The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome.

J Med Food. 2006 Spring;9(1):49-54.




The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome.

Fujioka K, Greenway F, Sheard J, Ying Y.



Division of Endocrinology, Department of Nutrition and Metabolic Research, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California 92130, USA. fujioka.ken@scrippshealth.org



Abstract

To study the effects of grapefruit and grapefruit products on body weight and metabolic syndrome, 91 obese patients were randomized to either placebo capsules and 7 ounces (207 mL) of apple juice, grapefruit capsules with 7 ounces (207 mL) of apple juice, 8 ounces (237 mL) of grapefruit juice with placebo capsule, or half of a fresh grapefruit with a placebo capsule three times a day before each meal. Metabolic syndrome parameters were measured at the beginning and end of 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the fresh grapefruit group had lost 1.6 kg, the grapefruit juice group had lost 1.5 kg, the grapefruit capsule group had lost 1.1 kg, and the placebo group had lost 0.3 kg. The fresh grapefruit group lost significantly more weight than the placebo group (P < .05). A secondary analysis of those with the metabolic syndrome in the four treatment groups demonstrated a significantly greater weight loss in the grapefruit, grapefruit capsule, and grapefruit juice groups compared with placebo (P < .02). There was also a significant reduction in 2-hour post-glucose insulin level in the grapefruit group compared with placebo. Half of a fresh grapefruit eaten before meals was associated with significant weight loss. In metabolic syndrome patients the effect was also seen with grapefruit products. Insulin resistance was improved with fresh grapefruit. Although the mechanism of this weight loss is unknown it would appear reasonable to include grapefruit in a weight reduction diet.

The Grapefruit Diet, Revisited

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/weightloss/grapefruit-diet-revisited

Association of insulin resistance with depression: cross sectional findings from the British women's heart and health study

http://www.bmj.com/content/327/7428/1383.full

Antidepressants and Weight Gain

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/depression/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100144756&vv=900

Eating poorly can make you blue: Trans-fats increase risk of depression, while olive oil helps avoid risk

Eating poorly can make you blue: Trans-fats increase risk of depression, while olive oil helps avoid risk

Fat associated with chemical changes in DNA that may help explain obesity-related disease

Fat associated with chemical changes in DNA that may help explain obesity-related disease

Rising indoor winter temperatures linked to obesity?

Rising indoor winter temperatures linked to obesity?

Does stretching in your warm up prevent injury?

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/does-stretching-in-your-warm-up-prevent-injury-310

Stretching before exercise does not reduce the risk of local muscle injury: a critical review of the clinical and basic science literature.

Clin J Sport Med. 1999 Oct;9(4):221-7.




Stretching before exercise does not reduce the risk of local muscle injury: a critical review of the clinical and basic science literature.

Shrier I.



Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.



Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and basic science evidence surrounding the hypothesis that stretching immediately before exercise prevents injury.



DATA SOURCES AND SELECTION: MEDLINE was searched using MEDLINE subject headings (MeSH) and textwords for English- and French-language articles related to stretching and muscle injury. Additional references were reviewed from the bibliographies, and from citation searches on key articles. All articles related to stretching and injury or pathophysiology of muscle injury were reviewed. Clinical articles without a control group were excluded.



RESULTS: Three (all prospective) of the four clinical articles that suggested stretching was beneficial included a cointervention of warm-up. The fourth study (cross-sectional) found stretching was associated with less groin/buttock problems in cyclists, but only in women. There were five studies suggesting no difference in injury rates between stretchers and nonstretchers (3 prospective, 2 cross-sectional) and three suggesting stretching was detrimental (all cross-sectional). The review of the basic science literature suggested five reasons why stretching before exercise would not prevent injuries. First, in animals, immobilization or heating-induced increases in muscle compliance cause tissues to rupture more easily. Second, stretching before exercise should have no effect for activities in which excessive muscle length is not an issue (e.g., jogging). Third, stretching won't affect muscle compliance during eccentric activity, when most strains are believed to occur. Fourth, stretching can produce damage at the cytoskeleton level. Fifth, stretching appears to mask muscle pain in humans.



CONCLUSION: The basic science literature supports the epidemiologic evidence that stretching before exercise does not reduce the risk of injury.

Intense physical exercise increases systemic 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity in healthy adult subjects.

