Category Archives: Lose Weight Fast

The Southern California weight loss surgery clinic comments on a recent article that the powerful evidence supporting the many benefits of weight loss surgery continues to mount.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) November 06, 2019

An October 16 article on WebMD reported on a recent study finding that obese women who undergo weight loss surgery before becoming pregnant decrease health risks to themselves and their babies. Los Angeles-based weight loss surgery specialists Dr. Feiz and Associates says that the research demonstrates that defeating obesity with the help of a weight-loss procedure is an overall boon to a patient's health as well as her offspring's.

The weight loss clinic says it's no secret that when individuals struggling with obesity lose significant amounts of weight, their overall health and quality of life increases. Common conditions that are linked to obesity include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The clinic adds that all of these conditions can not only shorten individuals' life expectancy but also affect the quality in which they are able to live out those years. The problem, of course, is that defeating obesity is a lot easier said than done.

While natural weight loss through proper diet and exercise is theoretically a simple matter of consuming fewer calories than one burns, there are a number of reasons why bariatric surgery appears to be necessary for the large majority of patients to defeat severe obesity. Dr. Feiz and Associates says that one reason involves the reality that obese individuals tend to produce higher amounts of a hormone called ghrelin, which spurs our desire to eat. As dieters begin losing weight, however, it gets worse because the production of the hormone increases ever further the body is essentially preparing for a famine that is never going to come. The result is nagging feelings that are essentially identical to hunger and very difficult to ignore.

The clinic says that reducing ghrelin production is part of why such procedures as a sleeve gastrectomy have proven so powerful. The original premise of the procedure was simply to reduce the size of the stomach to make overeating uncomfortable and reduce the appetite. Over time, however, it became clear that removing roughly 75%-85% of the stomach also removes the area of the body that might be most responsible for ghrelin production. Thus, patients are discouraged from overeating while being less bothered by the feelings that make them want to overeat in the first place.

Dr. Feiz and Associates note that it's crucial for prospective patients to realize that undergoing a weight loss procedure will not automatically fix all of their weight-related health issues and they still have to work at changing their relationship with food. The clinic says that with the aid of a weight loss procedure, however, reducing significant amounts of weight through diet becomes much easier to accomplish.

Readers who would like to learn more about Dr. Feiz and Associates and their weight loss services can call 310-855-8058 or visit the clinic's website at https://www.drfeiz.com.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: https://www.prweb.com/releases/weight_loss_surgery_benefits_by_bolstered_by_research_into_bariatric_procedures_and_childbirth_says_dr_feiz_and_associates/prweb16675499.htm

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Weight Loss Surgery Benefits by Bolstered by Research into Bariatric Procedures and Childbirth, Says Dr. Feiz and Associates - Benzinga

Weight loss is not always easy to achieve and slimmers may worry they will be left feeling hungry and unsatisfied. However, dieters do not have to go without a mid afternoon treat when getting into shape, experts revealed. These are the top five snacks to help weight loss.

Protein is the most satiating macronutrient and is the hardest to store as body fat. You even burn calories digesting it.

Instead of tucking into high carb treats, slimmers can pick from a list of healthy foods to keep them satisfied.

Fat-free yogurt with raspberries and nut butter - 210 calories

They said: This nutrient-dense swap is not only voluminous - so youll feel fuller - its much higher in protein. It includes a great source of healthy fats and the berries bring added fibre. This is a great snack for curbing sweet cravings!

DON'T MISS

Dark chocolate - 121 calories

They said: I get all my clients to immediately switch from sweets and bars of milk or white chocolate to high-quality dark chocolate, roughly 70to 85 percent.

With good quality dark chocolate, a little goes a long way, so harder to overconsume, and it has a lot of healthy antioxidants.

Dark chocolate is especially beneficial for my female clients when they are nearing their time of the month and cravings are through the roof a little dark chocolate can squash those urges right away.

Biltong - 74 calories

Biltong brings all the convenience, but far less calories than its potato equivalent, the experts revealed.

This slow digesting protein will keep you fuller for longer and help stabilise blood sugar levels.

Cherry tomatoes - 26 calories

Cherry tomatoes are a great swap to get a sweet fix, the trainers explained.

Packed full of fibre but low in calories, they will help curb sweet cravings and give you that feeling of fullness. Great for desk-snackers or social events like cinema outings.

Low calorie jelly - 4 calories

They said: Its so easy to pick up a yoghurt from the fridge for a low-calorie dessert, but remember that all those 100 calorie snacks here and there soon add up if youre not paying attention.

