July 2019

Research Definition

Research, Weight Loss July 30, 2019

Research: Tele-nutrition as a weight loss intervention

Is telephonic counseling effecting for weight loss?  

Poor diet and obesity are independent risk factors for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. In particular truncal obesity is one of the tell-tale signs of obesity and heart disease risk in men.  This risk is particularly high in rural areas of the South.  I remember many patients who thought that chicken, even fried, was a healthy part of their diet.  Many fail to understand the risk of high starch and alcohol intake on central obesity.  Also, in much of the world, access to counseling for weight loss is in short supply and this limits the ability for many rural areas.  Improved education on which foods to limit could be key and telehealth visit for nutrition education could be a key solution to availability.  

 
Research word

Research, Weight Loss July 25, 2019

Research: sleep restriction reduces weight loss.

Sleep restriction hinders weight loss even when calories are reduced.  

Sleep deprivation is terrible for your physical and mental health.  Poor sleep habits lead to higher stress levels and higher levels of cortisol.  Cortisol is a stress hormone that also leads to higher fat stores and hunger.  Multiple studies have shown that stress and poor sleep leads to higher body fat and stress, but few have looked at sleep deprivation in the absence of increased caloric intake.  
 
Research Definition

Nutrition, Research, Weight Loss July 23, 2019

Research: Fiber and energy density and the effects on weight loss.

Diets with a lower fiber intake and caloric density appear superior for weight loss. 

Little is known about the effects of a low caloric density diets on weight loss and maintenance.  It makes sense that a diet that is lower in calories and higher in fiber will result in weight loss because lower density should result in lower calories per volume eaten.   Diets are often designed to meet prescribed macronutrient targets.  An example would be a high-protein diet which often suggests a protein intake of over 40%.   The question persists as to whether individuals can actually achieve the specified levels and if they will result in weight loss.