Latest news with #lifestylechanges
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Huge brand saved from going bust as it turns business around to sell weight loss jabs
WEIGHTWATCHERS has emerged from bankruptcy after slimming down its debts and pledges to combine weight-loss jabs with lifestyle changes. The company, now called WW International, filed for bankruptcy in the US in May in order to remove 1.15 billion US dollars (£840million) worth of debt from its balance sheet. 1 At the time, WeightWatchers said it was planning to emerge from bankruptcy in roughly 45 days. The company continued to operate as normal and there was no impact to members, workshops or their plans. The court process allowed it to restructure its finances and write off the debts, which made up more than 70% of the total amount. It also agreed new terms to pay back its lenders. WeightWatchers originally gained popularity due to its points system, which encouraged participants to make healthier food choices and manage their portion sizes. It grew to include an exercise regime, points system for food portions, weight-loss programs and fitness coaching. But it has struggled in recent years due to financial challenges and declining membership. Meanwhile, competition for weight loss products has grown fiercely as demand for quick-fix weight-loss injections under brand names including Mounjaro and Wegovy has increased. The chain also lost its most prominent spokeswoman, Oprah Winfrey, last year after the talkshow host announced that she was taking weight-loss medication. WeightWatchers' chief executive Tara Comonte has said the company needed to transform amid a 'rapidly evolving weight managing landscape'. It is also appointing a new board of directors. On Tuesday the group said it has hired physician Dr Kim Boyd as its new chief medical officer to help bring science into its products. Dr Boyd said she plans to combine the best of modern medicine, including weight loss jabs, with science-backed lifestyle changes and the WeightWatchers community to help deliver better results. Tara Comonte said it is a "pivotal moment for the group'. She added: 'In a landscape dominated by noise, quick fixes, and conflicting advice, WeightWatchers continues to lead as the most trusted, science-backed platform, proven to drive better results and lasting impact.' The company is also launching a new programme later this year to support women through perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. It will include personal nutrition and behavioural strategies. The move will help WeightWatchers address a broader gap in healthcare and meet the evolving needs of its members, it said. .
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Slimming World manager say groups needed more than ever
A SLIMMING World manager from Carlisle says slimming clubs are needed more than ever despite the growing popularity of weight loss medication. While the arrival of weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have changed the weight management landscape, Emma Davies, who runs groups at Carlisle United's Brunton Park, claims the drugs will 'never replace' weight-loss methods based on lifestyle changes. Emma became a Slimming World member in 2013 after realising she'd avoided having fun in the pool on holiday with her boys because of how she was feeling about her weight. She went on to lose 3-and-a-half stone over the next couple of years and, with hindsight, said she realised that not staying for support had an impact on her weight loss journey and knowing how to sustain her target weight. Sadly, Emma's dad was taken ill and passed away in November 2016 and she stopped going to group to be able to support him, quickly regaining the weight she'd lost. She found the necessary strength to start again in January 2017 and has been at her chosen target weight ever since - and credits that to staying to group. Two members of the Longtown group, Craig Richardson and Ken Forsyth, both joined Slimming World in January 2025. Both men joined for health reasons following close family and friends having heart attacks – they took the wake-up calls seriously. Before and after of Craig (Image: Supplied) Craig said: 'It's incredible to think back to those times looking at me now. Since joining group I've lost 8 stone 6-and-a-half pounds and I love that I've lost weight eating healthy everyday food that my family can enjoy too. I love the home cooking aspect – everything has a freshness and I love batch cooking. "My wife also loves the meals and the fact I now do all the cooking – meals like lasagne and beef curry are firm favourites. I was committed to changing my mindset and being in my group each week has helped me to think about food and my relationship with it differently. READ MORE: Criteria warning to patients as NHS Mounjaro rollout begins "It was tricky at first but now it comes naturally – being prepared is key. I've increased my physical activity too – I now enjoy walking, going to the gym, running, golf and I've even got back into rugby. "My health has improved massively – I have diverticulitis and flare ups have almost stopped; I've reversed my non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and I no longer have social anxiety - all thanks to my healthier diet and lifestyle. The support I've received has helped me to make my healthy new habits part of my daily life.' Before and after of Ken (Image: Supplied) Ken said: 'Being part of the Longtown group has been crucial to my success. Each week, I'd get a boost of motivation, fresh ideas and support from Emma and the other members which helped me to tackle challenges and kept my commitment strong. Having a good friend