Author
 |
RUSSELL ROBERT M - TUFTS-HNRCA |
|
Submitted to: Journal of the American Medical Association
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 5/5/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Not required. Technical Abstract: This paper is a review of the most important nutrition stories of 1994. Obesity prevalence in the United States has increased approximately 8% over the last decade. Most obese people cannot achieve prolonged weight loss and dietary restriction alone. New drugs have been developed for treatment of obesity. These drugs act mainly by causing a lack of appetite. A new approach to diabetes mellitus has also been adopted. Instead of strict dietary prescriptions, individualized flexible diets are now advocated with adjustment of insulin doses according to individual requirements and exercise practices. Important controversies in nutrition resumed during the year including controversy regarding "trans fatty acids" (is butter better than margarine ?) and the role of antioxidants in preventing cancer. Ultimately, it will be the totality of the now accumulating evidence using many different experimental approaches that will define the role of antioxidant nutrients against cancer. In order to prevent osteoporosis, it is now recommended that adult calcium intakes be between 1000 and 1500 mg a day. In order to achieve such intakes, an increase in low fat dairy foods and/or calcium supplementation will probably be necessary. Keeping elderly people functional as long as possible should be a major goal in of our health care system. One study showed that frail nursing home residents can increase their muscle strength, walking speed, and spontaneous physical activity with relatively small amounts of strength training. |
