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Recent research reveals that unintentional weight loss significantly raises the risk of cancer diagnosis within a year. The study, which evaluated over 157,000 health professionals, emphasizes the necessity of consulting a doctor for unexpected weight loss to facilitate early detection and treatment of cancer, despite the studys demographic limitations.

A study from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute indicates that unintentional weight loss is linked to a heightened risk of receiving a cancer diagnosis within the next year.

If you are losing weight and you arent trying to lose weight by making changes in your exercise routine or diet, people should see their doctor to consider possible causes, says lead investigator Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH, Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber and Director of the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research. There are many conditions that can result in unexpected weight loss. Your doctor can determine if there is something that needs evaluation.

The findings were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Compared with participants who did not lose weight, recent weight loss was associated with a significantly increased risk for several types of cancer, including the upper gastrointestinal tract (including esophageal, stomach, liver, biliary tract, and pancreatic cancer), hematological (including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia), colorectal, and lung cancers. However, recent weight loss wasnt found to be associated with increased risk for other cancer types, such as breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, brain cancer, or melanoma.

Unexpected weight loss can come from cancer or many other conditions, says Wolpin. Sometimes weight loss is due to more exercise or a healthier diet, and this can be beneficial to peoples health. However, when a patient experiences unintentional weight loss not due to healthier behaviors, seeing your primary care doctor is appropriate, so they can determine whether an additional evaluation is necessary for other causes of weight loss, including cancer.

The study assessed 157,474 participants in two large longitudinal studies: the Nurses Health Study, which enrolled nurses aged 30 to 55 starting in 1976, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which enrolled male health professionals aged 40 to 75 years starting in 1986. Participants were followed until 2016.

Weight was reported by participants every other year in a biennial questionnaire that also included questions about physical activity. The questionnaire requested responses about dietary changes every four years. This information enabled Wolpin and colleagues to assess each participants level of weight loss-promoting behaviors. Weight loss-promoting behaviors were classified into high for those making both dietary improvements and increases to physical activity, medium if they made only one change, and low if they made no changes to diet and exercise.

We wanted to differentiate healthy weight loss from unhealthy weight loss, says Qiaoli Wang, MD, PhD, a research fellow at Dana-Farber and the manuscripts first author. Healthy weight loss can come from dietary changes or increased exercise. But unhealthy weight loss that occurs unexpectedly can be due to an underlying cancer.

Patients with advanced cancer often lose weight, but weight loss is often not thought to occur with early-stage disease. This study found that similar levels of weight loss occurred before diagnosis of both early and late-stage disease. This is important because unintentional weight loss could be a sign of a developing cancer that could help diagnose the cancer earlier when theres a chance for more effective treatment.

The mechanisms by which cancer results in weight loss varies depending on the type of cancer. This study strengthens findings from past research that connected unexpected weight loss with an increased cancer risk. In previous research, weight data was collected by doctors from patients potentially seeking out care for an illness. In this study, weight data was collected prospectively and regularly for decades and was not dependent on doctor visits to identify weight changes. This study also considered all types of cancers. However, the two studies analyzed were focused on health professionals, which is not a group that is fully representative of the U.S. population.

Reference: Cancer Diagnoses After Recent Weight Loss by Qiao-Li Wang, Ana Babic, Michael H. Rosenthal, Alice A. Lee, Yin Zhang, Xuehong Zhang, Mingyang Song, Leandro F. M. Rezende, Dong Hoon Lee, Leah Biller, Kimmie Ng, Marios Giannakis, Andrew T. Chan, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Charles S. Fuchs, A. Heather Eliassen, Brenda M. Birmann, Meir J. Stampfer, Edward L. Giovannucci, Peter Kraft, Jonathan A. Nowak, Chen Yuan and Brian M. Wolpin, 23/30 January 2024, JAMA. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.25869

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Swedish Research Council, the Project P Fund, the Broman Family Fund for Pancreatic Cancer, the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Lustgarten Foundation Dedicated Laboratory Program, Stand Up To Cancer, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Noble Effort Fund, the Wexler Family Fund, the Promises for Purple, and the Bob Parsons Fund.

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Unexpected Weight Loss? It Could Be Cancer, Says New Research - SciTechDaily

There are several meal plans for women that can be effective for weight loss. Here are some of the top choices recommended by experts.

Paulina Lee, a registered dietitian in Sugar Land, Texas and founder of Savvy Stummy, a wellness program designed to support gut health, notes that the balanced plate method can be a simple way to add more variety to your diet. Instead of counting calories or tracking macros, simply fill your 9-inch plate where half of it is vegetables, a quarter of the plate is lean protein and a quarter of the plate is starch, she explains.

This diet pattern is sustainable, realistic and effective for long-term weight loss, according to Lee. Not to mention, rounding out a meal with fiber, protein and healthy fats will keep you fuller for longer, which can reduce snacking between meals and other cravings, she says.

