Examine publishes rigorous, unbiased analysis of the latest and most important nutrition and supplementation studies each month, available to all Examine Members. Click here to learn more or log in.
Study under review: Does self-monitoring diet and physical activity behaviors using digital technology support adults with obesity or overweight to lose weight? A systematic literature review with meta-analysis
What was the question?
How does self-monitoring using digital tools influence physical activity, eating behavior, and weight loss?
Why was the question worth asking?
How was the question answered?
What was the answer?
How much should you trust the answer?
What’s the take-home?
Other Articles in Issue #83 (September 2021)
-
Mini: Reliable associations between dietary factors and different kinds of cancer
In this Mini, we briefly describe the most reliable associations between dietary factors and cancers at various anatomical sites according to a recent umbrella review.
-
Deeper Dive: Another possible strike against the relationship between TMAO and heart disease
This secondary analysis of two trials found that TMAO levels go up even when consuming heart-healthy foods, raising questions about whether TMAO actually harms the heart.
-
Deeper Dive: An inspirational approach to lowering blood pressure
Using a device to create resistance while inhaling could help lower the blood pressure of older adults with hypertension.
-
Creatine dosing strategies for lean mass and strength gains in older adults
According to this meta-analysis, people over 50 who lift get a slight boost by supplementing creatine, with loading dosing and maybe pre-workout dosing providing better benefits.
-
Nulls: July-August 2021
A quick roundup of recent studies that found no clear evidence of an effect.
-
Is dieting with meal replacements better than just dieting?
Meal replacements held a slight but statistically significant advantage over low-calorie diets for weight loss, but the results weren’t different compared to very-low-calorie diets. Replacing more food-based meals tended to yield better weight loss outcomes.
-
Deeper Dive: Evaluating the results of an exploratory trial on diet and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in older people
This exploratory study found evidence suggesting that a Mediterranean-style diet improves Alzheimer’s biomarkers in people with normal cognition. But its results in people with mild cognitive impairment were counterintuitive.