Obesity

A Reference Resource List

Compiled by Emerson Library Staff

2002-2007

 

2002 Journal Citations:

 

Cardwell, Glenn.  “Legislating Obesity Through Food Taxes?”  (2002) Manufacturing Confectioner (82) 12: 16-17.

The author discusses how it has been brought up before to tax junk food as a way to reduce their consumption.  The author discusses how exercise is needed, a different food tax, and the future of nutrition.  He includes a table on the possible taxable foods along with their fat, sodium, and sugar levels.  These foods include milk chocolate, jelly confectionery, cheese, bread, hamburger, sausage, cornflakes, flavored yogurt, potato chips, soft drink, and fruit juice.

 

“Fighting Obesity and Diabetes.”  (2002) Food Product Design (12) 3:29.

Obesity and diabetes have become major public health concerns.  The American Physiological Society of Bethesda, MD reports that a plant based edible compounds could be one way to fight these diseases.

 

Kinsey, Jean D.  “Whole Health for Self-Care-A New Nutrition.”  (2002) Cereal Foods World (47) 5:193-194.

In the United States, the obesity problem is rising.  Half of adults are overweight and 20 percent are obese according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.  One-quarter of children are overweight or obese.  To check if a person is obese they can have the calculation done at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-adult.html.  There is also a trend of healthier foods hitting the market.  When analyzing numbers, one must be careful to with the interpretations. 

 

“Living Off the Fat of the Land.”  (2002) Food Quality (9) 4:9-10.

The Surgeon General reported findings from new studies that showed 300,000 Americans died last year with their deaths being related to obesity or carrying extra weight.  There is now a federal Call to Action to help educate consumers about unhealthy diets and their risks.  More information can be found at www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity, www.consumerfreedom.com, and www.iotf.org.

 

“Summit on Childhood Obesity.”  (2002) Food Product Design (12) 6:29.

David Satcher is the former Surgeon General and has planned a national summit of health and education experts.  The purpose is to discuss different ways to slim down kids.  There has been a recent growth of obesity rates in children.  He reports that 13 percent of children are overweight or obese and 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese.

 

Rowe, Sylvia.  “The Obesity Epidemic: A Complex Problem with no Simple Solution.”  (2002) Manufacturing Confectioner (82) 6:90-92.

In the past few years, obesity and weights have increased in the United States.  The author discusses comprehensive programs such as the Partnership for Healthy Eating and Active Living, Colorado on the Move, and Activate.  These programs are designed to help fight weight problems.

 

Winslow, Ron and Peter Landers.   “Obesity: A World-Wide Woe.”   (2002) The Wall Street Journal (240) 1.

                Includes statistics for worldwide obesity and discusses the effect of changing diet and lifestyles.

 

2003 Journal Citations:

 

Adams, Judi.   “Regaining the Healthful Image of Grain-Based Foods.”  (2003) Cereal Foods World (48) 9:124-127.

In the media, it is easy to find articles, reports, and information on how carbohydrates are to blame for American's obesity crisis.  The U.S. food pyramid guide is now being challenged for its recommendation of 6 to 11 servings a day for Americans.  High protein diets are one reason to blame because they claim that carbohydrates are bad.  Little information is available to the public that says differently.  Some objection to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid comes from information of the Glycemic Index.  The article includes acrylamide and trans fats, two more issues that are in the spotlight along with carbohydrates.  The grain-based food industry is responding to attacks that carbohydrates are bad for people.  They have yet to give a resound response to the public.  What is needed is a third-party nutritionist to challenge the misinformation about carbohydrates.

 

Associated Press.  “Bill To Fight Obesity With School Grants Advances in Senate.”  (2003) The Wall Street Journal (242) 86:B6.

Federal grants could be given to cities and schools to fight against obesity.  The grants would pay for nutritional classes and promote fitness.  The bill is currently in the Senate being reviewed.  The Center for Disease and Control has estimated that 15 percent of children and 61 percent of adults are overweight.  The bill is called Nutrition and Physical Activity Act.

 

Associated Press.  “Study Upsets Idea that All Calories are Created Equal.”  (2003) The Wall Street Journal (242) 74:D4.

Penelope Greene of Harvard School of Public Health did a study that was presented at the American Association for the Study of Obesity.  Her study found that people who eat an extra 300 calories a day on a very low-carb diet lose as much as people on a standard low-fat diet.  The low-carb dieters consumed an extra 25,000 calories that should have accounted for seven extra pounds but it did not’t.  Dr. Greene reported that it seems the low-carb diet lets a person eat more calories and still lose the weight.  This challenges assumptions of calories.

