Uterine Disease in Cats

Hagman R, Karlstam E, Persson S et al: Plasma PGF(2alpha) metabolite levels in cats with uterine disease, Theriogenology 72:1180-87, 2009.

In many species of animals, uterine disease causes increases in levels of prostaglandin F2alpha, and this can be evaluated by measuring plasma levels of a metabolite called PGFM. In dogs, plasma PGFM levels are associated with the severity of uterine disease and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). SIRS is a serious inflammatory state affecting the whole body, often associated with sepsis. The objectives of this study were to investigate PGFM levels, the presence of SIRS, and clinical and laboratory parameters in cats with uterine disease. In total, 16 cats with uterine disease were evaluated (7 with pyometra, 7 with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH), 2 with mucometra) as well as 14 healthy control cats. Cats with pyometra had higher PGFM levels than healthy cats, and cats with CEH had lower PGFM levels than healthy cats. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome was present in 85% of the cats with pyometra, as well as in one cat with mucometra and one cat with CEH. Further investigation of the role of the SIRS and sepsis in cats with pyometra is needed. [SL]

Related articles:
Wiebe VJ, Howard JP: Pharmacologic advances in canine and feline reproduction, Top Companion Anim Med 24:71-99, 2009.

Nak D, Nak Y, Tuna B: Follow-up examinations after medical treatment of pyometra in cats with the progesterone-antagonist aglepristone, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11:499-502, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Hagman R, Karlstam E, Persson S et al: Plasma PGF(2alpha) metabolite levels in cats with uterine disease, Theriogenology 72:1180-87, 2009.

In many species of animals, uterine disease causes increases in levels of prostaglandin F2alpha, and this can be evaluated by measuring plasma levels of a metabolite called PGFM. In dogs, plasma PGFM levels are associated with the severity of uterine disease and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). SIRS is a serious inflammatory state affecting the whole body, often associated with sepsis. The objectives of this study were to investigate PGFM levels, the presence of SIRS, and clinical and laboratory parameters in cats with uterine disease. In total, 16 cats with uterine disease were evaluated (7 with pyometra, 7 with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH), 2 with mucometra) as well as 14 healthy control cats. Cats with pyometra had higher PGFM levels than healthy cats, and cats with CEH had lower PGFM levels than healthy cats. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome was present in 85% of the cats with pyometra, as well as in one cat with mucometra and one cat with CEH. Further investigation of the role of the SIRS and sepsis in cats with pyometra is needed. [SL]

Related articles:
Wiebe VJ, Howard JP: Pharmacologic advances in canine and feline reproduction, Top Companion Anim Med 24:71-99, 2009.

Nak D, Nak Y, Tuna B: Follow-up examinations after medical treatment of pyometra in cats with the progesterone-antagonist aglepristone, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11:499-502, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
New for 2010: subscribe to our e-newsletter

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Skoliosis: Boleh dirawat melalui pemakanan dan senam (In Malay)

Siapalah yang ingin mempunyai badan yang bengkok angkara tulang belakang yang tidak tumbuh secara normal?

Keadaan ini biasanya disebabkan masalah disebut skoliosis (scoliosis).Untuk merawatnaya, cara biasa yang digunakan ialah memasang pendakap atau braces untuk membetulkan tulang yang bengkok itu.Pembedahan juga boleh di lakukan, tetapi ia boleh memberikan beberapa risiko seperti kehilangan darah yang banyak dan kerosakkkan saraf.

Namun, pesakit skoliosis tidak perlu menjalani prosedur konvensional ini kerana ia bolehdirawat tanpa pembedahan,melalui satu sistem teratur yangmelibatkan perancangan pemakanan yang disesuaikan dengan keperluan pesakit, dan progam senaman yang berstruktur.Seorang doktor yang menjalankan rawatan seperti ini ialah Dr Kevin Lau, seorang pakar dalam bidang rawatan skoliosis tanpa pembedahan dan juga doktor bidang kiropraktik dan permakanan holistik.

