Health
‘Yo-yo’ weight loss occurs because of this surprising reason
About 40% of American adults live with obesity — and for many, it can feel a bit like a roller-coaster ride as their weight fluctuates up and down.
The cycle of losing and regaining weight, commonly known as the yo-yo effect, could be due to a type of “metabolic memory,” in which the body remembers and strives to return to its former state of obesity, according to a new study.
“Obesity is a chronic condition with significant metabolic consequences, strongly linked to various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases,” study author Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn, assistant professor for nutrition and metabolic epigenetics at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, told Fox News Digital.
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“A well-documented observation is that the body tends to defend increased body weight, making weight loss and maintenance notoriously challenging.”
Obesity is a common chronic disease in the U.S., with one in five children and two out of five adults meeting the criteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new research, published in November in the journal Nature, points to epigenetics (genetic activity) that may play a role in regaining weight after weight loss.
What is epigenetics?
“Epigenetics, which involves chemical markers that influence gene activity without altering the DNA sequence, is crucial in how cells function and respond to environmental factors,” Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, told Fox News Digital.
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“These markers can be altered by lifestyle factors, such as diet, and can remain stable for years, effectively creating a cellular ‘memory’ of past states, such as obesity,” added Stanford, who was not part of the study.
It is well-known that cells keep their genetic identity as they divide. The researchers were curious about what happens to fat cells — which live on average for 10 years before the body replaces them, von Meyenn said.
This differs from other cells in tissues, which divide much faster – intestinal cells, for example, generally divide every other week, he added.
Fat cells still must adapt to external stimuli and undergo epigenetic adaptations, von Meyenn noted.
The researchers set out to determine whether these changes could be reversed.
Fighting ‘memory’ in fat cells
In mouse studies, the researchers found that even after significant weight loss, their cells have a “memory” of obesity encoded in the epigenome, which controls the activity of genes, said von Meyenn.
“Our study indicates that one reason maintaining body weight after initial weight loss is difficult is that the fat cells remember their prior obese state and likely aim to return to this state,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The body tends to defend increased body weight, making weight loss and maintenance notoriously challenging.”
“This means one would have to ‘fight’ this obesogenic memory to maintain body weight.”
Based on this research, a failure to maintain weight loss after dieting is not necessarily due to lack of effort or willpower, but could also be driven by an underlying biological phenomenon, von Meyenn added.
Potential limitations
The research looked only at fatty tissue, and the genetic mechanisms were studied only in mice. Even so, the researchers said they believe that similar mechanisms also apply to humans.
Other experts cautioned, however, that the study shows only association and does not prove that epigenetic changes cause the yo-yo effect.
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“The authors pointed out that they cannot say for certain that the epigenetic modifications directly cause people to regain their lost weight, nor pinpoint which specific epigenetic markers may be driving this effect,” Petronella Ravenshear, board-certified nutritionist and author of “The Human Being Diet,” told Fox News Digital.
Florida-based Ravenshear, who was not part of the study, noted that the results should not lead people to claim, “It’s not my fault, it’s my genes!”
Plans for future research
“We will need to now expand, see how the memory can be erased and whether other cells or tissues are also affected, [such as] the brain or the liver,” von Meyenn said.
It’s possible that if people maintain a healthy weight for a year or longer after dieting, that may be enough time to erase the memory in fat cells, according to Ravenshear.
“This discovery underscores the importance of preventing obesity, particularly in children and adolescents, to avoid establishing this epigenetic memory that complicates long-term weight management,” Stanford noted.
“Understanding these mechanisms further could lead to more effective treatments and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to weight management from an early age,” she added.
‘Way of living’
The term “diet,” in its original connotation, means “way of living” — but it is now synonymous with short-term dietary changes that are unsustainable, Ravenshear noted.
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People often regain the weight they lose when they return to the eating habits that led to weight gain in the first place, many experts agree.
Ravenshear cited Professor David Benton at Swansea University in the U.K., author of “Tackling the Obesity Crisis,” who recently shared in a Guardian interview, “The mantra is that diets fail.”
“They fail because to avoid regaining lost weight, you need to permanently change your diet.”
After finishing a diet, many people return to the previous lifestyle that caused the problem in the first place, he noted.
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“Frequently snacking, and eating calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods, disrupts our blood sugar, raises insulin levels and adds to inflammation – and the inflammation itself makes it harder to lose weight,” Ravenshear told Fox News Digital.
She recommends focusing on breaking addictions to sugar and refined carbohydrates and embracing a new way of eating.
The expert suggests choosing nutrient-dense whole foods, eating three meals a day, and fasting with nothing but water for five hours between meals.
The weight loss occurs as a side effect of rebalanced hormones and lowered inflammation, she noted.
