Research on weight loss and its health effects. Covers GLP-1 injections, companion digital programs, pregnancy guidelines, and asthma benefits.
A new pilot study found that watching an avatar model healthy weight loss behaviors could lead to significant weight loss for overweight women. After four weeks of treatment, the women in the study lost an average of 3.5 pounds.
A 11-year study found significant weight loss in the intervention group, but no reduction in cardiovascular disease risks. Participants who lost more weight experienced improved health benefits such as better blood sugar control and reduced risk factors.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to pursue goals when they set flexible, high-low range goals. This flexibility increases the challenge of the goal while also making it attainable, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment and higher reengagement rates.
A study found that combining metformin and liraglutide results in greater weight loss and improvements in body mass index and waist circumference for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This combination therapy also leads to higher chances of conception, improved pregnancy outcomes and improved metabolic profile.
A pooled analysis of two clinical trials found that lorcaserin improves hemoglobin A1c levels and fasting blood sugar levels in nondiabetic, overweight patients. The study suggests that the drug's serotonin receptor activation may play a role in regulating glucose metabolism.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society found that weight loss improves memory function in older, overweight women. After six months of dieting, their brain activity changed in the regions important for memory tasks, with improved performance and altered brain activity detected.
Frailty affects 5-10% of people over 70, leading to increased death rates, poor function, and hospitalizations. Screening with the FRAIL questionnaire can identify frail individuals and guide treatment with exercise, nutrition supplements, vitamin D, and reduced medications.
Adding gastric bypass surgery to lifestyle and medical management improved metabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients, particularly those who experienced significant weight loss. The study found that 43% of the gastric bypass group achieved an HbA1c level of less than 7%, compared to 32% in the lifestyle-medical management group.
A systematic review of over 50 studies found bariatric surgery associated with greater short-term weight loss and improved blood glucose levels in non-morbidly obese adults with diabetes. However, the evidence is limited, and long-term benefits are unknown.
A Saint Louis University study found that obese women who lost weight between pregnancies were more likely to have normal-sized babies. This weight loss period provides a unique opportunity for behavior change and counseling from healthcare professionals.
Scientists identify five epigenetic biomarkers associated with better weight loss response in obese adolescents participating in the EVASYON weight loss program. These biomarkers may help predict an individual's response to weight loss intervention and offer therapeutic targets for enhancing its effects.
A clinical trial of 75 patients with acute decompensated heart failure found that aggressive fluid and sodium restriction had no impact on weight loss or clinical stability at three days. Instead, these restrictions were associated with an increase in perceived thirst.
Researchers developed a smart phone app to help users lose weight by carefully recording their food consumption. The app, tested with 12 overweight participants over four weeks, resulted in an average weight loss of 1.5kg. By monitoring food intake and mindful eating habits, the app aims to reduce excess calorie consumption.
A new study found that weight loss surgery is safe and effective in a broader group of patients, including those with moderate obesity. The procedure helped reduce excess body weight and improve associated health conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.
Restrictive eating habits increase the brain's response to pleasurable foods, making it harder for dieters to maintain weight loss. Healthy, balanced meals are more effective for sustainable weight management.
A genome-wide association study reveals that a DNA sequence variation on chromosome 15 can predict weight loss after gastric bypass surgery. Individuals with this variant tend to lose more weight than those without it. The findings may lead to new approaches for developing therapies for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a gene variant that predicts weight loss after gastric bypass surgery. The variant, located on chromosome 15, is associated with an average weight loss of nearly 40% in individuals who carry two copies of the beneficial version.
A heart-healthy Mediterranean diet helped men at high risk for heart disease reduce their bad cholesterol levels by 9%, regardless of whether they lost weight. This finding suggests that the Mediterranean-style diet may be recommended for effective management of metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular risks.
A national survey found that 43% of midlife women use 'eating more protein' to prevent weight gain, with effective users having a consistent protein intake and self-efficacy towards weight management.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that virtual reality weight loss programs can be an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face programs, with better maintenance rates. Researchers used Second Life, a web-based virtual reality environment, to deliver weight management education and t...
