Consumer Reports magazine releases results of their diet analysis, stating Weight Watchers and Slim-Fast are most effective for long-term weight loss.

Althought not notorious for rating things such as diets, Consumer deemed Weight Watchers support group meetings and Slim-Fast's shakes as an alternative to cooking the best formulas to eliminating unwanted weight

A Brigham Young University study found that meanness in girls can start as toddlers - girls as young as 3 or 4 will use manipulation and peer pressure to get what they want.

According to Craig Hart, study co-author with David Nelson and Clyde Robinson and professor of marriage, family and human development at BYU, "It could range from leaving someone out to telling their friends not to play with someone to saying, 'I'm not going to invite you to my birthday party.' Some kids are really adept at being mean and nasty

Sussex, UK (AHN)- The University of Leicester analyzed the coping strategies of 200 white and British Asian patients. Their research in The British Journal of Cancer suggests that White patients cope better with the pressure of cancer than their British Asian counterparts. Researcher Dr. Paul Symonds told the BBC News website that he feared that Asian patients were more likely to view cancer as an automatic death sentence when in fact up to 50% of patients made a full recovery. Kate Law, head of clinical trials at Cancer Research UK, said, "This could be down to many factors, but if misunderstanding of cancer is one, then the NHS may need to focus on a targeted education campaign once this work has been further substantiated." The British Journal of Cancer study found the most common method of coping among Asian people was simply to deny they were ill. While White people were more likely not to dwell on their illness - a strategy linked to less anxiety and depression. About half of British Asians surveyed said they did not really believe that they had cancer - despite being told and agreeing to cancer treatment. In both groups denial was linked to an increase in depression

After years of lauding the tasty delights of one of America's favorite snack foods, a Muppet mainstay is changing his tune. With childhood obesity rates rising at an alarming rates, PBS is not only launching an ongoing storyline talking about health and nutrition, but the Cookie Monster will be one the main voices of the new campaign. The famed Sesame Street character will now sing a new song called "A Cookie Is a Sometimes Food" instead of his familiar "C is for cookie, that's good enough for me". Sesame Street officials say the show changes each year and this is just a continuation of that policy. The show has targeted various subjects over the years dealing with emotional as well as physical health. In the current climate, the vice-president of research and education says the show is concentrating on teaching kids about healthy eating and exercise. Every episode this season will contain a healthy living tip and the show will introduce new characters like talking carrots and eggplants. Guests will also discuss health related topics, including politicians taping public service announcements with Sesame Street regulars