Category Archives: Lose Weight Fast

When it comes to losing weight, people often want to know the best way to shed excess pounds and theres no shortage of fad diets or fitness crazes claiming to have the secret to fat loss. One theory even suggests that exercising at around 60 per cent of your maximum heart rate will bring our bodies into a so-called fat-burning zone, optimal for losing weight. But does this fat-burning zone even exist?

First, its important to understand a little about our metabolism. Even if we were to sit at our desk all day, our body still needs fuel to meet energy demands. This energy comes from carbohydrates, proteins, fats and phosphates. However, the rate at which we use them, and how much we have available, varies between people. It depends on a number of factors, such as dietary intake, age, sex and how hard or often we exercise.

Generally, exercising at lower intensities such as sustained walking or light jogging doesnt require as much effort by our muscles as sprinting, for example. This means the amount of energy needed by the body is lower, so energy supply predominantly comes from fats.

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

But as exercise intensity increases, fat cant be metabolised fast enough to meet increased energy demand. So the body will use carbohydrates, as these can be metabolised more rapidly. This means there is indeed an exercise intensity where fat is the predominant energy source.

At the lower end of this spectrum is our resting state. Here, the number of calories our body needs to function is considerably low, so the body primarily metabolises fat to use for energy. This means the potential zone for metabolising fat is between the rested state and the level of exercise intensity where carbohydrates become the dominant energy source (in terms of per cent contribution to energy demand).

But this is a wide range, which lies between a resting heart rate of around 70 beats per minute to around 160 beats per minute during moderate effort exercise (such as cycling at a constant speed where holding a conversation becomes challenging), where the crossover from using fat to carbohydrates for energy occurs.

The issue with such a wide zone is that the person exercising wouldnt necessarily be optimising their ability to metabolise fat, because as the exercise intensity increases theres a gradual change in the balance of fat and carbohydrates your body uses for energy.

So how can we know at which point our body will switch from using fat to other fuels for energy? One approach researchers take is assessing how much fat is being used for energy during different exercise intensities.

By measuring how much air a person expels during an exercise test which gets progressively harder, physiologists have been able to calculate the relative contributions of fat and carbohydrates to meet the exercise demand at different intensities. The highest amount of fat burnt is called the maximal fat oxidation rate (or MFO), and the intensity this occurs at is termed FATmax.

Since this method was first used by researchers, studies have shown that as the intensity rises from around 40-70 per cent of a persons VO2 max which is the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during exercise theres an increase in the rate of carbohydrates and fats being used. The rate of fat being burnt starts to decline at higher intensities as the body requires energy more rapidly.

No hype, just the advice and analysis you need

The average person only burns between 0.1 and 0.4 grams of fat per minute (AFP/Getty)

The so-called fat-burning zone has been shown to occur anywhere between about 50-72 per cent of a persons VO2 max. However, the ability to burn fat is also based on genetics, with studies showing that this fat-burning zone is likely to be lower in overweight or obese people around 24-46 per cent of their VO2 max and higher in endurance athletes.

Another point to consider is how much fat we actually burn during exercise (if we express it in grams per minute). The answer is: surprisingly little. Even in studies with athletes, at FATmax, participants only burnt on average a mere 0.5 grams of fat per minute. This would equate to around 30 grams of fat per hour.

In the average person, this appears to be even lower, ranging between 0.1 and 0.4 grams of fat per minute. To put it in perspective, one pound of fat weighs around 454 grams. So, while training in this fat-burning zone will help with fat loss, this might also help explain why it takes some people longer to lose fat through exercise.

But there is evidence that following certain diets (such as intermittent fasting or a ketogenic, high-fat diet) and longer exercise can increase the actual amount of fat we burn.

Perhaps its time to no longer consider burning fat to have a zone, but rather an individualised sweet spot which can be used to optimise our exercise regimes to lose weight. Regular physical activity around this sweet spot (which typically occurs at a low to moderate feeling of effort, for example, 30-60 per cent of your maximal effort, or a perceived exertion level of one to four out of ten) will likely improve our bodys efficiency in using fat for energy and translate to a lower overall body fat percentage.

Justin Roberts is a principal lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. Ash Willmott is a lecturer in sport and exercise science at Anglia Ruskin University. And Dan Gordon is a principal lecturer in sport and exercise sciences at Anglia Ruskin University. This article first appeared on The Conversation

See original here:
Fact or fiction: does the 'fat-burning zone' really exist? - The Independent

THE ASSIGNMENT WAS simple: Catch up with Andy Ruiz Jr. ahead of the anniversary of his stunning upset over Anthony Joshua last June. Maybe relive that fight, and the spiritless loss to Joshua in the December rematch. Pretty wild year, right? His arrival as the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion and his departure as a cautionary tale felt nearly simultaneous. Maybe see if he has come to terms with the twists fortune sent his way and find out what might come next. Standard stuff.

Then it got weird.

Numerous calls to his father and manager, Andy Sr., went unreturned. His attorney, David Garcia, answered two calls, said he was jogging and would call back both times, and never did. A spokesman for Ruiz's promoter, Premier Boxing Champions, said he didn't expect to be able to reach the fighter; PBC had recently set up an Instagram Live event for Ruiz's followers, and Ruiz had failed to show up. Manny Robles, Ruiz's former trainer who was fired in January by Andy Sr., said the only communication he has received from his ex-fighter since December was a single text message.

To be clear: Ruiz hasn't disappeared. He occasionally posts what can only be described as pseudo-workout video clips online -- "How many crunches till I get a six-pack?" he asks in one -- that fail as both information and inspiration. But even amid a pandemic, this level of seclusion felt different. Suddenly and without warning, this had turned into a mystery: What's going on with Andy Ruiz Jr.?

I told Robles, the man who helped guide Ruiz to his shocking title moment, that I was on a quest to find out what's happening with his former fighter.

"If you find out," he replied, "let me know. I'm wondering the same thing."

THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH appeared in almost every story of Ruiz's win over Joshua on June 1, 2019. Ruiz and Robles are in the middle of the Madison Square Garden ring, hugging. Ruiz's head is tilted back slightly, a gold glove raised at the end of his left arm, eyes closed, a blend of astonishment and bliss engulfing his face like a sinkhole. Robles, wearing a Mexican-flag bandanna, has a tenuous hold on Ruiz's formidable midsection, a normal-sized man trying to hold on to a tree during a storm. In the background, Joshua stands in his corner, arms at his sides, his face a knot of confusion.

1 Related

In a hotel suite in New York later that night, Team Ruiz celebrated the win. "We cried, of course," Robles says. "We sang and screamed and we embraced." Andy sat on a couch, a dumbstruck look on his face, repeatedly saying, "I can't f---ing believe I won." At some point, Andy Sr. made an announcement: "This is going to be our team forever, and we're going to conquer the world."

Anything seemed possible. The win over Joshua -- who, in a convenient plot point, is built like a stock photo for the perfect human form -- felt like alchemy. Ruiz had revealed himself to be a repository of hidden talents: Despite his girth, his hands are incredibly fast, his feet delicate. When it's all moving in concert, when he's controlling the ring as if he designed it himself, it creates the impression of a dancing barrel.

