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Posted: May 4, 2017 at 11:44 pm
In Touch Weekly | DILF Alert! Nathan Griffith Shows off His Weight Loss in Sexy New Pic In Touch Weekly The Teen Mom 2 star took to Instagram to show off his weight loss progress and we must say, he is looking good. MORE: Find out What Jenelle Evans Is Saying About Baby No. 4. "Progress," he captioned the image. |
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DILF Alert! Nathan Griffith Shows off His Weight Loss in Sexy New Pic - In Touch Weekly
Posted: May 4, 2017 at 11:44 pm
A Weight Watchers meeting. The study found that those given a year-long pass to weight-loss classes lost more weight and were better able to keep it off than those on three-month programmes or those using self-help guides. Photograph: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
Overweight or obese patients should be offered 12 months of weight-loss classes rather than the standard three months, according to research showing that the move could prevent tens of thousands of cases of obesity-related diseases over the next 25 years.
The study found that those given a year-long pass to weight-loss classes lost more weight and were better able to keep it off than those on three-month programmes or those going it alone with self-help guides.
While offering a year of classes would be more expensive than the typical three months, improvements to quality of life mean the switch would meet measures of cost-effectiveness set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).
One of the things we see with weight loss is that the more weight you lose, and the better you keep it off, the bigger the health benefits, said Amy Ahern, first author of the study from the University of Cambridge.
Published in the Lancet by a team of researchers from institutions across the UK, the study involved 1,267 overweight or obese participants split randomly into three groups. Just over 200 of them were given self-help guides on how to lose weight and a short explanation by research staff. The remaining participants were split equally between those who were offered weight-loss classes for three months, and those offered them for 12 months.
The team followed up on the participants after three months, one year and two years. To reflect a real world scenario, participants were also allowed to use weight-loss techniques other than those offered to their group.
The results show that, on average, those offered self-help guides lost 3.26kg after a year, while those offered weight loss classes for three months or 12 months lost 4.75kg and 6.76kg respectively.
Those on the 12-month programme also had a greater drop in waist circumference measurements, fat mass, and markers of risk for diabetes, such as blood glucose levels, compared with both of the other groups.
After two years, participants in all groups had regained some weight, but those who had been offered 12 months of weight-loss classes still fared best, weighing on average 4.29kg less than at the start of the study.
The researchers then used a model to explore how much the different weight-loss classes would cost over a 25-year period.
The upshot was that offering three-months of weight loss classes would save about 2.68 per person over 25 years compared to offering self-help guides, as a result of savings from a drop in cases of weight-related diseases.
However, moving from offering a three-month to a 12-month weight-loss programme has a net cost of 49 per person, over a 25-year period.
But the researchers found that, compared to offering three-months of weight-loss classes, 12-month courses were estimated to result in 1,786 fewer cases of weight-related diseases including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease over 25 years per 100,000 individuals.
Despite the 12-month programme being more expensive than either three months of weight-loss classes or the use of self-help guides, researchers say the quality of life gained by individuals means that according to Nice benchmarks it would be considered to be cost effective to move to offering the longer course.
It isnt cost saving, but the benefits are considered to be worth the extra cost by Nice standards, said Ahern.
But the team do not expect 12-month programmes to be rolled out any time soon, pointing out that local authorities are strapped for cash and that currently even provision of three months of dieting classes is patchy.
Weight management services are typically commissioned by the local authority and you have got to consider that savings in the NHS in 25 years dont necessarily resonate with the local authority now, said Ahern.
While the study received co-operation and some funding from Weight Watchers, the authors say the company had no role in the research itself.
Naveed Sattar, a professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow who was not involved in the study, said the research builds on previous studies showing that commercial weight-loss programmes are more effective than those provided by the NHS.
What, as a nation, we need to decide is can we fund that more widely and for longer to help people get a grip on their understanding of their diets and help them lose weight and sustain that weight loss for a longer period of time and therefore retain better health? he added.
