Weight Loss Pictures - A Definitive Guide to Weight Loss

StomaphyX is an incision-free procedure that reduces the stomach volume to help gastric bypass patients get back on track with weight loss.

So, did you find the pictures worth a watch?

As bariatric surgery becomes more commonplace as an answer to morbid obesity, a study in Ghent, Belgium investigated the relationship between losing large amounts of weight and physical fitness after the surgery. In an attempt to determine whether physical fitness improves following surgery, Dr. Sanne Stegen and associates, hoped to find answers that might provide links to breaking the cycle of obesity. The main focus of this 2009 study was investigating the impact of organized training on physical fitness following gastric bypass surgery. Another objective of the study was to consider the feasibility of morbidly obese patients participating in a strength and endurance program for the first 4 months after surgery.

For morbidly obese patients who seek relief of symptoms and a desire to become more physically fit, surgical intervention does result in large-scale weight loss. Weight loss reduces fat mass. However, 30-35% of the total pounds lost during the first 6 months after gastric bypass surgery consist of fat-free mass. In addition, the lack of protein absorption due to the nature of the procedure may attribute to less muscle strength. Could an exercise regiment prevent loss of muscle strength or even help patients gain more strength?

How was the study designed?

The study consisted of two groups. One group followed exercise training beginning four months after surgery, while the other group had no exercise mandate. Nineteen patients met the criteria to join the study. Each person was allowed to be either in the training group (organized on-going exercise program) or in the control group (surgical intervention only). Each group of patients underwent a battery of tests and measurements prior to surgery. The measurements were taken throughout the recovery process and at the conclusion of the 4 month study when tests were completed.

What was involved in the exercise program?

The patients in the exercise group benefitted from guidance by Master of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences. The training sessions were individually supervised three times a week through 36 sessions. Ten minutes of cardio warm-ups, 25 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of endurance training was completed in each workout. With a 10 minute cool down added in, the time for each workout was 75 minutes.

What were the results?

Following 36 weeks after the surgery both groups had similar weight loss, BMI and waist measurements. Weight lost by these patients consisted of pounds lost in fat mass and fat-free mass as well. Loss of pounds of muscle mass in all bariatric bypass patients resulted overall to lower dynamic muscle strength in some areas. That means that all patients became weaker. However, although exercise training could not totally prevent a decrease in fat-free muscle mass, the strength deficit of the training group was less dramatic. Despite fat-free muscle loss, the training group showed dynamic strength improvements. The benefit from training also proved that fat-free mass could be maintained. A positive indicator in weight loss due to surgical intervention shows less fat-free mass lost through the surgical procedure than fat-free mass lost by a very low calorie diet.

Dynamic muscle strength

The untrained patients experienced reduced dynamic muscle strength. Quadricep strength lowered by 16%; biceps were 36% less strong while triceps strength decreased by 39%. Taking a look at the training group showed different results. Interestingly, the exercise program kept biceps strength from dropping. Triceps and quads actually increased in dynamic muscle strength. In addition, hamstrings increased strength by 27%.

Static muscle strength

Both groups lost strength in static muscles, which was measured as handgrip strength. Four months after surgery the trained group lost 7% while the untrained group lost more than double that number, with an 18% loss.

Functional capacity

Both patient group numbers were analyzed on their ability to perform daily tasks. Statistics in function capacity prior to surgery and 4 months after surgery were measured. Actions such as sit-to-stand and a 6-minute walking distance were accessed. Both groups improved walking distance, but only the trained group increased numbers in their ability to rise to a full stand from a seated position within 30 seconds.

What is the practical application of these results?

The objective of finding links between post-operative weight loss and physical fitness was answered in the study. When morbidly obese patients experience large-scale weight loss through surgical intervention there are many benefits. However, none of them is physical fitness. Losing large amounts of weight does not equal physical fitness. In reality, loss of body mass will include fat and fat-free mass causing a negative impact on muscle strength.

The findings show that an exercise-training program on a postoperative patient group prevents muscle loss. When morbidly obese patients lost large amounts of weight and then added an organized work-out routine to the recovery process, they did see improvement in physical fitness. The study indicated that adding an exercise program could stop the decrease of strength in most muscles. In addition, some patients were able to actually increase strength in some muscle groups.

Based on the findings of the Stegen study, an endurance and resistance training program should be encouraged during the four months following surgical intervention. Dr. Stegen concludes that for morbidly obese patients, losing large amounts of weight will not improve physical fitness. But, for those who participate in exercise training, it is possible to become more physically fit.

References

1. Bariatric surgery: a review of procedures and outcomes. Gastroenterology. Elder KA, Wolfe BM.

2. Overweight, obesity and health risk. Arch Interm Med.National. Task Force on the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity.

