Weight Management Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Effective Weight Management

Weight Management

Table of Contents

Overview

Weight management is all about the blend of methods and understanding that help you achieve and sustain a healthy weight. This encompasses lifestyle choices that favor nutritious eating and regular exercise. It's also about the smart tracking of your weight over time and recognizing that what's an ideal weight can differ from person to person.

The journey to a healthy weight typically involves gradual weight loss and learning how to maintain that weight once you've reached your goal. Yet, it's worth noting that focusing on health without emphasizing weight can also lead to significant wellness benefits.

Grasping the essentials of weight management is crucial, not just for aesthetic reasons, but because maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. [1,2,3,4,5]

What's The Right Weight for You?

The concept of an "ideal" weight doesn't hold up because it varies so much from person to person. Your perfect weight is influenced by your individual build, fat distribution, and height, marking the zone where your body thrives.

Body fat plays a role in your overall weight. Keeping it in a healthy range is crucial, as elevated fat levels can trigger chronic inflammation, linked to diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. On the flip side, too little fat can be just as risky, potentially leading to disease and shortened lifespan.

What's considered a healthy body fat percentage? It's a debated topic, but generally, it's advised that women aged 21–39 aim for 21–32%, and men for 8–20%. For adults aged 45–64, the thresholds are slightly different, with 25.8% for men and 37.1% for women indicating increased risk for heart-related issues.

Remember, these figures can shift with factors like ethnicity, gender, and age.

Waist measurement is another indicator of fat levels. To keep disease risk low, the WHO suggests women maintain a waistline below 31.4 inches, and men below 35.4 inches. [6,7,8]

Beyond The Scale

Your ideal weight range isn't only about numbers on a scale.

The weight you envision as "ideal" might not align with what's healthiest for you. Body weight is a factor, but it's part of a broader picture of your health.

A suitable weight range is one where you're physically vibrant and mentally at ease, free from the strains of high blood pressure and sugar, and complications like sleep apnea.

If you're unsure about what's right for you, a registered dietitian can personalize this range, taking into account your unique characteristics and health objectives.

Your ideal feeling of health and wellbeing may not match the number you've set in your mind.

Every day, we confront a barrage of images that define supposed beauty and body norms. These can skew our self-perception and set unrealistic health targets.

If body comparison is taking a toll on your self-image, seeking support from a therapist or dietitian might be beneficial to foster a healthier body perspective.

Remember, body weight is just a single health metric. A comprehensive view of your health also includes your diet, mental wellness, muscle composition, and various other critical indicators. [9]

What's The Yardstick for Measuring Body Weight?

BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) takes the spotlight, despite its notable imperfections. It calculates a value from your height and weight to categorize your health status.

Yet, this method is not foolproof. BMI blurs the lines, failing to differentiate between muscle and fat, or consider how fat is distributed across the body. For example, muscular individuals could be inaccurately labeled as overweight, while someone with abdominal fat—a marker for health risks—might slip through as 'healthy' due to their overall weight.

Despite these drawbacks, BMI remains the most practical measure for public health studies. It's a piece in the puzzle of predicting chronic disease risk and gauging mortality related to weight extremes.

In essence, BMI is a chapter, not the whole story. For a full health assessment, it should be read alongside other tests, including blood work, waist measurement, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio evaluations. [10,11,12,13,14,15]

What Does 'Healthy' Weight Mean According to BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely recognized indicator for gauging disease risk in relation to body weight. It's best used in conjunction with other assessments to give a fuller picture of health.

Curious about what BMI says about 'healthy' weight? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a simple BMI calculator. Input your height and weight, and you'll receive a number that places you in a specific BMI category.

Here's a quick glance at BMI categories:

  • Severely Underweight: less than 16.5
  • Underweight:5–18.4
  • Normal Weight:5–24.9
  • Overweight:0–29.9
  • Obese Class I:0–34.9
  • Obese Class II:0–39.9
  • Obese Class III: 40 or more

It's crucial to understand that BMI isn't a comprehensive measure—it doesn't differentiate for gender, age, muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and ethnic distinctions.

While it's beneficial to know your BMI status, being in the overweight or underweight category doesn't automatically equate to being unhealthy.

However, aiming for a BMI within the 'normal' range is generally advised by health professionals. [16]

29 Science-Supported Strategies for Natural Weight Loss

Weight Loss

Navigating the natural weight loss landscape can be as simple as integrating more whole foods into your diet, sipping on green tea, and incorporating probiotics for digestive health. Consistency in physical activity and cultivating quality sleep are equally pivotal.

The internet is awash with dubious weight loss advice, often lacking in scientific backing.

Yet, there are tried-and-true natural techniques that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Ready to embark on your journey? Here’s where to plant your first step.

Power Up with Protein

Protein reigns supreme in the realm of weight loss.

Digesting and metabolizing protein requires calories, thus a diet rich in this essential nutrient can rev up your metabolism by an impressive 80–100 calories daily.

Not only does a protein-laden diet help in boosting metabolism, but it also can significantly curb your hunger pangs. Research indicates that high-protein diets may lead to a reduction of 400 calories consumed each day.

Even a simple act like opting for a protein-packed breakfast of eggs can wield a substantial influence. [17,18,19,20,21,22]

Focus on Whole, Unprocessed Foods

Transforming your health can be as simple as grounding your diet in whole, unprocessed ingredients. This shift helps you cut out excessive added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.

Whole foods tend to be naturally satisfying, which helps in managing your calorie intake more effortlessly. Plus, they’re rich in crucial nutrients your body requires to thrive. As you nourish yourself with these unrefined foods, weight loss tends to occur naturally as a welcome byproduct. [23]

Reduce Your Intake of Processed Foods

Processed foods often come packed with extra sugars, fats, and calories that you might not expect. Even more, they are designed to tempt your taste buds into wanting more and more, potentially leading to habits similar to addiction compared to their unprocessed counterparts. [24]

Fill Your Pantry with Healthful Choices

Research indicates that the contents of your kitchen cupboards can significantly influence both your weight and your eating habits.

Keeping a stash of whole, nutrient-rich foods within reach means you're less likely to succumb to less wholesome temptations.

A plethora of healthy snacks are simple to assemble and perfect for when you're out and about. Opt for options like creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, crisp carrots, and protein-packed hard-boiled eggs. [25,26,27]

Reduce Added Sugar Consumption

Excessive intake of added sugars is associated with major health issues, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. On average, Americans consume around 15 teaspoons of added sugar daily, often hidden within processed foods, making it easy to unwittingly exceed recommended limits.

Added sugars can lurk under numerous names on ingredient labels, making it challenging to ascertain the true sugar content of foods.

Cutting back on added sugars is a smart move for a healthier diet. [28,29,30]

Embrace Hydration

The adage that water aids in weight loss holds a drop of truth. Indulging in just 0.5 liters (17 oz) of water can ramp up calorie burning by 24–30% for the following hour. Moreover, sipping water before meals can curb calorie consumption, particularly noteworthy for adults past their prime.

Choosing water over high-calorie, sugary drinks can be a game-changer for your weight management journey. [31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38]

Sip on Black Coffee

Packed with antioxidants and beneficial elements, coffee isn't just a wake-up call, it's a health booster too.

Indulging in a cup of coffee can actually assist in shedding pounds by revving up your energy levels and increasing the calories you torch throughout the day.

Not just that, a regular caffeine fix can accelerate your metabolism by 3–11% and slash your chances of succumbing to type 2 diabetes by an impressive 23–50%.

And for those counting calories, black coffee is a gem, offering the dual benefits of making you feel sated while being nearly calorie-free. [39,40,41,42,43,44]

Embrace the Power of Glucomannan

Dive into the world of effective weight management with glucomannan, a proven ally in the fight against unwanted pounds. Extracted from the root of the konjac plant, or the 'elephant yam', this natural, soluble dietary fiber is a heavyweight in its category.

