Midlife weight loss linked to longer, healthier lives
Losing weight via lifestyle adjustments can deliver significant long-term health benefits, without the need for surgery or anti-obesity drugs. Alongside preventing diabetes, it can help ward off chronic conditions including arterial and pulmonary diseases as well as cancers.
A high-fat diet sets off metabolic dysfunction in cells, leading to weight gain
Researchers find high-fat diets set off metabolic dysfunction in cells, leading to weight gain, but these effects can be reversed by treatment with an antioxidant.
Boys who are overweight in their early teens risk passing on harmful epigenetic traits to future children
A new study suggests that boys who become overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing their chances of developing asthma, obesity and low lung function.
Weight loss linked to nerve cells in the brain
A specific group of nerve cells in the brain stem appears to control how semaglutide affects appetite and weight -- without causing nausea.
Exercise and eat your veggies: Privileged prescriptions like these don't always reduce risk of heart disease
A leading cardiovascular disease researcher is ringing the alarm on universal recommendations intended to improve heart health around the globe. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with 80 per cent of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. However, international heart-health guidelines are primarily based on research from high-income countries and often overlook upstream causes of CVD, according to experts.
The dietary bug in a cancer therapy
A study has uncovered a surprising link between diet, intestinal microbes and the efficacy of cancer therapy.
This gene variant contributed to the dietary and physiological evolution of modern humans
Two of the traits that set modern humans apart from non-human primates are taller stature and a higher basal metabolic rate. Researchers have identified a genetic variant that contributed to the co-evolution of these traits. This mutation seems to help people grow taller -- especially when they consume a lot of meat.
Newfound mechanism rewires cellular energy processing for drastic weight loss
Mice genetically engineered to lack the amino acid cysteine, and fed a cysteine-free diet, lost 30 percent of their body weight in a week.
Molecules in blood and urine could reveal how much ultra-processed food you eat
Sets of metabolites found in blood and urine reliably correspond with how much energy from ultra-processed food a person consumes, according to a new study.
Eating craved foods with meals lessens cravings, boosts weight loss
Small clinical study with obese dieters who had chronic health problems found that eating balanced meals and including craved foods with those meals helped dieters manage cravings, even into the yearlong maintenance phase of the program.
Fast food, fast impact: How fatty meals rapidly weaken our gut defenses
A study has become the first in the world to unravel the immediate effects of a high-fat diet on our gut health.
Early puberty increases risk of overweight later in life for girls
Unique Danish longitudinal study with over 136,000 measurements reveals the connection between pubertal development and weight throughout adolescence.
Gut bacteria and acetate, a great combination for weight loss
Researchers have discovered a new way to reduce obesity. Supplying the gut with extra acetate reduces fat and liver mass in both normal and obese mice, as long as bacteria of the Bacteroides species is also present. When both these conditions are met, gut bacteria can eliminate more sugars from the gut and promote the burning of fats for energy in the host.
Can the brain be targeted to treat type 2 diabetes?
Successfully treating type 2 diabetes may involve focusing on brain neurons, rather than simply concentrating on obesity or insulin resistance, according to a new study. For several years, researchers have known that hyperactivity of a subset of neurons located in the hypothalamus, called AgRP neurons, is common in mice with diabetes.
School dinners may encourage picky teenagers to eat better, says new study
Having school dinners rather than packed lunches could encourage picky eating 13-year-olds to eat a wider variety of foods, according to a new study.
'Rogue' immune cells explain why a gluten-free diet fails in some Celiac patients
Researchers have discovered why some people with Celiac disease continue to suffer debilitating symptoms despite strictly avoiding gluten.
Infant with rare, incurable disease is first to successfully receive personalized gene therapy treatment
A research team has developed and safely delivered a personalized gene editing therapy to treat an infant with a life-threatening, incurable genetic disease. The infant, who was diagnosed with the rare condition carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency shortly after birth, has responded positively to the treatment. The process, from diagnosis to treatment, took only six months and marks the first time the technology has been successfully deployed to treat a human patient. The technology used in this study was developed using a platform that could be tweaked to treat a wide range of genetic disorders and opens the possibility of creating personalized treatments in other parts of the body.
