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When you google weight loss, the challenge to sort fact from fiction begins. These five supplements claim to speed up weight loss, but lets see what the evidence says.

Raspberry ketones, sold as weight loss tablets, are chemicals found in red raspberries responsible for that distinct raspberry flavor and smell. You can also make raspberry ketones in a lab.

A study in obese rats found raspberry ketones reduced their total body fat content. In one study, 70 adults with obesity were put on a weight loss diet and exercise program, and randomized to take a supplement containing either raspberry ketones or other supplements such as caffeine or garlic, or a placebo.

Only 45 participants completed the study. The 27 who took a supplement lost about 1.9 kilos (4.18 pounds), compared to 400 grams (0.88 pounds) in the 18 in the placebo group. The drop-out rate was so high that these results need to be interpreted with a lot of caution.

A small pilot study of five adults found no effect on weight when the participants were told to maintain their current eating and exercise patterns and just took supplements of 200mg/day of raspberry ketones.

Concerns have been raised about potential toxic effects of raspberry ketones on the heart and for reproduction.

Verdict: Fiction! Leave the raspberry ketone supplements on the shelf. Spend your money on foods that contain them, including fresh berries, kiwi, peaches, grapes, apples, and rhubarb.

Matcha is a green tea made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis, or tea plant, but its processed into a green powder and can be mixed into liquids or food. Before the leaves are harvested, the tea plant is put in the shade for a few weeks, which increases the content of theanine and caffeine.

No studies have tested the effect of matcha on weight loss. A review of six studies using green tea preparations for weight loss over 12 weeks found a difference based on the country. In studies conducted outside of Japan, people consuming green tea did not lose more weight than controls. In the eight studies conducted within Japan, the mean weight loss ranged from 200 grams (.44 pounds) to 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds) in favor of green tea preparations.

Verdict: Fiction! There are currently no studies testing whether matcha tea accelerates weight loss.

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit that contains a large amount of Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA), claimed to aid weight loss.

In animal studies, HCA interferes with the usual production of fatty acids. If this was transferred to humans, it could theoretically make it harder to metabolize fat and speed up weight loss. Research studies in humans show this is not the case.

While one 12-week trial in overweight women randomized them to a low kilojoule diet, with or without HCA, and found the HCA group lost significantly more weight (3.7 kilos (8.1 pounds) compared to 2.4 kilos (5.29 pounds) for placebo), two other trials found no difference in weight loss.

A 12-week trial in 135 men and women found no difference in weight loss between the HCA group (3.2 kilos, or 7 pounds) and the placebo group (4.1 kilos, or 9 pounds). A 10-week trial in 86 men and women who were overweight and randomized to take either Garcinia cambogia extract or placebo, but were not also put on a weight-loss diet, found minimal weight loss of 650 grams (1.4 pounds) versus 680 grams (1.5 pounds), with no difference between groups.

Verdict: Fiction! Garcinia cambogia does not accelerate weight loss.

Caffeine is claimed to increase your metabolic rate and therefore speed up weight loss. Research studies in volunteers of a healthy weight found an increase in metabolic rate, but it depended on the dose. The more caffeine supplements consumed, the more the metabolic rate went up.

The lowest caffeine dose of 100mg, the amount in one instant coffee, increased the average metabolic rate by nine calories per hour, while the 400mg dose, which is roughly equivalent to the caffeine found in two to three cups of barista-made coffee, increased metabolic rate by about 34 calories per hour over three hours.

When adults with obesity were given caffeine supplements at a dose of 8mg per kilo of body weight, there was an increase in metabolic rate of about 16 percent for up to three hours.

In a study in which adults with obesity were asked to follow a weight-loss diet, then randomized to receive either 200mg caffeine supplements three times a day for 24 weeks or a placebo supplement, there was no difference in weight change between groups. For the first eight weeks, the group taking caffeine supplements experienced side effects of insomnia, tremors, and dizziness.

Verdict: Fiction! While caffeine does speed up the bodys metabolic rate in the short-term, it does not speed up weight loss.

Alkalizing products are promoted widely. These include alkaline water, alkalizing powders, and alkaline diets. Youre supposed to measure the acidity of your urine and/or saliva to assess body acidity level. Urine usually has a slightly acidic pH (average is about pH6) vegetables and fruit make it more alkaline, while eating meat makes it less so.

Saliva has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline diets recommend you modify what you eat based on your urine or saliva pH, claiming a more alkaline pH helps digestion, weight loss, and well-being.

But your stomach is highly acidic at a pH less than 3.5, with this acid helping break down food. It then moves into the small bowel for digestion and absorption where the pH increases to 4.5-5.0, which is still acidic.

Your body has finely controlled pH balancing mechanisms to make sure your blood pH stays between 7.35-7.45. If it did not, you would die.

