The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the headlines and our daily lives for most of this year. Medical News Today have covered this fast-moving, complex story with live updates on the latest news, interviews with experts, and an ongoing investigation into the deep racial disparities that COVID-19 has helped unmask.
However, this hasn’t stopped us from publishing hundreds of fascinating stories on a myriad of other topics.
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In the first Recovery Room of 2021, we begin with the latest edition of our Medical Myths series, which debunks 11 misconceptions about weight loss. We also look at nostalgia and how it may enable people to move forward with greater confidence, which is particularly important as a new year begins.
We then report on evidence for the benefits that eating avocados may have on the gut microbiome, as well as how the microbiome might influence the quality of a person’s sleep.
Other articles featured this week expose the threat that plastics in our environment pose to our health, look at why dogs and their owners often develop diabetes together (while cats and their owners do not), and investigate why smiling makes getting a shot up to 40% less painful.
Finally, far from being a sign of a mental health condition, we look at how talking to oneself may actually be beneficial.
Below are 10 recent stories that may have gone unnoticed amid all the COVID-19 fervor.
1. Medical Myths: All about weight loss
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Many people aim to lose a little weight at this time of the year, so the first Medical Myths feature of 2021 is well-timed. This week, Senior News Editor Tim Newman investigates 11 misconceptions about weight loss.
Does skipping breakfast help? Do fat-burning foods or weight loss supplements work? What about cutting out sugar, snacking, and treats? Is it possible to target fat in specific areas of the body? These are just a few of the myths we look at this week.
If you or someone you know is embarking on a weight loss journey this month, it’s an article well worth reading.
Learn more here.
2. Why do we need nostalgia?
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In this Special Feature, Maria Cohut, Ph.D., looks at the history of nostalgia. Views on what nostalgia is, who experiences it, and whether it is a mental health issue have shifted over the years.
These days, experts see nostalgia as an emotional experience that may unify our sense of self and even help us build a sense of who we want to be in the future, which is particularly relevant at the beginning of a new year.
This thoughtful Special Feature moves from a historical perspective to a detailed consideration of the value of nostalgia in the present day. Looking back may help a person move forward with confidence.
Learn more here.
3. Might a safer version of a psychedelic help treat depression?
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Ibogaine is a powerful psychedelic drug prepared from the root of the iboga plant, which is native to West Africa, where local people use it in rituals. It has also served to treat depression and addiction in clinical settings, as well as in more informal settings. However, its use has been linked to several deaths.
This week, we reported that scientists have created a less toxic water-soluble version of ibogaine, called tabernanthalog (TBG). Research in animals suggests that TBG might help treat depression and also promote the growth of connections between nerve cells.
TBG may modify key brain circuits that underlie not only depression but also anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction, so further investigation is needed.
Learn more here.
4. A new study suggests eating avocados daily for a ‘happy’ gut
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Earlier this week, MNT launched two new hubs focusing on nutrition and vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Both provide science-backed advice and resources to help guide people through the complex world of healthful, sustainable eating.
One food that often features in lists of healthful ingredients is avocado. This week, we reported on new research findings that eating avocado with at least one meal each day leads to more healthful microbes making their home in a person’s stomach and intestines.
Our article investigates how the research team ran the study and who funded it. It also suggests possible alternative probiotic foods to include in your diet.
Learn more here.
5. How gut microbes contribute to good sleep
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Gut microbes also feature in another study that we covered this week. New research from researchers in Japan suggests that gut bacteria may affect normal sleep patterns by influencing the production of neurotransmitters.
The researchers gave one group of mice access to water containing a range of broad-spectrum antibiotics, while mice in the control group had access to water without antibiotics.
After 4 weeks, 60 normal metabolites linked to the production of neurotransmitters were missing in the guts of the mice that drank the antibiotic-laden water. The researchers also found disturbances in the sleep patterns of mice in this group. They note that these may be related to changes in the levels of neurotransmitters, specifically those of serotonin.
For more in-depth articles on this topic, please visit our resource hubs focusing on the microbiome and the science of sleep.