One review of 23 studies concluded that portion control plates, which incorporate the same guidelines of the balanced plate method, could help support weight loss in people with overweight and obesity or type 2 diabetes. The review also noted that portion control plates were associated with several positive dietary behaviors, including increased fruit and vegetable intake .

Gisela Bouvier, registered dietitian and owner of Gisela Bouvier Nutrition in Punta Gorda, Florida, recommends the Mediterranean diet, noting that it can support weight loss and overall health. According to Bouvier, the Mediterranean diet encourages intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, such as nuts and seeds and lean proteins.

One study found that both menopausal and pre-menopausal women experienced significant fat loss when following a low-calorie, Mediterranean diet. In fact, women lost an average of nearly five pounds of body fat over the course of the eight-week study, even with minimal aerobic exercise .

Inspired by the traditional diets of Mediterranean countries like Greece, Spain and Italy, the Mediterranean diet has also been linked to a long list of health benefits beyond weight loss, including improved heart health, enhanced brain function and increased longevity. Plus, unlike other popular diet plans, its easy to follow and doesnt have any strict rules, like calorie counting.

However, while no foods are technically off-limits on the diet, several should be limited, including red meat, processed foods, refined grains and added sugar. Other components of the diet often include staying active, sharing meals with family and friends and enjoying red wine in moderation.

The volumetrics diet is an eating plan that encourages eating foods with a low calorie density, such as fruits and vegetables, to promote feelings of fullness while also cutting calories. The diet, which is outlined in a book by nutrition scientist Barbara Rolls, categorizes foods based on their calorie density and offers guidelines of which foods a balanced meal should include.

The thing people like most about a volume-based approach is that it makes you feel like you can eat a tonwithout constantly thinking about restriction, says Jaclyn London, a registered dietitian based in New York.

London also notes that no foods are restricted on the volumetrics diet and its easy to adapt to your needs and preferences. Plus, it may even help improve your relationship with food. By emphasizing plants, volumetrics encourages a shift in not only what you eat, but how you think about what you eat, she says.

A study in The Journal of Nutrition found that foods with a lower energy density improved appetite control, curbed cravings and increased feelings of fullness in women with overweight or obesity, all of which could contribute to weight loss .

Also known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet, the DASH Diet was originally developed to reduce blood pressure and promote heart health. However, according to London, the diet can be both an overall healthier style of eating and smart approach to weight loss.

The plan recommends filling your plate with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with legumes, nuts, fish, poultry and low-fat dairy products. Meanwhile, foods high in added sugar or saturated fat should be limited, including red meat or full-fat dairy, and the plan recommends limiting sodium to no more than 2,300 milligrams a day. The DASH Diet also provides guidelines on how many servings of each food group you should enjoy each day.

Many of the foods encouraged on the DASH Diet are low in calories yet rich in important nutrients like fiber and protein, which can be beneficial for weight loss. Furthermore, foods that are limited, including foods high in added sugar, have been linked to weight gain and obesity when consumed in excess.

Of great emphasis on this plan (and really, any great diet) is that the diet tells you what to eat, without over-emphasizing a key nutritional component, says London. Besides supporting weight loss, London also notes that the diet features several key nutrients to support heart health, including omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and magnesium.

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Weight Loss Plans For Women In 2024 Forbes Health - Forbes

Anytime a pricey new drug that solves a common health issue hits the market, hype about budget or natural versions inevitably follows, cropping up on social media or package labels.

Not surprisingly, this has happened in a major way since the advent of the popular weight loss and diabetes drug semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

Of course, a multitude of inexpensive weight loss supplements preceded semaglutide. Numerous herbal and natural supplements claim to assist with weight loss, including caffeine, green tea extract, magnesium, garcinia cambogia, chitosan, conjugated linoleic acid, guar gum, and even laxatives, says Christopher McGowan, MD, of True You Weight Loss in Cary, North Carolina, and a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. (As with other board certifications, the diplomate of ABOM credential means a doctor has completed continuing education in weight management medicine a field long neglected in medical school training.)

But the wild popularity of semaglutide drugs has given rise to social media claims that certain supplements are Ozempic alternatives or dupes. Two stand out: berberine, sometimes referred to as natures Ozempic, and psyllium husk, aka poor mans Ozempic.

But do these Ozempic alternatives really aid weight loss? And whether or not they do, are they safe to take?

It's not hard to see why Ozempic substitutes appeal to many would-be semaglutide users. In general, supplements are easier to access and far less expensive than prescription Ozempic, which without insurance costsover $900 a month for weekly injections, according to Novo Nordisk, Ozempic's maker.

Our current system limits access to comprehensive obesity care, including limited access to FDA-approved medications that do show significant benefits and safety for the treatment of obesity, saysJonathan D. Parker, DO, an Alabama-based obesity medicine specialist and a board member of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. This drives many over-the-counter alternatives as patients seek treatment.

