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Premature birth is birth that happens too soon, before 37 weeks. Babies born this early may have more health problems or need to stay in the hospital longer than babies born later. Each year, about 1 in 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely.

Prematurity can cause problems for babies all throughout their lives. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely he is to have health problems. Some of these problems may not show up for several years, even into adulthood. Finding and treating health problems as early as possible and preventing premature birth overall can help babies lead longer, healthier lives.

Yes. Premature birth can lead to long-term intellectual and developmental disabilities for babies. These are problems with how the brain works. They can cause a person to have trouble or delays in:

Some long-term disabilities caused by premature birth include:

Yes. Premature birth can cause a baby to have lung and breathing problems, including:

Premature birth can lead to these health problems:

Talk to your babys health care provider about medical services and treatment your baby may need. Depending on your babys condition, he may need treatment early on or sometimes not until later in life. The Affordable Care Act helps make sure that children with special medical needs have the health insurance they need to pay for services and treatment throughout their lives.

Premature babies often need services that help with development and learning:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (also called CDC) program Learn the signs, Act early offers tools and information for parents who think their child may have developmental delays. The website includes check lists, fact sheets and steps to take if youre concerned about your childs development.

Last reviewed: October, 2013

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Long-term health effects of premature birth | March of Dimes

Selling access to rewards programs that offer cash for meeting weight loss goals may incentivize program participants to lose more weight, new research suggests.

The workhas implications for insurance companies and employers looking for low-cost strategies to improve population health.

Eric Finkelstein, a professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School, used insights from behavioral economics to develop a rewards program aimed to address the disconnect between long-term health and short-term temptation. He then teamed up with Kwang Wei Tham from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) to test it out among overweight or obese adults.

In the randomized, eight-month-long, Singapore-based Trial on Incentives for Obesity (TRIO), 161 participants paid S$234 ($161 USD) to gain access to a 16-week intensive weight loss program.

The program required participants to attend weekly sessions at the Lifestyle Improvement and Fitness Enhancement (LIFE) Centre at SGH where they were taught skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle and encouraged to lose at least 5 percent of their body weight.

Participants also paid an additional S$165 ($119 USD) for the rewards program. Participants in this groupcould earn monthly rewards either in cash or as a lottery ticket with a one in 10 chance of winning 10 times the cash amount if they met monthly weight loss and step goals. Additional rewards were offered for meeting 5 percent or 8 percent weight loss goals at months four and eight.

The maximum possible reward value over the eight-month period was S$660 ($477 USD) if all weight loss and step goals were met. Those randomized to the control arm had their money returned and were ineligible for rewards.

At the end of month four, weight loss was more than twice as great in the rewards arm compared with the control arm (average 3.4 kg versus 1.4 kg weight loss). At months eight and 12, weight loss remained greater (average 3.3 kg vs. 1.8 kg weight loss at month eight and 2.3 kg vs 0.8 kg weight loss at month 12).

Moreover, more than three times as many rewards arm participants achieved 5 percent or greater weight loss at month four, relative to control arm participants (40 percent vs. 12 percent). At month four more than twice as many hit the 5 percent threshold (41percent vs. 21 percent) and the percentage with 5percent or greater weight loss was still greater at month 12 (28 percent vs. 17 percent).

The average payout to participants in the rewards arm was S$225.00 ($153 USD). After subtracting the fee to access the rewards, third party costs were S$60.00 per participant. Moreover, although only 42 percent of participants earned more than they paid in, ~80% reported satisfaction with the rewards scheme.

Our findings not only show the value of rewards to increase weight loss and weight loss maintenance, but they show it can be done in a manner that minimizes third party payments, such as those by employers or insurers. This should help to expand access to these types of programs, says Finkelstein.

Even small amounts of weight loss, sustained over time, confer great health benefits and can help prevent chronic disease. This study shows that the enhancement and maintenance of weight loss is feasible through a rewards program with participant ownership, coupled with an evidence-based, medical weight loss program, says Kwang Wei Tham, director of the LIFE Centre and senior consultant in the endocrinology department at SGH.

The study appears in the journal Social Science and Medicine. The NUS Initiative to Improve Health in Asia supported the research. The Global Asia Institute of the National University of Singapore and the Glaxo Smith Kline-Economic Development Board (Singapore) Trust Fund coordinated the work.

