Obesity is linked to a nearly 6-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), with high genetic risk and unfavorable lifestyle also increasing risk but to a much lesser extent. These are the conclusions of new research presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Barcelona,...
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How pregnancy changes women’s metabolism and immune systems
by April Rees, Ben Jenkins and Catherine Thornton, The Conversation Some of the changes that happen to a woman’s body during pregnancy are more obvious than others. We all know that women usually get a visible bump, they might have morning sickness initially, and swollen ankles later on, but pregnancy can also change some of...
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Teenage Sleep Hygiene
Posted Today A new study led by Harvard Medical School researchers at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children has found that adolescent sleep timing preferences and patterns should be considered risk factors for obesity and cardiometabolic health, and that the effects are greater in girls than in boys. Poor quality and short duration of sleep are...
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Study stresses the importance of staying physically active and the negative effects of even short-term inactivity
by Diabetologia A new study presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Barcelona, Spain (16-20 September) highlights the negative health effects of even short periods of physical inactivity and stresses the importance of staying physically active. The research was conducted by Dr. Kelly Bowden Davies,...
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What to know about leg cramps at night
By Jon Johnson Reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT Leg cramps at night, or nocturnal leg cramps, are common and can occur due to inactivity during the day, tired muscles, or certain medical conditions. Leg cramps, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful. They typically occur in the calf muscles, though they may also...
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What is hoarding disorder?
By Jennifer Huizen Reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP Hoarding disorder is a condition that makes it difficult for people to throw things away, regardless of their value. There are a range of treatment options available. Hoarding disorder can have a significant negative emotional, social, financial, and legal impact. This article provides important information...
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Causes and treatments for burning legs
By Claire Sissons Reviewed by Timothy Gossett, MD It is common to feel burning legs during exercise, or because of sunburn. Other medical conditions can cause nerve damage, which may lead to a burning sensation. Burning legs can be difficult to describe to a doctor. A person may feel a sensation of heat, tingling, or numbness. The feeling may be in one...
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Why do I fart so much?
By Jon Johnson Reviewed by Cynthia Chavoustie, PA Some flatulence is normal, but excessive farting is often a sign that the body is reacting strongly to certain foods. This can indicate a food intolerance or that a person has a digestive system disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Typically, people pass gas 5–15 times per...
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What causes numbness in the thigh?
By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA Reviewed by Nancy Hammond, MD Many factors can cause numbness in the thigh. These include keeping the legs crossed for too long, wearing tight clothing, multiple sclerosis (MS), and lupus. Treatment options depend on what is causing the numbness. From conditions affecting blood flow to damage to the nerves themselves,...
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“Fat Shaming” Won’t Solve Obesity. Science Might
Posted Today Science is with James Corden. Fat shaming shouldn’t make a comeback, and it won’t solve the nation’s obesity epidemic. Through countless published scientific papers, research has continually exposed the complexity of obesity and being overweight, which affects more than 1.9 billion people worldwide. That research has led experts to conclude that potential treatment...