The hottest Weight Loss Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

The Myth of Kick-Starting Weight Loss - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 678 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Nutrition Research Health Issues Weight Stigma
  1. Extreme food/caloric restrictions for short-term weight loss have no basis in evidence for long-term significant weight loss.
  2. Tips like using aluminum foil, rearranging food in the cupboards, or changing plate sizes have no substantial evidence backing their effectiveness for sustainable weight loss.
  3. Recycled weight loss tropes without scientific evidence can perpetuate harmful weight cycling and health issues, so it's crucial to ask for research on weight loss claims.

Reader Question - My Doctor Claims He Can "Jump Start" Weight Loss?

Weight and Healthcare • 878 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Nutrition Medical Ethics Body positivity Health Research
  1. Behavior-based weight loss interventions usually fail to produce significant, long-term weight loss for most people.
  2. The idea of 'jump starting' weight loss with extreme food/caloric restrictions is generally ill-advised as it can trigger famine responses in the body, making it a weight-gaining machine.
  3. Promoting or selling products like liquid diets by medical professionals is not legally prohibited, but the evidence does not support the effectiveness of 'kick starting' weight loss as a long-term solution.

Understanding the Obesity Bill of Rights - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 659 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Obesity Healthcare Weight Loss Activism
  1. The 'Obesity Bill of Rights' is part of a movement lobbying for insurance coverage for weight loss industry products and interventions.
  2. The language used in the 'Obesity Bill of Rights' is rooted in marketing from weight loss companies, not in science.
  3. The rights proposed in the 'Obesity Bill of Rights' seem to prioritize weight loss industry profits over actual healthcare for higher-weight individuals.

The Semaglutide (Wegovy) Cardiovascular Outcome Trial - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 838 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Research Findings
  1. Wegovy is a weight-loss application for the drug Semaglutide (Ozempic), both owned by Novo Nordisk.
  2. The trial to determine Semaglutide's impact on cardiovascular health was designed by Novo Nordisk and authors with significant financial ties to the company.
  3. Results revealed a modest decrease in cardiovascular events with Semaglutide, but twice as many participants stopped taking it due to adverse events compared to the placebo group.

Wegovy for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 659 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Cardiovascular Health Research Medication
  1. The trial data for Semaglutide (Wegovy) for cardiovascular risk reduction was manipulative and lacking in transparency, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and data sharing.
  2. The study demographics were concerning, with a lack of diversity and representation, particularly skewed towards white men, older participants, and those with existing heart disease.
  3. The actual cardiovascular risk reduction with Semaglutide was much lower than claimed, highlighting issues with study design, data presentation, and potential overemphasis on specific demographics in the results.
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Reader Question: What is Food Noise?

Weight and Healthcare • 798 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Healthcare Medication Body Image
  1. Be cautious of the concept of 'food noise' promoted by weight loss drug makers as a rebranding of normal hunger or a way to profit off people's broken relationships with food.
  2. Some weight loss drugs aim to manipulate hunger signals through impacting the brain and gut, with unclear long-term effects and potential risks.
  3. The weight loss industry's push for drugs like GLP-1 agonists raises concerns about informed consent, lack of long-term research, and prioritizing short-term weight loss over potential health consequences.

Reader Question- How Does Questionable Research Happen?

Weight and Healthcare • 738 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Research Weight Loss Physicians
  1. Questionable research can happen due to researchers being influenced by profit interests or an entrenched paradigm.
  2. Some researchers may design studies to support predetermined conclusions, leading to misleading results.
  3. Doctors involved with the weight loss industry may have subconscious biases towards promoting weight loss, despite evidence of its ineffectiveness and harms.

ex150ish-5: Second Week

The Heart Attack Diet • 99 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Ketosis Clarity
  1. The author experienced significant weight loss on a specific diet plan in just two weeks, along with visible physical changes like looser clothes and belt adjustments.
  2. Despite the weight loss success, the author faced challenges such as fluctuating energy levels, occasional headaches, and concerns about rapid weight loss.
  3. Towards the end of the experiment, the author introduced milk and keto-electrolytes to potentially transition to a different eating pattern and avoid sudden carb intake.