Menurut Dr Lau, yang menulis sebuah buku khusus mengenai skoliosis, Health in Your Hands,

penyakit itu adalah satu masalah kesihatan yang berleluasa di seluruh dunia.

Data menunjukan bahawa kedudukan tulang belakang yang tidak normal,yang membawa kepada bentuk tulang yang bengkok, menjejas hampir dua daripada tiga orang remaja dan mula ketara pada usia antara 10tahun dengan 15 tahun apabila seseorang itu pula prihatin dengan bentuk badannya.

Di Singapura pula, seorang daripada setiap 10 orang menghidap apa yang disebut sebagai skoliosis lumbar (bahagian bawah tulang belakang), menurut satu kajian terbaru yang dijalankan sekumpulan pakar bedah tulang belakan, diketuai oleh Profesor Wong Hee Kit, pengerusi Kelompak Ortopedik dan Pembedahan Mikro Tangan dan rekonstruktif di Sistem Kesihatan Universiti National (NUHS).

LEBIH KERAP DIHADAPI WANITA

Apa yang lebih buruk lagi, kajian itu juga mendedeahkan skoliosi dihadapi sebanyak 1.6 kali lebih kerap oleh kaum wanita,berbanding lelaki, dan menjejas dua kali ganda lebih ramai kaum Cina dan Melayu, berbanding India Kata Dr Lau.

Bukunya menyebut tentang seorang kanak-kanak perempuan Susan, yang menghidap skoliosis, semasa usianya 12 tahun, ibunya mengesan ada ketulan kecil di belakang badanya.

Beliau bimbang ketulan itu mungkin tumor, tetapi X-ray yang dijalankan menunjukkan tulang belakang Susan telah tumbuh bengkok dalam bentuk “S”.

SKOLIOSIS IDIOPATIK

Susan rupa-rupanya mengalami skoliosis. Beberapa X-ray yang dijalankan selanjutnya menunjukkan tulang belakangnya bengkok 36 darjah dari garisannya.

Keadaannya disebut doktor sebagai skoliosis idiopatik yang bermaksud puncanya tidak diketahui.

Sekitar 80 peratus pesakit yang mempunyai masalah tulang belakang bengkok tergolong dalam kategori ini. Selebihnya berpunca daripada kecacatan sejak lahir,kecederaan pada tulang belakang dan penyakit saraf dan otot-otot seperti muscular dystrophy.

Dr Lau menarik perhatian bahawa rawatan konventional skoliosis biasanya memerlukan pesakit menunggu dan melihat sejauh mana tulangnya telah bengkok melalui pemeriksaan setiap enam bulan atau setiap tahun. Jika tulang itu bengkok antara 25 dengan 40 darjah,pesakit biasanya disarankan menggunakkan pendakap; Kalau ia bengkok teruk melebihi 40 darjah,barulah pembedahan disarankan sebagai langkah terakhir kata Dr Lau.

Bagaimanapun katanya ramai ibu bapa dan pesakit tidak mahu menunggu dan melihat sejauh mana masalah skoliosis yang dihadapi telah menjadi lebik teruk.Mereka mahu sesuatu dilakukan lebih awal untuk mengelakkan penyakit itu daripada menjadi lebih buruk.Di sinilah kaedah kaedah yang saya gunakan memberikan perbezaan.

Walau bagaimanapun teruk sekalipun keaadan pesakit,kaedah saya boleh digunakan untuk apa jua peringkat skoliosis kerana tujuan utamanya ialah membaiki kesihatan pesakit dan senaman yang disarankan katanya lagi.

Buku ini boleh dibeli di kedai-kedai buku utama di sini dengan harga $38 (termasuk GST) senaskhah.Keterangan langut megenai buku ini boleh didapati di laman web www.spinal.com.sg.

Siapalah yang ingin mempunyai badan yang bengkok angkara tulang belakang yang tidak tumbuh secara normal?

