Consumer Tips
January 24, 2009To lose fat and decrease muscle loss, increase your protein intake during dieting.
Protein is a crucial part of a sound diet
February 1, 2009
Getting plenty of good sleep may be the first step to eating and exercising better. This is especially important before starting a new exercise program.
More sleep could help control weight
February 22, 2009
Weight control is often an issue of portion control. The larger the food portion, the more we tend to eat. During the past few decades, the average American body weight has increased right along with package and serving sizes.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
March 24, 2009
Researchers estimate that about 5 percent of obese people can blame their condition completely on genetics. Those with purely "genetic obesity" will be overly fat even with eating and exercise habits that would prevent obesity in most people.
Can you blame your genes for tight jeans?
April 9, 2009
Successful weight loss equals fat loss. Weight loss that is mostly from body water and muscle mass will only be temporary. Regular physically activity that includes both strength training and endurance exercises helps to promote fat loss - weight loss that lasts!
Resolved: Keep sanity in diet plan
April 12, 2009
The gallbladder could be considered a “use it or lose it” organ. If the flow of bile slows down, gallstones are more likely to form. Fasting and extreme diets can slow down the gallbladder and increase the risk of gallstone formation and possibly the need for gallbladder surgery.
Painful stones gall many U.S. adults
April 22, 2009
To help weight loss be fat loss, cut down on foods high in fat, sugar, and starch. Protein needs actually increase during weight loss, so maintain an adequate intake of high protein foods.
Careful diet plan sheds fat
May 7, 2009
Both too little and too much carbohydrate can complicate weight management. Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to maintain a lower body weight over time.
Too much carb cutting affects your brain
June 14, 2009
If you want to lose fat, rapid weight loss is not for you. Quick fat loss is impossible. One pound of body fat contains about 3,500 calories. Consequently, a 200-pound person needs to run about 24 miles to expend enough calories to lose a pound of fat tissue.
Slow fat loss key to lasting weight loss
June 16, 2009
About 70 genes are known to control metabolic links associated with obesity. Consequently, the causes and treatments of obesity can vary greatly from one person to another.
Can you blame your genes for tight jeans?
June 18, 2009
The "Health at Every Size" movement emphasizes a focus on health and fitness rather than on diets and seeking an "ideal" body weight. Growing evidence indicates that this approach likely benefits long term health more than a focus on weight loss.
Overall health more critical than body size
June 19, 2009
Research shows a relationship between increased dietary calcium and lower body fat in both adults and children. Although this concept is still being explored, it provides another reason to include calcium rich foods in your diet.
Calcium can help kids cut body fat
June 26, 2009
The fast food industry is often blamed for the "obesity epidemic" since fast foods provide such an easy way to consume calories. However, it is just as sensible to blame cars, TVs, computers, and video games that have reduced calorie needs by making us more sedentary.
If you're fat, you can either jog or sue
June 30, 2009
Pervasive media images of extremely muscular and attractive men may be at the root of what is called reverse anorexia, muscle dysmorphia, big syndrome, and the Adonis Complex. This dissatisfaction with body image can lead to habits detrimental to health.
Size does matter to too many men
July 2, 2009
Most everyone has heard about the "5-A-Day" fruits and vegetables campaign. But, there also is a 3-A-Day campaign. It recommends consuming 3 servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese a day to support bone health.
3-A-Day plan aims to boost calcium intake
July 3, 2009
New research on eating disorders like anorexia nervosa indicates that the associated psychological problems are caused by malnutrition and therefore a focus on re-learning how to eat is a more effective treatment than a focus on psychological therapy.
Normalizing nutrition eases eating disorders
July 7, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently found more than 70 weight loss products that contained dangerous and illegal drugs. For brand name details, visit www.fda.gov and search for "weight loss pills."
FDA finding dangerous diet products
July 10, 2009
Low calorie diets for weight loss often reduce nutrient intake along with calories. To stay healthy, it is important to maintain adequate intake of essential nutrients. In fact, protein needs actually increase during weight loss.
Balance your calorie checkbook
July 13, 2009
Too often dieters cut the protein in order to cut calories. Did you know that protein needs increase during low calorie dieting?
Protein is crucial part of a sound diet
July 17, 2009
Although too little physical activity promotes the development of obesity, research also indicates that getting too little good quality sleep may contribute to weight gain and obesity.
More sleep could help control weight
July 20, 2009
Changes in food portions provided in market packaging or fast food servings have altered our recognition of a lot more calories. For example, today’s wraps are equivalent to 2 tortillas or 3 or 4 slices of bread and a large “mega-muffin” is similar to 4 muffins from 30 years ago.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
August 8, 2009
Can you be fat and fit? Yes! Of course, there are limits, but fit overweight people can have a lower risk of chronic disease than their thin sedentary counterparts. Regular physical activity helps the body gravitate to its unique genetically determined optimal weight.
Worry about fitness, not fat
August 18, 2009
It is easy to become dehydrated before you realize it, especially in hot weather. To help prevent problems such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones, drink fluids before you become thirsty.
Make sure you consume enough water
August 22, 2009
Over the past few decades, portion sizes both at home and in restaurants have increased substantially. Maintaining a healthy weight doesn't necessarily mean eliminating favorite foods, but rather making sure that the portion size is appropriate.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
August 23, 2009
If you are concerned about your weight and your job keeps you sedentary, find ways to make as many small extra movements as possible throughout the day. Even simple fidgeting can add up to more calories burned each day. Using the staircase is another great way to add a little exercise to your day.
Fit in fidgeting if you can't get exercise time
September 3, 2009
When cutting calories for weight loss, it is important to consume a moderate amount of carbohydrate-containing foods along with adequate protein. Reasonable amounts of these calorie sources help to minimize the loss of metabolically active muscle tissue and maximize the loss of fat.
Too much carb cutting affects your brain
September 9, 2009
Research suggests that when people abruptly stop an established exercise program, they are likely to experience a rapid gain in body fat. However, just maintaining a reduced level of exercise generally prevents fat gain.
Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain
September 15, 2009
If you need to cut calories in your diet, mainly cut the fat calories, keep protein intake adequate and consider a multivitamin/mineral supplement to assure adequate calcium and vitamin D.
Bone mass at risk during weight loss
September 20, 2009
Healthy weight loss is fat loss. Losing a pound of fat tissue requires eating about 3500 calories less than your body uses. This is why it takes time to lose fat and why quick weight loss is not healthy fat loss.
Focus on muscle, fat—not weight
September 24, 2009
A body shaped more like an apple than a pear has increased health risks. Adequate sleep, exercise, relaxation and a balanced diet all help the body to lose belly fat and "morph" into the preferred fruit shape.
Fat that lies beneath carries more risk
September 26, 2009
Studies of people over the age of 75 years report that the heaviest individuals have the lowest risk of death. Consequently, it is not wise to attempt significant weight loss after the age of 75 without medical supervision.
Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight
September 28, 2009
Focusing on health and fitness rather than on dieting and achieving an "ideal" body weight helps to prevent food obsessions and an overly self-conscious attitude.
Overall health more critical than body size
September 29, 2009
Children should be strongly encouraged to consume calcium-rich foods not only for bone health, but also because adequate calcium intake is associated with lower body fat.
Calcium can help kids cut body fat
October 1, 2009
Mental functions can be noticeably affected by inadequate nutrition. Good nutrition is the first step to a healthy mind and an active memory.
Feed your brain for best performance
October 2, 2009
Medications that decrease stomach acid also increase the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency. People taking medications for GERD or "heartburn" should also take a supplemental source of vitamin B-12.
Pills take aim at heartburn's chronic pain
October 5, 2009
Research shows that mental and physical performance declines rapidly without breakfast. Any food is better than nothing, but for optimal performance a breakfast should provide a balanced mixture of energy-containing nutrients.
Premium breakfast fuels a better day
October 14, 2009
Research on children indicates that inadequate sleep is strongly and consistently associated with concurrent and future obesity. Getting adequate sleep may be the first step to eating and exercising better.
More sleep could help control weight
October 15, 2009
Losing weight too quickly can cause muscle loss. This lowers calorie needs and makes it more difficult to maintain that lower weight. Moderate calorie-cutting along with an exercise program increases your odds of long-term success.
Slow fat loss key to lasting weight loss
October 19, 2009
People want quick weight loss, but losing fat is a slow process. Preying on the quick loss desire, some non-prescription weight loss products have been identified to contain dangerous and illegal pharmaceutical ingredients. Unfortunately, unwary users of these products put their health at risk.
FDA finding dangerous diet products
October 26, 2009
Body dissatisfaction can cause abuse of performance-enhancing substances and excessive use of dietary supplements. Remember, excessive nutrient intake may be as harmful as inadequate intake.
Size does matter to too many men
November 8, 2009
Dietary supplements claiming to take the place of nutrients can be dangerous to the consumer. This is especially true for steroid containing products that claim to accelerate weight loss or muscle gain.
Law shields consumers from dodgy products
November 14, 2009
For a successful weight loss plan of action, be sure to establish good sleep patterns. Research suggests that inadequate sleep may negatively influence weight by affecting appetite and decreasing effort during physical activity.
More sleep could help control weight
December 4, 2009
Short term memory problems can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Similar memory problems can be caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency due to age-related decline in absorption of the vitamin.
Remember B-12 for healthy aging
December 14, 2009
Although Santa may look fat, he is actually very fit. His work requires a great deal of physical activity and this decreases his risk for disease below the risk for a sedentary thin person.
Santa might be fat, but he's still fit
December 16, 2009
Trying to avoid packing on extra pounds over the holidays? The calories in alcoholic beverages can add up quickly without notice - another reason to drink moderately.
Alcohol adds to holiday weight gain
December 18, 2009
The average American body weight has increased right along with package and serving sizes. If you are concerned about your weight, remember that weight control is often an issue of portion control.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
December 20, 2009
Rapid weight loss, fasting, and diets extremely low in fat can increase the risk of gallstone disease. Protecting the gallbladder is another reason to lose weight gradually.
Painful stones gall many U.S. adults
December 21, 2009
For longterm health, focus on developing fitness rather an "ideal" body weight. Your ideal body weight is the weight at which you function best mentally and physically.
Overall health more critical than body size
December 25, 2009
Santa is a big man, but he is not overly fat. His very active job keeps him more fit than fat.
Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit
January 1, 2010
If you are making New Year resolutions for weight loss, remember that the three most important words in nutrition are variety, balance, and moderation. Avoid extreme changes for long-term success.
Variety, balance and moderation still outweigh any fad
January 2, 2010
Consuming too little or too much carbohydrate can complicate weight loss. Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to lower weight over time.
Too much carb cutting affects your brain
January 4, 2010
If past New Year’s resolutions to lose weight were short-lived, try changing the resolution to seeking health and fitness and let your body gradually find the weight that is ideal for you.
Overall health more critical than body size
January 7, 2010
To burn more calories - simply stand up. Standing uses twice as many calories per minute as sitting and walking briskly expends about 4 times the calories.
Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill
January 8, 2010
Research shows that individuals deprived of sleep tend to consume more calories primarily from snacks with higher carbohydrate content. So don't forget your beauty sleep.
More sleep could help control weight
January 13, 2010
If you recently started exercising and haven't noticed any weight loss, remember that you are likely building muscle and losing fat. Changes in inches can occur before pounds. So, step away from the scale!
Exercise program can result in quick weight gain
January 16, 2010
Too often when a person plans to get into shape, they forget that getting plenty of good sleep may be the first step to eating and exercising better.
More sleep could help control weight
January 20, 2010
Weight loss can cause bone loss. To protect your bones during weight loss, remember to include good food sources of protein and calcium.
Bone mass at risk during weight loss
January 21, 2010
Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium. However, moderation is the key since only five nuts a day can contain more selenium than the tolerable upper intake level established by the Institute of Medicine.
The dark side of healthful 'superfoods'
February 1, 2010
Research indicates that getting plenty of good sleep is an important component of a weight control program. Adequate sleep is especially important when starting a new exercise program.
More sleep could help control weight
February 8, 2010
To build or maintain muscles requires fueling the body. Especially for seniors, it is important to meet calorie needs and consume adequate nutrients, including dietary protein.
Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors
February 22, 2010
It is possible to be a normal weight and be too fat at the same time. Researchers call this “normal weight obesity” and find that it carries the same health risks as obesity.
'Skinny fat' label shows the vagaries of obesity
February 26, 2010
When food portion sizes are large, people tend to eliminate healthful foods to lower calories. Research has shown that including lower calorie foods that are nutrient dense such as fruits, vegetables, and soups can help to maintain satiety while cutting calories.
How to Avoid Portion Size Pitfalls to Help Manage Your Weight
March 18, 2010
During weight loss, it is important to maintain a healthy intake of protein. When calories drop below daily needs, protein needs actually go up. Depending on a person's usual eating style, this could mean an increase or a decrease in protein intake.
Put focus on fitness, not weight loss
March 25, 2010
Can you blame your genes for your tight jeans? Maybe. Many genetic factors are associated with obesity. Researchers estimate that about 5 percent of obese people are purely "genetically obese," making it virtually impossible to have a normal body weight.
Can you blame your genes for tight jeans?
March 28, 2010
Often people believe that eating meat leads to obesity problems. However, this belief is contradicted by researchers finding that many overweight and obese people are iron deficient. Consequently, foods rich in iron, like beef and chicken thigh, may prove to be beneficial in weight management.
Lean red meat best source of iron in food
March 31, 2010
Bariatric surgery is becoming more common as a treatment for obesity. For those who opt for this treatment, it will become especially challenging to meet essential nutrient needs with more limited food intake. Dietary supplements will become essential.
Weight-loss surgery comes with risks
April 3, 2010
Supersizing low-energy-dense foods like salads and lower fat soups is a great way to control hunger while restricting energy intake. Salads and soups also provide important essential nutrients.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
April 11, 2010
Research indicates that a complex dance among genetics, diet, and physical activity determines our body weight. During the teenage years, at least 60 minutes of exercise per day may be the best way to blunt the genetic predisposition to storing extra body fat.
Exercise helps even if genes foster obesity
April 18, 2010
When calorie intake is reduced for weight loss, protein needs actually increase. Consequently, when dieting, cut back on foods that are high in fat, sugar, and starch.
Careful diet plan sheds fat
April 22, 2010
Researchers have identified genes that strongly predispose people to obesity. For teenagers with a genetic predisposition to obesity, daily exercise of 60 minutes or more can help them avoid obesity.
Exercise helps even if genes foster obesity
April 24, 2010
Studies show that consumers have difficulty self-regulating the consumption of large portion sizes. Buying food in smaller packages may cost more but can help to prevent adding inches to your waist.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
May 19, 2010
Summertime often triggers dieting. Healthy weight loss is fat loss. Exercise required for building muscle must be supported by adequate nutrition - not just "rabbit food."
Focus on muscle, fat—not weight
May 22, 2010
Eating disorders can develop from excessive dieting, binge eating, and inappropriate weight loss techniques. Research shows that teasing young family members about their weight can trigger these behaviors.
Criticism may trigger eating disorders
June 3, 2010
During the past few decades, the opportunities have increased to consume larger portions of high calorie foods and to be more sedentary. Maintaining a healthy weight requires both decreasing food portion sizes and increasing physical activity.
Physical Activity and the Health of Young People
June 23, 2010
Rapid weight loss increases the risk for accelerated bone loss and developing osteoporosis. Gradually building fitness and eating a balanced diet is more likely to result in long term success. "Slow and steady wins the race."
Bone mass at risk during weight loss
July 3, 2010
For those who are severely obese, bariatric surgery may be an effective treatment. However, the list of possible bariatric surgery side effects is extensive and individuals run the risk of many nutrient deficiencies if their food and supplement intake is not managed carefully.
Weight-loss surgery comes with risks
July 5, 2010
Strength training becomes particularly important as a person ages. Building or maintaining muscle mass helps to prevent the typical decline in strength and calorie needs that occurs with age.
Lift weights to live longer, live stronger
July 6, 2010
Frequent, vigorous exercise during the child and adolescent years is becoming recognized as the most effective way to prevent chronic health conditions that develop during the adult years.
Active kids avoid later health woes
July 10, 2010
The fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) naturally accumulate in body fat cells. This appears to increase the need for these vitamins in people who have higher amounts of body fat.
Overweight people need fat-soluble vitamins
July 12, 2010
Decreasing a person's calorie intake by 300 to 400 calories per day below their calorie requirement can increase protein needs by at least 25 percent. Consequently, weight-loss diets that lower protein too much can be counter-productive.
Cut calories and add exercise to lose fat, not muscle
July 25, 2010
Weight-loss surgery can make it very difficult to meet essential nutrient needs. Although this may not always cause obvious health problems, it can result in serious birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while deficient in a nutrient.
Study cautions women who have weight-loss surgery
July 29, 2010
Excess abdominal fat stored internally (also called visceral fat) is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fortunately, daily exercise helps to reduce this specific type of risky body fat.
Fat that lies beneath carries more risk
July 30, 2010
One way to control calories without triggering hunger is to decrease portion size and mostly choose lower calorie options among your favorite foods.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
August 2, 2010
Dehydration can lead to overly low blood pressure and impair both brain function and balance. Drinking enough fluid can especially help older people avoid falls due to dizziness or disorientation.
Lower risk of falling with good nutrition
August 5, 2010
Recent analysis of national eating patterns found that choline intakes of older children and adults are far below the "Adequate Intake" recommendation. Since eggs and meat are the richest food sources of this nutrient, limiting these foods also reduces choline intake.
Little-noticed choline plays essential role
August 6, 2010
Many studies indicate that exercise is more effective at preventing weight gain than it is at producing weight loss. However, exercise is very beneficial for everyone. Being overweight and fit appears to carry lower health risk than being thin and sedentary.
Worry about fitness, not fat
August 17, 2010
Low blood levels of vitamin D are more common in obese individuals. This fat soluble vitamin accumulates in fat cells and may be less available to meet the body's needs. Consequently, obese individuals appear to require more vitamin D than their leaner friends.
Overweight people need fat-soluble vitamins
August 18, 2010
Too little good sleep can affect the balance and function of several hormones in ways that stimulate appetite, trigger cravings and affect the regulation of blood sugar in the body. This may be why inadequate sleep is associated with weight gain and diabetes.
Getting good night's sleep can ease health ailments
August 31, 2010
Does your job keep you too sedentary? Find ways to make many small extra movements throughout the day. Even simple fidgeting can add up to many extra calories burned.
Fit in fidgeting if you can't get exercise time
September 3, 2010
Body Mass Index, or BMI, is often used to assess a person’s fatness. However, it is a rather inaccurate estimate of an individual’s body fat. Decisions about the need to lose weight should not be based on BMI alone.
Weight Index Doesn’t Tell the Whole Truth
September 6, 2010
Both low carbohydrate/high fat and low fat/high carbohydrate diets have been shown to promote weight loss when calories are controlled. However, some research indicates that high fat diets may adversely affect the flexibility of arteries.
Here's the skinny on cutting fat, carbs
September 24, 2010
The three components of the "Female Athlete Triad" are disordered eating, disrupted menstrual cycle and osteoporosis. The disordered eating component is mainly related to low calorie intake and poor food selection. The inadequate calorie intake can be inadvertent, intentional or psychopathological.
'Female athlete triad' hurts performance and health
September 27, 2010
Despite increasing rates of overweight and obesity, the current medical system typically allows little time for physicians to counsel patients about weight management. Those with weight problems should request referrals to meet with qualified nutrition and fitness professionals.
City-Dwelling Women Face Diet And Exercise Challenges
October 1, 2010
Both increased exercise and cutting calories can increase protein needs. Consequently, when attempting to lose weight with exercise or diet, care should be taken to maintain an adequate intake of high protein foods. Calorie cutting should focus on foods high in carbohydrate and fat -- not protein.
Men, women respond differently to exercise
October 4, 2010
Despite extensive media attention to high fructose corn syrup, it is not likely the major contributor to obesity and related health problems. Increased consumption of vegetable oils and cereal products have added a significant amount of calories to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
Is high fructose corn syrup making us fat?
October 30, 2010
Rather that a focus on short-term weight loss goals, a long-term focus on developing fitness is more likely to deliver health benefits. Many disease risks associated with excess body weight, such as cardiovascular disease, are greatly reduced by regular physical activity even without weight loss.
Worry about fitness, not fat
November 13, 2010
Staying in shape takes a lot less effort than getting into shape. Therefore maintain at least a small amount of exercise to prevent rapid fat gain.
Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain
November 18, 2010
Controlled studies report that drinking water before meals can decrease calorie intake during the meal and enhance attempts to lose weight. At the very least, this is a simple and harmless practice with potential benefits.
The Claim: Drinking Water Before Meals Aids Weight Loss
November 25, 2010
Meeting protein needs is especially important as we age. When protein needs are not met, the much too common geriatric condition of sarcopenia (loss of muscle) can develop. By starting the day with high protein foods, a person is more likely to obtain the protein they need.
Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight
December 14, 2010
When cutting calories for weight loss, it is important to not cut calories from protein. In fact, protein needs actually increase on a low calorie diet.
