Search Weight Loss Topics:


Page 21234..1020..»


Mar 22

6 Lessons From Oprah’s TV Special on Weight Loss Drugs – Everyday Health

Oprah Winfrey has once again taken to the airwaves to talk about her experiences with weight loss, this time focusing on how medications like Wegovy and Zepbound can transform the lives of people with obesity.

During the hourlong ABC broadcast, An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution, the media mogul stressed how stigma shaped her struggles with weight and how medications changed not just her body size, but also her understanding of what causes obesity and what to do about it. She didn't say which medication she takes, but the special did highlight newer injected weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound.

In my entire life, I never dreamed that we would be talking about medicines that are providing hope for people like me who have struggled for years with being overweight or with obesity, Winfrey said during the special, which is now available on Hulu.

RELATED: Everyday Health's Survey and Special Report: Weight Loss Reframed

So I come to this conversation in the hope that we can start releasing the stigma and the shame and the judgment to stop shaming other people for being overweight or how they chose to lose and not lose weight, Winfrey said. And more importantly, to stop shaming ourselves.

Here are some key takeaways from the special, including tips from Oprah and several medical experts who joined her for the conversation about weight loss.

One message came through loud and clear: Shame doesnt solve anything.

During the special, Winfrey recalled how she used to think about herself and her body, and how weight loss medications helped her move away from those negative thoughts.

There is now a sense of hope, number one, and number two, you no longer blame yourself," she said of her experience with weight loss drugs. When I tell you how many times I have blamed myself because you think, I'm smart enough to figure this out, and then to hear all along, it's you fighting your brain.

In the past, Oprah said she thought about dieting and weight loss as an exercise in willpower.

She recalled that what was cast as a triumph over obesity earlier in her career the day in the late 1980s when she wheeled out a wagon of fat on her talk show to represent her wildly successful weight loss efforts happened because she starved herself for five months.

After losing 67 pounds on a liquid diet, the next day, the very next day, I started to gain it back, Winfrey said.

Theres a name some people have for obsessive thoughts about what to eat: food noise. In a nutshell, food noise involves intrusive thoughts about eating that can contribute to disordered eating.

Oprah said that, looking back on her previous struggles with her weight, its possible food noise played a role. Medications helped quiet that noise, she said.

For the people who think that this could be the relief and support and freedom that youve been looking for your whole life, bless you, because theres space for all points of view, she says of people who think medicines might help silence their own internal monologues about food.

During the special, Winfrey, who left the board of WW (Weight Watchers) last month after a decade promoting the brand, said she invited Sima Sistani, the chief executive of WW International, to join her onstage to tackle a really tough topic: why some people succeed with weight loss and others dont. Sistani described why WW now embraces weight loss medicines along with its long-standing support for lifestyle changes.

We are the most clinically tested, evidence-based, science-backed behavior change program, but we were missing the third prong, which was biology, Sistani said. There could be somebody who needs medication because they have that biological underpinning, and what was so important is for us to provide that care and also to help people release the shame.

Echoing Oprahs message throughout the special, Sistani also acknowledged that dieting isnt necessarily enough on its own for people to manage their weight.

For all those people who came side-by-side and took on the behavior change, some of them walked away without the success, Sistani said. And to those people I want to say, its not your fault.

Two physicians also joined Oprah for the special, W. Scott Butsch, MD, the director of obesity medicine at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and Amanda Velazquez, MD, the director of obesity medicine at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. They both have financial ties to companies that make weight loss drugs, and they talked about how these medicines can address the biological underpinnings of obesity.

Theres a spectrum of obesity; its not one disease, its many different subtypes of a disease, Dr. Butsch says. Without recognizing this, its easier to believe the false idea that people with obesity made poor choices that failed to control their weight with good eating and exercise habits.

This is just a reflection of someones uneducated belief that this is a self-inflicted condition, as if people who have obesity want to have obesity, Butsch added. That these are weaker people who have no willpower and who cant cut it and people who are thin have willpower and can cut it.

After years of thinking that gaining and losing weight was a matter of willpower, Oprah now has a new perspective. And with that knowledge, she said shes found a new way to combat the shame and stigma that can come from having obesity or taking weight loss medicines to treat this condition.

All these years, I thought all the people who never had to diet were just using their willpower and they were for some reason stronger than me, Winfrey said.

But now I realize y'all weren't even thinking about the food, Oprah said. It's not that you had the willpower. You weren't even thinking about it. You weren't obsessing about it.

Original post:
6 Lessons From Oprah's TV Special on Weight Loss Drugs - Everyday Health

Read More..

Mar 22

How to Watch Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution’ Special: Air Times, What to Know and … – Yahoo Life

Oprah Winfrey will return to the small screen on Monday to debut an hour-long television program entitled An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution. The new special follows Winfreys exit from the board of WeightWatchers, where she served for nearly a decade after acquiring a 10% stake in the company.

I look forward to continuing to advise and collaborate with WeightWatchers and CEO Sima Sistani in elevating the conversation around recognizing obesity as a chronic condition, working to reduce stigma, and advocating for health equity, Winfrey said in a statement.

More from WWD

In December, Winfrey spoke to People about her use of weight-loss drugs, though she didnt specify which ones she used.

The fact that theres a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for, she told the magazine.

Ahead, learn more about Winfreys upcoming special.

Taped in front of a live studio audience, Winfrey will sit down with medical experts to discuss a variety of weight loss medications including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy.

Winfrey will be joined by Cleveland Clinics Dr. W. Scott Butsch, ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton and Cedars-Sinai Medical Centers Dr. Amanda Velazquez. Winfrey will also speak to patients from around the country about their experience using weight loss drugs.

Questions addressed in the special include: Who are the medications really intended for? Who is eligible to receive weight loss drugs? What are the short-term and long-term side effects?

