Weight Management and Personalised Nutrition

Weight management is a multifaceted process involving the regulation of body weight through the balance of caloric intake and energy expenditure. Each individual’s response to dietary and lifestyle changes is unique, underscoring the growing interest in personalised nutrition strategies. This approach seeks to align dietary recommendations with individual characteristics such as metabolic profiles, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors, enabling more effective and sustainable weight management. 

The Scope of Weight Management 

Weight management involves maintaining a balance between calories consumed through food and beverages and calories expended through physical activity and essential bodily functions. Success is achieved by maintaining a consistent negative energy balance, where calorie expenditure surpasses intake (World Health Organization, 2023). Despite widespread awareness, weight-related health issues remain prevalent. Between 2022 and 2023, an estimated 64% of adults in England were classified as overweight or obese (Office for National Statistics [ONS], 2024). 

Challenges in Weight Management 

Several factors contribute to the complexity of weight management: 

• Emotional Eating: Emotional triggers such as stress, anxiety, and boredom can prompt overeating, contributing to excess calorie consumption (Abizaid, 2019). ● Nutritional Knowledge: Limited understanding of nutrition often leads to poor food choices, making a balanced diet challenging to maintain. 
• Sedentary Lifestyles: Desk jobs, prolonged screen time, and reduced physical activity have created an increasingly sedentary society, hindering weight control. ● Socioeconomic Barriers: Limited access to nutritious foods due to high costs, food deserts, and socioeconomic disparities complicates healthy eating efforts.
• Metabolic and Genetic Factors: Individual differences in metabolism, genetic predispositions, and underlying health conditions such as hormonal imbalances can further complicate weight management. 

Recognising and addressing these barriers is crucial for weight management success. Personalised Nutrition: A New Frontier 

Personalised nutrition leverages technological innovations like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, which provide real-time data on glucose fluctuations. A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that CGM-based biological feedback may help achieve small improvements in health behaviours influencing blood sugar control in adults, both with and without diabetes, however more research is needed in this area to define behaviour driven outcomes (Richardson et al, 2024). 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Practice 

CGM devices have emerged as valuable tools for both clinical and research applications. They offer a way to track glucose levels 24 hours a day, helping individuals align their dietary intake with physiological needs. CGMs provide insights into your current blood glucose levels, past trends, and whether they are rising or falling. Jospe et al. (2015) found that CGM-guided hunger training enabled participants to respond more accurately to hunger cues, enhancing dietary control. 

Research by Chekima et al. (2022) revealed that tracking glucose with a CGM while consuming a low glycemic diet and exercising, improved body composition and

metabolic health in non-diabetic overweight adults, suggesting a broader preventative role against type 2 diabetes. Similarly, de Bruin et al. (2019) highlighted how CGM-supported hunger training fosters patient engagement and behavioural change, reducing precontemplation stages and enhancing action readiness. 

Introducing Lingo 

Lingo by Abbott is a CGM technology that enables glucose tracking. Lingo combines advanced biosensor technology with decades of glucose research to bring you real-time insights tailored to your body. Built on Abbott’s trusted continuous glucose monitoring expertise, used by millions worldwide, Lingo’s innovative system includes: 

• A Cutting-Edge Biosensor: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology offers visibility into your glucose data 
• Lingo App with Spike Detection: Using a proprietary algorithm, the app detects your glucose spikes and translates them into Lingo Count that is actionable 
• Coaching Programme: Lingo provides actionable tips and adjustments as you eat, exercise, or go about your day, designed to help you form habits that keep your glucose more stable and aligned with your health goals. 

This synergy between the biosensor and app doesn’t just show you real-time health data—it empowers you to act on it, as you work to manage your weight and optimise energy, sleep, and overall wellbeing. 

Take the First Step Toward Smarter Eating 

When it comes to nutrition, one size does not fit all. With Lingo, you don’t just follow generic advice—you learn what works for your body. Discover the power of tracking glucose and take control of your metabolic health today. 

Click here to learn more about their programme and start your journey to better health and wellbeing.

“Don’t just eat right. Eat what’s right for you” – Lingo 

Member Benefit: 

Save 10% on any Lingo plan with code ZENO10. 

Promo code can be used one time only for your first purchase. Promotion applies in the United Kingdom only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends February 28, 2025. 

Redeem offer here 

Learn more about Lingo here 

The Lingo system is not for medical use and intended for users 18 years and older. Lingo is not intended for diagnosis or management of any disease including diabetes. The Lingo programme does not guarantee that everyone will achieve the same results as individual responses may vary. It is best to speak to your doctor for advice on starting any diet or exercise regime or if you have an eating disorder or a history of eating disorders. © 2024 Abbott. All rights reserved. The biosensor housing, Lingo, and related marks are marks of the Abbott group of companies. Other marks are the property of their respective owners. 

References 

Abizaid, A. (2019). Stress and obesity: The ghrelin connection. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12693 

Chekima, K., Noor, M. I., Ooi, Y. B. H., Yan, S. W., Jaweed, M., & Chekima, B. (2022). Utilising a Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitor as Part of a Low Glycaemic Index and Load Diet and Determining Its Effect on Improving Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Metabolic Parameters of Overweight and Obese Young Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Foods, 11(12), 1754. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11121754 

de Bruin, W. E., Ward, A. L., Taylor, R. W., & others. (2019). ‘Am I really hungry?’ A qualitative exploration of patients’ experience, adherence and behaviour change during

hunger training: A pilot study. BMJ Open, 9(e032248). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032248 

Hegedus, E., Salvy, S.-J., Wee, C. P., Naguib, M., Raymond, J. K., Fox, D. S., & Vidmar, A. P. (2021). Use of continuous glucose monitoring in obesity research: A scoping review. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 15(5), 431–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2021.08.006 

Jospe, M. R., Brown, R. C., Roy, M., & Taylor, R. W. (2015). Adherence to hunger training using blood glucose monitoring: A feasibility study. Nutrition & Metabolism (London), 12(22). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-015-0017-2 

Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2024). Update to the obesity profile on fingertips: Short statistical commentary, May 2024. UK Government Statistics. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/update-to-the-obesity-profile-on-fingertips/obes ity-profile-short-statistical-commentary-may-2024 

Richardson, K. M., Jospe, M. R., Bohlen, L. C., & others. (2024). The efficacy of using continuous glucose monitoring as a behaviour change tool in populations with and without diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21(145). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01692-6 

World Health Organization. (2023). Weight management guidelines for adults. Global Health Reports.