http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/diet_and_weight_loss/ Read weight loss articles and the latest information on dieting. Choose a diet plan based on your health and lifestyle needs. Consider the pros and cons of low carbohydrate diets, low fat diets, weight loss surgery. en-us Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:05:01 EST Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/diet_and_weight_loss/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133437.htm A new study shows that Kineret (anakinra), a medication approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is effective in stopping the progression of organ damage in people with neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease. This rare and debilitating genetic disorder causes persistent inflammation and ongoing tissue damage. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110220.htm Researchers report that early transplantation of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the lateral ventricles of neonatal rats with birth-related brain damage is possible, and that the donor cells can survive and migrate in the recipient's brain. The study was designed to have the rat's brain damage mimic brain injury in infants with very low birth weight. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110036.htm Researchers have identified four plant extracts that might help in preventing and fighting obesity. The researchers identified the most effective plant extracts through in vitro assays; subsequently, extracts were tested on rats. While the results obtained are promising, further studies on animals are required to evaluate and confirm the anti-obesity effects of these extracts. Once their anti-obesity effects are confirmed on animals, the extracts will be tested on humans. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135842.htm A new study has shown that babies who are weaned using solid finger food are more likely to develop healthier food preferences and are less likely to become overweight as children than those who are spoon-fed pureed food. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131452.htm Researchers have found new evidence for the role of the brain in obesity. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132717.htm In a large analysis of men participating in a prostate drug trial, researchers found a significant correlation between coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, suggesting the two conditions may have shared causes. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132255.htm Previous work has shown that the AgRP neurons promote feeding and weight gain, while the POMC cells have been linked with appetite suppression and weight loss. Now a new study uncovers a neural pathway that links fasting with activation of AgRP neurons. The research provides valuable insight into the complex mechanisms that control food seeking behavior. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132253.htm Synaptic plasticity -- the ability of the synaptic connections between the brain's neurons to change and modify over time -- has been shown to be a key to memory formation and the acquisition of new learning behaviors. Now researchers reveal that the neural circuits controlling hunger and eating behaviors are also controlled by plasticity. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133750.htm In a study of nearly 200 clinically obese, non-diabetic adults, a researcher found that a 600-calorie breakfast that includes dessert as well as proteins and carbohydrates can help dieters lose weight and keep it off over the long term. Her research indicates that such a morning meal staves off cravings and defuses psychological addictions to sweet foods. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121818.htm Dermatologists are finding that the introduction of non-invasive fat removal technologies is opening the door for more people who are not candidates for liposuction to remove stubborn fat, safely and effectively. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095635.htm An endocrine hormone used in clinical trials as an anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drug causes significant and rapid bone loss in mice, raising concerns about its safe use, researchers have shown. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092555.htm Programs that support parents during their child’s early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141623.htm According to a new study, those starting new weight loss programs may be surprised to find out that both location and level of experience may influence their success. A recent article finds that African-American women beginning a new group weight loss program are more successful if they are less experienced with weight management and if the program meets in a church. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141509.htm Could the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in a regular diet help to reduce the risk of colon cancer and protect against carcinogens? A study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that rats given regular multivitamin and mineral supplements showed a significantly lower risk of developing colon cancer when they were exposed to carcinogens. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113312.htm A preference for fatty foods has a genetic basis, according to researchers, who discovered that people with certain forms of the CD36 gene may like high-fat foods more than those who have other forms of this gene. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135312.htm Sugar should be controlled like alcohol and tobacco to protect public health, according to a team of researchers, who maintain in a new report that sugar is fueling a global obesity pandemic, contributing to 35 million deaths annually worldwide from non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201120738.htm The first study to check the effects of eating potatoes on blood pressure in humans has concluded that two small helpings of purple potatoes a day decreases blood pressure by about four percent without causing weight gain. The researchers say that decrease, although seemingly small, is sufficient to potentially reduce the risk of several forms of heart disease. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201120738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201093102.htm Involuntary childlessness owing to reduced fertility is a concern for many men. However, these men do have one advantage -- they run a significantly lower risk of suffering from prostate cancer. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201093102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092746.htm A new study finds a potential link between daily consumption of diet soft drinks and the risk of vascular events. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162418.htm When people in the U.S. are asked to provide their weight for research surveys, they underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, despite numerous public reports about increasing rates of obesity. Whites are more likely to do so than Blacks or Hispanics, finds a new study. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223605.htm Study in model that mimics human effects of multiparity (giving birth more than once) finds mouse moms who gave birth 4 times accrued significantly more fat vs. primiparous females (those giving birth once) of similar age. Multiparous moms also had more liver inflammation. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126142906.htm A clear association between obesity and pain -- with higher rates of pain identified in the heaviest individuals -- was found in a study of more than one million Americans. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126142906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126115129.htm New research suggests obesity practices and beliefs differ by physician body mass index. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126115129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125163406.htm Women who consumed a diet high in animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy were at higher risk for gestational diabetes than women whose diets were lower in animal fat and cholesterol, according to researchers. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125163406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125143113.htm Limiting certain essential nutrients for several days before surgery -- either protein or amino acids -- may reduce the risk of serious surgical complications such as heart attack or stroke, according to a new study. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125143113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184159.htm Eating food fried in olive or sunflower oil is not linked to heart disease or premature death, a new study finds. The authors stress, however, that their study took place in Spain, a Mediterranean country where olive or sunflower oil is used for frying and their results would probably not be the same in another country where solid and re-used oils were used for frying. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm A new report examines the possible association between school-based childhood obesity prevention programs and an increase in eating disorders among young children and adolescents. In a new poll, 30% of parents report at least one worrisome behavior in their children that could be associated with the development of eating disorders. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140317.htm Evidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk is present in the blood of adolescents who consume a lot of fructose, a scenario that worsens in the face of excess belly fat, researchers report. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112925.htm Scientists looked at blood levels of lipids and fatty acids in two groups of South Korean children – one group of typically developing boys and another group of boys with an autism diagnosis. Even though there were no major differences in what these children ate, those with autism had a lower omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio and lower levels of high density lipoprotein, more commonly known as HDL. For both levels, it’s often believed, the higher the better. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152006.htm For more than 40 years, scientists and physicians have thought eating a high-fiber diet lowered a person’s risk of diverticulosis, a disease of the large intestine in which pouches develop in the colon wall. A new study of more than 2,000 people reveals the opposite may be true. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102915.htm A diet supplemented with a specific probiotic bacterial strain increases the lifespan of mice. The mammalian gut is home to hundreds of bacterial species that contribute to food digestion and, in some cases, inflammatory gut diseases. Probiotics, beneficial bacterial species, can enhance gut health by keeping the resident bacteria in check. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184528.htm The health benefits of exercise on blood sugar metabolism may come from the body's ability to devour itself. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182729.htm Researchers have found an association between exposure to the chemical group known as phthalates and obesity in young children – including increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120003031.htm Accelerated growth in the first three months of life, but not fetal growth, is associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms in young children, according to a new study. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120003031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143334.htm A study of discordant twins -- twins in which one has autism spectrum disorder and one doesn't -- finds the lower birth weight twins are more than three times as likely to have ASD than heavier twins. Though genetic effects are of major importance, say researchers, the study suggests a non-genetic influence associated with birth weight may contribute to development of ASD. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101713.htm Researchers have demonstrated something scientifically for the first time that laypeople have always known: the mere sight of delicious food stimulates the appetite. A study on healthy young men has documented that the amount of the neurosecretory protein hormone ghrelin in the blood increases as a result of visual stimulation through images of food. As a main regulator, ghrelin controls both eating behavior and the physical processes involved in food metabolism. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118132332.htm A new study shows pregnant women exposed to armed conflict have a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118132332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111740.htm New research shows that a specific brain region that contributes to a person’s appetite sensation is more activated in response to food images after one night of sleep loss than after one night of normal sleep. Poor sleep habits can therefore affect people’s risk of becoming overweight in the long run. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143357.htm While the percentage of obese children in the United States tripled between the early 1970s and the late 2000s, a new study suggests that -- at least for middle school students -- weight gain has nothing to do with the candy, soda, chips, and other junk food they can purchase at school. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210820.htm Job stress and shift work have a lot more to do with obesity among nurses than previously thought, according to a new study. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112193440.htm New research suggests the types and levels of intestinal bacteria may be used to predict a person's likelihood of having a heart attack, and manipulating these organisms may help reduce risk. This discovery may lead to new tests and therapies that physicians use to prevent and treat heart attacks. In addition, this research suggests probiotics may be able to protect the heart in patients undergoing heart surgery and angioplasty. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112193440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134336.htm Why do we like fatty foods so much? We can blame our taste buds. In the first study to identify a human receptor that can taste fat, researchers report that our tongues recognize and have an affinity for fat and that variations in a gene can make people more or less sensitive to the taste of fat in foods. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095859.htm Researchers have found that a lack of iron in the diet during the teenage years can have a negative impact on the brain years later, making the brain more susceptible to such disorders as Alzheimer's. Further, the researchers have identified a common set of genes that influence both iron and brain structure. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111154043.htm Among overweight and obese adults, a diet rich in slowly digested carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes and other high-fiber foods, significantly reduces markers of inflammation associated with chronic disease, according to a new study. Such a "low-glycemic-load" diet, which does not cause blood-glucose levels to spike, also increases a hormone that helps regulate the metabolism of fat and sugar. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111154043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133520.htm Scientists have isolated a natural hormone from muscle cells that triggers some of the key health benefits of exercise. The hormone, named irisin, switches on genes that convert white fat into "good" brown fat. The researchers call irisin a highly promising candidate for development as a novel treatment for diabetes, obesity and perhaps other disorders, including cancer. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103854.htm We should all be eating more dietary fiber to improve our health -- that's the message from a health review by scientists in India. Researchers suggest fruit, vegetables, whole-grain foods, such as muesli and porridge, beans and pulses, as readily available foods rich in dietary fiber. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110173457.htm Researchers found that a significant number of women evaluated at six-month intervals did not recognize recent gains in weight. Self-perception of weight gain appears to be significantly influenced by race, ethnicity and contraceptive methods. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110173457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110163458.htm A number of different immunological mechanisms ensure the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Imbalance in these mechanisms is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Researchers have now examined the impact of maternal obesity on the inflammatory responses in tissues of both the mother and the child. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110163458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140229.htm A new study assesses real-world lifestyle interventions to help delay or prevent the costly chronic disease that affects nearly 26 million Americans. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140221.htm Adults from 30 to 60 years old, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, aren't consuming the daily recommended levels of fruits and vegetables. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093557.htm Going out to eat has become a major part of our culture. Frequently eating out and consuming high-calorie foods in large portions at restaurants can contribute to excess calorie intake and weight gain. A new study demonstrates that people can eat out and still lose weight. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212205.htm Every year, Americans drink 13.8 billion gallons of soda, fruit punch, sweet tea, sports drinks, and other sweetened beverages -- a mass consumption of sugar that is fueling soaring obesity and diabetes rates in the United States. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212023.htm Over the past 10 years, Americans drank more sugar-sweetened beverages than ever making these drinks the single largest dietary factor in the current obesity epidemic. In a new study, researchers estimated that if a higher, penny-per-ounce tax were imposed on sugar-sweetened beverages, it would result in an approximately 15 percent reduction in consumption and reduce the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102305.htm Researchers recently found that obesity was linked to higher rates of prostate cancer screening across all races/ethnic differences and lower rates of cervical cancer screening, most notably in white women. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106110540.htm Researchers have shown one way in which poor nutrition in the womb can put a person at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other age-related diseases in later life. This finding could lead to new ways of identifying people who are at a higher risk of developing these diseases and might open up targets for treatment. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106110540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105161748.htm Pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding aren’t the only signs of gynecologic cancer. Researchers share other symptoms that often are overlooked. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105161748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153739.htm While studying a brain protein related to the involuntary body movements that are side effects of drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, a pharmacy professor discovered that the protein also plays a role in regulating body weight. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153737.htm Is obesity in infants "programmed" in the womb? Previously, researchers assumed that consumption of "bad" fats during pregnancy contribute to excessive infant adipose tissue growth and that "good" omega-3 fatty acids prevent expansive adipose tissue development. A new study showed no evidence to support this "perinatal programming" theory. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135404.htm The lives of hundreds of women could be saved every year, thanks to a simple online calculator that could help GPs identify women most at risk of having ovarian cancer at a much earlier stage. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135404.htm