We are thrilled to work with Oprah and the voices she has assembled to open a dialogue that destigmatizes and educates viewers on the important and polarizing topic of weight loss, said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, in a statement. I can think of no one better to lead this meaningful conversation about such a critical issue that touches all of our lives.

It is a very personal topic for me and for the hundreds of millions of people impacted around the globe who have for years struggled with weight and obesity, said Oprah in a statement. This special will bring together medical experts, leaders in the space and people in the day-to-day struggle to talk about health equity and obesity with the intention to ultimately release the shame, judgment and stigma surrounding weight.

An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution airs Monday, March 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution will be available to stream on Hulu starting March 19.

View Gallery

Launch Gallery: Oprah Winfrey's Red Carpet Style Through the Years: Photos

Best of WWD

See the original post here:
How to Watch Oprah Winfrey's 'Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution' Special: Air Times, What to Know and ... - Yahoo Life

Read More..

Mar 22

Intermittent fasting may raise risk of heart disease death, study shows – The Washington Post

Intermittent fasting when people only eat at certain times of day has exploded in popularity in recent years. But now a surprising new study suggests that there might be reason to be cautious: It found that some intermittent fasters were more likely to die of heart disease.

The findings were presented Monday at an American Heart Association meeting in Chicago and focused on a popular version of intermittent fasting that involves eating all your meals in just eight hours or less resulting in at least a 16-hour daily fast, commonly known as time-restricted eating.

The study analyzed data on the dietary habits of 20,000 adults across the United States who were followed from 2003 to 2018. They found that people who adhered to the eight-hour eating plan had a 91 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to people who followed a more traditional dietary pattern of eating their food across 12 to 16 hours each day.

The scientists found that this increased risk also applied to people who were already living with a chronic disease or cancer. People with existing cardiovascular disease who followed a time-restricted eating pattern had a 66 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease or a stroke. Those who had cancer meanwhile were more likely to die of the disease if they followed a time-restricted diet compared to people with cancer who followed an eating duration of at least 16 hours a day.

The study results suggest that people who practice intermittent fasting for long periods of time, particularly those with existing heart conditions or cancer, should be extremely cautious, said Victor Wenze Zhong, the lead author and the chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China.

Based on the evidence as of now, focusing on what people eat appears to be more important than focusing on the time when they eat, he added.

Zhong said that he and his colleagues conducted the new study because they wanted to see how eating in a narrow window each day would impact hard endpoints such as heart disease and mortality. He said that they were surprised by their findings.

We had expected that long-term adoption of eight-hour time restricted eating would be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular death and even all-cause death, he said.

The data didnt explain why time-restricted eating increased a persons health risks. But the researchers did find that people who followed a 16:8 time-restricted eating pattern, where they eat during an eight-hour window and fast for 16, had less lean muscle mass compared to people who ate throughout longer periods of the day. That lines up with a previous clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine, which found that people assigned to follow a time-restricted diet for three months lost more muscle than a control group that was not assigned to do intermittent fasting.

Holding onto muscle as you age is important. It protects you against falls and disability and can boost your metabolic health. Studies have found that having low muscle mass is linked to higher mortality rates, including a higher risk of dying from heart disease, said Zhong.

He stressed that the findings were not definitive. The study uncovered a correlation between time-restricted eating and increased mortality, but it could not show cause and effect. Its possible for example that people who restricted their food intake to an eight-hour daily window had other habits or risk factors that might explain their increased likelihood of dying from heart disease. The scientists also noted that the study relied on self-reported dietary information. Its also possible that the participants did not always accurately report their eating durations.

Intermittent fasting has been widely touted by celebrities and health experts who say it produces weight loss and a variety of health benefits. Another form of intermittent fasting involves alternating fasting days with days of eating normally. Some people follow the 5:2 diet, in which they eat normally for five days a week and then fast for two days.

But time-restricted eating is generally considered the easiest form of intermittent fasting for people to follow because it doesnt require full-day fasts. It also typically doesnt involve excessive food restriction. Adherents often eat or drink whatever they want during the eight-hour eating period the only rule is that they dont eat at other times of day.

Some of the earliest studies on time-restricted eating found that it helped prevent mice from developing obesity and metabolic syndrome. These were followed by mostly small clinical trials in humans, some of which showed that time-restricted eating helped people lose weight and improve their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. These studies were largely short-term, typically lasting one to three months, and in some cases showed no benefit.

One of the most rigorous studies of time-restricted eating was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2022. It found that people with obesity who were assigned to follow a low-calorie diet and instructed to eat only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily lost no more weight than people who ate the same number of calories throughout the day with no restrictions on when they could eat. The two diets had similar effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other metabolic markers.

The findings suggest that any benefits of time-restricted eating likely result from eating fewer calories.

Christopher Gardner, the director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, said he encouraged people to approach the new study with healthy skepticism. He said that while the findings were interesting, he wants to see all the data, including potential demographic differences in the study subjects.

Did they all have the same level of disposable income and the same level of stress, he said. Or is it that the people who ate less than eight hours a day worked three jobs, had very high stress, and didnt have time to eat?

Gardner said that studying intermittent fasting can be challenging because there are so many variations of it, and determining its impact on longevity requires closely following people for long periods of time.

But he said that so far, the evidence supporting intermittent fasting for weight loss and other outcomes is mixed at best, with some studies showing short-term benefits and others showing no benefit at all. I dont think the data are very strong for intermittent fasting, he added. One of the challenges in nutrition is that just because something works really well for a few people doesnt mean its going to work for everyone.

He said that his biggest complaint with intermittent fasting is that it doesnt address diet quality. It doesnt say anything about choosing poorly when youre eating, he said. What if I have an eight-hour eating window but Im eating Pop Tarts and Cheetos and drinking Coke in that window? Im not a fan of that long term. I think thats potentially problematic.

