weight gain Archives - Amazing Health Advances

An Ideal BMI

The AHA! Team — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:15:35 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Is there a unisex chart for optimal weight based on height? We seem to have become inured to the mortal threat of obesity. If you go back in the medical literature almost a quarter of a century ago when obesity wasn’t run-of-the-mill, the descriptions are much grimmer: “Obesity is always tragic, and its hazards are terrifying.” Not just obesity, though. Of the four million deaths attributed to excess body fat each year, nearly 40 percent of the victims are overweight, not obese. According to two famous Harvard studies, weight gain of as little as 11 pounds (5 kg) from early adulthood through middle age increases the risk of major chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The flip side, though, is that even modest weight loss can have major health benefits. What is the optimal body mass index, commonly known as BMI? The largest studies in the United States and around the world found that having a BMI of 20 to 25 is associated with the longest lifespan. Put all the best available studies with the longest follow-up together, and that can be narrowed down even further to a BMI of 20 to 22. That would be about 124 to 136 pounds (56 to 62 kg) for someone who’s five-foot-six (168 cm), as you can see below and at 1:22 in my video What’s the Ideal BMI?. Even within a “normal” BMI range, the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer, starts to rise towards the upper end—starting as low as a BMI of 21. BMIs of 18.5 and 24.5 are both considered to be within the “normal” range, but a BMI of 24.5 may be associated with twice the risk of heart disease compared to a BMI of 18.5. Below and at 2:05 in my video is a graph of diabetes risk and BMI among women. There is a fivefold difference in diabetes rates within the so-called ideal range with a BMI under 25. Just as there are gradations of risk within a normal BMI range, there is a spectrum within obesity. Class III obesity (BMI over 40) can be associated with the loss of a decade or more of life. At a BMI above 45, for example, a person standing at 5’6″ (168 cm) and weighing 280 pounds (127 kg), life expectancy may shrink to that of a cigarette smoker. Skeptics have argued However, “skeptics have argued that the consequences of rising obesity levels have either been greatly exaggerated or are unclear.” A “motley crew,” “obesity skeptics are made up of a kaleidoscope of interest groups…includ[ing] feminists, queer theorists, libertarians, far right-wing conspiracy types and new ageists.” It “has also been popular on far right-wing, pro-gun, pro-America websites where the idea that obesity alarmists are nanny-state communists who simply want to stop us from having fun plays well….” Less treatment of the problem Unlike activists who organized to raise consciousness and stamp out the AIDS epidemic, for example, some in the size acceptance movement appear to have the opposite goal and “have called for less public awareness and intervention regarding obesity,” less treatment of the problem. I’m all for fighting size stigma and discrimination—I have a whole section on weight stigma in my book How Not to Diet—but the adverse health consequences of obesity are an established scientific fact. Can’t you be fat but fit? In a study of more than 600 centenarians, only about 1 percent of the women and not a single one of the men were obese. There does appear to be a rare subgroup of individuals who are obese and do not suffer the typical metabolic costs, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. This raises the possibility that there may be such a thing as “benign obesity” or “metabolically healthy obesity.” It may just be a matter of time, though, before the risk factors develop. Even if they don’t, though, when followed long enough, even “metabolically healthy obese adults” are at increased risk of diabetes, as well as increased risk of fatty liver disease. They are also at greater risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, and/or premature death, as shown below and at 4:20. Bottom line? There is “strong evidence that ‘healthy obesity’ is a myth.” Many “fat activists” try to downplay the risks of obesity, even as they may be among “the greatest victims” of the epidemic. “Leading fat acceptance activist Lynn McAfee, who is director of medical advocacy for the Council on Size and Weight Discrimination and takes part in obesity conferences and government panels on obesity,” is quoted as saying, “‘I’m not actually particularly that interested in [health] and God I hate science….” If you missed the previous blog posts in this series on obesity, see related posts below. The final video in this series is What’s the Ideal Waist Size?. Key Takeaways Nearly 40 percent of the four million deaths linked to excess body fat annually are among people who are overweight, not just obese, showing the widespread health risks. Even small reductions in body weight can significantly improve health outcomes, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The optimal BMI for longevity is between 20 and 22, with risks for diseases increasing even within the “normal” BMI range, especially towards the upper end. Some groups, including far-right and size acceptance activists, downplay or deny the health risks of obesity, despite overwhelming scientific evidence linking it to serious health issues. Although some individuals may appear metabolically healthy while obese, long-term studies show that they still face heightened risks of conditions like diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart attacks, debunking the idea of “healthy obesity.” To read the original article click here.

