Latest from Medical News Today
Medical News Today
10 hours ago
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What to know about paper towel theory
The paper towel theory is an analogy in which removing one sheet per day from a roll of paper towels symbolizes fat loss. It illustrates that although progress may be slow and difficult to notice initially, it can become more evident as time goes paper towel theory, also known as the paper towel effect, is an analogy that appears on several websites and blogs dedicated to health, weight loss, or bodybuilding. Social media users have also shared the theory across various article examines paper towel theory in more detail, how the body responds to weight loss, tips for safe weight loss, and when to speak with a is the paper towel theory?The paper towel analogy may have emerged around 2007, when people began sharing it across weight loss, bodybuilding, and fitness theory compares losing fat to tearing a single sheet from a paper towel roll each day. At the end of the first week, there may not be a perceptible difference between that roll and a full roll of paper towels. At the end of the second or third week, a person still may not notice much difference between the full roll and the one they have been tearing sheets from every about 6 weeks of removing a sheet a day, however, the difference between the two rolls of paper towels becomes much more evident. Within 12 weeks, the roll with fewer sheets appears significantly smaller than the full paper towel effect illustrates that consistent fat loss efforts can take time to yield visible results. It also symbolizes how fat loss may be more visible on smaller bodies than larger ones, as the fat covers a smaller surface area.»Learn more:Weight loss vs. fat loss: Differences explainedWhat happens in the body during weight loss?Several changes may occur in the body that can result in weight loss. These include the following:Fat lossThe body stores a type of fat, called triglycerides, inside fat cells, or adipocytes. Most of these fat cells are under the loss occurs when the body transports triglycerides to different parts of the body through the bloodstream to break down and use as energy. The adipocytes remain in place under the skin, but empty out and become smaller as they lose their fat stores. Muscle mass lossA person may lose muscle mass as well as fat when they lose too few calories can decrease the mass of various bodily tissues. Without adequate fat stores to draw from, the body may begin to break down muscles, connective tissues, and organs to use as muscle mass could affect a person's strength, physical function, and metabolism. Scientists recommend that people avoid following very low calorie diets unless a healthcare professional is monitoring the process. Water lossWater accounts for about 50% to 70% of a person's body a problem occurs in one of the bodily systems responsible for maintaining healthy fluid levels, fluid retention or edema may occur. According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), fluid may build up in different parts of the body, which can cause weight gain, swelling, and other like diuretic medication can help remove fluid from the body, which can result in weight loss. However, losing too much water can lead to health complications, including dehydration and kidney for losing weight safelyDoing the following may help a person lose weight safely:eating a balanced and nutrient-rich dietlimiting foods that are high in certain fats and sugardoing at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per weektracking weight loss and health goalsreducing stress levelsmaintaining a healthy sleep routineseeking support from friends and family setting realistic weight loss goals, such as losing 0.4 to 0.9 kilograms (kg), which is about 1 to 2 pounds (lb), per weekWhen to speak with a doctorIf an individual feels they need help managing their weight or their relationship with food and their body, they may want to speak with a healthcare professional.A healthcare professional may treat overweight and obesity in the following ways:helping a person make certain lifestyle changesreferring a person to a weight management specialistprescribing weight loss medicationperforming weight loss surgeryA healthcare professional may also be able to help if a person has an eating disorder that affects their relationship with food and their mental health, such as binge eating disorder. Treatment may involve:psychotherapymedicationsnutrition counselingSummaryThe paper towel theory is an analogy in which removing one sheet from a paper towel roll each day symbolizes consistent weight loss. It illustrates that fat loss may be imperceptible at first, but the results become more visible over a person can take to achieve safe, consistent weight loss include eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and seeking support from loved an individual feels that they need help managing their weight or their relationship to food, they may want to consult a healthcare professional for further advice or treatment.
