All articles tagged with #metabolic health
In a randomized trial, a very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet reduced liver fat by 67%—the largest improvement among three diets—while about half of keto participants no longer met prediabetes criteria after 4–5 months; all groups lost roughly 10% body weight and showed metabolic benefits.
In a small randomized trial of 42 adults with obesity, prediabetes and fatty liver, a ketogenic diet (4% carbs, 73% fat) produced greater improvements in liver fat and metabolic markers than Mediterranean or low-fat, plant-forward diets. About half of the keto group no longer met prediabetes criteria, vs 29% (Mediterranean) and 7% (plant-forward); all groups lost weight and fat and improved insulin sensitivity. The study notes weight loss is the main driver of metabolic health and cautions the small sample size and short duration mean results may not generalize, and keto may not suit everyone.
A small randomized trial of 42 adults with obesity and prediabetes found that while all three diets (ketogenic, Mediterranean, and very low-fat plant-forward) produced ~10% weight loss, the ketogenic diet yielded the strongest liver-health benefits: about a 67% reduction in liver fat, 2–3x greater improvement in liver insulin sensitivity, and 50% of participants in prediabetes remission (vs 29% and 7% for Mediterranean and low-fat, respectively). The study notes its limited size and calls for larger trials, and highlights that very low carbohydrate intake may be hard to sustain.
An Oldsmar mother’s fertility journey accompanies the renaming of PCOS to PMOS, a shift toward treating the condition as a whole-body metabolic issue and prioritizing early screening to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Four longevity traps women commonly fall into—prioritizing cardio over strength, assuming normal glucose means metabolic health, ignoring heart disease risk before menopause, and treating chronic stress and poor sleep as minor annoyances—can catch up after menopause. The piece urges building muscle (about 90–120 minutes of strength training weekly), monitoring metabolic health, and prioritizing sleep and stress management to protect health as hormone levels shift.
Three minutes of all-out sprinting produced a rapid, large-scale molecular response in the blood—altering nearly a quarter of measured proteins and over 200 metabolites—far more than 90 minutes of moderate cycling, with many changes linked to vascular remodeling, metabolic health, and lower risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related diseases (and potential hints at slower aging).
Neurologist Dr. Arun Shah explains that dementia risk is linked to vascular and metabolic health—factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol can impair brain blood flow and cognitive function. He recommends three modifiable steps: quit smoking, control blood pressure, and live a balanced lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, sufficient sleep, and proper management of chronic conditions to protect brain health as we age.
Healthy but sedentary adults show early cellular energy declines: mitochondrial efficiency drops 28–36%, MPC1 protein is 49% lower, and CPT1 activity is halved, alongside 38% lower VO2 max and 60% higher lactate during exertion, indicating a pre-disease shift in fuel processing that regular exercise may help prevent by maintaining mitochondrial fuel-switching (metabolic flexibility).
Intermittent fasting is a time-based eating approach (commonly an 8–10 hour window with fasting the rest of the day) that may aid weight loss and metabolic health, but long-term effects are still unclear. It’s not universally safe or appropriate—teenagers, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and people with certain health conditions should be cautious, and extreme fasting can add stress to the body. Before starting, assess your goals and consult a qualified professional such as a registered dietitian.
A 16-week mouse study found that removing sucrose from a low-fat diet disrupted gut bacteria, reduced beneficial microbes, and led to metabolic problems—impaired glucose control, insulin resistance, and fat buildup in the liver—despite similar body weight. The researchers caution that the findings, presented at ENDO 2026 and awaiting peer review, don’t yet translate to humans and suggest that completely eliminating sugar may not always be beneficial, underscoring the need to balance carbohydrates and gut health.
A mouse study suggests zero-sugar diets can impair metabolic health by disrupting the gut microbiome and breaking down the gut barrier, even when the animals stay slim. Given the tiny sample size and the strictly low-fat diet used, human relevance is uncertain, but the research cautions against extreme elimination diets and advocates a balanced approach that supports gut diversity with a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and fermented foods, while avoiding highly processed sugars.
In UCSD’s Metabolic Health Analytics class, 27 students wore over-the-counter Dexcom continuous glucose monitors for a 14-day pilot to see if real-time glucose feedback can prompt healthier habits; early findings show varied responses—from hunger cues and stress spikes to calmer decisions and reduced late-night snacking—though researchers caution about “device burden” and say more study is needed to see if healthy individuals benefit broadly.
A UCLA-led Nutrition Reviews analysis suggests common kitchen spices may influence glucose regulation, inflammation, brain function, and the gut microbiome. Cinnamon may reduce postprandial insulin and glucose and shift gut bacteria; capsaicin from peppers and nonpungent DCT may boost thermogenesis; turmeric’s curcumin potentially improves memory and cholesterol and works with black pepper; spice mixes rich in polyphenols support beneficial gut microbes and lower oxidative stress. However, real-world dosing, cooking methods, and bioavailability vary, and more robust human trials are needed.
A global consensus study published in The Lancet renames polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to reflect its multisystem endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, dermatological and psychological effects. The change aims to update clinical guidelines, medical education, and international disease classifications, enabling earlier diagnosis, holistic patient-centered care, reduced fertility-related stigma, and expanded research into metabolic and systemic impacts.
Researchers report metformin increases Lac-Phe, a molecule tied to energy use and appetite, in prostate cancer patients who aren’t exercising, mimicking an exercise signal and potentially supporting metabolic health during treatment; the effect is not linked to tumor control and requires further study.