Do you have a question about healthy eating? Email EatingLab@washpost.com and we may answer your question in a future column.

Read the original:
Intermittent fasting may raise risk of heart disease death, study shows - The Washington Post

Read More..

Mar 22

Shocking dangers of intermittent fasting diet revealed in new study – Yahoo Singapore News

Certain fasting diets can nearly double your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a shock new study has claimed.

The 16:8 diet where you eat all your food in an eight hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours has been used by actress Jennifer Aniston, model Heidi Klum, and singer/actress Jennifer Lopez.

But researchers who studied 20,000 US adults on intermittent fasting, the majority of whom used the 16:8 plan, found it was not a good long-term option.

This style of eating is popular among those trying to lose weight, and studies have previously suggested it can improve blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels.

But there is not much information on the long-term effects, which the research team wanted to investigate.

Results of their study, published in the American Heart Association Journal, found that those who limited their eating to eight hours a day were 91 per cent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who ate across 12 or 16 hours.

Among people already living with a cardiovascular disease, eating for more than eight but less than 10 hours a day was associated with a 66 per cent higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke.

Meanwhile, people with cancer who ate for more than 16 hours a day were less likely to die from the disease.

Time-restricted eating did not reduce the risk of death from any cause.

Senior author Dr Victor Wenze Zhong, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, said: Restricting daily eating time to a short period, such as eight hours per day, has gained popularity in recent years as a way to lose weight and improve heart health.

However, the long-term health effects of time-restricted eating, including risk of death from cardiovascular disease or any other cause, are unknown.

We were surprised to find in our study that people who followed an eight-hour, time-restricted eating schedule were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

Even though this type of diet has been popular due to its potential short-term benefits, our research clearly shows that, compared with a typical eating time range of 12 to 16 hours per day, it may have long-term drawbacks.

Story continues

A shorter eating duration was not associated with living longer.

Professor Zhong said the study should be of particular interest to those with existing heart conditions who are already predisposed to cardiovascular death.

Our findings encourage a more cautious, personalised approach to dietary recommendations, ensuring they are aligned with an individuals health status and the latest scientific evidence, he explained.

The team also made sure to draw attention to the limitations of their study.

Prof Zhong highlighted that the study does not mean time-restricted eating causes cardiovascular death, while Dr Christoper Gardner, a professor at Stanford University in the US, pointed out that researchers relied on self-reported dietary information.

This may be affected by participants memory or recall, and therefore may not accurately assess typical eating patterns, he said.

Professor Gardner also suggested that future studies should consider how healthy the participants diets were.

Without this information, it cannot be determined if nutrient density might be an alternate explanation to the findings that currently focus on the window of time for eating, he said.

It will also be critical to see a comparison of demographics and baseline characteristics across the groups that were classified into the different time-restricted eating windows.

For example, was the group with the shortest time-restricted eating window unique compared to people who followed other eating schedules, in terms of weight, stress, traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, or other factors associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes?

This additional information will help to better understand the potential independent contribution of the short time-restricted eating pattern.

The study analysed 20,000 US adults, with an average age of 49, over a median time period of eight years.

Approximately half of the participants were men and half were women.

Around 73 per cent of participants were non-Hispanic white adults, while 11 per cent were Hispanic, eight per cent were non-Hispanic black adults, and just under seven per cent were from another racial category.

People who practice a type of intermittent fasting popular with celebrities nearly double their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a new study claims.

Follow this link:
Shocking dangers of intermittent fasting diet revealed in new study - Yahoo Singapore News

Read More..

Mar 22

The 5 Worst Diets for Weight Loss – Eat This, Not That

If you're spending valuable time trying to achieve a certain weight-loss goal, ensuring what you're doing is right for you and your body is imperative. Part of that planning process includes being fully informed on what not to do. That's why we spoke with Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDNthe founder and director of Real Nutrition, a New York City-based private practice dedicated to healthfully and successfully guiding clients to their optimal nutrition, weight, and overall wellness, to learn the five worst diets for weight loss, along with more productive alternatives.

Keep reading to learn more, and when you're finished, don't miss The #1 Best Breakfast Food To Buy at Costco for Weight Loss.

If you're curious about testing out a juice cleanse, you may want to reconsider. Juice cleanses are typically chock-full of sugar and don't contain much fiber or protein.

Shapiro tells us, "[Juice cleanses] can lead to unstable blood sugar levels, muscle loss, and a slowed metabolism. [They also] lack essential nutrients and [are] not sustainable for long-term weight loss."

The hCG diet takes calorie restriction to the extreme. Shapiro explains that this diet allows the consumption of just 500 to 800 calories each day, along with taking human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone supplements, which are usually taken by injection. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

"[There is] no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of HCG in weight loss," Shapiro adds. "Very low-calorie diets can be dangerous and lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and slow metabolism. [There are] potentially dangerous side effects and [this diet is] not sustainable in the long-term."

The ketogenic diet is all about eating high-fat and low-carb foods to torch fat for fuel rather than carbs.

"[The] long-term effects/safety are still under debate," Shapiro tells us. "[This diet may also be] difficult to sustain due to extreme carbohydrate restrictions. [It] may lead to nutrient deficiencies, constipation, and an increased risk of heart disease due to high intake of saturated fats."

RELATED: Here's How Long You Need To Walk Every Day for Weight Loss

Following a raw food diet requires you to only consume uncooked items such as fruits, raw veggies, seeds, and nuts. In addition, the diet doesn't allow processed foods or any items that are cooked.

Shapiro warns, "[The raw food diet is] challenging to follow and likely will result in nutrient deficiencies, especially in protein, vitamin B12, and calcium. [It's] dangerously low in calories which can lead to inadequate energy intake."

The Atkins diet is all about consuming high levels of fat and protein and limiting carbs.

