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Studies show that friends and family gain weight and lose weight together.

Studies show that friends and family gain weight and lose weight together.

Here's another good reason to lose weight: It might benefit your friends, family and co-workers. Such altruism might be just the final "nudge" some of us need.

Researchers are finding that the friends and family of obese and overweight individuals who lose weight lost weight themselves, and sometimes a lot of it. Dr. John Morton, who directs Bariatric Surgery at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, calls obesity a "family disease."

"We all gather around the table to enjoy a meal together and we learn lessons when we do that," Morton says. "Just like you impart morals to your sons and daughters, you can do the same thing around the dinner table as well and it can be good or bad; we see that all the time."

In fact, studies have shown that friends and family tend to gain weight together, in large part because they share similar eating and exercise habits. But over the years, Morton picked up another trend among his patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, and their families. The obese and overweight sons, daughters and spouses of his patients lost weight, too.

So Morton decided to do a formal study and track families of 35 patients who had gastric bypass. One year after the surgery, he found that indeed, other overweight and obese family members lost weight, between 8 and 45 pounds.

"This was noteworthy in that these patients were able to accomplish that just by coming to the same visits that the bariatric surgery patient did," he says.

The so-called "halo effect" has been shown among people who drink alcohol and people who smoke, as well as those who gain weight. But now, Morton showed a positive halo effect losing weight.

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Gain Together, Lose Together: The Weight Loss 'Halo' Effect

L.A. Bariatrics, a leading weight loss program in Los Angeles, invited its patients to gather one recent Saturday afternoon and celebrate each other's weight-loss victories.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 12, 2012

65 Marina Del Rey Hospital bariatric surgery patients gathered that afternoon to celebrate each other's weight-loss triumphs. 15 patients who had reached their goal weight were honored by the attendees and staff members.

"My work as a surgeon starts them on the road to weight loss, but surgery isnt an easy way out," said Dr. Jeremy Korman, the medical director for Marina Del Reys bariatric program. These patients should feel very proud of the remarkable weight loss theyve achieved, as well as all the hard work and dedication it took."

The attendees included patients who have reached their goal weight with the aid of gastric bypass, lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric plication, or other procedures; patients who are continuing to work toward their goal weight; and their loved ones.

Patients who had reached their goal weight were congratulated by the crowd. Pictures from before they began their weight loss journey were displayed on a projector, and the patients came forward to give brief speeches. They recounted how their procedures had changed their lives and gave encouragement to their fellow patients who had yet to achieve their goal weight.

One speaker, Lena, said that having surgery was the best decision she could have ever made.

The path I was on was clearly destructive, Lena said. I needed to put myself first and make my health top priority. Because I couldnt be a better person, a better wife and a better mother until I did. Now Im Dr. Kormans biggest fan and proud to have his staff on my team.

Lena has lost over 130 pounds and maintained her weight since undergoing gastric bypass in 2009.

Another patient, Rachel, said that after giving birth to her son, now 3, she was embarrassed to be seen because of the weight she had gained over the years.

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Weight Loss Surgery at Marina Del Rey Hospital Can Change Lives, Hospital Celebrates Patients' Achievements

Published 1:06am Monday, March 12, 2012

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Jay Bruce hopes a weight loss will help him get through a long season. The Cincinnati Reds hope it will make him a heavy hitter.

Bruce and Miguel Cairo hit RBI singles and the Reds beat a split squad of Los Angeles Angels 5-4 Sunday.

Bruce came into camp 16 pounds lighter than he ended last year. He has hit safely in all five of his spring appearances.

Hes swinging good, Reds manager Dusty Baker said. Hes quick. Hes going to have to learn to wait (on the ball). He can wait a lot longer now. Anytime you gain weight or lose weight theres always a period of adjustment.

Bruce was listed at 225 pounds last season but dropped to 209.

I wanted to be a little quicker in the field and on the bases, Bruce said. Sixteen pounds off will make it easier on my knees over 162 games.

