Reading List: Overweight Pets, Fake Alli Warning & A Huge Beef Recall

In this week’s nutrition news: Concerns over BPA in plastics, counterfeit Alli sold online, and celebrate National Popcorn Day!

In this week’s nutrition news: More concerns over BPA in plastics, counterfeit Alli sold online and celebrating National Popcorn Day!

Obese Dogs = Obese Owners

Pet owners take note of this new Dutch study. Researchers found that more commonly overweight people owned overweight dogs; cats and cat owners, however, don't have the same kind of link. The study's authors hypothesized that thinner pooch owners had healthy dogs because they're out walking (both their dogs and themselves) more. Since kitties aren’t walked, the same hypothesis doesn’t apply to that group. The takeaway: For the sake of your health and your furry kin, go for walks!

Warning on Fake Alli

Although the trend for ordering medications online is growing, here’s a good reason to stick to the old-fashioned pharmacy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put out a warning that fake versions of Alli, an over-the-counter, weight-loss drug, are being distributed online. The FDA examined the counterfeit pills and found none of Alli’s active ingredients; instead the active ingredient matches the weight-loss drug sibutramine, a medication that should only be taken with medical supervision. Sibutramine also has a tendency to interact with other medications. Scary!

The FDA Is Concerned About BPA

We’ve told you about the FDA’s plan to investigate BPA (bisphenol-A) in our food supply -- now the federal agency is voicing concerns about its possible health risks. Fetuses, infants and children are at highest risk because the chemical may effect the brain, behavior and prostate gland. BPA has been used since the 1960s in baby bottles, sippy cups and the can linings of some baby formulas and soft drinks. The agency wants everyone to rely on BPA-free items and toss plastics that have the #7 (look for it stamped on the bottom).

Another Huge Beef Recall

Another week, another recall. If you plan on dining out in California, you may want to skip the burger or pasta bolognese. A Southern California meat-packing company recalled a whopping 864,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with the bacteria E. Coli. The meat was sold to distribution centers, restaurants and hotels in the area. Although the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) hasn’t had any documented cases of illness, Southern Californians better to steer clear of dishes containing ground beef for the time being.

Did You Celebrate National Popcorn Day?

January 19th was National Popcorn Day! Popcorn can be light-weight snack, but buckets of movie theater-style popcorn aren't the smartest choice. A recent CSPI report revealed the these theater popcorns serve up unbelievably high amount of calories and fat. Instead, try making your own. Freshly popped with no fat added (that would be butter), a cup of popcorn has around 30 calories!

Next Up

Reading List: Investigating BPA, Stress and Your Weight & Yet Another Beef Recall

In this week’s nutrition news: a study shows the chronically stressed turn to fatty foods, kid-friendly TV channels are full of junk food ads and have you checked your fridge for recalled beef?

Reading List: Skip That Detox, Flaxseed Pluses & More Supplement Warnings

In this week’s nutrition headlines: the scoop on buying bottled washes to clean food, a push to improve school lunches and why cleansing diets are a waste

Reading List: Beef Recall Alert, Bio-Alfalfa Ban Lifted and Happy Meals Without Toys

In this week’s nutrition news: The link between depression and obesity, another beef recall and CSPI threatens to sue the golden arches over Happy Meal toys

Reading List: Alli Linked to Liver Failure, New Sugar Guidelines & Becoming a Locavore

In this week’s nutrition headlines: the danger in taking supplements, American’s drowning in sugar, and the popular weight loss pill Alli is linked to liver failure.

Reading List: ConAgra Cuts the Sodium, Alcohol Warnings & Men Aren't Washing Up

In this week’s nutrition news: Revamping school lunches menus, examining health claims of alcohol, and a closer look at the “Smart-Choice” label on Cocoa Puffs

Reading List: The Gluten-Free Hype, Massive Egg Recall and Heart-Healthy Chocolate

In this week’s nutrition news: Rare heirloom veggies up for auction, gulf seafood finally being thoroughly tested and the gluten-free fad

Reading List: Hot Trends For 2010, Controversial Anti-Soda Video & A Caffeine-Alcohol Warning

In this week’s nutrition news: Check out how airline food stacks up, a wellness supermarket tour, and hot food trends for 2010.

Reading List: Obesity and Asthma Linked, Protein Shake Warning and Get Paid To Shed Pounds

In this week’s nutrition news: Grass-fed milk is better for your heart, get paid to lose weight and why you shouldn't eat everything you see on TV.

Reading List: Better In-Flight Foods, Contaminated Beef and Proposed HFCS Ban

In this week’s nutrition news: Home cooking makes a comeback, General Mills pledges to reduce salt levels in its products and a potato chip stand-in takes snackers by storm.

Reading List: Improving Heart Health & Dirty Bagged Greens

In this week’s nutrition news: Kicking off Heart Healthy Month, understanding good-for-you fats and how the Super Bowl can bring on a heart attack.