Obesity Archive

Healthy aging and longevity

Tooth loss truth: It's no longer about the tooth fairy

Published August 27, 2021

Older Americans are keeping their teeth longer, but the prevalence of tooth loss is higher among people with chronic disease or overall worse health. However, loss of a tooth can also result from tooth decay, periodontal infection, or accidental trauma. Aside from accidents, most people should be able to prevent tooth loss by following good oral care habits.

Women's Health

Pregnancy problems may foretell future heart disease

Published August 1, 2021

Women who develop health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes while pregnant face an increased risk of heart disease later in life.

Diseases & Conditions

Which disease starts first?

Published July 1, 2021

Among atherosclerosis, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are all related, cholesterol deposits start first.

Healthy aging and longevity

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

Published July 1, 2021

Five blood tests beyond basic blood work may be worth pursuing for older adults. For example, a test to determine one’s vitamin B₁₂ level might be helpful, since older adults sometimes have trouble absorbing that vitamin. Likewise, older adults have less ability to absorb sunlight through the skin, which may lead to less production of vitamin D. Other blood tests to consider include those for HIV or hepatitis C infection, and a test to measure fasting blood sugar.

Heart Health

Advice about daily aspirin

Published July 1, 2021

The heart-protecting benefits of a daily low-dose aspirin have to be weighed against the risk of bleeding, a common side effect that is usually minor but sometimes serious. The calculation depends on age and whether a person has cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or a condition that raises risk of bleeding.

Healthy aging and longevity

High-glycemic diets could lead to big health problems

Published July 1, 2021

A diet consisting primarily of foods high on the glycemic index—those with high amounts of quickly digestible carbohydrates—can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and early death, suggests a study that looked at almost 138,000 people around the world.

Diseases & Conditions

Prediabetes diagnosis as an older adult: What does it really mean?

Published June 14, 2021

Prediabetes often precedes the development of type 2 diabetes, and in young and middle-aged people it's important to identify prediabetes because it may be possible to prevent or delay the development of diabetes. Researchers wanted to know if the implications of being diagnosed with prediabetes are similar for older adults.

Women's Health

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published Feb. 16, 2021, in Circulation found that women with blood pressure readings in a normal range may still be at higher risk for cardiovascular events. For example, heart attack risk in women rose at a systolic (the upper number) reading of 110 to 119 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and was the same at this level as men with a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg. But experts say it’s too soon to change blood pressure recommendations for women until more research confirms the results.

Healthy aging and longevity

The weighty issue of weight loss

Updated June 1, 2021

A majority of adults are now considered overweight or obese. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main contributors, but age also is a factor. Declining muscle mass means the body burns calories at a slower rate. Changing one’s diet to cut out liquid carbs and eat more whole grains and following a regular exercise routine that includes strength training is the best formula for weight loss.

Healthy aging and longevity

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

Updated June 1, 2021

A study described in a research letter published March 22, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that participants steadily gained weight during the first part of the pandemic, from February to June 2020.

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Obesity Archive

Articles

Tooth loss truth: It's no longer about the tooth fairy

Pregnancy problems may foretell future heart disease

Which disease starts first?

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

Advice about daily aspirin

High-glycemic diets could lead to big health problems

Prediabetes diagnosis as an older adult: What does it really mean?

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

The weighty issue of weight loss

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

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