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Weight loss: Top five snacks to help you shape up revealed - which has fewest calories? - Express

CONFIDENT in her own skin, Stephanie Paredes indulged her love of food.

As the reading on the scales crept up and up, the 29-year-old thought nothing of it.

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Stephanie says it was her mantra that "big is beautiful" that left her blind to the risks - and saw her eat her way to 30 stone.

It was only when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and struggled to tie her own shoe laces that she realised she needed to make some drastic changes, for the sake of her health.

"Ive always considered myself as being beautiful even when I was bigger," Stephanie said.

"I'd embraced self-love and my personality and the way I carried myself attracted people to me.

"I think that's why I avoided bullying."

While embracing her body positivity, Stephanie, from Richmond, Virginia in the US, began to struggle with her health.

At her heaviest she weighed 29st 12lbs and was a UK dress size 40.

In August 2015, the office worker was diagnosed with high blood pressure and sleep apnoea, developed a knee problem and was told she had type 2 diabetes, all because she was classified as obese.

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Stephanie struggled to do normal, everyday activities and stopped going out with friends for fear of slowing them down.

She struggled going to restaurants because she couldn't fit into the booths, leaving her feeling embarrassed.

She became fed up of not being able to wear nice clothes, and struggled to tie her own laces or fasten her seat belt in the car.

In April last year, Stephanie decided enough was enough and booked to have a gastric bypass op.

The surgery was a success, and Stephanie now weighs a healthier 11st 13lbs, and wears a UK size 12.

"I have been overweight since I was a child," she said.

"I had no knowledge of nutrition and I was an emotional eater, I ate when I was bored.

"It meant I was always overeating.

"I would binge on pizza, Chinese, sweets, crisps, soda and juice and I ate so much bread and rice."

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Stephanie estimates she was eating around 3,000 calories a day - 1,000 more than the NHS daily recommended intake for a woman.

Due to her size, she struggled to walk far without being out of breath.

"I kept pulling back from my friends, I didn't want to go places like the amusement parks with them," she said.

"It was frustrating that I couldn't fit into cute little clothes or even buckle myself into cars."

Before resorting to weight loss surgery, Stephanie made a start, shedding 9st 12lbs by overhauling her diet and starting to walk 10,000 steps a day.

"I realised I needed to change for my health, and take my condition seriously," she said.

"Particularly when I found out I had diabetes, I didn't want any further problems."

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Shortly after her diagnosis in August 2015, Stephanie immediately cut out junk food, soda and juice.

She started to take note of food labels and began counting her daily calorie intake.

"I would eat three healthy meals a day and two health snacks," she said.

"For breakfast I'd have a protein shake, then at lunch a cup of meat such as grilled chicken or tenderloin steak.

"For dinner I'd have another protein, baked and served with vegetables."

As well as walking more, she joined a gym, and began weight lifting, and took Zumba classes.

By November 2016, Stephanie weighed 20st 10lbs, but over the next year some of that weight crept back.

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So, when her knee problem flared up again, she took the decision to have surgery in April last year.

Since then she has managed to continue to lose weight and now weighs 11st 13lbs.

Though her journey has been tough, she said it was worth it both physically and mentally.

"It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster letting go of unhealthy foods," Stephanie admitted.

"I went through moments of feeling upset and frustrated because I felt like there wasnt much I could eat.

Of course, now I feel this emotional journey was all worth it.

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"Although there are many factors to happiness, Im grateful to God that Ive lost the weight.

"Im no longer diabetic, I have no high blood pressure and no sleep apnoea.

Ive kept all my same friends and also gained new ones. People see me walking around during my breaks at work and they join me.

"They see me walking in place and they get motivated to exercise with me.

Those around me are amazed at my transformation. They say they are so proud of me.

"Most people cant believe that those old pictures are of me. Many say I have motivated them to live a healthier lifestyle and they themselves began losing weight."

Stephanie hopes her story will inspire others to take control of their lifestyle.

She said it's important to talk to your doctor if you're thinking of losing weight - to ensure you do it in a healthy and sustainable way, to make changes that can last.

If you ever lose your motivation, remind yourself why you started in the first place and remind yourself where you used to be," she said.

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Id also just like to add that big or small, self-love is so important.

"Even with the weight loss I still have moments of anxiety and depression.

"Dont think that losing weight will solve all your problems. It will certainly help but remember to love yourself."

