Myths About Obesity

Myths About Obesity

By Thomas Biancaniello, MD

Obesity is a hot topic wherever you look – in healthcare, news, electronic media, and schools.  While much is written on the topic in medical and scientific journals, much of what is discussed and practiced is not based on good scientific data, but often on observations and reasoning much of which is either incorrect or not based on the real data that exists. 

In the January 31^st issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a highly regarded medical journal, an article entitled: “Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity” by numerous authors explores this discrepancy.  They distinguish between scientifically tested recommendations and that which may be made from observations which often do not take into consideration other factors that affect those observations which are not considered in reaching the conclusions.  What follows is a brief summary of the article.  For those who wish to read the article, the reference is as follows: Casazza K, Fontaine KR, Astrup A et al, Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity, N Eng J Med 2013; 368(5) pp 446-454. 

Myths

1. Small changes in energy expenditure or intake will produce large, long-term weight changes.  This is based on a model that says the 3500 kcal changes will result in one (1) pound weight changes. This appears hold in the short-term, but in the long-term in one study the predicted with loss of 50 pounds resulted in a true weight loss of only about 10 pounds.
2. Setting realistic goals is important; otherwise patients will become frustrated and lose less weight.  Although this seems reasonable, several studies have shown that more ambitious goals are sometimes associated with better weight-loss outcomes.
3. Large, rapid weight loss is associated with poorer long-term weight-loss outcomes.  Randomized controlled trials (considered to be the best scientific studies) show that in the short-term the very low energy diets are associated with better weight loss.  However, over the long-term there appears to be no significant difference.
4. Diet readiness is important in determining outcomes in patients who request weight-loss treatment.  Unfortunately five (5) trials showed an average weight loss over a median period of nine (9) months of one (1) kg or ~2.2 lbs.
5. Physical education classes play an important role in preventing or reducing obesity in children.  Physical education, as currently provided and even when the number required days is increased has not resulted in consistent changes in Body Mass Index or BMI (weight per height squared to allow comparison amongst patients of different sizes).  There is clearly a level and frequency of activity needed to achieve this goal, but current physical education programs are not sufficient to provide that level.
6. Breast-feeding is protective against obesity.  Although the World Health Organization reports that it breast-fed babies are less likely to become obese in later life, this has not been supported by studies that have better controlled for confounding factors that influence this.  There are of course other good reasons to encourage breast-feeding.
7. A bout of sexual activity burns 100-300 kcal for each participant.  It turns out for period of sexual activity (about 6 minutes) for an averaged sized man in his 30’s, the expenditure is approximately 21 kcal.

Presumptions

1. Regularly eating breakfast is protective against obesity.  Two studies have shown this not to effect weight.
2. Early childhood is the determining period in learning eating and exercise habits that influence weight throughout life.  Although a person’s BMI tends to track over time (tends to be same percentile), this may be more a reflection of genotype (genes) than early learning.
3. Eating more fruits and vegetables will reduce weight gain or produce weight loss, regardless of other behavioral or environmental changes.  Weight is a function of calories-in versus calories-out.  If you consume more in calories than you burn you will gain weight.  So a healthy as consuming fruits and vegetables in the overall picture is, you must limit portion sizes of the good foods as well.
4. Weight cycling (yo-yo diet) is associated with increased mortality.  This may be due to confounding factors that are often associated in individuals with weight problems.
5. Snacking contributes to weight gain and obesity.  Studies have not supported this and there is no consistent association between snacking and BMI
6. The build environment (parks and sidewalks) influences the incidence and prevalence of obesity.  There are only observational studies and no conclusions can be drawn.

There are no easy answers to the problem of obesity.  It is clear that life style modification is essential in controlling and reducing weight.  The overall principle is calories-in/calories-out.  A combination of 40 minutes of regular vigorous exercise  per day (as approved by your doctor) and reduction of portions of both “good” and “bad” foods would be the first steps to improved health.

