Latest news with #weightgain
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Beloved wellness trend promises health benefits — but instead it causes weight gain, shocking many
They're supposed to slim you down — but ice baths might actually be plumping you up. The frigid wellness fad beloved by celebs and influencers could be backfiring, new research suggests. Cold plunges — long-touted for easing sore muscles and torching fat — may crank up your appetite and make you gain weight, originally reported on by the Daily Mail. In a study, volunteers took 30-minute dips in tubs set at 95°F, 79°F and a chilly 61°F before an all-you-can-eat pasta test. The colder the water, the increased hunger levels — those in the iciest pool scarfed down over 200 extra calories. Talk about a chilling twist. Study lead Marie Grigg, a Ph.D. researcher at Coventry University, told the Daily Mail it's still a mystery why icy dips spike cravings. She noted that 'further research is required to identify if the afterdrop in core temperature is a potential mechanism responsible for compensatory food intake post cold-water immersion.' With cold plunges trending, experts warn the icy fad could backfire for anyone counting on it to shed pounds — and might force weight-loss pros to rethink their playbook. New York City trainer Natalya Alexeyenko has a theory. She said to the outlet, 'During cold water immersion, the body kicks into thermoregulation mode — blood vessels constrict, heart rate rises, and metabolism revs to keep your core warm.' But once you get out, she explained that your body keeps cooling — an 'afterdrop' — and sends a strong signal: 'We need energy now,' even if you're not hungry. The catch? Many of us answer that call with calorie bombs, packing on pounds. Her advice? Skip the snacks and 'refuel smart' with lean proteins, complex carbs, leafy greens — and don't forget a 'warm drink' to tame the urge. Ice baths and cold plunges may also blunt muscle growth and carry serious risks like hyperventilation, hypothermia, drowning or even cardiac arrest as the body fights icy shock. As The Post previously reported, cold water squeezes your blood vessels then pops them open, boosting circulation. But health expert François Haman recently noted to Yahoo Life, 'Assuming everybody responds the same way to cold is extremely dangerous.' He added, 'I've had some people have a lot of difficulties in the cold; other people had no issues.' Still, plenty of ice bath fans swear by the benefits. Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof credits cold therapy and his breathing techniques for boosting body and mind, though research calls the inflammation benefits 'promising' but not definitive. Dr. Craig Van Dien, a rehab specialist, told Forbes there's only 'low-quality evidence' that cold plunges aid depression or recovery — but they can ease muscle soreness. Bottom line? 'Understanding your medical comorbidities and what risk they pose is extremely important before cold plunging,' Van Dien advised. He also stressed that people with heart or lung issues, diabetes, asthma or chronic conditions should check with a doctor first. So before you dive in headfirst, remember: That icy plunge or bath might not be the skinny miracle you hoped for — it could be the chill that fills you up instead.
Medscape
10-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Understanding Weight Gain in Women During Perimenopause
Women in midlife commonly come to Beverly Tchang, MD, with concerns about gaining weight, even though their diet and exercise routines have not changed. The patients are frequently frustrated about the uncontrollable changes and are usually experiencing a range of hormonal shifts as they go through perimenopause, said Tchang, an endocrinologist and associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City. 'Perimenopause is a natural phase of a woman's life, but because so much of it is out of our control, it's frustrating because many women feel like they can't fix it,' she said. 'They can't get back to where things were in their prior decades. A second source of frustration is that often, when they do see a healthcare professional, the professional doesn't know how to help them because they identify this as something that naturally happens.' Studies show women in midlife generally experience a change in body composition around perimenopause, primarily faster accumulation of fat around their waistline. Aging-related changes — such as decreased energy expenditure and less physical activity — are common culprits for weight gain in midlife women, according to Maria Hurtado, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Hurtado analyzed this subject in the journal Current Obesity Reports . 'Weight gain affects the majority of midlife women, irrespective of race or ethnicity,' Hurtado said in an interview with Medscape Medical News . 'However, evidence suggests that women with lower socioeconomic status and those from racial and ethnic minority groups, such as African American and Hispanic women, tend to have higher baseline body weight and may be more vulnerable to weight gain and its clinical ramifications in the long term.' The health consequences for such body changes in midlife include the development of cardiometabolic diseases, osteoarthritis, and cancer, as well as the worsening of cognition, mental health, and menopause symptoms, according to Hurtado's analysis. Although perimenopause is normal, Tchang said it doesn't mean women have to suffer through the experience without help or intervention. 