New research suggests probiotics – food or supplements containing beneficial microbes – might help improve mental health, reducing depression and anxiety. Previously, probiotics have been touted to boost everything from weight loss to athletic performance to general health, and companies often market products based on these claims. Experts say that […]

A lack of sleep can lead to many health issues. In the short-term, sleep deprivation can reduce memory and learning ability, increase your risk for harmful accidents, and lead to poor judgment. Long term, not getting enough sleep may increase your risk for heart disease, harm your mental health, and […]

Studies show that apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss, blood sugar control, and gut health. One study found that people who added apple cider vinegar to a calorie-restricted diet lost more weight than people who just cut calories. Apple cider vinegar has also been found to lower blood […]

A preprint study of 6,000 people found that the diabetes drug metformin could reduce COVID-19 death risk in women who take it regularly. The researchers said the drug’s anti-inflammatory and immune system suppression properties could potentially prevent the body from going haywire when a person has COVID-19. Previous research suggests […]

The British popstar Adele is said to have followed the “sirtfood” diet. It involves eating foods that boost a protein called sirtuin, including blueberries, strawberries, turmeric, walnuts, onions, green tea, and even red wine and dark chocolate. There’s good evidence that these foods are healthy and could even lead to […]

Intermittent fasting is a different type of weight-loss plan where you restrict when, or how much, you eat instead of what you eat. There are different types of intermittent fasting that either involves limiting the time you eat to a certain window every day, or drastically restricting your caloric intake […]

Mike Schultz, a 43-year-old nurse from San Francisco, is one of 38 people thought to have contracted the novel coronavirus after attending the Winter Party Festival in Miami in early March. Schultz dropped to 140 pounds from 190 during his six-week hospital stay, which he showcased on Instagram in a […]

Many eating plans that promise to help you lose weight are costly and unsustainable, not backed by scientific evidence, and may actually hurt your health more than help it. Losing weight is not a one-size-fits-all approach. How you go about it will largely depend on your current habits, how much […]

The Zone Diet is a type of anti-inflammatory diet designed to burn fat fast. Meal plans on the Zone Diet consist of 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fat. Following a healthy meal plan, like what’s recommended in the Zone Diet, can help people lose weight. This article was medically […]

The town of Huntington, New York has implemented a voluntary community-wide diet and exercise program intended to combat potential complications of the coronavirus. Early evidence suggests that obesity and related health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes could be linked to more severe cases of COVID-19, the disease caused […]

The British singer-songwriter Adele recently posted a photo of her 32nd birthday celebration in isolation and thanked first responders. Some fans took the opportunity to comment on the star’s apparent weight loss, which has been followed since she posted pictures at Drake’s birthday party in October. But the compliments have […]

A analysis of 121 weight loss studies, with over 21,000 participants, found that most diets failed after 12 months. The study examined 14 different diets, from paleo to the Atkin’s diet, and found that the lowered risk of heart disease and benefits of weight loss did not last a year. […]

Certain types of yoga, like Vinyasa and Bikram, are more active and can burn calories, contributing directly to weight loss. Other types, like Yoga Nidra, may help you lose weight indirectly by improving mental health and mindfulness, allowing you to make healthier choices. Here’s how to do yoga if you’re […]

Subcutaneous fat is fat our bodies store underneath the skin that creates that jiggly sensation. Losing subcutaneous fat will require diet and exercise – ideally a mix of strength training and cardio. Adults who have too much subcutaneous fat and are overweight should get at least 150 minutes of exercise […]

Bariatric surgery disrupts the body’s natural ability to absorb nutrients. So, people who undergo bariatric surgery must take nutritional supplements for the rest of their life. Bariatric supplements include key nutrients like iron, folic acid, zinc, selenium, and more. This article was medically reviewed by Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, nutrition […]

While you certainly don’t need to change your body with the seasons, many of us increase our workout frequency in anticipation of warmer weather. The trouble is, this can lead to a lot of muscle soreness. Not giving your body enough time to recover can hinder your progress and lead […]

