The weight-loss industry in the United States is worth its share in billions of dollars. An impressive number, but unsurprising statistic, being that one in three Americans suffers from obesity. This is only the tip of the scale because the number does not account for all the ranges in between, from the overweight to the fad dieters who struggle with the same fifteen pounds. According to PRWeb.com, there are approximately 75 million dieters in the United States at any given time.

That’s a lot of people struggling with the same question. When did losing weight become so complicated? According to a recent New York Times article, two new studies have shown that exercise alone will not necessarily result in weight loss. Exercise cannot only be insignificantly effective in the fight against fat—it can actually lead to weight gain. Muscle weights more than fat.

Perhaps it’s a question of overestimating not only our workouts, but also ourselves. That euphoric feeling of satisfaction so brutally earned can lead us into thinking that, certainly, that second piece of cheesecake cannot be all that bad. We earned it.

What the studies showed is a fact easily forgotten amongst the Dukan diets and Insanity workouts that claim to resolve, but rarely keep in mind, the simplicity of weight loss: Weight loss is simple math. You only need to burn more calories than you consume: calories in, calories out. This may seem to oversimplify a daunting struggle, but it can be helpful to keep in mind and maintain realistic goals. You can work yourself to death, but if you are still eating more than you consume, then all that effort is moot. Exercise should not be used to compensate for past or future indulgences.

It turns out that contrary to popular belief, exercise can actually lower your metabolism. Our bodies can become accustomed to exercise. For example, you may be burning a large number of calories, but if your metabolism slows down, you may actually be burning less than you thought. You will lose fewer calories, rather than if your metabolism stayed the same.

What all of these findings best seem to illustrate is that moderation is key. Eating in moderation and exercising in moderation should eventually lead to weight loss. It may not be as fast as only drinking spicy lemonade for seven days, but it is far more effective and easier to stick to.

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Everyone is on the eat healthy, exercise often and lose weight challenge. Especially those who have realized that your usual daily regimen is no longer yielding the results as you had expected. Many of us have found ourselves in this dilemma; despite exercising regularly and eating healthy, your jeans seem smaller every month and your doctor simply tells you it’s age — your metabolism slows down.

But if you are not planning to go down without a fight, a decisive weight loss may be the first step. Though hard labor at the gym and in the kitchen may seem tiring, invasive surgery is neither financially responsible, nor desirable unless you are morbidly obese.

This is where a new option of noninvasive programs and treatments involving infrared lights, radio frequency and manipulation comes in. Three different programs are now available to the public and here is our experience at three different locations.

VelaShape (American Laser) 8751 Commodity Circle Suite 2 Orlando, FL 32819 407-770-5720, Cost: $$$

“The FDA-cleared cellulite treatment, VelaShape™, is safe and effective for all skin types and colors. The combination of radiofrequency, infrared light energy with vacuum and mechanical massage, increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers.

The VelaShape™ II combines gentle light and radio frequency energies (elōs™) with mechanical rollers and vacuum suction to manipulate the superficial fat tissue layer that contributes to cellulite. The heat from the light and RF energies increases metabolism of this fatty layer and shrinks the size of fat cells.

The mechanical rollers and vacuum suction act on the blood vessels to increase circulation to the local area, as well as massaging the skin to achieve a smoother, less dimpled surface appearance.  A program of one cellulite treatment per month is recommended to maintain results, coupled with lots of water, regular exercise and a balanced diet to optimize them.” — Megan Sullivan, Event/Marketing Manager- American Laser Skincare

After the initial consultation, in which the procedure, tips and instructions were explained, I was taken to a bright room and made to lie down on the table. The procedure was reviewed with me and each step was explained. The technician was very informative and by the end of the treatment her infectious belief in the product had me sold. However, I was still somewhat skeptical. Measurements and photos are taken before each treatment to gauge and track changes in inches lost. Treatments are scheduled 1 week apart.

This procedure focuses heat and core temperature to reduce cellulite on the target areas which was my stomach/abdomen, lower back and love handles. For those with sensitive skin, you may find the heat a little uncomfortable, but otherwise bearable.  Because I heat up very quickly, my treatments actually took less than 30 minutes, but typically it would take about an hour. The treatment felt like a cross between a massage roller, a concentrated tanning bed and sucker fish sucking on my skin.