Excerpt from:
Weight loss: I ate my way to 30st thinking big is beautiful now Ive lost 23st after shock diagnos - The Sun

Are you unable to lose weight despite trying every possible method? Inflammatory foods could be the reason for it, these foodsare known to hinderyour weight loss journey and don't let any weight loss diet work. Inflammation leads toweight gain, drowsiness, immunity issues, skin troubles, digestive issues, along with various other health conditions.

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Inflammation is basically your body's natural way of protecting itself fromharmful stimuli like pathogens or any kind of irritantsby releasing a specific set of molecular response in the form of immune cells and other molecular mediators.The food which causes inflammation reactions in your gut includes processed foods, sugar, fried foods, red meat, trans fats, alcohol, vegetable oil and refined foods majorly. When the inflammation becomes chronic, it is very crucial that you take care of the food groups you are consuming as chronic inflammation causes weight gain and a series of other related diseases.

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People who are on the road to their weight loss journey are generally advised to avoid anti-inflammatory food groups. These foods are noted to be rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (protective compounds found in plants) that help in disorders likerheumatoid arthritis,psoriasis,Crohn's disease,diabetes, obesity, lupus and heart disease. Anti-inflammatory food groups includeberries likeblueberries, blackberries, and cherries,leafy greens likekaleand spinach, green tea, cinnamon, nuts like almond and walnuts, tomatoes, olive oil, fatty fish likesalmon,tuna, and sardines. Mediterranean diet is also suggested as it basically consists of all these anti-inflammatory food groups.

(Source: Harward Health Publishing)

Disclaimer: The facts are backed by scientific journals and the website does not hold any liability for any of the research findings. Consult your physician before making any drastic changes in your food consumption habits.

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Read more:
Weight loss and its relation with foods that induce inflammation - Republic World - Republic World

A mum lost half her body weight in two years after being inspired by her son.

Mikala Barsby, a senior anatomical pathology technician based at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), has slimmed down from 24 stone to 12 stone.

The 39-year-old, from Kendal, claims her 15-year-old son, Kian Barsby, is the reason behind her impressive weight loss.

The pair decided to join Slimming World in June 2017, and they havent looked back since.

Mikala said: Everything I have done is for my son. Kian was a 13-year-old, 6ft, 16 stone rugby player; he was always a big lad as a child.

He told me he wanted to slim down and get fit. I have always said I will be beside him holding his hand when he needs me the most or behind him cheering him on through life.

"I knew this was the time to stand beside and hold his hand and help him, so we decided to go to Slimming World in Kendal."

Mikala's sister-in-law, Jenny Barsby, also attended the Slimming World group so they all offered support to eachother.

In less than one year, Kian lost four stone and Mikala lost eight stone. The mum and son still attend the group every week.

Mikala added: "All of Kians friends know he goes to Slimming World and hes proud of it. Hes now maintaining a three stone weight loss because he has grown to 6ft 3ins.

"Hes about 13 stone and is very fit and healthy. He plays rugby for Kendal Under 16s and I am the teams manager. He also plays for the county and for his school team.

Despite being bullied for being overweight at school, Mikala says she had never felt the need to lose weight.

She explained: I was bullied at school because I was overweight but my parents showed me unconditional love. I was brought up to love myself and to believe in myself. It was just small-minded people. They probably had issues in their own lives to go on and bully me in that way.

I have brought Kian up to love himself. Ive always encouraged him to follow his dreams just like I did myself. His dream is to be a policeman and I will support him every way I can to help him achieve this. He is very proud to be a cadet in the Cumbria police cadets.

Mikala had been overweight since she was seven or eight years old, and thinks her weight loss may have prevented the development of potential health problems.

She said: "I always felt healthy enough, I never felt unfit and my blood pressure was normal. I had been overweight since I was seven or eight years old and my parents were overweight. I never knew life any different.

What I would say is that my dad and mum both had health problems. My dad passed away in 2002 aged 60. He was a double amputee, insulin-dependent diabetic and he had heart problems.

"My mum is also a diabetic with heart problems. I think as I got older, because I was only a stone away from my dads weight, I would probably have developed health problems eventually especially with heart problems and diabetes in both sides of my family.

"I know have definitely helped myself by losing weight.

We joined Slimming World on June 29, 2017, which was also the 15th anniversary of my dads death so that date is particularly significant to me.

The pair are not on a strict diet, though, instead they have adopted a lifestyle change.

Mikala explained: We still have takeaways, although I do prefer fakeaways recommended by Slimming World now and Kian still has sweets or chocolates when he wants.

