Research on weight loss and its health effects. Covers GLP-1 injections, companion digital programs, pregnancy guidelines, and asthma benefits.
A recent study published in Obesity Research found that portion control was the most effective behavior change for inducing significant weight loss among obese patients. According to lead researcher Everett E. Logue, Ph.D., portion control resulted in a 38% success rate, compared to 33% for those who did not practice portion control.
A review of 136 studies found bariatric surgery to be effective in achieving significant weight loss, with an average percentage of excess weight loss of 61.2%. The procedure also showed promise in resolving or improving four obesity-related disorders: diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Post-bariatric patients often require more extensive body contouring procedures due to permanently damaged tissue. Plastic surgeons must re-contour the entire upper and lower body trunks to achieve a successful outcome, as the skin's natural tightness is compromised.
A rapid review of the Atkins diet suggests that it can lead to significant weight loss in the short-term, with individuals on the low-carbohydrate diet losing more weight than those on an energy-restricted low-fat diet. However, long-term effects and potential health risks remain uncertain, highlighting the need for further research.
A review found no reliable scientific evidence supports the use of C. aurantium for weight loss, and high doses may not be safe. The herb interacts with drugs in a manner similar to grapefruit juice, increasing blood levels and potential side effects.
A Yale researcher found six common patterns among women who successfully maintained weight loss for at least a year. These patterns involve recognition of problems, taking control of behavior change, and incorporating new habits and support systems.
A new study shows that transitioning to a plant-based diet allows individuals to eat to satiety while losing weight. The study found that patients on a low-fat vegetarian diet experienced significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular health, with 89% feeling mostly or completely used to the diet after 14 weeks.
A meta-analysis found that fluoxetine, orlistat, and sibutramine can achieve modest but statistically significant short-term weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes. Levels of glycated hemoglobin were also modestly reduced by the medications.
Researchers found that ghrelin was significantly elevated with weight loss in exercising subjects, indicating a potential role for ghrelin in returning the body to a prior set-point for body weight. The study suggests that exercise training itself has little impact on ghrelin levels.
Recent studies have highlighted promising new treatments for obesity, including rimonabant's effectiveness in treating the condition. Additionally, researchers have discovered a lack of gut hormone PYY3-6 in obese individuals, leading to increased food intake and potential health risks associated with obesity.
Long-term yo-yo dieting has a negative impact on immune function, with frequent weight loss episodes associated with decreased natural-killer-cell activity. Women who maintained stable weight for five years showed 40% greater NK cell activity compared to those with unstable weight.
A one-year study involving 539 adolescents aged 12 to 16 found that Xenical significantly reduced fat mass, waist circumference, and BMI compared to lifestyle changes alone. The medication was well-tolerated, with similar adverse events reported as in adults.
Two studies found that low-carbohydrate diets led to greater weight loss in obese adults than conventional diets. The low-carb group showed improvements in triglyceride levels and better control of blood sugar for those with diabetes.
A randomized, controlled trial found that a low-carb diet with vitamin supplements led to greater weight loss, body fat reduction, and improved cholesterol levels than a low-fat diet. However, the low-carb group experienced more adverse physical effects.
Researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and Wake Forest Health found a 24% improvement in physical function among participants who combined weight loss with moderate exercise. Participants reported significant improvements in knee pain, with a decrease of over 30%.
The Northwestern Memorial Hospital is testing a stomach 'pacemaker' system that reduces hunger and helps obese patients lose weight. The system, manufactured by Transneuronix, uses electrical stimulation to induce feelings of fullness.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a fat cell hormone, adiponectin, that can cause weight loss in mice by increasing their metabolic rate. This finding has far-reaching potential to help treat obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Studies show that the Curves program leads to significant weight loss, increased muscle mass, and improved health markers such as blood pressure and aerobic fitness. Women participating in the program experience a 20-30% improvement in strength and a 15% increase in aerobic capacity.
A two-stage weight loss surgery approach reduced mortality and operative risk in high-risk, morbidly obese patients. Patients who underwent the less drastic initial procedure showed significant improvements in life-threatening co-morbidities.