Reader Question - What's With Eli Lilly's Oscar Ad

Weight and Healthcare • 439 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Weight Loss Healthcare system Insurance Coverage FDA Approval
  1. Eli Lilly and other pharmaceutical companies are focused on lobbying for insurance coverage of weight loss drugs, pushing for the idea of higher-weight bodies as a 'disease' worth medicating.
  2. The FDA approval for weight loss drugs like Zepbound requires different criteria based on BMI, raising concerns about the risk assessments being tied to body size.
  3. Pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly prioritize shareholder interests over customer concerns, raising questions about the true motivations behind their actions.

Reader Question – What’s the Deal with Awaken180?

Weight and Healthcare • 1417 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Nutrition Research Coaching
  1. Awaken180 claims to create long-term weight loss, but lacks concrete scientific evidence to support their program.
  2. The program emphasizes weight loss over other aspects of health and success, disregarding the variety of body sizes and individual needs.
  3. Awaken180 relies on caloric and carbohydrate restrictions, potentially involving expensive prepacked food, and might not be sustainable for long-term weight loss.

ex150ish-5: One Week In

The Heart Attack Diet • 119 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Ketosis Well-being Recipes
  1. The author experimented with a strict diet of beef, tomatoes, cream, butter, and other items, experiencing a mix of fatigue, headaches, and possible sickness, but also moments of increased energy and weight loss.
  2. Despite feeling unwell initially, the author eventually started feeling better and experienced a significant drop in weight, aiming to reach a stable state of ketosis.
  3. The author shared a new pickled cabbage recipe received from their mother, highlighting its pleasant taste when paired with beef, tomato curry, and cream, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and deliciousness.

TGIF: Nutrition News

Unsettled Science • 818 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Diet Obesity Military
  1. Ketogenic diet can help reduce alcohol cravings based on a small study, which also showed benefits in mice and humans.
  2. NIH is investing $190 million in short-term nutrition studies with questionable value, sparking concerns about meaningful data and focus.
  3. Weight-loss prescriptions among U.S. service members, along with rising obesity rates in military, raise questions about the effectiveness of current dietary guidelines and the impact on national security.

Zepbound/Mounjaro Tirzepatide for Weight Loss Part 3

Weight and Healthcare • 818 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Data Analysis Side Effects Research Ethics
  1. The study on Tirzepatide showed that weight loss for participants slowed after 36 weeks, with those switching to placebo experiencing weight regain while those continuing the drug had a slight weight reduction in the following 52 weeks.
  2. Side effects of Tirzepatide included gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Close to 82% of participants reported experiencing at least one adverse event during the treatment period.
  3. The study's findings indicate that a significant percentage of participants taking Tirzepatide did not meet the weight reduction thresholds, with a lack of diverse representation among participants and a lack of a weight-neutral comparator group presenting issues in the study design.

ex150ish-5

The Heart Attack Diet • 139 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Ketosis Well-being
  1. The author is considering revisiting the ex150 diet plan for weight loss due to previous success with it
  2. Predictions include entering ketosis, experiencing water-weight loss followed by gain, and potential decrease in thyroid dose
  3. Expectations are set for ongoing weight loss post-diet phase and possible weight gain if the diet is not effective

Zepbound/Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for Weight Loss - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 818 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Weight Loss Side Effects Research
  1. Tirzepatide, known as Zepbound for weight loss, was initially a Type 2 diabetes medication by Eli Lilly that got FDA approval for weight loss due to its side effect of weight loss. It works by interfering with normal digestion processes and hunger signals.
  2. There are dosing differences between the diabetes and weight loss applications of Tirzepatide. For weight loss, patients are encouraged to continuously increase the dosage to the highest tolerable level, potentially facing side effects that impact their quality of life.
  3. The side effects of Tirzepatide/Zepbound can range from mild discomfort to serious conditions like thyroid C-Cell tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, and pancreatic issues. Patients need to be aware of potential risks, like drug interactions and impact on pregnancy.

Ten Takeaways from the Menopause Society Meeting

The Vajenda • 3223 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Menopause Weight Loss Hormone Therapy Exercise
  1. Statins are effective for women in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
  2. Statin side effects are not as common as believed; most often, it's due to the 'nocebo effect'.
  3. Regular ovarian cancer screening methods like ultrasounds and CA-125 tests are not very effective; focus should be on preventive strategies like oral contraception.