Shapiro tells us, "[It's] very strict in terms of what you can and cannot eat. Studies show that it may be effective for weight loss in the short term but not in the long term and that most people regain the weight back down the line."

RELATED: 6 'Power Foods' That Helped This Woman Lose 100 Pounds

Now that you know some of the worst diets for weight loss, according to a registered dietitian, here are three better alternatives that Shapiro highly recommends.

The very popular Mediterranean diet shines a spotlight on fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, fish, and a touch of meat and dairy. What makes this diet so healthy is it helps to fight oxidative stress and inflammation, regulates blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, Shapiro points out.

The DASH diet emphasizes whole foods like veggies, fruits, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and lean proteins.

"[This diet stresses] cutting back on processed foods such as sugary drinks and packaged snacks, and limiting red meat consumption. [It's a] sustainable, well-rounded approach to eating which includes all essential nutrientscarbohydrates, protein, and fatand limits processed foods but is not restrictive in terms of consuming an adequate amount of calories and nutrients for your body."

RELATED: Here's How Much Water You Should Drink Every Day To Lose Weight

This last tip is for individuals who don't really want to follow a diet, but rather make healthy tweaks to their eating habits.

"Overall, stay hydrated, eat mindfully, control your portion sizes, get enough sleep, and make sure to consume breakfast every day," Shapiro recommends. "Research shows that consuming breakfast regularly is associated with lower levels of obesity and being overweight because breakfast fills you up and ensures you are less likely to experience hunger more frequently throughout the day which likely would result in snacking on high-energy, high-fat processed foods."

Sign up for our newsletter!

Visit link:
The 5 Worst Diets for Weight Loss - Eat This, Not That

Read More..

Mar 22

Dietitians Explain Whether Apple Cider Vinegar Actually Works for Weight Loss – Prevention Magazine

By now, most of us know that fad diets are unlikely to work long-term, but that doesnt stop the wellness world from booming with quick-fix hacksapple cider vinegar for weight loss being one of them. There are hopes that it could be the sought-after, naturally-sourced magical elixir to dropping pounds, so we asked some experts to cut to the chase: Does it really work?

Meet the Experts: Jessica Cording, R.D., author of The Little Book of Game-Changers, Vanessa Rissetto, M.S., R.D., CEO and co-founder of Culina Health, Erin Palinksi-Wade, R.D., C.D.E., L.D.N., Carol Johnston, Ph. D., associate professor at Arizona State University, Amy Goodson, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., L.D., a dietitian in Dallas, Texas, et al.

A recent, small study out of Lebanon observed 120 people with obesity or overweight who were randomly assigned a placebo, five, 10, or 15 mL of apple cider vinegar over 12 weeks. The group that received the highest dose of apple cider vinegar saw reductions in body weight, some even dropping up to 15 lbs. But, do other studies back up these findings? Experts explain if you should try apple cider vinegar for weight loss, how much to take if you want to add it to your routine, and potential side effects.

Apple cider vinegar (a.k.a. ACV) is a fermented liquid made from apple juice, says Jessica Cording, R.D., author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. To make it, you ferment the sugar from apples, creating acetic acidthe main ingredient in vinegar.

Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, which converts the sugars to alcohol, says Vanessa Rissetto, M.S., R.D., CEO and co-founder of Culina Health. In a second fermentation step, the alcohol is converted into vinegar bacteria.

Taste-wise, apple cider vinegar has a strong, tart flavor with a hint of apples.

Lets get one thing clear up front: The only scientifically sound, proven way to lose weight is by eating fewer calories than you burn (or entering a calorie deficit) and exercising regularly to burn off any extra. As for how ACV may help with that, the evidence is scant.

One study in the Journal of Functional Foods, which followed 39 adults, found that participants who consumed a tablespoon of ACV at lunch and dinner, while cutting 250 calories per day, lost 8.8 lbs in 12 weeks. On the other hand, those who cut the same number of calories but didnt consume ACV lost only 5 lbs.

In another study in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 144 adults with obesity were randomly assigned to drink either a placebo or one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, those who drank two tablespoons had lost close to 4 lbs, while those who drank one tablespoon lost 2.5 lbs. (Those who drank the placebo actually gained a little bit of weight.) However, those findings alone dont prove that ACV is a magic fat melter. These studies were done on very small populations, says Erin Palinksi-Wade, R.D., C.D.E., L.D.N. But the consistent results indicate that ACV may be a beneficial tool in reducing body weight.

More research is warranted to confirm the health benefits of ACV, but there is the most evidence around its potential for blood sugar management, says Gregory Curtis, M.D., a weight loss doctor and director of clinical care at knownwell. Studies have shown that drinking vinegar may improve insulin function and lower blood sugar when consumed after meals. A 2021 review also found that ACV consumption may benefit glycemic status in adults, but disclaimed that additional research is necessary to fully understand its health applications.

Ultimately, all the research on ACV and weight loss is from small studiesand its really hard to draw conclusions from those, says Cording. We really dont have any conclusive data on this, she adds.

But it may help in other ways.

Any satiety prompted by ACV is typically due to delayed gastric emptying, which happens when digestion slows, leaving you fuller, longer, explains Dr. Curtis. Nausea, which is a semi-common symptom of drinking ACV, he explains, may also cause some food aversion, but wont necessarily cause fullness.

Its also possible that ACV might directly make you want to eat lessthis is what experts call improved satiation. One study by Carol Johnston, Ph.D., in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that participants who drank the fermented liquid before a meal consumed up to 275 fewer calories throughout the rest of the day. But again, the reasons behind that are murky.