Source: National University of Singapore

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The chance to win cash may double weight loss - Futurity - Futurity: Research News

Abby LutzAbby Lutz

Abby Lutz had been battling her weight for most of her life, but it got really out of control when she gained 200 lbs. while pregnant with her second daughter.

I had developed diabetes and high blood pressure, among other things, and was on insulin and other medications, Lutz, who reached a high weight of 425 lbs., tells PEOPLE. I didnt have the energy to play with my young daughter.

The 34-year-old registered nurse had tried every diet she could find, including no-carb diets and cleanses, but nothing had lasting results. When her hospital began offering bariatric surgery, she decided agastric bypasswas the best option for her health.

At the time, all I could do was barely make it through work, then lay on the couch, she says. I wanted to set a good example for my daughter I didnt want her to see her mom let herself go and be morbidly obese.

After her 2007 procedure, Lutz had to overhaul her diet. Before the surgery, the Newton, North Carolina-based mom would regularly eat two fast food dinners in a single sitting, followed by ice cream.

Right after surgery, I followed the rules given to me by the weight loss program exactly, she says. I only took in the exact amounts of fluids, and progressed just as they said to do. As a result, I was very successful and didnt really have any complications. Following the rules immediately post-op and sticking to those rules for a long time changed the way I approached food altogether. It taught me a new way to eat. I think those habits are what helped me the most long-term.

Lutz began eating a diet focused on protein and complex carbs, and found healthy substitutes for the foods she loved.

If Im in the mood for pizza, Ill make cauliflower bread pizza with fat-free cheese and healthy toppings, she says. My main focus is to try to be mindful and healthful about what Im eating and drinking.

After losing 170 lbs. in six months post-surgery, Lutz hit a plateau. Thats when she decided to join a womens running group at her church and signed up for her first 5k.

After the program was over and we ran that first race, I continued to run on my own, she says. Over the next year or so, I lost the last 70 lbs. Not only has running helped to get and keep weight off through physical exercise, it helps me mentally as well. I run because when I was a kid, I couldnt even walk an entire mile. I run because it clears my head, but at the same time centers my thoughts. I run to have respect for a body that I spent most of my life hating because other people told me it wasnt good enough.

RELATED VIDEO:Delaware Woman Jessica Battle Dropped 100 lbs. Ahead of her Beach WeddingSee Her Incredible Before and After

In 2016, Lutz decided to get skin removal surgery to boost her confidence further.

I worked so hard to lose all that weight, and still wasnt happy with my body, she says. No matter how much weight I lost, there was still lots of extra skin. I still felt very uncomfortable in my clothes, and never wanted anybody to see any part of my body that was loose. I couldnt wear the things that I wanted to.

Lutz says having the surgery and being able to wear regular clothes has been life-changing.

I even bought a few pairs of shorts I hadnt worn shorts since middle school, she says. The first time I went running in a tank top and shorts instead of a t-shirt and leggings to cover myself up, I felt so free. My body is far from perfect, but Im finally starting to appreciate it.

Not only has losing 240 lbs. helped Lutz feel better about herself, but its also greatly improved her health. She no longer has diabetes or high blood pressure, and has stopped having to take medications for both.

I think that the best part of losing the weight has been the overall sense of accomplishment, she says. There are so many aspects of this journey that have been positive. Ive learned a lot about myself in terms of determination and motivation. I used to hide from people behind my bigger body and tent-like clothing. Losing weight has not only helped me physically, but mentally and emotionally. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and Im constantly in training.

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Mom Goes from Weighing 425 Lbs. to Being an Avid Runner: 'I Run to Respect My Body' - PEOPLE.com

Home General Health Weight loss surgery patients abuse opioids in long term

Weight loss can be extremely difficult for some, which is why there are so many obese people today. These morbidly obese individuals are at very high risk for a multitude of life-threatening health conditions, often leading to premature death. However, there are surgical procedures available that can aid in weight loss. They are effective, but unfortunately, one in five of those who go through this surgery get addicted to opioids.

Weight loss surgerybariatric surgeryincludes a variety of procedures that help obese people lose weight. This is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach with a gastric band or through the removal of a portion of the stomach. Another procedure involves resecting and rerouting the small intestine to a smaller stomach pouch, called gastric bypass.

These surgeries are designed to decrease the amount eaten and metabolized by the body. Over time, this reduced calorie intake results in significant weight loss.

Not all obese people can get this type of surgery, as the U.S. National Institute of Health recommends a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, or 35 for people with a serious medical condition.