Keadaan ini biasanya disebabkan masalah disebut skoliosis (scoliosis).Untuk merawatnaya, cara biasa yang digunakan ialah memasang pendakap atau braces untuk membetulkan tulang yang bengkok itu.Pembedahan juga boleh di lakukan, tetapi ia boleh memberikan beberapa risiko seperti kehilangan darah yang banyak dan kerosakkkan saraf.

Namun, pesakit skoliosis tidak perlu menjalani prosedur konvensional ini kerana ia bolehdirawat tanpa pembedahan,melalui satu sistem teratur yangmelibatkan perancangan pemakanan yang disesuaikan dengan keperluan pesakit, dan progam senaman yang berstruktur.Seorang doktor yang menjalankan rawatan seperti ini ialah Dr Kevin Lau, seorang pakar dalam bidang rawatan skoliosis tanpa pembedahan dan juga doktor bidang kiropraktik dan permakanan holistik.

Menurut Dr Lau, yang menulis sebuah buku khusus mengenai skoliosis, Health in Your Hands,

penyakit itu adalah satu masalah kesihatan yang berleluasa di seluruh dunia.

Data menunjukan bahawa kedudukan tulang belakang yang tidak normal,yang membawa kepada bentuk tulang yang bengkok, menjejas hampir dua daripada tiga orang remaja dan mula ketara pada usia antara 10tahun dengan 15 tahun apabila seseorang itu pula prihatin dengan bentuk badannya.

Di Singapura pula, seorang daripada setiap 10 orang menghidap apa yang disebut sebagai skoliosis lumbar (bahagian bawah tulang belakang), menurut satu kajian terbaru yang dijalankan sekumpulan pakar bedah tulang belakan, diketuai oleh Profesor Wong Hee Kit, pengerusi Kelompak Ortopedik dan Pembedahan Mikro Tangan dan rekonstruktif di Sistem Kesihatan Universiti National (NUHS).

LEBIH KERAP DIHADAPI WANITA

Apa yang lebih buruk lagi, kajian itu juga mendedeahkan skoliosi dihadapi sebanyak 1.6 kali lebih kerap oleh kaum wanita,berbanding lelaki, dan menjejas dua kali ganda lebih ramai kaum Cina dan Melayu, berbanding India Kata Dr Lau.

Bukunya menyebut tentang seorang kanak-kanak perempuan Susan, yang menghidap skoliosis, semasa usianya 12 tahun, ibunya mengesan ada ketulan kecil di belakang badanya.

Beliau bimbang ketulan itu mungkin tumor, tetapi X-ray yang dijalankan menunjukkan tulang belakang Susan telah tumbuh bengkok dalam bentuk “S”.

SKOLIOSIS IDIOPATIK

Susan rupa-rupanya mengalami skoliosis. Beberapa X-ray yang dijalankan selanjutnya menunjukkan tulang belakangnya bengkok 36 darjah dari garisannya.

Keadaannya disebut doktor sebagai skoliosis idiopatik yang bermaksud puncanya tidak diketahui.

Sekitar 80 peratus pesakit yang mempunyai masalah tulang belakang bengkok tergolong dalam kategori ini. Selebihnya berpunca daripada kecacatan sejak lahir,kecederaan pada tulang belakang dan penyakit saraf dan otot-otot seperti muscular dystrophy.

Dr Lau menarik perhatian bahawa rawatan konventional skoliosis biasanya memerlukan pesakit menunggu dan melihat sejauh mana tulangnya telah bengkok melalui pemeriksaan setiap enam bulan atau setiap tahun. Jika tulang itu bengkok antara 25 dengan 40 darjah,pesakit biasanya disarankan menggunakkan pendakap; Kalau ia bengkok teruk melebihi 40 darjah,barulah pembedahan disarankan sebagai langkah terakhir kata Dr Lau.

