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The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Gradual weight loss no better than rapid weight loss for long-term weight control

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that gradual weight loss is not more effective than rapid weight loss for achieving long-term weight control. In the trial, participants who lost weight quickly were more likely to achieve target weight loss and had lower drop-out rates.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 15, 2014

Slow and steady does not win the weight loss race

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that substantial weight loss is more likely achieved through rapid weight loss programmes. Researchers compared two groups: one following a 12-week rapid weight loss programme with an average weekly weight loss of 1.5kg, and the other on a 36-week gradual weight loss pr...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 15, 2014

Lose the weight, not the potatoes

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating potatoes as part of a balanced diet can aid in weight loss. The research, led by Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, involved ninety overweight men and women who were given various calorie restrictions and provided with potatoes, healthful recipes, and...

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Inc.·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateOct 13, 2014

Advocating weight diversity

A new review article suggests that a 'weight-inclusive' approach should be used instead of the current 'weight-normative' approach, which emphasizes weight as a key factor in defining health and wellbeing. This shift would focus on social determinants of health and accept human diversity, including size diversity.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Obesity·DateOct 7, 2014

When talking about body size, African-American women and doctors may be speaking different languages

Research from Rush University Medical Center found that African American women and their female children have the highest obesity prevalence and tend to underestimate their body weight. The study showed a large chasm between biomedical and cultural definitions of body size, with many overweight women not considering themselves 'too fat'.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 10, 2014

'Fat shaming' doesn't encourage weight loss

A study of 2,944 UK adults found that those who experienced weight discrimination gained more weight than those who did not, on average gaining 0.95kg while those without discrimination lost 0.71kg over four years. This contradicts the common perception that fat shaming might encourage weight loss.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalObesity·DateSep 10, 2014

Smartphones may aid in dietary self-monitoring

A recent study found that smartphone apps can help users track their dietary data more consistently and accurately than traditional methods. The research used a commercially available app, recording dietary intake using the memo function of smartphones, and paper and pencil for comparison.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 10, 2014

Normal-weight counselors feel more successful at helping obese patients slim

A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that normal-weight nutrition and exercise counselors report feeling significantly more successful in getting their obese patients to lose weight than those who are overweight or obese. Patients may be more receptive to those who practice what they pr...

Any diet works, if you stick to it

A recent study published in JAMA found that branded diets, such as Atkins and Weight Watchers, are effective for weight loss when adhered to. Behavioural support and exercise also play a significant role in enhancing weight loss outcomes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

Spinach extract decreases cravings, aids weight loss

A study published at Lund University found that spinach extract containing thylakoids reduces hedonic hunger by up to 95% and increases weight loss by 43%. The study showed improved appetite control, healthier eating habits, and increased weight loss in participants who took the thylakoid extract before breakfast.

SourceLund University·JournalAppetite·DateSep 1, 2014

Options for weight loss your primary care doctor might not know about

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that technology-assisted weight loss interventions, including web-based applications and software, can be an effective option for primary care patients. These interventions resulted in average weight losses of up to 5.4 kilograms (12 pounds) over a 36-month period.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 29, 2014

Losing weight won't make you happy

New research finds that weight loss significantly improves physical health markers but is less effective in improving mood and overall wellbeing. Participants who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight were more likely to report depressed mood, even after adjusting for serious health issues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2014

Crowdsourcing may help dieters lose weight

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that crowdsourced ratings of food pictures by app users are comparable to those given by trained experts. This suggests that crowdsourcing may be a viable way to improve adherence to dietary self-monitoring and support weight loss.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateAug 4, 2014

Anorexia fueled by pride about weight loss

A Rutgers study found that positive emotions, even those viewed through a distorted lens, may play a role in fueling eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Women with the illness often feel emotionally positive about their weight loss progress, which can lead to a vicious cycle of continued weight loss and disordered behaviors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateAug 4, 2014

Non-diet approach to weight management more effective in worksite wellness programs

A new wellness approach called Eat for Life, focusing on mindfulness and intuitive eating, is more effective than traditional weight-loss programs in improving body image and reducing problematic eating behaviors. Women who participated in the program reported higher levels of body appreciation and lower levels of disordered eating beh...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJul 7, 2014

For gastric bypass patients, percent of weight loss differs by race/ethnicity, study finds

A Kaiser Permanente study found that non-Hispanic white patients lost an average of 63% of their excess weight after gastric bypass surgery, compared to 59% for Hispanic and 56% for black patients. The study also showed that vertical sleeve gastrectomy patients lost similar amounts of weight across racial and ethnic groups.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateJun 23, 2014

Weight loss critical to reducing cardiovascular risk in obese OSA patients

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that weight loss is the single most important factor for improving cardiovascular health in obese obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Weight loss alone significantly reduced inflammation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 11, 2014

Low-carbohydrate diet reduced inflammation

A low-carbohydrate diet was found to significantly reduce inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas a traditional low-fat diet showed no similar effect. After six months, the low-carb group exhibited reduced levels of inflammatory markers and improved glucose control.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAnnals of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2014

Information technology can simplify weight-loss efforts; social support still important for success

Research at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that information technology, such as smartphone apps, can aid in weight loss by streamlining tracking and providing visual feedback. Social support, however, remains essential for long-term success, with in-person connections preferred over online networks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and E-Health·DateApr 29, 2014

New ammunition in the fight against type 2 diabetes

A new study by Monash University has shown that gastric banding can lead to remission of diabetes in people who are overweight but not obese. The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, found that weight loss surgery significantly improved the condition in over half of participants.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 7, 2014