Arizona University Scientists Develop Ebola Vaccine

Credit: Wikimedia commons
Image is Ebola virus

Researchers from Arizona University have developed a vaccine against the deadly Ebola virus that works on mice.

The scientists have found a way to grow and purify the vaccine using the tobacco plant. According to the finding, reported in more detail today at EmaxHealth, the production of the vaccine is inexpensive and could be stored for extended periods without expiring.

The Ebola vaccine is different because it doesn't use a live virus, which means it doesn't require special storage for safety reasons.

The vaccine isn't used to prevent Ebola, but instead provokes the body's immune system to fight the infection.

The next step is to see if the Ebola vaccine works as well humans as it did in mice.

Fish eaters may be lowering their risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Baked or broiled fish
linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's

For the first time, researchers have found a direct relationship between eating baked or broiled fish and lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from the University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine studied 260 people with no memory problems, finding that eating fish at least once a week seems to preserve gray matter in the brain.

Participants were chosen from the Cardiovascular Health Study.

The investigators used the National Cancer Institute Food Frequency Questionnaire to determine how often the study participants ate fish: 63 patients consumed fish on a weekly basis, and most ate fish one to four times per week.

Advanced 3D MRI, using Voxel-based morphometry was used to measure the volume of gray matter in the brain at baseline and then again 10 years later.

The research team compared gray matter volume among people who ate fish, matching the finding with eating fish. They also adjusted the findings for age, gender, BMI, ethnicity, education and physical activity.

When gray matter decreases, it means brain cells involved in sensory perception, muscle control, vision, hearing, memory, emotions and speech are shrinking.

Cyrus Raji, M.D., Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh said "Consuming baked or broiled fish promotes stronger neurons in the brain's gray matter by making them larger and healthier. This simple lifestyle choice increases the brain's resistance to Alzheimer's disease and lowers risk for the disorder."

From the study result, the scientists found eating baked or broiled fish at least once a week keeps brain volume intact in the hippocampal, posterior cingulate and orbital frontal cortex – areas responsible for short and long - term memory, awareness, cognition and emotion and reward respectively.

Eating baked or broiled fish was also associated with heightened cognition.

"Working memory, which allows people to focus on tasks and commit information to short-term memory, is one of the most important cognitive domains," Dr. Raji said.

Working memory is destroyed by Alzheimer's disease. We found higher levels of working memory in people who ate baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis, even when accounting for other factors…”

The new study supports previous findings that eating fish promotes brain health and might lower the chances of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study found eating fish at least once a week – baked or broiled – lowered the 5-year risk of mild memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease five-fold. The authors write, “While we controlled for education in this study, other lifestyle and socio-economic factors may underlie these relationships.”

Image credit: Morguefile

Avoid jock itch, athlete’s foot and other fungus at the gym

Avoid ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch
and other fungus that can come from the gym

If you enjoy spending time at the gym, chances are you or someone you know has been plagued with some sort of fungus. Jock itch, ringworm and athlete’s foot are spread easily, making it important to take steps to avoid fungus at the gym.

Jock itch causes a raised, red, itchy rash in the groin area. The medical term for jock itch, which can affect women too, is tinea cruris. The best way to avoid the problem is to dry off after a workout and change into loose clothing. Jock itch and other fungi thrive in a moist environment and start from sweating. Make sure you dry off completely after showering.

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is easily picked up from wet floors at the gym. The condition usually begins with intense itching between the toes. Without treatment athlete’s foot can spread; causing the skin to peel.

You can avoid athlete’s foot by wearing clean dry socks, avoiding sweaty shoes and wearing shower shoes at the gym. Make sure you wash and dry your feet completely every day. After a workout; at home, take off your shoes and let your feet air out.

Athlete’s foot can occur on the palms, fingers and heels. If it spreads to the fingernails or toenails, they can become thick, painful and brittle.

Your doctor can prescribe medication to treat the foot fungus. Look for over-the-counter treatments that contain the anti-fungal miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate .Clean your feet twice a day, dry thoroughly, apply the medication and wear clean cotton socks.

Ringworm is another type of fungus that spreads easily. It can occur on the scalp or skin. Drying off well after a workout can help prevent ringworm. Don’t share towels or other personal items to reduce the chances of ringworm.