Painkillers are commonly prescribed to obese individuals due to their predisposition to conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and depression. The fact that use is continued after weight loss surgery is troubling, considering how prevalent opioid abuse is in the U.S.

Our study does not prove that bariatric surgery causes an increase in opioid use. However, it does demonstrate the widespread use of opioids among post-surgical patients, thereby highlighting the need for alternative pain management approaches, said study co-author Dr. Anita Courcoulas.

The study in question followed more than 2,000 patients, 14.7 percent of which said they regularly used prescription opioids before their surgery. This rate fell to 13 percent six months after surgery but rose to 20.3 percent after seven years.

Of those who werent taking opioids before surgery, 5.8 began taking them six months later. After seven years, 14 percent were on opioids.

The results of the study suggest that while weight loss surgery does ease obesity-related pain, it does not eliminate it. So, patients seek relief in the form of painkillers. However, opioids have a high risk of addiction and should not be used to manage chronic pain.

Our nation is in an epidemic of opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose. Recent reports have suggested that bariatric [weight-loss] surgery patients are at elevated risk of chronic opioid use, said Dr. Courcoulas.

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Weight loss surgery patients abuse opioids in long term - Bel Marra Health

June 8, 2017 by Anthony King, From Horizon Magazine Theres a dangerous trend where apps that are the least evidence-based are downloaded more often. Credit: Pexels/ Adrianna Calvo

Half of European adults are either overweight or obese. Many turn to self-help apps as a means to burn excess fat, but despite hundreds of digital tools available very few help maintain a slimmer waistline and few are based on tried and tested science.

Following a weight loss plan can be challenging as it often depends on more than just counting calories or doing exerciseit requires behavioural change.

'We see a lot of apps that would claim to help you lose weight, but none maintain weight loss, and few of them are evidence-based,' said Professor Berit Heitmann, at Frederiksberg Hospital in Denmark.

There is also a dangerous trend where the apps that are the least evidence-based often have the most attractive interface and are therefore downloaded more.

'While between 9095 % of people who are overweight or obese can successfully lose weight, only 510 % can keep it off in the long run,' said Prof. Heitmann, who is also in charge of the EU-funded project NoHoW which is conducting research into tried and tested long-term weight loss techniques.

The project will design an app that will empower dieters to keep the kilos off through scientific-based approaches. NoHoW will equip 1 600 volunteers with a wireless weighing scale along with movement and heart monitors. Rather than tell people what they should eat, volunteers will be given techniques to help them reach goals, regulate emotion and manage stress, such as providing tailored advice on how to be more active or get better sleep.

In fact, it seems we all carry an ancient biological stamp that leaves us vulnerable to weight gain during times of difficulty or stress.

'For our ancestors it was beneficial to gain weight and conserve energy when food was scarce. This response to stress is probably still with us today,' explained Prof. Heitmann. 'It is not just that stress undercuts our good intentions, but it may better equip the body to conserve energy.'

Targeting when dieters enter these moments of stress may be crucial to help them overcome this evolutionary trait.

'We plan to help people manage stress and emotional instability. This will assist them in helping themselves,' said Prof. Heitmann.

Self-management of weight gain can help offset the huge economic burden of many health risks linked to obesity such as diabetes, which affects 60 million Europeans.

Diabetes

Dr Meena Daivadanam, public health scientist at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, said that 'health care systems all over the world are struggling with diabetes.' Diabetes is a disease people have to live with day in, day out once they are diagnosed, and health systems are not equipped to deal with that, she adds.

Dr Daivadanam is the coordinator of the EU-funded SMART2D project, which has a people-centred approach that moves care beyond the clinic to the community. Health systems are usually built to cope with more sudden diseases or provide specialist care, rather than a lifestyle-related health problem, such as Type 2 diabetes, which requires long-term and often non-specialised care, she said.

The SMART2D project uses a social innovation model that brings patients and their families together in community-supported peer groups to help them self-manage their diabetes. By setting the study in three different countriesa rural, low-income area in Uganda, a middle-income town in South Africa, and vulnerable immigrant populations in Swedenit will be possible to develop evidence-based guidelines relevant to different communities.

'Members will have the chance to explore their needs and their local environment on their own terms, such as where to find healthy food outlets that are not so expensive,' said Dr Daivadanma.

Professor Stefan Peterson, health researcher at Uppsala University also in Sweden, who is a scientific advisor to the project, says peer support is a more supportive and empowering route to healthier lifestyle change, and reduces the burden on a health care system's personnel and resources.

