Archive for January, 2013

Weight Counseling Goes Down

January 24, 2013 — The amount of weight counseling offered by primary care physicians (PCPs) has gone down over the years despite the ongoing rise in the severe obesity and its consequences. A study published in the February issue of Medical Care found that patients seen in 2007-2008 had 46% lower odds of receiving weight counseling  than in 1995-96. Patients received […]

Increase in Cancers Linked to HPV and Obesity

January 23, 2013 — Death rates continue to decline for most cancers in the United States, but for certain cancers associated with obesity and tied to human papilloma virus (HPV), rates have risen. The CDC, National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries published a report in the Journal of the National Cancer […]

Why Ignore People-First Language for Obesity?

January 22, 2013 — Both the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association require authors to use people-first language in their journals, to “avoid labeling (and thus equating) people with their disabilities or diseases.” By and large, the public and professionals are respectful in this way toward people affected by conditions like diabetes, autism, asthma, and other conditions. […]

Exporting American Fast Food Culture

January 22, 2013 — Visit Madrid, Paris, or cities across China and you will find such comforts of home as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and KFC restaurants. Charles Kenny, a fellow at the Center for Global Development, writes in Bloomberg Businessweek that America must stop exporting obesity. Some U.S. companies are exporting fast food and an unhealthy diet worldwide, he says, and finding […]

Time to Vote: Which Coke Obesity Ad Do You Prefer?

January 21, 2013 — Coke has gained lots of attention this week with a 2-minute ad claiming a place at the table for addressing health and obesity. The ad quickly spawned a parody dubbed “The Honest Coca-Cola Obesity Commercial.” If you’re reading our posts, you likely care about health and obesity, so these ads are aimed squarely at you. […]

Declaring Victory over Childhood Obesity?

January 20, 2013 — A string of triumphant stories of declining childhood obesity rates has marked the last month. Is declaring victory premature? David Allison, Distinguished Professor at UAB and one of the best thinkers in the obesity field, tells us that while this is certainly promising news, “Its exact meaning is difficult to know at this time. It […]

Has the Healthcare Money Monster Lost Its Appetite?

January 19, 2013 — Deliberations about the U.S. debt dominate the news cycle, but what creates the greatest fear and dread for legislators and policy makers is the unrelenting growth of healthcare costs. For decades, healthcare costs have increased, but recent data shows a slowdown in the trend. In 2009 the rate of healthcare spending slowed and has continued to slow […]

States Policing Parents of Children with Obesity

January 18, 2013 — A single mother from South Carolina with limited income faces a harsh prison sentence for two felonies because of her child’s severe obesity. How and when should government agencies  protect children with obesity from medical neglect? These questions are generating intense controversy. In the Seton Hall Law Review, Elizabeth Ralston argues that removing a child from parental custody […]

Qsymia Scripts Rise with Increased Reimbursement

January 17, 2013 — Vivus, the company that developed Qsymia, recently announced that Qsymia prescriptions had risen 68% to 12,978 in the four-week period ending December 22. Investors greeted this news with enthusiasm, immediately driving the Vivus stock price 10% higher. Vivus has been under pressure since the late September Qsymia launch for underperforming versus tough Wall Street expectations. […]

Ted Kyle and Michelle Vicari Take Leadership Roles at OAC

January 16, 2013 — Ted Kyle was elected vice-chair of the Obesity Action Coalition at the OAC board’s recent strategic planning meeting, and Michelle Vacari joined the national Board of Directors. Kyle has been a board member of OAC since 2009 and chairs the Nominating Committee. He also chairs the Advocacy Committee for The Obesity Society and serves on […]