Category Archives: Lose Weight Fast

Millions of Americans suffer from an eating disorder or know someone who does. People are now using over-the-counter laxatives to help them lose weight, but the consequences can be painful and even deadly.

Laxatives affect the colon, and as a result overuse can cause diseases like colon cancer, or worrisome symptoms such as seizures, dehydration and heart arrhythmias. If that's not bad enough, there's also uncomfortable symptoms like cramping, bloating, and gas.

"People that end up getting into laxative abuse really, really have a difficult time stopping because the colon gets dependent on the laxatives," said Dr. Steve Crawford, a psychiatrist at Sheppard Pratt.

"The problem is that the laxative is working on the colon which is where all the calories have been absorbed already. It causes some additional water loss... but it does not affect real weight loss," he continued.

Eating disorders are typically associated with anxiety and depression.

Dietitian Rebecca Hart said the best road to recovery starts with treatment and a proper diet.

"We recommend having three meals a day with one-to-three snacks. We're very big on having variety, balance, and all the food groups," she said.

"There's definitely hope and people do recover," Dr. Crawford said. "It's taking the first step and reaching out and asking for help and acknowledging that you have a problem."

For more information on eating disorders and to find help visit the National Institutes of Health website.

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Are laxatives safe for weightloss? - ABC2 News

A year ago, Debbie Belle found herself in the same unhealthy situation as one-third of American adults. At 5 feet 6 inches and 221 pounds, she had a body-mass index above 30 and was officially obese, according to weight criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Belle, 54, had tried several of the best-known programs on the multibillion-dollar weight-loss market. She enjoyed early success with one or two. But each turned out to be too pricey, too stress-inducing or too unwieldy to keep her committed for the long haul.

Then, she says, she tried the cheapest, lowest-pressure, most self-effacing program she'd ever run across, and the decision transformed her quest for better health.

Belle joined Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, or TOPS, a national nonprofit that promotes peer support and personal determination to encourage members to avoid crash diets and instead adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Its goal is to help the average person lose weight moderately and manageably and to keep it off.

Belle, who lives in Nottingham, has shed 74 pounds in 11 months on the program and, more statistically promising for her health, has maintained her target weight of 147 since reaching it months ago.

She won a divisional first-place prize at a statewide TOPS convention in Ocean City this month for her efforts.

But the ribbon and affirmation Belle received were far from the only reason she intends to never to give up the $32-per-year program.

"It isn't a quick-fix approach or a diet program," she said. "The goal is to make weight loss permanent. I get such deep support and encouragement from my TOPS family. Never once have I felt judged, and I mean 'never' with a capital 'n.' That has all helped motivate me not just to lose the weight but also to keep it off."

Belle's experience with TOPS, a nationwide nonprofit with 63 chapters in Maryland (including 18 in the Baltimore area), is in some ways a model of what weight-management scientists as opposed to those who market weight-loss programs have been arguing for years: that when it comes to losing weight, participants' long-term health is more important than their appearance; that a slow and steady approach is healthier than a quick and splashy one; and that it's just as important to maintain weight loss as to achieve it in the first place.

Dr. Kimberly Gudzune, an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University and a leading researcher in weight-management science, said a study of 32 popular weight-loss regimens she led in 2015 suggested that the TOPS approach is effective. But what interests her more than any single program is exploring and explaining the tenets that lie behind any program that works.

Research has long shown that obesity increases the incidence of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and a host of other dangerous medical conditions.

Gudzune said those who wish to lose weight would do well to look at what TOPS and a few other organizations emphasize in contrast to most programs in the $40 billion- to $60 billion-per-year weight-loss industry.

"If you look at the market of proprietary weight-loss programs, you'll generally see two main camps," she says. "One spotlights dramatic losses by using ads with models holding up these very large pants, then tiny ones in the next photo: 'Lose 100 pounds in three months!'"

Others "advocate a more regimented change in lifestyle, changes you can actually keep up for the rest of your life," Gudzune said. "I usually prefer a steadier, more purposeful change."

Given her weight loss, Belle might appear to exemplify the quick-fix camp, but what originally attracted her to TOPS was the gently supportive, user-friendly approach it has promoted for 70 years, always without paying for advertising.

