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Weekly news brief from IASO
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
23rd May 2013
If you have trouble viewing any of the
links or to search the news archive please copy and paste the following
link into your browser http://www.iaso.org/resources/obesity-news/ |
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Obesity in the News
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Overeating may be learned in infancy
Researchers found that encouraging babies to finish off milk may lead to overeating in adulthood.
Young Mexicans may be at risk of obesity through genes
The study involving 251 young Mexicans aged 18-25yrs found that 20% of
those studied had inherited risk from one parent and 15% had inherited
risk from both parents. The lead author Margarita Teran-Garcia
suggested that "The students who inherited genetic risk factors from
both parents were already 15½ pounds heavier and 2 inches bigger around
the waist than those who hadn't. They also had slightly higher fasting
glucose levels,"
Full paper available Open Access
USA: Sleep duration and risk of cardiovascular disease
Researchers investigated self-reported sleep duration and associated
risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD),
The authors of this study believe that previous studies have been
inconsistent in their findings. Nearly 87,000 postmenopausal women
participated in the study. They found that sleep duration and insomnia
significantly increased the risk of CVD and CHD. The authors suggest
that further research should be conducted to investigate how sleep
quality effects CVD risk.
UK: Rise of type 2 diabetes cases in under 40s
Researchers looked at the trend of type 2 diabetes cases over the past
20 years to see if rates had increased in under 40 year olds in the UK.
They found that between 1991 and 2010 incidence of type 2 diabetes had
significantly increased for under 40s.
UK: Supermarket incentives for promoting healthy eating
In a letter published in the BMJ Dr Ian Lake has suggested that tax
incentives rather than taxation may be a more successful way to get
supermarkets to encourage healthy eating. He believes that the use of
loyalty cards by most supermarket shoppers would allow tracking of
consumer purchasing behaviour and as a result supermarkets could be
rewarded with tax breaks when achieving high levels of health food
sales.
http://www.foodnavigator.com/Legislation/Could-tax-breaks-for-healthy-food-sales-work-better-than-food-taxes
Study finds work related stress associated with altered blood lipid levels
The Spanish study found specifically, in the study the workers with job
stress were more likely to suffer from abnormally high levels of LDL
cholesterol (the so-called 'bad' cholesterol), excessively low levels of
HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol) and positive atherogenic
indices, i.e. potential artery blockage.
New Zealand: $35.5m extra for diabetes and heart disease
Health ministers have put in the extra money over four years to assis
New Zealanders with or at risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Body fat found to stiffen arteries in middle age
The study found that" in young people, blood vessels appear to be abe to
compensate for the effects of obesity. But after middle age, this
adaptability is lost, and arteries become progressively stiffer as body
fat rises - potentially increasing the risk of dying from cardiovascular
disease."
Researchers discover changes to brain biochemistry associated with sustaining obesity
The researchers report "the discovery of a molecular chain of events in
the brains of obese rats that undermined their ability to suppress
appetite and to increase calorie burning".
ADHD in boyhood linked with obesity in adult hood
The study of 222 males with and without ADHD found that adult males with
ADHD were on average 19lb's heavier than those males who did not have
ADHD in childhood.
Australia: Government response on 'Weighing It Up Report'
Samoa lifts ban on unhealthy foods to access WTO
Samoa has had to lift the ban on the unhealthy high fat 'turkey tails' to gain access to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
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Marketing News
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Tony the Tiger and Ronald McDonald join World Health Assembly
In a stunt coordinated by Consumers International, Tony the Tiger and
Ronald McDonald appeared at the 66th World Health Assembly (WHA) this
week. As part of the stunt the two children's food characters have been
giving out CVs, claiming to have seen the "error of their ways" with
their marketing of food to children and are in search of new jobs.
At the 66th WHA, non-communicable diseases feature highly on the agenda
and it is expected that the NCD action plan, monitoring framework and
targets will be formally signed off by the 194 member states as an
omnibus resolution. IASO is leading a group of NGOs making a statement
in support of the targets. The statement is available here
UK: Ofcom marketing regulations are not strong enough
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) last week
showed that between 2008 and 2010, a period when Ofcom rulings went from
partial to full regulation, children's overall advertising exposure
reduced by just 1.3%. This is likely to be because the regulations only
apply to programmes specifically aimed at children under 16. The
advertising on child specific programmes reduced from 10.9% to 4.1%.
Furthermore, while there was some indication that the advertising of
unhealthy products reduced, marketing of full-fat dairy products and
confectionary increased. In contrast, dvertising for healthy products
reduced during this time.
The British Heart Foundation and other organisations are calling for a 9pm watershed for all food marketing.
Food industry accused of misleading public over sugary drink claims
Research has found that independently funded studies are more likely to
indicate a detrimental effect of sugar soft drinks compared to research
carried out by food and beverage companies. Presenting at the European
Congress on Obesity (ECO) last week, Dr De Wals reported that of 4 of 17
studies looking at the link between soft drinks and obesity were
industry funded and concluded a weak relationship, while the other
studies concluded that there was 'well founded' evidence for the link
between the two.
USA: Smartphone and tablet owners spend 2 hours a day on-screen
Over half of US tablet and smartphone owners play games on their devices
and one in ten does so more than once a day, new research has revealed.
The online survey, by Harris Interactive for CouponCabin.com, polled
2,058 adults and found that 51% of mobile owners play games on occasion,
with 11% playing more than once a day, 21% at least once a day, 41% at
least once a week and 10% once a month or less.
Separately, the Wall Street Journal has reported that users spend on
average two hours a day on apps, including games, and this is set to
grow.
Europe: Professor accuses companies and regulators of failing to promote a healthy diet
Prof Paul Clayton has written an opinion editorial arguing that the EU
health claim legislation takes away from looking at the totality of a
healthy diet, and instead encourages the promotion of quick fixes.
USA: Food marketing Institute against calorie labelling laws
The Virginia based trade group, The Food Marketing Institute, is calling
on Obama to drop plans to mandate calorie labelling as part of his new
Health Bill. They cite the cost and product variability creating a
logistical nightmare as the basis of their concern.
Calorie labelling is considered one mechanism to help tackle obesity by
increasing awareness about the energy content of foods and to help
consumers make healthier choices. Evidence has also indicated that it
may encourage industry reformulation.
Peru: New law bans advertising of junk food in schools
A new law, designed to reduce childhood obesity, regulating advertising
of fatty food and soft drinks in schools has been passed in Peru.
President Ollanta Humala said "We cannot view our children as simply a
market to generate sales and maximize profits".
USA: Independent restaurants who do not provide calorie information serve more calorific food
Small independent eateries, which make up approximately 50% of all US
restaurants, are not required to display calorie information for
consumers. Research finds that the average meal at exempt restaurants
contains approximately 1,327 calories, with 8% exceeding 2000kcal in a
meal. This represents approximately 18% more than comparable meals at
large chains.
Full paper available here
USA: Subway just as calorific compared to McDonalds, despite healthier image
New research finds no significant difference in the number of calories
consumed by adolescents in Subway compared to McDonalds, despite the
perception that Subway is a healthier choice. More calories were
obtained from soft drinks (151kcal vs. 61kcal) and sides (201kcal vs.
35kcal) in McDonalds, while more calories were consumed from mains in
Subway (784kcal versus 572kcal).
USA: Food companies join forces to position frozen foods as healthy
ConAgra Foods, Heinz, Kellogg, Nestle and General Mills aim to give
frozen foods a positive image in a $50million advertising campaign. The
campaign comes as frozen food sales stall and aims to change consumer
perceptions that frozen meals are high in fat.
Scotland: £1million invested in food education
The Scottish Government has launched a £1million Food for Thought
Education Fund to encourage school teachers educating pupils about food
and cooking. Funding of up to £5,000 will be available to teachers to
support at least 200 projects over 2013-15, each of which will be
topped-up with a direct financial or in-kind contribution from the
private sector.
Ireland: Health minister to recommend food tax
A 10% tax on any sweet and sugary non-essential foods that have no
nutritional value is to be proposed by the Irish Health Minister as part
of efforts to tackle the country's obesity problem. Other proposals
include a vending machine health quota, for instance to contain at least
30% water and fruit. Obesity and obesity-related health problems are
costing the Irish economy €1.6bn per year.
Australia: Health group fund research into feasibility of food tax strategies
The Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA) is providing
$463,000 to research the feasibility and implications of fast food
taxes. The project is considering the cost effectiveness and consumer
acceptability of such a strategy to reduce childhood overweight and
obesity.
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The
press links provided are for information only; their inclusion is not
indicative of IASO endorsement. We cannot verify the news items and we
welcome reader's responses and corrections. |
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
9th May 2013
If you have trouble viewing any of the
links or to search the news archive please copy and paste the following
link into your browser http://www.iaso.org/resources/obesity-news/ |
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Obesity in the News
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High carbohydrate diet in infancy can have lifelong effects on weight
A study carried out on new born rats has found that feeding them high
amounts of carbohydrate directly after birth can have long term
implications for weight gain, even when calorie intake is restricted
later in life. The authors hypothesise that "the introduction of baby
foods too early in life increases carbohydrate intake, thereby boosting
insulin secretion and causing metabolic programming that in turn,
predisposes the child to obesity later in life".
Internal circadian rhythms regulate hunger patterns
Research published in the journal Obesity finds that internal circadian
rhythms regulate hunger. Participants of the study were found to be
hungrier, and to have greater cravings for sweet, starchy and salty
foods, in the evening, and to be least hungry in the morning.
UK: East Midlands most overweight region
The East Midlands of England has the highest levels of obesity-related
hospital admissions, while Derby has the highest rate of weight-loss
surgery. The lowest rates of admissions were found in the South Coast,
in Poole and Bournemouth, with 173 admissions per 100,000 (compared to
2878 per 100,000 in the highest-scoring town, Bassetlaw in
Nottinghamshire).
UK: 1 adult in 4 walks for less than 9 minutes a day
A recent YouGov survey finds that one quarter of British adults walk for
less than one hour per week and 43% walk for less than 2 hours. The
survey was commissioned by The Ramblers who are encouraging wider
participation in walking as part of day to day lives, for instance
walking to the shops or as part of commuting to work.
Canada: Children in walkable neighbourhoods less likely to be overweight
Early findings from research carried out as part of the TARGetKids!
Project in Canada indicate that preschool children who live in
neighbourhoods that are considered safe and within walking distance of
parks and other facilities are less likely to be obese. The findings
were presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting.
USA: Only 1 in 5 Americans get enough exercise
New research from the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) has found that
only 20% of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise per week.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans state that adults should
be getting at least 2.5 hours moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g.
fast paced walking) or 75 minutes each week of vigorous-intensity
aerobic activity (e.g. jogging) each week, as well as some muscle
strengthening exercises.
New brown fat cell uncovered
A research group in Sweden have discovered a second type of brown fat
cell which may offer new opportunities for treating obesity.
Weight loss after bariatric surgery may be predicted by gene type
A gene which may help to predict how much weight an individual will lose
after surgery has been identified by researchers at Massachusetts
General Hospital. The findings could help to guide treatment decisions
for patients.
USA: Fast food chains show limited nutritional improvement
A study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's health eating
programme, has measured the nutritional quality of fast food meals
against the US department of Agriculture's healthy eating index and
found that scores increased from 45/100 in 1997/1998 to just 48 in
2009/10. While some improvement was seen for meat, saturated fat and
calories, there was no improvement for fruit, vegetables, grains or
oils. The eight chains included in the research were McDonald's, Burger
King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Arby's, Jack in
the Box and Dairy Queen.
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Marketing News
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USA: More unhealthy food marketed to children on Spanish-language TV channels
Research, published in the Journal of Health Communication, found that
84% of food and beverage adverts targeted to children on US Spanish
language channels were for unhealthy food, compared to 74% on the
English speaking channels. More than three quarters (78%) of the food
ads on the Spanish channels used cartoon characters to market unhealthy
products compared to half (49%) of the English ads. The researchers also
report that 46% of child-targeted food adverts were for fast food and
that ads for healthy food were rare.
Haribo to expand into 'travel retail'
Haribo has found a gap in the market for sugar confectionery at travel
locations, and is to set up a new division to enable its expansion into
airports and similar retail spaces.
Australia: Adults equally susceptible to junk food ads
A study from the University of Western Australia has found that adults
are just as likely as children to rate foods more favorably, and have a
greater desire to consumer them, after seeing the foods advertised.
"Adults are thought to have greater immunity to advertising effects
relative to children due to their greater cognitive processing
abilities," UWA Health Promotion Evaluation Unit director Simone
Pettigrew said. "As a result, existing food advertising regulations are
focused primarily on limiting children's exposure to advertisements for
junk food. But these regulations don't take into account the broader
influence of the sheer quantity of junk food ads, which has the
potential to normalise the consumption of these foods in a social
sense."
USA: The Hershey Company to introduce front-of-pack nutrition labelling
A new front-of-pack labelling - part of the company's 'health and
wellbeing' plan - will be rolled out in the latter half of 2013.
USA: FDA to investigate safety of products with added caffeine for children and adolescents
An increase in the promotion of products containing added caffeine, such
as energy drinks, sweets and chewing gum, has prompted the FDA to
investigate the safety of such products for children and adolescents.
Caffeine is currently considered 'Generally recognised as safe' (GRAS)
which means there are no regulated limits to how much can be added to
food.