"It is a lifestyle change not a diet to us, so nothing is forbidden.

Weve changed how we cook and I do almost everything from fresh. I now make time to cook, and we eat a wide variety of healthy foods.

"I use low fat meat and we eat a lot of vegetables, salad and fruit with our meals. Now were maintaining our weight and staying healthy.

Mikala also goes for four-mile walks with her dog and niece and is a fan of Boogie Bounce trampoline-based fitness routines in Kendal.

Her work at the Mortuary for UHMBT means a lot to her and she has been working in this field for 18 years.

She said: I love my job. Its a very responsible job its the last thing you can do for someone and their families. I treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter what. Everyone deserves dignity and respect.

We have very high standards and take pride in that. We are a great team who support each other. Working in the Mortuary does open your eyes.

"I tell my son I love him and hug him every day because you never know what will happen. I tell him to never live on regrets, to do what makes him happy no matter what. So many times I hear the 'if only' or 'what if', life is too short, let the ones you love know how you feel!

The 39-year-old was in the national semi-final of Slimming Worlds Woman of the Year 2019 on October 6 in Derbyshire.

She was shortlisted to the final 35 women from winning the North West regional finals in Preston in September along with two other women.

To get there she had been voted by her group as Woman of the Year 2019. She had also been Woman of the Year 2018 and Slimmer of the Week 14 times.

Mikala said: Im not upset that I didnt get through to the final. I am proud to be one of the final 35 amazing inspirational women.

There were some very inspirational women in the final who had some very sad stories to tell. I wish the final three women good luck in the final and to enjoy the finals ball in November."

Excerpt from:
Mum lost half her body weight after being inspired by son - LancsLive

No matter what intermittent fasting schedule you're on, if you found that you're not losing weight or you've hit a weight-loss plateau, it could be because you're not clean fasting.

According to cardiologist and weight management expert Luize Petre, MD, intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of eating, or "feasting," with periods of not eating, or "fasting." The fasting window can be done in various ways, either with allowance of very low-caloric foods or liquids or by restricting it to only zero-calorie liquids. "When the more restrictive approach is taken, that is called clean fasting," she explained.

Clean fasting often is used to describe fasting or time-restricted feeding where only calorie-free and unsweetened beverages are consumed; in other words, Erin Donaldson, DO, with Executive Medicine of Texas, said stick to water, sparkling water, black coffee, tea, and herbal teas with nothing else added not even lemon slices or a noncaloric natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Many experts will say a little cream, MCT oil, sugar-free sweetener, or stevia is OK to have in your coffee while fasting, also known as "dirty fasting." But for maximum results, especially if you're not achieving your weight-loss goals, "the fast should be kept clean, and all artificial sweeteners should be avoided," said Dr. Donaldson.

Dr. Petre adds that sugar-free sweeteners can raise your insulin levels initially, and that's because your taste buds tell the brain that sugar is coming and the body prepares in advance for insulin secretion. Studies suggest that stevia can also raise insulin levels, so that should be avoided as well.

When insulin levels are low, it cues our bodies to use stored fat for energy, explained Dr. Donaldson. And even though you think you're still fasting because you're only drinking coffee with a little sugar-free sweetener or cream, or you're consuming something under 35 calories, if your body produces insulin, then it won't turn to your stored fat for energy.

Your body will have the same response to sugar-free beverages such as sodas and sports drinks, said Dr. Petre, so it's best to avoid these as well and stick to clean fasting.

If gum is sweetened with artificial sweeteners, then yes, it could also trigger insulin secretion as discussed above due to the taste buds and brain connection, explained Dr. Petre.

Another issue with chewing gum or consuming a sugar-free beverage while fasting, explained Dr. Jason Fung, MD, a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and author of The Complete Guide to Fasting, is that "gum is usually not recommended because the act of chewing and the sweetness usually triggers salivation and hunger." So for some, even if you chew sugarless gum or drink a diet soda, it might actually make fasting harder.

Don Brown, MD, CEO and founder of the LIFE Fasting app, said "the popular concept of clean fasting doesn't necessarily have a strong scientific rationale." The important thing is that in clinical research studies, even when people consume a small number of calories, flavored water, broth, or other artificially sweetened, calorie-free beverages while fasting, intermittent fasting for periods of 16 or more hours has been shown to have measurable health benefits.

If you're feeling great intermittent fasting and sipping on coffee with a little cream and stevia, chewing gum, or drinking sugar-free beverages, then I say that's a win! But if you're not feeling great or achieving the weight-loss results you want, it's worth trying clean fasting.

