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By Geoffrey Anderson Jr.
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It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to tell you that losing weight is important to your health. But what’s the magic weight-loss number to prevent serious health problems? And what’s the easiest way to reach that goal?
A new study out of Saint Louis University may have found some answers.
Researchers have discovered that a 9 percent weight loss may help patients reverse a type of liver disease more common in people who are overweight, have high cholesterol or have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, the disease is an inflammation of the liver caused by a buildup of fat in the organ. NASH can eventually lead to cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver) if left untreated.
As part of the study, NASH patients were put on a 1400-calorie diet, and some were given orlistat, a drug that blocks fat absorption. Those who lost 5 percent of their body weight at the end of the 36-week study showed improvement in insulin resistance and fat accumulation in the liver. Patients who lost at least 9 percent of their body weight showed reversal of their liver damage.
Researchers also found that patients who took orlistat (known by the brand name alli®) lost more weight. Patients in the orlistat group lost 8.3 percent of their body weight, compared to 6 percent in the non-orlistat group.
Currently using orlistat (or thinking about using it)? eDiets offers a meal delivery plan made specifically for alli®. See whether eDiets Fresh-Prepared Meal Delivery is right for you.
Improved liver health is just one in a long list of weight-loss benefits. By shedding excess weight, you’ll not only do your liver a favor, but you’ll also be taking good care of your heart – not to mention, your overall health! And best of all, weight loss can be easy. Here are three simple tips to help you on the road to a better you:
1. Be Realistic: If you hate the food you’re eating on a diet, you’re probably not going to stick with it for too long. Here’s the good news: It is possible to find food that’s portion-controlled AND enjoyable to eat. eDiets can help!
2. Make Time for Your Health: Setting aside time in your schedule for exercise is a must. But with work and other responsibilities taking up a good chunk of our lives, it can be a little tough. Trim time from other activities to squeeze in a gym session. Consider fitness as an investment in your health… one that’s guaranteed to pay off!
3. Think Outside the Scale: The number on your scale is just one way to measure how well your diet is working. Do your pants feel looser? Do you feel more energetic? All of these are signs that you’re on the right track. So don’t get discouraged if the scale hasn’t moved much — see whether you notice improvements in other areas of your health.
Like this post? Check out these, too:
– How to Get Started on a Fitness Program
– Quiz: 15 Biggest Diet Myths
– No More Excuses!
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