The post An Ideal BMI appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study Links Common Antidepressants to Weight Gain

The AHA! Team — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:09:50 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – Depression and anxiety affect more Americans than ever before, with millions of people taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and various hybrid courses of therapy every day. While these medications may work for some people (temporarily), they are not without unwanted side effects, including weight gain, reduced positive feelings and suicidal thoughts! While gaining weight over the course of antidepressant treatment is relatively common, the amount of weight gain varies between the first-line medications used in most doctors’ offices. Researchers set out to quantify the expected weight gain associated with antidepressant use and compare the differences among major prescriptions. Although depression and anxiety are widespread in today’s society, numerous treatment options exist, many of which are holistic and do not involve medication. This article will examine a recent study on antidepressant-related weight gain and its findings and explore alternative approaches to managing depression and anxiety beyond prescription medications. What’s fueling the rise in depression? There is no shortage of stressors in the world today to be depressed about; a combination of unstable geopolitics, inflation, and any number of personal issues can weigh heavily on a person’s mental health. Our society is so breakneck that we are expected to work ourselves to the bone while not displaying weakness, and this can easily lead to burnout and depression. There are other factors at play, however – the unnatural and highly processed diets that we almost all partake in are key factors in depression development. There is a profound link between bodily inflammatory states and the development of depression in all age groups. It is reasonable to look at the world around us and assume that mental health crises abound because of the state of everything, but one of the biggest contributors could be living right within your body. Researchers explore the impact of antidepressants on weight gain Antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by preventing the reabsorption (or reuptake) of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, back into neurons. This allows serotonin to remain available longer in the brain, improving mood regulation. While the exact mechanism of how this alleviates anxiety and depression isn’t fully understood, the ability of SSRIs to enhance serotonin signaling has shown enough efficacy in treating these conditions to warrant their widespread medical use. In addition to a variety of other side effects, some mild, some less so, weight gain is a well-known side effect of most antidepressants. The researchers of the study above assessed the health records of over 180,000 mental health patients over 24 months in the United States. They examined the baseline weight and BMI of each individual at the time their course of antidepressants began, at the midpoint of 12 months, and the end. The main antidepressants, often referred to as ‘first-line’ medications, include bupropion (Wellbutrin), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), duloxetine (Cymbalta), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Each of these medications has its own profile of potential side effects, but some may also provide additional benefits for comorbid mental health conditions alongside depression. As a result, the choice of medication is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. The analysis of over 180,000 patients showed a clear line of weight gain in an overwhelming majority. Of those examined, Zoloft and Lexapro showed the most significant weight gain. The difference between each medication was not extremely high, and bupropion showed the least weight gain. The researchers, however, did admit that they could not control for medication adherence – their data indicated only that the patients were prescribed these medications for the 24 months of the observation, but there was no way to know if they were taking them regularly or not. Tips to combat depression naturally Research increasingly supports the idea that what we eat can significantly impact our mood and mental well-being. A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet supplemented with fish oil was associated with lower rates of depression and improved overall mental health. We, at NaturalHealth365, consistently advocate for a natural diet rich in organic, whole foods as a powerful tool to combat many chronic health issues. While depression is a complex condition that may not always respond solely to dietary changes, adopting a whole-food diet can play a crucial role in supporting mental health. In addition, we know that the pharmaceutical industry would like all of us believe that depression or anxiety is best treated by taking their drugs. Conversely, we would like to see more doctors giving out lifestyle advice to their patients to improve the quality of their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. For example, consistent daily exercise offers multiple benefits for mental health. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn reduces systemic inflammation. Additionally, exercise has been shown to boost mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Quality sleep is crucial for overall health, with mental well-being particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances. Many modern health issues can be significantly improved through a combination of regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Bottom line: do everything you can to improve the quality of your sleep, starting tonight. Remember, addressing sleep, exercise, and diet is fundamental to managing any health condition, including mental health disorders. By focusing on these areas, you’re taking proactive steps toward better mental and physical well-being. Sources for this article include: Acpjournals.org Medicalnewstoday.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Study Links Common Antidepressants to Weight Gain appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Seasonal Weight Gain in the Fall

