All articles tagged with #diet and exercise
A Duke University study challenges the idea that cost is the main barrier to healthier eating, suggesting taste preferences and broader cultural factors drive junk-food consumption. Even when produce is provided for free, health outcomes didn’t significantly improve, indicating that more rigorous trials are needed to identify effective interventions beyond simply lowering prices.
Regular moderate physical activity can significantly lower cancer risk by reducing estrogen levels, insulin, and inflammation while helping to maintain a healthy body weight; it also benefits those already diagnosed, with guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommending 150–300 minutes of moderate exercise per week and even short bouts providing meaningful benefits.
New research finds at-home gut microbiome tests lack standardization, producing different results from the same stool sample and calling into question their reliability for diet or supplement guidance.
Resistant starch helps the gut microbiome by producing anti-inflammatory compounds and may lower chronic disease risk, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. A simple way to boost it is to cool cooked rice, potatoes, and pasta, which increases their resistant starch content; include cooled starches as well as legumes like beans, lentils, and peas to support gut health.
New dietary guidelines prompt questions about how much red meat and butter can fit into a heart-healthy diet. Health authorities have long advised limiting fatty cuts of red meat to about 3–4 servings per week due to saturated fat and LDL cholesterol linked to heart disease, while also highlighting environmental and animal-welfare concerns. The Washington Post's Well+Being piece reports what three top nutrition experts say about realistic amounts for a healthful diet focused on longevity.
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee advocates for reducing reliance on prescription drugs by emphasizing lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, stress management, and psychological therapies to address conditions like depression, chronic pain, and diabetes, arguing that many illnesses are driven by modern lifestyles and can be managed or reversed without medication.
To effectively lose a paunch, men should adopt a combined approach of a healthy diet and regular exercise, including cardio and core strengthening exercises, while avoiding excess alcohol and processed foods. Managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial for reducing visceral fat and improving overall health.
Daily habits like cooking at home, drinking water instead of sugary drinks, eating fiber-rich foods, walking after meals, and practicing deep breathing can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Dr. Kunal Sood.
At the 2025 European Society of Cardiology conference, groundbreaking research was presented including a new blood pressure drug baxdrostat, AI-powered diagnostic tools, dietary recommendations like potassium intake, genetic testing for children, and vaccines that may reduce cardiovascular risks, marking a significant advancement in heart disease prevention and treatment.
Doctors emphasize that while GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are effective for weight loss, they should be used alongside healthy lifestyle habits such as proper nutrition, resistance training, hydration, and avoiding certain behaviors post-meal to maximize benefits and minimize side effects. They also warn that some weight lost may be muscle, and that these drugs are tools within a broader weight management strategy, not a standalone solution.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, with one person dying every 33 seconds. Dr. Kinjan Parikh from NYU Langone Heart emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including a Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, and managing cholesterol and blood pressure levels, to reduce the risk. Genetics play a significant role, but lifestyle choices can mitigate risks. Regular checkups and knowing key health numbers are crucial for proactive heart health management.
Prof Giles Yeo, an obesity expert, warns that weight-loss drugs like semaglutide should not be used by governments as a quick-fix solution to avoid implementing necessary policies to prevent obesity. While effective in treating obesity, these drugs do not improve diet quality and can lead to muscle loss if not combined with proper diet and exercise. Yeo emphasizes the importance of long-term government policies, such as subsidizing healthy foods and regulating junk food advertising, to prevent obesity and promote overall health.
Angelica Pierce was diagnosed with high LDL cholesterol at 15 and struggled for years to manage it with diet and exercise alone. After transitioning to a primary care doctor at 20, genetic testing revealed she had familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high LDL cholesterol levels. Non-statin cholesterol-lowering therapy has since helped her condition, leading to better control of her health and improved relationship with food and exercise. Pierce's experience has also helped her mom and grandma advocate for appropriate treatment, and she hopes to inspire other women to stand up for their health.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with personality disorders, with NAFLD patients being three times more likely to have a personality disorder compared to those without the disease. This link is not observed in other liver diseases or common mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The study highlights the importance of addressing attitudes towards diet and exercise in NAFLD management, as patients often struggle with uncontrolled eating behaviors and a lack of motivation. Effective treatment and lifestyle change management are crucial for NAFLD patients, including those who have undergone liver transplantation.