E-E-A-T · 109 cited studies

The Research.

Every claim on this site cites peer-reviewed research. Here's the library — every entry links to PubMed, journal DOI, or the original source. Spot a missing study or an error? research@sureshotfatloss.com.

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109 studies

  • Moderate evidence2025

    Ultra-processed or minimally processed diets following healthy dietary guidelines on cardiometabolic health (UPDATE trial)

    Dicken SJ et al. · Nature Medicine

    Crossover RCT: UPF diet matched to dietary guidelines still produced more weight gain than minimally processed diet.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2024

    Body composition and cardiometabolic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists: changes in lean mass

    Linge J et al. · Obesity Reviews

    Across GLP-1 trials, ~25–40% of total weight lost on semaglutide is lean mass — meaningful sarcopenia risk.

    GLP-1 DrugsExercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2024

    Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses

    Lane MM et al. · BMJ

    Umbrella review across 32 health outcomes: convincing evidence for UPF link to cardiovascular mortality, T2D, common mental disorders.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2024

    Bone health after exercise alone, GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment, or combination treatment

    Jensen SBK et al. · JAMA Network Open

    GLP-1 monotherapy reduced bone mineral density at hip and spine; exercise prevented this loss.

    GLP-1 DrugsExercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2024

    Beta-cell function and remission of type 2 diabetes (5-year DiRECT extension)

    Taylor R et al. · The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology

    5-year DiRECT extension: T2D remission durable when weight loss maintained; relapse predicts beta-cell decline.

    Insulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2024

    Continuous Glucose Monitoring (Standards of Care)

    American Diabetes Association · Diabetes Care

    ADA: CGM is recommended for diabetes; emerging value in prediabetes for behavior change but not yet first-line.

    Glucose VariabilitySource ↗
  • Emerging2024

    The Need for a New Definition of Hypoglycemia in People without Diabetes

    Klonoff DC et al. · Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology

    Many CGM 'lows' in non-diabetics are sensor noise or benign physiology — interpretation requires caution.

    Glucose VariabilitySource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2023

    Ultra-processed foods and cardiometabolic health: public health policies to reduce consumption cannot wait

    Touvier M et al. · BMJ

    Editorial-review summary of UPF cardiometabolic evidence calling for policy action; useful as orientation reference.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2023

    Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes (SELECT)

    Lincoff AM et al. · New England Journal of Medicine

    SELECT trial: semaglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in obese non-diabetic adults.

    GLP-1 DrugsHeart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2023

    International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutritional concerns of the female athlete

    Sims ST et al. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

    Female athletes need attention to RED-S risk, iron status, and protein timing across the menstrual cycle.

    Women-SpecificExercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2023

    Bone health management in midlife women

    Papadakis GE et al. · BMJ

    Midlife women lose ~1–2% bone density yearly across the menopause transition; resistance training and protein blunt loss.

    Women-SpecificExercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2022

    Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension

    Wilding JPH et al. · Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism

    One year after discontinuation, two-thirds of lost weight and most cardiometabolic improvements regained.

    GLP-1 DrugsSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2022

    Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1)

    Jastreboff AM et al. · New England Journal of Medicine

    SURMOUNT-1: tirzepatide produced 20.9% mean weight loss at the highest dose over 72 weeks.

    GLP-1 DrugsSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2022

    Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 5)

    Garvey WT et al. · Nature Medicine

    STEP 5: 15.2% mean weight loss sustained at 104 weeks with continued semaglutide treatment.

    GLP-1 DrugsSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2022

    Calorie restriction with or without time-restricted eating in weight loss

    Liu D et al. · New England Journal of Medicine

    12-month RCT: TRE 8h+CR vs CR alone produced equivalent weight loss; window timing didn't add benefit.

    FastingSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2022

    Evaluating the association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and relative and absolute effects of statin treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Byrne P et al. · JAMA Internal Medicine

    Meta-analysis: absolute reduction in mortality from statins is small (~0.8%) and not strongly tied to LDL drop.