The AHA! Team — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:13:49 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – SAD doesn’t just stand for the standard American diet. There’s a condition known as seasonal affective disorder that is characterized by increased appetite and cravings, as well as greater sleepiness and lethargy, that begins in autumn when light exposure starts to dwindle. This now appears to represent the far end of a normal spectrum of human behavior. We appear to eat more as the days get shorter. There is a “marked seasonal rhythm” to calorie intake with greater meal size, eating rate, hunger, and overall calorie intake in the fall. In preparation for winter, some animals hibernate, doubling their fat stores with autumnal abundance to deal with the subsequent scarcity of winter. Genes have been identified in humans that are similar to hibernation genes, which may help explain why we exhibit some of the same behaviors, and the autumn effect isn’t subtle. As you can see in the graph below and at 1:06 in my video Friday Favorites: Why People Gain Weight in the Fall, researchers calculated a 222-calorie difference between how many calories we consume in the fall versus the spring. This isn’t just because it’s colder, either, since we eat more in the fall than in the winter. It appears we’re just genetically programmed to prep for the deprivation of winter that no longer comes. It’s remarkable that, in this day and age of modern lighting and heating, our bodies would still pick up enough environmental cues of the changing seasons to have such a major influence on our eating patterns. Unsurprisingly, bright light therapy is used to treat seasonal affective disorder, nearly tripling the likelihood of remission, compared to placebo. Though it’s never been tested directly, it can’t hurt to take the dog out for some extra morning and daytime walks in the fall to try to fend off some of the coming holiday season weight gain. Bright light therapy is used to treat seasonal affective disorder People blame the holidays for overeating, but it may be that “rather than the holidays causing heightened intake, the seasonal heightening of intake in the fall may have caused the scheduling of holidays at that time.” Regardless, as you can see below and at 2:15 in my video, other “specific recommendations for the prevention of obesity and metabolic syndrome by improving the circadian system health,” based on varying degrees of evidence, include: sleeping during the night and being active during the day; sleeping enough—at least seven or eight hours a night; early to bed, early to rise; and short naps are fine. (Contrary to popular belief, daytime napping does not appear to adversely impact sleep at night.) Also recommended: avoiding bright light exposure at night; sleeping in total darkness when possible; making breakfast or lunch your biggest meal of the day; not eating or exercising right before bed; and completely avoiding eating at night. This was the last video in my chronobiology series. If you missed any of the others, check out the related posts below. Key Takeaways Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by increased appetite, cravings, sleepiness, and lethargy, starting in autumn with reduced light exposure. This aligns with a seasonal rhythm in human behavior, showing greater calorie intake, meal size, eating rate, and hunger in the fall. Human genes similar to those in animals preparing for hibernation have been identified, suggesting a genetic predisposition to seasonal eating behaviors. The body may be genetically programmed to store more fat in preparation for potential winter scarcity. Research indicates a 222-calorie difference in caloric intake between fall and spring, with increased consumption in the fall. This phenomenon cannot be solely attributed to colder temperatures, as eating in the fall exceeds eating in the winter. Despite modern lighting and heating, environmental cues still influence seasonal eating patterns. Bright light therapy, which addresses SAD, may help mitigate some of the increased calorie intake during fall. Recommendations for preventing obesity and metabolic syndrome include maintaining a healthy circadian system by sleeping during the night, being active during the day, ensuring sufficient sleep (seven to eight hours), adopting an early bedtime and waking time, taking short naps if needed, avoiding bright light exposure at night, sleeping in darkness, making breakfast or lunch the main meal, refraining from eating or exercising right before bedtime, and avoiding nighttime eating. To read the original article click here.

The post Seasonal Weight Gain in the Fall appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

WARNING: GMO Ingredient in Impossible Burger linked to Weight Gain, Kidney Disease

AHA Publisher — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 07:00:01 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – There is a common misconception that all vegan and vegetarian food products are nutritious. Listen to the mainstream media, and you’ll hear about how vegan fare is a net positive for human health and the environment. For example, Impossible and Beyond faux burgers have become quite popular in recent years, especially among tweens, teens, and twenty-somethings concerned with health and ecological sustainability. Cut to the truth of the matter, and you will find Impossible faux burgers are anything but healthy. Read through the list of ingredients of Impossible veggie burgers and other processed vegan food products, and you’ll find they contain a plethora of chemicals, GMO ingredient, and unhealthy additives. A recent study revealed that Impossible Burger contains an ingredient likely to cause weight gain along with kidney disease and other health problems. Why You Should Think Twice Before Eating an Impossible Burger Impossible Burgers, Beyond Burgers, and other faux meat options are marketed as healthy alternatives to animal flesh that supposedly benefit the environment and the greater good. Though vegan alternatives certainly have their merits, there are also some important drawbacks. Impossible Foods recently conducted an analysis of rats after consuming Impossible faux burgers. The study results were fairly surprising, especially from the perspective of Impossible executives, who likely assumed their products would have minimal or no impact on rats. The Impossible Foods’ rat study reveals the main ingredient within the faux burgers, soy leghemoglobin, spurred the onset of inexplicable alterations within rat biology. Impossible Foods’ soy leghemoglobin is genetically engineeredrather than natural. It is possible the genetic alteration of the soy is the underlying cause of the changes in rats’ weight and even alterations to blood composition that cause kidney disease, inflammation, and possibly worse. The study even revealed that soy leghemoglobin has the potential to trigger anemia. Why Soy Leghemoglobin (SLH) Is Detrimental to Human Health The GMO ingredient, soy leghemoglobin, is created from yeast. However, the yeast used for soy leghemoglobin is also genetically modified. In summary, Impossible Foods’ faux burgers contain a genetically altered variation of soy stemming from yeast that food scientists within laboratories have also altered. The resulting “Frankenburger” appears to be anything but healthy. Though the weight and blood composition changes identified in rats after consuming the Impossible Burger are not guaranteed to occur in humans after consuming the same food products, the study results are concerning. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows Impossible to sell its chemical-laden and genetically modified products throughout the country. Impossible’s brass obtained governmental permission to market the faux hamburger in the United Kingdom and the European Union after requesting clearance in 2019. Should Impossible Burger Be Available to the Public? Let’s shift our attention to what matters most: human health and nutrition in the societal push toward veganism that becomes more transparent by the day. Health experts, nutritionists, and government officials far and wide are pushing a narrative that a society-wide transition to veganism or vegetarianism will save the planet, reduce medical bills and extend human longevity. However, the above study makes it clear that concerns about the GMO ingredient SLH and other chemicals added to faux meat products are valid. The lesson from the scientific community’s analysis of processed vegan and vegetarian food offerings is that they should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism. It is widely known that consuming toxic red meat has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems, yet it is also clear that Impossible’s fake burgers have the potential to lead to even worse outcomes, including potential inflammation, anemia, kidney disease, and dreaded weight gain. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org To read the original article click here.