Plus, dietary supplements may offer a natural vibe that many people prefer because of reservations about the potential downsides of semaglutide. These can include anything from common side effects like indigestion or nausea to longer-term issues like malnutrition from low food intake or a potentially heightened risk of thyroid cancer.

Berberine is a supplement derived from shrubs such as barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. Its most commonly sold in capsules, but you may also find it as a powder. Berberine activates an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps regulate metabolism and lower blood glucose levels hence its natures Ozempic nickname.

To understand berberines attraction, look no further than its price tag: A monthlong supply retails for $20$30.

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Plus the evidence of berberines benefits is limited. Unfortunately, most studies that evaluated [berberines] outcomes are small, nonrandomized, and prone to bias. In other words, the currently available evidence is insufficient to support most health claims attributed to berberine, says Dr. McGowan.

Still, berberine is a relatively low-risk supplement to try. In my opinion, berberine is generally safe and well tolerated, with GI side effects being the most common complaint, Parker says.

Another common Ozempic alternative, psyllium husk doesnt work via any complicated metabolic pathway. Its simply a fiber supplement derived from the seeds of plants in the genus Pantago. (You may recognize it from digestive supplements like Metamucil, which is used for occasional constipation.)

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For most people, its hard to go wrong getting more fiber. But psyllium husk could have downsides. You may experienceside effects like bloating or diarrhea. Take it with at least 8 ounces of water, and drink plenty of water throughout the day, to make this less likely.

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Ultimately, Parker says obesity is a chronic condition best managed in collaboration with your healthcare team. Together, you can decide which supplements, if any, to include in your treatment plan.

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Can 'Budget Ozempic' and 'Nature's Ozempic' Really Help You Lose Weight? - Everyday Health

Patients used to call theUMass Diabetes Center of Excellence with concerns about their blood sugar levels. Now, most calls are about problems obtaining a commonly prescribed class of drugs for managing type 2 diabetes that also helps them lose weight, according to endocrinologist Samir Malkani, MD, professor of medicine at UMass Chan Medical School and clinical chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism in the Department of Medicine.

Drugs such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) that were designed to help lower blood glucose and reduce cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetes are now in high demand among people wanting to lose weight, one effect of the drugs. Even at retail prices upwards of $1,000 a month, theyre flying off pharmacists shelves, according to Dr. Malkani.

A lot of people who are overweight struggle with eating behaviors, said Malkani. They want to eat, theyre stress eating, some binge eating, sometimes you just eat for comfort. When they take the drug, the desire goes away, so naturally they can eat less.

Heres what to know about these weight-loss drugs:

Products such as the diabetes drug Ozempic, which was rebranded as Wegovy and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight loss, use the drug semaglutide, while the diabetes drug Mounjaro, approved for weight loss under the name Zepbound, uses tirzepatide. Both are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, said Malkani.

GLP-1 is made by our gut. When we eat a meal, GLP-1 enhances insulin production by our pancreas in response to the glucose that comes out of the food. But it also signals our satiety center in our brain to tell us to stop eating, Malkani said. Synthetic versions of GLP-1 do the same thing but are much longer acting.

The drugs are usually given by injection once a week. A pill form of Ozempic, called Rybelsus, is also available. But this has to be taken daily on an empty stomach.

Malkani said the GLP-1 drugs have another potentially therapeutic effect: In some individuals they seem to cut down craving for alcohol and tobacco.

Who can take the drugs?

GLP-1 drugs are safe for most people to take, based on a physicians prescription, according to Malkani. But insurance only covers the cost for certain conditions. People with type 2 diabetes would usually have the expense covered by their insurance. If someone is overweight, with a BMI of more than 26, and has a serious condition such as heart disease, it would typically be covered.

If someone wants the drug for weight loss alone, Malkani said the threshold for insurance coverage is usually a BMI over 30, after a patient has tried a structured diet and exercise program. Some insurance plans require the patient to also have other health conditions associated with being overweight.

What are the side effects?

Malkani said doctors start prescribing a low dose to minimize side effects, and gradually increase dosage. Mild nausea is typical when starting treatments. Other common side effects are diarrhea, constipation, gallbladder problems and abdominal discomfort.

Some people do get side effects when they dont eat and also forget to drink water, said Malkani. If you have borderline kidney function, you could get dehydrated.

Rare but more serious side effects include paralysis of the stomach and intestines and pancreatitis. There is a warning on the label about the increased risk of thyroid cancer, but this link is still uncertain.

And although GLP-1 drugs have been touted as the solution to the stubborn weight gain that often accompanies menopause, Malkani cautioned that when people lose body fat, they also lose some muscle and bone. He encouraged postmenopausal women to get a baseline bone density evaluation before starting these drugs.

Are GLP-1 drugs forever drugs?

Once someone stops taking the drugs, cravings return and the weight will slowly come back, according to Malkani. A person may not need to take the same drug forever, though, because new and more effective formulations are being developed.