To avoid bacterial infections at the gym, make sure you wipe down equipment, before and after a workout. Wash your hands before and after you exercise. Cover any cuts or scrapes with a band aide. Don’t go to the gym if you’re sick.

Fungus infections like jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm aren’t dangerous, but they can cause discomfort.

Avoiding fungal infections at the gym means paying attention to hygiene before, during and after exercise.

Wear fresh clothing during exercise, dry yourself off thoroughly after exercise and don loose clothing, keep your shoes clean and dry, wear shoes that cover the toes in the shower, and if needed, seek treatment advice from your personal physician to treat fungus infections at the first sign of rash, itching or skin changes that can signal ringworm. 

Image: Ringworm 

Credit: Wikimedia commons

Women report humiliation and stress from cervical smears

Women interviewed by UK
investigators say
cervical smears are humiliating
and stressful

A new investigation reveals women interviewed think getting a PAP (cervical smear) test is humiliating and stressful. 

Researchers say a woman’s feelings about cervical smears shouldn't be ignored, and that health care providers should recognize and discuss expectations and anxiety women might experience from the tests.

In findings from University of Leicester, published in the international journal Family Practice, women report they aren’t always treated kindly when they have their exam to detect cancer.

In their study, the researchers found women would like a more personalized approach.

According to Dr Natalie Armstrong, Lecturer in Social Science Applied to Health at the University of Leicester:

"Attitudes towards cervical smears remain something of a paradox. On one hand, screening appears to command impressive levels of public support - as demonstrated by campaigns to widen the eligibility criteria - but on the other hand there is considerable evidence suggesting that individual women find the experience of the screening test problematic."

For many women, a gynecological exam is stressful and painful.

Armstrong interviewed 34 women for her paper, published in collaboration with colleagues at Glasgow Caledonian University.

She says one woman stated, "It's just so cold. You go in, you take your clothes off, she does that and I mean it's just so, it's just so degrading and embarrassing. It's just horrible."

“Women can feel passive, helpless and vulnerable in the face of a situation where they risk pain and discomfort, shame and humiliation, and violation and invasion of privacy”, says Armstrong.

She says one solution may be to talk to women about their expectations during a cervical PAP smear to allow them to express their feelings.

"Ignoring women's fears, anxieties and concerns can appear to deny the reality, or at least the validity, of women's emotional responses.”

Women in the study said health care professionals can seem detached and distant during exams.

Armstrong hopes the finding can translate to a better experience for women undergoing the embarrassment of having a cervical smear test. Women interviewed in the University of Leicester study found the exams stressful and humiliating. 

CDC report highlights overdose deaths from prescription painkillers

A new report from the CDC highlights the problem of overdose and death from prescription painkillers. According to the CDC, physicians, consumers and policy makers can act together to ensure patients receive safe pain management.


According to the finding, A large portion of overdose deaths are the result of people taking the medications recreationally. According to the CDC, in 2010, 12 million Americans over age 12 said they took painkillers in the past year just to get high, rather than for medical purposes.


The report also found more men than women die from drug overdose from prescription painkillers that include oxycodone, methadone and hyrdocodone. 


Read the rest of the story at EmaxHealth.

Surgeon removes eight pound, foot long tumor from man’s liver

Large liver tumor example

Man turned away by 3 surgeons

Marcus Muhich had a tumor in his liver that weighed 8 pounds and was a foot long. He had been turned down by three surgeons who said his tumor was inoperable.

The man was ultimately referred to a surgeon at Loyola University.

It’s now been two years since Dr. Margo Shoup, chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Loyola University Medical Center removed Mr. Muhich’s tumor. He is cancer free and calls Dr. Shoup a “miracle worker”.

The tumor was so large it was pressing against the man’s vena cava – a major artery that supplies blood flow to the heart. Three surgeons at major academic hospitals told Muhich the tumor couldn't be removed.

Because the cancerous liver tumor was pressing on the man’s vena cava, he was having an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

The 8 pound tumor was felt by a cardiologist when Muhich sought care for his heart rhythm disturbance.

Dr. Shoup was able to determine the cancer had not spread, even though it was large.

The chances of rupture of the vena cava and liver during surgery would have meant Muhich could bleed to death, but Dr. Shoup removed the tumor without complication.