The post WARNING: GMO Ingredient in Impossible Burger linked to Weight Gain, Kidney Disease appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 6 Natural Treatments

AHA Publisher — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:00:20 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Cellulite removal treatments are growing in popularity as more and more people struggle to maintain a healthy weight and look for ways on how to get rid of cellulite. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2019 over 2.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the U.S. alone — including over 265,000 liposuction procedures, many of which were performed to remove cellulite. Although they might sound like the perfect quick fixes, liposuction and laser cellulite treatments are not simple means of going from a size 16 to size 6 overnight. The ASPS itself even states, “Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite — the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks — or loose saggy skin.” How can you get rid of cellulite? Nothing can substitute for eating an anti-inflammatory diet and getting enough exercise. Just as with other signs of aging, if you want to reduce cellulite, first and foremost focus on maintaining a healthy weight throughout your adult life. Then, certain topical treatments may help dimply skin become less noticeable and improve skin’s overall appearance. What Is Cellulite? Cellulite is the appearance of lumpy or dimpled “cottage cheese skin,” which predominantly develops on the legs (especially the thighs), butt, stomach and the back of the arms. Some also refer to it as “orange peel skin” because it looks like the tiny bumps that form on the outside of citrus fruits. Basically, cellulite forms when globules of fat develop under the skin and push up against the connective tissue, forming an uneven, “mottled” look to the skin. There are three types cellulite with different severities, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the factors that contribute to this condition are a lack of exercise (a sedentary lifestyle), hormone changes and — you guessed it — a poor-quality diet. It’s possible to develop cellulite at any age, but it tends to get worse as someone gets older due to increased fatty deposits (and often a higher body weight). This condition is more common in women than men, with about 90% of women having some measure of cellulite, particularly as they age and the skin loses its elasticity. However, even teenagers dealing with weight and hormonal changes can deal with this skin concern. Cellulite is not serious or harmful, and therefore many choose to just simply leave it alone. Meanwhile, others become very bothered by unsightly cellulite, especially following life circumstances such as weight gain/loss or pregnancy — or in the summer when it’s common to reveal more skin. Causes What is the main cause of cellulite? Several primary factors contribute to the developmentof cellulite, including: Weak collagen structure of the skin, which leads to skin thinning and loss of elasticity Genetic factors Poor diet Fluid retention Dehydration Lack of circulation (blood flow) Being overweight Hormonal changes, including in estrogen and cortisol Lack of physical activity Some other factors that can cause skin changes, such as cellulite, sagginess, wrinkles and formation of dark spots, include: hormonal imbalances high amounts of stress existing medical conditions, like autoimmune disease or diabetes allergies smoking too much sun exposure other causes of toxicity While the connection between dealing with stress and developing cellulite may seem far-fetched, science has shown that all of the factors above increase inflammation and contribute to signs of aging. For example, according to a research study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cellulite can be caused by increased levels of catecholamines due to high stress and raised cortisol levels. Things like stress and a poor diet also cause your body to slow down production of collagen, which is crucial to keep skin looking young. In fact, it’s now believed that collagen (a type of structural protein that forms skin’s layers) plays a big role in regulating cellulite. Dysfunction of collagen-rich fibers called fibrous septae seem to form cellulite dimples, so these are now the target of most professional cellulite treatments. How to Get Rid of Cellulite Can you get rid of cellulite once you have it? Unfortunately, it seems that the answer is not completely. As one 2019 review explains, “Despite multiple therapeutic approaches that attempt to treat cellulite, no procedures have been proven successful long term.” Considering all the lifestyle factors that affect the appearance and health of your skin, it’s understandable why intensive cellulite treatments — including noninvasive devices, such as massage or radio/acoustic frequency, laser and light-based treatments, liposuction, topical creams, injections, and carboxy therapy — are popular options. Unfortunately, these are not long-term solutions for keeping skin looking healthy. In order for some of these cellulite treatments to work — such as submission, vibrational therapy, wave therapy or lasers — ongoing treatments might be needed for many months on end or else results can diminish within six months to one year. How should you tackle cellulite then? As one study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science puts it, “Reducing adipogenesis (fat storage) and increasing thermogenesis (burning fat through body heat) appear to be primary routes, while also improving the microcirculation and collagen synthesis.” Here are the top six all-natural ways to help reduce the appearance of cellulite: 1. Eat a Healthy Diet Can cellulite on your legs go away? Losing weight and then maintaining a healthy body fat percentage may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on your legs or elsewhere. Some of the top foods for decreasing or preventing cellulite are: Flaxseeds — Flax is great for skin health and general health as it modulates estrogen levels and may also increase collagen production. You can sprinkle flaxseed on your breakfast, in your smoothies or simply eat the seeds by themselves. Hydrating foods — Because dehydration can lead to bloating and dry skin, try to eat more naturally hydrating foods. These include fresh veggies and fruit, especially melon, berries, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits and fresh herbs. Making Cellulite Slim Down Juice at home is a great way to consume a bunch