Thomas Biancaniello, MC, FACC, FAHA

Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Columbia Doctors

Pediatric Cardiology, Nesconset, NY  11767

Let The Clean-Up Begin - Town Votes To Clean-Up 21 Heather Drive

1. The Town Board to consider the Town’s entry onto certain real property located at 21 heather Drive, Kings Park, New York, 11754, SCTM #0800-8.0-5-77, said property being owned by Charles Ritchie, for the purpose of removing all existing junked vehicles, assorted yard waste and rubbish in violation of Chapter 221 of the Code of the Town of Smithtown entitled Property Maintenance, pursuant to the recommendation of the Town Attorney and the Director of Public Safety.

Image - Google MapsAfter years of complaints by neighbors, unanswered summonses and two active outstanding arrest warrants it appears a clean-up at 21 Heather Drive is about to begin.  Smithtown’s Town Board voted unanimously to enter onto the premises of 21 Heather Drive in Kings Park to remove the accumulated junked vehicles, yard waste and rubbish at the home. 

The homeowner, Charles Ritchie, made a last ditch effort to avoid the clean-up by requesting an adjournment (at 11:47 am Tuesday ) of the 2pm vote. The Board said “no”. After listening to Town Attorney Martin Simon make his presentation, which included photos (presented to the board) and a history of failed attempts to work with Mr. Ritchie, board members listened to  concerned neighbors. The neighbors spoke of their frustration with a problem that has been getting worse. 

The neighbors were forthright regarding their concerns. Calling the property a fire hazard and a graveyard for metal cabinets, they made it clear that they wanted the Town Board to take action. Neighbors  also complained of rodents and raccoons, cars without tires and one neighbor declared there was “shady stuff going on” at the site. 

The neighbors appeared to be preaching to the choir. The board did not hesitate for a second when the resolution came to a vote. Unanimous in their vote to clean up the site, Supervisor Vecchio spoke to the audience stating, “We have just now affirmed that we will go onto the property and clean it up.”

SHS Business Olympics 2012

 

Each year the School of Business at Smithtown High School, in cooperation with the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board, sponsors a Business Olympics competition.  The theme for The 18^th Annual Business Olympics competition was “Smithtown Shark Tank” – the students had to develop a new product or modify/enhance an existing product.  There were 50 teams, with over 200 students from High School East & West, focused on creating a new product or modifying an existing one.

The major sponsor for this event was People’s Bank in Smithtown who provided dinner for all students who participated and over 90 judges.  Smithtown Industry Advisory Board members from the district, local companies and organizations participated in the event and judged the students on their ideas, depth of research, appearance and overall presentation.  All student teams were required to have a Power Point, a print ad, a prototype and a sales pitch.

1^st Place:  Sarah Fleischman, Allison Kollmer, Melissa Shaw, Daniela Castelli and Ashley Jacks

2^nd Place: Garbielle Donnelly, Alycia Santosus, Brielle Arneo, Hope Lefko and Kaitlyn Kronwitt

3^rd Place: Justin Micozzi, Michael Donofrio, Matthew D’Arienzo and Roman Berger

4^th Place: Alexis Barnes, Tyler Vigliarolo, Andrew Adams and Matt Glaser

5^th Place: Michael Gajda, Steven Reddan, Anthony Parrillo and Ezra Guttman

6^th Place: Bill Tang, Sasha Gray and Michael Carlin

7^th Place: Jordan Alperin, Matthew Grunenberg, Dilan Mistry, Ahad Anwar and Morgan Mansfield

Other sponsors of Business Olympics included: State Farm Insurance – Lynn Barnhardt, The Sexy Salad, Northeast Tree Company, Smithtown Teachers Association, Mill Creek Agency, Smithtown Children’s Foundation, White Lotus, Henry Schein Medical, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Buona Sera, Val Manzo, Atty. At Law, Howard S. Grafstein, Att. At Law, Henrietta Properties Inc., Joseph Reboli-An Artist’s Store, and Choice Cleaners and The NY Mets.  Students from the Top 7 teams received gift cards, gift certificates and tickets from our Sponsors. 

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the 18^th Annual Business Olympics!  Everyone who participated in this exciting event benefited from the experience.