Not only is glucomannan a champion in low-calorie intake, but it also plays a strategic role in your stomach, creating a feeling of fullness, slowing down digestion, and smartly moderating the uptake of proteins and fats. It's a friend to your gut's beneficial flora, too.

What's the secret to its success? Glucomannan has an extraordinary capacity to soak up water, transforming it into a gel – think of a single capsule converting a glass of water into a satiating gel, and you can picture the magic of glucomannan in weight loss. [45,46,47]

Watch Your Beverage Choices

Beverages like sugary sodas, fruit juices, chocolate milk, and energy drinks might seem like a quick thirst quencher, but they're often heavy with calories that can contribute to weight gain.

These seemingly innocent drinks may not only tip the scales but also pose a broader health risk, including obesity. Research has revealed a startling 60% surge in obesity risk for children with each daily serving of a sugar-sweetened drink.

Remember, your brain doesn't process liquid calories in the same way it does calories from solid foods. This means you could be consuming extra calories without even realizing it, as these don't fill you up like food does. [48,49,50]

Reduce Refined Carbs Consumption

Refined carbs come stripped of essential nutrients and fiber, leaving behind carbohydrates that your body processes quickly. This not only can lead to excess eating but also heightens disease risk.

Typically found in white bread, white rice, white flour, sugary drinks, pastries, snacks, candies, pasta, most breakfast cereals, and any added sugars, these refined carbs are widespread in many diets. [51,52]

Embrace Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting introduces a rhythmic flow of eating and not eating, inviting you to sync with natural cycles of feasting and fasting.

This approach comes in various forms such as the 5:2 strategy, the 16:8 timetable, and the eat-stop-eat practice.

Typically, these techniques naturally reduce your calorie intake as you're not eating round-the-clock, potentially paving the way for weight loss and a host of additional health advantages. [53]

Sip on Green Tea

Delve into the world of green tea, a potent brew brimming with antioxidants. Known for its myriad of health advantages, including its ability to enhance metabolism and assist in shedding weight, green tea is a powerhouse in a cup.

By boosting your metabolism by 4% and specifically targeting the burning of fat by up to 17%, green tea can be especially effective against stubborn abdominal fat.

For an even greater health kick, consider Matcha, a finely ground variety of green tea, which packs a more concentrated punch than its traditional counterpart. [54,55,56,57,58,59]

Embrace Fruits and Vegetables

Packing a nutritional punch, fruits and vegetables are your allies on the weight-loss journey.

Rich in water, loaded with fiber, and brimming with essential nutrients while being low in calories, they allow you to enjoy generous portions without tipping the calorie scale.

Evidence consistently links higher consumption of these natural powerhouses to lighter body weights [60,61].

Mind Your Calories Periodically

Understanding your dietary habits is crucial in your weight loss journey.

There are multiple proven strategies for this, such as calorie tracking, maintaining a food journal, or photographing your meals.

Leveraging an app or digital device for this task can often yield better results than a traditional food diary. [62,63,64,65]

Opt for Petite Plates

Research suggests a little plate trickery could go a long way in controlling how much you eat. The illusion? Smaller plates can make servings appear significantly larger, nudging your brain into satisfaction with less.

It turns out, we tend to load up our plates to the brim, no matter their size. Consequently, a bigger plate often leads to an unintentional upsizing of portions.

By choosing smaller plates, you're likely to serve yourself less, yet feel just as content as if you'd had a larger helping. [66,67,68,69]

Embrace the Low-Carb Approach

Research consistently points to the benefits of low-carb diets for shedding pounds.

By cutting back on carbohydrates and prioritizing fats and proteins, you naturally curb your hunger and lower your calorie intake.

Expect to potentially triple your weight loss results compared to a traditional low-fat diet, as supported by scientific findings.

Moreover, this dietary shift can positively influence several health risk factors. [70,71,72]

Slow Down Your Eating Pace

Gobbling down your meals can lead you to consume more calories than necessary before you even detect fullness, studies suggest.

Those who eat quickly are at a substantially higher risk of becoming obese than slow eaters.

Taking your time to chew thoroughly not only helps in reducing calorie intake but also boosts the release of weight loss-associated hormones. [73,74,75,76,77]

Incorporate Eggs Into Your Meal Plan

Consider eggs your ally in the journey toward weight management. Not only are they low in calories, but their high protein content and wealth of nutrients also set them apart as a top-tier choice for those looking to shed pounds.

Proteins are stars at curbing hunger and enhancing satiety, more effectively than lower-protein alternatives.

Starting your day with eggs could lead to significantly more weight loss over 8 weeks compared to beginning with bagels. This protein-rich breakfast might also contribute to reduced calorie intake throughout your day. [78,79,80]

Turn Up the Heat on Your Diet

Incorporating chili peppers and jalapeños into your recipes isn't just a way to ignite your taste buds – it may also kindle your metabolism.

Thanks to capsaicin, a fiery compound found within these spicy favorites, your body can experience an uptick in fat burning.

Plus, capsaicin has been linked to helping you feel fuller faster, potentially curbing your appetite and reducing your overall calorie intake. [81,82,83,84]

Embrace Probiotics

Probiotics, those beneficial live microbes, do more than just boost your gut health – they're also potentially beneficial for your heart and might even tip the scales in favor of weight loss.

Research indicates a notable difference in the gut microbiota of individuals with obesity compared to those of average weight, which may play a role in body weight regulation.

Incorporating probiotics could help balance your gut flora. They're thought to prevent the body from absorbing as much fat from your diet, while also helping to curb your appetite and reduce inflammation.

Among the various strains of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus gasseri stands out for its association with weight reduction effects. [85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94]

Prioritize Sleep

Prioritizing ample sleep is crucial not only for shedding pounds but also for warding off potential weight gain.

Research indicates that individuals who are short on sleep could have a 55% higher chance of becoming obese, a statistic that rises even more alarmingly for children.

This increased risk is attributed to the way lack of sleep throws off the natural rhythm of appetite-controlling hormones, resulting in inconsistent hunger management.

Dive deeper and check out our full guide on healthy sleep. [95,96,97]

Boost Your Fiber Intake

Incorporating more fiber into your diet can be a game-changer for weight management. Opt for water-soluble fiber-rich foods to up your game, as they're particularly good at promoting a sense of fullness.

Fiber works wonders by slowing the emptying of your stomach, causing it to stretch, and triggering the hormones that tell your brain you're satisfied. This subtle shift can naturally lead you to consume fewer calories—effortlessly.

What's more, diverse fibers serve as nourishment for your gut's beneficial bacteria, which are proven allies in the fight against obesity.

Remember to ramp up your fiber levels slowly, though, to sidestep any potential digestive discomfort, keeping things comfortable as you transition to a healthier you. [98,99,100,101,102,103]

Practice Post-Meal Dental Care

Engaging in dental care by brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash after meals is a common practice.

The fresh taste left by these dental products can alter how subsequent foods and drinks taste, potentially reducing the temptation to indulge in extra eating sessions. [104]

Tackling Food Addiction

Compulsive cravings and brain chemistry shifts can transform food into an addiction, making it difficult for individuals to say no to specific foods.

This issue isn't niche—it plays a significant role in the overeating habits of a vast number of people. A study from 2014 revealed that nearly one in five individuals meet the conditions for food addiction.

The culprits are often highly processed foods rich in sugar, fat, or both, which are more likely to trigger addictive responses.

Seeking advice from a healthcare professional is advisable. [105]

Engage in Cardiovascular Exercise

Incorporating cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, running, cycling, brisk walking, or hiking, into your routine is not only a potent calorie burner but also significantly enhances your mental and physical well-being.

Engaging in cardio exercises is beneficial for mitigating heart disease risks and aids in weight management.

Moreover, cardio is notably efficient in diminishing visceral fat—the type that accumulates around your organs and contributes to metabolic disorders. [106,107,108,109]

Embrace Strength Training

Dieting can often lead to muscle mass reduction, which in turn can slow down your calorie-burning capabilities.