Bagaimanapun katanya ramai ibu bapa dan pesakit tidak mahu menunggu dan melihat sejauh mana masalah skoliosis yang dihadapi telah menjadi lebik teruk.Mereka mahu sesuatu dilakukan lebih awal untuk mengelakkan penyakit itu daripada menjadi lebih buruk.Di sinilah kaedah kaedah yang saya gunakan memberikan perbezaan.

Walau bagaimanapun teruk sekalipun keaadan pesakit,kaedah saya boleh digunakan untuk apa jua peringkat skoliosis kerana tujuan utamanya ialah membaiki kesihatan pesakit dan senaman yang disarankan katanya lagi.

Buku ini boleh dibeli di kedai-kedai buku utama di sini dengan harga $38 (termasuk GST) senaskhah.Keterangan langut megenai buku ini boleh didapati di laman web www.spinal.com.sg.

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US soft drinks firms say sugary sodas cut in schools

The US soft drinks industry says it has dramatically cut the number of high-calorie soft drinks sold in US schools as part of a drive to tackle obesity.

The American Beverage Association said shipments of full-calorie drinks to schools were down 95%.

Nearly one in three children and teenagers in the US are overweight or obese and health experts say sugary drinks are part of the problem.

Several US states and cities are considering taxing soft drinks.

The reduction in sugary soft drinks in schools formed part of a deal between the major companies and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation.

Under the voluntary guidelines, in place since 2006, full-calorie soft drinks were removed from school canteens and vending machines. Lighter drinks, including low-fat milk, diet sodas, juices, flavoured waters and teas were promoted in their place.

"There's been a dramatic shift toward lower calorie and more nutritious beverages in schools, it could lay the foundation for broader changes in our society," former US President Bill Clinton told a news conference on Monday.

Soda tax

Independent consulting firm Keybridge Research looked at what changes the guidelines had brought about and found that:

the total beverage calories shipped to schools between the first half of the 2004-05 school year and the first half of the 2009-10 school year has decreased by 88%
there had been a dramatic shift toward lower-calorie and higher nutrient beverages in schools, including waters, 100% juices, and portion-controlled sports drinks
shipment volumes of full-calorie drinks were 95% lower in the first half of the 2009-10 school year compared with the first half of the 2004-05 school year.
The soft drinks industry has been a main target of critics who say the sugary beverages they sell are a key factor in the levels of childhood obesity in the US.

The state of California and the city of Philadelphia have introduced legislation to tax soft drinks, while both the New York Governor David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are also pushing for such a tax.

"In these tough economic times, easy fixes to our problems are hard to come by," said Mr Bloomberg at the weekend. "But the soda tax is a fix that just makes sense, it would cut rising health costs."

Susan Neely of the American Beverage Association, which includes major firms like Coca Cola, PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, said such a tax would not solve "a complex problem like obesity".

The US soft drinks industry says it has dramatically cut the number of high-calorie soft drinks sold in US schools as part of a drive to tackle obesity.

The American Beverage Association said shipments of full-calorie drinks to schools were down 95%.

Nearly one in three children and teenagers in the US are overweight or obese and health experts say sugary drinks are part of the problem.

Several US states and cities are considering taxing soft drinks.

The reduction in sugary soft drinks in schools formed part of a deal between the major companies and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation.

Under the voluntary guidelines, in place since 2006, full-calorie soft drinks were removed from school canteens and vending machines. Lighter drinks, including low-fat milk, diet sodas, juices, flavoured waters and teas were promoted in their place.

"There's been a dramatic shift toward lower calorie and more nutritious beverages in schools, it could lay the foundation for broader changes in our society," former US President Bill Clinton told a news conference on Monday.

Soda tax

Independent consulting firm Keybridge Research looked at what changes the guidelines had brought about and found that:

the total beverage calories shipped to schools between the first half of the 2004-05 school year and the first half of the 2009-10 school year has decreased by 88%
there had been a dramatic shift toward lower-calorie and higher nutrient beverages in schools, including waters, 100% juices, and portion-controlled sports drinks
shipment volumes of full-calorie drinks were 95% lower in the first half of the 2009-10 school year compared with the first half of the 2004-05 school year.
The soft drinks industry has been a main target of critics who say the sugary beverages they sell are a key factor in the levels of childhood obesity in the US.

