Evidence-Based Trends for Achieving Weight Loss and Increased Physical Activity: Applications for Diabetes Prevention and Treatment

Abstract

In Brief

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing dramatically and so is the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for overweight and obesity have been published, and recent research has demonstrated that lifestyle interventions, primarily weight loss and increased activity, are very effective in preventing diabetes. It is time to critically evaluate evidence-based treatment trends in these areas and reassess our clinical practice guidelines. Emerging evidence on the effectiveness of meal replacements for weight loss, for example, is impressive and warrants attention. Evidence-based research trends suggest that we should include the use of meal replacements in our repertoire of weight-loss strategies to help people prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.