Ravenshear added, “When we are getting the calories, but not the nutrients that our body and brain need, we’re always hungry because our brain drives us to keep searching for food.”
Health
Health and wellness gift ideas for family and friends include 6 hot products for sale
The holiday shopping season is well underway across America.
This year’s offerings include some hot wellness items for fitness, sleep health, oral hygiene and much more.
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Want some healthy ideas for loved ones?
Here are some picks to boost the well-being of not just the gift-giver but of friends and family as well.
Check out these six suggestions.
Silver Sea Apparel, various prices, silverseaapparel.com
Healthy and well-fitting activewear can be hard to find.
Silver Sea Apparel was launched this year by a husband-and-wife team “to empower health-conscious individuals to avoid harmful toxins in their clothing so they can enjoy active, healthy and comfortable lifestyles,” the couple told Fox News Digital.
“Our apparel is manufactured right here in the U.S.A.”
Said co-founder Jake Foy, “Our flagship product is the Lifestyle Sports Bra. We also have tank tops and a long sleeve available with leggings, plus additional sports bras.”
More products are in the works.
Foy said the company makes all of its apparel from “plant-based and toxin-free Tencel Lyocell and bio-based spandex. Our apparel is also manufactured right here in the U.S.A.”
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New customers receive 20% off the first purchase, the company said.
Hatch Sunrise Alarm Clock, $169.99, Amazon.com
The Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock includes a sound machine and a smart light.
This product gained popularity for its circadian rhythm support, as the clock is programmed to wake users gently with a gradual sunrise plus nature-inspired sounds.
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The clock can also provide guided meditation and sleep stories for a sounder night’s sleep.
The Hatch Alarm Clock is currently sold on Amazon in four different colors.
Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 Water Flosser, $94.89, Amazon.com
Water flossers have become a dentist-recommended tool for maintaining good oral hygiene.
The Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 Water Flosser has a 360-degree rotating tip that shoots pressurized water between the teeth for a safer way to floss.
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The product removes up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria, which can cause gingivitis, cavities and bad breath, Waterpik notes.
The Waterpik Water Flosser is battery-powered and backed by a two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, according to Amazon’s description.
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs, $27.95, Amazon.com
Taking care of our ears is essential for preventing hearing loss as we age.
Audiologists recommend wearing ear plugs for protection in loud settings, and these stylish and reusable ear plugs are reasonably priced.
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs come in nine different colors, with varying tips to ensure a custom fit.
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Designed to reduce up to 24 dB of noise, these ear plugs are also recommended for sleep, relaxation and travel.
The Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs are available on Amazon. “Made from lightweight, flexible silicone, these reusable earplugs offer dreamy comfort day and night, even for side-sleepers,” the description says.
Touchland Hand Sanitizer Mist, $16, Amazon.com
It’s cold and flu season – which means hand sanitizer should always be “on hand.”
Touchland’s Hand Sanitizer Mist has been trending for its various scents, unique packaging and spray function.
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The 1-ounce fluid hand sanitizer helps kill germs, while also moisturizing the skin and promoting elasticity.
Available in rosewater and lily of the valley scents, Touchland’s Hand Sanitizer Mists are available on Amazon.
Theragun Relief Handheld Massage Gun, $149, Amazon.com
For those who exercise frequently or need a quick massage, Theragun can help ease daily pains, loosen stiff muscles and improve circulation.
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The Theragun Handheld Massage Gun comes with three attachments to target specific areas of the body and moves at three speeds.
The tool is available on Amazon.
Health
Combat the Christmas blues with these holiday health and wellness tips
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Christmas season is supposed to be a joyous time of year — but not everyone can or will have the holiday spirit.
Illnesses, loss of family members or friends, financial stress, loneliness or other worries can become the Grinch that steals Christmas joy for many.
The “Christmas blues” or “holiday blues” are described as temporary feelings of anxiety and depression that occur around the holidays, due to extra stress, unrealistic expectations or sentimental memories associated with the season, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
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During this time of year, some people might be at risk for feelings of sadness, fatigue, tension and a sense of loss, NAMI notes on its website.
Seasonal factors may affect people’s mood quite seriously. Decreased sunlight, an increase in alcohol consumption at holiday parties, changes in diet, the over-commercialization of the season or not being able to see family or friends may all be factors.
It is important to note that these moods are temporary, experts say.
“A mood such as a ‘blue mood’ is a passing phenomenon,” Dr. Mark Sirkin, a clinical psychologist in New York, told Fox News Digital.
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Sirkin, an associate dean of health professions at Long Island University, said there are things people can do to turn that “down” feeling around.
