Content about Obesity

NEW YORK — A growing number of truckers are paying closer attention to their health, according to published reports.

USA Today reported that some trucking companies are adopting wellness program for drivers, while some truck stops are offering healthy food items and exercise rooms. Meanwhile, some truckers take bicycles with them or make their own food and take it along.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — NuSirt Sciences last week released a weight management product called NuShape and a product for healthy blood sugar called NuControl.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new weight-loss drug made by Vivus, the agency said.

The FDA announced the approval of Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate) extended-release, designed for use by overweight and obese adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management. The drug's original brand name was Qnexa.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for obesity in adults, the agency said Wednesday.

The FDA announced the approval of Arena Pharmaceuticals' Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), designed for use alongside reduced-calorie diets and exercise, for chronic weight management. Eisai will distribute the drug.

All men know: It’s not the fall that kills you; it’s that sudden stop at the end. Men smoke more (23.2% versus 18.1% of women), drink more (71.6% versus 59.6%) and eat more (40% overweight, 21.5% obese versus 28.6% and 17.6%, respectively). Men die sooner (before the age of 75 years versus age 80 years for women) and are less likely to seek health care on their own (25.3% of men have no usual source of health care versus 13.8% of women).

ATLANTA — People with higher levels of education and higher income have lower rates of many chronic diseases compared with those with less education and lower income levels, according to "Health, United States, 2011" — the government’s annual comprehensive report on Americans’ health released Wednesday.

Several health-and-wellness programs targeting professional drivers have been gaining traction in the past few months. And for the consumer packaged goods industry, professional drivers represent a crucial cog in the whole supply chain. But it’s a cog that happens to be heavily indexed across many chronic disease states (e.g., obesity, diabetes, heart health) — and for a simple reason. There just aren’t that many healthy choices for those drivers putting the hammer down on the big road.


ITHACA, N.Y. — Obesity now accounts for almost 21% of U.S. healthcare costs — more than twice the previous estimates — according to a new Cornell University study released Monday.

The research, one of the first to show a causal effect of obesity on medical care costs, utilized new methods and makes a stronger case for government intervention to prevent obesity, the authors wrote in the January issue of the Journal of Health Economics.

ATLANTA — Mortality rates from all cancers combined continued to drop between 2004 and 2008 among men, women and children, according to the annual "Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2008."

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — A panel of experts at the Food and Drug Administration has recommended approval for an obesity drug that so far had not met much success at the agency.

Vivus announced Wednesday that the FDA Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 20-2 in favor of approving Qnexa (phentermine and topiramate) for obesity in adults. The FDA is not bound by advisory committee votes when it decides whether or not to approve a drug, but usually follows them.

Slim Fast and The Biggest Loser diets were identified as among the leading diets by U.S. News & World Report earlier this month. The ranking may reinvigorate sales across the Slim Fast franchise, which dropped to No. 11 across weight control liquids sold through food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for the 12 weeks ended Nov. 27 with $4.8 million in sales, according to SymphonyIRI Group. And while not necessarily associated with the Biggest Loser diet, Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper’s signature diet aid tablet is on the rise with $1 million in sales, ranking No.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — H-E-B is committed to improve the health of its customers by providing them with fresh, healthy and affordable food, and by supporting their healthy eating and weight-loss goals.