News on Obesity from the Americas

December 05, 2022

Potatoes Can Be Part of a Healthy Diet

When we think of healthy vegetables, we don't think of potatoes, but we should. Potatoes have developed a reputation for causing weight gain and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, but new research suggests they do not.

June 15, 2018

The secret behind our love for french fries

Research has shown that the reward center of the brain values foods high in both fat and carbohydrates - such as french fries - more than foods containing only fat or only carbs.

January 30, 2017

Schmieding Produce Launches New 100 Calorie - Skinny Potato

Schmieding Produce Launches New 100 Calorie - Skinny Potato: Potatoes are sorted in such a way, that each potato has roughly a calorie content of 100 Calories

May 21, 2015

What is Your Health Worth? Snapshot of American Health and Nutrition Perceptions

With the theme “What’s Your Health Worth?”, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s 10th anniversary Food and Health Survey is offering a wealth of new insights into Americans’ health and nutrition, including perceptions of their own health.

October 07, 2014

American Waistlines Are Still Expanding, Study Finds

American adult waistlines are still spreading, a new study finds. While body mass index, a key measure for obesity, has stabilized, American bellies have increased an inch over the last decade.

Cheese is the top dietary source of saturated fat in the US diet

June 11, 2014

Saturated Fat Intake May Influence a Person’s Expression of Genetic Obesity Risk

Limiting saturated fat could help people whose genetic make-up increases their chance of being obese

November 06, 2013

Gallup: US obesity rate climbing in 2013 for almost all demographic groups

The adult obesity rate in the United States so far in 2013 is 27.2%, up from 26.2% in 2012, and is on pace to surpass all annual average obesity rates since Gallup-Healthways began tracking in 2008.

November 03, 2013

Study finds restaurant industry takes one step forward, one step back in menu nutrition

Although a number of chain restaurants have announced healthy menu changes over the years, the overall calorie and sodium levels in main entrees offered by top U.S. chain restaurants assessed from 2010 to 2011 have remained the same, shows a study.

October 21, 2013

Higher volume foods may offer potential strategy to avoid overeating

Two new studies presented by ConAgra Foods at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' 2013 Food &Nutrition Conference &Expo™ show that choosing foods with more volume, like egg whites and popcorn, can be an effective strategy to avoid excess ca...

September 18, 2013

End Potato Prejudice: 10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Potatoes

It's easy to forget the health benefits of the potato. The humble tuber has acquired a bad rap over the past decade, and it's high time for a tater comeback.

August 19, 2013

Obesity rates in the United States steady but high

After three decades of increases, adult obesity rates remained level in every US state except for one, Arkansas, in the past year, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2013.

July 22, 2013

Potatoes good for your heart

A new scientific review suggests that eating potatoes may be good for your heart.

April 12, 2013

Why you can't stop after eating one potato chip: research

The scientific secrets underpinning that awful reality about potato chips — eat one and you're apt to scarf 'em all down — began coming out of the bag today in research presented at the 245th National Meeting &Exposition of the American Chemical So...

March 06, 2013

Restaurant Chains Serving More Lower-Calorie Choices Do Better Financially

Restaurant chains that serve more lower-calorie foods and beverages have better business performance, according to a study by Hudson Institute.

October 25, 2012

Canadian doctors call for junk-food tax, warning labels

Doctors in the Canadian province Ontario are calling for a heightened tax and graphic warning labels on junk food to combat childhood obesity.

September 17, 2012

Why Soda Ban Will Work In Fight Against Obesity

On Thursday, New York City’s Board of Health voted near unanimously to cap the size of sugary drinks to no more that 16-ounces at movie theaters, restaurants, mobile food carts, and sports arenas. The ban, which will take effect from March 12 and won’...

August 14, 2012

Canadian research shows Healthy Happy Meals with toys steer kids from junk food

Children are far more likely to pick a healthier fast-food meal when promotional toys are offered only with those menu options and not with less nutritional fare like burgers, fries and a pop, according to a Canadian study.

August 02, 2012

Chile Bans Toys in Fast Food to Attack Child Obesity

Facing an uptick in child obesity, Chile is cracking down on the happy meal. A new law in Chile aims to take some of the fun out of fast-food by forcing McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and other restaurants to stop including toys and other goodies with ch...