On the positive side, alkaline diets encourage healthier eating by promoting plant-based foods such as fruit and vegetables. There is some evidence lower intakes of foods of animal origin that contribute to acid load are associated with better long-term health.

Verdict: Fiction! There is no scientific evidence to support alkaline water or powders speeding up weight loss.

This article was originally published on The Conversation by Clare Collins, Lee Ashton, and Rebecca Williams. Read the original article here.

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5 supplements that claim to speed up weight loss, and what the science says - Inverse

Tis the season of delicious, high-calorie, high-carb temptation, and lets face it: the struggle is real. Despite our best intentions, it can be difficult to stick to our health goals during the holidays. Its especially important for those of us who need to manage our weight for health reasons, including chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Houston is one of the most populous cities in the U.S. (ranking 4th) and also one of the most obese and overweight (ranking 5th). Because of the correlation between weight and chronic and pre-chronic conditions, its important that were conscious of what were consuming this holiday, as well as the struggles that our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers may have when it comes to food-centric holiday merry-making.

Shirley Kadoura, a local certified diabetes educator and dietitian, sharesseven tips to stay on track this holiday (no matter whats cooking)

Adding more plant-based foods and other whole, unprocessed, fiber-rich foods can be extremely helpful for preventing, managing, or reversing certain chronic conditions, explains Kadoura, who works as a wellness coach for Healthiby, a newly launched Houston-area program that uses financial rewards to incentivize health improvements. Most Americans are already not consuming enough veggies, but vegetables are also lower-calorie, lower-carb, and many have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be important for weight loss as well as controlling chronic conditions.

In fact, research shows eating just over one extraserving of leafy greensa day can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 14 percent.

A leafy green, like spinach, is one food rich in antioxidants and magnesium, which can enhance moods, says Kadoura. Therefore, healthier food choices could even make you happier this holiday. Im not saying you have to give up on all of your favorite holiday dishes, she clarifies. Go ahead and have a little holiday ham! Just make sure your plate is also loaded with veggies.

With an assortmentoftasty treats to choose from, portion control can be a challenge. To prevent yourself from going overboard, Kadoura suggests using a smaller plate and taking nibble-sized samples of the not-so-healthy dishes you simply must try.

Avoiding the temptation of super sugary sweets, calorie dense treats ,and carb-loaded eats is much easier when you arrive already satiated.

Kadoura advises to eat a small meal before you go. Fiber-rich foods and protein-power snacks (like a handful of nuts) can help keep you from being lured off your path.

Also, remember to keep your body hydrated. Drinking water is one of the best ways to curb your cravings, she explains. Sparkling water with lime is a festive and calorie-free option.

Tis the season for sharing and caring. And what better way to do both, than to show up with one of your favorite healthy options? Sharing a dish you genuinely enjoyand that makes everyones calorie or carb intake a little bit lighter this holiday seasonis a great way to take care of yourself and others, encourages Kadoura.

Its also a conversation starter! So, dont be shy: BYOHO!

Lets not forget being conscious of your drink choices. Alcoholic beverages are not only filled with calories and carbs, but they also lower inhibitions. After a couple of cocktails, you may not be able to resist going up for second and third helpings at the buffet.

If family drama or office hijinks make it near impossible to pass up the bar, remember that not all drinks are created equally. Choose low-calorie, low-carb options, and drink in moderation. If you are trying to keep your glucose levels in check, its especially important to moderate carbs.

The holidays are also a time when we start thinking about the positive changes we want to create in the New Year. Many of us will have weight loss goals on our minds, but lets be real. Trying to lose weight during the season of stretchy pants, movie marathons, and mouth-watering feasts isnt realistic for most of us. Kadoura says a more realistic goal would be to aim to maintain your weight. Then, after the new year, work towards a weight loss goal.

Familiar with all the tips and tricks for sticking to New Years health resolutions? Frustrated you havent yet been successful?

Healthiby, a year-long online program, empowers people to lose weight. With immediate rewards, for taking small actions that build healthy habits, and long-term rewards for achieving key health outcomes, Healthiby is designed to help you stick to and achieve your health goals. Join and youll be incentivized to lose weight as a team and individually and guided throughout the year in interactive online group sessions led by a dietitian coach.

Nothing like the Big Losers rapid but unsustainable weight-loss approach, Healthiby takes a measured, evidence-based approach. It incentivizes sustainable habit change, empowering participants to choose the foods and build the lifestyle they truly enjoy. Watch and listen to what some participants have to say about it.

What are you waiting for? Take the eligibility survey and join today. The first 20 Houstonians to join before January 5, 2020, join for free.

