Online Weight Management

Online Weight Management Gets Personal
NIH Body Weight Planner

It’s always a good time to resolve to eat better, be more active, and lose weight. For the more than 2 out of 3 Americans who are either overweight or obese, there’s now a free, research-based tool to help you reach your goals: the NIH Body Weight Planner.  

“A lot of people want to change their lifestyle to lose weight and improve their overall health but really don’t know what it takes,” says Dr. Kevin Hall, a senior NIH researcher who created the Planner. “The Body Weight Planner is the first tool of its kind. It uses specific information about the diet and physical activity changes that are needed to help people reach and stay at their goal weight over time.”

Keeping your body at a healthy weight may help you lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer that can result from being overweight or obese.

To use the NIH Body Weight Planner, just enter your weight, sex, age, height, and physical activities during work and leisure. Then enter a target date for reaching your goal weight. You can also add details like percent body fat and metabolic rate. The Planner will then calculate your personal calorie and physical activity targets to achieve your goal and maintain it over time.

“In the past, people have relied on simple rules of thumb, such as cutting 500 calories per day to lose 1 pound of body weight per week,” Hall says. “It turns out that this rule overestimates how much weight people actually lose.” The NIH Body Weight Planner uses technology based on years of scientific research to accurately calculate how your body adjusts to changes in your eating habits and physical activity.

NIH recently partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to add the NIH Planner to the USDA SuperTracker food and activity tool.

The NIH Body Weight Planner “has changed my life,” says one user. “At 280 pounds, I decided to make a change. I used the Body Weight Planner and set a goal to reach 220 pounds in 180 days. I tracked my calories, dropped weight, and hit the 220 goal. My doctor was really happy.”

Hall says the Body Weight Planner is compatible with most Web and mobile browsers. NIH is also working to develop mobile apps for tracking your body weight and physical activity, and for assessing how well you stick to your plan over time. This will help you change your plan or goals as needed.

Try the NIH Body Weight Planner  to take charge of your weight and your health. Be sure to talk with your health care provider about setting realistic and healthy weight goals

Various Weight Loss Products are being recalled

Bee Extremely Amazed LLC, Jewett, OH is voluntarily recalling various products marketed for weight loss to the consumer level due to findings of undeclared drug ingredients including sibutramine and/or phenolphthalein.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. Phenolphthalein is an ingredient previously used in over-the-counter laxatives, but because of concerns of carcinogenicity, it is not currently approved for marketing in the United States. Health risks associated with phenolphthalein could include potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use. These undeclared ingredients make these products unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. These products may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking. To date, Bee Extremely Amazed is not aware of any adverse event reports related to these products.

All lots of the following products marketed for weight loss are being recalled:

• Asset Bold Manufactured for Asset Descor 500 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-red
• Asset Extreme Plus Manufactured for Asset Descor 500 mg 30 capsules per bottle-color-red and yellow
• Evolve Manufactured for 2637 E. Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062 250 mg per capsule 60 capsules per bottle-color-green and white
• Infinity Manufactured for Floyd Nutrition 500 mg 30 capsules per bottle-color-red
• Jenesis Manufactured for Timeless Solutions 1810 E. Sahara Ave #100 Las Vegas, Nevada 89104 350 mg per capsule 60 capsules per bottle-color-blue
• La Trim Plus Manufactured for: MWN Health 37 N Orange Ave Suite 500 Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 930-4043 350 mg 60 Capsules
• Oasis Manufactured for MWN Health 37 N. Orange Ave Suite 500 Orlando, Fl, 32801 500 mg per capsule, 45 capsules per bottle-color-red
• Prime Manufactured for Zagonfly 3129 25th St #392 Columbus, Indiana 47203 500 mg per capsule, 60 capsules per bottle-color-red
• SlimeX-15 Manufactured in India by: HAB Pharmaceuticals & Research Limited 10-Pharma City, SIDCU?L, Selaqui, Dehradun, 248 197 15 mg 30 capsules per bottle–color-orange
• Slim Trim U Manufactured for Floyd Nutrition 250 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-green and white
• Ultimate Formula Manufactured for Zi Xiu Tang 250 mg 48 capsules per bottle-color-green and white
• Xcel Manufactured for JNS Health 60 capsules per bottle-color-silver
• Xcel Advanced Manufactured for JNS Health 350 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-gold
• Zi Xiu Tang 250 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-green and white

The affected products were sold nationwide between 4/29/2014 – 12/17/2015 via distribution/resale via the U.S. Postal service with the return addressee referenced as Bee Extremely Amazed, LLC or through any association with the email addresssales@beeextremelyamazed.com and websites www.beeextremelyamazed.comwww.beefitamy.com, www.slimtrim.diet, www.Storeenvy.com.