A recent study found that physicians built less emotional rapport with overweight patients than those of normal weight. This can lead to ineffective care and poorer patient outcomes. The researchers emphasized the importance of empathy in building trust and motivating patients to make lifestyle changes.
Participants who substituted white button mushrooms for meat lost seven pounds and showed improvements in body composition compared to those on the standard diet. The study found that mushroom substitution resulted in lower calorie and fat intake, as well as a reduction in waist circumference and body mass index.
Researchers found that weight loss after gastric bypass surgery changes DNA methylation, affecting genes controlling glucose and fat metabolism. This reversal coincides with weight loss and improvement in overall metabolic health.
The American College of Physicians has developed interventions to help patients with prediabetes, gout, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. The organization has created patient guides and videos that provide practical tips and concrete examples for reducing the risk of developing diabetes, managing gout, and achieving healthy weight loss.
A study published in the BMJ found that a 5kg population-wide weight loss resulted in a significant reduction in Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease mortality. The Cuban experience of rapid weight loss during economic crisis demonstrates the potential health benefits of reversing the global obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that obese employees who received group-based financial incentives lost more weight than those with individual incentives. In contrast, higher blood levels of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protected against death, primarily due to reduced cardiovascular events.
A new study found that group-based financial incentives for weight loss are significantly more effective than individual incentives. Group-based rewards led to nearly three times more weight loss among participants. The study suggests that peer pressure and competition can be powerful motivators in promoting healthy behaviors at work.
Research from Massachusetts General Hospital finds that gastric bypass changes microbial populations in obese mice, leading to weight loss and improved metabolism. Transferring altered microbiota into germ-free mice reproduced the effects of bypass surgery.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that drastic changes in the gut microbes of mice occur following gastric bypass surgery, resulting in rapid weight loss. The study suggests that manipulating microbial populations could become a valuable tool to address obesity.
A new study found that individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression can make substantial lifestyle changes to improve their health and lose weight. The program, which included simple nutrition messages and regular exercise classes, resulted in significant weight loss compared to a control group.
Researchers developed a weight loss program that successfully helped participants with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The program involved exercise classes and individual weight loss guidance, leading to significant weight loss and sustained results.
A structured weight management program improved weight loss outcomes for overweight and obese children in low-income households. The study found that 53% of participants met or exceeded the Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity.
A multicenter study found that even minor weight loss is associated with worse health outcomes among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator devices. Patients who lost more than 2 kilograms during the 12-month observation period had a significant increase in risk of heart failure or death.
A Mayo Clinic study found that participants who received financial incentives lost more weight and remained in the program longer than those without incentives. The results suggest that financial incentives can improve weight loss outcomes and adherence, potentially helping to address the growing obesity epidemic in the US.
A study found that modest financial incentives significantly increased sustained participation in a weight-loss program and long-term maintenance of weight loss. Participants who received financial rewards lost more weight (9.08 pounds) compared to those without incentives (2.34 pounds).
A minimally invasive procedure called gastric artery chemical embolization (GACE) was found to be safe and effective in reducing hunger hormone levels and promoting weight loss in obese patients. After six months, participants experienced significant weight loss, with an average of 45 pounds lost.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that the horizontal location of advertising images influences consumer evaluations of products. Products placed on the left tend to be favored by those living in cultures reading from left to right, while those on the right are preferred by right-to-left readers.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that weight loss benefits the heart health of young obese mice, reversing poor heart function and reducing fat deposits. However, this effect was lost in older mice with longer periods of obesity, highlighting the importance of early weight loss in preventing heart damage.
Researchers propose a new approach to designing diets by focusing on the impact of food's micronutrients, rather than macronutrients. This approach aims to reduce disease and promote wellness by 'listening' to the body's response to specific nutrients.
Employees enrolled in a six-month worksite-based weight loss intervention with behavioral counseling lost an average of 18 pounds, while those in a control group gained two pounds. The study also found improvements in markers for cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk.