Read more:
7 Ways to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (Without Overindulging) This Holiday Season - Houstonia Magazine

Better-for-you and save-the-planet ideology among more consumers continues to reshape the food and beverage industries and 2020 will no different.Consumers are driving innovation in the food manufacturing sector as more startups and private brands continue stealing share for traditional food companies.

Darren Seifer, food consumption analyst at NPD Group, recently outlined four trends in 2020. Seifer said he expects tailwinds behind the a few trending behaviors from plant-based protein demand to greater sustainability expectations. He said plant-based food and beverage alternatives have been around, but Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods helped propel the plant-based alternative market from niche to mainstream. But consumers also like their meat.

Since nearly 90% of these consumers also use traditional meat and dairy, its fair to say people arent necessarily becoming vegetarians or vegans; rather, consumers are integrating these products as additional options for their daily repertoire. Watch for continued growth of burger alternatives at foodservice operators and for in-home consumption as these options become more widely available across both, he noted, while also wondering if alternatives will be a fad or a trend.

This trending flexitarian diet behavior caught the eye of Tyson Foods in recent years and the meat giant continues to invest in alternative and blended meat products. Tyson launched its Raised and Rooted brand of blended proteins at retail earlier this year. Tyson CEO Noel White has said the company continues to innovate in this space there will be more products that combine plants and animal proteins into better-for-you offerings that also have a smaller carbon footprint.

Seifer said more U.S. consumers are adopting some plant-based alternatives into their diets such as Almond milk and cauliflower pizza. He said millennials and Gen Z consumers have grown up with many of the products and they push the demand in alternative proteins and dairy. He expects this trend will continue into 2020 with the largest meat companies like Tyson Foods and Cargill paying close attention.

FOOD AS MEDICINEHe said the top reason consumers use plant-based alternatives is that theyre considered healthier options, and consumers want to take control of their health with food choices. He said viewing food as medicine is another trend he expects to continue in 2020.

Nearly one quarter of U.S. adults report they are on a nutrition plan with the goal of promoting long-term health, but not necessarily weight loss. This represents a dramatic shift in the way consumers approach food and beverage choices compared to their behavior in the 1980s and 1990s, when they changed behaviors in response to a specific health issue, he noted.

Increasingly consumers see food and beverages as a pathway to better health; this is more pronounced among younger adults. And when health issues arise, many turn to natural alternatives for help.One in five adults manages a health condition with food and beverage choices. This doesnt mean they arent taking medication, but that many first look at their food and beverage consumption options as a first solution before medication.

BREAKFAST/SNACK SHIFTHe also said breakfast and morning dayshifts for eating are becoming more important to consumers and the days of serving cereal for breakfast are fading. He said breakfast was also a meal many consumers used to skip, but that too is changing.

There has been an increase in morning snack occasions as well as restaurant meals that nearly equals the in-home (breakfast) decline. Categories increasing during this time are portable and functional, reflecting the needs for speed and health, which drive much of consumer behavior in the morning. We expect sustained growth for categories like breakfast sandwiches, juices with functional benefits, such as energy and categories with protein, like eggs, Seifer noted.

Tyson unveiled in September two new Jimmy Dean product lines, Biscuit Roll-Ups and Morning Combos. The biscuit roll-ups wrap eggs, meats and cheese in a flaky biscuit to provide 10 grams of protein per 2-piece serving. The frozen boxes of 8 roll-ups are 240 to 270 calories per serving and come in three varieties: sausage, egg and cheese; egg and cheese; and egg, ham and cheese.Tysons Morning Combos breakfast food line pair items like pancakes or blueberry muffins and sausage into bite-sized meals that can be eaten on the move. Each package contains 8 grams of protein.

Breakfast as a meal occasion is evolving, and were excited to lead innovation and the development of products that provide options for everyone, Steve Silzer, marketing director for the Jimmy Dean brand at Tyson Foods, said in the product release.

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUSSeifer said sustainability will continue to be a third-level concern in the food and beverage manufacturing industries in 2020. Food companies selling to Walmart are measured on their sustainability efforts and the retail giant recently reiterated its goal to reduce 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from the supply chain by 2030.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently spoke at the Evolve Conference in Los Angeles about the retailersclose to the core ways in which it can enact change. McMillon said selling more sustainable products and focusing on more efficient packaging methods to reduce waste were two of the ways its moving the needle. He said Walmart is on track with the gigaton goals set in 2017. The EPA said Walmarts 1 gigaton removal of greenhouse gas is the equivalent of taking 211 million passenger cars off of roads for an entire year.

Seifer said its important for food and beverage marketers to engage in real sustainability efforts because consumers want it.

Food and beverage is unique since taste and health needs are satisfied first, before other needs are addressed. A products packaging could be recyclable and sourced sustainably, but that wont matter if consumers find the taste unpalatable. This explains why animal welfare and sustainability rank low among the reasons for using plant-based foods, he said.