He was the best story in sports, and the story got better as the layers got peeled back. Months before he became champion, Ruiz was despondent, unhappy with his career, evicted from an apartment in Norwalk, near Robles' Southern California gym. He was out of shape and severely overweight, close to walking away from boxing.

And then, in a kaleidoscopic series of events, he moved in with Alonso Flores, a chef who regularly provides housing for Robles' fighters. He left Top Rank and signed with Al Haymon's PBC. He got in shape and beat Alexander Dimitrenko, and nine weeks later -- not enough time to get out of shape, it should be noted -- he was dropping Joshua in Madison Square Garden and hopping into Robles' arms in the middle of the ring.

But even in his best moment, Ruiz seemed a bit out of place. He possesses a sort of artless charm: round face sweet as birthday cake; soft, almost warbly voice that seems to belong in a different body; just enough self-consciousness to be endearing.

"He made you believe you didn't have to look like Anthony Joshua," Robles says. "[Most of us] have more in common with Andy. We see him, and it's like we're looking in the mirror."

Ruiz became the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent. His hometown, the tiny California border town of Imperial, held a parade in his honor. He went to Mexico City to visit with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He went on Jimmy Kimmel. He found himself in the unlikely position of being hounded in public wherever he went.

He was supposed to take a month off before getting back in the gym, training for the rematch. He took three. "He just quit and checked out, I guess," Robles says. "Starting June 1, the day he beat Joshua, I didn't have the same fighter."

THE STORY OF Ruiz's six-month rise and fall isn't unique to boxing, but it feels remarkably specific to it. Through the first decade of his professional career, Ruiz faced mostly journeyman fighters and battled to keep his weight under control. And then, in a compressed period of time, he made close to $20 million. Doors opened. The shy fat kid -- a lifelong underdog who was bullied as a child -- suddenly found himself surrounded by admirers. He bought a mansion in San Diego and a Rolls-Royce, all from money he rightfully earned. He then fell back into his bad nutritional habits and treated trips to the gym as strictly optional. The work ethic atrophied. It's nothing new; lottery winners often quit their jobs. A good percentage of them also go broke.

"I had control when he was there, but I don't live with the guy," Robles says. "I can show up at the track, but if he's not there, what can I do? Sometimes people say, 'It's your fighter; how come he's not being disciplined?' Hey, I'm his coach, not his dad."

When it became clear Ruiz wasn't serious about training, Robles moved the camp to Mexico City for a month to distance the fighter from his family and what Robles terms "his new friends." He played up Ruiz's responsibility as the first Mexican heavyweight champ. He appealed to his pride. Nothing worked.

"I was always trying to get him to look at the bigger picture," Robles says. "I would say, 'You need to be a good role model for all the kids who look up to you.'"

When those entreaties went unheeded, Robles changed his approach. "If money's what motivates you," he told Ruiz, "then let's go make that money. But you've got to work hard. That money's out there if that's what motivates you." Robles pauses and emits a groan that sounds like pain. "That didn't work either," he says. "Apparently, he was content. It was like he said, 'I know I'm going to make so much for this fight, and I'm good.'

"I still scratch my head. I can't figure any of this out. You're the first Mexican heavyweight champ, right? You got to go see the president of Mexico, right? What other motivation do you need than the responsibility you have to the Mexican people -- and really everybody? Because this went way beyond being the first Mexican champ. This transcended borders and reached people across the world. He made people believe. He was the feel-good story of the year. I did everything I could to convince him to look at the bigger picture and leave a legacy, but not everybody has the same drive or the same priorities."

Ruiz weighed 268 for the first fight, 283 six months later for the rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nobody really knows Ruiz's ideal fighting weight -- Flores, the chef, suggests 250 to 255 -- but there's universal agreement that it's not 283. Those 15 pounds he gathered from June to December all seemed to land in the same spot: his belly. He lasted 12 rounds but never posed a threat.

Flores waited for Ruiz to leave the ring as security ushered the rest of the team to the dressing room. When Ruiz saw him, he hugged him and said, "I'm sorry, dude. I let people down." In stark contrast to that celebratory night in New York, Ruiz sat forlornly at the lectern in the postfight news conference and admitted he didn't train properly. He apologized to his team and the promoters. He begged for a third fight.

"It was so hard for me to sit there," says Robles, who felt Ruiz should have simply congratulated Joshua and relinquished the stage. He mimics Ruiz, adopting a whining tone: "'I didn't train. I didn't prepare.' The way he handled it, it was embarrassing."

A month later, Andy Ruiz Sr. requested a meeting with Robles. The team would not stay together; it would not conquer the world.

"I knew what was coming," Robles says. "They needed a villain. But I'll be honest with you: I'm better now. I don't want to be a part of something like that. I want to be able to sleep at night. There was a lot of stress -- with the dad, with David [Garcia, the lawyer], with Andy. It's not worth my health."

Will Ruiz become lost to history, just another remember-that-guy from boxing's dustbin? Robles sighs through the phone. "I wish Andy nothing but the best," he says. "I want to see him succeed. I care about him. How could I not? We made history together. I believed in him, and I still do -- I just don't know what's going on with him. I worry about him -- absolutely. I just know money isn't everything, and I don't want to see him end up in a dark place."

Robles tells his fighters, "Remember where you came from," but not out of perceived loyalty to the folks left to bob in the wake of fame. "The moment you forget where you came from, you lose direction," he says. "How do you know where you're going if you forget where you've been?"

THE CALL INTRIGUED Teddy Atlas. Train Andy Ruiz Jr.? The idea was tempting. "If he was in better shape, he'd be the best damned heavyweight in the world," Atlas says. "He'd beat everybody." So sure, the man who used to train Mike Tyson and now handpicks his fighters with utmost care was interested.

But Atlas wanted everyone on the phone -- Ruiz, his father, Garcia -- to know that there were conditions. Atlas, an ESPN commentator, needed Ruiz to make a trip to his gym in New York and train for a weekend to see if the two were compatible. Ruiz would also have to check himself into an inpatient weight loss facility because, as Atlas says, "if you just want me for weight loss, call Jenny Craig."

"I can make a guy lose 30 pounds with my eyes closed, but he needs to make sure it becomes a condition of life," Atlas says. "I think [Ruiz] is subconsciously undermining himself with the weight. It's about his relationship with food, what he depends on food for and how he uses it sometimes as a way to hide from something. If you're heavy, no one expects you to win, so you're protected a little bit. It's a subconscious-level excuse."

Atlas cautioned Ruiz's team that he had not yet agreed to train him, and both sides agreed to a follow-up call to firm up the details. In the meantime, Atlas studied film of Ruiz's fights and put together an eight-page list of suggestions to bring the fighter back to prominence.