Technology can lend a hand in self-management too, as shown in a new project putting artificial intelligence (AI) to work to help those with so-called Type 1 diabetes.

These days, Type 1 diabetics count carbs first and then inject insulin according to what they've eaten. They do this because they lack the enzymes to maintain healthy blood sugar levels after they eat.

Dr Clare Martin, computer scientist at Oxford Brookes University in the UK, explained that 'only a small minority of people keep their blood sugar within the target range' because 'it is hard to do' which often leaves diabetics feeling frustrated.

To relieve this situation, Dr Martin is coordinating an EU-funded project called PEPPER, which aims to empower diabetics by collecting real-time data of their condition and turning into personalised decision support.

'The idea is to use wearable technology, so a fitness band and continuous glucose monitor, to gather information on the person automatically,' said Dr Martin.

Wearers can add info such as how many carbs they consume, alcohol consumption and exercise intensity. They then get advice on their smartphone or pump handset telling them how much insulin to take.

'The artificial intelligence works a bit like human memory. It builds up a database of past information and evaluates each dose to see whether it was a good or bad dose, and so discovers what works best for the individual,' said Dr Martin.

The glucose monitor is around the size of a USB stick, and the insulin pump is about the size of a Tic Tac box. Studies are just beginning on a small number of patients, with a particular focus on the safety system. Dr Martin is planning for a full clinical trial in 2018 before their technology can be scaled up.

'If patients are happy with the device, we hope to move towards commercialisation,' she said.

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Researchers give weight loss apps much needed scientific merit - Medical Xpress

Weight-loss surgery cut the long-term risk of heart failure by more than half in obese patients without a history of heart disease or stroke, a new study shows.

It was a dramatic finding the researchers hadnt expected.

We were surprised, said Peter N. Benotti, M.D., senior clinical investigator at Greisinger Obesity Institute in Danville, Penn., and the studys lead researcher. Ours is the first published study to show that bariatric surgery impacts favorably on the risk of congestive heart failure.

People with a body mass index of 30 or higher are considered obese. Bariatric surgery is recommended for people with a body mass index of 35 or higher. But guidelines issued in January from the American Diabetes Association recommend bariatric surgery for Type 2 diabetes patients with a BMI of 30 or higher if their diabetes is poorly controlled.

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In the 3,448-patient study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, half of patients received gastric bypass and half did not. The surgery group saw their BMI drop from an average 46.5 to 32.5 after five years. BMI remained stable at around 46 in the nonsurgery group.

Eight years after the weight-loss surgery, 24 people had been diagnosed with heart failure. Twice as many 55 patients in the nonsurgery group had developed heart failure. The surgery group also had fewer heart attacks and strokes, but not enough to be significant by research standards.

During the procedure, surgeons reduce the stomach to a pouch about the size of an egg, then bypass the top section of the small intestine and attach a lower part of the intestine to the new pouch.

Experts prefer the term metabolic surgery because the procedure changes the metabolism beyond the benefits of weight loss, Schauer said.

Such changes, he said, include greater satiety the feeling of fullness after eating and greater loss of belly fat, known to contribute to inflammation and clogged arteries more than other types of fat. The surgery also can put diabetes into remission for some patients, according to Schauers landmark 2014 study.

Depending on the type of procedure, bariatric surgery costs between $12,000 and $30,000, according to research.

Obviously in an ideal world, the best way to lose weight would be with diet and exercise, because theres no risk, Schauer said.

But research has shown thats not enough for most obese patients. A look at 10 studies found that obese people undergoing surgery lost an average 57 pounds more than people trying to lose weight the old-fashioned way. Surgery combined with lifestyle changes has a success rate of up to 85 percent for five years or more, Schauer said.

Even so, bariatric surgery shouldnt be taken lightly, Benotti said.

Its certainly not a quick fix or a simple solution, he said. Its a long-term, lifelong commitment.

Heart failure is on the rise, affecting more than 6 million U.S. adults as of 2014. By 2030, that number is expected to surpass 8 million. The condition is expensive, with total costs estimated at $30.7 billion. Its also a drain on quality of life, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

Although obesity is not known to cause heart failure, obese patients with a BMI above 35 are at higher risk of developing stiff or clogged arteries, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes all risk factors for heart failure, said Philip Schauer, M.D., professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and director of the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.