But, consumers are still interested in how products are produced and they want to feel better about supporting brands that use sustainable methods, he added.

When comparing two similar products, consumers could find them equal in taste, convenience, and price, but if one uses sustainable production methods while the other product does not, that could be the deciding factor, Seifer concluded.

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NPD Group: 'Food as medicine' one of the trends to watch in 2020 - talkbusiness.net

Psst! Hey, are you overweight? Touchy subject, I know, but its OK to admit. More than two-thirds of adults are said to be clinically overweight or obese.

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a consortium of university researchers, led by the University of Alabama, a $2.5 million grantto further evaluate a wearable device designed to change eating behaviors. Developed in a UA lab, the patent-pending system uses a tiny camera to photograph food and sensors that measure how quickly you eat it.

The grant, via the NIHs National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, enables the researchers to test the device in a clinical trial over four years. An initial round of funding was awarded this fall.

Changing eating behavior enough to achieve and maintain long-term weight loss is elusive, saidDr. Edward Sazonov, a UA professor of electrical and computer engineering who is leading the project. Were seeking to determine if a device that adapts to your individual eating habits can change that.

The high-tech effort, which involves researchers at Brown University; Boston University and the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, centers on the ingenious development within Sazonovs UA campus lab of a device he calls the Automatic Ingestion Monitor, or AIM.

Clipped to prescription or nonprescription eyeglasses, the AIM includes a tiny, high-definition still camera aligned with the wearers gaze. Sensors that accurately detect food intake trigger the camera to record what was eaten and to measure when, how much and how fast the wearer eats.

The hope is that this technology will give people a new, less burdensome way to monitor and take control of their eating, saidDr. Graham Thomas, a behavioral scientist who serves as associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown and is a co-principal investigator on the research project.

While measuring food intake, which previous studies show the technology can do accurately, is important, Sazonov said thats only part of the story.

The way you eat is as important as what you eat, Sazonov said. We are also looking at the rates of ingestion. We want to slow down and be more mindful about our eating.

Every person is different in when they eat, what they eat, how much they eat and how long they eat. We use machine learning to create a model of these individual eating patterns. After we learn the individual eating patterns, we see how it can be manipulated by suggesting small changes to reduce the total amount of energy consumed.

During the clinical trial, the devices built-in computer will communicate with the wearers smartphone and, when necessary, trigger the phone to send carefully designed messages suggesting modifications to the wearers eating behaviors.

Work by other researchers has shown that tracking what you eat by hand is one of the most powerful strategies for weight control, but it can be burdensome, tedious and error-prone.

Electronic fitness trackers have proven popular, so for those open to wearing a high-tech method to help in modifying their behaviors, the device could prove effective.

The key to this particular technology is to learn individual eating behaviors and then attempt to provide personalized feedback to modify those behaviors, Sazonov said.

Additional researchers on the project include two nutritionists,Drs. Megan McCrory of Boston University andJanine Higgins of University of Colorado; and UAsChris CrawfordandJason Parton.

This story originally appeared on the University of Alabamas website.

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Want to shed a few pounds? University of Alabama researchers test new technology to help - Alabama NewsCenter

Acid reflux occurs when acid leaks from the stomach back up into the esophagus. An occasional bout of acid reflux is generally not a cause for concern. However, a frequent pattern of acid reflux may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a chronic digestive issue that can cause medical complications.

Sometimes, acid reflux occurs together with shortness of breath. In some cases, acid reflux causes shortness of breath.

People who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be at increased risk of have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

This article describes the link between acid reflux and shortness of breath, outlines some of the symptoms of acid reflux, and looks at the treatment options available.

Acid reflux occurs when acid leaks up from the stomach back up into the esophagus. When this happens, the acid can irritate the airways, causing them to swell. This can result in breathing difficulties.

Researchers have also identified a link between GERD and asthma. A 2019 study suggested a bidirectional relationship between GERD and asthma. This means that people with GERD may be more likely to have asthma, and people with asthma may be more likely to experience GERD.

In fact, a 2015 study estimates that up to 89% of people with asthma also experience GERD symptoms. The reason for this may be due to how acid interacts with the airways. Acid in the esophagus sends a warning signal to the brain, which triggers the airways to contract. This, in turn, triggers asthma symptoms.

In cases of GERD-related asthma, treating the symptoms of GERD may help alleviate the symptoms of asthma.

As a 2016 review notes, asthma may also trigger GERD. During an asthma attack, the airways tighten, causing pressure in the esophagus. This increased pressure could encourage acid to leak into the esophagus.

Sometimes, it may be difficult to tell whether a person's symptoms are the result of asthma or GERD. For instance, a 2015 case study notes that typical GERD symptoms, such as burping and shortness of breath, may sometimes be signs of asthma. The authors of this study emphasize the importance of a thorough diagnosis in each case.