There was no second call, no intensive weight-loss program, no trip to New York to judge compatibility. "It was a test," says a close friend of Atlas. "I think Teddy just wanted to see if he'd get his ass on a plane." Atlas doesn't know whether Ruiz was insulted by his demands or simply uninterested in carrying them out. He never got to share his eight-page list with Ruiz or his team. He never got to tell them he believed the win over Joshua didn't feel sustainable, that -- in Atlas' words -- "it felt temporary. It didn't feel like he arrived through great preparation and a readiness to stay." He never got to outline his reasons for demanding a comprehensive lifestyle approach to training.

"It's potentially going to be a sad ending," Atlas says, "and I'm careful with my thoughts on those things. I hope I'm wrong."

MORE THAN A month after my first contact with the Ruiz camp, and only after I gave Garcia a drop-dead deadline and emphasized the need to include Andy's voice -- or one close to him -- a call is arranged with Andy Ruiz Sr. He says Andy is enjoying life with his five children and training at home. He has gone nearly six months without any formal training but is almost ready to begin working with new trainer Eddy Reynoso, who trains Canelo Alvarez. The idea is to fight Chris Arreola -- not ranked among The Ring magazine's top 10 heavyweight contenders -- in November.

"Andy's the same person," his father says. "He's never stressed about money because I've always backed Andy. He was driving a 2006 [Dodge] Hemi Charger and now he's driving a Rolls-Royce, but he's the same person."

I ask him why Andy has been so silent lately, at a time when he has a new trainer and supposedly a new outlook. Wouldn't it make sense for him to be more public as he attempts to rehabilitate his image and career? His father says that part of his son's problem after becoming champion was "too much publicity." And the break with Robles was "nothing personal," necessitated by the lack of communication between fighter and trainer.

"I think Manny should have been more strict with Andy," he says. "It shouldn't be about what the fighter wants. You can't let them get on top of you. It has to be, 'We're going to do this, and this is the way to do it.' Manny learned something, and we learned something too. Eddy Reynoso is going to say, 'This is the way we're going to train, like it or don't like it.' That's what Manny needed to do."

Robles says, "I didn't give up on Andy. He gave up on himself."

On the phone with Ruiz Sr., I mention Robles' frustration with Andy, a 30-year-old professional, and the trainer's contention that he can't train a fighter who doesn't show up to the gym. "What would you say is Andy's responsibility in all of this?" I ask.

I wait for an answer that never comes. The phone goes dead. Subsequent calls immediately clicked to voicemail. The mailbox was full.

BACK IN DECEMBER, two days after Ruiz lost his belt, a TMZ reporter interviewed him as he walked through baggage claim at Los Angeles International Airport after returning from Saudi Arabia. The reporter is a classic of the tabloid genre, egging Ruiz on with flattery while coaxing him to answer questions about his failure to train. It's a master class in passive-aggressive manipulation.

"It could have happened to anybody," Ruiz says. "You know, I was having so much fun. ... Celebrating too much, a few too many Coronas."

Here the interviewer laughs hyenically, and Ruiz joins in, clearly believing he has found someone -- finally -- who understands. "What was your favorite meal while you were training?" he is asked.

"Oh, I think I pretty much ate everything," Ruiz says, and the hyena goes turbo. Flores stands slightly behind Ruiz's right shoulder, the look on his face indicating he has reservations about the prudence of this interview.

Ruiz soldiers on.

"Even out of shape, even the way I was training, I did pretty good, dude," he says. "I did pretty good."

The interviewer agrees with a vigor not often found in human interaction. "You're a legend," the TMZ guy tells Ruiz, who smiles and nods and heads across the street toward a black Suburban. A man in a black suit is waiting, holding the door open to whatever comes next.

Go here to see the original:
A year after Anthony Joshua upset, what happened to Andy Ruiz Jr.? - ESPN

The ketogenic diet, or keto for short, may seem like just another fad, but scroll through social media and youll see many showing off their weight loss success. The keto diet works by literally changing the way your body uses energy.

Normally, the body converts carbohydrates, or sugar, into glycogen for energy. But on the ketogenic diet, carbs are drastically reduced so that the body can enter a metabolic state called ketosis where you burn fat for energy instead of glycogen.

However, its not always easy to enter ketosis. And your body wont immediately reach this fat-burning state after a day of cutting carbohydrates. It takes time, and it may be difficult to know when youve reached that point. Here are some tips to help you know when youve reached ketosis and how to get there a little faster.

To reach ketosis, you must first reduce your bodys glycogen reserves. The keto diet helps you do that by limiting carbohydrates to less than 50 grams per day. Thats about the equivalent amount of carbs in two large apples.

After about two days to a week of restricting carbs, your body should start tapping into fat reserves for energy. But this can vary person to person and may take slightly longer. Some ways you can speed up the process is:

Common symptoms of the keto diet include:

These symptoms are often called the keto flu, and are a side effect of your bodys transition to a constant state of ketosis. After four to six weeks your body will adapt and these side effects should resolve.

Other ways to check that youre in ketosis is with urine test strips or at-home blood and breath tests. These tests measure the ketone levels in your system. Ketones are the byproduct of fatty acids the body breaks down when youre in ketosis.

A blood test is the most accurate way to measure ketones and is used in doctors offices, but involves a needle prick. However, urine strips and breath meters are also accurate and less invasive. According to one small 2016 study, urine strips offer the most accurate readings early in the morning and right after dinner.

The keto diet was developed in the 1920s as an effective treatment for children with epilepsy who were not responding to drugs that were available at the time.

Today its also used as a medical diet to treat other diseases, like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Studies show that ketones provide energy without elevating blood sugar levels, which reduces the need for insulin. In one clinical trial, people with type 2 diabetes were able to decrease their medication dosage after 12 months of a ketogenic diet.

There are also hints this diet may be good for brain health. In 2019, a small study showed a low-carb diet may improve memory in adults who have mild cognitive problems, potentially an early sign of Alzheimers disease. One possible explanation is that brains of people with Alzheimers disease dont use glucose as efficiently, and ketones may be an easier source of energy for overall brain function.

But beyond low blood sugar levels and possible brain health, the keto diets recent claim to fame is for weight and fat loss. Low carbohydrate diets, in general, have been shown to lead to more rapid weight loss compared to other diets, but not necessarily more weight loss long-term.

For example, in one trial, lasting six months, obese women following a low-carb diet lost nearly 10 pounds more than participants following a low-fat diet. They also lost significantly more body fat 10.5 pounds versus 4.4 pounds.

Researchers note, though, that most weight loss studies have been short term, so it is unclear how this diet performs for long-term weight loss.

Despite the weight loss and other potential health benefits,Lorraine Turcotte, a metabolism researcher at the University of Southern California says she would not recommend this extreme diet over a more moderate approach to eating.

There is a potential benefit [for weight loss] but I would never recommend it unless you are clinically managed, she says.

One reason she would not recommend the diet, especially to athletes, is because it can lead to a breakdown of muscles-the body cannot operate optimally without carbohydrates, so it may resort to using muscle stores instead.

The body breaks down muscle protein into amino acids and then uses the amino acids to make glucose, says Turcotte. It is not clear if consuming so much fat, especially if the diet is heavy in saturated fat, is good for cardiovascular health long term either cardiologists say the diet could lead to high cholesterol. In addition, over time, ketosis can cause side effects like kidney stones and constipation in children following the diet for epilepsy treatment.