Protein really is a prescription for weight loss
December 17, 2010
Parents have a strong influence on how a child feels about their body image. Especially during the holidays, parents should be careful about how they verbalize concerns about overeating of holiday goodies.
Criticism may trigger eating disorders
December 24, 2010
Santa says that there can be health at every size. He emphasizes that body fat has important biological functions, especially in the North Pole climate. He may be a big man, but the high level of physical activity required for his work keeps him quite fit and healthy.
Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit
December 30, 2010
Are you getting ready to wrap up the holiday party season? Remember to have a high-protein snack before heading off to a party. Research shows that high-protein foods have a high satiety value and can help reduce the desire to mindlessly over-consume those special goodies at the party.
Balance and moderation best at holiday parties
January 8, 2011
Want a simple way to increase your calorie needs? Simply spend more time standing up. Standing uses about twice as many calories per minute as sitting.
Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill
January 20, 2011
Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to maintain a lower body weight over time. On the other hand, too little and too much carbohydrate can complicate weight management.
Too much carb cutting affects your brain
January 25, 2011
A major concern as we age is losing mobility and independence. Avoiding overweight and obesity during the young and middle-aged years appears to be important for preventing or delaying the onset of mobility limitations later in life.
Weight gain early in life leads to physical disabilities in older adults
January 27, 2011
An increasing number of health professionals question the emphasis on reducing body weight for health. An overweight individual's health may benefit more from focusing on exercise and healthful eating rather that waging a battle on body weight.
Weight loss's link to better health questioned
January 30, 2011
A mouse study clearly demonstrated what human dieters already know. Mice that had previously experienced weight loss diets responded to stress by consuming more high-fat foods than mice that had never been on a weight loss diet. This may be why lost weight is so rarely kept off.
Yo-yo dieting alters genes linked with stress
February 13, 2011
The common sugar fructose, present in many fruits, table sugar, and high fructose corn syrup, has been proposed to be a contributor to obesity. However, a recent extensive evidence-based review concluded that even relatively high levels of fructose consumed as part of the diet do not contribute to obesity. Excess calories from any source can promote obesity.
Fructose Does Not Increase Food Intake or Impact Weight, Extensive Research Demonstrates
March 22, 2011
If you have ever thought that dieting makes you more irritable, now there is research to support it. Studying dieters, researchers found that people who exerted self-control were more quick to anger and expressed more irritation at a message that used controlling language to convince them to change their exercise habits.
Cranky? On a Diet? How Self-Control Leads to Anger
March 24, 2011
Researchers estimate that about 5 percent of obese people are purely "genetically obese," making it virtually impossible for them to have a normal body weight. Since genes can clearly influence body weight, it is best to exercise, eat well, and let the body find the weight at which everything functions best physically and mentally.
Can you blame your genes for tight jeans?
March 30, 2011
Eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, are growing increasingly common in older people. These older sufferers are more likely to die from complications of the condition than are younger victims. The mortality rate for those over 50 years old is estimated to be a rather shocking 21%.
Eating Disorders Rising Among Elderly Women
April 1, 2011
Since weight loss in older people can result in significant loss of muscle mass and bone mass, losing weight in a healthy way can be difficult. In obese seniors 65 years of age and up, a year of combining exercise and diet proved to be much better than diet or exercise treatments alone.
Diet-Exercise Combo Best for Obese Seniors
April 2, 2011
Perhaps the major downfall for people attempting to control body weight is the drive to consume excess calories in the evening or night time. A recent study on overweight and obese men found that if they consumed lean protein foods at each of three meals a day in amounts of about 50 grams of protein per meal, the men experienced much less of the evening munchies.
Adding protein, like lean pork, may help dieters curb late-night munchies
April 6, 2011
Low birth weight is linked to obesity later in life. The cause appears to be compromised brain development in regions of the brain that regulate food intake. The mother's nutrition during pregnancy sets the stage for a baby's life in many ways.
Why Low Birth Weight Is Linked to Obesity Later in Life: Study Provides Explanation
April 17, 2011
Not eating your vegetables? Consider taking up gardening. It is good hobby both for physical activity and studies find that people who do gardening generally eat more vegetables.
Gardening Linked to Increased Vegetable Consumption in Older Adults
April 18, 2011
Over-the-counter fat-blocker drugs like orlistat (Xenical and Alii) reduce fat absorption in the intestine. This also reduces calcium absorption and increases oxalate absorption which would be expected to increase the risk of kidney damage and kidney stones.
Roche's diet drug tied to kidney damage
April 30, 2011
A study comparing the eating habits of children in the late 1970s to the eating habits of children in 2003-2006 found that children decreased their calorie intake from meals, but increased the calories they consumed from snacks. This resulted in an increase in total calories consumed. The trend away from regular family meals may be a major contributor to childhood obesity.
Study: Snacking Trends Linked to Childhood Obesity
May 1, 2011
It is well known that weight loss (especially rapid weight loss) is accompanied by bone loss. However, adding lean meats and low fat dairy foods to the diet in place of high carbohydrate foods was found to help prevent bone loss during weight loss.
U of I study shows how to lose weight without losing bone
May 6, 2011
Researchers find that the time of day (or night) that people eat and sleep seems to play a role in the storage of body fat. Those who typically go to bed well past mid-night (around 3:45 am) are more likely to be obese.
Night Owls at Risk for Weight Gain and Bad Diet
May 14, 2011
Thirty years ago, a theory was proposed that iron accumulation in the body is a major cause of disease. Although this theory has received wide acceptance, there continues to be little scientific support for it. A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers of over 12,000 adults found no association between mortality and biomarkers for iron storage.
Iron level is important to good health
May 23, 2011
A 14-year study of over 40,000 adult women in the Black Women’s Health Study found that those who had a varied diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables experienced significantly less weight gain than those with more limited dietary variety that lacked significant amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Diet high in vegetables and fruit associated with less weight gain in African-American women
May 29, 2011
Research on occupational energy expenditure estimates that people now use 120 to 140 fewer calories a day than they did in 1960. Without decreasing food intake by 120 to 140 calories a day, a person would gain about 10 pounds of body fat per year.
Workers more obese, burning fewer calories than ever before
May 31, 2011
Vitamin D status tends to be lower in overweight and obese individuals. New research indicates that significant weight loss can improve vitamin D status. It is not known how body fatness should affect vitamin D status.
Losing more than 15 percent of body weight significantly boosts vitamin D levels in overweight women
June 2, 2011
Major intestinal surgery can reduce the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin A. Based on case studies, it may take years or even decades for the effects of malabsorption to become clinically apparent.
Vitamin A Deficiency Linked To Major Intestinal Surgery
June 9, 2011
Research using brain imaging technology provides an explanation for why obesity seems to be a self-perpetuating condition. Women who gained weight over a 6 month period had a weakened response in their brain reward circuitry when they consumed a palatable food. This likely increases the drive to overeat.
Research Examines Vicious Cycle of Overeating and Obesity
June 21, 2011
Often it is assumed that fast food restaurants in a neighborhood contribute to increased body weight and obesity. A recent study, however, found that the body weight of high school students was not associated with the presence of fast food restaurants near the schools. Clearly, many other factors play a role.
Fast Food Restaurants Have No Impact On High School Students' Weight, Maine Study Finds
June 22, 2011
A study of 237 children age 8 to 18 found that both black and white children with low vitamin D status had greater amounts of body fat than children with normal vitamin D status. Since vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, it makes sense that high body fat could increase vitamin D needs.
Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Different Types of Obesity in Black and White Children
June 25, 2011
The competitive drive and desire to manage body weight often pulls athletes into eating habits that limit key foods and can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders. The National Athletic Trainers Association released a position statement that provides rational weight management guidelines that are designed to support health and optimal athletic performance.
Athletic trainers stress safe weight loss methods
July 5, 2011
Fat tissue that accumulates around the internal organs is called visceral fat and is associated with greater chronic disease risk. It is not known why, but eating more foods high in soluble fiber (like beans, peas, oats, and apples) and exercising regularly helps to reduce this internal belly fat.
Soluble Fiber Strikes a Blow to Belly Fat
July 11, 2011
Most everyone who has been overweight, lost weight, and attempted to keep it off has found that it is virtually impossible to not regain the weight. A recent study on the food intake control brain center of rats found that high levels of body fat (due to a high fat diet) were associated with ‘micro-scarring’ of neurons that appeared to up-regulate satiety mechanisms to maintain the higher level of body fat.
Does Neuronal Scarring Determine the Body Weight Set Point?
July 14, 2011
Research has shown that consuming a low-calorie soup prior to the lunch entree can help to reduced total calories consumed at that meal in both adults and children.
Eating Soup Will Help Cut Calories At Meals
July 21, 2011
Clearly, losing weight is not "all in your head." But some of it may be. Researchers found that helping overweight women feel better about their body image significantly enhanced weight loss during a one-year weight loss program.
'Love Your Body' to Lose Weight
July 24, 2011
A study of over 9000 adolescents in China found that overweight teens consumed vegetables and fruits more frequently, and sweets, snacks, and fast foods less frequently than those who were not overweight. Why? The extra weight likely was due to the most common forms of vegetable preparation: deep-fried and stir-fried with vegetable oils.
Healthy eating habits making Chinese youth overweight
July 27, 2011
A recent study found that when the same food was served daily to women, they consumed less calories as they became habituated to the food . . . the Boredom Diet anyone? Unfortunately this diet would clash with one of the basic tenets of healthful eating - consuming a wide variety of foods.
Manage Your Weight With a Boring Diet?
July 31, 2011
Body weight and body mass index are not always good predictors of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. Some racial groups such as South Asians tend to accumulate internal abdominal fat (visceral) and may have increased risk without excess body weight.
Packing on pounds riskier for South Asians, say McMaster researchers
August 9, 2011
In a telephone survey of 1500 women in Montreal, researchers found that 5 percent of the women met the criteria for some type of eating disorder. In addition, 15 percent of the women were identified as having disordered eating - sometimes considered a "pre-eating disorder" type of condition.
Disordered Eating May Affect 10 to 15 Percent of Women
August 12, 2011
While consuming a 1400 calorie diet to lose weight, postmenopausal women lost more weight, more fat, and less muscle when they consumed 25 grams of whey protein twice a day.
Eating Protein Throughout the Day Preserves Muscle and Physical Function in Dieting Postmenopausal Women, Study Suggests
August 19, 2011
The alcohol in alcoholic beverages provides about 7 calories per gram, but only heavy drinking seems to be associated with weight gain. Light to moderate drinking is not linked to weight gain.
Does moderate alcohol consumption increase body weight?
August 27, 2011
Researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) developed a web-based application for modeling weight loss progress. Intended for researchers and clinicians, the tool helps to set reasonable plans for diet and exercise that can achieve and maintain healthy weight.
Mathematical Model Predicts Weight With Varying Diet, Exercise Changes
August 29, 2011
Older people generally lose lean muscle mass with age. Dieting for weight loss can greatly accelerate this muscle loss. When weight loss is necessary, combining appropriate exercise with dieting helps to prevent muscle loss.
Older People Who Diet Without Exercising Lose Valuable Muscle Mass
August 31, 2011
Among 90 women participating in a 16-week diet and exercise weight loss program, those who consumed a diet higher in protein and milk products lost more fat than those consuming lower protein diets. This study confirms the well known need to increase protein intake when energy intake is reduced for weight loss.
Foods Rich in Protein, Dairy Products Help Dieters Preserve Muscle and Lose Belly Fat
September 4, 2011
Weight loss requires focus and consistency. A recent study found that overweight adults who read food labels and participate consistently in exercise are more likely to be successful at losing weight.
Reading Food Labels, Combined With Exercise, Can Lead to Weight Loss, Study Finds
September 7, 2011
Thickness of dairy foods, like yogurts and custards, appears to be an important factor in determining satiety. A recent study found that even the flavor of the food had little effect on perceived satiety when compared to the thickness of the food.
Texture not flavour determine satiety, says study
October 17, 2011
Protein appears to play a special role in satiety. A recent study found that under controlled conditions, non-dieting lean adults consumed 12 percent more calories when their diet contained 10 percent of calories from protein compared to when they consumed a diet with 15 percent of calories from protein.
Proper Protein Intake Crucial for Moderating Energy Intake, Keeping Obesity at Bay
October 21, 2011
The herb hoodia gordonii has been widely marketed as an appetite suppressant that promotes weight loss. Finally, a well-designed study put the herb to the test and found that it had no effect on weight loss and had some significant adverse effects.
Why Unilever canned €20m hoodia project: Newly published study disappoints
November 7, 2011
Unless carefully designed, public health programs aimed at reducing obesity can have unintended impacts on the target audience. The potential ethical and psycho-social consequences must be carefully considered.
Ethical Dilemmas In Obesity Prevention
November 8, 2011
Research indicates that some people over-consume calories when foods are offered in small size packages. During the holiday season, bite-sized calorie-packed goodies are widely available. So remember, moderation will help to limit weight gain over the holidays.
Big weight gains can come in small, sweet packages
November 10, 2011
Weight loss has been shown to adversely affect bone health. Results from a recent study indicate that consuming a diet higher in protein primarily from dairy foods and participating in daily aerobic and resistance exercise positively affected bone health indicators.
Dairy Foods May Improve Bone Health During Diet and Exercise in Overweight Premenopausal Women
November 13, 2011
Nutrition guidelines often stress eating a wide variety of foods to enhance the odds of meeting all nutrient needs. However, it may not be wise to apply this concept to calorie-dense snack foods. When presented with unfamiliar snack foods, 11 to 12 year old children tended to overestimate the amount of the food needed to provide satiety.
Familiarity Increases the Fullness That Children Expect from Snack Foods
November 16, 2011
It has been called normal weight obesity, skinny-fat syndrome, and thin outside, fat inside (TOFI). These normal weight individuals with a high proportion of body fat appear to be at high risk for type 2 diabetes like their overweight counterparts.
Diabetes a growing threat to young and slim
November 22, 2011
Glucose is the major energy source for the brain. When blood glucose levels drop, brain centers are activated that trigger the desire to consume high-calorie foods. Maintaining blood glucose levels with regularly scheduled meals and moderate snacking my help to avoid that ravenous drive to binge.
To Ditch Dessert, Feed the Brain
November 27, 2011
Are obese people at greater risk of death following surgery? A study of almost 190,000 people reports that they are not. However, those with a low body mass index (BMI less than 23.1) had the greatest risk of death during the 30 days following surgery.
Body Mass Index Associated With Short-Term Mortality Rates Following Surgery
December 6, 2011
Obese children who become normal weight adults have the same risk for developing heart disease or diabetes as people who were never obese. Helping overweight and obese children properly grow into their weight as they approach their adult years can have lifelong positive health consequences.
Risk of heart disease from childhood obesity reversible
December 7, 2011
Web-based marketing of bogus nutrition products can be very creative, misleading, and downright fraudulent. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has filed lawsuits against a company using fake news websites to promote their acai diet pills. The defendants have allegedly taken in more than $25 million from consumers in the United States.
FTC ups the ante in crackdown vs bogus acai weight loss claims
December 8, 2011
Another diet scam is hitting the dust. FDA is cracking down on the so-called HCG diets that use various forms of a hormone called human corionic gonadotropin. The diets "work" only because they restrict calorie intake. Though it has been good for marketing hype, HCG is no better than a placebo for weight loss.
Firms warned over sale of weight-loss hormone
December 16, 2011
What's a calorie? Most people have a vague idea. But, researchers found that providing a physical activity equivalent such as how long you would need to run to burn off the calories in a sugar-sweetened soda was the most effective way to reduce the purchase of sodas by teens.
To Make Kids Snub Soda Translate the Calorie Count
December 19, 2011
While consuming a low calorie diet for weight loss, those who consumed most of the day's carbohydrate calories in their evening meal lost more weight and experienced less hunger than those who spread out carbohydrate intake evenly across the day.
Save Your Carbs For Dinner?
December 25, 2011
Santa Claus is a great example of the "Health at Every Size" concept. Although his BMI may place him in the obese category, he actually has a healthy level of body fat. Much of his weight is the muscle mass required for carrying heavy bags of toys around the world.
Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit
January 1, 2012
Obesity expert Dr. Arya Sharma jokes that "the easiest way to gain 25 lbs is to lose 20!" Research on twins provides support to this concept that substantial bouts of weight loss can ultimately lead to more weight gain.
Will Losing Weight Make You Fat?
January 16, 2012
Irisin is a newly discovered hormone that increases the ability of fat cells to expend energy. Research now shows that exercise can increase blood levels of irisin and potentially promote weight loss.
A new hormone revs up the body's fat-burning engine
January 29, 2012
Lack of physical activity is commonly associated with weight gain. This may not be due only to low energy expenditure and excess eating. New research on fat cells indicates that the type of mechanical strain placed on fat cells while sitting and lying can accelerate the conversion of preadipocytes (fat cell precursors) into fat cells.
Couch potatoes gain weight without eating
February 5, 2012
New data from the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. leveled off during 2009 and 2010. Perhaps we are getting the messages to get moving and to eat a more moderate diet.
Healthy Aging: Nutrients, Exercise, Quality of Life
February 22, 2012
A recent extensive analysis of studies evaluating the theoretical weight gain effect of fructose indicates that fructose may be unfairly judged. This research showed that in controlled situations, it is the extra calorie consumption, rather than the fructose itself, that is the primary contributor to obesity.
Is Fructose Being Blamed Unfairly for Obesity Epidemic?
March 9, 2012
You can burn five times as many calories walking up stairs than you do riding the elevator. In addition, taking the stairs has been found to save time. One study in a hospital found that when workers used the stairs, it saved them about 15 minutes each workday.
Stairs vs. Elevators
March 11, 2012
Brain scans (MRI) of people following six days of reduced sleep (4 hours per night) showed increased neuronal activity in brain reward centers when exposed to food stimuli. This indicates that reduced sleep may lead to a tendency to overeat.
Sleep Restriction Activates Brain Centres That Regulate Appetite
March 13, 2012
If you make it to your mid 80s, carrying some extra weight may be in your favor. A recent study found that those in this age group who were obese had a slightly lower risk of death than their underweight or normal-weight peers.
Could Fat Be Your Friend Over Age 85?
March 24, 2012
The runner's high experienced by endurance athletes may have evolved due to the mobility needed for our ancestors to obtain food in the wild. Maintaining the level of fitness needed to induce this runner's high could help contemporary humans maintain a healthy weight and allow them to eat enough food to obtain adequate amounts of all essential nutrients.
Runner's High Motivated the Evolution of Exercise, Research Suggests
April 4, 2012
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight for height. It is useful as a rough estimate of fatness in the statistical analysis of large groups of people. However, research continues to indicate that BMI is not a good way to evaluate an individual's fatness.
'Skinny fat' label shows the vagaries of obesity
April 6, 2012
More research supports the link between an energy-dense diet and greater body weight. When there are more calories in each bite of food, it is much easier to consume excess calories. Foods with the greatest energy density are primarily those high in fat and/or sugar.
Higher Energy Density Diets Linked To Higher Body Weight
April 11, 2012
Food choices and limited physical activity are likely the major contributors to the increasing rate of obesity in childhood. However, a major genetic component is gradually becoming apparent as genetics researchers identify new gene variants linked to obesity.
Genes Identified in Common Childhood Obesity
May 19, 2012
Weight loss may enhance the health and longevity of those with obesity-related health problems. However, weight loss in healthy obese individuals is actually associated with increased mortality. Identifying who needs to lose weight should take this into account.
The Downside of Weight Loss?
May 24, 2012
Low vitamin D status has been linked to body fat. Now research indicates that a low vitamin D status during pregnancy may increase body fat in offspring.
Children's Body Fat Linked to Vitamin D Insufficiency in Mothers
June 8, 2012
During dieting for weight control, the supply of essential nutrients generally declines. Over time this can lead to marginal or severe nutrient deficiencies that compromise many body functions, including brain function.
Thin doesn’t always mean healthy if nutrition ignored
June 9, 2012
In a fat cell culture "test tube" experiment, an extract of black pepper blocked the formation of new fat cells. Although adding copious amounts of black pepper to your food is unlikely to trigger fat loss, continuing study on the components of black pepper may lead to new techniques to prevent obesity.
Black Pepper as Fat Fighter
June 13, 2012
Weight loss is a moving target. As weight is lost, calorie needs decline, so a calorie intake that initially triggers weight loss may need to be reduced further over time to promote ongoing weight loss.
Effective weight loss takes more than cutting calories
June 18, 2012
A recent Canadian study found that a high intake of soft drinks was associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity in boys aged 6 to 11. However, similar associations were not apparent in other age and gender groups.
Soft Drink Consumption Not the Major Contributor to Childhood Obesity, Study Says
July 7, 2012
Going without eating for too long not only makes people hungry. It also seems to change what they choose to eat. People who fasted for 18 hours (skipped breakfast) tended to select starchy foods more and vegetables less than people who had eaten breakfast.
