A new study suggests that a fondness for well-known fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage brands can predict poorer diet quality, even among those who rate these brands as unhealthy. The research found that participants who liked fast-food brands not only consumed more fat and sugar but also tended to perceive those brands as healthier.
A new Drexel-led study introduces a culinary medicine program for caregivers of children with cancer, which improves nutrition and overall well-being. The program combines live virtual culinary workshops and individualized coaching to help families address treatment-related nutrition challenges.
A new study identified why men struggle with weight loss, finding traditional diet programs are often perceived as too restrictive and female-focused. Support from spouses and incorporating sport or physical activity may be key to successful weight-loss initiatives tailored for men.
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%.
Adults who continued to eat pork while participating in a 6-month digital weight management program lost a clinically significant 5.3% of starting body weight and improved their overall diet quality scores by 4.3 points. This study challenges the notion that pork is automatically off-limits within a healthier eating plan.
A new USDA listing provides standardized nutrition data for watermelon rind, complementing the nutrient-rich flesh and offering a simple way to reduce food waste. The data reveals that 1/3-cup serving of diced raw watermelon rind contains just 10 calories and provides 1 gram of dietary fiber.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics identifies chrononutrition as a viable approach for postpartum weight loss. The research found that time-based eating approaches, such as time-restricted eating, can be an effective strategy for mild calorie restriction and cardiometabolic health postpartum.
Researchers propose using the glucose ketone index (GKI) to track metabolic health in non-communicable diseases, which cause three in four deaths worldwide. The GKI measures blood glucose and ketones and may indicate metabolic state, assess long-term nutritional adherence, and support mitochondrial function improvement.
NUTRITION 2026 brings together thousands of researchers and health professionals to share new evidence on protein needs, infant formula regulation, microbiome mysteries, and more. The meeting features over 1,650 scientific studies and provides a platform for experts to discuss the future of nutrition science.
Dr. Mey directs the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization (MENU) Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical, researching precision nutrition and metabolic health. He will represent Pennington Biomedical and the Academy as a Media Spokesperson.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health identifies simple food substitutions that can improve meal nutritional quality and lower costs. By analyzing 135,491 meal records, researchers trained an AI model to suggest one to three ingredient swaps, resulting in a 10% improvement in nutritional quality and a 22-34% reduction in costs.
NUTRITION 2026 will feature new, unpublished research findings relevant to consumer choices, clinical practice and public policy. The meeting is the premier place to dig deep into the discourse on what we eat and why it matters.
A recent study found that a 10-week nutrition and body image intervention program improved eating behaviors, physical activity, and body image among women undergoing substance use treatment. The program also reduced disordered eating behaviors and weight-related concerns.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026
A long-term MRI study finds that lower accumulation of visceral fat is associated with preservation of key brain structures, better cognitive performance, and slower brain atrophy. The study suggests that glucose control and insulin sensitivity mediate the relationship between abdominal fat and brain aging.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that eating creates a temporary metabolic state that influences T cell function, leading to improved responses to infection. The findings have particular relevance for cancer immunotherapy and may inform when immune cells are collected or activated.
Researchers found distinct gut microbiome characteristics that predicted treatment response to the low FODMAP diet and rifaximin. Patients who responded to these treatments had different microbial signatures, with increases in diversity for those on the low FODMAP diet and resilience against antibiotics for those on rifaximin.
A new study by the University of Technology Sydney and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School found that dietary patterns and a history of appendix removal are strongly associated with Alzheimer's risk. The research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from neurodegeneration.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a Food is Medicine and food literacy education program improved food-related knowledge and practical skills among rural, uninsured adults with type 2 diabetes. The Fresh Start FIM + Food Literacy intervention showed significant overall improvements i...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026
Complimentary press passes are available for NUTRITION 2026, a flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, featuring new nutrition research and policy-relevant findings. Journalists can access a virtual newsroom with embargoed press materials before the meeting.
