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New research: Longer working hours may affect your weight

12. May, 2026

Obesity is a growing problem in many OECD countries.

The OECD is an international organization that works with more than 100 countries to develop knowledge, analysis, and policy solutions aimed at creating stronger, fairer, and more sustainable societies.

According to a new study presented at the annual European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) and reported by News-Medical, the United States had the highest obesity rate in 2022, while Japan had the lowest.

Researchers examined data from 33 OECD countries between 1990 and 2022. The figures came from sources including the OECD, the WHO, and the World Bank.

The researchers found major differences between countries.

Several Latin American countries had higher obesity rates than a number of European countries, even though they consumed less fat and fewer calories on average.

More than diet

The study suggests that obesity is not only about food and exercise. Working conditions and economic factors may also play a major role.

According to the researchers, long working hours can lead to less time for exercise, higher stress levels, and a greater reliance on fast food and unhealthy meals.

At the same time, the analysis showed that higher income is often associated with lower obesity rates.

Fewer working hours

The results showed that fewer working hours were linked to lower obesity rates. If working hours decreased by 1 percent, obesity rates fell by an average of 0.16 percent.

The connection was strongest among men. Researchers therefore believe that a better work-life balance may be important for public health.

Sources: News-Medical and European Congress on Obesity 2026.

Caffeine may affect bone health – are you drinking too much?

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

12. May, 2026

Caffeine may affect bone health – are you drinking too much?

The body needs calcium to keep bones strong.

If it lacks calcium, the body begins to draw it from the bones to maintain balance in the blood. Over time, this can weaken the bones.

This becomes especially problematic with age. Older individuals and women after menopause have a harder time rebuilding bone mass, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Hidden signals

Calcium deficiency is often detected late because symptoms are initially mild or unclear. As a result, many people do not notice anything until the bones have already been affected.

In addition, the signs can resemble other conditions, making proper examination important, where early detection is key.

Focus of research

Research has long examined what influences the body’s calcium levels.

According to a review in the Journal of Nutrition, caffeine increases the excretion of calcium and other minerals through urine for several hours after consumption.

The body does not fully adapt to this loss, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially if calcium intake is already low.

Health authorities such as the FDA and Anvisa consider, according to Tuasaude, that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for healthy adults. Higher intake may increase the risk of imbalance in the body.

Calcium deficiency is therefore not only caused by low intake of dairy products. High caffeine consumption can also play a significant role by increasing the body’s loss of calcium.

Sources: Tuasaude, Journal of Nutrition, FDA and Anvisa.

These foods can help the body in the fight against cancer

Mie Hermansen

12. May, 2026

These foods can help the body in the fight against cancer

According to an article from Mirror, Dr Li highlights how certain foods may help strengthen the body’s natural defence systems. It is not about food directly fighting cancer, but about supporting the body’s ability to protect itself.

Berries are rich in antioxidants

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain anthocyanins, which give them their colour and act as powerful antioxidants that help protect DNA from damage.

Berries may affect cancer’s blood supply

According to Dr Li, compounds in berries can reduce the blood supply to cancer cells while also supporting cardiovascular health.

Raspberries are especially high in fibre

Raspberries are highlighted as one of the most fibre-rich berries, which benefits the gut microbiome and helps reduce inflammation.

Apples contain powerful plant compounds

Apples contain the polyphenol chlorogenic acid, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower inflammation levels in the body.

Fibre in apples supports gut health

The fibre in apples feeds the gut microbiome, which produces short-chain fatty acids that further reduce inflammation.

Soy may be linked to lower mortality

A study involving 5,000 women with breast cancer found that those with the highest soy intake had a 30 percent lower risk of dying from the disease.

Multiple studies show similar results for soy

Dr Li points out that 14 consecutive studies have shown that higher soy intake does not increase mortality, but instead is associated with a reduced risk of death.

Tomatoes are rich in key nutrients

Tomatoes contain vitamin C and bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as carotenoids that support vision and healthy ageing.

Lycopene may limit cancer’s blood supply

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, has been linked to an ability to reduce the blood supply to cancer cells.