On top of that, ACV seems to have properties that could potentially support your weight-loss efforts. For instance, a 2013 study from the Journal of Functional Foods suggests that drinking apple cider vinegar before eating is linked to smaller blood sugar spikes. Another 2010 study from the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism shows that having two teaspoons of ACV during mealtime could help reduce sugar crashes and keep blood sugar levels stabilized. Why this happens isnt totally clear, but nutrition researchers like Johnston, who has studied ACV at Arizona State University for years, suspect that compounds in the vinegar interfere with the absorption of some starches.

That matters because blood sugar highs and lows tend to lead to cravings for sugary snacks. So, if apple cider vinegar can help control blood sugar, this could help manage cravings and portion control, potentially leading to fewer calories consumed, explains Amy Goodson, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., L.D.

Whats more, a 2014 study from the Journal of Food Science suggests that vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar, can help reduce the effects of diabetes and prevent cardiovascular disease due to its antioxidant activity. Apple cider vinegar has high levels of a polyphenol called chlorogenic acid, which could help improve heart health by inhibiting the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol.

Theres not enough recent and conclusive evidence to say that ACV is a body fat or weight loss solution, says Dr. Curtis. Overall, ACV is no magic bullet for weight loss based on the evidence at hand, says Dr. Curtis. However, if you use ACV to replace more calorie-dense salad dressings and marinades that you use often, it could help you lose weight by cutting calories, Cording points out.

Ultimately, its up to you. If you want to try ACV, stick with a tablespoon no more than twice daily, and always dilute it in eight ounces of water, recommends Palinski-Wade, which may increase the chances that it will boost your satiety and help keep your blood sugar steady.

If you cant stomach the idea of drinking vinegar, think about working it into your meals instead. Try drizzling ACV and olive oil over a salad or steamed veggies, says Palinski-Wade. Or add a tablespoon of ACV to a smoothie.

To maximize the health benefits, choose an ACV thats labeled raw and unfiltered. Unfiltered versions contain proteins, enzymes, and healthy bacteria from the vinegar starter or mother, Palinski-Wade says. Try Bragg Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar or Spectrum Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar.

As mentioned above, it may cause nausea or an upset stomach. And like all vinegar, ACVs high acidity can irritate your throat and strip tooth enamel, Johnston says. Plus, the acidity could bother you if you experience reflux, adds Rissetto. With that being said, its best to stick to the above recommendation of no more than a tablespoon twice daily, diluted in eight ounces of water. ACV should never be consumed straight, Palinski-Wade warns.

And if you already have gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach), use caution. One study noted may help delay the process of gastric emptying in those with type 1 diabetes.

Definitely go slow with this one, Cording adds. I dont recommend doing a shot or anythingthat will really hurt your esophagus.

Ultimately, Cording says, whenever someone tells me that they want to be taking apple cider vinegar in liquid form or supplement form for weight loss, I usually try to steer them in another direction.

Marygrace Taylor is a health and wellness writer for Prevention, Parade, Womens Health, Redbook, and others. Shes also the co-author of Preventions Eat Clean, Stay Lean: The Diet and Preventions Mediterranean Kitchen. Visit her at marygracetaylor.com.

Original post:
Dietitians Explain Whether Apple Cider Vinegar Actually Works for Weight Loss - Prevention Magazine

Read More..

Mar 22

Detox or Cleanse? What To Know Before You Start – Health Essentials

Be gone, toxins! Those three words sum up the main objective of many internal cleanses and detoxes. These quick-fix programs supposedly remove all sorts of icky stuff from your body to make you healthier.

Its easy to do, too: Just swap out some regular ol foods in favor of some special drinks, powders or smoothies, and then let the magic happen!

If you think that all sounds too good to be true well, you may be onto something. So, lets explore the world of cleanses and detoxes a little more with registered dietitian Kate Patton, MEd, RD, LD.

Fans of cleanses and detoxes often claim they experience benefits like:

So, how does this happen? The theory is that eliminating solid foods or specific food groups helps your body shed toxins gumming up your system. Detoxification diets and cleanses often recommend consuming primarily drinks like special water, tea or fruit and vegetable juices.

The idea is to give your digestive system a break, allowing it to heal and better absorb nutrients in the future, explains Patton. And most of the time, the ingredients suggested in a cleanse or detox arent necessarily bad for you.

The terms cleanse and detox are often used interchangeably. In some cases, theyre even merged in phrasing. (A detox cleanse, anyone?)

If there is a subtle difference, though, its this: Cleanses tend to focus more directly on your digestive system and literally flushing you out, while detoxes may take a broader approach that extends to your liver, kidneys and other organs.

There isnt exactly a mountain of scientific research proving that cleanses or detoxes offer the many claimed health benefits, reports the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Now, its true that a few small research studies show positive results for weight loss, insulin resistance and blood pressure but the research isnt quite rock solid, according to the NCCIH.

And various study reviews of detoxification diets raise more doubt than offer validation.

Bottom line? Be skeptical of health claims connected to cleanses or detoxes. Theyre just not likely to do what they say, says Patton.

While cleanses and detoxes may not work magic, there are some potential benefits, notes Patton. They include:

Theres a chance that trying a detox or cleanse may create a health issue instead of resolving one. Concerns about detoxification programs include:

Theres no shortage of cleanse and detox programs. Just go searching for ideas on TikTok. Its overwhelming. But here are a few of the more popular options and why they deserve some caution.

Consider green tea the official drink of superfoods. For proof, check out this medical literature review. It gushes about green teas ability to combat cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and other health concerns,

Good stuff, that green tea but that doesnt mean drinking it by the gallon can cleanse your whole system and make you more radiant.

Too much green tea can cause issues, too. Drinking an excessive quantity of green tea or taking high dosages of green tea supplements is linked to arrhythmias, sleep disturbance, constipation, high blood pressure, rash and liver injury, warns Patton.

An entire industry has been built around the notion of cleaning out your system with a series of juices. The idea is that all those vitamins and minerals can kick-start your system by purging toxins and giving you a clean slate.

