A study found that two interval sessions of cardio exercise caused enhanced fat metabolism compared with a single session of cardio exercise.

This study compared the fat metabolism after exercise of equal intensity (60% of maximum heart rate) but differing in session length. The trials compared 7 men performing either: 1) a 60 minute session of exercise once 2) a 30 minute session of exercise twice, separated by a 20 minute session of rest and 3) rest. The first 30 minutes of both exercise groups showed a significant increase in growth hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine. However, in the interval session (30 minute sessions separated by 20 minutes of rest) the free fatty acids (FFA) levels rose significantly in the 20 minute rest period. During the subsequent 30-min exercise interval, FFA was significantly greater in the second interval training sessions than in the single 60 minute session.

More importantly for us diabetics - the second 30 minute interval session showed significantly lower values of insulin and glucose than the single 60 minute exercise session. What's the moral of this heart-pounding story? Interval training seems to be the fittest choice if you are looking for maximum fat-burning and effective insulin-lowering exercise.

The US weight-loss supplement industry made $3.9 billion in sales last year. With this information The Diet Channel took a good, hard look at the safety and efficacy of diet pills, both over the counter and prescription.

Prescription weight loss pills are heavily regulated and over the counter are not. Some of the prescriptions meds reviewed include: fen-phen, Meridia, and Orlistat. Prescription meds are qualified by their ability to induce 10-20% weight loss in a year. However, both prescription and over-the-counter provisions state you must follow a healthy diet and exercise. To expect a change in your body without changing your lifestyle is nearly irrational.

Over the counter products tend to evade heavy regulation. However this lack of regulation comes at the cost of potentially harmful side effects. The article continues to mention other over the counter weight loss supplements including: green tea, caffeine, hoodia and alli. The billion dollar question is: if any of these pills truly worked, why is the obesity epidemic getting worse? Stay tuned for an upcoming article on the newest supplement alli. No, it wasn't named after me.

A recent study found an anti-obesity effect in a variety of squashes and pumpkins.

Over an eight-week trial, mice were fed a high-fat diet and supplemented with PG105, a water soluble derivative of the Cucurbita moschata. Their body weight and fat storage was successfully suppressed with PG105. The overall amount of food intake was not affected. Furthermore, PG105 protected the development of fatty liver and increased the hepatic beta-oxidation activity. Results from blood analysis showed that the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol were significantly lowered by PG105 administration, and also that the level of leptin (excreted by fat cells) was reduced. Adiponectin, the modulator of a number of metabolic processes, including glucose regulation and fatty acid catabolism, was increased.

This remarkable effect on fat metabolism was made possible by the decreased abilities of lipogenic genes (fat-producing) while simultaneously kicking up the lipolytic genes (fat-burning). Since this affected the beta-oxidation of fatty acids, it would presumably create a rise in ketones. If the body can maintain normal blood glucose while producing all these ketones, this might demand consideration that ketosis is not only safe for diabetics, but healthy. I'm anxious to see further research.