 

“Bush To Spend More on Food Safety, Obesity Prevention.”  (2003) Food Processing (64) 2:12.

Bush's new budget proposal for 2004 will include $42 million to $797 million for the USDA's food safety budget.  This is a 20% increase in that budget.  This will increase the Food and Safety and Inspection workforce inspectors and veterinarians of meat, poultry, and egg products to 7,680.

 

Corbin, Stephanie Bres.  “Addressing the Obesity Epidemic in the United States.”  (2003) Manufacturing Confectioner (83) 10:41-45.

A global public health concern right now is obesity.  For 2001, obesity cost the U.S. $123 billion for direct and indirect costs.  In 1986, this figure was estimated at $39.3 billion.  The author includes obesity trends among U.S. adults in figures and compares 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2001.  She includes a table on the obesity in U.S. children and compares 1960, 1980, and 2000.   She also compares 1990 and 2002 for non-insulin dependent diabetes among U.S. adults.  A body mass index guidelines is included as well as a table on the trends in obesity related media coverage and a table on the 2003 food and health regulatory activity.  She discusses environment and initiatives to fight obesity.   She includes the average BMI for Colorado for 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000 and an average baseline steps per day for males and females for different age groups.

 

Ellison, Sara and Brian Steinberg.   “To Eat, or Not To Eat.”  (2003) The Wall Street Journal (241) 120:B1, B4.

Consumers are torn between eating healthy and eating junk food.  This can be found in advertising, which is trying to market to both mind sets.  Consumers are battling obesity but still want their junk food.

 

“Individual Responsibility for Obesity.”  (2003) Manufacturing Confectioner (83) 4:15.

A survey was done for the Grocery Manufacturers of America that showed most Americans think that individuals are responsible for their obesity problem.  Only five percent said that fast food is to blame while four percent say the food manufacturers are responsible.

 

Kolettis, Helen.  “Chewing the Fat.”  (2003) Food Product Design (13) 5:19-20.

Obesity rates are increasing in the U.S. and in the world.  The food industry could easily become a target for legal and consumer blame as the cause of the increase of obesity.  There was a conference that was held in Boston called “Changing the American Diet: Imperatives and Opportunities.”  The author discusses what happened at the conference and some current issues with obesity such as rising health costs.

 

Leung, Shirley.  “Obesity Suit Against McDonald’s Dismissed by Federal Judge.”  (2003) The Wall Street Journal (242) 46:B4.

A New York federal judge threw the case out of court.  The judge ruled that the plaintiff lawyers failed to prove their allegations against McDonald are that McDonald's caused the health problems in overweight children.  Two girls had said that McDonald's mislead them with advertising and were to blame for their obesity and failing health.

 

Macaulay, Jennifer.  “Obesity: An Issue of National Importance.”  (2003) Food Technology (57) 2:20.

In 2000, it cost $117 billion to treat obesity.  Obesity is a huge problem in the U.S. but is also an increasing problem worldwide.  In the U.S., 64 percent of adults are overweight or obese and 15 percent of children are overweight or obese.  For those who are overweight have an increased risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are 300,000 deaths a year are from lack of physical activity and poor nutrition.

 

Matthews, Anna Wilde and Shirley Leung.  “FDA Considers Nutrition Labels in Restaurants.”  (2003) The Wall Street Journal (242) 81:B1, B2.

The Federal and Drug Administration is talking about setting national standards for nutritional information displays in restaurants throughout the nation.  The reason behind this idea is the obesity problem that the United States is currently facing.  The FDA is talking about changing the labeling on packaged foods that could give more distinction to calorie count and guide consumers on how to have a healthy diet with a variety of foods.  The FDA does not currently have this power, so legislation would have to be passed to give them this power.  There have already been many restaurants that have made voluntary their nutritional information such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s.

 

Munoz, Sara Schaeffer.  “Doctors Tackle Teen Obesity.”  (2003) The Wall Street Journal (242) 119:D6.

A new weight loss drug called Xenical has been approved this week for use in teenagers.  Doctors give it as another option to help battle this major health problem.  Doctors can use drugs, surgery, and prevention programs to battle the obese teens.  The author compares Xenical, Meridia, and Glucophage.

 

Palmer, Sharon L., R.D.  “Splitting at the Seams: The Latest on Obesity.”  (2003) Food Product Design (13) 7:33-34.

