Frequent self-weighing is a key behavior associated with weight loss success. At the same time, frequent weighing can be a marker of unhealthy and disordered habits with potential negative psychological effects. Before you jump on the scale, consider how you are using this tool to further your health and fitness goals and whether its time to re-evaluate your plan.

Studies show that self-monitoring of eating habits, physical activity and weight are interventions that can help with weight loss and prevent unintended weight gain. Unlike tracking food and exercise, self-weighing is quick and relatively easy. Those who monitor their weight closely may find frequent weighing helpful as they are able to notice a pattern of weight change sooner and make small dietary adjustments to curb unwanted weight gain.

Losing weight is hard, but keeping it off is even harder. In fact, long-term maintenance of substantial weight loss is very unlikely with most people experiencing weight cycling, or the regaining of weight. Weight loss maintenance is affected by multiple complex factors including those that are environmental, behavioral, biological and cognitive. Frequent self-weighing may help some people keep off the weight for good, but for others weighing leads to frustration and other harmful consequences.

Keep in mind that the information provided by a standard scale is quite limited. Changes in weight do not necessarily reflect changes in body fat. While weight is just a number, our bodies are quite complex. For many people, goals related to weight loss are about body composition. Some people want to get leaner, others want to gain muscle, but the average scale is limited in its ability to assess these changes.

It is normal for body weight to fluctuate over the course of the day and from day-to-day. Therefore, daily weight check ins do not necessarily represent changes in body fat or muscle mass, but merely fluid shifts or food consumed. For example, if you drink two cups of water, you can expect your weight to immediately increase a pound. In addition, it is not unusual for weight to be lowest in the morning and at a mid-to-late week weigh-in and highest later in the day and right after the weekend. The point is that these normal fluctuations can make the scale a not-so-useful tool for measuring actual weight loss.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if and how a scale may be a useful tool for you to manage your health and fitness goals:

Choose the Right Scale for You

There are many home scales available at different price points. Some scales are designed for those with impaired vision while others have tech-savvy features like the ability to measure body composition and sync with health and fitness apps to track progress. Use a scale with the features that are important to you, which may mean trading out an old scale for a new model.

Determine How Often to Weigh and Be Consistent

Decide on a plan for when and how often to weigh yourself and stick with it. Weighing too often can lead to excess focus on weight that may only impede progress. Avoid comparing early morning and late afternoon weights. Remember to look at the bigger picture to gauge your true weight pattern.

Weight is Only a Number

Its okay if you dont want to weigh yourself or own a scale. The number on the scale is not the only or best measurement when it comes to body composition. You can use a tape measurement or a clothing item to monitor change over time. During medical visits, you may ask to not be told your weight if it makes you feel more comfortable. Do what feels right for you.

Know When Weighing is Causing More Harm than Good

Lastly, if you notice that weighing creates distress or causes you to restrict your food beyond your eating plan, you may benefit from taking a step back from the scale or speaking to a professional about these concerns. The scale should not have the power to dictate self-worth nor should it be the sole measure of progress.

LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providingnutritioncounseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email atRD@halfacup.com.

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Nutrition: Weighing your health options when using a scale - San Bernardino County Sun

For several thousands of years, apple cider vinegar has been used as a popular home remedy, in cooking, and as a health tonic. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties offer numerous health benefits including lowering blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol, etc.

Apple cider vinegar also promotes weight loss and fat reduction. Acetic acid- one of the main components of vinegar suppresses body fat accumulation.

Heres how apple cider vinegar aids weight loss:

1. Makes You Feel Satiated and Reduce Calorie Intake

Apple cider vinegar can help promote fullness which can also lower the number of calories you consume. A 2005 study reported that people who consumed apple cider vinegar ended up consuming up to 275 fewer calories during the rest of the day. But do not take it alongside your meals since it could worsen gastroparesis (or delayed stomach emptying- a complication of type 1 diabetes).

2. Can Aid Fat Reduction

Apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight as well as body fat. In a study conducted on Obese Japanese adults, consumption of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a period of 12 weeks resulted in great changes in their body weight, body fat percentage, and decreased waist circumference as well as triglyceride levels.

3. Improves Metabolism

Apart from being an appetite suppressant that prevents you from overeating, apple cider vinegar also increases your bodys metabolic rate. This helps you burn calories more efficiently. Studies in obese rats reported that apple cider vinegar prevents fat deposition and improve their metabolism.