Incorporating strength training, such as weightlifting, can effectively counteract muscle loss and maintain your metabolic rate. [110,111,112,113]

For more information, delve into our full guide on exercise

Embrace Whey Protein

Adequate protein is often met through food, yet some may fall short. Whey protein supplements serve as a convenient method to enhance your protein consumption.

Research indicates that substituting some daily calories with whey protein can lead to notable weight reduction and the growth of lean muscle.

Be vigilant, though — inspect the ingredients carefully as certain types are high in sugar and additional unnecessary additives. [114,115]

Embrace Mindful Eating

Embarking on the journey of mindful eating transforms your relationship with food. It's an approach designed to heighten your awareness during meals.

This practice empowers you to make deliberate food selections, tuning you into your body's hunger and fullness signals. Responding to these cues can lead to healthier eating habits.

Research has consistently highlighted mindful eating's positive impact on weight, dietary habits, and stress reduction in individuals with obesity. It offers a potent tool against compulsive overeating and eating in response to emotions.

By choosing your meals mindfully, increasing self-awareness, and honoring your body’s needs, weight management can become a natural outcome. [116,117,118,119]

For more tips on healthy diet and nutrition, check out our full guide. 

Embrace a Sustainable Transformation

Traditional diets often fall short when it comes to lasting weight loss – indeed, dieters frequently end up heavier over time.

Shift your aim from mere weight reduction to embracing a lifestyle rich in healthy eating and consistent activity. This approach nurtures your body far beyond the numbers on a scale. [120]

Understanding the Importance of Weight Gain in Holistic Weight Management

Weight Gain

Weight management is commonly associated with weight loss, yet this perspective is limited and doesn’t reflect the entire spectrum of what it truly encompasses. Effective weight management is about finding a healthy equilibrium; it's about nurturing the body with what it needs to reach a state of balance. This balance is not always tipped towards weight loss; in fact, for some, weight gain is the objective that aligns with their health and wellness goals. Individuals may seek to gain weight for a variety of reasons, such as to improve their muscle mass, to enhance athletic performance, or to recover from health issues that have caused them to be underweight. It’s a process that's as complex and personalized as the individual, and understanding the importance of weight gain in this context is essential.

Why Weight Gain is Important?

Gaining weight holds crucial importance for many, a reality reflected in the number of people in the United States who are considered underweight. Genetic predispositions, a naturally fast metabolism, or even chronic health conditions can leave individuals weighing less than what might be healthy for them.

This underweight status can be indicative of inadequate nutrition or underlying health issues that need to be addressed. For others, who might not be clinically underweight, the desire to gain weight is driven by the goal to build muscle mass for personal or athletic reasons.

The core principles that guide the process of healthy weight gain are consistent regardless of the underlying motivation. It’s about enhancing one’s health through intentional, nutritious weight gain that builds strength and vitality. [121,122,123,124]

The Dangers of Being Underweight: A Closer Look

Tipping the scales on the lighter side isn't without its perils.

Research indicates that the risk of death for those who are clinically underweight is almost double when compared to individuals with obesity, hinting that being underweight could pose a more significant health threat than being overweight.

Moreover, studies show a noticeable decline in self-reported health in underweight adults starting as early as age 38, suggesting that a lower BMI in your later years could be linked to heightened health concerns.

A scant body weight can compromise your immune defenses, escalate infection risks, contribute to bone thinning and breaks, and interfere with reproductive health.

Additionally, being underweight increases the likelihood of experiencing sarcopenia, the muscle loss associated with aging, and may also elevate dementia risks.

In children, not weighing enough can disrupt normal growth and development trajectories. [125,126,127,128,129]

The Underlying Factors of Low Body Weight

Navigating the landscape of low body weight requires understanding its diverse causes, such as:

  • Eating Disorders: These, particularly anorexia nervosa, pose grave mental health dangers.
  • Thyroid Imbalances: Hyperthyroidism can accelerate metabolism, leading to rapid weight loss.
  • Celiac Disease: A severe reaction to gluten, with rising prevalence in recent decades.
  • Diabetes: Uncontrolled, especially type 1, can precipitate significant weight reduction.
  • Cancer: Depending on the type and the individual's age, cancer can drastically increase energy expenditure, causing weight loss.
  • Infections: Weight can be critically impacted by infections like parasites, tuberculosis, and HIV.

If your weight is below a healthy range, consider consulting a doctor to exclude serious health issues, especially if you've experienced sudden, unintentional weight loss. [130,131,132,133,134,135,136,137,138]

Embarking on a Weight Gain Journey

For those on the path to a healthier weight, gaining can be just as crucial as losing. There's a spectrum of effective tactics to help you add those extra pounds.

Herein, we map out several tactics to aid in weight gain.

Boost Your Calorie Consumption

At the heart of weight gain is the principle of a calorie surplus: consuming more calories than your body expends.

Use a calorie calculator to gauge your daily caloric requirement.

To gain weight gradually, target a surplus of 300–500 calories daily beyond what you burn, as indicated by the calculator. For a swifter gain, shoot for an extra 700–1,000 calories.

Remember, these calculators offer ballpark figures. Your actual caloric needs might swing by a few hundred calories more or less.

While perpetual calorie counting isn't necessary, tracking your intake initially for a few days or weeks can be an eye-opener to the quantity you're consuming. Luckily, there are myriad tools available to simplify this process. [139]

Boost Your Protein Intake

Protein is a cornerstone nutrient for bodily growth, repair, and overall wellness, particularly from high-quality animal sources.

Research in 2020 involving 23 participants revealed that an uptick in protein intake correlates with an increase in lean muscle.

For adults engaging in light to rigorous exercise, the Recommended Dietary Allowance suggests a protein intake ranging from 1 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight daily.

Healthy adults may safely consume up to 2 grams per kilogram, with the ceiling being 3.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

Sources of high protein encompass meats, seafood, eggs, select dairy, legumes, nuts, and more. For those struggling to meet protein needs through food alone, supplements such as whey protein are an option.

Yet, it's worth noting that protein can also dampen hunger, possibly making it challenging to consume sufficient calories, and excessive intake may heighten the risk of heart disease.

Consulting a healthcare professional can guide you on whether a protein-rich diet aligns with your weight gain objectives in a healthy manner. [140,141,142,143]

Boosting Your Carb and Fat Intake

When aiming to shed pounds, many opt to cut down on carbs or fats.

However, this approach might backfire if you're looking to put on weight, as it could complicate your calorie consumption.

For those targeting weight gain, it's essential to embrace a diet rich in both carbohydrates and fats. Aim for a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbs in every meal.

Steer clear of dietary patterns like intermittent fasting, which, while beneficial for weight reduction and other health perks, can pose challenges in meeting your calorie intake goals for weight gain.

Commit to eating at least three substantial meals a day and incorporate calorie-rich snacks whenever you can. [144]

Optimize Your Caloric Intake with Nutrient-Rich Foods

Prioritizing whole foods is essential for a healthy diet, packed with nutrients from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Yet, these foods can also be quite satiating, which might pose a challenge for those trying to up their calorie intake.

To circumvent this, introduce a variety of spices, sauces, and condiments to make your meals irresistibly flavorful, potentially aiding in higher consumption. Consider garnishes that also pack a caloric punch.

Focus on foods with a high energy density, which offer more calories in less volume.

Boost your caloric intake with these energy-rich options:

  • Nuts: Choose from almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, or peanuts.
  • Dried Fruits: Opt for raisins, dates, prunes, etc.
  • Whole Fat Dairy: Incorporate whole milk, full-fat yogurt, cheese, and cream.
  • Healthy Fats and Oils: Utilize extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Whole Grains: Select oats and brown rice.
  • Meats: Include varieties like chicken, beef, pork, and opt for fattier cuts.
  • Root Vegetables: Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams to your diet.
  • Additional Calorie-Dense Choices: Treat yourself to dark chocolate, avocados, peanut butter, coconut milk, granola, and trail mix.

