HealthExpress Obesity RSS feed

Sugar just as bad as cigarettes and alcohol, research claims

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Sugar tax needed

Sugary drink tax could save thousands of lives

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Medical experts in America have recommended that a tax should be introduced on sugary beverages, advising that doing so would save lives.

Belly fat could increase dementia risk in women

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Visceral fat could increase dementia risk in women.

NHS figures show slight rise in childhood obesity in England

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A marginal increase has been recorded in the number of ten and eleven year old children classed as obese.

Baby weight can indicate future obesity

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Growth charts can be used to predict whether a child will become obese, according to results from research conducted in America.

Efficacy of flu vaccine lessened in obese people

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Obese or overweight people may not receive the same protection from the annual flu vaccine as they would do if they were of normal weight, according to a new study from the United States.

New review confirms success of behavioural therapies for weight loss

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A review of a number of different clinical trials has demonstrated that behavioural therapy is a successful way of tackling obesity, particularly when combined with weight loss medication.

Denmark becomes first country to impose �fat tax�

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Denmark has introduced a new tax on unhealthy foods, the first country to do so in the world, as part of a drive to reduce levels of obesity.

Childhood obesity increases risk of social stigmatisation, study suggests

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new study has shown the increased risk of problems of social isolation that can occur when a young child is obese or overweight.

Parents may not seek medical attention for an overweight child, study suggests

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new survey from the United States has revealed that seeking medical attention for an overweight child is not considered �very important� by 54% of parents.

Experts deliver stark warning on the obesity crisis

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

An international study has issued a damning report on the growing obesity crisis around the world, predicting grave consequences if the problem is not adequately addressed.

MHRA issues warning against herbal slimming products

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The government agency MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) has spoken out about their concern over herbal weight loss aids bought online.

New device may help those struggling to lose weight

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

An innovative new gadget has been designed to help people trying to lose weight to monitor how much food they are consuming.

Seven-fold increase in amount of money spent by the NHS on anti-obesity medication reported

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Official figures released show that NHS spending on anti-obesity medications has risen dramatically in the last decade.

New study reveals significant increase in children�s daily calorie intake

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new report has shown that children consume an average of 179 more calories per day than they did three decades ago.

Obesity significantly increases risk of breast cancer, study suggests

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new study has revealed that the chief avoidable cause of breast cancer in women is obesity.

New study reveals dietary habits which could help to explain rising obesity levels

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new study undertaken by the international supplier of vitamin supplements, Seven Seas, may shed some light on why obesity levels are continuing to rise.

Japanese study suggests that people who seek online help to lose weight are more successful

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new study has found that people who use online programs in an attempt to lose weight are marginally more successful than those who do not.

Hormone study uncovers link between comfort eating and stress

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Scientists in the United States have suggested that the stresses of modern life are to blame for rising obesity levels.

NHS imports new stronger weighing scales as obesity levels continue to rise

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Reports suggest the NHS has bought a range of weighing scales capable of measuring up to 62 stone.

New drug intended for Obesity could help with prostate cancer

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

British scientists may be able to develop an effective treatment for prostate cancer by converting obesity drug.

Space technology helps obese people lose weight

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Space age technology built by NASA has helped morbidly obese people to exercise and lose weight.

Obese pregnant women may be able to lose weight safely � reduce complications

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A new study suggests that pregnant obese women may be able to lose weight safely while at the same time lowering the potential need for a caesarean or giving birth to overweight babies.

Obese teens lack vitamin D

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Obese teenagers are likely to lack vitamin D, according to a new study.

Obesity could cost London £111m per year

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Childhood obesity costs London £7.1 million per year in prevention and treatment. However, this could rise to £111 million, if those children eventually become obese adults.

Welsh schools to �close their gates� on obesity?

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Welsh schools should lock their gates at lunch time, to stop pupils gorging on fatty treats from newsagents, an organisation of health professions has urged.

Taiwanese citizens try to lose 600 tons of weight

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:36:37 +0000

In a huge national effort to combat obesity, the department of health in Taiwan is trying to get citizens to lose a combined 600 tonnes in weight.

Exercise reduces bowel cancer risk

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:15:45 +0000

Active people are one third less likely to develop bowel cancer, a new study shows.

Obesity fuelled by sugary drinks

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:25:11 +0000

Sugary drinks are fuelling obesity and high blood pressure, a new study, published in the Hypertension journal reveals.

Obesity affects knee arthritis recovery

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:06:19 +0000

Bariatric surgery may reduce knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, but morbid obesity may do lasting damage to the knees, researchers have discovered after a series of new studies.

