Bathroom scales not showing any change? Stop before you call your weight loss a failure
According to a recent study led by Anat Yaskolka Meir, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 761 people across three major studies were followed to understand the effects of weight loss on the body.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, followed the participants for a span of 18 to 24 months and analysed results intensive lifestyle programmes. It was observed that even when the participants were not dropping kilos off their bodies, they were making serious advancements in other health factors, such as protection from heart disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions.
The study was conducted on participants with an average age of 50 years, and their body mass indexes were followed through structured programs, including Mediterranean diets, low-carb plans, and exercise routines.
It was observed that healthy habits pay off more than we can see, or the bathroom scale can show. More than dropping body weight swiftly, following a healthy diet and a structured workout routine targeting weight loss can reap other health benefits.
Lead author Anat Yaskolka Meir from Harvard Chan School, in a statement said, 'We have been conditioned to equate weight loss with health, and weight loss-resistant individuals are often labeled as failures. Our findings reframe how we define clinical success. People who do not lose weight can improve their metabolism and reduce their long-term risk for disease. That's a message of hope, not failure.' Also read | Woman who lost 30 kg without hitting gym shares 5 daily habits that worked for her: Detox water to eliminating maida
The Internet has us believing that unless we fit into smaller clothes or watch drastic changes on the bathroom scale, our weight loss journeys are failures. However, the study throws light on how structured routines and healthy eating habits can influence overall wellbeing.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Milk Thistle: The ancient seeds that are even more nutritious than chia seeds and 2 easy ways to use them
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for over 2,000 years as a natural remedy, particularly for liver and gallbladder issues. The active compound, silymarin, is a powerful antioxidant with a range of health benefits. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here are 7 reasons you may want to include milk thistle in your daily diet, supported by scientific evidence. History of milk thistle Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has a long history of use dating back over 2,000 years, primarily in traditional European and Mediterranean medicine. Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides first documented its liver-healing properties around 40 A.D. In medieval times, it was widely used by herbalists to treat liver and gallbladder ailments, including jaundice and hepatitis. The plant's name stems from the milky white veins on its leaves and the legend that the Virgin Mary's milk once spilled onto the plant, giving it both its name and symbolic significance. Over time, milk thistle became a staple in folk remedies across Europe, eventually gaining scientific attention in the 20th century for its active compound, silymarin. Supports Liver Health Milk thistle is most renowned for its liver-protective properties. Silymarin helps detoxify the liver and may support regeneration of liver cells damaged by alcohol, toxins, or fatty liver disease. Study: A 2016 review published in Phytotherapy Research concluded that silymarin shows significant protective effects in patients with liver cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), improving liver enzyme levels and histology. Rich in Antioxidants Silymarin, a mix of flavonolignans, acts as a strong antioxidant that can help reduce oxidative stress, a major factor in aging and chronic diseases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It may neutralize free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation in cells. May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes Research suggests milk thistle can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce diabetic complications. Study: A randomized controlled trial published in Phytotherapy Research (2006) found that patients with type 2 diabetes who took silymarin for 4 months saw significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c compared to placebo. Boosts Skin Health The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of milk thistle may improve certain skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. It also protects the skin from UV-induced damage and supports collagen production. Promotes Heart Health By lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing inflammation, milk thistle may support cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that it helps improve lipid profiles and reduces risk of atherosclerosis. May Support Brain Function Silymarin may help prevent age-related decline by protecting brain cells against oxidative damage and inflammation. Preliminary studies indicate potential in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Aids in Digestive Health Milk thistle promotes bile production, which aids digestion and helps in the breakdown of fats. It may also relieve symptoms of indigestion and support gallbladder function, especially in people with sluggish digestion. How to add milk thistle seeds to the daily diet? Milk thistle can be easily incorporated into your daily diet in several forms—most commonly as a supplement in capsule or tablet form, standardized to contain silymarin. You can also drink milk thistle tea, made from crushed seeds or leaves, for a gentle daily detox. The powdered seeds can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt for a nutrient boost. Milk thistle extract or tincture can be taken with water or juice, as per dosage recommendations. For culinary use, roasted milk thistle seeds can be sprinkled over salads or added to granola, offering both flavor and health benefits.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Compound found in olive oil can kill cancer cells in 30 minutes