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 Mar;108(4):681-7. Epub 2009 Nov 10.




Intense physical exercise increases systemic 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity in healthy adult subjects.

Dovio A, Roveda E, Sciolla C, Montaruli A, Raffaelli A, Saba A, Calogiuri G, De Francia S, Borrione P, Salvadori P, Carandente F, Angeli A.



Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Reg. Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy.



Abstract

Intense physical exercise activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis but little is known about changes in glucocorticoid sensitivity at the target cell level. No data are available on the acute effects of exercise on 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) type 1 activity, which generates biologically active cortisol from inactive cortisone and is expressed also in skeletal muscle. Fifteen healthy, trained males (age mean +/- SE 28 +/- 1) were assessed on three non-consecutive days: at rest, during an endurance and strength sessions. During each session, between 1000 and 1600 hours, 6-h urine and four salivary samples were collected. Urinary total tetrahydrocortisol (THF) + alloTHF, tetrahydrocortisone (THE), cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) were measured with HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry; urinary-unconjugated F and E were measured by HPLC-UV. Salivary cortisol and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by RIA and ELISA, respectively. Both endurance and strength exercises caused an increase in (THF + alloTHF)/THE ratio (mean +/- SE 1.90 +/- 0.07 and 1.82 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.63 +/- 0.06, P < 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively), consistent with increased systemic 11beta-HSD type 1 activity. No relationship was found with age, BMI, VO(2max) maximal power load or perceived exertion. No significant change was apparent in F/E ratio, an index of 11beta-HSD type 2 activity. No effect of exercise on salivary cortisol and IL-6 was observed, whereas a significant effect of sampling time was found. Intense physical exercise acutely increases systemic 11beta-HSD type 1 activity in humans. Such an increase may lead to higher cortisol concentration in target tissues, notably in skeletal muscle where it could contribute to limit exercise-induced muscle inflammatory response.

More research needed on diet and environmental influences on childhood asthma

More research needed on diet and environmental influences on childhood asthma

Association between Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk

http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/2/6/598.full

In summary, these results add to a growing body of evidence that adequate vitamin D stores may prevent breast cancer development. Whereas circulating 25-OHD levels of >32 ng/mL are associated with normal bone mineral metabolism, our data suggest that the optimal level for breast cancer prevention is ≥40 ng/mL. Well-designed clinical trials are urgently needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is effective for breast cancer chemoprevention.

Workouts need to be more intense, Canadians told - Healthzone.ca

Workouts need to be more intense, Canadians told - Healthzone.ca

Insufficient, Irregular Sleep Tied to Kids' Obesity

http://health.msn.com/healthy-living/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100269235

Effects of green tea, black tea and Rooibos tea on angiotensin-converting enzyme and nitric oxide in healthy volunteers.

Public Health Nutr. 2010 May;13(5):730-7. Epub 2010 Feb 10.


Effects of green tea, black tea and Rooibos tea on angiotensin-converting enzyme and nitric oxide in healthy volunteers.

Persson IA, Persson K, Hägg S, Andersson RG.

Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Drug Research/Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden. ingrid.persson@liu.se

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Tea has been reported to reduce cardiovascular mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The aim of the current project was to investigate the effect of green tea (Japanese Sencha), black tea (Indian Assam B.O.P.) and Rooibos tea (South Africa) on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and nitric oxide (NO).

DESIGN: Seventeen healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of 400 ml green tea, black tea or Rooibos tea in a randomized, three-phase, crossover study. ACE activity and NO concentration were measured (at 0, 30, 60 and 180 min) in all phases. ACE activity was analysed by means of a commercial radioenzymatic assay. Nitrite was analysed as a marker of NO concentration. In addition, ACE genotype was determined using a PCR method.

RESULTS: Oral intake of a single dose of Rooibos tea significantly inhibited ACE activity after 30 min (P < 0.01) and after 60 min (P < 0.05). A significant inhibition of ACE activity was seen with green tea for the ACE II genotype 30 min after intake of the tea (P < 0.05) and for the ACE ID genotype 60 min after intake (P < 0.05). A significant inhibition of ACE activity was also seen with Rooibos tea for the ACE II genotype 60 min after intake (P < 0.05). No significant effect on NO concentration was seen.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that green tea and Rooibos tea may have cardiovascular effects through inhibition of ACE activity.