�Fat tax� on the way?

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:57:38 +0000

New fast food restaurants will be charged £1,000 as part of a �fat tax� scheme being trialled in Oldham.

Obesity is hampering Britain's fight against breast cancer

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:55:03 +0000

High levels of obesity are hampering Britain�s fight against breast cancer, it has emerged.

Weight loss surgery �should stay a last resort�

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:13:27 +0000

Weight loss surgery should stay a last resort to �save� people who are extremely obese, experts have argued.

Obesity takes its toll on maternity wards

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:20:52 +0000

The rise in obesity is causing staffing levels to suffer on maternity wards.

X-Factor's Dannii Minogue denies weight loss rumours

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:14:52 +0000

Dannii Minogue denies media rumours of crazy weight loss diet and exercise routine.

Kelly Osbourne in tears over weight loss

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:11:54 +0000

Kelly Osbourne has confessed to bursting into tears after wearing a bikini for the first time ever.

Childhood obesity caused by a virus?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:05:23 +0000

A virus has been linked to childhood obesity, adding to evidence that obesity isn't always someone's own fault.

Kelly Brook: macrobiotic diet doesn't work

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:12:31 +0000

Kelly Brook has revealed that the Macrobiotic diet didn't work for her, and actually caused her to put weight on!

Reductil faces American scrutiny

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Reductil, the weight loss medication also known as sibutramine or Meridia, will be reviewed by American drug experts tomorrow. The drug was previously linked to heart problems.

Obese man banned from work

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:04:22 +0000

An industrial worker has been banned from his job, after bosses deemed his weight to be a health hazard.

Britain�s booze culture is fuelling obesity

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:17:40 +0000

Overdrinking in Britain is fuelling the national obesity crisis, with 1 in 4 people drinking more than they should, according to a new survey.

Should there be an obesity tax?

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:18:31 +0000

A report looking into the future of healthcare in Britain has suggested levying penalties imposed on overweight people who refuse to change their behaviour and drop to a healthy weight.

Cheap snack offers to blame for obesity

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:17:34 +0000

Junk food offers are responisble for increased weight gain. Health experts have spoken out against food offers in an effort to promote weight loss.

Obesity puts a weight on nurses

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:06:07 +0000

Medical experts are concerned that rising obesity levels are putting strain on nurses, as they take over duties from overwhelmed GPs.

Obesity leads to boom in plus sized clothing

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:44:26 +0000

The 'plus-sized' clothes industry is booming as a result of the rise in obesity in recent years!

UK Breast cancer deaths fall despite obesity

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:56:02 +0000

Breast cancer deaths have fallen in the UK, despite high obesity levels. Obesity is one of the leading causes of cancer.

Waist line dictates lifespan

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

New research has linked the size od a person's waistling to the amount of time that they will live!

Jamie Oliver urges more school meal funding

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:43:03 +0000

Jamie Oliver is asking ministers to increase funding for school dinners. New figures show 320,000 more pupils have started eating hot lunches in the past year.

Obese workers take more sick days

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:28:55 +0000

Obese workers are more likely to take days off work than their slimmer colleagues, according to new research from Kings College London.

Scotland spends £2 million on �fat beds�

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:39:43 +0000

The Scottish government has purchased 870 bariatric beds, to be used by severely obese patients in Scottish hospitals.

Experts consider gastric band operations for teens

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:22:09 +0000

The American Food and Drug Administration are considering introducing obesity surgery for teenagers.

Marks and Spencer to offer plus sized uniforms for obese children

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:08:37 +0000

Major British retailer Marks & Spencer are now offering overweight and obese children school uniforms in larger sizes as childhood obesity continues to grow in the UK.

Are junk food cravings all in the mind?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:10:00 +0000

A psychologist has said that junk food cravings, which are fuelling Britain's obesity epidemic, are caused by bad mental habits.

Conservatives under fire from obesity campaigners

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:50:54 +0000

The government has been heavily criticised this week for its stance on obesity and healthy eating.

Neck size an indicator of weight issues?

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:41:59 +0000

Doctors have revealed the neck size to be an indication of weight problems.

Is Tyra Banks' weight loss cause for concern?

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:08:04 +0000

The America's Next Top Model host appeared looking very thin when she arrived at Heathrow airport this week.

Weight surgery can help obese women overcome sexual dysfunction

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:00:47 +0000

Morbidly obese women with female sexual dysfunction can lift their libidos with weight loss surgery, a study has shown.