Exercise the key to maintaining Vitamin D levels in winter
New research shows that regular exercise can help maintain Vitamin D levels during the darker months.
Research shows how hormone can reverse fatty liver disease in mice
A pioneering research study details how the hormone FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) can reverse the effects of fatty liver disease in mice. The hormone works primarily by signaling the brain to improve liver function.
Seek medical advice before attempting water-only fasting diets, experts warn
Experts are urging people, especially those with existing heart or vascular conditions, to seek medical advice before attempting to lose weight using water-only fasting diets.
Eating ultra-processed foods may harm your health
Consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, potato chips and packaged cookies, may be associated with adverse health outcomes. Study finds each additional 100 grams/day consumption of ultra-processed foods increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular events, cancer and more.
Lack of sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
Even a few nights with insufficient sleep promote molecular mechanisms linked to a greater risk of heart problems. This has been shown in a new study in which the researchers investigated how sleep deprivation affects biomarkers (in this case proteins) associated with cardiovascular disease.
Eating ultra processed foods may speed up early signs of Parkinson's disease
People who eat more ultra processed foods like cold breakfast cereal, cookies and hot dogs are more likely to have early signs of Parkinson's disease when compared to those who eat very few ultra processed foods, according to a new study. The study does not prove that eating more ultra processed foods causes early signs of Parkinson's disease; it only shows an association.
Obesity a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis
New research reveals that obesity, having a knee injury and occupational risks such as shift work and lifting heavy loads are primary causes of knee osteoarthritis.
Junk food for thought: Landmark study directly links ultra-processed foods to poor health
A landmark study exploring consumption of chips, frozen pizzas, breakfast cereals and other ultra-processed foods typically loaded with fat, sugar and additives has confirmed these foods are directly and significantly linked to poor health outcomes.
A healthy diet in childhood is linked to starting menstrual periods later, regardless of BMI or height
Eating a healthy diet as a child is linked to girls having their first menstrual period at an older age than those who consumed a less healthy diet, according to a new study. The findings remained unaltered by the girls' body mass index or height, both of which have been associated with the earlier onset of periods. The study has implications for health in later life as it is well known that women who started their periods at an early age may be at higher risk for diabetes, obesity, breast cancer and diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Food as medicine: How diet shapes gut microbiome health
Researchers show how mice fed a Western-style diet are not able to rebuild a 'healthy,' diverse gut microbiome following antibiotic treatment. These mice were also more susceptible to infection by pathogens like Salmonella. However, mice given food loosely mimicking a Mediterranean diet -- high in plant-based fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains -- were able to quickly restore a healthy and resilient gut microbiome after antibiotics.
Neuroestrogen: The brain's secret weapon against hunger
Estrogens are known for their role in reproduction, but a new study reveals that neuroestrogens -- estrogens produced in the brain -- play a key role in appetite regulation. These brain-made hormones enhance the expression of a hunger-suppressing receptor in the hypothalamus and improve leptin sensitivity. The findings highlight a new biological pathway that could lead to innovative strategies for managing obesity and eating disorders.
Designer microbe shows promise for reducing mercury absorption from seafood
Scientists inserted DNA-encoding methylmercury detoxification enzymes into the genome of an abundant human gut bacterium. The engineered bacterium detoxified methylmercury in the gut of mice and dramatically reduced the amount that reached other tissues, such as the brain and liver. Mice given an oral probiotic containing the engineered microbe and fed a diet high in bluefin tuna had much lower methylmercury levels than expected, suggesting that a probiotic might eventually make it safer for people to consume fish. Researchers performed the tests using pregnant mice and found lower levels of methylmercury in both maternal and fetal tissues, and lower signs of mercury toxicity in the fetal brain.
Does your biological age affect your risk of dementia?
People whose biological age is higher than their chronological age may be more likely to develop dementia than people whose biological age matches or is lower than their chronological age, according to a new study. Biological age is based on biomarkers of aging such as lung function, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Semaglutide treats liver disease in two thirds of patients
Semaglutide effectively treats liver disease in two thirds of patients, new research has found.