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Bariatric surgery shrinks heart failure risk in severely obese - The Morning Sun

David Wheeler, TLH blogger 1:10 p.m. ET June 5, 2017

David Wheeler Premier Health & Fitness Center(Photo: Democrat files)Buy Photo

Anyone whos struggled with weight loss knows that weight loss is hardand that maintaining a healthy weight following weight loss can be even harder.

Those who do lose weight and keep it off long-term are a small minority. What if you adjusted your expectations?

Dont focus on weight loss only

There is a growing trend in health promotion to focus on getting as fit and otherwise healthy as you can get, independent of weight. What if you make every reasonable effort to . . .

Get enough exercise and physical activity? Eat good, real food, not too much, mostly plants? Drink mostly water? Get enough sleep? Practice appropriate stress management?

If you can do these things with some degree of consistency and can keep it up long enough to see some results, you will certainly be better off. Youll likely feel better, have more energy, and sleep better. You might see a reduction in blood pressure or cholesterol. You might also lose fat and maintain or even gain muscle. Think of the fat loss as a bonus.

Get as fit and otherwise healthy as you can get, independent of weight loss.(Photo: Special to the Democrat)

Healthy and fat Is that even possible?

There is plenty of controversy about this. Being overweight or obese, especially when most of the fat is abdominal, is an independent risk factor. That means, even if you have healthy blood work, control your blood pressure, and get plenty of exercise,youre still at higher risk for several conditions including heart attack and stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers.

The problem is, little is known about the truly overweight-but-otherwise-healthy person. The scientific term is, metabolically healthy obesity. The criteria for this generally include factors such as:

Waist size no more than 40, men; 35, women Normal blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar Normal insulin sensitivity No indicators of systemic inflammation (such as elevated CRP) Physically fit

This combination is rare. Even if it exists today, its unlikely to persist long-term. And if youve been struggling with weight for years, its likely you already have some adverse effects.

You may really need to lose weight

In my eight-plus years in my current position, Ive usually had at least one client for whom losing weight was a necessity. One guy had fatty liver disease. This is serious in itselfbut also put him at risk for liver cancer.

Many people have knees or hips that have the cartilage worn away from carrying so much excess weight. They really need joint replacement surgery, but surgeons want them to lose some of the weight first. In these cases, medical intervention is often appropriate.

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCares Metabolic Health Center offers medical care from a board certified bariatrician (a physician specializing in treating overweight persons), as well as nutritional, behavioral and exercise support. If your health and safety demand that you lose weight, do everything you can to make it happen. Treat it like an assignment from your boss. Make yourself a priority.

Nothing succeeds like success

Having a little success in one area can lead to success in others. Starting to exercise can help you sleep better, leading to more energy, which could be motivating for more exercise.

Getting fitter should prompt you to consume more healthful foods and beverages. Making yourself a priority will allow you to schedule time to meditate and get a handle on stress, which often triggers overeating.

Reducing stress can also lower cortisol levels, leading to improved blood sugar levels and loss of belly fat. A little weight loss could be motivation to refuse that piece of pie or get up and go to the gym.

Whatever you do, get as healthy as possible

I would never tell anyone who is seriously overweight or obese that they dont need to lose weight. It bears repeating: Metabolically healthy obesity is rare and unlikely to last. Do your best to lose what you can.

Regardless of weight loss success, do the things that increase your chances of being healthier. Research shows that those who are most successful at improving their long-term health are persistent in their efforts and dont give up after setbacks.

If you missed your workout today, work out tomorrow. If you ate too much last night, get back on track today. Persist toward the goal of being the healthiest you can be.

David Wheeler is wellness coordinator at Premier Health & Fitness Center. He is also an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health/Fitness Specialist, offering fitness training and health coaching. Hecan be reached at david.wheeler@tmh.org or 850-431-4835.

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Weighty issues: Lose what you can - Tallahassee.com

Recently, researchers have compared the results from several different weight loss plans and they discovered something interesting they all work! The amount and speed of weight loss and overall success rate is pretty much equivalent among the most popular weight loss programs. The researchers discovered something else too. The most important factor in the success of a weight loss program for a given individual had little to do with the specifics of the program. It turned out to be how closely the person stuck to the program!

With this in mind, I wish to present what in my experience are the top 3 reasons why people fail to lose weight and/or fail to keep the weight off long term, and ways to overcome them.