    Heart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2021

    Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1)

    Wilding JPH et al. · New England Journal of Medicine

    Pivotal STEP 1 trial: 14.9% mean body-weight reduction with semaglutide 2.4 mg over 68 weeks vs 2.4% placebo.

    GLP-1 DrugsSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2021

    Cardiometabolic Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

    Varady KA et al. · Annual Review of Nutrition

    Review of alternate-day and 5:2 fasting: 4–8% body-weight loss over 8–12 weeks with cardiometabolic improvement.

    FastingSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2021

    Semaglutide 2.4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2)

    Davies M et al. · The Lancet

    STEP 2: 9.6% body-weight reduction with semaglutide 2.4 mg in T2D over 68 weeks vs 3.4% placebo.

    GLP-1 DrugsInsulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2020

    Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of obesity: a prospective cohort study of UK Biobank

    Rauber F et al. · European Journal of Nutrition

    UK Biobank cohort (~22K adults): higher UPF intake associated with elevated obesity risk over 5-year follow-up.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2020

    Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Weight Loss and Other Metabolic Parameters in Women and Men With Overweight and Obesity (TREAT)

    Lowe DA et al. · JAMA Internal Medicine

    TREAT trial: 16:8 TRE produced no greater weight loss than three-meal control; lean-mass loss was higher.

    FastingSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2020

    Reduction in saturated fat intake for cardiovascular disease (Cochrane systematic review)

    Hooper L et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

    Cochrane review: cutting saturated fat reduces CV events ~17%; effect mainly through replacement with polyunsaturated fat.

    Seed OilsSource ↗
  • Contested2020

    Saturated Fats and Health: A Reassessment and Proposal for Food-Based Recommendations

    Astrup A et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology

    Reassessment paper: total saturated-fat intake itself is not associated with CVD; food matrix and replacement food matter more.

    Seed OilsHeart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2020

    Effects of continuous glucose monitoring on metrics of glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    Maiorino MI et al. · Diabetes Care

    CGM reduces HbA1c by ~0.4% and increases time-in-range vs SMBG in diabetes management.

    Glucose VariabilitySource ↗
  • Strong evidence2019

    Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake

    Hall KD et al. · Cell Metabolism

    Inpatient RCT: ad-libitum UPF diet caused ~500 kcal/day surplus and 0.9 kg gain in 2 weeks vs matched whole-food diet.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2019

    Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them

    Monteiro CA et al. · Public Health Nutrition

    Defines the NOVA classification system used to identify ultra-processed foods across the literature.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2019

    Ultra-processed food intake and risk of cardiovascular disease: prospective cohort study (NutriNet-Santé)

    Srour B et al. · BMJ

    French cohort (~105K adults): each 10% UPF increase was associated with a 12% rise in cardiovascular disease risk.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2019

    Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association

    Fragala MS et al. · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

    NSCA position: resistance training for older adults preserves strength, mobility, bone density, and metabolic health.

    Exercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2019

    Apolipoprotein B Particles and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review

    Sniderman AD et al. · JAMA Cardiology

    ApoB particle count is a more accurate marker of CV risk than LDL-C alone — every atherogenic particle has one ApoB.

    Heart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2018

    Mechanisms of Insulin Action and Insulin Resistance

    Petersen MC, Shulman GI · Physiological Reviews

    Comprehensive review of intramyocellular and hepatic lipid as primary drivers of insulin resistance.

    Insulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2018

    Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): an open-label, cluster-randomised trial

    Lean MEJ et al. · The Lancet

    DiRECT trial: 46% achieved T2D remission at 12 months via structured low-calorie weight-loss program.

    Insulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Contested2018

    Omega-6 vegetable oils as a driver of coronary heart disease: the oxidized linoleic acid hypothesis

    DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH · Open Heart

    Hypothesis paper proposing oxidised linoleic-acid metabolites as the mechanistic driver of CHD — contested.

