Higher Obesity Risk in Women with Family History of Alcoholism

Researchers may be closer to finding one cause of obesity, at least in women. A recent study shows a higher obesity risk in women with family history of alcoholism.

A research study in the Archives of General Psychiatry shows that there might be a higher obesity risk in women with family history of alcoholism. The results of the study showed that women who had a family member with alcoholism had nearly a 50% higher risk for becoming obese. The same risk in men was less significant.

This study leads to the belief that perhaps the same genetic predispositions that lead to alcoholism may also lead to overeating and obesity, especially in women. Perhaps these women turn to food rather than alcohol as the addiction takes hold.

At this point, it is not clear if it is the hereditary aspect of alcoholism alone that is linked to obesity risk or a combination of that combined with the increasing use of convenience foods which are high in calories, sugar and fat.

Often those who are obese crave high-calorie and high-fat foods. The same part of the brain is affected by indulging in these types of foods that is affected when someone with alcoholism begins to drink.

Alcoholism is an addiction that has both physical and mental dependency factors. Although there are successful treatment options available, many who suffer from alcoholism need additional help in the form of prescription medications. The same may hold true for obesity caused by overeating.

A new diet pill, Contrave, is up for approval by the FDA. It is a combination of an antidepressant and an anti-addiction medication. The anti-addiction medication has been used with success in the treatment of alcoholism. If obesity and alcoholism are caused by the same factors, this new pill could help ease the addiction component of overeating leading to obesity.

However, those recovering from alcoholism must make a conscious effort to to do so even with the assistance of prescription medication. The same will hold true for obese women trying Contrave. These women will need to alter their diets and lifestyle patterns while taking the new diet pill.

If there is an actual link between alcoholism and overeating, those previously unsuccessful in weight loss effort may have a greater chance at weight loss with the help of Contrave. Use of this diet pill may help reduce obesity risk in women with family history of alcoholism.

FURTHER READING:

Jolynne M Hudnell; Contrave: Is New Diet Pill Worth the Risks?; Yahoo! Contributor Network

SOURCES:

Richard A. Grucza, PhD, et al.; The Emerging Link Between Alcoholism Risk and Obesity in the United States; Archives of General Psychiatry

Orexigen; Contrave