05/09/25 - #387

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• A Study From More Than 6,000 Canadian Adults Has Confirmed Ultra-processed Foods Are Directly and Significantly Linked to Poor Health Outcomes | Risk Factors Including Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Levels, Waist Circumference, and Body Mass Index

• People Taking Medications Like Ozempic and Wegovy for Weight Loss Report Consuming Less Processed Foods, Soda, Refined Grains, and Beef. Fruits, Leafy Greens and Water Showed an Overall Increase. Food Companies May Be Challenged as Demand for Processed Foods Falls and Fruits and Vegetables Increases

• People Who Experienced Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Abuse During Childhood Have a Significantly Higher Risk of Developing Certain Chronic Immune Disorders Later in Life—specifically, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis. The Association Was Particularly Strong Among Women

• New Study Reveals Connection Between Body Fat and Depression. Adults With Higher Percentages of Body Fat, Especially in the Legs, Gynoid Region, and Head, Tend to Report More Symptoms of Depression. This Connection Was Most Evident Among Men and Those Classified as Underweight or Overweight

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

A Study From More Than 6,000 Canadian Adults Has Confirmed Ultra-processed Foods Are Directly and Significantly Linked to Poor Health Outcomes | Risk Factors Including Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Levels, Waist Circumference, and Body Mass Index

A large study from Canada found that eating too many ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is linked to poor health. The study looked at over 6,000 adults and showed that people who ate the most UPFs had more health problems than those who ate the least.

UPFs include foods like chips, frozen pizza, packaged snacks, and sugary cereals. These foods are often high in fat, salt, and sugar but low in fiber and nutrients. They are also easy to buy, quick to prepare, and heavily advertised.

People who ate more of these foods had higher blood pressure, bad cholesterol, insulin, and body fat. They also had larger waistlines and higher body mass index (BMI). These health problems remained even after accounting for weight, exercise, smoking, and income.

The study also found that UPFs may cause inflammation. People who ate the most UPFs had higher levels of C-reactive protein and white blood cells. These are signs that the body is reacting to something harmful.

Experts say the problem isn’t just the ingredients—it’s also the way these foods are made and packaged. UPFs are everywhere and may be replacing healthier foods like fruits and vegetables.

The study suggests that cutting back on UPFs could help improve heart health and prevent diseases like diabetes. Health Canada already advises people to eat fewer processed foods. This study adds more proof that what we eat every day can affect how we feel and how long we stay healthy.

Source: technologynetworks.com

WEIGHT LOSS

People Taking Medications Like Ozempic and Wegovy for Weight Loss Report Consuming Less Processed Foods, Soda, Refined Grains, and Beef. Fruits, Leafy Greens, and Water Showed an Overall Increase. Food Companies May Be Challenged as Demand for Processed Foods Falls and Fruits and Vegetables Increases

A new study shows that people taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are eating differently. These drugs, called GLP-1s, help people feel full and eat less. But they also seem to change food choices.

The study from the University of Arkansas looked at nearly 2,000 people. It found that those using GLP-1s eat less processed food, soda, beef, and refined grains. They also drink less fruit juice, alcohol, and milk. Even though people still crave these foods, they are choosing them less.

The biggest increases were in fruits, leafy greens, and water. Chicken, fish, coffee, and plant-based foods also stayed popular with smaller changes.

These shifts could affect food companies. Some are already making changes. For example, Smoothie King now has drinks for people using GLP-1s. A snack company even made a new “meal in one” bar just for them.

GLP-1s were first made to help people with diabetes. But now they are also used for weight loss. They work by copying a hormone in the gut that helps control hunger and blood sugar. People using these drugs often lose 15% or more of their body weight.

As more people start using GLP-1s, demand for healthy food may go up, and sales of junk food may go down.

Experts say food companies will need to adjust to this new trend.

This study could help businesses and doctors understand how GLP-1s are changing what people eat.

Source: eurekalert.org

HEALTH

People Who Experienced Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Abuse During Childhood Have a Significantly Higher Risk of Developing Certain Chronic Immune Disorders Later in Life—specifically, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis. The Association Was Particularly Strong Among Women

A new study found that people who went through abuse, neglect, or domestic violence as children are more likely to develop certain immune diseases later in life. These include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The risk was especially higher in women.

Researchers looked at health records from over 250,000 people in the UK who had experienced childhood maltreatment. They compared them to over 700,000 people who did not have a history of abuse. They followed their health for more than 20 years.

People who faced abuse as children had a 39% higher chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis and a 16% higher chance of getting psoriasis. Women who had been abused had a 54% higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The risk was not as clear in men.

Doctors think childhood stress may hurt the immune system and cause more inflammation in the body. This may help explain the higher risk for these diseases. People with a history of abuse may also be more likely to smoke, drink, or have poor health habits, which adds to the risk.

The study did not find a higher risk for diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis. It also showed a lower risk for celiac disease, but this may be due to missed diagnoses.

Experts say early trauma can affect both mental and physical health. Helping children and survivors early on could prevent serious health problems later. Childhood abuse is not just a private issue—it’s a public health concern.

Source: psypost.org

New Study Reveals Connection Between Body Fat and Depression. Adults With Higher Percentages of Body Fat, Especially in the Legs, Gynoid Region, and Head, Tend to Report More Symptoms of Depression. This Connection Was Most Evident Among Men and Those Classified as Underweight or Overweight

A new study found that people with more body fat—especially in the legs, hips, and head—are more likely to have symptoms of depression. This link was strongest in men and in people who were either underweight or overweight.

Researchers looked at over 10,000 U.S. adults. Instead of just using body mass index (BMI), which doesn’t show where fat is stored, they used full-body scans to measure fat in different areas. These scans gave a better view of fat in the body, including the legs, arms, hips, belly, and head.

The study found that people with the most body fat were more likely to report feeling depressed. Fat in the legs, hips, and head had the strongest link to depression. Even people with a normal BMI could still be at risk if they had higher fat in certain areas.

The researchers believe body fat may affect the brain through chemicals made by fat tissue. These chemicals might change how the brain works and how we feel. Also, people with more visible fat may face more judgment or feel bad about their body, which can lead to depression.

This study shows that where fat is stored may matter more than just body weight. It also suggests men may be more affected by fat-related depression than women.

While more research is needed, this study helps us better understand how body fat can affect mental health.

Source: psypost.org

✢ 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.