An extreme, all-or-nothing fitness regimen is going viral again as millions seek rapid weight loss and mental toughness through its relentless daily rules. But as health experts warn the intensity may be unrealistic for many people, lighter versions of the challenge are also picking up steam.

Fueled by social media buzz and dramatic celebrity transformations, the viral 75 Hard challenge, created in 2019 by entrepreneur and podcaster Andy Frisella, requires participants to follow a rigid lifestyle regimen “without compromise.”

The rules include two 45-minute workouts each day — one outdoors — a strict diet with no cheat meals or alcohol, a gallon of water daily, 10 pages of nonfiction reading and a daily progress photo. Miss a single task in the 75 days, and the challenge resets to day one.

SIMPLE WEIGHT-LOSS QUIZ MAY PINPOINT WHY SOME DIETS FAIL — AND HOW TO BOOST SUCCESS

“The mental changes are 100x greater than the physical changes,” Frisella says on the challenge’s website. “This isn’t another temporary Band-Aid program,” he promises.

Supporters say the program builds discipline and accountability and has given many participants a clean slate at the start of the new year.

Experts, however, warn that extreme doesn’t always mean effective, especially for long-term weight loss and health.

3 SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES COULD ADD ALMOST A DECADE TO YOUR LIFE, RESEARCH SHOWS

“Any program that promises weight loss needs to take you into a calorie deficit,” said Dr. Milica McDowell, a Montana-based exercise physiologist and doctor of physical therapy. “If you are burning more calories than you are consuming, yes, you will lose weight.”

But she cautioned that the results often don’t last.

“The challenge with the 75 Hard workout is that when you stop doing it — which would mean burning fewer calories — and you do not change your eating and drinking behaviors, it is likely that whatever weight you lost during the challenge will come right back,” McDowell told Fox News Digital. 

1 IN 5 AMERICANS GET NO EXERCISE OUTSIDE OF WORK; WHERE DOES YOUR STATE RANK?

“I do not consider this to be a sustainable way to lose weight,” she said.

The Cleveland Clinic also says the program’s rigid, two-a-day structure may do more harm than good for people without a strong fitness base, particularly those with chronic medical conditions. Even drinking a gallon of water a day may be excessive for some people, depending on body size and health needs, it notes.

Medical professionals also urge caution for people with joint or heart problems, no exercise background, a history of eating disorders, or already demanding schedules.

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For those drawn to 75 Hard’s structure, experts suggest modifying the program to suit individual needs.

Variations like “75 Medium” and “75 Soft” have emerged that dial down the intensity with fewer workouts, more relaxed diets and simpler habit targets designed to be more sustainable.

“A softer start lowers the activation energy for behavior change [and] reduces all‑or‑nothing thinking,” Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, told USA Today.

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The approach can reduce the risk of injury, exhaustion and people quitting altogether, Stanford said.

“I think people are realizing it’s OK to be gentle with yourself,” Morgan Manning, a 26-year-old media and marketing professional from New York City, told USA Today. 

Her TikTok video announcing she was trying the “soft” version received over 60,000 views.

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“These versions feel more human,” said Jesse Ramos Jr., a certified personal trainer and owner of BBT Fitness NYC. “They allow people to build discipline without burning out, getting injured or hating the process,” Ramos told Fox News Digital.

“Fitness shouldn’t feel like punishment,” he added.

Experts agree that consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to long-term weight loss and health.

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Robin DeCicco, a certified holistic nutritionist from New York City, previously told Fox News Digital that she encourages clients to focus on sustainable habits like simply moving more, eating more whole foods and drinking more water than they were before, rather than following rigid rules.

“Healthy habits that change into long-term behaviors are what make people healthier into the future,” DeCicco said.

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, along with Oslo University Hospital in Norway, may have discovered a way to detect biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease in the blood up to decades earlier.

In the very early stages of the disease, the body goes through changes related to DNA repair and stress in cells. These changes leave detectable clues in the blood before major brain damage occurs, according to a press release for the study.

This could allow for early detection of Parkinson’s, when treatments might have a better chance of slowing or preventing serious damage.

NEW VITAMIN COMPOUND SHOWS PROMISE FOR REVERSING ALZHEIMER’S DAMAGE TO THE BRAIN

The processes of DNA repair and cellular stress response can occur for up to 20 years in Parkinson’s patients before motor symptoms fully develop, according to the researchers.