Bee Extremely Amazed LLC is notifying its customers to stop using these products immediately and dispose of or return all recalled products to Bee Extremely Amazed 85205 Sportsmans Club Road Jewett Ohio 43986.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Bee Extremely Amazed by email to sales@beeextremelyamazed.com or 1-844-427-6553 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any health questions or have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Weight Loss Research: Battling obesity epidemic: New look at 'fat tax' ♦Activating beige fat in humans could combat obesity ♦ Overeating and depressed? There's a connection, and maybe a solution

Weight loss through diet changes can improve sleep at any body weight, Weight loss due to dietary changes can improve sleepiness at any weight, according to a new. The findings offer new insights into how weight fluctuations impact numerous aspects of sleep independent of body weight

Activating beige fat in humans could combat obesity The body's ability to harness heat production by converting white fat cells, which store calories, into beige fat cells, which burn energy, could help fight obesity.

Overeating and depressed? There's a connection, and maybe a solution Chronic overeating and stress are tied to an increased risk of depression and anxiety, and in a new study, researchers explain why that happens and suggest a possible solution. The researchers report that the anesthetic ketamine reverses depression-like symptoms in rats fed a high-fat diet in a similar way it combats depression and synaptic damage of chronic stress in people.

Battling obesity epidemic: New look at 'fat tax' Small price differences at the point of purchase can be highly effective in shifting consumer demand from high calorie to healthier low calorie alternatives.

Smart Lipo,an appetite suppressant, recalled

SmartLipo365 of Dallas, TX, is voluntarily recalling all lots of Smart Lipo (800, 900, 950 mg) capsules, to the consumer level. FDA's analysis found the Smart Lipo products to contain undeclared sibutramine, desmethylsibutramine, and phenolphthalein.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. Phenolphthalein is an ingredient previously used in over-the-counter laxatives, but because of concerns of carcinogenicity, it is not currently approved for marketing in the United States. Health risks associated with phenolphthalein could include potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use. These undeclared ingredients make these products unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. These products may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.

Smart Lipo is marketed as a dietary supplement and is packaged in bottles of 30 capsules in 800mg, 900mg, and 950mg per capsule. The affected Smart Lipo products include all expiration dates:. Smart Lipo was sold in stores, Centro Naturista in Richardson, TX, SmartLipo365 in Arlington, TX, as well as distributed nationwide via the Internet, SmartLipo365.com.

Smart Lipo 365 has not received any complaints associated with this product to date.

SmartLipo365 is notifying its distributors and customers by e-mail and letter and will not continue the distribution of Smart Lipo. Distributors and retailers should check their inventory and discontinue the Smart Lipo products. Consumers should immediately discontinue the use of these products.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact SmartLipo365 by calling 972-757-8136 on Monday through Friday from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. (Central time). Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Lucy's Weight Loss System Recalls Weight Loss Supplement

 Lucy's Weight Loss System is voluntarily recalling all lots distributed May 25 - June 23 2015 of Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach Blue and Gold Edition, 30 blue capsules (750MG per) capsules and 30 gold capsule (800MG per) capsules to the consumer level. The Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach have been found positive for Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein after FDA sampling and testing.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. Phenolphthalein is an ingredient previously used in over-the-counter laxatives, but because of concerns of carcinogenicity, it is not currently approved for marketing in the United States. Health risks associated with phenolphthalein could include potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use. These undeclared ingredients make these products unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. These products may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.

The product is used as a weight loss dietary supplement and is packaged in clear bottle in blue and gold. The affected Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach lots include the following expiration date 7/30/2017. Product was distributed nationwide to consumers via Internet.

