Toronto, Ontario—March 27, 2008– There is yet another reason to lose a little from your middle. A new study conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology found that “Central obesity in midlife increased the risk of dementia” central obesity or visceral body fat is normally apparent in people with an apple shaped body, thick waist or pot belly. The study found that people with apple shaped bodies are three times more likely to suffer from dementia in later life.

The connection between obesity, dementia, heart disease and diabetes has long been understood. However, the most interesting information gained through this study was that visceral body fat (fat that resides in the mid-section and surrounds internal organs deep within the abdominal cavity) appears to be more dangerous to overall health.

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Lead author of the study Dr. Rachel Whitmer believes that “People need to know if they are apples or pears.” It is not yet understood for certain what it is that makes visceral fat so threatening. However, Dr. Whitmer speculates that since they know that fat is metabolically active, it is possible that it may release the same toxins that cause the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease to build up inside the brain.

Anyone wishing to assess their health risks should understand which body type they have. Using a Waist to Hip Ratio calculator will give you an accurate understanding of your individual level of risk and help you to make healthy choices!

Struggling with obesity is a serious issue that affects not only your self-esteem but your overall health. We are all bombarded with information about fad yo-yo diets, fitness programs, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes all of which are equally terrifying when it comes to your personal health. After years of battling to shed unwanted pounds you begin to feel weight loss take its toll on your health and optimism.

Obesity is quickly becoming the number one cause of death for Canadians yet the Health Care system is not geared towards treatment of the disease, as doing so would likely bankrupt it. Instead Canada has chosen to focus on prevention, but how will this help those currently struggling with their weight?

There are a few options for Canadians who are looking to take charge of their obesity though surgical means. The most common surgical procedures are Gastric Bypass (Stomach Stapling) or Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band). Gastric Bypass surgery is much more invasive than Laparoscopic Banding and is covered in Canada for patients who chronically suffer with obesity. Gastric bypass involves the physical removal of a large portion of your stomach, to bring it back to its natural size.

Laparoscopic Banding on the other hand is not nearly as invasive. It requires only a small incision in order to place an adjustable band at the bottom of your esophagus. Not only is the procedure less invasive it is also completely reversible unlike Bypass Surgery.

Recently a landmark study out of Australia found that patients who underwent Lap Band surgery were five times more likely to be cured of diabetes within two years of the surgery than patients undergoing standard treatment for diabetes. This is great news for obese diabetics, who could see their diabetes vanish by choosing to undergo Lap Band surgery.

Here are some resources to help make a choice that is right for your health:
• The Benefits of the Gastric Band
• TLBC the best Choice
• Dr. Sanjay Gupta (CNN) video clip on the Lap Band and Diabetes