4. Reduces Fat Storage

Apple cider vinegar consumption helps treat obesity and increased the expression of genes that reduced belly fat storage as well as liver fat. A 2016 study reported that apple cider vinegar suppressed beta-oxidation and offered protection against obesity. It also helped protect the accumulation of fat in the liver and abdomen.

5. Lowers Insulin Levels

Apart from regulating blood glucose levels, the hormone insulin also promotes fat storage in the body. And lowering insulin levels can aid in weight loss. Apple cider vinegar reduced the ratio of insulin to glucagon (the hormone that opposes the action of the insulin), resulting in fat burning and weight loss.

apple cider vinegar Photo: MikeGoad - Pixabay

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Apple Cider Vingear For Weight Loss: 5 Reasons Why It Is Effective - International Business Times

Summer season is here and there is no escaping it even with the ongoing pandemic. Since the weather is getting warmer, you might want to consider changing your diet by incorporating foods that are cooling and comforting to your palate.

NDTV Food has shared a list of cooling foods that are ideal for the summer season. All of them are diet-friendly, so you dont need to worry about weight gain when consuming them.

The first on the list is watermelon. This fruit is good for the summer season since it is all water and nutrients. Per Livestrong.com, watermelon is over 90 percent water, so it can help keep you hydrated during the hot season. It is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, potassium and antioxidants, so the fruit can improve your bodys immune function and lower the risk of certain diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Cucumber is another fruit that you should add to your summer diet. Just like watermelon, it is mostly water. In fact, 95 percent of this fruit is water. It also has 16 calories, four grams carbohydrates and one gram fiber. It is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium and manganese. According to Womens Health, cucumbers can promote good digestion, help regulate blood pressure and also strengthen your bones.

Mint is also part of the list, for the very reason that this herb has a refreshing effect. It is used in many food preparations because of this. This summer season, you can take advantage of this herb by adding it to your meals and drinks. Not only will it give you a minty cool breath, it can also boost your immunity and improve your digestion.

Last but not the least, you should also add coconut water to your diet this season. This rejuvenating drink is good for your body since it is rich in electrolytes that will keep you energized and hydrated. WebMD says coconut water is better than many sports drinks because it contains less sugar. It is also low in carbohydrates and sodium but rich in potassium, making it an ideal drink for athletes and people who engage in rigorous exercise.

Watermelon is one of the fruits that can help you lose weight. Quora

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Cooling Foods You Should Add To Your Weight Loss Diet This Summer - Medical Daily

Warrior diet is a type of intermittent fasting that can help you to lose weight. Here is what you need to know about this weight loss plan.

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of being fit and keeping health issues at bay. The best way to shed extra kilos is by changing your lifestyle habits. Thats right, weight loss is a lifestyle change! You need to incorporate healthy habits to eliminate the bad ones to achieve your desired weight. While there are multiple ways you can so that, but one that has recently gained prominence is the Warrior diet.

Warrior diet was created by Ori Hofmekler in 2001. This diet requires you to eat very little for an extended period, and then eat as much food as youd like for 4 hours. It has been touted as an effective weight-loss method that helps improve energy levels and mental health. Yet, it is also criticised as much by health experts for being extreme and unnecessary.

Warrior diet is a type of intermittent fasting program that cycles 20-hour periods of little food intake with four-hour periods of overeating, with no specific target or limit. However, it is advised that one must not eat unhealthy or processed foods during the feeding period. The diet is based on the eating pattern of the ancientwarriors, who would eat very less during the day and feast at night.

The Rules

The warrior diet requires to follow an initial three phase plan to allow the body to use fat for energy.

1. In the initial phase, dieters are advised to eat hard-boiled eggs, raw fruit and veggies, cottage cheese, yoghurt and drink vegetable juices, coffee, tea and water. In the 4-hour window, salad dressed with oil and vinegar, whole-grain foods, some cheese and cooked veggies are allowed.

2. In the second phase, the same foods are consumed in the 20-hour window, but during the four-hour window, you can include animal protein, cooked veggies along with a handful of nuts.

3. In the third phase, you can cycle between periods of high carb and high protein intake within the four-hour period, with keeping the foods same for the 20-hour window.

Once you have completed the three phases, you can start from the beginning and stick to this pattern or you can simply follow the 20:4 timing and eat a healthy, high-protein diet. You must also incorporate some strength exercises for effective weight loss.

