Weight Loss Surgery May Benefit Patients with Diabetes

Weight loss surgery may help reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type II diabetes.? A recent study examined the effects of three different types of weight loss surgery on blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. Those who chose the gastric bypass procedure were most likely to achieve remission from their diabetes diagnosis.

Different Kinds of Weight Loss Surgery

Research published in the January issue of the British Journal of Surgery examined patients who had undergone three different types of weight loss surgery.

• Gastric Bypass. Sometimes called Roux-en-Y or RYGB, gastric bypass surgery restricts food intake and changes the way it is absorbed by creating a new route for digestion.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy. A vertical pouch is created during this procedure that limits food intake and consumption.
• Gastric Banding. This is often called "lap band" surgery.? In this procedure an adjustable band is placed around the stomach to slow and restrict the intake of food.

According to study results, patients who underwent gastric bypass were most likely to achieve remission from type II diabetes.? One year after surgery, 41% of the bypass patients reached remission, compared to 26% of patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 7% of the gastric sleeve patients.

Things to Consider Before Having Weight Loss Surgery

If you are considering weight loss surgery, do some homework before heading to the surgeon's office.? A good candidate for surgery is someone who has already tried traditional methods of weight loss and has not had any success.? Speak to your physician about the significant changes you'll have to make before and after surgery to be sure that your procedure is a success.

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Weight loss pills and supplements

The use of weight-loss supplements is tempting. Who wouldn't want a little help to make the struggle easier? But there are hundreds of diet pills and supplements on the market. It can be confusing to sort through the claims and find a weight-loss supplement that is safe and effective.

Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Diet Supplements

There are two categories of weight-loss supplements: prescription medications and non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. As a general rule, the use of OTC weight-loss pills is discouraged. In a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association researchers made a clear statement about their use. "Dietary supplements are not recommended as part of a weight-loss program due to concerns about efficacy and safety."

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) also addresses the use of prescription weight-loss pills. In a policy statement, they acknowledge that weight-loss medications may help dieters lose a modest amount of weight initially, but the long-term safety and effectiveness of these types of medications have not been established.

The best resource for information regarding the use of any supplement is your healthcare provider. Ask your doctor about current research into the products that have aroused your interest. Your doctor will also be able to discuss how taking a supplement might interact with your other medications and will also be able to provide the best advice regarding the safety of new products.

Prescription Weight-Loss Supplements

• Phentermine. Phentermine is marketed under a long list of names, including Suprenza, Adipex-P, Kraftobese and Teramine. It is prescribed only for short periods and works by decreasing a dieter's appetite. According to the ADA, it is the most widely prescribed weight-loss supplement in the United States. However, the drug can be habit forming; side effects can include insomnia, constipation and dry mouth.
• Xenical (orlistat). This prescription medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1999. Xenical is a lipase inhibitor, which means it works by blocking the absorption of fat. While that might seem to be the perfect weight-loss solution, there can be significant side effects, and the drug is meant to be combined with a low-fat, low-calorie diet.
• Meridia (sibutramine). This appetite suppressant product was removed from the market in the United States in 2010. The FDA initially approved the product, but the manufacturer stopped producing it after clinical studies showed that users had an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that anyone still using Meridia contact their physician to discuss alternative treatments.

• OTC Weight-Loss Supplements

• Alli (orlistat). This product has gained attention because it is a lower dose version of the drug orlistat, which is found in prescription Xenical. Alli is the OTC weight-loss product approved by the FDA. It works by blocking the body's absorption of fat. However, Alli is not a cure-all for obesity. For Alli to work properly, dieters still need to limit fat intake and make lifestyle changes. If you try to take the pill without making changes, side effects can be uncomfortable or even intolerable. Eating just one high fat meal may result in an inability to control bowel movements; loose or liquid stool; or oily discharge.
• Ephedra, ephedra-free products and bitter orange. When ephedra was banned from the market in 2004, a number of similar stimulants took its place. Most advertise they are ephedra-free and safe for dieters. They often contain bitter orange (citrus aurantium), synephrine or octopamine. Two of the most popular products, Xenadrine EFX and Advantra Z, were tested by researchers and still found to have unsafe effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
• Chromium. Sometimes marketed as chromium picolinate, products that contain this substance often claim to help you burn extra calories and decrease your appetite. However, the NIH found that chromium has no significant benefits for weight loss. Chromium is generally considered to be safe, but it is likely to drain your wallet without any significant benefit to your waistline.
• Green tea. Green tea can be consumed as a beverage or in pill form. It is often used to aid in weight loss or for improving mental alertness or lowering blood pressure. While green tea is safe when consumed in moderation, there is little evidence to support its use as a weight-loss supplement.
• Hoodia. This herb is sold as a hunger suppressant for dieters. Hoodia is extracted from a flowering plant and can be consumed in tablet, pill or powder form. There is no scientific evidence to support the claims that hoodia is an effective appetite suppressant, and its safety has not been verified.