The state of California and the city of Philadelphia have introduced legislation to tax soft drinks, while both the New York Governor David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are also pushing for such a tax.

"In these tough economic times, easy fixes to our problems are hard to come by," said Mr Bloomberg at the weekend. "But the soda tax is a fix that just makes sense, it would cut rising health costs."

Susan Neely of the American Beverage Association, which includes major firms like Coca Cola, PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, said such a tax would not solve "a complex problem like obesity".

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Get a copy of this months Ezyhealth & Beauty for a chance to win my book!

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Studies support association of higher vitamin D levels with disease risk reduction

The results of two studies conducted by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Murray Utah, presented on March 15, 2010 at the American College of Cardiology's 59th annual scientific session in Atlanta, show that individuals who increase their vitamin D levels experience a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, kidney failure and all-cause mortality over a given period of time.

The first study included 9,491 participants in whom low vitamin D levels of 30 nanograms per milliliter (considered "normal" by some practitioners) or less were detected. Nearly 80 percent of the subjects were women. Among the 47 percent who increased their vitamin D levels to 30 nanograms per milliliter or more between their initial and follow-up examinations, there was a decrease in the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, renal failure and death compared with those whose vitamin D levels failed to reach this level.
In the second study, the disease-predictive value of varying levels of vitamin D in 31,289 subjects aged 50 and older was analyzed. The researchers concluded that having a vitamin D level of greater than 43 nanograms per milliliter was optimal to significantly lower the risk of seven out of ten outcomes during the period examined: death, diabetes, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, depression and renal failure.

"It was very important to discover that the 'normal' levels are too low," noted research team member Dr Heidi T. May. "Giving physicians a higher level to look for gives them one more tool in identifying patients at-risk and offering them better treatment."

"Vitamin D replacement therapy has long been associated with reducing the risk of fractures and diseases of the bone," noted Joseph Brent Muhlestein, MD, who is the director of cardiovascular research at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and co-researcher in both studies. "But our findings show that vitamin D could have far greater implications in the treatment and reduction of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions than we previously thought."

Dr Muhlestein remarked that increasing vitamin D intake by supplementing with 1,000 to 5,000 international units per day may be appropriate for some people.

"Although randomized trials would be useful and are coming, I feel there is enough information here for me to start treatment based on these findings," he added.

The results of two studies conducted by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Murray Utah, presented on March 15, 2010 at the American College of Cardiology's 59th annual scientific session in Atlanta, show that individuals who increase their vitamin D levels experience a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, kidney failure and all-cause mortality over a given period of time.

The first study included 9,491 participants in whom low vitamin D levels of 30 nanograms per milliliter (considered "normal" by some practitioners) or less were detected. Nearly 80 percent of the subjects were women. Among the 47 percent who increased their vitamin D levels to 30 nanograms per milliliter or more between their initial and follow-up examinations, there was a decrease in the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, renal failure and death compared with those whose vitamin D levels failed to reach this level.
In the second study, the disease-predictive value of varying levels of vitamin D in 31,289 subjects aged 50 and older was analyzed. The researchers concluded that having a vitamin D level of greater than 43 nanograms per milliliter was optimal to significantly lower the risk of seven out of ten outcomes during the period examined: death, diabetes, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, depression and renal failure.

"It was very important to discover that the 'normal' levels are too low," noted research team member Dr Heidi T. May. "Giving physicians a higher level to look for gives them one more tool in identifying patients at-risk and offering them better treatment."

"Vitamin D replacement therapy has long been associated with reducing the risk of fractures and diseases of the bone," noted Joseph Brent Muhlestein, MD, who is the director of cardiovascular research at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and co-researcher in both studies. "But our findings show that vitamin D could have far greater implications in the treatment and reduction of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions than we previously thought."