See original here:
What Is Clean Fasting, and How Will It Help You Speed Up Weight Loss? - POPSUGAR

She slowly eased her way into exercise

Once I was 215 pounds, I kind of felt like I was just going to be stuck there forever, Dukes says. My mindset was really poor and I didnt enjoy exercise and I couldnt honestly even think of what life was like before I packed on the weight, because I felt very stuck in my body.

She says she didnt exercise at all.

And it felt very hard for me to move my body, she says, and frankly, I also felt very embarrassed to go to the gym. I felt like I didnt know what I was doing.

To get started, she set a goal for herself: In the beginning, it was just move my body every day, do a little bit more than I did yesterday.

Dukes signed up for a gym membership. Every day, she worked out on the elliptical for 20 minutes.

In the beginning, 20 minutes on the elliptical felt like I was dying each day, she says.

That eventually became a lot easier because my body got stronger. I built up my endurance and my strength, and so thats when it became more fun, she says.

She adds, I found I was able to do a lot more than I was beforehand because it made me want to try new things.

After about six months, Dukes says she had lost about 30-40 pounds. She started to do more high-intensity training with weights.

Losing weight can be difficult, but its important not to fixate on the end goal, says Dukes. Its easy to look at how far we have to go and feel very discouraged by that, she says.

She says to focus on one day at a time.

Focus today on making good nutrition choices, moving your body, and then tomorrow, doing a little bit more, she says. Maybe drink a little more water, get a little more activity in. Maybe rather than taking the elevator, take the stairs. Just do a little more, because all of those healthy habits compound over time, and they snowball into big results.

She says its also important to focus on having a healthy mindset.

Its not some diet or some weight loss kick that youre going to be on, says Dukes. Just make the decision to be healthy and never stop. If youre making those health decisions every day, its going to compound.

Dukes says losing weight feels amazing.

I never thought I would be in the shoes I am in today, but losing the weight has completely changed my life, she says.

She says her weight loss isnt about the weight on the scale or being able to fit into a smaller size.

Just genuinely loving how you feel and what you look like and having the confidence, it changes everything in life, says Dukes.

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How this woman lost 75 pounds: Gradual lifestyle changes were the key to her weight loss success - NBC News

Weight loss teas promise to boost your metabolism, burn away stomach fat, and even "teatox" your body.

What tea marketers don't tell you is that drinking these brews might also be associated with more missed periods, unplanned pregnancies, and permanent gut damage.

Social media influencers can make thousands (or even tens of thousands) of dollars promoting these teas as fundamental weight loss strategies. But Instagrammers and YouTube stars are not required to vet, understand, or even actually drink the things that they post about.

It turns out the heart-healthy teas that you might actually want to drink, which are scientifically-linked with good health outcomes, are both cheaper than a "teatox" detox tea and much safer for your body in the long run. Here's what to know.

Actress Jameela Jamil has been a vocal opponent of weight loss teas. Her online petition to end celebrity promotions of "toxic diet products" on social media has garnered more than 244,000 signatures. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Detox teas don't do much in the way of helping people lose weight.

"If you want to 'curb your appetite' eat some damn green vegetables or have some nutritious natural vegetable soup," The Good Place star Jameela Jamil, who started a body-positive #iweigh movement on social media, said on Instagram last year, railing against the diet tea industry.

Jamil is correct that detox teas are not a science-backed way to lose weight. At best, they may lead to more urination and bowel movements, and at worst, they can do serious harm.

Instagram told Insider that it recently began blocking weight loss product ads to Instagrammers under age 18. The platform also promised to remove from the platform any content that "makes a miraculous claim" about diet or weight loss.

"I've been working with Instagram all year towards this," Jamil said on her Instagram page after the new policy took effect on September 18. "If you're under 18, you will no longer be exposed to any diet/detox products, and for all other ages; all fad products that have bogus, unrealistic claims will be taken down and easy to report."

People drink tea at a Taoist temple tea house. Szechuan Province, China. Sovfoto/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

There is good reason why tea is considered the most popular drink in the world (after water).

In places around the globe where it's not always safe to drink out of the tap, making a well-boiled tea from leaves or ricewater can be a great way to stay hydrated, without getting any waterborne illnesses.

But not all tea is created equal. Green tea is one of the healthiest options, studies suggest, because it may help lower blood pressure and is rich in plant chemicals called flavonoids.

