Look inside Look AHEAD: why the glass is more than half-full

Modifying Diet and Exercise in MS (MoDEMS): Study design and protocol for a telehealth weight loss intervention for adults with obesity & Multiple Sclerosis

Weight loss improves overall health, and reduces inflammation, risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, certain cancers, and death among individuals with obesity. Weight loss also improves mobility, increases stamina, and elevates mood. Between 25 and 33% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) have obesity. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and obesity are independently associated with reduced mobility, increased fatigue, and depression. Most behavioral weight loss trials exclude individuals with neurologic disease. Consequently, few studies have examined the effects of weight loss on symptom presentation and health outcomes among pwMS and obesity. This is the first study examining the efficacy of a comprehensive behavioral weight loss intervention designed specifically for pwMS. The purpose of this study is to develop and assess the efficacy of a telehealth administered weight loss intervention tailored for pwMS. Additionally, we aim to determine if weight loss reduces physical and emotional symptoms in individuals with obesity and MS. We will enroll 70 pwMS in a wait-list crossover trial to examine the efficacy of our intervention. If successful, findings will help determine whether we can help participants lose clinically significant weight - and whether weight loss among pwMS and overweight/obesity reduces fatigue, and improves mobility, mood, and quality of life.

Lifestyle intervention: nutrition therapy and physical activity

Diabetes now affects more than 29 million Americans, and more than 9 million of these people do not know they have diabetes. In adults, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes and is the focus of this article. Lifestyle intervention is part of the initial treatment as well as the ongoing management of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle intervention encompasses a healthful eating plan, physical activity, and often medication to assist in achievement of glucose, lipid, and blood pressure goals. Patient education and self-care practices are also important aspects of disease management.