The Benefits

The founder of the diet admitted that this diet is based on his own observations and not science, but intermittent fasting is. In fact, several studies suggest that intermittent fasting could be beneficial for weight loss, keeping blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check. It might help improve brain health and slow down age-related cognitive decline.

The Downfalls

1. It can be extremely difficult for people to follow this strict diet as it restricts the time during which you can eat.

2. This diet is inappropriate for children, pregnant women, diabetics, athletes, people with eating disorders or those who are underweight.

3. It can lead to hormonal fluctuations, which may lead to insomnia, anxiety, and reproductive disturbance in women.

4. This diet promotes overeating for 4 hours, which can lead to eating disorders in some people.

Things to keep in mind if you follow this diet:

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

2. Eat healthy and nutritious food during the feeding (4-hour) window.

3. Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel tired.

4. You should binge on nuts to get instant energy after fasting.

5. Dont forget to keep your stress levels in check when trying to lose weight.

Note:

Warrior diet is a type of intermittent diet that can help you lose weight and improve brain health. It isnt necessary to follow this particular diet to lose weight. It is an extreme diet that can lead to some health issues. Do not go for this diet if you suffer from an eating disorder, diabetes or any other health issues. Always consult a doctor before making any dietary changes in your routine.

ALSO READ:Weight Loss Tips: Try THESE food combinations and shed extra kilosALSO READ:Weight Loss: 4 Japanese tricks that will help you to shed extra pounds

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Warrior Diet: Everything you need to know about this weight loss plan - PINKVILLA

The latest Weight Loss Supplements market study by Market Expertz offers an all-inclusive, in-depth analysis of the major strategies, corporate models, and market shares of the prominent players of the Weight Loss Supplements market. The report provides a thorough examination of the major driving factors, market figures in terms of revenues, segmental data, regional data, and country-wise data. This study can be described as an exhaustive database that comprises all the aspects of the evolving Weight Loss Supplements market.

To provide more clarity regarding the industry to the readers, the research study mentions the current market scenario that includes details on supply chain management, niche markets, distribution channel, demand and supply, and production capabilities across different countries.

To get a Sample Copy of the Report, along with the TOC, Statistics, and Tables, please [emailprotected] https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/75431

Key Players

The report also includes the profiles of key industry players along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on the leading industry players with information on products and services offered, financial information of the last three years, key development in the past five years, among others.

Leading Weight Loss Supplements manufacturers/companies operating at both regional and global levels:

Creative BioscienceGlanbiaGSKHerbalifeLovate Health SciencesAtkins NutritionalAvonNOW FoodsMuscleTechBioalpha Holdings BerhadCamillotek IndiaHealthvivApplied Nutrition

The research report provides deep insights into the global market revenue, parent market trends, macro-economic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness per market segment. It provides an overview of the growth rate of the Weight Loss Supplements market during the forecast period. The report divides the market on the basis of product type, application, technology, and region.

In market segmentation by types of Weight Loss Supplements, the report covers-

AnorecticsAmphetamineEphedrineCocaineProactolPyruvateThyroid Boosters

In market segmentation by applications of the Weight Loss Supplements, the report covers the following uses-

ChildrenAdults

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The region-based bifurcation of the market includes the regions of North America, Europe, South America, Middle East & Africa, and Asia, which have been assessed in detail to outline the overall market scenario.

The study conducts a SWOT analysis to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the key players in the Weight Loss Supplements market. Further, the report performs an intricate examination of drivers and restraints operating in the market. The report also evaluates the trends observed in the parent market, along with the macro-economic indicators, prevailing factors, and market appeal according to different segments. The report also predicts the influence of vital industry aspects on the Weight Loss Supplements market segments and regions.

The research provides answers to the following key questions:

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The report addresses the following issues:

Insecurity about the future:

Our research report helps our clients estimate the upcoming revenue compartments and growth ranges. This will help them decide whether to invest or divest their assets.

Understanding market opinions:

It is crucial to have a clear understanding of market opinions in order to make a strong strategy. Our insights provide a comprehensive view of the market that will help the readers make profitable decisions.

Understanding the most reliable investment centers:

Our research report ranks the investment centers of the market according to their future demands, returns, and profit margins.

Evaluating potential business partners:

Our research and insights help our clients identify their compatible business partners.

