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A recent study published in *Nature Medicine* has revealed that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are linked to nearly 10% of global type 2 diabetes cases and over 3% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) cases. Analyzing data from 184 countries, researchers found that in 2020, SSB consumption contributed to approximately 2.2 million new diabetes cases and 1.2 million new CVD cases worldwide. The study highlighted regional disparities, with Latin America and the Caribbean experiencing the highest attributable rates, particularly in Mexico and Colombia. Men, urban dwellers, and younger individuals were identified as the most affected demographics. Experts stress the need for public policy initiatives to curb SSB consumption, emphasizing the importance of individual dietary choices. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing the health impacts of sugary drinks to prevent rising cardiometabolic burdens and associated economic costs. 
Published: Jan 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIntermittent fasting, particularly an "early" time-restricted eating pattern, is gaining attention for its potential health benefits, including weight loss and improved metabolic health. A recent study published in *Nature Medicine* involved nearly 200 participants aged 30 to 60 with a BMI over 32, who were assigned to different fasting groups. Those in the early fasting group, consuming food between 9:45 AM and 5:30 PM, experienced greater reductions in abdominal fat and improved blood sugar levels compared to other groups. Lead researcher Jonatan R. Ruiz emphasized that aligning eating with the body’s circadian rhythms may enhance metabolic efficiency. While all fasting groups lost an average of 3-4 kg, the early group showed the most significant benefits. Experts suggest further research to explore the long-term effects of this dietary approach and its integration with exercise for optimal health outcomes.
Published: Jan 24 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School reveals that intramuscular fat—fat stored within muscle tissue—may pose a greater risk for heart disease than subcutaneous fat, even among individuals with a healthy weight. Published in the *European Heart Journal*, the research tracked 669 participants over six years, finding that those with higher levels of intramuscular fat were more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction and face increased risks of hospitalization or death due to heart disease. Specifically, for every 1% increase in intramuscular fat, the risk of serious heart disease rose by 7%. The study highlights the importance of fat distribution in assessing heart health, suggesting that traditional measures like BMI may not adequately reflect an individual's risk. Researchers aim to explore how lifestyle changes and new therapies can mitigate the impacts of fatty muscle on heart health.
Published: Jan 23 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nature Aging* has shed light on the heightened risk of osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women, linking it to hormonal changes during menopause. Researchers found that a drop in key hormones, 17beta-estradiol and progesterone, led to increased cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation in chemically induced menopausal mice. The study revealed that hormone replacement therapy with these hormones improved cartilage integrity and gait in the mice. However, the research also highlighted the need for caution, as findings from mouse models may not fully translate to humans. Experts emphasize that further research is necessary to explore the implications for hormone replacement therapy in treating or preventing osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women. The study's authors aim to develop targeted treatments for osteoarthritis and other menopause-related musculoskeletal disorders, potentially improving the quality of life for millions affected by this debilitating condition.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent systematic review led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter suggests that common treatments, including anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, antibiotics, antiviral medications, and vaccines, may be linked to a lower risk of dementia. With over 55 million people affected globally, dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, poses a significant health challenge, costing more than $1 trillion annually. While the review highlights potential benefits, experts caution against hastily repurposing these medications for dementia treatment without further research. They emphasize the need for large-scale, longitudinal studies to clarify which specific drugs might effectively reduce dementia risk and to account for individual genetic and lifestyle factors. Despite the promising findings, neurologists stress that lifestyle changes remain the most effective strategy for reducing dementia risk, urging individuals to consult specialists for tailored medication advice.
Published: Jan 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nature Medicine* highlights the dual nature of GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used for weight loss. While these medications have been linked to significant neurological and behavioral health benefits, including reduced risks of dementia and addiction, they also pose potential health risks. Researchers analyzed data from over 2 million patients, revealing that GLP-1 users experienced a decreased risk of cognitive decline but faced increased chances of gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and kidney problems. Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the study's senior author, emphasized the need for awareness of these side effects among patients and healthcare providers. Experts like Dr. Babak Firoozi noted the promising cognitive benefits, while Dr. Seth Kipnis pointed out the importance of nutritional education to mitigate risks. As the popularity of GLP-1 medications grows, understanding their comprehensive health impacts remains crucial.