The team used machine learning to discover patterns linked to these processes, which were not found in healthy individuals or patients who were already diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Annikka Polster, assistant professor at the Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers, who led the study, suggested in a statement that the study has found an “important window of opportunity” in which the disease can be detected “before motor symptoms caused by nerve damage in the brain appear.”

“The fact that these patterns only show at an early stage and are no longer activated when the disease has progressed further also makes it interesting to focus on the mechanisms to find future treatments,” she added.

‘HARMLESS’ VIRUS FOUND LURKING IN PARKINSON’S PATIENTS’ BRAINS, NEW STUDY SHOWS

Polster confirmed that the study highlighted biomarkers that “likely reflect some of the early biology of the disease,” which “paves the way for broad screening tests via blood samples: a cost-effective, easily accessible method.”

The findings were published in npj Parkinson’s Disease.

The researchers plan to further develop tools to more easily detect these active mechanisms and understand how they work, according to the university.

The team predicts that within five years, blood tests for early Parkinson’s diagnoses could become more common within clinical practice. They are also optimistic about the development of new drugs to prevent or treat the disease.

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“If we can study the mechanisms as they happen, it could provide important keys to understanding how they can be stopped and which drugs might be effective,” Polster said. 

“This may involve new drugs, but also drug re-purposing, where we can use drugs developed for diseases other than Parkinson’s because the same gene activities or mechanisms are active.”

Study limitations  

The researchers acknowledged that the study had some limitations, including that the gene activity measured in the blood only partly matches what’s happening in the brain.

External factors, such as medication use, may have affected the results, they added.

Also, the study population may not represent all people, so findings may not apply broadly.

By the numbers

More than 10 million people around the world are estimated to be living with Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. About 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year.

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Numbers are expected to continue rising, as Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.

While research is advancing, there is currently no cure for the disease, although medications are available to manage symptoms.

Common motor symptoms include tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, balance and walking difficulties, a shuffling gait and freezing episodes. 

Non-motor symptoms include loss of smell, sleep problems, constipation, fatigue, depression or anxiety, speech and swallowing changes, cognitive slowing and reduced facial expression, according to Parkinson’s Foundation and Mayo Clinic.

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Danish Anwer, a doctoral student at the Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers and the study’s first author, detailed in a statement how Parkinson’s impacts the brain.

“By the time the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear, 50% to 80% of the relevant brain cells are often already damaged or gone,” he said. “The study is an important step toward facilitating early identification of the disease and counteracting its progression before it has gone this far.”

“By the time you have actual motor symptoms … a large majority of affected cells have been damaged and destroyed.”

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel agreed that Parkinson’s is a “very difficult disease” with an increasing global impact.

“By the time you have actual motor symptoms affecting gait, tremor, etc., a large majority of affected cells have been damaged and destroyed,” he told Fox News Digital.

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Siegel called the new research “exciting,” suggesting that it “opens the door for earlier and more effective diagnosis and treatment.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.

Colorado Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera on Thursday declared a disaster emergency for a massive outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Weld County north of Denver.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) told local outlet FOX31 News there was a presumptive positive test for HPAI, also known as the bird flu, at an egg laying facility in the county.

CDA officials told the outlet dead chickens are being tested at the facility, which is home to 1.3 million chickens, due to an “elevated mortality report.”

It is unclear how many birds are potentially infected.

GOV ABBOTT ISSUES DISASTER DECLARATION TO PREVENT SCREWWORM FLY INFESTATION FROM SPREADING INTO TEXAS

HPAI was first detected in the U.S. in February 2022, impacting wild birds and poultry.

Records released by the CDA show there was a rash of outbreaks in Weld County in July 2024, affecting three commercial poultry facilities housing a total of nearly 3.4 million chickens.

Though the names of the businesses are not public, one of the affected facilities reported having 1,313,800 chickens.

DEAD BIRDS ON FLORIDA BEACHES HAVE EXPERTS WORRIED ABOUT AVIAN FLU

It is unclear if that facility is the same facility potentially affected in the latest outbreak.

The state’s declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take all necessary and appropriate actions to assist the affected jurisdictions with their response, recovery and mitigation efforts. 

The action also authorizes the use of disaster emergency funds and allows the OEM to mobilize state resources, make contracts and awards using emergency procurement procedures and encumber and expend funds as determined by the director of the OEM.