The new drugs theyre coming out with, theyre called small molecules. Theyre not digested by the acid in the gut. So, in the future, people might just be able to take a pill, he said.

How is UMass Chan advancing what is known about diabetes/weight loss drugs?

Malkani and his research team are collaborating with UMass Chans Program in Digital Medicine to analyze electronic health records of patients with heart disease who were prescribed GLP-1 drugs. Were trying to look at what the actual benefits are to them in terms of reduction of cardiac events, and how it affects total medical expenditures, he said.

Another research project aims to determine whether there are genetic factors that influence how people respond to the drugs. Malkani said, There are some people who respond beautifully to these drugs, they lose 15 percent of their body weight. But there are some people who dont.

This genetic database study is led by Nina Rosano, MD, assistant professor of medicine, and Amin Sabet, MD, assistant professor of medicine, specialists in endocrinology and diabetes.

Science for Livingfeatures the perspectives of UMass Chan Medical School experts on the research behind health news headlines. If you have ideas for topicsyoudlike to see explored, please send them to susan.spencer1@umassmed.edu.

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Science for Living: What to know about Ozempic and other weight loss drugs - UMass Medical School

Weight loss can be a sensitive subject for many, and for social media influencers, teetering on that fine line can be detrimental for their career. Even for people like Mark Gaetano, best known as @snarkymarky on TikTok to his millions of followers, who had the best intentions.

At the start of 2021 I decided to go on a weight-loss journey because I just wasn't really happy with how I was feeling, Gaetano tells EatingWell. That was my main motive, the way that I was feeling and my lack of physical ability. In fact, my epiphany was I was walking up a flight of stairs and I was just so out of breath that I thought, I can't be living like this anymore.

I started losing weight, and I am a young man who was already overweight, so that's obviously going to hasten the weight-loss progress, he explains. And I started sharing that I was on a weight-loss journey because it was starting to become physically evident that I was losing weight.

Through sharing his journey and expressing that his weight loss was the result of a low-calorie diet and exercise, his fans were mostly encouraging.

Initially, everyone was very, very supportive and they were super happy for me, Gaetano says. They were glad that I was broadcasting this and sharing this healthy transformation with my audience.

By December 2021, Gaetano had lost 125 pounds, so he decided to share this news with his followers.

That was where the comments started to skew negatively because I had posted a video saying that I was no longer overweight, he explains. That was a metric that I was using based off of BMI, which now I know has its very many flaws, but that was my metric that I was using at the time.

Gaetano is right in that body mass index, more commonly known as BMI, isnt the best indicator of your overall health. But instead of the comments being informative about the problems with depending on BMI, they were more accusatory towards the influencers intentions.

Most people were still very happy and celebratory, but there was still a corner of the internet that was not happy with me and was not happy with my tone and my rhetoric in celebrating my weight loss, he says.

Despite this, Gaetano continued his health and wellness progress throughout 2022. In 2023, the TikTok star admitted to gaining back some weight, which resulted in the negative comments shifting. This caused Gaetano to make a response get ready with me video to address these comments, and the video has since gained over 670,000 views.

As Im making more videos, people are of course in the comments, Oh, you gained weight, [and] Oh, I knew that weight loss wasnt going to be sustainable, I knew this was going to happen, I knew he was going to gain weight, which is so rude, he says in his video response. Why are you preying on someones body to change a certain way?

If you think someones words can be dangerous and may be promoting negative aspects of diet culture, consider messaging them directly or leave an informative comment suggesting a change of language instead of an accusatory one. More often than not, their intentions stem from an innocent lack of understanding. As Gaetano continues to give updates on his health journey, its important to remember to never critique other peoples bodies, even if they are choosing to share their health updates, habits and routines. When EatingWell asked Gaetano for advice on how to handle unwarranted comments about weight loss and weight gain, he chose four simple words: Block out any noise.

There are going to be people around you that will be happy to see you succeed, but theres also going to be people around you preying on your downfall, Gaetano further tells us. At the end of the day, its important to focus solely on how you feel, and not anyone else.

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Why Does Social Media Run on Comments About Weight? TikToker Shares How to "Block Out Any Noise" - EatingWell

Fermented foods have become popular in recent years, partly due to their perceived health benefits.

For instance, there is some evidence eating or drinking fermented foods can improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes. They can lower blood lipid (fats) levels and blood pressure in people with diabetes or obesity. Fermented foods can also improve diarrhoea symptoms.

But can they help you lose weight, as a recent study suggests? Lets look at the evidence.

Read more: What is kombucha and how do the health claims stack up?

Fermented foods are ones prepared when microbes (bacteria and/or yeast) ferment (or digest) food components to form new foods. Examples include yoghurt, cheese, kefir, kombucha, wine, beer, sauerkraut and kimchi.

As a result of fermentation, the food becomes acidic, extending its shelf life (food-spoilage microbes are less likely to grow under these conditions). This makes fermentation one of the earliest forms of food processing.

