National Family Health Survey out

The final report of the third National Family Health Survey (nfhs-3) is out, but doubts remain whether it will be used to improve national health policies. Although 100-odd research papers have been written using data from the previous two national family health surveys--in 1998-99 and 1992-93--they have contributed little to policies.

New theory on central obesity in South Asians

there have been umpteen theories on why South Asians are more at risk of developing vascular diseases. Now a team of Indian, Canadian, Scottish and Iranian researchers have come up with a new theory based on the pattern of fat distribution in the bodies of South Asians to explain why they are more prone to diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis and heart problems. The heightened risk is despite the fact that the total amount of fat in a South Asian's body is much lower than that among white populations or Europeans.

Brazil to regulate junk food

In November last year, Brazil's National Health Monitoring Agency launched a public debate on regulations that would ban radio and tv advertising for soft drinks and foods with sugar, saturated fat or salt. The government is expected to issue a decree on such measures in June. Brazil is not alone. Junk food regulation bills are also on the anvil in other Latin American countries such as Mexico and Chile.

Phthalates could contribute to obesity, insulin resistance

phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. But for the first time, a study has shown that these compounds, commonly found in lubricants, pesticides, paints and cosmetics, can lead to abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in adult men. Researchers from the department of community and preventive medicine of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, usa, have contended that phthalates could have a direct link to obesity. Their study was published in the journal

UK advertising committee widens restrictions on food and drinks ads

The uk's Committee for Advertising Practice (cap) on April 11 decided to widen restrictions on food and drink advertising which are targeting under-16-year-olds. The new rules will cover non-broadcast media also. The new restrictions state that products should not "condone or encourage poor nutritional habits or an unhealthy lifestyle in children". They now extend to media such as magazines, online ads, newspapers and billboards and cinema. cap has also banned the use of characters and

Manipulating microbes can control obesity

research carried out by scientists of the Washington University, Missouri, usa, has shown that microbes are responsible for obesity. It's a good news, because the research indicates that manipulating microbes can control obesity. The study was published in the December 21 issue of the journal Nature (Vol 444 No 7122).

Findings of third National Family Health Survey

The third National Family Health Survey (nfhs) was carried out during 2005 and 2006. Preliminary findings reveal Child n In Madhya Pradesh, 60.3 per cent of the children under three are underweight. This is the highest in the country the problem exists in both urban and rural areas. 53.5 per cent children were underweight in the state according to nfhs-2

Corporate pressure may put India's obesity prevention plans on hold

Two years have elapsed since who passed its global strategy -- in May 2004 -- on diet, physical activity and health but the world is still nowhere near engaging industry and consumers on issues relating to healthy lifestyles, of which diet is a crucial element.

Sri Lanka bans export of high-value medicinal plant

sri lanka has banned the export of a valuable medicinal plant, kothala himbutu or Salacia reticulate, widely used as a cure for diabetes in the country and also in Japan. The ban order was issued on June 15, 2006 and restricts the export of kothala himbutu except in the case of dried leaves and medicinal preparations containing at least one other ingredient in addition to the extracts or parts of the salacia species.

In short

SC clears mill land sale: The Supreme Court (SC) has cleared the sale of mill land in Mumbai, setting aside an earlier Bombay High court order. The SC has upheld the Maharashtra government's amendment to the rules for development of the 'open lands' of mills. The ammendment had clarified that 'open land', as defined in the 2001 amendment of Development Control Regulations for Greater Bombay, does not include lands accruing after demolishng mills. But the HC had struck this down. (see 'More public good', Down To Earth, November 15, 2005).