At the time of the declaration, Primavera was acting as governor; Gov. Jared Polis was in Washington, D.C., attending a Colorado River negotiation meeting.

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The governor’s office said the decision was made in coordination with Polis.

Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for preventing pregnancy and reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sex. Condoms work. Condoms work best when you know some basic facts and understand how to use them. The facts on this page will help you have a better idea of how to use condoms correctly and protect your (and your partner’s) health.

External Condoms

External condoms are thin, stretchy pouches that go over the penis to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Cave drawings suggest that the idea of condoms has been around for thousands of years. Early condoms were likely made from animal skins but now we have modern materials like latex, polyurethane, and silicone.

These materials are thin (to let you feel your partner) and strong (to prevent sperm or germs from getting through). Condoms are easy to get, easy to use, and inexpensive. They are the only form of birth control that also protects against STIs.

Condoms Prevent Pregnancy

Condoms provide a strong barrier that prevent sperm from getting into the vagina during penis-in-vagina sex. When used consistently (every time) and correctly (the right way) condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms are very easy to use, but people make mistakes. In real world conditions condoms are about 87% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Most condom failure is user failure. Studies have found that people sometimes don’t put on a condom at the beginning of sex, or they take it off too soon. The most common condom failure though—not using one at all. We can’t really blame a condom that’s been left in the night table drawer, can we?

To ensure you get the best pregnancy protection, use a condom every time. Put it on before sex starts and leave it on until after ejaculation.

Condoms Can Prevent STIs

Condoms also provide a strong barrier that even the smallest STI germ cannot get through. Studies have found that condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV. They are also very good at preventing STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea that are spread through semen and vaginal/cervical secretions. The condom acts as a barrier that prevents you and your partner from exchanging these fluids.

Condoms can also reduce the risk of STIs like syphilis, herpes, and HPV that are spread through skin-to-skin contact when the infected areas are protected by the condom. Condoms can’t provide complete protection for these STIs because sores and warts can appear in places they don’t cover like on the scrotum or the buttocks.

Using a condom is still an important part of STI prevention. Research shows that most HPV infections in men, for example, are located in areas that are covered by a condom. Studies also show that young women who use condoms are much less likely to contract HPV. Using latex condoms can also reduce an individual’s risk of developing HPV-associated diseases such as cervical cancer.

All Condoms Are Tested

Condoms are a Class II medical device which means they are manufactured to strict FDA and industry standards. Condoms undergo rigorous strength testing. In fact, every condom goes through an electrical current test to make sure there aren’t any holes.

Condoms are Easy to Use

The FDA requires some pretty complicated condom instructions inside the box, but anyone who has ever used one knows it’s pretty easy. Check the expiration date (don’t worry, they last a long time), open the package, and unroll it onto the erect penis. It’s that simple.

When you’re done having sex, make sure you or your partner pull outs and takes the condom off pretty quickly. The condom won’t be as tight around the penis once the erection goes down and semen could leak out.

Throw it away and grab a new one if you’re going to have sex again.

It’s that easy.

Top stories

→ Doctors say good old-fashioned snow days benefit kids’ health

→ Deadly cancer risk spikes with certain levels of alcohol consumption

→ Sleep timing could increase heart attack or stroke risk, study suggests

On the lookout

→ Men face hidden heart risk years earlier than women, study suggests

→ Women face invisible skin struggle in midlife: “Too young for wrinkles, too old for pimples”

Conversation starters

→ Viral videos show ripped gym bros collapsing during Pilates workouts

→ Men’s underwear and fertility risks go viral as doctors push back on claims

→ “High January” fuels cannabis boom as experts flag some serious health dangers

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Quote of the week

“The less you drink, the better.”

→ Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said he agrees with shifting alcohol guidelines, because any set standard sends an “unintentional message that some amount of alcohol is safe.”

A free 7-day, flexible weight loss meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas and a shopping list. All recipes include macros and Weight Watchers points.

Free 7 Day Healthy Meal Plan (Feb 2-8)

Super Bowl weekend is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to gather friends, cheer on your favorite team, and enjoy some great food! Even in full party mode, you can still serve up healthier recipes that satisfy even the biggest fans in the room. Feeding a large crowd? This easy Beef Chili Recipe is a game-day win that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Got kids coming to the party? Chicken Nuggets are always a hit!