Turcotte also says that leaving out carbohydrate-rich food groups like fruits, whole grains, and legumes can also lead to a nutritionally-deficient diet lacking many vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, which are essential to overall health. Besides that, she says, it is just a very strict regime to stay on for a long period of time even for the most die-hard keto dieters.

Site highlights each day to your inbox.

Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Here is the original post:
Ketosis is a metabolic state that can help you shed fat fast here's how to reach it - Business Insider Australia

On Saturday, Felicia Spencer competes in her first pay-per-view main event. It wont be the first time shes squared off with a woman considered to be one of the greatest of all-time.

When Spencer fought Cris Cyborg this past summer, the Brazilian star was one fight removed from her first loss in 13 years. The bout carried considerable weight, not only because of the scrutiny Cyborg was facing following a stunning setback against Amanda Nunes, but because it would also provide insight into how far along Spencer was as a featherweight prospect.

Though Spencer lost a unanimous decision, she earned praise for going the distance with the more experienced Cyborg and bounced back from that loss with a first-round TKO of Zarah Fairn in February. That win moved Spencer to the top of the contender rankings and next for her is a shot at Nuness championship at UFC 250 at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

Spencer learned a lot from the 15 minutes she spent battling Cyborg and shes bringing that to the octagon with her as she attempts to be more than just another name in the legendary run that Nunes is currently on.

I definitely see the resemblance, Spencer told MMA Fighting, in regards to the hype surrounding the Cyborg and Nunes fights. [The Cyborg fight] did feel like a title fight and I think even some of the commentators made comments about it being a title fight or a five-round fight, something like that was said during the actual event. Media, even afterwards, were like, losing to the champion or mentioned that it was five rounds and I had to remind them it wasnt a championship fight, it was only three rounds.

I think that the experience just adds to the repertoire. Ive been through some of the buildup and now its actually a little bit less because of the restrictions with media and stuff. Its less invasive, less stuff going on. I feel like I was so lucky and happy to be given the opportunity to have such a high placement on the card last summer with Cyborg, having the big stage, and now its kind of all happening again but this time in the main event, which was super unexpected at first because we were third down initially and then co-main and now were the main. I just kind of take the news and then move on. My number one focus is just beating Amanda and then everything that comes after will come after and Ill enjoy it then.

Spencer has had plenty to celebrate already. Aside from booking the Nunes fight, the 29-year-old was married in December. Her husband Todd Coppinger, also a fighter, competed for the first time as a pro in February after dealing with injuries for the past two years. He won by first-round knockout.

Coppinger wasnt cornered by Spencer as she instead watched from the seats, describing herself as jittery and grateful to be in the background on fight night for once. Just five years ago, Spencer made her own pro debut with Invicta FC, rattling off six straight wins to start her career capped off by a submission of Pam Sorenson that won her a vacant featherweight title. Less than two years later, shes fighting for UFC gold.

The rapid ascent is not lost on Spencer.

Especially since I turned pro, but even before then, the opportunities just escalate quickly, Spencer said. My amateur career started off slow, it was really tough to get fights, then all of a sudden I had a few wins and I got called to Vegas to fight in the Tuff-N-Uff tournament, which was a huge deal and such a big thing back then. And then Invicta.

Really, every year I look back its milestones. People are just saying the same thing, Wow, its crazy, youve done this and this, its a crazy year. Yeah, every year I look back and its a crazy year so its kind of the same as usual. The opportunities are incredible and mind-blowing but I feel like this every year, so well see what happens next year.

Born in Montreal and raised in Florida, Spencer looks forward to taking the UFC belt on a tour of both Canada and the United States should she defeat Nunes. Spencer is the first Canadian to challenge for a UFC title since Georges St-Pierre returned from retirement and beat middleweight champion Michael Bisping in November 2017.

Its an opportunity that Spencer was confident she would get after defeating Fairn, though shes aware that the more established Megan Anderson who knocked out Norma Dumont Viana the same night as Spencers win over Fairn was in consideration as well. Spencer submitted Anderson in May 2019 and wouldnt be surprised if they rematch somewhere down the road.

It was definitely presented after like it could be [Anderson] too, that both were being considered, Spencer said. I honestly figured that I would get the first call and if they wanted to make it happen, it would happen. If I didnt get the first call then so be it. Just the way that they positioned us [with Spencer in the co-main event] on the card also not that they wanted me to win and not her but in the situation that happened where we both had great performances, it seemed like I would be the first one. I know Megan and I will probably fight again in the future.

Spencer is aware shes still not a household name and that there are fans viewing her as little more than a mandatory challenger for Nunes. When she steps into the octagon at UFC 250, it will be just her 10th pro appearance. Add to that the fact that her fight with Nunes had to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic throwing the UFC schedule into disarray and their hasnt been much time to properly build up their bout.

Regardless of how many are watching and how some may choose to view her contender credentials, Spencer is proud of the hill shes climbed to get here. And if she has to keep climbing to earn respect, shes ready to dig in.

Ive earned my spot here, Spencer said. I understand where people come from especially if theyre not following the sport. I understand the division that Im in is different and unique. All I stress about is what I can control, which is putting on a great performance and making people want to see me fight. Thats what I always try to do.

Two out of the three fights Ive had so far in the UFC have been first-round finishes. The other one was a decision that a lot of people were happy with as far as my performance, other people werent, but whatever. All I can do is put my best foot forward and hope the people want to see me again. If not, Ill keep winning and take my spot.

See the rest here:
Felicia Spencer reflects on fast track to UFC title fight: Ive earned my spot here - MMA Fighting

Laurence Girard, Fruit Street Health CEO

Like many healthcare startups, Fruit Street Health has experienced many twists and turns in its evolution as a telemedicine company with multiple products. In an interview with MedCity News, CEO and co-founder Laurence Girard discussed the companys product offerings, business model and its focus on building a community of physician investors, as opposed to seeking funding from venture capitalists, all of which are reflective of the companys mission and journey.

After perceiving a growing need for digital health tools to manage chronic conditions, Girard founded Fruit Street Health in 2014. While serving as an ER volunteer, Girard took a course in nutrition epidemiology at the Harvard Extension School with a Harvard School of Public Health professor, which changed his initial plans of attending medical school.

I realized that we can prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke through diet and lifestyle. I also started reading about physicians like Dr. Dean Ornish who proved you could reverse heart disease through diet and lifestyle modification. It made me think I could have a bigger social impact through a combination of technology and entrepreneurship in the field of public health.

In its first phase of business development, Fruit Street created a telemedicine software platform that would eventually be licensed to physicians and dietitians. For the first three years the company was developing telemedicine software and striving to find product market fit. It ultimately succeeded with strategic developments and the formation of critical relationships. Fruit Street found success when it pivoted its business model from telehealth software to delivering the CDCs Diabetes Prevention Program.

In 2017, Girard successfully registered the company for the CDC diabetes prevention program based on advice from a Fitbit executive. Fruit Street eventually got a stamp of approval from the CDC when it achieved full recognition. In order to achieve the full recognition designation from the CDC, diabetes prevention programs must achieve outcomes such as 5% average weight loss for participants that take part for at least nine months.