The new study, he says, offers important evidence that it should be possible and it is cost effective, he said.
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Give overweight patients a year of weight-loss classes, say researchers - The Guardian
Posted: May 4, 2017 at 11:44 pm
Credit: Instagram
Some feel like Gia Giudice is 16 going on 36!
Teresa Giudices daughter is coming under fire after she promoted a weight loss shake on her Instagram account, despite the fact shes just a teenager.
Between school and sports I love having a #310shake! It's so much more than a weight loss shake and 40% off @310nutrition products are seriously delicious! she captioned her photo.
And now fans are coming after the Real Housewives of New Jersey star for not setting a good example for young girls.
It's pretty sad you are promoting weight loss drinks. What kind of example are you setting for other girls your age? one user commented on her post.
Body image is such a big issue with young girls and you shouldn't promote it. I understand you want to be healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle, but there's so many other different ways of doing it, the person continued.
Weight loss drinks are full of sugar and most of them are genetically engineered..def not healthy.
Another user said, Anything related to weight loss, no matter how it is spun, should not be on a kids [sic] profile. Shame on you #310nutrition. Gross.
Not to mention, Gia came under fire last year when it was revealed shes dating an 18-year-old.
"[Gia] likes to keep her private life private, but they go to school together. Hes a senior, and hes a great kid. Hes amazing," Teresa previously told The Daily Dish.
What do you think about Gias Instagram promotion? Is she too young to be advertising weight loss products?
Let us know your thoughts below!
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Gia Giudice Slammed For Promoting Weight Loss Product - Wetpaint
Posted: May 4, 2017 at 11:43 pm
Xconomy Boston
Zafgen took a big hit last year when two patient deaths forced it to abandon its most advanced drug, belaronib. The company is now looking to a new experimental weight loss drug for diabetics to turn its fortunes around, with the first glimpse at early data released this afternoon.
Many caveats apply. The data are from a short, small Phase 1 trial. The drug, ZGN-1061, has to prove in much larger, longer studies that it can safely lead to significant weight loss to have a chance to be a commercial product someday.
But the drug is critical for Boston-based Zafgen (NASDAQ: ZFGN), which has said ZGN-1061 should be just as effective as beloranib and much safer, to boot. When the patient deaths came to light in late 2015, the FDA suspended testing of beloranib and Zafgen cut short the trials that had been underway. In July 2016, Zafgen shelved the drug, shares plummeted to all-time lows, and the company cut 34 percent of its staff and put all its resources behind ZGN-1061. Leerink Partners analyst Joseph Schwartz wrote recently, The future of the company now rests on ZGN-1061s success.
Like beloranib, ZGN-1061 is an injectable small molecule drug that is supposed to stimulate the body to burn more fat. It blocks the activity of an enzyme called methionine aminopeptidase 2. The drug is being developed, initially, for patients with type 2 diabetes who are also obese.
The first human data from ZGN-1061 show that 22 overweight or obese patients received either a low (0.2 mg), medium (0.6 mg), or high (1.8 mg) dose of ZGN-1061 twice a week for four weeks. Seven received a placebo.
Those on ZGN-1061 lost an average of 4.6 pounds (low dose), 2.2 pounds (medium), or 3.8 pounds (high), respectively, after four weeks of treatment, while placebo patients lost 0.51 pounds. But the company would not disclose how much the patients had lost as a percentage of body weight. Without percentages, its impossible to know how significant the weight loss is.
Zafgen CEO Tom Hughes, who has led the company since 2008, says those numbers are a drop shy from early testing of beloranib in the past. He expects the weight loss effect will be identical once the drug is tested in a large group of exclusively diabetics. Were pretty confident well have a very strong effect once we get into the right population, Hughes says.
