Genetics No Excuse for Obesity: Scientists

New research award asks companies for a way to generate 'good' brown fat

(NEWSER) - The Army thinks its troops are getting too fat, and it's hoping to solve that problem with science. In its latest round of small-business research awards, the Army has asked companies to find a way to slim down its soldiers by injecting them with fat. Confused? Well, as Wired explains, your body has two kinds of fat cells, or adipose tissue: white adipose tissue, which is what we normally think of as fat, and brown adipose tissue, which helps you lose weight. More»

After 30 years on the rise, rates appear to be stabilizing

(NEWSER) - After rapidly rising for three decades, obesity rates in the US are apparently stabilizing—finally, the Los Angeles Times reports. New data shows just a slight rise in obesity rates since 2005, and many experts say this flattening reflects the success of efforts such as healthier school lunches and nutritional information on food packages. Of course, as one nutrition expert notes, "The bad news is we still have obesity rates that are just astronomical." Specifically, 35.7% of American adults were considered obese in 2010. More»

Irisin sends messages from muscle cells to fat cells

(NEWSER) - In research that may alarm gym owners, scientists have found a hormone responsible for many of exercise's health benefits. The newly discovered hormone—named "irisin" after the Greek messenger goddess Iris—turns ordinary white fat cells into energy-burning brown fat, and helps ward off diabetes by improving glucose tolerance, Time reports. Researchers found that the body produces irisin in response to exercise, and the hormone helps muscle cells "talk" to the body's fat cells. More»

British women fatter than Maltese, Latvians, and Hungarians

(NEWSER) - The Brits clearly know how to toss a few back —but now it turns out they can wolf down a good meal or three, too. A new study finds that the UK has more overweight women than any country across Europe, the BBC reports. The survey of 19 countries found that 23.9% of UK women are obese, which led the fat-pack, ahead of Malta (21.1%), Latvia (20.9%), and Hungary (21.4%). The study also says 22% of British men are fatties, second only to Malta. More»

Holidays, relationships, and quitting smoking among the dangers

(NEWSER) - With Americans continuing to get bigger and bigger , we need all the help we can get to stay healthy—so the Daily Beast offers a warning on 15 things that might cause you to pack on the pounds:

• Holiday season: With all the food, stress, and booze associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, the holidays account for 51% of all weight gained during the year.
• Quitting smoking: Men are especially at risk here, with an 8% chance of adding more than 28 pounds after giving up tobacco. Women get off easier, with just a 6% chance.