Medical News Today
14 hours ago
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- Medical News Today
Smoking and GERD: Effects, link, and more
Smoking can increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may increase the frequency and severity of symptoms. Quitting smoking may help to reduce GERD symptoms. Smoking tobacco or e-cigarettes will likely increase acid reflux, stomach acid production, and coughing, which can all contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To reduce GERD symptoms, a healthcare professional may recommend quitting smoking. Smoking may increase the frequency of GERD symptoms. A 2025 study associated smoking e-cigarettes with a greater number of acidic refluxes than in non-smoking participants. Smoking may also worsen GERD symptoms. A 2024 study of 403 university students found that those who smoked tobacco or vaped had higher GERD symptom scores than non-smokers. Increased frequency of vaping linked to an increase in GERD symptoms. The study found that newer smokers experienced more severe symptoms than those who had been smoking for longer. This may be due to increased sensitivity to nicotine in new or light smokers, although further research is necessary to confirm findings. » Learn more:Vaping vs. smoking Smoking, including inhaling secondhand smoke, can weaken the LES. The LES is a muscle that sits between the esophagus and the stomach. The esophagus is a tube running from the throat to the stomach that transports food and liquids. The LES opens to allow food and liquids to pass from the esophagus to the stomach. It stays closed to prevent stomach contents traveling back up the esophagus. Weakening of the LES can lead to GERD. Smoking increases the amount of acid the stomach produces, which, in addition to the weakening of the LES, increases the risk of damage to the esophagus. According to a 2025 study, vaping may increase the risk of developing GERD. The study included 90 participants, and found vaping linked to increased acid reflux and may play a part in the development of GERD. This may be due to the effects of e-cigarettes on the LES. Other tobacco products may also increase the risk of GERD due to their nicotine content. Nicotine relaxes the LES, which increases reflux due to stomach acid flowing back up the esophagus. Quitting smoking may help to improve and reduce GERD symptoms. A 2024 study found that students who quit smoking and vaping had lower GERD symptom scores than current smokers. Quitting smoking may allow the LES to recover and regain its usual function, which can help reduce the severity and frequency of acid reflux. An older 2016 study tested the effects of smoking cessation on GERD. After one year, 141 participants achieved smoking cessation and 50 did not. The group of participants who quit smoking had 43.9% improvement in GERD symptoms and significantly less frequent symptoms, according to a self-report questionnaire. The group who did not quit only experienced 18.2% improvement. If people want to quit smoking or vaping, they can speak with a healthcare professional who can help them follow a quit plan. People can also find advice and support online through resources such as » Learn moreFive ways to quit smoking The following lifestyle changes can help improve and reduce GERD symptoms: maintain or achieve a moderate weight avoid foods and drinks that trigger or worsen GERD symptoms, which may include: spicy, acidic, or high fat foods caffeine alcohol use extra pillows or a soft wedge to raise the head and upper body by 6 to 8 inches when sleeping avoid eating at least 3 hours before lying down Managing other health issues, including asthma and diabetes, may also help reduce GERD symptoms. Exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful for people with GERD, as it can have similar effects to smoking. Inhaling secondhand smoke can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which may worsen acid reflux. Nicotine, a key component in tobacco products, relaxes the LES and can lead to acid reflux. Research suggests exposure to nicotine from any source may harm the digestive system and increase the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms. Some smoking cessation products, such as nicotine replacement therapy, may interact with some GERD medications. Nicotine may interact with cimetidine (Tagamet). Cimetidine is an antacid that reduces stomach acid, which may help manage GERD symptoms. It may increase nicotine levels in the blood, which may lead to toxicity. It is important to speak with a doctor before taking any GERD medications alongside smoking cessation products. Smoking is a risk factor for GERD, largely due to its effects on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Smoking weakens the LES, which allows stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus. Vaping, smoking other substances such as cannabis, consuming other tobacco products, and exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase the risk of GERD. Smoking may also increase the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms. Quitting smoking can help the LES to recover, which may reduce and improve GERD symptoms. Acid Reflux / GERD Smoking / Quit Smoking Preventive Medicine Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Medical News Today
a day ago
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- Medical News Today
Is Alzheimer's disease a type of prion disease?
Researchers do not consider Alzheimer's disease a type of prion disease. However, Alzheimer's shares some features with prion diseases. The table below outlines some key similarities and differences at a glance: Prion diseases are rare, transmissible neurodegenerative disorders, which means they involve the progressive death of cells in the central nervous system, including the brain. The most common prion disease in humans is sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD). Prion diseases have the following three features: They occur due to the buildup of misfolded proteins called prions. They are transmissible. They cause fatal neurodegenerative changes. Alzheimer's disease does not qualify as a prion disease because it does not meet the transmissible criteria. Various factors can contribute to a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease, including: Since prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease both involve progressive neurodegeneration, they may share symptoms, including: memory loss changes in movement changes in mood forgetting to eat or sleep Prion diseases can be asymptomatic for years . However, when symptoms occur, progression is typically quick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests it can be months or years until a prion disease causes death after symptoms appear. In contrast, Alzheimer's disease progression can vary significantly from person to person. In many cases, symptoms progress slowly over several years. People may initially mistake mild symptoms for natural changes due to aging. There is no cure for prion diseases or Alzheimer's disease. However, healthcare professionals may be able to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease with medications such as: Unlike Alzheimer's disease, there are no treatments for the symptoms of prion disease. People should speak with a healthcare professional if they are concerned about Alzheimer's disease or if they have a diagnosis and experience changes in symptoms.
Medical News Today
a day ago
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- Medical News Today
Genetic tests for Alzheimer's disease: Types and more
Although genetic testing for genes associated with Alzheimer's disease is available, healthcare professionals do not routinely use these tests when diagnosing this condition. Genetic tests to identify genes associated with Alzheimer's cannot guarantee whether a person will develop the condition. Instead, they may reveal that a person has an increased risk of Alzheimer's. According to the United Kingdom's Alzheimer's Society, genetic testing may be suitable when it seems likely that the condition is due to a single-gene change. For example, if there is a clear family history of the condition. However, various factors can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. A negative test result for associated genes does not guarantee that a person will not develop Alzheimer's disease. A 2023 article highlights the following types of genetic tests for Alzheimer's disease: Predictive and pharmacogenetic tests are only available in research or clinical settings. However, susceptibility tests may be available directly to consumers. People typically buy these tests and carry them out without medical supervision. Some people may find direct-to-consumer tests quicker and more convenient than carrying out the tests in a clinical setting. Although some people may feel peace of mind with a home test, the results also risk causing distress. Additionally, working with a healthcare professional can help a person better understand the results of their test. They can also provide information about lowering the risk of the disease and what treatment options are available if the person starts showing symptoms. Anyone interested in genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease can speak with a healthcare professional for more information, whether they want to know more about the types available or want help understanding the results of a home test.