UK: Foods marketed at children less healthy than those for the general population
A study carried out at the University of Hertfordshire has found that
foods marketed to children that are considered to be 'healthy', such as
yoghurts, cereal bars and ready meals, were often found to contain more
fat, sugar and salt than similar products marketed to the general
population. Nutritional data were collected from seven major UK
supermarkets and categorised as children's or non-children's products
based on the characteristic, promotional nature or information on the
product packaging. Fat, sugar and salt content was compared per 100g and
per recommended portion size, and according to researcher Kirsten
Rennie, the children's products "often had substantially more fat and
sugar per 100g than similar adult-version products. This is very
worrying and does not help consumers' confidence in choosing appropriate
healthy foods for their children."
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The
press links provided are for information only; their inclusion is not
indicative of IASO endorsement. We cannot verify the news items and we
welcome reader's responses and corrections. |
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The International Association for the Study of Obesity Newsletter
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Welcome to IASO's May Newsletter. Please see this month's highlights below:
- Obesity, Physical Activity and Cancer Conference huge success;
- Few places remaining for Obesity and Pregnancy Hot Topic Conference;
- Join us in Dublin for SCOPE School 2013;
- Award nominations now open for ICO 2014;
- Membership opportunities;
- New trend charts in our Obesity Data Portal;
- Making agriculture more sensitive to health;
- Behaviour and 'lifestyle' diseases;
- Download the latest papers from our leading journals;
- Latest articles of Obesity in the News.
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Events
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We
would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated
in the Obesity, Physical Activity and Cancer Hot Topic Conference last
month. We reached our full capacity at nearly 100 delegates and were
delighted by the excellent speakers included in the programme.
If you were unable to attend please view the speaker presentations here.
There's
still time to register for our second Hot Topic Conference of the year,
'Obesity and Pregnancy'. This event will be held in Boston from 15th -
17th May. Please view the scientific programme here. If you are unable to join us for the full event, one day registrations are now available - register online here.
SCOPE School Dublin will be held from 11th - 13th July. View the programme here and register online now to avoid disappointment.
We are delighted to announce that award nominations have now opened for ICO 2014. Please go to the IASO website here for full information.
For more information on any of our events please contact the events team - events@iaso.org.
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Membership
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You
may not realise that there has been a very important change to IASO
Membership which could help IASO's benefits reach a much wider audience.
IASO Membership is now open to more than just National Associations.
Other obesity related organisations can apply to become IASO Members. If
you are involved with other organisations that may benefit from
becoming an IASO Member or would like to refer us to an organisation
that you feel is appropriate, please do not hesitate to get in touch
with our Membership Manager, Heather Budd (hbudd@iaso.org), to discuss the opportunity.
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Obesity Data Portal
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This
month we have reviewed our trend charts. We have added recent female
Australian data to our morbid obesity charts and we have also created a
new chart demonstrating the trends in combined overweight and obesity prevalence in China by region and gender. To view or download please visit our data portal page here. If you have any data that you would like to see presented please send your requests to obesity@iaso.org.
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Making agriculture more sensitive to health
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Experts
at a three-day 'Meeting of Minds' held at the World Health Organization
in Geneva at the end of March discussed how to ensure that agriculture
is attuned to the needs of human health - both by providing adequate
nutrition where there are shortages and by providing products that do
not encourage obesity and chronic diseases. IASO was represented by Dr
Tim Lobstein, and IASO's think-tank, IOTF, was represented by Professor
Boyd Swinburn, while other members of the IOTF Scientific Advisory
Committee were also present.
Issues
raised included the inherent 'competition' between local, traditional
food supplies and highly processed food products promoted in
'Westernised' diets, which threaten to re-shape local agriculture. Food
waste was also discussed, not only in terms of lost production but also
including the notion that food was 'wasted' if it was being eaten
excessively to the point of creating overweight and obese consumers.
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Behaviour and 'lifestyle' diseases
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A
one-day discussion of behaviour change in relation to tobacco use,
alcohol consumption and food intake was held in London in April, by the
British non-profit organisation Cancer UK. The meeting considered the
common issues of industrially-driven promotion of products which can
cause harm, and governmental policies to shape behaviour.
Obesity
was discussed in terms of the innate drives to seek food and the
difficulty people have resisting overconsumption in a food-rich
environment. Interventions at the rational level were only likely to
succeed if supported by changes in the environment to make healthier
choices easier. IASO's Dr Tim Lobstein also spoke about the prevailing
narrative on obesity which tends to blame the individual for their
obesity and their failure to lose weight, indicating that part of the
solution would be to re-frame the discussion so that it does not
stigmatise overweight but looks at food environments and who designs
them.
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Publications
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Clinical Obesity...
A message from Dr Matt Sabin, Deputy Editor...
The following articles taken from our February - April issue are available on early view here.
Firstly Taylor et al report research priorities in childhood obesity
management identified through a Delphi survey of Australian and New
Zealand obesity clinicians and researchers. Hsia and colleagues
have examined the way in which screening of obese paediatric patients
for co-morbidities has been undertaken at Texas Children's Hospital (US)
- finding that, even within such a tertiary specialist setting,
adequate screening was being undertaken in only half of the attendees.
This is an important paper and highlights how much more education and
training is needed in clinical obesity management - especially in
children.
A
paper by Midthjell et al looks into trends in overweight and obesity
over 22 years in Norwegian adults. It is often thought that Scandinavian
countries have been relatively immune from the scourge of obesity that
affects countries across the world. It seems, however that Norway is
showing no signs of a halt in the increase of obesity. From three
national surveys spanning 1984 to 2008 there has been a continuous shift
in the distribution curve of BMI and waist circumference to the right,
demonstrating that the increase in body weight was occurring in all
weight groups; the increases are greatest in the young. The authors
found increases in sedentariness and speculate that this may relate to
the particularly marked increases in waist circumference. With more and
more people being overweight or obesity, now is the time to properly
develop evidence-based clinical management programs.
Randomized
controlled trials in clinical obesity are difficult to undertake and
often complicated by problems such as high non-compliance rates, many
potential confounders, and particular ethical issues. It's important,
therefore, that we collect data from all sources. Liu and colleagues
report their findings from a large group of individuals attending a
Canadian Multidisciplinary Weight Management Program. They identify
several important predictors of success, including age, ethnicity and
comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes. Gjevestad and colleagues also
report interesting findings from a comparison study of secondary and
tertiary care. In this report, they show that intensive efforts often
reap the biggest rewards - findings that others have also reported. The
question, of course, is always how to fund and deliver these types of
intensive interventions, and more long-term data are needed regarding
outcomes from specific programs (with appropriate health economic
evaluations) before we can decide upon sweeping reforms to clinical
practice delivery.
Two
papers address bariatric surgical issues - the first reporting the
unusual complication of mesenteric vein thrombosis following
laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and the second assessing psychological
barriers to bariatric surgery. We hope, as the journal expands, we will
receive more papers like these which focus on the medical aspects of
bariatric surgical programs.
This issue
also includes a case report of a man who, with multidisciplinary care
and a two-step bariatric intervention, lost 170kg - resolving many of
the associated medical and psychological problems. It is interesting to
see the identified determinants of his success and think about how we
can develop research programs to assess their influence on mainstream
clinical outcomes.
Clinical Obesity continues to grow in size and quality, we are excited by its development and look forward to receiving your papers.
Obesity Reviews...
A message from Professor David York, Editor-in-Chief...
The following papers appear in the May issue of Obesity Reviews:
Qualitative studies among obese children and adolescents: a systematic review of the literature. J. Lachal, M. Orri, M. Speranza, B. Falissard, H. Lefevre, QUALIGRAMH, M.-R. Moro & A. Revah-Levy.
Risk of Completed Suicide after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review.
C. Peterhänsel, D. Petroff, G. Klinitzke, A. Kersting & B. Wagner.
Efficacy and safety of lorcaserin in obese adults: a meta-analysis of
1-year randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and narrative review on
short-term RCTs. E. W. Chan, Y. He, C. S. L. Chui, A. Y. S. Wong, W. C. Y. Lau & I. C. K. Wong.
Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in relation to body mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis. P. Saneei, A. Salehi-Abargouei & A. Esmaillzadeh.
Chronobiology, endocrinology, and energy- and food-reward homeostasis.
H. K. J. Gonnissen, T. Hulshof & M. S. Westerterp-Plantenga.
Association of obstructive sleep apnoea with the presence and severity
of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A systematic review and
meta-analysis. G. Musso, M. Cassader, C. Olivetti, F. Rosina, G. Carbone & R. Gambino.
Max Rubner 1854-1932. S. Rössner.
To read articles online or find out more visit Obesity Reviews on Wiley Online Library here.
Pediatric Obesity...
A message from Professor Michael Goran, Editor-in-Chief...
Look
out for our special issue on the topic of 'Sugars and obesity in
children' to be released in conjunction with the European Congress on
Obesity (ECO) meeting in Liverpool from 12th - 15th May. In this special
issue we will have a variety of editorials, reviews and new papers that
focus specifically on the links between dietary sugars and obesity as
they relate to children during growth and development. Read more
articles here.
Submit your paper to Pediatric Obesity today...
International Journal of Obesity...
Submit your paper to IJO today...
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Obesity in the News
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Latest articles of obesity in the news...
Please note that all external links are provided for information only, their inclusion is not indicative of IASO endorsement.
Prof.
Lopez laureate Professor of the University of Melbourne suggests that
the challenge is to heed the warnings shown in the data, and for state
and federal governments to continue to implement bold public health
interventions. He speaks at a two day conference on the Global Burden of
Disease.
Biology of binge eating (May 1st, 2013)
Female
rats are much more likely to binge eat than male rats, according to new
research that provides some of the strongest evidence yet that biology
plays a role in eating disorders.
UK: Scotland's primary school children obesity levels remain high (April 30th, 2013)
The
number of primary school year one children obese in Scotland has
remained at a high level for more than a decade. Figures from 2011-2012
show that 15% of primary school year one children are overweight or
obese.
To see more of the latest articles of obesity in the news please visit our news page here. |
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
2nd May 2013
If you have trouble viewing any of the
links or to search the news archive please copy and paste the following
link into your browser http://www.iaso.org/resources/obesity-news/ |
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Obesity in the News
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Australia: 'We must heed warning on obesity'
Prof. Lopez laureate Professor of the University of Melbourne suggests
that the challenge is to heed the warnings shown in the data, and for
state and federal governments to continue to implement bold public
health interventions. He speaks at a two day conference on the Global
Burden of Disease.
USA: Menus displaying exercise needed to burn off meals could help people to consume less
New research from America has found that when people are shown how much
exercise is required to burn off the calories obtained from meals are
more likely to order less food than when only given calorie information
or no information. Those given calorie information and details of how
much brisk walking would be required to burn off the meal are 100 fewer
calories than other groups. The authors suggest that this type of menu
display could be beneficial to health.
UK: What makes family meals healthier?
Previous research has found that having family meals leads to healthier
eating habits in children, but few studies have looked at exactly why
this is. This research explored the eating patterns of five-year old
children and found that those who ate the same meals as their parents
were more likely to have healthier diets.
Article abstract here (subscription required to view full article)
Australia: Maternal diet could impact on baby weight
New research has found evidence to suggest that mothers who consume junk
food during pregnancy are likely to be impacting on their baby's future
eating habits. The researchers of the study found that mothers who ate
junk food whilst pregnant were decreasing their baby's opioid
sensitivity, therefore increasing their baby's preference for junk food,
which could later lead to obesity. One of the authors of this study
told The Telegraph, "a better understanding of the mechanism is crucial
if we are to develop possible strategies for intervention."
Article abstract here (subsciption required to view full article)
UK: Scotland's primary school children obesity levels remain high
The number of primary school year one children obese in Scotland has
remained at a high level for more than a decade. Figures from 2011-2012
show that 15% of primary school year one children are overweight or
obese
UK: 'Get Britain Cycling' - new report from All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group
The report, which is a result of the APPCG inquiry, calls for more of
the transport budget to be spent on supporting cycling, 20mph speed
limits in urban areas and more. Read the full report above.
Full Report here
Biology of Binge eating
Female rats are much more likely to binge eat than male rats, according
to new research that provides some of the strongest evidence yet that
biology plays a role in eating disorders
USA: STOP Obesity Alliance Encourages Nonprofit Hospitals to Address Obesity
(STOP) Obesity Alliance released five research-based, consensus
recommendations today to help guide nonprofit hospitals in developing
programs that address obesity in their communities
Triggers of late night snacking identified
OHSU researcher and colleagues at Harvard discover that an internal circadian rhythm causes increased appetite in the evening
Mediterranean-style diet may reduce memory loss
"People who adhere to a Mediterranean-style diet are 19 per cent less
likely to encounter problems with their thinking and memory skills by
their sixties "though Dr Simon Ridley, Head of Research at Alzheimer's
Research UK, said: "While this observational study suggests some people
who eat or avoid certain foods may be less likely to see a decline in
memory, it's not certain whether this diet alone had a protective
effect, or whether other factors may have been at play.
Article abstract here (subscription may required to view full article)
Mexico: Is death from obesity more of a danger than death from malnutrition?