attend group with me has made it all the easier to stay focused. The accountability of the weekly group is important for me too – you often don't realise how well you're doing until people say so, and with the encouragement of others, I was able to stay on track week after week. "I do all the cooking at home and I love that my family can all enjoy the same family favourites like chicken curry and beef stroganoff. In the past I've rewarded myself with crisps and chocolate for losing weight – these days I reward myself with fresh strawberries and raspberries which in all honesty I enjoy more." Activity has become an important part of Ken's healthier lifestyle too and he now enjoys walking and golf – his knees are feeling the benefit of losing weight too – and he has much more energy to keep on top of the gardening. Emma said: 'While, of course, we know and our members are living proof that lasting weight loss can be achieved without drugs, we also understand that when you're desperate to lose weight, it can be tempting to try something new that promises instant results. "The truth is though there's no magic bullet – losing weight and maintaining that weight loss requires change. "Weight loss drugs need to go hand-in-hand with making changes to your diet, activity and mindset. They're not a replacement for those changes.' Mounjaro is an antidiabetic drug which lowers blood sugar levels and slows down how quickly food is digested. Earlier this week, GPs across England were given the green light to start prescribing Mounjaro for the first time, opening up the treatment to hundreds of thousands more people. About 220,000 people are expected to receive the jabs through the NHS over the next three years. It has raised the prospect that supermarkets could start to see a more pronounced dip in grocery sales. Those on the treatments consume as much as 30 per cent fewer calories, research has found. Weight loss drugs like Mounjaro have been hailed as transformative in some quarters. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet we now have the science, technology, and knowledge to end the obesity epidemic, if we seize this opportunity."
Health Line
13-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How Do You Manage Prediabetes?
You can manage prediabetes through simple steps that include exercise, eating, and weight management changes. This can also help prevent type 2 diabetes. Having prediabetes means you may be more at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This is a signal that you're blood sugar levels are higher but not enough to be diagnosed as T2D. You can take several steps to be healthier if you live with prediabetes, and improve your chances of preventing type 2 from ever developing. Establish balanced eating habits Your eating habits play a big role in prediabetes management, especially when it comes to both blood sugar levels and your overall weight goals. These also play a part in prediabetes and potential T2D development. You can: Keep an eating style that's rich in fiber and lean proteins. Limit carbs and portion sizes. Choose more whole foods and fewer processed foods, including beans, nuts, seeds, and other legumes. Get enough physical activity Staying regularly active can help you manage prediabetes and lower your risk of T2D. Experts recommend 30 minutes of any activity that raises your heart rate to your target rate. Diabetes experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that 30 minutes of exercise each day, along with nutritional changes and losing 5% to 7% of body weight, can make a difference. This is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), a long-term study that found this combination of lifestyle changes can lower your T2D risk and progression by 58% or more. Those daily activities may include: bike riding walking going to a gym participating in recreational sports Exercises for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes Try these top exercises to help manage prediabetes and any type of diabetes you may have. Be honest about weight management Having more body fat can increase your risk of prediabetes and developing T2D. As noted above, research shows that losing 5% to 7% of body weight can help reduce your risk for T2D and being able to reverse prediabetes. The American Diabetes Association points out that losing 10 to 15 pounds can make a difference. Learn more about weight management with prediabetes Weight management is a part of managing prediabetes, preventing T2D, and managing diabetes in general. Find out how this matters and what you can do each day. Can you reverse prediabetes and prevent T2D? Yes, you can reverse prediabetes and help prevent a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. While there is no guarantee, taking some of the above-mentioned steps can help make that a reality. The national Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed a 58% reduction of T2D risk in people who kept up with these lifestyle changes over the long term (exercise, eating, blood sugar management, and medications where appropriate). That research began in 2002 and followed thousands of people over the years, with studies continuing to monitor the results over time. Other lifestyle tips to reverse prediabetes naturally You can also take many other steps to help naturally manage and reverse prediabetes. Take a look at these helpful ideas to benefit your health and life with prediabetes. The takeaway You can manage prediabetes and prevent T2D through simple steps that include exercise, eating, and weight management changes. There are also many ways you can help reverse prediabetes, including managing stress and minding your mental health.