- Ways to combat the Christmas blues
- Ways to treat yourself during the holidays
- Ways to budget for the holidays
- What to know about feelings of sadness versus mental illness
1. Ways to combat the Christmas blues
“Distract yourself, try to focus on happier thoughts and images, do something enjoyable, preferably with others. These are all good ways to ‘treat’ a blue mood,” Sirkin said.
With social media extremely prevalent today, many people fall into a trap of comparison. This is especially true during the holidays, when people post pictures of their Christmas festivities.
“For every smile or laugh in a TikTok picture, there is a lot of reality that you don’t see,” said Sirkin.
Research shows that, for some people, constantly looking at the pleasures of others might actually make them feel bad, said Sirkin.
“Stop! Change the channel!” advised Sirkin. “Call a friend, and have a real conversation. Everyone has ups and downs — you, your friends, even those annoyingly happy people on social media.”
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He added, “Don’t focus on what you think you don’t have. Focus on what’s good.”
“Everyone has ups and downs — you, your friends, even those annoyingly happy people on social media.”
Doing something for others during the holiday season can brighten your mood, the psychologist said.
One simple way to do this is by donating to a local toy or clothes drive. Donating an item to help someone in need can fill you with pride and joy during the holidays.
Additionally, there are many volunteer opportunities during the holiday season, like a food drive. Look around in your area for volunteer events that you can take part in to help those who are less fortunate.
2. Ways to treat yourself during the holidays
While the holiday season is a time for giving, it is also important to treat yourself.
Make sure you are giving yourself grace and treating yourself to activities that you enjoy, say experts.
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Among Sirkin’s suggestions are to reward yourself with a nice dinner or some other treat.
“I put on the fire, watch a movie and pour a nice glass of wine to give myself a boost.”
Also, challenge yourself and say, “Why shouldn’t I be happy?” and “I deserve to be happy.”
Margaret Palermo of Huntington, New York, agreed with the notion of treating yourself during the holidays.
“I put on the fire, watch a movie and pour a nice glass of wine to give myself a boost during the holidays,” she told Fox News Digital.
With the fire ablaze and wine in hand, pop on a festive flick.
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If you need a laugh, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Elf” or “Christmas with the Kranks” are all good options.
If you are in the mood for a classic, “The Polar Express,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” are some ideas.
Another suggestion from Sirkin is to interact with others.
“They are my family — friends that are family — and I enjoy being around them. They help me feel a bit happier.”
“Resist the urge to isolate yourself or crawl into a corner. Interacting with others, especially people with whom you have deep relationships, such as family, is a great way to get out of your funk,” he said.
Louise M. of Long Island, New York, said she makes plans with friends to celebrate during the holidays, now that she does not have living family members.
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While it does not replace her memories of Christmases past with her family, she can still create nice seasonal memories with friends, she said.
“They are my family — friends that are family — and I enjoy being around them. They help me feel a bit happier.”
Inviting friends over for a night full of holiday dishes, Christmas cocktails and maybe even a Secret Santa gift swap can help combat the holiday blues.
Exercise is another way to help battle the holiday blues, according to health experts.
One woman enjoys walking around her neighborhood and looking at the holiday decorations and lights when she feels the holiday stress taking over.
Taking a brisk walk or riding a stationary bike indoors can get that blood and “feel-good” hormones pumping.
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This can help improve moods, physical therapists told Fox News Digital.
A woman in Annapolis, Maryland, told Fox News Digital she enjoys walking around her neighborhood and looking at the festive decorations and lights when she feels the holiday stress taking over.
If it is too cold or dark outside for a walk, she said she hops in the car, puts on some holiday music and looks at holiday lights throughout her town.
Many houses throughout the country have extravagant displays that can be fun to check out with hot chocolate in hand.
Some houses take their Christmas decorations very seriously, with lights flickering to the beat of holiday music passersby can play on their radio. These neighborhood light shows can help get you into the holiday spirit.
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Practicing meditation or mindfulness can also help, according to Sirkin.
“This is an increasingly popular and verified method of getting out of a bad mood,” Sirkin said.
“Just sit: You can count your breaths, count to 10 over and over, or any other way you’d like to focus your mind. There are some good apps out there you can put on your phone,” he said.
“People should understand the difference between feeling sad and dealing with a mental illness.”
YouTube is another great resource to turn to if you need guided meditation.
3. Ways to budget for the holidays
Some health professionals said that people can avoid stress caused by excessive holiday gift spending by setting a budget and sticking to it.
Christmas can put people into loads of credit card debt. A thoughtful gift does not mean an expensive one. Do not spend outside your means.
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The weeks or months you will endure in debt will add lots of stress to your life beyond the Christmas season.
Write down everyone you need to buy for, and create a budget for each person. Once you find something you want to buy, do not purchase it right away. Do research first, and see if there is a sale going on at another store to make sure you are getting the best deal possible on your item.
