Vu university medical center

Not getting enough vitamin D may lead to problems with completing everyday tasks later on in life. A new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism revealed that older people with vitamin D deficiencies were more likely to have at least one functional problem, such as getting around the house independently, compared to people with healthy levels of the vitamin. "Seniors who have low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have mobility limitations and to see their physical functioning decline over time," lead author Evelien Sohl, a researcher with VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, said in a press release. "Older individuals with these limitations are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and face a higher risk of mortality." The authors pointed out that as much a 90 percent of older individuals are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D helps build bone and muscle, and can help prevent the effects of bone diseases like osteoporosis. The sun … [Read more...] about CBS News Logo Vitamin D deficiency may lead to physical problems in older age

Treatment to delay puberty among adolescents struggling with gender identity seems to boost psychological well-being for those who ultimately pursue sex reassignment, new research suggests. The Dutch study involved 55 transgender young adults who had been diagnosed years earlier with "gender dysphoria," a condition in which a biological boy strongly identifies as a girl, or vice versa. All underwent a hormone treatment that temporarily blocked puberty and prevented the development of sex characteristics. The treatment gave them the "opportunity to develop into well-functioning young adults," according to the study, published online Sept. 8 in the journal Pediatrics. Overall, sexual confusion resolved, and they appeared to be satisfied with their gender-related decisions, the researchers found. "Since puberty suppression is a fully reversible medical intervention, it provides adolescents and their families with time to explore their gender dysphoric feelings, and [to] make a more … [Read more...] about CBS News Logo Transgender teens become happy, healthy young adults

A class of drugs used to treat diabetes also appears to help patients lose weight by changing how the brain responds to food, a new study suggests. Researchers have been trying to learn how gut-hormone based medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists also help people with type 2 diabetes shed excess pounds. A Dutch team said the drugs may reduce cravings and increase satisfaction while eating. The researchers looked specifically at the injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta). Their findings are to be presented Tuesday at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) annual meeting in Boston. Studies presented at meetings are generally viewed as preliminary until they've been published in a peer-reviewed journal. "When you eat, there are several hormones released. GLP-1 is one of them," Dr. Liselotte van Bloemendaal, a Ph.D. student at the Diabetes Center, VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, Holland, said in an ADA news release. "These hormones relay information … [Read more...] about CBS News Logo Certain diabetes drugs may curb cravings, aid weight loss

As if it isn't tough enough being an overweight kid, a new study shows it could have long-lasting repercussions for psychological health, too. When compared with normal-weight kids who become overweight adults, overweight or obese youth in the study faced three times the risk of depression in adulthood, the research found. And, that risk was more than four times greater if they were overweight or obese in both childhood and adulthood, the investigators reported. The study doesn't prove that obesity causes depression. But the finding confirms earlier reports of an increased depression risk in young people who are obese, the study authors said. "Overweight children do have a higher risk of developing major depressive disorder over their lifetime compared to normal-weight children," said study author Deborah Gibson-Smith. More than one in three children in the United States is overweight and nearly one in five is obese, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and … [Read more...] about CBS News Logo ​Overweight kids face higher risk for depression as adults