Weight Loss

Posted on Diabetes, Obesity, Weight Loss

Unveiling Metabolism’s Secrets: How to Trick Your Body into Burning More Calories

Many of us who have embarked on a weight loss journey know the frustration all too well: at some point, the pounds stop shedding. Despite our best efforts to cut calories, our bodies seem to betray us by slowing down metabolism, burning fewer calories than before. But why does this happen, and can we outsmart our metabolism? A new study from the University of Southern Denmark offers some promising insights.

The Metabolic Paradox

When we reduce our calorie intake, our body perceives a potential threat of starvation. In response, it adapts by conserving energy, ensuring essential functions can still be carried out. Unfortunately, this adaptation works against our weight loss goals, causing our metabolism to slow down and hold on to calories.

A Glimpse of Hope: New Research Findings

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have identified a potential way to maintain calorie burning even when consuming fewer calories. This discovery could be significant for patients using weight-loss or diabetes medicines like Wegovy and Ozempic, who often find their weight loss plateaus after shedding about 20-25% of their body weight.

According to Kim Ravnskjaer, a Principal Investigator and associate professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, this stall is likely due to the body’s natural response. “It usually goes well at first, but as people lose some of the weight they aim to shed, their progress stalls because the body’s metabolism adapts,” he explains.

The Study and Its Implications

The study, published in the prestigious journal Cell Metabolism, explores the function of a gene called Plvap in certain mouse liver cells. The researchers discovered that the Plvap gene enables the body’s metabolic shift from burning sugar to fat when fasting. When Plvap is turned off, the liver does not recognize that the body is fasting and continues burning sugar.

“If we could develop a medication that helps maintain fat or sugar burning at its original high level alongside weight-loss treatments, people could continue losing weight beyond the usual plateau,” says Ravnskjaer.

Unexpected Discoveries

The researchers’ discovery was unexpected while investigating the role of the Plvap gene. They found that turning off this gene in mouse liver cells prevented the liver from shifting to fat burning during fasting, keeping the metabolism in sugar-burning mode. This shift resulted in the mice experiencing improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels without negative effects.

Beyond the intriguing ability to “trick” the liver into thinking it is not fasting, the study made several other important observations:

  • The signal that triggers metabolic changes during fasting comes from the liver’s stellate cells rather than hepatocytes, suggesting a new mode of cell-to-cell communication.
  • Fat was redirected to the muscles instead of the liver, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels.

Potential for Future Treatments

This discovery could have far-reaching implications—not just for obesity treatments, but also for improving our understanding of how fat and sugar are processed in metabolic diseases. In the long run, it may open new avenues for treating conditions like type 2 diabetes and steatotic liver disease.

“It’s well known that elevated blood sugar may lead to chronic complications for people with type 2 diabetes. Understanding Plvap could help diabetics better regulate their blood sugar in the future,” says Ravnskjaer.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the complexity of our metabolism and the potential for groundbreaking treatments. While human trials and potential treatments are still a long way off, this research offers a promising glimpse into the future of weight loss and metabolic health. Understanding and controlling our metabolism may one day help us achieve our weight loss goals more effectively and improve overall health.

Posted on Diabetes, Obesity, Weight Loss

The Surprising Side Effects of Popular Weight Loss Drugs Explained

Risk factors for depression included loneliness, chronic pain and being female.

New research reveals that some weight loss medications might have unexpected behavioural side effects, but the reasons behind these effects are not fully understood.

Published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, the study looked at glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA)—drugs commonly used for type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps control insulin and blood glucose levels while promoting feelings of fullness.

The researchers examined genetic data from diverse populations to see how variants in the GLP1R gene might explain these side effects. The study involved over 400,000 individuals from various ethnic backgrounds and found that GLP1R gene variants were linked with both cardiometabolic traits (like blood pressure and type 2 diabetes) and behavioral traits (such as risk-taking behavior and mood instability).

Interestingly, the genetic variants influencing cardiometabolic traits were different from those affecting behavioral changes, suggesting that the side effects are likely indirect.

Although it’s not possible to directly compare these genetic findings to the effects of a drug, the study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms behind the unexpected side effects of GLP1RAs. Understanding these factors could help guide safer use of these popular weight loss drugs in the future.

Are you curious about how these findings could impact weight loss treatments? Dive into the full study to uncover more! 🚀

Posted on Obesity, Weight Loss

Shocking Barriers to Weight Loss Treatment: How Insurance and Jobs Limit Access to Semaglutide

A USC study of prescription data shows that people with Medicaid or Medicare Part D may be missing out on powerful new obesity and diabetes drugs

A new study reveals the surprising obstacles faced by individuals with obesity in accessing weight-loss medication like semaglutide.

Developed initially to manage diabetes, semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) became popular for weight loss in 2021. Despite its widespread use among celebrities, many people who could benefit from it face significant barriers.

Research from Boston University School of Public Health shows that access to semaglutide depends heavily on an individual’s insurance type and job industry. People with point-of-service or preferred provider organization insurance, females, and those on antidepressants or hormone medications are more likely to get a prescription. However, those with health management organization or exclusive provider organization plans, males, and individuals in certain jobs like retail face more obstacles.

The study highlights that only 1 in 4 employers cover GLP-1 drugs for weight management, and most insurance policies have restrictive steps like prior authorizations. These barriers mean many with obesity are left without much-needed help.

The researchers stress the importance of understanding and addressing these barriers to ensure fair access to obesity treatment for everyone, regardless of insurance coverage or job type.