Lucys Weight Loss System is notifying its customers by Email and is arranging for return. Consumers that have recalled Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach should stop using and discard.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Lucy's Weight Loss System by phone (682)-308-0199 or pbfitme@gmail.com on Monday thru Friday 10:00am to 5:30pm CST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm

or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Lipo Escultura, Weight Loss Supplement,Recalled due to containing harmful ingreadients

Lipo Escultura Corp. of Brooklyn, NY dba JAT Productos Naturales Corp., and JAT Natural Products Corp. are voluntarily recalling all Lipo Escultura within expiry to the consumer level. The Lipo Escultura capsules were tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and have been found to contain two potentially harmful ingredients--sibutramine and diclofenac.

Risk Statement: Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant now a controlled substance that was removed from the market for safety reasons. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (commonly referred to as NSAIDs). NSAIDS may cause increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroked, as well as serious gastrointestinal damage, including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation of the stomach and intestines.

The product is used as a weight loss dietary supplement and is packaged in a white plastic bottle with green and lime labeling with white capsules. Products were sold/distributed Nationwide by JAT Productos Naturales Corp. via internet sales on www.lipoesculturatreatment.com, through Lipo Escultura Corp. 888 Wyckoff Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11237, a retail store and 1360 Hancock Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237, a home office.

The recall was initiated after a consumer illness was reported to the FDA and it was discovered that the product labeling does not reveal the presence of sibutramine or diclofenac.

Immediately discontinue the use of this product. Consumers with questions should contact Julio Tapia at (718) 415-2611 or (347) 867-9988 Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program  either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Online: www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm
• Regular Mail: use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500 available at:www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm. Mail to address on the pre-addressed form.
• Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

Health Research:Scientists identify promising new melanoma drug ♦ Retinal nerve cells grown in the lab ♦ MRI reveals weight loss protects knees

Scientists identify promising new melanoma drug A new, first-in-class compound halts tumor growth by disrupting protein production, report scientists, who say that the new drug may show promise for treating skin cancers that are resistant or unresponsive to today's leading therapies. In the United States, 5 million people are treated annually for skin cancer, and 9,000 people die from the deadliest form -- melanoma.

Retinal nerve cells grown in the lab A method to efficiently turn human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, the type of nerve cells located within the retina that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain.

Method to prevent lethal bone marrow transplant complication discovered Researchers discover method to prevent graft-versus-host disease, a dangerous and common complication of bone marrow transplants.

MRI reveals weight loss protects knees Obese people who lose a substantial amount of weight can significantly slow the degeneration of their knee cartilage.

Children's Health: Gastric bypass for teens: Weight loss and lipid improvements sustained ♦ Obese kids young as age eight show signs of heart disease

Prenatal alcohol exposure: Services insufficient in supporting those affected There is an urgent need to do more to recognize prenatal alcohol exposure at an early stage and to integrate better pathways for diagnosis, assessment and support. The importance of raising awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is the focus of new research, as there are unclear protocols and guidelines in place to adequately support those directly affected.

Study shows why four-year-olds don't thrive in head start classes Most Head Start classrooms serve children of mixed ages and that hurts the academic growth of older children, a new national study suggests.

Gastric bypass for teens: Weight loss and lipid improvements sustained 8 years after surgery Eight years after having gastric bypass surgery as teenagers, patients continue to have significant weight loss and improvement in their lipid profiles

Obese kids young as age eight show signs of heart disease Imaging tests of obese children's hearts showed signs of heart disease, including kids as young as 8 years old. Obese children had 27 percent more muscle mass in the left ventricle of their hearts and 12 percent thicker heart muscles -- both signs of heart disease -- compared to normal weight children. Forty percent of the obese children were considered 'high-risk' because of problems with thickened muscle in the heart as well as impaired pumping ability.

Natureal, a weight loss supplement was recalled

Inaffit, LLC is voluntarily recalling all lots of Natureal light green and dark green capsules to the consumer level after FDA laboratory testing found Natureal to contain sibutramine.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. This undeclared ingredient makes this product an unapproved new drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established. This product may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.

The product is used as a weight loss dietary supplement and is packaged in clear bottle with light green and dark green capsules. The affected Natureal product includes lots Manufactured 3/12/2015 Expiration Date 3/11/2017 which have been distributed from the Natureal office, 14707 South Dixie Highway, Suite 213, Palmetto Bay, FL 33176 and nationwide to consumers via internet www.naturealfls.com.