The deaths in the beloranib trial were due to pulmonary embolisma blood clot that gets lodged in an artery in the lungs. Hughes says there has been no evidence of blood clotting effects in ZGN-1061 so far. (Zafgen also tested different doses of ZGN-1061 in 28 healthy volunteers.) The most common side effects seen so far with ZGN-1061 were mild gastrointestinal issues and headaches.
These results are just a start for Zafgen. It will dose at least 100 obese type 2 diabetes patients with ZGN-1061 in a Phase 2 trial expected to start later this year and produce data in 2018, according to chief medical officer Dennis Kim. Its important to note that beloranib also produced striking weight loss early on, but serious blood clots didnt occur in patients until larger, longer trials. Hughes, though, says because of Zafgens experience with beloranib, it is now proactively measuring patients taking ZGN-1061 for a number of other markers indicative of clotting. We didnt know at the time that beloranib would pose such a risk, he says.
Zafgen was developing beloranib for the rare genetic disease Prader-Willi Syndrome, which causes a dangerous, insatiable hunger. It could have been the first approved Prader-Willi drug in more than 15 years. (Xconomy detailed the saga, and its impact on the Prader-Willi community, here.)
For now, the company will steer ZGN-1061 clear of rare, severe obesity-related conditions.
We have some work to do first, Hughes says.
Ben Fidler is Xconomy's Deputy Biotechnology Editor. You can e-mail him at bfidler@xconomy.com
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Future At Stake, Zafgen Gives First Glimpse of New Obesity Drug Data - Xconomy
Posted: May 4, 2017 at 11:43 pm
With a growing number of people in the world struggling with to lose weight, its no wonder there are so many fad diets being promoted through mainstream media.
According to the WHO, around 52% of the worlds population is either overweight or obese. Many of these people have tried to lose weight at least at some point in their lives, and some have even experimented with extreme dieting by following fad diets.
But as research shows, anextreme weight loss diet is not only ineffective as a long-term solution, but itcan be extremely damaging to your health.
Extreme weight loss diets usually involve severe calorie restriction with the goal of shedding a great amount of weight in the shortest amount of time possible. While these diets will inevitably lead to great weight loss within the first few weeks, you need to keep in mind that you run the risk of losing muscle tissue before you get the chance to shed fat.
According to medical experts, extreme dieting will first lead to water weight loss, then to muscle atrophy, and at the very last stage, to fat loss. Researcher G.L. Thorpe has explained this a very long time ago stating that our body does not selectively burn fat when we eat less. It rather, wastes all body tissue, including the muscles and bones.
The reason why your body targets muscle tissue first when you are starving yourself is because it aims to preserve energy when food is sparse. To explain this further your body needs more energy in order to maintain muscle tissue than it does in order to maintain fat.
When theres a shortage of energy from food as in cases of extreme dieting, your body will attempt to remove one of the bodys greatest energy consumers the muscles.
This will happen even if you do weight-loss exercises that you may think help build more muscle. But the bad news does not end there.
Keep in mind that a loss of muscle mass leads to a lower basal metabolic rate, and a lower metabolic rate leads to, youve guessed it more weight gain. These facts explain why so many people experience the jo-jo effect following an extreme diet.
A study published in The Journals of Gerontology found that calorie restriction reduces energy expenditure. What this means is that being on an extremely low-calorie diet will lead to a slower metabolism making future weight loss difficult if not impossible.
Furthermore, diets that are extremely low in calories are often very restrictive and as such, unable to meet your bodys needs for essential nutrients. In other words, being on say, an 800-calorie diet is likely to lead to nutrient deficiencies which can seriously harm your health.
A study that was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition examined the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in popular diets, and the results were striking.
The study found that a restrictive weight-loss diet called The Best Life Diet met only 55% of daily micronutrient requirements while the very popular South Beach Diet met only 22% of the daily requirements for micronutrients. Other negative consequences of crash diets and other highly restrictive diets include osteoporosis, depression, kidney stones, and in severe cases scurvy when the diet is deficient in vitamin C.