Browse Complete Report Description and Full [emailprotected] https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/global-weight-loss-supplements-market

To summarize, the global Weight Loss Supplements market report studies the contemporary market to forecast the growth prospects, challenges, opportunities, risks, threats, and the trends observed in the market that can either propel or curtail the growth rate of the industry. The market factors impacting the global sector also include provincial trade policies, international trade disputes, entry barriers, and other regulatory restrictions.

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Weight Loss Supplements Market Report, History and Forecast 2020-2027, Data Breakdown by Manufacturers, Key Regions, Types and Application - Cole of...

Leg Raises: What are the advantages of the simple, 5-minute workout for weight loss, fit body  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Fitness, exercise and a healthy diet go hand in hand. In order to stay healthy and fit, we have to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into our routines and make them a part of our lifestyle. However, not all of us are able to find hours to workout at the gym, and even if we were, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, gymnasiums and fitness centres remain closed.

At this time, incorporating exercises that are convenient, time-saving, but at the same time effective, is the best way to fitness. One such exercise is the leg raises. Here is all you need to know about this exercise that can help you tone your belly, legs, and thighs.

Leg raises are an easier alternative to leg drops.

Precautions -

Reps -

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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Leg Raises: What are the advantages of the simple, 5-minute workout for weight loss, fit body? - Times Now

Peanut Butter Oatmeal (Photo Credits: YouTube / Sweet Treats)

Going on a weight lossregime doesn't always mean going calorie deficit. There is indeed a necessity to include foods in your diet which help in fat loss and simultaneously also aid in preserving lean muscles of the body. There are a few dishes where a combination of two healthy ingredientsis used as a base to enhancetheir nutritional properties. Also, for a healthy body, it is vital to have a full-fledged breakfast which comprises of nutrient-dense ingredients.One such dish is peanut butter oatmeal for breakfast which can help in weight loss and also serve as a protein-rich dish for vegans and vegetarians.Eat Dinner Like a Pauper for Weight Loss; Heres A Look at Some Healthy Night Meal Recipes.

Oats are a superfoodwhich is recommended by a majority of nutritionists. They are one of the best sources of important vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. On the other hand, peanut butter is low in carbohydrate and rich in healthy fats which are required by the body. Peanut butter oatmeal is ideal breakfast for vegans and vegetarians as they can fulfil their protein and other nutrient requirements from this dish. It must be noted that peanut butter oatmeal preparation does not include milk or any dairy product and is, therefore, ideal for vegans and also for people who are lactose intolerant.How to Eat Idli to Lose Weight (Watch Video)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal For Weight Loss

The presence of the soluble fibre beta-glucan in oats helpyou lose weight by promoting healthy gut bacteria and increasing the feeling of fullness, while peanut butter consists of monounsaturated fat which regulates the triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Peanut butter mixed with oatmeal gives a perfect texture to the dish and also enhances the taste. Apart from this, other ingredients like banana and chia seeds in peanut butter oatmeal recipe add to its nutritional content. Banana is rich in potassium which is good for the heart, while chia seeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants which smoothen the functioning of different systems in the body.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Recipe

Those who complaint of healthy dishes possessing a bland taste will not say so for peanut butter oatmeal. You should definitely trythis dishfor your breakfast. However, it must be noted that this dish is not solely responsible for weight loss and an overall healthy diet along with some exercise is also necessary to stay fit.

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Peanut Butter Oatmeal For Weight Loss: Heres The Protein-Rich Breakfast Recipe For Vegans & Vegetarians - LatestLY

If you want to lose weight, you need to exercise. Regular physical activity will also boost your overall health and mental wellbeing. But unfortunately, many people are using the excuse of lockdown to get out of their daily exercise session. This can be disastrous for not only your waistline but also for your health. According to a study from the Journal of Applied Physiology, just a two-week break from workout can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, insulin sensitivity and more. Many experts have also found out that chronic stress and anxiety have a close association with obesity. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine,there is a link between light physical exercises and lower stress, better mood and lower body mass index (BMI). So apart from weight loss, exercise will also boost your health, which is a bonus. Also Read - 5-min workout routine to lose weight from your lower body

Here are a few low intensity workouts which will help you lose weight and boost health. And, you cant even use the excuse of space constraint because you can perform these exercises standing in your kitchen while cooking. Also Read - You need to trim your lats for fast weight loss: A few workouts for you

Note:Try to walk or jog on the spot for 15 to 45 seconds after every exercise. And dont forget your 5-minute stretch to cool down after you have finished working out. Also Read - Best exercises for burning calories and losing weight

This workout can easily be performed in the kitchen as it just requires you to jump wherever you are standing before moving forward or backwards.