Overall I did lose significant cumulative inches, about 4 inch average around my waist and mostly around my hips. The difference was evident between my original measurements and end results. I was surprised and pleased at the results over such a short period of time of three treatments. Staff were informative and gave tips to maximize my treatment.

Ultrasonic Body Contouring (Altamonte Health & Wellness) 100 Marcia Drive. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Cost: $

The treatment is advertised as an effective way of removing excess fat without surgery on primarily the abdomen, inner and outer thighs (saddle bags) and flanks (love handles). The procedure uses focused ultrasound waves in combination with radio frequency and muscle stimulation to selectively break down fat cells in a particular area, whilst protecting the outside layers of skin, nerves and blood vessels.

The focus of this treatment is on body sculpting, which intrigued me. I met with the doctor for the initial consultation. He reviewed how the process worked and was exuberant about the treatment and its results. He too stressed that it was important to note that a healthy eating plan was imperative for successful results and that those results differed for each individual. Weight, measurements and photos were taken of my target areas, stomach/abdomen, lower back and love handles to gauge weight loss and inches lost.

Treatments are scheduled from 2-4 days a part. I ultimately received 6 treatments. It felt like having an ultrasound with gel. There was no heat and no discomfort. What was uniquely different with this program was the personal involvement of the doctor. He wanted to be sure he could track changes and also implemented a detailed eating plan to augment the treatments and ensure significant weight loss and inches lost which included a BMI measurement. This was by far a more exhaustive procedure; expect a good one hour time frame.

Overall it showed that I had a cumulative inch loss of 6 inches, however that did not include measurement of any weight gain throughout the process and in comparison to my original weight and measurements the loss was not that significant. I probably had about 1 1/2 inch loss in the target areas and 4-5 lbs. weight loss.

Zerona (Orlando LipoFast) 1803 Park Center Drive Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 447-0001, Cost $$

As stated by LIPOFast™Orlando Weight Loss Center, “through clinical studies it has been demonstrated that the Zerona® low level laser stimulates the fat cell to emulsify (liquefy) the fat within the cell. Then the liquefied fat moves from inside the cell through a temporary pore formed in the cell membrane to outside the cell where it is in the interstitial space until absorbed by the lymphatic system. This results in millions of fat cells becoming smaller so inches are reduced off the waist, hips and thighs.”

The difference between this and other treatments is that it does not touch the skin, with no discomfort whatsoever and does not require body or skin manipulation.

After a brief consultation of how Zerona worked and of course the typical spiel of what wondrous results had been accomplished for former clients, I was ushered into a calming darkened room and lay on a comfortable table. My target areas were again measured and I was scheduled for 3 treatments. The contraption was set up to oscillate a few inches above my skin for approx. 20 minutes, then the staff member returned to flip me over to target my love handles and back.

And that was it. I was skeptical as to how infrared lights alone hovering over my skin, was to do anything, especially reduce inches and weight loss, and I was disappointed with the results. I did not notice visible changes and after my second treatment, I had actually added inches.

Staff consistently pushed a detoxifying drink supposedly to help reduce inches. However it was no different than drinking water with lemon juice. They did not take photos, so if there were changes I had nothing to compare to. Overall this was the least effective treatment.

Our Recommendations

The above treatments were in conjunction with a healthy eating plan, increased water consumption and at least a three times a week cardio exercise program. By no means is this a quick fix to lose weight and keep it off. Fat cells are reduced and you do lose inches; however, if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep up with an exercise regimen, you will put the weight back on.

In addition, you must remember that your inch loss is a cumulative total inch loss over several of your target areas. Measurements are taken of different spots on your body. So if you lose two inches, it may not be two inches off just your waist, but two inches overall from your hips, waist and back. It is also important to note that measurements are subjective, as you may have different people measuring you. The final comparison ends up not being very accurate.

We suggest that you insist that measurements be taken by the same person in the same places for accurate weight loss and inch loss tracking. Weight loss and inches vary for each individual and these treatments are ideal for anyone, including men who are looking to sculpt or loses inches in their own target areas.

For maximum results in a shorter period of time, go with VelaShape. It costs more, but we think you will be pleased with the results. If cost is a factor then by all means select Ultrasonic Body Contouring. It may take more treatments but you will see results. As for Zerona, I think it is a waste of time and money.