Triggers in the brain make us misjudge our weight perceptions

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:25:16 +0000

Our brains can make us perceive our bodies to be bigger than they really are, new evidence reveals.

Could red wine help fight obesity?

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:58:19 +0000

Could red wine help to battle obesity and improve our health?

Cartoon branding makes junk food attractive to kids

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:06:25 +0000

Cartoon branding makes junk food more attractive to children, new research shows.

NHS calls for trans-fat ban

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:23:44 +0000

According to a BBC report, an NHS Watchdog is calling for a blanket ban on trans-fats from food here in the UK.

Obese people have worse sex lives

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:55:41 +0000

A study from France has shown that obese people have worse sex lives.

Cheryl Cole�s weight loss worry

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:10:13 +0000

Cheryl Cole's mother has spoken to her daughter after becoming concerned about the star's weight loss.

Domestic abuse causes childhood obesity

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:13:58 +0000

Domestic abuse has been linked to childhood obesity by a new study from the US.

High fat meals can take your breath away

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:58:39 +0000

High-fat dishes can quite literally take your breath away, researchers from the University of Newcastle, in Australia, have discovered. They found that eating excessive fat can inflame your airwaves. For asthmatics, this can prevent treatments from working.

NHS �burger boy� sculpture courts controversy

Fri, 07 May 2010 16:09:50 +0000

The NHS has courted controversy with its plans to parade a 'fat burger boy' sculpture through the town centre of Barnsley, in an effort to raise awareness about childhood obesity.

Twelve year old boy goes from overweight to anorexic

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:04:49 +0000

A boy aged just 12 ended up in hospital after losing 5 stone through a crash diet, that saw him eat just 50 calories per day. The boy from Stockport had been bullied at school.

Internet addicts risk becoming obese

Tue, 04 May 2010 11:23:40 +0000

People who spend a lot of time on computers may unknowingly be altering their brain chemistry, to make them more prone to overeating and obesity.

McDonalds to phase out supersized meals

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:55:28 +0000

Obesity campaigners are, for once, pleased with McDonalds after the company has decided to scrap its Supersized meal portions.

Overcome obesity � by eating whatever you want

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:52:33 +0000

A new slimming plan called the Dukan diet promises that you can overcome obesity by eating whatever you like. Already massively popular in France, could it be the next fad diet to take over the UK?

Obese Mexican solider returns to duty

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:14:51 +0000

A Mexican court has ruled that a solider, who was expelled from the army because he was obese, should be allowed to return to duty.

Maternal obesity linked to heart defects

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:39:23 +0000

Expectant mothers who are obese are 15% more likely to have a baby with congenital heart disease, a new study has warned.

Obesity gene can be overruled by exercise

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:40:25 +0000

Children who exercise regularly can overcome genes predisposing them to obesity, a new study has shown.

Obesity to blame for breast cancer

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:58:01 +0000

Obesity has been associated with some serious diseases in the past but a new study has now found that obese women face a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer

Obesity linked with breast cancer

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:54:03 +0000

Obesity has been linked with a number of fatal diseases in recent years but research has now identified that obese women run a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Jesus� Last Supper �supersized�

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:35:11 +0000

Artists' depictions of Jesus' last supper have shown him and his disciples eating ever-larger meals, a professor from America has pointed out. Could this be a reflection of societies' rising obesity levels?

New weapon in the fight against obesity - seaweed!

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 06:07:03 +0000

Experts have found that fibers contained in seaweed can actually help us to reduce our fat intakes. The fibers have subsequently been put into foods such as bread, yoghurt and milk.

Child of five is labelled obese

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:51:37 +0000

A five year old boy who weighed 4st 2lbs was labelled obese by healthcare workers who visited his school. His mother said she was 'disgusted' by the label. Though it was technically correct, should the message have been delivered in a more sensitive way?

'Fizzy drinks tax' to fight obesity

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:41:25 +0000

A fizzy drinks tax is to be introduced in the US, to cur obesity lvels.

Are obese people potential killers?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:46:09 +0000

1 in 4 of us are obese, and experts are now questionign whether obese people are putting the health of those around them at risk

Heart charity bemoans �couch potato families�

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:36:40 +0000

The British Heart Foundation has lamented 'couch potato' culture among Britain's families that makes us more likely to come together over our Wii's than over outdoor activities.

Trouble sleeping? Watch out for weight gain, say researchers

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:09:36 +0000

Sleeping problems have been linked to weight gain. Either too much, or too little sleep, can make a person more prone to gaining weight, according to American research.