The article suggests that their are around 21 million clinically obese
adults in Mexico a 38% rise since 2000. During this time is suggested
that diabetes rates have doubled
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Marketing News
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UK: Scottish government and British Standards Institute join forces to develop new marketing standards
The standards are expected to provide a benchmark for the marketing of
food and drink. Initial stages of discussion have involved a wide number
of stakeholders including industry, civil society and government
institutes. Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health in Scotland,
says "we know that people are significantly influenced by marketing and
advertising. By introducing a standard for the responsible marketing of
these products, we can begin to address some of the significant public
health issues caused by our poor diet".
UK: Food marketing loopholes exposed
UK based charity The Children's Food Campaign, part of Sustain: the
alliance for better food and farming, is calling on ministers to tighten
regulations on the marketing of food and beverages to children. In a
report, they provide evidence that companies are increasing their
marketing to children via child friendly websites and advergames to get
around restrictions in place that primarily focus on TV.
The full report is available here
Denmark: Soft drinks tax to be removed
Danish authorities are to remove a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks which
has been in place since the 1930s. Currently set at DKK1.64 (€0.22,
$0.29, £0.19)per litre, it will be halved in July 2013 and removed
entirely in early 2014.
UK: Celebrity chef recipes fail national nutrition standards
Research from The University of Coventry finds that many celebrity chef
recipes are high in fat, sugar and salt, with 87% of the 904 surveyed
meals, from 26 chefs, failing national nutrition recommendations.
USA: Facebook 'likes' linked to obesity
A study looking at lifestyle preferences in America has found some
correlation between what Facebook users "like" and the pattern of
obesity in different locations. Areas with higher numbers of people
with preferences towards more physical activity and less TV had lower
obesity. The research indicates that there may be some value in using
Facebook and other social media platforms to help map the relationship
between online preferences and lifestyle.
Full article here
UK: Waitrose supermarket to serve sandwiches on Eurostar
British retailer Waitrose has signed a contract with Eurostar catering,
giving the supermarket access to the train company's 10million customers
per year. Waitrose will offer more than 20 of their own brand products
including sandwiches, ready meals and snacks.
SE Asia: Pepsico to target five regional countries
Snack and soft drink company PepsiCo is hoping to further develop its
Asian market, extending its brands into Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia,
Myanmar and Laos. Brands to be sold include Doritos, Lays and Quakers.
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The
press links provided are for information only; their inclusion is not
indicative of IASO endorsement. We cannot verify the news items and we
welcome reader's responses and corrections. |
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
25th April 2013
If you have trouble viewing any of the
links or to search the news archive please copy and paste the following
link into your browser http://www.iaso.org/resources/obesity-news/ |
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Obesity in the News
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Deep Brain Stimulation used to reduce binge eating
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that Deep
brain stimulation (DBS) in a precise region of the brain appears to
reduce caloric intake and prompt weight loss in obese animal model
Northern Ireland: New outdoor gyms installed in parks to reduce obesity
Active Belfast has installed the gyms in an attempt to improve mental
& physical wellbeing in the local residents. In total the group are
installing 9 of these outdoor gyms across Belfast, the gyms are free to
use and contain similar but adapted equipment to that found in a normal
indoor gym.
Australia: Damage ruling on patient neglect overturned
It was previously reported that an Australian GP was successfully sued
for failing to refer a patient, who later developed cancer, to either an
obesity clinic or for bariatric surgery in the late 1990's. It is
suggested that the patient was due to be awarded $364,372. The recent
NSW Supreme Court decision to overturn damages awarded to the obese man
has been widely welcomed by medical and legal experts.
Canada: Prevalence of healthy lifestyle behaviours across the globe
A questionnaire was completed by participants from 17 countries ranging
from high-income to low-income countries to investigate uptake of three
healthy lifestyle behaviours after experiencing a coronary heart disease
(CHD) event. Three healthy lifestyle behaviours identified were;
avoidance/quitting smoking, regular physical activity and a healthy
diet. Results found that participants from high-income and upper-middle
income countries were more likely to have two of the three healthy
lifestyle behaviours. Urban residents were more likely to have two or
more healthy lifestyle behaviours than those living in rural areas.
Journal link: (subscription may be required)
UK: Health inequalities around the UK
New statistics released as part of the Fight for Every Heartbeat
campaign from British Heart Foundation have shown that where you live
can impact on your health. According to the statistics, people living in
Tameside, Greater Manchester were three times more likely to die of
coronary heart disease than people living in Kensington and Chelsea.
British Heart Foundation Press Release
USA: Food-related parenting practices and adolescent weight
Research investigating food-related parenting practices; both
restrictions and pressure-to-eat, on adolescent weight status has found
that parents can influence eating habits. 2,231 adolescents and their
parents took part in the study. Researchers found that both practices
were common; Restrictive practices were highest among those with
overweight/obese adolescents whilst pressure-to-eat practices were
highest in non-overweight adolescents. The researchers concluded that
parents should be educated to encourage healthy food options and
moderation rather than overconsumption.
Journal Article: (Subscription may be required)
Transgenic mice ready to fight obesity
A recent press release from the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology
suggest that they have genetically modified mice by switching off the
Dicer gene to assist scientists to improve understanding of the
metabolic mechanisms leading to obesity
Scientists believe they have discovered how to make 'love handles' melt away
"Scientists have dreamt of converting undesirable white fat cells into
brown fat cells and thus simply have excess pounds melt away.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have now gotten a step closer to
this goal: They decoded a "toggle switch" in mice which can
significantly stimulate fat burning. The results are now being presented
in the scientific journal "Nature Communications"
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Marketing News
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Brazil: McDonald's fined for marketing to children
A fine of 3.2 million reais ($1.6 million) has been imposed on the fast
food chain McDonald's following their 2010 advertising campaign in which
meals were offered with toys linked to the film Avatar. Local
regulators are said to be cracking down on big companies and their
perceived consumer abuses.
UK: MP raises concern about junk food sponsorship in hospitals
A Labour MP has questioned a government Health Minister's use of the
term "sponsorship" in context of funding arrangements proposed under
health service reforms, and is concerned that this could allow soft
drink and fast food companies to promote their products in the hospital
environment.
USA: Supermarkets and pharmacies urged to promote low sugar drinks
Local health departments and advocacy groups are urging supermarkets and
pharmacies to increase their marketing of lower calorie alternatives to
soft drinks to help curb the consumption of energy-rich products and
therefore obesity.
Australia: McCain undergoes a rebrand for the first time in 50 years
McCain, a global producer of potato products, will be re-launched in
Australia in 2013. According to the company who worked on the rebranding
"Establishing the sunshine as the new symbol for the brand reflects the
warmth and positivity of a natural world that will ensure the consumer
reappraises the role of the brand."
US: merchandising scheme to be rolled out across stores
The new system, called Intelichoice, is based on market data and will
enable retailers to guide consumer choice via customized shelf tags that
promote products with pre-selected health and wellness attributes.
Attributes that can be promoted range from low sodium, no sugar and a
source of wholegrain to gluten-free, lactose free and organic.
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The
press links provided are for information only; their inclusion is not
indicative of IASO endorsement. We cannot verify the news items and we
welcome reader's responses and corrections. |
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
11th April 2013
If you have trouble viewing any of the
links or to search the news archive please copy and paste the following
link into your browser http://www.iaso.org/resources/obesity-news/ |
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Obesity in the News
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Organic labels have 'halo effect'
Researchers at Cornell University found that many individuals believe
that foods were healthier simply by labelling the food 'organic'.
They found the effect went further than simply health but also
'perceptions of taste, calories and value can be significantly altered
when a food is labelled "organic'
Enzyme imbalance may contribute to obesity
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
(Sanford-Burnham) have discovered that the 'enzyme called neutrophil
elastase and its inhibitor causes inflammation, obesity, insulin
resistance, and fatty liver in mice and humans'
Disruption in sleep patterns linked with obesity
Further evidence that disruptions to sleep patterns contributes to
obesity has emerged. Researchers at the Leiden University Medical
Center in Leiden, Netherlands found that even minor disruption to our
circadian rhythms led to reduction in our metabolic function putting
individuals at increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity.
Risk of Coronary Heart Disease rises with BMI
A recent study on over 1million women highlights the increased risk of
coronary heart disease with increasing BMI. 'Dr Dexter Canoy, who led
the study, said: "The risk of developing CHD increases even with small
incremental increases in BMI, and this is seen not only in the heaviest
but also in women who are not usually considered obese.'
Link to abstract & full article (no subscription required)
Strict school lunch standards tied to healthy weight
Strict school lunch standards that are similar to new regulations from
the U.S. government may be tied to healthier body weights among
students, according to a new study.
The new findings, published in JAMA Pediatrics on Monday, bode well for
the standards introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in
January 2012 that - among other moves - set maximums for calories
offered during lunch and mandate that only skim or reduced-fat milk are
offered to students.
UK: Genetic mutations linked to childhood obesity
The rise in the number of overweight children in Britain may be as much
to do with their genes as their diet and exercise levels, according to a
study that has identified a handful of genetic mutations linked with
childhood obesity.
USA: Self help programs effective in reduced childhood obesity
This study evaluated the efficiency of guided self-help treatment for
childhood obesity compared to delayed treatment control. After six
months children in the self-help group had lost more weight than those
in the delayed treatment group. The authors of this study believe this
could be as effective and a cheaper alternative to clinic-based
programs.
Full report here (Subscription or payment required)
Animal study finds introducing solids early increases risk of obesity
The study in marmoset monkeys found that those that had solid food
introduced to diet early were significantly more likely to be obese at
Year 1 and showed signs of metabolic damage
Adult generations of today are less healthy than their counterparts of previous generations
Assessing the trends, the investigators concluded that "the more
recently born generations are doing worse", and warn "that the
prevalence of metabolic risk factors and the lifelong exposure to them
have increased and probably will continue to increase"
Spanish researchers establish link with gestational stress and obesity and other metabolic disorders in adulthood
The study in rats examined the offspring of rats with stress and those
without stress. They concluded that "an adverse situation during
intrauterine development could lead to animals, due to the ingestion of a
hyper-calorific diet, experiencing a greater increase in body fat and
biochemical, hormonal and genetic alterations"
Health benefits to austerity?
The article discusses recent research from Cuba highlighting the health
improvements during the economic downturn in the 90's, with individuals
eating less and exercising more. The study has shown as the Cuban
economy improves waistlines are increasing.
Risks of colon cancer may be increased in bariatric patients
Researchers from Sweden and England looked at the histories of over
77,000 obese patients and identified the risk for colorectal cancer
among bariatric patients double that of the general population.
UK: Imperial College to work on appetite suppressant implant
Imperial College London has received a new Synergy grant to create an
implant that will reduce appetite in obese patients from the European
Research Council.
Australia: Experts recommend Celebrity food education program should cover Australia
Obesity Australia includes a recommendation for the food education
program to be put out to every primary school in Australia. It is one
of five recommendations made in their recent report.
Full Report available here
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Trans fat policies are working - World Health Organisation
Policies to reduce trans fats in food are working to reduce consumption,
according to a systematic review carried out by the World Health
Organisation (WHO). The review looked at local and national bans on
trans fats, as well as labelling and voluntary initiatives. Outright
bans were found to be the most effective, voluntary initiatives were
found to have some success, as did labelling in areas with consumer
awareness.
Unilever rebrands Cornetto to encourage year round sales
Unilever has revamped packaging of its Cornetto product range to help
reposition Cornetto in the confectionary market, encourage sales all
year round and increase appeal to the 14-25 age group.
Asia: Pepsi announces one year Asian football sponsorship deal
PepsiCo has announced a one year sponsorship deal with the Asian
football development project (AFDP) for a project seeking to boost
grassroots sports under the theme 'Kick for hope'. The project covers 40
countries, with a particular focus on the Middle East and India.
US: Dannon reduces sugar in Danimals smoothies by 25%
US food company Dannon has spent two years reformulating their Kids
Danimals Smoothie product to contain 25% less sugar 'in line with
consumer demands'. According to Mintel, year on year sales of the
product increased by 17.7% to $107million in 2012.
UK: Unilever enters UK confectionary market with Kinnerton licence deal
Unilever will use the expertise of Kinnerton, who make novelty chocolate
items such as lollipops and own a number of cartoon character licences,
to expand their own brands such as Magnum, Cornetto and mini milk and
introduce variants into the chocolate market.
US: Strict school food standards linked to healthy weight
A study published in JAMA paediatrics concludes that stringent school
meal standards may improve weight status among school children,
particularly those eligible for free/reduced-price lunches. 4870
eighth-grade students in 40 US states were included in the study which
compared data from states that exceeded USDA recommendations with those
that did not. The difference in obesity prevalence between those that
received free state lunches and those that did not was smaller in states
that had stricter standards.
Full article here
Related editorial here
UK: 'Reckless' Domino's ad appeals to families short of time
A new Domino's advert, marketed towards the 'family rush hour', has been
slammed by health charities for encouraging consumption of pizzas on a
frequent basis, rather than occasional treat.
US: Trader Joe's accused of concealing added sugar with the term "evaporated cane juice"
A class-action lawsuit has been taken out against Trader Joe's use of
the phrase "evaporated cane juice" on yogurt and soy product, instead of
simply stating sugars.
US: Social media users are frequently multi-tasking
A survey of social media users in the USA found 84% use Facebook while
watching TV, 52% while on the toilet, 50% while drunk and 20% while
driving. Over 65% used Facebook and 54% used Twitter while they were
supposed to be working.