Researchers found that subjects viewing 'before and after' ads indicated a strong anti-fat bias and believed weight is more easily controllable than those who viewed only the 'before' or 'after' pictures. The study suggests that such biases can influence further weight and eating disorder psychopathology.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a moderate-fat diet may be more beneficial for heart health than a low-fat diet. After six weeks, participants on the moderate-fat diet had a healthier heart profile, with reduced cardiovascular risk and improved lipid profiles.
The XENDOS study found that Xenical significantly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37% compared to lifestyle changes alone and 52% in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. The medication also produces greater long-term weight loss and improves cardiovascular risk factors.
A moderate-fat diet, rich in monounsaturated fats from peanuts and peanut oil, produced a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, with a 14% decrease compared to the low-fat group. The study found that despite weight loss, high fat diets can rebound and cause adverse effects on HDL cholesterol levels during maintenance.
Obese adults who lost 7% of their weight and did moderate-intensity physical exercise for six months improved their major blood vessel function by approximately 80 percent, regardless of type 2 diabetes status. This improvement in blood vessel function reduced the risk of developing arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
A study found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery carries a high risk of complications, including suture tears, leaks, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and infection. Patients who undergo the procedure are at high risk due to co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes and cardiopulmonary problems.
A high-saturated-fat diet combined with starch avoidance yielded significant weight loss in a 6-week study, with patients losing 5% of their body weight. The diet restricts calories and focuses on protein from red meat and cheese, while limiting fruits and non-starchy vegetables.
A randomized trial found that increased physical activity reduced breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, with longer duration providing the most benefit. Moderate-intensity physical activity also promoted significant weight loss and improved cardiorespiratory fitness, with benefits sustained for a year.
Researchers found that women exercising 250-300 minutes per week and reducing calorie and fat intake lost up to 15% of their body weight in about six months. They also increased cardiorespiratory fitness compared to baseline values.
Exercising and losing weight can significantly reduce excess insulin production and lower blood pressure in patients with Syndrome X. The study found that overweight patients experienced a 47% reduction in hyperinsulinemia with combined exercise and weight loss.
Dronabinol significantly reduced agitation in 66% of Alzheimer's patients and improved functional status in 69%, while also addressing weight loss. These findings suggest dronabinol as a potential treatment option for managing behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that 41% of web sites selling ephedra products failed to disclose potential adverse effects or contraindications, while 53% did not reveal the dosage of ephedra alkaloids. The authors recommend that makers of dietary supplements containing ephedra should voluntarily disclose pertinent information about the supplements.
A large-scale study will test three weight-maintenance strategies: self-directed/usual care, personal contact, and interactive technology. Participants who lose 9 or more pounds in the initial phase will be eligible to enroll in phase II.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that daily injections of growth hormone helped obese patients lose an average of five pounds. The weight loss was primarily due to the reduction of body fat, particularly in the abdominal area.
The XENDOS study shows that Xenical significantly improves weight loss, waist measurement, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, fasting plasma glucose, and HDL cholesterol in patients with Metabolic Syndrome. The treatment also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 36%.
In a six-month clinical trial, participants on a low-carbohydrate diet lost an average of 13 pounds and reduced triglyceride levels by 20%, compared to 4 pounds and 4% for the low-fat group. Insulin sensitivity improved in non-diabetic participants and blood sugar levels decreased in diabetic patients on the low-carbohydrate diet.
In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that Atkins' dieters lost twice as much weight during the first six months compared to those on a conventional low-fat diet. Over time, both groups regained weight, but Atkins' dieters showed greater improvements in blood lipids, including increased HDL chol...
Researchers found that participants on the Atkins diet lost an average of 14.7 pounds compared to 5.8 pounds in the conventional diet group after one year. Additionally, Atkins participants had greater increases in HDL cholesterol and reductions in triglycerides.
A University of Pittsburgh study examines the effects of gastric bypass surgery on type 2 diabetes in 1,150 patients over a five-year period. The results show that diabetes resolves after an average of 62 days following surgery, with patients experiencing significant weight loss and improvement in glucose levels.
A study by Laura Svetkey and colleagues found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, combined with regular exercise, can effectively lower blood pressure. The DASH diet was paired with traditional dietary and exercise guidance for the best results.