• _Sources:

  _{Chromium. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Accessed: November 28, 2011. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/chromium}

  _{Heidi Michels Blanck PhD, Mary K. Serdula MD, Cathleen Gillespie MS, Deborah A. Galuska PhD, Patricia A. Sharpe PhD, MPH, Joan M. Conway PhD, RD, Laura Kettel Khan PhD, Barbara E. Ainsworth PhD. "Use of Nonprescription Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss Is Common among Americans." Journal of the American Dietetic Association March 2007, Pages 441-447 .}

  _{EatRight.org Weight Management. American Dietetic Association. Accessed: December 15, 2011. http://www.eatright.org/About/Content.aspx?id=8382}

  _{Sharpe PA, Granner ML, Conway JM, Ainsworth BE, Dobre M. "Availability of weight-loss supplements: Results of an audit of retail outlets in a southeastern city." Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006 Dec;106(12):2045-51.}

  _{Haller CA, Benowitz NL, Jacob P 3rd. "Hemodynamic effects of ephedra-free weight-loss supplements in humans." The American Journal of Medicine 2005 Sep;118(9):998-1003.}

  _{Weight Control Information Network. "Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight Loss Program". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Accessed: November 28, 2011. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/choosing.htm}

  _{"Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads". Federal Trade Commission. Accessed: November 28, 2011. Government PDF}

  _{"Dietary Supplements For Weight Loss. Limited Federal Oversight Has Focused More on Marketing than on Safety." Janet Heinrich?Director, Health Care-Public Health Issues. Accessed: November 25, 2011. Government PDF}

  _{Amelia Hollywood and Jane Ogden. " Taking Orlistat: Predicting Weight Loss over 6 Months." Journal of Obesity October 2010 .}

  _{Green Tea. National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine.. Accessed: November 28, 2011. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/greentea/index.htm}

  _{Hoodia. National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Accessed: November 25, 2011. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hoodia/}

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Need Weight Loss Support? Get it Here

One of the greatest predictors of adherence to an exercise program or diet is social support.? People who have weight loss support are more likely to stay motivated and stay accountable when the going gets tough.? But what do you do if the people around you don't support your weight loss efforts?? The answer is to get online and get connected.

The Weight Loss Forum at About.com is a network of dieters, exercisers, moms, dads, eaters, cookers, readers, shoppers, and people just like you who have had challenges and successes on the path to weight loss.?? Join the forum community to ask questions, comment on trends and products or just to find a few friends who understand your experience.

Use the Weight Loss Forum to:

• Get answers.? If you have a question about weight loss, chances are good that you are not alone.? Post your question on the forum and get answers from many different perspectives.
• Start a Journal. Many Forum participants document their weight loss journey by posting a journal online.? Start your own journal or read about other people's experiences.
• Become Accountable. Have you set a goal?? Did you make a New Year's resolution?? Make it public on the forum and let the community hold you accountable.
• Share Tips. Your weight loss experience is valuable. Help to guide another dieter or provide advice to a new exerciser here. You might both become inspired.

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Change the Way You Eat

Sometimes weight loss comes down to not only changing what you eat, but how you eat as well. Check out these 10 easy changes that could "automatically" help you lose weight.

1. Chew Slower

   We don't realize how fast we tend to eat. Most of us eat hurriedly -- between errands, in the car, during a work break. It becomes such a habit, by the time we get home, we don't slow down. When you have the opportunity to eat a meal at your leisure, do just that. By chewing more slowly, your digestive process gets a chance to work properly, you will be able to savor your food, and you'll be more likely to stop eating when you feel sated.

2. Color Me Hungry

   Did you know that certain colors may influence your appetite? For example, when eating from a red plate, you may actually eat more than if you were eating from a darker plate. The color of your kitchen may influence your eating, too. Reds, oranges and yellows as wall colors may have an appetite-stimulating effect (Ever noticed how brightly-decorated your favorite fast food eatery is?). Consider switching to cool colors like light blue or mint green.

3. De-stress Before Dinner

   Before sitting down for your evening meal, take a moment to relax with deep breathing, listening to a favorite calming CD, or taking a leisurely walk. You will do yourself and your digestive system a favor by eating in a more relaxed state. Stress also tends to cause overeating, so chilling out before your meal will help you better know when to say when.

4. Down Some H₂O

   Skip the diet soda and drink a tall glass of cold water before your meals. Doing so may help you feel fuller and prevent overeating. Plus, drinking ice-cold water may actually give your metabolism a tiny boost.

5. Clear the Area

   Once you are done eating, take a break in another room. The dishes can wait. Taking a moment to change gears -- such as, reading the paper or petting your dog -- will be a signal that you are absolutely done eating; sitting at the table to peruse the paper or continue a conversation may lead you to pick at leftovers or clean off your child's plate.

