A new study published in the journal Public Health found that between 2000 and 2005, the U.S. obese population (BMI > 30) increased by 24%. The morbidly obese population (BMI > 40) increased twice as fast, while the super-morbidly obese population (BMI > 50) increased three times as fast. 

In fact, the higher the BMI, the higher the growth rate of that group (i.e., the super-morbidly obese population is growing faster than the morbidly obese population, which in turn is growing faster than the obese population). Bariatric surgery, also on the rise during the same timeframe as the analysis, hasn't "made a dent" in the problem, according to study authors. 

Given that many people are in denial about their weight, the 3% of the 1.5 million who were identified via telephone surveys as morbidly obese may in fact be much higher. 

Use the CDC BMI calculator (or order one online from our Dole Depot) to find out whether your weight falls within a healthy range.

Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis and several kinds of cancer. Obesity also makes health problems harder to detect. Fortunately, by cutting out junk food, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and getting an hour of exercise most days of the week, you can prevent or overcome obesity.

A Rutgers University study found that when UV-exposed rodents ran daily on an exercise wheel they developed 25% fewer melanomas than did an inactive control group. Those tumors the marathon mice did develop were also three times smaller than those found on the idle animals. The second study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that mellow mice had a much lower incidence of skin cancer compared to harried ones when exposed to damaging UV radiation.

The fact that stress and inactivity both contribute to increased body mass -- which also increases the risk of skin cancer -- suggests a synergy between protection factors. Similarly, Harvard researchers linked higher fat consumption with increased risk of skin cancer, while Australian researchers found more melanoma among heavy drinkers. Put another way, too many burgers and beers will put on pounds, and that extra adipose tissue secretes toxic substances that may keep cancer cells alive. 

Certain nutrients -- zinc (found in oysters, crab, beans) and beta-carotene (found in carrots, cantaloupe, spinach) -- may also play a role in minimizing melanoma risk. In addition to expanding your arsenal of skin cancer prevention methods by improving your diet and increasing exercise, visit your dermatologist regularly or take advantage of free skin cancer screenings being sponsored by Olay this July. 

Gabby was gracious enough to share some of her insights into in our latest video, Eat Healthy, Stay Fit. She also lets us in on some of her own diet secrets. For example, the cover model eats pineapple just about every morning -- and usually makes a salad plus a veggie side dish for dinner. She also whisks broccoli and spinach into omelets.

Such nutrient-rich foods provide athletes what they need to maintain peak performance and reduce recovery time, as discussed in our Sports Nutrition video featuring world surf champ Kelly Slater, as well as our Eating for Yoga video featuring actress Mariel Hemingway. Plus, the right foods can help speed healing with targeted nutrients that reduce inflammation, relieve soreness and help rebuild muscle.

Given her passion for health and fitness, Gabby Reece clearly feels a responsibility to pass on her nutrition knowledge, not only to her daughter, but to the many young women and other fans who look up to her. To learn more about the 6'3" athletic beauty, check out her autobiography, Big Girl in the Middle, or visit her newly launched web site, www.gotogabby.com.

We'll focus on three nutrient duos: plant source iron and vitamin C; fat (preferably healthy) and carotenoids; calcium and the dietary fiber inulin. In each case, the individual constituent nutrients provide plenty of value as solo performers. When combined, their nutrition contribution adds up to more than the sum of their parts.

Below we provide a brief description of how these powerhouse combos work. We know tastes vary, and not everyone enjoys the same foods (as recognized in "Nutrient Swaps: If You Don't Like That, Try This..."). Therefore we provide lists of healthy sources for each nutrient so you can mix and match according to preference. 

NEXT: Dietary Divorce Court -- Nutrient Duos that Don't Play Well Together!

Researchers at Rush University collected dietary data from 3,718 adults 65 and older administering memory tests over the course of 6 years. It turned out that those who ate more than four servings (that's two cups) of vegetables had a 38% decrease in the rate of mental deterioration compared to those who ate less than one serving (half a cup) of vegetables per day.

These findings constitute yet more proof of the protective power of produce, following on the heels of Harvard research in which women who ate more leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables improved their odds of maintaining mental acuity. Particular greens, like spinach, may even be able to reverse cognitive decline. 

The high level of antioxidants in vegetables helps protect your brain -- but the low level of calories may be of benefit too: Obesity doubles the risk of developing dementia. This might be because the same habits that hurt the heart may also subvert your cerebral power. For example, the high-fat diet that translates into arterial cholesterol build-up may also block blood flow to the brain.

Bonus: Reap the brain benefits of vegetables and curry by trying "Curried Brussels Sprouts and Baby Carrots," from one of our favorite cookbooks, The Enlightened Kitchen, by vegan chef Marie Oser.

The Imperial College of London collected dietary information from 2,640 children, ages 5 to 10, and found that banana-eaters were one-third less likely to encounter breathing problems like wheezing. Children who drank apple juice daily experienced a 47% reduction. Other research suggests that children with low fiber intake are more vulnerable to the respiratory problems associated with secondhand smoke. The pineapple enzyme, bromelain, also appeared to reduce the inflammation associated with asthma in one animal trial. 

These results offer yet more proof of the power of food to affect asthma symptoms for better...or for worse. As previously reported in this space, kids who eat even one burger a week are more likely to suffer from asthma.

Banana Bonus: Early banana consumption is also associated with lower risk of childhood leukemia. Bananas' fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content make them a Superfood for the Heart. Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid which may play a role in preserving your memory and boosting your mood. To get the health benefits of bananas try this issue's featured Superfood recipe.