Learn more here.
6. Health threat of plastics outlined in authoritative report
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MNT have reported before on the potential health risks of plastics in seafood. This week, we covered a new report highlighting how exposure to plastics can disrupt an individual’s endocrine system, potentially causing serious health issues.
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can adversely affect a person’s endocrine system. Today, there are more than 1,000 widely used chemicals that can have this effect.
Manufacturers use plastics containing EDCs in packaging, cookware, children’s toys, furniture, electrical goods, textiles, cosmetics, and vehicles. The lead author of the report concludes, “Definitive action is needed on a global level to protect human health and our environment from these threats.”
Learn more here.
7. Diabetes risk is shared between people and their dogs
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According to a recent study that MNT covered last month, if a dog has diabetes, there is an increased risk that its owner will, too. This was a large study that looked at 208,980 owner-dog pairs. The researchers found that people who owned a dog with diabetes had a 38% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes than those who owned a dog without diabetes.
The researchers found no such association between diabetes in cats and their owners.
For more evidence-backed resources for people living with diabetes, visit MNT‘s new diabetes hub.
Learn more here.
8. Could telomere shortening protect against cancer?
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As well as reporting on the findings of this recent study, our article also summarizes how cancer develops and the link between telomeres and biological aging.
The research is important as it demonstrates, for the first time, that telomere shortening could prevent cancer. It also provides insights into how a wider range of human diseases may develop over a lifetime, and how telomere shortening therapies could potentially suppress them.
Learn more here.
9. Can a smile reduce the pain of an injection?
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At a time when many millions of people are expecting to be vaccinated in coming weeks and months, this new research will come as good news.
Researchers investigated the possible links between facial expression and pain sensation. They concluded that a genuine smile or a grimace could reduce the pain associated with a vaccine-like needle injection by up to 40%.
Learn more here.
10. Is it normal to talk to yourself?
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Our team investigated self-talk this week. For most people, it’s a perfectly normal behavior rather than a sign of a mental health condition. In fact, self-talk may have some benefits, such as improved performance when completing certain tasks. It may also aid a person’s understanding when following instructions.
If you or someone you’re with chooses to verbalize their internal monologue, don’t worry, it’s very common and may even be beneficial.
Learn more here.
We hope that this article provides a taste of the stories that we cover at MNT. We’ll be back with a new selection next week.
Coming soon: A sneak preview of what’s in our drafts folder
We publish hundreds of new stories and features every month. Here are some upcoming articles that may pique our readers’ interest:
Aphantasia: The inability to visualize images
Scientists reveal link between brown fat and health benefits
Ketamine infusions may reduce the severity of PTSD
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Public Health
Written by Tim Snaith on January 8, 2021
Latest news
Aphantasia: The inability to visualize images
The Recovery Room: News beyond the pandemic — January 8
COVID-19: Research points to long-term neurological effects
Nutrition and mental health: Is there a link?
COVID-19 vaccine trials: Live updates
How can I lose weight?
Obesity
Why lose weight?
Diets
Calories
Other factors
Weight control
Weight and health
Supplements
Natural remedies
Bariatric surgery
When is weight loss bad?
How to lose weight is one of the most pressing health questions for many people.
People gain weight by consuming more energy than they burn, so consuming fewer calories, or energy, can help. However, other factors play a role, such as genetic factors, metabolism, hormones, the type of food you eat, your body type, and lifestyle.
This article will look at the reasons to lose weight, the most effective methods and medical interventions.
Obesity
Obesity affects more than one third of Americans.
Health experts around the world now see obesity as an an epidemic.
Every year, at least 2.8 million people die due complications related to excess weight.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) obesity currently affects more than 1 in 3 people in the United States, or 36.5 percent of adults in the U.S.
The health risks of excess weight include:
a higher risk of diabetes
stroke
certain types of cancer
Why lose weight?
There are many reasons for losing weight:
Appearance: People may feel that if they lose weight, they will look more attractive, fitter, or healthier.
