Source:
Medical News Today
(November 7, 2007)

Obese have weakened immune response

Obese people find it harder to fight periodontal infections, and a Boston University study finds a weakened immune response may be to blame. Researchers found that obese mice were less able to battle gum infection than their normal-weight counterparts.

Researchers also noted that the white cells of the obese mice had lower levels of an important signaling molecule, and some of the genes that fight inflammation were altered. These responses may involve a signaling pathway that controls a protein called NF-kB. Changes in
NF-kB may be caused by constant exposure to food. Researchers say this is one more reason people should take preventive measures regarding obesity and periodontal disease.

Source:
Health Day (December 12, 2007)

A study using three-dimensional bone scans reveals that obesity may negatively affect bone health. A University of Georgia study published in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed women ages 18 and 19 with normal (less than 32%) and high (greater than 32%) body fat. Researchers found that after adjusting for differences in muscle mass surrounding the bone, the bones of participants with high body fat were 8 to 9% weaker than those participants with normal body fat percentages.

Source:
Medical News Today(November 27, 2007)

One of the best ways to prevent cancer may be maintaining a healthy weight throughout life. A report by the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research found a link between obesity and six types of cancer (cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colorectum, endometrium, kidney and post-menopausal breast cancer).

This is a significant increase since the last report in 1997 which identified the link between obesity and one type of cancer. Scientists believe that one of the reasons for the link is the relationship between excess fat and the related effects of hormonal changes and inflammation on the cancer process, in addition to other site-specific mechanisms. For example, fat cells release hormones,

such as estrogen, which increase the risk of breast cancer, and excess abdominal fat encourages the body to produce growth hormones, which can increase cancer risk. The report presents a global perspective and is based on an expert panel’s assessment of the evidence available in the scientific literature of over 7,000 international studies since the 1960s.

Source:
Reuters (October 31, 2007)