Water weight is any extra water you’re carrying around beyond the 50% to 60% your body is made of. You may be carrying water weight if you eat too many carbs and don’t exercise enough, are dehydrated, or have too much sodium in your diet. To lose water weight watch […]

Many people who work jobs with demanding hours struggle to find time to work out, often not knowing whether to prioritise sleep or get up early to hit the gym. When fat loss is your goal, it’s true that both play an important role. You can lose weight without exercising […]

About 43% of the general population has a genetic predisposition to obesity, which does not guarantee obesity, but makes it harder to lose weight. Most of the time, this predisposition is caused by an obesity-associated gene called FTO, and regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of […]

“Metabolism drops,” a popular wellness product advertised to adults to “enhance natural metabolism,” have been recalled after they were used in a viral weight loss challenge by teens on the social media app TikTok. The liquid supplement contains caffeine, taurine and raspberry ketones. Evidence is mixed on whether they work, […]

You can lower triglycerides by exercising, losing weight, and drinking less alcohol. If your triglycerides levels are very high – like over 500 milligrams per deciliter – your doctor may also recommend medication to lower triglycerides. Triglycerides, like cholesterol, are associated with a higher risk of heart disease if your […]

“Speed keto,” a combination of the keto diet and intermittent fasting, claims to provide quicker weight loss results without cravings or a complications. It’s true that both keto and intermittent fasting have been found to have health benefits, including weight loss, when done correctly. However, experts don’t recommend speed keto, […]

The Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that may be able to help you lose weight. However, the Atkins diet isn’t generally considered the best way to lose weight, as restricting calories – instead of specifically carbs – is often more effective. This article was reviewed by David S. Seres, […]

A study published in 2019 found lower rates of obesity in those who smoke marijuana. However, the authors of the study said that the link did not mean a causal relationship and weed shouldn’t be used as a weight-loss tool. The bottom line is that there’s no evidence that smoking […]

A new study suggests that eating a western-style diet, high in saturated fat and sugar, for as little as a week can lead to overeating and impaired brain function. The research, conducted by Macquarie University in Sydney, found that adults who added more Belgian waffles and fast food to their […]

Doctors recommend bariatric surgery to people who haven’t lost weight through diet, exercise, or medication. There are different types of bariatric surgery like sleeve gastrectomies, gastric bypass, and gastric bands. This article was reviewed by Abraham Krikhely, MD, a minimally invasive bariatric and general surgeon, and chair of the Robotic […]

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove stubborn fat for cosmetic purposes. Liposuction costs around $US3,500 and most health insurance plans won’t cover it. When choosing a liposuction surgeon, make sure to look for a facility that meets national safety requirements. This article was reviewed by Oscar Trujillo, MD, MD, […]

The 5/20 rule of nutrition can help guide grocery shoppers when looking at nutrition labels. It indicates that a 20% or more daily value of any nutrient is a high amount, while 5% or less is low. If you’re looking for low sodium, for example, make sure the daily value […]

The whole30 diet is a type of elimination diet meant to identify foods you may be sensitive, or allergic to. But many people have adopted the low-carb whole30 diet as a way to lose weight. Here’s what you need to know about the safety, effectiveness, and sustainability of the whole30 […]

I’m a Diet Coke fiend, and at the end of 2019 I was drinking a can most days. Both studies and experts say conflicting things about the health and weight implications of consuming artificially sweetened soft drinks, but I suspected it wasn’t good for me. I stopped drinking Diet Coke […]

To lose weight at a healthy pace, aim to lose around 0.5% to 1% of your body weight each week. Some helpful eating tips include swapping out processed foods for whole food options and replacing refined grains like white rice with whole grains like old fashioned oats. Eating slowly may […]

One of the ways to qualify for surgery is to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40. If you have a slightly lower BMI, but you also have another obesity-related condition — such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea — you may […]

When you have a demanding job and work long hours, fitting exercise into your day is incredibly challenging. However, you can get a decent workout with just 20 to 30 minutes – it’s best to do a strength circuit with some cardio bursts, according to Ngo Okafor, a renowned trainer. […]