Fruit Streets flagship product is delivery of the CDCs diabetes prevention program via telehealth and live group video conferencing with registered dietitians. The program is designed to help patients with pre-diabetes lose 5% to 7% of their weight to reduce their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The program is based on research CMS funded that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine which proved that the diabetes prevention program helped patients with prediabetes reduce their risk for Type 2 diabetes by 58%.

It involves screening patients via a Type 2 diabetes risk assessment. If the results indicate the patient is at risk for the disease, they will be entered into a weekly telehealth program aimed at managing health and preventing the chronic condition. Members not only participate in the weekly group classes, but also share photos of their meals with dietitians providing feedback. They also use a wireless scale and Fitbit to track their physical activity.

When asked about the impact of the current public health crisis on Fruit Streets business, Girard said Medicares loosening of telehealth regulations has helped attract more customers. He noted that the CDC promoted Fruit Streets software as a solution for in-person diabetes prevention programs to switch to delivery of the program online via telemedicine during the pandemic.

Weve seen a big shift from these in-person diabetes prevention programs to adopting telemedicine relatively quickly, he said.

Rachel Neifeld, a registered dietitian, is among Fruit Streets recent hires who have helped thrust the company into pole position. She leads the digital diabetes prevention program. Previously, Rachel served as an inpatient dietitian at Montefiore Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, then as an outpatient diabetes educator at Beth Israel Mt. Sinai Endocrine Center.

In late April, Fruit Street hired Chief Technology Officer Ian McFarland, who served in a similar role at Pear Therapeutics, a digital therapeutics business. In fact, it was McFarland who persuaded Girard to expand Fruit Streets offering to include a service aimed at preventing and treating the coronavirus.

Fruit Street Health launched CovidMD at the height of the public health crisis, during which the countrys struggle regarding the need to address public health and the need to restore the economy was at its peak. The risk assessment, triage, and telemedicine platform, built on the Salesforce Service Cloud and Zoom, tracks sources of domestic exposure and pre-existing chronic conditions as part of a proprietary risk scoring system. This system generates both an exposure risk score and a health risk score for each person. Then, users are provided with personalized information about next steps, based on their risk scores and the latest CDC guidelines. Theyre also given the option to connect with a healthcare provider via live video, who will be able to take actions such as write a prescription or order an at-home test for Covid-19.

Eventually, Fruit Street plans to develop a more holistic telemedicine solution that will include behavioral health with psychiatrists and psychologists via live video, virtual primary care, and dietitian-based services which Fruit Street already delivers.

Fruit Streets investment model is what sets the company apart from the myriad of telemedicine companies on the market. Rather than utilize venture capital firms for funds, the company focuses on physician angel investors, who also function as advisers.

I realized that I enjoyed working with the physicians that had invested and they were the ones who were more focused on having a social impact, says Girard. I wanted Fruit Street to be a grassroots effort of physicians who want to have a social impact in public health through the power of telemedicine. I wanted to focus on physician investors rather than venture capitalists because physicians know more about healthcare products than a venture capital firm. What if a physician could use my product or tell me how I should design it based on their experience working with patients?

Asif Ali was the companys first physician-investor, a cardiologist at the University of Texas in Houston.

Physicians tend to invest between $25,000 to $50,000. Girard noted that many tap an IRA/401k to invest in the business. Recently, Fruit Street launched a crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine to offer a wider range of investment points for a wider variety of physician investors, demonstrating the companys value for its physician community, as well as its dedication to improving Fruit Streets program for patients and user experience for physicians.

Physicians develop clinical protocols, but they also talk to each other. I dont start every discussion a physician can post an idea and other physicians can respond in real time. So its really kind of like a collegiate forum where we discuss everything and anything. And then well have weekly updates on Zoom, where well share progress made on the product and the business impact in the chat box or just share their comments on product design and clinical protocols. They might make helpful introductions to potential customers; they might recommend colleagues to invest. Some of them use our telemedicine software in their practice. Some of them are actually telemedicine providers.

Girard has had a long journey in the telemedicine industry. He noted that his idea started on a napkin which has now grown into three telemedicine products that are having a social impact on diabetes prevention and providing medical care online.

Looking ahead, Girard envisions building a physician community of 10,000 that will serve as a hub for expert insights on product development and solidify the companys position for future growth.

Photo Credit: Zoom Video Communications

See the rest here:
Cultivated by physician investors, Fruit Street Health's evolution as a telehealth business - MedCity News

JT Towers had one year to prove himself as a linebacker.

A former quarterback at Glen Rose, Towers wasn't going to let a toe injury prevent him from becoming one of the state's top defensive players at Joe T. Robinson, and then an Arkansas Razorback.

JT Towers at a glance

CLASS Freshman

POSITION Linebacker

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6-4, 210 pounds

HOMETOWN Little Rock

HIGH SCHOOL Joe T. Robinson

AGE 18

NOTEWORTHY Three-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN.com. Rated as the No. 45 linebacker in the country by ESPN and the ninth overall prospect in Arkansas by 247Sports. Recorded 171 tackles, including 105 unassisted and 47 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery in 2019 for Robinson. Passed for 1,331 yards and 11 touchdowns, and rushed for 735 yards and 14 scores at quarterback for Glen Rose in 2018. Chose Arkansas over Army, Oklahoma, Memphis, Navy and Texas Tech, among others.

Towers led Robinson to a Class 4A state championship last season and signed with the University of Arkansas in February.

In Robinson's season opener against Springdale, Towers injured his right big toe. He missed three games, then returned to action, becoming a stalwart in the Senators' defense.

Towers finished with 171 tackles, including 105 unassisted and 47 for a loss, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 2019. He earned first-team honors on the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's All-Arkansas Preps team along with teammate Chandler McIntosh, who is scheduled to walk on with the Razorbacks.

"I told myself, I wasn't going to let the injury end my senior season," Towers said. "I was going to do everything I could to play. I was glad I was able to play through the pain."

Robinson Coach Todd Eskola admired Towers' toughness in his senior season.

"The pain he was in, 99% of players would have said no way they're playing," Eskola said. "He never got to play at full speed. We managed his practice reps. He was never healthy.

"But never once did he make an excuse. The kids that don't use the c-word -- 'can't' -- are high in my book. He doesn't use the word can't."

Robinson's only loss last season was to Arkadelphia, 28-27, on Oct. 4. From there, the Senators won 10 consecutive games, and their season culminated in a state championship victory over Shiloh Christian at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Winning a state championship was special for Towers, who said the Arkadelphia loss was what allowed the Senators to focus on their main task.

"We turned a corner," Towers said. "The team came together. People had a sense of urgency. There's no better feeling than ending your high school career raising a state championship trophy at War Memorial Stadium."

While he played only one year at Robinson, Towers quickly became one of the Senators' leaders.

"It was a really great experience," Towers said. "They accepted me as family. I enjoyed the whole ride of the season."

Eskola had high praise for Towers, who was a three-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN.com.

