Weight gain is being blamed on bacteria in the gut. Everyone has 160 different types of gut bacteria that are genetically inherited. According to a study published in the journal Nature, some bacteria influence metabolism by storing fat or burning less of it. Other bacteria slow down food moving through the intestines, which allows more fat to be absorbed. In the future it's hoped that gut bacteria can be retooled to promote weight loss and to increase metabolism by using special drinks or antibiotics. For now, however, people who feel it's harder for them to keep weight off can trust their "gut feeling".
Weight gain is also being blamed on eating meat - red or white meat. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, study participants gained approximately 4 pounds over a 5-year period for every extra 8.8 ounces of meat eaten daily. Although Americans have cut back on eating red meat, we each consume about 60 pounds of chicken a year. Unfortunately, the study's link between weight gain and meat remained strong even when total calories, weight, sex, physical activity and other variables were considered. Eating fish seems to be the "meat of the matter".
Which diet is more effective for losing the weight we gain - low-fat or low-carb? A Temple University study followed 300 people for 2 years. Some were put on a low-fat diet and the others on a low-carb diet. Everyone participated in behavior therapy programs. The first year both groups lost approximately 11% of their weight. The second year it was 7%. Both groups had identical changes in blood pressure, bone density and body fat percentages. The only difference was that those on the low-carb diet had higher levels of HDL - the good cholesterol. It seems that low-carb diets are for the "high-minded".
The mind itself is an effective tool for losing weight. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests thinking differently can help control cravings. Two areas of the brain are involved in cravings. The prefrontal cortex deals with reasoning and the ventral striatum deals with craving. Instead of thinking about the immediate reward from food - taste - study participants thought about the long-term consequences - obesity, diabetes and heart disease. This activated the reasoning part of the brain more than the craving part. Although rewiring the brain is a long process, it promotes longer life.
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