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What wastewater says about what we eat and who we are

Researchers analyzed wastewater samples from 19 communities across North Carolina, revealing patterns of plant and animal consumption influenced by economics, immigration, and geography. The study demonstrates the potential for wastewater surveillance to track nutrition trends and identify gaps in food access.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Study identifies chrononutrition as a viable approach for postpartum weight loss

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2026

Weight loss drugs could help with binge eating disorder

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that weight loss drugs can reduce key symptoms of binge eating disorder, including binge eating episodes, loss-of-control eating, and emotional eating. The study suggests that these medications could be an important part of treatment plans for people with binge eating disorder.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 15, 2026

Eating an avocado a day lowers heart disease risk factor for people with obesity

A six-month study found that regular avocado consumption was associated with a reduced concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the blood, corresponding to an approximate 4% reduction in heart disease risk. This modest reduction indicates that anyone with obesity could benefit from avocado consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Low-protein, amino acid-supplemented ‘longevity diet’ linked to longer healthy lifespan, lower fat mass and frailty risk, and better metabolic health

A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Can’t stick to a diet? Try intermittent fasting for weight loss

A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that participants on an intermittent fasting diet lost around seven kilograms in six months, compared to two kilograms lost by those on the standard diet. The researchers suggest that this diet may drive weight loss through different psychological and behavioural pathways.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 16, 2026

Could the rise of weight-loss drugs reshape food markets in the Global South?

The rapid rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in high-income countries could lead to a shift in food purchasing patterns and marketing strategies. This could result in stronger corporate lobbying, more aggressive marketing, and expansion into urban markets in low- and middle-income countries.

Plant-forward and low-insulinemic diets may help reduce weight gain and obesity risk during menopause, long-term study finds

A large study of nearly 40,000 women found that plant-based diets with lower insulinemic potential can help women manage their weight and reduce the risk of obesity during menopause. Women who followed a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and vegetables had a significantly lower risk of developing obesity.

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

Colorectal cancer risk linked to gut microbiome alterations

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that gut microbiome alterations persist even after adenoma removal, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers discovered that diet and physical activity were closely tied to CRC-associated gut microbes, suggesting lifestyle habits may contribute to sustained risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Vitamin C may help prevent cancer

A University of Waterloo study uses mathematical modelling to explore how Vitamin C affects digestion-related cancer risk. The research suggests that consuming Vitamin C-rich foods like leafy greens may decrease cancer risk, while taking supplements after meals could have a moderate positive effect.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMay 20, 2026

Is “yo‑yo dieting” really harmful? New analysis challenges long‑standing assumptions about weight cycling

Weight loss followed by weight regain, known as 'yo-yo dieting,' is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The authors found that benefits of losing weight outweigh the theoretical risks of weight cycling in most cases. Repeated attempts at weight loss can provide meaningful periods of improved metabolic health and quality of life.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 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

New clinical trial shows vegan diet dramatically cuts food-related emissions—with major health benefits

A new randomized clinical trial shows that a low-fat vegan diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly three times more than a Mediterranean diet. The study also found significant improvements in key cardiometabolic outcomes, with the majority of environmental gains driven by eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

Plant-based diet cuts climate impact by more than half, randomized clinical trial shows

A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition shows that adopting a low-fat vegan diet can rapidly reduce environmental impact while improving metabolic health. The 12-week randomized clinical trial found dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

How to remove a metabolic tattoo

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that exposure to high-fat diets induces persistent metabolic stress in killer T cells, but also discovered a pathway for protection through purine metabolism. By recycling xanthine, killer T cells can produce antioxidants to boost their ability to fight tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2026