VIDEO: Stress and Anxiety May Lead to Weight Gain, Lower Blood Pressure Targets May Not Be Beneficial, Obesity Accounts for Highest Increase in Healthcare Costs

09.07.2009 | 1:35 min

(July 9, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to research in the American Journal of Epidemiology, stress and anxiety can lead to weight gain. In a study of over 1,300 people, researchers found that factors such as job-related stress, difficulty paying bills, depression and anxiety led to weight gain in those who already had a higher BMI. This pattern was not evident in those with a lower baseline BMI. From Costa Rica - According to a Cochrane review, lower blood pressure targets may not offer any significant benefits. In a meta-analysis of 7 studies, researchers found that treating patients to reach lower blood pressure targets did result in a modest drop compared to conventional targets, but there was no reduction in morbidity and mortality. The standard target for blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. And finally, from Maryland - According to a statistical brief from the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, obesity accounts for the highest jump in U.S. healthcare costs. Researchers found that healthcare spending on obese patients has grown by 82% over a five-year period. Spending on these patients increased from $166 billion in 2001 to $303 billion in 2006. For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.
© ℗ & © 2007 CEH Inc.