A small study suggests that exposure to natural light through windows may help improve blood sugar control in older adults with type 2 diabetes, possibly due to vitamin D or light-sensitive cells affecting metabolism, but it should complement, not replace, existing management strategies.
Understanding and modifying your set point weight—your body's biologically defended weight range—can be key to sustainable weight loss and long-term health. Achieving this involves consistent lifestyle changes such as resistance training, adequate protein intake, quality sleep, stress management, and slow, steady weight loss, rather than quick fixes or crash diets. While weight loss drugs may influence the set point, lasting change requires comprehensive lifestyle adjustments to prevent rebound weight gain and promote longevity.
A large study suggests exercise has minimal impact on calorie burn and weight loss, with diet—particularly ultra-processed foods—being the main factor in obesity; however, exercise remains crucial for overall health and body composition.
A 25-minute Jeffing-inspired workout combines running, walking, and bodyweight exercises to improve endurance, boost metabolism, and enhance mood, all without gym equipment, making it ideal for busy or holiday schedules.
Unexplained weight gain may be a sign of hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition that slows metabolism and causes symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, and neck swelling. Recognizing these signs early can help in timely diagnosis and treatment.
A high prevalence of fatty liver disease (84%) among Indian IT employees is linked to insulin resistance, high carbohydrate intake, and genetic factors, with sugar consumption—especially fructose—playing a key role in liver fat accumulation and inflammation, which can lead to serious liver and cardiovascular complications. Simply cutting calories or fat isn't enough; addressing insulin resistance and dietary habits is crucial.
A single festive meal with high sugar and fat content is not immediately harmful to the brain, but prolonged overeating can disrupt metabolism and reduce brain responsiveness, especially in obese individuals. Short-term indulgence appears manageable, but repeated or extended overeating may have longer-lasting negative effects on cognitive functions.
After 30, physiological changes like muscle loss, declining insulin sensitivity, and hormonal shifts lead to increased belly fat, even without dietary changes. Tips to combat this include adequate protein intake, strength training, walking, and sufficient sleep.
Dr. Manickam emphasizes that common habits like under-eating, snacking, neglecting strength training, poor sleep, low protein intake, chronic stress, and dehydration can hinder weight loss, advocating for balanced routines instead of simply eating less.
Performing slow, controlled calf raises after meals can reduce blood sugar spikes by up to 52%, with proper form focusing on activating the soleus muscle, complementing walking for better glucose control.
Siddhartha Mukherjee advocates for treating metabolism as a primary target in cancer therapy, emphasizing tumor-informed dietary interventions combined with drugs to improve outcomes and prevent resistance, moving towards precision nutrition as a complement to pharmacology.
High-intensity sprinting can boost metabolism and fat burn for up to 36 hours through a process called EPOC, which increases resting energy expenditure after strenuous activity. While effective, sprinting should be part of a balanced regimen and performed gradually to avoid injury, as it stimulates hormonal and metabolic responses that aid in fat loss and insulin sensitivity, but it is not a quick fix for weight loss.
A study from UC Riverside links soybean oil consumption to obesity through the production of oxylipins from linoleic acid, with genetic factors influencing individual susceptibility. The research suggests that excessive intake of soybean oil, common in processed foods, may contribute to metabolic issues, although more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and implications for humans.
Research indicates that high consumption of soybean oil may contribute to obesity through the production of oxylipins, compounds derived from linoleic acid that promote inflammation and fat buildup, with genetic factors influencing individual susceptibility.
Brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat, can be activated by cold exposure, spicy foods, and caffeine, potentially improving metabolic health and aiding in weight management, though its direct impact on weight loss is limited. Regular cold exposure may boost brown fat activity and insulin sensitivity, but lifestyle factors like diet and exercise remain crucial for overall health.