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A series of new reports from Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs (BBD) caution that the benefits of statin use by children and some women may not outweigh the risks. Drugs to lower cholesterol – including statins – are the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. and garnered more than $14 billion in sales last year.

The BBD reports also analyze the effectiveness of statin drugs to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart attack and death and to treat people who have cardiovascular disease. The report finds that a number of low-cost generic statins are as effective and safe as more expensive brand-name drugs in reducing these risks. The Consumer Reports BBD reports coincide with the introduction of Livalo, the so-called 7thstatin, in an already crowded class of drugs.

The reports note that there are no long-term studies of statin use in kids that establish whether or not these medications reduce the number of heart attacks or other cardiovascular events in adulthood. There is also concern over the long-term potential risk for children and adolescents who use these medications for years or decades, particularly the effects on the developing central nervous system, organs, immune function, and hormone levels. For women who only have high LDL, the bad cholesterol, and no heart disease, the risks of statins might outweigh the benefits. Risks include headache, joint and muscle pain, and diarrhea. Other risks that are rarer include liver damage and rhabdomylosis, a breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to coma and even death. There is also an association with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Since the first statin, lovastatin, came on the market in 1987, statins have been a boon to the pharmaceutical industry. Cholesterol-lowering drugs were the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. in 2009 and collectively earned more than $14 billion dollars last year alone, according to IMS Health. When adults have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as the bad cholesterol, they are at increased risk of heart disease and heart attack. Statins lower LDL cholesterol levels and can decrease blockages in the arteries that supply the heart, brain and leg muscles in people who have atherosclerosis.

For more information, visit consumerreports.org.

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AARP today launched its second annual “Fat-to-Fit Weight Loss Challenge,” an online program challenging people to make positive, permanent life changes to improve their health. AARP’s Fat-to-Fit challenge will be hosted on AARP’s website. Fitness expert and author Carole Carson, who lost more than 60 pounds at age 60, will lead Fat-to-Fit’s online community members through the 11-week program.

Studies show people are more likely to stick to exercise plans when they have support and the Fat-to-Fit program will focus on personal interaction with both Carson and other participants through the Fat-to-Fit online community, which already boasts more than 4,200 members from last year’s challenge. Here participants will be able to access free diet and fitness tips, Carson’s columns and blogs, videos, recipes and more.

The challenge will run through Sept. 6, 2010. Throughout the challenge Carson will select weekly prize winners and, when the challenge ends, she will select the top five overall winners. Winners will be selected on three criteria: serving as a role model for the entire community, facing and overcoming challenges, and demonstrating the principles of the Fat-to-Fit program. The 1st place winner will win a one-year Gold’s Gym membership, with six months of personal training and also receive a trip to Orlando, FL where the winner will participate in a health session alongside Carson at AARP’s Orlando@50+ National Event and Expo., Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2010.

For more information, visit aarp.org.

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In a retrospective chart review study conducted on 46 subjects who visited the Boca Raton Smart for Life(R) Weight Management Center and used a portion-controlled, protein-rich, low-fat cookie with unique fiber technology, all subjects lost weight with the average being 13.1 pounds in 35 days. Five subjects lost over 20 pounds in 35 days and 20 subjects lost over 15 pounds in the first 35 days. The 46 participants lost a total of 601 pounds, with one patient losing 38.7 pounds in 35 days.

This study is very significant because a loss of 5-10% has shown clinical improvement in people’s health, which is far greater than the amount of weight they lost.

The average client’s Body Mass Index (BMI) dropped by 2.5 points from 31.5 to 29. Most people dropped more than 5% of their body weight and many lost 10%.

Subjects were instructed to eat 6 Smart for Life(R) Diet Cookies (or Smart cupcakes, bagel chips, shakes, soups, crunch, cereals that are the equivalent of a cookie) specifically designed to suppress hunger and made with specific protein and HeroFiber (TM). Each day, subjects drank at least 64 ounces of water and ate 6-12 ounces of lean protein with 5 servings of vegetables. All clients were seen by a diet physician before starting, and then weighed weekly with a choice to check in with a counselor or physician.

The Smart for Life(R) Cookie Diet has seen huge success with more and more people trying it every day. The company understands the study’s importance in that it clinically documents what clients achieve each day.

For more information, visit smartforlife.com.

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The prevalence of obesity in the United States has more than doubled in children and more than tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. As an increasing number of children are diagnosed with obesity related health problems like Type 2 diabetes and cholesterol abnormalities it is imperative that parents and caregivers have access to all the tools necessary to help break the cycle. In a new book, America’s trusted weight-management program, Weight Watchers, provides parents with a simple, fresh approach to developing and maintaining healthy habits – for the entire family. Based on Weight Watchers science-based proven principles of weight management EAT! MOVE! PLAY!A Parent’s Guide for Raising Healthy, Happy Kids addresses many of the real-life concerns and challenges parents and caregivers deal with every day, and offers a host of practical tools to empower them to become healthy role models for their kids.

Drawing on the latest scientific and behavior research, WEIGHT WATCHERSEAT! MOVE! PLAY! breaks down challenges that both parents and children face, and offers suggestions on how to combat these obstacles. In essence, by implementing the following Five Simple Rules to help children learn and understand the importance of smart food choices and a love of physical activity, families can move the needle in the fight against obesity now and into the future.

• Focus on wholesome, nutritious foods
• Ensure that treats in reasonable portions are part of kids’ eating habits
• Limit screen time, like television and video games
• Ensure at least one hour of daily physical activity
• Apply these rules to everyone in the home

With these rules as a cornerstone, WEIGHT WATCHERSEAT! MOVE! PLAY! guides readers on a variety of topics including how to speak with a child’s pediatrician about weight and how to deal with picky eaters and food challenges at all ages and stages. The book provides gradual steps towards a healthier family lifestyle that can start simply with swapping white grains for whole grains, integrating family activities that involve exercise, planning healthy recipes and allowing children to play an active role in cooking. With more than 75 kid-tested recipes, checklists, and goal sheets for the month and near future, parents have a simple yet successful blueprint for healthier kids.

Studies have shown that a parent’s eating and activity habits as well as parenting practices can have an enduring effect on children’s weight as they grow and develop. With EAT! MOVE! PLAY!,parents can discover their unique parenting style and better understand how their personal relationship with food and exercise affects their child’s perception of what is a healthy lifestyle. Written in an accessible and encouraging tone, Weight Watchers has created the essential guide for families across the country to create and sustain a fit household.

For more information, visit weightwatchers.com.

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