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Study: Most weight loss supplements are not effective

A study by Oregon State University researcher Melinda Manore found that no single supplement results in significant weight loss, while many have detrimental health benefits. She emphasizes the importance of exercise and a balanced diet, such as eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

Weight loss can be contagious, study suggests

Researchers found that teammates and social influence play a significant role in weight loss, particularly in team-based weight loss competitions. Participants who said their teammates played a large role in their weight loss actually lost the most weight. Individual characteristics such as obesity status also affected weight outcomes.

SourceLifespan·JournalObesity·DateFeb 14, 2012

Weighing the difference: Switching to water, diet beverages can tip the scales

A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that substituting noncaloric beverages, such as water or diet soft drinks, can lead to significant weight loss. Participants who switched to calorie-free beverages lost twice as much weight and had lower fasting glucose levels compared to those who did not make a change.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 13, 2012

Dieting with the denomination, determination

A recent study found that African American women starting a new group weight loss program are more successful if they meet in a church setting, especially those with less experience managing their weight. The study also shows that social support plays a crucial role in weight loss success.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Black Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2012

Diabetes study shines spotlight on lifestyle interventions

Researchers analyzed 28 studies on real-world lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention and found a significant average weight loss of 4% after one year. The cost-effectiveness of these programs was shown to be comparable to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial, making them a viable option for preventing diabetes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 10, 2012

Problems with a gastric band

A Case Report in The Lancet describes a woman's experience with late pulmonary complications after gastric banding, including recurrent aspiration and cavitation. The authors stress the importance of recognizing these rare but potentially misdiagnosed conditions, particularly among patients with respiratory symptoms.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 21, 2011

Chew gum, lose weight

A team of scientists, led by Syracuse University chemist Robert Doyle, has successfully delivered the appetite-suppressing hormone PYY into the bloodstream orally using a vitamin B12 vehicle. The study demonstrates the potential for a natural weight loss supplement in the form of chewing gum.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2011

Dairy foods may improve bone health during diet and exercise in overweight premenopausal women

A study found that consuming dairy foods and higher protein resulted in improved markers of bone formation and reduced markers of bone degradation in overweight premenopausal women. The study showed that a diet with a high proportion of dairy foods and higher than recommended protein intake was associated with improved bone health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 9, 2011

Frequently used weight-loss method is light on evidence

A newly published Cochrane systematic review reveals that the transtheoretical model stages of change (TTM SOC) method is ineffective in achieving significant weight loss. The study found that TTM SOC resulted in only 2kg or less weight loss, and no conclusive evidence of sustained weight loss was observed.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 4, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers highlight the importance of clinicians recognizing signs of bioterrorism threats. Behavioral-based weight loss treatments have been shown to be safe and effective, yielding clinically meaningful results. Additionally, proper selection and programming can make MRI scans safe for cardiac device patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 3, 2011

A more realistic and accurate weight loss predictive model: 100 calories fewer per day would see weight loss of around 10 pounds over 3 years

A new web-based bodyweight simulation model simulates physiological differences between people based on sex, age, height, and weight. It provides a rough dieting rule for typical overweight adults: every 10 calories per day reduction in energy intake results in about 1 pound of weight loss over 3 years.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 25, 2011

Maternal IV fluids linked to newborns' weight loss

A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·DateAug 14, 2011

Protein preserves muscle and physical function in dieting postmenopausal women

A six-month double-blind study found that higher protein intake during weight loss can offset negative effects on muscle mass by maintaining more muscle relative to the amount of weight lost. Women who ate more protein lost 3.9 percent more weight and had a relative gain of 5.8 percent more thigh muscle volume than woman who did not.

'Love your body' to lose weight

Researchers found that women who attended weekly group sessions to improve their body image lost more weight than those receiving general health information. The study showed a strong correlation between improved body image and positive changes in eating behavior, highlighting the importance of addressing body image issues in weight lo...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 17, 2011

Study: Trying to lose weight? Lose the fat substitutes

Researchers at Purdue University found that rats consuming fat substitutes gained weight and developed more fatty tissue compared to those on a regular high-fat diet. The study suggests that using fat substitutes as part of a long-term weight loss strategy may not be effective due to disrupted taste-calorie relations.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateJun 22, 2011