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Boston, U.S.A. — A new study published June 26 in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” challenges the notion that “a calorie is a calorie.” The study, led by Cara Ebbeling, Ph.D., associate director and David Ludwig, MD, director of the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center Boston Children’s Hospital, finds diets that reduce the surge in blood sugar after a meal–either low-glycemic index or very-low carbohydrate–may be preferable to a low-fat diet for those trying to achieve lasting weight loss. Furthermore, the study finds that the low-glycemic index diet had similar metabolic benefits to the very low-carb diet without negative effects of stress and inflammation as seen by participants consuming the very low-carb diet.

Weight re-gain is often attributed to a decline in motivation or adherence to diet and exercise, but biology also plays an important role. After weight loss, the rate at which people burn calories (known as energy expenditure) decreases, reflecting slower metabolism. Lower energy expenditure adds to the difficulty of weight maintenance and helps explain why people tend to re-gain lost weight.

Prior research by Ebbeling and Ludwig has shown the advantages of a low glycemic load diet for weight loss and diabetes prevention, but the effects of these diets during weight loss maintenance has not been well studied. Research shows that only one in six overweight people will maintain even 10 percent of their weight loss long-term.

The study suggests that a low-glycemic load diet is more effective than conventional approaches at burning calories (and keeping energy expenditure) at a higher rate after weight loss. “We’ve found that, contrary to nutritional dogma, all calories are not created equal,” says Ludwig, also director of the Optimal Weight for Life Clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Total calories burned plummeted by 300 calories on the low fat diet compared to the low carbohydrate diet, which would equal the number of calories typically burned in an hour of moderate-intensity physical activity,” he says.

Each of the study’s 21 adult participants (ages 18-40) first had to lose 10 to 15 percent of their body weight, and after weight stabilization, completed all three of the following diets in random order, each for four weeks at a time. The randomized crossover design allowed for rigorous observation of how each diet affected all participants, regardless of the order in which they were consumed:

• A low-fat diet, which reduces dietary fat and emphasizes whole grain products and a variety of fruits and vegetables, comprised of 60 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates, 20 percent from fat and 20 percent from protein.
• A low-glycemic index diet made up of minimally processed grains, vegetables, healthy fats, legumes and fruits, with 40 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates, 40 percent from fat and 20 percent from protein. Low glycemic index carbohydrates digest slowly, helping to keep blood sugar and hormones stable after the meal.
• A low-carbohydrate diet, modeled after the Atkins diet, comprised of 10 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates, 60 percent from fat and 30 percent from protein.

The study used state-of-the-art methods, such as stable isotopes to measure participants’ total energy expenditure, as they followed each diet.

Each of the three diets fell within the normal healthy range of 10 to 35 percent of daily calories from protein. The very low-carbohydrate diet produced the greatest improvements in metabolism, but with an important caveat: This diet increased participants’ cortisol levels, which can lead to insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. The very low carbohydrate diet also raised C-reactive protein levels, which may also increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

Though a low-fat diet is traditionally recommended by the U.S. Government and Heart Association, it caused the greatest decrease in energy expenditure, an unhealthy lipid pattern and insulin resistance.

“In addition to the benefits noted in this study, we believe that low-glycemic-index diets are easier to stick to on a day-to-day basis, compared to low-carb and low-fat diets, which many people find limiting,” says Ebbeling. “Unlike low-fat and very- low carbohydrate diets, a low-glycemic-index diet doesn’t eliminate entire classes of food, likely making it easier to follow and more sustainable.”

Other coauthors of the study include Henry Feldman and Erica Garcia-Lago from Boston Children’s Hospital, Janis Swain from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, William Wong from Baylor College of Medicine and David Hachey from Vanderbilt University. The study was funded by The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases, the National Center for Research and Resources, the National Institutes of Health and the New Balance Foundation.

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Red Bank, U.S.A. – With more than 60 percent of women in the United States classified as overweight and one-third of those women being obese,[1] a new survey from HealthyWomen (HW) sheds light on women’s understanding of obesity and the options available to regain their health. The survey found that while women are knowledgeable about the heart health impact of obesity, they don’t understand other serious health consequences, namely cancer. When asked about the secondary health conditions associated with obesity, only 49 percent recognized the link between obesity and breast cancer, and 29 percent knew about the link between obesity and uterine cancer.

