Conventional wisdom says Americans have gotten fat because they eat too much and exercise too little, but a new study in The International Journal of Obesity lists other possible causes of weight gain. The researchers reviewed more than 100 obesity studies and concluded that 10 other factors have contributed to the nations collective weight gain. The researchers from The International Journal of Obesity write that they found “supportive (although not conclusive)” evidence for each of the factors on their list that is “as compelling as the evidence for more commonly discussed putative explanations.”  (Meaning that these causes seem to be as valid as our most common causes of obesity.  I believe that each individual is effected by a variety of issues that ultimately lead them to weight gain. Take a look at the list and see if any of these factors may contribute to your weight issues.  I would like your thoughts on the topic, and some other lesser known things you believe may cause obesity. We will dovetail off this list to create our own.)

1 – Birds of a feather: Humans with similar body types tend to mate, thus passing along genes that contribute to obesity (The same can often be said for smokers and drinkers, as they tend to hang together due to common practices.).

2 – Pollution: Environmental toxins can disrupt the normal activity of hormones that regulate fat metabolism, causing side effects that may lead to metabolic changes and weight gain.

I don't mean to be an alarmist but Daylight Savings Time is right around the corner. Many of you are probably thinking "That is the last thing on my mind."  It does seem so far away.  I must admit, I am a little obsessed with the tradition of setting the clocks back in the Fall.  Let's face it, when you work nightshifts in the Emergency Room, the time shift means an extra hour of work instead of an extra hour of  leisure time; but unlike me, the average person has a choice, and can decide how he or she will spend that free hour!  Unfortunately often times the day sneaks up on people and they end up wasting that precious hour on something unimportant such as watching TV.

Social History.That's the part during your general health assessment where your healthcare practictioner asks: Do you smoke? Do you drink? Do you do drugs? How many partners do you have?  These are the areas that physicians were taught to inquire about.  Times have changed, however, and some truly relevant questions are being overlooked. The questions about activity level in particular are often neglected.

Well the summer isn’t over yet. There is still time to fit in some reading material that may just change your life. Head over to local bookstore or check out www.amazon.com for an incredible amount of insight, all for under twenty bucks.

Female Hormones:
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: The Breakthrough Book on Natural Hormone Balance
by John R. Lee MD and Virginia Hopkins

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause: Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty
by John R, Lee MD, Jesse Hanley, and Virginia Hopkins

Male Hormones
The Testosterone Syndrome
by Eugene Shippen, William Fryer

Adrenal Glands
Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st-Century Stress Syndrome
by James L. Wilson

Safe Uses of Cortisol
by William McK. Jefferies MD

Thyroid
Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness
by Broda Barnes

Diet and Nutrition
The China Study : The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term HealthK
by T. Colin Campbell, Thomas M. Campbell II

Other Resources
Root Canal Cover-Up
by GeorgeMeinig

These books will motivate you to strive for quality of life and better health despite fatigue, toxins, and dimishing hormone levels.

From the desk of Dr Wells