Cairo, the veteran utility player who filled in for third baseman Scott Rolen most of last season, is hitting .417 in exhibition play.

Mat Latos pitched three innings for the Reds. He allowed a two-run homer to minor leaguer Alexi Amarista.

It was fine today, Latos said. I just want to continue to work on throwing strikes.

Original post:
Weight loss has Bruce swinging well for Reds

Many health benefits have long been attributed to the sacred lotus leaf of the Far East. However, recent medical studies have confirmed how this natural plant has outstanding weight loss attributes as well. A recent article posted on health and wellness portal BeWellBuzz.com supported by empirical research studies explains several of the positive attributes of this plant of the lotus family.

Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) March 12, 2012

The Sacred Lotus or Nelumbo Nucifera as it is known by botanists, is a plant of the lotus family and is sometimes also referred to by the names Bean of India, Indian Lotus, or He Ye in Chinese cultures. The lotus is used in many cultures to stop bleeding, and is a common treatment for blood in the urine or for heavy menstrual bleeding. It is also thought to have overall invigorating qualities in regards to the circulatory system. It can be used to treat diarrhea and skin disorders. However, recent research explains how this natural element is effective in weight loss for humans.

According to a recent study conducted by Korean nutrition and metabolism scientists Ji-Yung Park and Huan Du at the Department of Food and Nutrition, Inha University, Incheon, Korea in 2010, scientists stated that lotus leaf extract, when combined with L-carnitine was shown to prevent adipogenesis, or the formation of fatty tissues. The study confirmed that lotus leaf slowed the absorption of fat and carbohydrates, increased energy expenditures and rapidly increased lipid metabolism. The study also confirmed that lotus leaf significantly reduced the increase of weight in those tested.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2994410/ -- link to medical research provided by Korean Scientists.

In Chinese medicine it is used as a treatment for the digestive and circulatory systems. Because of its bitter qualities, it causes the stomach to secrete more stomach acid, which can aid in food digestion. The sacred lotus also causes the liver to secrete increased amounts of bile, which breaks down fats from your diet more quickly and efficiently.

Another animal study reported in "Nutrition and Metabolism" magazine suggested that sacred lotus interfered with the bodys digestion and absorption of fat and carbs. At the same time, it accelerated the breakdown of fat and helped the body burn it faster. The lotus flower has been eaten and taken as a holistic treatment for various disorders for centuries, without any ill effects.

To read about some of the ways people can introduce lotus leaf into their diets for weight loss, please review the following article posted at BeWellBuzz.com.

http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/indian-lotus-and-weight-loss

About BeWellBuzz.com

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Sacred Lotus Leaf Linked to Effective Weight Loss

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 12, 2012

Diet Doc HCG Diet announces new HCG diet forum to answer common question of HCG dieters.

Diet Doc HCG Diet & Weight Loss is the only safe, prescription HCG diet in the USA that doesn't have people eating only 500 calories per day. Eating too few calories is called a starvation diet and health risks, such as hair loss, extreme hunger and fatigue will be common in many people reports Julie Wright, president of Diet Doc.

The HCG diet forum is an area people can learn how the modern-day HCG prescription diet can help them lose rapid weight safely, without adverse side effects as seen in many.

Common questions include, "if I take HCG, will I get pregnant easier", or "does hCG cause pregnancy symptoms"? The answer is no, because the prescription HCG prescribed by the Diet Doctors is a micro dose and will not register a "false positive" as there will not be enough urine HCG. On the reverse, HCG prescription cannot cause a pregnancy test to show positive if droplets are placed on the pregnancy test as a pregnancy test takes millions of HCG to register within a pregnancy test reports Wright.

People also think by dropping their caloric intake to 500 calories per day when the Diet Doctor recommended 800 calories per day will make them lose weight faster. This simply isn't true. The weight that is lost on the 500 calorie diet is muscle. This is unsafe and can lead to cardiac problems, hair loss and extreme hunger and fatigue. Diet Doc does not support this type of dieting, taking a hard stand that this is unsafe.

