A specific type of obesity gene has been found to also reduce brain volume and increase the risk of Alzheimer's. This gene has been found to be carried by one-third of Americans. The gene has been dubbed the FTO gene, or the fat mass and obesity gene. Those that possess this gene also may have brain defects that make them more likely to develop Alzheimer's. When taking a look at the numbers, they are startling. They are especially unsettling when taking into consideration another disease highly linked with obesity: diabetes.
Diabetes is already affecting numerous amounts of Americans, both young and young-at-heart. Massachusetts has taken great strides in creating healthier food programs in schools where it can. However, the rest of the nation needs to follow suit. Though the economy is tough, we need to figure out a way to replace Twinkies with apples and Sprite with skim milk. It needs to start from the bottom up: elementary schools and other educational institutions and then we can focus on the workplace. Obesity is a growing health concern for our nation and I'm glad that Michelle Obama has taken this issue under her wing.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment