(November 21, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Minnesota - According to research in the Journal of Adolescent Health, stepping on a scale once per week may encourage overweight teens to lose weight. In a study of 130 adolescents, researchers found that 77% of those who frequently weighed themselves engaged in healthy weight control behaviors, compared to 26% who rarely weighed themselves. As well, those who weighed themselves at least once a week were nearly twice as likely to decrease their caloric intake.

From Tennessee - According to research in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, babies born in autumn have a higher risk for asthma.  By studying the medical records of 95,000 infants, researchers found that those born 4 months before the peak cold and flu season had a 30% higher risk of developing asthma. While genetic risk factors can predispose children to asthma, the researchers conclude that environmental factors must also be considered.

And finally, from San Francisco - According to research presented to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, exposure to bisphenol A, the chemical found in some hard plastics, may reduce fertility. In two studies, one involving 71 men and another studying 44 women, preliminary results have shown that those with higher concentrations of bisphenol A in their urine or blood were more likely to have impaired fertility. The researchers note that these results appear to corroborate the evidence seen in animal studies.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.