Children seem to gain extra weight after having their tonsils removed

THE QUESTION Tonsils often are removed to eliminate infections that cause sore throats and trouble swallowing and to help a child breathe better while sleeping. Might a tonsillectomy also affect the child's weight? THIS STUDY analyzed data from nine studies, involving 795 children who had a tonsillectomy, with or without adenoid removal, before they turned 18. Their weights ranged from normal to extremely obese. In the first few years after their...

Read More

Quick Study: Short interval between miscarriage and new pregnancy may have merit

THE QUESTION Does the chance of having a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage depend on when you try again? THIS STUDY analyzed data on 30,937 women, most in their mid-20s, who became pregnant after miscarrying during their first pregnancy. About 41 percent were pregnant again within six months of the miscarriage, 25 percent six to 12 months later, 10 percent after 12 to 18 months, 6 percent 18 to 24 months later and 18 percent after 24 months....

Read More

Fiber seems to be linked to a reduced risk of disease in people older than 50

THE QUESTION: Diets high in fiber have been shown to aid weight loss and help with digestive problems. Might fiber also offer other health benefits? THIS STUDY analyzed medical and food consumption data on 388,122 adults older than 50. In a nine-year span, 31,456 of them died. People who routinely consumed the most fiber - an average of 24 grams daily for men, 26 for women - were 22 percent less likely to have died in this time than were those whose...

Read More