No Super Bowl spread is complete without a few tried-and-true classics—Guacamole, Buffalo Wings, and Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket are always fan favorites and disappear fast. And when the final whistle blows, end the game on a sweet note with these Cheesecake Brownies for the perfect way to celebrate a big win (or soften the loss!).

If you’re new to my meal plans, I’ve been sharing these free, 7-day flexible healthy meal plans (you can see my previous meal plans here) that are meant as a guide, with plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food, coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc. or swap recipes out for meals you prefer, you can search for recipes by course in the index. Depending on your goals, you should aim for at least 1500 calories* per day. There’s no one size fits all, this will range by your goals, your age, weight, etc.

There’s also a precise, organized grocery list that will make grocery shopping so much easier and much less stressful. Save you money and time. You’ll dine out less often, waste less food and you’ll have everything you need on hand to help keep you on track.

Lastly, if you’re on Facebook join my Skinnytaste Facebook Community where everyone’s sharing photos of recipes they are making, you can join here. I’m loving all the ideas everyone’s sharing! If you wish to get on the email list, you can subscribe here so you never miss a meal plan!

Buy the Skinnytaste meal planner here:

Meal Plan:

Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan.

MONDAY (11/3)
B: Chorizo Egg Bites with an orange
L: Buffalo Chicken Salad
D: Tofu Green Curry with Vegetables with ¾ cup brown rice*
Total Calories: 1,219*

TUESDAY (11/4)
B: Chorizo Egg Bites with ½ a grapefruit
L: Buffalo Chicken Salad
D: Taco Macaroni

Total Calories: 1,202*

WEDNESDAY (11/5)
B: Chorizo Egg Bites with ½ a grapefruit
L: Spicy Canned Salmon Rice Bowl
D: Chicken Pot Pie Soup with 2 Bisquick Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Total Calories: 1,184*

THURSDAY (11/6)
B: Chorizo Egg Bites with an orange
L: LEFTOVER Chicken Pot Pie Soup with 2 Bisquick Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
D: Slow Cooker Green Chili Pork with ¾ cup brown rice, 1 ounce avocado and 1 tablespoon light sour cream

Total Calories: 1,279*

FRIDAY (11/7)
B: Air Fryer Breakfast Banana Split
L: LEFTOVER Chicken Pot Pie Soup with 2 Bisquick Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
D: Shrimp Sagnaki over 1 cup whole wheat orzo

Total Calories: 1,221*

SATURDAY (11/8)
B: Huevos Rancheros (recipe x 2)
L: Italian Sub Salad
D: DINNER OUT

Total Calories: 712*

SUNDAY (11/9)
B: Banana Nut Protein Oats (recipe x 4)
L: Buffalo Wings, Jalapeño Poppers and Whipped Ricotta Toast with Roasted Tomatoes
D: Slow Cooker Chili with 2 tablespoons shredded Mexican cheese blend and 1 ounce avocado

Total Calories: 1,327*

*This is just a guide, women should aim for around 1500 calories per day. Here’s a helpful calculator to estimate your calorie needs. I’ve left plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food such as coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc.

*Google doc

The popularity of cannabis continues to rise in 2026, with statistics showing that around 15% of Americans are current users, and more than 22% have used it sometime in the past year.

As more people cut out alcohol amid the Dry January trend, dispensaries have reported a surge in marijuana sales, leading to what some industry insiders and media outlets have dubbed “High January.”

While the drug has been touted for potential medical benefits — including pain relief, reduced anxiety and improved sleep — experts have warned about health risks associated with cannabis use.

CANNABIS USE RISES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN DESPITE SERIOUS FETAL RISKS

“There’s a widespread belief that marijuana is ‘natural’ and therefore harmless,” Corey Gamberg, a mental health and addiction specialist who serves as executive director of the Rockland Recovery Center and Massachusetts Center for Addiction, told Fox News Digital.

“In reality, today’s products are far more potent than in previous decades, and we’re seeing very real mental, emotional and physical consequences in clinical settings every day.”

Trent Carter, a board-certified nurse practitioner, addiction recovery expert and founder of Renew Health, an outpatient treatment center in New Mexico, noted that marijuana has become a more commonly accepted substance — but he has seen some negative effects in his own patients.

“As time went on, I discovered that the vast majority used marijuana to treat a number of mental and physical issues, only to induce a litany of other symptoms as a result,” he shared with Fox News Digital.