Commack Resident Meredith Weiss "Best Of Remodeling And Design " Houzz.com

Meredith WeissThink you can’t afford an interior designer/decorator? Don’t like the idea of someone telling you what color you should paint or how to design your kitchen, bathroom or anything in your house? Meredith Weiss, of Merri Interiors in Commack, agrees with you. In fact, she will tell you that the most important aspect of her job is listening. Listening to the customer’s goals, listening to likes and dislikes, and listening to budget considerations. Listening, according to Ms. Weiss, is paramount to a successful project and having a satisfied customer.

Many people think that they can’t afford a decorator or because they are doing a do it yourself  (DIY) project, it is unnecessary. A good deal of what Ms. Weiss does is as a consultant for people planning to tackle a project on their own. The services I provide to customers can be as simple as helping them to decide on colors or window treatments, etc. or it can involve my shopping with them, designing an entire kitchen, bathroom, living room. “I become their advocate”.

Listening and advocating for people is something Ms. Weiss does very well. This past January she was notified by Houzz.com, an online website for residential remodeling and design, that she is the recipient of its 2013 “Best of Remodeling Award” in both the Customer Satisfaction and Design categories. An honor that Weiss said was unexpected and delighted with, “I didn’t know they gave awards”.

Houzz.com has 1,119,860 home design photos.  These photos are of actual finished projects. Project ideas are available for every part of your house, in almost every style and outdoor space, and is available to you 24/7 at no cost. Designers submit photos of completed projects and often make themselves available to answer questions about designs, products used and challenges they dealt with.

“Using a designer for a DIY project makes sense especially when you consider the expense involved in renovations. The price of paint, for example, is not cheap. Selecting a color that works in the overall scheme of your home can be challenging and it is a decision that you live with for years”, said Weiss.  A lot of people call on me for help with colors and purchasing items.

Remodeling a kitchen?  This is Ms. Weiss’s passion, even as a student, “I always loved the math and science involved in the configuring and development of a project. Understanding the placement of things and how installation works is very important. I recently went to a home where a contractor installed cabinets improperly. Using a reliable contractor with a good reputation is important.” Ms. Weiss keeps a rolodex filled with the names of contractors who have the skills and the work ethic required to do a job properly and timely.

No stranger to receiving recognition for her work, Meredith Weiss also holds two CotY (Contractor of the year) awards from the National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI). In recognizing Ms. Weiss’ work, the Vice President of Community at Houzz.com, Lisa Hausman stated, “ We’re delighted to recognize Meredith Weiss among our “Best Of’ professionals for design and exceptional customer service as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes”.

What’s the secret to Meredith’s success?  Her training and background in design which allows her to take on the most challenging projects. “There is something special about accepting responsibility for a ‘big’ project from the creative stage through its completion that is especially rewarding.” Meredith also credits her organization skills, attention to detail and a love of what she does as the reasons for her success.

Meredith Weiss lives in Commack with her husband Seth and their two children. She can be reached at  Merri@Merriinteriors.com or by phone at 917 -660- 7658.

Commack Student's Artwork Chosen For NYSSBA 2013 Holiday Card

Each year the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) selects artwork to use on the front of its holiday card that features the talent and creativity of New York’s public school students. The artwork is selected from the student art exhibit, coordinated by the NYS Art Teachers Association at its annual convention, held in October each year. The honor this year goes to North Ridge Primary School second grader, Eleftherious (Eli) Demacopoulos. Eli’s artwork was chosen for the cover of the 2013 NYSSBA holiday card.

Eli’s picture, entitled “Starry Starry Night,” was created when he was in the first grade. His picture was on display in the Empire Room of the Rochester Convention Center in Rochester,NY. The picture was choosen out of hundreds of submissions statewide. The holiday card is distributed to education-related associations, legislators, and a select group of organizations and individuals with a relationship to NYSSBA. They are not sold for profit, and Eli’s family will be sent a supply of cards for their own use.

Eli was bubbling with excitement when the above photo was taken, eager to share his techniques and his favorite one: “The doors even open!” In the photo with Eli are his art teacher, Carolann Lally, who is holding his certificate, and from left to right: Paul R. Infante, Director of Fine and Applied Arts, Dr. Donald James, Superintendent of Commack Schools, and Katherine Rihm, Principal of North Ridge Primary School.