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Experts reveal factors that accelerate your biological age
Biological age, unlike chronological age, reflects how well your body functions based on lifestyle, stress, and cellular health, and can be reversed through lifestyle changes. Experts like Dr. Mattias Bernow and Dr. Mohammed Enayat emphasize that factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, lack of exercise, and ultra-processed foods accelerate biological aging by increasing inflammation. Simple lifestyle adjustments such as quality sleep, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and meaningful relationships can slow down biological aging. Supplements like protein, collagen, fish oil, magnesium, creatine, and polyphenols can support healthy aging when used thoughtfully alongside healthy habits, but should not replace them. Determining biological age requires blood tests that analyze DNA methylation patterns, such as the Horvath Clock, GlycanAge, and DunedinPACE, with experts advocating for consistency in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle over extreme measures.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Daily Habits Doctors Say Will Help You Live Longer
All products featured on Self are independently selected by Self editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate practically any doctor about how to live longer, and they'll point you toward the textbook healthy habits: Cut back on sugary and salty processed foods in favor of whole, fresh ones; quit smoking; cool it on the alcohol; and get in some regular exercise. However unsexy such recommendations may be, it's these routine behaviors—not longevity fads like fancy biometric testing or IV drips of liquid supplements—that have the most evidence behind them for helping you eke out more years and ward off illness too. Of course, the tricky part is putting big lifestyle changes into practice. It's hard to know where to start…and tempting to just throw up your hands if you don't have time to implement all of the things. But according to the experts, you don't actually need to overhaul your life. 'I've seen in my practice that little changes can make a real difference over time,' Jeffrey Boone, MD, a board-certified internist and founder and medical director of Boone Heart Institute, in Colorado, tells SELF. In fact, approaching all facets of your lifestyle with moderation may be the best tack. 'To get too obsessed with one thing or another, whether it's an extreme diet or excessive exercise routine, is not necessarily a marker of longevity,' Deborah M. Kado, a board-certified internist and co-director of the Stanford Longevity Center, tells SELF. Read on to find the small, actually doable behaviors that can extend your lifespan, according to doctors who specialize in longevity—and the science that proves they work. Exercise gets top billing in the realm of longevity-boosting habits—its claim to fame has long come from its heart-protective powers, but it's arguably the number-one thing you can do to safeguard your brain too. Yes, it's great to abide by the general US guidelines: at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobics per week, as well as strength training on at least a couple days a week. But even much smaller chunks could meaningfully add to your lifespan. Research has shown that 15 minutes of low-key exercise a day is linked with a three-year-longer life expectancy; and just 20 minutes of heart-pumping activity a week may cut your risk of dying from heart disease by as much as 40%. More exercise generally increases those benefits, but the point is, little bits can really add up. It's the reason Dr. Kado says 'keeping active' is the most important thing, not necessarily 'becoming a gym rat.' Daily walking is one way to do that, she says. And pumping up the intensity of that walk can stretch its benefits: A 2022 study found that notching more high-key exercise (not just more movement in general)—for instance, doing a brisk 7-minute walk versus a 14-minute saunter—is linked with lower heart disease risk. Embedding more movement into your everyday routines also counts, even if it's not capital-E exercise, Joseph Antoun, MD, PhD, MPP, a longevity researcher and CEO of longevity-focused nutritech company L-Nutra, tells SELF. It's easy to spend the better part of the day relatively immobile, thanks to facets of modern-day society, he points out: We can take an elevator, order food to our door, perhaps toss trash down the chute. Instead, be intentional about, say, opting for the stairs or taking a slightly longer route on your commute or when