This is another workout that you can perform inside your kitchen even if it is small.

You must be familiar with this exercise as it is one of the most effective workouts for weight loss. Squats just require you to take a sitting position where there is no chair. This is yet another simple exercise to perform with in your kitchen.

Here, you just need to put one step forward and then backward. It doesnt require a bigger space and can be done quickly too.

Theburpee is a full body exercise which is used instrength training and weight loss. The basic movement is performed in four steps and known as a four-count burpee. Doing this exercise quickly in a lesser number of time can help you keep your weight intact.

Published : June 5, 2020 8:21 pm | Updated:June 5, 2020 8:43 pm

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5 weight loss exercises to practice while cooking during lockdown - TheHealthSite

A bride who was too heavy to be carried over the threshold has shed 112 poundsand finally realized her dream -- 18 years after her wedding.

When Steph Gill wed almost two decades ago weighing 252 pounds,her husband John simply could not lift her into married life. After peaking at 308pounds, Steph had a gastric bypass and took up running and now weighs just 140pounds.

To mark the couple's wedding anniversary, Steph donned her old wedding dress and John proudly carried her through their front door as family and friends watched on. (SWNS)

To mark the couple's wedding anniversary, Steph donned her old wedding dress and John proudly carried her through their front door as family and friends watched on.

The mum-of-two said: "Finally, after 18 years John was able to carry me over the threshold. So it was only right that I dressed appropriately, even though the dress was five sizes too big.

The IT manager had long dreamt of being carried into married life, but her weight made it impossible when she married John aged 22 in a quaint Kent church.

She said: It certainly was in my mind. But I knew there was just no way he could carry me at my previous weight. I was a size 20 and weighed 252pounds. I would have been upset that others were able to do it but we couldnt.

The IT manager had long dreamt of being carried into married life, but her weight made it impossible when she married John aged 22 in a quaint Kent church. (SWNS)

When Steph had her gall bladder removed in 2015 the consultant suggested she would benefit from weight-loss surgery. She was referred to King's College Hospital in London, and having been part of a weight-loss management programme, medics there agreed to take her on. They removed 80 percent of her stomach.

Steph said: Some people think it is a quick fix but it requires a change in lifestyle. You have to want to keep the weight off.

Determined to stabilise her weight, Steph enrolled on a couch to 5K programme with her local running club - Beginners2Runners. She has since completed several half-marathons and has maintained her current weight of 140 poundsfor more than a year. During lockdown John, 47, happened to pick Steph up and she realised that her dream of being carried across the threshold was finally possible.

Steph said: I cant remember why lifted me up, but I just said oh my God, you can pick me up. Thats how the idea came about."

WOMAN SAYS MOM WORE BRIDAL GOWN TO HER WEDDING, SHARES CLIP ON TIKTOK

Instead of doing it straight away, the couple agreed to wait until their anniversary last week.

Steph, who is currently managing IT for key workers in lockdown, said: "John knew I'd always wanted to be carried over the threshold so he agreed to do it. But he didn't realise I was going to wear my wedding dress until the last minute. I was really nervous in case it had turned yellow. I hadn't seen it since I packed it away in its box 18 years ago.

The couples parents, children and neighbours gathered around to watch as the long-awaited spectacle unfolded. Their emotional nine-year-old son watched excitedly as their 16-year-old daughter filmed the event.

Steph said: John was proud that he could do it and he always says how proud he is of me for all the weight Ive lost. Given all the attention it has raised, I think he regrets not wearing a suit. It was just too hot. It really lifted peoples spirits during the lockdown. It was also quite funny seeing someone walking around our little close in a wedding dress. It is not something you see every day."

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Running has been crucial for Stephs weight loss. She has ran several half marathons since joining her local club and was due to run in the Greater Manchester Marathon in April before it was cancelled due to lockdown.

She added: Running is brilliant for physical and mental health. I wanted to pick a sport which I couldnt make excuses to avoid. You can run whenever, so its great for that.