    Seed OilsSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2018

    A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults

    Morton RW et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine

    Meta-analysis: protein supplementation augments resistance-training muscle gains up to ~1.6 g/kg/day plateau.

    Exercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2018

    Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort

    Fiolet T et al. · BMJ

    10% increase in UPF intake associated with 12% higher cancer risk in 105K-adult French cohort.

    Ultra-Processed FoodSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2018

    Early Time-Restricted Feeding Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Blood Pressure, and Oxidative Stress Even without Weight Loss

    Sutton EF et al. · Cell Metabolism

    Early 6h eating window improved insulin sensitivity, BP, and oxidative stress in prediabetic men with no weight change.

    FastingInsulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2018

    Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome

    Teede HJ et al. · Human Reproduction

    International evidence-based PCOS guideline: lifestyle (diet + exercise) is first-line; metformin and inositol have additional benefit.

    Women-SpecificInsulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2018

    Environment dominates over host genetics in shaping human gut microbiota

    Rothschild D et al. · Nature

    In 1,046 Israelis, environment (especially diet) explained gut microbiota composition far more than host genetics.

    Gut MicrobiomeSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2018

    Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health

    Valdes AM et al. · BMJ

    BMJ overview: dietary diversity and fibre support a more diverse gut microbiota and better cardiometabolic health.

    Gut MicrobiomeSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2018

    Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts (PREDIMED)

    Estruch R et al. · New England Journal of Medicine

    PREDIMED RCT: Mediterranean diet with olive oil or nuts reduced major CV events by ~30% in high-risk adults.

    Heart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2018

    Glucotypes reveal new patterns of glucose dysregulation

    Hall H et al. · PLOS Biology

    CGM in non-diabetics revealed three glucotypes (low/moderate/severe variability); 'normoglycemic' adults frequently spike.

    Glucose VariabilitySource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2018

    Does stress influence sleep patterns, food intake, weight gain, abdominal obesity and weight loss interventions?

    Geiker NRW et al. · Obesity Reviews

    Review of stress as a moderator of weight-loss intervention success — high-stress participants drop out and regain more.

    Cortisol & StressMetabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2017

    Metabolic Effects of Intermittent Fasting

    Patterson RE, Sears DD · Annual Review of Nutrition

    Review of intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating: weight loss comparable to continuous restriction.

    FastingSource ↗
  • Contested2017

    Associations of fats and carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 18 countries (PURE)

    Dehghan M et al. · The Lancet

    PURE study: high carbohydrate intake associated with higher mortality; high fat intake — including saturated — was not.

    Seed OilsHeart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2017

    Circadian Entrainment to the Natural Light-Dark Cycle across Seasons and the Weekend

    Stothard ER et al. · Current Biology

    Camping for 6 days realigned circadian phase by ~2 hours; modern indoor lighting delays sleep onset.

    Sleep & CircadianSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2017

    Dose-response relationship between weekly resistance training volume and increases in muscle mass: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Schoenfeld BJ, Ogborn D, Krieger JW · Journal of Sports Sciences

    Hypertrophy scales with weekly sets per muscle (≥10 weekly sets > <5); plateaus around 20 sets/week.

    Exercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2017

    Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

    Ference BA et al. · European Heart Journal

    Mendelian-randomization + RCT consensus: LDL particles are causally linked to ASCVD in primary prevention.

    Heart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2016

    Persistent metabolic adaptation 6 years after 'The Biggest Loser' competition

    Fothergill E et al. · Obesity

    RMR remained ~500 kcal/day below predicted six years after rapid weight loss — adaptation persists.

    Metabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Contested2016

    Re-evaluation of the traditional diet-heart hypothesis: analysis of recovered data from Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-73)

    Ramsden CE et al. · BMJ

    Recovered Minnesota Coronary Experiment data: linoleic-acid swap lowered cholesterol but did not reduce mortality.

    Seed OilsSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2016

    Sleep Duration and Quality: Impact on Lifestyle Behaviors and Cardiometabolic Health (AHA scientific statement)

    St-Onge MP et al. · Circulation

    AHA position: short sleep (<7 h) consistently associated with weight gain and worse cardiometabolic risk.

