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Small Amount of Weight Loss Yields Major Health Benefits: Astonishing findings from the Diabetes Prevention Program

James Meschino DC, MS, ROHP

Research presented by Dr. Rena Wing, PhD.,at the American Psychological Association’s 120th Annual Convention (2012) showed that even modest weight loss, an average of 14 pounds, reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%.

These results were derived from Dr Wing’s work with the Diabetes Prevention Program, a national study of 3,000 overweight individual who also had impaired glucose tolerance (high blood sugar). Patient in the study received counseling on how to change their behavior about healthy food, in addition to psychological strategies to avoid over eating, and increased physical activity, rather than being given weight loss drugs.

She also pointed out some other astonishing data which include,”weight losses of just 10 percent of a person’s body weight (or about 20 pounds in those who weigh 200 pounds) wereshown to produce long-term improvement on sleep apnea, hypertension (high blood pressure) and quality of life, and to slow the decline in mobility that occurs as people age”. The study found that the health benefits associated with just these modest weight reductions lasted up to 10 years, even if the person gained the weight back over this time.

The Bottom Line
Many overweight people feel defeated because it appears to be such a long road back to their ideal weight and building fit body. However, just losing 14-20 pounds often returns blood pressure to normal, counters the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (and all its devastating complications), improves blood sugar regulation, and improves joint mobility, all of which improve your quality of life and improve your longevity index.

Reference:

American Psychological Association (APA) (2012, August 2). Modest weight loss can have lasting health benefits, research shows

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