Just in case we needed any more proof…

Posted by Erik Chopin on October 29, 2009 under Weight Loss In The News | Comments

A new study just came out that proves weight loss is better than drugs for diabetes prevention.

One-third of the subjects were placed on a low-fat diet and prescribed 30 minutes of exercise per day.  Another third were placed on the diabetes drug, Metformin.  The final third had no intervention whatsoever – diet or exercise.

The people on the diet and exercise regimen lost an average of 15 pounds during the first year with many of them reaching the predetermined goal of 7% total body weight loss.  During the seven year study, this group gained an average of 10 pounds back but they continued to have the lowest rate of diabetes.

After 3 years of the study, researchers found that the diabetes rate among the participants in the diet and exercise group dropped 58% while it dropped only 38% in the group placed on Metformin when they were compared to the group that had no intervention.

Those are some great numbers. I was diagnosed with diabetes when I first went on the show, but after I lost my weight the first time, guess what? Those problems and complications all went away.

I think people should understand that weight loss and a healthy lifestyle is better than drugs for just about anything, not just diabetes. If you are active and healthy, you’re going to feel better. Let’s stop medicating ourselves so much! We have a choice! YOU have a choice!

Sleep apnea problem? Drop some pounds!

Posted by Erik Chopin on October 6, 2009 under Weight Loss In The News | Comments

A recent study that’s hit the news wire these days says that weight loss can improve and potentially eliminate sleep apnea problems and complications. As if you needed another reason to lose weight!

Patients in the study that lost 10% of their weight reported an improvement of their sleep apnea problems, three times over.

That’s a significant increase in the quality of your life! It seems like there are limitless reasons to lose weight, but this is a big one. If you struggle to sleep at night and have to wear that goofy mask to help control your sleep apnea symptoms, maybe a lifestyle change is in order.

Losing weight helped rid me of diabetes complications, but I also suffered from sleep apnea. Diabetes causes a lot of different health risks. But studies have shown that sleep apnea goes beyond snoring: it also increases the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, and heart disease. When I lost all that weight, the diabetes went away, but so did my sleep apnea!

So now’s the time – start moving, eating healthier, and get your life back on track before it derails for good!