Craving Carbs on an Empty Stomach
July 9, 2012
Perhaps the biggest challenge in weight loss is maintaining a reduced body weight. A recent study of 21 people who had all lost about 30 pounds found that a higher protein diet with lower carbohydrate content helped to boost their overall energy expenditure, theoretically facilitating maintenance of their weight loss.
Losing pounds can be easier than maintaining weight loss
July 20, 2012
Body Mass Index, also known as BMI, is an index of weight relative to height that often is used to categorize people as overweight or obese. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well if an individual has plenty of muscle mass. A new index has been proposed that is called A Body Shape Index (ABSI) which incorporates waist circumference into the index.
New Metric for Obesity Strongly Correlated to Premature Death
July 28, 2012
Some overweight children go through a pudgy phase and eventually attain a normal weight as their height increases. However, many obese children already have cardiovascular risk factors that should be reduced with a healthful diet and increased physical activity.
Severely obese children's hearts already in danger
August 1, 2012
An apple a day may help keep the weight away. Well, maybe not exactly. Rather, a compound found in apple peels called ursolic acid promoted muscle development and reduced body fat in mice along with other beneficial effects. However, the amount of ursolic acid in an apple is a small fraction of the amount a human would need to eat to match what the mice consumed.
Apple Peel Compound May Help to Combat Weight Gain
August 16, 2012
A 12-month study found that a history of yo-yo dieting (also called weight cycling) does not impede success in weight management efforts that combine diet and exercise. A history of unsuccessful weight loss should not diminish the perceived value of healthy diet and regular physical activity in weight management.
Yo-Yo Dieting Does Not Thwart Weight Loss Efforts or Alter Metabolism Long Term, Study Finds
August 27, 2012
A new review of scientific research on vitamin C suggests that the optimal daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 200 mg (more than double the current RDA). Consuming the commonly recommended 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables per day can readily provide this amount of vitamin C.
Are You Consuming Enough Vitamin C? Probably Not
August 31, 2012
Reducing calorie intake below the level that animals are inclined to eat has been shown to extend lifespan in some, but not all studies. A recent study of rhesus monkeys found that calorie restriction did not increase lifespan despite lowering blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Does Calorie Restriction Extend Lifespan in Mammals?
September 1, 2012
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials investigating the effects of low carbohydrate diets on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors concluded that low carbohydrate diets have favorable effects on body weight and major cardiovascular risk factors but the effects on long-term health are unknown.
Low-carb diet gets more support from new analysis
September 5, 2012
Weight loss results in enhanced mental reward from eating and increased motivation to eat. That is no big news to anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight. Keeping lost weight off is difficult, but is more likely when weight is lost gradually from positive eating habit changes that become habitual.
Is Long-Term Weight Loss Possible After Menopause?
September 6, 2012
If you want to enjoy your food more and eat less calories, some new research indicates that softening the lighting and music may do the trick. In a fast food setting, this led people to eat less, to rate the food as more enjoyable, and to spend just as much money.
Mellow setting puts fast food consumers in a mood to ... eat less
September 15, 2012
The nutrition facts information on food labels is meant to help consumers meet their nutrient and energy needs. And, this may work for some of us. A new study finds that those who read food labels have lower body mass index on average, especially women.
People Who Read Food Labels Stay Thinner, Study Finds
September 23, 2012
Many people exercise to expend more calories to lose weight. For this purpose, new research indicates that more exercise may not be better than a more moderate amount due to a tendency to eat more food in compensation for the higher levels of exercise.
For Weight Loss, Less Exercise May Be More
October 7, 2012
It is growing increasingly evident that obesity and malnutrition commonly coexist. In fact, it is likely that basic nutrient deficiencies such as protein deficiency can make it more difficult to lose weight when adequate calories from carbohydrate and fat are available.
Obesity and Under-Nutrition Prevalent in Long-Term Refugees Living in Camps
October 10, 2012
A recent study found that heavier teenagers consume less calories than their thin peers. Consequently, overweight teens may benefit more from increasing physical activity than from dieting. Of course, for any teen, it is important to eat a diet that meets nutrient needs to support normal development.
Heavy Teens Eat Less But Weigh More Than Their Thinner Peers
October 14, 2012
The blame for increased rates of obesity is often placed on the food industry. However, this trend may reverse as the industry recognizes the marketing potential in being part of the solution.
How Food Marketers Can Help Consumers Eat Better While Improving Their Bottom Line
October 20, 2012
Skipping breakfast to reduce overall calorie intake may backfire. Newly reported research found that brain activity is affected by skipping breakfast in a way that leads people to naturally go for foods with more concentrated calories at lunch.
Why Skipping Breakfast Increases Appeal of High Calorie Foods
November 2, 2012
When it comes to breast cancer survival, maintaining a healthy weight does not necessarily mean having a low body weight. Women who were underweight or morbidly obese before breast cancer diagnosis both had greater risk of mortality than women with normal body weight.
Body Fat May Affect Death Risk Among Breast Cancer Patients
November 5, 2012
Rapid and substantial weight loss has been found to promote significant bone loss. Research is needed to fully evaluate the risks of bariatric surgery on long-term bone health.
When Considering Bariatric Surgery, Think About Bones
November 6, 2012
Between 1976 and 2006, fewer children (age one to five) are consuming sodas. However, the same is true for milk. Fruit juice consumption, however, has increased.
The percentage of American kids drinking soda has dropped noticeably since 2006
November 8, 2012
Overweight and obese dogs appear to have the same associated health risks as their human companions. Dogs even develop the combination of signs that constitutes metabolic syndrome. Like their humans, dogs experience a reversal of metabolic syndrome along with significant weight loss.
Obese Dogs at Risk of Health Condition Experienced by Humans
November 11, 2012
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 studies on protein needs during weight loss confirmed what Japanese researchers demonstrated over 30 years ago. When calorie intake is reduced for weight loss, protein needs increase to prevent the loss of body protein and to maintain resting metabolic rate.
High-Protein Diet May Help Some People Shed Pounds
November 15, 2012
The more we learn about fat cells, the more interesting they become. When researchers deleted a gene in the fat cells of mice that encoded for a core molecular clock component, the mice shifted the time of day that they ate and became obese without increasing their calorie intake. This may lead to a better understanding of night-eating syndrome in humans.
It's Not Just What You Eat, but When You Eat It: Link Between Fat Cell and Brain Clock Molecules Shown
November 19, 2012
Comparisons of the three main sources of calories (carbohydrate, fat, and protein), indicate that protein has the greatest satiety value. A recent study found that eating most of the day's high carbohydrate foods in the evening helped to reduce hunger and promote weight loss more that eating carbs spread throughout the day.
Limiting Carbs to Dinner-Time Increases Satiety, Reduces Risk for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Research Finds
December 1, 2012
With gluten intolerance, allergy, and celiac disease on the rise, scientists are getting closer to finding ways to produce wheat that does not contain the offending protein.
Wheat for people allergic to gluten: Possible?
December 9, 2012
It has long been assumed that obesity leads to chronic elevation of blood insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia). Using a mouse model, however, researchers found that it can work the other way - higher insulin levels can drive the development of obesity. Although human studies are needed to confirm this, it is good to know that moderate carbohydrate intake and daily physical activity help to lower insulin levels.
Could High Insulin Lead To Obesity?
December 17, 2012
Both aerobic and resistance exercise programs are thought to help promote body weight and fat loss. A recent study of middle-aged adults found that aerobic exercise promoted weight and fat loss much better than resistance exercise. Participants engaging in both forms of exercise experienced the greatest fat loss and reduction in waist circumference.
Aerobic Exercise Trumps Resistance Training for Weight and Fat Loss
December 27, 2012
Research shows that when fast food items are labeled with both the amount of calories and the miles you need to walk to expend those calories people selected lower calorie meals.
Miles on menu 'helps healthy choices'
December 28, 2012
Childhood obesity has been on the rise for some time. New research, however, indicates that the trend has reversed or at least plateaued between 2003 and 2010.
Study Finds Modest Declines in Obesity Rates Among Young Children From Poor Families
January 1, 2013
Keeping a steady sleeping and eating schedule appears to make it easier to maintain a healthy body weight. Extreme changes in one's schedule and dietary habits can disturb the normal internal cues that help us make better food choices.
How Excess Holiday Eating Disturbs Your 'Food Clock'
January 5, 2013
People who are overweight, but don't have any of the typical risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, may have a lower risk of dying than a thinner person according to a recent review of research on the links between body weight (or BMI) and mortality.
Class 1 Obesity: Don’t Worry, Be Happy?
January 7, 2013
Extreme dieting or semi-starvation can lead to a strong tendency to binge eat. For many people, binge eating leads to a behavior called secretive food concocting in which people concoct unusual food mixtures to consume like mixing mashed potatoes with Oreo cookies.
Secretive Food Concocting: New Characteristic of Binge Eating Identified
January 14, 2013
It has been known that excess fat in the abdominal area is linked to a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes than is fat stored below the waist. New research is finding differences in gene expression between upper and lower body fat cells that may lead to ways to more effectively and specifically reduce belly fat.
How Belly Fat Differs from Thigh Fat, and Why It Matters
January 22, 2013
Obesity researchers are becoming increasingly aware of the multitude of factors that influence body weight and the capacity to lose weight and to maintain the loss. With so many variables involved, what works for one person often does not work for another.
What Works For You May Not Work For Me
January 23, 2013
The down economy could be contributing to the the increased prevalence of obesity. Research indicates that when times are tough, we tend to seek out more calorie-rich foods.
People Seek High-Calorie Foods in Tough Times
January 28, 2013
The body burns more fat for energy during exercise when a person has not eaten recently. This is primarily because carbohydrate is less available as a muscle energy source. The importance of this for fat loss is unclear. A maintainable loss of body fat depends on consuming less calories than the body uses over an extended period of time. What the body utilizes for fuel during a single workout may be unimportant.
Lose Fat Faster Before Breakfast
February 1, 2013
Weight loss, especially when rapid, can be accompanied by significant bone loss. Vitamin D supplementation along with adequate calcium intake during weight loss may help to diminish bone loss.
Vitamin D Increases Calcium Absorption to Maintain Bone While Dieting
February 2, 2013
Stomach flu is the popular term for a norovirus infection. Although a true flu is caused by the influenza virus, the norovirus infection symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhea) fit the flu description. Perhaps the most important strategy to avoid this virus is frequent washing of your hands with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill this virus.
Tips for preventing norovirus infection
February 19, 2013
Individuals with a high preference for sweets and a high aversion to bitter flavors are more likely to have metabolic syndrome according to a new study. However, more research is needed to determine if the taste sensitivities are genetically determined or occur as a result of the metabolic condition.
Taste Preferences Impact Health, New Study Finds
February 23, 2013
Cholesterol is needed for many important functions in the body. For example, cholesterol is relatively high in brain tissue and research on human embryonic stem cells shows that an oxidized form of cholesterol helps direct stem cells to become the dopamine producing cells that are lost in Parkinson's disease.
Cholesterol Necessary For Brain Development, Study Finds
February 26, 2013
There are many dietary supplements that target the weight loss market. These products virtually never promote significant weight loss, but their overblown claims sell plenty of product. For an excellent critique of a current weight loss product that sounds too good to be true, visit the consumer link below.
Liproxenol Review: Buyer Beware of Questionable Science and Marketing
March 6, 2013
Based on the results of a recent mouse study, the signs of heart disease associated with excess body weight are more effectively reversed by weight loss early in life rather than later. Additional research is needed to confirm this in humans.
Losing Weight Sooner Rather Than Later Gives Best Chance of Reversing Heart Damage from Obesity, According to Mouse Study
March 7, 2013
To see how the burden of various health problems and risk factors have changed globally, regionally, or within a single country during the past 20 years, visit the website of The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The Institute has developed a number of innovative tools to facilitate visualizing complex health and disease data.
Web-based tool charts disease, risk factors around the world
March 10, 2013
Excess body fat can promote osteoarthritis in two major ways. First of all, the extra body weight places more "wear and tear" strain on joints that support body weight. Secondly, excess body fat is know to promote generalized inflammatory activity in the body that can irritate joints. Weight loss can be an important component of treating osteoarthritis.
Weight Loss May Prevent, Treat Osteoarthritis in Obese Patients
March 19, 2013
A study of Mexican college applicants found that those who did not consume the recommended three servings of milk products per day were almost three times as likely to have metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is defined as having three or more of the following risk factors: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels.
College Kids Who Don't Drink Milk Could Face Serious Consequences
March 24, 2013
Enjoyable and memorable meals help to reduce food intake at subsequent meals. Researchers suggest that thoroughly enjoying and paying attention to foods consumed at a meal may help to reduce calorie intake overall.
Food Memories Can Help With Weight Loss
March 26, 2013
In a study of over 10,000 children, those consuming skim and low fat milk between the ages of 2 and 4 were more likely be become overweight or obese than children consuming higher fat milk varieties. This seems surprising, but may be related to the higher fat milks having a superior satiety value.
Skimmed/semi-Skimmed Milk Does Not Curb Excess Toddler Weight Gain, Study Finds
March 29, 2013
Research indicates that eating breakfast can improve overall nutrition. A new study of 19-year old overweight females found that a 350 calorie breakfast with 35 grams of protein resulted in reduced evening snacking on high fat foods compared to when they ate a lower protein breakfast or skipped breakfast.
Protein-Rich Breakfasts Prevent Unhealthy Snacking in the Evening, Study Finds
April 3, 2013
New research confirms that childhood body weight is strongly influenced by genes. Using a system that compares the additive effects of multiple genes across the whole genome, researchers estimated that genetics accounts for about 30% of individual difference in childhood body weight. As more is learned about which genes increase the risk of obesity, it may become possible to design dietary strategies that may help children at high risk of obesity.
Study Finds Strong Genetic Component to Childhood Obesity
April 13, 2013
Type 2 diabetes typically improves rapidly after bariatric surgery. A new study found that just reducing calorie intake to match that of post-surgery individuals has the same effect on diabetes. Unfortunately, maintaining a low calorie intake is difficult for most people.
Diet Shown to Be Critical Factor in Improving Type 2 Diabetes After Bariatric Surgery
April 14, 2013
The human body and brain are geared to function in sync with a circadian rhythm linked to the light and dark phases of a 24-hour day. Research housing mice in 24-hour light conditions with no dark time resulted in significant weight gain and impaired glucose handling. Disruption of sleeping patterns generally affects humans similarly.
Our Internal Clocks Can Become Ticking Time Bombs for Diabetes and Obesity
May 1, 2013
Green tea extract (GTE) is a common ingredient in weight loss products. However, there is much to be learned about its potential effectiveness. A study with diabetic and normal mice found that GTE did not promote weight loss unless it was given to the mice along with polyethylene glycol which helps to keep a key component of GTE in the intestine where it can inhibit glucose absorption.
Will Green Tea Help You Lose Weight?
May 2, 2013
It is well established that when calorie intake is reduced to levels that cause weight loss, the requirement for protein increases to help maintain the lean tissue that dieters do not want to lose. A new study of middle-age women indicates that those who have effectively lost weight are aware that adequate protein intake is important for dieting.
Eating recommended protein linked to weight loss
May 10, 2013
A recent study found that people given small amounts of snack foods for taste testing ate less than those served larger portions. That was not surprising, but what was interesting is that the participants reported similar levels of hunger and cravings 15 minutes after consuming the foods.
Smaller Snacking is Smart Snacking
May 11, 2013
A study conducted in the UK found that foods marketed for children generally had more fat and sugar when compared to equal amounts of similar foods marketed to adults. On average, children's foods were lower in sodium, but some foods were higher.
Children's 'Healthy' Foods Marketed at Children Are Higher in Fat, Sugar and Salt
May 13, 2013
Teenagers consumed about the same amount of calories when they ate at Subway and McDonald's. However, the Subway meals tended to be higher in protein and sodium and lower in sugar.
Despite being considered
May 16, 2013
It is known that the balance of bacterial species in the human colon has many effects on the body. Using a mouse model, researchers found that increasing the supply of a bacterium called Akkermansia prevented the development of obesity in mice fed a high fat diet. It also enhanced the integrity of the tissues lining the colon. It will be interesting to see if humans respond to this bacterium similarly.
Intestinal Bacterium Akkermansia Curbs Obesity
May 20, 2013
Research shows that it is never too late to reap the benefits of exercise and fitness. In a very large Cooper Clinic study, those who increased their level of fitness between middle age (average of 48 years) and old age (over 65) had about 20 percent lower risk of hospitalization for heart failure.
Getting Fit in Middle Age Can Reduce Heart Failure Risk
May 28, 2013
People tend to underestimate their calorie intake. This is typically the case at fast food restaurants. However, people who ate at Subway were more likely to underestimate their calorie intake than those who ate at McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Wendy's, and Dunkin' Donuts. This may due to a "health halo" effect provided by Subway's marketing.
Teens most guilty of underestimating calories in fast food, study reveals
June 7, 2013
Having a regular walking or running program is clearly better for weight control than being a couch potato. However, the greater exercise intensity of running tends to blunt the appetite after exercise and helps maintain lower body weight better than walking. Picking up the speed of walking might have similar effects as running.
Is It Better to Walk or Run?
June 11, 2013
It is well known that dieting increases the risk of developing gallstones. A new study found that extreme calorie restriction (500 calories a day for six to ten weeks) was more than three times as likely to cause gallstones than a diet providing 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day.
Crash diet tied to increased gallstone risk
June 15, 2013
A beneficial component in coffee called chlorogenic acid is especially high in green coffee bean extract products promoted to assist in weight loss. A study using a special strain of obese laboratory mice to simulate humans found that mice fed a high-fat diet gained the same amount of weight whether they were supplemented with chlorogenic acid or not. However, the mice getting chlorogenic acid were more likely to develop metabolic changes that lead to type 2 diabetes and they accumulated more fat inside the cells in their livers.
Lab Experiments Question Effectiveness of Green Coffee Bean Weight-Loss Supplements
June 16, 2013
Substantial weight loss by obese individuals can result in positive changes in the makeup of the lower intestinal microbial population. A new study on people who lost weight by gastric bypass surgery showed that the changes in gut microbes were associated with positive changes in gene expression in adipose cells. This study only followed the participants for six months after surgery so longer studies are needed to evaluate long term effects.
Does Bariatric Surgery Work By Changing Gut Bugs?
July 8, 2013
Maintaining a reduced body weight is usually more challenging than losing the weight. Among the controllable factors that appear to help maintain lost weight is maintaining protein intake at levels well above the RDA.
Running Down the Up Escalator (Part 1)
July 11, 2013
A new study found that when overweight, inactive men performed higher intensity exercise, they ate significantly less during the day of the workout and the day following the workout than they did after lower intensity exercise that burned the same amount of calories. It is not known if this is only a temporary response to one workout or a general effect of high intensity exercise.
People eat less after harder workouts: small study
July 12, 2013
Research on infants with a genetically increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes found that there appears to be an optimal safe window during which to introduce solid foods. When solid foods were introduced before the fourth or after the sixth months of life, there was an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes compared to introducing solid foods during the fourth and fifth months of life. More research is needed to see if this "safe window" applies to infants that do not have this type of genetic predisposition.
Diabetes Tied to Timing of Baby's First Solid Food
July 15, 2013
Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when any three of the following are present: 1) excess body fat, 2) high blood triglycerides, 3) low HDL cholesterol, 4) high blood pressure, and 5) increased fasting blood glucose. Like adults, children who have these risk factors are more likely to develop fatty liver disease and diabetes.
Previously adult-only ills affect obese Hawaii kids
July 16, 2013
Obesity is a complex condition that can develop in an individual for a variety of different reasons. A strong genetic predisposition to obesity can be a major contributor in some people. In others, without the strong genetic predisposition, a high calorie food environment combined with little physical activity can play a major role in the development of obesity.
Ability to control weight varies among individuals
July 26, 2013
Most of us do not have a good sense of our daily calorie needs. However, providing people with guides on their calorie needs did not reduce the calorie intake of customers in fast food restaurants.
Giving McDonald's eaters calorie guides did not curb bad eating habits
August 7, 2013
Breakfast really is important - especially for weight management. In a recent study, overweight and obese women consumed about 1400 calories a day for 12 weeks. One group consumed 700 calories for breakfast, 500 for lunch, and 200 for dinner. The other group ate 200 calories for breakfast, 500 for lunch, and 700 for dinner. Those who consumed the higher calorie breakfast plan lost almost 20 pounds on average, whereas those with the lower calorie breakfast lost an average of about 8 pounds.
Bigger Meals Earlier Can Help Weight Loss
August 17, 2013
A study of 191 female patients with eating disorders found that those with higher levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to be impulsive and have binge and purge disorders. In these individuals, treating ADHD may be an important component of treating their eating disorder.
Adults With Eating Disorders Have a Poorer Prognosis If They Suffer Hyperactivity
August 25, 2013
The assumption that obese people are unhealthy and lean people are healthy is not always correct. Due to this assumption, a leaner person may have a delay in diagnosis of a health condition compared to an overweight or obese person. This can make the condition worse by the time it is diagnosed.
