A study, performed by a team led by Professor Li Liang, has indicated that short-term lifestyle intervention should be the first step in the management of children suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research to be published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology has suggested that dietary restriction and exercise has resulted in improved liver function in patients with NAFLD, relative to the short-term vitamin E capsule therapy.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers not to purchase or consume Total Body Formula in the Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors, or Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange/Tangerine flavor. According to the FDA, the liquid dietary supplement products may cause severe adverse reactions, including substantial hair loss, diarrhea, excessive joint pain and muscle cramps, and fatigue. Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta has voluntarily recalled the products that have been distributed in Alabama, Pennsylvania, California, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Missouri, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

According to the data from Phase III study of Merck’s taranabant, obese patients taking the drug experienced substantial weight loss when the drug was combined with diet and exercise. Patients who were taking 2 mg of taranabant during the study reported double the weight loss compared to patients being treated with placebo.