A Rutgers University and Hunter College study revealed that oleocanthal, a compound in extra-virgin olive oil, can kill cancer cells rapidly. The research, published in Molecular & Cellular Oncology, found that oleocanthal targets cancer cells' lysosomes, causing them to rupture and die within 30 minutes, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Olive oil, which is one of the star ingredients in a Mediterranean diet, often hailed as one of the world's healthiest eating patterns, is already known for its benefits to heart and brain health. But here's something even more surprising: it may also have powerful anticancer properties! A natural compound found in extra-virgin olive oil has been found to kill cancer cells in just 30 minutes. A study led by researchers from Rutgers University and Hunter College found that an ingredient in olive oil can potentially fight cancer. The study is published in the journal Molecular & Cellular Oncology in 2015. Olive oil and its anti-cancer properties Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a phenolic compound that may be key in targeting cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The study adds to the numerous health benefits of olive oil, including improving the immune system, protecting bones, and even reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, the concentration of oleocanthal differs in different varieties of olive oils, due to their origin, harvest time, and processing methods. The researchers tested a variety of olive oils to determine their respective concentrations of oleocanthal, which ranged from very low to very high. They found that olive oils with high oleocanthal content completely killed in vitro cancer cells like purified oleocanthal. Killing cancer cells Habit: Start the morning with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or drizzle it over your it works:Olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, which help increase HDL (good cholesterol).It also reduces hunger, preventing unnecessary Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, is linked to a lower risk of heart disease! In normal physiological conditions, cells die through a process called apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death. This process usually takes 16 to 24 hours. But when scientists Onica LeGendre, David Foster of Hunter College, and Paul Breslin of Rutgers University applied oleocanthal to cancer cells in the lab, the effect was far more immediate. The compound wiped out cancer cells of multiple types within just 30 minutes to an hour. That led researchers to believe that oleocanthal was working through a different mechanism. 6 Best oils for navel massage to boost health naturally 'We needed to determine if oleocanthal was targeting that protein and causing the cells to die,' Breslin, a professor of nutritional sciences at a university, said in a release. How it attacks cancer cells They found that the compound was killing the cancer cells' waste centers, known as lysosomes, which are larger than healthy cells and also more fragile. 'Once you open one of those things, all hell breaks loose,' Breslin added. They noticed that once oleocanthal did its damage, the crucial functions of the cell began to suffer, eventually leading to its death. What was even more surprising was that the healthy cells were unharmed. After oleocanthal 'put them to sleep' for a day, they rebounded as if nothing had happened. "We think oleocanthal could explain reduced [cancer] incidence in Mediterranean diets where consumption is high. And it is also possible that purified (higher-dose) could possibly be used therapeutically," Foster said. The researchers also added that they want to learn more about why oleocanthal targets and shrinks cancer cells specifically. 'We also need to understand why it is that cancerous cells are more sensitive to oleocanthal than non-cancerous cells,' Foster concluded.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
AIIMS doctor says cancer relapse can be prevented if you start with these 4 lifestyle habits
Cancer relapse refers to the reappearance of malignant cells after a period of remission. It can occur months to decades post-treatment, with metastatic latency (dormant cancer cells) being a key mechanism. Cancer can come back years later, even after a clean report but you can prevent it by adopting these 4 lifestyle modifications.(Image by Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Poonam Sharma, Associate Professor and Officiating Head - Department of Pathology at AIIMS Jammu, shared that relapse rates vary by cancer type: Breast cancer shows 10% locoregional relapse rates despite optimal treatment Non-metastatic Ewing sarcoma has 2-10 year relapse windows in many patients Early relapsed breast cancer (within 8 months) correlates with poor prognosis. Dr Poonam Sharma answered, 'Our genes can significantly affect the chances of a cancer returning. Some people inherit genetic mutations that make their cancer more likely to come back. For instance, certain mutations—such as those in the TP53 or PIK3CA genes—are commonly found in relapsed breast cancers. In other cases, new genetic changes can develop in cancer cells over time, making them more aggressive or resistant to treatment.' Findings suggest that night shifts disrupt natural 24-hour rhythms in the activity of certain cancer-related genes, making night shift workers more vulnerable to DNA damage while also causing the body's DNA repair mechanisms to be mistimed to deal with that damage.(Unsplash) She revealed, 'Researchers have also found that some inherited genetic variants can explain why certain groups of people are at higher risk for relapse. For example, specific genetic markers help explain why relapse rates differ between racial groups in childhood leukemia.' Genetics and cancer relapse Genetics matter more in some cancers than others. Dr Poonam Sharma explained, 'In breast cancer, for example, researchers have found that certain gene mutations are common in cases where the cancer comes back. Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, can also be more likely to return if certain genes are active. Bladder cancer and some childhood leukemias (like acute lymphoblastic leukemia) are also influenced by specific genetic factors.' The connection between diet and gene regulation highlights the potential for dietary interventions in preventing colorectal cancer.(AdobeStock) She added, 'In these cancers, knowing about your genetic makeup can help doctors personalize your care. For example, if you have a gene that increases your risk of relapse, your doctor might recommend more frequent check-ups or different treatments to help keep the cancer from returning.' Lifestyle and cancer relapse According to Dr Poonam Sharma, modifiable factors significantly affect outcomes: Diet: Western dietary patterns increase recurrence risk vs Mediterranean diets. Weight management: Obesity correlates with 30-40% higher mortality in survivors. Physical activity: Reduces all-cause mortality by 43% in cancer survivors. Substance avoidance: Smoking cessation lowers recurrence risk by 22%. Dr Poonam Sharma pointed out, 'While genetics determine baseline risk, lifestyle modifications can mitigate approximately 30% of relapse risk through metabolic regulation and immune modulation. Breast and colorectal cancers show particularly strong lifestyle interaction effects.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