This lack of knowledge extended to weight-loss strategies as well. When women were asked about obesity-prevention actions available to them, more than half of the respondents (52%) did not know if their health insurance offered support. Only 10 percent believed their plans covered bariatric surgery, and only 6 percent thought their plans included prescription drug reimbursement. While plans vary, many do provide support for a range of weight-loss interventions.

“We were reassured to find that women understand some of the health consequences associated with obesity,” said Beth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of HealthyWomen. “However, the survey does show several gaps in knowledge, which tells us more needs to be done to offer support and access to tools that will help them lead a healthier lifestyle.”

The online survey of nearly 1,500 women was designed to assess their understanding and knowledge of obesity and related health consequences. It also included a self-assessment of their current weight status and their strategies for losing weight. More than three-quarters of respondents identified themselves as either overweight (47%) or obese (25%). Overweight is defined by medical experts as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, while obesity is associated with a BMI greater than 30.[1]

Asked how much weight they would need to lose to significantly reduce health risks associated with being overweight or obese, 30 percent of respondents said a 10 percent reduction was needed, followed by 28 percent who said a 5 percent reduction was needed. This is evidence that respondents understand that a modest amount of weight loss—5 to 10 percent of body weight—can produce health benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugars.[2]

When it came to employing a weight-loss strategy, the largest group — 41 percent of women – stated that starting or increasing exercise was the one weight-loss strategy that was most effective for them, with 51 percent of respondents engaging in three to seven hours of physical activity a week. Managing caloric intake ranked second in popularity, favored by 25 percent of respondents. Additionally, when asked if a prescription weight-loss option were available as part of a long-term weight-loss plan, more than half of the women said they would be somewhat or very likely to try it (31% and 29%, respectively).

To support women with their weight-loss goals, HealthyWomen provides an array of resources that can help women tackle their toughest weight-loss issues at www.HealthyWomen.org/obesity. This month HealthyWomen will launch its new Online Community, providing women a venue to connect with medical experts on a variety of health topics, including weight loss, fitness and nutrition, as well as to share success stories and get support from other women just like them.

[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Overweight, obesity and weight loss” Fact Sheet. Available at: http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/overweight-weight-loss.cfm#a. Accessed: April 23, 2012.

[2] NIH Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. “Fact About Healthy Weight” Fact Sheet. Available at:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/heart/obesity/aim_kit/healthy_wt_facts.htm. Accessed: April 27, 2012

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With summer coming, all of us are beginning to worry about our bikini bodies and what we can do to lose weight fast. There are many diets out there that have reached popularity, but have negative health effects. Plus, they may not be effective in the long run.

One old diet is the Cotton Ball Diet. The cotton ball diet is exactly what it sounds like: you eat cotton balls, either by themselves or soaked in gelatin. The idea is to fill up your stomach with something that will take away hunger but not add any calories. However, the cotton ball diet deprives your body of key nutrients. Even the fiber that people believe they are getting isn’t the type of fiber necessary to sustain bodily functions. Not to mention the inevitable digestion problems.

Another old diet it the Tapeworm Diet. Before being banned in the United States, Fly by Night, Inc. sold pills called Megaslim that supposedly contained a live tapeworm. You could eat as much as you want, and the tapeworm would absorb at least half of the calories for you. Yet tapeworms may not actually eat enough of what you ingest to make you lose weight, and can cause bad infections, malnutrition, and even death by reaching other parts of your body, like your heart or brain, through your bloodstream.

New diets, reinforced by celebrities, are reaching popularity as well. The Lemonade Diet, also called the Master Cleanse, involves drinking a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice, syrup, purified water, and cayenne pepper for ten days.

The purpose is to cleanse the colon of built-up toxins while making the dieter feel younger and more energized. Beyoncé made this diet popular when she announced that she lost twenty pounds for the set of DreamGirls. However, after ten days on this diet you verge on starvation. Beyoncé herself says she wouldn’t recommend this diet for anyone.

