01/15/26 - #566

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Eating a Fresh Mango Every Day for Six Months Improves Blood Sugar Control, Insulin Sensitivity, and Body Composition in Adults With Prediabetes

  • People Prescribed New Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic May Not Receive Sufficient Nutritional Guidance and Be Vulnerable to Nutritional Deficiencies and Muscle Loss. Evidence Suggests That Lean Body Mass – Including Muscle – Can Constitute Up to 40% of Total Weight Lost During Treatment

  • Children With ADHD, Particularly Those Treated With Methylphenidate, Had a Higher BMI and Shorter Height at Adulthood Than Individuals Without ADHD. Findings Suggest That Long-term Methylphenidate Exposure May Be Associated With Growth and Body Composition Changes

  • Breastfeeding May Lower Mothers’ Later Life Risks of Depression and Anxiety for Up to 10 Years After Pregnancy, Suggest the Findings of a Small Observational Study on 168 Second Time Mothers

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Eating a Fresh Mango Every Day for Six Months Improves Blood Sugar Control, Insulin Sensitivity, and Body Composition in Adults With Prediabetes

A new study found that eating one fresh mango every day for six months may help adults with prediabetes improve their health. The study included 23 adults between ages 50 and 70. Half of them ate a fresh mango daily. The other half ate a granola bar with the same number of calories.

After six months, the mango group had better results.

  • Lower blood sugar: Their morning blood sugar levels dropped.

  • Better insulin use: Their bodies used insulin more effectively.

  • Less body fat: They lost some fat and gained lean body mass.

Even though mango has natural sugar, it did not raise blood sugar like the processed snack. Experts think the fiber and nutrients in mango may help slow how sugar is absorbed in the body.

The group that ate mango also kept their blood sugar (HbA1c) steady, while the other group saw it rise. The mango group also had a better waist-to-hip ratio and more fat-free mass, which means they may have gained muscle.

This study suggests that adding a fresh mango to your daily diet may be a simple way to support blood sugar control and improve body shape, especially if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Still, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any big diet changes—especially if you have a health condition.

Note: This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance.

WEIGHT LOSS

People Prescribed New Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic May Not Receive Sufficient Nutritional Guidance and Be Vulnerable to Nutritional Deficiencies and Muscle Loss. Evidence Suggests That Lean Body Mass – Including Muscle – Can Constitute Up to 40% of Total Weight Lost During Treatment

Many people are turning to new weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro to help manage obesity. These medications work by making you feel full, reducing hunger, and helping you eat less. But experts now warn that without proper nutrition guidance, these powerful drugs could cause problems.

Studies show that people taking these drugs may lose not just fat—but also muscle. In fact, muscle can make up as much as 40% of the total weight lost. This is a concern because muscle is important for strength, balance, and overall health. Losing too much muscle can increase your risk of weakness, falls, and injury.

Experts also worry about nutrition. Since these drugs lower your appetite, it becomes easier to miss out on key nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Without enough of these, people may feel tired, have a weaker immune system, or even face issues like hair loss or bone problems.

Most people getting these drugs privately don’t receive extra help on what to eat. Experts suggest that people using these treatments should focus on eating high-protein, nutrient-rich foods throughout the day and speak to a healthcare provider about their diet.

Weight loss can improve health—but only if it’s done in a way that protects your muscles and meets your body’s needs. If you’re using these medications, ask your doctor or dietitian for support. Don’t trade one health issue for another.

HEALTH

Children With ADHD, Particularly Those Treated With Methylphenidate, Had a Higher BMI and Shorter Height at Adulthood Than Individuals Without ADHD. Findings Suggest That Long-term Methylphenidate Exposure May Be Associated With Growth and Body Composition Changes

A new study found that children with ADHD may have a higher chance of being overweight and slightly shorter when they become adults—especially if they take a common ADHD medicine called methylphenidate (MPH), known by brand names like Ritalin or Concerta.

Researchers studied over 12,000 children in South Korea. They looked at kids aged 6 to 11 and followed up when they were 20 to 25 years old. Children with ADHD had a higher body mass index (BMI) than those without ADHD. The highest BMI was seen in those who took MPH for more than a year.

These children were also slightly shorter—less than 1 centimeter shorter on average—than those without ADHD. While the height difference is small, the increase in weight could raise the risk of health problems later in life.

Experts say MPH can lower appetite, which might slow growth. Also, kids with ADHD often have trouble sleeping, eat at odd times, and may not get enough exercise. These habits can affect both weight and height over time.

Doctors say the benefits of ADHD medicine are strong, but it’s important to watch growth closely. Regular checkups, healthy eating, good sleep, and staying active can help kids grow well.

Parents don’t need to stop the medicine, but they should work with doctors to support healthy development. Keeping an eye on both behavior and physical growth can help children stay healthy as they grow up.

Breastfeeding May Lower Mothers’ Later Life Risks of Depression and Anxiety for Up to 10 Years After Pregnancy, Suggest the Findings of a Small Observational Study on 168 Second Time Mothers

A small study suggests that breastfeeding may lower a mother’s risk of depression and anxiety, even 10 years after giving birth.

Researchers followed 168 women who were having their second child. The women answered health questions at 3 months, 6 months, and at 2, 5, and 10 years after giving birth. They shared details about their mental health, breastfeeding habits, diet, and exercise.

Most women (73%) said they had breastfed. On average, they breastfed for about 30 weeks, or around 7 months. Over one-third breastfed for at least 12 months total.

At the 10-year check-up, 13% of the women reported depression or anxiety. The women who breastfed longer were less likely to report these problems. Each week of exclusive breastfeeding was linked to a 2% lower risk of depression or anxiety.

This was an observational study, so it cannot prove that breastfeeding causes better mental health. Many other things—like age, physical activity, or past mental health problems—could also affect the results.

Still, the researchers believe breastfeeding may offer long-term mental health benefits. It may lower stress, help bonding with the baby, or improve confidence.

The study was small and did not include a diverse group of women. More research is needed.

Even so, the findings suggest that helping mothers breastfeed longer may support both their short- and long-term mental health—and reduce future healthcare needs.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.