'I think we need to have more open conversations about what women are experiencing during this time and to be open to intervening on it to improve that quality of life, even though what they're experiencing may not be considered pathological,' she said. Treating Weight Gain in Midlife Women When women in midlife share their worries about weight gain, Wisconsin-based obesity specialist Leslie Golden, MD, first normalizes what they're experiencing, she said. Patients should understand the problem is not a failure of willpower — it's physiology, said Golden, founder of Weight In Gold, a clinic specializing in sustained weight health using health coaching and the latest medications. 'Then, we take a step back and look at the full picture,' she said. Some questions to consider are: Is the patient eating sufficient protein? Are they preserving muscle mass through resistance training? How is their sleep? Are there signs of metabolic conditions, such as insulin resistance or early changes in blood sugar? At her practice, Golden takes a science-based, whole-person approach that may include medication, shifting the type of movement patients are doing, or improving the quality of patients' nutrition, she said. 'It's rarely about doing more,' Golden said. 'Often, it's about doing things differently and supporting the body instead of fighting it.' Tchang noted that some healthcare professionals may not feel comfortable intervening on menopausal management. If so, it's important to direct patients to trusted resources, or if time allows, to educate themselves on this period in women's lives, she said. She recommends The Menopause Society's website, which has information and education that can be helpful for both patients and providers. Clinicians may also want to consider initiating preventative treatment for women with normal or overweight BMI to prevent excess weight gain, ideally starting in their 30s, Hurtado said. This approach should proactively address potential weight gain through four key pillars: Consciously adjusting caloric intake, emphasizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein Encouraging regular and optimized exercise to combat age- and menopause-related lean mass loss Addressing menopausal symptoms, such as sleep disruption and vasomotor symptoms Providing mental health support and stress management resources Hurtado said that while early counseling focusing on tailored nutrition, exercise, and behavioral strategies is essential, many patients will require additional support due to metabolic and behavioral adaptations that hinder sustained weight loss. 'For those who do not achieve desired results with initial interventions, second-line therapies — such as obesity medications, endoscopic interventions, or bariatric surgery — should be considered within a multimodal and individualized approach that prioritizes the patient's health, contraindications, and preferences,' said Hurtado. How Sleep and Stress Impact Weight Management If patients in midlife are doing 'everything right' and still not seeing progress on their weight loss, sleep and stress are often the missing pieces, Golden said. Chronic sleep deprivation and stress can promote fat storage, particularly in the midsection, by disrupting hunger and fullness signals, increasing cravings, and raising cortisol levels, she said. One study found that nearly 52% of postmenopausal women have a sleep disorder. When women in midlife report sleeping problems, Golden looks at their daily routines, talks through what's realistic, and sets small goals. Sometimes, it's about creating a nighttime schedule, reducing screen time or caffeine, or identifying stressors and figuring out what's in their control, she said. When needed, Golden brings in a behavioral health or coaching team to help them build skills in these areas. 'Very often, it also means challenging some deeply held beliefs — especially the idea that rest is a luxury or that taking care of themselves is somehow selfish,' she said. 'I remind them: You're on the list of people you take care of. Giving yourself permission to rest, to pause, to protect your energy; those aren't indulgences. They're essential parts of healing and sustainable change.' With sleep problems, it's also critical to make sure you're not missing an actual disease diagnosis, such as constructive sleep apnea, Tchang said. 'This is something that I am particularly cognizant of because many of my patients also come in with obesity,' she said. 'The obesity, plus the age, midlife, and these hormonal changes, are associated with increased risk of sleep apnea. So when someone comes to you with a sleep concern, it's important to investigate a sleep disorder or refer to a sleep specialist who can do that.' In addition to hormonal changes, women may be developing a new career, or they may have more family responsibilities at this point in their lives. 'Multiple needs are often converging in this fourth decade of life that can add to stress,' Tchang said. For many women in this phase, it's a good time to reassess personal boundaries and redefine what self-care looks like, Golden said. That might mean making space for rest without guilt, saying 'no' more often, or investing in their own health in ways they may have deprioritized for years, she said. 'When those shifts happen alongside medical and behavioral support, that's where we see real, sustainable change,' Golden said.
