Researchers have identified a new key factor produced in working muscle that functions to promote muscle growth according to a study recently published in Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press journal. This signaling compound, known as serum response factor (Srf), essentially translates the mechanical signals of muscular work into a chemical signal that promotes protein synthesis. The numerous mechanisms behind training adaptations are extremely intricate and still not completely understood.

Effective January 2012 The American Dietetic Association the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals will change its name to the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsThe announcement of the name change was actually made in September by registered dietitian and ADA President Sylvia Escott-Stump at the Opening Session of ADA's 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in San Diego, Calif.

The Values Institute at DGWB (a social science research entity based in Santa Ana, CA) used observational studies to identify the top five health and wellness trends among Americans in 2012. The agency’s Balanced Healthy practice teamed up with Iconoculture of Minneapolis (international research firm) in early 2011 to study the behavior of Americans who actively attempt to maintain or improve their health (currently considered about 74% of the population).

Many individuals annually encounter weight gain during the holiday season partly due to higher stress levels, less free time to engage in exercise, and additional caloric consumption at social events. A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) published in the online Journal of Obesity explored the methods and effectiveness of mindful eating and stress-reduction techniques to help in the prevention of weight gain without diet intervention.

The International Health, Racquet, and Sports club Association (IHRSA) launched the 2012 Campaign for the Industry Defense Fund. Donations to the fund allow IHRSA to continue to work hard for the protection of the health and fitness industry.

According to a survey conducted by the National Business Group on Health this past Fall, more businesses than ever are offering or plan to offer monetary incentives to employees for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In 2011, 54% of the 335 companies surveyed were using financial rewards in their health promotion programs compared with 36% in 2009.

New research from the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy reveals that obesity-related hormones, specifically adiponectin, appear to be linked to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. The researchers have seemingly found a connection between elevated levels of serum adiponectin and more fragile skeletal structures as well as reduced muscle strength and mass. In summary, the obesity-related hormone appears to be related to accelerated functional ageing.

The level of popularity of most weight loss programs/products seems to be strongly correlated with the advertised amount of pounds that people can lose, usually in the shortest possible timeframe. The quicker the weight loss the more popular the diet/program seems to be. Although the weight loss obtained with the most popular diets/products can be simply explained with the energy balance equation, companies tend to make the consumer believe that there is a magic component in the product that is doing the work for them.