Association of facial skin aging and vitamin D levels in middle-aged white women.

Cancer Causes Control. 2010 Dec;21(12):2315-6. Epub 2010 Sep 30.


Association of facial skin aging and vitamin D levels in middle-aged white women.

Chang AL, Fu T, Amir O, Tang JY.

Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 450 Broadway, Pavilion C, MC 5334, Redwood City, CA 94305, USA.

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between UV-induced skin photodamage and 25(OH) vitamin D levels, we performed a cross-sectional study in 45 female subjects aged >40. Menopausal status, smoking status, skin cancer history, oral supplement use, and season of blood draw were recorded and serum 25(OH)D measured. A single-blinded, dermatologist evaluated standardized digital facial images for overall photodamage, erythema/telangiectasias, hyperpigmentation, number of lentigines, and wrinkling. Adjusting for age and season of blood collection, women with lower photodamage scores were associated with a 5-fold increased odds of being vitamin D insufficient (OR 5.0, 95% CI: 1.1, 23). Low scores for specific photodamage parameters including erythema/telangiectasias, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling were also significantly associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Our results suggest an association between skin aging and 25(OH)D levels.

Meal distribution across the day and its relationship with body composition - Biological Rhythm Research

Meal distribution across the day and its relationship with body composition - Biological Rhythm Research

Creepy Food Additives That Make You Gain

http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/creepy-food-additives-make-you-gain

Fat associated with chemical changes in DNA that may help explain obesity-related disease

Fat associated with chemical changes in DNA that may help explain obesity-related disease

Meal distribution across the day and its relationship with body composition

Meal distribution across the day and its relationship with body composition


Authors: Murilo Dattiloa; Cibele Aparecida Crispima; Ion Zalcman Zimberga; Srgio Tufika; Marco Tlio de Melloa



Abstract

Evidence has suggested that meal distribution across the day may influence body composition. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of energy and macronutrient intake in healthy men and women, and to correlate it with body composition. Fifty-two healthy volunteers (24 men), aged 20-45 years old, participated in the study. Food intake was analyzed by a three-day food record and anthropometric measurements included body mass, height, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. Positive correlations were found in men between night fat intake and body mass index, body fat percentage and waist circumference and negative correlations were seen between morning energy and macronutrient intake and the same anthropometric variables. These data suggest that fat intake at night is associated with higher values in anthropometric variables while morning food intake can be associated with lower values in anthropometric variables.

Keywords: meal distribution; body mass; waist circumference; obesity; body fat

Half of American adults continue to take supplements: Survey

Half of American adults continue to take supplements: Survey: "Use of dietary supplements in the US has risen slightly, with about 50 percent of Americans reporting supplement use, according to a survey of 20,000 people."

Fat associated with chemical changes in DNA that may help explain obesity-related disease

Fat associated with chemical changes in DNA that may help explain obesity-related disease

Additive benefits of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and weight-loss in the management of cardiovascular disease risk in overweight hyperinsulinaemic women.

Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Oct;30(10):1535-44. Epub 2006 Mar 21.




Additive benefits of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and weight-loss in the management of cardiovascular disease risk in overweight hyperinsulinaemic women.

Krebs JD, Browning LM, McLean NK, Rothwell JL, Mishra GD, Moore CS, Jebb SA.



MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, UK.



Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are inter-related. Both weight-loss and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) are independently known to reduce metabolic risk, but the combined effects are unclear.



OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether addition of LC n-3 PUFA to a low fat/high carbohydrate weight-loss programme results in greater improvements in inflammation, insulin sensitivity and CVD risk, than weight-loss alone.



DESIGN: One hundred and sixteen overweight insulin-resistant women entered a 24-week randomised intervention study. Thirty-nine women were randomised to a weight-loss programme, with LC n-3 PUFA (WLFO), 38 to a weight-loss programme with placebo oil (WLPO), and 39 to receive placebo oil, with no weight-loss programme (control).