A new study found that older men are more likely to reach for saltshakers than women, who's behavior is influenced by factors such as diet quality and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of reducing salt consumption, particularly in industrialized foods.
Researchers found that adults who followed routine eating patterns lost more weight than those with varied diets. Those who repeated many of the same foods lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight, compared to 4.3%. Greater calorie consistency was also linked to better results.
Eating ultra-processed foods is associated with slower embryo growth, smaller yolk sacs, and increased subfertility risk. Reducing UPF consumption around conception and pregnancy may improve fertility outcomes for both parents and embryos.
A $3.4 million NIH grant will fund a semi-automated feedback system to support people tracking diet, exercise, and weight in weight-management programs. The system aims to provide personalized feedback to increase tracking and weight loss success.
A study by Tufts researchers found that people who maintained unhealthy behaviors into adulthood gained the most weight, while those with healthy patterns gained the least. The study tracked Tufts students from precollege to adulthood and found that lifestyles during this critical window are often maintained, influencing long-term heal...
A Pennington Biomedical researcher published an editorial on the benefits of fruit intake for vascular health, citing a study on increasing fruit intake with avocados and mangos. The findings suggest that diets rich in fruits can improve nutrient status and health outcomes, aligning with the goals of the Food Is Medicine initiative.
Higher ultraprocessed food consumption in Canadian preschoolers was associated with increased emotional symptoms by age 5. Replacing UPF with minimally processed foods may support healthier behavioral development and long-term mental health.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that food shortages trigger a coordinated system to uphold immune function while conserving energy. Calorie-restricted mice fought off infection using very little glucose, thanks to glucocorticoids, which reorganized immune cells and their energy usage.
A recent study found that home-delivered groceries can significantly improve blood sugar control among adults with type 2 diabetes who experience food insecurity. The program provided culturally relevant, medically tailored groceries and education materials, leading to a clinically meaningful reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2025
A University of California, Riverside-led study found a community-based health program improving lifestyle changes in low-income, rural Latinas. The program, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva!, combined health education, cooking demos, and exercise, resulting in increased healthy habits, weight loss, and improved chronic disease management.
Researchers found that everyday routines in early infancy can shape later obesity risk. A new study from Penn State suggests that a handful of routines around feeding, sleep and play during the first two months of an infant's life can be linked to higher weight just a few months later. The EHL tool helps pediatricians identify specific...
The University of Cincinnati has received a $985,000 grant to test Healthy Eating for My Infant (HEMI), a community-based intervention promoting healthy eating and feeding practices for children 0-12 months. HEMI aims to address specific risk factors and barriers faced by low-income families. The NIH-funded study will enroll 60 infants...
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.
A Northwestern University study found that Chicago parents have low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, with women consuming even lower amounts. This deficiency may have direct negative effects on children's health, including preterm birth risk.
A new study found that 2/3 people with chronic pain reach for comfort foods to cope, offering pleasure, distraction, and relief from negative emotions. However, this can lead to weight gain, which worsens pain and increases health risks.
A study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that group-based and online lifestyle counselling can help middle-aged and older men adopt healthier dietary habits, leading to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Those with a high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes saw the most significant benefits from fibre-rich diets.
A new study warns that PFAS, used in products since the 1940s, persist in soil, water, crops, and livestock for decades, accumulating in edible plants and livestock. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to immune system suppression, liver and kidney toxicity, hormone disruption, and certain cancers.
Researchers found that consuming cruciferous vegetables improved glycaemic control and reduced sugar spike variability in non-diabetic adults with elevated blood pressure. The study suggests incorporating these vegetables into dietary recommendations for better blood sugar regulation.
A new study published in Nutrients found that both whole and refined grain foods can contribute to improved dietary patterns and health. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 Americans and identified healthy grain foods based on nutrient density, fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
A new clinical guideline aims to improve growth, long-term survival, and development of neonates with enterostomy. The PONS-NE guideline recommends early enteral nutrition, specific feeding protocols, and monitoring for fluid imbalance, among other key recommendations.
