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Genes affect weight loss drug effectiveness

A Mayo Clinic study found that obese patients with specific genetic markers experienced greater weight loss when taking the medication sibutramine. Patients who lacked these genetic factors showed little to no weight loss during the 12-week trial.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 1, 2008

Nutritional research vindicates diet programs

A new study published in BioMed Central's Nutrition Journal found that popular slimming programmes do result in reduced energy intake while providing enough nutrients. The four commercial diets tested were Slim Fast, Atkins, Weight Watchers, and Rosemary Conley's Eat Yourself Slim Diet & Fitness Plan.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateSep 2, 2008

Current exercise recommendations may not be sufficient for overweight women to sustain weight loss

A recent study found that overweight and obese women require significantly more exercise to sustain a 10% weight loss over two years. Women who maintained this level of weight loss performed more physical activity and had better eating habits, highlighting the importance of comprehensive interventions for long-term success.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 28, 2008

Dietary factors appear to be associated with diabetes risk

Eating a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Consuming more than one soft drink per day or drinking two or more fruit drinks daily increases the risk by 24% and 31%, respectively. In contrast, a low-fat diet does not appear to impact diabetes risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 28, 2008

NEJM: Low-fat diets not best for weight loss: New study by Ben-Gurion U. of the Negev

A two-year study found that low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets were as effective as low-fat diets in achieving weight loss. The Mediterranean diet showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels and fasting glucose, while the low-carb diet improved HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2008

Weight Watchers vs. fitness centers

A University of Missouri study found that Weight Watchers participants lost an average of 5% body weight, but mostly lean tissue. Fitness center members, despite little weight loss, improved health by reducing intraabdominal fat. Group support is crucial for success in both programs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of exercise physiology·DateJul 2, 2008

Does this make me look fat?

A new study found that teenage girls' peer groups significantly influence their weight control behaviors. Girls who identified with non-conformist peers were more concerned about their weight and appearance, while those who skipped school and got into trouble believed their peers valued thinness and dieting.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateJul 1, 2008

Weekends slow weight loss, researchers find

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that study subjects on strict diet and exercise programs tend to lose weight more slowly than expected because they eat more on weekends than during the week. The investigators report their findings in the advance online publication of the journal Obesity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalObesity·DateJul 1, 2008

Device blocking stomach nerve signals shows promise in obesity

A new implantable device blocks stomach nerve signals, resulting in significant weight loss in obese participants. The study found that a quarter of patients lost over 25% of their excess weight and three patients lost more than 30%. A follow-up double-blinded study will be conducted to assess the device's true effectiveness.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalSurgery·DateJun 26, 2008

JCI table of contents: June 20, 2008

A study found that chemicals in cigarette smoke activate nerves in guinea pig airways, causing damage. Leptin levels also play a role in weight loss, with low levels helping protect against weight regain.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2008

News briefs from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that after massive weight loss, the majority of patients desire body contouring plastic surgery. Younger, divorced women who had minimally-invasive gastric bypass surgery showed the strongest interest in these procedures. Additionally, breast reconstruction studies revealed that...

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 28, 2008

Whole grain diets lower risk of chronic disease

A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming whole grains can lead to significant weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study showed that the whole grain group experienced a lower body weight, lower blood pressure, and increased intake of fiber and magnesium compared to the refined grain group.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 5, 2008

Use it or lose it

Research by The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that maintaining physical activity in middle age leads to better basic physical abilities as we age. Physical activity is associated with fewer than 13% of people developing physical disability. Weight is not a deciding factor in this benefit.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 28, 2007