I need to talk to the NIH, CDC, numerous state Health Offices, as well as members of every university Board of Directors in the country. I have very important information that can save them money, and all they have to do is click here*. But really, here’s how you can stop wasting money: stop funding studies on diet and exercise.
Seriously. How many times do we need to affirm that eating more fruits and veggies, and doing daily exercise will be beneficial? Or that obesity raises your risk everything? Who is waking up in the morning, saying “Yes! Once and for all, I shall prove that a low calorie diet coupled with regular cardiovascular exercise is actually better for you than inactivity, morbid obesity and chain smoking. Hazaa!”
Don’t think this is a problem? Let’s look at the impact these studies have on the Research-O-Sphere by playing a fun game: go to Google (or GoogleNews) and search the terms “health” and “study suggests” – you’ll be entertained for literally fives of minutes. These are basically the scientific (very loose meaning of the word) equivalent of spam emails; the same thing over and over in different colored packaging. I’ve put a few examples down below, but this is by far my most/least favorite:
Study shows exercise and diet improve cholesterol in overweight and obese adults
March 19, 2012 in Overweight and Obesity
(Medical Xpress) -- According to a recent report, more than 68 percent of American adults are either overweight or obese. A study by researchers in the West Virginia University School of Medicine, Tufts University and Stanford University shows that exercise and diet improve cholesterol in overweight and obese adults.
Exercise Could Boost The Immune System, Study Suggests
Diet, Exercise May Boost 'Good' Cholesterol, Study Suggests
Health Buzz: Childhood Obesity Linked to BPA, Study Suggests
Study suggests how expanding waistlines may contribute to cancer
Belly Fat Adds to Diabetes Risk in Obese Adults, Study Finds
Study says an apple a day may help keep cancer away
Sitting Ourselves to Death? Study Says Cutting Couch Time Could Bump Up Life Expectancy
Shoppers who read food labels are thinner, study says
Obesity Surgery Seems to Reduce Heart Risks, Study Says
Even a Little Exercise Can Help Improve Heart Health, Study Finds
Study Shows How Exercise Reduces Heart Disease Risk
