Monday, October 11, 2010
Effective Weight Loss Strategies Proven by Scientific Trials
From American Medical Association (AMA)
Lifestyle interventions, including physical activity and structured weight loss programs, can result in significant weight loss for overweight, obese and severely obese adults
Obesity is among the most significant public health problems of the 21st century and the prevalence of obesity has been rapidly rising for the past three decades, especially among African American women. National statistics indicate that the prevalence for overweight and obesity combined (having a body mass index of 25 or greater) is 68 percent of the population.
A group of 130 severely obese adult individuals without diabetes was divided in two groups to assess weight loss for a period of one year. One group was randomized to diet and physical activity for the entire 12 months, while the other group had the identical dietary intervention, but with physical activity delayed for six months.
The group that started with the diet and physical activity lost more weight in the first six months than the delayed-activity group (about 24 pounds as compared to 18 pounds). However, the authors report that weight loss at 12 months was about the same in the two groups (almost 27 pounds versus about 22 pounds).
Read the full article here.
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