stepping out to lunch. Better yet if you move with gusto and get a little breathy. Research has shown that in folks who don't exercise, doing one- or two-minute bursts of vigorous movement about three or four times a day is linked with 18% lower risk of cancer and as much as 40% reduced risk of dying from cancer and from any other cause (as compared to folks who didn't do the intense activity spurts). It turns out, the age-old adage about breakfast being the most important meal of the day has some real credence—it could help you live longer. A bunch of studies have shown that bypassing this first hit of food can put you more at risk from developing or dying from various types of heart disease and stroke. And on the flip side, regularly eating breakfast has been tied to lower overall and heart-related mortality, particularly when that meal includes fiber. At a basic physiological level, we're designed to function best with an influx of fuel in the morning, Dr. Antoun points out. 'Breakfast nourishes your essential organs when they need it the most.' You have to power your brain and heart for the day of thinking and moving ahead of you. It may also kickstart your metabolism, helping your cells better respond to insulin (a hormone that tells them to take up sugar from your blood). There's also a bit of evidence that routinely noshing on that morning meal can quiet inflammation and reduce blood pressure. By contrast, skipping breakfast could set off your stress response (by starving your body when it needs energy), ticking your blood pressure up. Not to mention, it could mean you wind up eating more food later in the day—which is also linked with greater mortality, perhaps because it futzes with your circadian rhythm. Shifting your diet in the direction of more whole plant foods may help you live longer by slashing your risk of several big hitters: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and multiple types of cancer. That effect probably springs in part from the nutrients you're getting from fruits and veg (like vitamins, minerals, and fiber) and in part from what you're consuming less of (like not-so-healthy animal fats and sugary or salty packaged products). But if you're looking for the most longevity bang for your buck, it may be wise to focus especially on the deeply and brightly colored plants, according to Michael Greger, MD, lifestyle medicine physician, author of How Not to Age, and founder of He calls out dark leafy greens (like kale, spinach, and arugula) and berries, in particular, as longevity powerhouses. Research has linked eating 80 to 100 grams of these greens (two to three cups raw or half a cup cooked) daily with a 25% lower risk of overall mortality and a slower rate of cognitive decline with age. And consuming various kinds of berries has been associated with a 21% lower risk of dying from any cause as opposed to bypassing them. One possible reason why? These and other intensely colored plants are jam-packed with antioxidants, which can reduce the inflammation at the root of many chronic diseases. (In particular, they help neutralize volatile free radicals, which can build up in the body from the wear and tear of daily life, or things like stress and sun exposure.) The leafy greens could also offer an extra dose of protection for your heart. They're a rich source of naturally occurring nitrates, Dr. Greger notes. The body can turn these compounds into nitric oxide, which basically acts like a chill pill for your heart, helping relax blood vessels and boost circulation. It's no wonder a 2024 review of studies found that even a 'moderate' intake (less than a serving per day on average) of these greens is linked with a 15% reduction in heart disease risk and nearly 50% lower risk of dying from it. A couple studies tracking the health outcomes of daily nut-eaters have found that this group has up to a 20% lower death rate than their nut-avoiding peers. And a 2022 review on the topic concluded that munching on 28 grams (a palm-sized scoop) of nuts per day is linked with a 22% reduction in mortality from any cause. It's the reason Dr. Greger names routine nut intake among his top diet tips for longevity (for folks who aren't allergic). Much of that lifespan boost is likely tied to nuts' cardiovascular upsides—after all, research shows regularly eating nuts is also associated with significantly lower odds of getting or dying from heart disease and stroke, specifically. Why? They contain a few components, like unsaturated fats and bioactive plant compounds, that tamp down on 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of plaque buildup in your