"He's a great kid," Eskola said. "He's so polite and a well-spoken young man."

Towers signed with Arkansas in February as part of Coach Sam Pittman's first recruiting class. Eskola recalled Pittman telling him that he couldn't believe Towers hadn't been recruited more by Division I schools.

"He was a D-I kid," Eskola said. "Everybody knew it. But he didn't have film [as a linebacker]."

Once Pittman was hired in December, Towers felt a better connection to him and his staff than he had with former coach Chad Morris, who was fired in November after going 4-18 in two seasons.

"As soon as he and his staff got hired, I got an offer," Towers said. "I committed three hours after I got the offer."

Towers hasn't let the coronavirus pandemic slow him down. He has a home gym, which includes a bench-press station and a squat rack. He's also been working in conditioning drills to get ready for his college career.

Playing for Arkansas was a big goal for Towers, he said.

"Fayetteville is where I always wanted to go," Towers said. "Arkansas was my dream school."

Arkansas has not played in a bowl game since 2016 under Bret Bielema. The Razorbacks also haven't won an SEC game since 2017. But Towers said he wants to help the Razorbacks rediscover their winning ways.

"It's a process," Towers said. "Some people will say we need a rebuilding year, but I think we can compete in the SEC this year. We've got some pieces on the offensive side of the ball and some good graduate transfers on the defensive side of the ball.

"We can open up some eyes in the SEC. I grew up watching the Razorbacks play. I'm excited to get out there."

Eskola said Arkansas is getting a player in Towers that will be competitive from the first practice.

"He's a winner," Eskola said. "Some kids will refuse to lose, and he's that kid. Nobody will outwork him."

Sports on 06/03/2020

Read more from the original source:
Pain turns into gain - Arkansas Online

Overweight for most of his life (Even as a kid, Ive always been the heaviest one in a room, he says) the now 42-year-old father of six has a long history of health issues, including a stomach hernia and chronic pain that at times has been debilitating.

He sought medical help about 15 years ago, when he first started feeling some aching in his hands and face. But the doctors then blamed his troubles on his weight and left it at that, and that frustrated him. He wanted to lose weight, but thats easier said than done. And once the pain started, it felt impossible.

So, for almost a decade after that, I just kind of learned to live with it, McMichael says. I just thought I was going to be big the rest of my life, and I just had to deal with it.

I really didnt take care of myself the way I should, the Detroit Lakes man admits.

A lot of men in America could say the same. Men are notoriously bad at seeing their doctors on a regular basis. According to the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit Mens Health Network, women are 100% more likely than men to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventive services.

Men's Health Month is celebrated every June in the United States.

This habitual underdoctoring, when taken into account along with workplace hazards and biological differences from women (men have fewer infection-fighting T-cells, for example), leads men to have higher death rates from disease and shorter life expectancy overall.

Statistics cited on MensHealthNetwork.org show men die at higher rates than women from nine of the top 10 causes of death, such as heart disease and cancer, and are also the victims of over 92% of all workplace deaths. Men are also at higher risk of suicide, as their depression and other mental health disorders are less likely to be diagnosed and treated.

By the age of 100, women outnumber men eight to one.

These sorts of alarming statistics led President Bill Clinton, in 1994, to establish a National Mens Health Week every June, the week before Fathers Day. That week has since expanded into a month-long annual effort to raise awareness about mens health, and share information to help minimize health risks for men.

The Presidential Proclamation states that June is a time for men, to familiarize themselves with the symptoms and warning signs of diseases and illnesses that pose a risk to them, while also committing to leading more active and healthier lifestyles.

Men who do these things often live longer and better lives as a result. Take McMichael as an example.

About five years ago, McMichael reached a crossroads. His pain had gotten so bad that he couldnt even get out of bed some days, and he was using crutches or a cane to walk. His weight was higher than ever, at more than 300 pounds.

His youngest daughter had just been born, and he had other young kids at home, too, but he didnt have the energy to play with them. He felt like he wasnt able to be the father he wanted to be, like he wasnt doing enough for his family. He decided it was time to try and turn his health around.

It was at a point where it was getting kind of old, he says. I knew if I could lose the weight and be healthy, I could be there for my kids more, and for my wife, to help her out with stuff. And just to be healthier for myself, too -- that was one of my main goals.

McMichaels wife, Melanie, a nurse, helped him find the right doctors to work with, and that made a big difference for him. He started to undergo all sorts of tests for his pain, and also began a year-long process of shaping up (both mentally and physically) for weight loss surgery -- a procedure that was risky but, he ultimately decided, worthwhile.

After testing him for lupus and other chronic pain disorders, doctors believe McMichael most likely has multiple sclerosis, a disease of the central nervous system, though a formal diagnosis has yet to be made. He says his doctors decided to hold off on treating his pain until well after his weight loss surgery, since dramatic weight loss can have a dramatic effect on pain levels for years afterward.

McMichael's weight-loss surgery was a success and, today, he is about 120 pounds lighter than he was at his peak. He has more energy again, he says, and feels like a better father and husband because of it.

Im happy I did it, he says. I notice a huge difference. I can keep up with my kids now. I can run around with them, keep up with them, be a dad to them.

Losing the weight also lessened McMichaels chronic pain levels, as his doctors predicted they would. While he still has occasional flare ups, he says the pain overall is much more manageable now than it was before the surgery.

If the pain starts to get worse again, he adds, hell be less stubborn and hard-headed about going back to the doctor to take care of it.

McMichael, who has degrees in graphic design and web development, has been a stay-at-home dad for the past few years. He went back to school last year for community health work, and is a Citizen Father with The FATHER Project.

Most factors that contribute to mens shorter, less healthy lives are preventable. And prevention starts with seeing a healthcare provider on a regular basis. (File Photo)

A higher percentage of men have no health care coverage.

Men make half as many physician visits for prevention.

Men are employed in greater numbers in the most dangerous occupations, such as mining, fire fighting, construction and fishing.

Society discourages healthy behaviors in men and boys.

Research on male-specific diseases is underfunded.

Men may have less healthy lifestyles, including risk-taking at younger ages.

Source: MensHealthNetwork.org

Encourage the men in your life to get their physicals. Most factors that contribute to mens shorter, less healthy lives are preventable. And prevention starts with seeing a healthcare provider on a regular basis. Download a helpful chart of recommended screenings at http://www.healthfinder.gov.

Then, encourage them to get physical. The benefits of physical activity on health outcomes are extensive. Suggest joining the local community center, signing up for personal training sessions, or simply taking regular walks.

Let him know you care. One reason men disregard their own health is that theyre too busy taking care of everyone else. But if they die early, theyll be hurting the very people theyve worked so hard to protect. Remind him that you and your other family members love him and need him to be alive and healthy for as long as possible.

Wear blue. Encourage everyone you know to wear something blue during Mens Health Week, celebrated June 15-21 this year.

Learn more. Mens Health Network has collected more than 300 proclamations recognizing Mens Health Month (and Week), the important part that fathers play as role models for their children, and how much better off kids are when they have an actively involved dad in their life. Visit http://www.MensHealthNetwork.org or http://www.MensHealthMonth.org.

