Losing weight is hard work, but many people who have lost weight may agree that keeping the weight off can be an even greater challenge. A lack of self-control or a few too many dietary indulgences are often cited as reasons for regaining weight. But a new study in the November issue of BMJ questions […] Continue reading
Category: Features
New Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Although many people view exercise as a way to lose weight, it plays a key role in the wellbeing of the body beyond weight loss. Research strongly supports its benefits across a range of physical and mental health conditions for people of all ages. However, busy lifestyles and an environment that induces sitting for most […] Continue reading
PREDIMED Study Retraction and Republication
What Changed, What Didn’t, and the Big Picture On June 13, 2018, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) retracted the 2013 study, “Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases with a Mediterranean Diet,” [1] as a result of error in randomization procedures affecting a portion of participants in the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial. Concurrently, […] Continue reading
Coffee Warning Label Conflicts With Public Health Guidance
A recent ruling by a Los Angeles County Superior Judge states that all California coffee shops and sellers must warn consumers about the “potential cancer risk” from drinking coffee—a judgment following a lawsuit focused on the specific chemical acrylamide, which has been linked to cancer in rats. However, scientists are adamant that coffee does not […] Continue reading
How Meat Is Cooked May Affect Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
You may have heard that grilling and barbecuing meats may create cancer-causing substances. You may have also heard that eating a lot of red meat—especially processed meats—may be linked to certain cancers. Now, new research suggests a possible connection between high-heat meat cooking and type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Diabetes Care by researchers from […] Continue reading
Precision Nutrition and Type 2 Diabetes Management: Is It Ready for Prime Time?
When it comes to the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, a combination of regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and following evidenced-based dietary recommendations remains sound guidance for the general population. However, in combination with recent technological advances, the emerging field of precision nutrition offers a novel approach to tailor prevention and treatment […] Continue reading
Mediterranean and DASH Tie for Top Spot in Recent Ranking
Each year, U.S. News & World Report releases a ranking of popular diets—assessed by a panel of health experts based on seven categories, including weight loss, nutrition, safety, and ease of compliance. Topping 2018’s list of “best diets overall” is a tie between the Mediterranean and DASH Diets, which received high marks for being healthy […] Continue reading
What’s New in Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy, 2017
In 2001, the first edition of Dr. Walter Willett’s Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating made its debut in bookstores, nestled among dozens of weight loss “how-to’s.” Not to be outshined by other flashy titles, it stood out as a non-diet, straightforward guide on what to eat (and […] Continue reading
PURE study makes headlines, but the conclusions are misleading
Last week, The Lancet published results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (“PURE”) study that made headlines: “Study Challenges Conventional Wisdom on Fats, Fruits, and Vegetables;” “PURE Shakes Up Nutritional Field;” “Huge New Study Casts Doubt on Conventional Wisdom About Fat and Carbs.” Following over 135,000 participants spanning five continents, the study is indeed a […] Continue reading
Most “Box Tops” food products do not meet school nutrition standards
An analysis of products included in a popular school-based marketing program finds that less than one third of participating foods and beverages meet federal Smart Snacks in School standards. Food marketing targeted at children is a billion dollar industry, often promoting foods and beverages that are calorie-dense and low in nutrients. Schools are a significant […] Continue reading