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New research shows how to tackle obesity

A new study by the University of Sheffield identified six distinct groups of obese individuals, each requiring unique strategies for weight loss and healthy lifestyle promotion. The research suggests that targeting interventions according to an individual's 'type' could lead to more effective and efficient use of NHS services.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 17, 2015

Are health apps beneficial for healthy people?

While some health apps have shown promise in improving weight loss and physical activity, others have yielded conflicting results. Iltifat Husain argues that doctors should recommend tested and validated apps to help people stay healthy. Des Spence cautions that many health apps are untested and may even cause anxiety and medical harm.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 14, 2015

Choice of protein and carbohydrate-rich foods may have big effects on long-term weight gain

A new study from Tufts University found that diets high in glycemic load, such as those with refined grains and sugars, are associated with more weight gain. In contrast, protein-rich foods like fish, nuts, and yogurt are linked to weight loss, while dairy products with lower fat content do not seem to impact weight gain.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 9, 2015

News from Annals of Internal Medicine April 7, 2015

Researchers found that Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig are the most effective commercial weight-loss programs for long-term weight loss. In contrast, physical therapy was as effective as surgery in alleviating symptoms of lumber spinal stenosis. Leading internists also advocate for a more thoughtful approach to cardiopulmonary resuscit...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 6, 2015

Work site wellness centers equate to weight loss and health care savings, Mayo expert says

A Mayo Clinic study found that frequent attendance at work site wellness centers led to significant weight loss and healthcare cost savings. Members who visited the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center (DAHLC) more than 360 times were 72% more likely to experience weight loss, with corresponding reductions in healthcare costs.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 25, 2015

Losing weight substantially reduces atrial fibrillation

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that obese patients with atrial fibrillation who lost at least 10% of their body weight were six times more likely to achieve long-term freedom from the condition. Sustained weight loss was also associated with significant beneficial structural changes in the heart and improved other ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2015

Bariatric surgery appears to cut risks for serious asthma-related events

A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital investigators suggests that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce the risk of asthma attacks in obese patients. Significant weight reduction after surgery resulted in a half reduction in serious asthma-associated events, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 13, 2015

Weight-loss surgery can be a safe option for obese children

A new clinical pathway has been shown to significantly reduce complications and improve growth in obese children who undergo weight-reducing procedures. According to the study, the procedure also led to improved management of life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

SourceSpringer·JournalObesity Surgery·DateMar 5, 2015

Improved health care systems needed to combat obesity crisis

A new study published in The Lancet emphasizes the need for improved healthcare systems to combat the growing obesity crisis. The study suggests that current clinical delivery systems are poorly suited for preventing and managing obesity, and that health professionals lack the training and tools needed to treat this condition. The auth...

Teen brain scans reveal a key to weight loss

Researchers found that teenagers who relied on executive function processes, particularly in the pre-frontal cortex, were more successful in losing weight. Successful programs involve repeated practice and ramping up challenges to executive control, such as computerized training and aerobic physical activity.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalObesity·DateFeb 17, 2015

Would you take dieting advice from a friend?

Researcher Lora Cavuoto's study found that people who achieve weight loss or wellness success are more likely to influence their friends, while charismatic but unsuccessful individuals have a lower impact. This approach is taking precedence in new diet and exercise programs.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Healthcare Engineering·DateFeb 13, 2015

'Friending' your way thin

A Northwestern University study found that online dieters who logged in regularly, recorded their weigh-ins, and 'friended' other members lost an average of 8% of their body weight over six months. In contrast, those with fewer interactions lost only about 5% of their body weight.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 28, 2015

Couples more likely to get healthy together

Researchers at UCL found that people are more successful in quitting smoking, starting exercise, or losing weight when their partner makes a change. The study of over 3,722 couples aged 50+ shows that men and women are equally affected by their partners' behavior changes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 19, 2015

Weigh-in once a week or you'll gain weight

A study published in PLOS ONE found that frequent weigh-ins are essential for weight loss, with participants who weighed themselves once a week losing more weight than those who didn't. The researchers suggest weighing oneself every day can help stay on track and find the optimal time to weigh, such as Wednesday, for an accurate reading.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 17, 2014

Shed post-Christmas pounds just by breathing

Researchers calculate that lungs excrete 8.4kg of CO2 when 10kg of fat is fully oxidized, shedding unwanted pounds. By breathing, individuals can lose up to 200 grams of carbon daily, with exercise further increasing weight loss through increased metabolic rate.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

When you lose weight, where does the fat go?

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that losing 10 kilograms of fat requires 29 kilograms of oxygen to be inhaled, producing 28 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 11 kilograms of water. Most doctors, dieticians, and personal trainers incorrectly believe that the missing mass is converted into energy or heat.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

Weighing in on the role of mindfulness in slimming down

Researchers from Ohio State University reviewed 19 studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs for weight loss. While some studies showed weight loss among participants who practiced mindfulness, others found no relationship between the two. The review highlights the need for further research to understand how mindfulnes...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateDec 11, 2014

Shift in gut bacteria observed in fiber supplement study may offer good news for weight loss

A new study from the University of Illinois shows that two specific functional fibers may assist in weight loss when made part of a long-term diet. The researchers observed a shift in the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio toward more Bacteroidetes, which has been linked to being leaner, and found modifications in nutrient metabolism.

Study finds weight loss of 10 percent or more in seniors significantly raises hip fracture risk

A new study has found that weight loss of 10 percent or more in seniors substantially increases the risk of hip fractures. The Singapore Chinese Health Study found that body weight changes were associated with a significant increase in hip fracture risk, whereas weight gain did not reduce risk significantly.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateNov 15, 2014

Medicare may need to expand options for behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care

A systematic review found that high-quality randomized controlled trials on behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care settings are limited, with only two studies identifying effective interventions producing an average weight loss of at least five percent. The review highlights the need for further research to evaluate the effe...

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Weight loss surgery substantially reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by around 80% in obese people compared to standard care. This significant reduction was observed even after controlling for other important factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 2, 2014