For most people struggling with weight issues such as obesity, counting calories appears to be the most reliable and effective way for weight loss. Awareness of the amount of calories consumed on a daily basis may thus control excessive eating, which may in turn result in weight loss. Counting calories will also teach a person engaged in a weight loss program to be more creative with his or her food choices, picking the healthier food items over the sugar- and fat-rich foods. When a person suffering from obesity starts counting calories, it may be possible for weight loss to eventually occur. For a person living a very busy lifestyle, counting calories may not be that much fun and would thus rather stick with more aggressive way to lose weight.
Weight Loss – Is it This Easy?
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After explaining the principle behind counting calories for weight loss and the prevention of obesity, now the next possible question that readers might ask is— Is there any other way to lose weight aside from counting calories? According to a recent medical report published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, taking a specific daily dose of calcium and vitamin D may help cut calories, which may then eventually facilitate in one’s weight loss regimen.
The research study involved the participation of approximately 100 women who were positively diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is an endocrine disorder that generally results in disturbances in their menstrual period and infertility. Patients with PCOS are also commonly observed to develop metabolic conditions, including diabetes and obesity. PCOS patients are thus usually enrolled in weight loss programs to prevent obesity and other related medical complications, and they are also advised to engage in counting calories and regular exercise.
Obesity and Weight Loss Research
During the research study, the study participants were randomly assigned to any one of the two study groups. Members of one study group were given an anti-diabetic drug, metformin, which assists in the breakdown of complex sugars that are present in food. On the other hand, the other study group was given the same anti-diabetic drug, metformin, together with vitamin D and calcium. The study participants were then monitored for six months and evaluated in terms of weight, body mass index, and other vital health signs.
The results of the study showed that the study group that was given metformin in combination with vitamin D and calcium showed a significantly higher amount of weight loss as compared to the metformin group. In addition, the metformin-vitamin D-calcium group also showed improvements in their menstrual cycle, thus suggesting that this supplementation may be helpful in preventing complications of PCOS, as well as obesity. Gynecological examination of the study participants also showed signs of improvement of infertility.
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The Findings of the Recent Medical Report on Weight Loss
The findings of this recent medical report may be useful in weight loss programs because it provides an alternative way to cure obesity. Although counting calories still remains the most effective and highly recognized approach to weight loss, the inclusion of vitamin D and calcium in the daily supplementation regimen may also enhance the chances for weight loss. There may also be a need to repeat the study using a bigger study population, allowing the investigators to further strengthen their conclusions on the positive effects of calcium and vitamin D on weight loss and obesity.
Counting calories has been the prime way to lose weight and to curb excessive eating. To some people, counting calories may seem to be a discipline that requires strict compliance to healthy food items. However, it may also be helpful to know that vitamin D and calcium supplementation also serves as an easy way to cut calories and lose weight.