of these at once. High-fiber foods — These include vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries. Fiber helps cleanse the colon, curb hunger, support your metabolism and balance hormones. High-fiber foods containing lots of antioxidants, such as leafy greens or berries, are also beneficial because of their ability to decrease free radical damage (which ages skin). Clean protein sources — High-quality protein foods, like grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, pastured eggs, wild-caught fish and organic protein powder, can support a healthy metabolism and aid in cellulite reduction. Ideally, aim to consume at least three to four ounces with every meal. Potassium-rich foods — Flushing excess fluids and waste out of cells can help reduce cellulite. Green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, coconut water and cultured dairy are all high in potassium. Healthy fats — Coconut and wild-caught fish contain fatty acids that promote healthy tissue. Consume one tablespoon daily of extra virgin coconut oil and one serving of wild-caught fish (or 1,000 milligrams of fish oil) daily for the best results. Kelp — Kelp contains a compound called “fucoxanthin,” which is found in chlorophyll-bearing green plants and supports metabolic and skin health. Try sprinkling a small amount onto your savory meals. Water — Wondering if drinking lots of water is really that important for reducing cellulite? Yes! Water keeps skin hydrated and helps flush out toxic compounds. Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of fresh water daily. Well-hydrated skin looks more even, with less of a lumpy, dry or aged look. Try to avoid or reduce these foods, which may cause or worsen cellulite: Sugar and salt — If you think your diet has no effect on cellulite, think again! Here’s why: Sugar causes fluid retention, inflammation and storage of body fat — all of which can increase the appearance of cellulite. Read labels, and aim to reduce or remove added sugar. Limit your sodium intake as well, because salt is one of the main causes of water retention. Stick to a healing diet for best results, which is low in both sugar and salt. Refined flour and refined grain products — These break down quickly into sugar and are high in calories. Food allergens — Foods like gluten, A1 casein found in most dairy, shellfish and peanuts can cause allergies or inflammation in some. These have negative effects on skin health, like potentially decreasing circulation and interfering with normal nutrient absorption. Trans and hydrogenated fats — These are generally unhealthy and found in processed foods. 2. Consume More Collagen Connective tissue – including the layers of the skin – is composed of collagen. When the skin is strong, cellulite appearance is diminished. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and needed for skin’s elasticity, youthful texture and strength. One of the best ways to get more collagen is from consuming bone broth, which also has amino acids like glutamine. Bone broth contains the amino acids called proline and glycine that make up collagen, along with important trace minerals and even antioxidant compounds. The collagen in bone broth can strengthen skin tissue and help reverse the underlying the causes of cellulite. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that patients taking 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) experienced “significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and a reduced skin waviness on thighs … regular ingestion of BCP over a period of 6 months led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.” As expected, the results were most impressive in women who were overweight. 3. Take Anti-Cellulite Supplements Certain supplements and nutrients can help keep your skin in tip-top shape: Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes — These systemic enzymes have been used with great success to fight inflammation and dissolve gatherings of cellular tissue. According to findings published in Biotech Research Journal, “studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, antiedematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.” Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, gallstones and cellulite may all be broken down more easily and eliminated with help from enzymes. Enzymes such as bromelain, serrapeptase and nattokwinase all have the ability to dissolve fibrinogen (the tissue that holds these unwanted formations together). Kola — This extract has been the subject of many cellulite studies and has shown some positive results. This is a caffeine-free herb that has relaxing properties and can be taken before bedtime. It works by helping improve the elasticity of the skin, while also making it thicker. Green coffee extract (which contains caffeine), African mango and fucoxanthin are additional supplements that offer similar benefits as those above. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate circulation and potentially help with fat-burning, so sources of caffeine are found in many cellulite supplements. 4. Exercise Regularly Can exercises get rid of cellulite? Although long-distance cardio can be of value in boosting your metabolism and helping prevent obesity, doing interval training (also known as burst training) will likely be much more effective. That’s because intervals are more effective at adding muscle to your frame and helping tone you all over. In 2011, a report published in the Journal of Obesity stated, “Emerging research examining high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) indicates that it may be more effective at reducing subcutaneous and abdominal body fat than other types.” Here are some quick facts and tips to keep in mind so you get the most benefits from your workouts: Look for a program that ideally combines burst cardio and resistance training. Aim for workouts that last between about 20 to 40 minutes a day. Interval or burst training is known to increase metabolism and burn calories long after (24–48 hours) your workout is over (known as the afterburn effect). Interval training incorporates short, intense exercises, such as sprinting, and then returns you to a cool-down period briefly. (This concept is also called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT.) If you’re targeting cellulite on your thighs and butt, try to incorporate moves like squats, lunges, donkey kicks and step backs. Two more effective strategies are weight training and isometric training – such as Barre, BarreAmped and Pilates. BarreAmped...