A person experiencing acid reflux or GERD will likely experience additional symptoms, such as:

People with GERD-related asthma symptoms may also notice that their breathing difficulties flare up at certain times. Often, this occurs during sleep or after eating a large meal.

Untreated or unmanaged GERD can lead to numerous health complications. Some examples include:

GERD symptoms may cause partially digested food and acid to leak back up into the mouth. The acid can come into contact with the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Sometimes, acid can wear through the lining of the esophagus, causing ulcers.

Esophageal ulcers may cause the person to spit up blood or pass blood in their stool.

Accidental inhalation of stomach acid into the airways (called aspiration) can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma or lead to pneumonia.

Long-term exposure to stomach acid may lead to a sore throat or changes in a person's voice.

Acid that backs up into the esophagus may cause inflammation of the esophagus. Doctors refer to this as "esophagitis."

Esophagitis can be painful and may lead to scarring of the esophagus.

Over time, chronic inflammation of the esophagus can lead to a build-up of scar tissue and narrowing of the esophagus called a "stricture."

A person who has a stricture may experience pain or difficulty when swallowing.

People who experience persistent GERD are at increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus. This is where the tissue in the esophagus begins to resemble tissue in the small intestine.

Some people with Barrett's esophagus will go on to develop esophageal cancer.

People who experience severe and persistent GERD are at increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Treatment for esophageal cancer is much more effective If a person begins treatment in the earlier stages of the disease.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

Lifestyle and dietary changes are typically the first line treatment for GERD symptoms, such as acid reflux and shortness of breath. If these treatment options are not effective, a doctor may prescribe medication to manage GERD symptoms.

Some lifestyle changes that may alleviate GERD symptoms include:

The following dietary changes may also help to alleviate GERD symptoms:

The following drugs may help to suppress acid reflux and prevent complications from GERD:

A one-off or occasional bout of acid reflux and shortness of breath may not be cause for concern. If a person can keep the symptoms at bay using OTC medications, there is generally no need to see a doctor.

However, anyone experiencing persistent acid reflux or GERD symptoms should see a doctor for a full diagnosis. A doctor may carry out diagnostic tests to determine the cause of GERD and to identify any possible complications. A doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage GERD symptoms.

A one-off or occasional bout of acid reflux and shortness of breath is rarely cause for concern. However, anyone who frequently experiences this combination of symptoms may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or asthma. They should see a doctor for a full diagnosis.

People who experience GERD symptoms may benefit from certain lifestyle and dietary changes. Some people may require medication. Early treatment may help to prevent complications from GERD.

Read more here:
Acid reflux and shortness of breath - Medical News Today

Olanzapine, especially in higher doses, is associated with the greatest weight gain in patients receiving commonly prescribed second-generation antipsychotics, according to results of a population-based cohort study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Researchers looked at the records of patients 18 years of age with a diagnosed psychotic disorder receiving primary care in the United Kingdom between 2005 and 2015. Patients were prescribed olanzapine, quetiapine, or risperidone and received at least 1 additional prescription of the same antipsychotic within a 3-month period. Researchers assessed change in body weight 4 years before and 4 years after starting antipsychotic treatment, stratified by sex and low or high dose.

The final cohort comprised 22,306 women and 16,559 men. In the short term (<6 weeks), mens average weight increased by 3.4 kg and womens average weight increased by 2.3 kg on olanzapine. In terms of dose, women receiving a high dose (>5 mg) gained an average 3.2 kg in the short term compared with 1.9 kg on a low dose (5 mg).

Weight gain slowed after the first 6 weeks. At 4 years, women receiving a low dose gained 4.4 kg, whereas those receiving a high dose gained an average of 6.1 kg. In contrast, men averaged similar weight gains for both high and low doses. Patients of either sex and with a lower weight before starting olanzapine treatment gained more weight in the short term.

Individuals prescribed risperidone and quetiapine experienced considerably less weight gain in both the short and long term in both men and women compared with those prescribed olanzapine. Most patients prescribed any antipsychotic did not lose the extra weight gained in the first 6 weeks. However, men receiving a low dose of quetiapine showed an average weight loss of 0.3 kg in the long term.

The investigators did not control for drugs prescribed to reduce weight gain or that could potentially affect weight, a potential limitation of the study. In addition, treatment duration and adherence may not have been captured fully.

The investigators concluded, Doctors and patients may want to take the issue of a substantial weight gain into consideration when making decisions on initiation of antipsychotic treatments, and doctors should prescribe the lowest effective dose to balance mental health benefits, weight gain and other adverse effects.

