You really are what you eat! A study from Harvard School of Public Health suggests that the types of food you eat, not just the calories they contain, may be crucial to avoiding age-related weight gain. The study, led by Dr. Dariush Mazaffarian and Dr. Frank Hu, collected data from more than 120,000 people, over a period of 12 to 20 years. Participants filled out a survey every 2 years, providing specific information on changes to their physical activity, television watching patterns, sleep habits and diet. Their weight was recorded every 4 years.
Increasing consumption of the following foods led to major average weight gains over the 4 year period:
In contrast, increasing consumption of vegetables, whole grains and nuts led to significant average weight reductions. Eating yogurt produced the most dramatic effects, resulting in an average of .82 pounds of weight loss.
The study identified several general lifestyle changes also linked to long-term weight gain. Increases in physical activity during the 4 year period were associated with gaining less weight, while absolute levels of physical activity were not associated with change in weight. Sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours was associated with weight gain. Being a couch potato (not just eating them) also led to major weight gains. Increases in the time people spent watching TV led to an average of a third of a pound for every hour of TV watching per day.
The researchers believe that highly processed foods may lead to an overall greater total intake of calories, because they do not satisfy hunger as well as unprocessed and higher fiber foods. Dr. Hu says that “the idea that there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods is a myth that needs to be debunked.”
Rejuvalife Vitality Institute is here to help you achieve your weight management goals, whether you want to shed those extra few pesky pounds or need help with serious weight loss. We offer personalized nutrition and fitness plans, cutting edge anti-aging medicine, and comprehensive medical weight loss programs.
And don’t forget to check out our simple nutritious and delicious Sho-Stopper Recipes!
Dr. Berger is a renowned leader in cosmetic and anti-aging medicine, bringing over 25 years of diverse medical experience to his practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Ottawa and completed advanced training in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at McGill University. Dr. Berger was board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine for two decades and is a diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Berger has developed expertise in clinical and medical management, pharmacology, nutraceuticals, emergency medicine, cosmetic surgery, cosmetic medicine, anti-aging, holistic, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Berger’s unique approach blends traditional Western medical training with integrative and preventative therapies, including Eastern Medicine. He is passionate about helping patients achieve both inner health and outer beauty, believing that a balance of anti-aging medicine and non-surgical cosmetic therapies is key to emotional, physical, and mental well-being. By combining the latest medical advancements with holistic care, Dr. Berger empowers his patients to look and feel their best, while also focusing on prevention and long-term wellness.
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