Inaffit, LLC is notifying its customers by Email and is arranging for return. Consumers who are currently in possession of recalled Natureal light green and dark green capsules should stop using the product and discard. Inaffit, LLC switched to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Registered Facility to manufacture their dietary supplements and changed the Natureal packaging to a clear bottle with clear capsules.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Inaffit, LLC by email atreturns@naturealfls.com. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm

or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Weight Loss Supplement recalled - contained Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein

System is voluntarily recalling all lots distributed May 25 - June 23 2015 of Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach Blue and Gold Edition, 30 blue capsules (750MG per) capsules and 30 gold capsule (800MG per) capsules to the consumer level. The Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach have been found positive for Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein after FDA sampling and testing.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. Phenolphthalein is an ingredient previously used in over-the-counter laxatives, but because of concerns of carcinogenicity, it is not currently approved for marketing in the United States. Health risks associated with phenolphthalein could include potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use. These undeclared ingredients make these products unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. These products may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.

Lucy's Weight Loss System has received not received any complaints to date. Lucy's Weight Loss System has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The product is used as a weight loss dietary supplement and is packaged in clear bottle in blue and gold. The affected Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach lots include the following expiration date 7/30/2017. Product was distributed nationwide to consumers via Internet.

Lucys Weight Loss System is notifying its customers by Email and is arranging for return. Consumers that have recalled Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach should stop using and discard.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Lucy's Weight Loss System by phone (682)-308-0199 or pbfitme@gmail.com on Monday thru Friday 10:00am to 5:30pm CST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Weight Loss Supplement And Male Enhancement supplements recalled

The One Minute Miracle Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots of Miracle Diet 30, capsules and Miracle Rock 48, capsules to the consumer level. These products have been recalled due to FDA analysis revealing that these dietary supplements contain undeclared drug products making them unapproved drugs.

Miracle Diet 30 has been found to contain undeclared phenolphthalein, phenolphthalein was an ingredient used in over-the counter laxatives but was removed from the market because of concerns of carcinogenicity. There is a reasonable probability that the health risks of long term phenolphthalein consumption could include serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long term use.

Miracle Rock 48 has been found to contain undeclared thiosildenafil, thiosildenafil is an analogue of sildenafil which is an approved drug used for the treatment of male sexual enhancement. Based on the similarity of chemical structures thiosildenafil, the analogue of sildenafil is likely to have a similar pharmacological effect as sildenafil and there is a reasonable probability that concomitant use of this dietary supplement and nitrates could cause a sudden and significant drop in blood pressure that may be life threatening.

Miracle Diet 30 capsules is marketed as a dietary supplement to support appetite control and weight loss and is packaged in 30-count plastic bottles. All lots of Miracle Diet 30 through the expiration date of 04/15/2018 are affected. Product was distributed via internet nationwide in the United States.

Miracle Rock 48 capsules is marketed as a dietary supplement for male sexual enhancement and is packaged in two blister packages of 2- count capsules, 4 capsules per box. All lots of Miracle Rock 48 through the expiration date of 06/01/2018 are affected. Product was distributed via nationwide in the United States.

In addition to the voluntary recall of the above products, The One Minute Miracle Inc. has chosen to voluntarily withdraw the following products from the marketplace to provide its customers with the certainty of safety. Those products include all sizes and lots of Miracle Cholesterol, Miracle Night Time, Miracle Joint-Flex, Miracle Stud 72, Miracle Magic Man, Male Mint Gum, Miracle 48 Hrs, Miracle Magic Woman, Miracle Cougar, Miracle Cougar Gum, Miracle Cougar G-Spot, Miracle G-Spot, Vagina Rejuvenation, Miracle Anti-Wrinkle, Miracle Stud Delay, Miracle Male Stud Spray, Miracle Male Stud Coffee, Miracle Male Coffee, Male 10, Miracle Male Stud Sublingual, Male 72 Hr, Miracle Tongue Sublingual, Miracle Tongue and Master Blaster

