Science Weekly - 07082019

Today's round-up of fitness, nutrition and sports science research brings us a refreshing variety. Let's see what's on the menu:
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• Men are just as affected by weight stigma as women
• The effects of strength training on 'endurance muscle' and muscle atrophy in the elderly
• BPA-free may not mean safe
• Mice-study suggests a gut bacteria may help develop treatment for obesity
• How having bigger waistline in their 60s can expedite brain thinning in the elderly
• Benefits of following a Mediterranean diet in pregnancy
• ​Can the paleo diet increase heart disease risks?
• Exercising in space can prevent Astronauts from fainting once back at Earth - the findings may be relevant to certain conditions for non-astronauts too.
• Not all chocolate are created equal - Should we fight depression with dark chocolate?

Weight stigma in men associated with harmful health consequences

As many as 40% of men report experiencing weight stigma, but little is known about how this stigma affects their health. This study found that men experiencing weight stigma have more depressive symptoms, are more likely to binge eat, and have lower self-rated health.

Source: UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

One or the other: Why strength training might come at the expense of endurance muscles

The neurotransmitter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts in the muscle, so that during strength training endurance muscle fiber number is decreased. Researchers have more closely investigated this factor, from the group of myokines, and demonstrated that it is produced by the muscle and acts on both muscles and synapses. The results also provide new insights into age-related muscle atrophy.

Source: University of Basel

Exposure to common chemicals in plastics linked to childhood obesity

Exposure to common chemicals in plastics and canned foods may play a role in childhood obesity, according to a new study.

Source: The Endocrine Society

These gut bacteria prevent mice from becoming obese -- what could that mean for us?

A specific class of bacteria from the gut prevents mice from becoming obese, suggesting these same microbes may similarly control weight in people, a new study reports. The beneficial bacteria, called Clostridia, are part of the microbiome -- collectively trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that inhabit the intestine.

Source: University of Utah Health

Extra weight in 60s may be linked to brain thinning years later

​Having a bigger waistline and a high body mass index (BMI) in your 60s may be linked with greater signs of brain aging years later, according to a new study. The study suggests that these factors may accelerate brain aging by at least a decade.

Source: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Mediterranean diet during pregnancy reduces gestational diabetes and weight gain

A simple Mediterranean-style diet in pregnancy does not reduce the overall risk of adverse maternal and offspring complications, but has the potential to reduce weight gain in pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes, according to a clinical trial.

Source: Queen Mary University of London

Heart disease biomarker linked to paleo diet

People who follow the paleo diet have twice the amount of a key blood biomarker linked closely to heart disease, the world's first major study examining the impact of the diet on gut bacteria has found.

Source: Edith Cowan University

Astronauts less likely to faint on Earth if they exercise in space; findings may help others with fainting issues

Up to two hours of endurance and resistance exercises daily during a long space flight mission, combined with IV fluid replacement after landing, helps astronauts prevent dizziness and fainting during normal activity when they return to Earth. The study findings also have implications for a variety of people with health conditions that cause them to faint when standing up, and people on bed rest for long periods.

Source: American Heart Association

People who eat dark chocolate less likely to be depressed

Eating dark chocolate may positively affect mood and relieve depressive symptoms, finds a new study looking at whether different types of chocolate are associated with mood disorders.

Source: University College London