Browse the evidence

Self-reported dietary intake methods (M-BMs) such as 24-hour recalls and food frequency questionnaires are scientifically invalid for establishing diet-disease relations because they measure unverifiable perceptions rather than actual nutrient or caloric consumption.

Do not rely on self-reported food logs or questionnaires to determine your actual nutrient or caloric intake for health decisions. These methods are scientifically invalid for measuring actual consumption. Focus on objective markers (like blood work) or use controlled dietary interventions if precise intake tracking is required, acknowledging that self-reporting is prone to significant error and bias.

Obesity is a chronic, complex, and heterogeneous disease characterized by abnormal or excessive adiposity that impairs health, rather than a simple failure of willpower or lifestyle choice.

Stop viewing obesity as a simple failure of will. It is a chronic disease involving complex biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Focus on treating the underlying causes and improving health markers (like blood pressure and glucose) rather than just chasing weight loss numbers. Seek care from providers who treat you with respect and empathy, not judgment.

Pharmacological therapy should be discontinued if there is a lack of therapeutic response, defined as less than 5% weight loss after 12 weeks of optimal dosing, or if the patient experiences intolerance.

If you've been taking your weight-loss medication at the full dose for 12 weeks and haven't lost at least 5% of your body weight, talk to your doctor about stopping it. Continuing it is unlikely to be effective and may expose you to unnecessary side effects.

There is inconclusive evidence regarding the effect of physical activity on the prevention of sarcopenia in older adults.

While evidence is inconclusive, engaging in physical activity, particularly resistance and functional exercises, is likely beneficial for maintaining muscle strength and performance, which are key aspects of sarcopenia.