Now the man is cancer free, his heartbeat is normal and there were no major surgery complications.

"The recovery was not difficult at all," Muhich said. "It hurt very little.

It’s been two years since the 8 pound, foot long tumor was removed. "Since he has reached the two-year point without a recurrence, his prognosis is excellent," Shoup said.

How did the man end up at Loyola University for surgery? -  Sarita Gilligan, Muhich’s sister said, "We truly believe God sent us there."

Source: Loyola University

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

Top College Health Issues

College students face a variety of potential health issues

College can have a negative effect on health

Many students find starting college has a negative effect on their health. Between socializing and keeping up with classes online they become too busy to eat right or sleep well. They face new levels of stress about tests and project deadlines. In addition, contagious illnesses spread much faster in the relatively close quarters of college campuses. Students should be aware of the biggest health issues they face, and follow the recommendations below to stay healthy.

 Stress is a primary concern for college students

Stress and anxiety are primary concerns as students become anxious over grades, adjusting to a new life on campus, and making new friends. They may become depressed and even have suicidal thoughts. College campuses' student health offices can advise on how to deal with specific issues, and help students find counseling if necessary. For any stress level, exercise helps to release endorphins, a feel-good hormone and stress-fighter. Even simply taking a 30-minute walk a few times a week will help students relax and bear stress more easily.

Unhealthy Eating

Eating disorders are among the top concerns among students in all college campuses nationwide. Students may resort to eating to cope with high stress, avoid eating to conform to cultural expectations of body image, or may develop disordered eating because of other underlying issues. Dieting often leads to serious eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, which may have long-term health effects on young people's bodies.

Many students simply make poor food choices that lead to unhealthy weight gain. Eating sensibly is the key to preventing eating disorders and keeping healthy. Students shouldn't overindulge on junk food, but eat healthy meals three times a day.

Alcohol Abuse

Excessive drinking (particularly among underage students) remains a great concern as students continue to suffer alcohol poisoning and other issues related to binge drinking. Depression and alcoholism often go hand in hand and may become serious health concerns as young people develop addictions. Excessive drinking may lead to other risky behaviors, such as sexual violence and drunk driving. Students should never drink alcohol in an unsafe environment and avoid drinking to the point of heavy intoxication.

Illness

Sexually transmitted diseases may spread fast among students engaging in unsafe sex. In many cases, students become infected from casual encounters at drinking parties. Young people should avoid sex with unfamiliar partners or at least protect themselves by using condoms.

Students get colds, flu, and respiratory infections in the fall that often last until spring as the germs are passed around throughout the student body. During the cold weather season, students are advised to get flu shots. Many campuses offer them free of charge or at a great discount. Simple preventative measures, such as washing hands, taking vitamins, and getting adequate sleep will also help boost immunity and speed recovery.

College life is stressful, no doubt about it. However, these are the best years for young people to learn to be independent and to make responsible decisions. Students can enjoy the college years best by making healthy choices and avoiding health risks that can have long-term effects on their lives.

Author: Marina Salsbury
Image credit: Morguefile

Marijuana use might double the chances of driving accidents

Marijuana use linked to crashes

Marijuana use linked car accidents

Research suggests if you use marijuana you may be at twice the risk of having a motor vehicle accident, compared to people who don’t use cannabis.

Researchers at Columbia University performed a meta-analysis of nine epidemiologic studies, finding people who tested positive for marijuana were twice as likely to have a car accident. The chances of a mishap while driving increased with frequency of marijuana use and concentration of the drug in the urine.

The scientists say the finding is important because of findings from a 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that showed over 10 million people age 12 or older had driven under the influence of an illicit drug in the year prior to the survey.

Guohua Li, MD, DrPh, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, and senior author says the finding should be interpreted with caution, because the research doesn’t prove cause.

Marijuana most frequently found drug linked to car crashes

Li says, “…if the crash risk associated with marijuana is confirmed by further research, this is likely to have major implications for driving safety and public policy. It also would play a critical role in informing policy on the use of medical marijuana”.

In the study, marijuana was the most frequently found drug detected following a motor vehicle accident.  More than 11% of the general driver population tested positive for non-alcohol drugs. In twenty-eight percent of fatalities, non-alcohol drugs were found in the urine or bloodstream of drivers.

