Weight Management Research to Practice Series

The Weight Management Research to Practice Series is designed to summarize the science on a weight management topic. An overview of the science will be compiled into a summary document appropriate for public health professionals, including implications for practice. In addition, some installments in the series will be accompanied by a brochure geared toward the general public.

Can Lifestyle Modifications Using Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) Reduce Weight and the Risk for Chronic Disease? Research to Practice Series No. 7 (PDF-244k) Lifestyle changes including healthy eating patterns, increased physical activity, and weight management often improve the risk factors associated with obesity. One such lifestyle approach, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) is recommended by various health organizations as a sound therapeutic strategy for overweight or obese persons at risk for type 2 diabetes and/or coronary heart disease.

Can eating fruits and vegetables help people to manage their weight? Research to Practice Series No. 1 (PDF-244k)
Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with lower risks for numerous chronic diseases, including some cancers and cardiovascular disease. Even so, the impact of eating fruits and vegetables on weight management has not been widely researched. This document will examine the evidence from available studies to determine whether eating fruits and vegetables can help with weight management.
Also available as a PowerPoint Presentation¹ (PPT–748k) intended for use by Health Professionals. It explains how fruits and vegetables can be substituted for higher calorie foods in weight management.
Also available for consumers:

• How to Use Fruits and Vegetables to Help Manage your Weight
• Print-friendly brochure (PDF-244k)
• Order hard copies through our Publications page.

¹For best results, save this PowerPoint to your hard drive. Otherwise you may experience problems viewing the slides and long waits between slides.
These slides may be used as is, please do not alter format. If format is altered the CDC logo must be removed.

Do Increased Portion Sizes Affect How Much We Eat? Research to Practice Series No. 2 (PDF-245k)
This research-to-practice review examines what science underlies the notion that large portion sizes have contributed to weight gain among Americans. This section also offers ideas to practitioners about how to counsel their patients or clients about portion size.
Also available for consumers:

• How to Avoid Portion Size Pitfalls to Help Manage Your Weight
• Print-friendly game board brochure (PDF-9.7Mb)
• Order hard copies through our Publications page.

Does Drinking Beverages with Added Sugars Increase the Risk of Overweight? Research to Practice Series No. 3 (PDF-1.24Mb)
One way to decrease calorie intake is by decreasing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. This research brief explores the relationship between drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and weight management, and provides suggestions for non-caloric beverages alternatives.
Also available for consumers:

• Rethink Your Drink
• Print-friendly brochure (PDF-526k)
• Order hard copies through our Publications page.

Does Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of Pediatric Overweight? research to Practice Series No. 4 (PDF-1.3Mb)
The health of American children is being threatened by overweight and the conditions that may stem from this problem, such as elevated serum lipid and insulin concentrations, elevated blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and psychosocial problems. This Research to Practice (R2P) brief explores the relationship between breastfeeding and pediatric overweight.

In addition to the practitioner's scientific review, newborn infant Crib Cards are being offered, that can be used by hospitals for recording newborn's vital information and help parents make this important infant feeding decision at the pertinent time.

• Crib Card for Boys (PDF-805k)
• Crib Card for Girls (PDF-825k)

Low-Energy-Dense Foods and Weight Management: Cutting Calories While Controlling Hunger - Research to Practice Series No. 5 (PDF-2.3Mb)
Have you tried to lose weight by cutting down the amount of food you eat? Do you still feel hungry and not satisfied after eating? You can cut calories without eating less nutritious food. The key is to eat foods that will fill you up without eating a large amount of calories.
Also available for consumers:

• Eat More, Weigh Less?
• Print-friendly brochure (PDF-605k)
• Order hard copies through our Publications page.

Incorporating Away-from-home Foods Into a Healthy Eating Plan - Research to Practice Series No. 6 (PDF-244k)
A growing body of literature indicates that the eating of away-from-home food can be a factor influencing energy intake. Informed choices pertaining to away-from-home food could help reduce calorie overconsumption and aid in weight management.