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 Mon, 12 May 2008 20:05:01 EDT Mon, 12 May 2008 20:05:01 EDT 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/2008/05/080506123059.htm One blocked brain enzyme helps mice to decrease appetite, lose weight, and better manage their blood sugar levels. For many years, scientists have been identifying and testing every step of the appetite stimulation and suppression pathways in search of a target. Such research is considered critical to finding ways for people to better control their weight and minimize their risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions. Wed, 07 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506123059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502082735.htm If you are what you eat, what you eat has a lot to do with how you think about yourself, says researcher studying healthy aging of women. She said that self-efficacy had emerged as a strong influence on women's decision to do more exercise or eat more healthily. Fri, 02 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502082735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430152034.htm Contrary to what many researchers expect, physically active older teens don't necessarily eat a healthier diet than their less-active contemporaries. And there appeared to be no link between body mass index values and levels of physical activity, the research showed. Fri, 02 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430152034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502104547.htm There have been recent claims that dairy products can help people lose weight, and the dairy industry has hyped the assertion by investing millions of dollars in commercial advertising. However, a new review of the evidence reveals that neither dairy nor calcium intake promotes weight loss. Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502104547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430124610.htm A new comparison of multi-national data reveals that highly-educated women have a healthier average weight than less-educated women. In countries where malnutrition is prevalent, better-educated women weigh more. But in wealthier countries -- with rapidly growing rates of obesity -- better-educated women weigh less. The United States was the only nation surveyed in which better-educated men were skinnier than less-educated men. In every other country, the average male body mass increased with every additional year of schooling. Thu, 01 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430124610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429075337.htm The inability to manage weight gain and weight regain throughout life is helping to fuel the obesity epidemic in adults and children throughout Europe. However, the successful participation of more than 400 families in eight countries in the largest European dietary intervention study is helping to address this vital issue. Thu, 01 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429075337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429151134.htm Researchers have found that a new obesity prevention program reduced the risk for onset of eating disorders by 61 percent and obesity by 55 percent in young women. These effects continued for as long as 3 years after the program ended. These results are noteworthy because, to date, the idea that we can reduce risk for future onset of eating disorders and obesity has been an unrealized goal: over 80 prevention programs have been evaluated, but no previous program had been found to significantly reduce risk for onset of these serious health problems. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429151134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422202514.htm Sixty-five percent of American women between the ages of 25 and 45 report having disordered eating behaviors, according to the results of an online survey. An additional 10 percent of women report symptoms consistent with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, meaning that a total of 75 percent of American women surveyed endorse some unhealthy thoughts, feelings or behaviors related to food or their bodies. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422202514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422194553.htm New research provides the first evidence that a child's sex is associated with the mother's diet. A new study shows a clear link between higher energy intake around the time of conception and the birth of sons. The findings may help explain the falling birth-rate of boys in industrialized countries. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422194553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414161540.htm Women who eat diets similar to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet -- which is low in animal protein, moderate in low-fat dairy products and high in plant proteins, fruits and vegetables -- appear to have a lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, according to a new report. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414161540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415111718.htm News coverage of breast cancer focuses too much on treatments and not enough on prevention, a trend that could prove risky in the long run for many women, say researchers. An analysis of national media's coverage of the disease found that over a two-year period, 31 percent of the 231 stories that appeared in some of the country's top newspapers, magazines and television networks focused on treatment, while only 18 percent looked at prevention. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415111718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410115405.htm If you are getting forgetful as you get older, then scientists may have good news for you. They have found that phytochemical-rich foods, such as blueberries, are effective at reversing age-related deficits in memory. Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410115405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409110029.htm A new study reveals that omega-3 intake during the last months of pregnancy boosts an infant's sensory, cognitive, and motor development. However, high concentration of omega-3s in mother's milk doesn't seem to have the same positive effect in breast-fed babies, highlighting the importance of prenatal exposure to omega-3 fatty acids. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409110029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408132158.htm Researchers describe a next step in this research that may mean a drug already widely used by people with diabetes could also be an effective and safe therapy for epilepsy, especially for that one third of patients who have recurrent seizures despite therapy with the best available antiepileptic drugs. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408132158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114624.htm A new study of female freshman dorm residents adds a new perspective to the 15 pounds that female college freshman are alleged to gain during the first year of higher education, finding that those who avail themselves of school housing consume significantly higher numbers of calories and more sugar and -- unlike their off-campus counterparts -- engage in higher levels of calorie-curbing physical activity. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160735.htm Infants and toddlers who sleep less than 12 hours a day and who watch two or more hours of television per day are twice as likely to become overweight by age 3 than children who sleep longer. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074554.htm Small changes in schools lead to big results when it comes to preventing childhood obesity, according to a new study. The school-based intervention, which reduced the incidence of overweight by 50 percent, offers a potential means of preventing childhood weight gain and obesity on a large scale. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081932.htm Both short and long sleeping times predict an increased risk of future body weight and fat gain in adults. Short and long duration sleepers were 35 percent and 25 percent more likely to experience a 5 kg weight gain, respectively, as compared with average duration sleepers over six years. The risk of developing obesity was elevated for short and long duration sleepers as compared with average duration sleepers, with 27 percent and 21 percent increases in risk, respectively. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194407.htm A daily dose of caffeine blocks the disruptive effects of high cholesterol that scientists have linked to Alzheimer's disease. The caffeine equivalent of just one cup of coffee a day could protect the blood-brain barrier from damage that occurred with a high-fat diet. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401120505.htm Scientists find predisposition for skinny jeans is in the genes. Your friend can eat whatever she wants and still fit into her prom dress, but you gain five pounds if you just look at that chocolate cake. Before you sign up for Weight Watchers and that gym membership, though, you may want to look at some recent research and save yourself a few hundred dollars. A woman's waistline may have less to do with rigorous exercise and abstaining from sweets than it does with the genes of her parents. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401120505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328070139.htm If identical twins eat and exercise equally, must they have the same body weight? By analyzing the fundamental equations of body weight change, scientists find that identical twins with identical lifestyles can have different body weights and different amounts of body fat. Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328070139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172025.htm The researchers defined "normal weight" by body mass index. They found that people with normal BMI who had the highest percentage of body fat were also those who had metabolic disturbances linked to heart disease. Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172129.htm Discrimination against overweight people is as common as racial discrimination, according to a Yale analysis. The study also revealed that women are twice as likely as men to report weight discrimination and that weight discrimination in the workplace and interpersonal mistreatment due to obesity is common. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326161721.htm People with larger stomachs in their 40s are more likely to have dementia when they reach their 70s, according to a new study. Those who were overweight and had a large belly were 2.3 times more likely to develop dementia than people with a normal weight and belly size. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326161721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325135034.htm For people trying to make a change in their diet, significant others generally play a positive and supportive role, but sometimes respond in negative ways, according to a new study. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325135034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324202826.htm We've gotten used to taking pills for everything that ails us, but medications have side effects and cost money. It takes some discipline, but in many cases, the nonpharmacological approach can do as much as pills. Seven common conditions are listed along with treatment options that don't require taking medication. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324202826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324173548.htm Adults with hypertension may be able to lower their weight and their blood pressure by following a weight-loss diet or using the medication orlistat, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324173548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320105546.htm A new study in the Journal of School Health reveals that children with healthy diets perform better in school than children with unhealthy diets. Students with an increased fruit and vegetable intake and less caloric intake from fat were significantly less likely to fail the literacy assessment. Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320105546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318084333.htm Aerobic exercise significantly decreased the chemical imbalances that can lead to heart disease and stroke in postmenopausal women according to a study in the Journal of Women and Aging. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318084333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313185713.htm You may want to buy healthy food for your family, but if the good grocery stores are far away and pricey and the fast-food outlets are cheap and plentiful, it may be harder to make the healthy choice. New research confirms there are links between our urban surroundings and how likely we are to struggle with obesity. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313185713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311165921.htm Weight loss and major lifestyle changes may be more effective than intensive insulin therapy for overweight patients with poorly controlled, insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes, according to a diabetes researcher. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311165921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311145121.htm Heavy women gain too much weight during pregnancy, says an obstetrician and obesity expert. Recommendations which are followed worldwide by obstetricians, encourage obese women to gain at least 15 pounds during pregnancy and specify no upper limit for weight gain. Overweight or obese women don't need to gain that much weight and should exercise and watch their calorie consumption during pregnancy, according to a new editorial. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311145121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312115432.htm A preschool-based intervention program helped prevent early trends toward obesity and instilled healthy eating habits in multi-ethnic 2- to 5-year-olds, according to a report presented at the American Heart Association's Conference on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312115432.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307133659.htm The typical North American diet of eating lots of meat and not much fish is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and this may pose a risk to infant neurological development. The researchers found that the women who ate lots of meat and little fish were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and their babies didn't do as well on eye tests as babies from mothers who weren't deficient. The results were noticeable as early as two months of age. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307133659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311165932.htm In the largest and longest study to date of weight loss maintenance strategies, researchers found that personal contact -- and, to a lesser extent, a computer-based support system -- were helpful in keeping weight off. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311165932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304173130.htm In a study of 104 children under treatment for type 2 diabetes at the Vanderbilt Eskind Pediatric Diabetes Clinic, the children and their parents were surveyed about their perceptions of the child's weight, dietary and exercise practices, as well as barriers to improving diet and exercise habits. Among parents who reported their child's weight as "about right," 40 percent had children who actually were at or over the 95th percentile for weight and were considered obese by government standards. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304173130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303072640.htm Researchers have found further evidence to support the importance of encouraging youth to eat breakfast regularly. Researchers examined the association between breakfast frequency and five-year body weight change in more than 2,200 adolescents, and the results indicate that daily breakfast eaters consumed a healthier diet and were more physically active than breakfast skippers during adolescence. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303072640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229141756.htm Low-fat diets are more effective in preserving and promoting a healthy cardiovascular system than low-carbohydrate, Atkins'-like diets, according to a new study. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229141756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080217102150.htm Ppeople who are most successful in preventing weight gain, and dieters who lose weight and keep the pounds off, have made major changes in their in diet and exercise routines. Big behavioral changes do stave off weight gain. Small daily changes, say using the stairs, are enough to prevent incremental weight gain that can lead to obesity. Much larger life-style changes -- say exercising 60 to 90 minutes a day -- are needed to prevent weight regain. Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080217102150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218155627.htm Spanish-language television is bombarding children with so many fast-food commercials that it may be fueling the rising obesity epidemic among Latino youth, according to new research. Latino children, who make up one-fifth of the US child population, also have the highest obesity and overweight rates of all ethnic groups. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218155627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211091354.htm Scientists in Arkansas are reporting new evidence that natural pigments responsible for the beautiful blue/purple/reddish color of certain fruits and vegetables may help prevent obesity. Their animal study however, reports that eating the whole fruit containing these pigments seems to be less effective than eating an extract of the berry. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211091354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211172620.htm A relatively small proportion of individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure) eat diets that align with government guidelines for controlling the disease, according to a new report. In fact, since the introduction of a diet shown to help reduce blood pressure, the dietary quality of those with hypertension has decreased. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211172620.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212155730.htm In a study to examine the impact of desired body weight on the number of unhealthy days subjects report over one month, researchers found that the desire to weigh less was a more accurate predictor of physically and mentally unhealthy days, than body mass index. Approximately 66% of the more than 150,000 U.S. adults studied wanted to lose weight, and about 26% were satisfied with their current weight. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212155730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080208162238.htm Our alarm clocks may spring forward on March 9, but our biological clocks may take longer to adjust. That's because our internal clocks are so tightly wound to many physiological and behavioral processes. Researchers have learned that circadian rhythms--the 24-hour cycles that keep our bodies on time--are involved in sleep, weight gain, mood disorders, and a variety of diseases. Now, they've made remarkable strides in identifying genes and neural pathways involved in regulating our internal clocks. Building on this bed of research could lead to new treatments for insomnia, jet lag, depression, obesity, and other disorders. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080208162238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080210183902.htm Want to lose weight? It might help to pour that diet soda down the drain. Researchers have laboratory evidence that the widespread use of no-calorie sweeteners may actually make it harder for people to control their intake and body weight. Cutting the connection between sweets and calories may confuse the body, making it harder to regulate intake. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080210183902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207163807.htm Obesity prevalence has increased significantly among adults and children in the U.S. over the last two decades. A new study reveals that characteristics of neighborhoods, including the area’s income level, the built environment, and access to healthy food, contribute to the continuing obesity epidemic. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207163807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204094505.htm The consequences of quitting exercise may be greater than previously thought, according to a new study that determined that the weight gained during an exercise hiatus can be tough to shed when exercise is resumed at a later date. Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204094505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206204948.htm Results of an early study suggest that dairy-free diets and unconventional food preferences could put boys with autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at higher than normal risk for thinner, less dense bones when compared to a group of boys the same age who do not have autism. The researchers believe that boys with autism and ASD are at risk for poor bone development for a number of reasons. These factors are lack of exercise, a reluctance to eat a varied diet, lack of vitamin D, digestive problems, and diets that exclude casein, a protein found in milk and milk products. Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206204948.htm