Source: MensHealthNetwork.org

Read the original post:
DL dad's efforts to lose weight, get healthy have made life better - Detroit Lakes Tribune

With each passing birthday, it feels like your jeans are suddenly a bit tighter. No matter what you try to do, it seems impossible to combat age-related weight gain. Whether you are in your 50s or 80s, age-related weight gain can be a major problem. If you start gaining just a pound a year when you are 50 years old, you will end up weighing 30 pounds more by the time you turn 80.

From the ages of 29 to 39, women gain an average of 7 pounds. During the same time period, men gain an average of 15 pounds. Unfortunately, it is harder for people to lose weight in their 30s and 40s. By the time you get to call yourself a senior, you probably have a dozen pounds or more that you want to get rid of.

Part of the problem is because your muscle mass changes. Starting in your 30s, you lose muscle mass with each passing decade. Your muscle mass is then replaced by fat. Even if you work out frequently, you will still deal with this problem. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, this change causes your metabolism to slow down.

Changing hormones also leads to weight gain. Because of estrogen changes, women typically gain about 15 pounds during menopause. Meanwhile, men lose testosterone. This leads to less muscle mass and potential weight gain.

Once you reach retirement age, you finally have time to get in shape and lose weight. Your kids have moved out, so you no longer have so many family responsibilities getting in the way of your health. If you are still struggling to get in shape, CBD for weight loss may be able to help. CBD uses the cannabinoid system to help you treat some of the problems that keep you from having a healthier, thinner body.

How Does CBD Work?

Your body already has a cannabinoid system that uses the chemicals your body naturally produces. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) both work by using this natural system. In total, there are at least 113 cannabinoids that have been discovered in cannabis. THC is the most famous one because it is the component in cannabis that gets you high. Unlike THC, CBD and other cannabinoids do not have psychoactive properties.

Instead of causing a sense of euphoria, CBD helps with problems like stress, pain and anxiety. Many people take CBD for insomnia, arthritis and similar conditions. CBD targets the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain to alleviate different medical problems.

Because of the 2018 Farm Bill, farmers can now grow and sell hemp. Unlike other strains of cannabis, hemp does not contain high levels of THC. This means that CBD can be legally produced and sold under federal laws. Many states also have laws that legalize CBD production. Because of the legality of CBD, many researchers are now looking into the different therapeutic effects of this cannabinoid. Investment and research in this field are only beginning, so there is still a long way to go before researchers discover all of the conditions that CBD can treat and the correct dosages.

At the moment, research trials have found success in using CBD to treat schizophrenia, autism, alcoholism and skin conditions. There are more than 150 trials taking place around the world that are looking into other conditions as well. Right now, the Food and Drug Administration has actually approved a CBD-based drug known as Epidolex to treat a kind of epilepsy. From trials focused on sleep disorders to pain management, scientists have already found that CBD can help with a number of different problems.

How Does CBD Affect Weight Loss?

If you plan on taking CBD for weight gain, you may be on the right track. Like any diet plan, you also need to adopt a healthy lifestyle as well. Other than taking CBD, it is also important to eat a healthy diet and start working out.

Researchers have already found several ways that CBD can support weight loss. In a 2011 study in Neuroscience Letters, researchers found that laboratory rats had a significant drop in body weight after they were given CBD injections for 14 days. During the study, the rats received 2.5 to 5 milligrams of CBD for every kilogram of their body weight. The rats that received 5 milligrams of CBD had the most pronounced weight loss. Because of this study, researchers believe that CBD can alter how the body gains weight.

At the moment, scientists think that CBD supports weight loss because of the way it works in the human body. Your body has had an endocannabinoid system since the moment you were born. This cannabinoid system produces different responses to compounds using two receptors known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB2 receptors exist throughout your body. Meanwhile, the CB1 receptors are primarily located within your central nervous system and brain.

People who suffer from obesity have a weird distribution of CB receptors. For whatever reason, the CB1 receptors travel to other parts of the body that they are not supposed to be in. They become especially prevalent in fatty tissue. Because of this strange distribution, scientists now believe that there could be a link between obesity and the activation of CB1 receptors.

CBD influences the way your bodys natural cannabinoids work. This can lead to the shutdown or activation of different receptors, which can influence your bodys metabolic system. Because of this, some evidence seems to indicate that using CBD can help you lose weight. It may also help you combat weight gain that stems from metabolic disorders.

Related: Looking for a reliable CBD product for seniors? Check out Blue Ribbon Hemp.

The Benefits of Using CBD for Losing Weight

Scientists have discovered that CBD can help a variety of different health problems. Other than alleviating chronic pain, it is useful for treating depression and anxiety. The following benefits help CBD to successfully support a diet and exercise plan for losing weight.

CBD Supports the Browning of Your Fat Cells

In recent years, scientists have discovered that the human body contains white and brown fat. White fat is the main form that exists in the body. It is used to cushion and insulate your organs. White fat is also responsible for storing energy.

Unfortunately, white fat is also linked to a number of chronic illnesses. If you have heart disease or diabetes, you are more likely to have excessive amounts of white fat. This kind of fat is generally considered unhealthy.

Brown fat is the kind of fat your body actually burns for energy. When you are running low on energy, your body turns to brown fat before it uses white fat. People who are at a healthy weight tend to have more brown fat than overweight or obese individuals. To transform white fat into brown fat, you need to make sure to get enough sleep, exercise and expose your body to cold temperatures.

It turns out that using CBD may also help your body turn white fat into brown fat. This browning of fat cells has been shown to happen in laboratories. Scientists used CBD and test tubes to see what would happen to white fat cells. The presence of CBD helped to create the proteins and genes needed for creating brown fat.

CBD Could Help Improve Your Metabolism

While most people associate cannabis with getting the munchies, CBD may actually help you reduce your food intake. Recent research seems to suggest that using CBD can help you lower the amount of food you eat. It can also increase your metabolism. As a result of these two mechanisms, you could enjoy a higher level of weight loss.

In animal studies, CBD affected an animals weight by targeted CB1 and CB2 receptors within the brain and lymphoid tissue. Over the course of two weeks, rats were given daily injections of CBD. They received 2.5 to 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. The higher dose was connected to more weight loss, but both doses actually led to a reduction in body weight.

CBD Can Reduce Your Body Weight

In population studies, marijuana is actually connected to having a lower body weight. Researchers looked at 50,000 people and surveyed their cannabis use. Among people who used cannabis at least three days a week, there was a 14 to 17 percent incidence of obesity. Meanwhile, people who completely abstain from marijuana use for the last 12 months had a 22 to 25 percent obesity rate.

It should be noted that this study looked at marijuana use and not CBD use. Some researchers have proposed that the different cannabinoids in marijuana have a synergistic effect on appetite and metabolism. Because of this, some people use full-spectrum products so that they get other cannabinoids as well as CBD.

