Food Psychology – Dr. Barry Dworkin

Parents, but not parenting, to blame for picky eating in kids, says new study

September 25, 2024

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for September 25, 2024 Source:Parents, but not parenting, to blame for picky eating in kids, says new study Reference:Nature and nurture in fussy eating from toddlerhood to early adolescence: findings from the Gemini twin cohort
A new study, published in the journal Qualitative Health Research, found that yo-yo dieting or weight cycling can have long-lasting negative effects on dieters. No new ground here. Well known physiologic and mental health effects.

February 2, 2024

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for February 2, 2024 Source:‘Medically unnecessary’ diets risk a ‘lifelong struggle’ of yo-yo dieting, ‘real harm’: shocking study Reference:A Qualitative Model of Weight Cycling
If you like coffee then enjoy. There are hundreds of observational studies leading to headline claims trying to justify its consumption on the basis of good or bad health outcomes. Nature of these studies: they are unable to establish causality.

September 18, 2023

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for September 18, 2023 Source:This amount of coffee a day is tied to a lower risk of depression and anxiety: study Reference:The association between coffee consumption and risk of incident depression and anxiety: Exploring the benefits of moderate intake
Some perspective needed about warnings in new study on the use of protein and creatine supplements that could be linked to body issues. We should should turn our attention to poorly regulated supplements like performance-enhancing drugs.

March 20, 2023

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for March 20, 2023 Source:Use of protein, creatine supplements could be linked to body issues, new study shows Reference:Use of Legal Appearance- and Performance-Enhancing Drugs and Substances: Findings from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors
Fun but inconclusive study presents preliminary evidence that caffeine consumption contributes to impulsive shopping behaviour.

September 16, 2022

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for September 16, 2022 Source:Caffeine Consumption: A Hidden Cause of Impulsive Shopping Grab a Coffee Before Shopping? You May Want to Think Twice Reference:EXPRESS: Caffeine’s Effects on Consumer Spending
Intermittent fasting has its supporters but evidence is lacking with respect to sustainability and long-term outcomes. Bandwagon (celebrity) effect soon to follow as it always does.

January 3, 2020

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for January 3, 2019 Source:In a 24-7 food culture, periodic fasting gains followers
Study looking at ‘traffic light’ labels used predictive mathematical model to calculate health outcomes. Real world data is needed to confirm hypothesis.

December 30, 2019

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for December 30, 2019 Source:Putting ‘traffic light’ labels on the front of food packages could save lives: study Reference:Traffic light labelling could prevent mortality from noncommunicable diseases in Canada: A scenario modelling study
Coca-Cola continues its advertising to children and adolescents. The adage of “it is not what you say but what you do reveals your true nature” applies to this company.

December 20, 2019

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for December 20, 2019 Source:Coke targeted teens by saying sugary drinks are healthy
Funding for proactive approaches to prevent obesity is lacking whereas costs associated for the treatment for the disease are staggering.

November 6, 2019

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for November 6, 2019 Source:It costs Canada $9B to treat obesity, while barely any money is put into preventative care Reference:The Heavy Burden of Obesity