While fruits and vegetables are integral to a balanced diet, they may fill you up quickly due to their fiber content. If your goal is weight gain, you might want to moderate your intake to make room for more calorie-dense foods.

For those looking to increase their weight more rapidly, these food suggestions can be particularly beneficial. [145,146]

10 More Strategic Tips for Healthy Weight Gain

To enhance your weight gain efforts, consider blending a nutrient-rich, high-calorie diet with strength training exercises.

Beyond this fundamental approach, here's a concise guide with 10 practical tips to accelerate your journey to a healthier weight:

  1. Hold off on drinking water immediately before meals to prevent reducing your appetite.
  2. Increase meal frequency. Add an extra meal or snack, especially at night, to boost your calorie intake.
  3. Incorporate whole milk into your diet as a thirst quencher to add quality protein and additional calories.
  4. Explore weight gainer shakes. These calorie-dense options are packed with protein and carbs, ideal for those struggling to gain weight.
  5. Opt for larger plates during meals; smaller plates tend to lead to reduced food intake.
  6. Enrich your coffee with cream. It's an effortless method to consume more calories.
  7. Consider creatine supplements. Creatine monohydrate has been shown to assist in increasing muscle mass.
  8. Prioritize restful sleep. Optimal sleep is essential for muscle repair and growth.
  9. Focus on eating proteins and fats before other parts of your meal. Consume more fibrous foods, such as vegetables, last.
  10. If you smoke, think about quitting. Non-smokers generally weigh more than smokers, and quitting can lead to weight gain.

By adopting these strategies, you can support your body's health and weight gain in a balanced and effective way. [147,148,149,150,151,152]

Role of NMN, Resveratrol, and Quercetin in Weight Management and Obesity

NMN and Weight Loss

The obesity epidemic in the U.S. is a significant health concern, affecting over 41.9% of adults and 19.7% of children, with an annual financial impact of roughly $147 billion. Amidst this crisis, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), Resveratrol, and Quercetin, molecules crucial for cellular energy metabolism and overall health, have emerged as potential aids in combating obesity.

NMN
  • Overweight Adults: A 2023 study from Harvard Medical School found that taking 2,000 mg of NMN daily for a month led to over 6 lbs of weight loss in overweight adults, along with reductions in LDL cholesterol.
  • Obesity-Related Metabolic Issues: Research in 2020 revealed that NMN restored NAD+ levels in obese mice, improving GLP-1 production and regulating blood sugar, suggesting a potential for addressing obesity-related metabolic problems.
  • Offspring of Obese Mothers: A 2020 study demonstrated that NMN reduced fat levels and improved glucose tolerance in male mice born to obese mothers, especially those on high-fat diets.
Resveratrol
  • Insulin Sensitivity and Fat Reduction: A 2022 Nutrients study highlighted resveratrol's ability to reduce fat cell formation and inflammation while enhancing insulin sensitivity, especially in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.
  • Fat Cell Behavior: A 2014 study showed that resveratrol reduced fat cell size in overweight men by promoting the formation of smaller, healthier fat cells and enhancing fat breakdown.
  • Mitochondrial Function and Glucose Metabolism: Research from 2015 found that resveratrol improved mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism, positioning it as a potential therapeutic agent for obesity.
  • Post-Menopausal Weight Control: A 2017 study found that resveratrol reduced weight gain in both healthy and menopausal rats, with added benefits to blood glucose levels.
Quercetin
  • Adipose Tissue Health: A 2023 study showed that quercetin reduced weight gain and fat tissue growth in mice on high-fat diets by lowering fat-producing enzyme activity and inhibiting blood vessel formation needed for fat storage.
  • Antioxidant Effects: A 2015 study emphasized quercetin's ability to reduce oxidative stress, a factor in obesity, suggesting its role in obesity management through its antioxidant properties.
  • Obesity-Related Diseases: A 2016 study found that quercetin's anti-inflammatory effects could help manage obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes by reducing inflammation markers and influencing fat metabolism.
  • Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation: A 2015 study revealed that quercetin significantly reduced body weight and suppressed inflammation in obese mice by inhibiting fat cell development and inflammation-related pathways.

Together, NMN, Resveratrol, and Quercetin present a promising avenue for managing obesity and its related complications. However, their efficacy and safety must be evaluated through ongoing research and clinical trials, and any use of these supplements should be done under professional medical guidance.

To explore the intricacies and scientific discussions surrounding supplements and their role in weight management, delve into the NMN, Resveratrol, and Quercetin articles for a comprehensive understanding. [153,154,155,156,157,158,159,160,161]

Conclusion

Effective weight management is not a one-dimensional pursuit of weight loss; it encompasses the necessity of weight gain for some individuals to achieve optimal health. Implementing scientifically supported strategies—such as prioritizing protein, managing calorie intake, and engaging in consistent exercise — is fundamental for those looking to lose weight sustainably. For those needing to gain weight, a focus on a calorie surplus through nutrient-rich foods and strength training is essential.

The guide underscores the personalized nature of weight management, with an emphasis on balance, nutritional content, and a holistic health approach. Emerging research, like that on NMN, underscores the importance of cellular health in overall wellness and mental health, suggesting that targeted supplements can complement these lifestyle changes.

Ultimately, the journey of weight management is about nurturing the body and mind, understanding individual health needs, and making informed lifestyle choices that align with personal health objectives.

Integrating HealthspanX's Ultra Pure NMN™, Resveratrol™, and Quercetin™ into your daily regimen may support your mental well-being, helping to combat anxiety and depression as you work towards your weight management goals. Discover how these cutting-edge supplements could be the missing piece in your holistic approach to a healthier, more vibrant life.

