Content about Obesity

CARLISLE, Pa.—Numerous strategies for combatting the epidemic of childhood obesity have emerged lately, but one could argue that among the most effective are those that happen where people get their food.

PHILADELPHIA — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a short-term adjunct treatment for obesity.

Lannett said that the FDA approved its abbreviated new drug application for phentermine resin extended-release capsules in the 15-mg and 30-mg strengths. The drug, which is equivalent to UCB's Ionamin, will be sold in bariatric clinics.

CHICAGO — Research firm Mintel hosted its New Products and Consumer Insights Pavilion in New Orleans last week and highlighted the importance of portion size, noting that many consumer packaged goods companies ignore the nutrition guideline.

During the event, more than 600 attendees voted on their favorite portion-control items. Top products were Sensible Portions veggie snacks variety pack from Canada, followed by Emerald Nut and Granola Mix in the United States, and Krave Chocolate Hazelnut Cereal from Ireland, which captured second and third place, respectively.

BOSTON — People with lower percentages of body fat are not necessarily at lower risk for diabetes and heart disease, according to a new international study.

The study identified a gene that is linked with having less body fat but also with having an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The investigators examined the genomes of more than 75,000 people and found that the gene, IRS1, was linked to less body fat, but also to unhealthy levels of cholesterol and blood glucose.


The overall weight-loss/nutritional shake category spans ready-to-drink diet aids (Slim Fast), pediatric nutrition needs (PediaSure) and adult nutrition needs (Ensure and Boost). Out of all of these, it’s adult nutrition that creates the most synergy with the backbench; seniors need protein and supplementation to ensure a healthy life free of broken hips and fractured elbows. But that isn’t the only prescription-heavy demographic checking out the latest Ensure and Boost flavors.

CHICAGO — A new report by Mintel may shed new light on the reasons why African-Americans diet.

According to the research, while 70% of African-American adults surveyed said they limit the amount and/or kind of food they eat to boost their general wellness, 52% are eating healthier to prevent or control high blood pressure and 46% said they follow a diet to maintain their current weight.

WASHINGTON — It seems that the Obama administration is looking to replace the food pyramid, which has provided Americans with dietary guidelines for nearly two decades.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Globe All Wellness on Tuesday recalled all lots of its Slim Xtreme herbal slimming capsule upon learning that the Food and Drug Administration determined the product contains the undeclared drug ingredient sibutramine.

Sibutramine was the active ingredient in the prescription weight-loss drug Meridia, which had been pulled off the U.S. market due to increased risk of cardiovascular events or stroke.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Royal Ahold banner Giant-Carlisle sponsored its first Childhood Obesity Summit Tuesday, according to an announcement by the chain.

The summit, which took place in Willow Grove, Pa., included local experts, such as physicians, in-store nutritionists from Giant and others.

TEMPE, Ariz. — WheyUp on Wednesday announced the launch of its weight-loss beverage WheyUp, which features 20 g of protein, 1 g of carbs and 90 calories per bottle.

“WheyUp is the first preworkout drink to market a unique protein beverage that combines whey protein with caffeine,” WheyUp president Erik Rothchild said. “WheyUp is ideal for gaining lean muscle or losing weight, depending upon how and when you drink it.”

The Midwest is known for flat landscapes and fertile farm fields stretching to the horizon, but it also is home to one of the country’s oldest and most successful mass merchandise chains — one with a long history of strong emphasis on pharmacy programs.


Where a growing number of chains have adopted generic discount programs, Meijer has taken to giving many drugs away for free. The list of medications that customers can obtain at no charge now includes metformin for Type 2 diabetes, prenatal vitamins and most antibiotics.


NORTHVALE, N.J. — Elite Pharmaceuticals has begun shipping an appetite suppressant for reducing weight in obese patients, the company said Thursday.

The drug maker announced the initial shipment of phentermine hydrochloride tablets in the 37.5-mg strength. The drug is a generic version of Teva’s Adipex-P.

Adipex-P and generic versions had sales of about $40 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

The shipment was made under a collaborative agreement with precision dose and its subsidiary, TAGI Pharma.