese or morbidly obese. But, based on actual BMI calculations using self-reported height and weight information, among the 96% of respondents who reported height and weight, 35% are actually “overweight,” whereas 34% are actually obese, severely obese, or morbidly obese. Harris Interactive conducted the survey of 1,978 adults Americans in March 2007.

Source:
Medical News Today (June 23, 1007)