Citations

  1. Seagle HM, Strain GW, Makris A, Reeves RS; American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: weight management. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(2):330-346. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.11.041
  2. Ryan DH, Kahan S. Guideline Recommendations for Obesity Management. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):49-63. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.006
  3. Tylka TL, Annunziato RA, Burgard D, et al. The weight-inclusive versus weight-normative approach to health: evaluating the evidence for prioritizing well-being over weight loss. J Obes. 2014;2014:983495. doi:10.1155/2014/983495
  4. Bacon L, Aphramor L. Weight science: evaluating the evidence for a paradigm shift [published correction appears in Nutr J. 2011;10:69]. Nutr J. 2011;10:9. Published 2011 Jan 24. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-9
  5. Klein S, Sheard NF, Pi-Sunyer X, et al. Weight management through lifestyle modification for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes: rationale and strategies. A statement of the American Diabetes Association, the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, and the American Society for Clinical Nutrition. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;80(2):257-263. doi:10.1093/ajcn/80.2.257
  6. Silveira EA, Pagotto V, Barbosa LS, Oliveira C, Pena GDG, Velasquez-Melendez G. Accuracy of BMI and waist circumference cut-off points to predict obesity in older adults. Acurácia de pontos de corte de IMC e circunferência da cintura para a predição de obesidade em idosos. Cien Saude Colet. 2020;25(3):1073-1082. doi:10.1590/1413-81232020253.13762018
  7. Macek P, Biskup M, Terek-Derszniak M, et al. Optimal Body Fat Percentage Cut-Off Values in Predicting the Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2020;13:1587-1597. Published 2020 May 12. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S248444
  8. Maffetone PB, Rivera-Dominguez I, Laursen PB. Overfat and Underfat: New Terms and Definitions Long Overdue. Front Public Health. 2017;4:279. Published 2017 Jan 3. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2016.00279
  9. Jehan S, Zizi F, Pandi-Perumal SR, et al. Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity: Implications for Public Health. Sleep Med Disord. 2017;1(4):00019.
  10. Park D, Lee JH, Han S. Underweight: another risk factor for cardiovascular disease?: A cross-sectional 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) study of 491,773 individuals in the USA. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(48):e8769. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000008769
  11. Dwivedi AK, Dubey P, Cistola DP, Reddy SY. Association Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis Studies. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2020;22(4):25. Published 2020 Mar 12. doi:10.1007/s11886-020-1273-y
  12. Kyrou I, Randeva HS, Tsigos C, et al. Clinical Problems Caused by Obesity. [Updated 2018 Jan 11]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278973/
  13. Stenholm S, Head J, Aalto V, et al. Body mass index as a predictor of healthy and disease-free life expectancy between ages 50 and 75: a multicohort study. Int J Obes (Lond). 2017;41(5):769-775. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.29
  14. Kim YH, Kim SM, Han KD, et al. Waist Circumference and All-Cause Mortality Independent of Body Mass Index in Korean Population from the National Health Insurance Health Checkup 2009⁻2015. J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):72. Published 2019 Jan 10. doi:10.3390/jcm8010072
  15. Zierle-Ghosh A, Jan A. Physiology, Body Mass Index. [Updated 2022 Sep 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535456/
  16. Weir CB, Jan A. BMI Classification Percentile And Cut Off Points. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541070/
  17. Ratliff J, Leite JO, de Ogburn R, Puglisi MJ, VanHeest J, Fernandez ML. Consuming eggs for breakfast influences plasma glucose and ghrelin, while reducing energy intake during the next 24 hours in adult men. Nutr Res. 2010;30(2):96-103. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2010.01.002
  18. Vander Wal JS, Gupta A, Khosla P, Dhurandhar NV. Egg breakfast enhances weight loss. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008;32(10):1545-1551. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.130
  19. Fallaize R, Wilson L, Gray J, Morgan LM, Griffin BA. Variation in the effects of three different breakfast meals on subjective satiety and subsequent intake of energy at lunch and evening meal. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52(4):1353-1359. doi:10.1007/s00394-012-0444-z
  20. Weigle DS, Breen PA, Matthys CC, et al. A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;82(1):41-48. doi:10.1093/ajcn.82.1.41
  21. Johnston CS, Day CS, Swan PD. Postprandial thermogenesis is increased 100% on a high-protein, low-fat diet versus a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet in healthy, young women. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(1):55-61. doi:10.1080/07315724.2002.10719194
  22. Crovetti R, Porrini M, Santangelo A, Testolin G. The influence of thermic effect of food on satiety. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1998;52(7):482-488. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600578
  23. Holt SH, Miller JC, Petocz P, Farmakalidis E. A satiety index of common foods. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995;49(9):675-690.
  24. Schulte EM, Avena NM, Gearhardt AN. Which foods may be addictive? The roles of processing, fat content, and glycemic load. PLoS One. 2015;10(2):e0117959. Published 2015 Feb 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117959
  25. Emery CF, Olson KL, Lee VS, Habash DL, Nasar JL, Bodine A. Home environment and psychosocial predictors of obesity status among community-residing men and women. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39(9):1401-1407. doi:10.1038/ijo.2015.70
  26. Birch LL, Davison KK. Family environmental factors influencing the developing behavioral controls of food intake and childhood overweight. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2001;48(4):893-907. doi:10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70347-3
  27. Gorin AA, Phelan S, Raynor H, Wing RR. Home food and exercise environments of normal-weight and overweight adults. Am J Health Behav. 2011;35(5):618-626. doi:10.5993/ajhb.35.5.10
  28. Yang Q, Zhang Z, Gregg EW, Flanders WD, Merritt R, Hu FB. Added sugar intake and cardiovascular diseases mortality among US adults. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(4):516-524. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13563
  29. Schulze MB, Manson JE, Ludwig DS, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages, weight gain, and incidence of type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged women. JAMA. 2004;292(8):927-934. doi:10.1001/jama.292.8.927
  30. Bostick RM, Potter JD, Kushi LH, et al. Sugar, meat, and fat intake, and non-dietary risk factors for colon cancer incidence in Iowa women (United States). Cancer Causes Control. 1994;5(1):38-52. doi:10.1007/BF01830725
  31. Popkin BM, D'Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration, and health. Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-458. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x
  32. Illescas-Zarate D, Espinosa-Montero J, Flores M, Barquera S. Plain water consumption is associated with lower intake of caloric beverage: cross-sectional study in Mexican adults with low socioeconomic status. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:405. Published 2015 Apr 19. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1699-0
  33. Davy BM, Dennis EA, Dengo AL, Wilson KL, Davy KP. Water consumption reduces energy intake at a breakfast meal in obese older adults. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(7):1236-1239. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.013
  34. Van Walleghen EL, Orr JS, Gentile CL, Davy BM. Pre-meal water consumption reduces meal energy intake in older but not younger subjects. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2007;15(1):93-99. doi:10.1038/oby.2007.506
  35. Stookey JD, Constant F, Popkin BM, Gardner CD. Drinking water is associated with weight loss in overweight dieting women independent of diet and activity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008;16(11):2481-2488. doi:10.1038/oby.2008.409
  36. Vij VA, Joshi AS. Effect of 'water induced thermogenesis' on body weight, body mass index and body composition of overweight subjects. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7(9):1894-1896. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/5862.3344
  37. Boschmann M, Steiniger J, Franke G, Birkenfeld AL, Luft FC, Jordan J. Water drinking induces thermogenesis through osmosensitive mechanisms. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92(8):3334-3337. doi:10.1210/jc.2006-1438
  38. Boschmann M, Steiniger J, Hille U, et al. Water-induced thermogenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88(12):6015-6019. doi:10.1210/jc.2003-030780
  39. Huxley R, Lee CM, Barzi F, et al. Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea consumption in relation to incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(22):2053-2063. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2009.439