BMI does not Depict An Accurate Picture About Health
September 1, 2013
Many studies have shown that it is difficult to achieve weight loss without losing a significant amount of lean mass - mostly loss of muscle tissue. A new study indicates that consuming twice the recommended level of protein during calorie restriction helps to maximize fat loss and minimize the loss of lean tissues. Increasing protein intake to three times the RDA did not confer any additional benefit.
Doubling the Daily Allowance of Protein Intake With Diet and Exercise Protects Muscle Loss
September 7, 2013
An analysis of data on the intensity of physical activity in over 4500 adults found that those who engaged in higher-intensity short bouts or higher-intensity long bouts of physical activity regularly were less likely to be overweight or obese. However, the design of the study prevents a cause and effect conclusion. It is possible that people with lower body weight are more likely to engage in higher-intensity exercise.
Short Bouts of Brisk Exercise May Help Cut Obesity Risk
September 11, 2013
An innovative study explored the effect of lower intestinal bacteria on obesity by studying human female twins in which one was thin and the other obese. When the bacterial cultures from the twins' lower intestines were transplanted into bacteria-free mice, the mice who received bacteria from obese twins became heavier than those getting bacteria from the lean twins.
Can Gut Bugs Make You Fat? Or Skinny?
September 20, 2013
to me Planning a trip to the Space Station? The micro-gravity conditions cause the loss of muscle and bone, making good nutrition and resistance exercise extremely important to minimize these losses.
Eating Healthy in Zero Gravity: Nutrition During Space Flight
September 26, 2013
An 18-day sleep lab study found that sleep deprivation led to increased calorie intake. Other studies have suggested that a chronic shortage of sleep time is linked with weight gain.
Sleep less, weigh more.
September 28, 2013
Recent research now shows that at least some cases of obesity and other eating disorders have a neurological basis. This knowledge may help develop effective treatments for eating disorders.
Scientists Identify Brain Circuitry That Triggers Overeating
October 5, 2013
A study using transgenic mice that produce large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids found that the animals had a greater exercise endurance capacity and lower body weight than normal rats. It remains to be seen if any aspects of this study will apply to humans.
Certain Type of Fat Could Help Humans Lose Weight
October 12, 2013
Smart phone applications (apps) are available to assist with weight loss. However, according to a new study, most apps are lacking many evidence-based behavioral strategies known to improve motivation, reduce stress, and assist with problem solving.
Evaluating Mobile Weight Loss Apps on Use of Evidence-Based Behavioral Strategies
October 19, 2013
In a novel study, researchers found adult twin pairs in which one was lean and the other obese. When Microbial samples from the feces of these twins were transplanted into the intestines of germ-free laboratory mice, the mice that received microbes from the obese twins developed more body fat than those receiving the lean twins' microbes.
Human Gut Microbes Alter Mouse Metabolism, Depending On Diet
October 22, 2013
A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity.
Five Regular Meals a Day Reduce Obesity Risk Among Adolescents
November 2, 2013
It may be a bit of a stretch, but a new study on roundworms may lead to better ways to promote human weight loss. The research indicates that elevating the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin along with a slight increase in the levels of adrenaline (epinephrine) may help to reduce body fat. It is possible that appropriate supplementation with the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine could do this. Future research may explore this.
Eat More, Weigh Less: Worm Study Provides Clues to Better Fat-Loss Therapies for Humans
November 6, 2013
Inadequate sleep has been linked with weight gain. A new study found that specific brain centers are affected by sleep deprivation in ways that increase the desire to consume more high-calorie foods that are capable of triggering weight-gain.
Sleep Deprivation Linked to Junk Food Cravings
November 16, 2013
A study in Spain on teenagers found that those who consumed more chocolate (about an ounce and a half per day) had lower levels of body fat. However, this type of study cannot establish a cause and effect relationship. One complication, the teens who were more active consumed more chocolate. Bottom line: the study is not a license to binge on chocolate, but it does suggest that moderate intake of chocolate in physically active teenagers is just fine and may even be a good thing.
The Health Benefits of Chocolate
November 24, 2013
The taste buds of mice with diet-induced obesity respond more weakly to sweet flavors than the taste buds of their normal weight controls. This may help to understand how the sense of taste may change in humans as they develop obesity.
Does Obesity Reshape Our Sense of Taste?
December 1, 2013
Forty-eight healthy adults were fed Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal on one occasion and HoneyNut Cheerios on another. Although an equal number of calories was consumed along with milk for each meal, the oatmeal had a significantly greater satiety effect, reducing hunger and the desire to eat more than the Cheerios for up to four hours after the meal. The oatmeal was higher in fiber and protein but lower in sugar than the Cheerios.
Oatmeal Beats Ready-To-Eat Breakfast Cereal at Improving Appetite Control
December 2, 2013
A study conducted with forty-five young to middle-age adults, found that when they chewed pizza at lunch twice as much as usual, they ate 15 percent less food. It awaits further research to determine if increased chewing will assist in sustainable weight loss.
Does Increased Chewing Reduce Food Intake?
January 1, 2014
A recent Institute of Medicine report states that excessive sodium intake can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but further indicated that present-day research does not support reducing daily sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams. Overly low sodium intake may worsen conditions like diabetes and congestive heart failure.
Inadequate sodium in diet also poses risk to health
January 9, 2014
About half of us have H. pylori bacteria living in our stomach. Yet, the bacteria causes stomach irritation and ulcers in only about ten percent of its carriers. New research indicates that other types of bacteria that live in the stomach may prevent H. pylori from causing damage.
Some Bacteria May Protect Against Disease Caused by Stomach Infection
January 20, 2014
A recent study observed that "overweight and obese adults drink more diet beverages than healthy-weight adults." This, of course, does not mean that diet beverages cause obesity.
Does opening an umbrella make it rain? More illogical nonsense about diet soda.
February 1, 2014
Bariatric surgery, like gastric banding, produces weight loss by reducing the amount of food that can be consumed. Unless the diet is carefully designed to provide an adequate nutrient supply within the reduced calorie intake, nutrient deficiencies will develop over time and seriously harm health.
Gastric banding patients should closely monitor nutrition following surgery
March 16, 2014
Research published over 50 years ago launched an era of recommendations to cut back on fat, especially saturated fat. As a consequence of cutting fat, carbohydrate intake increased along with polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils. Reanalysis of this older research along with newer research results indicates that getting back to a more balanced, lower carbohydrate diet is likely better for overall reduction in chronic disease risk.
Low saturated fat diets don't curb heart disease risk or help you live longer
March 17, 2014
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in dark grapes, red wine, and peanuts in amounts that are generally less than one or two milligrams per typical serving. A recent study of obese men found that 30 days of taking a daily supplement containing 150 milligrams of resveratrol reduced fat cell size. Stay tuned to see what other studies may find.
Aaahhh, the Joys (and Science) of Resveratrol and Red Wine
March 21, 2014
Using over 30,000 women from the prospective Swedish Mammography Cohort study, it was found that supplementing the diet with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper reduced the 5-year risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 25% and risk reduction increased to 34% by 10 years.
Antioxidants, Vitamins, Carotenoids and Eye Health
March 29, 2014
A study evaluating the effects of a soda tax on body weight found that the tax had little or no impact. Apparently, when people consume less sugar-sweetened soda, they make up for the calories with other foods. However, it would be interesting to see if the new sources of calories improve nutrient intake.
Soda tax does little to decrease obesity, study shows
April 9, 2014
Based on a study of students at a large U.S. midwestern university, one out of two students who consume energy drinks daily also are taking prescription stimulant drugs such as Adderall (illegally without a prescription).
A new risk for energy drink users.
April 11, 2014
Including beans and other legumes in the daily diet can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels according to a new review of 26 randomized, controlled trials. Like all good things, however, when over consumed, legumes can significantly reduce absorption of trace minerals like iron and zinc due to their high phytate content - therefore remember moderation!
Daily serving of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils can significantly reduce bad cholesterol
April 12, 2014
Recent indications that childhood obesity is on the decline in the U.S. were tempered by a new study that analyzed data from 1999 through 2012. They found no significant changes in obesity prevalence in the most recently available years. However, their data showed an upward trend in the prevalence of more severe forms of childhood obesity.
Actually, kids are getting heavier in the US: study
April 15, 2014
Cutting fat in the diet is not the simple answer to weight loss according to an extensive review of the research on weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. This likely is due to the fact that when fat calories are cut, more calories will be derived from carbohydrate. A high carbohydrate diet boosts insulin levels and helps to support fat storage. Both fats and carbohydrates in the diet are a good thing when consumed in the right proportions to meet your calorie needs.
Low-fat does not guarantee diet success, review shows
April 22, 2014
After bariatric surgery, major dietary and lifestyle adjustments are necessary to maintain weight loss and health. Serious nutrient deficiencies can occur due to limited food intake and malabsorption of nutrients.
Bariatric surgery can lead to deficiencies in nutrition
April 25, 2014
To achieve or maintain a healthy body weight can be challenging if it requires a low calorie intake. Consuming adequate protein in combination with resistance exercise (strength training) seems to be the best way to conserve lean muscle tissue and lose body fat.
Whey protein consumption may lead to significant decreases in body weight and body fat and significant increases in lean body mass
May 4, 2014
We cannot digest dietary fiber, but some of it can be broken down and used for energy by bacteria in the colon. New research indicates that one of the bacterial byproducts of fiber utilization, called acetate, is absorbed into our body . This is a normal molecule that we also produce in the body, but increased levels of acetate in the blood can enter the brain and affect appetite centers in a way that tends to reduce calorie intake.
Discovery of anti-appetite molecule released by fibre could help tackle obesity
May 6, 2014
A study following over 25,000 U.S. adults for about 10 years found that those taking statin drugs for reducing blood cholesterol were heavier in weight and consuming more calories and fat than those not taking statins. This was not the case at the beginning of the study, only toward the end of the study period in 2010. Apparently, it is important for statin users to have dietary guidance along with drug treatment.
Statin Users Eating More Bad Food Than a Decade Ago, Study Shows
May 18, 2014
A new study with type 2 diabetics found that consuming a diet providing 500 calories below needs was more effective at supporting weight loss and positive metabolic changes when participants consumed two meals a day compared to the same amount of calories consumed in six meals a day.
Diabetics: Two large meals better than 6 small meals with same calories for controlling weight, blood sugar
June 30, 2014
A review of seven studies concluded that increasing dietary fruit and vegetable intake does not promote weight loss. These researchers concluded that in addition to increasing fruits and vegetables, messages should also include the need to reduce calories from other foods. The researchers, however, failed to address the potential that increased fruit and vegetable intake may result in lower dietary protein - another important part of the successful weight loss formula.
Fruits and Vegetables: Good for Health, Not Necessarily a Weight Loss Method
July 9, 2014
A study that evaluated changes in physical activity and calorie intake during the 20 years between 1990 and 2010 found that leisure-time physical activity declined greatly in both men and women. However, average calorie intake did not change.
Less exercise, not more calories, responsible for expanding waistlines
July 23, 2014
Vitamin D and Weight Loss: A study of vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU per day) in overweight and obese women during weight loss treatment found that supplementation had little effect on weight loss and related factors unless vitamin D status was raised to adequacy (blood levels of 25-OH-vitamin D at least 32 ng/mL or 80 nmol/L).
Vitamin D and its effect on weight loss examined in new study
July 27, 2014
Protein and Exercise: Protein consumption following exercise is known to increase muscle protein synthesis and recovery from exercise. A new study found that a mixture of 25 percent isolated soy protein combined with milk proteins (50 percent casein and 25 percent whey) enhanced muscle protein synthesis following exercise more than whey protein alone.
Soy-dairy protein blend increases muscle mass reaffirmed by study
July 31, 2014
Probiotics and Fatty Liver: Fat accumulation in the liver is associated with a variety of serious health problems. A study using genetically obese rats found that feeding them the types of microorganisms commonly found in yogurt helped to lower the fat level in the liver. It is not known if this also would be the case in humans.
Consuming probiotics for a month helps diminish fat accumulation in the liver, according to a new study
August 4, 2014
Zinc and Health: Zinc status is rarely evaluated in people, however, inadequate zinc in the diet can lead to a wide variety of health problems. Low zinc intake may be increasing in modern diets. Common foods that provide the most zinc include lean beef and some enriched breakfast cereals.
Eight ways zinc affects the human body
August 10, 2014
Another research study questions the common assumption about what constitutes the best BMI for older people. A review of 32 studies that totaled almost 200,000 participants, age 65 and older, found that mortality risk increased both below a BMI of 23 and above a BMI of 33.
Yes, you can be too skinny — especially if you’re over 65
August 15, 2014
You need more protein when you are dieting for weight loss. When calorie intake is low, the body uses protein components for energy supply more than usual. it helps to consume about twice the normally recommended protein. This is about 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (or 0.7 grams per pound).
Flesh out the truth from weight-loss advice
August 11, 2014
Research shows that eating disorders and pre-eating disorders are increasing. It seems that more focus on being healthy and less focus on being thin is needed.
Disordered Eating May Affect 10 to 15 Percent of Women
September 9, 2014
A 12-month study conducted with obese middle-age women and men provided half of the participants with guidance on following a low fat diet and the other half received guidance on following a low carbohydrate diet.The low carbohydrate group lost almost eight pounds more than the low fat group. The difference in weight loss was most likely due to the fact that the low carbohydrate diet provided substantially more protein that prevented the loss of lean tissue.
Low-carb trumps low-fat for weight loss and cardiovascular risk
September 21, 2014
Dairy Foods and Cardiovascular Risk: In a study of 233 French Canadians, greater consumption of milk products was associated with lower blood glucose levels and lower blood pressure. The researchers also found that blood levels of a natural trans fatty acid (trans-palmitoleic acid) was a good indicator of dairy food intake.
More cheese, please! News study shows dairy is good for your metabolic health
September 25, 2014
Best Exercise for Obese Teens: A 6-month study of 304 adolescents (age 14 to 18), who were either obese or overweight with related risk factors, found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises reduced body fat more than participation in only one of the two forms of exercise.
Best exercise for obese youths analyzed
October 23, 2014
Breakfast Protein and Food Cravings: When older teenage girls consumed a higher protein breakfast (35 g of protein), it reduced their food cravings when compared to skipping breakfast. Other studies have found that including high protein foods at each main meal helps to maintain the body's muscle mass and facilitate lowering body fat.
Eating breakfast reduces cravings, overeating
October 26, 2014
Grapefruit Juice and Mice: Grapefruit is a wonderful tasty fruit. A new study with young growing mice consuming a high fat diet reports that feeding them grapefruit juice reduced their gain of body fat compared to mice not getting the juice. Although this study may give those recycled grapefruit diets another boost, it is unlikely that adult humans will respond to grapefruit juice the same way as young growing mice.
Could grapefruit juice curb the effects of a high-fat diet?
October 29, 2014
Spiked Dietary Supplements: About half of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) class I drug recalls over the past ten years have involved dietary supplements that were illegally adulterated with banned drug ingredients. To make matters worse, many of these adulterated products were still sold online by distributor websites months or years after being banned. These were mostly weight loss and muscle building products with names like EverSlim, Forged Extreme Mass, and Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen Capsule - not from major dietary supplement companies.
Recalled dietary supplements still contain banned substances
November 21, 2014
Coffee Component and Liver Fat: Coffee is high in a compound called chlorogenic acid that is known to have many biological activities. Using rats made obese with a high fat diet, researchers found that periodic injections of chlorogenic acid significantly reduced fatty liver, body fat, and insulin resistance. The dose was much greater than the amount that can be obtained from drinking coffee, but this research may lead to the use of chlorogenic acid as a component of treatment for obesity and its complications.
Chemical in coffee may help prevent obesity-related disease
November 30, 2014
Calories and Weight Management: Healthful weight management requires more than just cutting calories. The primary source of calories consumed in a meal (carbs, fat, and protein) triggers hormonal shifts in ways that can affect satiety and nutrient storage. For example, meals high in protein and fat provide more satiety than meals high in carbohydrate. Physical activity also plays a major role not only in the amount of calories needed, but also in how calories are utilized and stored in the body.
Calorie-focused thinking when it comes to obesity may mislead and harm public health
December 6, 2014
Bariatric Surgery and Exercise: Both exercise and weight loss have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently, it makes sense that participation in moderate exercise after gastric bypass surgery improves blood glucose control more than the weight loss alone.
Exercise following bariatric surgery provides health benefits beyond weight loss
December 13, 2014
Supplement for Weight Loss: Researchers developed a compound called inulin-propionate ester that increases the level of the fatty acid propionate in the colon. Although they found that supplementation of overweight adults with this compound caused appetite-suppressing hormones to increase in the blood, there was no significant change in body weight during 24 weeks of supplementation.
Scientists create food ingredient that will make you feel fuller
December 25, 2014
Santa's Health Status: Although his BMI may place him in the obese category, Santa Claus actually has a healthy level of body fat. Much of his weight is the muscle mass required for carrying heavy bags of toys around the world. He trains throughout the year to stay fit for his Christmas Eve marathon.
Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit
January 4, 2015
Pregnancy and Body Weight: New research indicates that 75 percent of new mothers are heavier a year after giving birth than they were before becoming pregnant. Factors that promote post-pregnancy weight loss include breast-feeding and moderate exercise.
Many women don't lose those pregnancy pounds
January 5, 2015
Low Fat or Low Carb? A twelve-month study of 148 participants had half of them limit carbs and the other half limit fat in their diets without limiting calorie intake. By the end of the year, those consuming the low-carb diet lost about eight pounds more on average than those consuming the low-fat diet.
A Call for a Low-Carb Diet That Embraces Fat
January 11, 2015
Exercise and Waist Circumference: There is a common tendency for waist circumference to increase after middle-age. A 12-year study that followed 10,500 healthy men over the age of 40, found that both resistance exercise (strength training) and aerobic exercise both helped to prevent an increase in waist size during the 12-year period. Although resistance exercise appeared better at preventing waist size increase than aerobic exercise, participating in both forms of exercise was the best.
Weight training helps keep men's waistline from expanding
January 19, 2015
Energy Balance Studies Flawed: The world's top obesity researchers say, "Enough already!" about studies that use participant-reported measures of food intake and physical activity. Evidence regarding the inaccuracy of these measures indicates that they lead to incorrect conclusions and should no longer be used for research purposes.
For obesity research, self-reported diet, physical activity data too inaccurate, expert report says
February 7, 2015
Red Wine and Weight: A phytochemical powder from red grapes was found to inhibit fat accumulation in a human fat cell model. However, don't expect drinking red wine to cause weight loss. The extract has no calories, but grapes and grape products have a fair amount of calories.
Another reason to drink wine: It could help you burn fat, study suggests
February 8, 2015
Causes of Obesity: Obesity is a complex condition that appears to develop in individuals from many synergistic factors coming together to promote fat accumulation and maintenance of excess body fat. This "perfect storm" of variables is likely not the same for each person dealing with obesity. Just a few of the elements researchers are exploring include microorganisms, reduced exposure to a broad range of ambient temperatures, smoking cessation, sleep debt, pharmaceutical causes, and a variety of factors associated with pregnancy and infant development.
Obesity May Be More Than One Disease, Experts Say
February 9, 2015
Protein and Weight Loss: When cutting calories for weight loss, the goal is to lose body fat and conserve calorie-burning lean body mass. Both protein and calorie intake spaced periodically throughout the day help to conserve muscle and allow loss of fat. This emphasizes the importance of eating properly to lose fat - not just weight.
Short-term energy deficits increase factors related to muscle degradation.
February 10, 2015
Chili Peppers and Fat Loss: A study using mice found that adding substantial amounts of capsaicin (the hot chemical in chili peppers) to their diet substantially reduced fat gain when they were fed a high fat diet that normally caused obesity. Although this preliminary study will likely lead to new diet pills, keep in mind that extrapolating the dose used in the mice to humans indicates that you would need to consume two to three pounds of extremely hot chili peppers per day to get comparable amounts of capsaicin.
What's next in diets: Chili peppers?
March 12, 2015
Metabolic Effects of Weight Change: A large study followed adults for a seven year period and measured changes in both gene expression and blood components reflecting metabolism. They found that weight gain and weight loss had the opposite effects on many of these measures. This study adds significantly to further understanding of the body's response to weight change and will help to determine the best ways to prevent or treat weight-related health problems.
How changes in body weight affect human metabolism
March 19, 2015
Obesity and Body Temperature: A new study found that obese individuals, on average, had lower body core temperature during the day than people with normal body weight. This may contribute to accumulation of body fat due to reduced conversion of body energy supply into body heat. The lower heat production could be due to less movement (even less fidgeting types of movement), lower muscle mass, or iron deficiency (which is more common in obese individuals).
Body Temperature and Obesity: New Study Suggests Connection
March 29, 2015
Over 50 years ago, Dr. Jean Mayer demonstrated that sedentary people tend to eat more calories than they need. He found that even modest levels of daily physical activity helped to control appetite and promote a healthy body weight.
Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill
April 5, 2015
A sedentary lifestyle means you require limited calories. This makes it more challenging to meet your daily essential nutrient needs. Physical activity may be good for your health partly because you can eat more! Go exercise!
Nutrition key to body’s long haul
May 10, 2015
Including enough high fiber plant foods in the diet can benefit intestinal health. Too much fiber, however, can reduce the ability to absorb essential minerals like iron, copper and zinc.
Balancing the facts on fiber
May 12, 2015
Meal Frequency and Weight Loss: A small, but well controlled study of eleven obese women found that during two separate 2-week periods of consuming 1200 calories per day (with about 75 grams per day of protein), the women lost more fat and increased fat-free mass when they were consuming six small meals a day compared to two meals per day.
Want to lose weight? Eat SIX meals a day say nutrition experts in new study
May 20, 2015
Feed and Fast: A well controlled study in mice found that when the mice were allowed to eat only once a day, it altered insulin production and cellular sensitivity to insulin in ways that promoted increased fat storage, especially in the abdominal area. Similar effects have been observed in small human studies.
Skipping meals linked to abdominal weight gain.
May 22, 2015
Snacking for Teens: New research shows that eating high-protein snacks in the afternoon can help teens to control appetite and be less likely to eat unhealthy snacks later in the day. The high protein snacks also improved certain aspects of mood and cognitive function. Choosing high protein snack options on a regular basis should help to prevent excessive weight gain.
Snacking on protein can improve appetite control, diet quality in teens.
May 24, 2015
Parents are responsible for what, when and where children are able to eat. Providing and promoting a wide variety of wholesome foods is essential for helping a child meet nutrient needs and avoid becoming a picky eater.
Help children develop good eating habits
June 3, 2015
Weight Loss and Bone Loss: Rapid weight loss has been shown to promote bone loss. A review of 41 studies on bone loss during weight loss concluded that the measurable bone loss was primarily in the hip area.
Review: Diet-Linked Weight Loss Tied to Drop in Hip BMD
June 5, 2015
How Fat Loss Works: Fat in the body contains plenty of potential energy (calories) in its chemical bonds. When energy is needed, stored fat molecules in the body can be broken down in a stepwise manner to supply it. But, the fat molecule components (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) are converted into carbon dioxide and water that are mostly excreted from the lungs. So, when you lose fat, you breathe it out!
Where does the fat go when you lose it?
June 26, 2015
Food Labeling Effects: A new study found that people trying to control their body weight tend to perceive foods labeled as "fitness foods" as better for keeping trim. There is a tendency to equate these foods with the benefits of physical activity, even without doing the physical activity. Consequently, for some people, there is a risk of consuming excess calories from fitness-branded foods.
'Fitness' foods may cause consumers to eat more, exercise less
June 28, 2015
Eating disorders frequently start with a disordered eating pattern that excludes various foods perceived as fattening or "bad for you." If someone is a picky eater, they may be at greater risk of developing a serious eating problem.
Extremes in calorie control plague nation
July 1, 2015
Preventing Child Obesity: The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to not have high sugar and high calorie foods freely available around the house. Rather, make fruits, vegetables, and other low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods available. In addition, parents should cut back on the amount of time spent in front of the television and other screen devices. Keep the family active and promote good regular sleeping habits. It's not complicated!
Parents Should Set Good Example to Keep Kids Slim, Pediatrics Group Says
July 6, 2015
Bariatric Surgery and Nutrient Toxicity: Since bariatric surgery reduces the absorption of most nutrients, dietary supplementation is necessary. However, a recent study reported that a bariatric surgery patient developed severe vitamin B6 toxicity by consuming 300 mg of the vitamin per day for six months. This dose is three times the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for vitamin B6 that was set for normal healthy individuals with normal gastrointestinal tracts.
Using the Tolerable Upper Limit to Avoid Excessive Vitamin Supplementation
July 12, 2015
Dieting and Protein Needs: Too often dieters cut the protein in order to cut calories. Did you know that protein needs increase during low calorie dieting?
Protein is crucial part of a sound diet
July 15, 2015
Coffee or Genes? It is known that people with specific gene variations consume more coffee. Researchers wondered if the observed benefits of coffee consumption might be due to these genes. They conducted a large epidemiological study and found that common health benefits linked to coffee were not related to these genetic differences.
New research: Coffee not associated with lifestyle diseases
July 18, 2015
Portion Size Matters: Changes in market packaging or fast food servings have altered our recognition of a added calories. For example, today’s wraps are often equivalent to 2 tortillas or 3 or 4 slices of bread and a large “mega-muffin” is similar to 4 muffins from 30 years ago.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
July 23, 2015
Protein Recommendations: Developments in research on protein have led protein researchers to recommend a protein intake moderately higher than current recommendations. They also stress the value of consuming moderate amounts of high-quality protein at each meal rather than consuming most of the day's protein in the evening meal. These recommendations appear to be especially important for older people and those with excess body fat and lower calorie diets.
Current dietary protein recommendations need updating, experts say
July 30, 2015
Calorie Deficit for Weight Loss: It is common practice to say it takes a calorie deficit of 3500 calories to lose a pound.This is based on the fact that a pound of adipose tissue contains about 3500 calories. However, especially during early weight loss, the body also is losing other body components such as muscle and stored carbohydrate (glycogen) that have a much lower calorie density and are associated with substantial water loss.
Effective weight loss takes more than cutting calories
August 12, 2015
Converting White Adipose to Brown: About half of our body fat is stored subcutaneously - just beneath the skin. This large energy reserve is referred to as white fat. Small amounts of brown fat also exist in the body. In contrast to white fat that stores calories, brown fat has lots of mitochondria that expend calories. Using people with severe burn injuries, researchers found that extreme stress over time converts some of the white fat to brown fat. This knowledge may help in the development of pharmacological treatments for obesity.
How common white fat can be turned into energy-burning brown fat in humans
August 18, 2015
Tetris and Cravings: A new study reports that playing the video game Tetris reduces cravings for food, drink, an a variety of activities. Most likely any game that requires focusing on the game can take the mind away from thinking about other things. Need to avoid that pastry? Pick up your smart phone and play your favorite game.
Tetris can block cravings, new study reveals: Playing 'on the go' reduced cravings by one fifth.
August 22, 2015
Over the past few decades, portion sizes both at home and in restaurants have increased substantially. Maintaining a healthy weight doesn't necessarily mean eliminating favorite foods, but rather making sure that the portion size is appropriate.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
August 24, 2015
Breakfast Protein for Teens: A 12-week study of overweight teens found that those who ate a high protein breakfast, containing 35 grams of protein, consumed about 400 calories less throughout the day than teens that consumed a lower protein breakfast (13 g) or skipped breakfast. The higher protein breakfast group also lost body fat during the study and had better blood sugar control.
Protein-packed breakfast prevents body fat gain in overweight teens
September 8, 2015
Food Insecurity and Adolescent Obesity: In a study of 12- to 18-year old adolescents, household food insecurity was associated with an increased likelihood of being overweight and having central obesity. However, the reasons for this are not clear based on data presented in the study. Future research to clarify this association should evaluate the potential contributions of calorie and protein intake.
Food insecurity linked to adolescent obesity, metabolic syndrome
September 10, 2015
Mothers and Eating Disorder Prevention: New research indicates that positive mother-daughter relationships play an important role in helping their daughters build a stable, positive body image that reduces the risk of developing eating disorders.
Mothers use variety of strategies to mitigate risks to daughters' body image
September 16, 2015
Calorie Conservation: It is well known that humans have evolved efficient ways of moving that minimize energy costs. New research also indicates that people are very good at quickly learning to minimize energy expenditure when they are exposed to new and different movement conditions.
You'd have to be smart to walk this lazy, and people are Research suggests that humans are wired for laziness
September 26, 2015
Preventing Food Obsessions: Focusing on health and fitness rather than on dieting and achieving an "ideal" body weight helps to prevent food obsessions and an overly self-conscious attitude.
Overall health more critical than body size
September 27, 2015
Health over 75 years: Studies of people over the age of 75 years report that the heaviest individuals have the lowest risk of death. Consequently, it is not wise to attempt significant weight loss after the age of 75 without medical supervision.
Age exerts major effect on healthy body weight
October 17, 2015
Weight Loss and Muscle: Losing weight too quickly can cause muscle loss. This lowers calorie needs and makes it more difficult to maintain that lower weight. Moderate calorie-cutting along with an exercise program increases your odds of long-term success.
Slow fat loss key to lasting weight loss
October 20, 2015
Food Label Messages: Research indicates that food label messages that encourage people to consider foods as "good" or "bad" are very likely to backfire. People who have adopted this type of black and white thinking about foods are more likely to have difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight.
Simplistic health labels may not lead to healthy food choices
October 23, 2015
Obesity Treatment: Weight loss is difficult and often causes bone loss, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis with age. An interesting study with adult female rats used a technique to inject a leptin gene into the appetite center of their brains. Leptin is a satiety hormone released by fat cells. Rats receiving the injection lost some weight during the following 18 months (controls gained weight) and they experienced no bone loss. Although any human application of this research will require a great deal more study, it helps to emphasize that the brain can be an important target in achieving a healthy body weight.
Leptin gene therapy 'may be better than dieting' for weight loss
November 2, 2015
Soluble Fiber and Obesity: Increasing soluble fiber in the diets of mice causes changes intestinal bacterial composition and reduces body fat levels. It is not known if a similar relationship exists in humans.
Diet lacking soluble fiber promotes weight gain, mouse study suggests
November 14, 2015
Sleep and Weight: For a successful weight loss plan of action, be sure to establish good sleep patterns. Research suggests that inadequate sleep may negatively influence weight by affecting appetite and decreasing effort during physical activity.
More sleep could help control weight
November 20, 2015
Personalized Nutrition: A new study shows that the blood glucose response that people have after eating specific foods can vary greatly from one person to another. Measuring how individuals respond to specific foods can help design personalized diets to better treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Personalized diets needed to combat obesity and diabetes
November 26, 2015
Fat Loss: New research indicates that the more fat you have, the harder it may be to lose it. Studies in both mice and humans found that a specific protein increases when body fat amounts are high. This protein inhibits the mobilization of fat from fat cells, making it more difficult to lose fat when you are fatter.
Stored fat fights against the body’s attempts to lose weight
December 11, 2015
Sugar and Diet: Primarily due to increased sugar-sweetened beverage intake, people around the world are consuming increasing amounts of sugar. However, efforts to curb this trend are beginning to help reduce sugar consumption in a few countries.
Global diet is getting sweeter, particularly when it comes to beverages
December 14, 2015
Eating Disorder Prevention: Using an MRI brain scanning technique, researchers demonstrated that after young women completed The Body Project group-based eating disorder prevention program, they had a reduced reward valuation response to images of thin supermodels and an increase in response to images of healthy, normal weight women.
Eating disorder prevention program reduces brain reward region response to supermodels
December 19, 2015
Alcohol and Weight: Trying to avoid packing on extra pounds over the holidays? The calories in alcoholic beverages can add up quickly without notice - another reason to drink moderately.
Alcohol adds to holiday weight gain
December 21, 2015
Fish Oil and Fat: Using a mouse model, researchers found that animals fed diets rich in fish oil gained less fat and had greater energy expenditure at rest due to an increased number of brown and beige fat cells. Though it is questionable that this will work the same in adult humans, it is one more potential reason to include fish in the diet on a regular basis.
Fish oil helps transform fat cells from storage to burning
December 29, 2015
Seasonal Depression: Depression that occurs in the winter months (seasonal affective disorder or SAD) has been thought to be related to decreased sun or light exposure. This condition also is more likely to occur in those with low levels of the key fish oil fatty acids (EPA and DHA) according to new research conducted in Japan.
Feeling Down? Could it be the Season or your Omega-3 Status?
December 30, 2015
Seaweed as a Food Ingredient: Food scientists are finding that various types of seaweed can be incorporated into many types of food in ways that add both flavor and needed nutrients. Some types of seaweed are good sources of various antioxidants, minerals like potassium, and dietary fiber.
Food industry can help lower cardiovascular diseases by adding little seaweed to products
January 4, 2016
Fat Mobilization Mechanism: Research on how the hormone leptin triggers mobilization of fat from fat cells found that nerves surrounding fat cells are activated to stimulate mobilization of fat from the cells. This may lead to neural stimulation techniques to promote fat loss.
From brain, to fat, to weight loss: New study reveals neural mechanism responsible for fat breakdown
January 1, 2016
Weight Loss Principles: If you are making New Year resolutions for weight loss, remember that the three most important words in nutrition are variety, balance, and moderation. Avoid extreme changes for long-term success.
Variety, balance and moderation still outweigh any fad
January 2, 2016
To Lose Body Fat: Consuming too little or too much carbohydrate can complicate weight loss. Eating a moderately low-calorie diet with adequate carbohydrate and protein promotes fat loss, inhibits lean tissue loss and will help to lower weight over time.
Too much carb cutting affects your brain
January 3, 2016
Headaches and Low Carbohydrates: A common cause of headaches is low blood sugar. Dips in blood sugar levels can be caused by skipping meals or fasting. When dieting, be sure to spread out your meals. Your brain will thank you.
Diet may play part in your headaches
January 8, 2016
Gastric Bypass Surgery: Within a period of about three to 8 years after gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y procedure), over two thirds of patients sought health care for symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia, and gallstones. Although most patients reported improved well-being after surgery, the prevalence of symptoms was high and nearly one-third of patients were hospitalized.
Side Effects Seen With One Method of Weight-Loss Surgery: Study
January 10, 2016
Standing for Weight Loss: To burn more calories - simply stand up. Standing uses twice as many calories per minute as sitting and walking briskly expends about 4 times the calories.
Too bad we can't put exercise in a pill
January 13, 2016
Hunger Games with Mice: Much of the research on hunger and dieting has focused on positive reward activity in parts of the brain. New research with mice indicates that specific neurons in the brain reduce hunger through reduction of negative signals caused by hunger rather than simple positive reward. This may lead to new approaches toward achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Another reason why your diet is doomed: 'Hunger' neurons promote negative feelings
January 14, 2016
New Dietary Guidelines: The recently released updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans continue to emphasize the importance of eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods in moderate amounts from each of the major food groups. Previous concerns were removed for cutting back on foods high in cholesterol. This reflects the lack of evidence for dietary cholesterol having a significant effect on blood cholesterol and the fact that good foods like seafood are high in cholesterol.
2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released
January 16, 2016
Weight and Menopause: If you recently started exercising and haven't noticed any weight loss, remember that you are likely building muscle and losing fat. Changes in inches can occur before pounds. So, step away from the scale!
Exercise program can result in quick weight gain
January 27, 2016
Fitness and Fatness: Professional American football linemen have become much bigger and in many cases fatter over the past several decades. Although the sport requires fitness, some players have developed excessive levels of abdominal fat and the associated disease risk factors. Helping these athletes maintain healthy levels of body fat is likely to enhance both performance and long term health.
Are football players too obese?
February 1, 2016
Fat Loss without Muscle Loss: Generally, weight loss comes from a combination of fat and lean mass like muscle tissue. However, a new study found that combining an intensive training program with high protein intake (3 times the RDA) during a four-week diet (40 percent calorie reduction) promoted fat loss combined with lean tissue gain.
Losing fat while gaining muscle: Scientists close in on 'holy grail' of diet and exercise
February 24, 2016
Weight Loss: A small, but detailed study found that even a modest weight loss equivalent to 5 percent of body weight significantly improved insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver and muscle, showing a substantial reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Little diet pain, big health gain
March 17, 2016
Technology to track food intake: Weight loss or gain is dependent on both food intake and energy expenditure. There are many technologies to track exercise. Now a new technolgy to document food consumed is being development. This technology is in the form of a necklace that monitors chewing sounds.
This necklace hears what you eat
March 22, 2016
Satiety and Obesity: Using a mouse model, researchers found a specific enzyme that plays a major part in triggering satiety messages in a specific part of the brain. This may lead to the development of medicines that could help to treat obesity.
Portion control: Cells found in mouse brain that signal 'stop eating'
April 2, 2016
Low Calorie Nutrient Dense Foods to Control Hunger: Supersizing low-energy-dense foods like salads and lower fat soups is a great way to control hunger while restricting energy intake. Salads and soups also provide important essential nutrients.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
April 11, 2016
Youth Physical Activity: Increased child obesity often is blamed on changes in the food environment. However, reduced physical activity may be a more significant contributor. Accelerometer data for children in grades 3-5 found that very few of the children achieved the recommended 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Few children get 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily
April 15, 2016
Keeping Lost Weight Off: It often is said that keeping lost weight off is more difficult than losing the weight. New research provides a better understanding of how to maintain weight loss. This study demonstrated that when weight loss is maintained for at least a year, appetite inhibiting and stimulating hormones that drive hunger can return to before-weight loss levels, making maintenance of the lowered weight the "new normal."
Obese people can maintain stable weight loss
April 17, 2016
Protein Needs and Weight Loss: When calorie intake is reduced for weight loss, protein needs actually increase. Consequently, when dieting, cut back on foods that are high in fat, sugar, and starch.
Careful diet plan sheds fat
April 23, 2016
Controlling Caloric Intake: Studies show that consumers have difficulty self-regulating the consumption of large portion sizes. Buying food in smaller packages may cost more but can help to prevent adding inches to your waist.
Big servings lead unwary to overeat
May 2, 2016
Muscle and Heart Health: New research indicates that maintaining or increasing muscle mass may be especially beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, any attempts to lose body weight should focus on gradual loss of body fat and preservation of muscle mass. Better yet, add a strength training program to build some muscle mass.
Building Muscle Could Boost the Body's Most Important Muscle
May 4, 2016
Choline Deficiency: Research shows that 90 percent of the U.S. population is consuming less than the recommended "Adequate Intake" for choline. Since choline deficiency can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, there appears to be a need to generate nutrition education efforts to promote foods that are good sources of choline. Foods especially rich in choline include beef liver (450 mg per 3 oz) and eggs (280 mg per egg). The Adequate Intake is 450 mg for women and 550 for men.
Assessment of total choline intakes in the United States
May 5, 2016
Water and Calories: In a 12-week study of overweight teens, having them consume one liter of water a day (along with eating their usual diet) resulted in an average drop in calorie intake of more than 200 calories per day. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages also decreased.
A spoonful of sugar? Swapping sugary drinks for water and dairy seems the best medicine
May 19, 2016
BMI and Mortality: A recent study conducted in Denmark found that the BMI (height to weight ratio) with the lowest risk of death increased since the late 1970s from 24 to 27. A BMI of 27 is near the middle of what is considered to be the “overweight” range of 25 to 30. Keep in mind that different racial groups likely have different mortality risk patterns related to BMI.
Obesity May Not Take Years Off Your Life: Study
May 22, 2016
Weight Comments and Youth: Eating disorders can develop from excessive dieting, binge eating, and inappropriate weight loss techniques. Research shows that teasing young family members about their weight can trigger these behaviors.
Criticism may trigger eating disorders
May 29, 2016
Importance of Activity for Health: To maintain a healthy body weight (and composition) throughout life requires more than restricting calories. Maintaining a healthy weight often requires both decreasing calories from food and increasing physical activity.
Youth Physical Activity Guidelines
June 19, 2016
Healthy Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss increases the risk for accelerated bone loss and developing osteoporosis. Gradually building fitness and eating a balanced diet is more likely to result in long term success. "Slow and steady wins the race."
Bone mass at risk during weight loss
June 20, 2016
Food Intake Regulation: Hormonal changes related to the development and maintenance of obesity are complex. Normally, a hormone called uroguanylin is produced by the intestine in response to food intake. It travels through the blood to trigger brain receptors that decrease the drive to eat. However, the production of this hormone decreases in obese animals and may prove to be a new target in the treatment of obesity.
Broken calorie sensing pathway: How overeating may lead to more eating
June 28, 2016
Exercise and Muscle Recovery in Older People: Most older people find that muscle recovery following a bout of exercise is slower than it used to be. Based on a recent study with older mice, muscle recovery from exercise, or other causes of muscle damage, is enhanced by staying in shape with regular exercise training.
Regular exercise may help muscle repair in older adults
June 30, 2016
Obesity and Genetics: Researchers found that higher levels of a specific protein molecule in fat cells enhanced the function of insulin and promoted fat storage. People that genetically produce more of this protein have more of a tendency to accumulate body fat than other people, especially when their diet is high in carbohydrate and fat.
Insulin-sensitive fat leads to obesity
July 7, 2016
Fish Oil and Pregnancy: Fatty acids from fish is known to be beneficial for brain development of a growing fetus. A recent study, however, shows that fish Oil capsules consumed during pregnancy does not translate into preventing childhood obesity at preschool age.
Fish oil during pregnancy offers no protection for children against obesity
July 9, 2016
Sports Drinks and Children: Sports drinks are designed for athletes to provide water, sugar, and salt. This is what athletes need during endurance exercise. There is a tendency to perceive sports drinks as being a healthy option, however, other than being a bit lower in sugar, they are not much different than soda. Consequently, frequent consumption of sports drinks is generally not a good option for children.
