Obesity and physical activity

There is a “substantial” burden of overweight and obesity among people with type 1 diabetes, say US researchers who found rates to be in line with that of the general population.

A randomized trial supports giving people with obesity liraglutide to maintain weight loss after an 8-week diet, particularly if it is combined with regular vigorous exercise.

People with type 2 diabetes have around a fourfold increased risk for heart disease relative to those without, but having a healthy lifestyle may lessen this risk, researchers report.

The results of a small randomized trial suggest exercise is more helpful than diet for combating early cardiac dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes, although both may be beneficial.

People who are trying to maintain weight loss with the help of electronic health records-based tracking tools do significantly better if they are given access to an online coach, shows a randomized trial.

Findings from the GRAVITAS trial indicate that use of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide alongside a diet and physical activity intervention may improve glycemic control among people with persistent or recurrent type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery.

A behavioral intervention has lasting effects on physical activity levels, fitness, and vascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes, show the 3-year results of the randomized Italian Diabetes and Exercise Study 2.

The PREVIEW project investigators have reported broadly positive results, but tempered by issues such as a high dropout rate.

Findings of a randomized trial suggest that challenging people’s habits can lead to sustained weight loss, even if the habits targeted have nothing to do with healthy eating.

Analysis of data from the Look AHEAD trial suggests that a long-term intensive lifestyle intervention could delay the onset of physical disability among overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Real-life data show that a structured weight management program can lead to sustained weight loss, improved glycemic control, and a reduced need for medication in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objectively measured physical activity is associated with a reduction in cardiometabolic risk markers among people with prediabetes, and the total time spent being active is at least as important as exercise intensity, researchers report.

A randomized controlled trial confirms previous observational findings that active commuting is an effective means of reducing body fat, equivalent to doing five sessions of vigorous activity per week.

The PURE study shows that the cardiovascular disease and mortality risk reductions attainable with regular physical activity apply regardless of whether people live in countries with high, middle, or low income.

Session attendance was only moderate and self-monitoring very poor in youths with type 2 diabetes who participated in the TODAY lifestyle programme, an analysis shows.

A machine-learning analysis suggests the existence of heterogeneous treatment effects in the Look AHEAD trial, which could account for the overall neutral effect of the study intervention on cardiovascular outcomes.

Cochrane reviewers have assessed the effectiveness of behavior-changing interventions in overweight and obese children, finding an indication of benefit but based on mostly low-quality evidence.

Research suggests that interspersing prolonged sitting with upper body exercise can help people with limited mobility or weight-bearing problems to limit their postprandial glycemic response.

A randomized trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrates the success of switching patients to an intervention designed to promote a stable weight, after initial weight loss.

Research shows that people who pack their weekly recommended minimum dose of exercise into one or two sessions still reap a good proportion of the benefits – although more frequent exercise would still be better.