Mental health impacts

Gamberg cautioned about marijuana’s effects on people with underlying anxiety, depression or trauma histories.

MYSTERIOUS MARIJUANA-LINKED VOMITING DISORDER GETS OFFICIAL WHO CODE AS ER CASES JUMP

“Some users initially feel calmer, but honestly, we often see increased anxiety, panic symptoms, emotional blunting, and in some cases paranoia or psychosis,” he told Fox News Digital. “For vulnerable people, marijuana can certainly worsen mental health rather than relieve it.”

This can be particularly risky with today’s cannabis products that contain high levels of THC, added Gamberg. 

A recent study from Truveta, a health data company that aggregates de-identified electronic health records from a large network of U.S. health systems, found that emergency department visits for cannabis-induced mental health disorders rose nearly 50% between 2019 and 2020 and remained elevated through 2023.

DOCTORS SHARE ALCOHOL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEN VS WOMEN AS GUIDANCE SHIFTS

“While people with mental health conditions are more likely to use cannabis, evidence also suggests cannabis use may be linked to earlier onset of certain psychiatric disorders,” Brianna Cartwright, principal research analyst for Truveta, noted in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Brain function and motivation

Regular marijuana use affects all areas of brain function, including attention span, memory and motivation, according to Gamberg.

“Clinically, we see people describe feeling ‘stuck’ — less emotionally responsive, less driven and less engaged with life,” he said. “This can interfere with work, relationships and recovery from other mental health conditions.”

CANNABIS GUMMY POISONINGS SURGE AMONG VULNERABLE GROUP, EXPERTS WARN

Gamberg warned that the developing brain is especially sensitive to THC. 

“Early and frequent marijuana use is linked to long-term changes in cognition, emotional regulation, and increased risk of severe substance use disorders later in life,” he told Fox News Digital. “This is one of the most concerning trends we see in treatment.”

Heart health effects

Recent studies have suggested that marijuana users may face an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.

A meta-analysis by French researchers, published in the journal Heart, reviewed multiple studies of more than 400 million patients to assess the link between cannabis and major adverse cardiovascular events.

The results noted a significant increase in risk of major cardiovascular events, including a 29% higher likelihood of heart attack, 20% higher risk of stroke and twice the chances of cardiovascular death.

The danger was highest for people who used cannabis at least once a week.

Sleep disturbances

While marijuana’s mild sedating and relaxing effects can sometimes help people who have difficulty falling asleep, experts say there are several important things to consider before using it as a sleep aid. 

“THC suppresses rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, disrupting normal sleep architecture and interfering with essential processes such as neural plasticity, memory consolidation and emotional regulation,” said Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist and sleep specialist at Wesper in New York.

DIABETES RISK QUADRUPLES WITH USE OF POPULAR NATURAL REMEDY, STUDY FINDS

“This leads to chronic REM sleep deprivation and eventual REM rebound when marijuana use is discontinued.”

Clinical research has also linked chronic use of marijuana with decreased deep sleep and higher rates of sleep fragmentation, Wesper noted. 

“So, while using marijuana may initially improve sleep quality, it should not be used long term,” she concluded.

Gamberg agreed that marijuana can disrupt “healthy sleep architecture.”

“Over time, users often experience poorer sleep quality, vivid dreams or nightmares during withdrawal, and increased reliance on marijuana just to fall asleep,” he said.

Cannabis use disorder

There is a widespread misconception that cannabis is not addictive and that it cannot lead to a substance use disorder, according to Nicole Short, clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who focuses on cannabis use disorder.

“This is untrue — it is possible to become physiologically dependent on cannabis and it is possible to develop a cannabis use disorder,” she told Fox News Digital. “There is always a risk of addiction related to cannabis use, and it is difficult to treat once it is developed.”

Approximately 30% of people who use the substance develop cannabis use disorder, a clinical condition marked by an inability to stop using it despite significant negative effects, according to the CDC. 

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Symptoms include cravings, unsuccessful quit attempts, tolerance and withdrawal. Stopping can lead to irritability, insomnia, anxiety and mood changes, according to Gamberg.

Regulatory moves

In December 2025, President Trump issued an executive order calling for marijuana to be changed from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would mean it has an accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse.