Trying a better-known national program for more than a year, Belle said, helped her shed 100 pounds, but she regained it within few months.

In retrospect, she said, that program called for such rigorous calculation of weight-loss points it was hard to keep up. What's more, its monthly membership fee, which added up to $540 per year, was too high. She also felt the company representatives who ran the meetings were often judgmental, and the program reduced its accountability requirements once participants hit their target weight.

"They only asked you to come back once a month after you make your goal weight, and I need it once a week," Belle said. "I can be disciplined, but when it becomes too hard to keep up, it's easy to fall back into bad habits."

She then checked out TOPS. She'd heard the program operates in self-organized chapters in churches and senior centers.

At her first meeting with the Fallston chapter she felt as though she had met 30-plus soul mates.

They encouraged her that night and welcomed her developmentally disabled adult son, David, into their midst.

After two meetings, she said, she began getting motivational cards from the group and realized they felt like family.

Taking advantage of TOPS literature on exercise and nutrition, she began taking what felt like manageable steps, swimming at a local community college, doing morning walks with David, and maintaining a regimen of "calorie cycling" 1,800 calories on high-exercise days, 1,200 on the rest.

The positivity of the feedback and weekly weigh-ins motivated her not to quit, she said, and to add gradually to her chosen exercise regimen. She now swims 30 laps a day three times a week, walks for an hour at a rapid clip four times a week, and rarely goes back for seconds at meals.

Perhaps most important, she said, TOPS doesn't let up after members hit their target weight; it places them in its coveted "KOPS" (Keeping Weight Off Sensibly) category, and the positive feedback and weekly expectations continue.

Like most programs in an industry regulated more by the Federal Trade Commission than by federal health agencies, TOPS has never been subjected to the randomized clinical trials that would measure its effectiveness against that of its rivals.

But one weight-management researcher, Dr. Nia S. Mitchell of Duke University, became interested in TOPS while seeking weight-loss alternatives for her lower-income clinical patients 14 years ago.

She found in longitudinal studies that members who stayed enrolled year to year generally lost between 5.9 percent and 7.1 percent of their original body weight over three years, easily eclipsing the 5 percent considered a benchmark for significantly improving one's overall health.

And most of those who stayed with TOPS for seven straight years kept the weight off.

"I see continuous engagement as a key to the weight-loss maintenance success of TOPS," Mitchell said.

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Shedding pounds sensibly and making weight loss stick - Baltimore Sun

Forbes

Serena Williams May Be Pregnant, But Her Career's Not Over By A Long Shot Forbes Gaining weight is natural during pregnancy (the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations are 25 to 35 pounds for women who are normal weight and 15 t0 25 for those who are overweight). Expecting to lose weight quickly ... and more »

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Serena Williams May Be Pregnant, But Her Career's Not Over By A Long Shot - Forbes

Life & Style Weekly

How Much Does Kim Kardashian Weigh in 2017? See Her Most Recent Slim Down! Life & Style Weekly After setting a goal to drop 70 pounds, 60 of which were gained during pregnancy while she had been an extra ten pounds up for the last few years, Mrs. West buckled down and dropped major weight very quickly. Dropping over 40 pounds by March of 2016 ... Khloe Kardashian Praises Sister Kim's Fit Figure: 'Hands Down Best Body Ever!'Us Weekly all 107 news articles »

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How Much Does Kim Kardashian Weigh in 2017? See Her Most Recent Slim Down! - Life & Style Weekly

eMaxHealth

Not Every Weight Loss Plan Is Sustainable, Ask These 4 Questions eMaxHealth Weight loss can be achieved through simpler, cost-effective approach. Take for instance the weight loss people ALWAYS experience during CONSISTENT annual religious fast. This weight loss results from reduced intake of food while normal activities ...

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Not Every Weight Loss Plan Is Sustainable, Ask These 4 Questions - eMaxHealth

Do you ever wonder how TLC's Dr. Younan Nowzaradan gets such dramatic weight-loss results from his gastric bypass patients on "#My 600-lb Life"? Thanks to the good doctor, show participants like Chad Dean and Sean Milliken (to name recent ones) have shed hundreds of pounds. The reality television surgeon dished up his famous baratric surgery diet. And what's on the menu might surprise you!

