Shift In Heart Disease Treatment Needed
As the obesity epidemic grows in the United States, the medical community is faced with the significant challenge of properly treating patients before complications such as heart disease arise. But, as obesity expert Louis Aronne, MD, explained, ongoing research into the endocannabinoid (EC) system shows promise in combating obesity and the associated cardiometabolic risks. [click link for full article]

Obesity Levels In US Are Grossly Underestimated
The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. states has been greatly underestimated. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) analyzed data from health surveys, which are used to estimate obesity levels in states. Because people tend to provide incorrect information about their weight and height, especially in telephone surveys, the researchers concluded that estimates of obesity in individual states have been too low, by more than 50%. [click link for full article]

VIVUS Announces Issuance Of Key Patent For Qnexa(TM) - A Novel Therapy To Treat Obesity
VIVUS, Inc.(Nasdaq: VVUS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development andcommercialization of novel therapeutic products addressing obesity andsexual health, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Officehas issued the company's first patent for Qnexa(TM), an investigational,oral treatment for obesity. This patent, number US 7,056,890 B2, broadlycovers the Qnexa product and its use in the treatment of obesity. The termof this patent extends into 2019. [click link for full article]

Cut Portion Sizes To Fight Obesity, Urges FDA-Funded Report
An FDA-funded report recommends that food-serving establishments cut portion sizes in a drive to combat America's growing obesity problem. The report, titled 'Keystone Forum on Away-From-Home Foods - Opportunities for Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity' suggests that the USA's 900,000 food serving establishments could make a significant contribution towards fighting obesity. 64% of Americans are considered to be overweight, 30% are obese. [click link for full article]

Medical Diagnosis Being Hampered By Obesity
The increase of obesity in the United States doubled the number of inconclusive diagnostic imaging exams over a 15-year period, according to a study featured in the August issue of Radiology.Researchers assessed all radiology exams performed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) between 1989 and 2003 to determine the effects of obesity on imaging quality and diagnosis.In an effort to quantify how obesity affects diagnostic imaging quality, Dr. [click link for full article]