When you see warning labels on household products such as bleach that read “Warning: Do not ingest - harmful to your health” you probably would not drink the solution. What would you do if you saw a similar warning on your favorite can of soda pop? Would you still drink it? Would you let your children drink it?

You may see such a warning in the future, if the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is successful in their lobbying efforts. CSPI is pushing to have obesity warning labels on soda cans, much the same as the surgeon general’s warning on cigarette packages.

The concern is not unfounded. Sweetened soft drinks are the only specific food that is directly linked to weight gain by clinical studies. Soda is not only very high in calories, but it has no nutritional value and induces hunger which leads to overeating. It is the ultimate junk food, not so fondly referred to as “liquid candy.”

Over the last thirty years, obesity rates have doubled in adults and tripled in teenagers. Is it only a coincidence that soda consumption has increased at a level that closely mirrors the rising obesity rates? Before reaching for that next soda, you may want to make a healthier choice. Your decision may just save yourself or your child from the consequences of obesity.

Obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic that is often blamed solely on an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. That notion is being reconsidered, however, in light of new research. Recent findings show that some cases of obesity may actually be caused by a virus that can be caught much the same way as the common cold.

Scientists at Louisiana State University have found that the human adenovirus-36, known to cause respiratory and eye infections, can also transform adult stem cells found under the skin into fat cells and increase the fat content in humans. The findings suggest that the virus might contribute to the development of obesity in susceptible people.

Not all people infected with the virus will develop obesity and not all cases of obesity are caused by the virus, but the research does seem to indicate that in some people factors other than diet and exercise may play a part in being overweight. Experts still agree, however, that a healthy diet and an active lifestyle will help most people maintain a healthy weight.

Dog obesity is on the rise...but help is on the way - or so says drug giant Pfizer. A new therapy to help manage obesity in overweight dogs is now available from your veterinarian. Slentrol, a prescription drug manufactured by Pfizer, was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity in dogs. According to drug literature, Slentrol promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and fat absorption.

A veterinarian will determine whether the dog should be treated, based on the dog's weight and general health. Adverse reactions associated with treatment with Slentrol include vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite.

To discourage human use, the label of Slentrol includes the standard warning:

"not for use in humans"

The label further cites the adverse reactions associated with human use, including abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Walking the dog never sounded so good.