A Possible Factor That Has Contributed to the Global Increase in Obesity

There has been plenty of research on obesity and mental functioning as it is unfortunately, an expanding problem that needs to be addressed. But what is the most recent news? Recent evidence suggests that obesity may be linked to brain changes that relate to memory, emotions and appetite. Of course, we all know that being unhealthy doesn’t feel good and can lead to lower self esteem and low energy levels what how exactly does that work?

In a study performed by SUNY Downstate, scientists found a molecule known as NAA that is associated with brain health to be associated with body weight. Scientists are still unsure what the implications of this might be because has yet to be determined if low NAA, which is associated with being overweight, is a consequence of being overweight or if it is causal to being overweight. What is very interesting about this data is that it reflects high stress from worrying also produced low levels of NAA in the hippocampus, but was not associated with a high body mass index (BMI).

Future studies are intended to focus on finding out if weight loss has an effect on NAA levels. This could help determine how NAA levels affect weight gain and the hippocampus’ role in appetite control. With new information being discovered about weight gain on a molecular level, hopefully new approaches will be implemented that will help reverse the obesity epidemic in our society.

Public Administration

To some, the field of public administration may seem daunting and unapproachable. Public administrators are often intimidating and powerful but without citizen participation in public administration and affairs; it is less likely that the people will find results that reflect what they truly want as a community. As well, as a public administrator, it is important to take the public’s view into consideration when making decisions and creating new bills.

Even before the Revolutionary War, an emphasis was placed on a government that was run by the people. Participation was certainly more limited than it is now but this is the ideal that our country has been founded upon. Without participation many laws would have never been introduced and passed and vice versa. With passionate administrators and passionate community members putting pressure on bills and legislation it is possible to raise awareness and create real change.

One moment of impressive note is  recently when Texan senator Wendy Davis spoke for 11 hours on the topic of abortion in a filibuster that prevented a bill being passed that would have shut down nearly all abortion clinics in Texas. She had many supporters that cheered for her once the day was over and she claimed that was the reason that she wanted to prevent the bill from being passed.  Davis wanted to represent the people who supported her and so she listened to what they wanted and responded. Whether you believe in Davis’ ideas or not, it was a passionate act of a public administrator that was effective in creating change. Everyone needs to be involved in making real change for the people and that includes even the ones who aren’t on the floor making the decisions.