Health
Food diaries, physical activity increase weight loss when dieting
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 14, 2008
Patients who are participating in a long-term weight management program tend to lose more if they exercise and record what they eat, according to a study that was published the August American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Investigators with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Ore., signed up 1,685 individuals who were either obese or overweight and who also were taking drugs to lower their blood pressure or cholesterol.
Over a six-month period, these participants attended 20 group sessions that were focused on reducing the number of calories and the amount of salt consumed.
The study's investigators also attempted to have participants get more exercise and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Patients lost an average of 5.8 kilograms (12.8 pounds), and food diaries and physical activity seemed to cause much this weight loss.
These results are from the study's first phase. The study will continue for another two years.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/07/14/hlbf0714.htm.