Confidence and body image: People with excess weight or obesity may feel uncomfortable about their appearance.
Overall health: Maintaining an appropriate weight can help to boost overall health and prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Specific conditions: Symptoms of sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes, for example, may improve or go away when a person loses excess weight.
Fitness: A weight-loss program that involves exercise can leave a person feeling fitter, with more energy and stamina
Sports competitions: In some sports, such as boxing, an individual may seek to control their weight so that they can stay in their existing weight category.
Fertility: Fertility treatment appears to be more effective in women with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) if they lose some weight before treatment.
Diets
Many diet plans make amazing weight loss claims, and it can be hard to know to do.
Some are evidence-based, safe and effective, but others are not. Most health professionals, dietitians, and nutritionists agree that the best results tend to come from combining a healthful, weight-reduction diet with physical activity, especially in the long term.
You can click here to find out about eight of the most popular diets.
Proponents of many diets say they are extremely effective and require no effort at all. Unless they have been proven to be so in scientific studies, it is not possible to know how effective they really are.
Calories
The number of calories a person needs depends on their age, gender, and level of daily activity.
The number of calories per day you should consume to lose weight depends on several factors, including your sex, how much you want to lose, how quickly you want to lose it, and your age.
Below are the daily calorie requirements for men and women, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Daily recommended calorie consumption for males:
Age 19-20
Sedentary: 2,600
Moderately active: 2,800
Active: 3,000
Age 21-30
Sedentary: 2,400
Moderately active: 2,600-2,800
Active: 3,000
Age 31-50
Sedentary: 2,200-2,400
Moderately active: 2,400-2,600
Active: 2,800-3,000
Age 51+
Sedentary: 2,000-2200
Moderately active: 2,200-2,400
Active: 2,400-2,800
Daily recommended calorie consumption for females:
Age 19 to 30 years
Sedentary: 1,800 to 2,000
Moderately active: 2,000 to 2,200
Active: 2,400
Age 31-50 years
Sedentary: 1,800
moderately active: 2,400-2,600
Active: 2,200
Age 51+ years
Sedentary: 1,600
Moderately active: 1,800
Active: 2000 to 2,200
If you want to lose weight, you would have to consume less than the amounts listed above. The less you consume, the faster you lose. However, it is important to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet so that you do not become ill, or lose lean tissue (muscle). Ideally, you should check with a dietitian, nutritionist or your doctor.
In some regimes, dieters consume 1,200 calories per day if they are female and 1,500 if they are male. However, do not try to do this yourself without the supervision of a trained expert.
You need to make sure your carbohydrate, protein, and fat ratio is right for good health. Recommendations for carbohydrate intake vary, from 20 to 60 percent for losing weight.
Further reading:
Are fats good for you?
What are carbohydrates?
What are proteins?
A poor diet and malnutrition can occur regardless of calories. A meal plan should be balanced in terms of nutrients, too. A poor diet can lead not only to malnutrition, but also a low mood and loss of motivation. This can cause to dieters drop out before reaching their target weight.
When dieters have reached their target body weight, they should gradually increase their daily intake until they reach their “weight maintenance” figure.
Other factors
A 2010 study showed that people who just reduce their daily calorie intake rarely lose much weight.
The researchers explained that natural compensatory mechanisms in the body reduce a person’s physical activity as soon as calorie consumption drops. In other words, the body slows right down if you eat much less. Dieting must be combined with exercise.
Study leader Judy Cameron said:
“In the midst of America’s obesity epidemic, physicians frequently advise their patients to reduce the number of calories they are consuming on a daily basis. This research shows that simply dieting will not likely cause substantial weight loss. Instead, diet and exercise must be combined to achieve this goal.”
In response to a reduction in calories, the human’s natural body mechanism goes into “conservation mode.” Without exercise, there simply will not be much weight loss, they emphasized.
Weight control
Sleep deprivation can increase weight gain.
Body weight control is much more successful if you can combine a well-balanced diet with regular exercise.