Lower prostate cancer risk linked to tomato intake

Studies have shown that men who consume two to three servings of cooked tomatoes per week have a 30 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Less aggressive cancer among tomato consumers

Among those who developed the disease, higher tomato intake was associated with less aggressive tumours and fewer blood vessels.

Tea contains beneficial polyphenols

Tea contains catechins that can reduce inflammation, support the immune system and limit the blood supply to cancer.

Coffee contains the same compound as apples

Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, which helps reduce inflammation and provides other beneficial compounds.

Matcha offers a more concentrated effect

Matcha is highlighted as a more potent form of tea, as the whole leaf is consumed, providing both fibre and a higher concentration of active compounds.

Allergy pills linked to changes in appetite

Mie Hermansen

12. May, 2026

Allergy pills linked to changes in appetite

Spring brings more than sunshine. For many, it also means disrupted sleep, constant sneezing, and the quiet frustration of never quite feeling comfortable outdoors.

Allergy season has a way of creeping into everyday routines before people fully notice.

According to the Daily Mail and Unilad alongside NHS guidance, treatments used to ease these symptoms may come with effects that often go overlooked.

Medical experts are now drawing attention to how some common remedies could influence the body in subtle ways.

A hidden reaction

Antihistamines are widely used to control allergy symptoms by blocking histamine, the chemical responsible for triggering reactions like itching and congestion.

This mechanism helps many people function normally during high pollen periods.

However, histamine is also involved in appetite regulation. When its effects are reduced, the body may respond with increased hunger signals, something doctors have begun highlighting more frequently.

Specialists linked to ZAVA Online Doctor point out that this shift may lead to people eating more without being fully aware of the change.

More than medication

A 2020 study found a connection between antihistamine use and higher body weight, BMI, and insulin levels. Still, researchers stress that this link is not straightforward.

Health experts explain that allergies and weight may influence each other in multiple ways, meaning medication is only one part of a larger picture involving lifestyle and biology.

Supporting the body

Diet can play a supportive role, though it does not replace medical treatment. Experts suggest focusing on nutrient-rich foods that help the body handle allergens more effectively.

Vitamin C sources like berries and greens
Omega fatty acids from oily fish
Balanced, consistent meals

Understanding these possible effects may help people better manage both their symptoms and overall habits during allergy season.

Rethinking osteoporosis beyond calcium intake

Mie Hermansen

12. May, 2026

Rethinking osteoporosis beyond calcium intake

It often starts quietly. A small stumble, a simple fall, and suddenly the body reacts in a way that doesn’t match the moment. For many, it becomes the first sign that something deeper is changing.

Recent research, including findings referenced in journals such as Nature Reviews Endocrinology and Frontiers in Immunology, suggests that the roots of osteoporosis may lie far beyond the bones themselves.

Scientists are increasingly pointing to the gut as a key player, reports Medium.seznam.

A hidden link

Osteoporosis has long been associated with aging and calcium deficiency. Today, that understanding is evolving.

Bone is now seen as a living, active tissue influenced by the immune system and metabolic processes.

At the center of this interaction is the gut microbiome. This ecosystem of microorganisms helps regulate nutrient absorption, hormone activity and inflammation.

When balanced, bone formation and breakdown remain stable. When disrupted, the body may gradually shift toward bone loss.

When balance fails

Gut bacteria produce compounds that support calcium absorption and influence signals tied to bone health. But when microbial diversity declines, problems can emerge.

A weakened gut barrier may allow inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream.

This can trigger a low-grade, chronic inflammatory state that accelerates bone breakdown over time.

Key factors include:

Reduced microbial diversity
Increased inflammation
Hormonal changes, especially lower estrogen levels

New directions

Researchers are now exploring whether targeting the gut could help prevent or slow osteoporosis. Animal studies show promising results, particularly in cases linked to hormonal shifts.

Human studies remain mixed. Probiotics do not produce consistent outcomes, highlighting the complexity of the microbiome.

Diet appears to be a crucial factor. Fermented foods and plant-based nutrients may support both gut health and bone strength over time.

