Today, The Doctors are covering some great topics. From new techniques to ending bad habits, an unexpected side-effect from a heart medicine, and how to lose weight without ever hitting the gym, you’ll walk away with some valuable information.

The cast will be digging deep into the idea of a “gluttony gene” and helping people discover if they have this so-called gene. Also, a medical explanation and reason for binge eating will be discussed. While the docs are on the subject, they will introduce the audience to a man who lost 160 pounds without ever going to the gym. This fantastic weight loss story will also include a “how-to” for those watching at home.

Since the good doctors are always trying to help the viewers look and feel their best, they will be describing an at-home miracle peel that can rejuvenate sun-damaged skin. The cast will discuss safe treatments for the skin as they welcome guest Renee Graziano, the star of the reality show Mob Wives. Together they will discuss her plastic surgery misfortune and how to avoid such mishaps.
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A study that compared data in children has found the presence of two genetic variations that may increase the risk of childhood obesity.

The researchers used data from 14 studies that used meta-analyis from North America, Australia and Europe. The team compared genetic data from 5,530 obese children and 8,318 non-obese kids.

The researchers uncovered two new childhood obesity related genes, one on chromosome 13, near the OLFM4 gene and the other one on chromosome 17 within gene HOXB5. The results are published in Nature Genetics.

Even though the factors of nutrition, physical activity and environment play a role in childhood obesity, the study shows there is also a genetic relationship.
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Tara Parker-Pope may not a household name, but anyone writing about health news is sure to be familiar with author and columnist and editor of The New York Times Well blog. Just in time for New Year, she took one the question of weight loss in a long-from article title “The Fat Trap,” published in The New York Times Magazine this Sunday. Parker-Pope shifts through the research and combines it with personal interest to deliver a survey of the current understanding of the underlying genetics that cause obesity.

Much of the article focuses on the ways in which weight gain is caused by genetic and biological factors. This is not only important for understanding how to treat those who suffer from being over weight and obese not only physically, but also emotionally. As a society, we all too often see weight gain as a moral failing.

“Many times even health professionals view individuals who are overweight as lazy and unable to follow through with strict dietary recommendations because they don’t have strong enough will-power,” says R.D. Kati Mora. “I think as more people begin to realize that its not simply a matter of will-power and that other factors are at play, we will approach weight loss in a more compassionate, caring way. This will hopefully help individuals struggling with weight feel more supported by their healthcare team and be more successful in the long run at implementing the recommendations they are given.”

If you are genetically predisposed to a health condition, it may make you feel hopeless. According to a new study, you may be able to beat genetics with a healthy diet.

The researchers found the gene that is the biggest indicator for whether or not a person will be predisposed to heart disease can be modified simply by eating a good amount of fruit and raw vegetables.

“We know that 9p21 genetic variants increase the risk of heart disease for those that carry it,” said Dr. Jamie Engert, joint principal investigator for the study, and a cardiovascular disease researcher at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. “But it was a surprise to find that a healthy diet could significantly weaken its effect.”

“Our research suggests there may be an important interplay between genes and diet in cardiovascular disease,” says the study’s lead author Dr. Ron Do.
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Experts appear to have found the secret to longevity and it resides in the small Aegean island of Ikaria: siestas (short naps), a healthy diet, and oh yeah, genetics.

Conducted by Greek cardiologists, a study examined more than 1,400 residents of Ikaria (there is just a population of 8,000) over several months in 2009. Thirteen percent of those polled were over 80 years old and more than one percent were over 90.

“While in the rest of Europe only 0.1 percent of the population is over 90 years old, in Ikaria the figure is tenfold, 1.1 percent,” said Christina Chrysohoou, a cardiologist at the Athens university school of medicine.
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