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Do You Need to Lose Weight to Prevent Diabetes? Maybe Not
Weight loss has long been considered the top recommendation for preventing type 2 diabetes. In fact, research shows that losing just 5–7% of body weight can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by nearly 60%. But what about the people who lose weight and still have elevated glucose levels? Or, those who make significant lifestyle changes, don’t lose weight, yet show improvements in their glucose status? Are they simply outliers, fortunate or unfortunate depending on how their metabolism responds? Emerging research suggests that diabetes prevention is more complex than simply losing weight. Read on to learn what scientists are discovering…
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Obesity Care vs. Weight Loss: What’s the Difference?
The International Obesity Collaborative, a global alliance of professional organizations focused on improving obesity care, recently released a powerful consensus statement: obesity care and weight loss are not the same. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Isn’t all obesity care centered around weight loss? And wouldn’t weight loss be appropriate for someone with obesity? The answer may surprise you. Let’s take a closer look at the International Obesity Collaborative’s new consensus statement, what it means for healthcare professionals, and how it could reshape the way we approach obesity treatment in clinical practice.
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Obesity Redefined: A Bold New Approach to Diagnosis
A recent publication in The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology is prompting the medical community to rethink how obesity is screened and diagnosed. Endorsed by over 75 organizations worldwide, including scientific societies and patient advocacy groups, this consensus calls for a major overhaul of the language, classification, and diagnostic criteria used to address excess adiposity and its impact on the body. Interestingly, the commission not only includes international experts from diverse medical specialties and regions but also individuals with lived experience of obesity. Together, they aim to define ‘clinical obesity’ and establish objective criteria for its diagnosis. Let’s dive into their…
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The Weight of the Nation: Insights from the Global Health Data Exchange
A recent article published in The Lancet highlights the concerning status of overweight and obesity in the United States, providing a stark look at the trajectory of this public health crisis. Not only are the numbers projected to rise, but the data also underscores a troubling reality: efforts to combat overweight and obesity over the past 30 years have been largely ineffective. I’m no public health expert, but this clearly calls for a critical reassessment of current strategies and the adoption of a more comprehensive approach. Could this study be the wake-up call we need? Study Overview and Data Analysis…
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Your Weight Matters: Key Messages from the National Convention
This summer Denver hosted it’s first 4-day educational event for individuals concerned with weight-related issues. The Your Weight Matters National Convention is the largest National meeting dedicated to providing evidence-based strategies for individuals impacted by excess weight and obesity. The organizer, Obesity Action Coalition, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to giving a voice to those affected by the disease of obesity and helping individuals along their journey toward better health through education, advocacy and support.
