Weight

Losing muscle and gaining body fat as we get older is pretty common, but it may have consequences that go beyond strength and mobility. In a new study, researchers looked at the connection between muscle loss, excess body fat, and dementia risk and found some interesting differences. They brought together findings from multiple studies to get a better sense of how these factors may be related.

As we age, it becomes harder to lose body fat without also losing valuable muscle. A new study suggests one type of exercise may offer the best of both worlds. Researchers found that while all forms of exercise helped healthy older adults reduce body fat, only high-intensity interval training (HIIT) preserved lean muscle mass.

We know that obesity can raise the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other health conditions. And, for years, BMI has been one of the most common ways to assess weight-related health risks. But for older adults, BMI may not provide the full picture. In a new study, an increased waist size was associated with an increased risk of premature death among adults 65 and older.Waist size is a simple way to estimate the amount of visceral fat a person may have.

Maintaining a healthy weight is becoming increasingly uncommon, with only one in four U.S. adults falling into that category. New research suggests excess weight may be responsible for significantly more cancers than once thought. After analyzing data from more than 450,000 people, researchers estimated that excess body fat is linked to over 11% of all cancer cases, nearly twice earlier estimates.

Research shows that diets rich in high-alkaline foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits lead to a more alkaline urine pH level. This higher alkalinity helps protect healthy cells and maintain balanced essential mineral levels in the body.

Aging affects everyone differently. Some individuals maintain strong physical function and cognitive performance well into older adulthood, while others experience accelerated decline. Scientists have long searched for the answer as to why this happens. Now, a major brain-imaging study is overturning one of our most basic assumptions about body composition and its role in aging and cognitive health.

Emerging studies are challenging the broad health claims surrounding olive oil, indicating that its benefits may be questioned. Recent research indicates that too much olive oil, specifically its high oleic acid content, could promote weight gain.

When stress becomes chronic, the gut often feels the effects. New findings suggest the gut-brain axis, which links the brain, hormones, and gut bacteria, may become highly sensitive under prolonged stress. Combined with late-night eating it may interfere with the body’s natural slowdown process, reducing the digestive system’s ability to maintain proper gut movement and microbial health.

When planning meals, do you frequently rely on bread or pasta? A new study in mice has found that diets high in flour-based foods may contribute to weight gain, obesity, and metabolic changes, even without increased calorie intake.

The location of body fat may be more important than the number on the scale. Research indicates that excess belly fat is strongly associated with reduced brain volume and accelerated brain aging, particularly in areas linked to memory and cognitive function.

Obesity is a serious global health crisis, and it may leave a lasting imprint on the immune system that keeps people at risk for obesity-related conditions, even years after losing weight.New research indicates that obesity may leave T cells in a prolonged pro-inflammatory state, even after normal weight is regained.

A growing wave of litigation is hitting the makers of blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drugs. More than 4,000 lawsuits are targeting the makers of GLP-1 medications. Numerous lawsuits claim severe health problems, ranging from sudden loss of sight and significant vision impairment to neurological disorders and reduced motor control and debilitating gastrointestinal harm.