Archive for category Nutrition and obesity

Half fast food portions in Iran

Can lifestyle changes really improve people’s health? In this WHO podcast you can learn about new evidence from research conducted in Iran. Amongst a large number of interventions also you can find the introducing half-portions in restaurants and fast food eateries and advocating for the development of bicycle lanes in the city. Read the orginal article here: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/87/1/07-049841.pdf

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School ban will keep junk food 400 metres from pupils

Waltham Forest council, in East London is to become the first in the country to ban new fast-food outlets from opening within 400 metres of schools, parks and other places where young people gather.

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NHS spends £45m on obesity equipment

Reinforced chairs and beds, operating tables and specially adapted ambulances all add to the multi-million pound bill.

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The chance of cutting obesity? A big fat zero

The number of failed UK government healthy-eating initiatives is expanding in step with the national waistline.

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Teen smokers are more likely to be obese as adults

According to a new study from Finland girls who smoke 10+ cigarettes per day are at greatest risk, particularly for abdominal obesity. Their waist sizes are 1.34 inches larger than nonsmokers’ waists are as young adults.

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Sara Lee made their own version of GDA

On January 6’th 2009 Sara Lee, a North American Bakery, launched their new labels to help consumers make food choices. The GDA / DV like graphics with key nutrition information is called Nutritional Spotlight. And it will appear on all of its bread, bun and bagel products beginning in January.

There are some interesting differences you may want to notice:
1) On their webpage the stated: “The percentage for sugars is not listed because the % daily value has not been established.” Nice to know that not all food industry believe we need 90 grams of sugar daily.
2) They include grams of whole grain. Good news!
3) It seems that they don’t bring %DV for calories. Also very good news!
And in their press release they wrote that folic acid will also be included.

It is not very consumer friendly if food companies each make their own version of GDA as they please.

Oats and Health webpage

The Nordic research project GRAINITY has been established this website on Oats and Health.

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‘Real Food Is’ – Video Contest

Create a short video that completes the phrase ‘Real Food is’ and you can win $1,000 for your school food project. The video should inform, inspire, and/or encourage student advocacy to restore connections to community, food, land, and place through Farm to Cafeteria programs.

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New York State will change the WIC program quickly

The changed include whole grain bread and cereals, and fres, frosen and canned vegetables and fruits. All US states will only be required to meet new Women, Infants and Children food program requirements by October 2010.

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Chilean school-based obesity intervention effective

The intervention included activities in nutrition and physical activity, fully applied the first year and partially in the second one. Obesity declined significantly only in boys during the first year.

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