Reference

Bazo-Alvarez JC, Morris TP, Carpenter JR, Hayes JF, Petersen I. Effects of long-term antipsychotics treatment on body weight: a population-based cohort study [published online November 14, 2019]. J Psychopharmacol. doi:10.1177/0269881119885918

Original post:
High Dose Olanzapine Results in Greatest Weight Gain Among Second Generation Antipsychotics - Psychiatry Advisor

New year, new you isn't always as simple as it sounds.

By Katja Bart

I have a confession to make:I am not body positive.

I try to be kind to myself. After years ofstruggling with eatingand exercise, Im at a place where I can go through a day without panicking about calories and how much time I spend on the treadmill.

I have a gym routine that makes me feel happy. I can sort through negative self-talk at meal times (for the most part).

RELATED:5 Ways To Make The Most Of Your New Year's Eve Resolutions To Make Your Relationship Healthier Than Ever

January is difficult for me, though. Its not just that its the month of self-flagellation and diets and discounted gym memberships. It also marks the anniversary of a support group ganging up on me, which led me to leave them and never engaging with BoPo ever again.

I dont regret the decision, by the way. I appreciate the support I received and the lessons I learned. Truly.

I even remained a member of the group so that none of the posts that I made (with the accompanying discussions and resource sharing) remained visible for as long as needed. But, the experience taught me a lot about boundaries andhealthy ways of dealing with stress.

If, like me, you struggle with your body, but you dont fulfill the criteria for an eating disorder,dont fret. Here are a few strategies that can help you get through January.

If something brings you down, then go out of your way to block it from your view.. Around January 1st, I usually put out a message along the lines of, This month is hard for me, Im blocking fitness and diet content, thank you for understanding.

Some peopleget it and remember to invite me to events separately. Those who don't get blocked and stay blocked. It makes life so much better.

This year, I think Ill try my hand at sewing. Last time, I got on the knitting bandwagon. I never get very far with these projects, but I stay strong, and usually by the time I give up, the January rush hour in my gym has passed and I can get back into my routines without worry.

Plus, you might just end up with a life-long hobby.

RELATED:5 Steps You Must Take Now To Avoid A 'New Year, New You' Mindset That Could Ruin Your New Year's Resolutions

Want to go on a trip? Write a ten-part fantasy epic? Read your TBR pile? (Okay, fine, I know the last one is impossible, but you can try!) Use the January momentum to put in the groundwork for that, whatever it might be. Get your mind off eating habits.

Downloading cool music to dance to in your room or going for a walk in the park are good ways to get moving without it turning into a giant competition. I like a half-marathon as much as the next runner, but its not necessary to sign up for one and start training as soon as the year starts.

Long-term fitness goals are built steadily over time. Consistency is what matters, not riding the hype train.

Ill say it again for good measure: eyes on your own plate. Anything that your colleagues and friends do is their business. They are not dieting at you you are not obliged to join in. Dont allow their choices to make you judge your own body.

Some meals may be more nutritious than others, but assigning subjective values like, clean or good or naughty is counter-productive. Even if others do it, you can resist the lazy typification and focus on the facts.

Sweets are tasty and calorie-dense. Vegetables are high in vitamins. Lentils may need a bit of tomato sauce, but theyre rich in fiber, which is a recommended part of a balanced diet. Stay factual and youll be surprised how quickly other people follow along.

Remember, the goal here isnt to convince anybody that you are right and they are wrong. The goal is to not stress yourself out when every single media outlet is trying to get you to buy unsustainable weight loss plans and laxative tea.

You (and your body) deserve some peace of mind, so dont be afraid to ask for it.

RELATED:4 Small But Important Things To Try If You Want To Truly Love Yourself And Your Body

Katja Bart is a writer who focuses on health and wellness, self-love, and self-care. For more of her self-love content, visit her author profile on Unwritten.

This article was originally published at Unwritten. Reprinted with permission from the author.

See original here:
How To Take Care Of Yourself And Maintain Healthy Weight Loss Goals In The New Year If You Have Body Image Issues - YourTango

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Fenfluramine, previously used as a weight loss agent, could be an important new treatment option for patients with Dravet syndrome.

USA: Treatment with fenfluramine in children having Dravet Syndrome led to a greater reduction in convulsive seizures compared to placebo treatment for 14 weeks, finds a recent study published in The Lancet. In phase III clinical trial, the drug when given at a low dose in addition to existing anti-epilepsy drugs appeared safe and effective for Dravet syndrome a rare, treatment-resistant epileptic disorder.

Fenfluramine is perhaps best known as having once made up the Fen part of the weight-loss drug Fen-Phen, with phentermine. Fen-phen was voluntarily withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer in 1997 after high rates of heart problems emerged among people given high doses of up to 220 mg per day.

