more... > Health > Chronic Diseases > Overweight & Obesity > Get It Growing: Healthy Gardening (For Release On Or After 11/2/07) Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Research With Resistant Starch Has Widespread Health Implications Nutrition researchers in the LSU AgCenter believe a form of starch may have a greater effect on metabolism and fat deposition than other types of dietary fiber. The LSU AgCenter research team has shown that fermentation of natural resistant starch in the large intestine is an important and previously underestimated mechanism in weight management. Lose Holiday Weight Safely Americans put on anywhere from 5 to 8 pounds during the holidays. There are safe and not-so-safe methods of losing those few extra pounds, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. Whole-grain Foods Lessen Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome Older adults who consume nearly three servings of whole-grain foods daily are significantly less likely to have "metabolic syndrome," a condition that increases the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease.  more articles... Don’t Blame Genes For Children’s Inactivity Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says declining levels of physical activity may help explain why childhood metabolic diseases are becoming more common. Soft Drink Consumption Steadily Rising [Image: girl drinking in the yard] Carbonated beverage intake has increased significantly among America’s youth over a 20-year period. One soft drink a day has been linked to 60 percent increase in the development of obesity over time, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. American Kids Wrong Model for Japanese Japanese children are becoming more like American children, but not for the better. "Once leaner, they’re now gaining weight and increasing their risk of heart disease," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Infancy Weight Gain Foretells Adulthood Obesity The problem of weight gain is increasing in the United States, with more than 60 percent of population now overweight and more than 30 percent obese. Among African-Americans, obesity rates are even higher. Childhood Inactivity Bad Omen Active children are more likely to become active adults. As many children grow into adolescence, however, their physical activity levels decline, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Good News, Bad News About Holiday Weight Gain Most people face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight. The good news is that although many people gain, research suggests that the gain will probably be only 1 pound, not 5, notes LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. LSU AgCenter Nutritionist Discusses Differences In Abdominal Fat Between Races, Sexes Obesity has increased tremendously in the last few years in both children and adults. The surge has raised the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. Higher-fiber Foods Help Prevent Weight Gain, According To LSU AgCenter Nutritionist [Image: produce market] (Distributed September 2004) Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, reduced-fat dairy products and whole grains may help control weight, according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.