The science behind common weight loss tips [studies]

Sometimes the easiest way to achieve weight loss success is to make a few simple tweaks. Although some may seem a little weird, they may help dieters lose weight more easily. From fasting to Apple Cider Vinegar or holding one's nose - because smell may actually affect weight gain.

Can pinching your nose help you lose weight?

Metro reported that a recent study examined the link between sense of smell and weight gain.

In a recent study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers set out to determine if dieters holding their noses would have an effect on weight loss. The researchers at Berkeley split a group of mice into three groups: regular mice, those with a heightened sense of smell, and those whose sense of smell had been impaired. All three groups received a high-fat diet for 14 weeks. Mice with the heightened sense of smell gained weight. Mice who had an impaired sense of smell only added about 10 percent of their weight. Researchers hope that one day they can tweak the study to do a study in humans.

Apple cider vinegar and fasting for weight loss?

CNN reported that many people praise the benefits of apple cider vinegar. It is used as a cure-all for all sorts of problems including weight loss, diabetes, and sore throats. The effects of apple cider have been touted for years. The question is whether or not the science backs it up, and according to nutritionist Lisa Drayer, it's really just a lot of marketing hype. Most of the science behind apple cider vinegar is based on research done on mice. Although acetic acid has been proven to suppress body fat accumulation and metabolic disorders, there have only been a limited number of studies done on humans, and they are small.

Lake News Online reported on three types of fasting diets and the effectiveness of each for weight loss.

The first diet, the Ketogenic diet, limits carbs with 75 percent fat, 20 percent protein, and five percent carbohydrates. Although it provides fast initial weight loss, and it has been proven in a limited amount of studies to reduce insulin resistance, the weight loss is generally a lot of water. Since carbohydrates tend to hold a lot of water, and it is restrictive, it's hard to stick to for long. The intermittent fasting diet offers options because dieters may restrict calories for 24 hours twice a week or only eat during an eight-hour window each day. Although the diet isn't restrictive, dieters may be hungry on the days they don't eat, and it may cause binge eating on regular eating days.

Restricted calorie dieting or longevity dieting means eating 20 to 40 percent fewer calories. Although there is science to back up eating fewer calories to extend life, dieters may end up hungry from the lack of calories.