Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Vellore cohort reveals India’s growing double burden of malnutrition in school-age children

A recent study found that Indian school-age children are facing two forms of malnutrition simultaneously: persistent thinness and rising obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity nearly tripled between ages seven and nine, underscoring the country's growing double burden of malnutrition.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2026

Can obesity make the brain age faster?

A new study investigates whether obesity contributes to faster brain aging and earlier memory decline. Researchers found that high K63 polyubiquitination levels in young obese rats matched those seen in older brains, suggesting a connection between obesity-induced and age-related memory loss.

You are what you eat — or are you?

A new mathematical model developed by Arizona State University researchers estimates how much of the calories people absorb from food, considering the role of gut microbes. The model, DAMM, suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbes contribute to an average of about 140 calories per day.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Physicists refute famous 2025 study claiming daylight saving time poses severe health risks

Professors José María Martín-Olalla and Jorge Mira Pérez refute the 2025 study linking Daylight Saving Time to negative health outcomes, citing a critical error in methodology. The original study's conclusions were based on an incorrect calculation of daily readjustments, which resulted in a zero annual cumulative total.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2026

Food Fortification prevents 7 billion nutrient gaps annually—but could triple its impact, landmark study finds

A landmark study found that food fortification prevents approximately 7 billion nutrient gaps annually at a cost of just 18 cents per person. However, the study identified three priority actions to dramatically expand food fortification programs, including improving compliance and expanding coverage in high-need regions.

SourceGlobal Alliance for Improved Nutrition·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMar 25, 2026

Study confirms food fortification is highly cost-effective in fighting hidden hunger across 63 countries

A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.

SourceCochrane·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

Evidence behind intermittent fasting for weight loss fails to match hype

A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2026

School feeding programs lead to modest but meaningful results

A new Cochrane review found that free or subsidized school meals slightly improve math achievement and enrolment rates in low- and middle-income countries. School feeding programs also likely contribute to small gains in physical growth indicators, but evidence from high-income countries is limited.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 10, 2025

Changing the sweet taste of someone’s diet has no impact on their sweet tooth or health, study suggests

A new trial found that increasing or decreasing sugar intake in a person's diet has no effect on their preference for sweet foods. Researchers suggest that public health advice may need to focus on reducing sugar and energy-dense foods, rather than eliminating all sweet options.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2025

Metabolic roots of memory loss

Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAging and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2025

Developing dehydration and other age-related conditions following major surgery linked to dramatically worse outcomes for older adults

A national study found that older adults who develop geriatric syndromes after major surgery face higher risks of poor outcomes, including complications, fewer days spent at home, and increased likelihood of dying within a year. The study emphasizes the need for specialized surgical care approaches to optimize outcomes for older adults.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 20, 2025

Eat, explore, rest: a leptin-sensing brain circuit helps overcome anxiety to meet vital needs

A new study has identified a leptin-sensitive brain circuit in the lateral hypothalamus that helps animals overcome anxiety to perform essential behaviors such as eating, exploring, and limiting maladaptive hyperactivity. Boosting the activity of these neurons can restore adaptive choices even under conditions that cause anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2025

Tiny cell messengers in obese individuals accelerate Alzheimer’s-linked plaque buildup in the brain

A new study found that adipose-derived extracellular vesicles, tiny cell messengers in obese individuals, accelerate the buildup of amyloid-β plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope targeting these tiny cell messengers could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in people with obesity.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

Weight loss treatments for people with diabetes and obesity could lower the risk of obesity-related cancers

A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that weight loss treatments, including medication and surgical procedures, may help lower the risk of obesity-related cancers in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 180,000 people and found a significant reduction in cancer incidence ...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalDiabetes Obesity and Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2025

New study shows ongoing support helps people keep weight off after dieting

A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that regular phone support after losing weight is crucial for maintaining weight loss. Participants who received monthly phone calls maintained an average of 8% weight loss from their starting weight, with about 60% keeping off at least 5% of their initial weight.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 22, 2025

Can a healthy gut microbiome help prevent childhood stunting?

Researchers found that children with stable gut microbiomes tend to have better growth outcomes. The study created the first-ever pediatric undernutrition microbial genome catalog, which can predict and prevent malnutrition. This discovery opens the door to new diagnostics and therapeutics for addressing global child stunting issues.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 9, 2025

UH study finds positive childhood experiences protect against disordered eating

A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdversity and Resilience Science·DateAug 13, 2025

Adolescent girls who have weight concerns despite not being obese are more likely to also experience depression and suicidality, per Korean survey of more than 50,000 middle and high school students

A Korean survey of over 50,000 middle and high school students found that adolescent girls with weight concerns are at higher risk for depression and suicidality. The study highlights the importance of addressing body image issues in young females to prevent mental health problems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateAug 6, 2025

New research shows Americans can’t tell healthy processed foods from unhealthy ones

A recent survey found that 39% of respondents incorrectly identified all processed foods as unhealthy. However, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that it is not processed plant foods but rather meat consumption associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJul 8, 2025

A nutritional epigenetics study protocol indicates changes in prenatal ultra-processed food intake may reduce lead and mercury exposures to prevent autism and ADHD

A new nutritional epigenetics study protocol aims to reduce lead and mercury exposures in pregnant women to prevent childhood autism and ADHD. The protocol provides a valid method for measuring changes in ultra-processed food intake and diet, which may impact child neurodevelopment.

SourceFood Ingredient and Health Research Institute·JournalWorld Journal of Experimental Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2025

Energy deficiency impacts collegiate running performance

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that chronic energy deficiency in collegiate female endurance runners negatively impacts their performance and training benefits. Runners with insufficient energy intake had slower race times and reduced training benefits, but these effects can be reversed by increasing calories.

SourcePenn State·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2025

Disordered eating and certain foods linked to higher risk for urinary incontinence in middle-aged women

A recent study found that disordered eating is associated with a higher risk of symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women. The research revealed that consuming highly processed ready-made foods and fast food increases the risk for stress urinary incontinence, while a higher quality diet decreases the risk.

Is this the new 5:2 diet?

Researchers at the University of Sydney recommend adopting a primarily plant-centric fibre-rich diet to enhance overall health and longevity. The plan involves incorporating more plant-based meals into one's diet, starting with two days a week and increasing to five days as recommended by Professor Luigi Fontana.

High BMI eligibility for semaglutide could cost Medicare an additional $145 billion annually

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that approximately 61% of Medicare-eligible adults have a BMI of 27 or higher, making them eligible for semaglutide. However, the number of patients who will be eligible depends on how cardiovascular disease is defined, with narrow definitions resulting in only 3.6 million people b...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 26, 2024

New molecules from IOCB Prague decrease appetite and protect the brain against Alzheimer’s-type diseases

Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed a new compound that suppresses appetite and protects the brain against Alzheimer's disease. The modified molecule, derived from the neuropeptide CART, is effective in reducing pathology associated with Alzheimer's.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2024