Published: Jan 21 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe American Academy of Neurology has unveiled a 12-question checklist aimed at enhancing brain health, encouraging individuals to engage in proactive discussions with their healthcare providers. This initiative, detailed in the medical journal *Neurology*, highlights essential factors such as sleep, diet, exercise, and mental well-being, collectively termed "SAFEST BRAINS." Experts emphasize the importance of consistency in maintaining healthy habits, with recommendations including regular exercise, quality sleep, and mental health practices like meditation. Neurologists Jasmin Dao and Vernon Williams stress that addressing issues like excessive screen time and ensuring supportive social interactions can significantly benefit cognitive function. They advocate for making brain health a priority in personal resolutions, asserting that it is never too late to adopt positive changes that can enhance overall quality of life.
Published: Jan 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Cancer Discovery* has identified a protein, PIN1, that promotes bladder cancer by triggering cholesterol synthesis in cancer cells. Researchers found that a combination therapy using the statin simvastatin and a PIN1 inhibitor, sulfopin, effectively suppresses tumor growth by disrupting this cholesterol production pathway. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in men in the U.S. and often goes under-researched despite its significant impact. Current treatments such as chemotherapy and immune therapies are not fully effective, highlighting an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. The findings suggest that targeting PIN1 may offer a viable treatment strategy not only for bladder cancer but potentially for other cancers where PIN1 is implicated. Experts emphasize the importance of continued research to uncover novel treatment mechanisms that could better manage or cure bladder cancer, which often requires extensive surgical intervention and incurs high treatment costs.
Published: Jan 20 2025, 11 pmeznews.inResearch suggests that combining intermittent fasting, specifically time-restricted eating (TRE), with exercise may enhance weight management more effectively than exercise alone. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the *International Journal of Obesity* examined data from 15 studies involving 338 participants. It found that TRE, which typically involves fasting for 12 to 20 hours daily, was associated with significant reductions in fat mass and body fat percentage. Participants engaging in TRE alongside exercise experienced an estimated 1.3 kg decrease in fat mass and a 1.3% reduction in body fat percentage compared to those who exercised without restricting eating times. However, the studies had limitations, including short durations, self-reported dietary adherence, and a lack of diversity among participants. Experts emphasize the need for further research to confirm these findings and evaluate the long-term effects of TRE on various populations.
Published: Jan 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inResearchers are exploring xenon gas as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia affecting millions globally. Current Alzheimer’s medications primarily address symptoms rather than underlying causes, but recent studies indicate that xenon may offer a new therapeutic avenue. In a mouse model, inhalation of xenon gas was found to suppress neuroinflammation and reduce brain shrinkage, prompting scientists from Mass General Brigham and Washington University to initiate a clinical trial in humans. The gas, known for its safety in anesthesia, can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and alter the behavior of microglia, immune cells implicated in Alzheimer's progression. While the findings are promising, experts caution that further research is needed to validate these results in human populations. If successful, xenon gas could pave the way for innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing the existing landscape of Alzheimer's therapies.
Published: Jan 17 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA global panel of experts has proposed a new framework for diagnosing and treating obesity, arguing that the traditional reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) is inadequate. Published in *The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology* and backed by over 75 medical organizations, this approach distinguishes between clinical obesity, where excess fat affects organ function, and preclinical obesity, where individuals are at risk but do not yet show health issues. The framework emphasizes the need for more comprehensive measures of body fat and individual health, aiming to improve outcomes for over one billion people living with obesity worldwide. By promoting personalized care and reducing stigma, the proposal seeks to ensure fair access to effective treatments while addressing the complexities of obesity. Experts advocate for healthcare professionals to adopt these refined criteria to enhance diagnosis and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing societal stigma associated with obesity.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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