Weight stigma is associated with depression, anxiety, binge eating and even increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study found positive results in helping people grapple with their internalized self-loathing, along with traditional weight loss methods. While it might seem contradictory to tell people to accept themselves as they are […]

There is no definitive research that has found probiotics can directly help you lose weight. Commercial probiotics may not be able to survive and thrive in your gut. Foods containing probiotics are part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. This article was reviewed by David S. Seres, MD, Director of Medical […]

The newest season of USA Network’s weight loss reality show, “The Biggest Loser,” premiering January 28, promises a new focus on “360 degree health” instead of just the number of the scale. Show host Bob Harper, a celebrity personal trainer, spoke to Insider about his own recent health scare when […]

Dr. Jennifer Kerns is a Biggest Loser contestant turned obesity specialist. She co-authored a study with the National Institutes of Health in 2016 that found most Biggest Loser contestants’ metabolisms slowed. The show went off the air later that year. Kerns told Insider she’s not sure the new show will […]

A celebrity trainer told Insider she thinks intermittent fasting is a bad strategy for weight loss because it’s not sustainable. Camila Goodis, who has trained Adele, Sofia Vergara, and Robbie Williams, believes you should eat at least six times a day consuming something small every two to three hours. She […]

The best ways to naturally lower blood pressure are regular exercise, adopting a heart-healthy diet, and better stress management. If you are overweight, research has found that losing 10 pounds can reduce blood pressure by as many as 12 mm Hg. Depending on your lifestyle changes, it should take at […]

Intuitive eating is the process of deciding what, when, and how much to eat by relying on your body’s unique needs and natural cues. Interest in intuitive eating is on the rise, particularly among people under 35, according to recent survey data from the International Food Information Council. Experts say […]

Resistant starch is digested more slowly than simple starch, which can keep your blood sugar levels stable and have positive health effects. Resistant starch occurs naturally in whole grains, beans, and legumes. Research has also found that the simple starch in potatoes, pasta, and rice can become resistant if you […]

The DASH diet, created to help lower blood pressure and promote heart health, has been consistently ranked by experts as one of the healthiest ways to eat. Nutritionists say the eating plan can also help with weight loss in some cases by cutting out processed foods and sugar. DASH includes […]

Most people who do the keto diet will lose weight, but you have to follow it strictly and be in a calorie deficit to make it work. Over time, you may hit a “keto plateau” where you will stop losing weight, even while following the same diet. Even if you […]

Proponents of the 1,000-calorie-a-day “Military Diet” claim it can help participants lose up to 10 pounds in three days. The strict meal plan includes low-nutrient items like hot dogs, ice cream, and saltine crackers, and requires participants to count calories in everything, including coffee. As with other crash diets, it’s […]

The Paleo diet is based on the idea that our ancient human ancestors ate more healthy than modern humans. The Paleo diet focuses on vegetables and fruits, seeds and nuts, and lean meats like chicken, pork, and beef – and cuts out grains, dairy, potatoes, legumes, and all processed foods. […]

Intermittent fasting can work as a weight-loss tool, and short-term research has found that it can improve overall health for those with obesity. However, the long-term results are less clear, and intermittent fasting may be less sustainable than other calorie restriction diets. It also may not be safe for everyone. […]

The Biggest Loser, NBC’s weight-loss reality show, is coming back for its 18th season beginning January 28. The show features 12 contestants, each trying to lose the most weight for a cash prize by participating in fitness challenges and activities like learning about nutrition and food prep. The show has […]

The Dubrow diet is a weight loss plan focused on intermittent fasting, and some dietitians say it is not sustainable. It is a strict diet plan that requires 12 to 16 hour periods without eating. Overall, it is low in carbohydrates and calories, and can be far below the FDA […]

The DASH diet is a highly effective dietary approach aimed to lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. On the DASH diet, you’ll eat foods that are low in sodium and high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, protein, and fibre – such as leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, […]

DoFasting is an app that claims to help people stay on track with intermittent fasting and, ultimately, lose weight. The app has come under fire on social media, with some critics saying it promotes eating disorders and self-harm. Intermittent fasting has recently become a dieting fad endorsed by celebrities and […]