A new study reveals that the human gut microbiota can pinpoint an individual's city of residence with high accuracy, strongly linked to each city's characteristic diet. The researchers identified unique microbial signatures and interaction networks between cities in China, shedding light on how local environments shape our inner biology.
A pilot study evaluated Nutri, a clinical decision support tool for brief diet counseling in safety-net clinics. PCPs found the system usable and satisfactory, while patients effectively engaged with the intervention.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 9, 2025
The June Small Shifts campaign focuses on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into daily meals and snacks, leading to energy, mood, and immune function improvements. By making simple changes, such as adding berries or carrot sticks, individuals can make a big impact on their overall health.
A high-fiber plant-based diet improved health markers that could delay the progression of precancerous conditions and multiple myeloma. The study showed significant improvements in dietary quality, weight loss, metabolic markers, inflammation, and gut microbiome diversity.
A new study found that adopting the MIND diet is linked with reduced dementia risk, even among older adults. Those who improved their adherence to the diet over time showed a greater pattern of risk reduction.
A Dana-Farber study found that patients with stage III colon cancer who consumed an anti-inflammatory diet had longer overall survival post-treatment compared to those on a proinflammatory diet. Engaging in higher levels of physical activity also amplified the positive influence on survival.
A new study finds that fathers who ate healthier during their teenage years were more likely to encourage positive food habits in their children. The researchers also discovered that the children of these fathers were significantly more likely to meet dietary recommendations for fruits and vegetables.
The American Society for Nutrition released a clinical advisory outlining eight key nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy, including personalized diets, micronutrient prevention, and adequate protein intake. Studies have shown that patients receiving combined pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions achieve greater weight lo...
A Japanese study found that choosing the right type of meal can extend meal duration and encourage more mindful eating. Researchers discovered that traditional bento-style meals with individual components promoted longer meal times and more chewing compared to fast food.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that healthy childhood diets are associated with delayed onset of menstruation, independent of body mass index (BMI) or height. The research suggests that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer.
Researchers discovered that a high-fat diet activates mechanisms facilitating breast cancer metastasis by promoting platelet activation and fibronectin expression, creating a fertile breeding ground for tumor cells to take root. This study provides new insights into the relationship between obesity and breast cancer spread.
A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.
A cross-sectional study found that TV football game food ads are often high in sodium, calories, and fat content. This can pose a risk to adults with pre-existing heart conditions, who may be vulnerable to dietary deviations due to frequent exposure to advertising.
A study of over 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers found that two-thirds of adults with food allergies and three-quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy. The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost, highlighting the need for free or low-cost support.
A panel of experts recommends 36 nutrition competencies for US medical students and physician trainees to improve patient health outcomes and address diet-related diseases. The proposed competencies cover six categories, including foundational knowledge, assessment and diagnosis, and collaborative support.
A study by the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center found that only 23% of heart attack patients received dietary counseling within 90 days of hospitalization. Nutrition counseling, often provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, may reduce cardiovascular risk for patients.
Research from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that poor diet quality among adolescents is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity and related diseases. The study suggests that promoting nutrition knowledge is necessary to prevent these health risks.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2023
The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health offers a 12-month lifestyle program combining evidence-based nutrition education with culinary learning to support behavior change. Participants will attend in-person and virtual classes, including hands-on cooking lessons, physical activity guidance, and mindfulness education.
A new study found that only about 3% of adults in England with overweight or obesity were referred to publicly funded weight management programs. The study also showed large regional differences in access to these programs, with some areas having much higher rates of referral.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery leads to an increase in caries and periodontitis, as well as alterations in salivary inflammatory markers. The study's findings emphasize the importance of dental assessment for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
A new study found that 12% of Americans are responsible for eating half of all beef consumed on a given day. The study analyzed data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that these individuals, mostly men or those between 50-65 years old, eat disproportionately large amounts of beef.