Fermentation also leads to new nutrients being made. Beneficial microbes (probiotics) digest nutrients and components in the food to produce new bioactive components (postbiotics). These postbiotics are thought to contribute to the health benefits of the fermented foods, alongside the health benefits of the bacteria themselves.

Read more: Space travel taxes astronauts' brains. But microbes on the menu could help in unexpected ways

A study published last week has provided some preliminary evidence eating kimchi the popular Korean fermented food is associated with a lower risk of obesity in some instances. But there were mixed results.

The South Korean study involved 115,726 men and women aged 40-69 who reported how much kimchi theyd eaten over the previous year. The study was funded by the World Institute of Kimchi, which specialises in researching the countrys national dish.

Eating one to three servings of any type of kimchi a day was associated with a lower risk of obesity in men.

Men who ate more than three serves a day of cabbage kimchi (baechu) were less likely to have obesity and abdominal obesity (excess fat deposits around their middle). And women who ate two to three serves a day of baechu were less likely to have obesity and abdominal obesity.

Eating more radish kimchi (kkakdugi) was associated with less abdominal obesity in both men and women.

However, people who ate five or more serves of any type of kimchi weighed more, had a larger waist sizes and were more likely to be obese.

The study had limitations. The authors acknowledged the questionnaire they used may make it difficult to say exactly how much kimchi people actually ate.

The study also relied on people to report past eating habits. This may make it hard for them to accurately recall what they ate.

This study design can also only tell us if something is linked (kimchi and obesity), not if one thing causes another (if kimchi causes weight loss). So it is important to look at experimental studies where researchers make changes to peoples diets then look at the results.

Read more: Is apple cider vinegar really a wonder food?

There have been several experimental studies looking at how much weight people lose after eating various types of fermented foods. Other studies looked at markers or measures of appetite, but not weight loss.

One study showed the stomach of men who drank 1.4 litres of fermented milk during a meal took longer to empty (compared to those who drank the same quantity of whole milk). This is related to feeling fuller for longer, potentially having less appetite for more food.

Another study showed drinking 200 millilitres of kefir (a small glass) reduced participants appetite after the meal, but only when the meal contained quickly-digested foods likely to make blood glucose levels rise rapidly. This study did not measure changes in weight.

Another study looked at Indonesian young women with obesity. Eating tempeh (a fermented soybean product) led to changes in an appetite hormone. But this did not impact their appetite or whether they felt full. Weight was not measured in this study.

A study in South Korea asked people to eat about 70g a day of chungkookjang (fermented soybean). There were improvements in some measures of obesity, including percentage body fat, lean body mass, waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference in women. However there were no changes in weight for men or women.

A systematic review of all studies that looked at the impact of fermented foods on satiety (feeling full) showed no effect.

Read more: How much weight do you actually need to lose? It might be a lot less than you think

The evidence so far is very weak to support or recommend fermented foods for weight loss. These experimental studies have been short in length, and many did not report weight changes.

To date, most of the studies have used different fermented foods, so it is difficult to generalise across them all.

Nevertheless, fermented foods are still useful as part of a healthy, varied and balanced diet, particularly if you enjoy them. They are rich in healthy bacteria, and nutrients.

Read more: Im trying to lose weight and eat healthily. Why do I feel so hungry all the time? What can I do about it?

Some fermented foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, have added salt. The latest kimchi study said the average amount of kimchi South Koreans eat provides about 490mg of salt a day. For an Australian, this would represent about 50% of the suggested dietary target for optimal health.

Eating too much salt increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Read more: Remind me again, why is salt bad for you?

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Can kimchi really help you lose weight? Hold your pickle. The evidence isn't looking great - The Conversation

Butler TOPS members Sondra Grossman, 88, left, and Betty Judson, 94, right, pose with TOPS group leader Diane Weible during a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Betty Judson, 94, of Butler Township, had a goal weight of 145 pounds when she joined the Butler chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly, or TOPS, 50 years ago.

My husband liked me at 145, said the spry nonagenarian, who continues to attend TOPS meetings to this day.

TOPS meets at 10:30 a.m. each Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive in Center Township. Costs include $49 for the initial membership fee, then $5 per month.

Judsons favorite living room chair is surrounded by tote bags and stacks of folders containing TOPS information, fliers, notes and other documents.

She helps others in the group by encouraging them and sharing the valuable information she has gained over her five decades in TOPS.

I keep going because Ive made myself useful, Judson said.

The TOPS Butler chapter met at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

She color-codes the diet sheets club members are to fill out each week, which helps them determine where their trouble spots might be.

They can look at their sheets and say I ate too many carbs, and Im going to cut back on that, Judson said.

She also leads the group in song at some meetings and has served as president in the past.

Judson explained that the goal of each TOPS member is to reach and maintain KOPS status, which is an acronym for Keep Off Pounds Sensibly.

I got KOPS in the 70s, Judson said. I was a yo-yoer. Id lose, then gain it all back.

