Content Library Articles Update on Recent Obesity Research

Update on Recent Obesity Research

September 10, 2010

WHENEVER I READ NEW research that speaks to me, that gives me more insight into our obesity and chronic disease epidemic, I want to share it with my friends and patients.

Recently I have read a few studies that are worth mentioning.  The picture of how our bodies’ work is clear – we are just filling in little details.  I have tried my best to summarize the current research in my book but every day new information comes out that is important to communicate.

The most recent survey on the prevalence of obesity and overweight in America is unfortunately not good news.  Both children and men are growing fatter in just the last 6 years at an alarming rate, while women’s obesity rates remain the highest of them all.

researchers found that each hour of television watched by children was associated with the consumption of an additional 167 calories a day (which equates to an annual weight gain of 17 pounds).

In another study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, eating sugar, and anything that quickly turns to sugar, created more oxidative stress (one of the 7 Keys to UltraMetabolism) than keeping your blood sugar even.

This fuels the cycle of rusting, inflammation, and rapid aging.  Balancing the glycemic load (and your blood sugar) by eating whole foods is one of the core concepts of UltraMetabolism.

In a study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, researchers found that each hour of television watched by children was associated with the consumption of an additional 167 calories a day (which equates to an annual weight gain of 17 pounds).

Even worse, the children were found to eat more of the calorie dense, low-nutrient foods that were advertised on the shows they watched. That is why parents, teachers and community leaders must take a stand against advertising junk food to children. This is clear proof that junk food ads targeted to children are linked to obesity.

On a more positive note, and reinforcing the recommendation in UltraMetabolism to eat protein for breakfast, and that food is information, not just calories, a recent study found that eating protein for breakfast improves all the hormones that control weight, reduces the hunger hormone, grehlin, and slows the emptying of the stomach.

The exact same calories from carbohydrates increase the hunger hormones and make your stomach empty faster.

Remember it is NOT only the calories you eat, it is the INFORMATION you eat that is so important. The quality of the calories you eat has such an important impact on all the molecules and the genes that control your metabolism.

Remember that next time you create a meal for yourself.

Have a great week!

Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

To your good health,

Mark Hyman, MD