Since losing weight, Steph is much happier with her life and wants to encourage others to seek help if they want to do the same.

She said: Being overweight has mental as well as physical effects. It feels so good to be in shape. I would encourage anyone to seek help. It might be harder to reach now, but it is still out there.

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The key worker stressed that bypass surgery is not an easy weight-loss option and should be combined with a change of habits.

She added: Some people think it is a quick fix, but it requires a change in lifestyle. Many people pile the weight back on quickly. You really have to want to keep the weight off.

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Woman drops 112 pounds so her husband can carry her 18 years after the wedding - Fox News

Anaplasma marginale is transmitted through a ticks salivary glands and into a cow when it feeds.

By Josh Babcock, College of Veterinary Medicine

In 1908, using just a microscope, veterinarian Sir Arnold Theiler discovered a microorganism inside the gut of ticks that sickens thousands of cows annually.

More than a century later, researchers at Washington State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Pretoria in South Africa are using molecular tools to build on Theilers work.

It took more than 100 years but we are inching closer toward what has always been the goal a safe, global vaccine that is effective against all strains of the pathogen, said Professor Kelly Brayton, a researcher in WSUs Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology department.

The pathogen, Anaplasma marginale, is transmitted through the ticks salivary glands and into the host when ticks feed.

The bacteria makes its way into the bloodstream and infects red blood cells, causing anemia, fever, breathlessness, weight loss, lethargy, abortion and death. The infection is known as Bovine Anaplasmosis and if left untreated, cattle can experience up to a 36% mortality rate.

This is one of the top three widespread livestock diseases in the world, Brayton said. In addition to sickness and death, this disease can spread quickly and result in major economic losses for beef producers.

Brayton and the teams goal is to produce a vaccine that can be used against the diverse strains of Anaplasma marginale in the United States and worldwide.

Currently, a blood-based vaccine developed by Theiler is still in use in South Africa, but it does not provide complete protection against Anaplasma marginale. It cant be used in the United States because the vaccine can also transmit other blood-borne pathogens.

According to research in Ticks and Tick-borne diseases, five of Anaplasma marginales outer proteins have been identified as potential targets for a global vaccine.

For several years the five proteins Am779, Am854, omp7, omp8 and omp9 have been identified as potential vaccine targets in the United States due to their location and function. What remained unknown is if the proteins vaccine candidacy would remain valid across the diverse strains of Anaplasma marginale in endemic regions like South Africa.

If youre trying to develop a vaccine you want it to work everywhere. Based on our research, a vaccine targeting these five proteins should be just as effective in the United States as it is in South Africa, Brayton said.

To conduct the research, Brayton and her colleagues at the University of Pretoria collected a wide variety of Anaplasma marginale strains from throughout South Africa.

Once collected, researchers cloned the candidate genes from the South African strains and compared the potential target proteins with the versions for the United States.

The proteins werent particularly diverse, which is one reason why they are on our list to serve as good vaccine candidates, Brayton said.

The research is just the latest publication coming out of the WSU-University of Pretoria partnership formed by Brayton and her colleagues in 2012.

A $625,000 grant recently awarded by the National Institutes of Health will now allow WSU and University of Pretoria to collect epidemiological data on tick-borne diseases in South Africa for the next four years. Brayton has partnered with University of Pretoria Professors Nicola Collins and Marinda Oosthuizen on the project.

The team works with the Mnisi people, a community of subsistence farmers, to test ticks and blood from humans, captured rodents, community dogs and livestock.

Malaria in Africa has declined over the past 10 to 15 years but the incidence of acute febrile illness has not. Our premise is that some of that acute febrile illness is due to tick-borne disease, Brayton said. Theres also this question: Are new disease agents emerging? This grant will also look for those pathogens.

A nurse from the National Center for Infectious Diseases will staff a clinic in the community to screen people experiencing acute febrile illness. All patients are asked to take part in the study and provide blood samples and answer a questionnaire.

University of Pretoria has a long-standing relationship with the Mnisi community: over 80 research projects are run in the community. In exchange, UP veterinary students provide free veterinary care through a clinical rotation in the community.

Ticks are spreading, and they are gaining new ecological niches in areas so the diseases that go with them are spreading and becoming more of a problem, Brayton said. This partnership and program will help us keep a pulse on tick-borne disease and detect new diseases early.

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Pursuing a pathogen: building on a century of research - WSU News