Flavonoids are not unique to tea; they're also abundant in fruits (especially citrus), veggies, chocolate, and wine. The way that these plant chemicals work inside humans is still something of a mystery to science, but researchers have discovered that they tend to be associated with better vascular health, and what look like decent heart health benefits (hold the milk for best results, and go easy on the sugar).

Weight loss claims about teas are more contentious. Many of the studies that people use to bolster diet tea claims have been done in mice, not people.

Some scientists are intrigued by appetite-regulating chemicals called catechins that are especially common in green and oolong tea varieties.

There is evidence that, at least for some people, drinking catechin-rich green tea can help burn more fat. But experts treat these findings with caution, as the studies tend to be small, the effects minimal, and the results not entirely conclusive. (Some research, for example, has only been performed on small groups of men, while other results find ethnic differences to the benefits of tea-drinking.)

Another issue with bigger, population-based studies is that tea-drinkers tend to have healthier lifestyles overall, making it difficult to tease out how many of the observed health benefits researchers see in them are really from the tea they drink.

It is also possible to drink too much tea, no matter what kind. The plant chemical oxilate, abundant in tea, can prompt kidney trouble, if you consume glasses upon glasses (like, really a lot, say, 16) every day.

iStock

Some teas aren't "diet" at all, they're just emptying out your insides. Literally.

Many teas contain laxatives and diuretics, all-natural or not. Some of these teas are designed, quite simply, to get things moving out the back end, while others perpetuate dangerous myths about how they can prompt rapid weight loss.

"The 'weight loss' caused by a laxative-induced bowel movement contains little actual food, fat, or calories," the National Eating Disorders Association says on its website. "If the chronic laxative abuser refuses to re-hydrate, they risk dehydration, which further taxes the organs and which may ultimately cause death."

Drinking laxative-laced teas regularly can lead to laxative dependency, effectively shutting down a person's colon, and potentially damaging their liver, too.

Some of the other serious side effects of laxative useinclude fatigue, rectal bleeding, dizziness (often associated with dehydration), and weakness. That's why doctors recommend laxatives should only be used to treat constipation now and then, and not every day.

Dieters who've tried one celebrity-endorsed "teatox" have complained to outlets including Vice and The Daily Mail that they were missing periods and getting pregnant while on birth control.

Green tea, on the other hand, is generally considered fine to drink during pregnancy, as long as sippers stick to a cup or less per day. (The caffeine in green tea, just like coffee, is linked with more premature babies and lower birth weights, when drank with abandon.)

If you enjoy a little green tea, it can be a great and inexpensive way to stay warm, get some caffeine, and maybe even help regulate your appetite.

But tea can be dangerous when people use it to avoid eating real food. Diet teas don't work, and you'll stay far healthier eating a balanced diet, rich in nutrient-dense plants, without the gut-bomb diarrhea-inducing diet cleanses.

See the rest here:
The weight loss' teas you've seen on Instagram are a scam, but there are teas with appetite-curbing benefits - INSIDER

Teens and young adults with anorexia are at risk of life-threatening illness even if their weight falls within a "normal" range.

That's the conclusion of a new study that looked at "atypical anorexia," or cases in which patients show all the symptoms of anorexia with the exception of low body weight. In the past, these cases were considered less severe than typical anorexia cases, but the new study found that both types show the same signs of severe malnutrition. "Patients with atypical anorexia are just as sick, medically but they may be even sicker, psychologically," said Dr. Neville Golden, a professor of pediatrics at the Stanford School of Medicine and co-author of the new study. Although recognized in the diagnostic manual for mental health disorders, the DSM-5, atypical anorexia may remain underdiagnosed, Golden said.

"The assumption is that doctors in the community are not recognizing it," he said. The oversight may place patients at risk of cardiac arrest, bone degradation and even death, Golden and his colleagues found.

The new study, published Nov. 5 in the journal Pediatrics, shows that there's no connection between an anorexic patient's weight and the actual severity of their condition. In the end, the number on the scale matters far less than the sheer amount of weight patients lose over the course of their illness both normal-weight and underweight patients fare worse the more weight they drop.

Related: Understanding Weight: BMI & Body Fat

"There's no weight or BMI that equals [an] eating disorder," said Dr. Casey Cottrill, the medical director of the eating disorders program at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, who was not involved with the study. Over the last five to 10 years, the number of normal-weight people hospitalized for anorexia treatment has spiked, she said. Recent studies estimate that one-third of patients admitted to hospitals for anorexia treatment are of normal weight. In both atypical and typical cases, the signs of malnutrition appear the same, but patients of normal or above-average weight may suffer longer before being noticed.

