For the vast majority of human history, survival has been a desperate effort with a mixture of luck and lot of vigor. Energy sources have been scarce, and consequently, traits that optimized energy storage and conservation have gained prominence. In response to this history, we have utilized technology to create an environment where energy sources… Continue reading Between a Carbohydrate and a Fat Place
Category: Metabolic Syndrome
Over-Pharmaceuticalized
I recently read an interesting book titled, Overdiagnosed: Making People Sick in Pursuit of Health. In the book, Dr. Welch talks about the dangers of over-diagnosis and how it is “biggest problem posed by modern medicine.” Over-diagnosis is defined as the diagnoses that will never cause symptoms or death and generally occurs because doctors seek… Continue reading Over-Pharmaceuticalized
Fat Outside, Fit Inside
In a recent study in JAMA, nearly 75% of men and 65% of women between the ages of 25-54 were classified as overweight (BMI>25) or obese (BMI>30). These numbers have dramatically increased in the last 40 years. In response to this rising epidemic, a multibillion dollar weight loss industry ranging from diet companies and supplement… Continue reading Fat Outside, Fit Inside
Metabolic Ghetto
The staggering increase in the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome and its various components is especially alarming amongst minority populations worldwide and within the United States. For example, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has doubled in India in the last 30 years, obesity rates have increased 3 fold or more since 1980 in… Continue reading Metabolic Ghetto
Know thy (evolutionary) history
Human evolutionary history has unfolded over millions of years and has transformed us from one generation to the next to its current state. In fact, the process of evolution continues to occur today and humans will be different in many aspects generations from now. If you look at human beings through the lens of evolution, it… Continue reading Know thy (evolutionary) history
I eat, therefore I am
Meta-analyses of health outcomes studies show that medical care affects long-term health outcomes by about 10%, genetics determine about 20%, and the other 70% is a combination of social determinants – environment and behavior. Despite these percentages, the focus of the health care industry and policy makers in the… Continue reading I eat, therefore I am
Obesity
I recently read an article by David Freedman in the Atlantic titled How Junk Food Can End Obesity. He had an interesting viewpoint that I wanted to share and explore. This year, the American Medical Association voted to classify obesity as a disease. According to its classification, currently over 78 million adults and 12 million… Continue reading Obesity
Salient Statistics
Less than 10% of people who lose more than 10% of their body weight will maintain this weight loss for more than a year. Total caloric intake has increased by 18%, total carbohydrate intake has increased by 41% since 1978. Obesity rate has more than doubled since the 1970s. Prevalence of centenarians: 1830: 2% 1990:… Continue reading Salient Statistics
S-Fxn 