The Weekly Skinny: All the healthy news you need (9-25-09)

Is Halloween going to be without the usual amount of jack-o'-lanterns? A pumpkin shortage may make it tough on the tradition. FatFighterTV has a look at this story and other diet and fitness headlines making news this week.

The great pumpkin shortage
I keep seeing stories about a pumpkin shortage, like this one that says people in some parts of the country may have a hard time finding them for Halloween. The report says harvests are down significantly in some areas from last year. That might mean shortages or higher prices for pumpkins to be shipped in from other places with better crops.

Anyone out there noticing any pumpkin shortages or higher prices in stores where you live?

Obesity could become top cause of cancer for Western women
Cancer is one of the many health problems linked to carrying too many extra pounds. Now, a new report finds being overweight could become the number one cause of cancer in women in Western countries in the future. Obesity or overweight make up about eight percent of cancers in Europe. Experts say that's expected to go up significantly as the obesity epidemic continues, and other big cancer causes like smoking and hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women go down dramatically.

Too little exercise during pregnancy could mean big babies
Pregnant women may want to get moving. New research finds regular exercise during pregnancy can lower a first time mom's chances of having an overweight baby. The report shows working out at least three times a week cuts the odds of delivering a newborn that weighs too much (more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces), by about one-fourth. Other pregnancy studies have linked a mom's weight to an increased risk of birth defects.

Don't miss a thing! Sign up for FatFighterTV's daily updates, get the FREE e-book, "Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty Meals."

[photo credit: Getty Images]