In 8 out of 9 studies, the researchers found marijuana users were more like to be involved in a driving accident. Li says, “…it is urgent that we better understand the role of marijuana in causing car accidents”, that would have implications for public policy for medical marijuana. The study suggests marijuana users are twice as likely to have a driving accident, compared to non-users.

Source: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Image credit: Morguefile

In a down economy, nursing jobs thrive

Today's economy is not the best for many people looking for employment. If you are considering a certified nursing assistantcertification, are in school for a nursing degree, or already have a nursing degree but have not yet found a job, you may be wondering if available nursing jobs decreasing. 

Although some hospitals and clinics are experiencing budget cuts like many other organizations, even in the worst of times, healthcare positions are always a priority. 

ABC news has reported that there is a dire need for nurses, so much so that larger sign-on bonuses are often offered. A huge portion of the population needs health care at any given time. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, X-ray technicians, and others will be able to find employment within the range of their profession.

Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes are trying to cut costs in order to stay in business, but they are required to have a specific number of required personnel on duty at all times in order to pass their standardization and certification requirements. 

As a nurse, there are many different departments available to work in, such as pediatrics, emergency room, intensive care, cardiac care, geriatrics and many others. If you are willing to accept work in any department, you will have a much better chance of finding employment. Taking extra classes to further your credentials is also always a good decision when trying to make yourself more marketable.

With the baby boomer generation getting to the retirement age, there will likely be even more of a demand for healthcare employees. Also, as this generation ages, there will be recurrent medical issues to handle. 

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing shows a portion of some of the concerns in the health care field. Nurses, on average, now earn more than $62,000 per year. 

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that the average salary in the United States is only approximately $36,000. In fact, it is expected that the United States will be short by approximately 300,000 nurses by the year 2015. That is definitely a good sign for nursing students in school today. 

The number of nursing students at this point is not even close in keeping up with that demand. The job growth projection chart, into the year 2018, shows that four out of the top nine jobs are in the health care profession. There is still a need for nurses. In fact some facilities are in such dire need of nurses that they are recruiting nurses from India and China.

Nurses who are working today are beginning to age and nearing retirement age, which on average is 47.3 years old. There are a higher number of older nurses employed than those under the age of 30. There will not be enough nurses to replace those nearing retirement. Historically, nursing has been a female profession. That has been changing, likely because of the wide array of other professional opportunities available to women.

One of the major problems for the shortage of nursing students to fill the growing demand is the lack of availability of slots in nursing schools. Because of this, in 2007, over 40,000 qualified nursing applicants were turned away. 

Nurses holding a master’s degree could be teaching at the university level. However, they earn more in clinical practice than they would at a teaching facility. Thanks to some non-profit groups, scholarships and subsidized money is being offered to nurses to remain at the teaching level while still allowing them to continue with research. Some nurses are moving back to academics due to high stress levels in the clinical setting, helping to alleviate the shortage. shortage.

There are many other avenues available of nursing careers, such as education facilities and government positions. The military is in need of nurses. The pay may not be equal to what is paid on the “outside” but the benefits generally make up for the difference, especially if you make the military a career. Veteran’s hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation and assisted living facilities, and Alzheimer homes should also be considered.

Budget cuts are affecting nurse work-loads, even if not affecting the number of nurses hired. Oftentimes, higher-level positions are cut, so more of the burden falls on the nurses. There are often many stresses of working as a nurse, even if there is much demand for nursing positions. 

Nursing jobs are not decreasing—in fact, there are nursing jobs available to anyone looking. Be ready to be flexible and be ready to work. You are definitely needed! Even in  a down economy, a job in nursing is a sure bet. 

Author: Elizabeth O'Malley

Bio: Elizabeth graduated with a degree in Public Health Administration before relocating with her family to Seattle. 

She is currently writing, and her favorite topics include health care, work-life balance, and travel. 

Synthetic compound SRT1720 helps obese mice live longer

Researchers are testing the effect of a synthetic resveratrol stimulator, known as SRT1720 to see if it might treat human diseases, reverse metabolic syndrome and help people live longer. In mouse studies, the compound did just that.

The compound has been suggested to have anti-aging properties from past studies.

SRT1720 activates a class of enzymes known as sirtuins, which are associated with the same positive health effects as calorie restriction.

