Research on weight loss and its health effects. Covers GLP-1 injections, companion digital programs, pregnancy guidelines, and asthma benefits.
Researchers at Ohio State University report a significant reversal of metabolic syndrome in over half of participants after just four weeks on a low-carb diet. Despite no weight loss, the low-carb diet improved triglyceride levels and cholesterol readings, and increased fat-burning efficiency.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that a low-carb Mediterranean diet reduced liver fat by 30% and visceral fat by 25%, compared to low-fat diets. The study suggests that reducing hepatic fat is a more effective predictor of long-term health risks than visceral fat.
The University of North Carolina will test the effectiveness of Med-South, an adapted form of the Mediterranean diet, in promoting long-term weight loss among patients with obesity. The randomized trial aims to assess the impact of this unique dietary approach on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure.
Research found that supplements for weight loss, muscle building, and energy were associated with nearly three times the risk of severe medical outcomes compared to vitamins. Reputable physicians do not recommend these products due to adulteration with prescription pharmaceuticals and other dangerous chemicals.
Youth who experienced high levels of teasing about their weight gained an average of .20 kg per year more than those who did not. The authors theorize that weight-associated stigma may lead to unhealthy behaviors and stress-induced weight gain through cortisol release.
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that daily self-weighing, combined with graphical feedback, can help adults maintain or lose weight during and after the holiday season. Participants who weighed themselves daily managed to avoid weight gain, while a control group gained weight.
A recent study by Drexel University researchers found that patients who lost significant weight before a kidney transplant had an 18% higher risk of death after the procedure. The study analyzed data from over 94,000 transplant recipients and found that even planned weight loss could be dangerous if not closely monitored.
A new minimally invasive procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), has shown significant weight loss in a five-year study of over 200 obese patients. The procedure resulted in an average weight loss of up to 15-20% of total body weight, with less than 1% complications.
Researchers successfully changed some of the composition of the gut microbiota of patients with obesity using fecal matter from a lean donor. The study found alterations in stool samples and decreased levels of a specific bile acid, suggesting potential new weight-loss therapy.
A new study from Drexel University shows that a computer game can be used to train individuals to eat less sugar, leading to weight loss and improved health. The 'Diet DASH' game targets the part of the brain that inhibits impulses with the goal of reducing sweet food consumption.
A new study published in Military Medicine found that a ketogenic diet can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity among military personnel. Participants on the keto diet lost an average of 17 pounds and reduced their body fat by 5%, while those on a normal diet experienced no such changes.
An international study of 14,500 people with obesity and 2,800 healthcare professionals found a significant disconnect between their perceptions. Only 7% of people with obesity reported not being interested in losing weight, despite 71% of healthcare providers believing this.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that metformin helped patients maintain weight loss over a period of 15 years. The researchers identified being older and losing a greater amount of weight in the first year as key predictors of lasting weight loss.
Researchers found that growth hormone signaling promotes neuroendocrine adaptations during food deprivation, leading to increased appetite and reduced energy metabolism. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms behind weight loss and regain, highlighting the importance of GH in maintaining energy balance.
A new study from Oregon State University found that using visualization with a third-person perspective can backfire on consumers pursuing health goals. When health goals are peripheral to a person's self-concept, adopting a third-person perspective can discourage goal-consistent intentions and behavior.
Researchers found that young patients, those with certain medical conditions, and problematic eating habits were more likely to experience weight regain after bariatric surgery. Behavioral targets such as reducing sedentary behavior and promoting self-weighing can aid in limiting weight regain.
Researchers found that men taking bodybuilding supplements experienced prolonged and difficult-to-treat liver injuries, often accompanied by jaundice and generalized itching. The study also revealed that many products contained illicit anabolic steroids not accurately listed on the label.
A new smartphone app called OnTrack can predict when users are likely to lapse in their weight loss plan and send personalized coaching messages to help them stay on track. The study found that participants who used the app reported high levels of satisfaction and experienced a significant reduction in unplanned lapses.
Men with hypogonadism and obesity who received long-term testosterone therapy achieved progressive and sustained weight loss, while untreated controls gained. Testosterone-treated men also experienced reductions in mortality and major cardiovascular events.
