Medical Facts...and Fiction

The goal of this section is to define the problem, the epidemic of obesity in this country in adults and in children. Data in this section are designed for the health care professions as well as for the public, with relevant references. In this regard, we will not re-invent the wheel, but will access all useful sources already published...invoking the "Fair Use Doctrine" for this educational effort when actual citations are not given. Of course, with over 50 years of clinical experience represented among the professional complement of this family enterprise, in addition to the experience of guest contributors, we will often express our own insights and opinions.

GS

Print This Article
More Articles

Facts...Issue 09-01

September 26, 2006

  • Medical studies in Teratology are now reporting that obesity during pregnancy increases the likelihood of congenital abnormalities in the offspring of that pregnancy.
  • It is increrasingly recognized that sleep deprivation (eg. less than six hours of restful sleep per night, where 7-8 hours are recommended) promotes obesity.
  • One study found that maintaining a Mediterranean Diet over three months was better than a "low fat diet" with regard to blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
  • If you haven't noticed, the field of Public Health Law is becoming increasingly interested and active in issues of obesity.  (See New England Journal of Medicine 354:24, June 15, 2006).  And well it should, given the massive impact of obesity on the health...and the health bills...of the nation. 
  • The amount of salt in our diets is much more than we suspect, thanks to the hidden salt content of many foods, even desserts.  See the article in the Wall Street Journal, July 25, 2006, by Tara Parker-Pope, Personal Journal, pD1.  A total salt intake of over 2000 milligrams has never stopped being unhealthy in a number of ways. 
  • In addition to the well-recognized dangers of high intake of saturated fats, there is now evidence that even one meal high in saturated fats (like a hamburger and a milkshake) can immediately hinder "good cholesterol" (ie. HDL) in its protective and anti-inflammatory functions.  Thus, our important choices are meal-by-meal, not only cumulative. 
  • Although we have known this since the autopsies done on 18 year old soldiers killed in the Korean War, coronary artery disease starts early and is progressive.  In addition, teen-age obesity has been found to begin the enlargement of the hearts of these fat kids.  It's no joke.

    • GS


    Print This Article
    More Articles