UK: 'Tax unsustainable food' urges CEO of Food Ethics Council
Taxes should be applied to food products that are environmentally
unsustainable, in order to discourage consumption, says the new
Executive Director of the Food Ethics Council, Dan Crossley. While
supporting taxation of unhealthy products such as soft drinks, he called
for a broader review of taxation that took health and environmental
welfare into account.
USA: 'Liking' a Facebook comment may amount to a claim, says FDA
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a statement indicating
that it may take a company's 'Liking' of a Facebook comment by an
individual as an endorsement of that comment, which might amount to a
claim. In an example, they suggest that, if an individual posts on their
Facebook page a statement that a food supplement helped treat their
cancer and if a food supplement manufacturer 'Likes' that comment, the
FDA may view this as an endorsement of a medical claim for the product,
and put the company at risk of prosecution under medicines regulations.
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The
press links provided are for information only; their inclusion is not
indicative of IASO endorsement. We cannot verify the news items and we
welcome reader's responses and corrections. |
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
27th March 2013
Please note we will be taking a brief holiday and will be back in two weeks.
If you have trouble viewing any of the links or to search the news
archive please copy and paste the following link into your browser http://www.iaso.org/resources/obesity-news/ |
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Obesity in the News
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Childhood obesity and genes linked
"Researchers are using Genome-wide Complex Trait Analysis (GCTA), to
investigate the molecular genetic heritability of body weight in
children. GCTA takes advantage of the fact that some people are more
genetically similar to one another than others, by chance; and looks to
see whether individuals who just happen to be more genetically similar
might also be more similar in weight. Using this method the additive
effect of multiple genes across the whole genome accounted for 30% of
individual difference in childhood body weight"
Northern
Ireland: Further evidence linking increased risks on adverse neonatal
& maternal outcomes in overweight and obese mothers
This recent research found significant negative health outcomes in
overweight and obese mothers. The findings highlight the increased
specialist medical care required during these pregnancies.
UK: Rise in cancer of the oesophagus could be due to rise in obesity
Cases of cancer of the oesophagus have risen by 50% in the last 25
years. Genetic mutations found in tissue samples of patients with cancer
of the oesophagus suggest that most cases are now adenocarcinoma, found
at the bottom of the oesophagus and most likely caused by acid reflux.
40 years ago cases were more likely to be squamous cell cancer found at
the top of the oesophagus and likely to be caused by smoking and
drinking.
Type II diabetes risk may be reduced in obese youth with Vitamin D supplementation
In studies Vitamin D supplementation in obese children and adolescents
showed almost the same response on blood glucose as pharmacological
interventions. The study highlights the potential of the use of
Vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of Type II diabetes in these
populations.
Hunger neurons and autoimmune disease
Neurons that control hunger have been linked with immune cell function.
The suppression of these hormones results in reduced appetite and
weight loss and is now understood to be related to autoimmune disease
development. The lead author Dr Horvath suggests "If we can control
this mechanism by adjusting eating behaviour and the kinds of food
consumed, it could lead to new avenues for treating autoimmune diseases,
Academic suggests body weight and flight costs should be linked
A Norwegian academic has caused controversy by suggesting flight costs
should be charged according to body weight in line with the fact that a
more an individual weighs the more fuel is required to carry the
passenger.
High protein breakfast may prevent late night snacking
A small study (n=20)has shown that high protein breakfasts (35g protein)
reduce the likelihood of snacking later on and authors suggest that
high protein breakfasts may be an effective weight management
strategy. Future research on a larger scale still required.
USA: Teen mentors can help to reduce childhood obesity
An eight week healthy lifestyle intervention 'Just for Kids' was
received by children in third and fourth grade. The children were split
in two separate groups; one who had the intervention delivered by their
teachers, the other by teenage mentors. At the end of the study only the
children in the teenage mentor group had improved lifestyle behaviours.
This suggests that teen mentoring is an effective approach to changing
lifestyle behaviours in children.
UK: Guidance on commissioning weight management services
A document provided by Department of Health gives guidance to help
improve the commissioning of weight management services in local areas.
The document includes two best practice example service specifications.
New Zealand: New guidelines for food in schools
School lunch provider ezlunch has teamed up with the Heart Foundation's
fuelled4life in a new food scheme to help raise awareness of which foods
New Zealand children should be consuming on a regular basis.
France: Quality of food in French schools declining
New study reports French schools have been swapping fine food for fast food.
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Marketing News
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Canada: Experts call for junk food marketing ban
Researchers from the University of Alberta, along with other obesity
experts, are calling on the federal government to ban food and beverage
ads that target children to help curb obesity. They are also calling for
a specific Government regulatory body to be put together to set minimum
standard, ensure compliance and enforce penalties when necessary.
UK: Survey finds 43% of overeating is due to mindless eating
In a single day we make approximately 220 food decisions, 15 of which
are conscious, according to a survey commissioned by WeightWatchers.
The survey also finds that the single biggest contributor of excess
calorie consumption is fatty spreads, with people consuming seven times
more than the recommendation. People were also found to eat four times
more meat and 3 times more biscuits than nutrition guidelines recommend,
while at the same time eating 70% less fruit and vegetables.
Australia: The Parents' Jury calls for more healthy foods to be included on school menus
A Parents' Jury review of school menus across Australia found that only 1
in 3 primary schools and 1 in 5 secondary schools are compliant with
nutrition guidelines. Western Australia was found to have the most
compliant menus, with 62% meeting the guidelines while the worst
performing state was the ACT with just 5% of meals meeting guidelines.
More than half of the menus included chocolate and almost all (96%)
included pastries. The Parents' Jury is now calling for all schools to
offer more healthy choices.
USA: Nickelodeon channel has high levels of junk food marketing
Nearly 70 percent of the food ads during popular children's shows on the
Nickelodeon network are for junk foods, according to the Center for
Science in the Public Interest. During 28hours of programming, 88 food
items were advertised, 69% of which were for foods with poor nutritional
quality such as sugary breakfast cereal, fast food and snacks.
USA: Preschoolers exposed to junk food marketing
Despite manufacturers pledging not to advertise to children under 6
years old, pre-schoolers are exposed to an average of 11 adverts a day,
according to a new report published by the Rudd Centre for Food Policy
& Obesity.
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The
press links provided are for information only; their inclusion is not
indicative of IASO endorsement. We cannot verify the news items and we
welcome reader's responses and corrections. |
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
8th March 2012 If
you have trouble viewing any of the links or to search the news archive
please copy and paste the following link into your browser
http://www.iaso.org/news/obesity-news/
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Feature Article
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UK: Majority of parents affected by 'pester power'
A survey of more than 100 parents conducted for the School Food Trust has found
*
72 per cent of parents have bought things like chocolate, sweets,
crisps and sugary drinks or cereals in the last month when they didn't
intend to, after being pestered by their child;
* 65 per cent would back the idea of a ban on advertising of foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt before 9pm;
*
87 per cent would like to see healthier children's menus in
restaurants and 83 per cent would like smaller portions of the adult
menu offered too;
* 79 per cent say that there should be
minimum nutritional requirements for the food offered by any
organisation that may be looking after children.
School Food
Trust chairman, Rob Rees, said: "Parents have such a tough job to
encourage their children to eat healthily - and what's clear is that
they think there are lots of ways we could make their lives easier.
"This isn't about a 'nanny state' - it's about what will help rather than hinder parents in feeding their children well.
"If we're serious about reducing the crippling costs to the NHS of poor diet, we need to get behind parents on this."
Read more...
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Obesity in the News
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Weight loss supplements 'ineffective'
Researchers
studied hundreds of weight loss supplements and discovered that despite
the claims none of them resulted in significant weight loss. The
author concluded that unless an individual alters diet and increases
exercise frequency no supplement is going to result in substantial
weight loss and the 'miracle pill' simply doesn't exist.
Anti cancer gene also fights obesity
A
recent study has identified that in mice with double the normal Pten
gene they remained free of cancer, lived longer, reduced signs of aging
and were found on average to be 28% thinner despite eating more than
normal level Pten mice.
Study: Endocannabinoids found to play a critical role in cell energy regulation
Researchers
engineered mice to limit the production of the endocannabinoid
compound 2-AG. These modified mice were found to burn calories more
effectively and did not gain weight when fed a high fat diet. These
mice also showed no signs of metabolic syndrome (diabetes, high blood
pressure, cardiovascular disease or obesity).
UK: Jamie Oliver condemns government campaign and suggests their inaction on obesity is 'killing' Britons
Speaking
in Australia he said the current UK Government lacked 'leadership and
imagination'. His comments were supported by the co-ordinator of the
Children's food Campaign Malcolm Clark who suggested "It's a shame that
Jamie isn't our health secretary - he wouldn't share the government's
fear of taking the steps needed to tackle the nation's obesity crisis
and poor dietary habits."
UK: NHS Trusts restrict routine surgery for smokers & the clinically obese
The
benefits of many routine surgeries are greater in non-smokers and those
of 'normal' weight. As a result trusts are now limiting many
'non-emergency' procedures in those with a BMI of 30kg/m² and above and
to smokers.
Study concludes that vegetables should not be 'hidden' from children
The study reviewed the different reactions from children to foods with hidden & displayed vegetables contained with them.
Nutritional status of child strongly associated with location of consumption
The study found that children who ate at home at lunch were nutritionally advantaged compared to those being fed 'out of home'.
Healthy lifestyle in young helps protect against cardiovascular disease in later life
Researchers
used data collated over 20 years. The researcher's propose that those
that have low cardiovascular risk in middle age will live longer, with
lower healthcare costs and a better quality of life.
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Marketing to Children News
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USA: FDA hints at support for Nutrition Keys front of pack labelling
Scheme will need to show it promotes public health and is useful to consumers.
UK: Less than a third of grocery brands are from UK-owned companies
106 of the top 150 brands are owned by companies in 15 countries from USA to Thailand.
California: RAND study finds no clear link between retail access and children's diet
Raises questions about food deserts for Californian youth.
UK: Complaints against Mars' celebrity twitter campaign over-ruled
ASA rules that non-declaration of Snickers sponsorship of twitter message is acceptable if Snickers not mentioned.
UK: Complaint against Kellogg's defence of sugar is upheld
ASA rules that company's denials of links to obesity, diabetes, were not justified by the science and could mislead.
USA: Caramel cancer claims against Coke, Pepsi
CSPI
says coloring agent causes cancer and filed petition to have it banned.
The American Beverage Association (ABA) accused CSPI of scaremongering
see also ...
Concerns over titianium dioxide used as whitener in sweets, gums
Study shows children's exposure could be high, while hazard status remains unresolved.
USA: 'PepsiCo spin' critique
The company is a 'master of spin' says Michele Simon in her paper in the City University of New York Law Review.
Europe: Surviving a recession requires 'innovation and advertising'
Fitch
Ratings assessment of food company prospects says brands which
maintained a "steady pace" of advertising and innovation in the downturn
were generally the ones enjoying organic growth.
North America: PepsiCo sees growth in premium snack market
Company plans 35% increase in advertising for FritoLay snacks. The brand is currently worth $28bn worldwide.
New South Wales: Campaign to educate public on fast food choices
"The
8700kJ campaign" supports the state's new law to declare energy content
of menu items, aiming to help customers make "balanced food choices".
Includes downloadable app for smartphones.
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SPOTLIGHT is a cross-European research project and
stands for sustainable prevention of obesity through integrated
strategies. The official launch meeting took place in Amsterdam on 1st
and 2nd March 2012.
**PRESS RELEASE**
EU researchers devise optimum strategy to tackle obesity.
With over 50% of
adults overweight, the potential cost to health is beginning to alarm
public health experts and treasury ministers alike. A new project -
entitled SPOTLIGHT - is being launched to help prevent the problem
getting worse.
'We believe that
for the last decade the focus has been on identifying local and
individual solutions, but they are not working' said the project's
coordinator, Professor Hans Brug, of the EMGO Institute for Health and
Care Research in Amsterdam.
This
cross-European project aims to systematically increase and combine
knowledge on the wide range of factors that cause obesity. This will
provide clear perspectives for preventive measures.
'Exclusively targeting individual-level determinants appears to have had little impact, and widely used health
education interventions are largely ineffective.' The SPOTLIGHT
researchers are convinced that obesity is a societal problem, and
express the urgent need to look at social determinants of obesity, next
to individual motivation, in order to build a clear case for action and
a set of optimum strategies for improving health. The results of this
project will provide clear solutions to sustainably tackle Europe's
continuing problem with obesity.
The SPOTLIGHT
project is supported by a €3m grant from the European Commission and
involves 13 organisations in eight countries - Belgium, Denmark,
France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United
Kingdom.
Institutions involved in the Spotlight study are: (represented in the photo below at the Spotlight launch).
1. The EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2. Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
3. European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
4. European Association for the Study of Obesity, United Kingdom
5. Department of Health Promotion and Development, Universitetet i Bergen, Norway
6. Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
7. Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Universiteit Gent, Belgium
8. Universiteit Maastricht, The Netherlands
9. Professionshojskolen Metropol, Copenhagen, Denmark
10. International Obesity TaskForce/ International Association for the Study of Obesity, United Kingdom
11. Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, University Paris, France
12. Blox Group, The Netherlands
13. Faculty of Public Health, Debreceni Egyetem, Hungary
The Spotlight study
is fnded with a grant from the European Commission DG Research, Seventh
Framework Programme. the products of the research are the
responsibility of the authors: the European commission is not
responsible for any use that may be made of them.