Eating too few calories is what Dr. Oz spoke about during his Dr. Oz HCG segment. Responsible weight loss doctors know 500 calories is unsafe. It's not even necessary to get the weight off fast reports Wright. People on the Diet Doc Weight Loss Program report little to no hunger. This is because a variety of methods, diet and products are used to help eliminate hunger allowing dieters to easily drop their calories within a safe range for them personally, then when specific foods and weight loss shakes, diet food and prescription medication is used, the weight comes off at a rapid pace, but safely reports Wright.

Diet Doc modernized a doctor-supervised weight loss program that personalizes a diet for each person taking their health history, gender, age and lifestyle into consideration. Diet Doc also formulated weight loss shakes, diet food and a weight loss oil that is clinically proven to burn fat. This comprehensive approach to weight loss is how dieters lose an average of 7 pounds per week reports Wright.

Diet Doc HCG Diet are a team of weight loss physicians, weight loss nurses, nutritionists and weight loss coaches offering the only medical, HCG diet in the USA with HCG phase 1 (loading for two days), HCG phase 2 (Diet Doc's low calorie portion of the diet, no less than 800 calories per day) and HCG phase 3 (maintenance, keep the weight off) protocols.

Diet Doc's proprietary HCG phase 3 Maintenance program designed to keep the weight off long-term is offered free of charge to Diet Doc patients.

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Diet Doc HCG Diet Announces New Site to Help Dieters With Q&A Regarding HCG Diet

Got a success story of your own? Send it to us at success.stories@huffingtonpost.com and you could be featured on the site!

Name: John McCarthy Age: 35 Height: 6'1" Before Weight: 311 pounds

How I Gained It: I was often encouraged to "put some meat on those bones" as a teenager. After getting married, having a child and beginning a career in a sedentary role, the weight just sort of snuck up on me gradually over the past 10 years.

I did lose weight one other time. In February of 2009, I weighed 300 pounds. I lost 80 pounds by June of that year. But by February 2010 I was 269 pounds again, and gradually gained it all back, and more.

I'd start every weekday at Dunkin' Donuts, and get two donuts and a large iced coffee with cream and sugar. Sometimes I'd have no lunch at all, and I'd have fast food at least three times a week. I also drank a lot of soda, maybe as much as an entire two-liter bottle, plus two or three 20-ounce bottles a day.

I was consistently tired, I couldn't do the things I wanted to do with my son and I felt old. My doctor told me I had high blood pressure and was likely going to have an issue with diabetes if I continued on the path I was on. Otherwise, I was in good health; the doctor told me I needed to lose some weight and take care of myself before that luck ran out.

Breaking Point: On Memorial Day weekend I made the choice to lose the weight to be a better example to my son. In June, I joined a gym and changed my diet forever. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, and I knew I was too young to feel that old. Clearly I was setting a bad example with my poor eating habits and lack of activity. I was tired of watching. I knew my son would remember I was always there to support his athletics or to take him places, but it wasn't enough. I wanted to get out there and play with him, run, hike and join him.

How I Lost It: With no trainer, nutritionist or fad diets, I've lost 130 pounds using tried and true methods. I eat from the farm not the factory, I drink at least eight glasses of water a day, I get eight hours of sleep a night and I walk a lot.

I have always been a walker -- I enjoy it. When I made the choice to lose the weight, the first thing I did was go for a walk. I walked three miles that day, and I was exhausted. Now I walk four or more miles, three to five times a week, and on the weekends seven to 10 miles a day.

By September, just 87 days later, I'd lost 81 pounds! Today, I've lost 130 pounds, and I'm keeping it off! I haven't gained back any of the weight I've lost. I started 2012 in the best health of my life. My doctor has praised me for my health and said I'm no longer at risk for preventable issues. I was lucky to have a doctor who didn't prescribe a "magic" pill to fix my health issues. He was certain that a good diet and exercise would put me on track, and he was right. I feel great today.