Seasonal changes affect alcohol tolerance and your waistline
Researchers have found that drug effectiveness, alcohol tolerance, and carbohydrate metabolism change with the seasons. Their findings are based on a comprehensive seasonal gene expression map, which investigated over 54,000 genes in 80 tissues in monkeys across one year. The study has implications for drug prescription and precision medicine.
Global shortage of essential nutrient poses health concern
There is a global shortage of omega-3 partly due to environmental factors, according to new research. This is not just a healthcare issue; it is a public health and environmental challenge.
Protein sources change the gut microbiome -- some drastically
Protein sources appear to have major effects on both the population and function of the mouse gut microbiome.
Drug combination reduces breast cancer risk and improves metabolic health in rats
Researchers investigated the combined effects of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens in rat models as an alternative to tamoxifen.
United States sees disproportionate increase in body mass index rates of more than 60
In the past 20 years, the average rate of obesity among adults in the United States has risen by approximately 30 percent, but the rate of those with the most severe forms of obesity, or those with a body mass index, or BMI, of more than 60 kg/m2, increased by 210 percent. Researchers analyzed national health data from 2001 through 2023, and discovered the alarming increase in the numbers of patients with the most severe forms of obesity.
Nudges improve food choices and cut calories when shopping for groceries online
A team of researchers designed and tested a new digital toolkit that helps consumers make healthier grocery choices online -- an innovation that could play a major role in the global fight against chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Young adults and rise in dry eye disease
Researchers have called for more advice to be given to young people about preventing dry eye disease, after a study found that 90% of participants had at least one sign of the condition in their eyes.
Why our waistlines expand in middle age: Stem cells
It's no secret that our waistlines often expand in middle-age, but the problem isn't strictly cosmetic. Belly fat accelerates aging and slows down metabolism, increasing our risk for developing diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases. Exactly how age transforms a six pack into a softer stomach, however, is murky. New research shows how aging shifts stem cells into overdrive to create more belly fat.
Metabolic syndrome linked to increased risk of young-onset dementia
Having a larger waistline, high blood pressure and other risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia, according to a new study. Young-onset dementia is diagnosed before the age of 65. The study does not prove that metabolic syndrome causes young-onset dementia, it only shows an association.
Newborns living near trees tend to be healthier: New data suggests it's not because healthier people reside near parks
The link between proximity to greenspace -- including trees and parks-- and healthy birth outcomes is well established. Now new data adds to our understanding of these health benefits, accounting for other factors that may influence this link, such as education, income and body mass index, but also taking the body of knowledge a step further by exploring the effect of residing near newly planted trees.
Smart eating for exercise and weight management in diabetes
Fueling your body correctly before and after workouts is essential for weight management in diabetes. Learn what to eat and how to adjust for diabetes medications like insulin.
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)
Know why you’re eating
Emotional eating can quickly sabotage weight loss efforts. If you can pinpoint the emotions that cause you to reach for food, you can stay on track.
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)
Stay positive on your weight loss and diabetes journey
A positive mindset is key to success in weight loss and diabetes. Use positive self-talk strategies to stay motivated and on track with your goals.
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)
Get back to basics
The key to weight loss for most people is simply finding the right combination of exercise, healthy foods and portion control. No fad diet required.
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)
High-fat, high-sugar diets impact cognitive function
New research links fatty, sugary diets to impaired brain function. The findings build on a growing body of evidence showing the negative impact of high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets on cognitive ability, adding to their well-known physical effects.
Omnivorous? Vegan? Makes no difference to muscle building after weight training, study finds
A new study asked three questions about muscle protein synthesis in response to a nine-day diet and weight training regimen: First, does the source of protein -- plant or animal-based -- make any difference to muscle gain? Second, does it matter if total daily protein intake is evenly distributed throughout the day? And third, does a moderate but sufficient daily protein intake influence any of these variables? The answer to all three questions is 'no,' the researchers found.
Meat or veg? Plant-based protein is linked to a longer life, research shows
A global study has shown that countries which consume more plant-based proteins -- such as chickpeas, tofu and peas -- have longer adult life expectancies. Scientists studied food supply and demographic data between 1961-2018 from 101 countries, with the data corrected to account for population size and wealth, to understand whether the type of protein a population consumed had an impact on longevity.