Obesity is increasing in the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 31 percent of Americans are obese and 4.7 percent are severely obese.  The American Obesity Association reports that obesity is the second leading cause of death that is preventable in the U.S.  Costs for health care are $100 billion a year.  Obesity increases many health risks such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, among others.   The author discusses the increase and awareness and information for Americans about obesity.  She talks about eating less, exercising more, and different alternatives when eating less and exercising more does not work.

 

“Parents Take Blame for Children’s Obesity.”  (2003) Food Product Design (13) 7:25.

ACNielsen, New York, recently conducted a survey that shows parents usually blame themselves not their children for their child’s obesity.  Of the survey, two out of three said that the parent or guardian is to blame for child being obese.  Fast food restaurants had 60 percent of the blame while food manufacturers had 18 percent of the blame.

 

“Restaurant Lampoons Obesity Lawsuits.”  (2003) Food Product Design (13) 8:26.

One restaurant in Seattle is making fun of the recent obesity lawsuits by patrons.  They created a dessert called “The Bulge” and make customers sign a waiver saying they will not sue the store for becoming obese.

 

Rowe, S. B., Borra, S. and Kelly, L. J.  “Obesity As A Public Health Crisis In America.”  (2003) Cereal Foods World (48) 3:120-122.

Americans have increased life expectancies because of improvements in public health, fewer environmental hazards, and improvements in health care.  For the past 40 years, Americans also are more focused on reducing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, overweight, and obesity.  Before they were more focused on reducing infectious diseases.  The article includes the definition of obesity, the prevention and treatment of obesity, the environmental influences on obesity, and the questions for future research on obesity.

 

Schildhouse, Jill.  “WHO Releases Diet and Disease Report.”  (2003) Food Product Design (13) 1:19-20.

The World and Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had a report done called, “Diet, Nutrition, and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases.”   They released the report on March 3, 2003.   The report, in summary, said that a diet low in energy dense foods and high in fruit and vegetables with an active lifestyle is what is needed to fight against chronic disease.  The author includes some statistics on how much obesity has impacted the United States.

 

“U.S. Diabetes Rates Get Worse.”  (2003) The Wall Street Journal (242) 20:D12.

Federal researchers report that one in three Americans that are born in the year 2000 will develop adult diabetes.  Diabetes disproportionately affects women and minorities.  This increase in diabetes is related to the increase in obesity in Americans.

 

 

               

2004 Journal Citations:

 

ACNielsen.  “ACNielsen Quantifies Impact of Low Carb Diets.”  (2004: Feb. 9).

This article can be found at www.factsfiguresfuture.com/archive.  Included in the newsletter are many figures for the low carbohydrate trend.  They include how many are on the diet, have been on the diet, and have never been on the diet.  They include many categories and their sales in terms of dollars and volume and how much that has changed since last year.  The categories they include are UPC-coded fresh potatoes, instance rice, cookies, refrigerated orange juice, cereal, bulk and packaged rice, dehydrated potatoes, regular carbonated beverages, dry pasta, fresh bread, white bread, wheat bread, eggs, meat snacks, nuts, bacon, diet carbonated beverages, frozen unprepared meat and seafood, refrigerated sausage, refrigerated sliced lunchmeat, cheese, and frankfurters.  The newsletter also includes results from a home survey on issues such as obesity, trans fatty acids, and saturated acid.

 

“As Obesity Spreads, Dieters Diversify.”  (2004) Prepared Foods (173) 6:39.

The International Association for the Study of Obesity’s International Obesity Task Force reports that about one in every four people on the planet is too fat.   Americans are about two out of every three.   On Earth, about 1.7 billion people should lose weight.  Three hundred and twelve million are at least 30 pounds over the recommended weight.  About 17 percent of Americans have tried that Atkins diet but about 4% are currently on the low carbohydrate diet.

 

Ashman, Hollis and Beckley, Jacqueline.  “Understanding Consumers’ Fears and Anxieties about Obesity and Their Impact on Products.”   (2004) Cereal Foods World (49) 1:39-41.

The authors discuss the obesity epidemic and how to understand the consumers’ anxiety about the issue.  They also focus on how best to talk to them obesity and this might impact the food products that the industry makes.

 

Associated Press.  “British Group Targets Obesity.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 104:D7.

A British parliamentary committee has recommended that food companies put a traffic light system on food so that consumers can tell quickly how healthy their products are.  The House of Commons Health Committee has criticized the government, food manufacturers, and advertising that they have not done enough to help decrease the obesity problem.

 

Associated Press.  “Children’s Fast-Food Diet Adds Pounds, Study Says.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 3:D6.