  40. Cano-Marquina A, Tarín JJ, Cano A. The impact of coffee on health. Maturitas. 2013;75(1):7-21. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.02.002
  41. Koot P, Deurenberg P. Comparison of changes in energy expenditure and body temperatures after caffeine consumption. Ann Nutr Metab. 1995;39(3):135-142. doi:10.1159/000177854
  42. Acheson KJ, Gremaud G, Meirim I, et al. Metabolic effects of caffeine in humans: lipid oxidation or futile cycling?. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79(1):40-46. doi:10.1093/ajcn/79.1.40
  43. Smith AP, Brockman P, Flynn R, Maben A, Thomas M. Investigation of the effects of coffee on alertness and performance during the day and night. Neuropsychobiology. 1993;27(4):217-223. doi:10.1159/000118984
  44. Hindmarch I, Rigney U, Stanley N, Quinlan P, Rycroft J, Lane J. A naturalistic investigation of the effects of day-long consumption of tea, coffee and water on alertness, sleep onset and sleep quality. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000;149(3):203-216. doi:10.1007/s002130000383
  45. Baer DJ, Rumpler WV, Miles CW, Fahey GC Jr. Dietary fiber decreases the metabolizable energy content and nutrient digestibility of mixed diets fed to humans. J Nutr. 1997;127(4):579-586. doi:10.1093/jn/127.4.579
  46. Burton-Freeman B. Dietary fiber and energy regulation. J Nutr. 2000;130(2S Suppl):272S-275S. doi:10.1093/jn/130.2.272S
  47. Howarth NC, Saltzman E, Roberts SB. Dietary fiber and weight regulation. Nutr Rev. 2001;59(5):129-139. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2001.tb07001.x
  48. Malik VS, Schulze MB, Hu FB. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(2):274-288. doi:10.1093/ajcn/84.1.274
  49. Mattes RD, Campbell WW. Effects of food form and timing of ingestion on appetite and energy intake in lean young adults and in young adults with obesity. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(3):430-437. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.11.031
  50. Ludwig DS, Peterson KE, Gortmaker SL. Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity: a prospective, observational analysis. Lancet. 2001;357(9255):505-508. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(00)04041-1
  51. Roberts SB. High-glycemic index foods, hunger, and obesity: is there a connection?. Nutr Rev. 2000;58(6):163-169. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2000.tb01855.x
  52. Roberts SB. Glycemic index and satiety. Nutr Clin Care. 2003;6(1):20-26.
  53. Johnstone A. Fasting for weight loss: an effective strategy or latest dieting trend?. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39(5):727-733. doi:10.1038/ijo.2014.214
  54. Wang H, Wen Y, Du Y, et al. Effects of catechin enriched green tea on body composition. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010;18(4):773-779. doi:10.1038/oby.2009.256
  55. Auvichayapat P, Prapochanung M, Tunkamnerdthai O, et al. Effectiveness of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais: A randomized, controlled trial. Physiol Behav. 2008;93(3):486-491. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.10.009
  56. Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70(6):1040-1045. doi:10.1093/ajcn/70.6.1040
  57. Venables MC, Hulston CJ, Cox HR, Jeukendrup AE. Green tea extract ingestion, fat oxidation, and glucose tolerance in healthy humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(3):778-784. doi:10.1093/ajcn/87.3.778
  58. Bérubé-Parent S, Pelletier C, Doré J, Tremblay A. Effects of encapsulated green tea and Guarana extracts containing a mixture of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and caffeine on 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in men. Br J Nutr. 2005;94(3):432-436. doi:10.1079/bjn20051502
  59. Diepvens K, Westerterp KR, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2007;292(1):R77-R85. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00832.2005
  60. Heo M, Kim RS, Wylie-Rosett J, Allison DB, Heymsfield SB, Faith MS. Inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and BMI even after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Obes Facts. 2011;4(6):449-455. doi:10.1159/000335279
  61. Ledoux TA, Hingle MD, Baranowski T. Relationship of fruit and vegetable intake with adiposity: a systematic review. Obes Rev. 2011;12(5):e143-e150. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2010.00786.x
  62. Burke LE, Styn MA, Sereika SM, et al. Using mHealth technology to enhance self-monitoring for weight loss: a randomized trial. Am J Prev Med. 2012;43(1):20-26. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2012.03.016
  63. Burke LE, Conroy MB, Sereika SM, et al. The effect of electronic self-monitoring on weight loss and dietary intake: a randomized behavioral weight loss trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011;19(2):338-344. doi:10.1038/oby.2010.208
  64. Burke LE, Wang J, Sevick MA. Self-monitoring in weight loss: a systematic review of the literature. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011;111(1):92-102. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2010.10.008
  65. Clark A, Franklin J, Pratt I, McGrice M. Overweight and obesity - use of portion control in management. Aust Fam Physician. 2010;39(6):407-411.
  66. DiSantis KI, Birch LL, Davey A, et al. Plate size and children's appetite: effects of larger dishware on self-served portions and intake. Pediatrics. 2013;131(5):e1451-e1458. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-2330
  67. Hollands GJ, Shemilt I, Marteau TM, et al. Portion, package or tableware size for changing selection and consumption of food, alcohol and tobacco. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(9):CD011045. Published 2015 Sep 14. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011045.pub2
  68. Wansink B, van Ittersum K. Portion size me: plate-size induced consumption norms and win-win solutions for reducing food intake and waste. J Exp Psychol Appl. 2013;19(4):320-332. doi:10.1037/a0035053
  69. McClain AD, van den Bos W, Matheson D, Desai M, McClure SM, Robinson TN. Visual illusions and plate design: the effects of plate rim widths and rim coloring on perceived food portion size. Int J Obes (Lond). 2014;38(5):657-662. doi:10.1038/ijo.2013.169
  70. Samaha FF, Iqbal N, Seshadri P, et al. A low-carbohydrate as compared with a low-fat diet in severe obesity. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(21):2074-2081. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa022637
  71. Dyson PA, Beatty S, Matthews DR. A low-carbohydrate diet is more effective in reducing body weight than healthy eating in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Diabet Med. 2007;24(12):1430-1435. doi:10.1111/j.1464-5491.2007.02290.x
  72. McClernon FJ, Yancy WS Jr, Eberstein JA, Atkins RC, Westman EC. The effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet and a low-fat diet on mood, hunger, and other self-reported symptoms. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2007;15(1):182-187. doi:10.1038/oby.2007.516
  73. Andrade AM, Greene GW, Melanson KJ. Eating slowly led to decreases in energy intake within meals in healthy women. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(7):1186-1191. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.026
  74. Kokkinos A, le Roux CW, Alexiadou K, et al. Eating slowly increases the postprandial response of the anorexigenic gut hormones, peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-1. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(1):333-337. doi:10.1210/jc.2009-1018
  75. Ohkuma T, Hirakawa Y, Nakamura U, Kiyohara Y, Kitazono T, Ninomiya T. Association between eating rate and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39(11):1589-1596. doi:10.1038/ijo.2015.96
  76. Robinson E, Almiron-Roig E, Rutters F, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of eating rate on energy intake and hunger. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(1):123-151. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.081745
  77. Morton GJ, Cummings DE, Baskin DG, Barsh GS, Schwartz MW. Central nervous system control of food intake and body weight. Nature. 2006;443(7109):289-295. doi:10.1038/nature05026
  78. Westerterp-Plantenga MS. The significance of protein in food intake and body weight regulation. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2003;6(6):635-638. doi:10.1097/00075197-200311000-00005
  79. Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Protein intake and energy balance. Regul Pept. 2008;149(1-3):67-69. doi:10.1016/j.regpep.2007.08.026
  80. Rains TM, Leidy HJ, Sanoshy KD, Lawless AL, Maki KC. A randomized, controlled, crossover trial to assess the acute appetitive and metabolic effects of sausage and egg-based convenience breakfast meals in overweight premenopausal women. Nutr J. 2015;14:17. Published 2015 Feb 10. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0002-7
  81. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Smeets A, Lejeune MP. Sensory and gastrointestinal satiety effects of capsaicin on food intake. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005;29(6):682-688. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802862
  82. Josse AR, Sherriffs SS, Holwerda AM, Andrews R, Staples AW, Phillips SM. Effects of capsinoid ingestion on energy expenditure and lipid oxidation at rest and during exercise. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010;7:65. Published 2010 Aug 3. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-7-65