Children consuming sports drinks unnecessarily
July 13, 2016
Low Carb Diet: A tightly controlled study of 17 overweight or obese men was conducted under metabolic ward conditions. The researchers compared the amount of fat lost during 4 weeks of a normal reduced-calorie diet to 4 weeks on a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet. Each diet provided the same amount of calories. Protein intake was the same on both diets. There was little difference in fat loss between the two diets. One problem is that the study design did not randomize the order of the diets.
Carbohydrate Study Leaves Diet Researchers Divided
August 1, 2016
HHydration and Body Weight: A study based on data from over 9500 people found that individuals who were overweight or obese, based on BMI (body mass index) also were more likely to be poorly hydrated. It is not clear what this really means in terms of possible causes or effects of obesity, but further research to evaluate potential cause/effect relationships seems warranted.
Study: Water intake overlooked in obese individuals
August 2, 2016
Bariatric Surgery and Bone Loss: A number of studies have found that weight loss, especially when it is rapid, includes bone loss. Consequently, it is not surprising that a Canadian study reported that people who lost weight from bariatric surgery were at increased risk for bone fractures.
Weight-Loss Surgery Doesn't Boost Bone Health: Study
August 22, 2016
Protein and Body Composition: Another human study confirms the importance of maintaining a higher protein intake during reduced calorie intake to promote fat loss and to reduce or prevent loss of lean body mass. The results of this study also indicate that after weight loss, maintenance of adequate protein intake helps to prevent weight and fat regain.
Protein pacing helps weight loss and maintenance: Study
August 28, 2016
Weight and Non-exercise Activity: Does your job keep you too sedentary? Finding ways to make many small extra movements throughout the day, such as fidgeting, walking, and standing can play an important role in weight control.
Fit in fidgeting if you can't get exercise time
September 3, 2016
Exercise and Weight Loss: Although exercise is less likely to promote fat loss in women than in men, exercise does benefit health in both genders and allows both men and women to eat more calories without gaining weight.
Men, women respond differently to exercise
September 6, 2016
Sweet Preference and Body Fat: A study with toddlers found that those who preferred a sweet treat after a meal gained more body fat during their third year of life than toddlers who preferred a salty snack.
Chips or cookies? Toddlers with sweet tooth more likely to experience weight gain
September 10, 2016
Weight and Exercise Cessation: Both human and animal studies have shown that abruptly stopping an exercise habit results in rapid gain in body fat. By reducing training, rather than stopping altogether helps to maintain lower body-fat levels.
Abrupt decline in exercise shows up in body fat gain
September 21, 2016
Activity Trackers and Weight Loss: A large study following people in a weight loss program for two years found that participants who used an activity monitoring device actually lost less weight than those who did not use one. It is not clear why this was the case, but it seemed clear that in a long study like this one, the extra information from the device did not help.
Activity trackers are ineffective at sustaining weight loss
September 25, 2016
Weight and Fitness: Despite increasing rates of overweight and obesity, the current medical system typically allows little time for physicians to counsel patients about weight management. Those with weight problems should request referrals to meet with qualified nutrition and fitness professionals.
City-Dwelling Women Face Diet And Exercise Challenges
October 24, 2016
Baseball and Body Weight: Based on measures of Body Mass Index (BMI), only 20 percent of professional baseball players have a normal body weight for their height. Eighty percent are either overweight or obese. This trend started about 25 years ago. However, using BMI, a ratio of weight for height, is not ideal for athletes whose extra body weight may be muscle and not just fat.
Heavy hitters: Obesity rate soars among professional baseball players
October 25, 2016
Appetite and Calorie Intake: An analysis of over 400 studies found that a person's reported appetite is not a good predictor of how much they will eat.
Scientists find no link between appetite, calorie intake
October 26, 2016
Brain and Body Fat: Research indicates that many factors influence the amount of fat our individually unique bodies tend to store. Fat cell number and size, level of physical activity, and types of foods we eat are just a few. In addition, a new study indicates that the physical structure of a part of the brain affects how we individually react to and control our intake of various types of food.
Dieting success may be hardwired into the brain
November 5, 2016
Beware Internet Medicine: Doctors often encourage their patients to become "educated consumers" of their medical care and personal health problems. Remember when seeking medical information through the Internet that many website offer medical fiction rather than fact. Seek reliable science-based websites.
False claims thrive on Internet
November 13, 2016
Height Matters: The calories used to walk a mile depend mostly on a person's body weight. However, for two people weighing the same, the shorter person will typically use slightly more calories – about one extra calorie (kcal) per mile for each inch difference in height.
Take that, Stretch! Short people burn more calories walking
November 18, 2016
Infant Nutritional Supplement Formulas: Special products that are concentrated in calories and nutrients have been designed for infants that are too small for their age. Using these products can help infants and toddlers achieve a normal size for their age. However, providing these products to normal size infants may help to promote the development of obesity.
Companies pushing 'toddler milk' need oversight, experts warn
November 25, 2016
Food Allergen Labeling: Food manufacturers often voluntarily label their products with statements like "may contain" or "manufactured in a facility that also processes" specific common allergenic food ingredients. A recent study was conducted on the shopping habits of over 6000 people who either had a food allergy or shopped for someone else who had one. The results indicated that 40 percent of them still purchased foods labeled as manufactured in a facility that also processes the allergenic food ingredient of concern.
Confusing food labels place consumers with food allergy at risk
November 28, 2016
Alcohol and Appetite: A study with rats found that increased blood alcohol levels did not increase overall calorie intake. However, human studies do not find that this occurs in people. This is likely one case where rats are not like people.
Study in rats finds low blood alcohol levels have no effect on total calories consumed
December 2, 2016
Recurrent Obesity and Microbiome: Some well-designed research with mice has provided good clues to how the lower intestinal bacteria can play a role in promoting weight regain after weight loss. One of the interesting outcomes of this research indicates that increased consumption of some flavanoids found naturally in various herbs and citrus fruits may help to prevent the weight regain.
Gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity.
December 6, 2016
Low Fat or High Fat? A study with 46 overweight men (age 30 to 50) on a 12-week weight loss regimen (lost an average of 22 pounds) found that a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet and very high fat, low carbohydrate diet each triggered similar weight and fat loss along with similar changes in other risk factors. It is important to note that this study does not address how these different diets would affect people who are maintaining body weight.
Very-high-fat diet reversed obesity and disease risk
December 7, 2016
Bulimia Treatment: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder with recurrent episodes of uncontrollable binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. A new study tested the effectiveness of an online cognitive-behavioral therapy approach using a therapeutic chat group setting. It's long-term effectiveness was similar to that observed in a traditional face-to-face group therapy setting.
Online group therapy may be effective treatment for bulimia nervosa
December 8, 2016
Bariatric Surgery Outcomes: British researchers have proposed a "core outcome set" of the nine most important outcomes that should be evaluated in all bariatric surgery clinical trials. These outcomes include items such as weight lost, diabetes status, overall quality of life, mortality, complications of the operation, follow-up operations, difficulty eating, micronutrient deficiency, and cardiovascular disease risk.
The 9 Most Important Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
December 15, 2016
Social Eating: Men, but not women, tend to overeat in social eating settings. New research suggests that this is due to a competitive mentality to eat more than other males.
Social eating leads to overeating, especially among men
December 18, 2016
For longterm health, focus on developing fitness rather an "ideal" body weight. Your ideal body weight is the weight at which you function best mentally and physically.
Overall health more critical than body size
December 19, 2016
Maternal Diet and Offspring Obesity: In a rat study, consumption of a high fat diet before, during, and after pregnancy increased the risk of the offspring becoming obese as adults. This occurred both in rats that had the genes for being obesity-resistance and obesity-prone. A variety of human studies seem to support this observation.
'Western' maternal diet appears to raise obesity risk in offspring
December 23, 2016
Screen time and weight: A new research study of nearly 25,000 high school students shows that approximately 20% used smartphones, tablets, computers, and videogames more than 5 hours a day. These students also were twice as likely to drink a sugary drink each day and not get enough sleep or physical activity. These behaviors increase the risk of becoming obese.
Smartphones and tablets and adolescents: Small size, big problems?
December 25, 2016
Activity and Fitness: Santa is a big man, but he is not overly fat. His very active job keeps him more fit than fat.
Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit
December 31, 2016
Alcohol Associated with Overeating: If weight maintenance or loss is your goal, then only drink moderately. Alcohol contains a fair amount of calories and also stimulates the appetite.
The effects of a priming dose of alcohol and drinking environment on snack food intake.
January 1, 2017
Make Fitness Over Weight Loss: If past New Year’s resolutions to lose weight were short-lived, try changing the resolution to seeking health and fitness and let your body gradually find the weight that is ideal for you.
Overall health more critical than body size
January 7, 2017
Sleep and Weight: Research shows that individuals deprived of sleep tend to consume more calories primarily from snacks with higher carbohydrate content. So don't forget your beauty sleep.
More sleep could help control weight
January 25, 2017
Binge Drinking and Liver Damage: Faced with the common recommendation to consume no more than one to two drinks a day, some people say they will save up all their drinks for the weekend. Based on new research with mice, this is not a good idea. Periodic binge drinking caused a significant increase in signs of liver damage.
Binge Drinking May Quickly Lead to Liver Damage
January 26, 2017
Childhood Asthma and Obesity: A study that followed over 2000 five to eight year old children for up to ten years, found that children with asthma were more likely to become obese. However, the use of rescue medications (like inhalers), but not controller asthma medications, reduced obesity risk. Early treatment with the use of rescue medications appears to help prevent the vicious cycle of asthma increasing the development of obesity and obesity promoting increased asthma symptoms.
Children with asthma may be at higher obesity risk
January 29, 2017
Food Response to Stress: A mouse study clearly demonstrated what human dieters already know. Mice that had previously experienced weight loss diets responded to stress by consuming more high-fat foods than mice that had never been on a weight loss diet. This may be why lost weight is so rarely kept off.
Yo-yo dieting alters genes linked with stress
January 30, 2017
Eating Disorder Recovery: A study followed up on people diagnosed with eating disorders more than 20 years after their diagnosis. They found that about two thirds of those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa recovered. The bad news is that about one third still suffered from the condition decades later.
Many Women With Eating Disorders Do Recover, Study Finds
January 31, 2017
Fat Shaming: It's often assumed that feeling bad and shameful about being obese can motivate people to lose weight and improve their health. However, a new study found just the opposite. People who felt bad about their weight were more likely to avoid exercise and consume excess calories to cope with the stress.
Fat shaming linked to greater health risks
February 11, 2017
Breakfast and Weight: Studies continue to indicate that breakfast is the best way to start the day. Teenage mothers who ate breakfast regularly had a lower weight for their height and consumed significantly less snack foods and soft drinks than their counterparts who rarely ate breakfast.
Breakfast Is an Important Meal, Especially for Teen Moms and Their Kids
February 14, 2017
Protein Leverage Hypothesis: The protein leverage hypothesis suggests that people eat to meet their protein needs and when protein is low in the diet people will tend to eat more calories. A study on women in Costa Rica found that calorie intake was lower when the proportion of calories from protein was higher. However, this was observed only for those in the middle and high socioeconomic status groups.
Research investigates role of protein in obesity among Latin American women
February 22, 2017
Gut Microbiome Effects: New research with mice shows that the genetics of the animal play a significant role in determining the bacterial composition of the microbiome. In addition, molecules produced by the bacteria are absorbed into the animal and influence metabolic functions like insulin production and secretion.
From mice, clues to microbiome's influence on metabolic disease
February 24, 2017
Stress and Obesity: The stress hormone cortisol has been proposed to be a factor that promotes obesity. The level of cortisol in hair is a relatively new measure of cortisol exposure over time. The cortisol level in scalp hair of older adults was found to be positively correlated with obesity and with the persistence of obesity over time. It is not clear if stress and high cortisol contribute to the development of obesity or if obesity causes increased cortisol levels.
Long-term stress linked to higher levels of obesity, hair samples show
March 4, 2017
Labeling Affects Appetite: Consumer research shows that labeling a food as “healthy” or “tasty and delicious” affects appetite differently. Foods identified as “healthy” were consumed in greater quantity than when the same foods were labeled as “tasty and delicious.”
Healthy Food Makes Consumers Feel Hungrier When Choices Are Limited
March 6, 2017
Anorexia Treatment: Anorexia nervosa is very difficult to successfully treat due to strong tendencies for sufferers to relapse after standard treatment. New research has identified physical and functional changes in the brains of those with the condition that appear to take several years after treatment to revert back to normal.
Even When Anorexia is Contained, Brain Repair Lags Behind
April 1, 2017
Weight Loss Tips for Aging: Weight loss in older people can result in significant loss of muscle mass and bone mass. Therefore losing weight in a healthy way can be difficult. In obese seniors 65 years of age and up, a year of combining exercise and diet proved to be much better than diet or exercise treatments alone.
Diet-Exercise Combo Best for Obese Seniors
April 2, 2017
Protein to Prevent Excess Evening Calories: Research on overweight and obese men shows that if the men consumed lean protein foods at each of three meals a day in amounts of about 50 grams of protein per meal, the men experienced much less of the evening munchies.
Adding protein, like lean pork, may help dieters curb late-night munchies
April 17, 2017
Carbs and Fiber in Diabetes: People managing type 2 diabetes need to moderate carbohydrate intake. In addition, research has shown that it can help to include sources of viscous fiber in carbohydrate containing meals to slow glucose absorption. Oats and barley are good sources of viscous fiber.
Recent scientific findings support new nutritional prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes
April 23, 2017
Heart Health and Calcium: A recent study on post-menopausal women found that the risk of heart attack was increased by about 20 percent in women taking calcium supplements with or without vitamin D. Additional research is needed to confirm these results and to find the right balance for maintaining both healthy bones and heart function.
Calcium Supplements Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk in Post-Menopausal Women: Study
April 29, 2017
B2 deficiency and Lip Cuts: If you frequently have an irritation or cut at the corners of your mouth, your diet might be low in vitamin B-2. Reasonable sources of B-2 (riboflavin) include fortified cereals, milk and other dairy products, almonds, and meats.
Riboflavin works with other vitamins
May 5, 2017
Sweet Tooth: Why do some people crave sweets and others do not? Researchers have identified gene variations associated with liver production of a molecule that reduces sweet consumption in animals and seems to similarly affect people. Perhaps you can blame your tight jeans on your genes. Other research also has indicated that inadequate protein intake can increase cravings for sweets.
Why do some of us have a sweet tooth?
May 18, 2017
Body Fatness in Children and Adolescents: Body Mass Index (BMI - weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) often is used to assess body fatness. The use of BMI has limitations and new research shows that the Tri-ponderal mass index (TMI - weight in kilograms divided by height in meters cubed) estimates body fat percentage more accurately than BMI in non-Hispanic white adolescents aged 8 to 17 years. Additional research is needed to validate this for other racial/ethnic groups.
A Better Way to Measure Body Fat in the Young?
May 29, 2017
Activity Monitoring Devices: A new study evaluated the accuracy of seven commercially available wristband activity monitoring devices. These devices provide the user with their heart rate data and calculated energy expenditure based on heart rate. Although heart rate is closely related to energy expenditure, it has long been known by exercise physiologists that heart rate does not provide an accurate measure of energy expenditure (calories expended). This study clearly shows that these devices measure heart rate reasonably well, but their estimation of energy expenditure is very inaccurate.
Fitness trackers accurately measure heart rate but not calories burned
May 31, 2017
Food Intake Control: Study of the factors in the human body that regulate the balance between hunger and satiety has found a very complex interplay of neural and hormonal factors. A new innovative study in mice identified a region of the brain called the zona incerta that stimulates food intake and represents a new factor to consider in studies of human food intake control.
Obscure brain region linked to feeding frenzy in mice
June 16, 2017
Eggs for Infants: A study was conducted in Ecuador where stunted growth in children is a significant problem. The study provided children aged 6 to 9 months with one egg daily for six months and compared their growth to children who did not receive eggs. The egg intervention reduced the prevalence of stunted growth by 47 percent. The egg intervention also reduced children underweight by 74 percent.
One egg per day could reduce stunted growth
June 24, 2017
The competitive drive and desire to manage body weight often pulls athletes into eating habits that limit key foods and can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders. The National Athletic Weight Loss in Athletes: Trainers Association released a position statement that provides rational weight management guidelines that are designed to support health and optimal athletic performance.
Athletic trainers stress safe weight loss methods
June 26, 2017
Sleep and Body Fat: Limited or poor quality sleep has been linked to increased risk for obesity, hypertension, and coronary heart disease, A new study indicates that there is some protective value to allowing yourself to sleep-in on weekends, especially if you don't get enough sleep during the week.
Sleeping-in on weekends linked to lower body weight
June 30, 2017
Challenges of Weight Maintenance: Maintenance of body weight after weight loss is surprisingly difficult. The Endocrine Society has published a Scientific Statement that reviews the state of current science related to this public health challenge. Solutions are likely complex and there does not appear to be any "one size fits all" type of treatment.
Scientific statement on obesity's causes
July 6, 2017
Sense of Smell and Body Fat: Mice generally become obese on a high fat diet. However, when researchers blocked the sense of smell in mice consuming a high fat diet, the mice still consumed the same amount of calories, but didn't become obese like mice with a normal sense of smell. It is not known if this translates to humans, but it suggests some interesting research directions.
Smelling your food makes you fat.
July 11, 2017
Food Intake Control and Brain Inflammation: The obese state in humans and animal models is commonly accompanied by generalized inflammation in the body. It also appears that there is a food intake regulatory part of the brain that can experience increased inflammation. Increased inflammation in this part of the brain promotes the drive to eat, especially when the diet is high in fat and other concentrated sources of calories.
Brain's immune cells may drive overeating and weight gain
July 16, 2017
Soup to Lower Calories: Research has shown that consuming a low-calorie soup prior to the lunch entree can help to reduced total calories consumed at that meal in both adults and children.
Eating Soup Will Help Cut Calories At Meals
July 23, 2017
Weight and Food Choices: A study of over 9000 adolescents in China found that overweight teens consumed vegetables and fruits more frequently, and sweets, snacks, and fast foods less frequently than those who were not overweight. Why? The extra weight likely was due to the most common forms of vegetable preparation: deep-fried and stir-fried with vegetable oils.
Healthy eating habits making Chinese youth overweight
July 26, 2017
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: A metabolic chamber study found that consuming a sugar-sweetened drink with a high-protein meal significantly reduced energy expenditure after the meal, resulting in more storage of body fat. Likely, any source of additional carbohydrate with this type of meal can support more fat storage and reduce the energy expenditure needed to convert protein to glucose.
Why sugary drinks and protein-rich meals don't go well together
August 1, 2017
Diet Quality and Body Fat: A study of almost 2000 adults found that those consuming a higher quality diet between their mid 40s and late 60s were less likely to accumulate excess internal abdominal body fat and also had less fat in their liver. Eating a wide variety of foods from multiple food groups was an important aspect of the measure of diet quality.
Diet quality matters not just quantity in mid-to-late-adulthood
August 9, 2017
Food Environment and Body Weight: It often is assumed that the type of food most readily available to consumers has a big effect on their health and body weight. However, a five-year study of 1.7 million U.S. veterans found no association between the food environment (proximity of fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and mega-stores) and body mass index (a comparison of weight to height). Although the availability of healthful food is clearly important for overall health, it is likely that excess weight gain is primarily due to limited physical activity and poor personal food choices.
Limiting access to fast-food restaurants unlikely to reduce obesity
August 13, 2017
Protein and Weight Loss: While consuming a 1400 calorie diet to lose weight, postmenopausal women lost more weight, more fat, and less muscle when they consumed 25 grams of whey protein twice a day.
Eating Protein Throughout the Day Preserves Muscle and Physical Function in Dieting Postmenopausal Women, Study Suggests
August 18, 2017
Food, Gut Microbes, and Flu: New research using mice indicates that flavonoid food components found in foods like tea, red wine, and blueberries get converted by bacteria in the lower intestine to a compound that inhibits viral infections like those that cause the flu. Some fruits, berries, and dark chocolate also contain flavonoid compounds.
Natural compound coupled with specific gut microbes may prevent severe flu
August 20, 2017
Alcohol and Weight: The alcohol in alcoholic beverages provides about 7 calories per gram, but only heavy drinking seems to be associated with weight gain. Light to moderate drinking is not linked to weight gain.
Does moderate alcohol consumption increase body weight?
August 25, 2017
Baby-led Weaning: When babies are allowed to explore and consume foods on their own, rather than being fed with a spoon, they tend to breast feed a few weeks longer. However, the theory that the practice of baby-led weaning protects against weight gain and high BMI was not supported by this study.
Baby-led weaning won’t necessarily ward off extra weight
August 27, 2017
Safe Weight loss as we age: Older individuals generally lose lean muscle as they age. Dieting for weight loss can greatly accelerate this muscle loss. When weight loss is necessary, combining appropriate exercise with dieting helps to prevent muscle loss.