RESULTS: Ninety-three women completed the study (35 WLFO, 32 WLPO and 26 control), with significant weight-loss in WLFO (10.8+/-1.0%) and WLPO (12.4+/-1.0%) compared to the control group (P<0.0001). The WLFO, but not WLPO or control group, showed significant increases in adipose tissue LC n-3 PUFA (0.34+/-0.20 vs 0.17+/-0.10 and 0.16+/-0.10 %DHA, P<0.0001). Weight-loss showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity (P<0.001), lipid profile (triglycerides P<0.05) and inflammation (sialic acid P<0.05). Time*group effects showed significant decreases in triglycerides (P<0.05) and increases in adiponectin (P<0.01) with LC n-3 PUFA, in the WLFO vs WLPO groups.



CONCLUSIONS: Weight-loss improved risk factors associated with CVD, with some additional benefits of LC n-3 PUFA on triglycerides and adiponectin. Given the current low dietary intake of LC n-3 PUFA, greater attention should be given to increase these fatty acids in the treatment of obesity.

Antioxidants may improve chances of conceiving in male subfertility

Antioxidants may improve chances of conceiving in male subfertility

Birth Control Pills Do Not Cause Weight Gain, New Research Suggests

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119141901.htm

Michael Pollan: Food Rules for Healthy People and Planet

http://fora.tv/2010/06/07/Michael_Pollan_Food_Rules_for_Healthy_People_and_Planet

Fat Reduction by Topical Waist Applications May Actually Work

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2270889/

Selective estrogen signaling key to postmenopausal risk of obesity

Selective estrogen signaling key to postmenopausal risk of obesity

Best friends can make a child more physically active

Best friends can make a child more physically active

Antioxidants cause fertility problems in females, scientists discover

Antioxidants cause fertility problems in females, scientists discover

Vitamins C and E linked to metabolic syndrome in low-income Ecuadorians

Vitamins C and E linked to metabolic syndrome in low-income Ecuadorians

Infants not exempt from obesity epidemic

Infants not exempt from obesity epidemic

Online diet pills could be next drug safety 'catastrophe'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41024042/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

Essential oil pill prevents PMS, study suggests

Essential oil pill prevents PMS, study suggests

Has your gym made your bank account the biggest loser?

http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2011/biggymripoff/

Changes in arterial distensibility and flow-mediated dilation after acute resistance vs. aerobic exercise.

J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):2846-52.




Changes in arterial distensibility and flow-mediated dilation after acute resistance vs. aerobic exercise.

Collier SR, Diggle MD, Heffernan KS, Kelly EE, Tobin MM, Fernhall B.



Exercise Science Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA. colliersr@appstate.edu



Abstract

Previous research has shown significantly lower arterial distensibility (AD) after resistance exercise (RE) yet higher AD after aerobic exercise (AE). These changes may be related to exercise-induced differences in vasodilatory capacity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the vasodilatory and AD responses to acute AE and RE. Forearm blood flow (FBF) during reactive hyperemia (RH) was assessed before and 60 minutes after exercise, whereas aortic and femoral pulse wave velocity was measured as an index of arterial stiffness pre, 40, and 60 minutes after an acute bout of AE (30-minute leg ergometry at 65% of VO2peak) and RE (3 sets, 10 reps; upper and lower body at 65% 1 repetition maximum) in 10 male subjects (24.9 ± 0.86 years). Area under the curve (AUC) was employed to determine differences in flow. After the intervention, we found that central pulse wave velocity decreased 8% after AE and remained depressed at this level through 60 minutes of observation, whereas RE increased central pulse wave velocity 9.8% from pre to 40 and 60 minutes postexercise. Area under the curve for FBF-RH significantly increased 38% after RE, yet there was no significant change after AE. Forearm vasodilatory capacity increased after acute RE but not after acute AE. This suggests that changes in AD may be disassociated from changes in vasodilatory capacity after acute exercise. Further, in a direct comparison of RE vs. AE, we have shown that RE has greater increases in limb blood flow and augments postexercise hypotension greater at 40 minutes postexercise when compared to AE.



http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2010/10000/Changes_in_Arterial_Distensibility_and.38.aspx

Overweight and obese make up majority in Ontario, study finds

Overweight and obese make up majority in Ontario, study finds

Bioactive compounds in berries can reduce high blood pressure

Bioactive compounds in berries can reduce high blood pressure

Microbes in our gut regulate genes that control obesity and inflammation

Microbes in our gut regulate genes that control obesity and inflammation

Mandatory menu labeling didn't change behavior at fast food chain

Mandatory menu labeling didn't change behavior at fast food chain

Taking more steps every day can help ward off diabetes

Taking more steps every day can help ward off diabetes

Decreased thermic effect of food after an irregular compared with a regular meal pattern in healthy lean women