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The executive order cited a 2023 FDA review that found scientific support for the use of medical marijuana to treat pain, anorexia and nausea/vomiting.

“The reality is that the United States’s treatment of cannabis as a Schedule I substance is inconsistent with its medical value and potential for addiction compared to other substances,” Riana Durrett, director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Fox News Digital.

“Today’s products are far more potent than in previous decades.”

“The president’s executive order strongly supports research, which can help with misconceptions about cannabis, whether that is a misguided belief that it cures anxiety or support for further research into cannabis as a treatment for pain,” she went on. 

“The one thing everyone should agree on is that more research and evidence-based policymaking is needed in this area.”

Effects may vary

Dr. Dustin Sulak, an integrative physician and co-founder of Healer, a cannabinoid wellness company based in Maine, noted that the effects of cannabis on the brain and body are not the same for everyone.

“They vary significantly based on dose, potency, age and pattern of use,” he told Fox News Digital. “Much of the public confusion around cannabis comes from treating all exposure as the same.”

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Sulak agreed that high doses can have negative effects on attention, memory, anxiety, sleep and heart health, but noted that low-dose, orally administered cannabinoids “used intentionally” in adults and older adults have shown to have benefits. 

“These include improved quality of life, better sleep, reduced anxiety, better pain control, improved appetite, and in many cases, reduced reliance on higher-risk medications,” he said.

“Any discussion of cannabis’ effects on mental health, heart health and sleep should distinguish between high-potency recreational use and low-dose, medically guided use. Without that distinction, conclusions can be misleading.”

Carter emphasized that people deserve access to “objective, forthright information” about marijuana and its impact on well-being.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“The conversation surrounding cannabis cannot be laced with fear-mongering, judgment or misinformation, and at the same time, users should be aware that a substance capable of altering the brain may come with a cost, especially with consistent use,” he added.

Anyone who is experiencing negative health effects of cannabis should see a medical professional for help.

Men are at a much higher risk of heart attacks than women earlier in life, a new study reveals.

Researchers at Northwestern University found that men start to develop coronary heart disease years earlier than women, with differences emerging as early as the mid-30s, according to a press release.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), analyzed data from more than 5,000 adults, aged 18 to 30, from the mid-1980s through 2020, as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) analysis.

INSUFFICIENT SLEEP LINKED TO MAJOR HIDDEN HEALTH RISK, STUDY REVEALS

Men reached a 5% incidence of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, at around 50 years old compared to 57 for women.

Coronary heart disease, which is when blood vessels that supply the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, was the main driver of the difference, as men reached a 2% incidence more than a decade before women. Stroke and heart failure emerged later in life.

Men’s risk began rising faster at around age 35 and remained high throughout midlife, according to the research. Everyone in the study was under 65 years old at the last follow-up. 

Current guidelines generally recommend cardiovascular risk assessment beginning around age 40, which some experts say may miss an important window for early prevention.

COMMON DENTAL HEALTH ISSUE MAY HINT AT MORE DANGEROUS MEDICAL CONDITION

Heart disease develops over decades, with early markers detectable in young adulthood, according to senior study author Alexa Freedman, assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“Our findings highlight the importance of promoting heart health screening and prevention in young adulthood, especially for young men,” Freedman told Fox News Digital.

The researchers emphasized the importance of looking beyond standard measures of heart risk, like cholesterol or blood pressure, and considering a “broader range of biological and social factors.”

HEART STUDY FLAGS DANGEROUS RHYTHM RISK FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES OVER 50

Dr. Andrew Freeman, cardiologist and director of clinical cardiology at National Jewish Health in Denver, was not involved in the study but commented on the findings.

“We have always known that men tend to manifest and typically die earlier from things like heart attacks and strokes compared to women,” he told Fox News Digital.

Although the study did not identify why more men are predisposed to heart issues than women, Freeman said factors like hormonal differences, diet and physical activity could come into play. 

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“The standard American lifestyle makes us all sick, and then men seem to be more prone to developing this disease earlier,” the cardiologist told Fox News Digital. 

“We are more exposed to toxins than ever before in virtually every part of our food supply,” he added. “We already know well that air pollution, light pollution and sound pollution are all associated with earlier heart disease.”

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Americans are also more sedentary, get less sleep, are more stressed and are less socially connected, all of which can increase cardiovascular diseases, Freeman added.

“I think this study is really underscoring that it’s time for some big changes,” he said.

