What Does 200 Calories Cost? The Economics of Obesity
As a follow-on to the WiseGeek article What Does 200 Calories Look Like?, where it photographs the portions of several foods that equal 200 calories and sorts them by weight. MyMoneyBlog extends this idea and calculates what 200 calories costs. The price per weight for each of the food items, grouped by price per 200 calories, are shown. “Good food” calories – fresh fruit and vegetables, are considerably more expensive and require planning and preparation. Are junk food calories cheap because they are in demand with plenty of competition or are we eating all this stuff because it is cheap?
MyMoneyBlog
http://www.mymoneyblog.com

Cheap Food, Societal Norms, And the Economics of Obesity
This WSJ article addresses some of these questions using both economics and social behavior. The issues are complex and not easily resolved. The overall weight and incidence of obesity has increased at an alarming rate. Being obese has less stigma in certain demographics, so they are less likely to watch what they eat. In professional groups, obesity is uncommon. It used to be the norm for the rich to be fat, to show off their prosperity. And now? Very difficult…
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us

Overweight and Obesity: Defining Overweight and Obesity
Provides obesity definitions and links to related material.
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/defining.htm

• Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/ob_home.htm
• Assessment and Management of Overweight and Obese Adult Patients
  Continuing Medical Education. Non-credit is free.
  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/obesitycme
• Aim for a Healthy Weight
  Information for patients, public and health care professionals
  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/index.htm

Do We Mistake Food for Water? Hunger, Thirst and Hydration
Another reminder about drinking enough water and thirst is often confused with hunger. Feeling hungry? It is much better to have a glass of water first. If the “hungries” subside, it was thirst, not hunger that triggered the feeling. You have your satisfaction for zero calories.
Bheret Shamar – Western Wellness Institute
http://www.breakthedietcycle.com/articles/article/3977516/63426.htm