The post How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 6 Natural Treatments appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Chemicals in Plastic May Contribute to Weight Gain

AHA Publisher — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:00:07 +0000

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) via Newswise – It may sound strange, but chemicals in plastic may make the bathroom scale a less pleasant place to visit. Every day, we come into contact with plastic products. A lot of plastic is found in food packaging. Plastic packaging is common for practical reasons, because it is cheap and because it can increase a food’s shelf life. But plastic contains thousands of different chemicals. Some of these can affect your metabolism, and thus perhaps also your weight. Found 55 000 Different Chemicals “Our experiments show that ordinary plastic products contain a mix of substances that can be a relevant and underestimated factor behind overweight and obesity,” says Martin Wagner, an associate professor at NTNU’s Department of Biology. A research group looked at 34 different plastic products in the laboratory to see which chemicals they contained. These were everyday products that many people use, like yoghurt containers, drink bottles and kitchen sponges. The researchers found over 55 000 different chemical components in these products and identified 629 of the substances. Eleven of them are known to interfere with our metabolism, called metabolism-disrupting chemicals. For a long time, experts believed that most plastic chemicals would stay in the material. However, Wagner’s team has recently shown that plastic products leach a large number of chemicals under real world conditions, thus enabling them to enter the body. Previous research also suggests that some plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may affect our development and fertility. Now it appears that they may contribute to weight gain as well. Contribute to Fat Cell Development Chemicals from one third of the plastic products investigated in the new study were found to contribute to fat cell development in laboratory experiments. The substances in these products reprogramed precursor cells to become fat cells that proliferated more and accumulated more fat. While some plastic products contained known metabolism-disrupting substances, others did not but nevertheless induced the development of fat cells. This means that plastics contain currently unidentified chemicals that interfere with how our body stores fat. “It’s very likely that it is not the usual suspects, such as Bisphenol A, causing these metabolic disturbances. This means that other plastic chemicals than the ones we already know could be contributing to overweight and obesity,” says Johannes Völker, the first author of the study who is affiliated with NTNU’s Department of Biology. Major Societal Problem Overweight and obesity contribute to some of the most common causes of death in the world, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. They can also increase our susceptibility to various infections, such as the effects of COVID-19. Around two billion people in the world are overweight, and the problem is growing. Approximately 650 million of these fall into the obese category. The reasons for this are of course complex, but plastic chemicals may well be a factor that we have not previously considered. These chemicals include phthalates and bisphenols, but the new study shows that there are many more substances that trigger these problematic effects. The results of the latest study have been published in Environmental Science & Technology. The researchers came mainly from NTNU, with contributing partners from Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. To read the original article click here.

The post Chemicals in Plastic May Contribute to Weight Gain appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