The doctor shared the following five “healthspan” tips to help prevent heart health issues.

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1. Limit toxin exposure in the form of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine and air pollution
2. Eat a predominately low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet
3. Exercise regularly, ideally 20 to 30 minutes every day at a level of breathlessness (with sign-off from a doctor)
4. Partake in stress-relieving activities and mindfulness exercises
5. Get adequate, uninterrupted sleep
6. Cultivate a strong support network of friends and family

“We need to do everything we can to clean up our lifestyles and reduce our disease burden.”

Freeman also recommends addressing any comorbidities, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

Those at a higher risk of cardiovascular events may want to consider earlier screening, although Freeman suggested that early prevention efforts should apply to everyone.

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“Coronary disease is manifesting earlier than ever here in the U.S., and we need to do everything we can to clean up our lifestyles and reduce our disease burden,” he said. “If you’re a man, you’ve got to be extra aggressive earlier in life.”

Weight loss can be highly dependent on each individual’s habits and relationship with food.

With this in mind, new research from City St. George’s, University of London, found that categorizing people into “eating profiles” can help people achieve lasting results.

The study was based on an online quiz developed by the university, which led participants through 17 questions asking about their behavioral habits regarding emotional eating, dieting and exercise.

‘PORTFOLIO DIET’ GAINS BUZZ FOR LOWERING CHOLESTEROL WITHOUT MEDICATION, EXPERTS SAY

Quiz-takers were grouped into four profiles, or phenotypes, based on their responses: Purple Lavender, Red Chili, Yellow Saffron and Green Sage.

The quiz then offered tailored advice for building a healthier long-term lifestyle, including how to stick to personal goals, improve dietary choices and incorporate more movement.

The U.K. study participants were enrolled in a 12-week digital weight-loss program, in addition to seven weeks of tailored advice.

Those who took the quiz and identified with a profile showed “significant” engagement in the 12-week program compared to those who did not. They were also more likely to stick to it, according to the university.

DOCTOR WARNS MANY AMERICANS EAT ‘FOOD-LIKE SUBSTANCES,’ NOT REAL FOOD

Quiz-takers also recorded more meals, communicated with health coaches more frequently and lost more weight on average.

“Phenotype-tailored weekly advice was associated with substantially higher engagement in a real-world digital program, although short-term weight differences were not statistically significant,” the authors concluded in the study, which was published in JMIR Formative Research.

Although the study was not randomized, followed participants for only a short time and relied on self-reported weight, the results suggest that adjusting digital weight-loss programs based on how people typically eat and behave could help more users stick with them, the researchers said.

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Larger, randomized trials with longer follow-ups are “warranted to determine whether increased engagement translates into clinically meaningful weight loss,” they added.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.

Breaking down the 4 eating profiles

According to the researchers, “Red Chili” is characterized by “high maladaptive and hedonic eating, low self-regulation and high psychological avoidance.”

This means Red Chili members may feel their eating is out of control, use food to cope with negative emotions, feel guilty about their eating habits and tend to ignore problems. This group also tends to follow restrictive diets, but then overeats when it doesn’t pan out.

“Yellow Saffron” is based on “high hedonic eating and reward reactivity and low maladaptive eating.”

These individuals may find it difficult to resist overeating, choose foods based on taste rather than health benefits, and frequently crave foods high in calories, fat and sugar.

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“Purple Lavender” represented “low self-regulation and high psychological avoidance, as well as low maladaptive and hedonic eating.”

This group tends to set goals and pursue them temporarily, but may give up upon confronting an obstacle. Purple Lavenders may lose enthusiasm after starting to make changes and find it difficult to continue, as well as ignore problems and challenges.

“Green Sage” is characterized in the quiz as “low maladaptive and hedonic eating, high self-regulation and low psychological avoidance.”

“There is no general way of eating that suits each person, because behavior and personality play such a role.”

These individuals often need clear guidance in making positive lifestyle changes, yet put off working toward goals when they lack motivation.

People in Green Sage may tend to not do the recommended amount of physical activity for their health or eat the recommended amount of vegetables for their diet, even if they often cook at home.

Experts weigh in

Los Angeles-based registered dietitian-nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein praised the “really intuitive” quiz.

“It really hits on the emotional and behavioral side of weight loss that people struggle with the most,” the California-based expert told Fox News Digital.

