Low-Carb or Low-Fat? Doesn't Matter

But growth in obesity rate has slowed down significantly

(NEWSER) - The once-explosive growth in the proportion of Americans who are obese has slowed, but it's still expected to grow to 42% by 2030, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control study. The study found that if the obesity rate stays at the current level—34%—then some $550 billion in health care costs would be saved, reports the Washington Post . Earlier studies predicted that 51% of Americans would be obese by 2030, but no matter which is correct, "we still have a very serious problem," the head of the CDC's obesity program says. More»

US must get a handle on public health crisis

(NEWSER) - A widespread vice has a negative effect on Americans' health, and it's up to the government to do something about it. That approach worked for tobacco, David Lazarus writes for the LA Times , and it can work for obesity, too. "The answer seems obvious," he argues. "If we want to protect ourselves from a deadly epidemic of heart disease, diabetes and other ailments, just as we've taken steps to protect ourselves from an epidemic of lung cancer, we need to act." More»

Reviewers not so fond of latest fast-food monstrosity

(NEWSER) - Congratulations, KFC, your Double Down stunt has gotten more publicity than a Nazi-themed romp with Jesse James. So here's a little more, in the form of what the reviewers are saying:

• The Double Down "arrives at a new low," writes Sam Sifton of the New York Times . Even the chain's signature chicken is "a slimy and unnaturally moist thing, with flavor ginned up in a lab. It is, in all, a disgusting meal, a must-to-avoid."

Sandwich with chicken in place of bread arrives Monday

(NEWSER) - Given the national concern over obesity, Thomas Rogers wondered what in the world KFC could have been thinking when it created the grotesque new sandwich that slaps bacon and cheese, slathered in mayo, in between 2 pieces of fried chicken. Rogers, who writes for Salon , went to food industry expert Darren Tristano for some answers:

• Why the Double Down? "It's unique, it's shocking, it will appeal to younger generations, and people will talk about it." Besides, he says, they don't need to add anything new to the kitchen to offer it.

Both low-fat plan and Atkins-style regimen lead to weight loss

(NEWSER) - Besides leading to weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet helps lower blood pressure, according to a new study. Research subjects randomly assigned to a low-carb regimen lost about as much weight as patients following a low-fat plan and taking a weight-loss drug—the generic version of the medication marketed as Alli—but showed a significant improvement in blood pressure readings. More»