In obese mice, scientists found improved liver, heart and pancreas function, compared to mice not given the patented compound.

The study is a collaborative effort of the National Institute on aging (NIA) and the drug company Sirtris, a GlaxoSmithKline company, and is published in the August 18, 2011, issue of Scientific Reports.

Drug suppresses gene pathway linked to aging

“This study has interesting implications for research on the biology of aging. It demonstrates that years of healthy life can be extended in an animal model of diet-induced obesity by a synthetic compound that modulates a gene pathway associated with aging," said NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D.”

For the study, NIA researchers used one year old obese male mice, comparing the effect of SRT1720 to a control group.

The scientists fed one group of mice a high fat diet, and the other regular foods. Both groups received either a high dose of SRT1720, a low dose of SRT1720 or no SRT172.

Senior author Rafael de Cabo, Ph.D., of the Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology at the NIA said "As we hypothesized, SRT1720 mimics dietary restriction, moderating many of the harmful effects of the high-fat diet and obesity. Furthermore, we found that the higher dose of the compound had a stronger effect and there were no signs of toxicity from SRT1720 even after 80 weeks of treatment.”

Mice given the compound lived 4 percent longer than the untreated group, and 18 percent longer with a higher dose of SRT 1720, even though they gained weight from the high-fat diet.

Even with a high-fat diet, liver function remained normal in mice given the treatment. The compound protected the pancreas from insulin resistance. 

High dose SRT1720 boosted HDL- the good - cholesterol levels in mice given a high-fat diet. The compound decreased inflammation and prevented death of heart cells.

The researchers also saw anti-aging effects in the liver, brain and kidneys, which they same came from the ability of the drug to suppress gene expression that comes from a high-fat diet.

The drug was studied in 2008 for its potential for burning fat. In the study, mice were given a high-fat diet, but did not gain weight.

Until the more research is done, no one knows if the SRT1720 mouse studies could apply to humans. The anti-aging, anti-obesity drug might help humans someday, but for now, the best remedy to stay young is through diet and exercise. 

Second-hand smoke implicated for adolescent hearing loss

Image credit: Morguefile
Secondhand smoke linked
to teen hearing loss

Secondhand (SHS) smoke has received a significant amount of attention for harming health. Now a study shows adolescents exposed to SHS are at increased risk for hearing loss, in addition to other health issues that include respiratory ailments, behavior problems and low birth weight. 

The finding, published in the July issue of Archives of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, cites statistics that 60 percent of children are exposed to secondhand smoke in the United States.

How second hand smoke leads to hearing loss in youth

The link is seen from recurrent ear infections, or otitis media. The chance of ear damage and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) increased with higher levels of exposure to secondhand smoke in adolescents studied.

The authors says hearing loss may occur from "suppression or modulation of the immune system" or from "impairment of the respiratory mucociliary apparatus" that would normally act as a defense against bacteria and infection. Without defenses, bacteria can more easily adhere to structures in the ear. 

The study

The finding was extracted from data that was part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2006. Researcher Anil K. Lalwani, M.D., and colleagues from NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City examined hearing loss risk factors among 1,533 individuals from 12 years to 19 years of age who were part of the study.

The study showed teens exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to experience hearing loss affecting low and high frequencies.

Levels of cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine, correlated with higher rates of hearing loss and were measured in the bloodstream.

The study authors concluded:

"Adolescents who are exposed to SHS may need to be more closely monitored for hearing loss. In addition, they should be educated about risk factors for hearing loss, such as recreational or occupational noise exposure and SHS."

The authors note the finding that secondhand smoke leads to more ear infections and hearing loss in adolescents has public health implications. Loss of hearing can have a negative impact on normal childhood growth and development.


The study is believed to be the first to link hearing loss in adolescents to secondhand smoke exposure in the U.S.  If further studies support the finding, the authors say exposure to secondhand smoke might be considered a risk factor that would prompt screening for hearing loss in teens.


Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011;137:655-662.

Stored blood for transfusion becomes less safe with aging, finds new study

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Stored blood can cause complications, finds new study

New research shows current methods of storing blood may be unsafe. Findings from scientists at Wake Forest University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found some complications associated with blood transfusion comes from the breakdown of red blood cells that happens during storage.


The finding means it may be necessary to find new ways to preserve blood for transfusion.