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“It did an amazing job once it identified your eating type, giving you mindset shifts and descriptors on what to work on,” she went on. “It’s no surprise to me that it made a significant difference in the motivation and adherence to the weight-loss plan early on.”

As the results found no significant difference at the seven-week mark, Muhlstein suggested that this means the researchers “have to work on better follow-up measures” to help people stay more consistent.

Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco added that it “makes sense” to acknowledge habits and behaviors around food to promote weight loss and health goals.

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“Health is an individualized topic. There is no general way of eating that suits each person, because behavior and personality play such a role,” the New York expert told Fox News Digital. 

“Following a generic diet of what to eat and what to avoid doesn’t result in any sort of meaningful change unless personality types, behaviors and habits are addressed.”

People who tend to experience blood sugar spikes in the hours after eating could face a higher risk of a common brain disorder.

Using the UK Biobank, a new study led by the University of Liverpool analyzed genetic data for more than 350,000 individuals between 40 and 69 years of age, according to a press release.

The researchers examined genetic markers linked to how the body processes sugar, then used a technique called Mendelian randomisation to compare disease rates in people who were genetically predisposed to higher blood glucose.

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They determined that people with elevated blood sugar two hours after eating (a condition called postprandial hyperglycaemi) were 69% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

In those participants, the disease was not associated with any changes in brain size or evidence of damage.

Other markers of glucose regulation — including fasting glucose, fasting insulin and measures of insulin resistance — were not significantly associated with Alzheimer’s risk, the researchers noted.

The findings were published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

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“This finding could help shape future prevention strategies, highlighting the importance of managing blood sugar not just overall, but specifically after meals,” lead author Dr. Andrew Mason said in the release.

Tanya Freirich, registered dietitian and CDCES (certified diabetes care and education specialist) in North Carolina, said the link between the increased genetic risk for high blood sugars and Alzheimer’s is consistent with previous studies. 

“Over time, high blood sugars damage blood vessels in the brain, which increases the risk of memory and learning problems,” Freirich, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

DAIRY CONSUMPTION LINKED TO LOWER DEMENTIA RISK IN SURPRISING NEW STUDY

“The brain is dependent on glucose for fuel, so any restriction of that source due to damaged blood vessels can further harm the brain’s functional connectivity. Excess glucose also impairs our brain’s functioning.”

New Jersey-based registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade agreed that the study points to postprandial glucose control as a potential target for protecting the brain.

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“This study suggests that when it comes to brain health, it’s not just whether someone has diabetes that matters, it’s how high blood sugar rises in the two hours after eating,” Palinski-Wade, who also was not involved in the new research, told Fox News Digital.

“Interestingly, traditional fasting glucose and insulin levels were not linked to Alzheimer’s risk, which suggests we may be missing part of the picture if we only focus on fasting labs and overlook what happens after meals.”

Study limitations

The link between blood glucose spikes and dementia outcome wasn’t confirmed in a separate Alzheimer’s genetic dataset, which raises questions about the findings applying to wider populations, the published article noted.

People in the UK Biobank also tended to be limited to healthier, White British participants.

“We first need to replicate these results in other populations and ancestries to confirm the link and better understand the underlying biology,” said senior author Dr. Vicky Garfield in the release.

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There’s also a risk that some dementia diagnoses were inaccurate or missed entirely, as the study relied on medical records and self-reporting.

“If validated, the study could pave the way for new approaches to reduce dementia risk in people with diabetes.”

Preventive measures

While some people may have a genetic propensity for increased blood sugar spikes after eating, Freirich noted that dietary choices can make a big impact.

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She recommends eating balanced meals that include vegetables, protein and complex carbohydrates, as well as reducing intake of excess sugar and choosing whole grains instead of refined grains.

The expert is also a proponent of boosting fiber intake, noting that the daily goal for adults is between 25 and 35 grams per day.

“Fiber is helpful for improving blood sugar stability, but is also beneficial for heart health, digestion and reducing inflammation, all of which contribute to improved brain health,” Freirich said.

She also suggests restricting sodas, juices, sugar-sweetened tea and coffee drinks, and limiting desserts.

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“In addition to diet, a short burst of activity after eating, such as a walk, can also help lower your blood sugar spike after eating,” Freirich said.

Anyone who has questions about blood sugar levels should have a discussion with a doctor about tests to assess risk.