http://www.phenforum.com/forum Ok, you diet people win. Diet matters after all. Come here and learn how to CRAVE the right foods in healthy amounts. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:36:06 GMT vBulletin 5 http://www.phenforum.com/forum/images/satellite/misc/rss.jpg http://www.phenforum.com/forum http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28510-any-help-appreciated-i-need-advise.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:42:29 GMT Hi everyone, My name is david and im 27 years old located out of cold colorado. The reason im posting today is because im at the end of my rope. I weigh about 420 and the weight is really effecting my work and personal life. I do customer service and have to take breaks ever 20 minutes and I am having issues with breathing because of this. Now the question I have is that my friend had purchased some phen and also got some pills from this acai berry weight loss product (http://acaiberriesdiets.com) site and with using them both he has lost 15 pounds in 2 weeks and was also paid for a testimonial. Now do you think because of my weight that it is safe to take phen and diet pills? I really really appreciate anyone that can give out honest advise. I am very worried and frankly I am tearing up as I am typing. Hi everyone,

My name is david and im 27 years old located out of cold colorado. The reason im posting today is because im at the end of my rope. I weigh about 420 and the weight is really effecting my work and personal life. I do customer service and have to take breaks ever 20 minutes and I am having issues with breathing because of this. Now the question I have is that my friend had purchased some phen and also got some pills from this acai berry weight loss product site and with using them both he has lost 15 pounds in 2 weeks and was also paid for a testimonial. Now do you think because of my weight that it is safe to take phen and diet pills? I really really appreciate anyone that can give out honest advise. I am very worried and frankly I am tearing up as I am typing. ]]> Diet Talk dave4weightloss http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28510-any-help-appreciated-i-need-advise.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28485-wine-phen-no-no.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:10:51 GMT Sometimes I do have a few glasses of wine at night. I know you shouldn't, but at times, I just need to calm down or just enjoy the taste. Anyone else having this issue? I do exercise in am to de-stress, but evenings can be tough. ]]> Diet Talk fitgirl http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28485-wine-phen-no-no.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28477-just-joined-started-taking-phentermine-first-time.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:58:44 GMT Hello everyone! My name is Eric and I live in West Tennessee. Tomorrow will be 1 week since I started taking Phentermine. I am walking everyday or everyother day and watching calories and portion size. So far as of this morning I have lost 6.5 lbs. My starting goal is to lose 55.5 lbs. Any tips to help me out? I am looking for motivators to help me be more successful!! Hello everyone! My name is Eric and I live in West Tennessee. Tomorrow will be 1 week since I started taking Phentermine. I am walking everyday or everyother day and watching calories and portion size. So far as of this morning I have lost 6.5 lbs. My starting goal is to lose 55.5 lbs. Any tips to help me out? I am looking for motivators to help me be more successful!! ]]> Diet Talk esharp79 http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28477-just-joined-started-taking-phentermine-first-time.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28474-road-trip.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:32:19 GMT Hey everyone!
So Nov 4th, I am driving to Arizona with my bf. It's about a 25 hour drive...I am soo worried about my water intake...I don't wanna be stopping every 30-45 to pee! lol!
Also, my food..I'm gonna have to pack a cooler and stick some sandwiches and stuff in it. I have been doing pretty well on the weight loss, and now that's Im back on 30's I feel like my progress is going the way it was when I first started phen.
So I was wondering if you guys have any ideas of easy healthy snacks and meals to eat while on the road. Since I will be lacking a stove and microwave. I'm a bit nervous. :blushing:

So far I have fruit, special K bars, nutri-grain bars, pretzels, nuts. :helpsmilie:

Thanks everyone who helps :D

Jenna ]]> Diet Talk jennabug24 http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28474-road-trip.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28471-possibility-being-clinical-trial.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:11:10 GMT Liraglutide Reduces Weight and Risk Factors in Obese People Without Diabetes

• NEW YORK -- October 23, 2009 -- Liraglutide reduces weight and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in obese people without diabetes. Furthermore, high doses of liraglutide cause greater weight loss than orlistat. These are the conclusions of an articlepublishedOnline First (TheLancet.com - Home Page) and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet.
  
