Fast food, late nights to blame for obesity in Gulf – top doc

A penchant for fast and fatty food and a lifestyle of late nights and no exercise are the main causes of the Gulf’s obesity epidemic, according to a leading US orthopedic surgeon.

Dr Raj, who started a practice in Dubai nine months ago in addition to his successful Beverley Hills practice, said one of the biggest issues in the Middle East was knee problems, which was the result of people carrying extra weight.

“There’s two issues of genetics and environmental and we’re not controlling the environmental aspect as much,” Dr Raj, whose clients include royal family members and Hollywood celebrities, said.

“Life gets easier but people tend to get busier and not take care of their own bodies.”

(more…)

Plantar fasciitis knocking top athletes off their feet

ANAHEIM, Calif. — For most of this baseball season, playing a game seemed like the furthest thing from Albert Pujols’ mind when he woke up in the morning.

The most pressing issue was how to stand on his feet and get to the bathroom.

“You almost want to pee in your bed rather than go to the bathroom,” Pujols tells USA TODAY Sports. “It’s really painful in the morning.”

(more…)