📚 Want to know more about this breakthrough study? Check out the full details and find out how these findings could reshape weight-loss treatment accessibility.

Posted on Weight Loss

Can Fizzy Water Really Help with Weight Loss?

Fizzy water might help with weight loss by boosting blood glucose uptake and metabolism—the rate at which the body uses and converts energy—but the effects are so small that drinking it alone won't shed those extra pounds
Fizzy water might help with weight loss by boosting blood glucose uptake and metabolism—the body’s rate of using and converting energy—but the effects are so small that drinking it alone won’t shed those extra pounds.

There are no quick fixes to slimming down and keeping the weight off, says the author: regular physical activity and a healthy balanced diet are still essential. The long-term effects of drinking large amounts of carbonated water are also unknown.

Filling and Potential Slimming Aid

Fizzy water is often considered ‘filling,’ which helps curb hunger pangs, and it’s believed to speed up digestion and lower blood glucose levels, making it a potential slimming aid. However, it’s not clear exactly how carbonated water might reduce blood glucose or how this contributes to weight management.

Research Insights

To explore this, the author compared drinking fizzy water to haemodialysis, a process where blood is filtered to remove waste and excess water. Haemodialysis turns blood alkaline, producing carbon dioxide (CO₂). Similarly, CO₂ from fizzy water is absorbed through the stomach lining and quickly converted to bicarbonate (HCO3) in red blood cells. This process speeds up glucose absorption and use by activating key enzymes in red blood cells.

Clinical observations during haemodialysis show that blood glucose levels fall as blood passes through the dialyser, despite a higher glucose level in the dialysate solution to start with.

The Bigger Picture

While these findings suggest that fizzy water might indirectly promote weight loss by enhancing glucose uptake and use, context is key. During a typical 4-hour haemodialysis session, about 48,000 ml of blood flows through the dialyser, resulting in around 9.5 g of glucose being used during the session.

“Given this minimal glucose reduction, the impact of CO₂ in carbonated water is not a standalone solution for weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain crucial components of sustainable weight management,” the author insists.

Digestive Effects and Moderation

Drinking carbonated water can have some effects on the digestive system, especially for people with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions. Primary concerns include bloating, gas, and in some cases, worsening symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

“Moderation is key to avoiding discomfort while still enjoying the possible metabolic benefits of carbonated water,” the author says.

Expert Opinion

Commenting on the analysis, Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, said: “While there is a hypothetical link between carbonated water and glucose metabolism, this has yet to be tested in well-designed human intervention studies. Although this study adds to the evidence base, it doesn’t provide enough evidence to recommend carbonated water for preventing or treating weight issues. Any potential benefits must be weighed against the possible harms of carbonated drinks, which may contain sodium, glucose, or other additives.”

Posted on Obesity, Weight Loss, Women's Health

Over Half of Americans Unaware Bariatric Surgery Can Boost Fertility

Before and after

Caption

Karla Grimmett dropped over 80kg after a gastric bypass procedure at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute. . Credit Orlando Health

Many couples dream of having a baby, but for some, getting pregnant can be challenging. Infertility affects 1 in 6 people, and obesity can also play a role. When diet and exercise aren’t enough to lose weight, bariatric surgery becomes an option. However, a recent national survey by Orlando Health reveals that 56% of Americans are unaware that bariatric surgery can improve fertility.

Dr. Alexander Ramirez from Orlando Health Weight Loss & Bariatric Institute says, “We see more patients turning to bariatric surgery for various health issues, including infertility. There’s often a link between obesity and difficulty getting pregnant.”

The survey shows that many Americans don’t know about this connection. When asked if being overweight impacts fertility, half of the respondents said they either didn’t know or were unsure.

Obesity is a serious health issue that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and even certain cancers. For women, obesity can cause irregular periods, hormone imbalances, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), all of which can contribute to infertility.

Dr. Ramirez explains, “We have many patients with PCOS who have struggled to get pregnant for years. After bariatric surgery, their chances of conceiving significantly increase as their hormones balance out and their menstrual cycles become regular.”

Other weight loss options, like GLP-1 medications, might seem more straightforward, but 64% of people surveyed didn’t know or were unsure that stopping these injections can lead to weight gain. Dr. Ramirez points out that bariatric surgery is usually more effective and lasting because it permanently changes the digestive system, helping the body to ovulate.

Dr. Ramirez advises waiting 18 to 24 months after bariatric surgery before trying to conceive. This recovery period helps the body adjust and ensures a healthier pregnancy, reducing risks like high blood pressure and diabetes.

For 38-year-old Karla Grimmett, bariatric surgery was life-saving. Her severe obesity and type 2 diabetes had landed her in the ICU. Weighing 380 pounds, she opted for gastric bypass surgery, not expecting it to solve her fertility issues as well.

“I was told since I was 11 that I would never have kids because of PCOS,” Karla shares. After surgery, her health improved, her medications dropped from 12 to 2, and her menstrual cycle normalized.

“When my period didn’t come in April, I couldn’t believe it. I took a pregnancy test, and it was positive! I still didn’t believe it, so I took four more,” Karla recalls.

Karla gave birth to her daughter Everleigh in November 2022, an event she once thought impossible. “She’s full of life and the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I had given up hope of having a child,” she says.

Dr. Ramirez emphasizes the importance of understanding the link between obesity and health issues like infertility. He suggests discussing bariatric surgery with a doctor for those who can’t lose weight through diet and exercise.

“My advice to anyone with obesity, especially those wanting a child, is to consider bariatric surgery. It’s the most effective way to lose weight healthily and increase the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy,” Dr. Ramirez says.