    Sleep & CircadianSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2016

    Perimenopause: From Research to Practice

    Santoro N · Journal of Women's Health

    Clinical review of the hormonal turbulence of perimenopause and its metabolic implications.

    Women-SpecificSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2016

    The pathogenesis of insulin resistance: integrating signaling pathways and substrate flux

    Samuel VT, Shulman GI · Journal of Clinical Investigation

    Comprehensive mechanism review: ectopic lipid in liver and muscle drives insulin resistance via DAG-PKCε.

    Insulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2016

    Isocaloric fructose restriction and metabolic improvement in children with obesity and metabolic syndrome

    Lustig RH et al. · Obesity

    Isocaloric fructose restriction in obese children improved fasting glucose, lipid panel, and DNL within 9 days.

    Insulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2016

    A randomized pilot study comparing zero-calorie alternate-day fasting to daily caloric restriction

    Catenacci VA et al. · Obesity

    ADF and continuous CR produced equivalent weight loss; ADF retained more weight after 24 wks but had higher dropout.

    FastingSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2016

    Constrained total energy expenditure and metabolic adaptation to physical activity in adult humans

    Pontzer H et al. · Current Biology

    Total energy expenditure plateaus despite increases in activity — supports the constrained-energy model.

    Ancestral DietMetabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2016

    Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in the body

    Sender R, Fuchs S, Milo R · PLOS Biology

    Revised estimate: bacteria-to-human-cell ratio is roughly 1:1, not 10:1 as long claimed.

    Gut MicrobiomeSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2016

    Diet-induced extinctions in the gut microbiota compound over generations

    Sonnenburg ED et al. · Nature

    Low-fibre diet induced microbial extinctions in mice that compounded across generations and were partly irreversible.

    Gut MicrobiomeSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2016

    Protein 'requirements' beyond the RDA: implications for optimizing health

    Phillips SM, Chevalier S, Leidy HJ · Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism

    RDA (0.8 g/kg) is a floor for nitrogen balance; optimal for ageing, body composition, satiety is 1.2–1.6 g/kg.

    Protein LeverageExercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Contested2016

    Lack of an association or an inverse association between low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in the elderly: a systematic review

    Ravnskov U et al. · BMJ Open

    Systematic review: LDL-C inversely associated with all-cause mortality in adults over 60 — challenges the LDL-causes-CHD model.

    Heart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2015

    Natural sleep and its seasonal variations in three pre-industrial societies

    Yetish G et al. · Current Biology

    Hadza, San and Tsimane sleep ~6.5 h/night — fewer hours than Westerners but better consolidation.

    Sleep & CircadianAncestral DietSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2015

    The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance

    Leidy HJ et al. · American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

    Higher-protein diets (1.2–1.6 g/kg) increase satiety, preserve lean mass during deficit, and improve weight maintenance.

    Protein LeverageSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2015

    Personalized Nutrition by Prediction of Glycemic Responses

    Zeevi D et al. · Cell

    Glycemic response to identical foods varies 2–10× between individuals — predictable from microbiome + clinical inputs.

    Glucose VariabilitySource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2015

    Daily stressors, past depression, and metabolic responses to high-fat meals: a novel path to obesity

    Kiecolt-Glaser JK et al. · Biological Psychiatry

    A day of stressors slowed metabolic clearance of a high-fat meal by ~104 kcal of equivalent expenditure.

    Cortisol & StressSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2014

    Metabolic adaptation to weight loss: implications for the athlete

    Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Norton LE · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

    Reviews mechanisms of metabolic adaptation in lean dieters and outlines countermeasures (diet breaks, refeeds, strength training).

    Metabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Contested2014

    Association of dietary, circulating, and supplement fatty acids with coronary risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Chowdhury R et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine

    Meta-analysis: no clear support for replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat to reduce coronary risk.