She said each TOPS meeting includes a program that provides information on nutrition or health.

Judson said one meetings program centered on the health benefits of fresh cucumbers, and everyone at the meeting received a packet of cucumber seeds.

The next year, we all had cucumbers, she recalled, laughing.

Many years ago, Judson said those who gained weight were teased, but that practice has pivoted. She said members of the group are like a supportive family, which is why she continues to look forward to meetings.

We are all in there for one reason: to help each other lose weight, Judson said.

Her fellow TOPS member, Sondra Grossman, 88, has been a member for 30 years.

Grossman joined TOPS IN 1994 and earned her KOPS status in 2001.

I saw (TOPS) in the paper, and my weight was going up, she said. I didnt want it to go any further.

Grossman swims at the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA in Cranberry Township three days per week and rides a stationary bike two days.

She regularly snacks on rice cakes and sugar free Popsicles, and advocates eating smaller portions and just sampling foods she craves.

I eat one cookie instead of six, Grossman said. Just go easy and be sensible.

She said she will continue attending TOPS meetings in the future.

It does encourage you not to eat so much, Grossman said, and we have a good time.

Diane Weibel has been the Butler TOPS chapter leader for two years and a member since 2018.

She said she cant imagine the group without the wise words and friendship of Judson and Grossman.

They are the rock of our group, Weibel said. They are fine examples, and they show us that (weight loss) can be done, and you can keep it off.

She said members who gain weight at each weeks weigh-in must pay a quarter per pound gained, and members pay similar fees for not filling out their diet sheets or not wearing their TOPS T-shirt the first meeting of each month.

Its not a diet plan. Its a support group of your peers, Weibel said. You are held accountable each week.

She said those who join pick a goal weight, and when they reach that weight, they must obtain a document from their doctor that the weight is a healthy one for them.

They then receive KOPS status and the recognition that comes with it.

Weibel has lost 50 pounds so far, and she said she feels she will keep it off thanks to TOPS.

If I wasnt going to TOPS, Id be back up that 50 pounds, she said.

All are invited to join TOPS, which has chapters all over Butler County, but those who join the Butler chapter get to meet Grossman and Judson.

Their knowledge and support, and knowing you can achieve this goal and keep the weight off for the rest of your life, its amazing, Weibel said.

TOPS chapters can be searched by ZIP code at tops.org.

Butler TOPS members Sondra Grossman, left, and Betty Judson pose during a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Butler TOPS members Betty Judson, left, and Sondra Grossman hold hands to recite the closing pledge during a TOPS meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Butler on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Butler TOPS member Betty Judson recites the TOPS pledge during a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Butler TOPS member Betty Judson shares with the TOPS group during a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Butler TOPS member Sondra Grossman reads from her TOPS booklet during a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Butler TOPS member Betty Judson shares with the group during a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Butler TOPS member Betty Judson shares with the TOPS group during a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township on Monday, Feb. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

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Women enjoy a combined 80 years of membership in weight loss club - Butler Eagle

Sharon Osbourne has expressed regret over taking Ozempic for weight loss.Dave Benett/Getty Images

Sharon Osbourne has expressed regret over taking the drug Ozempic for weight loss.

"I'm through with the weight loss and all that cosmetic stuff," she toldThe Guardian.

Osbourne, 71, says she now weighs less than 100 pounds and "can't put on weight."

Sharon Osbourne has expressed regret over taking the drug Ozempic for weight loss, saying she now weighs less than 100 pounds and "can't put on weight."

In an interview withThe Guardian, Osbourne, 71, highlighted the downsides of Ozempic, a buzzy diabetes drug that also causes weight loss. She said that after dropping "too much" weight, 42 pounds in four months, she was "through with the weight loss and all that cosmetic stuff."

"I was injecting myself with Ozempic," Osbourne said, adding: "I now weigh 7 stone and can't put on weight." In British weight measurement, a stone is equivalent to 14 pounds.

She said her husband,Ozzy Osbourne, "says I look like Nancy Reagan," whosesmall frame was the subject of scrutinyfrom the media during her husband's time in office.

Osbourne has previously talked about her experience taking the drug for weight loss. Inan interview with the Daily Maillast year, she warned those interested in taking Ozempic to "be careful what you wish for."

"You can lose so much weight, and it's easy to become addicted to that, which is very dangerous," she said. "I couldn't stop losing weight, and now I've lost 42 pounds, and I can't afford to lose any more."

"I started on Ozempic last December, and I've been off it for a while now, but my warning is don't give it to teenagers; it's just too easy," she added.

Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, an FDA-approved drug used to treat diabetes. Also sold under the brand names Wegovy and Rybelsus, semaglutide hassurged in popularitysince it wasapproved by the FDA as a treatment for obesityin 2021.

Dozens of A-listershave acknowledged their use of semaglutide, including Elon Musk, Charles Barkley, and Amy Schumer.