Researchers found that late eaters lost significantly less weight and had a slower rate of weight-loss, suggesting the timing of large meals is an important factor. However, the timing of smaller meals did not play a role in weight loss success.
A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that injecting botulinum toxin A (Botox) into the stomach does not cause weight loss. The Mayo Clinic researchers used a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effects of BTA to placebo.
A study by Miriam Hospital researchers found that individuals with more willpower lost more weight, were more physically active, and consumed fewer calories from fat. Practicing acts of self-control, such as eating a low-fat diet and working out, can strengthen the 'muscle' of self-control.
Daniel Callahan proposes a controversial approach to fighting obesity by stigmatizing overweight individuals in a way that minimizes the risk of discrimination. He suggests that 'stigmatization lite' could be an effective strategy, as people who are overweight consider the threat of discrimination as a danger to be avoided.
A study published in Journal of Pediatric Surgery found that bariatric surgery in extremely obese adolescents can reverse previously undiagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities. The research revealed significant improvement in cardiac structure and function after weight loss surgery.
A landmark study found gastric banding to be an effective long-term strategy for managing obesity, with 78% of patients maintaining significant weight loss after 10-15 years. The procedure has lasting benefits, including improved health and longer lifespan, as well as effective control of type 2 diabetes.
Scientists discovered that weight loss plays a crucial role in fighting off intestinal worms by hijacking their natural feeding pathways. This triggers the immune system to expel the worms more effectively.
A study led by a Virginia Commonwealth University professor found that nearly 30% of knee-replacement surgery patients gained 5% or more of their body weight over five years. This is significantly higher than the 20% gain rate in comparison group without surgery.
Pregnancies after bariatric surgery are safer than in morbidly obese women, but there are still risks involved. Experts recommend that women should wait at least 12 months before trying for a baby following weight loss surgery.
Researchers at Newcastle University used X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the build-up of hydrocarbons on replica kilograms, finding that a suntan could help remove contamination and bring prototype weights back to their ideal mass. The study highlights the significance of maintaining precise measurements in internatio...
A public web-based healthy eating and weight loss program found that participants who made consistent changes lost an average of 2 pounds per month. The study also showed that finding initial tips that are relevant and doable for individuals can lead to gradual weight loss and healthier habits.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise led to greater weight and fat loss compared to resistance training, which only increased lean body mass. The combination of both exercises showed mixed results but provided a significant decrease in waist circumference.
A study found that adding a personal digital assistant and telephone coaching to a standard weight loss program significantly enhanced short-term weight loss outcomes. Participants in the intervention group lost an average of 3.9 kg more than those in the control group at each weigh-in, with notable improvements at three and six months.
A Wake Forest Baptist study found that gaining weight back after intentional weight loss in postmenopausal women is associated with negative long-term effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. Maintaining weight loss offers the most health benefit, but even partial weight regain increases cardiovascular risk.
Two diabetes lifestyle interventions led to significant weight loss and improvements in waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose levels for overweight or obese adults. The adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle interventions resulted in a 2.2-2.9 BMI reduction over usual care at month 15.
A new clinical study from Stanford University School of Medicine and Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute found that pre-diabetic patients respond to self-directed lifestyle interventions, such as a take-home DVD, with similar effectiveness to coach-led programs. The study offers a practical way for primary care physicians t...
A new Northwestern University study found that a mobile app tracking calories and activity, combined with regular nutrition and exercise classes, helped participants lose an average of 15 pounds and maintain weight loss for at least a year. The technology alone was not enough to achieve significant weight loss.
Researchers found that gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding produce similar therapeutic benefits in obese patients. Both procedures equally improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance after weight loss, with weight loss itself being the primary driver of these effects.
Patients who attended five follow-up office visits lost an average of 113 pounds, compared to 57 pounds for those with only two follow-ups. The study highlights the importance of patient follow-up in achieving optimal weight loss after gastric bypass surgery.
A study found that women who mastered weight-maintenance skills before embarking on a diet shed the same number of pounds as those who started immediately. These 'maintenance-first' women had regained only 3 pounds on average a year later, compared to the average 7-pound gain for immediate dieters.