One-third of children between the ages of four to 19 eat fast food everyday.  This could be a reason that children are adding an extra six pounds each year.  David Ludwig has led the study that began in 1970.  He is the director of the obesity program at Children’s Hospital Boston.  The study was published in January in Pediatrics.

 

Associated Press.  “Heavy Adults Able to Ward Off Extra Pounds Just by Walking.”   (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 10:D5.

A study found that if overweight adults who are not on a diet just walked about a half hour a day that they would not gain weight and might even lose a few pounds.  Those who did nothing for eight months usually put on 2.5 pounds.  The study was done by Duke University and will be published in Archives of Internal Medicine.

 

Associated Press.  “Latest Data Show No Decrease in Rate of Obesity in U.S.”   (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 118:D3.

The government started an alarm last year at the increasing rates of obesity.  Despite this, there has been no decline in the U.S. obesity rates.   Thirty-one percent of adults and 17 percent of children are seriously overweight.

 

Associated Press.  “Very Obese Children At Risk for Diabetes and Heart Disease.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 108:D5.

A study was done at Yale University’s Schools of Medicine that found very obese children have an increased risk of getting diabetes and heart disease at an early age.  These health problems are considered metabolic syndrome.  Currently, about one quarter of adults have it.

 

Banasiak, Karen.  “FAO Says Fight Hunger Today to Reduce Obesity Tomorrow.”   (2004) Food Technology (58) 5:6.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization says that by reducing hunger and undernourishment in children and pregnant women helps them from becoming overweight later in life.  The study can be found at www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2004/36847/index.html.

 

“Consumer Perspectives on Obesity.”  (2004) Food Processing (65) 6:12.

In a study, most of the U.S. consumers reported that being overweight is not a health problem. The Hartman Group did the study.  The participants reported that they do want to have healthy choices but they also want their indulgent options.

 

Elder, Richard B.  “The Obesity Issue: Moving From Awareness to Action.”   (2004) Manufacturing Confectioner (84) 5:45-49.

The author discusses the obesity epidemic in the United States.  He also discusses the causes of obesity, who is responsible, and solutions.   He includes a figure of obesity trends among U.S. adults and pie chart on Harvard forums on a health poll.  The author discusses Acitvate/Kidnetic.com, which is a group working together with health professional to promote healthier eating.

 

“Fat Fault.”  (2004) Prepared Foods (173) 4:33.

Context Marketing of California conducted a survey that shows Americans blame the obesity epidemic on consumers.  This takes the blame off of the food and beverage industry.  Included is a table on their results of American consumer opinions for different food related concerns.  You can get a copy of the survey from 415-289-7575 or e-mailing at mhancock@contextmarketing.com.

 

Giese, James.  “CDC Says Obesity Costs States Billions.”  (2004) Food Technology (58) 2:17.

A new study was done at RTI International and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The study shows an estimate that obesity cost the U.S. about $75 billion in 2003.  More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r040121.htm.

 

Giese, James.  “FDA Releases Plan to Confront Obesity.”  (2004) Food Technology (58) 4:17.

The FDA has called the obesity problem in the U.S. an epidemic.  They are releasing their final report from their Obesity Working Group.   They are focusing on a “Calories Count” campaign to help the obesity problem.  More information can be found at the following web site at www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/obesity/.

 

Giese, James.  “House Bans Obesity Lawsuits.”  (2004) Food Technology (58) 4:17.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to ban class action lawsuits blaming food companies for obesity.  The bill is called the “Cheeseburger Bill” and they voted 276 to 139 in favor of it.

 

“HHS Tackles Obesity.”  (2004) FDA Consumer (38) 3:14-16.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately two out of three U.S. adults are overweight or obese.  That means 129 million in the U.S. are overweight or obese.  The author discusses obesity research, calories count, how the waist circumference matters when calculating body mass index, and a table to figure out if you are at healthy weight.  For more information visit the following web site: www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/obesity/, http://obesityresearch.nigh.gov, and www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/fs04309.htm.

 

Joy, David.   “The WHO Weighs in on Obesity.”   (2004) Food Processing (65) 4:18.

The WHO (World Health Organization) released a document called a “draft global strategy on diet, physical activity, and health.”                 The author discusses the role of governments in promoting health eating.

 

MacAulay, Jennifer and Newsome, Rosetta.  “Solving the Obesity Conundrum.”  (2004) Food Technology (58) 6:32-37.

