By Robert Frederick
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-493639.mp3
St. Louis, MO – Over the past decade, obesity has become the number-one health risk in the United States, outweighing even tobacco use.
In this holiday season of indulgent eating, at least one local effort is trying to curb obsesity's unhealthy effects: researchers at Washington University are trying to figure out if a short, severe diet changes how the body utilizes sugar and fat.
It's one of hundreds of studies worldwide on obesity and its relationship with diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
KWMU's science reporter Robert Frederick has more.
To learn more about this study, or apply to participate in it, call (314) 362-8452.