A new study found that individuals who included Yoplait Light in their diets lost 22% more weight, 61% more body fat, and 81% more trunkal (stomach) fat compared to those on a low-calcium diet. The calcium-rich diet helped participants maintain lean muscle mass and reduce waist circumference.
A University of Pittsburgh study found significant imbalance in bone turnover among post-operative patients undergoing stomach-reduction surgery, resulting in up to an 8% drop in bone density. The researchers suggest that major weight loss requires ongoing calcium and vitamin supplementation for bone health.
A study published in JAMA found that an internet-based weight loss program was effective among adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, with participants who received email counseling losing more weight and showing greater increases in exercise. The program provided a tutorial, weekly tips, and access to resources, as well as personalized s...
A study published in JAMA found that sibutramine, a weight loss medication, helped obese adolescents lose an average of 17.2 pounds when used in conjunction with a behavior modification program. The study also showed improvements in insulin levels and a reduction in weight regain over time.
A Stanford research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of low-carbohydrate diets, finding they lead to short-term weight loss through reduced caloric intake. However, there is insufficient evidence on the long-term effects and potential health risks associated with these diets.
A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement reduced the incidence of minor infections among healthy people over 45. Intentional weight loss was associated with a 24% lower death rate compared to unintentional weight loss.
The American College of Preventive Medicine rejects popular fad diets like Atkins, promoting instead a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. The College emphasizes that sustainable weight loss and improved health come from healthy eating habits combined with regular physical activity.
Eating high-quality protein helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss efforts, burning more calories. A study found that a moderately high-protein diet resulted in greater weight loss and reduced body fat compared to a low-carbohydrate diet.
A broad-based research program is needed to understand obesity, which cannot be easily explained by personal failing. Genes and environment interact to determine body weight, with genetic factors accounting for individual differences in weight among present time.
The American Heart Association strongly criticizes a new study on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, citing its tiny sample size and short duration. The organization emphasizes that there is no single 'diet' but rather a set of guidelines for a healthy dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
A study of African American and white women found that weight loss improved metabolic profiles regardless of visceral fat loss. Visceral fat loss was greater in white women, but the benefits on major disease risk factors were similar across racial groups.
A new study published in Obesity Research reveals that shedding excess pounds decreases activity of the ACE enzyme, a key player in high blood pressure regulation. By losing weight, individuals can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease, as well as experience significant improvements in blood pressure.
In a 6-month study, black women experienced a 26% decrease in daily energy expenditure after weight loss, while white women saw a 16% increase. The authors conclude that black women's decline in physical activity increases their risk of weight relapse.
The XENDOS study found that 28.3% of obese individuals had undetected or untreated diabetes or pre-diabetes. Xenical-treated patients experienced significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular risk factors compared to lifestyle intervention alone.
The XENDOS study demonstrates that Xenical plus lifestyle intervention is more effective than lifestyle intervention alone in preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes. Significant and sustained weight loss was achieved with Xenical, which also improved cardiovascular risk factors.
A new study finds that low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets may increase the risk of developing kidney stones and raising bone loss. Researchers observed a significant decrease in urinary citrate levels and an increase in acid excretion in subjects following these diets.
A study found that over 90% of patients experienced significant improvement in GERD symptoms after gastric bypass surgery. Patients also saw a decrease in medication use, including proton pump inhibitors and histamine 2 blockers.
A recent study reveals that feeding tubes do not necessarily improve the quality of life for patients with severe dementia. The study analyzed data from over 385,000 nursing home residents and found that states with higher rates of
Recent studies have shown that combining Xenical with a mildly reduced calorie diet can improve glycaemic control, body weight, and waist circumference in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication has been found to reduce HbA1c levels by as much as 46% in patients with poor glycaemic control.
Researchers found Xenical significantly improved HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, treatment with Xenical showed post-prandial glucose benefits and cost-effectiveness as an adjunctive therapy to oral anti-diabetic medications.
A one-year study found that a diet reducing fat and calories, combined with walking, led to an average weight loss of 8.5% and improved blood sugar levels. Exercise was reported as the most beneficial behavior among participants.