  Over the past 20 years, the rate of obesity has risen 3-fold and is more than 30% in some European countries. Around 50% of all adults in Europe are classified as overweight. Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, all risk factors for the leading cause of death worldwide -- cardiovascular disease. Moreover, obesity is associated with a reduced quality of life. Few safe and effective drugs are currently available for the treatment of obesity. Therefore, alternative approaches to weight loss that are safe and well tolerated and that can lower the risks associated with obesity are needed. In this randomised controlled trial, the authors studied the effect of liraglutide on bodyweight and tolerability in obese individuals without type 2 diabetes.
  
  The study, led by Professor Arne Astrup, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, took place in 19 sites in Europe, and analysed 564 people (18-65 years, body-mass index 30-40 kg/m˛). Each was assigned to 1 of 4 liraglutide doses (1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3.0 mg, n = 90-95) or to placebo (n = 98) administered once a day subcutaneously, or to orlistat 120 mg (n = 95) administered orally 3 times a day. All participants also followed a calorie-restricted diet, which contained approximately 500 calories less than they needed each day. Participants also increased their physical activity throughout the trial, including the 2-week run-in.
  
  Participants on liraglutide lost significantly more weight than did those on placebo and orlistat. Mean weight loss with liraglutide doses 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 mg was 4.8 kg, 5.5 kg, 6.3 kg, and 7.2 kg respectively, compared with 2.8 kg with placebo and 4.1 kg with orlistat. A higher proportion of individuals (76%) lost more than 5% weight with liraglutide 3.0 mg than with placebo (30%) or orlistat (44%).
  
  Liraglutide reduced blood pressure at all doses. At the start of the study, around one-third of patients in each group had pre-diabetes, that is, poor blood glucose control not yet bad enough to qualify as diabetes. Liraglutide reduced the prevalence of pre-diabetes (84%-96% reduction) with 1.8-3.0 mg per day.
  
  Nausea and vomiting occurred more often in individuals on liraglutide than in those on placebo, but adverse events were mainly transient and rarely led to discontinuation of treatment.
  
  The authors say: "Treatment with liraglutide, in addition to an energy-deficit diet and exercise programme, led to a sustained, clinically relevant, dose-dependent weight loss that was significantly greater than that with placebo (all doses) and orlistat (vs liraglutide 2.4 mg and 3.0 mg)."
  
  They conclude: "The results of this study indicate the potential benefit of liraglutide, in conjunction with an energy-deficit diet, in the treatment of obesity and associated risk factors. Liraglutide offers a new mode of action for the treatment of obesity and improved efficacy compared with currently available therapies. Its effect on pre-diabetes suggests that it might be important for treating obese pre-diabetic individuals."
  
  They add that further studies, with longer follow-up than 20 weeks, are now needed to establish the long-term risk-benefit profile for liraglutide.
  
  In an editorial accompanyingthe article, George A Bray, MD, Division of Clinical Obesity and Metabolism, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, says: "Today's important report shows a dose-related reduction of food intake and bodyweight in overweight and obese individuals treated with liraglutide."
  
  Dr Bray adds that one limitation to the use of drugs such as liraglutide is that they require an injection. He says: "Whether long-term use of an injectable drug is palatable as a treatment for obesity is yet to be established."
  
  
  SOURCE: The Lancet

]]> Diet Talk susanpesek http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28471-possibility-being-clinical-trial.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28469-can-any-forum-diabetics-respond.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:31:53 GMT Just read this today and know nothing much about it. If any you Peeps know, please share.


