Obesity: Self-stigma may raise risk of metabolic syndrome

A number of studies have shown that individuals who are obese are often stereotyped as “lazy,” “lacking in willpower,” or “unattractive.” New research finds that internalizing such negative perceptions may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome for people who are obese, independent of weight.

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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Early Childhood Obesity: Growth Trajectories in Body Mass Index

Significant racial and ethnic differences are discernible in BMI trajectories among young children. Raising parents’ and health practitioners’ awareness of how fast food and sweetened-beverage consumption contributes to early obesity and growth in BMI—especially for Blacks and Latinos—could improve the health status of young children.

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Body Mass Index in Young Adulthood, Obesity Trajectory, and Premature Mortality

This study found that obesity in young adulthood significantly increases mortality risk, regardless of future obesity status.

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Medical Savings Associated with Reductions in BMI Among US Adults with Obesity, by Diabetes Status

Minimal reductions in weight among the heaviest individuals could save thousands per person per year in medical expenditures in the US.

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40% of US Women Are Now Obese

Obesity continues to be a major health concern in the US, especially as obesity rates among women climb higher.

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Diets Around the World Are Becoming More Similar

Homogenization of diets may be a factor behind the global obesity epidemic.

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No One-Fits-All Healthy Diet Exists

A recent study on mice suggests that our ideal diet may depend on our genes.

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France’s Next Culinary Triumph: Better Food Labels

If only people could tell at a glance the nutritional content of the food they buy and eat, they could easily improve their diets. Obesity and diet-related health problems of all kinds would fall significantly. Or they would, public health officials believe, if a perfectly clear and simple food label could be devised. But is there a better way? France aims to find out — by experimenting with four new color-coded labels.

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