Marketing buzzwords fall flat, says a microbiome scientist
The newest trend in health-focused fizzy drinks is all about gut health—or so the packaging says. Brands like Poppi and Olipop have exploded in popularity, especially on social media, boasting slogans like “Supports Digestive Health” and “Prebiotics for a Happy Gut.” From viral TikToks to high-profile Super Bowl ads, these beverages have positioned themselves as the smarter, healthier soda alternative.
Main Takeaways
Some racial and ethnic groups, including Black individuals, tend to produce more insulin in response to high-carb meals. This may increase the risk of obesity and diseases related to insulin resistance.
A new clinical study suggests that Black women who are high insulin producers benefit significantly from a low-carbohydrate diet.
For people at high risk of insulin-related obesity, reducing carbs—rather than just calories—may be key to reducing health disparities.
“How long will it take me to lose weight?”
It’s a common question—and an understandable one. If you’re making the effort to change your habits, it’s natural to want to know when you’ll start seeing results. But the answer isn’t a simple number or timeline. In fact, it’s a bit like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” The truth is: it depends.
Originally published in STAT News on April 22
Imagine a clinical trial involving sedentary, overweight adults. One group continues their inactive lifestyle, while the other begins an intensive regimen of daily running, calisthenics, and sports. After just a week or two, participants in the exercise group would likely feel sore, fatigued, and possibly even show a temporary drop in performance. No one would seriously conclude from this short-term snapshot that exercise is harmful. It’s clear we’d need a longer trial to understand the benefits of physical activity.
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