Diabetes drug helps obese adults loss weight
Fri Oct 23, 2009 2:30pm EDT
By Anthony J. Brown, MD
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Obese adults may shed more weight with the diabetes drug liraglutide than with the weight-loss drug orlistat (Xenical, Alli), suggests a study in The Lancet this week.
The finding that liraglutide was superior to orlistat was "unexpected," Dr. Arne Astrup, from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, told Reuters Health.
Until now, liraglutide has only been tested for its blood sugar-lowering abilities in people with type 2 diabetes. "This is the first state of the art trial to test its weight loss properties" in obese adults without diabetes, Astrup said.
The biggest findings with liraglutide, Astrup said, were the "clear-cut" dose-response relationship with weight loss (the higher the dose, the greater the weight loss), "the nice reduction in blood pressure, and the "cure" of patients with "pre-diabetes" - that is, poor blood sugar control not yet bad enough to qualify as diabetes.
In the study, 564 obese adults without diabetes were randomly assigned to receive liraglutide at one of four doses (1.2, 1.8, 2.4, or 3.0 milligrams), placebo, or orlistat (120 milligrams). Liraglutide and placebo were given once daily as an injection, while orlistat was given three times a day in pill form.
All participants in the study increased their physical activity throughout the trial and followed a calorie-restricted diet, which contained approximately 500 calories less than they needed each day.
People who took liraglutide lost significantly more weight than people who took placebo or orlistat, Astrup and colleagues found. Liraglutide contains a satiety hormone that helps curb appetite.
Average weight loss with the lowest liraglutide dose (1.2 mg) was 4.8 kilograms (10.6 pounds); with 1.8 mg liraglutide, subjects lost an average of 5.5 kg (12.1 pounds); with 2.4 and 3.0 mg liraglutide, subjects lost an average of 6.3 kg (13.9 pounds) and 7.2 kg (15.8 pounds), respectively.
This compares with an average weight loss of only 2.8 kg (6.2 pounds) with placebo and 4.1 kg (9 pounds) with orlistat.
Moreover, 76 percent of subjects taking the highest dose of liraglutide lost more than 5 percent of their body weight compared with only 30 percent on placebo and 44 percent on orlistat.
Liraglutide also lowered blood pressure at all doses.
At the start of the study, about a third of subjects in each group were considered "pre-diabetic." At the higher doses, liraglutide cut the number of pre-diabetics significantly -- by 84 to 96 percent.
Nausea and vomiting were reported more often with liraglutide than with placebo, but side effects were usually transient and seldom led to discontinuation of treatment.
Astrup, who is a member of the Liraglutide Obesity Advisory Board of Novo Nordisk, the company developing the drug, noted that "liraglutide has to pass phase III trials before it can reach the market in the coming years. However, the drug is available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Europe."
Dr. George A. Bray, from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, comments in a related editorial: "Whether long-term use of an injectable drug is palatable as a treatment for obesity is yet to be established."
SOURCE: Lancet, online October 23, 2009.

© ]]> Diet Talk susanpesek http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28469-can-any-forum-diabetics-respond.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28457-anyone-get-goal-phen-kept-off.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:45:32 GMT Just wondering...because its kind of scary that all im reading are people coming back trying again because once they stopped taking Phen they gained their weight back....

I know every diet is what you do with it...and thats what scares me...I've lost and gained so many times..i want to finally find a way of life that i can stick to...and i know i can't take these pills forever...

So Im asking if anyone has gotten to their goal and stopped taking phen and is now maintaining their weight for longer than a year???
:blushing: ]]> Diet Talk nygrlathrt http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28457-anyone-get-goal-phen-kept-off.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28449-answer-your-yeast-infection-questions.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:32:42 GMT got this online:

Once you have established that you have a yeast infection, by reviewing symptoms and confirming the presence of causative background factors, there are a variety of dietary changes that you can make to improve your health. Refined sugar should be eliminated from your diet entirely as it encourages the growth of yeast. Sources of this sugar include honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, and the familiar white granular sugar. Be sure to read all labels carefully because these sugars are used in many products you may normally buy off the grocery store shelves. Don't eat fruit - or drink fruit juices - as they contain natural sugars that promote the growth of yeast. Don't drink beer, wine or liquor as the alcohol also provides sugar, and many of these products are fermented with yeast.

Bagels, muffins, pastries, breads and crackers should also be eliminated from the diet as they contain yeast and sugar. Anything with vinegar - which is made with yeast culture - should be avoided as well. This would include salad dressings, olives, pickles, mayonnaise, steak sauce, barbeque sauce, soy sauce and mustard. Again, it's important to read all the labels on grocery items. Mushrooms should be avoided as should peanuts and peanut butter, cheeses, and meats that are dried, smoked or pickled. Beverages that should be avoided are fermented drinks such as root beer and cider, black tea, and coffee, including decaffeinated.

