Unveiling the Truth: Is Berberine Really “Nature’s Ozempic?”

a close up of yellow flowers

What is Berberine? Berberine is an herbal compound found in various plants’ roots, stems, and bark, including barberry, tree turmeric, yellowroot, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been used for generations in Chinese Herbal Medicine but has only recently gained attention, primarily driven by social media, for its purported health benefits. Advocates of berberine use […]

The Importance of Nutrition Education Programs in Schools   

a boy looking at a plate of food

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the proportion of adolescents who are dealing with obesity has tripled since the 1970s. Based on data from 2017-2018, the CDC estimates that over 20% of young people from ages 6-19 are considered obese or severely obese and an additional 16% are considered overweight. With […]

How to Help Your Spouse: Romantic Relationships and Weight Loss

a man and woman sitting at a table with plates and utensils

The most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicates that over 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese (equivalent to a BMI ≥ 25). Yet even though many people attempt to lose weight through various diet and exercise plans, their weight loss efforts often end in vain. Weight loss programs are often discussed […]

Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder

a woman looking at herself in a mirror

If you’ve ever looked at yourself in the mirror and didn’t like what you saw, you’re not alone. Everyone has something about themselves they wish they could change, but for some people this can become an obsession that threatens their mental health and overall wellbeing. This obsession with one’s body image can be severe enough […]

What to Know About Weight Loss Support Groups

a man holding his hand to his shoulder while another man sits on a couch

A weight loss journey is a very personal experience that can look significantly different from person to person. Finding your own path and configuring a weight loss program that works for you is an important part of that journey. Yet all of the customization can also make it a somewhat lonely experience that can feel […]

Healthy Habits for a Sustainable Weight Loss Journey  

a heart shaped plate of salad next to a notepad

Everyone wants to be thinner. In fact, according to a Gallup poll from last year, more than half (55%) of American adults are trying to lose weight at any given time. This desire to shed extra pounds has created a multibillion dollar industry of fad diets, supplements, exercise equipment, and workout programs that promise results […]

What Are the Best Foods For Gut Health and Weight Loss?

jars of pickles and vegetables

For so many people, weight loss is a goal that remains elusive, even after trying countless fad diets and exercise programs. As researchers continue to study the science behind body weight changes, however, other factors have emerged that may play a significant role in how to actually lose weight. In the last few decades, new […]

Bodyweight Exercises You Can Do Anywhere

a woman doing plank on a rug

Even though most people would agree that strength training probably has some value for health, the practice is usually associated with bodybuilders and fitness fanatics in an off-putting or maybe even an intimidating way. Also, some people simply can’t afford a gym membership or buying a bunch of expensive equipment in their home. The good […]

A Review of Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss

a person eating a plate of food

Over the past few decades, a pair of seemingly paradoxical trends have emerged: the number of people who are overweight or obese has risen at the same time as the number of people trying to lose weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the decade from 2007-2017 saw obesity rates in the United States rise from 34% to 42% of the population.

Side Effects of Medication: Amlodipine and Weight Gain

a person measuring blood pressure

Being overweight or obese is known to increase the risk for high blood pressure, but it can also make high blood pressure worse if it was already an issue. A further complication for those with high blood pressure is that the medications meant to treat the condition may lead to unexplained weight gain. One example […]