Weight loss - Why is it so difficult?

Recently I read a news release that early research indicates that ear infections may to be blamed for obesity  This research was presented at the 116th annual Convention of the American Psychological Association in Boston on Aug 14, 2008

Linda M. Bartoshuk, PhD, Taste Researcher of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, say that over time, frequent ear infections may alter taste perception in a way that leads to a heightened preference for high-fat and highly sweetened foods, which, in turn, leads to obesity.  She also said that both ear infections and tonsillectomies may have effects on taste nerves causing obesity in children.

While there are surgeries that may help to prevent chronic ear infections, it seems the surgeries may also cause damage to a patient's taste buds. In today's environment, many children either receive tubes to help drain excess fluid from the ears or they may even have their tonsils removed in an effort to ward off chronic ear infections. While the surgeries may help to prevent the ear infections, it may cause damage to taste buds and lead patients to prefer more fatty or sweet foods that could lead to obesity later.

About six years ago, a survey was conducted on 6,600 adults, mostly academic professions, with questions about past ear infections and current body mass index (BMI).  People with a history of frequent ear infections were found to be 62% more likely of be obese or needed to lose weight than those who reported no history of ear infection.

In another study, preschoolers with a history of frequent ear infections were found to eat fewer vegetables and more sweets than children who did not have frequent ear infections. They also tended to be heavier.

And in yet another study, Epidemiologist Kathleen Daly, PhD, of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, reported on her work with children up to age 2, suggesting that chronic ear infections prior to this age are associated with higher BMIs (body mass index) around the second birthday.

A study of middle-aged women with taste nerve damage found a preference among these women for sweet and high-fat foods.

Upon re-examination of data from a large, national health survey conducted in the 1960s found a 30% increase in obesity risk among children who had tonsillectomies.

"All of this is intriguing, but we don't really know what it means yet," Daly says.

I really think all this information is very interesting and I wonder, will this have an impact on the over-weight and/or obese  population?  Will they or can they reverse their situation?  Will something happen as a result of these studies to help these children and adults lose weight?  We all know that weight loss doesn't come easy, so let's hope for the best with positive results from these studies.

Jackie Whalen, Hinkley, CA

skype - jackiewhalen

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