Crash diets may have positive short-term results, but they tend to have poor long-term success rates.
If you manage to sleep between 7 and 8 hours continuously in each 24 hour period, your body weight control will be more successful. Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep can make you put on weight.
In 2009, researchers combined the successful weight loss strategies of 6,000 individuals.
They came up with the following measures to prevent putting weight back on after losing it:
Physical activity: Do at least 200 minutes each week of moderate-intensity exercise. This should be spread out over at least three days (do not do all the minutes in one go each week).
Watching TV: Limit your TV watching to no more than 10 hours each week. Many people might find this recommendation particularly difficult to follow.
Fat limit on diet: Make sure that no more than 30% of your nutritional intake is in the form of fat.
Eat consistently: Resist the urge to overeat during weekends and holidays. Your food intake should follow a regular routine. Overeating not only upsets your routine, it most likely impacts on your metabolism.
Breakfast: Never miss it. Breakfast helps stave off hunger later on in the day, and this can help prevent overeating and snacking.
Monitor yourself: Keep a close check on what you eat and regularly weigh yourself.
Weight and health
Some health professionals and researchers disagree with focusing on weight loss when advising patients and clients. They believe that dieting and weight-loss efforts may lead to further weight gain and poorer health.
Instead, they suggest focusing on better health status, because this results in better body weight control over the long term.
Linda Bacon, of the University of California, Davis Department of Nutrition, said:
“Although health professionals may mean well when they suggest that people lose weight, our analysis indicates that researchers have long interpreted research data through a biased lens.
When the data are reconsidered without the common assumption that fat is harmful, it is overwhelmingly apparent that fat has been highly exaggerated as a risk for disease or decreased longevity.”
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Supplements
A number of supplements are available that claim to help people lose weight.
These include:
omega-3 products and fish oils
chitosan, derived from shellfish
green tea extracts
some Chinese herbs
bitter orange extract
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), are not these are ineffective, and they are likely to have side effects.
Ephedra was used in weight-loss supplements in the past, but it has been banned because of safety concerns.
Further concerns include items such as “fat burners” being sold without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the fact that some herbal supplements may not contain exactly what the label says.
Natural remedies
The NCCIH points out that approaches that focus on the mind and the body may help.
Examples include:
yoga
meditation
mindful eating
They recommend finding a qualified and experienced instructor to guide you through these activities.
Bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is performed in circumstances where other weight loss methods are not effective.
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure which is carried out on people whose body mass index is high enough that it puts them at risk of serious complications.
It is only recommended if other weight-loss strategies have not worked.
The procedure involves either reducing the size of the stomach with a gastric band, or surgically removing part of the stomach.
In some cases, gastric bypass surgery is recommended, in which the small intestines are rerouted to a small stomach pouch.
After the procedure, the person’s appetite is considerably reduced, and they cannot absorb or digest food as fully as before.
Bariatric surgery can be an effective way of reducing body mass index (BMI) for people with severe obesity, although research results for different procedures have not confirmed which type of surgery is best in each case.
The procedure has proven successful in to treating type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiometabolic risk.
It is important to aim for a body weight that is compatible with your height, age, and sex. This article may help you decide: What is my ideal weight?
When is weight loss bad?
In some cases, losing weight may not be the answer.
Weight loss happens when a person exerts more energy than they consume. This is called a negative energy balance. The body seeks out stores of energy, starting with fat, to make up the shortfall.
In a person with little fat, more muscle and lean tissue will be used up. This can lead to further health problems.
These include:
a higher risk of osteoporosis
reduced muscle mass and strength
problems regulating body temperature
a lower ability to resist infections
A severe loss of body mass can be life-threatening.
Recent developments on obesity from MNT news
Obesity: how much is in the genes?
A number of genetic factors may influence how people gain weight, according to research published in the journal Obesity.
Potential ‘obesity gene’ discovered
For the first time, scientists have uncovered a direct link between a gene and fat production in the body – a discovery that may hold the key to tackling obesity.
Source:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/215100#when_is_weight_loss_bad
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