    Seed OilsHeart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2014

    Diet rapidly and reproducibly alters the human gut microbiome

    David LA et al. · Nature

    Animal-based vs plant-based diet shifted gut microbiota composition within 24–48 hours.

    Gut MicrobiomeSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2013

    Timing of food intake predicts weight loss effectiveness

    Garaulet M et al. · International Journal of Obesity

    Late lunch eaters lost ~25% less weight on identical-calorie programs than early eaters over 20 weeks.

    Sleep & CircadianSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2013

    Dietary composition in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review to inform evidence-based guidelines

    Moran LJ et al. · Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

    PCOS dietary review: weight loss of 5–10% improves ovulation; macronutrient composition matters less than total weight loss.

    Women-SpecificSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2013

    Adaptive thermogenesis with weight loss in humans

    Müller MJ, Bosy-Westphal A · Obesity

    Quantifies adaptive thermogenesis: ~5–10% drop in resting energy expenditure beyond what mass change predicts.

    Metabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Contested2013

    Use of dietary linoleic acid for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and death: evaluation of recovered data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study

    Ramsden CE et al. · BMJ

    Sydney Diet Heart Study reanalysis: replacing saturated fat with linoleic-rich seed oil increased all-cause mortality.

    Seed OilsSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2013

    Resistance training for diabetes prevention and therapy: experimental findings and molecular mechanisms

    Strasser B, Pesta D · BioMed Research International

    Resistance training improves insulin sensitivity ~30% via increased muscle mass and GLUT4 translocation.

    Exercise & StrengthInsulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2013

    Gut Microbiota from Twins Discordant for Obesity Modulate Metabolism in Mice

    Ridaura VK et al. · Science

    Mice colonised with obese twin's microbiota became fatter than mice with lean twin's — diet-dependent.

    Gut MicrobiomeSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2012

    Hunter-gatherer energetics and human obesity

    Pontzer H et al. · PLOS ONE

    Hadza total energy expenditure no different from Western adults — diet, not exercise, drives obesity differential.

    Ancestral DietSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2012

    Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health

    Westcott WL · Current Sports Medicine Reports

    Review of resistance training as primary intervention for sarcopenia, glycemic control and bone density.

    Exercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2012

    Understanding weight gain at menopause

    Davis SR et al. · Climacteric

    Menopause is associated with central fat redistribution independent of total weight change.

    Women-SpecificSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2012

    Adverse metabolic consequences in humans of prolonged sleep restriction combined with circadian disruption

    Buxton OM et al. · Science Translational Medicine

    3 weeks of sleep restriction + circadian disruption produced prediabetic-grade insulin resistance and lower metabolic rate.

    Sleep & CircadianInsulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2012

    Protein supplementation augments the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to resistance-type exercise training: a meta-analysis

    Cermak NM et al. · American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

    Protein supplementation augments lean mass and strength gains from resistance training across diverse populations.

    Exercise & StrengthProtein LeverageSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2012

    Effect of dietary protein content on weight gain, energy expenditure, and body composition during overeating

    Bray GA et al. · JAMA

    Inpatient overfeed: low-protein groups gained more fat and less lean mass than normal/high-protein at matched calories.

    Protein LeverageExercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2011

    Quantification of the effect of energy imbalance on bodyweight

    Hall KD et al. · The Lancet

    Mathematical model of body-weight regulation that explains why simple calorie deficits underestimate plateau effects.

    Metabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2011

    Reversal of type 2 diabetes: normalisation of beta cell function in association with decreased pancreas and liver triacylglycerol

    Lim EL, Hollingsworth KG, Aribisala BS, Chen MJ, Mathers JC, Taylor R · Diabetologia

    Newcastle study: very-low-calorie diet normalised fasting glucose and beta-cell function within 8 weeks.

    Insulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2011

    Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to optimum adaptation

    Phillips SM, Van Loon LJC · Journal of Sports Sciences

    Recommends 1.2–2.0 g/kg protein for athletes; spreads protein across 3–4 meals to maximize MPS.