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Dravet syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy, affecting one in 15,700-22,000 babies born each year. It is a type of epilepsy with seizures that are often triggered by hot temperatures or fever. Dravet syndrome is responsible for about 10% of childhood-onset epilepsy cases, where patients have frequent, debilitating seizures, neurodevelopmental, motor and behavioral problems and high mortality due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Compared with the general population of patients with epilepsy, Dravet syndrome patients have a substantially higher rate of SUDEP.

Read Also: Medical treatment of obesity : All you need to know

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Current therapies are inadequate for most patients, and approximately 45% of patients have more than three convulsive seizures per month despite multiple antiepileptic drugs.

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Fenfluramine has been reported to have antiseizure activity in observational studies of photosensitive epilepsy and Dravet syndrome. The aim of the present study by Prof Lieven Lagae, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and colleagues was to assess the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine in patients with Dravet syndrome.

Two identical 14 week-long phase 3 RCTs were designed for the study one trial in the US and Canada and the other in western Europe and Australia. The results of the two trials were merged and analyzed together. They included a total of 119 participants with Dravet Syndrome aged 2-18 years. The participants had a high seizure burden, with an average of about 1.5 convulsion seizures per day (around 40 seizures within 28 days).

The patients were divided into three groups 1) receiving placebo (n=40); 2) a low dose of fenfluramine (0.2mg per kg per day) (n=39); and 3) a higher dose (0.7mg per kg per day) (n=40). The drug was given orally by parents and caregivers.

Read Also: Two possible new ways to treat silent seizures in children

Key findings of the study include:

The frequent seizures suffered in Dravet syndrome impact on the lives of patients and their families. The patients in this study had a high baseline seizure burden with an average of approximately 40 seizures per month across all treatment groups. In our clinical trial, we saw impressive reductions in seizures in the patients who received fenfluramine compared with those on the placebo, and although further study will need to assess the long-term safety, I am optimistic about what we have seen so far, said Dr. J. Helen Cross, UCL Great Ormond Street NIHR BRC Institute of Child Health, UK,

In Dravet syndrome, fenfluramine provided a significantly greater reduction in convulsive seizure frequency compared with placebo and was generally well-tolerated, with no observed valvular heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension. Fenfluramine could be an important new treatment option for patients with Dravet syndrome, concluded the authors

The study, Fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, is published in The Lancet.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32500-0

Medha Baranwal joined Medical Dialogues as an Editor in 2018 for Speciality Medical Dialogues. She covers several medical specialties including Cardiac Sciences, Dentistry, Diabetes and Endo, Diagnostics, ENT, Gastroenterology, Neurosciences, and Radiology. She has completed her Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences from DU and then pursued Masters in Biotechnology from Amity University. She has a working experience of 5 years in the field of medical research writing, scientific writing, content writing, and content management. She can be contacted atmedha@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

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Source: The Lancet

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Weight loss drug promising treatment option for rare form of epilepsy in children - Specialty Medical Dialogues

Meghan King Edmonds agrees with fans about her dramatic new look. The former Real Housewives of Orange County star has taken a lot of heat over her extreme weight loss, which comes on the heels of her divorce from former St. Louis Cardinal Jim Edmonds. Taking to social media, Edmonds agreed that she has become too thin and revealed the real reason why she has been shedding the pounds.

After Edmonds recently shared a photo of herself posing with herchildren, several fans noted that she looks very thin these days. One fan evenexpressed concern with her rapid weight loss and advised her to get some help.

I know you have a lot on your plate, the fan shared.And I can only imagine how hard it is to juggle it all. Take care ofyourself momma, you cant pour from an empty cup. Sending you love.

In response, Meghan King Edmonds admitted that she is too thin, and revealed exactly why she has been struggling to keep on weight.

Im a stress non-eater, she added. Im workingon it.

Although it is sad to see Edmonds lose so much weight, the formerreality star has been dealing with a lot of drama this year. Amid rumors thatshe is returning to the RHOC, Edmonds caught her husband, Jim Edmonds,cheating with their childrens nanny.

According to PageSix, Edmonds and her estranged husband are in the middle offinalizing their divorce, and he recently admitted to sending inappropriatetexts to the nanny.

In light of her husbands behavior, Edmonds has officially packedher bags and moved back to California.

In a recent Instagram post, the former RHOC star shared anadorable video of her children making gingerbread houses at her new home. Priorto the clip, Edmonds told her followers that she was living in a long-termrental home.

Part of her decision to move back to California was to get herson, Hart, treatment for an injury called Periventricular Leukomalacia, which has caused some brain damage.Back in July, Meghan King Edmonds opened up about his heartbreaking conditionand revealed that he is undergoing therapy in Los Angeles.