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Selling Sunset's Chelsea Lazkani responds to claims she 'changed her face' after fans were left baffled by her new look
Selling Sunset 's Chelsea Lazkani has hit back after being asked 'what has she done to her her face?'. The reality star and realtor, 32, has been feistily responding to some accusing her of having fillers - insisting her new look is actually because she has gained weight. She lost weight after her divorce from her husband Jeff last year but is now back to a healthy 10 stone. She wrote in a series of Tweets on Wednesday: 'All this what did you do to your face nonsense… always had almond eyes, a tiny nose and full lips. I was just 40 pounds skinnier looking like a skeleton!' Another said: 'I never touched my face!!! Please stop this, I added weight, stopped wearing heavy makeup, eyeshadow and lashes. If you don't like my natural face just say that!' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She wrote on X: 'All this what did you do to your face nonsense… always had almond eyes, a tiny nose and full lips. I was just 40 pounds skinnier looking like a skeleton!' Last week she gushed that she is happier than ever as she revealed she has gained three stone. The beauty said that she is pleased she 'no longer looks like a twig', in an X post last Tuesday. Chelsea admitted that she previously only weighed seven stone (100lb) before she put on the extra weight, now making her a healthy 10 stone. She penned: 'God forbid a girl decides she no longer wants to look like a twig. An extra 40lb does ALOT lemme tell ya. ''Chelsea you look so different' - yeah I was 100lb looking malnourished before xx'. The TV personality has been sharing her new body on Instagram and fans praised her for looking the 'hottest version' of herself and 'looking healthy'. They wrote: 'Oh that gurl got some happy weight; This is the hottest version of chelsea we've ever seen'; 'That weight gain looks beautiful on you'; 'Thick love the weight on you'; 'You looking so healthy'; 'It's the getting thick for me'; 'Wooooooow. You look so voluptuous and gorgeous girl !!!'; 'Daaaammn. Mama got thick.. love it'; 'You look so much healthier and gorgeous'; 'Okay girl you know you ate down'; 'Girl I need the routine, I'm struggling to gain weight over here, you look amazing!' The beauty said that she is pleased she 'no longer looks like a twig', in an X post last Tuesday and admitted she was 'looking malnourished' It comes after Chelsea suffered a social media blunder on Monday as she shared a clip from a 'date' she was on in Los Angeles. The star split from husband Jeff last year and while she has been declared legally single, she is said to still be negotiating a divorce settlement. Yet Chelsea was keen to show the world she was moving on as she took to Instagram to share a video of herself at a swanky restaurant, captioning the video: 'On a date kinda nervous...' However, visible in the video there was clearly another woman's clutch bag and a camera, suggesting that her 'date' was nothing more than a social media opportunity taken by a friend. MailOnline has contacted Chelsea's representatives for comment. In December it was reported that Chelsea and Jeff whose divorce has played out in public on her Netflix reality series, had been declared legally single. However, the exes still had the potentially difficult task of divvying up their assets before their divorce could be finalized. The TV personality has been sharing her new body on Instagram and fans praised her for looking the 'hottest version' of herself and 'looking healthy' Although Chelsea was the first of the two to file for divorce, the process was slowed down as they struggled to come to a swift agreement on a settlement. In his previous filing, Jeff reportedly told the judge that he and his ex would still settle custody and support issues regarding their children, as well as their asset split, once they were both declared single. Chelsea had previously requested joint physical and legal custody when she filed for divorce. The real estate expert and her ex-husband — who is a managing partner at the ad agency Icon Media Group, which was founded by his mother — share two children: son Maddox Ali Lavon, five, and daughter Melia Iman, four. The Selling Sunset star previously filed to divorce her estranged husband in March of this year, citing irreconcilable differences. A week after her filing, Jeff shared his own filing, which also cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, though he accused Chelsea of being 'physically aggressive' in his documents. He accused her of hitting him in the face shortly before his filing, which allegedly broke his glasses and gave him a small cut. He also accused her of installing a lock on the master bedroom of their $2.9 million, five-bedroom Manhattan Beach home — which he said he is the primary owner of — and of remotely monitoring his visits to the home. Jeff claimed in his filing that his reality star wife had been 'exhibiting suspicious behavior,' and he claimed that some of his personal belongings had disappeared from the home. Due to their conflict over the marital home, Jeff had requested that the judge overseeing their divorce prevent either of them from living full-time at the home. Instead, he request that Chelsea only be allowed in the house for two hours at a time while under supervision. The two had been married since 2017, when they tied the knot at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California. In 2022, Chelsea revealed to that her future husband was her first Tinder date after she moved to Los Angeles. The real estate agent, who was born in North London to Nigerian immigrant parents, said she had only planned to live in California as long as it took to get her MBA, so she was hesitant to put herself on the dating market. But after giving the dating app a try around 2015, she and Jeff instantly clicked. 'We spoke about 15 times before getting together. I don't want to waste my time and give my energy to somebody if I don't think it will be worth it,' she explained. 'I felt like I knew him before we even met, and the connection was immediate.' The origins of Chelsea's split from Jeff were explored in the latest season of Selling Sunset, in which her colleagues accused him of carrying on an affair.