Sharp uptake in use of new weight loss and glucose-lowering medications
Researchers found that by December 2023, more than 1 in 3 of the medications being started for type 2 diabetes treatment were GLP-1RA-based medications.
The gut health benefits of sauerkraut
A new study suggests that sauerkraut could help protect your gut, an essential part of overall health.
High blood pressure? Eat more bananas
New research suggests increasing the ratio of dietary potassium to sodium intake may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake.
Brain pathway links inflammation to loss of motivation, energy in advanced cancer
Researchers identified a direct connection between cancer-related inflammation and the loss of motivation characteristic of advanced cancer. In a mouse study, they describe a brain pathway that starts with neurons (labeled in green, above) that sense inflammation signals, and the researchers were able to treat the loss of motivation by blocking this pathway.
Running on empty: Poor nutrition increases injury risk for female athletes
Proper nutrition is crucial for enhancing athletic performance, supporting recovery and overall health. Now, a new study reveals that proper nutrition is also key to reducing risk of injury, especially for females.
Impact of processing on biochemical composition of plant-based products revealed
A study showed that different processing methods significantly affect the biochemical composition of plant-based foods. Current food classification systems do not sufficiently acknowledge the biochemical composition of the product.
Novel drug delivery platform paves way to potential new treatments for Alzheimer's, other brain-related disorders
Researchers have discovered a way to get anti-inflammatory medicine across the blood-brain barrier, opening the door to potential new therapies for a range of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and cancer cachexia.
Carb restriction offers relief from calorie counting
The intermittent fasting diet, which involves periods of severe calorie restriction, may be on the way out, as research is suggesting that rather than drastically reducing calories, people can achieve similar metabolic benefits by cutting back on carbs.
CVD and obesity: When protective lipids decline, health risks increase
New research has uncovered a surprising culprit underlying cardiovascular diseases in obesity and diabetes -- not the presence of certain fats, but their suppression. The study challenges the conventional belief that a type of fat called ceramides accumulates in blood vessels causing inflammation and health risks. Instead, their findings reveal that when ceramides decrease in endothelial cells lining blood vessels, it can be damaging and cause chronic illnesses. Ironically, the findings could ultimately lead to therapies that maintain high levels of these protective lipids in patients with obesity.
Planetary health diet and Mediterranean diet associated with similar survival and sustainability benefits
A cohort study was conducted in Spain to compare the health and environmental benefits of the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) and the Mediterranean Diet. Compared to participants with low adherence, higher adherence to both diets was similarly associated with lower all-cause mortality and with comparable low environmental impact. This study highlights the advantages of the plant-based diets, with wider adoption of healthy and sustainable diets needed to prevent excess premature deaths worldwide.
Western diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects
A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. This study highlights the significant impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism.
When it comes to obesity-related cancers, where you shop for food matters
Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States where more than 40% of adults are obese and more than 70% are overweight. One common policy intervention to tackle this urgent issue is to try to improve diet quality by increasing local grocery stores that offer healthy options. However, this is not a silver bullet, but researchers are not sure why. A team of researchers developed a novel tool to help understand consumer behavior at the county level, and to study the relationship between where people shop for their food and the risk of obesity-related cancers.
How specialized diet can improve gut disorders
A new study examined whether a specialized diet could improve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders linked to an imbalance in gut microbiota.
Omega-6 fatty acid promotes the growth of an aggressive type of breast cancer, study finds
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils such as soybean and safflower oil, and animal products including pork and eggs, specifically enhances the growth of the hard-to-treat 'triple negative' breast cancer subtype, according to a preclinical study. The discovery could lead to new dietary and pharmaceutical strategies against breast and other cancers.
New options for controlling type 2 diabetes
Nearly 40% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes imperil their health by stopping their medication within the first year, diabetes experts warn.
How time-restricted eating affects weight loss
A new study indicates that when healthy adults pair an eight-hour eating window with regular exercise, they lose more fat -- without sacrificing lean muscle -- compared to exercise alone.
Video: How to cut a jalapeño while avoiding finger cuts and burning skin
Cell phones to be banned from Dutch school classrooms next year
