Healthy lifestyle can boost metabolic health even without weight loss: Study

IANS Photo

Jerusalem, (IANS) People can improve their health through dietary and lifestyle changes even if they do not lose weight, according to an international study.

The research, conducted by the universities of Ben-Gurion (Israel), Harvard (US), and Leipzig (Germany), focused on individuals described as "weight loss resistant" -- those who adopt healthy habits but struggle to shed pounds, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We have been conditioned to equate weight loss with health, and weight loss-resistant individuals are often labeled as failures,” said lead author Anat Yaskolka Meir, postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard Chan School.

“Our findings reframe how we define clinical success. People who do not lose weight can improve their metabolism and reduce their long-term risk for disease. That’s a message of hope, not failure,” Meir added.

Published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the study challenges the long-standing belief that weight loss is the primary sign of a successful diet. Researchers found that even participants who did not lose weight showed measurable improvements in key health indicators.

The study tracked 761 adults between 18 to 24 months. All participants followed lifestyle changes without taking supplements or medications and were assigned to healthy diets.

Participants also received free gym access and exercise guidance.

By the end of the trial, approximately one-third of the participants had not lost weight, despite closely following the programme.

However, they showed improvements in metabolic health, including higher levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, lower levels of leptin (a hormone primarily produced by fat cells), and reductions in abdominal fat, confirmed through MRI scans.

Researchers also identified 12 genetic markers that may influence whether a person is likely to lose weight through lifestyle changes, an insight that could help personalise future diet plans.The findings suggest that healthy eating and exercise can provide significant health benefits even without weight loss, including reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, the researchers said. Healthy lifestyle can boost metabolic health even without weight loss: Study | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........→June 12, 2026

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a vigorously growing dioecious, erect biennial herb of the family Amaranthaceae. Though the herb is a native of South west Asia, today it is widely cultivated in North America, Europe and Asia. Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled. Its leaves are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibres, magnesium, manganese, folate, copper, zinc, niacin, selenium, sodium, potassium, sulphur, phosphorus and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Recently, opioid peptides, called rubicolins have also been found in spinach. Spinach contains 4 times more of beta-carotene and 3 times more of lutein than broccoli.

Spinach is said to be a protective food against Cancer. Consuming spinach in meals is said to inhibit tumor growth and keeps body normal from undergoing mutation. It is also known to be beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. Having half a cup of spinach leaves juice before meals twice daily is helpful in controlling diabetes. Owing to high Vitamin A content, the herb is protective against eye diseases. Anemic patients must consume this herb in diet as spinach is a good source of iron, and thus, prevents anemia. Because iron is a component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all body cells, it is also beneficial as energy food.

In conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine headaches and asthma, spinach is helpful in combating the ailments owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Another of the benefits of spinach is that it's good for the heart. In addition, folate is good for a healthy cardiovascular system. Its antioxidant vitamins help reduce free radicals in the body & maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. Magnesium, another mineral found in spinach helps to lower high blood pressure (Hypertension). Spinach has a laxative effect and is wonderful in Weight loss diets. The Kitchen Clinic: Health Benefits of Spinach

Read More........→June 11, 2026