Impact of cognitive-behavioral interventions on weight loss and psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis

This study, which involved Can-Change members Dr. Kim Lavoie, Dr. Catherine Laurin and Dr. Simon Bacon, sought to examine the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy weight loss (CBTWL) interventions on weight loss and psychological outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity. Whereas current evidence suggests that CBTWL is an efficacious therapy for increasing cognitive restraint and reducing emotional eating, CBTWL does not seem to be superior to other interventions for decreasing depressive symptoms.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Heart Disease May Overlap in Women

In this study, anxiety disorders were present in subjects without previously diagnosed heart disease yet they were the ones with more ischemia. This suggests that these women likely HAD heart disease that just hadn’t been diagnosed yet. The reason might have been because their anxiety disorder may have been masking symptoms of heart disease because many of them overlap (e.g., fatigue, decreased energy, heart palpitations, sweating, chest discomfort, hyperventilation, and fear/worry). This could lead physicians to misinterpret symptoms of real heart disease as those of anxiety in women >>> via MedicalResearch.com – February 26, 2016

Anxiety may influence a woman’s heart during exercise

In women, blood flow to the heart during exercise testing may be influenced by anxiety, while the same does not appear to be true for men, according to results reported in the annual women’s themed issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Overall, reduced blood flow – called ischemia – was more common in men than in women, and anxiety disorders weren’t generally linked to higher or lower risk of ischemia. >>> via Reuters – February 23, 2016

Anxiety in Women May Mask Heart Disease Symptoms, Researchers Say

Women with an anxiety disorder may have less blood going to their heart when exercising, according to a new study — and researchers suggest doctors may sometimes miss signs of heart disease in these women. Study author Kim Lavoie says the findings may indicate that anxiety symptoms such as chest discomfort or palpitations — which can overlap those of heart disease — may mask heart disease in women. >>> via HealthDay News – February 23, 2016