The first problem is that most people view weight loss as a short-term project rather than a life-long change in the way they live their lives. What happens is they get motivated to lose weight for one reason or another, they set a goal to lose a certain amount of weight in a certain period of time, they choose their weight loss approach, and they begin. Then one of two things happen. They either lose motivation and quit long before they really even get started, or they follow through and they accomplish their weight loss goal (or at least get close). In the best case scenario of someone who successfully accomplished their goal, what happens next? All too often, they discontinue the diet and/or exercise they were doing and begin to gain weight again. Instead of viewing weight loss as a goal to be accomplished, I think it is important to begin with the concept that weight control is a life-long lifestyle choice.

This brings be to the second reason why people fail to lose weight and/or keep it off they lie to themselves. People trying to lose weight often become a bit self-delusional as to how well they are following a weight loss program. In assisting people to lose weight, I often hear people say that theyve followed the program Ive recommended perfectly, but they arent losing any weight. When I look at their food journals or ask them about what theyve been eating, it becomes readily apparent that they havent even come close to following my recommendations.

I typically tell people to cut refined carbohydrates out of their diets completely because insulin release in response to consuming carbs is the strongest fat burning inhibitor that there is. In most cases, people who complain that that they are following my recommendations exactly will almost always have foods like toast, cereal, pasta, and even cookies listed on their diet journals. When I ask them about these foods, theyll usually say something about that just being a one-time exception yet they have a one-time exception on every meal! Keeping and regularly reviewing a diet journal is an excellent way to keep yourself honest. The process of writing down what you eat AND reviewing it each day (my patients who claim they have been perfect on the diet have usually not reviewed their diet journals on their own) will help you keep yourself on track. Hopefully the realization of how many times you are cheating will start to prevent you from doing it.

Finally, probably the biggest reason people fail to lose weight and/or keep it off is that they simply havent found a good enough reason. I believe that part of the reason why there is such a tendency for weight loss to be approached as a short-term project rather than a long-term lifestyle change is that the reason people use to motivate themselves to lose weight is usually a temporary reason. A lot of people have motivation to lose weight that is tied to an event. For example, brides-to-be want to lose weight to look good in their wedding gowns. Some people want to lose weight before summer so theyll look good in a swimsuit. Whatever it may be, the vast majority of the time, people want to lose weight by a set time, and whether or not they are successful, the motivation to control their weight vanishes when that predetermined time has passed.

The other part of people not having found a good enough reason is that they consider losing weight as something that theyd like to do, or would be happy if it happened, but they really dont have any major emotion behind their weight loss goals. Theres a big difference in the emotion and therefore the amount of motivation behind someone saying I want to lose 20 pounds and I am sick of being fat and I am going to lose 20 pounds if it KILLS me!.

The number one key to losing weight and keeping it off is to figure out a highly emotional reason you want to lose weight. If you cant find that, my advice is to forget about trying to lose weight until you do. No matter how easy a weight loss programs advertising hype makes it sound, you are wasting your time and money on it if you are not strongly motivated to lose the weight. The fact of the matter is nearly all reasonable weight loss programs work, but they all require effort on your part to make them work.

Different people are motivated by different things. For some, maybe they are motivated to lose weight because of fear of health problems. Some are motivated because they want to be more attractive to others and losing weight will help them in their social lives. Some may be motivated by job considerations (some studies have shown that more attractive people are often more successful in business). In any event, the more emotion and purpose you can put behind your desire to lose weight, the better your chances of successfully losing weight.

In summary, to have the best chance of losing weight and keeping it off long-term, you must begin thinking of weight control in terms of being a long-term change in lifestyle, rather than as a short-term goal. Second, you need be honest with yourself, and make sure to have a system of accountability to keep yourself on track with your weight loss program. Most importantly, you need strong emotional reasons to motivate you to stick to your weight control plan.

Get diet and exercise recommendations for your particular pattern of weight gain and tips on how lose weight plans can be made more effective by visiting Dr. Bests lose weight help website.

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The 3 Biggest Reasons People Fail To Lose Weight And What To Do About Them - Good Herald

For severely overweight individuals that have failed to see results from diet and exercise alone, weight-loss surgery has become the safest and most effective means of achieving significant weight loss. In fact, studies have shown that with diet and exercise alone, nearly 95% of obese patients will gain all the lost weight back within 5 years. On the other hand, long-term success rates for weight-loss surgery including the LAP-BAND procedure are remarkably high, allowing patients to maintain a loss of between 50-70% of their excess body weight. Though there are many factors that can impact an individual patients weight-loss success, weight-loss surgery is simply the most effective long-term weight loss and healthy lifestyle solution for severely obese patients.