For more details on the Spotlight study please visit
http://www.spotlightproject.eu/ |
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Weekly News Brief from IASO
1st March 2012
If
you have trouble viewing any of the links or to search the news archive
please copy and paste the following link into your browser
http://www.iaso.org/news/obesity-news/
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Feature Article
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Canada: CSPI campaigns for nutrition labelling on fast food displays
Fast
food meals, even for children, can hold nutritional surprises: a Dairy
Queen Cheeseburger Kids' Meal with Fries packs a whopping 570 kcal,
while a Pizza Hut children's menu's Boneless Bites with Honey BBQ Sauce
contains 1,620 mg sodium. But customers do not find this information
easily, or at all.
A new campaign from the Center for Science in
the Public Interest's Canadian branch calls on governments to legislate
for four key regulations:
1. Require chain restaurants to
disclosure on menus and menu boards, next to each food item the number
of calories, and where applicable, symbols (such as red asterisks, **)
flagging foods with high or very high levels of sodium;
2. Require
all chain restaurants to provide free brochures that disclose all the
nutrition information which is usually found on retailed prepackaged
foods;
3. Exempt small restaurant operations and short-term menu items;
4.
Require chain restaurants (and manufacturers of prepackaged foods) to
provide nutrition and ingredient information to a publicly accessible
government database.
Full details at www.cspinet.org/canada/foodlabelling.html
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Obesity in the News
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USA: National Academy publishes report on measuring obesity prevention
Considers sources of data and evidence for monitoring obesity and upstream causes of obesity
Sydney University to invest AU$385m in new obesity and diabetes research centre
New unit named "Charles Perkins Centre" to be led by nutrition behaviour expert Professor Stephen Simpson.
Nebraska: School activities lower obesity prevalence 13%
Physical activities integrated into lessons boost fitness and prevent weight gain, say staff.
OCC applauds FDA's decision to approve QNEXA
The
OCC is a coalition of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), the Obesity
Society (TOS), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and the
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The OCC is
' pleased with the FDA's Advisory Committee near unanimous vote to
approve QNEXA, a new drug to treat those affected by obesity and
obesity-related co-morbidities, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension
and more'
Numbers of Bariatric surgeries up prescription for weight loss pharmaceuticals down
The
NHS information centre reported a 12% increase in the number of weight
loss surgeries carried out between 2010/11 & 2009/2010. During the
same period the number of weight loss drug prescription decreased for
the first time in 7 years by 24%. They suggest the withdrawal of 2 of
the 3 main weight loss drugs from the market as the most likely cause.
Study finds link between risk of colorectal cancer, obesity and alcohol intake
The
study found an increased risk of cancer amongst obese heavy drinkers
but they did not find the same level of risk amongst non-obese
individuals.
USA: Menu's legally compliant but not 'user friendly'
The
study demonstrated while the food listings met the legal guidelines
they were not presented in an easily digestible format. Individual
portions were difficult to determine without adequate maths skills and
it was not always easy to determine the 'healthiest' dishes.
Researchers provide insight to how fructose causes obesity and metabolic syndrome
The
study was performed on mice and identified that fructose is metabolised
by an enzyme that occurs in two different forms. One form was found
to be responsible for how fructose causes obesity and other metabolic
diseases and contrastingly the other found to protect from these.
Obesity may be protective in the elderly
Obesity
is found to be protective against death in the over 85's, though the
author warns that it may come at a cost as they may suffer long term
from obesity related illness.
Link between obesity and asthma in children found to vary according to race/ethnicity
Overweight
children are more likely than their normal weight peers to suffer from
asthma. The extent varies according to race and ethnicity. The study
found that the link was strongest in Hispanic children and weakest in
African American children.
England: New obesity figures show levels still rising
The
new report out show obesity in England has now reached 26.1% with over
60% of the population being measured as either overweight or obese.
Qatar: Journalism students launch website to tackle obesity
The
site is aimed at raising awareness. It has a podcasts, video
documentaries and articles. Highlighting statistics on obesity and
diabetes and further investigates societal factors that may be
influencing rates in the region .
South Africa: Tackling obesity with free outdoor 'eco' gyms
Free
outdoor gyms are being set up across the country to encourage people to
exercise more. The gyms don't require electricity are weather prooof
and are concreted into the ground to prevent theft.
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Marketing to Children News
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UK: Children exposed to increased junk food advertising despite regulation
The
law is being obeyed but children are exposed to more junk food
advertising during non-child TV programming, say Newcastle researchers.
UK: Advertisers can market high sugar foods on Facebook if users say they are over age 16
The
UK Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that children aged under
16 would not see advertising because they have to state their date of
birth.
USA: 16% children's dietary energy from added sugars
Small decline over years, but still exceeding recommendations.
USA: 14 public health groups call for added sugar declaration on labels
American Heart Association, CSPI and others urge better food labelling.
Mexico: Ferrero opens first factory with $190m plant in Guanajuato State
Will provide the region with Kinder confectionery and Nutella products.
USA: PepsiCo joins with Muller to open new dairy production
Range of foods with health image to launch during 2012.
USA: Government promises new rules on school vending machines
The Obama administration is working on setting nutritional standards for foods that children can buy outside the cafeteria.
California: Bill would ban sugary sports drinks at middle and high schools
Assembly
member Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced a bill to prohibit
the sale of sugary sports drinks ("electrolyte replacement beverages")
in middle and high schools during school hours.
San Francisco: Bill may ban mobile food vendors from school neighbourhoods
Assemblyman
William Monning, D-Santa Cruz, wants to bar food trucks from operating
within 1,500 feet of an elementary, middle or high school - public or
private - between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on school days.
Australia: Melbourne to trial online support for healthy weights using traffic lights
Project led by Prof Joanne Williams will target adolescents aged 12-17 years.
UAE: Coke and Pepsi in trouble for selling undersized cans 'meant for tourists'
Arab
Emirates' authorities have required the removal from shops of 300ml
beverage cans which are only permitted in hotels and tourist
restaurants.
Saudi Arabia: Mars plans $60m Galaxy factory
Mars has announced plans to build one of the largest chocolate factories in the Middle East with an initial $60m investment.
India: PepsiCo exploits young people's social media for targeted marketing campaign
Recent
brand launches include Iron Chusti, an ultra-low cost snack range sweet
extruded snack with added iron, and adapted versions of Gatorade drinks
and Aliva crackers.
Kellogg's expands its global snack brands by purchasing P&G's Pringles
Deal will cost Kellogg's $2.7bn but puts the company in 2nd place in the global snacks market, after PepsiCo's Frito-Lay.
Mars promises to reduce all products to maximum 250kcal per portion by 2013
Global pledge will affect Mars bars (260kcal) and Snickers (296kcal).
Weekly News Brief from IASO
16th February 2012
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Feature Article
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USA: Five years after the IOM report on advertising to children - what have we got?
A
review of progress on the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine
report on marketing of food and beverages to children in 2005 says that
US government and schools have made mixed progress.
A
comprehensive review published in the March issue of the American
Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that public sector stakeholders
have failed to fully implement the IOM recommendations, and that the
public sector has missed important opportunities to promote a healthful
diet and create healthy eating environments.
The report
recommended that government partner with the private sector to create a
long-term, multifaceted, and financially sustained social marketing
program to support parents, caregivers, and families to promote a
healthful diet. No progress was found.
Moderate progress toward
developing nutritional standards for foods and beverages sold in school,
and adopting model school wellness policies and practices to expand the
availability of healthy foods and beverages, but widespread
availability of unhealthy foods, and in-school marketing of
high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods for celebrations and school
fundraisers, continued through the period.
Read more
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Obesity in the News
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Study finds 30% decrease in risk of first heart attack or stroke following bariatric surgery.
Study
also shows that surgery is equally effective regardless of level of
obesity but surgery most effective in those with highest insulin levels
prior to surgery.
US: Doctors increasingly promote exercise
A
recent report shows an increase in the number of Doctors advising
patients to continue or increase exercise between 2000 and 2006. This
was particularly true in the 45-74 yrs. age category and depended on
any existing chronic conditions. Those with diabetes were more likely
to be recommended exercise than other chronic conditions.
Detrimental effect of maternal obesity can be reversed by exercise and healthy eating by offspring
The
rodent based study showed offspring of obese mothers returned to normal
metabolic levels when able to exercise and eat healthily. This effect
was not shown with diet alone.
Study demonstrates benefits of primary health programme addressing obesity in teenagers with the teenager and parents separately
Teenagers
are more heavily influenced by peers than parents. This approach
promotes aligns itself with this. The authors note that while the
weight losses were statistically significant they were modest.
Sweden: High BMI in young a risk factor for multiple sclerosis
The
Swedish study found that those with a high BMI >27 before the age
of twenty years had a two fold increase relative risk of multiple
sclerosis as compared with an individual of a 'normal' BMI.
Offering smaller portion size found to reduce overall calorie intake (subscription required)
A
recent field study in Chinese take away restaurant investigated the
uptake and consumption patterns of individuals when offered smaller side
portions. The study found that between 14-33% accepted the smaller
portion regardless of whether a financial discount was applied and the
overall calorie intake was reduced by around 200kcal.
India: Clampdown on advertising 'health' claims
The
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India have issued notices to
several food manufacturers asking them to justify and provide evidence
for the healthy nutrition claims of food items. Manufacturers are to
respond within a fortnight of receiving the notice or face action for
violating the advertising code.
New Zealand: Auckland health authorities submit plan to restrict spread of fast food restaurants
'Auckland
Regional Public Heath Service says it wants to see council restrict new
fast food outlets across Auckland while seeking ways to increase food
outlets with healthy food like supermarkets and grocers'
Spain: Study finds Romani Gypsies link obesity with power
The small study involved over 50 Romani families and identified an obesity rate exceeding 50%
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Marketing to Children News
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USA: Cognitive research shows that advertising is inherently misleading to children
First
Amendment does not protect "inherently misleading" commercial speech,
and government should protect children under age 12, say researchers.
USA: New evidence shows that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages could help tackle obesity
Although
a majority of those questioned opposed the idea of a soda tax, over
one-third of respondents said that they would cut back on their
consumption in the event of an added 20 % tax on these beverages.
USA: Online games could be used to improve children's health behaviour, say researchers
Interactive
media tools can encourage physical activity and promote healthy eating
habits, according to an article in a special issue of the journal
Childhood Obesity.
Asia: Industry talks up the rise in demand for confectionery
Candy manufacturers and equipment producers see expanding markets.
PepsiCo to spend over $4bn in 2012 on advertising its 12 leading brands
Adspend globally will total 6% of revenues, with a focus on 12 of its 400 brands.
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The press links provided are for information only; their inclusion is not indicative of IASO endorsement.
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If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this mailing please email newsnet@iaso.org. If you have trouble viewing any of the above links or to search the news archive please visit our website by clicking here or copy and paste the following link into your browser http://www.iaso.org/news/obesity-news/
IASO - International Association for the Study of Obesity
Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London, WC1N 2JU |
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17º Congresso Português de Obesidade -
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Consulte informações sobre o congresso (aqui)
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ECO 2013, 20th European Congress on Obesity - Last chance to pre-register for ECO2013. Pre-registration closes on 3rd May.
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Para aceder ao site do congresso clique (aqui)
EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 9
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Pre-Register for ECO2013 Now!
Last chance to pre-register for ECO2013. Pre-registration closes on 3rd May.
Participating
in ECO2013 will enhance your knowledge and give you the opportunity to
learn from and network with leading European and global experts in our
field. Visit the ECO2013 website to download the final programme.
Register for ECO2013 via the congress website.
Liverpool
is an excellent congress destination, with easy access via Manchester
International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The city offers
a wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms
held for ECO delegates - bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per
room per night inc breakfast and all taxes. You need not pay a deposit,
but you will need to leave credit card details to secure your
booking. You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
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ECO2013 Programme Highlights: Post Congress Meetings
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Policy Provocations
ECO2013
delegates are invited to attend a Policy Provocations debate, led by
the University of Liverpool. The event takes place from 18.00 hrs on
Wednesday 15th May - tickets are free and can be reserved at via the event website. 80 places have been reserved for ECO2013 delegates, if you wish to attend, please email eco2013@easo.org.
Post Congress Meetings
In addition, the ECO2013 programme is augmented by three post congress meetings, taking place on Thursday 16th May 2013
AFRESH approaches to tackling childhood obesity: enterprise, innovation and action
Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
Addressing the physical co-morbidites of obesity: Cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal factors
Dublin, Ireland
Metabolism, Mitochondria and Fatty Acids
Warwick University, UK
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Liverpool: A Welcoming City
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Liverpool is a busy and vibrant city. Here are a few example of activities of interest during ECO2013:
Elvis and Us/Beatles Hidden Gallery exhibition @ Beatles Story
This
unique, first-of-its-kind exhibition will allow visitors to experience
the power of both Elvis and The Beatles, along with their explosive
impact on music and popular culture. One of the key elements explored in
the Elvis and Us exhibition will be the evening Elvis and The Beatles
met in person on August 27, 1965, at his home in Bel Air, California.
Titanic and Liverpool exhibition @ Maritime Museum
This
compelling new exhibition explores Liverpool's central role in the
Titanic story, the city that inspired the biggest ship in the world,
doomed to be most notorious shipwreck in history. The exhibition opens
in time for the 100th anniversary of the sinking on April 15 1912 when
more than 1,500 people lost their lives. Told from perspectives of key
personalities in the drama, it gives a unique insight into events
surrounding the launch, voyage, the sinking and its aftermath.