According to background information from the study, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion every two seconds.


The finding, published in the journal  Circulation, found nitric oxide (NO) interacts with stored red blood cells, breaking down blood flow. For transfusion recipients, vital tissues can be damaged from blood stored for long periods of time.


Higher rates of infection risk, kidney, lung or multi-organ failure and death have been observed among patients given transfusions from blood stored for longer periods of time, leading the researchers to try to understand why.


Stored blood can restrict blood flow, leading to organ damage
Mark T. Gladwin, M.D., chief, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Pitt School of Medicine, and director of Pitt’s Vascular Medicine Institute explains:

“When blood sits for a while, some of the cells break down and release their contents, which include molecules of hemoglobin and red blood cell microparticles. These accumulate in the stored bag of blood and are transfused into the patient with the blood. In the bloodstream, the hemoglobin and microparticles bind to and destroy NO, a very important molecule that is used by the body to keep blood vessels dilated for normal blood flow.”

NO in stored blood then constricts blood flow, depriving organs of oxygen and promoting inflammation, Gladwin explains.

Daniel B. Kim–Shapiro, Ph.D., professor of physics and director of the Translational Science Center at Wake Forest said, 

“Transfusion of stored blood is one of the most common medical therapies. By understanding the mechanism of the storage lesion, we can design methods to make blood transfusion safer. For example, perhaps we can restore nitric oxide activity that is lost upon transfusion, use preservation solutions that better limit the degradation of blood cells, or develop agents that scavenge free hemoglobin.”

According to current guidelines, blood can be stored up to 42 days for transfusion. The new finding suggests blood stored for transfusion may not be safe, leading to complications if inflammation and impaired oxygen to organs. 


Citation:


Impaired adenosine-5′-triphosphate release from red blood cells promotes their adhesion to endothelial cells: A mechanism of hypoxemia after transfusion.; Hongmei Zhu, Rahima Zennadi, Bruce X. Xu, Jerry P. Eu, Jordan A. Torok, Marilyn J. Telen, Timothy J. McMahon.; Critical Care Medicine, 2011; DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e318225754f


Duke researchers also warned of the dangers to patients from storing blood in 2007 in this video.

Study: Bigger forks stop diners from ‘pigging out’

Image credit: Morguefile.com

When it comes to the battle of the bulge, new research shows simply using a bigger fork stopped restaurant diners from 'pigging out'. Using a bigger fork helped diners eat less in an experiment.


According a July 14. 2011 news release, putting a bigger bite of food on your fork leads to less eating from important visual cues that otherwise seemed to be overlooked by food consumers.

The finding, which appears in the Journal of Consumer Research, is an interesting note for women who may not find a big fork so delicate.

But for weight loss, a bigger fork gives visual cues that could help with setting goals.

The study authors, from University of Utah, Salt Lake City, write:

"The fork size provided the diners with a means to observe their goal progress. The physiological feedback of feeling full or the satiation signal comes with a time lag. In its absence diners focus on the visual cue of whether they are making any dent on the food on their plate to assess goal progress."

Why using a bigger fork to eat less makes sense

Past studies have shown dieters are often unaware of visual cues that can influence higher food consumption. Examples include using smaller plates and just putting calorie laden foods out of sight.

The current study looked at individuals eating in a restaurant. When diners had a full plate of food and a small fork, they ate more than those with large forks.

According to the authors,”… it is very important to understand how small versus large bite sizes in a meal would influence the overall quantity of food consumed.”

But when serving sizes were small, fork size had no impact on the amount of food consumed in the experiment.

In the lab, fork size had no impact on food consumption. The authors suspect the reason is the goal of satisfying hunger when eating in a restaurant may have differed from the lab study participants.

Eating too much all boils down to paying attention to hunger cues, say the authors. “Mindful eating” has received much attention as a way to lose weight and help curb the obesity epidemic.


The study, according to the authors, is proof that it’s hard for people to know how much food they’re eating. "They allow external cues, such as fork size, to determine the amount they should consume."


Hint: When dining out, the big fork is the one next to the dinner plate. Keep it for dessert. Try it and see if you eat less food. The new study suggests it works.

Citation:

"Journal of Consumer Research; The Influence of Bite Size on Quantity of Food Consumed: A Field Study"; Arul Mishr, et al.; July 13 2011