International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 653–660. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802616 Published online 16 March 2004




Decreased thermic effect of food after an irregular compared with a regular meal pattern in healthy lean women

H R Farshchi1, M A Taylor1 and I A Macdonald1



1Centre for Integrated Systems Biology and Medicine, Institute of Clinical Research and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK



Correspondence: HR Farshchi, E 72, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK. E-mail: mbxhrf@nottingham.ac.uk



Received 8 July 2003; Revised 9 December 2003; Accepted 28 December 2003; Published online 16 March 2004.



Top of pageAbstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of irregular meal frequency on body weight, energy intake, appetite and resting energy expenditure in healthy lean women.



DESIGN: Nine healthy lean women aged 18–42 y participated in a randomised crossover trial consisting of three phases over a total of 43 days. Subjects attended the laboratory at the start and end of phases 1 and 3. In Phase 1 (14 days), subjects were asked to consume similar things as normal, but either on 6 occasions per day (regular meal pattern) or follow a variable predetermined meal frequency (between 3 and 9 meals/day) with the same total number of meals over the week. In Phase 2 (14 days), subjects continued their normal diet as a wash-out period. In Phase 3 (14 days), subjects followed the alternative meal pattern to that followed in Phase 1. Subjects recorded their food intake for three predetermined days during the irregular period when they were eating 9, 3 and 6 meals/day. They also recorded their food intake on the corresponding days during the regular meal pattern period. Subjects fasted overnight prior to each laboratory visit, at which fasting resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by open-circuit indirect calorimetry. Postprandial metabolic rate was then measured for 3 h after the consumption of a milkshake test meal (50% CHO, 15% protein and 35% fat of energy content). Subjects rated appetite before and after the test meal.



RESULTS: There were no significant differences in body weight and 3-day mean energy intake between the regular and irregular meal pattern. In the irregular period, the mean energy intake on the day when 9 meals were eaten was significantly greater than when 6 or 3 meals were consumed (P=0.0001). There was no significant difference between the 3 days of the regular meal pattern. Subjective appetite measurement showed no significant differences before and after the test meal in all visits. Fasting RMR showed no significant differences over the experiment. The overall thermic effect of food (TEF) over the 3 h after the test meal was significantly lower after the irregular meal pattern (P=0.003).



CONCLUSION: Irregular meal frequency led to a lower postprandial energy expenditure compared with the regular meal frequency, while the mean energy intake was not significantly different between the two. The reduced TEF with the irregular meal frequency may lead to weight gain in the long term.

Dehydroepiandrosterone prevents age-associated alterations, increasing insulin sensitivity.

J Nutr Biochem. 2008 Dec;19(12):809-18. Epub 2008 May 14.




Dehydroepiandrosterone prevents age-associated alterations, increasing insulin sensitivity.

Sánchez J, Pérez-Heredia F, Priego T, Portillo MP, Zamora S, Garaulet M, Palou A.



Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Nutrigenomics), University of the Balearic Islands, CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.



Abstract

The age decline in DHEA levels has been associated with the appearance of age-related disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of chronic administration (13 weeks) of DHEA (5 g/kg diet) to old female rats fed on a high-fat diet on body weight and adiposity, and concretely on the expression of the adipokines related to obesity and insulin resistance, such as leptin, adiponectin and resistin. DHEA treatment induced a decrease in body weight, adipose tissue mass and serum insulin, adiponectin and leptin levels. Adiponectin mRNA expression in visceral fat depots decreased with aging, but this reduction was attenuated by DHEA treatment. DHEA treatment also stimulated resistin gene expression in the ovaric and renal adipose depots, which is associated with an increase in its circulating levels. In conclusion, DHEA treatment decreases body weight and adiposity in old female rats fed a high-fat diet, leading to an improvement of the HOMA index for insulin sensitivity, with decreasing circulating insulin levels, and preventing the age-associated decline of visceral-adipose adiponectin expression.