Dr Muhlestein remarked that increasing vitamin D intake by supplementing with 1,000 to 5,000 international units per day may be appropriate for some people.

"Although randomized trials would be useful and are coming, I feel there is enough information here for me to start treatment based on these findings," he added.

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Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disease in Cats

Bennett D, Morton C: A study of owner observed behavioural and lifestyle changes in cats with musculoskeletal disease before and after analgesic therapy, J Feline Med Surg 11:997-1004, 2009.

A questionnaire-based tool was used in this study to identify behavioral and lifestyle changes that are associated with chronic pain in the cat. The changes were grouped into four behavior domains (mobility, activity, grooming and temperament). Twenty-three cats with chronic musculoskeletal pain determined by physical examination were included. Subsequently, owners of these cats were asked to complete a questionnaire before and 28 days after the start of analgesic treatment (meloxicam). A veterinary surgeon was asked to provide an independent global score before and after treatment. In this study, the baseline global scores for the veterinary assessments were very close to the owners’ scores, suggesting that owners were providing a useful clinical history that correlated well with the veterinary surgeon’s physical examination. Both owners and veterinary surgeons reported significant changes in behavior and lifestyle after analgesic therapy. The authors conclude that the changes in behavior that occurred following analgesic intervention were the consequence of treatment of pain, though they could not exclude the possibility of a placebo effect. All four domains showed a reduction in scores, while the greatest reduction in owners’ scores for each of the four domains was in the activity category. [VT]

Related articles:
Gunew MN, Menrath VH, Marshall RD: Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10:235-41, 2008.

Lascelles BD, Hansen BD, Roe S et al: Evaluation of client-specific outcome measures and activity monitoring to measure pain relief in cats with osteoarthritis, J Vet Intern Med 21:410-16, 2007.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
New for 2010: subscribe to our e-newsletter

Bennett D, Morton C: A study of owner observed behavioural and lifestyle changes in cats with musculoskeletal disease before and after analgesic therapy, J Feline Med Surg 11:997-1004, 2009.

A questionnaire-based tool was used in this study to identify behavioral and lifestyle changes that are associated with chronic pain in the cat. The changes were grouped into four behavior domains (mobility, activity, grooming and temperament). Twenty-three cats with chronic musculoskeletal pain determined by physical examination were included. Subsequently, owners of these cats were asked to complete a questionnaire before and 28 days after the start of analgesic treatment (meloxicam). A veterinary surgeon was asked to provide an independent global score before and after treatment. In this study, the baseline global scores for the veterinary assessments were very close to the owners’ scores, suggesting that owners were providing a useful clinical history that correlated well with the veterinary surgeon’s physical examination. Both owners and veterinary surgeons reported significant changes in behavior and lifestyle after analgesic therapy. The authors conclude that the changes in behavior that occurred following analgesic intervention were the consequence of treatment of pain, though they could not exclude the possibility of a placebo effect. All four domains showed a reduction in scores, while the greatest reduction in owners’ scores for each of the four domains was in the activity category. [VT]

Related articles:
Gunew MN, Menrath VH, Marshall RD: Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10:235-41, 2008.

Lascelles BD, Hansen BD, Roe S et al: Evaluation of client-specific outcome measures and activity monitoring to measure pain relief in cats with osteoarthritis, J Vet Intern Med 21:410-16, 2007.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
New for 2010: subscribe to our e-newsletter

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Tax soda, pizza to cut obesity, researchers say

(Reuters) - U.S. researchers estimate that an 18 percent tax on pizza and soda can push down U.S. adults' calorie intake enough to lower their average weight by 5 pounds (2 kg) per year.

Health

The researchers, writing in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday, suggested taxing could be used as a weapon in the fight against obesity, which costs the United States an estimated $147 billion a year in health costs.

