Diet

Can the make-up of your gut microbiome affect the success of a weight loss intervention? A unique new study is indicating this is certainly possible, identifying several mechanisms by which gut bacteria can either help or hinder weight loss.

New research has revealed a microbial mechanism connecting obesity with heart disease. The study describes how a high-fat diet damages intestinal cells, leading to more bad bacteria that produce metabolites known to contribute to cardiovascular disease.

A research review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition argues popular low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets are unhealthy for most people. The review rekindles a long-standing debate over the dangers of high-fat/low-carb dietary strategies.

A fascinating new study from researchers in Japan indicates our metabolism of dietary proteins is influenced by when we consume meals. The study found protein consumed early in the day promotes better skeletal muscle health and growth.

Given how meat-like some plant-based meat substitutes have become, it's understandable that many people are considering simply switching over to them. According to new research, however, the two food types are far from being nutritionally identical.

A trial testing fecal transplants in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome found the treatment was only beneficial when accompanied by non-fermentable fiber supplements. The trial saw improvements in insulin sensitivity 6 weeks after a fecal transplant.

UK and University of Otago researchers have presented a "world-first weight loss device," which attaches to the teeth and prevents patients from opening their mouths wider than 2 mm using "magnetic devices and custom-manufactured locking bolts."

A new study investigating how a low-calorie diet alters gut microbial populations is reporting unexpected results, finding a strange relationship between extreme caloric restriction and increased levels of a bacteria linked to inflammatory bowel disease.

A new systematic review of over 300 clinical trials has found little to no evidence any of over-the-counter weight loss supplements actually work, and the researchers are calling on regulatory authorities to take action.

A trial led by researchers from the University of Bath questions the value of popular fasting diets, finding a simple calorie-controlled diet is more effective at reducing weight. The trial also found fasting can lead to greater losses of muscle mass.

A study is offering insights into the nutritional, cardiovascular and growth differences between vegan, vegetarian and meat-eating children. It found vegans have healthier cardiovascular profiles but are shorter and display bone mineral deficiencies.

Researchers have identified an entirely new neural circuit that can be targeted to trigger satiation in mice, and even found that an already-approved ADHD drug confers its weight loss effects through this same pathway.