Population Study Shows That Weight Loss Lowers Incidence Of Diabetes, Heart Disease

A team of researchers from Spain, Cuba and the U.S. has found solid evidence of a link between population weight loss and a drop in the risk of – and death rates from – diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study examined data gathered in Cuba between 1980 and 2010. The Cuban economic crisis of the early 1990s sparked food and fuel shortages, leading to lower caloric intake and greater physical activity. On average, Cubans lost 8-11 lbs, while death rates from diabetes and coronary heart disease declined. When the crisis waned in 2002, average weight began to rise, along with new instances of diabetes and heart disease.