The Cabbage Soup Diet involves one week of eating cabbage soup, water, and vitamins. The soup consists of cabbage, peppers, onion, tomatoes, carrots, mushroom, celery, and spices. You can eat as much as you want of this soup, but nothing else. Some celebrities like Sarah Michelle Gellar have reported results about this diet. You burn more calories digesting these foods than eating them.

The Grapefruit Diet, in which you eat nothing except one grapefruit per meal and a lot of water, is based on the principle of cutting back carbohydrates. A variation of this diet is to eat a grapefruit before every meal to cut back on meal size. The grapefruit can be replaced with any other fruit or vegetable.

Dieters average losing about ten pounds in a twelve day period. Yet this diet averages about 800 calories a day. The minimum calorie goal is much higher, and depends on the dieter’s height and weight. Similarly, both Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston support the Baby Food Diet, with which you replace two or three meals a day with jars of baby food.

You can also have one adult meal and snack on the baby food all throughout the day instead. This diet cuts out a lot of the fillers and added ingredients that adult food features. It also cuts out too many calories: dieters eat less than they should.

The goal with any of these diets is to shed pounds fast, and see immediate results. Yet most of these pounds come from water weight-dieters are likely to gain it all back once they begin to eat regularly again! Plus, most of them deprive your body of key nutrients and starve you, which could have damaging effects on other internal organs if used too drastically or longer than recommended.

Make sure to talk to a doctor if you are going to attempt one of these diets. It is much healthier to simply watch what you eat, cut out fatty or processed food, and exercise regularly. Those pounds have a chance of staying off, even if it takes a longer time.

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As we wrap up the holiday season, more than a few of us are dealing with those extra unwanted holiday pounds. Of course, when dealing with the extra weight, many people make it their New Year’s resolution to shed those pesky pounds. While there are several ways to lose weight, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to reach your goals successfully, and keeping that weight off long-term.

1) Create realistic goals

Deciding how much weight you would like to lose is important. Whether you want to lose the exact amount gained, or you’re aiming for a few more, is something you need to determine in a healthy manner. While making this decision, you can’t look at pictures of models in magazine and say that’s what you want to look like.

Please remember that these women aren’t realistic role models to try and live up too. Understand that everyone has a different body type, and those women were photo shopped to look that way. Another obstacle to tackle when setting goals is trying to lose a large amount of weight in a small amount of time.

Losing weight is not an overnight achievement, and often times if it is it won’t be long term. Along with this, every woman will lose weight at a different pace. Never be discouraged by your weight loss. If one week you don’t lose as much as you had hoped, let that be the motivation to get focused and work that much harder the next week.

2) Eat Breakfast

For those of you still skipping breakfast, please do yourself a favour and start eating in the mornings. As we age our metabolism begins to slow down, and eating breakfast helps to jumpstart your ability to burn more calories throughout the day. Not only will it help your metabolism, but it will give you more energy to get through your day.

3) Eat Things you Enjoy

This does not mean go out and have McDonalds and chocolate at every meal.  Find healthy foods that you enjoy eating, try new recipes and look for things you find delicious that won’t stretch out your belt. Often people will diet on foods that are very healthy, but they don’t find enjoyable. This makes it that much harder to fight cravings when they arise.

Find substitutes for what you love and allow yourself to indulge once in awhile. For example, if you’re a big chocolate fan, limit your intake and try eating dark chocolate instead.  Attempting to transition from holiday foods, to celery and carrots will not help you in your search for successful weight loss.

4) Stay Away From Fad Diets

Diet pills, crash diets and everything else that falls into this category is not worth it. As previously stated, if you’re looking for healthy, realistic and long term weight loss, do not give into the temptation of a quick fix.

Not only will you be selling yourself short, you will be taking a risk with your health. Compare diet pills and fad diets to a rushed relationship: full of empty promises, short term gain, and ultimately long term disappointment.

5) Exercise

This is the most important part of weight loss, but, understandably, it is also the most cringe worthy. Whether you join a gym, or simply start walking outside, you need to be active everyday in some way for at least 30 minutes. If you have a hard time motivating yourself to do this, find a friend or family member who will work out with you.

You will find that you push each other to work harder, and it also gives you your own support group to keep you focused on your goal. Don’t just workout for your weight loss, either: do this to become a more healthy person in every way.

