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, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:01 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/2009/11/091109174345.htm Intermittent access to foods rich in fat and sugar induces changes in the brain which are comparable to those observed in drug dependence, according to new research. The findings may explain how abstinence from these foods contributes to relapse eating among dieters as well as related eating disorders. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173614.htm After one year, a low-calorie, low-fat diet appears more beneficial to dieters' mood than a low-carbohydrate plan with the same number of calories, according to a new report. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123025.htm Most weight-control strategies emphasize energy-restricted diets and increased physical activity -- and most are not effective over the long term. In a study of a "weight-acceptance" intervention, researchers found that there could be long-term beneficial effects on certain eating behaviors using a weight-acceptance intervention approach. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026225744.htm A new study has found that chronic disruption of one of the most basic circadian (daily) rhythms -- the day/night cycle -- leads to weight gain, impulsivity, slower thinking, and other physiological and behavioral changes in mice, similar to those observed in people who experience shift work or jet lag. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026225744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026231845.htm Feeding high-fat food to pregnant mice can affect their pups' brain development in ways that may cause them to be more vulnerable to obesity and to engage in addictive-like behaviors in adulthood, a new study has found. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026231845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026231950.htm Brain pleasure centers became progressively less responsive in rats fed a diet of high-fat, high-calorie food, a new study has found. As the changes occurred, the rats developed compulsive overeating habits -- and became obese. The overeating continued even when it meant the rats had to endure an unpleasant consequence (a mild foot shock) in order to consume the food. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026231950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162457.htm Existing research has shown that rates of binge eating are almost identical between white and African-American adult women. A new study finds that among college age women, rates are higher among Caucasian women. When do rates begin to match up, and why? Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162237.htm A diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, known as the "ketogenic" diet, quickens recovery in paralyzed rats after spinal cord injury, according to new research. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101706.htm Doctors have less respect for their obese patients than they do for patients of normal weight, a new study suggests. The findings raise questions about whether negative physician attitudes about obesity could be affecting the long-term health of their heavier patients. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192206.htm One of the many reasons to pick a low-calorie and low-fat diet is that host of epidemiological studies have suggested that such a diet may delay the onset or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Now a study tests the effects of several diets for their effects on Alzheimer's disease pathology. Unexpectedly, the researchers found that a high protein diet apparently led to a smaller brain. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192206.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015084549.htm A naturally produced molecule called resveratrol, found in the skin of red grapes, has been shown to lower insulin levels in mice when injected directly into the brain, even when the animals ate a high-fat diet. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015084549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013162758.htm Overweight women's self-esteem plummets when they view photographs of models of any size, according to a new study. And underweight women's esteem increases, regardless of models' size. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013162758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134818.htm While little is known about the causes of glioma, researchers have found that this rare but often deadly form of brain cancer may be linked to early life physical activity and height. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181623.htm Individuals who follow the Mediterranean dietary pattern -- rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and fish -- appear less likely to develop depression, according to a new report. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081221.htm Children who eat sweets and chocolates every day are more likely to be violent as adults, according to a new study. Researchers found a higher percentage of adults who were violent at age 34 had eaten sweets every day, compared to those who were non-violent. This link persisted after controlling for other factors. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924231902.htm Teenagers' attitudes to diet and weight are shaped by their social class, according to new research. Policymakers have long insisted on the importance of understanding young people's health and eating habits but this is the first study to show how everyday practices and perceptions of different social classes contribute to variation in the diet, weight and health of teenagers. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924231902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924231751.htm Being too optimistic could harm weight loss efforts. Research reveals the psychological characteristics that may contribute to weight loss. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924231751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914110533.htm Blame your brain for sabotaging your efforts to get back on track after splurging on an extra scoop of ice cream or that second burger during Friday night's football game. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914110533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915192230.htm Zits, pimples, bumps and blemishes are a young person's worst nightmare. Collectively they are known as acne, a very common skin condition that affects millions of adolescents. Now a Norwegian study has investigated the links between acne, diet and mental health issues in both males and females. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915192230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113542.htm A difference in brain activity patterns may explain why some people are able to maintain a significant weight loss while others regain the weight, according to a new study. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910211901.htm Previous research has shown that low self-esteem and emotional problems are found in people who are overweight or obese -- but not which influences which. Research sheds light on this issue showing that children with emotional difficulties are at higher risk for obesity in adult life. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910211901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903110800.htm Eat less, exercise more. Now there is new evidence to support adding another "must" to the weight-loss mantra: eat at the right time of day. A study has found that eating at irregular times -- the equivalent of the middle of the night for humans, when the body wants to sleep -- influences weight gain. This is the first causal evidence linking meal timing and increased weight gain. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903110800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143548.htm Rats fed a high-fat diet show a stark reduction in their physical endurance and a decline in their cognitive ability after just nine days, new research shows. Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112115.htm New research from Denmark shows that guinea pigs subjected to vitamin C deficiency have 30 percent less hippocampal neurones and markedly worse memory than guinea-pigs given a normal diet. Like guinea pigs, humans are dependent on getting vitamin C through their diet, this leads to the speculation that vitamin C deficiency in pregnant women may also lead to impaired early brain development. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902195238.htm Thousands of children and adolescents are using anti-obesity drugs that in the UK are only licensed for use by adults. The number of young people receiving prescriptions for these drugs has increased 15-fold since 1999, but most stop using them before they could expect to see any benefit, according to a new study. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902195238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082410.htm Adolescent and young children of obese mothers who underwent weight-loss surgery prior to pregnancy have been found to have a lower prevalence of obesity and significantly improved cardio-metabolic markers when compared to siblings born before the same obese mothers had weight-loss surgery. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191843.htm A study of 4,254 Canadian schoolchildren has shown a direct association between BMI and satisfaction with their body shape. The research shows a linear response for girls, who were happiest when thinnest, and a U-shaped response for boys, who were unhappy when they were too skinny or too fat. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824182537.htm Weight Watchers is the world's largest support group, with more than 1.5 million members worldwide. What makes overweight consumers turn to this organization for help? A new study says dieters are attracted to its combination of spirituality and therapy. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824182537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825090745.htm Researchers have found that obese people had 8 percent less brain tissue than people with normal weight, while overweight people had 4 percent less tissue in their frontal lobes. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825090745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130605.htm Researchers have released key findings from a first-of-its-kind survey aimed at better understanding the daily needs and struggles of unpaid caregivers of people with diabetes. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025239.htm Childhood obesity has quadrupled in the last 40 years, which may mean today's children become the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than their parents, a leading obesity expert says. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811080751.htm Scientists in Germany have discovered a close correlation between over-indebtedness and obesity. According to a new study, over-indebted Germans are more likely to be overweight or obese than the population in general. The authors attribute this to the high cost of a healthy diet, lack of awareness of the availability of cheaper but nonetheless wholesome foods, but most particularly to the psychological and social stress experienced by over-indebted individuals. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811080751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162144.htm It's important for parents to use the right approach when trying to combat childhood obesity. Restrictive feeding practices, or forbidding certain foods, may not always be the best solution. A child's inhibitory control, a behavior similar to self-control, may be more important than parental restrictions. An article and related editorial explore the relationship between a child's low inhibitory control, parental restrictive feeding practices and childhood weight gain. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811161306.htm Elderly individuals who had a diet that included higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereal and fish, and was low in red meat and poultry and who were physically active had an associated lower risk of Alzheimer disease, according to a new study. In a separate study, higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with slower cognitive decline, but was not associated with a decreased risk of dementia. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811161306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805114616.htm Women tend to choose foods with a lower caloric value when dining with men, but not when they dine with other women. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805114616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806191934.htm Levels of debt have been associated with an increased risk of being fat. Researchers blame the trend on the high price of healthy food, and a tendency for people worried by debt to comfort eat. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806191934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803185718.htm A new study of childhood obesity in the United States has found that some social factors, such as the presence of friends, may put overweight youths at greater risk of overeating. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803185718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730111149.htm Researchers have identified factors that may increase overweight adolescents' risk of engaging in extreme weight control behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, the use of diet pills, laxatives and diuretics, as well as binge eating. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730111149.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716113247.htm Researchers have found that diets high in fructose -- a type of sugar found in most processed foods and beverages -- impaired the spatial memory of adult rats. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716113247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102028.htm After a six-month behavioral weight loss program, depressed patients not only lost 8 percent of their initial weight but also reported significant improvements in their symptoms of depression, as well as reductions in triglycerides, which are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, new research shows. The results of this study highlight the need for further research into the effects of weight loss in individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080549.htm A new study finds that most older long-term cancer survivors who are interested in diet and exercise actually have poor health habits, and that those survivors who do exercise and watch their diet have improved physical health and quality of life. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102030.htm Women who possess genetic modifications associated with low activity of the reward neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain when they imagine eating appetizing foods are more prone to weight gain. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720190616.htm In a major advance in obesity and diabetes research, scientists have found that reducing levels of a key enzyme in the brain decreased appetites and increased energy levels. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720190616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164351.htm Researchers in California have found that overweight youth were twice as likely to have overweight friends. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625210425.htm A variation in a gene that is active in the central nervous system is associated with increased risk for obesity, according to a new study. The research adds to evidence that genes influence appetite and that the brain plays a key role in obesity. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625210425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142550.htm Researchers have discovered a reason why smoking increases the risk of heart disease and strokes. Nicotine promotes insulin resistance, also called prediabetes, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142405.htm A modest reduction in the amount of carbohydrates eaten, without calorie restriction and weight loss, appears to increase a sense of fullness, which may help people eat less, a preliminary study found. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091228.htm Researchers have identified a new appetite suppressant for promoting weight loss that they say works in rodents and may one day be used to develop an effective anti-obesity treatment. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091228.htm