Older People Who Diet Without Exercising Lose Valuable Muscle Mass
August 28, 2017
Calorie Reduction in Food Products: A one-year study evaluated the effect of a store quietly reformulated food products to decrease the calorie content. They found that this reduced the amount of calories purchased by consumers. Additional research is needed to determine if this translates into consuming less calories over time.
Supermarkets could trick you into buying fewer calories
September 7, 2017
Weight Management: A new study found what many nutrition professionals have been suggesting about long term success in weight loss. Dieters who had more extreme fluctuations in their body weight during the early part of a weight loss program were more likely to not maintain a lower body weight in the long run. Slower, but steady weight loss is more likely to be fat loss.
Slow and Steady Wins the Weight-Loss Race
September 21, 2017
Dieting for Weight Loss: After a couple of weeks on a diet, most people feel like taking a break. A new study indicates that may be a good idea. One group of dieters consumed about two thirds of their calorie needs during 16 weeks of dieting. Another group consumed the same diet for a total of 16 weeks, but they switched to a weight maintenance diet for two weeks every two weeks. Although it took longer, those who did the intermittent dieting lost significantly more body fat (12.3 vs 8.0 kg). This may be due to the continuous diet causing the body to be better at becoming more energetically efficient and reducing calorie needs.
Taking a break from dieting may improve weight loss
October 8, 2017
Calories in starches: When people cut potatoes out of their diet, they generally replace them with foods like bread, rice or pasta. A cup of cooked potato provides about 115 calories. However, a single slice of whole-grain bread has about 130 calories, a cup of rice (brown or white) is more than 200 calories and a cup of pasta will range from 150 to 200 calories. Do the math and potatoes look pretty good.
Nutrient-packed potatoes wrongfully considered 'bad'
October 24, 2017
Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes: A review of three major studies analyzed data obtained by following people for 28 years. They found that those with the greatest magnesium intake had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Increased magnesium intake may lower type 2 diabetes risk
October 26, 2017
Genetics and High Blood Triglycerides: A high level of blood triglycerides is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A study of 641 young adult Mexicans (age 18 to 25) found that high blood triglyceride levels were associated with being overweight and obese as other studies have reported. In addition those with a specific gene alteration had higher blood triglycerides - especially when their diet was high in carbohydrate and saturated fat.
Genetics may put a person at risk of high triglycerides, but adopting a healthy diet can help
October 27, 2017
To Graze or Not to Graze: How and when you go about eating may affect your body weight. A study with Australian women found that those who "grazed" throughout the day were more likely to be obese than those who had more meal-based styles of eating.
'Grazing' Eating Pattern Associated with Greater Obesity Risk in Australian Women
November 5, 2017
Public Health and Obesity: Unless carefully designed, public health programs aimed at reducing obesity can have unintended impacts on the target audience. The potential ethical and psycho-social consequences must be carefully considered.
Ethical Dilemmas In Obesity Prevention
November 18, 2017
Maintaining Brain Energy: When blood glucose levels drop, brain centers are activated that trigger the desire to consume high-calorie foods. Maintaining blood glucose levels with regularly scheduled meals and moderate snacking my help to avoid that ravenous drive to binge.
To ditch dessert, feed the brain
December 18, 2017
Diet Quality and Child Well-Being: A study of 7,675 children two to nine years of age from eight European countries found that a higher quality diet at the beginning of the study was associated with better self-esteem and fewer emotional and peer problems when they were assessed two years later. Meeting essential nutrient needs during these growing years is especially important for long-term physical and mental health.
Healthy eating linked to kids' happiness
December 24, 2017
Weight Risks and Surgery: Are obese people at greater risk of death following surgery? A study of almost 190,000 people reports that they are not. However, those with a low body mass index (BMI less than 23.1) had the greatest risk of death during the 30 days following surgery.
Body Mass Index Associated With Short-Term Mortality Rates Following Surgery
December 25, 2017
Santa's Secret: Santa Claus is a great example of the "Health at Every Size" concept. Although his BMI may place him in the obese category, he actually has a healthy level of body fat. Much of his weight is the muscle mass required for carrying heavy bags of toys around the world.
Santa is larger than life but his job keeps him fit
January 1, 2018
Successful Weight Loss is Slow: Obesity expert Dr. Arya Sharma jokes that "the easiest way to gain 25 lbs is to lose 20!" Research on twins provides support to this concept that substantial bouts of weight loss can ultimately lead to more weight gain.
Will Losing Weight Make You Fat?
January 9, 2018
Regulation of Body Fat: Based on some sophisticated research with an animal model, researchers found evidence for the existence of something like an internal bathroom scale. It appears that the weight of the body is registered by special bone cells in the lower extremities. When body weight increases, a signal is sent to the brain to decrease food intake and maintain a constant body weight. This may explain part of why too much time spent sitting is a risk factor for obesity and related conditions.
The body's own bathroom scales: New understanding of obesity
January 17, 2018
Obesity and Diet: People identified as having a genetic propensity for obesity were more likely than others to benefit from following guidelines for a healthy diet. Keeping variety and moderation in the diet appears to make it easier to avoid weight gain and to maintain a healthy weight.
Benefits of a healthy diet greater in people at high genetic risk for obesity
February 15, 2018
Eating Rate and Obesity: A 5-year Japanese study of almost 60,000 adults with diabetes found that eating more slowly and not eating dinner within two hours of going to sleep was associated with a significantly lower risk of being obese. This is not the type of study that can establish a cause and effect relationship, but it does support the concepts that the rate of eating and the timing of meals may be important considerations for weight management.
Slow eating speed may be linked to weight loss
February 16, 2018
Obesity as a Chronic Disease: After a one-year weight loss program using a combination of diet and exercise, measures of hunger and related hormones were significantly elevated in the 35 participants. After another year spent maintaining the loss, measures of hunger were still elevated. Clearly, maintenance of reduced body weight is a challenging ongoing effort.
Why diets backfire: A year or more after weight loss, the desire to eat grows stronger
February 19, 2018
Fructose and Weight: An extensive analysis of studies evaluating the theoretical weight gain effect of fructose indicates that fructose may be unfairly judged. This research showed that in controlled situations, it is the extra calorie consumption, rather than the fructose itself, that is the primary contributor to obesity.
Effect of Fructose on Body Weight in Controlled Feeding Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
February 25, 2018
Vitamin D lowers inflammation: Since its discovery, vitamin D has been known to benefit bone health. Research during the past decade has identified many other vitamin D health benefits including enhanced immune function and reduced inflammation.
How Vitamin D Inhibits Inflammation
March 6, 2018
Diet Quality: A 12-month study assigned overweight adult participants to attend 22 small group sessions to be focused on low fat diets or on low carbohydrate diets. The educational content emphasized improving diet quality and did not focus on weight loss or cutting calories. Regardless of diet group, participants lost an average of about 12 pounds with no significant difference between the low fat and low carb groups.
Low-fat or low-carb? It's a draw, study finds
March 7, 2018
Kids and Dieting: A study followed over 500 people from their teenage years for 15 years into adulthood. As teenagers, they were more likely to be encouraged by their parents to diet if they were overweight or obese. This increased the likelihood of developing and continuing unhealthful dieting, binge eating, and other weight control behaviors into adult life. And, as you might expect, they were more likely to encourage their children to engage in similar dieting behaviors for weight control. The researchers suggest breaking this cycle by focusing on healthful eating and fitness rather than on weight loss.
If Your Mom Was Big on Dieting, Your Kids May Pay the Price
March 8, 2018
Obesity Management: An extensive review of the current state of the science of the management of obesity was published by the Endocrine Society. Among other things, this 50-plus page document points out that variables contributing to the development of obesity range from socioeconomic and environmental to genetic and psychological. A better understanding of the genetic contribution to obesity also predicts that genetically-based personalized nutrition may soon become a reality for reducing the burden of obesity.
Little difference among diet plans' long-term effectiveness
March 10, 2018
Weight and Aging: If you make it to your mid 80s, carrying some extra weight may be in your favor. A recent study found that those in this age group who were obese had a slightly lower risk of death than their underweight or normal-weight peers.
Journal of Aging Research Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 765071, 8 pages
March 13, 2018
Dieting and Body Fat: Animals, including humans, apparently are mentally programmed to increase body fat levels in response to repeated periods of famine. This has important survival value in the natural world. However, repeated low-calorie dieting by humans in attempts to reduce body fat has a high likelihood of increasing fat stores in the long run.
Yo-yo dieting might cause extra weight gain
March 14, 2018
Stopping the Yo-Yo Dieting Rebound: Like most animals, we seem to be stuck with the strong survival response that drives the regain of body fat after a low calorie diet. However, new research has identified an enzyme in the brain that drives the survival urge to store more fat after a period of dieting or famine. There may be ways to target this enzyme and moderate the drive to regain body fat. Meanwhile, it is probably best to use more moderate calorie reduction along with exercise to reduce body fat.
The end of yo-yo dieting? Brain switch that controls fat burning uncovered
March 22, 2018
Early Puberty and Obesity: An analysis of data from over 180,000 women found that those who experienced puberty (menarche) earlier were more likely to be obese as adults. It is not know why this is the case, but it is suspected that a combination of hormonal and psychological factors may be responsible.
Early puberty linked with increased risk of obesity for women
March 23, 2018
Celiac Disease: Although many perceive going gluten-free as something that might improve their health, a gluten-free diet is medically necessary for those who have celiac disease. It is estimated that between 1 to 2 percent of the U.S. population has celiac disease. Exposure to gluten causes serious intestinal damage in these people along with a variety of other problems.
Exploring the Celiac Disease Mystery
March 26, 2018
Popular Diets Short on Nutrients: It is difficult to meet all essential nutrient needs with a low calorie diet. A recent study found this to be the case in their analysis of three popular diet approaches. However, the study did not account for higher iron needs in women and it did not take into account how the lower bioavailability of iron and zinc in a vegan diet plan substantially increases the RDAs for these elements.
Study reveals micronutrient gaps in three commercial weight-loss diet plans
April 2, 2018
Sleep and Fat Loss: An 8-week weight-loss study was conducted with 36 overweight or obese adults. Some of the participants had their sleep reduced by about one hour per day for five days of each week. Those exposed to sleep restriction had similar weight loss as those sleeping normally. However, the sleep deprived participants lost less fat and more muscle.
Losing Sleep Makes It Harder To Lose Fat
April 4, 2018
Pasta and Body Weight: In attempts to label individual foods as "good" and "bad" for weight management, pasta is often assumed to be a "bad" high carbohydrate food that supports weight gain. However, a new systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 studies found that, in the context of diets with a variety of foods that are mostly lower in glycemic index, pasta consumption is not associated with weight gain and was even associated with a small weight loss in a number of studies. In the context of a varied diet that meets overall nutrient needs, moderate pasta consumption is unlikely to affect weight management differently than any other source of carbohydrate calories.
Pasta can be part of a healthy diet without packing on the pounds
April 7, 2018
Care is needed with energy dense foods: More research supports the link between an energy-dense diet and greater body weight. When there are more calories in each bite of food, it is much easier to consume excess calories. Foods with the greatest energy density are primarily those high in fat and/or sugar.
Higher Energy Density Diets Linked To Higher Body Weight
April 12, 2018
Weight Management: When it comes to body weight, it is important to realize that we have all been dealt a different hand when it comes to our genetic makeup. Those who find it easy to maintain a "healthy body weight" don't realize how challenging this can be for those running a genetic program that would get them through an extended famine much better than most people.
What thin people don’t understand about dieting
April 15, 2018
BMI does not equal "Fatness": Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight for height. It is useful as a rough estimate of fatness in the statistical analysis of large groups of people. However, research continues to indicate that BMI is not a good way to evaluate an individual's fatness.
'Skinny fat' label shows the vagaries of obesity
April 18, 2018
Sweet Craving: Some people crave sweet foods more than others. Researchers analyzing data from over 450,000 people in Europe found that there is a genetic basis for this craving. Interestingly, those with the "sweet gene" had lower levels of body fat on average, but were more likely to have high blood pressure and a larger waistline in relation to their hips.
Surprising discovery: Sweet tooth gene connected with less body fat
May 2, 2018
A new study in the U.K. on over 35,000 women found that those eating more oily fish and legumes were likely to have a later onset of natural menopause, whereas women who were vegetarians experienced earlier menopause than non-vegetarians. Women who go through menopause late are at increased risk for various cancers but those who go through menopause early have a greater risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Diet rich in fish and legumes may help delay natural menopause
May 13, 2018
Fish Oil Hinders Inflammation: At the cellular level, the function of omega-3 fatty acids is likely to help explain how the fish oil fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the right dosage, yet be potentially pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess.
Why omega-3 oils help at the cellular level
May 24, 2018
Weight Management in Postmenopausal Women: A review of multiple studies on the use of diet and exercise for weight loss in overweight and obese women during and following menopause found that diet or exercise promoted weight loss, but the combination of the two was better than either one separately.
Exercise beats genetics in determining amount of body fat
May 25, 2018
Food Choice and Calorie Intake: A study of both normal weight and overweight women found that those who had been previously trained to control portion size also made adjustments to choose foods lower in calorie density when presented with larger portions. These women consumed a similar amount (weight) of food as the untrained control groups, but consumed less calories due to their food choices.
Learning to make healthy choices can counter the effects of large portions
June 1, 2018
Weight Loss and Hunger: It's well known that losing weight is easier than maintaining the weight loss. After weight loss, it is common to feel very hungry most all of the time. This is likely due to the stomach releasing greater amounts of a hormone called ghrelin that makes us feel hungry. Even two years after significant weight loss, people who maintained the loss were found to have higher levels of ghrelin in their blood.
Why you feel hungrier after you lose weight
June 2, 2018
Learned Eating Practices: Research shows that children are very observant and the eating practices of mothers have a strong influence on how the child chooses to eat.
Eat Healthy -- Your Kids Are Watching
June 5, 2018
Whey Protein and Body Composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis on whey protein supplementation found that when women took whey protein supplements during periods of reduced calorie intake or when participating in strength training exercise, there were slight increases in lean body tissues. Since both low energy intake and strength training can increase protein needs, it makes sense that increasing protein intake from any high quality protein source would help to maintain muscle tissues.
Whey protein supplements and exercise help women improve body composition
July 2, 2018
Garcinia Cambogia and Weight Loss: Research in rats indicated that hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in Garcinia cambogia reduces the conversion of carbohydrate to the main component of fat (fatty acids), resulting in fat loss. However, humans are different and, under most conditions, convert very little carbohydrate to fatty acids. Consequently, HCA supplements do not work the same for people.
Does Garcinia Cambogia help with weight loss?
July 8, 2018
Fasting Issues: Going without eating for too long not only makes people hungry. It also seems to change what they choose to eat. People who fasted for 18 hours (skipped breakfast) tended to select starchy foods more and vegetables less than people who had eaten breakfast.
Craving Carbs on an Empty Stomach
July 7, 2018
Keeping Weight Off: Perhaps the biggest challenge in weight loss is maintaining a reduced body weight. Evaluation of 21 people who had all lost about 30 pounds found that a higher protein diet with lower carbohydrate content helped to boost their overall energy expenditure, theoretically facilitating maintenance of their weight loss.
Losing pounds can be easier than maintaining weight loss
July 20, 2018
Body Mass Index, also known as BMI, is an index of weight relative to height that often is used to categorize people as overweight or obese. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well if an individual has plenty of muscle mass. A new index has been proposed that is called A Body Shape Index (ABSI) which incorporates waist circumference into the index.
New Metric for Obesity Strongly Correlated to Premature Death
July 28, 2018
Childhood Obesity Longterm Risks: Some overweight children go through a pudgy phase and eventually attain a normal weight as their height increases. However, many obese children already have cardiovascular risk factors that should be reduced with a healthful diet and increased physical activity.
Severely obese children's hearts already in danger
July 29, 2018
The grain-like seed of the quinoa plant is considered safe for people intolerant to the gluten in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. However, an evaluation of 15 cultivars of quinoa found that two of the cultivars contained levels of "celiac toxic elements" sufficient to cause an allergic response in some people.
Some quinoa varieties may be unsuitable for strict gluten-free diets, study suggests
September 3, 2018
Sugar and Health: What is causing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease? Too much sugar? Too much fat? The best answer is probably too much of both along with too little physical activity.
The sugar wars: Rhetoric or reason?
September 6, 2018
Child Obesity: Excessive weight gain at any age is related to a limited ability to balance calorie intake with calorie expenditure (mainly from physical activity). A new study of over 100 children found that when parents help toddlers learn self-regulatory skills early in life (things like cleaning up after play), the children are less likely to be overweight as children.
Parents' behavior during playtime may affect toddler's weight later on
September 17, 2018
Disrupted Sleep and Weight Gain: It is thought that weight gain and muscle loss in humans is aggravated by disrupted sleep. Recent research showed that a single night of acute sleep loss results in fat tissue changes. These changes are similar to that seen in obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the future, it may be important to also consider sleep in addition to diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
How sleep loss may contribute to adverse weight gain
September 22, 2018
Finding Balance: Many people exercise to expend more calories to lose weight. For this purpose, new research indicates that more exercise may not be better than a more moderate amount due to a tendency to eat more food in compensation for the higher levels of exercise.
For Weight Loss, Less Exercise May Be More
October 11, 2018
Protein and Older People: Older people often are challenged to maintain normal muscle mass, especially when physical activity is low. New research with people age 65 to 80 found that during periods of low activity or low calorie intake, consuming supplemental protein did not help maintain leg muscle mass. However, when normal physical activity was resumed, supplementation with whey protein (but not collagen peptide) did enhance building muscle mass.
Ideal protein to help seniors rebuild lost muscle
October 12, 2018
Niacin Excess: Niacin (Vitamin B3), especially in its nicotinic acid form at doses over 30 mg, causes a temporary flushing of the skin primarily on the face, arms, and chest. The Food and Nutrition Board set the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for niacin at 35 mg/day in adults to avoid the adverse effect of flushing. This limit is not meant to apply to individuals being treated with niacin under medical supervision that includes periodic checks of liver enzyme levels that can reflect liver damage.
Niacin
October 14, 2018
Weight, Calories, and Exercise: A recent study found that heavier teenagers consume less calories than their thin peers. Consequently, overweight teens may benefit more from increasing physical activity than from dieting. Of course, for any teen, it is important to eat a diet that meets nutrient needs to support normal development.
Heavy Teens Eat Less But Weigh More Than Their Thinner Peers
October 16, 2018
Copper Function: The element copper is an essential nutrient with many functions in the body. Some of the more under appreciated functions include the formation of connective tissues that hold everything together, production of the brain neurotransmitter norepinephrine, maintenance of the myelin sheath on nerves, and the production of the skin pigment melanin.
Copper in diets
October 17, 2018
Copper deficiency can be genetic or more commonly caused by a diet with a nutrient imbalance. Lack of copper can cause fatigue and anemia. The deficiency can be caused by severe childhood protein deficient diet or copper malabsorption that is triggered by gastric surgery or excess zinc intake.
ACQUIRED COPPER DEFICIENCY
October 20, 2018
Weight and Teens: A study found that heavier teenagers consume less calories than their thin peers. Consequently, overweight teens may benefit more from increasing physical activity than from dieting. Of course, for any teen, it is important to eat a diet that meets nutrient needs to support normal development.
Heavy Teens Eat Less But Weigh More Than Their Thinner Peers
November 11, 2018
Children and Activity: Canadian research indicates that daily vigorous physical activity is important for children to maintain fitness and a healthy body weight. Vigorous activity was equivalent to an exercise intensity comparable to jogging or greater intensity.
Kids Need at Least Seven Minutes a Day of 'Vigorous' Physical Activity, but Most Aren't Getting That
November 22, 2018
Diet and Energy Expenditure: A study with 164 people maintaining body weight after weight loss divided people into three diet groups that consumed either a high, medium or low carbohydrate diet. Protein intake was the same in each group, but dietary fat and carbohydrate were adjusted to keep total calorie intake at about 2000 calories per day. Resting metabolic rate was more than 200 calories per day greater in those consuming the low carbohydrate diet (about 100 grams per day).
Harvard Researchers Identify Which Diet Burns the Most Calories
December 20, 2018
Food Insecurity and Obesity: Studies have found that food insecurity often is associated with obesity. A new study that surveyed 1250 people found that those with greater food insecurity were more likely to have binge-eating disorder - eating excessive amounts of food when available - and were more likely to be obese.
Food insecurity linked with binge-eating disorder and obesity
December 22, 2018
Weight Loss and Diabetes: Remission of type 2 diabetes appears to be possible for some people, especially if they are still in the early stages of the disease. Overweight diabetics, in particular, may be able to reverse the condition with a healthful diet and exercise program that produces weight loss. When this works, however, the individual needs to consider themselves to be a "recovering diabetic" because diabetes can return quickly if the lifestyle is not maintained.
Intensive Weight Loss Programs Might Help Reverse Diabetes
December 30, 2018
Eating Disorder Discussions Needed: When college students are home for semester breaks, it is a good time for parents to notice behavioral changes in their children that could be related to eating disorders. It is estimated that 25% of college students have eating disorders.
