New Obesity Health Risk

Researchers recently uncovered a reason why obese people have a higher risk for health complications -- a protein called pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) that is secreted by fat cells.

Research on mice shows that if some of PEDF's action are blocked, it may reverse some complications for obese individuals and also opens up new drug opportunities.

PEDF is produced by fat cells in overweight people with higher levels of protein in the bloodstream. The protein can trigger insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes in the bloodstream and liver and also increases risk for heart disease.

However, tests on the obese lab mice found that treatments that blocked PEDF's action resulted in lowering blood fat level and reversed some of their insulin resistance. As the mice lost weight, their PEDF levels fell. --BBC News

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Crackdown on Food Packaging Labels

Do you read nutrition facts labels when you shop for groceries? Many people don't, and don't always have the time to. Many food manufacturers try to make things simple by placing logos on the product packaging proclaiming the items are "smart choices" or "heart healthy" -- but might not be, making it ever more important to read those labels to keep your diet in check.

The FDA is currently trying to crack down on the food industry's labeling claims that could mislead consumers. This comes after a group of major foodmakers, including ConAgra Foods, Kellogg's and Unilever started a Smart Choices program in August 2009 that put a green "Smart Choices" checkmark logo on numerous food products.

These labels were also placed on foods that contain up to 50 percent sugar and represent up to as much as 80 percent of your daily fat intake. Some of the products highlighted the fact that they contain zero trans fats, but did not point out high levels of saturated fats.

That's why the FDA sent the Smart Choices program a letter stating that it could confuse consumers into choosing processed foods over fruits and vegetables. The FDA is now in the works of devising stricter front-packaging labeling on food products and the Smart Choices program is suspending its operations.

--New York Times; Washington Post

Weight Loss Improves Depression Symptoms

Losing weight can improve your health and overall well-being. You look better. You feel better. It can also boost your mood. And now, a new study has shown that weight loss can also improve mood in those suffering from depression.

Both depressed and non-depressed participants were studied in a six-month supervised weight loss program involving lifestyle modification and meal replacements. Depressed subjects lost eight percent of their weight and non-depressed subjects lost 11 percent. After six months of the program, depressed subjects also showed significant positive changes in depression symptoms and reduced levels of triglycerides in the blood, a risk for heart disease and stroke. Obesity and depression are also separate risks for heart disease and stroke.

Clinically depressed individuals are rarely ever used in weight loss studies, and this research necessitates further studies on how weight loss affects those suffering from psychiatric disorders. It's also one of the many reasons to strive to be at a healthy weight. —ScienceDaily

8 Points About Health Care Reform

Like you, we are trying to follow and make sense of the recent efforts to revise health care, and offer you this public service announcement via the White House website

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.


2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.


3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.


4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.


6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.


7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.


8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

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