Obesity Raises Risk Of Psychiatric Disorders
People who are obese have a 25% higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder and panic disorder, say researchers from Group Health Center for Health Studies, USA. The study, involving 9,000 people, also found that the link is strongest among Caucasians, people with more education and those with higher incomes - the risk here is 44% higher, when compared to people of normal weight. [click link for full article]

Eating Disorders Are More Treatable Than Ever
Ten million women and girls in theU.S. suffer from eating disorders and more people die from anorexia eachyear than from any other mental illness. Fortunately, for those individualsand families affected by eating disorders, help is available and recoveryis possible. [click link for full article]

A Matter Of Fat: Ghrelin Hormone Promotes Storage Of Energy As Fat
The hormone ghrelin is produced at high levels in the stomach when we are hungry and at decreased levels after meals. As such, this hormone plays a critical role in signaling the brain when we are hungry or full and has become an important focus of obesity research. [click link for full article]

Fat people not more jolly, study says (AP)
AP - Fat people are not more jolly, according to a study that instead found obesity is strongly linked with depression and other mood disorders.

Husband, wife and even family dog defy odds to survive cancer
Bruce Wade and his wife Jan could be forgiven for thinking they have been dealt more than their fair share of misery in the last four years. Both had been diagnosed cancer, with Mr Wade given just six months to live. Even family dog William was diagnosed with cancer too. But against the odds, all three have beaten the disease and survived