From pregnancy myths to cutting gluten out of your diet to lose weight, the world is full of misconceptions about health and well being. In 2019, we brought thirteen experts into our studios to debunk one-hundred health-related myths. Going gluten-free won’t help you lose weight, and can be a huge […]

The Mediterranean diet was ranked the top diet out of 35 eating patterns for the third year in a row by US News & World Report, thanks to its many proven health benefits and easy-to-follow style. To make your healthy eating efforts as easy and cost-effective as possible, Insider asked […]

The high-fat, low-carb keto diet was ranked as the worst for healthy eating this year by US News & World Report. The lists, created annually by a panel of nutrition experts and health specialists, also ranked the keto diet poorly for heart health and sustainability, and it was second to […]

The Mediterranean diet – rich in healthy fats, fish, whole grains, and produce, and low in processed foods and red meat – was named the overall best diet for 2020 by US News & World Report. This is the third straight year the Mediterranean diet has topped the site’s annual […]

The Mediterranean diet is a popular eating plan that is flexible, easy to follow, and has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease and overall mortality. It is based on the lifestyle of Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy, and focuses on consuming vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, […]

Carb cycling is a dietary method where you alternate your carbohydrate intake on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Research has shown that the timing and amount of carb intake around physical activity can affect muscle recovery and athletic performance. Carb cycling may also help with weight loss, although it […]

The keto, or ketogenic, diet, cuts carbohydrates in your diet and promotes fat and protein. Many people who start the keto diet will lose weight in the first month. The keto diet isn’t for everyone and can lead to nutrient deficiencies if done long-term. Read on to learn more. Visit […]

The Noom diet doesn’t follow a traditional diet format but instead lets you decide what foods to eat while setting limits on calories. The Noom app connects dieters to a support group and a weight-loss coach who can provide feedback when needed. Early studies indicate that nearly 80% of people […]

Nutrition advice is constantly changing, with competing, and even contradictory, recommendations appearing from reputable sources. The past 10 years have led to major shifts in what we know about healthy eating, and how we think about nutrition,diets, and food. Here are some of the biggest nutrition and diet myths that […]

The Mediterranean diet, modelled on traditional cuisines of Italy, Greece, and Spain, has once again earned the No. 1 spot on US News & World Report’s annual “Best Diets” rankings. The eating pattern is acclaimed for its evidence-backed health benefits like lowering cholesterol and improving heart health and digestion. Meanwhile, […]

New research has found that people eat less when food choices are labelled not only with calorie content, but how much exercise it would take to burn them off. The findings suggest people frequently underestimate the number of calories in food and drinks, and the equivalent physical exercise they represent, […]

In a new advice column for Insider, Jillian Michaels is answering reader questions on subjects like diet, exercise, and health. Jillian Michaels is a leading health and fitness expert, author, and creator of the My Fitness app. Do you have a question for Jillian Michaels? Send them to [email protected] Visit […]

An Australian nutritionist claims that eating banana peels can boost your intake of fibre and important nutrients like vitaminC, potassium, and magnesium. However, bananas themselves are already good sources of those nutrients, so it’s not necessary to eat the peel as well, although it’s safe to do so. Eating banana […]

Many celebrities have spoken about the pressure they have been under to lose weight and look a certain way while working in the entertainment industry. “Game of Thrones” star Sophie Turner said that therapy helped her cope with constant scrutiny she faced from TV studios regarding her weight. Actor Sam […]

Tea, especially green and oolong, can do a body good. There’s evidence it promotes healthy blood pressure and regulates appetite, too. But drinking weight loss tea can be really dangerous. A lot of diet teas have laxatives in them that aren’t meant to be used on a daily basis. Some […]

The raw vegan diet cuts out meat, animal products, and anything heated to more than 115 degree Fahrenheit in an effort to improve digestion and overall health. Research supporting the diet is mixed at best: While it’s true some foods have more nutrients raw, but others are actually more nutritious […]