7 Tips to Avoid Gaining Holiday Weight

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 08:00:48 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – Research shows the average American gains three to five pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Although many people plan to lose that extra weight in the new year, too often that doesn’t happen. That means after many years, a few extra pounds over the holidays adds up to what can be a serious weight problem, leading to a number of health issues including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Adrienne Youdim, M.D. an internist who specializes in medical weight loss and nutrition and author of the bestseller Hungry for More: Stories and Science to Inspire Weight Loss from the Inside Out told CBN News we can avoid packing on extra holiday pounds while still enjoying goodies in moderation by using seven common-sense strategies. 1. EAT PROTEIN: Eating plenty of protein like fish, beans or chicken makes us less likely to overeat sweets. “Protein is the macronutrient that curbs hunger most,” she said. 2. FILL HALF YOU PLATE WITH FRESH VEGGIES: These foods are low in calories, are very filling, and are loaded with nutrients. “I personally love arugula,” said Dr. Youdim, “I eat it every day. And one cup of arugula is two to five calories but has 30 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.” 3. CHOOSE SPARKLING WATER INSTEAD OF ALCOHOL: Alcohol has “empty calories,” which means the beverages are loaded with calories with little to no nutrition. “Alcohol actually intercepts some of our hunger hormones,” Dr. Youdim explains, “Leptin is a hormone that’s released by the fat cell that tells our brain that we are full, and alcohol actually intercepts that hormone.” 4. DRINK A CUP OF HOT TEA AFTER A MEAL: Hot beverages, preferably decaffeinated herbal tea, help put the brakes on further eating. “It takes time for our stomach, or our gut, to receive food,” said Dr. Youdim, “A warm drink sends a signal to the brain notifying that the food has been received and those hunger hormones, or signals, should be shut off.” 5. GET ENOUGH SLEEP: Research shows people who don’t get enough sleep are more prone to overeat unhealthy foods. “They’ve also done studies where in just two nights they’ve noticed that hunger hormones go up by about 30 percent and when they surveyed these individuals, they craved highly palatable, or yummy foods,” said Dr. Youdim. “So when people are sleep deprived they’re more likely to go for doughnuts and for fries. You don’t crave broccoli when you’re sleep-deprived.” 6. EAT SENSIBLY BEFORE THE PARTY: Dr. Youdim says “saving calories” tends to backfire. People who are planning to attend a special dinner or party where the food will be fantastic may nearly starve themselves before the event, which can be a mistake. “That in and of itself can result in consuming way more calories than you otherwise would eat,” she said, recommending instead to drink a protein shake on your way out the door. 7. DONT EAT YOUR FEELINGS: Stop using food to feel better emotionally, because when emotions run high, we tend to overeat. “What are we really hungry for, right? We tend to use food to soothe many, many emotions, not just sadness, but often boredom,” said Dr. Youdim, who recommends learning to cope with our emotions by using creative outlets, exercise, and connecting with others. To read the original article click here.

The post 7 Tips to Avoid Gaining Holiday Weight appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

‘Beat the Holiday Bloat’ Smoothie – Easy & Delicious

AHA Publisher — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:00:08 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Holiday celebrations and feasts can be a joyous event within the Holiday Season. It’s often a time we can engage with family and friends, give thanks, and enjoy delicious foods. It’s also often a time of feeling bloated. All those rich foods. All those extra servings and courses. How can you beat the Holiday bloat? Believe it or not, there are nutrients and foods that can actually help you beat the holiday bloat. Use them, and you’ll feel better, healthier, and likely enjoy the rest of the season more! Beat the Holiday Bloat Smoothie Ingredients: 1.5 cups almond milk 1 cup spinach, loosely packed ½ cup cucumber, sliced (appox. ¼ medium cucumber) ½ cup celery, chopped (appox. 1 medium stalk) ½ small avocado (peeled & pitted) 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder OR 1 tbsp. coconut oil 1 scoop Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder 1 scoop Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood® Optional: 2-3 drops liquid stevia or low-carb sweetener of choice, to taste Instructions: Into a blender, mix almond milk and spinach. Pulse to break down spinach and make room for the other ingredients. Add all ingredients except stevia. Blend for about 1 minute or until creamy. Taste it. If you’ve used flavored MCT Oil Powder and/or Green Supremefood, it may be sweet enough. If not, add stevia (or another low-carb sweetener), to taste. Nutrition Info: 375 Calories, 25g of Fat, 20g of Protein, 4g of Net Carbs Why the Holiday Bloat? Usually, when you feel bloated, the culprits are too much sugar, carbohydrates, sodium, or simply too much food. It happens. It’s easy to get carried away and overeat during a holiday. But, if you’re trying to stay in the Keto Zone® and eat a healthy diet, the indulgence can cause a host of issues in your body including (1): Increased blood sugar and insulin Increased fluid retention Inflammation Weight Gain If this describes your Holiday Season condition, it’s time to get right back on track. One of the best ways to do so is with a green smoothie! Why? It provides both a physical and mental shift back towards healthy eating. There’s no wallowing in guilt. There’s more. A secret weapon. Here’s what it is and why it works. Why Our Beat the Holiday Bloat Smoothie Works If you’ve overeaten carbohydrates or sugar don’t despair just yet. We’ve got a secret weapon in our detox smoothie: celery. Sugar can cause damage in the body. But, celery can help you stop the damage, reverse it, and get back on track. Beat the Bloat and Detox with Celery While I’m not encouraging you to ever overeat sugary desserts and then detox with a smoothie, we all live in the real world and know it happens. Rather than pretend it doesn’t, let’s focus on tools to get you back on track. First: celery. Why celery? Celery has a gentle diuretic effect (2) which quickly normalizes fluid retention without leaving you dehydrated. This beats the bloat. Next, it’s loaded with nutrients. In fact, celery is (3): A nutrition powerhouse. It contains calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. In addition, a plethora of vitamins: including vitamin A, C, E, D, B6, B12, and vitamin K as well as thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid and fiber (4). Rich in Vitamin C, which promotes good immune function and works as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress. A blood pressure reducer. It reduces stress hormones and relaxes arteries to make them more elastic (5). A cholesterol-binder. Celery increases bile production which binds cholesterol in the gut and promotes excretion out of the body (6). A gentle diuretic. Cucumber, Avocado, & Greens to Beat the Holiday Bloat The other ingredients in our Beat the Holiday Bloat Smoothie are not exactly slouches. They bolster it to the next level and provide a full-nutrition meal with healthy fats and protein. Cucumber also promotes gentle diuresis, helping you beat the bloat from extra foods and sugars (6). Avocado is full of vitamins and minerals along with health-promoting omega-9 fats and cholesterol-binding fiber (12) . Spinach provides many phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s deep green hue is an indication of health-benefiting chlorophyll (7). Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder is a convenient and non-greasy form of the best MCTs available. They are easy-to-digest, great for heart health, and produce ketones your brain can use as a super-fuel (8, 9). Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder promotes healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, gut function, and more. Additionally, collagen provides amino acids seldom found in modern diets (10). Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®, a blend of fermented organic vegetables and wheatgrass, provides concentrated vitamins and minerals. The fermentation process “opens up” these natural superfoods to get more nutrients out. Plus, Fermented Green Supremefood contains healthy bacteria to support digestive and whole-body health (11). BOTTOM LINE: Ready to feel better this Holiday Season? Forget about bloat and fill your body full of amazing nutrition instead. Try our Beat The Holiday Bloat Smoothie today! To read the original article click here.