3. Increased exercise capacity after surgically induced weight loss in morbid obesity. Obesity (Silver Springs). Seres, L, Lopez-/averbe J, Coll R, et al.

4. Physical Fitness in Morbidly Obese Patients: Effect of Gastric Bypass Surgery and Exercise Training. Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. Stegen, Suanne et. al.

5. Low physical activity and obesity: causes of chronic disease or simply predictors? Medical Science Sports Exercise. Telford, RD.

Matthew Constantin, PhD, is enthusiastic about all that is happening in the research field of obesity treatment, nutrition and diet. Having a medical background, Matthew enjoys writing articles that present current scientific findings in the topic of weight loss. He often posts reviews about best weight loss diets and offers coupon codes for Medifast diet program.

"Gorgeous" that's what strikes my mind when I see Tyra Banks. I love her more than ever since she shed her weight. In just a period of "6 months" she lost 30 pounds. Over the past couple of years she was just leaning onto chubby side. But after her diligent effort and dedication, the Supermodel is well set and ready to go.

Tyra Banks weight loss before and after

Tyra is beautiful, whether she is a size 12-14 or a size 8! She's a helluva pretty woman inside and out. No matter what she does, how she does, she is a wonderful role model for all young girls out there. Be the best you that you can be!!!
See more pictures of Tyra Banks

"Attention seeker", "Walking Stick". Many people say that. Look at this picture of hers. She looks awful than ever! Pile some pounds back on, please!!! Lindsay Lohan, who has battled with her weight in the past, insists that her busy work routine is the real cause for her drastic weight loss. I mean Commnon man, what's the matter with these people wanting to look like skeletons? I can't understand! Now look at this picture of Lohan posing as Marilyn Monroe for New York magazine.

I personally dislike this photo. Marilyn is like angel from heaven, Lindsay on the other hand is "Oh crap!"
Lindsay has potential to be a very pretty girl, but she has to work hard, real hard. She has become so skinny that even if she gains, say 20 lbs, she would still look skinny, but more healthier than before.


But the sad part is she's probably unaware of the fact that she looks awful. I think she's lost somewhere in her mind. There’s no doubt that she needs serious psychiatric help!!! Read this similar article on Nicole Richie Weight Loss

How many women in the United States are suffering from obesity?
Stats have shown that 60 percent of U.S. adult women, in approx, are suffering from obesity. According to 2007 estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of adult women — over 60 million — are obese. This clearly shows that Obesity is reaching to epidemic level in the United States.

Results have shown that obesity problems keep getting worse in the US. This may be due to our culture, who knows?
- Larger portion sizes
- Little time for workout due to busy schedule
- Many of us use vechiles to get to places instead of walking, hmm this is interesting.

Will obesity affect my health condition?
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of:

• Heart disease, Stroke
  
• Type 2 diabetes
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Difficulty in breathing
  
• Arthritis (inflammation of bones), Bath disease
  
• Hyperthyroidism and hormonal imbalance
  
• Gallbladder disease
  
• Gastritis, Colonitis, GERD (acid reflux)

Now by far we have known that obesity isn't good for health. Further the places where you store your body fat also affect your health. Women with a "pear" shape tend to store fat in their hips and buttocks. Women with an "apple" shape store fat around their waists. You are a good candidate for overweight and other health related problems, if your waist is more than 36 inches.

How to lose my excess weight?
Use more calories than you take in. I guess everyone here knows that :). First of all, make a plan, or make your goal settings (reachable). Before making any weight-loss program, it's always better to talk to your physical trainer or doctor. And yes don't remain inactive, give some time for workouts, you may run or walk, but do it regularly. Eating correctly is also part of weight loss. Make more healthier food choices (see more on Weight Loss Diet), and cook properly, don't overcook as you might lose the nutrients from the food. Make an effort, set your mind, there's no looking back, start from now!!!

Are there any surgical options available to treat weight loss?
Yes, there is and it's called Weight Loss Surgery (WLS), also known as bariatric surgery. If you struggle to lose weight via other methods, then the surgical option is always there. There are many surgical methods. Click here to see all of them.

Is Weight Loss stressing you out?
When you think of losing weight, Stress Management is the key factor for it. You can only succeed in your weight loss goal if you keep your mind active. Results have shown that constant stress can make the weight loss task more difficult than it needs to be. According to some scientific research, it is also seen that chronic stress (i.e; stress at its maximum limit) can hamper your metabolic rate, increasing fat sorage and your want for high-fat comfort foods.
There are lots of things that you can do to manage stress, could be any kind of meditation, morning walk in the park, yoga, playing games. Enjoy at what you do. That's the main formula when it comes to stress management. If you don't feel happy about your weight loss plan, make it more simple. You can always visit your physical trainer and consult about this. Talk about what you do and you'll see your stress level decreasing.

Beyonce Knowles before and after weight gain