Before gastric bypass surgery on "My 600-lb Life," patients must lose weight. Does this shock you? Many people think #Bariatric Surgery will fix obesity in one fell swoop. They don't realize that there is "homework" before they can have a gastric sleeve (or other device) implanted. The purpose of this is two-fold. Most patients come to the reality TV show far too overweight to safely undergo surgery. Steven Assanti weighed 853 pounds. Losing weight before surgery is also an act of good faith. It proves to Dr. Now that patients will follow through.

With the morbidly obese, the bariatric surgeon doesn't have time to mess around. They are dying of infections like cellulitis. Crippling lymphedema tumors destroy joints and become infected, and not one vital organ isn't hurt by extra weight. Diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart failure and other diseases compound health risks. Dr. Now is well nicknamed as he literally has to act now. He expects patients to lose 50 pounds a month, and they do on his rigid 800-calorie a day diet.

Patients often think that Dr. Nowzaradan expects them to lose weight too fast. 50 pounds in a month is a lot for a normal sized person. But these are abnormally obese people whose weight is snowballing. They can shed 50 pounds in a month because they gain that fast, eating 5-10 times what the average person eats. 800 calories is extreme but only temporary while they're in the hospital. Patients are allowed 1,200 calories daily living independently prior to surgery. Those who follow the bariatric surgery diet, like Chad Dean, lose. Those that don't, like James K, don't.

The diet focuses on daily nutrient quantities as much as calories. Dr. Now talks in ounces of food, recommending 6-8 ounces of protein for men and less for women. But he also makes patients eat 60 grams a day. So protein sources have to be lean and efficient. He encourages dairy for protein and calcium. Bread sources need to contain high fiber to burn fat. The diet cuts soda, refined sugar and transfat and boosts MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids). But Nowzaradan realizes that patients need some sweets or they'll never manage. He recommends fruits with seeds (blueberries and strawberries) for fiber. After surgery, patients avoid vegetables as they add bulk without curbing hunger. Later, veggies are added in.

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'My 600-lb Life': Dr. Now dishes up surprising gastric bypass weight-loss diet - Blasting News

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After losing 175 pounds together, Brian and Erin LeBlanc are enjoying their shrinking bodies and bulging wallets.

Shes still a carboholic, while he enjoys ice cream, but the Edmonton, Alberta, couple shed weight by eliminating most fast food, focusing on portion sizes and becoming passionate about exercise. They're saving money in the process.

Were happier than weve ever been, Brian, 30, told TODAY. Making the changes that we have has really allowed us to live life to the fullest.

Erin and Brian LeBlanc often went out to eat before they started their weight-loss plan.

He weighed 250 pounds when he decided to slim down two years ago. Erin, 31, joined his effort one year ago, topping the scale at 190 pounds. Hes since lost half his body weight and Erin has shed 50 pounds.

They did it by no longer going out to eat, minimizing alcohol consumption, and changing their grocery shopping habits steps that also allowed them to save more than $500 a month, they said.

Brian has lost 125 pounds, half his body weight, and Erin has lost 50 pounds. At Brian's heaviest, this belt would not fit around his waist and now, it can hold both Brian and Erin.

Here's their advice for weight-loss success:

The LeBlancs say one of the most powerful things they did was buy a food scale and weigh everything they ate. The scale should have a golden aura around it because its so magical, Erin said.

Once you start measuring and weighing what youre eating, its shocking how much you can underestimate what youre actually eating, she noted.

For me, it was just portion control, he added.

The couples basic motto is: calories in, calories out. You have a certain amount of calories in the day to work with, and you have to balance what you eat with how much you burn, otherwise youll gain weight.

After previous false starts, Brian believes this weight-loss plan stuck because he and his wife took the time every day to log and measure everything they were eating. Brian has been logging his calories for more than 640 days.

The couple used the MyFitnessPal app to figure out their caloric needs: During the weight-loss phase, they both ate about 1,300 calories a day. To maintain, Brian is now up to 2,200 calories and Erin tries to eat no more than 1,800.

For more inspirational stories, check out our My Weight-Loss Journey page

Erin describes herself as a carboholic who loves cereal and pizza, so cutting out carbs was out of the question. The couple still enjoys ice cream and potato chips, but in sensible portions.

