Monday, February 28, 2011

BNL: Some Food Stimulation Increases Dopamine Levels in Binge Eaters

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) conducted a study to differentiate obese form binge eaters. The sight or smell of favorite foods triggers a spike in dopamine in binge eaters, but not in the "normal" obese. The findings are published online in the journal Obesity and suggest that the dopamine spike may play a role in triggering compulsive overeating.

The main scientists, Dr. Gene-Jack Wang, said:"These results identify dopamine neurotransmission, which primes the brain to seek reward, as being of relevance to the neurobiology of binge eating disorder." A similar dopamine spike has been shown in drug addicts' brains when shown images of drugs. Wang said that dopamine spikes were associated with people feeling a pike in hunger.

The subjects were 10 obese people with a clinical diagnosis of binge eating disorder, based on evaluations at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, and 8 non-binging obese subjects. The scientists used positron emission tomography (PET) to scan the subjects' brains after injecting a radiotracer designed to bind to dopamine receptors in the brain. Subjects fasted for 16 hours prior to the study. They were scanned 4 times in 2 days. Heated food, which subjects could taste with swabs, made up the food stimulation condition. For the neutral stimulation scans, non-food-related pictures and inanimate objects such as toys were displayed for subjects to see and smell.

The subjects who had the highest binge eating levels also experienced the highest dopamine spikes. The amount of dopamine receptors between the two groups did not differ significantly. Dompamine spikes were present in the caudate region of the brain, which is involved in the in reinforcement of action potentially leading to reward, but not in processing of the reward.

"That means this response effectively primes the brain to seek the reward, which is also observed in drug-addicted subjects," Wang said.

In contrast, dopamine spikes in drug addicts were found in the brain's reward center.


Thursday, February 10, 2011

Hire Me Online as a Fitness Trainer

Click here to get exercise and diet day-to-day schedules: http://trainers.fitorbit.com/trainers/LouizaP

Check out my new Pocket Guide to Fitness edition II!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=patsis+louiza&sprefix=patsis+louiza


Wednesday, February 09, 2011

My New Book Is Out and Michelle Obama'sComments on Today Show

I am so excited to report that the new and improved second edition of Pocket Guide to Fitness is out!!! It can be purchased here:

www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=292938

Michelle Obama told Matt on the Today Show, in response to his inquiry on Barak's fatty Super Bowl diet, that it's all about BALANCE, not extremes or deprivation, what I've been preaching on this blog for years. She likes French fries and so do I once in a while. The key is balance: 1. Know yourself; 2. Work out; and 3. Each healthily most of the time.

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Testimonial from Pocket Guide to Fitness Book Reader

Louiza Patsis's book Pocket Guide to Fitness made a huge difference in my life. I was stressed from kids, my sister's illness, and job insecurity, and I had gained weight. I am always confident and felt great, but wanted to take care of my health. The book had me see the mind-body connection around how I feel, accept myself, and commit to fitness. I learned science facts and useful exercises that I did at home with little or no equipment. I also started to run. Result: I lost 50 pounds in less than six months, got healthier, and feel more confident and secure in my life. My friend read it and also lost weight. Most importantly, we feel healthier and stronger. The book is an easy and at the same time valuable read for anyone serious about getting in shape.

- S. Padron, Queens, New York
The book is available on www.Authorhouse.com, www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Training Testimonial from Client

I was working with the same home trainer for years. I was having trouble paying the high fee and I felt that we were in a rut, doing the same exercises week after week. I began searching for someone new, especially for a female trainer.

I found Louiza Patsis on the Internet. She has provided me with exactly what I was looking for; a competent trainer who offers both affordable rates and an exhilarating exercise routine. In the past, I did mostly upper body and leg work, but I was unaware of how underdeveloped my abs are, until Louiza worked me out. Louiza is now helping me to correct this problem. She uses a variety of workout techniques, including professional dance moves and stretches.

Louiza’s attitude is personable, supportive and motivational. She frequently inquires as to how I am feeling, both during and after exercising. She is willing to modify a routine according to my personal fitness level, while encouraging me to go beyond my “comfort level” to achieve improved endurance, strength, and flexibility.

For me, a commercial gym is not an option. It is very important to have a home trainer to keep me on track and help me to reach my goals. I own various kinds of exercise equipment, and Louiza puts them all to good use. She inspires me to exercise and exert myself even between our training sessions. She also likes my cat Silky. I am glad that I found her and I hope that we will continue our association for many years to come.

Thanks, Louiza!

Sincerely,
J. Amann
Flushing, New York

Thursday, February 03, 2011

New York Academy of Science Experts Panel on Obesity

Enjoy the following information and podcasts about obesity, including prevention and policy. Experts include those from Harvard University and John Hopkins University. For podcasts, look under "Media".

http://www.nyas.org/Publications/Ebriefings/Detail.aspx?cid=d9de3417-16fb-4f61-9197-4253bf9767bf