The EndoBarrier lines the intestine preventing absorption of food calories.

Reducing calorie consumption is a proven way to lose weight, but people aren’t always disciplined enough to maintain a reduced calorie diet on their own. That accounts for some of the success and popularity of gastric bypass and gastric band surgeries, both of which reduce the quantity of calories absorbed.  But since both procedures carry considerable risks, there’s been strong interest in developing effective alternatives that are less dangerous to the patient.

Makers of a new device called the EndoBarrier say that’s just what they’ve accomplished.  (more…)

Cellphones save you time and let you keep in touch while bombarding your brain with microwave radiation. Certain nutrients may offer protection.

Nutrients that can protect against cellphone radiation? A weight-loss drug that fights cancer? Find out more in this edition of the One-Minute Nutrition Research Roundup. (more…)

Despite a huge marketing push and tons of overly-optimistic press, plenty of skepticism was raised at the time the prescription anti-obesity drug Orlistat was released in a lower-dose over-the-counter version called Alli. Alli interferes with a key enzyme (lipase) involved in the digestion of fat and can reduce the amount of fat calories absorbed from food by a modest amount, around 30%. (more…)