The drug works by suppressing appetite, but side effects such asmuscle loss,nausea, and diarrheahave been reported. A doctor previously told Business Insider it was common toregain the weightafter stopping treatment.

Osbourne also reflected on her previous cosmetic procedures, which include breast implants and Botox, in an interview with The Times in December.

She said a facelift she got in 2021 had left her looking like a cyclops and was the "worst thing" she'd ever done.

Correction: February 12, 2024 An earlier version of this story misstated the year that semaglutide was approved by the FDA as a treatment for obesity. It was 2021, not 2022.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Sharon Osbourne swears off weight loss and cosmetic treatments after experiencing the downsides of Ozempic - Yahoo Life

The kind of protein youre eating could play an important role in managing a healthy weight.

Now more than ever, people are focused on hitting their protein goals. But its not just the amount of protein you get thats importantwhere it comes from is also key.

Protein is essential for the body to function and can be found in a wide variety of foods, including everything from low-fat dairy to tofu. However, not all sources of protein are created equally.

Generally speaking, people can get protein from animal sourcesthis includes chicken, fish, and eggsor they can get protein from plant-based sources, such as nuts, lentils, beans, or whole grains.

And though many people associate protein with meat, experts say plant-based options may be the healthiest option, particularly for people looking to lose or manage their weight.

The data has started to demonstrate more and more that plant protein is equally efficacious in terms of providing the nourishment needed for the human body, Amanda Velazquez, MD, director of obesity medicine at Cedars-Sinai, told Health. With plant-based protein, theres more benefits as a whole compared to animal protein.

Heres how animal protein and plant-based proteins compare when it comes to weight loss, as well as how to prioritize protein in a well-balanced diet.

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No matter the source, protein is a great way to aid in healthy weight loss or management.

Since protein can improve a persons metabolism, higher protein intake can lead to greater feelings of fullness, Amber Schaefer, MS, RDN, clinical nutrition lead and nutrition instructor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, told Health.

And protein doesnt just help people feel fullit can help people feel full for longer periods of time.

[Each macronutrient] affects the body differently in terms of how long it takes for digestion and processing in the gastrointestinal tract, said Velazquez. For protein, it takes longer to break it down and, as a result, requires more energy.

In addition to protein aiding in weight loss itself, its also a vital part of keeping the body healthy while people cut calories.

Inadvertently, an individual is going to lose some degree of muscle mass when theyre losing weight in combination with fat mass, said Velazquez. So in order to preserve that muscle mass, its critical for one to be taking in adequate amounts of protein for their body.

In terms of where to source protein from, experts agree that plant-based options tend to be healthier for the body as a whole.

For one, plant-based protein sources tend to have more fiber than animal protein.

When it comes to weight loss, its especially important to be not only having high protein in the diet, but also a high fiber diet, said Velazquez. Animal protein is not going to have as high fiber as plant-based proteins.

For example: A cup of black beans has about 42 grams of protein and about 30 grams of fiber. A half filet of yellowtail fish has about 43 grams of protein, but no fiber.

The boost of fiber often associated with plant-based proteins can promote additional aspects of well-being.

Plant-based proteins do incorporate fiber, of course, that also helps us to feel fuller longer and helps with our gut health and promotes regular bowel movements, said Schaefer. That in itself can help in weight management.

Plant-based products also tend to be overall healthier for the body.

It depends on the specific type of protein and how its cooked, but in general, plant-based proteins have fewer saturated fats than animal proteins, Schaefer explained.

We do recommend to stay away from overly processed options, because that can, of course, give extra calories from saturated fat, she said.

And, not only can processed foods be more caloric, but they also take more of a toll on the body.

Lunch meat, Velazquez said, is a good example of thisits often processed with nitrites, which have been associated with colorectal cancer.

More broadly, consuming large amounts of red meatespecially processedhas been linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mortality.

If we overdo our consumption of animal-based productsso say were eating large amounts of steak or porkover time, that can put a lot more stress on the body, Schaefer said.

In general, the amount of protein adults need each day boils down to about 0.8 grams for every kilogram of body weight.

That means someone whos 150 pounds needs about 55 grams of protein each day.

Whether its to lose weight or just to maintain health, people should try to get the right amount of protein for them every day.

Choosing where to get this protein from can be tricky. Products like protein powder can be easy additions to someone's routine that help them hit their protein goals.

Its a processed item, so being very vigilant and reading the nutrition label is key when it comes to protein powders, said Velazquez. If they have not tried one before and are looking to try one, then I would encourage plant-based.

Beyond just increasing protein intake with powders, the best thing to do is add more protein directly to your diet.

Plant-based protein may be the healthiest option, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a person has to go vegetarian or vegan overnight, Schaefer explained. Instead, make swaps whenever possible.

We do recommend at least getting three servings of some form of legume, whether that be lentils or chickpeas, or if you like, beans, said Schaefer. Just switching out maybe the red meat from that week so youre reducing the amount of saturated fat that youre getting.

