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Study of 5132 app users finds consistent food-tracking a strong predictor of clinically significant weight loss

A 6-month study of 5132 MyNetDiary users found that consistent food-tracking, even with fewer than 2 days per week, is associated with better weight loss outcomes. Users who tracked food 6-7 days per week lost an average of 11.33% of their body weight, while those who tracked only 2-3 days per week lost 7.35%.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 25, 2026

‘Fitspiration’ posts may do more harm than good for young adults – international study, led by Olympian, suggests

A new study suggests that fitspiration content on social media can lead to negative self-esteem, unhealthy dieting, and exercise habits among young adults. Researchers analyzed 26 studies involving 6,111 individuals across seven countries, finding that even brief exposure to idealized images can trigger harmful comparisons.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHealth Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

All-you-can-eat: Young adults and ultra-processed foods

A study published in Obesity found that young adults exposed to a diet high in ultra-processed foods ate more calories at an all-you-can-eat meal. The researchers, led by Brenda Davy and Alex DiFeliceantonio, used a controlled feeding study to investigate the effects of ultra-processed food on eating habits.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalObesity·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025

Mediterranean diet combined with calorie reduction and exercise may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly one-third

A Mediterranean-style diet, along with reduced caloric intake and moderate physical activity, has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 31%. The study found that participants in the intervention group lost an average of 3.3 kilograms and reduced their waist circumference by 3.6 centimeters.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal review highlights beneficial interplay between caloric restriction, sirtuins, and cardiovascular diseases

A recent review highlights the positive effects of caloric restriction on cardiovascular health, linked to sirtuin activation and improved lipid metabolism. The study suggests that caloric restriction regulates metabolic processes via NAD+ levels, activating SIRT1 and modulating cardio-protective pathways.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 28, 2024

Longer genes are linked to aging

Four studies conclude that longer genes are most susceptible to aging due to increased potential sites for DNA damage. Long genes have more sites for damage, making them prone to degradation with age, contributing to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Caloric restriction is known as a dietary intervention that can improve aging health, but this study shows that a dietary change from glucose to galactose, without restriction, can result in healthy aging in yeast

Researchers at PLOS discovered that a diet change from glucose to galactose can slow down aging in yeast, similar to the benefits of caloric restriction. The study found that this dietary shift maintains a youthful profile in ageing yeast cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 29, 2023

Good news! Only a modest reduction in added sugars consumption is needed to achieve the Healthy People 2030 target

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that reducing added sugars consumption by an average of 14 to 57 calories per day is sufficient to meet the Healthy People 2030 target. This represents just less than half of a 12-ounce soft drink, and requires minimal changes to dietary habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Weights can be weapons in battle against obesity

A recent study published in Obesity Reviews found that resistance training, in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet, can lead to significant fat mass and muscle loss. This breakthrough highlights the importance of considering non-aerobic exercise options for individuals struggling with obesity.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalObesity Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 15, 2022

Multiple treatments to slow age-related muscle wasting

Researchers have discovered a combination therapy that can delay sarcopenia, a condition where muscles shrink and strength declines with age. Calorie restriction and rapamycin have been shown to have additive benefits in mice, promoting healthy muscle function and physical capability.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

USC researchers find that interrupting a high-fat, high-calorie diet with regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet helps mice live a longer, healthier life

Researchers found that regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet in mice helped counteract the negative effects of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. The study suggests that this diet may have potential as 'medicine' to prevent obesity and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Higher fasting ‘hunger hormone’ levels from healthy diet may improve heart health and metabolism

A clinical trial found that a green Mediterranean diet rich in leafy greens like Mankai and green tea can elevate fasting ghrelin levels, reducing belly fat and improving insulin sensitivity. This approach may also have additional cardiometabolic benefits.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 2021

Eat less, live longer

A new study by Salk scientists shows that caloric restriction can protect against aging in cellular pathways, reducing inflammation and increasing life span. The study found that 57% of age-related changes in cell composition were not present in rats on a restricted diet.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 27, 2020

Eating less enables lemurs to live longer

A study on grey mouse lemurs found that chronic caloric restriction increased their median survival time to 9.6 years, compared to 6.4 years in control groups. Calorie restriction also delayed the onset of age-related pathologies and preserved motor capacities.

SourceCNRS·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

Eating less keeps the brain young

Italian scientists at Catholic University of Rome discovered a molecule called CREB1 triggered by low-calorie diets, activating genes linked to longevity and brain functioning. Caloric restriction has been shown to extend life and prevent brain diseases in mice.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011

Live longer with fewer calories

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified an enzyme required for caloric restriction to work effectively, which can slow down ageing and delay the development of age-related diseases. Increasing the production of another enzyme, Srx1, repairs damaged Prx1, potentially counteracting genetic defects and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 31, 2011

Eating less may not extend life

A new study found that caloric restriction does not extend the life of lean mice, contradicting previous findings. Obese mice, however, benefited from caloric restriction, suggesting it may be a useful strategy for weight loss. The researchers propose that energy expenditure and intake should be in balance.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 22, 2009