Archive for November, 2018

Getting a Handle on the Social Environment for Obesity

November 30, 2018 — The idea that obesity is contagious is a “brilliant analogy,” says a distinguished professor of pediatrics, Leonard Epstein. More and more research supports this view. But the ideas about contagion require careful thinking in this context. Thinking about transmitting obesity from one person to another is not especially helpful. What’s more relevant is thinking about […]

Soda Is the Worst! (For Diabetes Risk. Maybe.)

November 29, 2018 — Health reporters have a news flash for us. Soda is the worst! All those other sugary foods? Not so bad, say the headlines. For diabetes risk, soda is the thing to fear. A Very Nuanced Study vs Sensational Headlines Why are we suddenly awash in such headlines? A study in the BMJ is at the […]

Can Primary Care Take Care of Childhood Obesity?

November 28, 2018 — It sounds pretty easy. A pediatrics professor at the University of Gothenburg says primary care can do a fine job treating childhood obesity. In a press release to promote his new publication, Staffan Mårild says: There’s an attitude that obesity is so terribly difficult to get rid of that you have to send the child to […]

Calories In and Calories Out. But What About Legos?

November 27, 2018 — It’s an old and misleading cliché. Obesity is [supposedly] all about calories in and calories out. But of course, different foods have different physiologic effects. And not all calories are absorbed in the same way. Hence the importance of the glycemic index. And not everything swallowed gets absorbed. So that brings us to today’s subject. […]

Rebecca Puhl: Finding a Path to Less Weight Stigma

November 26, 2018 — One of the highlights of ObesityWeek 2018 was Rebecca Puhl’s award for scientific achievement. Not just because we admire her and her pioneering work on weight stigma. But also because she rewarded us. She delivered an inspiring lecture on finding a path to less weight stigma. Stigma researcher Angela Alberga explains: It was incredible to […]

Organic, Grass-Fed, and Hormone-Free Beef

November 25, 2018 — Does this make red meat any healthier? Red meat is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fats, which are are linked to heart and brain health. But while a small quantity of lean meat may be good for us, too much red or processed meat […]

Sifting Data to Find Desired Results

November 24, 2018 — “Those among us who are unwilling to expose their ideas to the hazard of refutation do not take part in the scientific game.” Thus wrote Karl Popper in 1934. But these lofty words don’t protect us from the hazard of confirmation bias. It really hurts when a big, expensive trial does not confirm an important […]

Longitudinal Research: Missing Teaspoons

November 23, 2018 — The curious case of the missing workplace teaspoons Once upon a time, a group of disheartened scientists found their tearoom bereft of teaspoons. Despite dispatching a research assistant to go purchase more – so sugar could be stirred and coffee dispensed – the newly purchased teaspoons disappeared within a few short months. Exasperated by the […]

Have a Super Healthy – and Safe – Turkey Day

November 22, 2018 — Superfood on the table for your Thanksgiving? Sure – whatever floats your boat. But whatever you do, keep it safe. A little attention to some basic safety concerns will probably do more for your health than that those yummy ancient grains you’re fixing. The grains will bring you pleasure. Great. Food and fire safety will keep […]

Weight, Health, and the Search for Satisfaction

November 21, 2018 — Extra pounds sneak up on you. A few cookies here, a second helping of gravy there, and the next thing you know the waistband of your favorite pair of pants has grown inexplicably sharp. I found myself in this position a couple of years back, and turned to the system I’ve always used when my […]