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.

The physical function benefits of intensive lifestyle intervention are not sustained in patients with a preexisting history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), who lose the initial advantage by the second year.

If you have Type 2 Diabetes and a history of heart disease, an intensive lifestyle program will still improve your physical function in the first year, but this benefit may not last as long as it does for those without heart disease. It is crucial to maintain the lifestyle changes aggressively, as the 'legacy effect' seen in others may not apply to you.

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.

The association between low BMI and increased mortality is likely caused by preclinical disease (weight loss preceding diagnosis) rather than low body weight itself.

If you are underweight, do not panic about mortality risk based on BMI alone. This risk is often driven by underlying undiagnosed health issues causing weight loss. Focus on medical check-ups rather than just trying to gain weight.

Cardiac rehabilitation, whether exercise-only or comprehensive, does not significantly reduce the rate of non-fatal myocardial infarction recurrence.

While cardiac rehabilitation saves lives, it does not appear to prevent heart attacks from happening again. It is crucial for survival, but not for preventing non-fatal cardiac events.

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is indicated for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who cannot tolerate or are unwilling to adhere to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, or in whom oral appliances have failed.

If you have severe sleep apnea and cannot use your CPAP machine or dental devices, jaw surgery (MMA) is a valid option to discuss with your surgeon. It physically moves your jaw forward to keep your airway open. While the evidence quality is low, it often significantly reduces breathing pauses. It is not a first choice, but a necessary backup for severe cases.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) as a sole procedure does not reliably normalize the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in patients with moderate to severe OSA.

If you have moderate or severe sleep apnea, removing your uvula and tonsils (UPPP) alone is unlikely to cure your condition. Studies show breathing pauses often remain severe after this surgery. You should prioritize CPAP or oral appliances first, as they are more reliable.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and palatal implants are acceptable options for mild to moderate OSA in patients who cannot tolerate or adhere to PAP therapy or oral appliances.

If you have mild or moderate sleep apnea and can't use CPAP or dental devices, radiofrequency ablation or palatal implants might help reduce your symptoms. However, they are not cures; you will likely still have some breathing pauses. Follow-up is essential to monitor your progress.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, providing substantial long-term mortality reduction and remission of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to non-surgical management.

For individuals with severe obesity (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with comorbidities) who have not succeeded with lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery is the most effective medical intervention for long-term survival and diabetes remission. It is not a quick fix but a lifelong commitment requiring strict adherence to nutritional supplementation and medical monitoring to prevent deficiencies and manage metabolic health.

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.