arteries. Among their healthy fats are the oft-lauded omega-3 fatty acids, which also help lower inflammation and support the function of your blood vessels. Not to mention, nuts are packed with antioxidant vitamins and minerals that could lend a hand to your heart and other body systems too. Regularly snacking on any nuts can nab you these longevity-boosting benefits, but walnuts may be the healthiest, Dr. Greger points out. These super-nuts are especially high in omega-3s and antioxidants, so they're a smart choice whether you prefer them solo or as part of a mix. Anything that helps you conk out and sleep soundly each night can also help you live longer—research has shown that regularly getting quality shuteye can add two to five years to your life expectancy. Keeping the temperature of your bedroom a brisk 60 to 67°F is one way to shuttle your body more quickly into snoozeland and help you get more deep (or slow-wave) sleep, Dr. Antoun says, which is where the longevity magic happens. During slow-wave sleep, the brain 'clears out a lot of the physiological debris that is created through our everyday bodily functions,' Linda Ercoli, PhD, a geriatric psychologist and interim director of the UCLA Longevity Center, tells SELF. (That process is essential to staying sharp and warding off cognition issues down the line.) This sleep phase is also when a bunch of other restorative processes unfold, as your body repairs damaged cells, regulates certain hormone levels, and fights off would-be infections. Research suggests dozing in a too-warm bedroom could rob you of these longevity-boosting benefits, as it's linked with shallower, more disrupted sleep. If you don't have control over the exact temp of your bedroom, consider investing in cooling bedding made with a lightweight fabric (like cotton), positioning a fan near your bed, and sleeping naked to help notch down your body temp the old-fashioned way. Sticking to all the above habits might seem at odds with, well, vibing out with your friends. Who has time for a yap session when you're busy cooking vegetables and exercising and going to bed at a reasonable hour? (Not to mention work and family obligations.) But in reality, social time itself is a key part of any longevity-focused lifestyle. Research suggests having strong connections can boost your 'likelihood of survival' by 50%—whereas, experiencing social isolation is 'a risk factor for all sorts of cognitive and physical decrement,' Dr. Ercoli says, and ups your chance of dying by 29%. Hence why Dr. Antoun recommends prioritizing meet-ups with friends as much as, say, tweaking your diet. After all, chitchatting or doing activities with loved ones can keep your mental capacities on point—think about how you might exchange advice, problem-solve, trade jokes, or get into a debate, for starters. Connecting with a friend can also take the edge off stress, Dr. Ercoli says. Don't feel like you have a close one to lean on? Research shows even casual interactions with random work acquaintances or strangers on the street can boost your happiness, which is a boon for your well-being and longevity too. More broadly, spending time with family or other loved ones can remind you of your larger purpose in life, or what really matters, Dr. Antoun says. Not only can that make the everyday inconveniences feel a whole lot less significant and more manageable, but also it can motivate you to do the things on this list to take care of yourself. 'If your social network is giving you that serenity and that happiness, then chances are you'll move more, eat healthier, sleep better,' Dr. Antoun says. Sharing this information with your doctor can help surface the conditions you're most likely to face and inform what kinds of tests and screenings you may need to detect any potential problem before it can snowball. For instance, if you come from a heart disease and stroke family, your doctor may recommend regular testing for key cardiovascular risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and prediabetes. And if a close relative of yours had cancer, they might suggest you get earlier or more frequent screenings, depending on the type. The goal is to be aware of the diseases that are most likely to crop up in your life, so you can catch them STAT if they do, and better your odds of beating them. Related: There's a 'Real, Documented Rise' in Cancer in Young People. Should You Be Worried? 4 Ways to Actually Reduce Your Heart Failure Risk, According to Science 7 Ways to Protect Your Brain Health as You Age Get more of SELF's great service journalism delivered right to your inbox. Originally Appeared on Self