A recent study found that female mice on a ketogenic diet experienced impaired blood sugar control and no significant fat loss, unlike male mice. Removing the ovaries of female mice improved their weight loss outcomes, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in the differing response to the diet.
A meta-analysis of 473 patients found that weight loss reduces headache frequency, pain intensity, and disability in obese migraine sufferers. Weight loss through bariatric surgery or behavioral intervention also shows significant improvements.
A new study by The Endocrine Society found that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an overnight CPAP machine can result in more weight loss for adults with obesity who try to lose weight by restricting calories. Patients who received concurrent CPAP treatment lost an average of 5.7 pounds more than those who did not treat thei...
A study found that patients who stayed on phentermine longer experienced greater weight loss than those who took the drug for three months or less. Longer-term use was not associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.
A new study from Duke University found that patients shed more weight when doctors give specific instructions, such as tailored behavioral goals and educational material, compared to generic advice. Patients who received empathetic care also lost more weight on average.
Research suggests that yo-yo dieting may increase women's heart disease risk by making it harder to control various risk factors. Women who experienced weight cycling reported lower scores on the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 score.
Researchers found that SGLT-2 inhibitors induce a fasting state by causing the body to lose glucose, triggering weight loss and reduced fatty liver disease. The medication also activates beneficial metabolic pathways similar to those seen during fasting or calorie restriction.
A new Duke University study reveals that overweight individuals who tracked their daily food intake using a free smartphone app lost a significant amount of weight. The results showed that participants who consistently tracked their food and weight lost the most weight, highlighting the importance of compliance in successful weight loss.
A new study published in Obesity found that successful weight losers spent an average of just 14.6 minutes per day on dietary self-monitoring, confirming the reality of its effectiveness rather than the perceived time-consuming nature. The most predictive factor was logging in three or more times a day with consistency.
A high-fat diet is associated with an imbalance in gut bacteria and increased inflammation, which may lead to the development of metabolic disorders. In a randomized controlled trial, healthy young adults on different dietary groups found that those on a high-fat diet showed detrimental changes in long chain fatty acid metabolism.
A high-protein, low-calorie diet has been shown to help older adults with obesity lose more weight while maintaining muscle mass and improving bone quality. Participants lost about 18 pounds, mostly fat, without losing bone density.
A pooled analysis of 41 studies found that interval training reduced overall weight and percentage body fat, with a 28.5% greater reduction in weight compared to continuous moderate intensity exercise.
A recent review found that daily calorie intake was higher in people eating breakfast, but skipping breakfast did not cause greater appetite or weight gain. The study questioned the popular recommendation that eating breakfast is key to weight control.
A study published in the Journal of Obesity found that losing weight quickly versus slowly does not provide additional health benefits, with improvements in metabolic health being similar regardless of rate. The focus should be on achieving sustained weight loss at a safe pace of one to two pounds per week.
A new study published in Marketing Science found that the 'buddy system' approach to weight loss can be effective, with top performers inspiring others to lose weight. However, individual results vary and depend on the impact of peer comparisons.
A study found that couples interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes can reduce partners' diabetes distress and increase marital satisfaction. The intervention also improved diastolic blood pressure, but had no significant impact on weight loss or diet and activity behaviors.
A study published in Obesity found that obese women who followed a diet with intermittent fasting lost more weight and improved their health compared to those who only restricted their diet or fasted intermittently. This research suggests that intermittent fasting may be an effective approach for improving obesity-related health outcomes.
A new study published in Radiology found that MRI effective for monitoring liver fat levels in obese patients undergoing weight loss treatments. The study assessed liver fat before and after bariatric surgery using quantitative chemical shift-encoded MRI, showing a significant decrease in liver fat content after six to ten months.
Moderate-to-large weight gain and loss among middle-aged and elderly Chinese Singaporeans are linked to increased risk of death, with weight loss associated with higher risk than weight gain. The study suggests that maintaining stability in body weight within the non-obese range may reduce mortality risk.
A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...
A national survey found that nearly half of respondents believed most people who have weight loss surgery do it for cosmetic reasons, while 40% think it's an 'easy way out'. The study suggests that negative public attitudes may be a contributing factor to the low use of weight loss surgical procedures.
