Research and general acceptanceThe diets and activities recommended by Diet-
watch generally meet the standards for moderate
weight loss of 1–2 pounds a week. This weight loss
can be achieved through moderately reduced calorie
meal plans and regular exercise. This is the approach
that most experts recommend to successfully achieve
permanent weight loss and better health.
The United States Department of Agriculture
makes recommendations about the number of serv-
ings from each food group required daily for good
health. These recommendations are in its MyPyramid
food guide, available online at <http://www.
MyPyramid.gov>Any diet that follows these basic
guidelines for good health is generally considered a
safe and healthy diet for most people. Diewatch’s
personalized daily food log can help dieters determine
how many calories, grams of fat, carbohydrates, and
amounts of other nutrients are eaten each day. This
can help dieters ensure that they are following guide-
lines for a healthy diet.
In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control recom-
mended that healthy adults get 30 minutes or more of
light to moderate exercise each day for good health.
Although Dietwatch does not make specific exercise
plans for each individual, most of their recommenda-
tions meet or exceed this minimum recommendation.
Studies have shown that exercise and diet are more
effective at producing weight loss when done together
than either diet or exercise done alone. Dietwatch
encourages dieters not only to combine diet and exercise,
but also to alter problem eating behaviors, which many
experts believe is importantfor long-term weight loss.Resources
BOOKS
Shannon, Joyce Brennfleck ed.Diet and Nutrition Source-
book.Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2006.
Willis, Alicia P. ed.Diet Therapy Research Trends.New
York: Nova Science, 2007.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
OTHER
‘‘DietWatch.’’ 1997.<http:// http://www.dietwatch.com>
accessed April 10, 2007.
DietWatch.com. ‘‘Skinny on Diets’’ 2007.<http://www
.skinnyondiets.com/DietWatch.html?find=dietwatch>
accessed April 10, 2007.Tish Davidson, A.M.Digestive diseases
DefinitionDigestive diseases, also called gastrointestinal dis-
eases, are the diseases that affect the digestive system,
which consists of the organs and pathways and proc-
esses responsible for processing food in the body.Description
The digestive system, or digestive tract, includes
the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, the gallblad-
der, the small intestine, the large intestine, and the
anus, all linked as a long twisting tube that starts at
the mouth and ends at the anus. It also includes the
liver and the pancreas, two organs that produce sub-
stances needed for digestion such as enzymes, reaching
the intestine through small tubes. The function of the
digestive system is to transform ingested food for use
by the cells that make up the body. Food enters
through the mouth and proceeds to the gut (digestive
tract) where it is chemically modified (digestion) for
absorption by the body or waste disposal. Digestive
diseases are numerous and can affect any part of the
digestive system. They can be grouped into the follow-
ing five broad categories.Diseases of the esophagus and stomach
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is
the result of a malfunctioning lower esophageal
sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle at the end of the
esophagus that acts like a valve opening into the
stomach. GORD prevents its proper closure and
stomach contents return (reflux) to the esophagus,
causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat
(heartburn).
Gastroparesis. Also called delayed gastric emptying,
gastroparesis causes slow digestion and emptying,
vomiting, nausea, and bloating.
Peptic ulcer. A sore in the mucosal lining of the
esophagus (esophageal ulcer) or stomach (gastric
ulcer).Diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder
Budd-Chiari syndrome. A rare liver disease in which
the veins that drain blood from the liver are blocked
or narrowed.
Cholecystitis. Infection of the gallbladder.
Cirrhosis. A life-threatening disease that scars liver
tissue and damages its cells. It severely affects liverDigestive diseases