She emphasized that restricting all animal protein isnt necessary to lose weight or maintain health, either.

A balanced diet can incorporate both animal and plant-based proteins, she said. My typical recommendation is to get a combination of the two.

In general, people should try leaning towards plant-based proteins, Velazquez said, but leaner proteins such as fish, seafood, chicken, and turkey are also good options if people do want to stick with some animal protein.

The important thing to know is that quality matters, she said.

The rest is here:
Animal vs. Plant-Based Protein For Weight Loss - Health.com

Lemon water has become the internets newest favorite morning drink. But is it really as beneficial as some people claim?

On TikTok, people say drinking lemon water has helped them detox, get rid of acne, and, most popularly, manage or lose weight.

One video, viewed over 14 million times, promises that within a week of drinking lemon water, people will see an increase in calorie burning, potentially aiding in weight management, as well as improved focus, more energy, and a boosted immune system.

Besides its simplicity, its also been endorsed by celebrities such as Gwenyth Paltrow and Miranda Kerr.As a result, lemon water has become popularized as a must-drink for those who are interested in losing weight or improving their health.

But should lemon water really be your go-to beverage if you want to manage your weight? Or is it yet another pseudo-wellness trend that isnt worth it?

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Starting the day with a glass of lemon water has become a popular morning ritual for many people, even before their first sip of coffee.

Its not entirely clear where this hack originated, but drinking lemon water is an old folk remedy thought to have evolved over time, Melissa Mitri, RD, a Connecticut-based registered dietitian and nutrition writer, told Health.

Making lemon water is relatively simple: Cut and juice a lemon and add it to a glass of water. Served hot, cold, or at room temperature, lemon water is also a great way to get a citrusy flavor with no added sugar.

Though lemon water isnt necessarily a new trend, it has become especially popular within the last decade or so.

When one 2008 Japanese study linked antioxidants in lemon to less weight gain [in mice], public interest in this practice increased, Mitri explained. Some believe that the acid in the lemons breaks down fat cells. However, theres little evidence to support this theory.

Drinking lemon water is a great way to add more hydration to your day, and lemon can be a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and small amounts of magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, and more. However, experts agree that the concoction wont help everyone lose weight.

Lemon water is not necessarily better than regular water for weight management, Samantha Turner, MPH, RDN, registered dietitian and owner of OakStone Health and Nutrition, told Health.

There is no research out there that shows lemon water is superior to plain water for weight loss, added Mitri. Drinking more water, in general, is linked to enhanced satiety, weight loss, and a healthier metabolism.

Research has shown that drinking more water is associated with increased fat breakdown and reduced food intake. Increasing hydration has also been linked to a healthier body compositiona 2019 study found that, as water consumption increased, body weight, body fat mass, and waist circumferencedecreased.

While lemon water specifically doesnt have research to back up any purported benefits, lemon juice itself may be beneficial.

Lemon juices acidity has been linked to a positive effect on the bodys glycemic response, or how the bodys blood glucose levels fluctuate after eating carbohydrates.

A 2021 study found that participants who drank 250 milliliters of lemon juice (about one cup) had a lower blood sugar spike after eating a piece of bread as compared to people who drank the same amount of tea or water.

Results of this study also showed that lemon juice increased both gastric secretions and emptying rate, which may support weight loss. This could indicate that lemon water is a healthy after-meal drink, but more data is needed.

In addition to its acidity, lemon also contains vitamin C, and depending on how much you add, it could provide certain benefits.

In human and mouse studies, higher vitamin C intake has been linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which refers to elevated waist circumference, blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and/or lower good cholesterol. According to researchers, this suggests that vitamin C supplementation or getting an adequate amount through food may help reverse some of these symptoms.

The bottom line is that, for now, theres a lack of strong data to support the idea that lemon water can cause weight loss more so than plain water.

However, drinking enough water is crucial, so jumping on the lemon water trend should be generally safe and healthy.

[Lemon water] can help provide additional flavor to water and can help reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed, which can help with better weight management, said Turner.

Lemons also arent the only way to get vitamin C or add flavor to waterpeople can also lean on other fruits high in vitamin C, such as strawberries, kiwis, and oranges if they dont enjoy lemon water (or if they dont have a lemon handy).

And drinking lemon water for weight loss or management should be paired with other healthy habits. When consumed in addition to building better nutrition habits full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds, plus regular exercise, it can help support better weight management, said Turner.

If youre interested in trying lemon water, its important to keep a few things in mind, as well. The high acidity of lemons could erodetooth enamel if consumed in large amounts. To minimize this risk, consider drinking lemon water through a straw, followed by a rinse with plain water.

Also, those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a similar condition might find that consuming citrus fruits such as lemons worsens their symptoms like heartburn or chest pain.

As with any dietary changes, its always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure youre making choices that support your individual health needs.

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Can Drinking Lemon Water Aid in Weight Loss? Dietitians Discuss the Popular Trend - Health.com

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