First off, you need to keep in mind that successful weight loss always comes on gradually. This means switching to a healthy eating habit that you can follow for years to come as well as exercising on a weekly basis.
You also need to eat fewer calories than you usually do for weight loss to take place. According to a study published not so long ago in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, consuming fewer calories is the most effective weight loss strategy, especially when combined with low-GI and moderate fat intake. Just make sure that you reduce your calorie intake by 300-500 calories as recommended by Harvard Health Publications.
For instance, if your usual diet consists of 2500 calories, start eating 2200 calories. Your body will take the time to adjust to this modest caloric deficit, but after a while, you can drop a few calories lower.
Just make sure that you dont eat anywhere less than 1200 if you are a woman or less than 1500 if you are a man to avoid micronutrient deficiencies. Other things to help you lose weight include finding daily weight-loss motivation tips to help keep you going and checking your health with your doctor to see if underlying health conditions are stalling your weight loss.
Instead of following fad diet trends that you see being promoted by slim celebrities, nutritionists would suggest you follow healthy eating instead.
By switching to healthy eating instead of say, a low-carb diet that does not work, youll be able to shed weight slowly and still meet your bodys needs for key nutrients.
When your body is healthy, and your organs well-nourished, you are more likely to experience successful long-term weight loss. Another reason why this is so is because healthy eating is much easier to stick to in the long run when compared to impossible and restrictive diets.
According to an entry published in the Scandinavian Journal of Food & Nutrition, switching to healthy eating involves making big lifestyle changes, focusing on food quality, and balancing your nutrients.
The same entry lists the health benefits of healthy eating which include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and of course, an improved body composition.
You may hear stories of people losing a huge amount of weight by following impossible diets. These stories are usually parts of marketing campaigns for weight-loss products and dieting books that are potentially detrimental to your health. Sticking to proven facts is the only way you can lose weight successfully and safely.
Weight loss requires that you cut down on your calories gradually without jeopardizing your health. It also involves regular exercising to increase energy expenditure and to build more muscle tissue.
The post If You Want To Lose Weight, Do It In The Right Way appeared first on Lifehack.
This post was syndicated from Lifehack. Click here to read the full text on the original website.
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If You Want To Lose Weight, Do It In The Right Way - Nigeria Today
Posted: May 4, 2017 at 11:43 pm
Despite what the diet industry is telling you, your weight isnt an accurate measure of health, according to executive director for the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta Sue Huff.
Ahead of International No Diet Day on May 6, Huff explained weight and health are often confused with each other.
They arent the same thing, Huff said. People can be healthy at all sizes.
She said most people aren't aware of the risks associated with dieting or fast weight loss.
Trying to lose a lot of weight quickly can turn on an eating disorder in people who are genetically predisposed, she said.
Dieting can also be harmful to the brain, according to Calgary psychologist Dr. Angela Grace.
Any time there is restrictive dieting, youre denying the body nutrients to survive and thrive, she said. We all need food but its more important to focus on the nutrients youre putting into the body, not what youre taking away from (it).
She encouraged people who want to lose weight to find ways to nourish their bodies instead of restricting their intake.
We have a multi-billion dollar diet industry that preys on peoples low self-esteem, on their body-esteem, and promoting that thin equals health, Grace said.
Look at restoring overall health and wellbeing for your whole life not just narrowing it down to thinness.
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Albertas eating disorder support network says weight doesnt equal health - MetroNews Canada
Posted: May 4, 2017 at 11:43 pm
LIAM SCARROT lost 130lbs by doing this one simple exercise.
FACEBOOK/LIAMSCARROT
Liam Scarrot had always been fit growing up.
The Australian man would spend his days playing football and cricket, his parents would cook healthy meals and even at 17 he would go to the gym five days a week.
However, after he broke his leg at work the weight began to pile on.
When I was recovering, I got sacked and told I was useless, since I was on crutches, he told Mens Health.