    Exercise & StrengthProtein LeverageSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2011

    Reproductive hormones and the menopause transition

    Santoro N, Randolph JF · Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America

    Detailed account of FSH, estradiol, progesterone fluctuations across the menopause transition.

    Women-SpecificSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2011

    Testing protein leverage in lean humans: a randomised controlled experimental study

    Gosby AK et al. · PLOS ONE

    RCT: dropping dietary protein from 15% to 10% drove a 12% increase in total energy intake — protein leverage in humans.

    Protein LeverageSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2010

    Adaptive thermogenesis in humans

    Rosenbaum M, Leibel RL · International Journal of Obesity

    Foundational review of adaptive thermogenesis — energy expenditure declines disproportionately with weight loss and persists.

    Metabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2010

    Achieving hunter-gatherer fitness in the 21st century: back to the future

    O'Keefe JH et al. · American Journal of Medicine

    Recommends modeling activity on hunter-gatherer movement patterns: walking, intermittent intensity, recovery.

    Ancestral DietExercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2010

    Low calorie dieting increases cortisol

    Tomiyama AJ et al. · Psychosomatic Medicine

    3-week low-calorie diet alone raised cortisol; restraint and stress amplified the rise — relevant to repeat dieters.

    Cortisol & StressMetabolic AdaptationSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2009

    Adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of circadian misalignment

    Scheer FAJL et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

    Forced 12-hour circadian misalignment for 10 days produced postprandial hyperglycemia and inverted cortisol rhythm.

    Sleep & CircadianSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2009

    Long-term effects of a randomised controlled trial comparing high protein or high carbohydrate weight loss diets on testosterone, SHBG, and erectile and urinary tract function in PCOS

    Moran LJ et al. · Clinical Endocrinology

    PCOS: high-protein and high-carb hypocaloric diets produced equivalent weight loss and androgen reduction.

    Women-SpecificSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2008

    Meta-analysis of short sleep duration and obesity in children and adults

    Cappuccio FP et al. · Sleep

    Meta-analysis: short sleep (<5 h) was associated with 55% higher obesity risk in adults across 30 studies.

    Sleep & CircadianSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2007

    The metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation

    Knutson KL et al. · Sleep Medicine Reviews

    Review of cross-sectional and lab evidence linking sleep loss to obesity, T2D risk, appetite dysregulation.

    Sleep & CircadianSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2007

    Metabolic endotoxemia initiates obesity and insulin resistance

    Cani PD et al. · Diabetes

    High-fat diet raised circulating LPS (endotoxemia), which drove insulin resistance and inflammation in mice.

    Gut MicrobiomeInsulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2007

    Stress, eating and the reward system

    Adam TC, Epel ES · Physiology & Behavior

    Chronic stress potentiates reward-system response to palatable food — biological substrate of 'stress eating'.

    Cortisol & StressSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2006

    The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease

    Wolfe RR · American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

    Foundational review of muscle as the primary site of glucose disposal and amino-acid reservoir for metabolic health.

    Exercise & StrengthSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2006

    An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest

    Turnbaugh PJ et al. · Nature

    Obese mouse microbiota harvested ~2% more calories from identical food than lean controls.

    Gut MicrobiomeSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2006

    Activation of oxidative stress by acute glucose fluctuations compared with sustained chronic hyperglycemia

    Monnier L et al. · JAMA

    Glucose variability (spikes) generated more oxidative stress than equivalent sustained hyperglycemia.

    Glucose VariabilitySource ↗
  • Mechanism only2005

    Origins and evolution of the Western diet: health implications for the 21st century

    Cordain L et al. · American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

    Catalogues seven dietary changes from Paleolithic to modern diet associated with chronic-disease patterns.

    Ancestral DietSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2005

    Obesity: the protein leverage hypothesis

    Simpson SJ, Raubenheimer D · Obesity Reviews

    Hypothesis: humans defend an absolute protein intake; lower dietary protein concentration drives overeating of total energy.