The authors discuss IFT’s third Research Summit and how they worked on solving the problem f obesity in the United States.  They include notes from keynote addresses and causes and control of obesity, biological mechanisms, long-term eating behavior, and the role of the media.  From the summit, research recommendations included prevention, analytical tools, predictive biomarkers, behavior motivations, communication and education, satiety, food solutions, and other issues in understanding obesity.  There is also a need for integration of research efforts.

 

Meadows, Michelle.  “The FDA Forms Obesity Working Group.”  (2004) FDA Consumer (83) 1:28-29.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese.  Being overweight or obese increases the chances for health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and others.  The FDA has started an obesity working group.  Included are the six main questions that are encouraged at the public meetings.  For more information visit www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/obesity.html.

 

Merchant, Barbara.  “The Metabolic Syndrome: Are You At Risk?”  (2004) Low Carb Energy (1) 2:86.

The Centers for Disease Control has reported that obesity is increasing quickly in the U.S.  Obesity can cause health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or other forms of cancer and metabolic syndrome.  This is sometimes called the Reaven syndrome.  The author discusses what this means for a person, taming metabolic syndrome, how much exercise is needed, and other therapies and their roles in helping.  Dr. Steinbaum recommends that people with a disposition to metabolic syndrome go on a low-carbohydrate, high fiber diet.

 

Munoz, Sara Schaefer.  “Obesity Hampers Child Health Gains, Study Shows.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 59:D4.

Researchers from Duke University did a study of an index of child welfare from 1975 to 2002.  They found that the average U.S. child overall well being has increased by 5 percent.  This number would be 15 percent but it is affected by the increasing obesity rate among children. 

 

“Obesity Research Questioned.”  (2004) Manufacturing Confectioner (84) 4: 18.

Manufacturing Confectioner sourced this information from consumerfreedom.com.  The group questions recent claims that have been released about the obesity epidemic in the United States.  They question the following claims: that obesity causes 300,000 American deaths each year; American obesity costs $117 billion a year; and sixty-one percent of Americans are overweight or obese.

 

Rawlings, Kimberly A.  “FDA’s Obesity Initiative: A Look at Applied Nutrition and Labeling.”  (2004) Food Safety Magazine (10) 3:12, 14, 16.

Traditionally, food safety is associated with protecting the food supply from pathogens, chemical contaminants, and physical adulterants.  A new growing problem is obesity and being overweight.  Obesity and being overweight, increases health risks for hypertension, dyslipidema, type 2-diabetes, and others.  Obesity costs the U.S. approximately $117 billion a year.  Fifty billion in medical costs could be avoided each year.   The author discusses FDA OWG recommendations, food labeling for health, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, and maintaining a healthy diet as a lifestyle.

 

“Rising Number of Deaths From Obesity/Inactivity Cited by C.D.C.”  (2004) Milling & Baking News (83) 3:13.

 According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control 400,000 deaths in 2000 were "caused by poor diet and physical inactivity."  This is an increase of 33% from 1990.  As a result of the data a new "Healthy Lifestyles & Disease Prevention" campaign is being launched by the Health and Human Services Department.

 

Rundle, Rhonda L.  “Obesity Issues for Elderly May Rise.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal 243) 46:D3.

Older Americans have had increasing obesity rates according to a study done by Rand of California.  Those from 50-69 are increasing in obesity and by 2020, treatment of medical problems related to obesity will take one-fifth of health care dollars from these people.

 

“Shrinking Families to Blame for Overweight Children?”  (2004) Manufacturing Confectioner (84) 2:18.

This article is reprinted from SG Magazine.  Scientists at Bonn University report that confectionery and snacks being the cause for our obesity has been exaggerated.  They believe the main cause is the lack of a regular family meal.  The family meal is a place for the children to learn a balanced meal but it is not rare for children to be at home by themselves with two parents working.   The most important thing is to find a happy medium between eating and exercising.

 

Simmonds, Laura.  “Getting Off the Road to Obesity.”  (2004) Food Technology (58) 5:100.

There are many different ways the blame for obesity in American to go.  The author discusses American on the Move and how the group is focusing on decreasing the obesity problem.  They do not care whose fault it is but want to help fight it.  Their web site is www.americaonthemove.org.

 

"Study: Obesity A Factor in High Health Care Cost." (July 6, 2005) Food Chemical News Daily. Available online through paid subscription at http://www.foodchemicalnews.com.

According to the journal Health Affairs, privately insured obese individuals have increased by 6.5% from 1987 to 2002. The author of the study, Ken Thorpe, reported that "30% of growth in health care spending between 1987 and 2002 can be traced to the rise in obese adults."