When it comes to Christmas shopping, try to start as early as possible. This will give you the optimal time to seek out the deals. You won’t have to worry about the huge crowds seeking last-minute gifts as Christmas nears.
Once Christmas is over, the last thing on your mind is next year’s festivities. That said, the earlier you start putting aside money for the holidays, the less financial stress you’ll be hit with during the season.
One method to consider is putting a very small sum of money aside for Christmas throughout the year. Whatever amount you have saved in December will be your budget for Christmas.
4. What to know about feelings of sadness versus mental illness
People should understand the difference between feeling sad and dealing with a mental illness, Sirkin noted.
“If you think you might have a mental illness — if you have regular thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself, if you think you may harm yourself or others, if you can’t function at home or work — these are all signs of serious mental illness,” he said.
“You should seek out professional help, beginning with your physician or trained mental health professional,” he added.
Health
What is ‘brain rot’? The science behind what too much scrolling does to our brains
Oxford University Press has chosen “brain rot” as its word of the year.
The word is defined as “supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration.”
Some experts believe that constant, endless scrolling of social media and other online content is doing exactly that – rotting our brains.
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Behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Kyra Bobinet, author of “Unstoppable Brain,” told Fox News Digital that there is a growing awareness of brain rot and its consequences.
“It’s in the zeitgeist that people have difficulty with their attention span. They feel brain foggy, they [have] less concentration … They can’t do deep work,” said California-based Bobinet.
“And then there’s also this epidemic of loneliness that has been kind of sitting on the heels of this, because we can’t really focus on anything, including relationship-building.”
Stuck in a scroll
A certain part of the brain, called the habenula, is responsible for getting stuck in endless scrolling, according to Bobinet.
The habenula is a central part of the brain that’s involved in various important functions, including motivation and decision-making. But when activated, this area can also “kill our motivation to try,” she noted.
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“It’s the heart of when you know you should be doing something, and you do this other thing instead, like ‘doom-scrolling,’” she said.
Scrolling on social media is also a way to “disassociate” and give the brain a rest after a long day, Bobinet said. This is an “avoidance behavior,” which the habenula controls.
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“Anytime you’re avoiding something, you know this area of the brain is on,” she said.
This is how social media addictions can form, Bobinet warned, as this part of the brain can make it “very painful” to stop scrolling.
This can result in a “dangerous” loss of motivation, the neuroscientist warned.
“We all need motivation to live our lives and to feel proud of ourselves and to feel confident and to get what we want,” she told Fox News Digital.
How to avoid brain rot
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for avoiding brain rot, according to Bobinet.
The key is learning what works best for the individual, she said, which involves “tweaking and tinkering and adjusting as you go,” she said.
“Humans are very resilient,” she added. “Once we know the truth about our bodies, then we can do something about it.”
Dr. Don Grant, national adviser of healthy device management at Newport Healthcare in Los Angeles, called out device makers and content producers for keeping users hooked to their devices.
“They’re very clever, these creators who created these algorithms and also leverage our limbic system – the same [way] the people who created slot machines did,” he told Fox News Digital. “Pull the handle … You never know what you’re going to get.”
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Grant said he’s concerned about “the death of some things,” including imagination.
“We don’t have to imagine anything anymore,” he said. “We pick up our devices every time. I’m worried about memory. I’m worried about education.”
Grant said he often hears from kids that they spend eight hours on any given night scrolling and watching videos, which “disrupts their sleep hygiene.”
“And I say, ‘OK, can you tell me one video you remember?’ I have yet to have one kid really be able to remember anything they saw.”
“Our brain matter is diminishing, our memories are diminishing [and] our attention spans are diminishing,” Grant warned.
“I’m worried about memory. I’m worried about education.”
The expert offered some tips to avoid getting stuck in a “doom scroll” of “endless, bottomless” content, especially for children.
Since the internet is “archived forever,” Grant noted that “FOMO,” or fear of missing out, is not a valid reason to stay online.
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“Maybe phone a friend or FaceTime your grandma for the holidays,” he suggested.
Grant also urges people to be more strategic about spending time online, splitting it up into 80% “meaningful, legitimate” content and 20% entertainment.
“For digital hygiene and well-being, you can set limits, you can block access,” said Grant. “Set tech-free times and zones in your home, especially for families.”
“Get outside, move a muscle … play memory games, intellectually challenging or educational games.”
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The expert also encourages people to ask themselves a few questions after scrolling to help gauge the quality of time spent.
These might include: “Could you tell me how much time you were online? Did you spend more time than you wanted to? Did you feel better?”
Grant added, “There’s a perceived danger of virtual life and how we’re using our free time – at the end of it, are you really feeling good about yourself?”
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