CBD May Alleviate Metabolic Disorders

There is also some research that shows how CBD can affect metabolic disorders. Researchers have found that metabolic disorders like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol are linked to higher obesity rates. This may be due to having too many CB receptors activated in the body. CBD helps to block the CB1 receptors, which may be why it seems to reduce an individuals risk of becoming obese.

Previous studies show that CBD can have a remarkable impact on metabolic disorders. In one study, obese rats were given CBD treatments. The treatments led to lower blood sugar levels and better liver health. In addition, these rats had a 25 percent lower rate of high cholesterol than the rats in the control group. While rats are obviously not human beings, studies like this do show promise in using CBD to treat weight gain.

Does THCV Help You Lose Weight?

Other cannabinoids like THCV may be able to help with obesity as well. THCV is a minor cannabinoid that is an antagonist for CB1 and CB2 receptors. This means you can take THCV for weight loss. While THC increases your appetite, THCV lowers your appetite because it is an antagonist.

Basically, THCV is a natural appetite suppressant. It can help to reduce glucose intolerance, which is helpful for people who have type 2 diabetes. THCV can also increase your calorie expenditure, which supports natural weight loss.

How Can You Take CBD?

Since a great deal of CBD research is still ongoing, there is no recommended dosage at the moment. The right dosage can vary based on your personal body chemistry, your health conditions and what you are using CBD for. In general, it is a good idea to start with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase your intake from that point. Many people begin by taking 25 to 30 milligrams of CBD each day. If this dosage does not seem to work, you can try increasing it.

Other than choosing the right amount, you can also select different consumption methods. Many people choose one of the following options for using CBD.

Any medication you use will always carry a risk of side effects, so keep this in mind before you try any drug. In general, CBD is considered relatively safe when compared to other medications. There is a minor risk of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and low blood pressure. In very rare cases, there have been signs of liver injury.

CBD can potentially interact with other medications, so it is important to be aware of that before you use CBD. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any diet and exercise plan. In addition to discussing CBD, you can also ask your doctor about different diet and exercise plans that can support your ongoing weight loss.

Related: For CBD products backed by third party lab-test results, turn to Real Tested CBD.

Here is the original post:
The Ultimate Guide to CBD And Seniors for Weight Loss - Riverfront Times

Weight Loss Tips: Check out some healthy food combinations that can speed up your weight loss efforts.

Are you watching your weight? Then you should know that healthy eating and daily physical workout can help you to lose those love handles. However, there are certain boosters such as intermittent fasting, HIIT training, calorie deficit and fat-burning foods that can come to your aid. For the unversed, when we eat more and don't burn the excess calories, the same gets converted into fats. So, with the help of healthy foods and workout, one can help to burn those fats.

Today we are talking about certain food combinations that can speed up your weight loss efforts. Bringing certain foods together can actually lead to weight loss and its win-win for foodies who find it hard to follow IF and similar diets or patterns. These food combos are made from very healthy foods that fill you up and help you burn fat. Make sure you don't abuse them by eating more. Read on to know more.

ALSO READ |Weight Loss: 4 Japanese tricks that will help you to shed extra pounds

1. Honey and lemon

Honey and lemon combo is a great weight loss tool as together they become a powerful metabolism booster. They have a small number of calories and help to flush out toxins and toxin buildup can thwart your weight loss. The presence of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients makes us full for a good period of time. Ideally, you should have this concoction on empty stomach. You can also add the cinnamon powder as well.

2. Oatmeal and Peanut Butter

Oats are a superfood that anyways you should include in the diet. They are one of the best sources of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The soluble fiber called beta-glucan helps to lose weight by promoting healthy gut bacteria and increases feelings of fullness. On the other hand, Peanut Butter is packed with a plant-based protein. In addition, it is also low in carbs and a good source of healthy fats. And these factors are linked to weight loss. So, grab peanut butter oatmeal for your breakfasts.

3. Carrot and Tahini

Carrot is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They rank low on the glycemic index scale and one of the best sources of vitamin A, several B-vitamins, vitamin K, and potassium. Carrots increase satiety and decrease your overall calorie intake. Tahini aka sesame butter is also one of the nutritious foods. The fiber in tahini reduces calorie intake, which promotes weight loss. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties and promote a healthy gut and the same indirectly helps to weight loss.

4. Spinach and Banana

Spinach Banana smoothies are super healthy but did you know it can promote weight loss?Speaking of Bananas, they hardly have fats and low in cal as well. The fiber keeps the hunger hormone, ghrelin, from being released. On the other hand, Spinach is loaded with protein and we know that the same helps to not only boost metabolism but also aid in muscle growth and development.

5.Chicken and Cayenne pepper

As you know, protein is very effective in reducing weight and chicken is full of it. As per studies, one can control and manage weight loss if they eat chicken breast often. They are also very low-cal. Cayenne peppers, on the other hand, have a compound called capsaicin and it helps with appetite control and increases the rate at which the body burns calories.

ALSO READ | Follow these weight loss tips that are backed by research & shed extra kilos

x Your comment has been submitted to the moderation queue

Follow this link:
Weight Loss Tips: Try THESE food combinations and shed extra kilos - PINKVILLA

Breakfast foods are good sources of important nutrients such as calcium, iron as well as protein and fibre.

It is protein and fibrous meals that will help you burn belly fat. Fibre helps you keep full but tends to be in foods that are low in calories and when you eat high fibre foods, you have less room in your diet for foods that are not as nutrient dense, like refined carbohydrates.

When you burn more calories than you consume, you lose weight. When you eat breakfast, you activate a process called thermogenesis which stimulates your metabolism.

Eating a big meal at breakfast will keep you fuller for longer which will mean you will be less inclined to snack throughout the day, reducing your overall daily intake.

READ MORE:Mediterranean diet: Expert reveals how to lose weight without cutting out favourite foods

Bananas

Incorporating this high fibre fruit into your breakfast meals is a great alternative to sugary breakfast cereals because a banana will still satisfy your sweet tooth first thing in the morning.

One medium sized banana has just over 100 calories but contains 12 percent of your daily fibre needs. Fibre helps slow the emptying of the stomach to curb cravings and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Bananas are also a good source of resistant starch, a type of starch that your stomach and small intestine dont digest. Research suggests that resistant starch may help reduce food intake and reduce belly fat.

Berries

Fruits including berries like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries have very few calories but are packed with fibre. Eating these with your breakfast will help you stay full until lunch time.

Berries are packed with antioxidants which help regulate blood sugar levels and keep sugar from being sent to your fat cells.

Research shows people who eat more antioxidants, especially in the morning have better success with weight management.

You can add berries to a smoothie or you can top porridge with berries to make a super healthy breakfast meal.

Avocado

The high fat content present in avocados causes many to avoid the food. However theyre packed with healthy fats, which every breakfast needs.

They contain both fibre and oleic acid, which help alleviate the feelings of hunger and you can incorporate avocado into your breakfast very easily.

You can have avocado on toast or you could even blitz it up in a smoothie which creates a creamy taste.

Avocados are also burned at a higher rate than any other type of fat and they can cause your body to continue to burn more calories even after eating.

More:
Weight loss: Five breakfast ideas to help you burn belly fat - what are they? - Express