10/20/25 - #503

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• A Large Study Has Found That Calcium Supplements, Long Recommended for Bone Health, Particularly in Older Women, Don’t Increase Dementia Risk, Offering Reassurance for the Millions Who Take Them to Protect Against Osteoporosis

• Study Indicates Dramatic Increase in Percentage of U.S. Adults Who Meet New Definition of Obesity (From 42.9% to 68.6%)

• Fatigue Might Be the Brain's Method of Safeguarding the Body, and Light Activities Such as Walking, Stretching, or Light Cycling Could Play a Crucial Role in Managing It, Both in Daily Life and Treating Illness

• Low-carbohydrate Diets May Not Be Beneficial for Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Unless They Prioritize Plant-based Protein, Healthy Fats, and High-quality Carbohydrates, Study Finds

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

A Large Study Has Found That Calcium Supplements, Long Recommended for Bone Health, Particularly in Older Women, Don’t Increase Dementia Risk, Offering Reassurance for the Millions Who Take Them to Protect Against Osteoporosis

A new study gives good news to older women who take calcium to protect their bones. Researchers found that taking calcium every day does not raise the risk of dementia, even many years later.

The study followed 1,460 women in Australia, all over age 70. Half of them took 1,200 mg of calcium a day for five years. The other half took a fake pill, or placebo. The women were then followed for almost 15 years.

In the end, about 18% of the women developed dementia. But the number of cases was almost the same in both groups. This means calcium did not increase the risk of memory loss, hospital stays for dementia, or dementia-related death.

Some past studies raised concerns that calcium might harm the brain. But this was a large, carefully done trial. It found no danger, even after adjusting for age, diet, activity level, and health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Many women take calcium to help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones. While eating calcium-rich foods is best, supplements are often needed in older age.

This study helps ease fears. Calcium supplements, when taken as directed, appear safe for the brain.

Bottom line: Older women taking calcium for bone health can feel reassured. It does not raise the risk of dementia.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.

Source: thelancet.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Study Indicates Dramatic Increase in Percentage of U.S. Adults Who Meet New Definition of Obesity (From 42.9% to 68.6%)

A new study shows that nearly 7 out of 10 U.S. adults may now be considered obese. That’s a big jump from the old number of about 4 in 10.

The study was done by researchers at Mass General Brigham. They used a new definition of obesity that looks at more than just BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI is based on height and weight, but it doesn’t show where fat is stored.

This new method also checks things like waist size. This matters because fat around the belly is more harmful than fat in other areas.

With the new definition, obesity rates went up from 42.9% to 68.6%. Among adults over 70, almost 80% are now considered obese.

Some people with a normal BMI still had too much belly fat. These people were at a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and early death—just like those with high BMI.

Doctors say it’s not just about weight, but about body fat and where it sits. “Even people who look healthy by weight may still be at risk,” said one of the study authors.

Over 75 health groups, including the American Heart Association, now support this new way of measuring obesity.

Experts hope this will help doctors find people at risk sooner and offer better treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any health changes.

Source: massgeneralbrigham.org

HEALTH

Fatigue Might Be the Brain's Method of Safeguarding the Body, and Light Activities Such as Walking, Stretching, or Light Cycling Could Play a Crucial Role in Managing It, Both in Daily Life and Treating Illness

Do you often feel worn out, even after resting? You’re not alone. About 1 in 4 people feel this way at some point, especially when living with long-term health conditions. But new research suggests fatigue might not mean your body is weak — it may be your brain’s way of protecting you.

A study led by Dr. Jeanne Dekerle at the University of Brighton suggests that fatigue is a signal from the brain. It’s not just physical tiredness. Instead, your brain is trying to stop you from pushing your body too far. Think of it as an early warning system, helping you avoid damage before it happens.

This idea is based on “homeostasis” — your body’s way of staying balanced. When your brain thinks an activity might throw off that balance, it tells you to slow down. That feeling is fatigue.

The good news? You can train your brain to feel less fatigue. The key is light, regular activity — like walking, gentle stretching, or easy cycling. These simple movements help your brain “learn” that your body can handle more, safely.

Dr. Dekerle says this approach can help everyone — from athletes to people living with serious illness. Instead of fighting fatigue or blaming yourself, try gentle movement to rebuild trust between your brain and body.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Source: brighton.ac.uk

Low-carbohydrate Diets May Not Be Beneficial for Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Unless They Prioritize Plant-based Protein, Healthy Fats, and High-quality Carbohydrates, Study Finds

A new long-term study has found that not all low-carb diets are helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes. In fact, unless these diets focus on healthy food sources, they may actually increase the risk.

Researchers followed nearly 200,000 U.S. adults for over 30 years. Participants were free of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer when the study began. Every few years, they reported their eating habits. The researchers looked at five types of low-carb diets based on where the carbs, fats, and proteins came from.

The results showed that people who followed low-carb diets high in animal fats and proteins—especially from red meat and processed foods—had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One type of unhealthy low-carb diet increased the risk by 44%.

But there was good news too. Low-carb diets that focused on plant-based proteins (like beans, nuts, and tofu), healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados), and high-quality carbs (like whole grains and vegetables) were linked to a lower risk. One “healthy” version of a low-carb diet cut diabetes risk by 16%.

The takeaway? Cutting carbs isn’t enough on its own. What matters most is the quality of your food. Choosing plants over processed meats and refined carbs may help reduce the risk of diabetes—especially for adults trying to stay healthy as they age.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making dietary changes.

Source: diabetesjournals.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.