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Myths about intermittent fasting, debunked

Research debunks four common myths about intermittent fasting: it does not lead to a poor diet, cause eating disorders, excessive lean muscle mass loss, or affect sex hormones. Studies show both types of intermittent fasting (alternate-day and time-restricted) are safe despite popular misconceptions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·DateJun 24, 2024

Research shows GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are effective but come with complex concerns

Research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are highly effective for weight management and Type 2 diabetes treatment, but they come with complex considerations such as dosages, side effects, and comparisons between specific drugs. Experts caution against overusing these drugs or viewing them as a universal cure-all for obesity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateJun 5, 2024

Wake Forest University School of Medicine awarded $1.5 million from NIH to use advanced imaging to assess bone loss after bariatric surgery

Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a $1.5 million grant to study bone microarchitecture in patients following bariatric surgery. The researchers will use high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) imaging to assess bone loss and muscle changes after weight-loss surgery.

Intermittent fasting shows promise in improving gut health, weight management

A new study highlights the benefits of intermittent fasting and protein-pacing on gut health, weight loss, and metabolic responses. Participants showed improved diversity of the gut microbiota, decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, and increased beneficial microbes linked to a lean body type.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

A long-term ketogenic diet accumulates aged cells in normal tissues, a UT Health San Antonio-led study shows

A new study led by UT Health San Antonio found that long-term ketogenic diets can induce senescence, or aged cells, in normal tissues, affecting heart and kidney function. However, an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen eliminated these pro-inflammatory effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

Text messages with financial incentives for men with obesity

A new study shows that text messaging with financial incentives significantly improves weight loss in men with obesity compared to traditional methods. The intervention combines personalized text messages with cash rewards, resulting in a 5% weight loss threshold, and could be an effective low-cost solution for health services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 14, 2024

Text messages with financial incentives can help men who are living with obesity lose weight, UK study finds (JAMA)

A new UK-based trial found that text messages with financial incentives can help men with obesity lose weight, with an average of 4.8% body weight loss over 12 months. The study, which involved 585 men living with obesity, suggests that text messaging alone may not be as effective in promoting weight loss.

Kallistatin contributes to the beneficial metabolic effects of weight loss

Researchers found that Kallistatin expression increases after weight loss in individuals with overweight and obesity. Additionally, human Kallistatin improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests that Kallistatin may be an interesting therapeutic target for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Semaglutide can produce clinically meaningful weight loss and reduce waist size for at least 4 years in adults with overweight or obesity who don’t have diabetes, and delivers cardiovascular benefits irrespective of weight lost

Two studies based on the SELECT trial show semaglutide leads to sustained weight loss of 10% body weight and 7cm waist reduction after 4 years, regardless of starting weight or BMI. The medication also delivers cardiovascular benefits, with a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

Weight-loss surgery before kidney transplantation improves health and eligibility of patients with obesity and renal failure, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can improve the health and eligibility of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and obesity. The procedure reduced cardiovascular risks, including diabetes and hypertension, and improved access to kidney transplantation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 2, 2024

Few newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics succeed in losing weight – weight gain linked to much higher risk of complications

A Finnish study found that only 10% of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics lost weight, while 3% gained weight, highlighting the challenges of achieving weight loss in these patients. The study also showed a strong association between weight gain and increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Epidemiology·DateApr 4, 2024

Replacing sugar with sweeteners can improve weight loss control over the long-term in adults in the overweight range, finds European randomised controlled trial

A European randomized controlled trial found that replacing sugar with sweeteners improved weight loss control for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults. The study also showed greater diet satisfaction and lower cravings for sweet foods among participants who consumed low/no-energy sweetened products.

Very low calorie diets are safe and acceptable for teenagers with moderate to severe obesity when used short-term and supported by a dietitian, Australian study finds

A new study found that short-term very low calorie diets are safe and acceptable for teenagers with moderate to severe obesity, with most experiencing rapid weight loss and some reporting side effects. The diets were closely monitored by an experienced dietitian and included meal replacements to ensure essential nutrient requirements.

Bariatric surgery linked to heart health improvements in people with severe obesity

A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found significant cardiometabolic improvements in patients who underwent bariatric surgery, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study analyzed over 7,800 patients and showed that younger females and whites experienced greater post-surgery cardiometabol...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 14, 2024

Weight loss and diabetes management drug linked to increased residual gastric content before anesthesia

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that 56% of patients using GLP-1 RAs had significant gastric contents on ultrasound before elective procedures, despite adequate fasting. The study suggests that conventional fasting times may need to be reexamined for this patient subset.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

University of Cincinnati study: Liraglutide safe, effective for weight loss in patients with stable bipolar disorder

A University of Cincinnati study found liraglutide to be efficacious and safe for weight loss in individuals with stable bipolar disorder, without destabilizing the illness. The drug reduced binge eating behavior and significantly lowered hemoglobin A1C levels.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2024

With regular exercise, medical weight loss treatment does not have to be permanent

A new study published in LANCET eClinicalMedicine found that regular exercise can help individuals maintain weight loss after completing medical weight loss treatment. The study showed that exercising just two hours a week can lead to better quality of life, improved mental health, and reduced fatigue.

Gastric bypass improves long-term diabetes remission, even after weight recurrence

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that gastric bypass surgery results in high rates of Type-2 diabetes remission five years after the operation, even after patients regain a significant amount of weight. In contrast, patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and regained their weight were five t...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 13, 2024