Scotland wages war on fast food

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:05:38 +0000

In light of predictions that 40% of Scotland could be obese by 2030, the Scottish government is now waging fresh war on obesity with fresh legislation, designed to encourage employers to take an active interest of the health of their employees.

Bill Clinton admits childhood eating habits caused his heart problems

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:03:51 +0000

Bill Clinton has confessed that poor eating habits in his childhood caused his heart problems. He has now given his support to a new anti-obesity initiative in America.

Repeat obesity surgery poses health risk

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:42:08 +0000

Repeated weight loss operations can lead to health complications, researchers have discovered.

Obesity rates highest in the West Midlands

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:32:52 +0000

According to government figures, UK obesity rates are soaring.Generally speaking, we as a nation, fall in the overweight bracket. The West Midlands is the hardest hit.

Childhood obesity linked to early death

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:53:15 +0000

A long-term study has linked childhood obesity with premature death. The new evidence suggests that obese children are twice as likely to die early, in comparison with children of a regular weight.

UK hospitals see eight-fold rise in obesity cases

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:37:02 +0000

New NHS data suggests that eight-times as many patients are being admitted to hospital with

Should the UK be acting to counter soaring obesity levels?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:14:42 +0000

The World is the grip of an obesity pandemic. The question is, is the UK lagging behind in its efforts to act.

Excercise linked with brain functioning

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:01:40 +0000

New research shows that regular exercise will work to improve brain activity. The study conducted by Cambridge scientists, and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that mice which were given more room to exercise, performed better in a series of memory tests.

New book offers unique solution for child obesity

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:00:59 +0000

A new book suggest that parents try 'sneaky' tactics when it comes to helping their children to excercise.

Could World War II style rationing help fight modern obesity?

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:19:50 +0000

With Britain in the grip of an obesity pandemic, campaigners are calling for us to bring world war 2 style rationing to curb our eating habbits.

New year fitness plans set for faliure according to expert figures

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:44:26 +0000

1 in 5 of us will join a gym and stop going within a month according to government stats and with such a large porportion of us having being diagnosed as obese, experts are calling for greater education concerning the dangers of the condition.

UK may look to Taiwan as an example in the fight against obesity

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:59:32 +0000

Taiwan have launched a new taxation scheme on junk food. The question is, should the UK follow?

Could Obesity treatments serve to treat sleep disorders in the long run?

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:03:22 +0000

Scientists have found that through helping obese patients to lose weight, they can also help reduce the number of cases of Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that result in the complete collapse of their airway during sleep.

Italy called to action for 2 hour lunches

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:43:46 +0000

Italy is a nation that loves it's food. However, ministers have been forced to call it to action, and pose the question as to whether their culture of 'sit down meals' and longer lunches are adding to a growing obesity problem.

More support needed for obese children

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:33:47 +0000

The number of children being diagnosed as obese is on the rise and the question of how to tackle the situation is a much debated one. However, a recent study has revealed that obese children believe they are without adequate support from both their parents and schools. They also believe portion sizes are partly to blame for the problem

Mental illness linked with obesity

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:17:36 +0000

A report published by the BBC has found a clear link between mental health and obesity. People suffering with mental health conditions are thought to be less inclined to exercise for fear of being judged.

Qnexa set for release in the UK

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:45:34 +0000

As a nation, we are struggling to deal with the massive rise in the number of people being diagnosed as obese. Child obesity levels are through the roof and experts fear that more and more terminal conditions are set to result. However, a brand new and proven treatment is set for release in the UK over the next 24 months. Qnexa has been shown to reduce up to 15% of body weight.

Experts predict obesity to be number one cause of cancer

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:13:49 +0000

According to a number of official press statements, being overweight is set to become the leading cause of cancer in the Western world. In fact, figures show that being overweight or obese accounts for 8% of all cancer cases in Europe alone.

Obese people at greater risk from Alzheimer�s

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:22:16 +0000

UK obesity rates are in the news on a daily basis. However, scientists at the University of California have allegedly proven that obese people have 4% less brain than slim people.

Calorie Overdose can Short Circuit the Normal Signals to the Brain Producing Inflammation and Changes in Behavior

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Don�t become a statistic, be a reformer in the fight against obesity

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

An interlink between Obesity and Depression

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Diets Rich in Salt can Increase Chances of Childhood Obesity

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Pharmaceutical companies trying to tap huge obesity market with combo drugs

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Britons beat Americans in fast food consumption

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

America has been dubbed the Fast Food Nation; hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes are said to form the American diet.