Eating disorders boom as kids enter college
January 1, 2019
Exercise and Belly Fat: Exercise is especially important for reducing visceral body fat. This is the fat deposited internally around abdominal organs - not just the fat you can pinch just below the skin. Researchers found that muscles release a compound called interlukin-6 during exercise that signals visceral fat cells to mobilize fat. When they gave people a drug that blocks the interlukin-6, they did not lose visceral body fat during an exercise program.
How exercise reduces belly fat in humans
January 5, 2019
Problems Caused by Extreme Dieting: Extreme dieting or semi-starvation can lead to a strong tendency to binge eat. For many people, binge eating leads to a behavior called secretive food concocting in which people concoct unusual food mixtures to consume like mixing mashed potatoes with Oreo cookies.
Secretive food concocting: New characteristic of binge eating identified
January 27, 2019
Peer Pressure vs Media: Images of pencil-thin models in the media have been thought to have a strong influence on body dissatisfaction in teenage girls. New research indicates that peer pressure has a much greater influence.
Peer pressure trumps 'thin' ideals in the media
January 31, 2019
Weight Control: In a mouse study, researchers found that the presence of a specific cell type (intraepithelial T lymphocytes) in the lining of the small intestine made the mice more efficient at storing body fat. These cells contributed to developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Mice without these cells did not become obese or develop disease risk factors even with a diet high in fat and sugar. Targeting these cells may lead to a treatment for obesity in humans.
Some gut cells slow down metabolism, accelerate cardiovascular disease
February 4, 2019
Exercise and Belly Fat: A review and analysis was conducted of 17 randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of exercise to pharmacological interventions on fat loss. The main difference was that exercise was associated with a higher proportion of fat loss from internal abdominal (visceral) fat stores compared to pharmacological treatments.
The dangers of hidden fat: Exercise is your best defense against deep abdominal fat
February 19, 2019
Protein and Weight Loss: One of the most basic concepts in healthful weight loss is loosing body fat and not losing calorie-burning lean tissues like muscle. To reduce lean tissue loss, it is important to know that protein needs increase when calorie intake is reduced. A new study indicates this also relates to older people around age 70 years.
More protein and fewer calories help older people lose weight safely
February 20, 2019
Genes and Fat Distribution: Where the body stores fat is linked to a variety of health risks such as developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Researchers are now identifying specific variants in genes that are linked to both primary fat storage locations and disease risk.
Researchers discover variants in DNA that significantly influence how the body distributes fat
March 23, 2019
Food Enjoyment and Calorie Intake: Enjoyable and memorable meals help to reduce food intake at subsequent meals. Researchers suggest that thoroughly enjoying and paying attention to foods consumed at a meal may help to reduce calorie intake overall.
Food Memories Can Help With Weight Loss
March 29, 2019
Percent Fat in Milk and Body Weight: In a study of over 10,000 children, those consuming skim and low fat milk between the ages of 2 and 4 were more likely be become overweight or obese than children consuming higher fat milk varieties. This seems surprising, but may be related to the higher fat milks having a superior satiety value.
Skimmed/semi-skimmed milk does not curb excess toddler weight gain, study finds
March 30, 2019
Breakfast and Snacking: Research indicates that eating breakfast can improve overall nutrition. A new study of 19-year old overweight females found that a 350 calorie breakfast with 35 grams of protein resulted in reduced evening snacking on high fat foods compared to when they ate a lower protein breakfast or skipped breakfast.
Protein-Rich Breakfasts Prevent Unhealthy Snacking in the Evening, Study Finds
April 1, 2019
Weight Loss Maintenance: A study of people who had lost about 30 pounds and kept it off for over a year found that the main way they accomplished this was primarily though increased physical activity. They consumed about the same amount of calories as obese and overweight individuals, but expended significantly more calories in daily physical activity.
Study: exercise is more critical than diet to maintain weight loss
April 3, 2019
Genes and Body Weight: Research confirms that childhood body weight is strongly influenced by genes. Using a system that compares the additive effects of multiple genes across the whole genome, researchers estimated that genetics accounts for about 30% of individual difference in childhood body weight. As more is learned about which genes increase the risk of obesity, it may become possible to design dietary strategies that may help children at high risk of obesity.
Study Finds Strong Genetic Component to Childhood Obesity
April 13, 2019
Sleep and Weight: The human body and brain are geared to function in sync with a circadian rhythm linked to the light and dark phases of a 24-hour day. Research housing mice in 24-hour light conditions with no dark time resulted in significant weight gain and impaired glucose handling. Disruption of sleeping patterns generally affects humans similarly.
Our internal clocks can become ticking time bombs for diabetes and obesity
April 23, 2019
Diets for Diabetes: Many types of diets have been promoted for prevention and management of diabetes. However, the best diet for an individual depends on many variables such as amount of daily physical activity, age, stage of the disease, etc. Consequently individual guidance by a nutrition professional is the ideal approach. In general, people with diabetes should maintain a lower overall carbohydrate intake - regardless of the type of diet they consume.
No 'One-Size-Fits-All' Diet for Diabetics, Expert Panel Says
April 26, 2019
Overindulging: Many people feel guilty after over-eating. However, new research suggests that the body is well adapted to deal with random overeating without becoming overweight or diabetic. Chronic excess over time is the main contributor to these conditions. So, enjoy occasional over-indulgence and forget the guilt.
It's OK to indulge once in a while, study suggests: The body adapts to occasional short-term overeating
April 28, 2019
Protein Needs and Weight Loss: It is well established that when calorie intake is reduced to levels that cause weight loss, the requirement for protein increases to help maintain the lean tissue that dieters do not want to lose. A new study of middle-age women indicates that those who have effectively lost weight are aware that adequate protein intake is important for dieting.
Eating recommended protein linked to weight loss
May 3, 2019
Ketogenic Diet in Military Training: Fifteen slightly overweight but healthy adults consumed a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet for 12 weeks while participating in an ROTC-related exercise training program.They lost an average of over 15 pounds, mostly from reduced body fat, and improved in measures of insulin sensitivity. Trainees who continued consuming their typical diet did not experience these changes.
Keto diet has potential in military, researchers say
May 7, 2019
Branch-Chained Amino Acids (BCCAs): Although there are muscle building benefits of high BCAA diets, these diets also are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. These negative effects appear to be related to increased appetite and excessive calorie intake that commonly is associated with high intake of BCCAs.
Put down the protein shake: Variety of protein better for health
May 18, 2019
Intestinal Bacteria and Healthy Weight: It is known that the balance of bacterial species in the human colon has many effects on the body. Using a mouse model, researchers found that increasing the supply of a bacterium called Akkermansia prevented the development of obesity in mice fed a high fat diet. It also enhanced the integrity of the tissues lining the colon. It will be interesting to see if humans respond to this bacterium similarly.
Intestinal Bacterium Akkermansia Curbs Obesity
June 2, 2019
Halo Effect Confusion: People tend to underestimate their calorie intake. This is typically the case at fast food restaurants. However, people who ate at Subway were more likely to underestimate their calorie intake than those who ate at McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Wendy's, and Dunkin' Donuts. This may due to a "health halo" effect provided by Subway's marketing.
Teens most guilty of underestimating calories in fast food, study reveals
June 6, 2019
Walking to School: One thing that has changed over the past several decades while the incidence of obesity has increased is that children are increasingly more likely to be driven to school. A new study found that children who actively commuted to school (walking, biking, etc.) were more likely to have lower levels of body fat.
Children who walk to school less likely to be overweight or obese, study suggests
June 28, 2019
Coffee and Brown Fat: Research indicates that coffee (and probably the caffeine in coffee) increases calories burned by brown fat in the body. Although caffeine is known to increase the body's resting energy expenditure, it remains to be seen how much caffeine may facilitate weight control.
Could coffee be the secret to fighting obesity?
July 8, 2019
Weight Maintenance and Protein: Maintaining a reduced body weight is usually more challenging than losing the weight. Among the controllable factors that appear to help maintain lost weight is maintaining protein intake at levels well above the RDA.
Running Down the Up-Escalator
July 22, 2019
Ultraprocessed Food Increases Calorie Intake: A new research study shows that people often gain weight when consuming a diet of primarily ultraprocessed foods merely because of increased caloric intake rather than anything that negatively affects a person's metabolism.
Does eating ultraprocessed food affect weight gain? It’s complicated
July 27, 2019
Calorie Information and Food Choices: Most of us do not have a good sense of our daily calorie needs. However, providing people with guides on their calorie needs did not reduce the calorie intake of customers in fast food restaurants.
Giving McDonald's eaters calorie guides did not curb bad eating habits
July 30, 2019
Immune System, Microbiome, and Obesity: New research with rats found that a compromised immune system can affect the microbiome in the large intestine in a way that leads to obesity. This may lead to new approaches to obesity prevention in people.
These gut bacteria prevent mice from becoming obese -- what could that mean for us?
August 1, 2019
Meal Timing and Fat Burning: A new study compared eating meals between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm to eating only between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. After 4 days on each eating schedule, metabolic chamber testing showed that when participants did not eat after 2:00 pm, their bodies were relying more on fat for energy and they felt less hungry. Longer study is needed to determine how people may or may not adapt to this regimen over time.
Study finds meal timing strategies appear to lower appetite, improve fat burning
August 13, 2019
Gut Bacteria and Obesity: Researchers found that a specific class of bacteria, found in the lower intestine, prevents mice from becoming obese. This type of bacteria, also found in humans, reduces the absorption of fat in the lower intestine. This opens potentially new directions for research on obesity prevention in people.
These gut bacteria prevent mice from becoming obese -- what could that mean for us?
September 2, 2019
Weight Loss and Protein Needs: Many studies have shown that it is difficult to achieve weight loss without losing a significant amount of lean mass - mostly loss of muscle tissue. A new study indicates that consuming twice the recommended level of protein during calorie restriction helps to maximize fat loss and minimize the loss of lean tissues. Increasing protein intake to three times the RDA did not confer any additional benefit.
Doubling the Daily Allowance of Protein Intake With Diet and Exercise Protects Muscle Loss
September 8, 2019
ADHD and Eating Disorder Treatment: A study of 191 female patients with eating disorders found that those with higher levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to be impulsive and have binge and purge disorders. In these individuals, treating ADHD may be an important component of treating their eating disorder.
Adults with eating disorders have a poorer prognosis if they suffer hyperactivity
September 11, 2019
Fat Gain with Aging: Fat cells store fat and mobilize it upon demand. New research found that as people age, fat cells are less efficient at mobilizing fat. This leads to increased fat storage. Staying physically active with age is one way to counter this tendency.
New study shows why people gain weight as they get older
September 15, 2019
Weight and Your Gut Bacteria: An innovative study explored the effect of lower intestinal bacteria on obesity by studying human female twins in which one was thin and the other obese. When the bacterial cultures from the twins' lower intestines were transplanted into bacteria-free mice, the mice who received bacteria from obese twins became heavier than those getting bacteria from the lean twins.
Can Gut Bugs Make You Fat? Or Skinny?
September 22, 2019
Meal Frequency and Weight: A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity.
Five regular meals a day reduce obesity risk among adolescents
September 27, 2019
Sugar and Obesity: The early Dietary Guidelines promoted primarily reducing dietary fat and the concept that low fat foods are "healthy." Newer research, indicates that past U.S. sugar consumption is at least sufficient to explain adult obesity change in the past 30 years.
Today's obesity epidemic may have been caused by childhood sugar intake decades ago.
October 8, 2019
Hip and Thigh Fat and Disease Risk: It has long been thought that excess abdominal fat puts one at greater risk of cardiovascular disease than fat in the hips and thighs. New research questions this assumption, finding that gluteal fat in the hips and thighs also affects factors that increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Study Deflates Notion That Pear-Shaped Bodies More Healthy Than Apples: Abnormal Proteins from Buttock Fat Linked to Metabolic Syndrome
October 21, 2019
Eating to Maintain Normal Weight: A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity.
Five regular meals a day reduce obesity risk among adolescents
November 4, 2019
Sleep and Weight: Inadequate sleep has been linked with weight gain. A new study found that specific brain centers are affected by sleep deprivation in ways that increase the desire to consume more high-calorie foods that are capable of triggering weight-gain.
Sleep deprivation linked to junk food cravings
December 9, 2019
Protein Plays Role in Obesity and Diabetes: New research identified a specific protein that is high in fat cells, especially brown fat cells that have high calorie expenditure. This protein is needed for the proper handling of the iron-containing molecule heme inside of cells. This new understanding may open new approaches to treating obesity and diabetes.
Little-known protein appears to play important role in obesity and metabolic disease
December 21, 2019
Coexistence of Malnutrition and Overweight: A new study finds that many low- and middle-income countries have malnutrition related to both inadequate food and excessive calorie intake. Complex changes in food supply and levels of physical activity appear to be the main things associated with this problem. Also, nutrient deficiencies often can coexist with excessive calorie intake.
More than 1 in 3 low- and middle-income countries face both extremes of malnutrition
January 3, 2020
Caffeine and Body Fat: In rats fed a diet high in sugar and fat that promotes the gain of excess body fat, caffeine added to the diet reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation.The amount of caffeine consumed was comparable to about four cups of coffee for an adult human. Metabolically, rats handle fats quite differently compared to humans and it remains to be seen if caffeine has any similar effects in people.
Caffeine may offset some health risks of diets high in fat, sugar
January 9, 2020
Food Intake Control: It is well known that there are specific brain structures that trigger hunger and others that promote satiety. New research has added another specific brain circuit that triggers or inhibits impulsivity. Better understanding of this promises to lead to ways to support impulse control when dieting for weight management.
Researchers discover brain circuit linked to food impulsivity
January 11, 2020
Zinc Associated with Lower Depression: A new study reports that depression is associated with lower blood levels of zinc. Good food sources of zinc include beef, crab, pork, and fortified breakfast cereals.
Depression Tied to Low Zinc Levels in Blood
January 16, 2020
New Obesity Treatment: Researchers report that silica particles with many nano-sized pores prevented obesity in a mouse model when the particles were mixed into the diet. Various forms of silica are used as food additives and are considered to be safe. Human trials are underway using this form of silica to see if it will prevent or treat obesity in humans.
Silica particles may lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes
January 24, 2020
Increased Body Weight After High School: Typically weight gain occurs after high school. There have been few studies to determine whether this is a result of dietary changes or decreased exercise. No studies have provided definitive information, therefore it is important to continue to eat a varied diet and to stay active.
Becoming less active and gaining weight: Downsides of becoming an adult
February 10, 2020
Exercise and Appetite: Exercise increases calorie needs, allowing the consumption of more calories without gaining weight. New research with 130 overweight/obese adults found that those who engaged in more exercise were better at adhering to a reduced-calorie diet. In addition, it appeared that lower intensity exercise may be best.
Physical Activity is Good for Your Appetite, Too
February 20, 2020
Herbal Medicines for Weight Loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 randomized, placebo-controlled studies involving over 4000 people concluded that there was a lack of evidence to support the use of any herbal medicines promoted for weight loss.
Insufficient evidence backing herbal medicines for weight loss
February 21, 2020
Body Fat and Heart Disease: The common statement that excess fat stored below the waist does not increase the risks for heart disease and diabetes has been challenged by new research. The main observation was that gluteal adipose tissue secretes abnormal levels of key proteins that can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance in individuals with early metabolic syndrome.
UC Davis study deflates notion that pear-shaped bodies more healthy than apples
March 4, 2020
Optimal Eating Time: Research on older adults shows that meal timing affects how ingested food is stored. Data shows that older individuals should have their most significant calories in the morning and lighter fare at the evening meal.
When should you eat to manage your weight? Breakfast, not late-night snacks
March 7, 2020
Weight and Osteoarthritis: Excess body fat can promote osteoarthritis in two major ways. First of all, the extra body weight places more "wear and tear" strain on joints that support body weight. Secondly, excess body fat is know to promote generalized inflammatory activity in the body that can irritate joints. Weight loss can be an important component of treating osteoarthritis.
Weight loss may prevent, treat osteoarthritis in obese patients
March 11, 2020
Herbal Products and Weight Loss: A systematic review analyzed 54 randomized controlled trials on herbal weight loss medicines. Only Phaseolus vulgaris (the common white bean) was the only herbal that showed statistically significant weight loss as compared to the placebo. Products of green tea, Garcinia Cambogia, and African mango were not clinically beneficial for successful weight loss. As always, buyer beware.
Insufficient evidence backing herbal medicines for weight loss
March 23, 2020
Benefits of Enjoyable Meals: Enjoyable and memorable meals help to reduce food intake at subsequent meals. Researchers suggest that thoroughly enjoying and paying attention to foods consumed at a meal may help to reduce calorie intake overall.
Food memories can help with weight loss
March 24, 2020
Lower-Fat Milk and Body Weight: Weight In a study of over 10,000 children, those consuming skim and low-fat milk between the ages of 2 and 4 were more likely to become overweight or obese than children consuming higher fat milk varieties. This seems surprising, but may be related to the higher fat milks having a superior satiety value.
Skimmed/semi-skimmed milk does not curb excess toddler weight gain, study finds
March 27, 2020
Breakfast and Snacking: Eating breakfast can improve overall nutrition. A new study of 19-year old overweight females found that a 350 calorie breakfast with 35 grams of protein resulted in reduced evening snacking on high fat foods compared to when they ate a lower protein breakfast or skipped breakfast.
Protein-rich breakfasts prevent unhealthy snacking in the evening, study finds
April 7, 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic and Childhood Obesity: School closures are among the many disruptions caused by the current pandemic. Due to the likely changes in diet and physical activity, researchers are concerned that this will add to the number of children who develop obesity during critical stages of development.
COVID-19 Pandemic May Exacerbate Childhood Obesity
April 10, 2020
Brown Fat and Obesity: Brown fat is known to convert calorie sources in the body to heat, thus "wasting" calories that otherwise would add to stored fat. Consequently, increasing and activating brown fat has long been of interest in obesity treatment. New research has now identified specific proteins that trigger brown fat energy expenditure. This may open new options in obesity treatment and prevention.
Brown fat can burn energy in an unexpected way
April 12, 2020
Weight Loss and Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes typically improves rapidly after bariatric surgery. A new study found that just reducing calorie intake to match that of post-surgery individuals has the same effect on diabetes. Unfortunately, maintaining a low calorie intake is difficult for most people.
Diet shown to be critical factor in improving type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery
April 13, 2020
Sleep Problems Affect Weight: The human body and brain are geared to function in sync with a circadian rhythm linked to the light and dark phases of a 24-hour day. Research housing mice in 24-hour light conditions with no dark time resulted in significant weight gain and impaired glucose handling. Disruption of sleeping patterns generally affects humans similarly.
Our Internal Clocks Can Become Ticking Time Bombs for Diabetes and Obesity
April 19, 2020
Our individual innate taste preferences may be related to our health. A study of almost 200 people found that those with a high preference for sweets in combination with a high aversion to bitter flavors may be at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Taste preferences impact health, new study finds
April 24, 2020
Green Tea Extract and Weight Loss: Green tea extract (GTE) is a common ingredient in weight loss products. However, there is much to be learned about its potential effectiveness. A study with diabetic and normal mice found that GTE did not promote weight loss unless it was given to the mice along with polyethylene glycol which helps to keep a key component of GTE in the intestine where it can inhibit glucose absorption.
Will green tea help you lose weight?
April 25, 2020
Protein Knowledge and Weight Loss: It is well established that when calorie intake is reduced to levels that cause weight loss, the requirement for protein increases to help maintain the lean tissue that dieters do not want to lose. A new study of middle-age women indicates that those who have effectively lost weight are aware that adequate protein intake is important for dieting.
Eating recommended protein linked to weight loss
August 7, 2020
Medication and Nutrient Needs: The Recommended Dietary Allowances, or RDAs, are set to meet the needs of healthy individuals free of medical problems. If you take a medication (even a nonprescription type) to manage a chronic health problem, the RDA value for one or more nutrients may be an underestimate of your needs.
Medications can increase need for certain nutrients
August 13, 2020
Overweight and Asthma: In a study of over 600,000 children aged 6 to 19, the incidence of asthma was significantly greater in overweight and obese kids. The risk was greatest in overweight and obese young girls and in Asian/Pacific Islander youth. The cause is unknown, but other research has linked low iron status with both obesity and asthma. Clearly, further research is needed.
Obese Kids More Likely to Have Asthma, With Worse Symptoms
October 26, 2020
Meals and Weight: A Finnish study that followed over 4000 children from birth to age 16, found that those eating five meals per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) were much less likely to be obese than those who consumed fewer meals and skipped meals. This occurred even in those who had genes that put them at increased risk for obesity.
Five Regular Meals a Day Reduce Obesity Risk Among Adolescents
December 2, 2020
Chew More- Eat Less: A study conducted with forty-five young to middle-age adults, found that when they chewed pizza at lunch twice as much as usual, they ate 15 percent less food. It awaits further research to determine if increased chewing will assist in sustainable weight loss.
Does Increased Chewing Reduce Food Intake?