Liverpool Cathedral Late Night Tower Openings @ Liverpool Cathedral
The
Cathedral Late Night Tower Openings experience allows you tremendous
views across the city and beyond, and you can watch as twilight turns to
darkness revealing a whole new city-scape lit by neon and halogen.
The Art of Pop Video exhibition @ FACT
Celebrate
The Art of Pop Video in the first exhibition of its kind in the UK.
More than 70 video clips tell the story of the pop video, marking the
medium's substantial contribution to popular culture. The exhibition
showcases the work of major visual artists whose work has been heavily
influenced by the pop video. Artists featured include Andy Warhol,
Pipilotti Rist, Wolfgang Tillmans, Bruce Conner, Carsten Nicolai and
Christian Jankowski.
Bruckner's Sixth Symphony @ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 11 May 7.30pm
Bruckner's
symphonies have been called "cathedrals in sound". Yet they're so much
more than that, and the Sixth is arguably the loveliest of them all: a
sweeping Austrian landscape glowing with all the composer's own longing,
tenderness and deep feeling. Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard is
famous for his fresh, emotionally-charged approach to Bruckner - so
whether you're a Bruckner virgin or an aficionado, you might just be in
for a wonderful surprise.
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
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EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 8
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Pre-Register for ECO2013 Now!
Participating
in ECO2013 will enhance your knowledge and give you the opportunity to
learn from and network with leading European and global experts in our
field. Visit the ECO2013 website to download the final programme.
Register for ECO2013 via the congress website.
Sessions will
be presented in the form of plenary lectures, workshops, review, oral
and poster sessions. We encourage you to attend the ECO2013 Opening
Ceremony on Sunday 12th May- which will include the 2013 EASO Friedrich
Wassermann Award Lecture, the EASO Young Investigator Award Lectures and
of course some Beatles music!
Liverpool
is an excellent congress destination, with easy access via Manchester
International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The city offers
a wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms
held for ECO delegates - bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per
room per night inc breakfast and all taxes. You need not pay a deposit,
but you will need to leave credit card details to secure your
booking. You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
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ECO2013 Programme Highlights: Calling All Young Investigators
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The Young Investigators United of EASO will unite for a scientific and social session on Monday 13th May. The scientific session, where the YIU Best Thesis Award will be presented, will start at 1745 hrs and will also feature
presentations on European Research Council grants and on UK grant
applications. All young investigators are encouraged to attend and
remember that a social event will follow the scientific session!
Find out more about the EASO YIU Network on the EASO website.
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ECO2013 Programme Highlights: Post Congress Meetings
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Policy Provocations
ECO2013
delegates are invited to attend a Policy Provocations debate, led by
the University of Liverpool. The event takes place from 18.00 hrs on
Wednesday 15th May - tickets are free and can be reserved at via the event website. 80 places have been reserved for ECO2013 delegates, if you wish to attend, please email eco2013@easo.org.
Post Congress Meetings
In addition, the ECO2013 programme is augmented by three post congress meetings, taking place on Thursday 16th May 2013
AFRESH approaches to tackling childhood obesity: enterprise, innovation and action
Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
Addressing the physical co-morbidites of obesity: Cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal factors
Dublin, Ireland
Metabolism, Mitochondria and Fatty Acids
Warwick University, UK
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Liverpool: A Welcoming City
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There is a lot happening in Liverpool during the ECO. Here are a few examples:
Elvis and Us/Beatles Hidden Gallery exhibition @ Beatles Story
This
unique, first-of-its-kind exhibition will allow visitors to experience
the power of both Elvis and The Beatles, along with their explosive
impact on music and popular culture. One of the key elements explored in
the Elvis and Us exhibition will be the evening Elvis and The Beatles
met in person on August 27, 1965, at his home in Bel Air, California.
Titanic and Liverpool exhibition @ Maritime Museum
This
compelling new exhibition explores Liverpool's central role in the
Titanic story, the city that inspired the biggest ship in the world,
doomed to be most notorious shipwreck in history. The exhibition opens
in time for the 100th anniversary of the sinking on April 15 1912 when
more than 1,500 people lost their lives. Told from perspectives of key
personalities in the drama, it gives a unique insight into events
surrounding the launch, voyage, the sinking and its aftermath.
Liverpool Cathedral Late Night Tower Openings @ Liverpool Cathedral
The
Cathedral Late Night Tower Openings experience allows you tremendous
views across the city and beyond, and you can watch as twilight turns to
darkness revealing a whole new city-scape lit by neon and halogen.
The Art of Pop Video exhibition @ FACT
Celebrate
The Art of Pop Video in the first exhibition of its kind in the UK.
More than 70 video clips tell the story of the pop video, marking the
medium's substantial contribution to popular culture. The exhibition
showcases the work of major visual artists whose work has been heavily
influenced by the pop video. Artists featured include Andy Warhol,
Pipilotti Rist, Wolfgang Tillmans, Bruce Conner, Carsten Nicolai and
Christian Jankowski.
Bruckner's Sixth Symphony @ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 11 May 7.30pm
Bruckner's
symphonies have been called "cathedrals in sound". Yet they're so much
more than that, and the Sixth is arguably the loveliest of them all: a
sweeping Austrian landscape glowing with all the composer's own longing,
tenderness and deep feeling. Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard is
famous for his fresh, emotionally-charged approach to Bruckner - so
whether you're a Bruckner virgin or an aficionado, you might just be in
for a wonderful surprise.
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
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EASO Secretariat: Announcing the 2nd
European Medico Surgical Workshop
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The
2nd EASO/IFSO-EC European Medico Surgical Workshop will be organised as
an official satellite of ECO2013, and will take place in Liverpool (UK)
on 11th and 12th May 2013. This European
workshop will address key current challenges in the medical and surgical
care of severe obesity and metabolic diseases, with the aim of using
discussion sessions to help develop a European guideline on Metabolic Surgery.
THE ORGANISERS
The
event is jointly organised by EASO, the European Association for the
Study of Obesity, and IFSO-EC, the European Chapter of the International
Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.
THE AMBITION
The
aim of the workshop is to provide a unique forum for education and
discussion of interdisciplinary management and research issues related
to the medico-surgical care of severe obesity and metabolic diseases.
AN INTERACTIVE FORMAT
The workshop will combine keynote lectures by international experts and smaller group sessions on practical
issues. The group sessions, each moderated by a physician and a surgeon
with expertise in the field, will provide the material for
statements/recommendations on "what is known, what is not known, what is
done in practice, where should research efforts be directed to". The
outcomes will be used to develop a European guideline on Metabolic
Surgery.
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Medico-Surgical Workshop: Programme
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THE AIM
The
workshop will provide a unique forum for education and discussion of
interdisciplinary management and research issues combining keynote lectures by international experts and smaller group sessions on practical issues.
THE TOPICS
Keynote Lectures will address diverse topics including 'economics of metabolic surgery'; 'mechanisms underlying the resolution of type 2 diabetes'; 'personalized surgery: can genetic profiling help in finding reliable predictors?'; 'patient selection - what are the predictors of success and failure?'; and 'the shift from bariatric to metabolic surgery - what does it mean?'. Workshops will address more practical topics, including ''indications/contraindications for metabolic surgery'; 'what new clinical variables should be included in the preoperative evaluation?'; 'relevance of psychological and family support'; and 'redefining success and how to deal with failed treatment'
View the final workshop programme
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Medico-Surgical Workshop: Registration
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The
programme of the workshop will be relevant to both experienced and
junior physicians specializing in internal medicine, diabetology,
endocrinology, clinical nutrition, gastroenterology, anaesthesiology,
intensive care...and surgeons together, willing to learn and exchange
questions and experiences in this rapidly evolving field of obesity
management.
REGISTER
The
registration fee for this important clinical workshop is £300 (£200 for
IFSO members). For ECO2013 delegates, there is a substantial reduction
and the fee becomes £150. Registration includes attendance at all sessions, catering and programme book. To register, visit the EASO website. Places are limited - so book now to avoid disappointment.
For further information, contact us at conferences@easo.org.
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Liverpool: A Welcoming City
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Liverpool
is looking forward to welcoming you to the Medico-Surgical Workshop and
to ECO2013. Voted the UK's friendliest city for the second year
running by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, Liverpool oozes culture and
heritage.
Liverpool
is an excellent congress destination, with easy access via Manchester
International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The city offers
a wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms
held for ECO delegates - bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per
room per night inc breakfast and all taxes. You need not pay a deposit,
but you will need to leave credit card details to secure your
booking. You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
There are many activities to enjoy during ECO:
Elvis and Us/Beatles Hidden Gallery exhibition @ Beatles Story
This
unique, first-of-its-kind exhibition will allow visitors to experience
the power of both Elvis and The Beatles, along with their explosive
impact on music and popular culture. One of the key elements explored in
the Elvis and Us exhibition will be the evening Elvis and The Beatles
met in person on August 27, 1965, at his home in Bel Air, California.
Titanic and Liverpool exhibition @ Maritime Museum
This
compelling new exhibition explores Liverpool's central role in the
Titanic story, the city that inspired the biggest ship in the world,
doomed to be most notorious shipwreck in history. The exhibition opens
in time for the 100th anniversary of the sinking on April 15 1912 when
more than 1,500 people lost their lives. Told from perspectives of key
personalities in the drama, it gives a unique insight into events
surrounding the launch, voyage, the sinking and its aftermath.
Glam! The Performance of Style @ Tate Liverpool
Glam,
a visually extravagant pop style which exploded across Britain during
the years 1971-5, embraced high and low culture and played with identity
and gender definitions. Glam! The Performance of Style at Tate
Liverpool will be the first exhibition to explore glam style and
sensibility in-depth, examining its relationship to painting, sculpture,
film, performance and
installation art in Britain, across Europe and in North America.
Liverpool Cathedral Late Night Tower Openings @ Liverpool Cathedral
The
Cathedral Late Night Tower Openings experience allows you tremendous
views across the city and beyond, and you can watch as twilight turns to
darkness revealing a whole new city-scape lit by neon and halogen.
The Art of Pop Video exhibition @ FACT
Celebrate
The Art of Pop Video in the first exhibition of its kind in the UK.
More than 70 video clips tell the story of the pop video, marking the
medium's substantial contribution to popular culture. The exhibition
showcases the work of major visual artists whose work has been heavily
influenced by the pop video. Artists featured include Andy Warhol,
Pipilotti Rist, Wolfgang Tillmans, Bruce Conner, Carsten Nicolai and
Christian Jankowski.
Bruckner's Sixth Symphony @ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 11 May 7.30pm
Bruckner's
symphonies have been called "cathedrals in sound". Yet they're so much
more than that, and the Sixth is arguably the loveliest of them all: a
sweeping Austrian landscape glowing with all the composer's own longing,
tenderness and deep feeling. Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard is
famous for his fresh, emotionally-charged approach to Bruckner - so
whether you're a Bruckner virgin or an aficionado, you might just be in
for a wonderful surprise.
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
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EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 7
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Programme Complete
The
ECO2013 programme is now complete and will be presented in the form of
plenary lectures, workshops, review, oral and poster sessions. A
special Balloon Debate on the topic of 'who can best save Europe from
obesity?' and a Hot Topic oral session have been added on Wednesday 15th
May.
Participating
in ECO2013 will enhance your knowledge and give you the opportunity to
learn from and network with leading European and global experts in our
field. Visit the ECO2013 website to download the final programme.
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ECO2013 Programme Highlights: EASO Workshops
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The Young Investigators United of EASO will unite for a scientific and social session on Monday 13th May. The scientific session, where the YIU Best Thesis Award will be presented, will start at 1745 hrs and will also feature
presentations on European Research Council grants and on UK grant
applications. The session will be invaluable for Young Investigators
from accross Europe. EASO
encourages YIU networking and the scientific session will be followed
by a social event, to which all Young ECO2013 Investigators are invited.
ASO Funding Surgeries
In
additon to the YIU session, ECO2013 delegates are invited to attend
one-to-one sessions with an ASO (Association for the Study of Obesity,
UK) trustee member, Dr Maria Bryant, to discuss their current or future
funding applications. Dr Bryant is a methodologist at the Leeds Clinical
Trials Research Unit (specialising in obesity research). In addition to
teaching a post-graduate course in clinical trials (including
grantsmanship), she is a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)
Research Design Service (RDS) advisor (providing advice on NIHR funding
applications). Young investigators can use this session to discuss
funding opportunities, or to review existing grant applications
(including fellowships). Those
interested in taking up this offer should go to the ASO stand in the
Comminuties in Action area of the exhibition to sign up for an allocated
slot.
About the YIU
EASO's
Young Investigators United was established in 2005 and now acts as an
informal community for young investigators to collaborate on projects
and to share experiences and expertise. The YIU initiative combines an
online community with an annual event at the ECO, where young
investigators have an opportunity to meet, interact and share ideas with
colleagues from around the world.
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ECO2013 Programme Highlights: Metabolic Surgery Workshop
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ECO2013 will be augmented by the 2nd EASO/IFSO-EC European Medico Surgical Workshop, taking place on 11th and 12th May 2013. This
European workshop will address key current challenges in the medical
and surgical care of severe obesity and metabolic diseases, with the aim
of using discussion sessions to help develop a European guideline on Metabolic Surgery.
The
workshop will provide a unique forum for education and discussion of
interdisciplinary management and research issues combining keynote lectures by international experts and smaller group sessions on practical issues. View the final programme.