Medical News Today
a day ago
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- Medical News Today
Dementia: Study links 3 vascular health risk factors to increased risk
New research finds a link between vascular health risk factors and increased dementia risk. MASTER/Getty Images There are many ways to help keep the vascular system healthy, such as not smoking and keeping blood pressure at a healthy level. A new study has found a link between certain midlife vascular risk factors — specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking — and risk for dementia. Scientists report the attributable vascular risk factors were higher in both female and Black participants, as well as non-carriers of the APOE ε4 gene, which is linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer's. The vascular system refers to all the blood vessels that run through the body. These vessels are in charge of moving oxygen throughout the body and removing waste products. Now, a new study recently published in the journal JAMA Neurology has found a link between certain midlife vascular risk factors — specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking — and risk for dementia. Scientists report the attributable vascular risk factors were higher in both self-identified female and Black participants, as well as non-carriers of the apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE ε4) gene . For this study, researchers analyzed medical data from about 7,700 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which ran from 1987-2020 with a 33-year follow-up. Participant risk factors were measured at ages 45-54, 55-64, and 65-74 years old. Researchers focused on three main vascular risk factors for this study: high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. 'There's been pretty consistent research for decades that indicates the importance of these three vascular risk factors in midlife (~ age 45-64 years) for elevating dementia risk, with less consensus on their associations in late-life (~ age ≥75 years),' Jason R. Smith, PhD, ScM, who was at the time of the study a researcher in the Department of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Maryland and first author of this study, told Medical News Today . 'The prevalence of vascular risk factors also remains high in adults. So interventions for vascular factors beginning as early as midlife could potentially avert a big chunk of dementia risk,' he said. Upon analysis, researchers found that between 22–44% of dementia cases reported by participants by age 80 were attributable to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors. 'That 22-44% of population-level dementia risk by 80 years was attributed to at least one vascular risk factor from midlife through early late-life (ages 45-74 years) signals a major prevention gap,' Smith explained. 'Clinical and public health interventions targeting vascular risk beginning as early as midlife could delay or prevent a sizable fraction of dementia risk by 80 years.' 'The burden of dementia remains high,' he continued. 'It has a heterogeneous presentation and pathology, so targeting risk factors that are modifiable, more proximal to dementia expression (including hypertension, diabetes, and smoking), and that could potentially impact more than one underlying process giving rise to dementia, is paramount to reduce population-level dementia risk.' Additionally, scientists found that the vascular risk factor attributable risk was highest in participants who self-identified as female or Black, as well as those not carrying the APOE ε4 gene. 'Caution's warranted when interpreting these stratified analyses, given wide (confidence intervals),' Smith said. 'However, the analysis stratified by APOE carrier status suggests the absolute vascular contribution to dementia is larger among those at lower genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.' 'And that the vascular contribution was larger among those racialized as Black is likely due to a higher burden of vascular risk factors in this population,' he continued. 'More inclusive and representative research is urgently needed to understand the prevention potential of vascular risk reduction in different populations.' 'While this study is not designed to provide evidence on individual-level dementia risk reduction, promoting optimal vascular health as early as midlife could be vital for reducing population-level dementia risk by 80 years,' Smith added. 'What's good for the heart is good for the brain, and the earlier prevention starts, the better.' MNT spoke with Christopher Yi, MD, a board certified vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, about this study. Yi commented that this study reinforces an increasingly clear message: vascular health is brain health. 'My first reaction was that the findings were both striking and practical — nearly half of dementia cases by age 80 could be linked to modifiable vascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking,' he continued. 'It's especially notable that late-life vascular health appeared even more strongly associated with dementia risk than midlife health, which challenges the idea that 'it's too late' to make a difference after midlife.' Yi explained that vascular health affects dementia risk through several interconnected mechanisms. 'High blood pressure and vascular disease can damage the small vessels that supply the brain, leading to chronic ischemia (lack of oxygen) and brain tissue damage,' he detailed. 'Silent strokes and microinfarcts are common in people with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes and can accumulate over time, impairing cognitive function without obvious warning signs.' 'Vascular risk factors promote inflammation and free radical damage, which contribute to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's pathology. (And) chronic vascular dysfunction can make the blood-brain barrier leaky, allowing harmful substances to enter the brain and accelerate neuronal damage.' — Christopher Yi, MD For the next steps in this research, Yi said he would like to see more intervention trials, risk factor-specific analyses, mechanistic studies, and policy translation. 'Explore how these findings could support more aggressive screening and treatment of vascular risks in primary care, with cognitive outcomes in mind,' he added.