  83. Whiting S, Derbyshire EJ, Tiwari B. Could capsaicinoids help to support weight management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of energy intake data. Appetite. 2014;73:183-188. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2013.11.005
  84. Ludy MJ, Mattes RD. The effects of hedonically acceptable red pepper doses on thermogenesis and appetite. Physiol Behav. 2011;102(3-4):251-258. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.11.018
  85. Sato M, Uzu K, Yoshida T, et al. Effects of milk fermented by Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 on adipocyte size in rats. Br J Nutr. 2008;99(5):1013-1017. doi:10.1017/S0007114507839006
  86. Miyoshi M, Ogawa A, Higurashi S, Kadooka Y. Anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 accompanied by inhibition of pro-inflammatory gene expression in the visceral adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice. Eur J Nutr. 2014;53(2):599-606. doi:10.1007/s00394-013-0568-9
  87. Hamad EM, Sato M, Uzu K, et al. Milk fermented by Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 influences adipocyte size via inhibition of dietary fat absorption in Zucker rats. Br J Nutr. 2009;101(5):716-724. doi:10.1017/S0007114508043808
  88. Yadav H, Lee JH, Lloyd J, Walter P, Rane SG. Beneficial metabolic effects of a probiotic via butyrate-induced GLP-1 hormone secretion. J Biol Chem. 2013;288(35):25088-25097. doi:10.1074/jbc.M113.452516
  89. Ogawa A, Kobayashi T, Sakai F, Kadooka Y, Kawasaki Y. Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 suppresses fatty acid release through enlargement of fat emulsion size in vitro and promotes fecal fat excretion in healthy Japanese subjects. Lipids Health Dis. 2015;14:20. Published 2015 Mar 20. doi:10.1186/s12944-015-0019-0
  90. Turnbaugh PJ, Hamady M, Yatsunenko T, et al. A core gut microbiome in obese and lean twins. Nature. 2009;457(7228):480-484. doi:10.1038/nature07540
  91. Ley RE, Turnbaugh PJ, Klein S, Gordon JI. Microbial ecology: human gut microbes associated with obesity. Nature. 2006;444(7122):1022-1023. doi:10.1038/4441022a
  92. Turnbaugh PJ, Ley RE, Mahowald MA, Magrini V, Mardis ER, Gordon JI. An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest. Nature. 2006;444(7122):1027-1031. doi:10.1038/nature05414
  93. DiRienzo DB. Effect of probiotics on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: implications for heart-healthy diets. Nutr Rev. 2014;72(1):18-29. doi:10.1111/nure.12084
  94. Ritchie ML, Romanuk TN. A meta-analysis of probiotic efficacy for gastrointestinal diseases. PLoS One. 2012;7(4):e34938. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034938
  95. Markwald RR, Melanson EL, Smith MR, et al. Impact of insufficient sleep on total daily energy expenditure, food intake, and weight gain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013;110(14):5695-5700. doi:10.1073/pnas.1216951110
  96. Taheri S, Lin L, Austin D, Young T, Mignot E. Short sleep duration is associated with reduced leptin, elevated ghrelin, and increased body mass index. PLoS Med. 2004;1(3):e62. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0010062
  97. Cappuccio FP, Taggart FM, Kandala NB, et al. Meta-analysis of short sleep duration and obesity in children and adults. Sleep. 2008;31(5):619-626. doi:10.1093/sleep/31.5.619
  98. Remely M, Tesar I, Hippe B, Gnauer S, Rust P, Haslberger AG. Gut microbiota composition correlates with changes in body fat content due to weight loss. Benef Microbes. 2015;6(4):431-439. doi:10.3920/BM2014.0104
  99. Parnell JA, Reimer RA. Prebiotic fiber modulation of the gut microbiota improves risk factors for obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Gut Microbes. 2012;3(1):29-34. doi:10.4161/gmic.19246
  100. Macfarlane S, Macfarlane GT, Cummings JH. Review article: prebiotics in the gastrointestinal tract. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006;24(5):701-714. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03042.x
  101. Rebello CJ, Chu YF, Johnson WD, et al. The role of meal viscosity and oat β-glucan characteristics in human appetite control: a randomized crossover trial. Nutr J. 2014;13:49. Published 2014 May 28. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-49
  102. Beck EJ, Tapsell LC, Batterham MJ, Tosh SM, Huang XF. Increases in peptide Y-Y levels following oat beta-glucan ingestion are dose-dependent in overweight adults. Nutr Res. 2009;29(10):705-709. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2009.09.012
  103. Kristensen M, Jensen MG. Dietary fibres in the regulation of appetite and food intake. Importance of viscosity. Appetite. 2011;56(1):65-70. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2010.11.147
  104. Abildso CG, Schmid O, Byrd M, Zizzi S, Quartiroli A, Fitzpatrick SJ. Predictors of weight loss maintenance following an insurance-sponsored weight management program. J Obes. 2014;2014:736080. doi:10.1155/2014/736080
  105. Pursey KM, Stanwell P, Gearhardt AN, Collins CE, Burrows TL. The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2014;6(10):4552-4590. Published 2014 Oct 21. doi:10.3390/nu6104552
  106. Ismail I, Keating SE, Baker MK, Johnson NA. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of aerobic vs. resistance exercise training on visceral fat. Obes Rev. 2012;13(1):68-91. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00931.x
  107. Ohkawara K, Tanaka S, Miyachi M, Ishikawa-Takata K, Tabata I. A dose-response relation between aerobic exercise and visceral fat reduction: systematic review of clinical trials [published correction appears in Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 Feb;32(2):395]. Int J Obes (Lond). 2007;31(12):1786-1797. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803683
  108. Murabito JM, Pedley A, Massaro JM, et al. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with accelerometry is associated with visceral adipose tissue in adults. J Am Heart Assoc. 2015;4(3):e001379. Published 2015 Mar 3. doi:10.1161/JAHA.114.001379
  109. Guo J, Lou Y, Zhang X, Song Y. Effect of aerobic exercise training on cardiometabolic risk factors among professional athletes in the heaviest-weight class. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2015;7:78. Published 2015 Sep 17. doi:10.1186/s13098-015-0071-y
  110. Marks BL, Ward A, Morris DH, Castellani J, Rippe JM. Fat-free mass is maintained in women following a moderate diet and exercise program. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;27(9):1243-1251.
  111. Hunter GR, Byrne NM, Sirikul B, et al. Resistance training conserves fat-free mass and resting energy expenditure following weight loss. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008;16(5):1045-1051. doi:10.1038/oby.2008.38
  112. Rosenbaum M, Leibel RL. Adaptive thermogenesis in humans. Int J Obes (Lond). 2010;34 Suppl 1(0 1):S47-S55. doi:10.1038/ijo.2010.184
  113. Johannsen DL, Knuth ND, Huizenga R, Rood JC, Ravussin E, Hall KD. Metabolic slowing with massive weight loss despite preservation of fat-free mass [published correction appears in J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 May;101(5):2266]. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97(7):2489-2496. doi:10.1210/jc.2012-1444
  114. Hulmi JJ, Lockwood CM, Stout JR. Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010;7:51. Published 2010 Jun 17. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-7-51
  115. Miller PE, Alexander DD, Perez V. Effects of whey protein and resistance exercise on body composition: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Coll Nutr. 2014;33(2):163-175. doi:10.1080/07315724.2013.875365
  116. Katterman SN, Kleinman BM, Hood MM, Nackers LM, Corsica JA. Mindfulness meditation as an intervention for binge eating, emotional eating, and weight loss: a systematic review. Eat Behav. 2014;15(2):197-204. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.01.005
  117. O'Reilly GA, Cook L, Spruijt-Metz D, Black DS. Mindfulness-based interventions for obesity-related eating behaviours: a literature review. Obes Rev. 2014;15(6):453-461. doi:10.1111/obr.12156
  118. Dalen J, Smith BW, Shelley BM, Sloan AL, Leahigh L, Begay D. Pilot study: Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL): weight, eating behavior, and psychological outcomes associated with a mindfulness-based intervention for people with obesity. Complement Ther Med. 2010;18(6):260-264. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2010.09.008
  119. Grossman P, Niemann L, Schmidt S, Walach H. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res. 2004;57(1):35-43. doi:10.1016/S0022-3999(03)00573-7
  120. Lowe MR, Doshi SD, Katterman SN, Feig EH. Dieting and restrained eating as prospective predictors of weight gain. Front Psychol. 2013;4:577. Published 2013 Sep 2. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00577
  121. Institute of Medicine (US) Subcommittee on Military Weight Management. Weight Management: State of the Science and Opportunities for Military Programs. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2004. 3, Factors That Influence Body Weight. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221834/
  122. Eikey EV, Reddy MC, Booth KM, et al. Desire to Be Underweight: Exploratory Study on a Weight Loss App Community and User Perceptions of the Impact on Disordered Eating Behaviors. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2017;5(10):e150. Published 2017 Oct 12. doi:10.2196/mhealth.6683
