Home > Plasmid: Science and bio-tech research blog > Archives > 2006 > June > 12 > Entry
Banish the Belly Fat
Time to clean out the fridge.
Those kill-joy researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have found out that the rounded “apple” shaped bodies we see everywhere (maybe in the mirror?) are probably linked to the fried foods we eat, not just how many calories we count.
Their experiment went like this: Two groups of monkeys were fed diets with an equal numbers of calories.
One group of monkeys got many of their calories from trans fats. Those are the fats found in most restaurants’ deep friers.
The other group was fed monounsaturated fat — more typically found in olive oil.
The results? Picture chunky monkeys…
Over six years, male monkeys fed a western-style diet that contains trans fat had a 7.2 percent increase in body weight, compared to a 1.8 percent increase in monkeys that ate monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil.
“We believed they couldn’t get obese because we did not give them enough calories to get fat,” said Lawrence L. Rudel, head of Wake Forest’s Lipid Sciences Research Program. “What it says is that trans fat is worse than anticipated.”
That extra weight went straight to the monkeys’ bellies. Keep in mind, belly fat is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study results were presented Monday at 66th annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Washington, D.C.
Soooooooo yesterday:
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
French fries
Krispy Kreme donuts
Extra crispy KFC
Pilsbury crescent rolls dripping in margarine
Left over Betty Crocker chocolate frosting, eaten with a spoon, cold from the fridge
Hostess Twinkies, Ding-Dongs or Ho-Hos, with their cream filling sucked out
Packages of pre-made cookie dough
Ready-bake taco salad shells
Publix birthday cakes
All-you-can-eat fish and chips….
Comments
By Pinkmaw
June 12, 2006 8:07 PM | Link to this
now we know what happens when monkeys eat people food, but if you’ve ever wondered what happens when people eat monkey food, then check out: http://www.angryman.ca/monkey.html
By Todd
June 13, 2006 9:08 AM | Link to this
What I cannot figure out, is why we are fatter as a nation currently. When I was growing up (I am early 40’s), we had the same “bad” food as we do today, but it just did not seem that there was that many overweight people. And going to the gym was unheard of back then! Any answers or theories?
By ERIC TARGAN
June 13, 2006 9:32 AM | Link to this
WOW YOUR A GENIUS, SO YOUR TELLING US WE HAVE TO STAY AWAY FROM FRIED FOODS TO LOSE WEIGHT, THATS A SHOCKER. I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND THIS ARTICLES POINT. WHO DOESN’T KNOW THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF CALORIES IN FRIED FOODS. WHAT AN INFORMATIVE ARTICLE
By Glad to be out of WPB
June 13, 2006 9:34 AM | Link to this
Maybe people are more lazy these days. They watch more TV, play video games, sit infront of the computer, etc. NOT ENOUGH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Also, frozen dinners, take out, are filled with alot of salt, fat and preservatives. EVERY ONE IS IN SUCH A RUSH, NO TIME TO PREPARE HOME COOKED MEALS EVERYTHING MUST BE COOKED IN MICRO WAVE. NO TIME EAT TOGETHER AT THE DINNER TABLE.
By Christine
June 13, 2006 9:37 AM | Link to this
Looking at the grin on the two guy’s faces looking at there rotunda guts, let alone allowing themselves to be photographed, shows they have no couth. Unfortunately, so many Americans are grossly unhealthy due to the sole fact they’re overweight/obese, which is of course due to their diet. There’s a lot of truth in cause and effect. Personally, I am extremely disgusted by ‘giant’ people. It’s a choice I have every right to have, just like they chose to let themselves be disgusting and eventually a burden to society and their families. When are we as a society going to put our foot down and speak out against unacceptable human behavior? I’m doing my part by not wanting to be associated with it.
By Dixie Lee
June 13, 2006 9:48 AM | Link to this
Wow Christine. Aren’t you a bit judgemental…
By me
June 13, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
Yes, this is hardly news. Eat whole grains, veggies, lean meats and exercise. Duh.
Todd, I have a theory. When you were growing up, there was no cable TV, kids were safer playing outside, there were no computers etc.
For Petes sake we were so bored we actually arranged relay races with other kids just for fun.
By Janet
June 13, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
Wonder how much in tax dollars funded this ridiculous study. The monkeys could have figured that out. I agree with Christine. I sit as far away from the snack machines as I can because I can’t stand to see my co-workers slowly killing themselves. How about a little personal responsibility? No one ate anything by accident. I recommend the new book by Joyce Meyers, LOOK GREAT, FEEL GREAT. It has good sensible advice.
By Dee
June 13, 2006 1:11 PM | Link to this
I say there are consequences to everything in life, good or bad. As Americans we have the right to eat whatever we want or pleases us though we are the first ones to blame society and fast food/restuarants when we are faced with serious health issues. So to all of you who are FAT and want to blame someone or something BLAME yourself because no one placed the food in your mouth and made you eat it. You made that choice to eat that unhealthy meal so deal with the consequences you knew would be the outcome. If I make it a point to stay fit and healthy on a daily basis not just for me but for my family because I know the outcome of my choices then so can everyone else. There should be NO EXCUSES!
By darcy
June 13, 2006 1:41 PM | Link to this
At 50, I still swim 30+ miles per week. Admittedly, this is not for the average person, but a few miles would go a long way. Americans just need to move their bodies more than their mouths.
By Neugha
June 13, 2006 2:07 PM | Link to this
Apparently most people who chime in with their thoughts on this article are those who are to dim to get the point. Keep posting!!!
By VANESSA MOOREHEAD
June 13, 2006 5:06 PM | Link to this
I WAS JUST WONDERING IF THE PALM BEACH POST WAS HIRING. THE GIRL THAT WROTE THIS ARTICLE SHOULD RECEIVE THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR JORNALISM. WHAT A BREAKTHROUGH, SHE UNCOVERED, STAY AWAY FROM FRIED FOODS AND YOU’LL LOSE WEIGHT. WOW IM SPEECHLESS. I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO LOSE WEIGHT AND NOW I KNOW WHY. THANK GOD FOR THIS ARTICLE