Of course there are many ways to lose those pounds and become more healthy. However, these methods should be included in any diet plans you have for yourself. It is important that when trying to lose weight that you stay realistic with your goals, and most of all positive. Find motivation within yourself, and remember that weight loss takes time, but with time comes success.

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The invention of the steam engine at the end of the 18th century was the beginning of evolution in transportation. This development allowed people to move heavier loads faster. A hundred years after, since the motor car was created, people were able to travel long distances without using a lot of effort.

By the end of 20th century, and continuing today, he computer is the main source of communication for the vast majority of people in the world. In last 10 years, the average growth of Internet usage in the world grew by 480 percent. This increase shows that people are becoming more addicted to online communication, and the need to physically interact with people has become limited.

The absence of the necessity to walk and do other physical activities in order to complete daily tasks is one of the leading causes of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century: obesity. Obesity is defined as a body having  excessive body fat, which causes health problem and reduces the life expectancy of a person.

Moreover, it increases the probability of having various diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Obesity is caused by many factors. One reason could be the person’s genes, which usually explains 25-40 percent of a person’s weight. The remaining percentage of your body condition comes from that person’s culture, way of life, and environment. 

With the development of technology and transportation, the cost of goods has decreased, and most people are able to afford junk food, which is sold everywhere. Moreover, there is no need to go to the grocery stores as often since fast food services, such as pizza deliveries, are readily available. Such services are becoming more popular, especially among the younger generation.

The problem of obesity is more global than we think. It was estimated that Americans spend more than $33 billion annually on weight loss. Additionally, the cost of health care to treat obesity is $120 billion. The World Health Organization predicts that there will be 2.3 billion people with weight problems by 2015, which is almost a quarter of the world’s population. At the present, nearly a third the US population is obese.

How people should deal with obesity problem?

First of all, a person who is obese must understand his/her own problem and consciously decide to deal with that issue. It was recommended to use a positive criticism in order to build self-confidence, which means that criticism must be seen as a way to correct oneself, but not as an irritating factor.

As soon as an obese person is certain about his/her situation, a balanced diet must be chosen. When the goal is to lose weight by decreasing the amount of food, the body should still get all essential nutritients, since it is vital for physical health and appearance. In addition, it is important to have a habit of counting calories.

Whenever food is bought, all the labels must be read to know how many calories the product contains. If extra calories were consumed, exercise can help balance it. In conclusion, it is necessary to avoid ignoring small things. If you already decided to have a diet and be healthy, it should last for as long as possible, and must not depend on any events, such as wedding or birthday party.

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Tired of being on a diet with no results? Trying to eat healthy food, but still the same weight? Perhaps there is a completely different culprit: shampoo. As weird as it sounds a recent study by The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York has found that this is a factor to take under consideration. Doctors that participated in this project claimed that phthalates, chemical ingredients in 70 percent of cosmetics as well as many household cleaning products, can affect the body’s natural weight control system.

In the latest study, “Growing Up Healthy” researchers suggested that exposure to phthalates through daily use may be linked to childhood obesity and weight problems in adults.

The Mount Sinai team goal was to know the link between environment interactions and its influence to the diet, physical activity level, and subsequent risk for childhood obesity. Investigators measured exposure to phthalates by analyzing the urine of 330 girls living in the inner city area of East Harlem. According to Professor Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and the study author, “the heaviest girls have the highest levels of phthalates in their urine.”

In addition, Rochester University scientists, after analyzing the blood and urine of 1,451 men, found that those with the highest level of phthalates in their urine had more belly fat and insulin resistance. They also suggested that a depressed testosterone level due to chemicals was the underlying cause of their weight gain.

Another substance, Bisphenol A (BPA), also present in containers and bottles, has also been found to provide “chemical calories.” Known as endocrine disruptors, they affect the glands and hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions.

Zoe Harcombe, nutritionist and author of the Obesity Epidemic, said that even the minimum disruption to hormone levels is very bad news for someone trying to lose weight.

“In men, phthalates and other chemicals have an anti-testosterone capacity that has been linked to obesity,” Harcombe said. “In women they mess up our basic genetic hormone balance so that you get disruptions similar to those that might occur during the menopause or at puberty.”

Women  on low-fat diets may get the worst of it, because they are the ones that could suffer the most from these chemical´s side-effects.