That put a huge mental strain on me and I really went down hill. The start of the end you could say.
Liam put on over 2st while recovering from the broken leg which made his self-esteem plummet.
He turned to food for comfort. His daily diet would exceed 4,000 calories a day and would gorge on junk food, soft drink, alcohol and desserts.
At 18, Liams weight ballooned to 21st 4lbs. It wasn't until five years later, when in a long-term relationship, Liam decided to make a change.
He began to write down everything he ate and focussed on portion sizes and he would also take a walk regularly this alone helped him drop 3st 5lbs.
LDN Muscle founder Tom Exton shows off his shredded body
1 / 18
People were coming up to me, and noticing me, and saying how good Im looking and it honestly made me feel so good, I couldnt help but keep going, Liam explained.
Liam hit a weight-loss plateau but credits walking every day with helping him break through it.
These daily 40-minute walks eventually turned into 40-minute runs and this is when he decided to join a gym.
Now, Liam goes to the gym four times a week and has taken up strength training along with cardio.
Liam also changed his diet, cut out the sugar, and loaded his meals with protein and vegetables.
He also credits seeing a therapist as one of the major things that helped with his weight loss.
I had to keep telling myself and pushing myself to just keep going.
Its all a mental thing. If you can win the battle in your head, you will get what you want to achieve.
Continued here:
The ONE simple exercise that helped this man lose over 9st - Daily Star
Posted: May 3, 2017 at 7:43 pm
With all the spring rain pouring down on the Parkland, the forested areas should have plenty of water for this years native wild plants, many of which are edible and delicious. To take advantage of the bounty, you may want to sign up for the Park Hills Public Librarys upcoming Wild Edibles program on May 9.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., a naturalist from an area state park will be sharing information about native, wild, edible plants that can be found in and around the Parkland, such as berries, mushrooms, green plants, nuts and flowers.
Mary Crowell, the naturalist from St. Francois State Park, will be here, said Library Director Lisa Sisk, and she might have a helper or two with her.
Sisk said Crowell will be bringing some samples of edibles with her or food items made from edibles, or even be making something during the program for guests to taste for themselves.
Many people may be surprised at the number of edible plants that can be found in the area from the common blackberry and elderberry plants to more select varieties, such as service berries and strawberries, other plants exist that many people would never consider edible, including Queen Annes Lace, Ox-Eye daisies and day lilies.
Although it takes time to locate, select, clean and prepare wild edibles and it certainly isnt practical or recommended to try to live off the land adding some to your diet can be fun and is a good way to foster a lifelong appreciation of the beauty and miracles to be found in wild plants.
Harvesting wild plants should always be done with care and consideration, but its possible to take advantage of what nature has to offer while simultaneously helping to conserve and preserve the plants for wildlife and for generations to come. Join Crowell at the library to find out how.
Although free and open to the public, registration is required to attend this program.
She needed a count from us, which is why you have to register for this class, said Sisk, in case she does make something, shell have enough for everybody. Im looking forward to it. It should be a really good program.
The class is filling up fast, so anyone who is interested in attending should call or visit the library to sign up.
Weve had a lot of people signing up so far, said Sisk, although there is still room for more.
For some adult fun, the library will be hosting another adult coloring night on May 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening is for adults only and is free to attend. Bring your own coloring book and supplies or, if youre new to the activity, use coloring pages and supplies provided by the library. Participants are not required to have a library card to participate in this activity.
Springtime also means the librarys fishing rod and reel loaner program is back. Provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), anyone with a valid library card is welcome to check out fishing equipment, including tackle boxes, just like books. The program aims to promote fishing in Missouris lakes, streams and rivers and to get kids and adults outside and involved in nature.
Its free of charge to us and if the tackle doesnt come back they replace it; if rods and reels get broken, they replace them, Sisk said. Its a service we can provide but also it helps the Department of Conservation.