Researchers have discovered a possible cure for obesity using clay materials that can attract and trap fat droplets in the gut, preventing their absorption. This breakthrough could lead to greater weight loss with fewer side effects, making it an exciting avenue for weight loss research.
Breast cancer survivors who participated in a lifestyle intervention program lost weight and had higher disease-free survival rates compared to those who received general recommendations. The study found that completion of the program was associated with a 35% higher rate of disease-free survival.
A new study published in the journal Obesity suggests that alcohol consumption may attenuate long-term weight loss in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Participants who abstained from alcohol during a lifestyle intervention program lost more weight than those who drank, highlighting the importance of limiting alcohol intake for effective we...
A study by Australian Dietitian Melissa Whitelaw found that 51 patients with 'atypical anorexia' had significant eating disorder psychopathology but were not underweight. The patients experienced life-threatening complications such as low pulse rates and deranged blood electrolytes despite being within or above the healthy weight range.
A new smartphone app designed for breast cancer survivors has been shown to help patients achieve significant weight loss and improvements in physical activity. The app, created at Houston Methodist, allows users to interact with their healthcare team and receive real-time feedback and guidance from a clinical dietitian.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals weight cycling is associated with a higher risk of death. Conversely, weight loss from weight cycling can reduce diabetes risk in people with obesity.
A new study published in Obesity found that children and adolescents with common obesity gene variants can still lose weight through lifestyle interventions. The researchers examined 754 participants, aged 11.6 years, who underwent a series of behavioral lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical activity, and sleep habits....
A survey of 800 adults undergoing bariatric surgery found that patients prioritize expected out-of-pocket costs and weight loss potential. This approach may differ from the procedure's related risks or recovery time. The study suggests healthcare providers should discuss cost with patients to ensure informed decision-making.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that intermittent fasting has no advantage over conventional calorie restriction diets for weight loss and improved health outcomes. The HELENA study, which followed 150 overweight participants for a year, showed similar results for both dietary methods in ter...
Researchers found African Americans had significantly more weight regain than Caucasians, while both groups experienced rapid weight gain over time. The study highlights the need for future research into racial differences in bariatric surgery outcomes.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital found that low-carb diets increase the number of calories burned, providing a new approach to treating obesity. The study, which controlled participants' diet for 20 weeks, showed significant differences in calorie expenditure between high- and low-carbohydrate diets.
Researchers found that low-carb diets resulted in significantly greater energy expenditure compared to high-carb diets. Participants on the low-carb diet burned an average of 209-278 kilocalories per day more than those on the high-carb diet, leading to improved weight loss maintenance.
A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that diet fluctuations can lead to a rollercoaster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Repeated attempts at adopting a healthy eating pattern can have benefits, with significant improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels seen after just a few weeks.
Researchers found four groups of patients with unique characteristics, including disordered eating behaviors and varying levels of glucose in their blood. The study suggests personalized approaches to treating obesity may be more effective, as one-size-fits-all treatments may not work for all individuals.
A new Penn Medicine study found that intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) is effective in achieving clinically significant weight loss in adults with obesity, with participants losing an average of 6.1% of their initial body weight at one year. The study also showed improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found that people who weighed themselves daily or almost daily had a significant weight loss of 1.7 percent in 12 months, while those who never used at-home scales did not lose weight. Daily weighing may increase awareness of behavior changes affecting weight loss.
A study of over 600 patients with overweight or obesity found that a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet combined with daily exercise maintained clinically significant weight loss after one year. Patients showed improvements in glucose metabolism and inflammatory markers, while those with diabetes saw particularly high benefits.
Adults with severe obesity experienced greater initial and sustained weight loss with gastric bypass surgery compared to sleeve gastrectomy or adjustable gastric banding. The study, involving over 46,000 patients, found that gastric bypass led to a 19-pound weight loss difference at 5 years.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has updated its policy recommendations for reducing gun-related injuries and death in the United States. The new guidelines build on existing policies, focusing on a public health approach to address this epidemic of gun violence.
Lifestyle interventions, medication, and surgery can effectively delay or prevent type 2 diabetes in the majority of patients, but limited access to these treatments is a major issue. Evidence-based interventions show that weight loss through lifestyle changes or metabolic surgery can reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 78%.