The One Minute Miracle is notifying its customers via U.S. Postal Service and is arranging for return of recalled products. Consumers that have Miracle Diet 30 and/or Miracle Rock 48 which are being recalled should stop using and return product(s) immediately to: The One Minute Miracle Inc. 3322 NE 166 Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact The One Minute Miracle Inc. by phone (305)947-6244 or emailtheoneminutemiracle@gmail.com Monday through Friday, 9:00am through 5:00pm EST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

 

Fat vs. Carbohydrate for Reducing Body Fat

Choosing a weight-loss program can be confusing. Some programs recommend restricting fat, while others recommend cutting carbohydrates. It can be difficult to separate fad from fact, and to determine what’s safe and effective.

The study compared the effects of cutting carbs vs. cutting fat in a very carefully controlled environment. Image courtesy of Dr. Kevin Hall, NIDDK.

A research team led by Dr. Kevin Hall of NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducted a study under carefully controlled conditions to determine the way the body responds to fat vs. carbohydrate restriction. They designed the study using a mathematical model the team had previously developed. The findings appeared online on August 13, 2015, in Cell Metabolism.

The team enrolled 10 men and 9 women with obesity. Participants averaged 35 years of age, did not have diabetes, and had an average body mass index (BMI) of 36 (30 or greater is considered obese).

The participants stayed in the metabolic clinical research unit on the NIH campus for 2 visits of about 2 weeks each. Having participants reside in a metabolic ward 24 hours/day allowed the researchers to carefully control the volunteers’ diet and meticulously monitor their energy expenditure.

For the first 5 days of each stay, the volunteers were given a balanced diet (50% carbohydrate, 35% fat, and 15% protein) of about 2,740 calories/day, which matched energy expenditure. Over the next 6 days, they received a diet with 30% fewer calories. The amount of protein remained the same. On one visit, the calorie decrease came solely by cutting carbohydrates. On the other visit, the calories were cut only from dietary fat. The diets were given in random order with 2-4 weeks between visits.

While in the metabolic ward, the participants walked on a treadmill for 60 minutes each day. Part of the time, they resided in a metabolic chamber to measure their energy expenditure and the relative balance of fat and carbohydrate they used to produce energy.

The scientists found that when participants ate the reduced-carb diet, they lowered production of the hormone insulin. This diet caused a shift in metabolism; participants increased fat oxidation (“burning”) and decreased carbohydrate oxidation. While on the reduced carb diet, they lost about 53 grams of body fat per day.

When participants consumed the reduced-fat diet, they had no observed changes in insulin production or fat burning. However, they lost about 89 grams per day of body fat—68% more than when they cut the same number of calories from carbohydrates.

The researchers note that given the short time frame of the study, it would be difficult to extrapolate the findings to a longer time frame. More research is needed to assess the long-term effects of fat and carb reduction in the body.

“Compared to the reduced-fat diet, the reduced-carb diet was particularly effective at lowering insulin secretion and increasing fat burning, resulting in significant body fat loss. But interestingly, study participants lost even more body fat during the fat-restricted diet, as it resulted in a greater imbalance between the fat eaten and fat burned,” Hall says. “Our data tell us that when it comes to body fat loss, not all diet calories are exactly equal.”

Weight Loss Research: Possible 'obesity gene' discovered ♦ Physician support key to successful weight loss ♦ Eating 'on the go' could lead to weight gain

Possible 'obesity gene' discovered A gene that could be an important cause of obesity has been discovered by researchers. Discovery of this direct link between a protein and fat production points the way to a possible drug therapy. Scientists theorize that by suppressing the gene or blocking the protein, they could prevent fat accumulation in people who are overweight, or are on their way to becoming so

Obesity breakthrough: Metabolic master switch prompts fat cells to store or burn fat Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges of the 21st century. Affecting more than 500 million people worldwide, obesity costs at least $200 billion each year in the United States alone, and contributes to potentially fatal disorders such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Scientists have now revealed the mechanism underlying the genomic region most strongly associated with obesity. The findings uncover a genetic circuit that controls whether our bodies burn or store fat. Manipulating that genetic circuit may offer a new approach for obesity treatments.