The librarys story time for kids program continues to be popular with a preschool story time set for May 10 at 4 p.m. Kids will learn some fun reptile facts through the book Reptile Race. For kids ages 1 to 5 years, registration is required so that plenty of craft supplies will be on hand for the craft-making portion of the afternoon.
Also scheduled this month are the ever-popular Monday Make and Take Craft Night on May 15 and Zumba with local instructor Nettie Young on May 23. Registration is required for each class. Both start at 5:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
Two of the librarys popular series of essential oil classes will be offered this month. On May 17 beginning at noon, Nurse Lori Bourgeois will be discussing essential oil safety and fun ways to incorporate them into your summer activities. This class will also include an optional make and take after-sun spray for a $5 fee. The class itself is free and open to the public, although registration is required. The fee for the make and take option is due at registration.
On May 22 (and on June 13) at 6 p.m., Nurse Casey Turnbaugh will talk about how essential oils can help with natural pain relief and support.
I use essential oils, said Sisk. They honestly help. Ive had different things going on and have used some oils and get relief from it.
Although free and open to the public, registration is required to attend this program.
Just for teens, the library is hosting a make and take cosmic candleholders craft event on May 31 at 2 p.m. Participants will also get to make and eat their own pizzas. The program is free, but limited to the first 20 teens who register.
To register for a class or for more information about any of the programs, inquire at the circulation desk or call the library at 573-431-4842. The Park Hills Public Library is located at 16 S. Coffman St.
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Hunting for wild edibles among library's May activities - Daily Journal Online
Posted: May 3, 2017 at 7:43 pm
The weather is warming up, and bathing suit season is fast approaching. Even if your furry friend will not be strutting her stuff in a bikini, keeping a healthy weight is very important for the dog in your life.
Statistics show that more than 50 percent of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight. Just like in humans, obesity in dogs predisposes them to many health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes and pancreatitis. We even can see respiratory issues in the short-nosed breeds. Studies confirm that overweight animals develop serious disease or die an average of 1.5 years before their ideal-weight counterparts.
What constitutes an obese dog? This varies tremendously (as do dogs) and there is no specific BMI calculation, as there is for people.
One easy test for owners to apply at home is, Can you feel his ribs? In general, if you can find your dogs ribs easily, but not see them, youre on the right track. Your veterinarian uses a body-scoring system and can give you a more specific number, but you can get a quick idea the next time you pet Fido. As little as 1 to 2 pounds can thickly cover the ribs in a small dog.
The best way to avoid obesity is to monitor weight closely from the beginning. Overweight puppies often become overweight adults, and it is much easier to maintain a healthy weight than to lose it later.
Ask your veterinarian about the appropriate volume of food for your puppy, as well as when to transition to an adult food. We do not want to underfeed a growing animal, but it is easy for your dog to gain weight on a high-calorie puppy food, especially once he or she is neutered or spayed.
What can you do if your pet is already overweight? Just as in people, weight loss occurs when calories burned exceeds calories taken in. This means controlling the diet and increasing exercise.
It is important to remember that exercise alone is rarely sufficient. True weight loss requires reducing the calories your dog is consuming. A healthy weight-loss plan is most safely done under the guidance of your veterinarian. First, you must have an accurate measure of all the food and treats your pet gets every day. (And dont forget any human food you give or that your dog helpfully cleans off the carpet for you.) Bring this information, as well as labels of your diet, to your veterinarian. He or she will calculate the calories your pet needs daily and then help formulate a plan for weight loss.
Initially we aim for 1 to 2 percent weight loss per week. Sometimes, all that is necessary is reducing treats or swapping out large or high-calorie treats (like bacon jerky) for smaller, lower-calorie ones. Many dogs are perfectly happy with baby carrots, a piece of their own kibble or mini rice cakes for treats.