Quick Guide: Wegovy/Ozempic for Weight Loss

Weight and Healthcare • 1118 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Medication Side Effects Healthcare Industry
  1. Ozempic and Wegovy are different brand names for the same drug used for weight loss.
  2. Wegovy is not just a weight loss drug but a megadose of a diabetes drug with weight loss as a side effect.
  3. Wegovy has serious side effects including complications when going off the drug and the need for continuous use to maintain weight loss.

Zepbound/Mounjaro Tirzeptatide for Weight Loss Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 718 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Medical Industry Research Healthcare system Body positivity
  1. The concept of 'ob*esity' as a disease and the idea that it is progressive and relapsing are constructs of the weight loss industry and not scientifically supported.
  2. The study promoting Zepbound/Tirzepatide for weight loss has ties to the pharmaceutical industry, raising questions about potential bias and conflicts of interest among the authors.
  3. The lead author of the study, Louis J. Aronne, has a history of promoting weight loss methods without substantial research backing, raising concerns about the credibility of research surrounding weight loss drugs.

Reader Question – What are Weight-Related Health Conditions?

Weight and Healthcare • 898 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Conditions Research Weight Loss Healthcare Inequalities
  1. Weight-related health conditions are health issues that are often labeled as related to weight just because higher-weight individuals have them more frequently.
  2. The labeling of health conditions as 'weight-related' overlooks other factors like weight stigma, weight cycling, and healthcare disparities that could actually be the main contributors.
  3. The concept of 'weight-related conditions' is used to push for risky weight loss interventions and profits, but it doesn't necessarily support the health of higher-weight individuals.

Doesn't FDA Approval Mean Weight Loss Drugs Are Safe? - Reader Question

Weight and Healthcare • 758 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Weight Loss FDA Approval Drug Safety Research
  1. FDA approval of a drug does not mean it is completely without risks; it means the benefits are deemed worth the risks.
  2. The FDA assesses the risks and benefits of a drug based on the research provided by the pharmaceutical company before granting approval.
  3. When it comes to weight loss drugs, the risk/benefit analysis by the FDA may be skewed due to questionable research around weight and health, leading to a lower safety bar for approval.

Reader Question - If my patient asks for weight loss, don't I have to offer it?

Weight and Healthcare • 878 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Patient Care Weight Stigma Informed consent
  1. Patient-centered care should be grounded in ethical, evidence-based medicine.
  2. Intentional weight loss has a high failure rate and potential negative side effects.
  3. Providers in a patient-centered model should offer informed consent and evidence-based options for weight management interventions.

150 Lbs Lost

Inland Nobody • 400 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Mental health Self-Acceptance Healthy living Personal Growth
  1. The first step in achieving a big goal, like weight loss, is ensuring your mental well-being. You need to muster all resources, manage your willpower, and address any mental health issues.
  2. Self-love is crucial for weight loss success. Shaming oneself or others does not lead to long-term positive results. Loving yourself and finding what works for you are key components.
  3. Weight loss is a journey of trial and error. Improvement happens throughout the process, not just at the end goal. Be patient with yourself, learn from setbacks, and keep adapting.

The Burnt Toast Guide to Weight and Health

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 3439 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Education Body positivity Weight Loss Fat Liberation Diet Culture
  1. The Burnt Toast community welcomes people at different stages of understanding fat liberation and diet culture.
  2. The conversation about weight and health often confuses correlation with causation.
  3. Weight loss doesn't always lead to better health and can have risks, so the focus shouldn't solely be on losing weight.

The Utter Ridiculousness of the 5-10% Weight Loss Recommendation

Weight and Healthcare • 1318 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss BMI Health recommendations Research
  1. The recommendation for 5-10% weight loss to improve health is widespread but may not have significant impact on individuals' health conditions.
  2. The weight loss recommendation is based on flawed BMI categories, often leading to unrealistic goals for individuals, especially those with obesity.
  3. The focus on weight loss overlooks the importance of evidence-based, individualized medical interventions for all patients, regardless of size.

ex150-9 review: Down 4lbs, broke through 220lbs

Experimental Fat Loss • 106 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Nutrition Fitness Metabolism Healthy Eating
  1. Decision-making dilemma: stick to what works or explore new options. It's tricky to find the balance.
  2. Balancing exploitation and exploration in weight loss experiments is key to progress. Trying new things can build confidence, but sticking to what's known to work is crucial for consistent results.
  3. It's important to evaluate the success of experiments and prioritize proven methods. Understanding mechanisms behind weight loss can lead to more effective strategies.

Torricelli's Law for Fat Loss

Experimental Fat Loss • 127 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Metabolism Diet Sleep Predictions
  1. Torricelli's Law for Fat Loss explains how weight loss can slow down as you approach your normal weight, similar to a bucket draining liquid with decreasing speed.
  2. Weight loss projections can be influenced by dietary changes and external factors, like daylight savings time affecting circadian rhythms and potentially affecting weight loss plateaus.
  3. Testing multiple weight loss projections, such as following a fitted curve and intuition-based predictions, can help in anticipating weight loss outcomes and adjusting dietary strategies.

Three Things That Should Be Required For Weight Loss Research

Weight and Healthcare • 718 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Research Health Impact Ethics
  1. Require five-year follow-up with mandatory publication to improve accuracy and information in weight loss studies
  2. Mandate essential information in bold print at the beginning of weight loss studies to ensure transparency and accessibility
  3. Implement a weight-neutral comparator group in weight loss studies to distinguish impacts of behavior changes from weight loss, reducing health risks

Reader Question – Weight Loss Industry Big Think Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Industry Healthcare Research Activism
  1. The weight loss industry is a for-profit industry that profits by labeling higher-weight individuals as diseased, creating harmful messaging and interventions.
  2. The industry has successfully infiltrated healthcare systems, promoting the idea that being in a higher-weight body is a lifelong, chronic disease.
  3. Industry tactics include promoting weight loss drugs as lifelong solutions, perpetuating weight stigma under the guise of helping higher-weight individuals, and making hundreds of billions of dollars through exploitative practices.

Friday Q&A: assessing COVID risk; Ozempic/Mounjaro; booster shots; & CBD gummies for sleep

Are You Okay? • 459 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Medication Weight Loss Vaccination Mental health
  1. It's important to balance the risks associated with COVID-19 with the desire for social interaction and living a fulfilling life.
  2. Protecting against serious COVID outcomes involves getting vaccinated and optimizing health, while preventing infection means avoiding sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces.
  3. Decisions regarding COVID risk mitigation should be personalized, taking into account individual vulnerabilities and risk tolerance, and it's advised to consult with a healthcare provider for tailored advice.

PUFA: The Preponderance of the Evidence

Experimental Fat Loss • 233 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Health Benefits Risk Analysis
  1. Cutting out seed oils led to significant health benefits for the author, including weight loss and improved overall well-being.
  2. While the link between PUFAs and obesity is not 100% proven, there is substantial evidence and personal anecdotes supporting the idea.
  3. The author believes that the risks of consuming seed oils outweigh any potential benefits, and will continue to avoid them based on the evidence available.

Weight Loss Industry Big Think - Expanding the Market -Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 459 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Weight Stigma Research Methods Insurance Coverage
  1. The weight loss industry strategically turns existing higher body weights into disease diagnoses to expand its market.
  2. They aim to exploit insurance coverage and exaggerate risks associated with higher weights to increase profits.
  3. The industry targets all age groups and sizes, pushing for wider definitions of overweight and obesity to sell interventions and expand its customer base.

Wegovy Side Effects and Informed Consent - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 579 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Informed consent Side Effects Healthcare Weight Loss
  1. Wegovy is a weight-loss drug that has not been around for a long time, as it is a repurposed version of another drug called semaglutide, with evolving risks and warnings.
  2. Wegovy and Ozempic differ in dosage and treatment purpose, with Wegovy aiming to maximize weight loss side effects at a high dose that exceeds the maximum dose of Ozempic.
  3. Informed consent conversations with healthcare practitioners are essential, especially when considering drugs like Wegovy with significant side effects and dosage differences.

Novo Nordisk's Ethically Questionable Wegovy Publicity Stunt

Weight and Healthcare • 1078 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Weight Loss Ethics Research Health Risks
  1. Novo Nordisk released a press release touting study results that were not peer-reviewed or published, raising ethical concerns.
  2. The study population in the trial for the weight loss drug Wegovy was limited to specific criteria, excluding certain groups for evaluation of benefits and risks.
  3. The publicity stunt around the drug's benefits showcases the pharmaceutical company's marketing tactics that may manipulate perceptions and stock prices.