 

Swann, Lauren.   “Seeking Solutions to Obesity.”   (2004) Prepared Foods (173) 10:53, 55-56.

A recent national conference at Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia) Erivan K. Haub School of Business addressed the issue of obesity, from causes to perspectives and solutions.  Included is a table of predicted trends and a table on label considerations that possible become law.   The author discusses regulatory considerations and consumer perceptions with industry opportunities.  More information can be found at www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/reports/obesity.html.

 

Terhune, Chad.   “Coke CEO Admits Obesity Is Big Issue.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 119:B3.

E. Neville Isdell is the new chairman and CEO for Coca Cola Corp.  He has acknowledged that obesity is a big challenge.  He does however report that the company is offering soft drinks and snacks because the customers have the right to choose what they eat.  The company cannot ignore what customers want.

 

  Toops, Diane.  “Obesity News Tipped the Scales in 2003.”  (2004) Food Processing (65) 2:72.

A survey showed that obesity was the no. 1 food news in 2003.  The no. 2 news story was the Atkins Diet.  Trans fatty acids were voted the no. 3 most important story.  The South Beach diet made the no. 5 top story in 2003 while no. 10 was reality television based on foods.

 

Variyam, Jayachandran N.  “Technological Changes Contribute to Rise in Obesity.”  (2004) Amber Waves (2) 3:7.

This is a short report from a finding called The Economics of Obesity: A Report on the Workshop Held at USDA’s Economic Research Service.  The report was published May 2004 and is available at www.ers.usda.gov/publications/efan04004/.   Included is a chart showing how obesity has risen quickly since the mid-1970s.  The authors of the report believe that technological progress has increased the obesity rates among Americans.  Not only are Americans exercising less but more ready to eat foods are available at any time.  Economists are hoping to better understand the causes of obesity increasing among Americans.

 

Waldholz, Michael.  “Researchers’ Goal: Stopping Diabetes Before Kids Get It.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 41:A1, A12.

Doctors are targeting children that are at the most risk for getting diabetes.   There are currently studies going on to help doctors understand who is at most risk and who to sidetrack the illness from the children.  About one out of 300 American children get Type 1 diabetes without warning.  About one million of Americans are affected by Type 1 diabetes and about 17 million Americans are affected by Type 2 diabetes.

 

Winslow, Ron.   “A New Tactic Against Obesity: Starve Fat Cells of Blood Supply.”  (2004) The Wall Street Journal (243) 91:B1, B4.

A study was done that might have a potential way to treat obesity.  Researchers have tried to in lab mice to melt away body fat by cutting off the blood supply to fat cells.  The author discusses the findings of the project and includes pictures of the difference in mice that had their blood supply cut off to those who had not.

 

2005 Journal Citations:

 

Ang, Jit F. and Crosby, Guy A.  “Formulating Reduced-Calorie Foods with Powdered Cellulose.”  (March 2005) Food Technology (59) 3:35-38.

The authors discuss how powdered cellulose can help fight obesity by reducing the carbohydrate and caloric content of flour-based products and at the same time, increase the level of dietary fiber and protein.  The authors also discuss fiber, weight control, health, defining fiber, and applications of powdered cellulose.

  

Childs, Mike and Wing, Fabian Lee.   “The Year in Print.”  (January/February 2005) Bakers Journal (65) 1:13-14, 117.

Included are articles from different trade journals and scientific publications last year about hot topics in the baking industry.  These include trans fats, low-carbohydrate, protein, fibres (or fibers), convenience, functional foods, and obesity.

 

Getting the Skinny.” (October 2006) Prepared Foods.   (175) 10: 22

A report by the Trust for America's Health shows that Colorado is the fittest state in the U.S., with only 16.9% of its adults categorized as obese.  Joining Colorado on the fit level were Hawaii, Massachusetts and Vermont. Among the "fat five" were: Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Kentucky. The article points out that "no state is anywhere near the national goal of 15% obesity, a target set for the year 2010."

 

“Kids Not Alright.” (October 2006) Prepared Foods (175) 10: 21.

Pilgrim's Pride has released EatWellStayHealthy Kids breaded chicken breast nuggets and breaded popcorn chicken. The product was developed to help fight obesity in children, which experts are afraid will cause 30%-40% of kids to suffer from diabetes.

