Is Obesity Contagious? New research has found that when human stem cells—which can turn into any type of cell—were exposed to a common virus they turned into fat cells. They didn't just change, they also stored fat. Earlier research showed another common virus causes cells to store more fat and those with obesity were 3 times as likely to have been infected. It doesn't explain America's entire growing obesity problem, but it adds to other recent evidence that blames more than just super-sized portions and lack of exercise and will power for expanding waistlines. Read more » Melt Fat by Eating Fat? Not all oils are created equal, and different types are handled differently by the body. A recent study of fish oil supplementation found that folks who supplement with fish oil and also walked briskly 3 times a week for 45 minutes lost 1.5 kg (about 3 pounds) over 12 weeks without any other changes to their diet. One control group took sunflower oil and walked, and another control group took fish oil and didn't walk. The only group with highly significant fat loss was the group that BOTH walked and supplemented. There are tasty fats that don't seem to cause the weight gain. Read more » Estrogen Deficiency Can Make You Fat A woman's brain uses estrogen to balance food intake with energy output—and to tell fat where to go. That's why women not only gain weight after menopause, but also why the weight they gain goes to the wrong places (around the waist), suggest researchers at the University of Cincinnati. Read more » Soy as a Cause of Infertility? Even modest soy intake can dramatically decrease sperm counts. Read more » The Scent of Breast Feeding Puts Young Women in the Mood for Sex University of Chicago researchers discovered exposure to the subtle odors produced by breast-feeding mothers and their babies can boost the libido by 50 percent. They believe the smells act as a signal, telling a woman it is time to try for a baby. Read more » Helpful Tools Can't afford your medications? Get help from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). Read more » | 
