07/18/25 - #437

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Higher Animal Protein Intake Was Significantly Associated With a 131% Increased Likelihood of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease While Higher Plant Protein Intake Was Significantly Associated With a 52% Reduced Odds in Overweight and Obese Children, Study Finds

  • A Study Analyzing Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue From High-BMI Men and Women Showed That Weight Loss Not Only Decreases the Amount of Fat Stored in Adipose Tissue, but Also Partially Reverses Cell Aging and Represses Obesity-associated Immune Cell Infiltration

  • Is Moderate Drinking Bad, Actually?

  • After Quitting Antidepressants, Some People Suffer Surprising, Lingering Symptoms

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Higher Animal Protein Intake Was Significantly Associated With a 131% Increased Likelihood of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease While Higher Plant Protein Intake Was Significantly Associated With a 52% Reduced Odds in Overweight and Obese Children, Study Finds

A new study looked at how different types of protein affect liver health in overweight kids and teens. The researchers studied 505 children and teens between ages 6 and 18 who were overweight or obese. They wanted to know if eating animal or plant protein made a difference in the risk of a liver problem called MAFLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease).

MAFLD happens when fat builds up in the liver. It is more common in people who are overweight and can lead to serious health problems.

The study found that kids who ate a lot of animal protein—like meat, eggs, and cheese—were 131% more likely to have MAFLD. But kids who ate more plant protein—like beans, whole grains, and nuts—had a 52% lower chance of having the disease.

There was no link between total protein intake and MAFLD. This means the type of protein—animal or plant—is more important than the amount.

Animal protein is often high in saturated fat, which may harm the liver. Plant protein usually has more fiber and healthy nutrients, which may protect the liver.

While this study focused on kids, adults may also benefit from eating more plant-based protein. Making simple changes like eating more beans or nuts instead of meat may help improve liver health for the whole family.

Experts say more research is needed, but eating healthier protein sources is a good step.

WEIGHT LOSS

A Study Analyzing Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue From High-BMI Men and Women Showed That Weight Loss Not Only Decreases the Amount of Fat Stored in Adipose Tissue, but Also Partially Reverses Cell Aging and Represses Obesity-associated Immune Cell Infiltration

A new study shows that losing weight can do more than shrink your body. It may also help your fat cells act younger and reduce harmful swelling, or inflammation, in your body.

Researchers looked at fat tissue from men and women with obesity before and after weight loss surgery. They found that weight loss not only lowered the amount of fat, but also made fat cells work better. These cells became less stressed and showed fewer signs of aging.

Fat cells are important. They store energy, but they also affect blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation. When fat cells get too big, they stop working well. This can lead to health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

After people lost weight, their fat cells became more active and flexible. This helped their bodies burn energy better. The number of immune cells linked to inflammation also went down. This means weight loss helped lower harmful swelling in the body.

Another finding: weight loss lowered signs of “cell aging,” especially in fat, blood vessel, and support cells. Fewer aging cells may mean better health and longer life.

Still, some immune cells stayed active even after weight loss. This could be one reason why people often gain weight back.

The study shows that weight loss doesn’t just help you look different—it can actually help your fat tissue work like it did when you were younger. That may lead to better health and fewer problems over time.

HEALTH

Is Moderate Drinking Bad, Actually?

You may hear that a little alcohol is good for your health. But new research shows the truth is more complex.

Doctors agree that heavy drinking is harmful. It raises the risk of liver problems, cancer, heart disease, and more. But even small amounts may not be as safe as once believed.

Moderate drinking means one drink a day for women and two for men. A “drink” is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor. Many people pour larger servings without realizing it. This makes it easy to drink more than you think.

Some studies suggest that small amounts of alcohol could help heart health. But doctors warn these benefits are small and uncertain. One researcher said he would never tell someone to start drinking for health reasons.

Most people don’t know that alcohol is a cancer-causing substance. Only about 40% of adults know this. Health experts say more needs to be done to share this message.

Alcohol can also lead to dependence over time. That’s why it’s important to understand what moderate drinking really means—and to be honest about how much you drink.

If you already drink a little, there may not be much to worry about. But drinking more than the recommended amount could put your health at risk.

In short: heavy drinking is clearly harmful, and even moderate drinking has risks. So if you drink, stay aware and be careful not to go overboard.

After Quitting Antidepressants, Some People Suffer Surprising, Lingering Symptoms

Some people feel worse, not better, after stopping antidepressants. While it’s normal to have short-term withdrawal symptoms like dizziness or anxiety, others say their symptoms last for years.

Phillipa Munari from Canada started an antidepressant in 2003. Ten years later, she slowly stopped taking it with her doctor’s help. At first, she was fine. But months later, she had nerve pain, exhaustion, and panic attacks. She spent most of her time in bed for two years.

Sven Huber from Germany also had problems. After 13 years on antidepressants, he stopped taking them. He felt “brain zaps,” anxiety, and sadness. Some of his problems went away, but others—like numb feelings and sexual side effects—stayed.

Doctors say these symptoms are real, but there isn’t enough research to fully understand them. Many people find support in online groups where others share the same struggles. Some researchers believe the longer someone is on antidepressants, the more likely they are to have trouble coming off them.

Experts agree that no one should stop these drugs suddenly. The best way is to lower the dose very slowly over time. New groups are now working to raise money for research and educate doctors.

If you’re thinking about stopping antidepressants, talk to your doctor first. Tapering slowly may help avoid long-term side effects. You are not alone—more people are speaking up and calling for better support.

✢ 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.