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Weight Loss Success: John McCarthy Wanted To Set An Example For His Son And Lost 130 Pounds

Diet Doc Weight Loss announces how to lose weight fast with weight loss doctor program designed to improve blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, diabetes 2, hypertension, high cholesterol and life span.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) March 12, 2012

Obesity studies have shown that being as little as 20 pounds overweight can cause debilitating health conditions, such as a reduction of life span, cardiovascular problems, diabetes 2, high cholesterol and a reduction of energy, mental clarity and sex drive!

According to SOTT.net's press release by a world-renowned cardiologist who said after 25 years of doing heart surgeries, there is one common denominator, the way people eat (sugar, carbohydrates, etc) is causing people to die prematurely or risk their health.

Dr. Dwight Lundell states "How does eating a simple sweet roll create a cascade of inflammation to make you sick?"

Dr. Lundell says, "imagine spilling syrup on your keyboard and you have a visual of what occurs inside the cell. When we consume simple carbohydrates such as sugar, blood sugar rises rapidly. In response, your pancreas secretes insulin whose primary purpose is to drive sugar into each cell where it is stored for energy. If the cell is full and does not need glucose, it is rejected to avoid extra sugar gumming up the works."

Diet Doc HCG Diet and Weight Loss is passionate about helping people reduce their weight to avoid certain diseases and health conditions associated with being overweight. How to lose weight fast is not done with one diet program for each person. To lose weight fast takes a personalized approach considering each person's unique health history, age, gender, genetics and lifestyle. Diet Doc are experts at losing weight fast and can help people who have previously failed on other diets to lose weight fast.

Diet Doc wants to keep their comprehensive, medically, supervised weight loss program affordable to many people, not just a select few. We often hear people comment that our pricing model is half of what other doctors are charging reports Julie Wright, President of Diet Doc HCG Diet & Weight Loss. This is because our mission is to help people lose weight, train them on what specific foods will cause a weight loss reaction in their body. This is how they keep the weight off long term reports Wright. If we can do our best with each person, then we have gained the trust of many. This is how we make up for charging much lower than others states Wright.

Diet Doc provides medically, supervised patient care to people across the USA. Diet Doc provides a collaborative approach to dieting, which is labor intensive, but effective reports Wright. Diet Doc works with weight loss physicians who are passionate about reducing obesity which is often the cause for many diseases and illnesses reports Wright.

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Diet Doc Weight Loss Announces How to Lose Weight Fast and Safely With New Weight Loss Program Designed to Improve ...

Weight loss pills are now part of the product range at Health hound Ltd. People that leave comments on the site have welcomed the news.

Houston, TX. (PRWEB) March 12, 2012

Simon Carvery, one of the Directors on the site said that this move to introduce weight loss pills into our product line has been on the cards for some time. We have received a number of requests from our readers over the last few months to introduce these pills so now we have. We have a wide range of weight loss pills available on the site and we are also offering a number of weight loss tips that go along with each set of pills. We feel that weight loss pills can offer an effective way for some people to lose weight and we are hoping to hear some really positive stories about peoples weight loss experiences in the coming months.

There are a number of people on the site that regularly post questions about weight loss pills

And many of these people have been leaving comments on the site this week about what the team on the site are doing. Many of the comments so far have been very positive and many commentators are praising the team for their efforts.

As well as making weight loss pills available on the site this week the team at Health hound Ltd. have also come up with a free report on quick and easy ways to lose weight.

The new report is available on the site right now at http://www.healthhound.org/3223/weight-loss-pills/.

Jose C. Boyd healthhound.org 978-874-6879 Email Information

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Weight Loss Pills Are Now Part Of The Product Range At Health Hound Ltd.