Long-term exercise training in overweight adolescents improves plasma peptide YY and resistin.

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009 Jun;17(6):1189-95. Epub 2009 Feb 26.




Long-term exercise training in overweight adolescents improves plasma peptide YY and resistin.

Jones TE, Basilio JL, Brophy PM, McCammon MR, Hickner RC.



Department of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. joneste@ecu.edu



Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term exercise training on concentrations of five hormones related to appetite and insulin resistance in overweight adolescents. In addition, we were interested in the relationships of these hormones with each other and with anthropometric and/or cardiovascular disease marker changes. Participants were >or=the 85th percentile for BMI for age and sex and participated in an 8-month supervised aerobic training program. Anthropometrics, cardiovascular fitness assessment, and fasting blood samples were taken pre- and post-training. Glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, active ghrelin, total peptide YY (PYY), adiponectin, and resistin concentrations were measured. The participants increased their time to exhaustion on an incremental treadmill test and decreased both percent body fat and blood triglyceride concentrations. Total PYY concentration increased and resistin concentration decreased after long-term exercise training, which are favorable outcomes. Leptin concentrations were related to weight, percent body fat, waist circumference, and triglyceride concentrations pre- and post-training. The changes in resistin concentrations were related to the changes in triglyceride concentrations. We conclude that long-term exercise training has beneficial effects for overweight adolescents with respect to PYY and resistin, hormones related to appetite and insulin sensitivity.

Treadmill Tricks by John Parrillo

Decreased levels of plasma adiponectin associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer.

World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Mar 14;16(10):1252-7.




Decreased levels of plasma adiponectin associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Otake S, Takeda H, Fujishima S, Fukui T, Orii T, Sato T, Sasaki Y, Nishise S, Kawata S.



Division of Endoscopy, Yamagata University Hospital, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.



Abstract

AIM: To investigate the association between adiponectin levels and risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer (early and advanced).



METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a cohort of hospital-based patients was conducted between January 2004 and March 2006 at Yamagata University Hospital. Male subjects, who had colorectal tumors detected by endoscopic examination, were enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Based on the T factor of the TNM system, intraepithelial carcinoma and submucosally invasive carcinoma were defined as early cancer, and invasion into the muscularis propria or deeper was defined as advanced cancer. The plasma levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF binding protein-3, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin were measured. Each factor level was designated low or high, and the risk of adenoma or cancer was estimated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.



RESULTS: We enrolled 124 male subjects (47 with adenoma, 34 with early cancer, 17 with advanced cancer, and 26 without tumors as controls). In patients with adenoma, high triglyceride and low adiponectin were associated with a significant increase in the odds ratio (OR) by univariate analysis. Only a low adiponectin level was related to increased adenoma risk, with an adjusted OR for low level (< 11 microg/mL) to high (>or=11 microg/mL) of 5.762 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.683-19.739, P = 0.005). In the patients with early cancer, high body mass index, high triglyceride, and low adiponectin were associated with a significant increase in OR in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only low adiponectin was significantly associated with early cancer, with an adjusted OR of 4.495 (95% CI: 1.090-18.528, P = 0.038). However, in patients with advanced cancer, low adiponectin was not recognized as a significant risk factor for advanced cancer.



CONCLUSION: A decreased level of adiponectin is strongly associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenoma and early cancer. These data call for further investigation, including a controlled prospective study

Water CAN make you fat: How chemicals in drink can trigger weight gain and fertility problems

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1261203/How-water-CAN-make-fat-chemicals-drink-trigger-weight-gain-fertility-problems.html

By Professor Adam Carey


Last updated at 2:26 AM on 28th March 2010

Comments (0) Add to My Stories Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston drink up to 3 litres of water a day to maintain a youthful look

Can water make you fat? It sounds absurd, the kind of suggestion peddled by some New Age psycho-babble diet.



After all, can there be anything in our diet that equals the critically important role played by water in maintaining our health?



Water is the foundation of life, the major content of most organisms, the primary component of our cells and is responsible for aiding thousands of chemical processes in the body.



What is more, there is surely nothing more refreshing than a long, cool, sparklingly clear glass of water poured straight from the tap?



As a doctor of more than 20 years' standing, the answer has to be a resounding no.



Yet when we do drink it, how many of us get the healthy water we deserve?



