The hottest Health & Wellness Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Are You Okay? β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 22
  1. Belonging involves feeling accepted and welcomed, while inclusion is about incorporating excluded individuals. Belonging is an emotional aspect compared to inclusion, which is more action-oriented.
  2. Feeling accepted and supported contributes to confidence and healthier habits. Conversely, exclusion and lack of belonging can lead to negative emotional impacts like anxiety and depression.
  3. Simple steps to help those struggling with belonging include active listening without interruption, empathizing with others, allowing space for people to share without immediately trying to fix their problems, and accepting individuals as they are.
After Babel β€’ 1118 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 24
  1. Researchers should stop using the Global Burden of Disease study for analyzing mental health trends.
  2. The youth mental health crisis is not just limited to America, but is an international issue in many Western countries with high levels of smartphone adoption.
  3. The Global Burden of Disease study underestimates changes in mental health statistics since 2010, especially in depression, self-harm, and suicide rates.
Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. Covid mRNA vaccines may not protect against severe hospitalization or death, according to some data.
  2. Natural immunity could offer equal or better protection compared to vaccination.
  3. Recent data suggests a possible decline in efficacy of mRNA vaccines against Omicron variant.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 22
  1. The American Board of Obesity Medicine certification is not officially recognized and may have financial ties to the weight loss industry.
  2. Doctors certified in Obesity Medicine may prioritize weight loss over patient health, potentially risking lives to achieve thinness.
  3. Patients, especially those who are fat, need to be cautious and research recommendations from doctors certified in Obesity Medicine to ensure the best interest of their health.
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Experimental Fat Loss β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 25
  1. Cutting down on linoleic acid found in seed oils is key to reversing obesity. This type of fat is everywhere in modern foods and affects how hungry we feel.
  2. Many diets can help, but turning to either a low-carb (keto) or low-fat (carbo) approach can be beneficial, depending on what works best for you.
  3. Restricting protein intake can also aid in weight loss. Some people find eating less protein helps their body shed fat more easily.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 03 May 23
  1. High BMI should not be a barrier to gender-affirming surgeries. Research shows that BMI-based denials are not supported by evidence.
  2. Weight stigma plays a significant role in BMI-based denials for healthcare. Advocating for informed consent and shared decision-making is crucial.
  3. Studies indicate that BMI alone should not preclude individuals from undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. The focus should be on providing access to care and respecting individual choices.
Mindful Matrix β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
  1. Imposter syndrome is common - that feeling of not being good enough or like a fraud.
  2. Setting too high standards can lead to feeling like a failure even when you're doing well.
  3. To tackle imposter syndrome: remember it's just a feeling, celebrate your wins, talk about your feelings, learn from mistakes, and don't hesitate to seek help.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 30 Sep 23
  1. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System classifies people based on health issues, but fails to prove the necessity or effectiveness of weight loss interventions for higher stages.
  2. The study authors have conflicts of interest in the weight loss industry, promoting a body-size-as-disease paradigm without concrete evidence of its benefits.
  3. Health-supporting behaviors like fruit/vegetable consumption and fitness were shown to be more important than weight management in improving health outcomes.
Venture Prose β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 06 Aug 23
  1. Reflecting on past decisions and mistakes during summer is essential for personal growth and learning.
  2. Summer is a time to appreciate the people and moments that bring joy and gratitude in life.
  3. Finding a balance between staying connected and unplugging during summer is key to maintaining mental well-being.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 299 implied HN points β€’ 15 Apr 23
  1. The research on the effectiveness, harms, and benefits of diet drugs requesting to be added to the WHO essential medicine list has several key issues: short study durations not capturing long-term effects, small and non-representative study populations, minimal weight loss effects, and failure to adequately assess adverse events.
  2. Cost-effectiveness analyses supporting the diet drugs are based on assumptions that being higher weight correlates with lower health-related quality of life and a belief that the treatment will induce weight loss and health benefits, which are not adequately proven by the research cited.
  3. The research includes conflicts of interest, such as studies funded by the drug manufacturers, and lack of long-term data to support claims of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. These factors raise concerns about the suitability of these drugs for the WHO essential medicine list.
The Next Brand β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 08 Oct 23
  1. Blue Zones may not hold all the secrets to longevity, but they highlight the importance of organic food, community, and lifestyle factors in promoting health.
  2. Be cautious of weight loss drugs like Ozempic due to potential serious side effects, and consider the broader impact of medicating issues caused by environment and food.
  3. Support initiatives like the PRIME Act to promote local food systems by enabling farmers to access more affordable butchering options.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 28 Dec 22
  1. Diet culture thrives on evil marketing seasons like the holidays, New Years Resolution season, and swimsuit season, making billions of dollars convincing people to try unproductive weight loss methods.