The emerging consensus is clear: osteoporosis is not just about calcium. It reflects a broader internal balance, where the gut plays a central role.

How pasta can affect your blood pressure if you eat it regularly

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

11. May, 2026

How pasta can affect your blood pressure if you eat it regularly

Pasta is often linked to high blood sugar, but experts believe it can still be part of a healthy diet — even for people with diabetes.

The key factors are ingredient choices and portion sizes, according to EatingWell.

Pasta and diabetes

People with diabetes need to pay close attention to carbohydrates to avoid major fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Pasta contains a high amount of carbohydrates, which can affect the body quickly if meals are not balanced properly.

Blood sugar should be monitored

Experts recommend that people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar after eating pasta meals.

This can help them understand how different types of pasta and portion sizes affect their bodies.

Regular meals

Dietitian Samantha MacLeod recommends eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day.

This may help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of major fluctuations.

Planning can help

According to Samantha MacLeod, planning ahead can make it easier to manage carbohydrate intake.

Apps and meal plans may help people maintain better control of their diet.

Whole grain is a better option

Whole grain pasta is highlighted as a healthier choice than regular pasta because it contains more fiber. Fiber plays an important role in how the body absorbs sugar.

Fiber slows absorption

Fiber may help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. As a result, blood sugar levels may rise more gradually after meals containing high-fiber foods.

Study on high-fiber pasta

A study published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases found that participants had lower blood sugar levels after meals containing high-fiber pasta compared to standard pasta varieties.

Protein and vegetables

Samantha MacLeod recommends combining pasta with protein sources such as chicken, fish, or eggs.

Vegetables can also add extra fiber and make meals more balanced.

Pasta should not stand alone

According to Samantha MacLeod, pasta should not be eaten on its own without side dishes or additional ingredients.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that only around one-quarter of the plate should consist of carbohydrates.

Chickpea pasta

Chickpea pasta is highlighted as a high-protein alternative. One serving can contain up to 23 grams of protein, which may help increase satiety.

Nutritional value of pasta

One serving of dry pasta contains approximately 211 calories, 43 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein.

Portion sizes matter

Large portions of pasta can lead to faster increases in blood sugar levels. Experts therefore recommend enjoying pasta in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

Sources: EatingWell, Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, and the American Diabetes Association.

Ukraine shares knowledge with the US – new vehicle aims to save wounded soldiers

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

11. May, 2026

Ukraine shares knowledge with the US – new vehicle aims to save wounded soldiers

The Ukrainian Combat Medics came from Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps. They attended a conference organized by the Special Operations Medical Association, also known as SOMA.

The organization focuses on tactical medicine and treatment during war and disaster situations.

According to the 3rd Army Corps, doctors, combat medics, and other medical specialists from Ukraine participated in the event, United24 Media reports.

Focus on treatment

During the conference, the Ukrainians spoke about treating soldiers near the front line.

Among other topics, they explained how wounded soldiers are treated during drone attacks and inside mobile field hospitals.

SOMA describes itself as an organization that brings together military and civilian experts to develop new methods in emergency treatment and battlefield medicine.

At the same time, Ukraine is working on new solutions for evacuating wounded soldiers.

According to the manufacturer Inguar Defence, the company has developed an armored ambulance version of the Inguar-3 vehicle.

Gaining international importance

The vehicle has been redesigned with space for a stretcher and faster loading of wounded soldiers under fire.

The manufacturer states that the level of protection remains the same as in the original model.

Experience from the war in Ukraine is now being used to reshape international standards for treating wounded soldiers in combat zones.

Sources: United24 Media.

Why mosquitoes keep choosing you – scientists may have found the answer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

11. May, 2026

Why mosquitoes keep choosing you – scientists may have found the answer

Scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology and MIT investigated how mosquitoes locate humans.

Using cameras and analyzing millions of data points, the researchers tracked the insects’ movements in detail.

The study, published in Science Advances and described by SciTechDaily, focused on the species Aedes aegypti, which can spread diseases such as Zika and yellow fever.

The researchers discovered that mosquitoes do not follow one another. Instead, they respond to the same environmental signals, which often leads them to gather in the same places.