Grenade is a UK snacks company based in the West Midlands It makes the best-selling protein bar in the UK, and produces around 1 million bars per week. We took a look inside the factory. Visit Businessinsider.com for more stories. Grenade is a UK snacks company based in the West […]

A new study found that overweight men who exercised before eating breakfast burned twice the fat of those who exercised after breakfast. Pre-breakfast exercise was also linked to better insulin receptivity and blood sugar regulation, potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The study group was small, however, […]

A 44-year-old woman died of malnutrition 10 years after undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss, according to a new report from a local coroner. After the surgery, the woman, who also may have had an eating disorder and other mental health conditions, could barely eat. Her weight went from 322 […]

Business Insider asked three registered dietitians to debunk 18 of the most common weight loss myths. They explain that you don’t need to purge your diet of fat or carbs to lose weight, skipping meals can backfire, and fad diets like the ketogenic diet don’t often work. Beyond debunking weight […]

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors made headlines earlier this year for his rapid shift to better eating and exercise habits, which benefited him and his team on the court. Green told Insider changing his habits for the better “wasn’t an option” but a necessity after manager Bob Myers […]

Sara Fisher, a mother of two, opened up about the pervasive pressure to get thin after having kids. The full-time lawyer felt good after losing a significant amount of weight, but found so many of her other accomplishments more fulfilling. The active mum hopes to get healthier, but isn’t interested […]

Instagram is rolling out new rules around posts promoting weight-loss products and cosmetic surgery. It will now restrict posts promoting such products so under-18s can’t see them, and remove anything that promises a “miracle” solution for weight-loss. The new policy was formulated in conjunction with actress Jameela Jamil, a vocal […]

Eating vegan may help people who are overweight reduce body fat and promote weight loss without restricting calories, a new study suggests. Researchers found a plant-based diet changes the body’s microbiome, increasing the healthy bacteria in the digestive system. This improves gut health and can protect against diseases like diabetes. […]

Intermittent fasting is nothing new. People around the world have known for centuries that skipping some meals is good for the body. A growing body of research is probing why fasting is so good for us. Cancer researcher Dr. Miriam Merad just published a study showing that people who fasted […]

“Revenge Body” trainer Autumn Calabrese told Insider she thinks it’s bogus when people say they’re too busy to eat healthy. “Meal prep doesn’t have to be intense. It’s as simple as buying fruit, veggies, and two different lean proteins,” Calabrese told Insider. Calabrese also said on-the-go snacks don’t need to […]

When the first season of Khloe Kardashian’s TV show “Revenge Body” premiered in January 2017, some people slammed the idea of using one’s desire to hurt another person as motivation to lose weight. Autumn Calabrese, a trainer on the third season of the show, told Insider that revenge isn’t a […]

There are several myths surrounding how cutting out dairy can affect your body. Cutting out dairy can result in weight loss but it might not be permanent. You may also get sick more often and because you’re lacking vitamins like calcium. Visit INSIDER’s home page for more stories. Making any […]

A study of overweight young adults found that those that exercised in the morning lost significantly more weight than those who exercised later or not at all. This finding supports previous evidence that timing exercise to match the body’s natural rhythms could have important benefits, particularly for weight loss. However, […]

A study of more than 18,000 adults found certain types of exercise are useful for mitigating weight gain and obesity related to genetics. Jogging was the most effective, followed by mountain climbing, power walking, walking, and long yoga sessions. Other research has suggested exercise in general can help combat the […]

Business Insider asked three professional athletic trainers to debunk 17 of the most common exercise myths. They explain that crunches don’t give you abs, that women won’t get bulky if they weight lift, and that cardio isn’t the best way to lose weight. Perhaps the biggest myth of all is […]

Intermittent fasting, a dieting plan that oscillates between defined periods of eating and not eating, has become an overwhelming trend among celebrities, tech moguls, and others. Though the benefits of intermittent fasting are still being studied, there’s evidence that the practice has negative side effects, such as hair loss, anxiety, […]

A new study found that a type of intermittent fasting that limits meals to early in the day could lower appetite and help the body burn fat. Participants who ate between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. had lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin and burned more fat than those […]