Denying yourself those things that you really enjoy can be really problematic. In our experience, its been a recipe for disaster, Brian said. We still eat food that we enjoy; we just eat less of it.

When it comes to ice cream, theyll have half the serving listed on the label or about a quarter of a cup of ice cream. Theyll add half a slice of cake for a dessert thats about 200-250 calories.

Instead of having a whole Big Mac meal at McDonalds, Erin now enjoys a kid-size Happy Meal once in a while.

RELATED: After relying on comfort food, woman loses 100 pounds by remembering 3 easy tips

Brian tried running in 2015 and really liked it. Running clears his head, helps him deal with stress and makes him feel better, he said.

Erin? Not so much. I am not a runner, I dont get that runners high, she said. She even has a T-shirt with the slogan: I hate running. But she loves lifting weights, finding it rewarding and empowering.

The key lesson: Find an activity you like, look forward to and get satisfaction out of.

The couple eased off fast food slowly to make that change more manageable. Brian started running small distances and counting his steps; he now runs half marathons. Erin began going to the gym twice a week; she now goes almost every day. Pacing yourself is important, they say.

Go for very small, slow changes that built up over a long period of time to be sustainable, they advised.

The LeBlancs used to buy enough fruits and vegetables for a week or two and had the best intentions to eat those healthy foods, but would then get bored and go out and eat fast food instead. Erin estimates about 50 percent of their food would get thrown out, which is insane.

They now go to the grocery store two to three times a week and buy what they are going to eat in the next couple of days for maximum freshness and zero food waste.

Brian and Erin both grew up in places where food was a big part of the culture, with big, big servings for everyone. Their family still practices that food philosophy and its been difficult for some of their relatives to adjust to the couples new lifestyle.

When we go to visit, well say no, we just dont want to eat all that food, Erin said. Were not going to eat a giant plate of food just to make other people happy.

Follow A. Pawlowski on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Couple loses 175 pounds together: Their 7 lessons for weight-loss success - Today.com

Dion Waiters admits now that he could have been in better shape earlier in his career.

He made conditioning a priority this season with the Miami Heat, finishing the season in the best shape of his career.

Waiters tweeted a picture on Wednesday showing his weight loss from when he signed with Miami in July to when he finished the season.

During his exit interview, Waiters said the Heats culture helped him get his body (and career) back on track. Via the Palm Beach Post:

Them staying on top of you and making sure you do what you got to do.

Most important is getting your mind and body right. Thats one thing they preach over here, just get in the best shape of your life.

As you can see with some of the guys coming in including myself, just getting your body right. It showed with the performance on the court.

RELATED: Dion Waiters: Id Rather Go 0 for 30 Than 0 for 9

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Dion Waiters Shows Weight Loss Since Signing With Heat - SLAM Online

ABC27

Weight loss pill could pose serious health risks ABC27 You may have seen television commercials for the prescription weight-loss pill Contrave. Contrave is the combination of two older drugs the antidepressant bupropion and the addiction-treatment drug naltrexone. Its ads say the drug works on the brain ...

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Weight loss pill could pose serious health risks - ABC27

Verify: Weight loss supplement Garcinia Cambogia

WUSA 11:30 PM. EDT April 20, 2017

VERIFY QUESTION:

Did a student from Harvard lose 40 pounds using Garcinia Cambogia diet pills?

ANSWER:

We can verify this is false.

PROCESS:

The article sent to us from a viewer came from piop.net.

The article has the headline "Student from Harvard incredible 40 pound weight loss recipe using Garcinia diet pill formula."And its supposed to look like CNN covered the story.

It's the story of Amanda Haughman, a woman who could never get skinny no matter how hard she tried.

By using Google's reverse image search, we found out that Amanda is a not a student. In fact, she's not a real person.

Her real name is Rachel. She is a 24-year-old mother of two from Nova Scotia.

Rachel was profiled in the Daily Mail last October after losing 100 pounds, without any weight loss gimmicks.

How'd she do it? Like any other respectable Canadian,she focused on calorie counting, eating healthy foods with portion control and exercise.

SOURCES:

Daily Mail

RESOURCES:

Google reverse image search

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Verify: Weight loss supplement Garcinia Cambogia - W*USA 9