 

 

Kramer, Lawrence.  “Nutritionally Speaking.”  (August 1988)   Pizza Today  (6)8:86-87

If prepared properly and with fresh, wholesome ingredients pizza can be a great way for kids to eat a healthy serving of the food groups and enjoy it.  Includes some suggestions on how to make a pizza more nutritious from the crust to the toppings.  Though, keep in perspective that this article is viewing adolescent obesity as an issue and discussing the solutions to making pizza healthier from the standards and nutritional guidelines of 1988.

 

Mancino, Lisa.  “Americans at Unequal Risk for Obesity.”  (November 2004) Amber Waves (2) 5:7.

Not all Americans are at risk for becoming obese.  A recent Economic Research Service survey from the USDA states that certain demographic groups are more likely to be overweight or obese.  Both economic and social factors affect these groups that lead to a higher rate of obesity.  More information is available in the report "The Role of Economics in Eating Choices and Weight Outcomes" that is available online at http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib791

 

"Many European Children Suffer Health Problems Tied to Obesity. " (June 2, 2005) The Wall Street Journal (245) 107:D3.

The epidemic of obesity, especially in children, is no longer just an American problem.  Europe is now facing the issues of child nutrition, lack of exercise and the ensuing health problems that arise from obesity, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

 

McKay, Betsy.  Obesity Epidemic May Not Be As Deadly As Claimed.  (April 30, 2005) The Wall Street Journal. (245) 77:D4.

The CDC has discovered through analysis of mortality data from several health surveys that being "overweight but not obese" does not preclude a person to any excess risk of death.  This does not mean that obesity is still not a major public concern, it just proves that the government may have overstated the risk of excess weight and obesity.

 

McTaggart, Jenny.  “Talking with their Mouths Full.” (April 1, 2004) Progressive Grocer (83) 3:19.

A report on the survey results from Cooking Light that helps put into perspective how American's view nutrition, health, eating habits and life style.   Breaks people into four different categories based on their actual habits and knowledge of health rather than just what they say.   Gives some insight as to why the obesity epidemic seems not to be lessening despite the current health crazes.

 

 Nunes, Ketih.  "Got Your Protein-Enhanced Beverage?" (July 26, 2005) Milling & Baking News: Food News Edition, (84) 21: 30-3.

Growth in the dairy category are increasing not only in the milk and cheese categories but in other categories including yogurt and ice cream. Notes that ethnic cooking has lead to and increased consumption of cheese. Graphs noted the changes from 2001-2005 in milk unit volume, milk dollar sales, cheese unit volume and cheese dollar sales. A list of the top 10 nutrition trends is given on p. 32. Key items in the list are obesity, dietary guidelines, dairy health benefits, calcium, individualized diets, sweetened beverages, early nutrition, functional foods, low-carb dieting declining and food safety concerns.

 

"Obesity Increases Among Californians." (April 16, 2005) The Wall Street Journal (245) 67:D7.

Given the image of California as health-conscious and heightened body-image, it is surprising to find out that California has the fastest rate of adult obesity in the nation.

 

Path, Sakharam K. and Perera, Chandani.  Obesity – A Question of Balance.  (May/June 2005) Cereal Foods World. (5) 3: 146-147, 152.

Overeating or bad eating habits are not the only ones to blame for the current obesity problems facing America.  A lack of physical activity is a major part of the problem and a balance between nutrition and portion control plus exercise could be the solution

 

“Snack Food Association Undergoes Reorganization.”  (September 2005), Milling & Baking News (84) 29: 42.

The Snack Food Association has announced a reorganization plan due to positions that were eliminated.    The president of the SFA, Bob Shearer noted that recent issues in the industry contributed to the changes.  Top issues cited were obesity, transfat and acrylamide. 

Stanton, John L.  “Obesity: Take the Offensive.”  (January 2005) Food Processing (66) 1:24.

The author spoke with Institute of Food Technologists about obesity.  The message they are seeing is that food companies should make healthier products.  Consumers are more concerned with vanity than health problems when it comes to obesity.  The author believes that there is more to this issue than just focusing on food and overeating.  The author also believes that the food industry is taking a “head in the sand” approach to the issue of obesity and how they should defend themselves better.

 

Study Shows Programs Can Teach Children To Eat Healthier. (July/August 2005) FDA Consumer.  (39) 4:8-9. 

Preadolescent children who were part of a nutrition education program to promote healthy eating habits were better at developing a healthy diet over their peers that only received basic nutrition facts.  This is a promising study that offers hope to reducing the growing rate of obesity in children.

 

Variyam, Jayachandran N.  The Price is Right – Economics and the Rise in Obesity.  (February 2005) Amber Waves.  (3) 1:20-27.

