This Is dLife, An Engaging And Educating Television Show For Diabetics
If you are diabetic or know someone who is, then you will want to know about a CNBC show that comes on Sunday nights at 7PM EST called dLife. This new show is for and about the subject of… (more…)

Population variation and differences in serum leptin independent of adiposity: a comparison of Ache Amerindian men of Paraguay and lean American male
Background:
Serum leptin variation is commonly associated with fat percentage (%), body mass index (BMI), and activity. In this investigation, we report population differences in mean leptin levels in healthy men as well as associations with fat % and BMI that are independent of these factors and reflect likely variation resulting from chronic environmental conditions.
Methods:
Serum leptin levels, fat %, and BMI were compared between lean American distance runners and healthy Ache Native Americans of Paraguay. Mean levels were compared as were the regressions between fat %, BMI, and leptin. Comparisons were performed between male American distance runners (n = 13, mean age 32.2 +/- 9.2 SD) and highly active male New World indigenous population (Ache of Paraguay, n = 20, mean age 32.8 +/- 9.2) in order to determine whether significant population variation in leptin is evident in physically active populations living under different ecological circumstances independent of adiposity and BMI.
Results:
While the Ache were hypothesized to exhibit higher leptin due to significantly greater adiposity (Ache 17.9 +/- 1.8 SD%; runners 9.7 +/- 3.2%, p (more…)

Fat Loss for Intermediates - Success Series Part 2
If you’ve been training for at least three months, now you’re ready to kick it into high gear and start learning more about training and nutrition so you can get better and faster results. (more…)

Ask Dr. H: Peanuts no substitute for statin drugs Ask Dr. H Mitchell Hecht
Q: I heard that a study showed eating peanut products which contain phytosterols can help lower cholesterol. (more…)

Facts to Know Before Going for Weight Loss Surgery
Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with weight loss surgery? This informative article can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about weight loss surgery.

For some people, it can be a difficult decision for choosing whether or not to undergo weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is life changing and requires a solid commitment from the patient to follow a diet and exercise plan. You should make sure you clearly understand the pros and cons connected with weight loss surgery procedure before making any decision.
What to Expect?

First and foremost, it is essential that you have a clear idea of what your expectations are from the weight loss surgery and whether the results of that actual surgical procedure will be able to meet those expectations.

Also, weight loss surgery patients are advised not to expect the weight loss surgery to be their answer to all their problems and that they will need to maintain their health and figures into the future by following proper healthy eating and exercise plans.

These weight loss surgery types are gaining more acceptances today as newer technology makes the weight loss surgeries more efficient and safer. There are probably many questions you have. Here are some common questions regarding weight loss surgery if you are considering weight loss surgery.
How Much Weight Can I Lose?

The amount of weight you will lose following weight loss surgery will depend on several factors. First, the weight loss surgery type you have can affect the outcome. The Lap-Band procedure, while safer, has slower weight loss than other forms.

Also, your exercise routine and the foods you eat will also affect your weight loss outcome. It is essential to follow the diet plan given to you and to exercise everyday for the maximum weight loss. Most patients can expect to lose about 36 percent of their excess body weight within the first year.
Are There any Qualifications For Having Weight Loss Surgery?

Even this depends on several factors. Usually, a candidate for weight loss surgery must weight 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight. Another factor is the body mass index.

Women who are 80 pounds overweight or more and have a body mass index of 40+ and men who are overweight by 100 pounds or more and have a Body Mass Index of about 40+ are considered severely obese and may be candidates for weight loss surgery.

Those who have a BMI between 35 and 40 and suffer from obesity connected problems such as sleep apnea, obesity related heart disease, or diabetes may be considered for the weight loss surgery.
How Safe Is Weight Loss Surgery?

For the most part, weight loss surgery is safe. As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved and these should be carefully considered before having the procedure.

Also, there are some weight loss surgery types that are safer than others. Surgeries that are performed laparoscopically are generally safer and easier to recover from than open procedures.

Additionally, there may be some medical conditions that will prevent a good outcome for some patients. It is significant to discuss these issues with your health care provider before having surgery.
Can I Participate In Activities Following Surgery?

Yes, after you are completely healed, it generally takes four to six weeks. Healing time can depend on the type of surgery that is performed. You can resume your normal activities after that time. In reality, exercise is encouraged and will aid in more rapid weight loss.
What Can I Eat After Weight Loss Surgery?

You will be limited to liquids and pureed foods for the first five weeks after surgery. Gradually, you can begin to add in other foods such as lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and low fat dairy products.

Most patients will only be able to eat a very small portion so it is significant to stop eating when you feel full and to eat several small meals during the day. Also, you should avoid sweet foods and foods that are fibrous, greasy, doughy or sticky. This can lead to obstacle of the stomach and intestines.

Although Weight Loss Surgery can be a life saving procedure for some people, for others it is seen primarily as a cosmetic procedure. That said, however, it does have its advantages. Primarily, the main advantage of weight loss surgery is weight reduction with many of its patients being pleased with the amount of weight they have lost.

That said, whenever anyone is considering undertaking weight loss surgery it is significant that they discuss this fully with their doctor and seek out the best medical advice to date.

Take time to consider the points about weight loss surgery presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on different surgery methods and steps to be followed after the surgery, visit his website: http://www.weight-loss-surgery-guide.info (more…)

Proinflammatory cytokine production and insulin sensitivity regulated by overexpression of resistin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Resistin is secreted from adipocytes, and high circulating levels have been associated with obesity and insulin resistance. To investigate whether resistin could exert autocrine effects in adipocytes, we expressed resistin gene in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts using a lentiviral vector, and selected several stably-transduced cell lines under blasticidin selection.We observed that 3T3-L1 adipocytes expressing resistin have a decreased gene expression for related transcriptional factors (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ?(C/EBP?) , peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR?), and adipocyte lipid binding protein (ALBP/aP2) which is one of target genes for the PPAR? during adipocyte differentiation,. Overexpression of resistin increased the levels of three proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF?), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which play important roles for insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolisms during adipogenesis. Furthermore, overexpressing resistin in adipocytes inhibits glucose transport 4 (GLUT4) activity and its gene expression, reducing insulin’s ability for glucose uptake by 30 %.In conclusion, resistin overexpression in stably transduced 3T3-L1 cells resulted in: 1) Attenuation of programmed gene expression responsible for adipogenesis; 2) Increase in expression of proinflammatory cytokines; 3) Decrease in insulin responsiveness of the glucose transport system. These data suggest a new role for resistin as an autocrine/paracrine factor affecting inflammation and insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue. (more…)