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How you feel about fast-food brands can predict overall diet quality

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Health Communication·TypeSurvey·DateSep 10, 2026

Protein linked to cell death may also drive liver cancer

Research identifies MLKL as a protein that helps drive liver cancer associated with obesity-related fatty liver disease by reducing mitochondrial function, promoting tumor development. Removing MLKL reduces liver tumors but not fatty liver or liver inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

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

Large-scale European study indicates link between ultra-processed foods and higher levels of ‘bad’ fatty acids in the blood

A large European study found a correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and increased levels of harmful fatty acids in the blood. The study, which analyzed data from 15,200 participants, suggests that ultra-processed foods may contribute to metabolic stress and potential health risks.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2026

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.

Mouse study suggests high-fat diets during pregnancy worsen severe gi illness in preterm babies

Researchers found that mice fed high-fat diets during pregnancy developed more severe symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis and had poorly developed intestines. The study suggests a link between maternal obesity and diabetes, as well as maternal diet, to the development of this deadly condition in preterm babies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMay 7, 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

Researchers clarify how ketogenic diets treat epilepsy, guiding future therapy development

A new review outlines the scientific explanations behind ketogenic diets' therapeutic benefits for epilepsy, including their ability to strengthen brain energy systems, reduce inflammation, and protect neurons. The review highlights the need for further research, particularly in adults, to develop new therapies that mirror the diet's e...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMar 11, 2026

Study explains how ketogenic diets prevent seizures

A ketogenic diet causes physical changes in brain cells that affect how they send information to one another, dampening the strength of signals between them. This quieter neural landscape might explain how the diet calms overactive electrical signaling characteristic of epileptic seizures.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Nation's first state-level SNAP fresh produce incentive program shows promise and room to grow

A Brown-led study of Rhode Island's Eat Well, Be Well Incentive Program found modest increases in fruit and vegetable consumption among participants, but highlights the need for better awareness and access to the program. The program aims to encourage healthy eating by giving SNAP recipients $0.50 back for every $1 spent on fresh produce.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 25, 2025

Ganoderma lucidum alleviates high-fat diet-induced hepatic lipotoxicity via modulating the unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum-phagy

This study investigates the effects of a long-term high-fat diet on lipid metabolism and hepatic lipotoxicity. Ganoderma lucidum alleviates HFD-induced liver injury by modulating the unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum-phagy, reducing serum lipids and improving cell viability in primary hepatocytes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateOct 16, 2025

Could dietary changes -- even after obesity -- help prevent pancreatic cancer?

A new study from the University of California, Davis found that switching from a high-fat to a low-fat diet slowed precancerous changes in the pancreas, even after weight gain and precancerous changes began. Researchers observed normalized gut microbiome, gene expression, and intercellular communication after dietary change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Gut bacteria and acetate, a great combination for weight loss

A study published in Cell Metabolism finds that a combination of gut bacteria and acetate reduces obesity in mice. The researchers discovered that the specific combination of Bacteroides species and acetate leads to increased fat burning and reduced sugar storage, resulting in weight loss.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2025

High-fat, high-sugar diets impact cognitive function

Research from the University of Sydney finds that high-fat, high-sugar diets can impair brain function, specifically location memory and spatial navigation. Participants who consumed fewer fatty and sugary foods were better able to navigate virtual reality mazes and recall locations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2025

High-fat diet promote breast cancer metastasis in animal models

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Missing protein keeps mice slim, even on a high-fat diet

Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Relationship between sleep and nutrition with app data: A large-scale study

A large-scale study examined the relationship between nutrients and sleep using data from people who used mobile applications to track their eating and sleeping habits. The results showed that participants with high protein, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had improved sleep outcomes.

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

New study further illuminates ability of cancer drug to lower blood sugar

A new study reveals that a cancer drug can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels, but eliminating a specific gene related to fat metabolism worsens insulin resistance. The research highlights the interconnectedness of fat metabolism in organs and the need for simultaneous treatment of obesity and insulin sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Understanding the cellular mechanisms of obesity-induced inflammation and metabolic dysfunction

The study reveals that TM4SF19 protein inhibits a pump in lysosomes, impeding macrophage clearance of dead cells. Macrophages lacking TM4SF19 demonstrate enhanced efficacy in clearing dead adipocytes, reducing weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. The findings may open new avenues for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Study links long-term consumption of reused deep-fried oil with increased neurodegeneration

Rats consuming reheated sesame or sunflower oil showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, leading to significant damage in the colon and changes in endotoxins. The study suggests that long-term deep-fried oil consumption may contribute to neurodegeneration and highlight the need for further research on this topic.

Saturated fat may interfere with creating memories in aged brain

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that saturated fats can interfere with the creation of new memories in aged brains. However, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, may help protect brain cells from fat-related inflammation. The study used cell cultures and brain tissue from aging mice to explore the effects of...

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023