Physician support key to successful weight loss A review of survey data from more than 300 obese people who participated in a federally funded weight loss clinical trial found that although the overall weight loss rates were modest, those who rated their primary care doctor’s support as particularly helpful lost about twice as many pounds as those who didn’t.

Eating 'on the go' could lead to weight gain Dieters who eat 'on the go' may increase their food intake later in the day which could lead to weight gain and obesity, new research shows. The findings from the study also showed that eating while walking around triggered more overeating compared to eating during other forms of distraction such as watching TV or having a conversation with a friend.

Food may be addictive: Food craving may be 'hard-wired' in the brain An international group of researchers have found that food craving activates different brain networks between obese and normal weight patients. This indicates that the tendency to want food may be ‘hard-wired’ into the brain of overweight patients, becoming a functional brain biomarker

Male Vitality and weight loss product recalled

Blue Square Market Inc. of North Huntingdon, PA, is recalling "Kaboom Actions Strip 12 Pack" and LiDa DaiDaiHua to the user level after FDA analysis revealed the products contain undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients. Kaboom was found to contain sulfoaildenafil and LiDa DaiDaiHua was found to contain sibutramine and phenolphthalein. Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010 due to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Phenolphthalein is an ingredient previously used in over-the-counter laxatives, but because of concerns of carcinogenicity, it is not currently approved for marketing in the United States. Sulfoaildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) which could lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. These undeclared ingredients make these products unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. At this time, no illnesses or injuries have been reported to Blue Square Market Inc. in connection with these products.

Kaboom Actions Strips are marketed for men’s vitality and LiDa DaiDaiHua is marketed for weight loss. Kaboom Actions Strips was purchased from the manufacturer Nutrology USA, LLC. Kaboom Action Strips comes in packages of 12 strips in a black box with a picture of the strip on the front of the box and a stamped expiration date of 9/17 on the box. LiDa DaiDaiHua was purchased from the manufacturer Green Cross Store. LiDa DaiDaiHua comes in a light green and grey box with a picture of a woman on the front, with a stamped expiration date of 1/17 on the bottom.

Blue Square Market’s online store, www.calcompnutrition.com was one of many that sold these retail products. Blue Square Market is neither the manufacturer nor the distributor of the product, only a retailer. Blue Square Market has pulled all of Kaboom Actions Strip 12 Pack and Lida DaiDaiHua from its online store, calcompnutrition.com, and will no longer carry this product line.

Blue Square Market is notifying its customers by letter and is arranging for return and refund of all recalled products. Consumers who have purchased Kaboom Actions Strip 12 Pack from March 20, 2015 to July 7, 2015 with expiration date of 9/17 or Lida DaiDaiHua from Feb 23, 2015 to May 7, 2015 with expiration date of 1/17 should immediately discontinue use and return them to Blue Square Market, Inc. for a full refund.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Blue Square market by phone at 1-877-919-9992 Monday - Friday from 9am to 4:30pm EST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on

Health Research: Proving nanoparticles in sunscreen products ♦ Scientists want to help you avoid addiction ♦ Medications for dementia could cause harmful weight loss

Are animal models still essential to biological research? A new article covers the use of animal models in scientific research. The use of animals in scientific research prompts regular debate and it can be difficult to garner a clear picture of the actual need for animals

Potential new therapy approaches to reverse kidney damage identified Cell plasticity program resulting from kidney damage can be targeted to reverse kidney disease and fibrosis, new research suggests. The study demonstrated the importance of an embryonic cellular process called EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition) as a potential therapeutic target for reversing kidney disease. Embryos cannot develop without EMT.

Proving nanoparticles in sunscreen products Loads of cosmetics like sunscreen lotions contain titanium dioxide. These nanoparticles are contentious. Experts suspect they may have harmful effects on people and the environment. But it is difficult to prove that the particles are in the lotions. Using a new method, these particles can now be calculated.

If you're using drugs, scientists want to help you avoid addiction Abstinence is the best way to avoid drug addiction. But in many societies, drug use is the norm, not the exception, especially by youth. What keeps the majority of users from becoming addicted? How drugs are taken has something to do with it.

Common medications for dementia could cause harmful weight loss Medications commonly used to treat dementia could result in harmful weight loss, according to researchers, and clinicians need to account for this risk when prescribing these drugs to older adults.