Research Bites
HAVE YOUR PIZZA AND EAT IT TOO
The research
A study at the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism at the University of Bath assessed whether an excess of calories had an immediate impact on metabolis. They achieved this by having healthy male volunteers aged 22-37 years, eat as much pizza as they could.
The findings
Although the men consumed almost twice as much pizza as they normally would, doubling their calorie intake, the amount of nutrients in the bloodstream remained within normal range. The nutrients ingested were either efficiently used or stored, and blood sugar and lipid levels were barely elevated compared to when only half as much food was eaten. Most interesting of all, the study shows that humans are capable of eating twice as much food as is needed with the body adapting well to the influx of nutrients in one huge meal.
What this means
Although studies are yet to investigate whether the same is true for other groups such as women, the overweight and older populations, this study has shown that if you are a healthy young man, overindulging at Christmas lunch will not cause any immediate negative consequences to your health. Long-term over-eating is the issue, as it can lead to weight gain and obesity, and related health issues such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
AEROBIC EXERCISE COULD HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON FATTY LIVERS
The research
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin studied patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Using an exercise-only intervention coupled with repeat liver biopsies to monitor results, they deduced whether aerobic fitness was more beneficial than specifically losing weight to help treat MAFLD.
The findings
The study found that increasing aerobic fitness was more beneficial for the improvement in MAFLD patients than weight loss itself. Researchers discovered positive results in as little as 12 weeks, in the patients participating in aerobic exercise. This study is also the first to link the interrelationship between the improvements on liver biopsies with improvements in fitness. Researchers found that a better transition of exercise into the community setting would help with adherence to exercise and, therefore, the treatment of MAFLD.
What this means
There is a need for an exercise referral system in the hospital and health care system. Fitness professionals and fitness businesses should align themselves with hospitals or general practitioners to offer specific exercise/training programs, which would allow patients to continue to exercise long-term.
ADDITIONAL READING
Here in Victoria, during lockdown 2.0 we’ve been perfecting our bookworm impersonations by spending much of our time immersed in the words of others.
Here’s a collection of thought-provokers that we thought you too may find intriguing.
- Is Apple about to launch the biggest threat the fitness industry has ever seen?
- Explore the future of food and eating
- While everyone is distracted by social media, successful people are doubling down on this underrated skill
- Here’s why the Dalai Lama believes leaders should be mindful, selfless, and compassionate