The post ‘Beat the Holiday Bloat’ Smoothie – Easy & Delicious appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

A ‘Dented’ Internal Clock Provides Insight Into Shift Workers’ Weight Gain and Diabetes

AHA Publisher — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:00:27 +0000

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania via Newswise – PHILADELPHIA— A study of “dented” internal clocks seems to have provided evidence for a theory as to why people who work late or irregular hours are susceptible to weight gain and diabetes. High rates of shift workers gain weight and develop diabetes, which has been attributed to a mismatch between their internal clocks and their schedules, so researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania created a related mismatch by altering the function of a molecule within the brains of mice that shortened their circadian rhythms from 24 to 21 hours. These mice gained more weight, had higher blood sugar, and fattier livers, all of which were corrected by changing their environment to a 21-hour “day.” “When the external world doesn’t match the internal body’s cycles, metabolism pays the price,” said the study’s senior author, Mitchell A. Lazar, MD, PhD, the director of Penn Medicine’s Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, and the Ware Professor of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases. “We saw this in our study, and we believe that this happens similarly when people work odd hours that don’t align with how human bodies are wired.” Published today in Science Advances, the researchers led by Lazar and primary investigator Marine Adlanmerini, PhD, a post-doctoral researcher in Lazar’s lab, sought to explore circadian desynchrony, a theory in which a disruption or alteration to a person’s innate, internal clock leads to poor outcomes. Shift workers – those who may work long hours, overnight, or with irregular rest periods in between work – are subject to this, which could be why they appear to be at higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases including having a liver that retains more fat. So to explore whether circadian desynchrony is a viable explanation for this, the researchers removed certain molecules called REV-ERB, which reside in the brain cells of mice, and seem to control the body’s internal clock, holding it around 24-hour cycles. When REV-ERB was deleted, it caused the mouse body clocks to run roughly three hours shorter, which the researchers determined by tracking their regular sleep/awake pattern. While their body clocks ran faster, some of these mice were kept in a typical day’s 24-hour cycle, with 12 hours of light and 12 of dark. Those mice, when on their regular diet, were able to keep their weight in check. But when given a diet with higher contents of fat and sugar – a diet not unfamiliar to the typical American – they gained more weight and had more adverse conditions, like diabetes and fatty liver. Moreover, the mice who still had REV-ERB but were given the high-fat and sugar diet did not have the same high amounts of poor outcomes. “One potential explanation is that the internal clock of the mice missing REV-ERB was running at odds with the 24-hour day, which led to metabolic stress on the body,” Lazar said. A way that was “fixed” was when the researchers adjusted the length of the mice’s “day” in the lab to match their malfunctioning internal clock: 21-hour days with 10.5-hour cycles of light and dark to match their 21-hour internal clock. When this happened, the mice with the altered clocks no longer were as susceptible to the ill-effects of the unhealthy diet. That correction seemed to fall in line with the circadian desynchrony theory: Once the internal clock and the day lined up again, metabolism appeared to operate at its normal, healthy rate. “This may be a lesson for how to prevent or reduce obesity and diabetes in shift workers,” Lazar explained. “For example, timing of meals to better match the shift worker’s own clock could be of benefit. That would also be consistent with a number of studies in mice and people that have suggested that eating at specific times of day may improve weight control and metabolism.” Moving forward, Lazar, Adlanmerini, and their team feel that potentially finding biomarkers which could be tested for and indicate how a person’s internal clock is running would be key. “Information like that could then be matched to decisions about when to eat, much as blood sugar monitoring can help a diabetic understand when they should be taking more insulin,” said Lazar. To read the original article click here.

The post A ‘Dented’ Internal Clock Provides Insight Into Shift Workers’ Weight Gain and Diabetes appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.