Diet & Weight Loss Archive

Staying Healthy

Battle of the bulges

Published August 1, 2021

A majority of people over 60 have diverticulosis, a condition in which tiny bulges (called diverticula) appear in weak areas of your colon’s inner wall. The bulges themselves don’t cause symptoms, but they can lead to bleeding or diverticulitis, which occurs when a diverticulum becomes inflamed or infected. People can reduce their risk by eating more fiber and staying physically active.

Staying Healthy

Wearable fitness trackers may aid weight-loss efforts

Published July 1, 2021

A review published online March 17, 2021, by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that fitness trackers helped overweight or obese people with chronic conditions reduce body weight and body mass index.

Heart Health

A big belly boosts heart risks, even if you’re not overweight

Published July 1, 2021

Even if they aren’t overweight, people with big bellies may face a higher risk of heart disease. Regular physical activity and cutting down on simple sugars are the best ways to shed extra belly fat.

Heart Health

More clues about the healthiest carb choices

Published July 1, 2021

Diets that contain low-quality, highly refined carbohydrates (such as sugary drinks, candy, white rice, and foods made with white flour) have a high glycemic index and are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Whole and minimally processed carbs that contain fiber and resistant starch (whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fruits and vegetables) have a lower glycemic index and are better for cardiovascular health.

Women's Health

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published Feb. 16, 2021, in Circulation found that women with blood pressure readings in a normal range may still be at higher risk for cardiovascular events. For example, heart attack risk in women rose at a systolic (the upper number) reading of 110 to 119 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and was the same at this level as men with a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg. But experts say it’s too soon to change blood pressure recommendations for women until more research confirms the results.

Staying Healthy

Facts about fiber

Updated June 1, 2021

Fiber improves digestion and may help lower a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people meet only half their daily fiber needs. The main reason is not following a basic healthy diet with foods high in fiber. Making small changes in dietary habits and adopting new fiber-rich foods can help people reach their quota.

Staying Healthy

The weighty issue of weight loss

Updated June 1, 2021

A majority of adults are now considered overweight or obese. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main contributors, but age also is a factor. Declining muscle mass means the body burns calories at a slower rate. Changing one’s diet to cut out liquid carbs and eat more whole grains and following a regular exercise routine that includes strength training is the best formula for weight loss.

Staying Healthy

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

Updated June 1, 2021

A study described in a research letter published March 22, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that participants steadily gained weight during the first part of the pandemic, from February to June 2020.

Cancer

Vitamin D supplements may reduce risk of invasive cancer

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published online Nov. 2, 2020, by JAMA Network Open found that healthy-weight people ages 50 or older who took a daily 2,000-IU vitamin D supplement had a lower risk for developing advanced or fatal cancer, compared with people who didn’t take the supplement.

Heart Health

Excess weight linked with worse heart health even if you exercise

Updated May 1, 2021

In the journals

Can you be "fat and fit" — that is, overweight but still healthy because of regular exercise? There is no simple answer. But one study says that activity does not entirely reverse the effects weight has on heart health. The findings were published online Jan. 26, 2021, by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

The study involved more than 527,000 adults, almost 70% of whom were men. People were placed into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): normal, overweight, and obese. They also were grouped by activity level: regularly active (the minimum requirement from the World Health Organization, or WHO); insufficiently active (less than the WHO minimum, but some moderate to vigorous physical activity every week), and no exercise.

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Diet & Weight Loss Archive

Articles

Battle of the bulges

Wearable fitness trackers may aid weight-loss efforts

A big belly boosts heart risks, even if you’re not overweight

More clues about the healthiest carb choices

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Facts about fiber

The weighty issue of weight loss

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

Vitamin D supplements may reduce risk of invasive cancer

Excess weight linked with worse heart health even if you exercise

In the journals

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