Disclaimer
Medical disclaimer
This site explains research. It does not diagnose, treat or replace the person who knows your health best.
Short answers
Please read this before acting on anything on the site.
Is Weight Science medical advice?
Weight Science is general information about research on body weight, not medical advice. It cannot account for your health, history or medicines, and it is not a substitute for a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian.
Should I change my diet or medicines based on this site?
Talk to a clinician before making significant changes to your diet, and never stop or change a prescribed medicine on the strength of a website, including this one.
What if food or weight feels out of control?
If thoughts about food or weight feel out of control, please talk to a doctor. The National Institute of Mental Health has a clear overview of eating disorders and where to find help.
General information only
Weight Science explains what published studies found, in plain language. Studies describe groups of people under specific conditions; your body, health conditions and medicines may respond differently. Where a study was done in a particular group (trained athletes, men with obesity, people on a very low calorie diet), we say so, and the result may not apply to you.
Research also changes. We review guides regularly, but a newer study may update or overturn what a page says before we revise it.
Signs that need a clinician
Book an appointment if your weight changes without a clear reason, or if weight change comes with tiredness, feeling cold, constipation, low mood, or a change after starting a new medicine. Call emergency services for swelling with shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, or coughing up blood, as the NHS advises.
No endorsements
Weight Science does not sell or endorse diets, supplements, devices or drugs. A study being mentioned on the site does not mean we recommend the intervention it tested. Links to other websites are provided for reference, and we are not responsible for their content.
Use of this site
We take care to report studies accurately, but we cannot guarantee that every page is complete or free of errors. You use the information on this site at your own risk, and you should rely on a qualified professional for decisions about your health.