"While such policies will not solve the obesity epidemic in its entirety and may face considerable opposition from food manufacturers and sellers, they could prove an important strategy to address overconsumption, help reduce energy intake and potentially aid in weight loss and reduced rates of diabetes among U.S. adults," wrote the team led by Kiyah Duffey of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

With two-thirds of Americans either overweight or obese, policymakers are increasingly looking at taxing as a way to address obesity on a population level.

California and Philadelphia have introduced legislation to tax soft drinks to try to limit consumption.

CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden supports taxes on soft drinks, as does the American Heart Association.

There are early signs that such a policy works.

Duffey's team analyzed the diets and health of 5,115 young adults aged age 18 to 30 from 1985 to 2006.

They compared data on food prices during the same time. Over a 20-year period, a 10 percent increase in cost was linked with a 7 percent decrease in the amount of calories consumed from soda and a 12 percent decrease in calories consumed from pizza.

The team estimates that an 18 percent tax on these foods could cut daily intake by 56 calories per person, resulting in a weight loss of 5 pounds (2 kg) per person per year.

"Our findings suggest that national, state or local policies to alter the price of less healthful foods and beverages may be one possible mechanism for steering U.S. adults toward a more healthful diet," Duffey and colleagues wrote.

In a commentary, Drs. Mitchell Katz and Rajiv Bhatia of the San Francisco Department of Public Health said taxes are an appropriate way to correct a market that favors unhealthy food choices over healthier options.

They argued that the U.S. government should carefully consider food subsidies that contribute to the problem.

"Sadly, we are currently subsidizing the wrong things including the product of corn, which makes the corn syrup in sweetened beverages so inexpensive," they wrote.

Instead, they argued that agricultural subsidies should be used to make healthful foods such as locally grown vegetables, fruits and whole grains less expensive.

(Reuters) - U.S. researchers estimate that an 18 percent tax on pizza and soda can push down U.S. adults' calorie intake enough to lower their average weight by 5 pounds (2 kg) per year.

Health

The researchers, writing in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday, suggested taxing could be used as a weapon in the fight against obesity, which costs the United States an estimated $147 billion a year in health costs.

"While such policies will not solve the obesity epidemic in its entirety and may face considerable opposition from food manufacturers and sellers, they could prove an important strategy to address overconsumption, help reduce energy intake and potentially aid in weight loss and reduced rates of diabetes among U.S. adults," wrote the team led by Kiyah Duffey of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

With two-thirds of Americans either overweight or obese, policymakers are increasingly looking at taxing as a way to address obesity on a population level.

California and Philadelphia have introduced legislation to tax soft drinks to try to limit consumption.

CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden supports taxes on soft drinks, as does the American Heart Association.

There are early signs that such a policy works.

Duffey's team analyzed the diets and health of 5,115 young adults aged age 18 to 30 from 1985 to 2006.

They compared data on food prices during the same time. Over a 20-year period, a 10 percent increase in cost was linked with a 7 percent decrease in the amount of calories consumed from soda and a 12 percent decrease in calories consumed from pizza.

The team estimates that an 18 percent tax on these foods could cut daily intake by 56 calories per person, resulting in a weight loss of 5 pounds (2 kg) per person per year.

"Our findings suggest that national, state or local policies to alter the price of less healthful foods and beverages may be one possible mechanism for steering U.S. adults toward a more healthful diet," Duffey and colleagues wrote.

In a commentary, Drs. Mitchell Katz and Rajiv Bhatia of the San Francisco Department of Public Health said taxes are an appropriate way to correct a market that favors unhealthy food choices over healthier options.

They argued that the U.S. government should carefully consider food subsidies that contribute to the problem.

"Sadly, we are currently subsidizing the wrong things including the product of corn, which makes the corn syrup in sweetened beverages so inexpensive," they wrote.

Instead, they argued that agricultural subsidies should be used to make healthful foods such as locally grown vegetables, fruits and whole grains less expensive.

Read More