Weight Loss Research:Extra weight decreases mortality from type 2 diabetes ♦ Occurrence of obesity complications ♦ Blocking obesity-associated protein

Carrying a little extra weight decreases mortality from type 2 diabetes Patients with type 2 diabetes who are overweight but not obese live longer than those who are underweight or normal-weight. Researchers call this effect the 'obesity paradox.' Walking or cycling to work could help you lose weight Leaving your car at home could help shed pounds – according to new research. Given that car use is high, the findings strengthen the case for incentivising walking or cycling to boost population health. New player in the occurrence of obesity complications Metabolic complications of obesity and overweight, such as type 2 diabetes, are an important challenge to public health. Teams of researchers have succeeded in elucidating part of the mechanisms involved in the development of these metabolic complications associated with obesity. Moving to a depressed neighborhood linked to weight gain Certain regions in the United States are characterized by a higher prevalence of obesity, which suggests that a person's socioeconomic, physical, and social environments can affect opportunities for healthy behaviors that might prevent excess weight gain  A new study has found that people who moved to more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods gained additional weight. Blocking obesity-associated protein stops dangerous fat formation By changing mouse genes to block a protein associated with obesity, scientists have prevented fat from forming around the animal's' internal organs, even when the animals eat an unhealthy diet. The study found that these genetically engineered mice also retained their sensitivity to insulin (normally blunted by obesity), despite gaining weight.

Seniors Health:Motorized cycling may prime brain after stroke--Promising new Alzheimer's therapy-- Inhibitor breaks cycle that leads to Alzheimer's--New pathways to prevent blindness

Motorized cycling may prime brain for relearning after stroke  Exercise on a motorized stationary bike appeared to give stroke patients an advantage in relearning everyday tasks and improving motor function of their arms. A motorized bike helps patients with limited mobility pedal and achieve a target aerobic heart rate. Continue Reading

Promising results for new Alzheimer's therapy  Scientists have evaluated a new Alzheimer’s therapy in which the patients receive an implant that stimulates the growth of a certain type of nerve cell. The results suggest that the introduction of a nerve growth factor can prevent neuronal degradation in Alzheimer’s patients. Continue Reading

Primary care nurse-delivered interventions can increase physical activity in older adults A primary care nurse-delivered intervention can lead to sustained increases in physical activity among older adults, according to a new article Continue Reading

Molecular inhibitor breaks cycle that leads to Alzheimer's  A molecular chaperone has been found to inhibit a key stage in the development of Alzheimer's disease and break the toxic chain reaction that leads to the death of brain cells. Continue Reading

New pathways discovered to prevent blindness  Scientists have made a major new discovery detailing how areas of the brain responsible for vision could potentially adapt to injury or trauma and ultimately prevent blindness. The study sheds new light on the relationship between vision loss and brain plasticity -- the extraordinary ability of the brain to modify its own structure and function as a result of change or damage. Continue Readung