Here are the top medical news for the day:
Systematic Review Reveals How Intermittent Fasting Enhances Fat Loss Without Losing Muscle
A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity highlights the added benefits of combining intermittent fasting with regular exercise. Conducted by researchers from the University of Mississippi, the study concludes that pairing time-restricted eating—specifically an eight-hour eating window—with physical activity leads to greater fat loss and a reduction in body fat percentage, all while preserving lean muscle mass.
The research team, led by Wijayatunga and Michael Hays—a tactical dietitian and recent university graduate—conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies from the past decade. These studies explored various forms of intermittent fasting, but this analysis focused on time-restricted eating, one of the most popular formats due to its perceived simplicity. The results, though promising, were seen in already healthy and physically active individuals.
“We saw that this did lead to more fat loss and reduced body fat percentage over time when healthy adults were following both exercise with time-restricting eating, compared to those who were only exercising for at least 4 weeks. It is important to note lean mass preservation,” said Nadeeja Wijayatunga, assistant professor of nutrition and hospitality management.
“In most cases, these were healthy adults. They were already physically fit and already had exercise routines. When you already have athletic, lean people and you decrease their body fat percentage, that’s significant,” Hays noted.
One of the main concerns with fasting diets is the potential loss of lean mass, which is crucial for metabolism and overall mobility but this study offers reassurance.
Reference: Hays, H.M., Sefidmooye Azar, P., Kang, M. et al. Effects of time-restricted eating with exercise on body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-024-01704-2
Knees at Risk: Study Highlights Top Triggers of Osteoarthritis and How Diet May Help
New research from the University of Sydney reveals that obesity, having a knee injury and occupational risks such as shift work and lifting heavy loads are primary causes of knee osteoarthritis.
The study also found that following a Mediterranean diet, drinking green tea and eating dark bread could reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Findings are published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.
Using data from 131 studies conducted between 1988 to 2024, the researchers examined over 150 risk factors in participants ranging from 20 to 80 years old to determine which were associated with an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
"Knee osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that affects over 500 million people around the world and is a leading cause of disability. Our research found that while factors such as eating ultra-processed foods and being overweight increase the risk, addressing lifestyle factors -- such as losing weight or adopting a better diet -- could significantly improve people's health," Associate Professor Abdel Shaheed from the Faculty of Medicine and Health's Sydney Musculoskeletal Health said.
Reference: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/05/08/obesity-a-leading-cause-of-knee-osteoarthritis.html
High Blood Pressure in Children Tied to Mother’s Pregnancy Health: NIH Study Finds
A new study reveals that children born to mothers with cardio metabolic health issues before or during pregnancy face a greater risk of developing elevated blood pressure during childhood and adolescence. The findings suggest that maternal conditions like pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy may have long-term effects on a child's cardiovascular health. The findings are published in the JAMA network open.
The study analyzed data from 12,480 mother-child pairs enrolled in the ECHO Program, examining how maternal cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with children’s blood pressure between the ages of 2 and 18. Researchers found that 44% of mothers had at least one cardiometabolic issue during pregnancy. Notably, children whose mothers had more than one condition—such as a combination of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure—had significantly higher average blood pressure levels than those whose mothers had only one or no such condition.
Even after accounting for variables such as age, sex, and height, the study found that these children continued to exhibit elevated blood pressure levels. The long-term impact was evident through a higher rate of increase in blood pressure over time. This trend was especially pronounced in diastolic blood pressure among girls and systolic blood pressure among non-Hispanic Black children whose mothers experienced gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
“With declines in cardiometabolic health, it’s important to focus on prevention starting as early as possible,” said ECHO researcher Zhongzheng Niu, PhD, of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. “Our study suggests that helping people improve their health before and during pregnancy could benefit both mothers and future generations."
The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into how combinations of maternal health issues and broader social or structural influences contribute to cardiovascular risks in offspring. These findings underscore the importance of improving maternal health as a preventive measure for future generations' heart health.
Reference: Niu Z, Ako AA, Geiger SD, et al. Maternal Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Pregnancy and Offspring Blood Pressure at Age 2 to 18 Years. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e259205. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9205
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