Convenience, packaging and other technologically orientated advances that have driven food prices down and increased variety plus rising household incomes, have led to some of the factors that are to blame for the American obesity epidemic.  Also the change from labor-intensive jobs to mechanization and service industry jobs makes physical activity less of a normal day's activities to something that must be budgeted for.  The government's role in reducing obesity is now emerging with possible intervention solutions ranging from education to taxes.

 

Zimmerman, Rachel.  Obesity May Shrink U.S. Lifespan.  (March 17, 2005) The Wall Street Journal. (245) 53:D6.

With the ever-increasing waistlines of children in the U.S. it is possible that they will lead lives that are less healthy and will die sooner than their parents.  Making this the first time in over a century that gains in life expectancy could be lost.  Some theorize that obesity, especially those that begin the large weight gains during childhood, could reduce a person's lifespan by 2 to 5 years.

2006 Journal Citations:

 

Clapp, Stephen.  ”Who Urged to Pressure Codex on Obesity.”  (May 2, 2005)   Food Chemical News, (47) 12: 16-17.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is being pushed by the International Association of Consumer Food Organizations to institute an anti-obesity program through the Codex Alimentarius and other UN organizations.  The anti-obesity program would include regulations, food standards and educational efforts.

 

Fusaro, Dave.  “Misplaced Blame and Ignorance.”  (January 2006)   Food Processing.  (67)1: 9.

Editorial by D. Fusaro, the Editor in Chief of Food Processing, stating that the Institute of Medicine's report on food advertising and its influence on childhood obesity rates is being blown out of proportion by the media; undermines the positive campaigns that the food industry has recently launched to educate both children and adults on healthy eating and lifestyle choices; and not necessarily a sound study.

 

Ploeg, Michele; Mancino, Lisa and Lin, Biing-Hwan.  “Food Stamps and Obesity: Ironic Twist or Complex Puzzle?”  (February 2006)  Amber Waves.  (4) 1:32-37.

There is some research that supports the theory that food stamps increase the likelihood of obesity, yet this data is from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s.   Some believe that food stamps increase obesity because of the option to purchase more yet not necessarily healthier foods and the monthly cycle of high availability of food directly after the food stamps are issued which decrease steadily through the month until the next date of issue causing binge eating.

 

Robinson, Alan. “Starstruck.” (November 2006). Frozen Food Age, (55) 4.: 6.

The author applauds Hannaford Bros., a company in the Northeast, which has created a three-star system to rate the nutritional values of products sold in 158 supermarkets in the area.  The author notes that the company helps show to consumers that often the claims made on the front of the package of food is not always in accordance to the nutritional labels on the back. Hannaford's system takes into account the amount of fat, calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar of a product.

 

Spizzirri, John.  “Weighing Weight-Management Options.”  (January 2006)   Food Product Design.  (15)10:65-66, 68-70, 73-75.

The increased awareness of how excess weight can lead to long-term health issues and longer-lasting diet trends have created a marketplace with consumers keen to embrace low-calorie, low-sugar and low-sodium products or diet regiments that are long-term solutions to weight management.  Covers the alternatives to sugar and low-calorie sweeteners; reduced fat and fat-free products; supplementation to increase the healthy aspects of foods; and regulations.

 

Toops, Diane.  “I’m Lovin’ It; So Should You.”  (January 2006)   Food Processing.  (67) 1:50.

The author's view on the recent attacks on McDonald's and people blaming the fast-food industry for American's obesity epidemic.  Uses McDonald's recent adoption of printing some of the nutritional content, such as calories and sodium, on food items as an example of McDonald's continued leadership in the industry and the company's attempt to be more health conscious.

 

Wood, Marcia; Suszkiw, Jan; Core, Jim and Peabody, Erin.  “Cooking Up Tempting, Fat-Fighting Foods and Ingredients.”   (March 2006)  Agricultural Research.  (54) 3: 12-15.

Agricultural Research Service ARS scientists work on creating foods low in fat and food ingredients that can replace fat in foods or reduce the body's ability to absorb the fat in foods, which would combat the growing obesity problem.  One such ingredient is C-Trim.  C-Trim is a food additive from oats and barley that will cut the fat and carbohydrate content in foods such as chocolate, cookies and yogurt.  Scientist also created a low fat uptake rice flour that can be used to batter fried foods that will reduce the amount of fat contained in the final product.  Also has information on all natural apple bars and low-fat mozzarella.

 

 

Last updated March 12, 2007

 

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