Thanks to the possible pollutants that are so difficult to remove from our water supply, it has been linked to a number of health complaints - and yes, it may even trigger weight gain.



Even calorie-free water can affect our body fat levels if chemicals that disturb hormonal activity leach into our supply and drive up our chances of putting on weight.



Celebrities trying to keep trim and maintain a youthful look drink up to 3 litres of water a day.

WATER WITH EXTRAS



Our tap water is, by and large, safe and mostly free of the bugs that cause the gastric infections and waterborne diseases in other parts of the world.

The main purification processes are good at freeing our supply of these potentially harmful microorganisms --although a recent report found that 40 per cent of water in London still has a lead content that is higher than European regulations. (Lead in water has been linked to abnormal brain development in unborn babies.)

Indeed, though I live in beautiful rural Yorkshire, where you'd think the water would come sparkling out of the tap, it is a fairly unappetising colour thanks to the old (though not lead) pipes that serve my home.

Problems such as this arise because filtration does not always sift out up to 60,000 dissolvable chemicals that can get into our water supply.



Among these are the so-called gender-bending chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) - used in the manufacture of plastics such as babies' bottles - which various studies have linked to reproductive difficulties, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.



A recent study by Harvard School of Public Health found that those who drank from bottles made with BPA showed a two-thirds increase of the chemical in their urine.

DOCTOR DOCTOR

Q My cold has lasted ten days - is it something else?



A No, not necessarily. It can be normal for an upper respiratory infection to last as long as three weeks. Resting is a good way to fight a virus, and may help to reduce the duration.





WHY WOMEN ARE TO BLAME



Other chemical derivatives to get into our water include oestrogen compounds.

These can come from pesticides and herbicides that wash off from soil into our rivers.



Oestrogen is the hormone that stimulates female characteristics in women at puberty.



Synthetically it is used in the oestrogenbased oral contraceptive pill. Again this is excreted in urine and gets into our water supply.



An excessive amount of oestrogen in the body not only drives certain cancers such as specific types of breast cancer, but also affects the way we accumulate fat.



So the more we are exposed to oestrogen, or chemicals that act like it, the harder it is to lose body fat. And an increase in body fat has been linked to many illnesses including heart disease and cancer.



Meanwhile, we have to consider the population-wide drop in sperm concentration which has plummeted, according to the British Fertility Society, by about 30 per cent, as well as the fact that Britain seems to be gripped by a fertility crisis.

One in six couples have difficulty conceiving and nearly 37,000 people a year are having IVF. Chemicals in our water could be driving this reproductive calamity.



British tap water is mostly free of the bugs that cause gastric infections and waterborne diseases

FILTER OUT THE ENEMY



Buying a water filter may help remove heavy metals from our water supply, but filters may not catch all dissolvable chemicals and micro-organisms.



I believe the best way to serve ourselves the cleanest water possible is to use a reverse osmosis purification kit.



This is attached to your pipes and works by filtering water through a semi-permeable membrane that stops most contaminants passing through.



It can be expensive - from £125 to £3,000 - but is a small price to pay for healthy water.



Of course, it would make more sense for our suppliers to introduce this method at source, but the processes required to remove chemicals and pharmaceuticals at this level are not financially viable for the water authorities at present.



IS BOTTLE BEST?

Some would argue that it is simply better to drink bottled water. But aside from the plasticising chemicals-that are used in some bottles, there is a potential health issue.



When you open bottled water, it is no longer sterile and so sits like a stagnant pond attracting bacteria.



If you want to bottle your tap water once you have filtered it, an alternative is to buy an eco product such as the Bottle for Life, a BPA-free stainless steel bottle that you can fill up and keep in the fridge.



Remember that water is only as good as the route of its delivery. There's no point in any of us trying to eat healthily and exercise if we don't do something about our water. It's something we should all drink to.



Adam Carey is a gynaecologist, obstetrician and Professor of Nutrition at Leeds Metropolitan University.











Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1261203/How-water-CAN-make-fat-chemicals-drink-trigger-weight-gain-fertility-problems.html#ixzz1AYkS8n1J

Adopting healthy habits in youth associated with more favorable cholesterol levels in adulthood

Adopting healthy habits in youth associated with more favorable cholesterol levels in adulthood