At least one study shows that because juicing is commonly associated with low consumption of calories, it can lead to some quick weight loss. But the effects arent likely to last.

Some people claim that drinking water laced with lemon, apple cider, cayenne pepper or other additives will do amazing things for you. Clearer skin! Weight loss! Better poops! The list goes on and on.

Lets start with the obvious: Theres nothing wrong with drinking water, which is super important for your body to function properly.

But a water detox drink? Meh. Its probably not going to do much for you. But if flavoring your water with a little cucumber or vinegar for that matter is your thing, go for it. Just dont expect any miracles, cautions Patton.

And be careful not to chug excessive amounts of water. Drinking too much can flush out electrolytes your body needs, says Patton. (Pro tip: If you drink so much water that your pee is constantly clear, youre overdoing it.)

Learn more about how much water you need a day.

Theres little proof that a planned cleanse or detox lives up to the promises and high expectations often connected to the concept.

In a way, too, youre trying to do something your body naturally does. Your digestive tract, liver, kidneys and skin break down toxins daily and get rid of them through your urine, stool and sweat.

Your body is built to take care of business, says Patton. If you fuel it with a balanced diet of whole foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes, itll help you get the results youre looking for without starting a special cleanse or detox.

More here:
Detox or Cleanse? What To Know Before You Start - Health Essentials

Read More..

Mar 22

Scientists Working on Pill You Can Take Instead of Exercising – Futurism

Image by Getty / Futurism

As next-generation weight-loss treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound continue to fly off the shelves, scientists are busy working on a medicine that could mimic the effects of exercise.

As explained in an American Chemical Society press release, trials thus far on SLU-PP-332, the potentially groundbreaking compound in question, show that it seems "capable of mimicking the physical boost of working out."

"We cannot replace exercise; exercise is important on all levels," Bahaa Elgendy, an anesthesiology professor at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis who serves as the principal investigator of the new compound, said in the press release. "If I can exercise, I should go ahead and get the physical activity. But there are so many cases in which a substitute is needed."

Elgendy is slated to present at the ACS annual spring meeting this week about the compound, which has shown promising results and few side effects in rodent cells though as a University of Florida study about SLU-PP-332 from last fall noted, there will need to be more animal studies to test out its safety before human trials can be conducted.

All the same, it's taken years for scientists to go from theorizing about low side-effect "exercise mimetics" as the branch of potential workout-in-a-pill medications are called to actually conducting animal trials on them and beginning to prepare them for humans.

In an interview withFortune, Elgendy was optimistic about the many ways an SLU-PP-332 pill could help those who can't exercise due to illness or physical disability, or even those who've lost weight rapidly from weight-loss medicines but haven't shored up their muscles yet.

"It can complement exercise programs to give more benefits to patients as well," the doctor told the magazine. "Or it can be combined with the new wave of drugs: antidiabetic drugs and drugs that are used for obesity and weight loss."

SLU-PP-332 was, as the ACS press release notes, identified after more than a decade of study into specialized proteins known as estrogen-related receptors, or ERRs. After looking closely at the structure of these proteins and the molecules that bind them to others, Elgendy and his fellow scientists literallydesigned new molecules to synthesize and mimic the activation of ERRs hence the new compound.

Specifically, the compound is said to increase "a fatigue-resistant type of muscle fiber while also improving the animals' endurance when they ran on a rodent treadmill," which could make workouts easier and more effective once humans can take it, too.

It will be, as Elgendy toldFortune, at least five years before humans are able to take SLU-PP-332 as it continues to go through animal and eventual human trials but the prospect of a safe pill that mimics exercise is, for a lot people, worth the wait.

More on medicines of the future:Scientists Working on Drug to Indefinitely Delay Menopause

Link:
Scientists Working on Pill You Can Take Instead of Exercising - Futurism

Read More..

Mar 22

Water Fasting: What is It and is It Safe? – BarBend

In the past few decades, practices like intermittent fasting and time-restricted fasting have gained wide acceptance as tools for weight loss and other (potential) health benefits. As is often the case, if a practice is proven to be effective, some people will presume it to be even more beneficial if it is taken to an extreme.

One of the extreme variations of fasting, which isnt new but has become popular thanks in part to celebrities like UFC President Dana White, is water fasting. The belief is that you can rapidly unlock tremendous physiological improvements by lengthening the time that your body subsists on only its most essential nutrient good old H2O.

Laura Douglass, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with fellowship training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. She is an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Chicagos Pritzker School of Medicine, where she is also the director of the Transabdominal Cerclage Program. Laura is a graduate of both the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the residency program of the University of Chicago.

Water fasting is the act of depriving your body of any nutrients other than water for a set period. While terms like intermittent fasting or time-restricted fasting typically apply to fasts of less than 24 hours, water fasting generally refers to fasts lasting longer than 24 hours. In some extreme cases, these fasts may extend for multiple weeks. In his viral video highlighting his own experience, Dana White said his water fast lasted 86 hours.

Studies indicate that there are multiple reasons why you might consider it worth the potential risks to eliminate all food and other supplements from your diet and simply drink water.

[Read More: How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink a Day?]

Many religious or cultural fasts include water as an option to consume, and short-term fasting for a few days would be unlikely to yield any downsides for a healthy adult, said Douglass. During a short-term fast, the body converts to breaking down fat stores to extract nutrients. The downside occurs when the fast goes for too long, at which point muscle wasting will occur.