Increasing your intake of raw garlic and soluble fiber will help your body to fight the yeast infection. A supplemental dose of acidophilus will help to make your intestinal track more acidic which helps to kill off the Candida. Other recommended supplements include volatile oils, such as peppermint oil or oregano oil - these should only be taken in capsule form as the straight liquid may be toxic. Get plenty of sleep and keep your stress to a minimum as well. ]]> Diet Talk nygrlathrt http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28449-answer-your-yeast-infection-questions.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28444-i-cant-remember-where-i-found-but-helps-give-good-calorie-info.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:24:01 GMT The body needs water to process calories. If you are even mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. In one study, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than t *The body needs water to process calories. If you are even mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. In one study, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than those who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water or other unsweetened beverage before every meal and snack. In addition, try munching on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of fluid, rather than pretzels or chips.* *Ice-cold beverages prompt the body to burn more calories during digestion. Research suggests five or six glasses of water on the rocks can use up an extra 10 calories a day. That might not sound like much, but it adds up to a pound of weight loss per year -- without dieting. You can get the same benefit by drinking iced tea or coffee, as long as you forego the cream and sugar.* *Eating more really can help you lose weight -- eating more often, that is. When you eat large meals with many hours in between, you train your metabolism to slow down. Having a small meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours keeps your metabolism cranking, so you burn more calories over the course of a day. Several studies have also shown that people who snack regularly eat less at meal time.* *The body burns up to twice as many calories digesting protein as it uses for fat or carbohydrates. Although you want to eat a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can jump-start the metabolism at mealtime. Healthy sources of protein include lean beef and pork, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.* *Crash diets -- those involving eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day -- are disastrous for anyone hoping to quicken their metabolism. Although these diets may help you drop pounds (at the expense of good nutrition), a high percentage of the loss comes from muscle. The lower your muscle mass, the slower your metabolism. The final result is a body that burns far fewer calories (and gains weight faster) than the one you had before the diet.* hose who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water or other unsweetened beverage before every meal and snack. In addition, try munching on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of fluid, rather than pretzels or chips. Ice-cold beverages prompt the body to burn more calories during digestion. Research suggests five or six glasses of water on the rocks can use up an extra 10 calories a day. That might not sound like much, but it adds up to a pound of weight loss per year -- without dieting. You can get the same benefit by drinking iced tea or coffee, as long as you forego the cream and sugar. Eating more really can help you lose weight -- eating more often, that is. When you eat large meals with many hours in between, you train your metabolism to slow down. Having a small meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours keeps your metabolism cranking, so you burn more calories over the course of a day. Several studies have also shown that people who snack regularly eat less at meal time. The body burns up to twice as many calories digesting protein as it uses for fat or carbohydrates. Although you want to eat a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can jump-start the metabolism at mealtime. Healthy sources of protein include lean beef and pork, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products. Crash diets -- those involving eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day -- are disastrous for anyone hoping to quicken their metabolism. Although these diets may help you drop pounds (at the expense of good nutrition), a high percentage of the loss comes from muscle. The lower your muscle mass, the slower your metabolism. The final result is a body that burns far fewer calories (and gains weight faster) than the one you had before the diet. The body needs water to process calories. If you are even mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. In one study, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than t
The body needs water to process calories. If you are even mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. In one study, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than those who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water or other unsweetened beverage before every meal and snack. In addition, try munching on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of fluid, rather than pretzels or chips.



Ice-cold beverages prompt the body to burn more calories during digestion. Research suggests five or six glasses of water on the rocks can use up an extra 10 calories a day. That might not sound like much, but it adds up to a pound of weight loss per year -- without dieting. You can get the same benefit by drinking iced tea or coffee, as long as you forego the cream and sugar.

Eating more really can help you lose weight -- eating more often, that is. When you eat large meals with many hours in between, you train your metabolism to slow down. Having a small meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours keeps your metabolism cranking, so you burn more calories over the course of a day. Several studies have also shown that people who snack regularly eat less at meal time.

The body burns up to twice as many calories digesting protein as it uses for fat or carbohydrates. Although you want to eat a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can jump-start the metabolism at mealtime. Healthy sources of protein include lean beef and pork, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.

Crash diets -- those involving eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day -- are disastrous for anyone hoping to quicken their metabolism. Although these diets may help you drop pounds (at the expense of good nutrition), a high percentage of the loss comes from muscle. The lower your muscle mass, the slower your metabolism. The final result is a body that burns far fewer calories (and gains weight faster) than the one you had before the diet.



hose who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water or other unsweetened beverage before every meal and snack. In addition, try munching on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of fluid, rather than pretzels or chips.

Ice-cold beverages prompt the body to burn more calories during digestion. Research suggests five or six glasses of water on the rocks can use up an extra 10 calories a day. That might not sound like much, but it adds up to a pound of weight loss per year -- without dieting. You can get the same benefit by drinking iced tea or coffee, as long as you forego the cream and sugar.
Eating more really can help you lose weight -- eating more often, that is. When you eat large meals with many hours in between, you train your metabolism to slow down. Having a small meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours keeps your metabolism cranking, so you burn more calories over the course of a day. Several studies have also shown that people who snack regularly eat less at meal time.
The body burns up to twice as many calories digesting protein as it uses for fat or carbohydrates. Although you want to eat a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can jump-start the metabolism at mealtime. Healthy sources of protein include lean beef and pork, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.
Crash diets -- those involving eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day -- are disastrous for anyone hoping to quicken their metabolism. Although these diets may help you drop pounds (at the expense of good nutrition), a high percentage of the loss comes from muscle. The lower your muscle mass, the slower your metabolism. The final result is a body that burns far fewer calories (and gains weight faster) than the one you had before the diet. ]]> Diet Talk susanpesek http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28444-i-cant-remember-where-i-found-but-helps-give-good-calorie-info.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28443-its-numbers-game.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:07:44 GMT I have edited out a couple links, but this is from Pam at E-diets
Use Your Math
"To get a rough estimate of what your calories needs are, you can use a non-scientific calculation of 12 calories x your weight in pounds (or 25 calories x weight in kilograms). This is approximate only and does not include other factors such as activity level, age, sex or height," says Pam.

My equation example: 175 pounds x 12 calories = 2100 calories per day.

This is a good starting point if you're trying to figure out where you need to be and you have no idea where to start. Pam recommends that you not go below 1200 calories per day.


"As your weight varies or activity levels change, your needs will change as well," Pam says. "It is important to continue to evaluate this number as you make any lifestyle changes. We can help you assess your needs and be sure you are meeting your nutritional requirements and getting enough calories."

A Numbers GameOnce you get your number, Pam (From ediets)recommends breaking it down into five or six small meals and snacks throughout the day. Her basic recommendation is a combination of 45-65 percent of calories from carbohydrates, 20-30 percent from protein and less than 30 percent from fat. These numbers are general guidelines and will need to be tweaked for your individual needs, but they are a good starting point.

"Remember, the real key of it all is to be sure you are consuming the right amount of calories for your needs, whether your goal is maintenance, weight loss or gain," says Pam. "If 1200 calories is what you should consume daily, then you can split that up into smaller meals, like a 200-calorie breakfast, 100-calorie snack, 300-calorie lunch, 100-calorie snack, 400-calorie dinner and another 100-calorie snack. The main thing is to keep your metabolism going and blood sugars level."

Play with the numbers to find what works best for you. Maybe you like a bigger breakfast and a smaller dinner, or a little breakfast and a big lunch. As long as you stay in your calorie range, you should see progress toward your weight-loss goals.


]]> Diet Talk susanpesek http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28443-its-numbers-game.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28438-question-calorie-counting.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:40:43 GMT ok so yesterday i counted calories for like 4oz of chicken, 1/4 of a cup for cheese. and didnt eat it all. im not sure how much of it i ate. today i ate what was left over of the chicken and cheese i had already counted for yesterday and recorded. so now for today, do recount this and re add it on for today? or not record it since i already did for yesterday? thanks! ok so yesterday i counted calories for like 4oz of chicken, 1/4 of a cup for cheese. and didnt eat it all. im not sure how much of it i ate. today i ate what was left over of the chicken and cheese i had already counted for yesterday and recorded. so now for today, do recount this and re add it on for today? or not record it since i already did for yesterday? thanks! ]]> Diet Talk nikkimacawgirl http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28438-question-calorie-counting.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28435-just-read-article-about-phen-1-000-calorie-diet.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:47:49 GMT i wonder if this is where im going wrong. i havent eaten 1,000 calories everyday. alot of times i have been under. like today is almost 9pm, and im going to bed at 10. and im at 400 calories, oops. well this is what i pulled off of this article.

"Phentermine is one of the leading weight loss drugs, recommended for people who suffer from obesity, have an elevated body mass or need to lose more than 10 pounds. Clinical trials reported that use of Phentermine with a 1,000-calorie-a-day diet reduced weight by 26.9 lb (12.2 kg) compared to a 10.5 lb (4.8 kg) weight loss with diet only."

Phentermine—The Easy Way To Loose Weight ]]> Diet Talk nikkimacawgirl http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28435-just-read-article-about-phen-1-000-calorie-diet.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28401-mediterranean-diet-article.html Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:59:34 GMT MONDAY, Oct. 5 (HealthDay News) -- People who followed the Mediterranean diet, an eating regimen that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and nuts, were less likely to develop depression in a Spanish study.
"We are speaking of a relative reduction in risk of 42 percent to 51 percent," said study co-author Dr. Miguel A. Martinez-Gonzalez, chair of preventive medicine at the University of Navarra. "This is a strong association."
The Mediterranean diet usually is recommended to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. This study, reported in the October issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, is one of only a few to assess its effect on mental function.
The Spanish researchers followed more than 10,000 healthy adults who filled out questionnaires between 1999 and 2005. All were free of depression when the trial started. Their adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by looking at nine components, such as low intake of meat, moderate intake of alcohol and dairy products, and high intake of fruits, nuts, cereals, vegetables and fish.
After an average follow-up of 4.4 years, the overall incidence of depression for those who most followed the diet was 30 percent lower than for those who most ignored the dietary rules. Even lower rates of depression were associated with intake of specific elements of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruits, vegetables and olive oil.
There are several possible explanations for the reported protective effect, Martinez-Gonzales said. The Mediterranean diet improves the function of the endothelium, the delicate inner lining of blood vessels, which is involved in the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule that is responsible for the growth and function of nerve cells, he said. "Dysfunction of BDNF is thought to be responsible for some depression cases," Martinez-Gonzalez said.
In addition, olive oil improves the binding of serotonin to its receptors "and serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in depression," he said. "In fact, Prozac acts by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain."
And the omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish might help improve the function of the central nervous system, Martinez-Gonzalez said. "All these mechanisms may lead to an improved brain function and a greater resilience to better face the frustrations of every day, to control stress, and so on," he said.
But Martinez-Gonzalez does not recommend that people diagnosed with depression try to treat it by adopting this diet. "The Mediterranean diet might be ideal for the prevention of depression, but not for its treatment," he said. "For those patients who already have depression, the best thing they can do is to seek the proper medical treatment by a psychiatrist."
"It's not surprising to see these results," said Dr. David Mischoulon, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "They are what we would have expected to see on the basis of previous information. There is a very large body of work in the psychiatric literature saying that components of the Mediterranean diet when looked at separately have such an effect."
Mischoulon agreed that he would not recommend the diet as a treatment for existing depression. "A person in an episode of depression needs more direct and more targeted intervention," he said.
But the study adds one more reason for adopting the Mediterranean diet, Mischoulon said. "If you have a family history of depression and you are concerned about it, a diet like this probably would be a good place to start," he said.
More information
The Mediterranean diet is explained by the American Heart Association.

(SOURCES: Miguel A. Martinez-Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair, department of preventive medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; David Mischoulon, M.D., associate professor, psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston; October 2009 Archives of General Psychiatry)
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HealthDayNews articles are derived from various sources and do not reflect federal policy. healthfinder.gov does not endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in news stories. For more information on health topics in the news, visit Health News on healthfinder.gov. ]]> Diet Talk susanpesek http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28401-mediterranean-diet-article.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28392-best-but-simple-meal-plan.html Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:56:34 GMT I have a lot to lose (weight) and at the very beginning in my commitment to do so. What am I doing? First, I go with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson to a torture session 3 times a week. No not really a torture session-it is called 'bootcamp,' a training session with a professional very good trainer but WOW! is he brutal but afterwards I feel bushed but good, with a natural high that I got when I used to run 5-6 miles.

Now I need to determine what to eat. I have a Rx for Phentermine which I will fill in a couple of days. But I need an eating plan that is very simple and easy to put together. I am not a cook, don't have time to make food to eat. I love salads with some kind of protein such as grilled chicken, tuna, or salmon, turkey, etc. But I have little time preparing the salads and am not motivated to prepare them. I am a bit leary of buying the packaged lettuce or greens in the grocery store. Usually I buy the grilled chicken salad from Whataburger or from Wendy's which I know is not the best choice. ]]> Diet Talk philfromtexas http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28392-best-but-simple-meal-plan.html http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28389-closer-i-get-goal-less-im-losing.html Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:09:52 GMT Is this normal? I weighed in today at the doctor and I loss one pound. Last week I loss one pound also....:bored:

I am 11.5 pounds away from my goal weight. This is so frustrating ya'll

What can I do the break this plateau?

Help :)

Thanks ]]> Diet Talk mzcris http://www.phenforum.com/forum/diet-talk/28389-closer-i-get-goal-less-im-losing.html