Register Now:
The
registration fee for this important clinical workshop is £300.
For ECO2013 delegates, there is a substantial reduction and the fee
becomes £150. Registration includes attendance at all sessions, catering and programme book. To register, visit the EASO website.
For further information, contact us at conferences@easo.org.
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ECO2013 Programme Highlights: Post Congress Meetings
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Policy Provocations
ECO2013
delegates are invited to attend a Policy Provocations debate, led by
the University of Liverpool. The event takes place from 18.00 hrs on
Wednesday 15th May - tickets are free and can be reserved at via the event website. 80 places have been reserved for ECO2013 delegates, if you wish to attend, please email eco2013@easo.org.
Who are the fat controllers? is
the first debate in this year's Policy Provocations series. Led by the
University of Liverpool, Policy Provocations provide a platform for
informed public debate by bringing together leading international, UK
and local thinkers. Taking the cue provided by Liverpool's hosting of
the European Congress on Obesity and responding to pressing issues both
locally and nationally, this event will focus on how the nation's eating
habits may be changed. Panellists include: Professor Tim Lang,
Professor of Food Policy at City University London; Dr. Susan Jebb, Head
of Diet and Population Health at MRC Human Nutrition Research; and Ian
Twinn, ISBA Director of Public Affairs.
Post Congress Meetings
In addition, the ECO2013 programme is augmented by three post congress meetings, taking place on Thursday 16th May 2013
AFRESH approaches to tackling childhood obesity: enterprise, innovation and action
Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
Addressing the physical co-morbidites of obesity: Cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal factors
Dublin, Ireland
Metabolism, Mitochondria and Fatty Acids
Warwick University, UK
View the meeting Announcement
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EU Funding and Research Grant Surgeries
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The European Biotechnology Network (EBN)
is a cross sectorial network with the mission to facilitate
partnerships. It does this in a practical and achievable way through its
Biotechnology Funding Hub, which tracks international R&D funding
opportunities for collaboration. Including FP7, the Innovative Medicines
Initiative, EuroTransBio and others in Europe, as well as US funding
streams to build transatlantic partnerships.
Working
in partnership with ECO2013, EBN is very pleased to host a series of
funding surgeries throughout the conference. These surgeries will:
- Enable conference attendees to understand where their research fits into international funding programmes
- Understand how you manage research towards its destination, through partnership and long term planning
- Look at the practicalities of different funding programmes - do they suit you and what should you expect to commit for success?
20
minute meeting slots will be available for any conference attendee, on a
first come, first served basis - with registration launched in January
2013. We look forward to assisting the development of partnerships
across sectors and organisation types, to deliver research to the
patient and market.
Visit the ECO2013 website for further information.
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Liverpool: A Welcoming City
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Liverpool
is looking forward to welcoming you to ECO 2013. Voted the UK's
friendliest city for the second year running by Conde Nast Traveler
Magazine, Liverpool oozes culture and heritage.
Liverpool is an excellent congress destination, with easy access via Manchester International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms held for delegates - bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per room per night inc breakfast and all taxes.
You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 5
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Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaching
The
early bird registration deadline is fast approaching. To take
advantage of significant savings, EASO encourages you to register for
ECO2013 now, via the congress website.
The
maximum early bird cost is just £125 per day for an outstanding
programme and unrivalled networking opportunities, making ECO2013
excellent value for money. Significant reductions are also available for
EASO members and for colleagues from less affluent countries.
Student registrations are just £50 per day. Students can also apply for grants and free registration via our YouTube competition.
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Why is the ECO Important?
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Participating
in ECO2013 will enhance your knowledge and give you the opportunity to
learn from and network with leading European and global experts in our
field. The ECO2013 scientific programme features invited presentations in the form of Plenary Lectures, Review Sessions, Workshops and Meet the Expert sessions. To
ensure that the programme features the latest developments in the
field, we will call for 'Hot Topic' abstracts between 1st and 28th
February 2013.
To find out more about the quality of ECO programmes, you can view ECO2012 Speaker Podcasts (developed in partnership with EUFIC), or download the ECO2012 YIU Scientific Report.
Visit the ECO2013 website for regular programme updates.
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In
addition to formal EASO Travel Grants, ECO2013 will offer 3 full
student registrations via a YouTube clip competition. There will also be
10 gala party tickets as runner up prizes.
All you need to do is submit your clip (max length of 1 minute) to eco2013@easo.org
(subject heading: student clip competition) outlining why you should
receive a free registration and how attendance at ECO2013 will benefit
you. We encourage you to submit light-hearted entries.
The
deadline for receipt of entries is Tuesday 31 January 2013. This
competition is only open to students (proof of status will be required
for all winners).
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Scientific Programme Highlights: Metabolic Surgery
|
|
|
ECO2013 will be augmented by the 2nd EASO/IFSO-EC European Medico Surgical Workshop, taking place on 11th and 12th May 2013. This
European workshop will address key current challenges in the medical
and surgical care of severe obesity and metabolic diseases, with the aim
of using discussion sessions to help develop a European guideline on Metabolic Surgery.
The
workshop will provide a unique forum for education and discussion of
interdisciplinary management and research issues combining keynote lectures by international experts and smaller group sessions on practical issues. View the draft programme.
Register Now:
The
registration fee for this important clinical workshop is £300.
For ECO2013 delegates, there is a substantial reduction and the fee
becomes £150. Registration includes attendance at all sessions, catering and programme book. To register, visit the EASO website.
For further information, contact us at conferences@easo.org.
|
|
The European Biotechnology Network (EBN)
is a cross sectorial network with the mission to facilitate
partnerships. It does this in a practical and achievable way through its
Biotechnology Funding Hub, which tracks international R&D funding
opportunities for collaboration. Including FP7, the Innovative Medicines
Initiative, EuroTransBio and others in Europe, as well as US funding
streams to build transatlantic partnerships.
Working
in partnership with ECO2013, EBN is very pleased to host a series of
funding surgeries throughout the conference. These surgeries will:
- Enable conference attendees to understand where their research fits into international funding programmes
- Understand how you manage research towards its destination, through partnership and long term planning
- Look at the practicalities of different funding programmes - do they suit you and what should you expect to commit for success?
20
minute meeting slots will be available for any conference attendee, on a
first come, first served basis - with registration launched in January
2013. We look forward to assisting the development of partnerships
across sectors and organisation types, to deliver research to the
patient and market.
|
|
Liverpool: A Welcoming City
|
|
|
Liverpool
is looking forward to welcoming you to ECO 2013. Voted the UK's
friendliest city for the second year running by Conde Nast Traveler
Magazine, Liverpool oozes culture and heritage. During ECO2013 we highlight:
Liverpool is an excellent congress destination, with easy access via Manchester International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms held for delegates - bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per room per night inc breakfast and all taxes.
You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
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EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 4
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Last chance to submit your abstract to ECO2013 - Submission Deadline 9th December 2012
The
abstract submisssion deadline is fast approaching. EASO encourages all
colleagues with an interest in obesity to submit an abstract and
participate in what promises to be an innovative and diverse scientific
programme. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 9th December 2012 - be a part of the ECO2013 scientific programme and submit your abstract now.
You can also now register for ECO2013 via the congress website. Remember that student registrations are just £50 per day.
Students can also apply for grants and free registration via our
YouTube competition. Further incentives for students will be announced
in January 2013.
|
|
Why is the ECO Important?
|
|
Participating
in ECO2013 will enhance your knowledge and give you the opportunity to
learn from and network with leading European and global experts in our
field. The ECO2013 scientific programme features invited presentations in the form of Plenary Lectures, Review Sessions, Workshops and Meet the Expert sessions.
To find out more about the quality of ECO programmes, you can view ECO2012 Speaker Podcasts (developed in partnership with EUFIC), or download the ECO2012 YIU Scientific Report.
Visit the ECO2013 website for regular programme updates.
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EASO Awards for Scientific Excellence
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EASO will present the following Awards for Scientific Excellence at ECO2013
- EASO Friedrich Wassermann Award
- Young Investigator Award (x 3 - Basic Science, Clinical Research and Public Health)
- Young Investigators United Best Thesis Award
- EASO Travel Grants
All
scientists, and especially Young Investigators, are encouraged to apply
for these awards (note that the Wassermann Award requires National
Association nomination). The deadline for receipt of applications is 9th
December 2012.
Apply now via the EASO website.
|
|
In
addition to formal EASO Travel Grants, ECO2013 will offer 3 full
student registrations via a YouTube clip competition. There will also be
10 gala party tickets as runner up prizes.
All you need to do is submit your clip (max length of 1 minute) to eco2013@easo.org
(subject heading: student clip competition) outlining why you should
receive a free registration and how attendance at ECO2013 will benefit
you. We encourage you to submit light-hearted entries.
The
deadline for receipt of entries is Tuesday 31 January 2013. This
competition is only open to students (proof of status will be required
for all winners).
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Scientific Programme Highlights: European Research
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|
The
programme will place obesity research at the centre of National and
European policy agendas for the next decade. The scientific committee
has constructed a programme more inclusive than ever before bringing
together basic science with clinical management, and behavioural and
nutritional expertise with policy and intervention. In this edition of the ECO2013 Newsletter we highlight:
EASO Prevention and Public Health Task Force Workshop What is preventing good prevention research?
An underlying question in this session is what constitutes good prevention research and how it should be used in public health. We
will hear from Professors Jaap Seidell and Boyd Swinburn with the aim
of reaching a consensus view through interactive debate.
The EASO/IFSO-EC Medico Surgical Workshop
Metabolic Surgery: Guidelines and Clinical Implications
Organised on 11th and 12th May 2013, as an official satellite of ECO2013, the workshop will address key current challenges in the medical and surgical care of severe obesity and
metabolic diseases. Focussing on Metabolic Surgery, the programme will
combine keynote lectures by international experts and smaller group
sessions on practical issues. The workshop will be relevant to both
experienced and junior physicians specialising in internal medicine,
diabetology, endocrinology, clinical nutrition, gastroenterology,
anaesthesiology, intensive care...and surgeons, willing to learn and
exchange questions and experiences in this rapidly evolving field of
obesity management.
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Scientific Programme Highlights: EU Project Workshops
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|
In
addition to practical European funding workshops, we will also organise
two EU project workshops - focussing on childhood obesity related
projects and on adult obesity related projects. If you are an EU FW7 obesity related project co-ordinator and would like to participate in either of these workshops, please contact satin@liv.ac.uk.
|
|
The European Biotechnology Network (EBN)
is a cross sectorial network with the mission to facilitate
partnerships. It does this in a practical and achievable way through its
Biotechnology Funding Hub, which tracks international R&D funding
opportunities for collaboration. Including FP7, the Innovative Medicines
Initiative, EuroTransBio and others in Europe, as well as US funding
streams to build transatlantic partnerships.
Working
in partnership with ECO2013, EBN is very pleased to host a series of
funding surgeries throughout the conference. These surgeries will:
- Enable conference attendees to understand where their research fits into international funding programmes
- Understand how you manage research towards its destination, through partnership and long term planning
- Look at the practicalities of different funding programmes - do they suit you and what should you expect to commit for success?
20
minute meeting slots will be available for any conference attendee, on a
first come, first served basis - with registration launched in January
2013. We look forward to assisting the development of partnerships
across sectors and organisation types, to deliver research to the
patient and market.
|
|
Liverpool: A Welcoming City
|
|
|
Liverpool
is looking forward to welcoming you to ECO 2013. Voted the UK's
friendliest city for the second year running by Conde Nast Traveler
Magazine, Liverpool oozes culture and heritage. During ECO2013 we highlight:
Liverpool is an excellent congress destination, with easy access via Manchester International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms held for delegates - bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per room per night inc breakfast and all taxes.
You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
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EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 3
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One month to submit your abstract - Submission Deadline 9th December 2012
EASO
encourages all colleagues with an interest in obesity to submit an
abstract and participate in what promises to be an innovative and
diverse scientific programme. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 9th December 2012 - be a part of the ECO2013 scientific programme and submit your abstract.
You can also now register for ECO2013 via the congress website.
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Why is the ECO Important?
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The
aim of EASO is to support excellence in obesity science across Europe
and to facilitate the exchange of ideas, methodological innovations, and
new advances across the obesity field. At the centre of this is
interdisciplinary collaboration built on the platform of European
Framework funding. The congress will encourage discussion and debate, to
help delegates think in innovative ways about how to work together to
develop effective interventions; and to encourage researchers in all
aspects of obesity to collaborate on research ideas, particularly in
relation to the next EU Framework grant scheme, Horizon 2020.
Participating
in ECO2013 will enhance your knowledge and give you the opportunity to
learn from and network with leading European and global experts in our
field. The ECO2013 scientific programme features invited presentations in the form of Plenary Lectures, Review Sessions and Expert Workshops.
Visit the ECO2013 website for regular programme updates.
|
|
Scientific Programme Highlights: EU Research Workshops
|
|
|
The
programme will place obesity research at the centre of National and
European policy agendas for the next decade. The scientific committee
has constructed a programme more inclusive than ever before bringing
together basic science with clinical management, and behavioural and
nutritional expertise with policy and intervention. The
programme will be augmented by specially developed workshops on
European issues. In this edition of the ECO2013 Newsletter we
highlight:
Delivering innovation from research - impact and delivery
Where is the delivery point for your work? How policy and business is impacting nutrition and health research. This
workshop looks at the policy and business drivers that innovators and
researchers should know in planning their long term work and
partnerships. Social changes, global nutrition targets, finance and
policy targets will impact early stage innovations as well as funding
available for research. We will hear from big industry and policy
makers about factors that include their decisions.