Colors matter

In the experiments, the scientists tested different colors and levels of carbon dioxide — the gas humans exhale.

A dark object attracted more mosquitoes than a light-colored one. When carbon dioxide was added at the same time, the attraction became even stronger.

The mosquitoes gathered mainly around the heads and shoulders of the participants. Researchers recorded their flight patterns using infrared cameras.

According to the scientists, the findings could help develop more effective mosquito traps. This could include changing how the traps emit light or carbon dioxide.

Sources: SciTechDaily and Science Advances.

Study identifies the unhealthiest diet among older adults

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

11. May, 2026

Study identifies the unhealthiest diet among older adults

A U.S. study published in Public Health Nutrition and reported by News-Medical examined more than 5,000 people over the age of 60 and identified five different dietary patterns among older adults.

The study is based on data from the U.S. health survey NHANES collected between 2013 and 2018.

Some participants mainly ate vegetables, fish, and yogurt, while others consumed diets high in processed foods, alcohol, and pastries.

Researchers found major differences in both health and living conditions between the groups.

Healthy food brings benefits

According to the study, people whose diets were rich in vegetables and fish generally had better health and fewer problems accessing food. They also had the highest overall diet quality.

In contrast, poorer diets were often linked to obesity, smoking, and lower income levels.

Researchers point out that financial difficulties and physical limitations can make it challenging for older adults to buy and prepare healthy meals.

Soft foods

The most common diet type among participants consisted of soups, smoothies, and other soft foods.

This group had a lower intake of protein and energy than the other participants.

Researchers believe this particular group may be especially vulnerable to malnutrition and muscle loss.

At the same time, they were more likely to have poorer health and face a greater risk of food insecurity.

Older adults’ diets are not only about personal choices, but also about access to food, financial resources, and physical ability.

Sources: Medical News Today and Public Health Nutrition.

A handful of legumes could reduce the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

11. May, 2026

A handful of legumes could reduce the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

High blood pressure is often referred to as a “silent disease” because many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages, according to The Sun.

Over time, the condition can increase the risk of blood clots and strokes.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive salt intake, and lack of exercise are among the factors that can raise the risk.

Legumes

A new study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health reviewed 12 previous studies to investigate whether certain foods could affect blood pressure.

The research focused particularly on legumes such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas, as well as soy products including tofu, miso, and edamame.

People who consumed the highest amounts of these foods had a lower risk of developing high blood pressure than those who consumed the least.

How much should you eat?

Researchers found that consuming around 170 grams of legumes per day produced the greatest effect. This corresponds to a small serving of beans or lentils.

For soy products, the ideal amount was between 60 and 80 grams daily. That is roughly equivalent to a palm-sized piece of tofu.

According to the analysis, people following these dietary habits had up to a 30 percent lower risk of high blood pressure.

However, the researchers emphasized that the study has limitations, although they believe the findings could influence future dietary guidelines.

Sources: The Sun and BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.

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More than diet

Fewer working hours

Hidden signals

Focus of research

Berries are rich in antioxidants

Berries may affect cancer’s blood supply

Raspberries are especially high in fibre

Apples contain powerful plant compounds

Fibre in apples supports gut health

Soy may be linked to lower mortality

Multiple studies show similar results for soy

Tomatoes are rich in key nutrients

Lycopene may limit cancer’s blood supply

Lower prostate cancer risk linked to tomato intake

Less aggressive cancer among tomato consumers

Tea contains beneficial polyphenols

Coffee contains the same compound as apples

Matcha offers a more concentrated effect

A hidden reaction

More than medication

Supporting the body

A hidden link

When balance fails

New directions

Pasta and diabetes

Blood sugar should be monitored

Regular meals

Planning can help

Whole grain is a better option

Fiber slows absorption

Study on high-fiber pasta

Protein and vegetables

Pasta should not stand alone

Chickpea pasta

Nutritional value of pasta

Portion sizes matter

Focus on treatment

Gaining international importance

Colors matter

Healthy food brings benefits

Soft foods

Legumes

How much should you eat?

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