In light of this, doctors must watch for signs of disordered eating and malnutrition in all patients, regardless of size, Cottrill said.

Although atypical anorexia has gained recognition, still, "when one thinks of malnutrition, one thinks of low weight," Golden said. To learn whether low-weight anorexic patients actually fare worse in clinic, Golden and his colleagues organized the largest, most comprehensive assessment of normal-weight adolescents with anorexia to date.

The study compared 50 teens and young adults with atypical anorexia with 66 patients who met the traditional diagnostic criteria, meaning their weight fell below 85% of what would be expected for their height and age. The participants ranged in age from 12 to 24 years old and received treatment for their disorders during the study. More than 90% of participants were female. (Anorexia is about 3 times more common in females compared with males, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).)

The authors compared the patients' current weights, histories of weight loss and vital signs; and found that regardless of participants' weight at admission, those with more dramatic weight losses appeared more severely ill.

Patients who lost a large amount of weight, fast, displayed the lowest heart rates among those in the study. In fact, for every 2% increase in the rate of weight loss per month, patients' heart rates measured 1 beat per minute slower in the hospital. A dangerously low heart rate points to a larger problem: poor nutrition leaves the heart with too little fuel to pump properly while also forcing the body to break down heart tissue for much-needed energy, according to NEDA. Clinicians usually hospitalize patients whose heart rates clock below 50 beats per minute, as their condition can quickly deteriorate into complete heart failure, Cottrill said.

Related: What Is Mental Health?

Patients with atypical and typical anorexia showed similar dips in other critical measures of health. Both groups had dangerously low blood pressure and became dizzy when moving from lying down to sitting up or standing. Both groups showed deficiencies in key electrolytes such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium nutrients that help vital organs like the heart running smoothly. The patients who lost the most weight, or had been losing weight for an extended period, had the lowest electrolyte levels.

All female patients who had begun menstruating stopped having regular periods, meaning their bodies were no longer producing enough estrogen to maintain their normal cycles. Without estrogen, the growing patients' bones could not absorb calcium as they should during puberty, Cottrill said.

Overall, both groups of patients appeared similar on all counts except one. Those with atypical anorexia actually ranked worse on a questionnaire designed to measure the severity of their eating disorder psychopathology. The poor scores suggest that those with atypical anorexia may be more fixated on losing weight, restricting their food intake and burning off calories than those with typical anorexia. Anecdotally, the patients seemed "very fearful of getting back to their [original] weight," Golden said.

Future research should investigate the best treatment for cases of atypical anorexia, particularly cases in which patients are overweight or obese, since very little data exists in this area, Cottrill said. Weight gain normally comes along with both the physical and psychological treatment of anorexia, but with overweight patients, it's difficult to gauge how much weight they need to regain. More research must be done on how different bodies react to malnutrition and how best to treat patients of different sizes, Cottrill said.

In addition, when treating obesity, doctors must learn how to help people lose weight sustainably, without resorting to drastic measures, Golden said. By monitoring patients more closely, perhaps physicians can catch poor habits before they fester into a full-fledged eating disorder, he suggested. The first step, of course, is to raise awareness of what disordered eating looks like.

"I think there's a lack of awareness of atypical anorexia nervosa, even among clinicians," said Dr. Avinash Boddapati, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Northwell Health network, who was not involved with the study. As a psychiatrist, Boddapati said he can address the underlying emotional distress and harmful coping mechanisms that lead to disordered eating. But to tackle the problem head-on, pediatricians and parental guardians need to work together to monitor signs of atypical anorexia.

"The big take home message is to focus, not just on the weight, but on the rate of weight loss," he said.

Psychiatrists can also screen for rapid and extensive weight loss in their patients, "even kids [who fall] within a normal weight range," said Dr. Peng Pang, an adolescent psychiatrist at Staten Island University Hospital in New York. First, mental health professionals should ensure that their patients are physically stable, and refer them to a hospital if their health may be compromised, said Pang, who wasn't involved with the study. Then, once the patient's vital signs are restored, psychiatrists can work with patients to find new, sustainable coping mechanisms.

"Regardless of the body weight, I think the message is that you have to intervene, immediately and aggressively," Pang said.

Originally published on Live Science.

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Teens with Anorexia May Be 'Dangerously Ill' Even if They Are Not Underweight - Livescience.com

GORGING on McDonalds five times a week, Jessica Dotson's weight began to spiral out of control.