[The doctor] said that this [the diagnosis] explains all ofmy concerns: the rigidity in his muscles, the (somewhat) delayed physicalmilestones, the lack of fluidity with arm and leg movements, the stiffness injoints, the weakness in his lower back, the somewhat favored use of his rightside, she shared.

Although Edmonds seems happy with her children, the move anddivorce have clearly added a lot of stress to her life. Despite all of thechanges, Edmonds is optimistic about co-parenting with her estranged husband.

Edmonds enjoyed a brief cameo in season 14 of RHOC,sparking a lot of talk that she is thinking about returning as a full-time castmember next season.

Season 14 is still underway, so Bravo likely will not make any casting decisions until a few months after the current run is over.

Even still, Meghan King Edmonds opened up about a possible returnin a recent interview with HollywoodLife. The reality star revealed that she would like to come back tothe hit series, but she might start off as a friend before making a biggercommitment.

Yeah, I think so, she stated. ItoldAndy[Cohen] that I really want to consider coming back as afriend, but Im kind of not really dead set on it [yet].

There are a few obstacles that could prevent Edmonds fromreturning. For starters, she is now living in Los Angeles County instead ofOrange County. Secondly, she is very busy raising her three children Aspen,Hayes, and Hart so committing to the show would pull her away from them.

When Edmonds left the series after season 12, most RHOCfans suspected that she quit because of marital strife. Turns out, Edmonds leftthe series for a completely different reason.

In a recent interview, Meghan King Edmonds revealed that sheactually decided to leave the reality show behind because she was getting readyto have twins. Her decision had nothing to do with her marriage, which fellapart in the years following her departure.

She also noted that she misses being in front of the cameras andthat she enjoyed her time on the series, which bodes well for her returning tothe show in the near future.

Hopefully, Edmonds can find a way to return as a full-time castmember next season. At the very least, it sounds like fans can expect her to beback as a friend, which means we will get to see more of her next year.

In the meantime, fans can watch the rest of the cast of the RealHousewives of Orange County when the season finale airs Tuesday night onBravo. Stay tuned to hear if Meghan King Edmonds will return for season 11.

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Meghan King Edmonds Admits She Is Too Thin Amid Rumors She Is Returning to 'RHOC' - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Iggy Azalea claims she lost 15lbs in a week by TWERKING. Is that possible? Is it HEALTHY? A doctor explains

claims to have lost 15 pounds in just one week thanks to twerking.

While the curvaceous Australian rapper also admits to going on a diet, she insists the provocative dance move was the driving force behind her weight loss.

It came about while for her latest song Mo Bounce.The music video features just a few seconds of the 26-year-old vociferously contorting her buttocks.

Although she is already known for twerking, Iggy admits she decided to get lessons from a professional and claims the rehearsals that went into those brief moments of footage completely changed her body.

I did a lot of rehearsals actually, and man I lost 15 pounds in a week dancing to that song, Iggy told New Zealand radio stationon Thursday.

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I never realized how flexible you have to be do to that stuff, she said.[My teacher] was like I really suggest you take yoga. I didnt know you had to take yoga to be a twerker but apparently you do.

Her words sparked a flurry of excitement online, with scores of people saying they planned to take up the singers unusual approach to slimming.

But health professionals warn it may not deliver the results youre expecting.

Normally, doctors recommend losing up to 2lbs a week for people who want to slim down healthily.

Dr Todd Sontag, a family doctor at Orlando Health Physician Associates, admits its not unheard of for someone to drop 15lbs in one go but it probably isnt sustainable or effective in the long-term.

Theres a difference between weight loss and fat loss, Dr Sontag explains.

When you first make a complete lifestyle change, youre not just losing fat that first week.

A lot of that most of that will be water weight. And, really, you want to lose fat.

He warns such rapid weight drops can be difficult for slimmers both mentally and physically.

Firstly, they face the inevitable hurdle of realizing that this weight loss wont last forever.

Theyre not going to continue to lost 15 pounds a week indefinitely, he warns.

Secondly, such a rapid drop in weight increases the risk of side effects, such as gall stones oran electrolyte imbalance.

As for whether it is really possible to burn 15 calories in seven days from twerking alone, Dr Sontag is not entirely convinced.

It depends on how much she was twerking, he laughs. It is a good core workout. It does burn a lot of calories

But no, exercise typically only affects about 20 percent of your weight loss. The vast majority is food. So she would have had to change her food mainly portion sizes to lose that much weight in one week.

That said, Dr Sontag makes clear he is not averse to the idea of this unusual slimming regime.

Should people start doing the twerking diet? he laughs. Well, I dont know.

But the thing is, I always say: find something you enjoy so then its not a chore. Dancing is exercise. So if you like twerking, this could be good.

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Iggy Azalea says she lost 15lbs twerking. Is that healthy? - Stock Daily Dish

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