  2. Intentional weight loss often fails in the long term, leading to weight regain and potential negative health impacts like increased mortality, yet the diet industry continues to profit massively from repeat business.
  3. Weight stigma is a real issue, impacting individuals regardless of their body positivity, and many still believe in the myth that weight loss leads to better health despite evidence showing otherwise.
Are You Okay? β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 23
  1. Validating and practicing self-compassion are crucial to prevent caregiver burnout. It's normal to feel frustrated, guilty, and compassionate yet suffer from emotional and physical exhaustion.
  2. Shifting your mindset from feeling helpless to taking control of your life can restore your sense of agency. Accept areas you can't control and focus on what you can.
  3. Using tools like sleep, communication, proper nutrition, and movement can help manage caregiver stress. Self-care is essential, and setting boundaries and asking for help is vital.
Β‘Do Not Panic! β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 23
  1. The rise in young adult cancer rates is a concerning warning sign of the impact of industrial capitalism on health.
  2. Global life expectancy is declining, and excess deaths persist despite the pandemic allegedly being over.
  3. Industrial society's practices, from pesticide use to plastics, may be contributing to the rise in cancer rates, highlighting the need for systemic change.
The Frontier Psychiatrists β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jun 23
  1. Anxiety can have different underlying causes and may not always fit into a specific medical diagnosis like GAD.
  2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Dizziness Disorder have similarities in terms of having nonspecific symptoms.
  3. It's important for health professionals to ask thorough questions to truly understand the root of someone's anxiety.
Notes in the Margins β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 24
  1. The tech industry faces challenges like layoffs, declining funding, and AI impact, influencing mental health of professionals
  2. Tech workers experiencing burnout exhibit symptoms like questioning work value, detachment, and physical health issues
  3. Coaching provides personalized support, career clarity, and skill development to help tech professionals navigate challenges and make informed decisions
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 23
  1. Concerns about TMAO and cardiovascular disease may be overstated due to research emphasis and marketing, so decision to supplement with phosphatidylcholine should be based on personal evaluation of benefits.
  2. Vitamin K2 plays a role in optimizing insulin secretion, fuel use during exercise, and male testosterone through its effects on undercarboxylated osteocalcin.
  3. Twitching can be influenced by factors like glutamate/GABA balance, acetylcholine regulation, and nutritional issues, requiring individualized trial-and-error approach for resolution.
The Heart Attack Diet β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
  1. Measure your weight and waking temperature daily at the same time, and focus on the trend of the seven-day average for better insights.
  2. Avoid influencing measurements that do not impact your main goal, listen to your body's signals of hunger, and be cautious of using willpower for weight management.
  3. Be mindful of the effects of circadian rhythms, weekly variations, and water weight on your body measurements, and strive to minimize noise by staying consistent.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 479 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 22
  1. Be cautious of 'anti-weight bias' trainings that may actually promote diet culture under the guise of reducing weight stigma.
  2. Watch out for red flags like trainers with ties to the weight loss industry, pathologizing language, and the belief that weight loss is the solution to weight stigma.
  3. True anti-weight bias trainings should focus on de-pathologizing fatness and creating a world that fully affirms and accommodates fat people.
Are You Okay? β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 03 Apr 23
  1. Being aware of medical information and stories we tell ourselves is crucial for maintaining health and making informed decisions.
  2. Accepting temporary setbacks can be turned into opportunities for self-reflection and growth.
  3. Taking agency over our health involves proactive measures like medication, exercise, and nutrition to prevent and treat conditions.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 22
  1. The study did not conclusively show that you can't be fat and fit, despite initial media headlines suggesting so
  2. Exercise provided health benefits for people of all sizes, indicating that activity can be beneficial regardless of body size
  3. The study's recommendation for weight loss as a primary health policy target lacked strong evidence and overlooked the impacts of weight stigma and weight cycling
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 21 Mar 23
  1. Weight loss may not always cure sleep apnea - research shows that even after significant weight loss, many individuals still need CPAP therapy for sleep apnea.
  2. Weight is just one of many factors contributing to obstructive sleep apnea - other factors like enlarged tonsils, structural issues, or heart problems can also play a role.
  3. Losing 5-10% of body weight may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for sleep apnea - weight loss effectiveness varies among individuals, and it's essential to consider other health impacts and interventions.
Tech and Tea β€’ 131 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 25
  1. Balance coaching helps people change their perspective when they're feeling lost or stuck. It encourages exploring new ways of thinking about a situation to regain agency.
  2. Shifting mindsets can be very powerful, like moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. This means believing you can improve with effort rather than thinking you're just good or bad at something.
  3. Common mindset shifts include going from feeling like a victim to feeling more in control. Being curious and compassionate towards yourself can help in tough times.