6. Don't Multitask

   Make it a point to avoid doing other activities while you are eating, such as reading a magazine or watching television. You will pay little attention to portion control and you will be less likely to notice when you begin to feel full.

   Plus, eating while you are doing that activity may become habit: For example, each time you watch television, you will automatically reach for a snack. Watching your favorite show -- what could be a calorie-free treat -- could then lead to weight gain.

7. Keep Food in its Place

   Try to eat only at your kitchen table or dining table. You will eat less -- and less often -- if you do not allow yourself to take food into the rest of the house, such as the living area or bedroom.

8. Downsize Your Dishes

   Using a smaller plate really can help you eat less. A study proved that even nutrition experts consumed more food when they ate from larger dishes and used oversized serving utensils. If they didn't notice they were eating more, how will the rest of us? Try using a salad plate for your dinner plate and your portions may downsize, too.

9. Soup and Salad for Starters

   Enjoy a small bowl of broth-based soup or a veggie-filled salad before your largest meal (typically dinner). If you are particularly hungry, try both. Soup will take a while to eat, which will allow it time to take the edge off your appetite; fiber-rich vegetables are naturally filling and will help you eat less later on.

10. Keep Seconds Out of Sight

    Even if you know you are probably going to eat two servings of a particular food -- such as bread -- start out by putting only one slice on your plate. If you have to stop and think before you go back and get that second helping, you will be more likely to consider doing without it. If it is already sitting on your plate, it's most likely a done deal.

To learn more about the basics of weight loss, sign up for our free weekly e-mail course, Weight Loss 101.

_Source:

_{Wansink B, van Ittersum K, Painter J. "Ice Cream Illusions: Bowls, Spoons, and Self-Served Portion Sizes". American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2006;31(3):24–243.}

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The High Cost of Drinking: Alcohol and Weight Loss

A new report about drinking revealed surprising facts about the alcohol consumption habits of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in six people binge drinks about four times per month.? On average these drinkers consume eight drinks per binge.

In addition to a wide range of health, economic and social consequences, binge drinking can make weight loss nearly impossible.? The calories consumed during one binge could easily total 1000 calories or more.? But even moderate drinking can make weight loss difficult.

Calorie Counts for Popular Drinks

Often, dieters count calories that they consume during meals and snacks, but forget to include the calories that they drink.? If you're dieting and not losing weight, this could be the cause.? Alcoholic drinks can pack a major caloric punch.? Even if you drink in moderation, the calories in some of these popular drinks can easily derail your diet.

• Dark Beer: 170 calories or more
• Mojito: 200 calories
• Gin and Tonic: 180 calories
• Margarita (restaurant prepared): 156

Best Options for Dieters

If weight loss is on your agenda this year, think about cutting back or removing alcohol from your diet completely.? If you choose to drink, replace one of the higher calorie drinks with a small glass of wine.? Four ounces of red wine contains 100 calories and a similar sized glass of white wine contains only 75.? Beer makers also provide several lower calorie options.? ?Get calorie counts for more drinks at caloriecount.com

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Free Weight Loss Tools Help Dieters

Just in time for the new year, the USDA has released new weight loss tools to help you manage your diet and physical activity.? The SuperTracker tools, which include a food log, a weight manager, and a physical activity tracker, are free so that dieters can set and reach weight loss goals without breaking the bank.

One of the most difficult parts of the dieting process is finding a plan that meets your needs.? For many, budget is a primary issue.? The USDA's recently updated food guidelines along with the SuperTracker tools offer dieters many of the same services of the higher priced programs for free.

SuperTracker tools allow you to:

• Identify personal diet and exercise recommendations
• Set goals for weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity
• Maintain? a weight loss journal
• Measure your progress
• See calorie counts for a wide range of foods
• Get tips, support and weight management pointers from a virtual coach

A great feature of SuperTracker is that the diet can be customized based on personal preferences.? According to a USDA release, the goal was to provide nutrition and physical activity information to as many people as possible. "Americans eating styles vary greatly based on many factors including culture, lifestyle preferences, and health status. Features within SuperTracker allow flexibility to link and create unique combinations to accommodate personal preferences. "

If you find yourself diet shopping in January, add this plan to your list of candidates.? Then choose the best diet for you, based on your own lifestyle and preferences.

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Weight Loss Motivation from Award-Winning Video

If you need weight loss motivation, a new award-winning YouTube video might be just the thing to give you a nudge towards making a healthy decision.? "Choices" illustrates how making simple changes throughout a typical day can have a positive impact on your health.? Many times, taking small steps can lead to a larger investment in a weight loss program.

The short video was the winning entry from the Exercise is Medicine Facebook contest that took place last year.? Exercise is Medicine is a program developed by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association to help educate both the public and the medical community about the importance of exercise.

If the idea of going on a full-scale diet is too much for you at this time, consider making some of the small changes illustrated in this video. ?Visit Exercise is Medicine to see a full library of videos about different ways to start an exercise program.

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