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BDA launches new resource to help people stay healthy while taking medications for obesity

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has released a new, evidence-based resource to support individuals taking medications for obesity. It will be offered free of charge to both the public and healthcare professionals.

As 95% of people who take medications for obesity do not go through the NHS, few are getting adequate support with understanding how such medications affect health, how to manage side effects and what behavioural changes are needed to maximise long-term weight loss.

This first-of-its-kind resource encompasses the latest evidence on what to eat and drink and how to stay well while taking medications for obesity. Following a rapid review of evidence by a specialist dietitian, the resource aims to provide practical and trustworthy guidance on maintaining health, optimising outcomes and managing side effects.

It also breaks down how the medications work and what individuals taking them need to be aware of and monitor, alongside their healthcare professional.

New evidence supports that sticking to five lifestyle recommendations improves survival after a later cancer diagnosis

The findings provide evidence that simple, achievable habits established before a cancer diagnosis can play a role in improving long-term health and the health of those following a cancer diagnosis.

The Cancer Prevention Recommendations analysed in the study included:

• Being a healthy weight

• Being physically active

• Eating wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and beans

• Limiting red and processed meat

• Limiting alcohol consumption

The research was led by Newcastle University and published (28 in Cancer. The Recommendations were developed in 2018 by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Although previous research in cancer survivors has indicated some positive effects, this study provides the most comprehensive evidence yet of their association with improved survival for people living with and beyond cancer.

Making a splash: demand for raw and ‘brewed’ milk seemingly growing in United Kingdom

In the UK, there are signs that raw milk is gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers, according to farmers, as a less processed option.

As raw milk comes straight from the cow (or sheep or goat), it has not been pasteurised, the process of heating liquids to eliminate harmful pathogens and make them safe to drink.

Due to this, the Food Standards Agency warns that raw milk can cause food poisoning, posing particular risks to pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immune systems. As such, raw milk in the UK can only be sold directly to consumers by registered producers

With increased demand, the Modern Milkman has launched “brewed milk”, which involves using a lower-temperature pasteurisation process, heating milk to 68 °C for five minutes. The result, it claims, is a product that retains more flavour while still meeting safety requirements.

High-dose vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy positively associated with certain improved cognitive markers aged 10

A recently published RCT examined the impact of high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation versus standard dose on the cognitive performance of 10-year-olds.

The intervention took place when mothers were 24 weeks gestation to 1 week postpartum. Cognition was measured in 498 children (247 from the high dose group and 251 from the standard dose group).

Tests included reaction time, sustained attention, motor function, verbal memory, speed of processing, planning and more.

Out of the 11 tests, there were no significant differences between the groups in 8 cognitive functions. However, high-dose supplementation was positively associated with verbal memory, visual memory and flexibility or set shift.

Further research is needed on the long-term impact of vitamin D supplementation on cognition and overall health. 

Is the cost-of-living package enough to ensure everyone has access to healthy food?

The government has announced a new cost-of-living package. In response, the Nutrition Foundation's Head of Policy and Advocacy, Hannah Brinsden has explored whether it's enough to ensure everyone has access to healthy, affordable food:

"There is a gap in the government’s current plans. As mentioned, the tariff relief on common basket items announced in Reeves’ speech is not specifically targeted towards healthier foods, which could be problematic when you consider healthier calories are already twice as expensive as less healthy calories.

"The VAT cut on children’s meals at restaurants and cafes in family attractions may not also support with access towards healthier foods. Interventions must go beyond business relief interventions to include more targeted support for families trying to access healthy and essential food."

Student-run dietetics clinic at Oxford Brookes University to offer free nutritional advice

The pilot clinic will open its virtual doors next month, with final year dietetics students providing expert support to clients across Oxfordshire and beyond.

The initiative has been developed by students as part of their Practice Placement module for the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme. All students will already have completed placements in community and/or hospital settings and other healthcare services.

The clinic will offer free one-hour online appointments for people seeking help with a range of dietary concerns, including women’s health, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular and metabolic health, weight management, neurological conditions and renal health.

The course team plans to run the clinic again next year to support students as they prepare for their careers and provide a positive service for the Oxfordshire community. 

Natural trans fats in dairy may not raise heart disease risk, finds University of Reading study

Trans fats found naturally in dairy foods such as milk, butter and cheese did not increase the risk of heart disease or type 2 diabetes in a new study conducted at the University of Reading.

Researchers analysed evidence from 22 studies involving thousands of people across Europe, Canada and the United States.

They found that natural trans fats behave differently in the body from the industrial kind. Unlike industrial trans fats that are strongly linked to heart disease, those found in dairy appear to pose no risk. Higher levels of dairy trans fats in the blood were not linked with type 2 diabetes risk.

The first-of-its-kind research, which was published in the journal Nutrition Research, also aims to raise consumer awareness of this topic and provide clarity on trans fat labelling policies, which may cause confusion.

BDA Professional Achievement recipient: Ursula Arens

Ursula Arens has been recognised with the BDA Professional Achievement Honour for more than 10 years of sustained and outstanding personal commitment to the profession, as a freelance nutrition writer and columnist. The BDA wrote:

"Her significant contributions have been recognised as amplifying the dietetic voice and that of the BDA in national discussions.

"As a longstanding BDA spokesperson, Ursula’s ability to connect, network and communicate with the relevant people/organisations has demonstrated her work ethic – with strength in collegiality with the appropriate alliances...

"She is accepted as a trusted voice, consistently challenging nutritional misinformation and deciphering nutrition science facts making them more accessible and understandable to healthcare professionals and members of the public."

You can find Ursula's insightful articles in our back issues!