Study: Diets with high protein content good for weight-loss maintenance
A large European study has discovered that a modest increase in protein content and a modest reduction in the glycemic index helps maintaining weight loss. (nejm.org)
Why calories taste delicious: eating and the brain
Why do we get hungry? What biological mechanisms tell us what to eat and when to stop eating? Two neurobiological mechanisms mostly rule food intake: one that controls the need to eat and one that controls the desire to eat. The hypothalamus regulates the homeostatic control of food intake by receiving and responding to metabolic cues and signals from the digestive system. The hypothalamus tells us when we need to eat to maintain a body weight "set point" - like a thermostat set on a specific temperature. Higher brain centers control the desire to eat, considerably influencing food intake. The dopamine reward system is one such brain center. (sciam.com)
Maintaining weight loss: Brain, hormones, metabolism and fat want those pounds back
Most people can lose weight. But few can maintain their new weight for long. Researchers are now tackling that problem, and what they're finding out is troubling. The body is designed to undermine weight loss: once a body has been fatter, it wants to get back to the weight that it used to be. Physiology is changed in two ways: The body needs fewer calories to maintain itself, but its craving for food is more intense. "We have a huge number of diet books and diet programs, and if you do them, you can lose weight. The big problem is keeping it off... 5%-10% of people are successful at keeping weight off on a long-term basis," said Paul MacLean. (latimes)
Permanent weight loss requires transition to healthy eating
After the holidays many people notice they have put on weight. But 1-2 kg of additional weight should not cause panic, said Isabelle Keller. "When people return to their usual nutritional habits and become more active, the kilos go away quickly." However, there is a problem when people put on weight year to year and never lose it. Pills are just as ill-advised as crash diets. Recognize what is causing the weight gain: usually overeating or eating a poor combination of foods. The only certain way a person can lose weight, keep their weight steady and remain healthy is to change to a balanced mixture of healthy foods and to get enough exercise. (earthtimes)
Tricks to help teens maintain a healthy weight
New book titled, Weight Loss Confidential, by dietitian Anne Flether, encourages teens to shed excess pounds with advice from other teens. Teens donĄ¯t listen to adults - their parents, dietitians, or other health care professionals - but they do listen to each other. Who better to help teenagers manage their weight than young people who have done it themselves? This is a book about healthy weight management for overweight teens and their families - written from the perspective of young people who used to be overweight and who found a variety of means to arrive at a weight thatĄ¯s right for them. (msnbc)
The 10 Secrets of Staying Slim
If you're as busy as I am, it's not always easy to keep healthy habits. But below are some guidelines that can help you stick with the program. (1) Drink enough liquids. You don't have to drink just plain water to satisfy your thirst and stay hydrated, many nonalcoholic beverages help fulfill your fluid needs. (3) Monitor your food choices carefully. What you eat and how much you eat are key factors in maintaining a healthy weight. (5) Consume more fruits and vegetables. The dietary guidelines now recommend 9 1/2 cup servings of fruits and vegetables a day. A serving of fruit or vegetable juice can count as one of your nine daily servings. (thirdage)