fitness and nutrition

Ankle pain, conceptual computer artwork.

Is Inflammation Bad For You Or Good For You?

4:50pm July 21, 2017

by Katherine Hobson

It depends what's causing the inflammation and how long it lasts. But the habits that keep you healthy overall also help prevent the bad inflammation that increases the risk of chronic disease.

People who think they're more slothlike than peers may change their behavior to actually become less active.

Just Thinking You're Slacking On Exercise Could Boost Risk Of Death

11:35am July 20, 2017

by Angus Chen

People who think others are more active tend to have shorter lifespans, even if they're actually getting the same amount of exercise. The social comparison could kill motivation, researchers say.

They're so cute. So colorful. But are they really making you fitter?

Weight Loss On Your Wrist? Fitness Trackers May Not Help

3:26pm September 20, 2016

by Erin Ross

Researchers were surprised that the young adults given fitness trackers lost less weight than their peers who didn't have the gizmos. Maybe they're not as motivating as we hope.

A recent study revealed the sugar industry's efforts 50 years ago to shape medical opinion on how sugar affects health. But today, scores of companies continue to fund food and nutrition studies.

Sugar Shocked? The Rest Of Food Industry Pays For Lots Of Research, Too

4:32pm September 14, 2016

A recent study revealed the sugar industry's efforts 50 years ago to shape medical opinion on how sugar affects health. But today, scores of companies continue to fund food and nutrition studies.

Fanatic Studio/Collection Mix: Sub/Getty Images

Health & Safety

Secrets Of The Very Old And Healthy — Start When You're Young

4:50pm April 18, 2016

by Nancy Shute

What you do in your 20s and 30s and 40s can make it more likely that you'll be mobile and healthy in old age, scientists say. That's true even if your ancestors didn't fare so well.

Lower-back pain is one of the top three reasons that Americans go to the doctor. But the solution can be a DIY project.

Forget The Gizmos: Exercise Works Best For Lower-Back Pain

5:12pm January 11, 2016

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Ditch the strap-on belts and shoe inserts, and definitely don't rest. Accumulating research shows that the best way to treat and prevent lower-back pain is to get off the couch.

If Doctors Learned To Cook, They Might Give Better Advice

6:05am December 26, 2015

by Christina Farr

Most doctors have no training in nutrition, but that's starting to change. Medical schools want future doctors to be able to communicate the value of cooking and eating healthy food.

Skydiving and vacuuming burn the same number of calories. So what'll it be, thrills or a clean carpet?

Sweeping Or Skydiving? When Counting Calories It's All The Same

6:29pm July 02, 2015

by Alyson Hurt

Sports can burn a lot of energy. But vacuuming the carpet burns calories, too. The question is, how much? We checked out the numbers and found surprises.

Eating a chocolate bar daily can help you lose weight? Sorry, that study was a sweet lie — part of an elaborate hoax to school the news media about proper nutrition science journalism.

Why A Journalist Scammed The Media Into Spreading Bad Chocolate Science

6:35pm May 29, 2015

by Maria Godoy

A lot of junk nutrition science gets reported in the media. It's a big problem. But did a science journalist's elaborate hoax to expose the crisis go too far?

Athos workout wear includes sensors that measure muscle activity.

Will Smart Clothing Amp Up Your Workout?

10:55am April 03, 2015

by Christina Farr

Startups are developing clothing with sensors that measure heart rate, breathing and muscle activity. Fitness enthusiasts are the target market. But the garments could be used for health care, too.