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Scientific Programme Highlights: EU Project Workshops
|
|
|
In
addition to practical European funding workshops, we will also organise
two EU project workshops - focussing on childhood obesity related
projects and on adult obesity related projects. If you are an EU FW7 obesity related project co-ordinator and would like to participate in either of these workshops, please contact satin@liv.ac.uk.
|
|
The European Biotechnology Network (EBN)
is a cross sectorial network with the mission to facilitate
partnerships. It does this in a practical and achievable way through its
Biotechnology Funding Hub, which tracks international R&D funding
opportunities for collaboration. Including FP7, the Innovative Medicines
Initiative, EuroTransBio and others in Europe, as well as US funding
streams to build transatlantic partnerships.
Working
in partnership with ECO2013, EBN is very pleased to host a series of
funding surgeries throughout the conference. These surgeries will:
- Enable conference attendees to understand where their research fits into international funding programmes
- Understand how you manage research towards its destination, through partnership and long term planning
- Look at the practicalities of different funding programmes - do they suit you and what should you expect to commit for success?
20
minute meeting slots will be available for any conference attendee, on a
first come, first served basis - with registration launched in January
2013. We look forward to assisting the development of partnerships
across sectors and organisation types, to deliver research to the
patient and market.
|
|
EASO Awards for Scientific Excellence
|
|
|
EASO will present the following Awards for Scientific Excellence at ECO2013
- EASO Friedrich Wassermann Award
- Young Investigator Award (x 3 - Basic Science, Clinical Research and Public Health)
- Young Investigators United Best Thesis Award
- EASO Travel Grants
All
scientists, and especially Young Investigators, are encouraged to apply
for these awards (note that the Wassermann Award requires National
Association nomination). The deadline for receipt of applications is 9th
December 2012.
Apply now via the EASO website.
|
|
In
addition to formal EASO Travel Grants, ECO2013 will offer 3 full
student registrations via a YouTube clip competition. There will also be
10 gala party tickets as runner up prizes.
All you need to do is submit your clip (max length of 1 minute) to eco2013@easo.org
(subject heading: student clip competition) outlining why you should
receive a free registration and how attendance at ECO2013 will benefit
you. We encourage you to submit light-hearted entries.
The
deadline for receipt of entries is Tuesday 31 January 2013. This
competition is only open to students (proof of status will be required
for all winners).
|
|
Liverpool: A Welcoming City
|
|
|
Liverpool
is looking forward to welcoming you to ECO 2013. Voted the UK's
friendliest city for the second year running by Conde Nast Traveler
Magazine, Liverpool oozes culture and heritage. During ECO2013 we highlight:
Liverpool is an excellent congress destination, with easy access via Manchester International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms held for delegates - bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per room per night inc breakfast and all taxes.
You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
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EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 2 |
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ECO2013 Newsletter
Abstract submission is now open.
EASO encourages all colleagues with an interest in obesity to submit an
abstract and participate in what promises to be an innovative and
diverse scientific programme. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 9th December 2012 - be a part of the ECO2012 scientific programme and submit your abstract here.
To
underline the importance of abstract presentations at ECO2012, the top
ranked and most relevant abstracts will be incorporated into Review
Sessions - with additional presentation opportunities in oral and poster
sessions.
You can also now register for ECO2013 via the congress website.
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Why is the ECO Important?
|
|
Europe
faces its greatest social and economic challenge in 70 years. Economic
conditions will impact on the health of European citizens, particularly
the most vulnerable including children and the elderly. It is therefore
critical that we continue to celebrate excellence in obesity research
across scientific disciplines. The next European Congress of Obesity
will seek to demonstrate the necessity of translating research into
practice for the health, social and economic benefits for Europe and its
citizens.
Participating
in ECO2013 will enhance your knowledge and give you the opportunity to
learn from and network with leading European and global experts in our
field. The ECO2013 scientific programme features invited presentations in the form of Plenary Lectures, Review Sessions and Expert Workshops.
Visit the ECO2013 website for regular programme updates.
|
|
Scientific Programme Highlights
|
|
|
The
programme will place obesity research at the centre of National and
European policy agendas for the next decade. The scientific committee
has constructed a programme more inclusive than ever before bringing
together basic science with clinical management, and behavioural and
nutritional expertise with policy and intervention.
The
programme will be augmented by specially developed workshops on
European issues. In this edition of the ECO2013 Newsletter we
highlight:
International collaborative funding - to the Horizon and beyond
The
world is a small place and success comes through international
collaboration. There are a multitude of international collaborative
funding programmes that you should consider and this workshop addresses
programmes including Horizon 2020, EuroTransBio and the Innovative
Medicines Initiative, as well as non-European sources including NIH, US
Department of Defense and the many charitable foundations that fund
research. These programmes are not just a source of funding, they are a
source of partnership and you should be using them.
Building and managing international consortia - working beyond your sector
The
main challenge for collaborative research is working with partners
beyond your comfort zone; academia, the clinic, biotech companies and
large multi-nationals - they all have the challenge of finding the right
partners and building a successful partnership. This
workshop focuses on how to work outside your sector, with case studies
from all sides - share your own experience and learn for the next
international partnership!
In
addition to these exciting workshops, we will also organise two EU
project workshops - focussing on childhood obesity related projects and
on adult obesity related projects. If you are an EU FW7 obesty related projct co-ordinator and would like to participate in either of these workshops, please contact satin@liv.ac.uk.
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|
EASO Awards for Scientific Excellence
|
|
|
EASO will present the following Awards for Scientific Excellence at ECO2013
- EASO Friedrich Wassermann Award
- Young Investigator Award (x 3 - Basic Science, Clinical Research and Public Health)
- Young Investigators United Best Thesis Award
- EASO Travel Grants
All
scientists, and especially Young Investigators, are encouraged to apply
for these awards. The deadline for receipt of applications is 9th
December 2012.
Apply now via the EASO website.
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|
Liverpool: A Welcoming City
|
|
|
Liverpool
is looking forward to welcoming you to ECO 2013. Voted the UK's
friendliest city for the second year running by Conde Nast Traveler
Magazine, Liverpool oozes culture and heritage. The city
has a glorious past as a mercantile hub and gateway to the New World,
but today it is also a key destination for art lovers, fans of the
theatre and museumgoers.
- Easy access via Manchester International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport
- Wide range of accommodation options with exclusive rates and rooms held for delegates
- International branded hotels, boutique hotels and apartments for multi-share options
- Bedroom rates start from £74 (US $115, €92) per room per night inc breakfast and all taxes
You can book accommodation and airport transfers via the ECO2013 website. Come and enjoy Liverpool's famous maritime, soccer and Beatles heritage!
Visit the Liverpool City website for regular updates and offers.
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EASO
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ECO2013 Newsletter: Issue 1 |
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ECO2013 Newsletter
ECO2013, the 20th European Cogress on Obesity, will take place in Liverpool (UK) from 12th to 15th May 2013.
Welcome to the 1st edition of the ECO2013 e-newsletter. We will use the
newsletter series to update you on ECO programme developments, abstract
submission and registration deadlines, social programme options and
news from the City of Liverpool.
We hope that the information we provide will inspire you to participate!
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Why is the ECO Important?
|
|
Europe
faces its greatest social and economic challenge in 70 years. Economic
conditions will impact on the health of European citizens, particularly
the most vulnerable including children and the elderly. It is therefore
critical that we continue to celebrate excellence in obesity research
across scientific disciplines. The next European Congress of Obesity
will seek to demonstrate the necessity of translating research into
practice for the health, social and economic benefits for Europe and its
citizens.
Visit the EASO website for further information on the ECO
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A Scientific Programme with Wide Appeal
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|
The
programme will place obesity research at the centre of National and
European policy agendas for the next decade. The scientific committee
has constructed a programme more inclusive than ever before bringing
together basic science with clinical management, and behavioural and
nutritional expertise with policy and intervention.
Utilising
cross-cutting themes the congress will appeal to a wider possible
audience than previous years, including researchers, policy makers &
clinicians caring for people with obesity and related conditions. This
will encourage active discussion and debate both within and across the
traditional scientific, clinical and public health disciplines
represented in the meeting.
Abstract Submission will open on 1st October 2012, with a deadline of 9th December 2012. Visit the ECO2013 website to view the provisional scoientific programme.
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Liverpool: A Welcoming City
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Liverpool
is looking forward to welcoming you to ECO 2013. Voted the UK's
friendliest city for the second year running by Conde Nast Traveler
Magazine, the city is also delegate friendly, with easy access from two
international airports (Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester
International airport) and a regular two hour train journey from
London. A walkable safe city, with good signage and locals who will
happily point you in the right direction, Liverpool's BT Convention
Centre is adjacent to the waterfront and in the heart of the city
centre. A three minute walk away is the Albert Dock, where you will
find hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries and museums.
Find out for yourself!
Liverpool
oozes culture and heritage. The city has a glorious past as a
mercantile hub and gateway to the New World, but today it is also a key
destination for art lovers, fans of the theatre and museumgoers.
For
example, Tate Liverpool is the home of the National Collection of
Modern Art in the north. Located on the Grade One listed Albert Dock and
within easy walking distance from the City centre, Tate Liverpool has
become a venue for major exhibitions of international modern art, as
well as hosting large and changing displays from the national
collection, making it the ideal place to either see your favourite
artwork or discover something new.
Further information is available here.
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EASO | 113-119 High Street | Hampton Hill, Middlesex | TW12 1NJ | United Kingdom
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PAGAMENTO DE QUOTAS SPEO
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No sentido de tornar mais prático o pagamento das quotas por transferência bancária, propomos aos sócios o pagamento por débito directo.
Para efeito deverão preencher o formulário em anexo e envia-lo para a Sede da SPEO
Rua Freitas Gazul, 34 – Loja 2
1350-149 Lisboa
Pagamentos por Transferência Bancária para o NIB 0033 0000 0000 7043 5590 5
Para mais esclarecimentos queira por favor contactar-nos para:
Tel: 21 390 4065
Email: speo@sapo.pt
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Medicare to Pay for Obesity Counseling in the Name of Prevention
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Medicare to Pay for
Obesity Counseling in the Name of Prevention
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A recent
landmark decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
represents an important first step toward addressing one of the great ironies
of American health care....
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Insurers have been willing to foot the bill for managing the
complications of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, but
most have not been willing to reimburse practitioners for their work in
treating obesity, which is often the major risk factor contributing to
chronic diseases. Insurers have been willing to pay for costly gastric bypass
surgery, but not for intensive medical nutrition therapy that could produce
similar results.
Medicare will begin reimbursing primary care physicians and other
qualified practitioners for administering face-to-face behavioral counseling
to patients with a body mass index of 30 or more.
CMS' is acknowledging that covering intensive weight loss counseling in
traditional medicine can tackle heart disease and obesity, which account for
$550 billion in annual U.S. health spending, according to the federal Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are some reservations, but for the most part the health care
community has welcomed this development as long overdue recognition of the
medical and behavioral factors underlying costly chronic diseases, and of the
need for less traditional preventive measures. It is anticipated that
Medicare's decisions will encourage more private insurers to follow suit,
giving physicians and patients the moral and financial boost to do their
parts.
Medicare's recognition of that and willingness to pay for obesity
counseling is also a message to physicians that we need to refocus on the
importance of including this in the care of our patients.
A team approach to treatment, often with a physician as team leader, has
been shown to work best for the management of chronic diseases. The team
usually consists of a registered dietitian, nurse case manager, exercise
physiologist and a mental health professional.
Shanthi Manivannan, medical director of the Ornish heart disease program
at West Virginia University Healthcare's Ruby Memorial Hospital added that,
"It's almost impossible for physicians to take care of everything."
'They don't have the expertise or the time." Similarly, many of the
newly covered obesity counseling sessions will not be provided entirely by
physicians. Supervised nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or
physician assistants also will provide the service.
Here is how it breaks down: beneficiaries are entitled to receive one
visit every week for the first month and then one visit every other week for
months two through seven. If the patient loses at least 6.6 pounds during the
first six months, the patient will be covered for months seven to 12.
Whether physicians counsel patients on weight loss themselves or serve in
supervisory roles, they must engage patients in prevention and be their
cheerleaders, said Steven F. Horowitz, director of cardiology at Stamford Hospital
in Connecticut.
"I hear physicians say it's impossible to change patients' behavior,
but they don't have to," he said. "Patients look up to their
doctors, and our role is to enthusiastically support the concept," and
refer them to other professionals who can help if necessary.
Physicians also may lack the in-depth training to administer obesity
counseling. Seventy-two percent of primary care physicians surveyed by the
STOP Obesity Alliance in 2010 said nobody in their practices had been trained
to deal with weight-loss issues, though 89 percent agreed it was their job.
Unfortunately, those best prepared to provide obesity counseling will not
be able to bill directly to do so. CMS has limited who is able to bill for
those services to primary care physicians and practitioners, including nurse
practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants. Those
with expertise in the field, such as registered dietitians, are not eligible
to bill directly. Medicare will cover services from "auxiliary" providers
only if the service is provided in a physician's office suite and the
physician is immediately available to provide assistance and direction.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) news release Nov. 2012
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