If decreasing food volume is also necessary, we have to be careful that your pet is still getting enough protein, vitamins and minerals needed for normal bodily functions. In some situations, your dog may even need a prescription weight-loss diet (as opposed to an over-the-counter lite diet). There are several advantages to a prescription diet, but mainly they decrease calories while making sure the body is getting enough nutrition so that your furry friend isnt acting hungry all the time. Your veterinarian will work with you to pick the right one for your specific pet.
Once the weight starts dropping, you can increase doggie exercise. That may include lengthening your daily walks a little at a time, or more playtime with balls or other toys.
So take a serious moment right now to feel for Fidos ribs and, if they are hard to find, trust your veterinarian to help you with a weight-loss plan and regular follow-ups. Once Fido reaches his goal, you can re-formulate the plan for maintenance and enjoy bathing suit season with your healthier pet.
Dr. Emily Whitmore works at Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center on Westfield Road, which is an AAFP Certified Feline Friendly Practice. Her veterinary interests include preventative medicine, soft tissue surgery and training to be a certified veterinary acupuncturist. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and then relaxing with her hound mix, Kona.
For Pets Sake
For Pets Sake is written by the members of the Jefferson Area Veterinary Medical Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of all area pets. Visit javma.net for more pet health information, or to find the perfect veterinarian for your pet.
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For Pets' Sake: Preventing canine obesity is easier than solving it later - The Daily Progress
Posted: May 3, 2017 at 7:43 pm
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - You wouldn't knowingly eat contaminated food, or serve it to your family. Wild deer meat is a popular option for hunters and local food pantries, but research has raised questions about lead in that meat.
TV-6 Investigates X-rayed 14 samples of deer meat from local pantries and hunters. Four X-rays came back with glowing white fragments, which is consistent with metal. We sent the samples to another lab to test for lead. The worst sample tested positive at a level 194 times higher than the limit set by the European Food Safety Agency for lead in meat.
Back in 2008 Iowa tested ten samples of deer meat. Two showed trace amounts of lead. Records TV-6 Investigates uncovered show the state decided against further tests, saying if lead in deer meat was a problem, it would show up in state required kindergarten blood tests. But records also show the state wasn't even looking for this source of lead.
At the Durant-Wilton food pantry, Ross Conrad picks out staples to stretch his food budget. He usually picks up deer meat donated by hunters through the state's HUSH program. He's read the lead warning Iowa put on the back of the bag.
Conrad said, "I've heard about that in there, but I'm still here ticking, so, plus they say it's best if you mix something, and there's only small amounts in it."
Conrad doesn't have children, and doesn't know if he should worry about lead.
"I guess it's kind of like the water, they say there's lead in water, so you can't be scared of everything," said Conrad.
But doctors say even small amounts of lead found in meat pose health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. University of Colorado medical school professor Michael Kosnett says if children eat venison with small amounts of lead regularly.
"They would run the risk of having elevated levels of lead that have been shown to have an adverse effect on how a child's brain develops," said Kosnett.
He's studied lead and its effects for the last 30 years. He said research has shown lead harms a child's brain and does more damage at low levels.
Kosnett said, "You lose more I.Q. points at low levels of exposure, per increment of blood lead, than you do at higher levels."
So why does Iowa allow deer hunted with lead to be donated to food pantries? Part of the answer is found on the bag itself. In big bold print it says, "Iowa has not found cases of lead poisoning from lead in venison" Yet state emails obtained through a records request show the Department of Public Health wasn't looking for that connection. Environmental Health Director Ken Sharp wrote at the time:
"...lead in venison is not an exposure we ask about in our lead poisoning case management..."
He was responding to questions about Iowa's limited testing of deer meat. The Department of Public Health was helping the Department of Natural Resources respond to a public relations crisis in 2008. Across the upper Midwest, donated deer meat kept testing positive for lead.
University of North Dakota Radiology chair Ted Fogarty said, "As the C.T. scanner was clicking through, we could see right away there was a lot of lead in it."
