http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/diet_and_weight_loss/ Read the latest medical research on diets and other weight loss methods. Consider the pros and cons of low carbohydrate diets, low fat diets, bariatric surgery. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/diet_and_weight_loss/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122124.htm Researchers have found that teammates in a team-based weight loss competition significantly influenced each other's weight loss, suggesting that weight loss can be contagious. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213083717.htm New research suggests that consuming between 2,100 and 6,000 calories per day may double the risk of memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), among people age 70 and older. MCI is the stage between normal memory loss that comes with aging and early Alzheimer’s disease. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213083717.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/2012/02/120207133750.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/2012/02/120206092555.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/2012/01/120127162418.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/2012/01/120126142906.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/2012/01/120124151207.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/2012/01/120124112925.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/2012/01/120118111740.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/2012/01/120112134336.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/2012/01/120110173457.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/2012/01/120103165004.htm Among obese individuals, having bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced long-term incidence of cardiovascular deaths and events such as heart attack and stroke, according to a new study. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092036.htm People with diets high in several vitamins or in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients, according to a new study. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm Women with celiac disease -- an autoimmune disorder associated with a negative reaction to eating gluten -- are more likely than the general population to report symptoms of depression and disordered eating, even when they adhere to a gluten-free diet, according to researchers. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173637.htm Blood pressure medicines reduced the risk of stroke by 22 percent in people with prehypertension. More than 50 million Americans have an increased risk of stroke due to prehypertension. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175825.htm Overeating, whether in children or adults, often takes place even in the absence of hunger, resulting in weight gain and obesity. Current methods to treat such overeating in youth focus on therapies that restrict what kids may eat, requiring them to track their food intake and engage in intensive exercise. Psychiatrists are now developing new ways to treat overeating in children and adults. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207000833.htm Women who work a rotating (irregular) schedule that includes three or more night shifts per month, in addition to day and evening working hours in that month, may have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes when compared with women who only worked days or evenings, according to a new study. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207000833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163556.htm Swedish women who ate an antioxidant-rich diet had fewer strokes especially if they had no history of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The findings persisted even after statistics were adjusted for other risk factors such as smoking and physical activity. Women with the highest level of antioxidants in their diet consumed about half their antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140258.htm Now, a research study discovers intriguing new information about how dietary nutrients influence brain cells that are key regulators of energy balance in the body. The study suggests a cellular mechanism that may allow brain cells to translate different diets into different patterns of activity. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124714.htm A new study has found that protein and not sugar activates the cells responsible for keeping us awake and burning calories. The research has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175349.htm Getting enough sleep can help children maintain a healthy weight, new research reveals. Similarly, the more time children spend in front of the TV or their computers (screen time), the higher their body weight. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125747.htm Football players experience repeated head trauma throughout their careers, which results in short and long-term effects to their cognitive function, physical and mental health. Researchers are investigating how other lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, impact the late-life health of former collision-sport athletes. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162736.htm A web-based computer-tailored intervention aiming to increase physical activity, decrease sedentary behavior, and promote healthy eating among adolescents was not associated with positive long-term outcome measures, but may have positive short-term effects on eating behaviors, according to a new report. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093043.htm Eating a Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity can help to improve some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, according to new research. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095310.htm While a majority of teens report wanting to lose weight, many engage in behavior that's counterproductive to that goal, according to new research. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115239.htm Contrary to popular belief, most college students don't gain anywhere near 15 pounds during their freshman year, according to a new nationwide study. Rather than adding "the freshman 15," as it is commonly called, the average student gains between about 2.5 and 3.5 pounds during the first year of college. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm Teens who drink more than five cans of non-diet, fizzy soft drinks every week are significantly more likely to behave aggressively, new research suggests. This includes carrying a weapon and perpetrating violence against peers and siblings. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111023135644.htm E-counseling can significantly lower blood pressure, improve lifestyle and enhance quality of life, according to new research. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111023135644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170831.htm Family members of patients who have undergone surgery for weight loss may also shed several pounds themselves, as well as eat healthier and exercise more, according to a new study. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170734.htm Obesity among adolescents has more than tripled over the past 40 years, and recent estimates find that over 18 percent of teens in the US are obese. Education and mentoring targeting obesity and delivered in high schools by peers has been shown to have a significant impact on teen diet and physical activity, according to a new study. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm It's no secret that women often gain weight as they get older. The sex hormone estrogen has an important, if underappreciated, role to play in those burgeoning waistlines. Now, researchers have traced those hormonal effects on metabolism to different parts of the brain. The findings may lead to the development of highly selective hormone replacement therapies that could be used to combat obesity or infertility in women without the risks for heart disease and breast cancer, the researchers say. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123558.htm People with narcolepsy are not only excessively sleepy, but they are also prone to gaining weight. In fact, narcoleptic patients will often pack on pounds even as they eat considerably less than your average person. Now researchers appear to have an answer as to why. It seems a deficiency of the neuropeptide hormone orexin, an ingredient that encourages hunger and wakefulness, may leave them with a lack of energy-burning brown fat. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123554.htm Researchers have discovered that the hormone orexin activates calorie-burning brown fat in mice. Orexin deficiency is associated with obesity, suggesting that orexin supplementation could provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. An orexin-based therapy would represent a new class of fat-fighting drugs -- one that focuses on peripheral fat-burning tissue rather than the brain's appetite control center. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161653.htm Overweight or obese children have almost three times the risk of high blood pressure compared to normal weight children. Researchers observed the effects of excess weight on blood pressure in children of all ages. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907104705.htm New research shows that patterns of alcohol consumption -- a drink or two every night, or several cocktails on Friday and Saturday nights only -- may be more important in determining alcohol's influence on heart health than the total amount consumed. Scientists found that daily moderate drinking -- the equivalent of two drinks per day, seven days a week -- decreased atherosclerosis in mice, while binge drinking -- seven drinks a day, two days a week -- increased atherosclerosis. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907104705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906121230.htm Scientists have discovered a biological switch that gives energy-storing white fat the characteristics of energy-burning brown fat. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating obesity. The change is induced by activating a nerve and biochemical pathway that begins in the brain and ends in white fat cells. The study suggests that the transformation can potentially be induced by changes in lifestyle or by pharmacologically activating this brain-fat pathway. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906121230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829131320.htm Losing weight without a grumbling stomach or expensive liquid diet can be as simple as eating a lighter lunch, a new study finds. Participants who ate portion-controlled lunches did not compensate by eating more calories later in the day, leading researchers to believe the human body does not possess the mechanisms necessary to notice a small drop in energy intake. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829131320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825123811.htm Researchers have found that Parkin, an important protein linked with some cases of early-onset Parkinson's disease, regulates how cells in our bodies take up and process dietary fats. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825123811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825102250.htm A diet rich in omega-3s reduces the severity of brain damage after a stroke, according to a new study. Researches have shown that the extent of brain damage following a stroke was reduced by 25 percent in mice that consumed DHA type omega-3s daily. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825102250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822111737.htm Older adults who lead sedentary lifestyles and consume a lot of sodium in their diet may be putting themselves at risk for more than just heart disease. A new study has found evidence that high-salt diets coupled with low physical activity can be detrimental to cognitive health in older adults. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822111737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822091916.htm Both marriage and divorce can act as "weight shocks," leading people to add a few extra pounds -- especially among those over age 30 -- according to a new study. But when it comes to large weight gains, the effects of marital transitions are quite different for men than they are for women. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822091916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162217.htm Excessive drinking and an unbalanced diet are two preventable contributors to health problems. A new study of adults in Spain has found that heavy drinking, binge drinking, a preference for spirits, and drinking alcohol at mealtimes were associated with a poor adherence to major food consumption guidelines. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805135340.htm A new study reveals that in obese men with type 2 diabetes, weight loss improves erectile function, sexual desire and lowers urinary tract symptoms. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805135340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801161416.htm Teaching middle-school children about nutrition and exercise and encouraging them to watch less TV can save the health care system a substantial amount of money, suggests a new economic analysis. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801161416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801094711.htm According to preventive medicine and behavioral experts, research supports a new counseling approach that views obesity as a result of neurobehavioral processes -- ways in which the brain controls eating behavior in response to cues in the environment. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801094711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727122709.htm Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most common type of bariatric surgery in the United States, is currently considered the most effective therapy for morbid obesity. A team of researchers has found that Roux-en-Y appears to lead patients to significantly reduce their intake of dietary fat. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727122709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121405.htm Gastric bypass surgery alters people's food preferences so that they eat less high fat food, according to a new study. The findings suggest a new mechanism by which some types of bariatric surgery lead to long-term weight loss. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726190057.htm The past two decades have witnessed an epidemic spread of obesity-related diseases in Western countries. Elucidating the biological mechanism that links overnutrition to obesity could prove crucial in reducing obesity levels. A new study finds that a defect in the brain's glucose-sensing process contributes to the development of obesity and related disease. Importantly, correction of this defect can normalize the whole-body energy balance and treat obesity. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726190057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164032.htm Exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with increased risk of hearing loss among adolescents, according to a new report. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718111425.htm People with personality traits of high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are likely to go through cycles of gaining and losing weight throughout their lives, according to an examination of 50 years of data. Impulsivity was the strongest predictor of who would be overweight, the researchers found. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718111425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110717204913.htm Almost a quarter of men and women in England and over a third of adults in America are obese. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease and can significantly shorten a person's life expectancy. New research shows that improving body image can enhance the effectiveness of weight loss programs based on diet and exercise. Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110717204913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121313.htm A new study gauging the impact of consuming more fish oil showed a marked reduction both in inflammation and, surprisingly, in anxiety among a cohort of healthy young people. The findings suggest that if young participants can get such improvements from specific dietary supplements, then the elderly and people at high risk for certain diseases might benefit even more. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110706151612.htm A new study reveals that several unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as weight problems, physical inactivity, high alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, and hard drugs are associated with sexual dysfunctions in men. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110706151612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211026.htm A study exploring the prevalence of overweight and obesity in nine-year-olds and its associations with chronic illness and bullying has recently been completed. The study found obesity to be more prevalent in girls. In addition children, particularly boys with an abnormal body weight had a significantly higher rate of an ongoing chronic illness. Children who were overweight or obese were a lot more likely to be victimized by bullying when compared to children who were not overweight. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704123239.htm You might think that you will gain weight if you quit smoking. But it’s not that simple. Research from Sweden shows that smoking doesn’t help you get thinner. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704123239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624080326.htm Adolescents who diet and develop disordered eating behaviors (unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors and binge eating) carry these unhealthy practices into young adulthood and beyond, according to a new study. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624080326.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130935.htm When obese individuals reduce their food intake too drastically, their bodies appear to resist their weight loss efforts, new research shows. The researcher particularly cautions against beginning a diet with a fast or cleansing day, which appears to trigger significant alterations in the immune system that work against weight loss. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130935.htm