I’ve lost more than 100 pounds. I did it by following a few things that I don’t hear about super often. I gave myself cheat days. I also made sure to get enough sleep. Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more stories. In May 2018, I decided to overhaul my health and […]

Celebrities like Chris Pratt, Jordan Sparks, and Khloe Kardashian have been very open about their weight-loss journeys. Missy Elliott said she lost weight by eliminating two things from her diet: bread and any kind of drink aside from water. Kelly Osbourne has lost over 50 pounds in recent years and […]

T he low-carb, high-fat keto diet has gained popularity for its purported benefits like weight loss and increased energy, prompting companies to offer keto-friendly supplements. Keto pills, powders, and drinks claim to help induce ketosis more quickly or increase the potential benefits of the diet, but research is mixed. Most […]

A new study, published June 8 in Annals of Internal Medicine, further suggests that investing in supplement pills and powders won’t reduce your risk of heart-related disease or lengthen your life. Researchers looked at more than 100 prior studies including 16 kinds of supplements and found that only two types, […]

High intensity exercise is incredibly popular because it promises a highly efficient workout in a short amount of time. However, if you don’t balance out this type of training with low intensity exercise, you could be damaging both your mental and physical health. INSIDER spoke to an array of different […]

Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Willamson has attracted attention for her eccentric sound bites and New Age ideas. She wrote a weight-loss book in 2010 based on spiritual principles. Here are some of her (almost entirely unscientific) ideas. Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more. Presidential candidate Marianne Williamson has made waves by […]

Over the past six months, I’ve cut my body fat nearly in half without losing my muscle. The more muscle you have, the higher your basal metabolic rate, and the more likely you are to maintain your weight loss. Holding on to your muscle mass also results in the “toned” […]

The keto diet is a very low-carb eating plan that forces the body to burn fat, not glucose, for fuel. It’s a popular option for weight loss. To follow the diet most healthfully, focus on non-starchy vegetables, grass-fed meats, and nuts, nutritionists told INSIDER. Considering the diet’s restrictions, it’s important […]

Foods high in fat and calories aren’t necessarily going to cause weight gain, and some may even aid in weight loss. Low-fat options like only eating egg whites may be less beneficial than eating the entire egg. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and nuts are calorie-dense – […]

Jessica Alba said she deliberately tried to lose weight earlier in her career to try and diminish her curves and reduce the amount of unwanted male attention she received. Seaking on a panel event at Gwyneth Paltrow’s “In Goop Health” wellness summit in Los Angeles last weekend, the actor said […]

A growing chorus of medical experts and personal trainers have suggested that spin classes might not be the optimal exercise for health. My own experience with spinning has led to back pain and the unsettling feeling that I’m going to fall off the bike. If the option is between spinning […]

A new study has found a link between drinking diet sodas and higher consumption of both calories and sugar. Researchers analysed data from US children and teens and found there was little difference in calorie intake overall between those who drank sugary drinks and those who drank artificially-sweetened alternatives. This […]

Metformin has been called a “miracle drug” because of its low cost, minimal risks, and ability to stave off diabetes and potentially ageing. An April 2019 study found metformin has the potential to help some people lose weight and maintain that weight loss for long periods of time. Researchers say […]

I lost over 120 pounds in the last year. This change has made me feel great, but I’ve also lost some of my hair, too. To combat this physical change, I’m started eating more protein, taking biotin supplements, and massaging my scalp. I also am looking into derma stamping to […]

My binge-eating disorder led me to consume excess calories and weigh more than 300 pounds. To stop binge eating, I started counting calories and cooking my meals at home. I found it helpful to not have junk food in the house and to find healthy distractions. Visit INSIDER.com for more […]

After losing 120 pounds, there are some things I had expected to change that actually didn’t end up changing. Shopping for clothing at a US size 10/12 isn’t much different for me than shopping while at a US size 24. It’s oftentimes still hard to motivate myself to exercise. Visit […]

Losing lots of weight forces you to make major changes to your mindset and lifestyle. There are a slew of success stories of people losing a large percentage of weight and keeping it off for good. Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more. As times change, one thing remains consistent: people want […]