WebMD
30-05-2025
- General
- WebMD
Cortisol Belly: Causes and Symptoms
"Cortisol belly" is a popular term used to describe weight gain mostly around your belly area, or abdomen. Sometimes it's called "hormonal belly." It's not a medical term or diagnosis, but it could be a sign of something else happening in your body. Why Does Cortisol Belly Happen? The term "cortisol belly" describes increased levels of the hormone cortisol playing a role in where and how much fat you gain. But different things play a role in weight gain. The cause of weight gain around your belly isn't as straightforward as popular science makes it sound. Causes of weight gain Different things affect your weight, including your diet, the amount of exercise you get, medical conditions you have, your quality and quantity of sleep, and your genetics. Another key factor in fat buildup is hormones present in your system. These include sex hormones (androgen, progesterone, and estrogen), insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. The levels of these different hormones can affect where and how much fat gathers in your body. For example, premenopausal women tend to have a higher share of fat in their thighs, hips, and buttocks. Women who've gone through menopause and lost much of their estrogen may have more fat in their abdomen and upper body. Weight gain at your abdomen can be just below your skin (subcutaneous) or deep inside your body around your organs (visceral). Too much visceral fat increases your risk of certain health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. Cortisol and Weight Gain Cortisol is a hormone doctors sometimes call the "stress hormone." Your adrenal glands make it, along with the hormone adrenaline. Both hormones play a role in your response to stress. Adrenaline is your "fight or flight" response that allows you to have energy to fight or run away from a threat. Cortisol follows up your adrenaline rush to help you stay alert for longer. "The idea is that chronic stress leads to high cortisol levels that drives excess abdominal fat accumulation, but this concept is not supported by evidence," says Rexford Ahima, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Johns Hopkins Medicine. But there are medical conditions that cause abnormally high cortisol levels, and one side effect of these conditions is weight gain around the belly. Cushing syndrome This condition causes your body to make too much cortisol. You may get it because of a tumor, or as a side effect of certain medications. One of the most common symptoms of Cushing syndrome is weight gain in your belly (while your legs and arms stay slim). If Cushing syndrome is the cause of your belly weight gain, you may also have: Weight gain in the face (sometimes called moon face) A fatty lump between the shoulders (sometimes called a buffalo hump) Pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts, and underarms Thin, frail skin that bruises easily Slow wound healing Acne Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or strokes. People with metabolic syndrome typically have apple-shaped bodies. That means you carry more fat in your abdomen. Signs of metabolic syndrome include: A waist circumference of more than 35 inches for people assigned female at birth (AFAB) and more than 40 inches for people assigned male at birth (AMAB) High blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or higher Elevated blood sugar levels High triglyceride levels (more than 150 mg/dL) Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women). A doctor can make a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome when you have three or more of these signs. "Metabolic syndrome is more common in older people, post-menopausal women, and is associated with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation," says Ahima. "However, we don't fully understand what specifically causes metabolic syndrome. Genetic factors, excessive intake of high-caloric, low-quality ultra-processed foods, inadequate sleep, low physical activity, and psychosocial stress contribute." What does cortisol belly look like? "Cortisol belly" typically refers to weight gain that's mostly in the belly and less so in other places. If your weight gain in your belly is due to Cushing syndrome, you'll notice that your arms and legs stay slim as your belly gains fat. How to Get Rid of Cortisol Belly Lowering your stress levels (and therefore your cortisol levels) won't necessarily make you lose belly weight. But it's a healthy practice that improves overall health that may include weight loss. Try these practices: Get regular exercise. Do something that you enjoy so you look forward to it and make time in your schedule for it. Ahima recommends getting at least 8,000 steps a day and including resistance exercises into your weekly routine. And don't overdo it – too much exercise without enough downtime for rest between workout sessions can make cortisol go up. Prioritize sleep. Tweak your sleep habits so that you're getting quality ZZZs each night. Stick to a consistent sleep/wake schedule, aim for eight hours a night, and keep your room cool, dark, and distraction-free for restful slumber. Promote body and mind relaxation. Certain relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, tai chi, and mindfulness help regulate your nervous system and send your body signals to relax, lowering stress. Go outside. Studies show that just 20 minutes in green spaces outdoors such as parks or woods can significantly lower your cortisol levels. Don't smoke. Along with causing overall health harm, some research shows that smoking can raise your cortisol levels and disrupt healthy sleep. Cultivate relationships. Social interaction with people who bring you a sense of calm and contentment can help improve your emotional well-being and mood. If your belly fat is being caused by a medical condition such as Cushing syndrome, your doctor can prescribe treatment that will reduce your cortisol and ease symptoms. "Cortisol blockers can decrease cortisol levels in patients with Cushing syndrome who may not be able to have surgery," says Ahima. "However, there is no proven evidence supporting the use of cortisol blockers as dietary supplements in common forms of obesity." In fact, Ahima warns against companies that claim to be able to cause weight loss by controlling cortisol. These treatments are specific to these conditions – you shouldn't try them to reduce belly fat if you don't have a medical diagnosis. "While psychosocial stress and cortisol have been linked to central obesity in the media, research findings do not support a cause-and-effect relationship between cortisol and central fat accumulation in most people with obesity," he says. Is There a Detox Diet for Cortisol Belly? There's no specific "cortisol belly diet," but there are diet patterns you can adopt for nutritious eating to help reduce inflammation and slow cortisol production in your body. Research shows that certain types of foods can help lower cortisol, such as: Foods high in magnesium: avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, broccoli, and spinach Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: fish (anchovies, salmon, tuna), chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts Foods that promote a healthy gut: Greek yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut A diet high in high-sugar foods and drinks, alcohol, and caffeine can spike your cortisol levels. A Mediterranean diet is a smart template for healthy, low-inflammation eating, and it may lower your cortisol levels. A Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy fats and plant-based eating: Plenty of fruits and vegetables Beans, lentils and nuts Whole grains, like whole-wheat bread and brown rice Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) as your primary cooking and dressing oil Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids Cheese and yogurt in moderate amounts Protein from chicken, turkey, fish, and beans Little to no red meat Little to no sweets, sugary drinks, or butter Wine only in moderation (or not at all) Are there cortisol belly supplements? Supplements aren't a cure-all for stress and cortisol levels. "You can get all of the vitamins and minerals you need from healthy food," says Ahima. 'There are no proven supplements to reduce 'cortisol belly.' " One study on stress levels in health care workers suggested there are some herbs and supplements that may lower cortisol. (This doesn't mean they will promote weight loss.) These include: Ashwagandha Rhodiola Lemon balm Chamomile Keep in mind that more research needs to be done before any of these herbs could be recommended. You should always talk to your doctor before trying any herbs or supplements. Takeaways "Cortisol belly" is a non-medical term some people use to describe weight gain in the abdomen. The idea is that weight gain is linked to high cortisol levels, often due to chronic stress. But there's little scientific evidence that cortisol is a primary cause of belly fat in most people. Abdominal fat can result from many things, including diet, stress-eating, genetics, hormone levels, sleep quality, and medical conditions like Cushing syndrome. Healthy weight loss generally involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, stress reduction, and avoiding smoking and too much alcohol. Cortisol Belly FAQs What does "cortisol face" look like? "Cortisol face" is a popular term on social media platforms that is used as a description of a swollen, puffy face. There's a condition called moon face (moon facies) that some people call cortisol face. Moon face is a buildup of fat deposits in the sides of your face that causes severe swelling. You can get this when you use corticosteroids, or from medical conditions such as Cushing syndrome or hypothyroidism. If this happens to you, fat deposits on the side of your skull can make your face so round you can't see your ears from the front.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Steven Seagal balloons EVEN BIGGER to 400lb: See him waddle around Russia while supporting 'brother' Putin
A ballooned 400lb Steven Seagal was seen strutting his distended tummy through crowds at Moscow 's famous Red Square to show support for The former action star has continued to gain weight during his extended retreat from the public eye: he hasn't posted on social media since December 2021 and has held Russian citizenship since 2016.
