Higher Levels Of Obesity Associated With Greater Health Risks
The health risks for women who are extremely obese may be underestimated as a new study indicates they have a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol than women at lower levels of obesity, according to a study in the July 5 issue of JAMA.Obesity diagnosis and treatment are typically based on body mass index (BMI) of at least 30. BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. [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]

Fast food chains ’should shrink portions’
Fast food chains such as McDonald's must shrink portions and serve calorie-laden food with healthier side dishes to tackle obesity, officials have announced. They blamed rising obesity levels on a growing 'takeout culture' where more people are eating away from home

“Food Insecure” Appalachians More Likely To Be Obese, Diabetic, Study Finds
Members of rural Appalachian households who lack access to food or experience hunger are more likely to be obese and have diabetes, according to an Ohio University study.Researcher David Holben found that subjects from households with greater levels of what medical, nutrition and dietetic professionals call "food insecurity" had a greater body mass index (BMI) than those with smaller levels of food insecurity (an average BMI of 30.3 vs. average BMI of 29). [click link for full article]

Obesity, blood glucose tied to enlarged prostate (Reuters)
Reuters - BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia, is a common condition in older men, but the risk of developing the condition seems to be increased by obesity and high blood sugar levels, researchers report.