A new report highlights the global impact of obesity that has also become a hot topic of debate. Personal attacks on individuals that are overweight or obese do nothing to solve the problem of escalating health care costs related to being overweight or obese from the increased burden of diseases that follow. The report highlights how little portion control will do to fight obesity, given the myriad of contributors and unknowns that have lead to expanding waistlines. Obesity ranks number three on the list of preventable threats to our global economy, preceded by smoking and war and terrorism.

Sounds like the old trick question about which weighs more, 10 pounds of rocks or 10 pounds of feathers—I mean after all, if a pound is a pound, shouldn’t a calorie be a calorie? Not quite says a Prevention magazine article that points out that cutting back on a meal to save more calories for dessert just doesn’t add up the way you would like it to.

Jennifer Esposito has finally married Louis Dowler, and their wedding featured gluten-free food from the couple’s own bakery. Esposito owns Jennifer’s Way, a bakery that exclusively provides gluten-free items, and focuses on organic ingredients. According to guests at the reception, their wedding cake was incredible.

Researchers have made a new discovery about myelin that could have a significant impact on how multiple sclerosis is viewed and treated. The finding concerns cells called oligodendrocytes, which have a crucial role in nervous system functioning.

People with celiac disease have frequently complained about having reactions to oats despite the lack of gluten in this grain. Although cross-contamination with the protein is often blamed for problems, a new study reveals that people with celiac disease are having an immune response to oats without gluten contamination. Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute found specific oat proteins are causing the reaction.

It is not often that people who suffer from fibromyalgia see their health problems addressed on television shows. However, “Doctor in the House” is challenging the usual coverage of common diseases on TV by presenting an episode that deals with fibromyalgia. Eileen Callaghan discovers that her self-diagnosis was correct and learns how to handle the condition.

Have you ever started an exercise program intending to lose weight, but found yourself actually gaining weight instead? Most of us chalk up that weight gain being due to muscle development. However, a new study reveals that that weight gain after beginning an exercise program may not be muscle after all, but fat.

It is estimated that 6 million people in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia, and it is believed that the condition may affect one in 50 Americans. A new study has examined the prevalence of the disorder in the general population by comparing criteria from several years. The researchers have found that changes to the American College of Rheumatology criteria have led to a rise in the prevalence of fibromyalgia, and the number of men being diagnosed with the condition is rising.

One of the biggest problems of weight gain is reaching a point beyond the typical clinical definition of “morbidly obese” and losing all hope that you could ever turn your life around. Well, one man did reach that point, and is likely still alive today only because he committed to what he calls the “Nirvana Challenge” and wants to share his story of hope for others wanting desperately to lose weight.

The holiday season is often a difficult time for people with celiac disease because traveling while on a restricted diet has multiple challenges. From searching for gluten-free restaurants to avoiding contamination on flights, taking a trip requires careful planning and preparation. The following holiday travel tips will help you stay organized and avoid gluten

Nestlé has released two new gluten-free cereals, and both are considered safe for celiac disease. The Nestlé Gluten Free Cornflakes and Gluten Free Honey Cornflakes are being distributed to multiple retailers. They have been certified gluten-free by Coeliac U.K. and have six vitamins added to the mix.

Saturday, November 15th is the first day of open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Part of the Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people find affordable health coverage. Staff and volunteers throughout Orange County are ready to assist people with enrolling in a plan that is right for them.

The fibromyalgia controversy involving the guaifenesin protocol has returned. A new documentary film featuring success stories from patients who followed the protocol is raising questions about the common cough syrup ingredient. Dr. R. Paul St. Amand’s idea to use guaifenesin to reduce pain remains divisive.

Current ways of measuring walking ability in multiple sclerosis are not winning any friends among researchers, doctors, and patients alike. That’s one reason why one of the presentations recently given at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) is of special interest.

Mountain Apple Smoked Pork from Kulana Foods Ltd. is being recalled due to the presence of wheat in the product. The packages are mislabeled and do not alert consumers to the wheat found in the soy sauce used to make the smoked pork. Consumers are being advised not to eat the product if they are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease.