Weight Loss Trials Review
There has been an interesting research made recently. Taken into account the results of 64 studies of the weight loss therapy which is based on making losing weight a life style and on drug influence, it was clearly stated that the approach which is to be used to combat the obesity of children and teenagers should first of all make them realize that the food they eat and he drinks they consume are to be replaced totally. They should also become aware of the fact that the life style they lead is to be changed once and for ever if they do want to lose weight and keep fit.
What’s more, Dr. Hiltje Oude Luttikhuis, of the Beatrix Children’s Hospital in Groningen, The Netherlands does insist on parents playing one of the vital roles in the whole process, especially when it concerns pre-adolescent children.
It is possible to find this review in The Cochran Library. Cochran Collaboration is widely known as an international group which is involved in producing reviews relating to health care interventions.
The first review on the subject was published in 2003; the review we offer is an updated version of the first one. According to Dr.Luttikhuis and her colleagues, it was almost impossible to make any deduction back in 2003 as the size and quality of the experimental base was rather poor. The results of the new research were published in May 2008; 5,230 children took part in it. It’s really essential that the researchers considered a few different weight loss approaches and made the corresponding tests. 12 trials were based on increased activity, 6 targeted diets, 36 concentrated on behavioral treatment, and 10 focused on drug therapy.
Luttikhuis and her team state that some loss of weight by the probationers was indeed revealed in some studies, however, it’s not easy to decompose these studies in conjunction because of the various ways the researches were conducted in and their quality.
Despite of the fact that the review does not say which approach was more effective than the other ones, the scientists report; it does show that making losing weight a life style was evidently much more helpful for the children.
One of the targets the researchers set was to identify the possible side effects of the lifestyle interventions. Therefore, one third of this kind of studies was devoted to find out if this approach can either influence the children’s physiological state, or to provoke growth stunting, or to result in disordered eating behavior. Not a single of the above mentioned potential side effects was revealed during the trials.
A great attention was paid to the weight loss pills approach. As it’s already known there are two principal methods used in taking weight loss drugs, namely appetite suppression and fat absorption. The researchers aimed to find out which of the approaches is better and more effective. Luckily they were able to examine all the tests which included taking Orlistat (also known as Xenical), famous for its ability to destroy fat, thus making it more suitable for digestion; and Sibutramine which is a widely known appetite suppressant. Surprisingly both drug trials resulted in a considerable weight loss among the probationers. Side effects, however, were also seen. Therefore, unfortunately, Dr. Luttikhuis and her group were unable to determine which weight loss drug proved to be more effective than another one.
The group of researchers also informed of the conclusions they made from the trials conducted. They confirm that making weight loss your life style, that is changing and keeping up to a new diet and increasing physical activity bring real benefits. This approach showed a significant loss of weight among children and teens in comparison with a short or long term treatment.
It was also proved that the weight loss drugs such as Orlistat and Sibutramine do have positive effects and can be considered as one of the lifestyle treatments, however, it’s essential to consider all cons and pros and investigate the possible side effects.
NEW YORK (Reuters health)
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By Tina, March 28, 2009 @ 6:21 am
Thank you for the post. I do tend to rely not only on some people’s opinions but mostly on the scientific researches, especially when it concerns children. Because a personal opinion usually doesn’t cover more than one-two weight loss methods used, and it is not scientifically confirmed.
Since you’ve mentioned Orlistat, let me say, that this weight loss pill is one we used to take. I like the way it works. Even if a make a Cheat Day, I do not worry much about calories, as I know they won’t be absorbed. Good approach. Better results without many efforts
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By Jane, March 28, 2009 @ 6:21 am
Thank you for the post, but I would like to express my point of view. I do not agree that children’s obesity is to be treated with weight loss drugs. Why teaching kids to follow the line of least resistance? Unless…. Parents follow it too. I do believe kids must know why they get fat, what it might lead to, and what can be done to avoid possible circumstances. They must know what food will make harm and what food will make good for them, they must also be taught to move more. It’s natural for kids, in fact. The first and only example for kids is their parents. First of all they must apply behavioral method to themselves; otherwise they can demand nothing from their kids.
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