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Lessons learned from 'The Biggest Loser' study

A recent study on 'The Biggest Loser' television series found that participants regained much of the weight they lost, with suppressed metabolism. Experts say a 5-15% weight loss is unlikely to lead to such large effects on metabolism and emphasize the importance of long-term lifestyle changes.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateAug 1, 2016

Online intervention helps sustain weight loss

An online behavioural counselling tool has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and sustain weight loss. Participants who used the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR+) programme with brief support from a practice nurse lost more weight than those without, with an average weight loss of over 1kg over 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 26, 2016

Providing bite count feedback helps lower calorie intake

A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that wearing a device that tracks the number of bites during meals led to reduced calorie intake. Researchers suggest setting personalized bite goals based on individual behavior to help people eat more mindfully and reduce their overall energy intake.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 23, 2016

Study compares effectiveness of weight-loss drugs

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that phentermine-topiramate and liraglutide were associated with the highest odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss. The study included nearly 30,000 overweight or obese adults and identified the efficacy of five FDA-approved long-term weight loss agents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 14, 2016

Study of first procedure-free gastric balloon shows they are safe and lead to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures

A new study presented at the European Obesity Summit found that a procedure-free gastric balloon, called Elipse, is safe and leads to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures. The device, swallowed and excreted over 4 months, resulted in significant weight loss, improvements in blood sugar control, and quality of life.

Current apps on weight management have not been certified by health authorities and there are no published data on their effectiveness

Only 17 weight management apps have been developed by certified health organisations or universities, with no published data on their effectiveness. Researchers recommend transferring professionally-designed online materials into app form to ensure content-quality and evidence-based weight control.

Is sleeve gastrectomy a good choice for people with a sweet tooth?

A study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques found that sleeve gastrectomy is effective for individuals classified as moderate or severe sweet eaters before the surgery. The procedure has shown promising weight loss results, even among those with high pre-surgery sweets consumption.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateMay 12, 2016

Bariatric surgery may reduce life-threatening heart failure exacerbation in obese patients

Researchers found a significant reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbation after bariatric surgery. Patients who underwent the procedure experienced a 40% decrease in these events, suggesting substantial weight loss can help prevent heart-failure-related adverse events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 25, 2016

Little diet pain, big health gain

A randomized controlled trial found that losing just 5% of body weight significantly improves health outcomes, including insulin sensitivity and reduced risk factors for metabolic diseases. Additional weight loss further improves health benefits, but the study shows that even a small amount of weight loss has important health benefits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 22, 2016

Indiana University study: Commercial weight loss system expands diabetes prevention access

A new randomized controlled study found that adults with prediabetes who followed a nationally-available weight management program with a prediabetes-specific component, Weight Watchers, lost significantly more weight and experienced better blood glucose control than those following a self-initiated program. The study suggests that nat...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2016

Bariatric surgery before knee replacement cost-effective in improving outcomes in obese patients

A study finds that bariatric surgery prior to total knee replacement improves quality of life in morbidly obese patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. The research suggests a cost-effective option to reduce complications and costs associated with joint replacement, with a predicted cost per QALY of $13,910.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 18, 2016

Why you won't lose weight with exercise alone

New research reveals that exercise alone is insufficient for weight loss due to the human body's adaptive response. A study published in Current Biology found that daily energy expenditure increases with moderate physical activity but plateaus at higher levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 2016

BU study: Effects of obesity on death rates understated in prior research

A new Boston University study found that most obesity research relying on one-time measures of body mass index (BMI) overlooks the health impacts of weight change over time. The researchers argue that using 'weight histories' in studies clarifies the risks of obesity and shows they are much higher than appreciated.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016