    Protein LeverageSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2005

    A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations

    Weigle DS et al. · American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

    Increasing protein from 15% to 30% of calories at constant carb produced spontaneous 441 kcal/day reduction.

    Protein LeverageSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2005

    Role of stress in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome

    Rosmond R · Psychoneuroendocrinology

    Reviews HPA-axis dysregulation as a unifying driver of insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, dyslipidaemia.

    Cortisol & StressInsulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2004

    Use and abuse of HOMA modeling

    Wallace TM, Levy JC, Matthews DR · Diabetes Care

    Practical guide to HOMA-IR/HOMA-β interpretation — the calculator screening foundation.

    Insulin ResistanceSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2004

    Brief communication: Sleep curtailment in healthy young men is associated with decreased leptin levels, elevated ghrelin levels, and increased hunger and appetite

    Spiegel K et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine

    Two nights of 4-hour sleep dropped leptin 18%, raised ghrelin 28%, increased hunger ratings 24% — appetite hormones flip in days.

    Sleep & CircadianSource ↗
  • Strong evidence2004

    Diet induced thermogenesis

    Westerterp KR · Nutrition & Metabolism

    Protein TEF is 20–30% of intake — vs 5–10% for carb and 0–3% for fat. Direct caloric cost.

    Protein LeverageSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2003

    Postprandial hyperglycemia and cardiovascular disease

    Ceriello A · Diabetes Care

    Postprandial hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events beyond fasting glucose or A1c.

    Glucose VariabilitySource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2000

    Stress and body shape: stress-induced cortisol secretion is consistently greater among women with central fat

    Epel ES et al. · Psychosomatic Medicine

    Women with high central adiposity showed exaggerated cortisol response to lab stress vs lower-fat peers.

    Cortisol & StressWomen-SpecificSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence2000

    Obesity and cortisol

    Björntorp P, Rosmond R · Nutrition

    Reviews HPA-axis dysregulation as a driver of visceral adiposity and metabolic syndrome.

    Cortisol & StressSource ↗
  • Strong evidence1999

    Mediterranean diet, traditional risk factors, and the rate of cardiovascular complications after myocardial infarction (Lyon Diet Heart Study)

    de Lorgeril M et al. · Circulation

    Lyon Diet Heart Study: Mediterranean pattern reduced cardiac events ~70% vs prudent post-MI diet over 4 years.

    Heart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Mechanism only1998

    Stress, stress-related disease, and emotional regulation

    Sapolsky RM · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

    Foundational mechanism: glucocorticoid signaling links chronic stress to insulin resistance and visceral adiposity.

    Cortisol & StressSource ↗
  • Mechanism only1994

    Stroke in Papua New Guinea (Kitava study): the importance of cardiovascular risk factors in non-Westernized populations

    Lindeberg S · Comparative Studies in Health Sciences and Anthropology

    Kitava observational study: traditional Melanesian population had near-zero CVD on a starchy whole-food diet.

    Ancestral DietHeart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Moderate evidence1992

    Concerning the possibility of a nut

    Castelli WP · Archives of Internal Medicine

    Framingham observation: those with the lowest cholesterol diet ate the most fat — relationship is more complex than a single number.

    Heart DiseaseSource ↗
  • Mechanism only1985

    Paleolithic nutrition: a consideration of its nature and current implications

    Eaton SB, Konner M · New England Journal of Medicine

    Foundational paper estimating macronutrient and micronutrient intake of Paleolithic humans.

    Ancestral DietSource ↗

Writers · researchers · journalists

Embed our research library on your site.

Paste this iframe wherever you write. It renders a compact list of every cited study on this site — kept up-to-date as we add new entries — with a small backlink to sureshotfatloss.com/research.

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  src="https://www.sureshotfatloss.com/embed/research"
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  title="SureShotFatLoss research library"
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Citations are reviewed and updated as new evidence emerges. Marked contested when the literature is genuinely mixed — mechanism only when supported by mechanism but lacking large RCTs.