Diabetes and obesity can affect male fertility in a negative way, new research has found. The findings, presented Wednesday at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference here, could mean that men need to keep tabs on their weight when planning a family.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen found that men of average weight have healthier sperm in higher volumes than those outside the normal range. The research follows reports made by doctors earlier this week that male fertility begins to decline when men reach their mid-30s

Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a greater risk for putting on weight if the condition is left untreated, a new study has found. ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5 percent of the world's population under the age of 19.

Though it is considered to be a persistent and chronic condition for which no medical cure is available, although medication can be prescribed. However, the study also found that the youngsters who were medicated for ADHD had a raised risk of being underweight

To prevent more Americans from acquiring adult heart problems, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends more cholesterol screening for young people and earlier use of cholesterol-lowering medication.

The recommendation, issued by the academy on Monday, is expected to generate controversy since there is a question on the safety of prescribing cholesterol-lowering drugs for children and on what are the best approaches to prevent heart diseases upon reaching adulthood

Women who gorge on junk food while pregnant could raise the risk of their offspring developing irreversible health problems such as obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes in adult life, according to new research.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College here carried out their study involving rats but scientists believe it also applies to humans. Rats that ate a diet rich in fat, sugar and salt while pregnant were more likely to give birth to offspring that had the tendency to over-eat and had a preference for junk food when compared to the offspring of rats given regular feed

The German cabinet has earmarked 30 million euros ($46.7 million) until the end of 2010 to combat mounting obesity in the general population. The national program is intended to improve the well-being, productivity and quality of life of Germans, the health ministry said.

The "In Shape" program, prepared by Health Minister Ulla Schmidt in cooperation with Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Minister Horst Seehofer, aims to cut disease related to obesity noticeably by 2020. The national level program will aim to achieve the target by educating the youth on healthy eating and sports, as well as tougher standards for school lunches