Why Fat is Phat

New research is focusing less on the bathroom scale

(NEWSER) - Those carrying 10 to 15 extra pounds might be able to stop feeling guilty about the bathroom scale. A spate of studies show a little extra weight isn't such a bad thing, the Wall Street Journal concludes. In fact, it might even ward off diseases such as osteoporosis and help people look younger by, in the words of a dermatologist, "adding volume" to the face. More»

Study shows you can be 'obese' at a normal weight

(NEWSER) - You don't have to look fat to be fat, a new study suggests. A report from the Mayo Clinic finds that people of a normal weight with a high percentage of body fat are at greater risk for heart problems than those with lower fat. In cases of "normal weight obesity," healthy-looking bodies essentially "behave like they are obese," says the lead researcher. Up to 30 million Americans may fall into this category—but many won't know it. More»

(NEWSER) - Scientists have found a potential new tool to help people lose weight—an unusual form of fat found inside the body. A new batch of studies shows that adults have stores of so-called brown fat, which actually burns calories and generates heat, the New York Times reports. Scientists have long known that babies—and rodents—have brown fat, which kicks in during cold weather to keep them warm. But until now, they thought it was lost after infancy. More»

Chemicals in common items may play role in rising obesity rates

(NEWSER) - Early exposure to chemicals found in common plastics could predispose a person to obesity, scientists suggest. Studies have shown that animals fed the chemicals, called endocrine disrupters, are fatter later in life than those who were not, the Boston Globe reports. Diet, exercise, and genetics are key factors, but "chemicals can play a role," says one scientist. More»

Only 13% recognize when their child is obese

(NEWSER) - Nearly half the parents of severely overweight children ages 6 to 11 said their child was “about the right weight,” and only 13% recognized that their child had a severe problem, says a University of Michigan study. The results indicate parents think children will “grow out” of obesity or that something will change as they age, reports the AP. More»