Eating disorders can develop among people with a combination of psychological, social and genetic factors, says the National Eating Disorders Collaboration. The collaboration mentions these risk factors for eating disorders: Low self-esteem, or perfectionism. Overvaluing body image in defining self-worth. Stress, depression and trauma. Avoidance of social interaction. Involvement in a sport that emphasizes body…  read on >

Obese teenagers can have certain brain differences from their thinner peers — changes that might signal damage from inflammation, a new, preliminary study suggests. Using advanced MRI techniques, researchers found that obese teenagers tended to have signs of decreased “integrity” in the brain’s white matter. White matter contains the fibers that connect different areas of…  read on >

Many Americans aren’t getting a solid seven hours of sleep a night, putting them at risk for diabetes, heart disease and obesity. But it’s the brain that needs a good night’s sleep the most, according to Dr. Randall Wright, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. “When you are asleep, your brain catches up on tasks…  read on >

Though Thanksgiving dinner is treasured by many Americans, the meal typically isn’t heart-healthy. Including holiday staples such as mashed potatoes and stuffing, the traditional feast is full of fatty, high-cholesterol foods, says the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For a healthier holiday meal, the school suggests: Devote most of your plate to vegetables, such as green beans,…  read on >

Emergency room visits for high blood pressure surged following last year’s recall of the popular heart drug valsartan, Canadian researchers report. Within the first month of the recall, there was a 55% increase of people coming to Ontario-area emergency departments complaining of high blood pressure, said lead researcher Cynthia Jackevicius. She is a senior scientist…  read on >

Sustainable eating practices — knowing where food comes from and how to sustain the sources — helps us plan for now and the future, says the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Looking past the supermarket shelf and learning how your food is produced is a first step. The school suggests: Plan your meals…  read on >

Bad eating habits begin at a young age in American children, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data from more than 1,200 babies (aged 6 to 11 months) and toddlers (12 to 23 months) between 2011 and 2016. They found that 61% of babies and 98% of toddlers consumed added sugars in their typical daily…  read on >