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The complexity of the obesity epidemic requires the cooperation of key stakeholders in this effort. No one sector, academia, government, industry, or health care, has been successful in combating this disease to date. On March 10-11, 2004, The Harvard Medical School Division of Nutrition hosted the symposium "Science-Based Solutions to Obesity: What is the Role of Academia, Government, Industry, and Health care?" as a platform to address the role of these stakeholders, both individually and collectively, in combating the nation's epidemic of obesity. The proceedings from the symposium, included in this supplement, discuss the following: the science of obesity-related topics such as genetics, protein and weight loss, portion size, energy density, and behavior; the need for more aggressive government policies; industry's role in using research and development capabilities to promote healthier, portion-controlled products; and how to translate nutrition information from medical doctors to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the relation of diet and breast cancer. For the great many of Americans who do not smoke cigarettes, dietary choices and physical activity are the most important modifiable determinants of cancer risk. Although genetic inheritance influences the risk of cancer and cancer arises from genetic mutations in cells, most of the variation in cancer risk across populations and among individuals is due to factors that are not inherited. Behavioral factors, such as smoking cigarettes, consuming foods along certain patterns of diet, and staying active across the life span, can substantially affect one's risk of developing cancer. Breast cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed among American women, is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer deaths in women. The risk of breast cancer is increased by several reproductive and other factors that cannot be easily modified. The lifetime risk of breast cancer in women is 1 in 8, with an increasing incidence in each decade of life after age 40. The predominant hypothesis has been that a low-fat diet improves survival. In a majority of studies, risk of death or recurrence was increased among the women with the highest level of total fat intake.

Basic science has been the wellspring of advances in technology in everything from cellular phones to nutrient-fortified foods. Biochemistry and food technology afford new techniques that enrich nutritional science and aid in the fight against malnutrition. Bionutrition, the term used to describe the application of these techniques, can be the source of innovations that will help eradicate malnutrition globally. Which areas of bionutrition research are most likely to yield tomorrow's breakthroughs? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Six hundred sixty-eight obese outpatients, 71 per ¢ (+/- 34) in excess of ideal weight, were enrolled in a multidisciplinary weight control program. The major components of the program included nutrition, education, behavior modification, and exercise. Rapid weight loss was accomplished using a very low calorie (< 800 kcal) ketogenic diet. Patients adhered to the protein sparing modified fast (PSMF) for 17 +/- 12 weeks and averaged 9 +/- 17 weeks in a refeeding/maintenance program. Mean weight loss was 47 +/- 29 lb (21 +/- 13 kg) at the point of minimum weight and 41 +/- 29 lb (19 +/13 kg) at the end of the maintenance period. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum triglycerides fell significantly in men and women. Success in weight loss was greatest in the heaviest patients. those who adhered the longest to the PSMF, and those who stayed the longest in the maintenance program. (Am J Public Health 1985: 75:1190-1194.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the American nutrition societies' views on how they can prepare to meet their members' upcoming needs. Strategic plan of American Society for Nutritional Sciences (ASNS) to increase awareness on importance of nutrition research; Purpose of American Society for Clinical Research (ASCN) in proposing `Ad Hoc Group for Nutrition Research and Education.'

Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) is observed in patients with massive bowel resection who are placed on home parenteral nutrition (HPN). We investigated the use of cutaneously applied safflower oil to prevent EFAD. Five subjects on HPN supplemented with intravenous (IV) fat emulsions underwent a three-phase study: 1) no IV fat emulsions for 4 wk; 2) cutaneous safflower oil for 4-6 wk; 3) oral safflower oil for 4 wk. Fatty acid profiles (FAP) of plasma were obtained during each phase. Significant decreases in linoleic and arachidonic acid occurred by the end of phase 1 and the triene:tetraene ratio rose from a baseline value of 0. 1 to 0.5. This ratio returned to 0.2 by the end of phase 2 and significant increases in linoleic and arachidonic acid occurred. Only one of five subjects completed the oral phase (3). Cutaneous safflower oil may improve plasma FAP but adequacy of tissue stores remains unanswered. Liver function tests need to be monitored if this treatment modality is utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the usefulness of techniques in the assessment of protein-calorie malnutrition. Amount of creatinine excreted by healthy men; Height index of creatinine among students; Difficulties in the use of weight as a measure of nutritional status.