The "fussy eater" spent thousands on McNuggets guzzling 20 at a time with a side of large fries.

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The mum-of-two said it was only after having her second baby that she realised she needed to change her ways - for the sake of her kids.

Her weight had spiralled to almost 18st and her blood pressure and cholesterol levels had rocketed.

Doctors warned the 26-year-old she was heading for a heart attack if she didn't shed pounds.

So, determined to stick around for her kids, Jessica started an intermittent diet plan in February - cutting her calorie intake in half.

And the results soon started to show, as she lost a staggering 7st in just nine months.

Now weighing in at 10st 3lbs, it means Jessica has dropped eight dress sizes, from a US 22 to 6 - the equivalent to a UK 26 to 10.

Jessica, from Talladega, Alabama, US, said: "I feel confident now.

"I'm not there yet because I was so big for so long.

"It's still hard to see myself as smaller. That's something I have to work on because it's a major, drastic change.

"I can do more stuff with my kids. I get more active with them, and buying clothes is a lot easier too."

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Jessica said she had suffered with a high blood pressure while she was pregnant with her first son.

She experienced the same problems during her second pregnancy, but soon realised her weight was partly to blame.

"When I went to my six-week postpartum checkup from having my daughter, I was like at this rate I could have a heart attack," Jessica said.

When I went to my six-week postpartum checkup from having my daughter, I was like at this rate I could have a heart attack

"I had just had a baby, I had two kids, I needed to do something where I could be around for them."

After researching her options, Jessica said she opted to try intermittent fasting.

Also known as the 16:8 diet, favoured by Friends star Jennifer Aniston, the plan involves eating within an eight-hour window and fasting for 16 hours a day.

A summary of studies, published in the Annual Review of Nutrition in 2017, found that 11 of 16 trials into the method reported some weight loss.

The idea behind it is simple, by restricting the hours of the day you can eat means you restrict calorie intake.

The plan has been found to improve blood pressure, and also reduce a person's risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as reducing inflammation.

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For Jessica, the diet plan meant cutting her 3,000 calorie-a-day diet in half, meaning she was eating just 1,500 calories.

"I was basically eating fast food before," she said. "I could eat a 20-piece chicken McNugget box and large fries by myself.

"It was basically gluttony, just eating and eating.

"I had McDonald's nearly every day. Food was my coping mechanism, so whenever I got upset about something I would just eat."

As well as cutting calories, Jessica made an effort to include more veg in her diet.

The mum-of-two, who works as an admin clerk, said: "I'm a very picky person. I don't eat a lot of vegetables, I should be taking vitamins to supplement those veg I'm not getting.

"Before, it was fast food. Even if I wasn't eating out I was cooking something greasy at home.

"I still find pleasure in my food, it's my main thing."

JESSICA'S DIET OVERHAUL

BEFORE

Breakfast: Pancakes with sausage, or pop tarts

Lunch: McDonald's (usually a 20-piece McNugget box with large fries), noodles or macaroni

Dinner: The same, depending on what had been for lunch

Snacks: Pop-tarts, nachos, chocolate, chips

AFTER

Breakfast: Bacon and eggs

Lunch: Chicken and vegetables, occasionally a McDonald's (usually a six-piece McNugget box with small fries)

Dinner: Small portion of macaroni with green beans

Snacks: Small snack of around 100 calories, such as a Slim Jim jerky snack or packet of crackers

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While diets have failed for Jessica in the past, she said the key with fasting is that you don't have to exclude many foods - rather, cut down.

She said she's switched fizzy drinks for diet options and water, but tries not to deprive herself of anything.

"If I tried other diets they would fail, because I would want to eat something - and eat it," she said.

"It's been all about moderation and self-control.

"Sure you can have a piece of candy, but you have to eat that one piece and not the whole bag.

"It's involved a lot of self-control and self-determination."

As well as intermittent fasting, Jessica started dancing to YouTube fitness videos, to build up the confidence before joining the gym.

And she still treats herself to a McDonald's every now and then - though she's swapped the 20-piece McNugget meal for a six-piece meal with small fries.

"I've saved a lot of money," she admitted.

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"I've gone from going once a day to maybe twice a week, something like that.

"It's now more of a treat, I've saved probably $35 a week.

"I do feel pleased with what I've done. My blood pressure problems are gone. I don't have high blood pressure anymore."

Read more here:
Weight loss: McDonalds addict sheds 7st in months WITHOUT giving up her favourite meal - The Sun