Welcome to the May 2008 edition of the Obesity Action Alert, the OAC's free electronic newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns about the topics presented in this issue, please contact the OAC National Office at (800) 717-3117 or info@obesityaction.org. To unsubscribe, please view the SafeUnsubscribe link located at the bottom of the Alert. |
Obesity, Smoking Cuts many U.S. Women's Life Expectancy: Study |
Nearly one in five US women saw the number of years they are expected to live decline or hold steady, starting in the 1980s, showed the joint study by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Washington.
The study looked at data from more than 2,000 county "units" between 1959 and 2001.
In around 1,000 of those counties -- mainly poor, rural areas -- life expectancy for women dropped starting in the 1980s, "primarily because of chronic diseases related to smoking, overweight and obesity, and high blood pressure," according to the study.
For more information, please click here.
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Distinguished Organizations from across the U.S. Partner with the OAC for Walk on the Capitol |
The clock is ticking down to the largest gathering of those affected by obesity - the Walk on the Capitol.
As obesity and its co-morbidities affect more than 93 million Americans, organizations from across the U.S. have joined forces with the OAC and ASMBS Foundation to partner in this historical National awareness event.
To date, more than 15 national non profits pledged their support in helping to spread the powerful message of the Walk, set to take place on June 17, 2008 at 6:30 pm in Washington, DC at the National Mall.
To view our Partners or for more information, please click here. |
Obesity and Low Birthweight Mar Health of U.S. Kids |
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Rising obesity rates and a large percentage of children born with low birthweights are dragging down the overall health of American children in their first decade of life, according to a report tracking the health and well-being of young children in the United States.
While U.S. children overall have seen improvements in their well-being in recent years, American children aged 6 to 11 are four times more likely to be obese than similarly aged children in the 1960s, the report found.
For more information, please click here. |
What's for Dinner Tonight? |
How many times have you heard that question? Or, you're on your way home from work and you think, "What am I going to cook?"
Well, if you're tired of the same old meals, the Walk from Obesity Cookbook is just the tool you need to spice up your dinner!
The cookbook offers more than 65 delectable recipes such as, Smart Salmon Tacos, Well Seasoned Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin, In a Hurry Chili, Rib-Eye Pinwheel and much more! All of the recipes included in this book are healthy and taste great!
The proceeds from this cookbook directly benefit the Walk from Obesity. The Walk from Obesity is the nation's largest gathering of individuals affected by obesity.
The Walk from Obesity Cookbook costs $10 plus $4.95 for shipping and handling.
Order your copy today! |
Metabolic Syndrome Triggered by Overeating, Not Obesity |
Overeating, not the obesity it causes, is the actual cause of metabolic syndrome, suggests a study with mice by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of health factors that increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, fatty liver, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
This study was among the first to propose that weight gain is an early symptom, not a direct cause, of metabolic syndrome, the researchers said.
Click here for the full article. |
Two OAC Board of Director Members to be Featured on Discovery Health to Discuss Obesity-Related Diabetes |
Beginning May 11, at 9 am est., Discovery Health will begin airing a new Continuing Medical Education program, titled "Effectively Treating Obesity-Related Diabetes."
The program features a panel of experts in long-term weight-loss who will discuss bariatric surgery as a treatment option for obesity-related diabetes. OAC Board of Director members Robin Blackstone, MD, and Christopher Still, DO, will be featured in the program to further discuss this disease.
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Low Levels of Physical Activity and High Levels Of Obesity Found in Cancer Survivors |
A new study reveals that many cancer survivors are inactive and obese, which may negatively affect the control of their disease. The findings, which come from a study of cancer survivors in Canada, show that a cancer diagnosis does not appear to prompt significant behavior change and that interventions to increase physical activity and promote better eating habits among cancer survivors are warranted. The study is published in the June 1, 2008 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.
Obesity and physical inactivity are known to be detrimental to health, and in cancer patients, studies have linked these factors to negative outcomes including disease recurrence, cancer-specific death and reduced quality of life. However, few studies have looked at the prevalence of physical activity and obesity in populations of cancer survivors.
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"Friend of the OAC" Campaign Launched
The OAC is excited to debut its newest category of involvement to the millions of individuals it serves on a yearly basis. The "Friend of the OAC" category is a new and exciting way for those wanting to get involved in the OAC and are not ready to join the OAC as a paid member.
One of the most important components to the OAC is to have active voices that want to contribute to reducing the obesity epidemic in some manner. The "Friend of the OAC" level allows those who want to be involved the opportunity to have their voices heard.
Once you join as a "Friend of the OAC," you will be added to our mailing and electronic lists to stay current on what the OAC is involved with and how you can stay connected and make a difference. There is no cost to becoming a "Friend of the OAC."
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Lifestyle Change Key for Obesity Surgery Success |
Anyone thinking about having weight loss surgery should be sure to do their homework beforehand, and must understand they need to dramatically change the way they eat for the surgery to be successful, advises the head of the U.S. government agency responsible for research on health care quality and patient safety.
"People who succeed and lose weight and keep it off eat very, very differently," Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in Rockville, Maryland, told Reuters Health. "Essentially, you've got to eat a whole lot less."
Click here to view the article. |
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