Fogarty helped spark the discussion. He co-authored a study X-raying deer meat for lead in North Dakota. The authors found fragments and quickly realized they were small and difficult to find in the meat.
"There's no way you're going to crunch on that with your teeth and then feel it," said Fogarty.
North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin began testing hundreds of samples of meat. Iowa tested ten. It found two with trace amounts of lead and decided to stop testing. Another of Sharp's emails explains why. The state relied on blood tests.
Sharp wrote, "Since 1992, IDPH has collected all blood lead tests results from over 500,000 children and over 25,000 adults. In the cases of concern that IDPH and its contractors have investigated, none have ever been attributed to lead in venison."
No one from the Department of Public Health would answer questions on camera. Spokeswoman Polly Carver-Kim sent an email saying the state now asks about lead in venison, if field workers can't find a cause for a child with elevated blood lead levels.
She also said, "However, the focus remains on deteriorating lead based paint as the primary cause of lead poisoning."
She also said the state believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
"We also know sources of lean protein are an important part of a healthy diet that likely outweighs the minimal risks associated with lead in venison," wrote Carver-Kim.
The Centers for Disease Control said there is no known safe level of lead in children, but it sets a level of five micrograms per deciliter of lead in blood to start taking health action. Iowa doesn't take action until 10. Carver-Kim said that's due to a lack of resources.
Kosnett says children already may have tiny amounts of lead in their blood. But remember, our meat sample contained 19.4 parts per million of lead. If served to a child, that's roughly 1,900 micrograms of lead in one serving.
"200 times more, and that kind of lead exposure, especially if done on a regular basis, if that meat were used for several meals a week, it could have a serious adverse effect," said Kosnett.
Studies from North Dakota, Norway, and Greenland all found people eating game meat with lead had higher blood lead levels than those who didn't. Kosnett said the solution is simple. A hunter can choose to use non-lead ammunition. The state could require hunters to use non-lead ammunition too.
"They have all the benefits of providing for their family, by eliminating the risk of putting a toxic substance in their food," said Kosnett.
Back at the Durant-Wilton food pantry, Ross Conrad said the state could probably do more.
"I guess i would say, you have to put certain things on labels of food," said Conrad.
The state emails also show the Department of Public Health created meal recommendations for people eating venison. It sent them out in a press release at the time. The release said children under six could safely eat two four ounce servings per week. Pregnant women could eat one four ounce serving per day.
These limits were considered for the HUSH bag, but didn't make the final approval. Iowa's Natural Resources Commission was asked to change the HUSH program three years ago to eliminate possible lead contamination. That effort failed. TV-6 Investigates asks why, Thursday.
Wednesday afternoon the Food Bank of Iowa sent us this statement regarding our investigation of possible lead contamination in deer meat: In regard to the recent KWQC TV6 story about possible lead contamination in donated venison, Food Bank of Iowa would like to reassure KWQC, the Quad Cities, and all Iowans, that Food Bank of Iowa is dedicated to food safety. Our distribution team works diligently to provide the individuals we serve with safe, nutritious food by adhering to food safety standards, including state, federal, and independent requirements.
Food Bank of Iowa cooperates continually with the Iowa Food Bank Association, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Iowa Department of Public Health to ensure the HUSH program remains safe and effective. Food Bank of Iowa will continue to distribute this vital source of protein to Iowans in need with the supervision of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Department of Public Health. If an immediate health risk is identified, Food Bank of Iowa will work with these stakeholders to protect our clients health. By providing venison through the HUSH program, we are continuing to offer an important, nutritious source of protein for Iowans struggling to feed themselves and their families.
Our mission is to provide food for Iowa children, families, and seniors to lead full and active lives, strengthening the communities where they live. Food Bank of Iowa passed an in-depth inspection by AIB International, an independent organization, and maintains compliance with all food safety requirements of Feeding America.
See the rest here:
TV-6 Investigates: Lead in venison; Iowa health officials actions - KWQC-TV6
