The United States must deal with its obesity epidemic that contributes both to the health of the population and overwhelming costs of healthcare. In looking at sources of obesity, people overlook food sensitivity as a contributing factor.
Recent studies show food sensitivity has a causal link to obesity. One can establish the source of food sensitivity by evaluating the IgG-antibody levels with respect to certain foods. One can establish sources of food sensitivity through blood tests like Immuno Bloodprint®. Such tests are useful in tailoring a diet that contributes to weight loss and help in the fight against obesity.
The United States faces an epidemic in which more than 1/3 of the adult population is obese. Not only is 37.5% of the adult population (age 20 and over) obese but also approximately 17% of children (ages 2-19) are obese. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes an adult as obese if he or she has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. BMI is a screening tool used to identify weight problems. To calculate a person’s BMI, divide a person’s weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Studies utilize BMI differently for children considering the rapid changes in body composition. With children, researchers take into account the children’s BMI in comparison to their cohort in order to establish obesity.
Chronic diseases, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes, contribute to more than 75% of the U.S.’s medical costs and are the source of the majority of deaths. Predisposition to chronic diseases like obesity varies person to person but there are certain behavioral changes that may improve a person’s situation. Many studies link dietary factors to the cause and prevention of such chronic diseases. Addressing poor diet is key to improving the health of the country.
People pursue many different ways to loose weight,from Weight Watchers to the Atkins Diet to vegetarian diets, just to name a few. These diets focus on nutritional content and caloric intake.Not many people consider the connection between food sensitivity and obesity. Certain foods that people consider healthy play a different role in particular people’s body and might be the source of chronic conditions, including migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. Such foods may also be a contributing factor to obesity.
Typically tests for food intolerance look at the presence of Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated antibody responses. This reaction indicates a food allergy. Another immunologic mechanism may be responsible, Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-mediated antibodies. The IgG-mediated antibodies result in a delayed response but still appear to have a causal link to food sensitivity. Studies find that IgG food antibodies, although also present in healthy persons, play a role in conditions such as obesity.
Acknowledging the link between obesity and the IgG food antibodies, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine conducted a study to evaluate the effects of an IgG-mediated food sensitivity test and subsequent food elimination diet on people who wanted to lose weight or were overweight. The study utilized Immuno Bloodprint®, an IgG-mediated food sensitivity test. In the study, researchers tested the subjects and created a diet based on the results.
The primary focus of the study was the elimination diet’s effect on body composition, evaluating the changes in BMI and waist/hip ratio (WHR). The study also looked at resting blood pressure and heart rate as well as quality of life with the SF-36 Health Survey. The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine enrolled 120 subjects in the study who agreed to undergo the Immuno Bloodprint® test and eliminate IgG-mediated reactive foods from their diets for 90 days. The body composition, blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of life indicators were assessed at the beginning and with 30, 60, and 90 day follow up.
The Immuno Bloodprint® and following food elimination diet yielded positive results for participants in both body composition and quality of life. Participants lost on average almost 1 pound per week, just below what health professionals consider healthy weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week. Other aspects of body composition showed great improvement. Participants lost almost 3 inches from the waist and 1.5 inches from the hip, suggesting improvements in central obesity. Central obesity puts a person at high risk for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Beyond the improvement in body composition, the subjects exhibited improved physical and mental quality of life based on the SF-36 indicators.
Faced with an obesity epidemic, the medical community should continue to explore the connection between IgG reactive foods and obesity. Although IgG-mediated testing is not accepted by everyone as accurate in identifying reactive foods, this study suggests otherwise. An IgG-mediated food sensitivity test such as Immuno Bloodprint®can provide valuable information for those people trying to lose weight.
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