Studies show that most patients that undergo weight-loss surgery will lose between 50-70% of their excess body weight within the first three years following their procedure. Those that undergo gastric bypass surgery will lose excess body weight more rapidly in the first 12 months than those that choose LAP-BAND surgery. However, gastric bypass patients typically experience a greater number of complications and side effects than LAP-BAND patients, as the LAP-BAND procedure allows for more gradual and natural long-term weight loss.

From a clinical perspective, a weight-loss surgery is considered successful when the patient loses at least 50% of their excess body weight and keeps the weight off for at least five years. While important lifestyle changes need to be made to ensure that the weight loss is maintained in the long term, studies have shown that most weight loss surgery patients are able to maintain a 50-60% loss of excess body weight 10 years after the surgical procedure. However, it is important to note that a weight loss of just 10% of total body weight can begin to have positive health effects in resolution of obesity-related condition like asthma, gastric reflux (GERD), and diabetes. As weight-loss surgery is usually performed on patients that are at least 75-100 pounds overweight or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35 with a health condition, overall weight loss can range anywhere from 40 pounds to over 100 pounds. But the patient is really the leader behind achieving these results.

While patients will certainly look and feel better after weight-loss surgery, there are also numerous health benefits associated with successful weight loss. In most cases, health conditions that develop as a result of excessive body weight or are worsened by obesity can be improved upon or, in some cases, remedied by weight-loss surgery.

But there are other ways to measuring success with weight-loss surgery, like the LAP-BAND System. For instance, many weight loss surgery patients take great pride in being able to perform certain activities that may not have been possible for a number of years, like crossing their legs, bending over to tie a show, walking up stairs without being easily winded or sitting comfortably in an airplane seat.

While most patients that undergo weight-loss surgery experience incredibly positive results, there are many factors that can impact the overall success of an individual patients procedure and follow-up treatment. Here are some important factors to consider as you try to determine whether weight loss surgery is right for you.

Pre-surgery Weight

Generally speaking, the higher a patients pre-surgery weight or BMI, the more excess weight the patient can lose after surgery. However, recipients of weight-loss surgery with less excess body weight will eventually come closer to their ideal weight when committed to long-term diet and exercise. Also, resolution or improvement in obesity-related diseases can occur with even moderate amounts of weight. Often many diseases can become closer to cured than improved with earlier intervention at a lower weight.

Overall Health

While pre-existing health conditions can impact the overall success of weight-loss surgery (for instance, patients with type 2 Diabetes typically lose less excess body weight after surgery), studies have shown that many ailments linked to obesity are either improved upon or fall into remission after a successful procedure. For instance, a 2000 study performed on 500 weight loss surgery patients showed that nearly 96% of health conditions associated with obesity such as high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, back pain and diabetes improved greatly following loss of excess weight and long-term commitment to diet and exercise.

Surgical Procedure

As there are potential risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure, potential patients should always seek to have their weight-loss surgery performed by a trusted medical staff. Prospective patients should inquire about their surgeons success rates with weight-loss surgery and listen to the experiences of former patients. Additionally, a patients weight-loss success may also be impacted by the quality of post-surgery care and counseling provided by their bariatric outpatient facility.

Diet and Exercise

As diet and exercise are two of the most important factors in any weight loss plan, patients with the physical ability to exercise after weight-loss surgery have increased chances of meeting their goals. To maintain the weight loss achieved by surgery, both exercise and healthy eating habits must become integral parts of a patients lifestyle.

Commitment

The ability to remain committed to suggested dietary guidelines, exercise regimens and any follow-up care recommended by the bariatric outpatient facility is important for both short-term weight loss and long-term weight management.

Motivation

Patients that are motivated to lose weight and willing to follow through with diet and exercise prior to receiving weight loss surgery may experience greater levels of success immediately following the procedure and in the long term. Most people did not find themselves severely obese overnight. It took years to reach that weight and therefore patients should be patient with the weight-loss process, which will also not occur overnight. Successful patients find small victories along the way to celebrate and stay motivated.

Support

As weight-loss surgery will require some time away from everyday activities, it is important to have the support of family, friends and coworkers before undergoing any surgical procedure. Furthermore, as the ongoing weight-loss process following bariatric surgery may require a certain level of emotional support, prospective patients may want to establish a support network including friends and family members that can join in on exercise and healthy eating.