The most obvious outcome of a water fast is losing body weight. By depriving your body of food altogether, you induce ketosis, during which your body turns to its fat stores for energy, and feeds off the resulting ketones instead of glucose. (1) Across multiple water-fast studies, participants dropped significantly, with more body fat lost than fat-free mass. (2)(3)

Water fasts have been credited with improving the moods of some study participants. Some shorter-term fasting studies have shown some links between fasting and reductions in anxiety, depression, and fatigue. (4) Also, test subjects in one water-only fasting study experienced reduced anxiety following fasting, although this effect was limited to older test subjects. (5)

If you suffer from high blood pressure, a water fast may help bring it back down (though never try anything without talking to your doctor first). A medically supervised water fast of 10 to 11 days resulted in the average test subject experiencing a drop in blood pressure of 33/13 mm Hg. (6) Moreover, the test subjects with the highest initial blood pressure readings experienced the steepest declines in blood pressure.

If you find yourself plagued by chronically high cholesterol, a water fast may offer a potential solution. Similar to the case with intermittent fasting, an extended water-only fast was demonstrated to lower LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol following refeeding. (7)

While low insulin levels are dangerous, high insulin levels are indicative of an overactive pancreas, and also a warning that type 2 diabetes might be looming. (8) Water-only fasting has proven to be an effective intervention for lowering blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the insulin present in the bodies of study subjects. In one study, the insulin levels of test subjects experienced a nearly three-fold plunge below baseline levels. (7)

While the aforementioned water-fast outcomes all sound like study-backed ways to enhance negative health conditions, thats only half of the story. In most cases, studies exploring the outcomes of water-only fasting have unearthed undeniably dangerous side effects of this type of fasting. If you ever intend to participate in a water-only fast, these risks to your well-being should be considered.

[Read More: 8 Natural Ways to Decrease Appetite]

A fast of only a few days would be unlikely to cause serious issues, but if it were prolonged, nausea and GI upset would be among the most mild problems that could happen, explains Douglass. This is especially true if negative consequences like muscle wasting occurred during the fast.

Extended water-only fasting deprives your body of macronutrients and micronutrients deemed essential for optimal energy production. Most study results suggest that fasting is either detrimental to athletic performance, or has no effect. (9)(10) However, there are no strong indications that your physical performance will improve once your body enters a fasted state.

As your body begins to recognize the loss of the nutrients it craves, you will probably experience a downturn in mood, or an increase in irritability. Micronutrients like B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids are all linked with optimal brain and nervous system function. Deficiencies of these nutrients have been linked with depressive symptoms. (11)

The results of at least one study found that fasting contributed to the practice of disordered eating. (12) For the record, the study in question specifically involved intermittent fasting and its effects on adolescents. However, it is worth considering the likelihood that regular water fasting might introduce you to a pattern of unhealthy dietary behaviors, like extended food avoidance.

[Read More: 9 Types of Diets How They Work and Pros & Cons]

As a consequence of an eight-day water fast, test subjects experienced several dangerous metabolic issues. This included low serum sodium levels, elevated uric acid levels in their blood, hypoglycemia, and aggravated ketogenesis. (3) Several of these conditions have been linked with diagnoses of gout and kidney stones.

While studies have shown that water-only fasting decreases insulin levels, they also indicate a subsequent increase in insulin resistance. (13)(14) In response to insulin sensitivity, your pancreas will make even more insulin, a general characteristic of prediabetes. As such, while water fasting may temporarily reduce the insulin present in your body, it may increase the likelihood of greater future insulin overproduction.

Eliminating nutrients from your diet means you will not get the recommended amount of protein to repair your muscle tissue after exercise. (15) As a result, lifting heavy weights during prolonged fasting will leave microtears in your muscle fibers without sufficient amino acids available to repair them. (16) This will lead to reduced muscle mass and muscle weakening over time.

[Read More: How Much Water Do You Actually Need While Training?]

Over the course of a five-day water-only fast, participants lost an average of 26 percent of their IGF-1, which is a hormone that contributes to tissue growth in adults, including muscle growth. In addition, participants in the study lost a significant number of B cells and T cells, both of which are white blood cells that are vital to warding off illnesses. (7)

If you participate in a fast lasting more than five days, you are at high risk for fatal refeeding problems. (17) Even if all goes well during your fast, low levels of potassium, phosphate, or magnesium are likely to bring about refeeding syndrome. This is a condition marked by adverse effects ranging from muscle weakness and vomiting to seizures, coma, and potential death.

[Read More: How To Stay Hydrated While Working Out]

BarBend deems all recommended macronutrients and most micronutrients essential to maintaining proper bodily functions. Therefore, we do not advise our readers to casually participate in water fasts. Even if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition for which water fasting has been deemed an appropriate medical intervention, a water fast should only be observed under the care of a licensed healthcare professional.

[Read More: Learn How to Make a Homemade Electrolyte Drink from a Certified Nutrition Coach]

As with most diets taken for quick weight loss, you probably wont sustain the losses for very long after the fast ends, advises Douglass. Going without food for long periods of time is dangerous, and the longer a fast goes, the more difficult it is to bring you out of it safely. And if youre doing all of this for long-term weight loss, a water fast is unlikely to give you a true edge.

While medically supervised water fasting appears to result in some physical benefits to those who follow it, results have been mixed. Any potential positive outcomes of water fasting appear to be accompanied by detrimental consequences. As such, you should exercise extreme caution before you choose to embark on a water fast, as there is an elevated risk that you may not emerge from such a fast completely unscathed.

Personally, I would never advise someone to begin a water fast, not even post-op patients, insists Douglass. Thats because early feeding especially of carbohydrates before and after surgery yields better recovery and return of bowel function, with less morbidity. I could never advise a healthy person to undertake such a dangerous course of action on their own.

If you still have questions about the safety and efficacy of water fasting, we provide clear answers for you here.

Study results indicate that you can lose significant weight by water fasting. Test subjects involved in one 10-day controlled water fast lost an average of 10 percent of their body weight, amounting to an average of 16 pounds per subject. (2) Moreover, a higher percentage of the weight lost consisted of body fat, and the majority of the lost body fat remained absent following post-fast refeeding.