  123. Golubnitschaja O, Liskova A, Koklesova L, et al. Caution, "normal" BMI: health risks associated with potentially masked individual underweight-EPMA Position Paper 2021. EPMA J. 2021;12(3):243-264. Published 2021 Aug 17. doi:10.1007/s13167-021-00251-4
  124. Yanovski JA. Obesity: Trends in underweight and obesity - scale of the problem. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2018;14(1):5-6. doi:10.1038/nrendo.2017.157
  125. Bialo SR, Gordon CM. Underweight, overweight, and pediatric bone fragility: impact and management. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2014;12(3):319-328. doi:10.1007/s11914-014-0226-z
  126. Aladashvili-Chikvaidze N, Kristesashvili J, Gegechkori M. Types of reproductive disorders in underweight and overweight young females and correlations of respective hormonal changes with BMI. Iran J Reprod Med. 2015;13(3):135-140.
  127. Xiang BY, Huang W, Zhou GQ, Hu N, Chen H, Chen C. Body mass index and the risk of low bone mass-related fractures in women compared with men: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(12):e5290. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000005290
  128. Lorem GF, Schirmer H, Emaus N. What is the impact of underweight on self-reported health trajectories and mortality rates: a cohort study. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2017;15(1):191. Published 2017 Oct 2. doi:10.1186/s12955-017-0766-x
  129. Elagizi A, Kachur S, Lavie CJ, et al. An Overview and Update on Obesity and the Obesity Paradox in Cardiovascular Diseases. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2018;61(2):142-150. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2018.07.003
  130. Moore CA, Bokor BR. Anorexia Nervosa. [Updated 2022 Aug 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459148/
  131. Mathew P, Kaur J, Rawla P. Hyperthyroidism. [Updated 2023 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537053/
  132. King JA, Jeong J, Underwood FE, et al. Incidence of Celiac Disease Is Increasing Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(4):507-525. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000523
  133. Lucier J, Weinstock RS. Type 1 Diabetes. [Updated 2023 Mar 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507713/
  134. Nicholson BD, Hamilton W, O'Sullivan J, Aveyard P, Hobbs FR. Weight loss as a predictor of cancer in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Gen Pract. 2018;68(670):e311-e322. doi:10.3399/bjgp18X695801
  135. Siddiqui JA, Pothuraju R, Jain M, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Advances in cancer cachexia: Intersection between affected organs, mediators, and pharmacological interventions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer. 2020;1873(2):188359. doi:10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188359
  136. Waymack JR, Sundareshan V. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. [Updated 2023 May 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537293/
  137. Adigun R, Singh R. Tuberculosis. [Updated 2023 Jul 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441916/
  138. Al Amin ASM, Wadhwa R. Helminthiasis. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560525/
  139. Mozaffarian D, Hao T, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Hu FB. Changes in diet and lifestyle and long-term weight gain in women and men. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(25):2392-2404. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1014296
  140. Zhang X, Sergin I, Evans TD, et al. High-protein diets increase cardiovascular risk by activating macrophage mTOR to suppress mitophagy [published correction appears in Nat Metab. 2020 Sep;2(9):991]. Nat Metab. 2020;2(1):110-125. doi:10.1038/s42255-019-0162-4
  141. Zhu R, Fogelholm M, Larsen TM, et al. A High-Protein, Low Glycemic Index Diet Suppresses Hunger but Not Weight Regain After Weight Loss: Results From a Large, 3-Years Randomized Trial (PREVIEW) [published correction appears in Front Nutr. 2021 Jul 23;8:736531]. Front Nutr. 2021;8:685648. Published 2021 Jun 1. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.685648
  142. Bray GA, Redman LM, Rood J, de Jonge L, Smith SR. Effect of Overeating Dietary Protein at Different Levels on Circulating Lipids and Liver Lipid: The PROOF Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(12):3801. Published 2020 Dec 11. doi:10.3390/nu12123801
  143. Wu G. Dietary protein intake and human health. Food Funct. 2016;7(3):1251-1265. doi:10.1039/c5fo01530h
  144. Welton S, Minty R, O'Driscoll T, et al. Intermittent fasting and weight loss: Systematic review. Can Fam Physician. 2020;66(2):117-125.
  145. Vadiveloo M, Parker H, Raynor H. Increasing low-energy-dense foods and decreasing high-energy-dense foods differently influence weight loss trial outcomes. Int J Obes (Lond). 2018;42(3):479-486. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.303
  146. Rolls BJ. Dietary energy density: Applying behavioural science to weight management. Nutr Bull. 2017;42(3):246-253. doi:10.1111/nbu.12280
  147. Piirtola M, Jelenkovic A, Latvala A, et al. Association of current and former smoking with body mass index: A study of smoking discordant twin pairs from 21 twin cohorts. PLoS One. 2018;13(7):e0200140. Published 2018 Jul 12. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0200140
  148. Lamon S, Morabito A, Arentson-Lantz E, et al. The effect of acute sleep deprivation on skeletal muscle protein synthesis and the hormonal environment. Physiol Rep. 2021;9(1):e14660. doi:10.14814/phy2.14660
  149. Mills S, Candow DG, Forbes SC, Neary JP, Ormsbee MJ, Antonio J. Effects of Creatine Supplementation during Resistance Training Sessions in Physically Active Young Adults. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1880. Published 2020 Jun 24. doi:10.3390/nu12061880
  150. Peng M. How does plate size affect estimated satiation and intake for individuals in normal-weight and overweight groups?. Obes Sci Pract. 2017;3(3):282-288. Published 2017 Jun 27. doi:10.1002/osp4.119
  151. Jeong JN. Effect of Pre-meal Water Consumption on Energy Intake and Satiety in Non-obese Young Adults. Clin Nutr Res. 2018;7(4):291-296. doi:10.7762/cnr.2018.7.4.291
  152. Lopez P, Radaelli R, Taaffe DR, et al. Resistance Training Load Effects on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gain: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis [published correction appears in Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2022 Feb 1;54(2):370]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021;53(6):1206-1216. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000002585
  153. Pencina KM, Valderrabano R, Wipper B, Orkaby AR, Reid KF, Storer T, Lin AP, Merugumala S, Wilson L, Latham N, Ghattas-Puylara C, Ozimek NE, Cheng M, Bhargava A, Memish-Beleva Y, Lawney B, Lavu S, Swain PM, Apte RS, Sinclair DA, Livingston D, Bhasin S. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Augmentation in Overweight or Obese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Physiologic Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Feb 6:dgad027. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad027. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36740954.
  154. Nagahisa T, Yamaguchi S, Kosugi S, Homma K, Miyashita K, Irie J, Yoshino J, Itoh H. Intestinal epithelial NAD + biosynthesis regulates GLP-1 production and postprandial glucose metabolism in mice. Endocrinology. 2022 Feb 26:bqac023. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqac023. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35218657.
  155. Uddin GM, Youngson NA, Chowdhury SS, Hagan C, Sinclair DA, Morris MJ. Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Reduces Metabolic Impairment in Male Mouse Offspring from Obese Mothers. Cells. 2020 Mar 25;9(4):791. doi: 10.3390/cells9040791.
  156. Barber TM, Kabisch S, Randeva HS, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO. Implications of Resveratrol in Obesity and Insulin Resistance: A State-of-the-Art Review. Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2870. Published 2022 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/nu14142870
  157. Konings E, Timmers S, Boekschoten MV, et al. The effects of 30 days’ resveratrol supplementation on adipose tissue morphology and gene expression patterns in obese men. Int J Obes (Lond). 2014;38(3):470-473. doi:10.1038/ijo.2013.155
  158. de Ligt M, Timmers S, Schrauwen P. Resveratrol and obesity: Can resveratrol relieve metabolic disturbances? Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015;1852(6):1137-1144. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.11.012
  159. Song S, Ha AW, Kim W. Quercetin inhibits body weight gain and adipogenesis via matrix metalloproteinases in mice fed a high-fat diet. Nutr Res Pract. 2023;17(3):438-450. doi:10.4162/nrp.2023.17.3.438
  160. Nabavi SF, Russo GL, Daglia M, Nabavi SM. Role of quercetin as an alternative for obesity treatment: you are what you eat! Food Chem. 2015; 179:305-310. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.02.006
  161. Chen S, Jiang H, Wu X, Fang J. Therapeutic Effects of Quercetin on Inflammation, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes. Mediators Inflamm. 2016; 2016:9340637. doi:10.1155/2016/9340637