Considering that significant weight loss can not only remedy many health concerns, but also improve an individuals quality of life, the potential benefits of weight-loss surgery are plentiful. For severely overweight individuals that are unable to lose weight via diet and exercise alone, weight-loss surgery is the most effective method of losing weight and keeping the weight off.

Carole S. Guinane, a Chief Clinical Officer writes articles about obesity and weight loss for New Hope Today.

Photo By pixel2013 from Pixabay

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How Effective Is Weight Loss Surgery? - Good Herald

As more than one-third or 36.5 percent of the adults in the United States have obesity, many think of getting a weight loss surgery. But, is the procedure safe?

Weight loss surgery has a 99.9 percent survival rate and thelong-term risks of remaining obese is much greater than the risks of weight loss surgery. One in 10 patients usually experience minor to serious complications as a result of weigh loss surgery.

After comparing obesity statistics in the country from 1999 to 2000 in which adult obesity only accounted for 30.5 percent to those from 2013 to 2014, theCenters for Disease Control determined obesity rates had increased significantly.

Read: How To Control Obesity? More Homecooked Meals

Before delving deeper into the facts and myths of weight loss surgery, below are the risks and complications that obese adults usually face.

While being overweightrefers to an excess amount of body weight that may come from muscles, bone, fat, and water, obesityrefers to an excess amount of body fat. According toWorld Health Organisation's fact sheet, worldwide obesity has nearly doubled since 1980. Nearly 44 percent of the diabetes burden, 23 percent of ischaemic heart diseases and between seven and 41 percent of certain cancer burdens are attributable to overweight and obesity.

Obesity can cause the following conditions:

1.Heart Disease and Stroke:Extra weight can make you more vulnerable to high blood pressureandhigh cholesterol, both of which can cause heart diseaseorstroke. According to several studies, losing a small amount of the extra weight could lower the chanceof developing heart disease.

2. Type 2 Diabetes: This is mostly caused due to being overweight or obese and can be controlled by losing weight, a balanced diet, getting adequatesleep, andexercisingmore.

3. Cancer: Several studies have found links between obesity and cancer in the colon,breasts (aftermenopause), endometrium (the lining of the uterus),kidneys, andesophagus. There are also links between obesity and cancers to the gallbladder, ovaries, andpancreas.

4. Gallbladder Disease: You are more prone togallbladder disease and gallstones if you are overweight.

5.Osteoarthritis:You can develop this joint condition that most often affects theknee, hip, or back, if you are overweight or obese.

6.Gout:Another disease related to joints is linked to obesity as it is most commonly seen in overweight people.

7.Sleep Apnea: Abreathing condition, which can cause a person to snore heavily and to briefly stop breathing duringsleep, has been linked to being overweight. Weight loss often improves sleep apnea.

While there are several ways to tackle obesity, such as physical activities and consumption of fruits and vegitables, the fastest way of reducing extra fat is believed to be weight loss surgery.

There are four types of weight loss surgery typically used by surgeons.

1. Gastric Bypass:Also known as the "Roux-en-Y" gastric bypass, or RYGB, this method will require a surgeon to leave only a very small part of the stomach (called the pouch) where the food you consume gets stored after bypassing the rest of the stomach.This surgery can often be done through several small incisions using a camera to see inside (laparoscope).

2. Adjustable Gastric Band: During this procedure, the surgeon puts a small band around the top of the stomach. The band limits how much food can go into your stomach. This surgery is done using a laparoscope.Gastric banding is also less likely to cause nutritional problems.

3. Gastric Sleeve:This surgery removes most of the stomach and leaves only a narrow section of the upper part of the stomach, called agastric sleeve. Following this surgery, the hungerhormone ghrelin is released in less amount, so you eat less.

4. Duodenal Switch:This is a complicated surgery that removes most of the stomach and uses agastric sleeveto bypass most of your small intestine. It limits how much you can eat.

The most common surgery practice is the gastric bypass surgery. Following this surgery, people typically stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days and return to normal activity within 2 to 3 weeks. Minor complications that affect about 10 percent of people include, wound infections, digestive problems, ulcers, bleeding etc.

Upto 5 percent of people face serious or life-threatening complications, such as blood clot(pulmonary embolism), heart attack, leak in the surgical connections with theintestines, and serious infection or bleeding.

Deaths in the month following gastric bypass surgery are very rare when the procedure is done by a highly experienced surgeon.

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Can Weight Loss Surgery Kill You? Facts, Myths And Everything Else You Need To Know - International Business Times

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