According to expert opinion, a healthy person can survive for up to two months (in extreme cases) on water alone. (18) However, water fasts lasting longer than five days create circumstances under which refeeding must be conducted very carefully to avoid potentially fatal consequences. (17)

How you should break a water fast depends upon its length. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence advises that refeeding begins at no more than 50 percent of your energy requirements if youve been fasting for over five days. (17) Furthermore, it is advised that refeeding begins only after your plasma electrolyte levels have been carefully measured by a medical professional in order to avoid adverse events.

Water fasting has many risks. During a water fast, you are likely to experience increased irritability, a reduction in energy, compromised muscle repair, potential kidney damage, and reduced levels of key hormones. Following the fast, you are also at risk of refeeding syndrome, which is a potentially fatal condition.

Featured Image: Oleggg / Shutterstock

See the rest here:
Water Fasting: What is It and is It Safe? - BarBend

Read More..

Mar 22

If You Want to Lose Weight, "Avoid These Foods Like the Plague," Fitness Expert Says – Best Life

Everyone's weight-loss journey is a bit differentbut in general, you need to make some dietary changes to shed extra pounds. When switching your habits, you probably head to the supermarket to stock up on fresh fruit, veggies, and lean proteins like chicken. But while wandering the aisles, it can be tough to pick out other healthy options to eat. Making things more complicated, some products tout weight-loss effects when they're really "fake health foods" that can derail your progress, according to fitness expert Michael Smoak. Read on to find out which foods and brands he says to avoid if you're serious about weight loss.

RELATED:Fitness Coach Shares "3 Easy Steps" to Lose Weight Before Summer.

In a Jan. 7 TikTok video, Smoak (@HigherUpWellness) takes viewers on a trip through his local grocery store to showcase "fake health foods."

First up on his list of skips is Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus shakes.

"[If you tell me], 'Oh, I'm eating cleaner,' and I see one of these in your hands, I will slap it out of your hand and then slap you," Smoak jokes.

Even though the shake has protein, he notes that it also has 49 grams of sugar and a total of 400 calories.

"You can eat a sizable whole-food-based meal for 400 calories," Smoak says.

RELATED: Lose 50 Pounds by Following 2 Simple Rules, Successful Dieter Says. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Next up on the list of "fake health foods" is Power Up Premium Trail Mix. According to Smoak, even though it promises "high energy," that doesn't necessarily make it a good choice.

"No, this isn't inherently bad food, but it is very calorie-dense for like, this much food," he says, holding up his hand in a small circle formation. On the back of the trail mix packaging, it lists the serving size as a quarter cup.

"So, if your goal is fat loss, put the [expletive] trail mix back," Smoak urges viewers.

Smoak also picks up a pack of Yoplay Original yogurt, which says it is "low fat" and an "excellent source of calcium" on the packaging. While this may have you believe you're starting your day with the healthiest choice, you'd be mistaken.

"Only 5 grams of protein and 20 grams of sugar," Smoak says, recommending that you swap out the Yoplait for Oikos Triple Zero Blended Greek Yogurt.

"Less calories, three times the protein," he says. "See how getting fit is just about raising your awareness? Little swaps like Yoplait for Oikoslike putting the [expletive] Bolthouse Farm juice down and just having a meal instead, or just a regular protein shake."

RELATED: Certain Foods Trigger Natural Ozempic-Like Weight Loss Effect, Doctor Says.

Smoak continues to stress paying attention to marketing ploysespecially if you're a fan of pistachios.

According to Smoak, if you regularly buy these nuts because the packaging advertises "protein," that's not actually the full truth.

"Pistachios and nuts are a fat source, not a protein source," he says. "I'm not yelling at you. I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at big food."

While some nutritionists say there are good choices in the cereal aisle, Smoak recommends avoiding it altogether.

"Anyand I mean anykind of cereal" is a fake health food, he says, listing common buzzwords like "made with real food," "good source of fiber," and "good source of calcium."

"Cereal is the worst thingwell, one of the worst thingsyou can start your day with," he tells viewers. "You should start every day, or the first meal of every day, high in protein. You know what cereal has none of? Protein."

For a good source of protein, consider swapping cereal for eggs, Smoak suggests.

RELATED:Walmart Shopper Reveals the 5 Frozen Foods He Ate to Lose 100 Pounds.

Rounding out his list, Smoak also cautions against buying juiceeven if you've always thought it's a healthy choice.

"If you're still drinking juice cause you think it's healthier, a good source of vitamins, you're almost too far gone," he says. "Luckily, you found this video. I got you."

Smoak advises viewers to stop drinking juices like Tropicana due to the sugar content.

"You know the only place real sugar occurs in nature? In fruit, bound up in fiber," he explains. "Orange juice is just sugar without the fiber. Not good for your blood sugar, not good for your energy, not good for your appetite, not good for you."

If these particular items aren't on your regular shopping list and you're still looking for tips to shop smarter, Smoak recommends shopping in certain areas of your local food store.

"Easiest tip in the world, if you wanna be healthiershop the perimeter of the grocery store," he says. "Meat is on the perimeter, fruits and vegetables are on the perimeter."

The items that might detract from your weight-loss journey tend to be in the middle aisles, so those are areas to "limit," Smoak cautions.

Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you're taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.

Read the original:
If You Want to Lose Weight, "Avoid These Foods Like the Plague," Fitness Expert Says - Best Life

Read More..

Contact Us Today


    Your Full Name

    Your Email

    Your Phone Number

    Select your age (30+ only)

    Select Your US State

    Program Choice

    Confirm over 30 years old

    Yes

    Confirm that you resident in USA

    Yes

    This is a Serious Inquiry

    Yes

    Message:


    Page 21234..1020..»

    matomo tracker