“By reducing the fat they consume, they also reduce the fat-soluble vitamins in their body. That often leaves them with dry skin,” Harcombe said. “They slather on moisturizers to rectify that problem without realizing they are unwittingly causing another by supplying chemical calories through the skin.”Many obesity doctors have accepted that the hormonal disruption caused by exposure to chemicals does play a part in weight problems.

Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton is the author of Stop the 21st Century Killing You and a researcher on human metabolism who has studied the connection between chemicals and obesity at the University of Stirling. Baillie-Hamilton is convinced the abundance of chemical calories in our lives is the reason why so many people are getting fatter despite dieting and exercising more.

Go green

How can people avoid these undesirable chemical calories? Regarding this issue, Landrigan said in the study that people could reduce exposure by checking labels for phthalates and Bisphenol A.

“Eating as much organic food as you can will reduce your chemical intake, but choosing cosmetics and toiletries carefully is also very important,” Landrigan said.

Eating fresh vegetables and working out every day seems to be the best recipe for avoiding the problem of endocrine disruptors and obesity. Pediatrician Maida Galvez, who was also involved in the Mount Sinai “Growing Up Healthy” study, recommended that parents have to stay clear of Bisphenol A, present in many plastic water and baby bottles, and in microwavable and dishwasher-safe food containers. She also recommended eating fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of foods that are processed or packaged in plastic.

Chemical calorie disruption was not a worthy topic for the science community a decade ago. There is still a long way to go in this new medical field. Jeanett Tang-Peronard, of the Institute of Preventive Medicine in Copenhagen, said that only a few of the tens of thousands of known environmental chemicals have been tested for their association with obesity, in her article in Obesity Reviews.

“We are only scratching the surface,” she said.

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Victoria’s Secret is world-renowned as an American retailer for women’s wear, lingerie and beauty products. It is not only known for its annual fashion show but also famed for its catalogues which feature top fashion models in stylish photo shoots. Victoria’s Secret’s trademark is not only slim and beautiful models, but they also want their models to be nourished and healthy. In this day and age, we find that a lot of pressure is put on women to lose weight and constantly aim to look like the models portrayed in the media.

Recently, one of the models for Victoria’s Secret, named Candice Swanepoel, has become “a little to light for her wings” according to E online. The model was formerly known for her long blond locks and voluptuous body.

Just a few months ago, Candice was the face of the lingerie house’s Valentine’s Day campaign. She sported a much healthier body than she does now, her weight loss having been drastic. According to sources, she is not only considered unhealthy but is jeopardizing her career as a model for Victoria’s Secret. All the Angels are supposed to be “healthy and muscular” says a source and until now, Swanepoel, 22, had kept the contract. The company is clearly drawing a line between skinny and undernourished models.

An insider explains how “there is a really clear criteria for both Angels and the catalogue. Their career path is Sports Illustrates swimsuit issue then to Angel; it’s the highest paying contract there is, period. The image is about being voluptuous, its not fat, buts its curvy”. For a professional such as Swanepoel, this means that if she gets to skinny, she could lose her contract. The company is not looking for “skinny and editorial print-like fashion magazine models” according to entertainment online. One of the company’s target groups is the Macy’s shoppers and they are generally of an older age-group.

Swanepoel says to E online how extensive traveling has been the main cause of her weight loss. Diet expert Rochelle Sirota describes how “she has to go up to 125 pounds, she looks about 108 to 110 right now, and she’s 5-foot-9 and a half”.  She describes how just a few months ago, Candice looked much sturdier. At the moment, the model’s level of body fat looks really low. The diet expert also describes how the human body has the ability to lose weight due to extreme stress, especially in connection with changing time zones. Combined with a fast metabolism, which Swanepoel claims she has, this could be a valid reason for her weight loss.

Rochelle Sirota explains how Swanepoel would have to eat “500 extra calories a day and maintain the exercise she’s doing now to gain a pound a week back onto her frame” according to E online.

Jessica White, a current Victoria’s Secret model, describes how her manager has urged her to keep healthy and maintain a normal weight. She describes how “I’m a Victoria’s Secret model and they have never encouraged me to be anythingbut sexy and healthy, I have curves and they love that. Victoria’s Secret represents all women, which means all shapes and sizes”.

A person close to Swanepoel has said that the focus on her weight is ‘overblown’.

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