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Poor diets and obesity linked to slowdown in life expectancy

A new study has revealed that England has experienced a slowdown in life expectancy, which researchers believe is down to the food we eat, physical inactivity and obesity, as well as the Covid pandemic.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia studied data from over 160 countries and territories. They compared changes in life expectancy, causes of death, and population exposure to risk factors across Europe between 1990–2011, 2011–19, and 2019–21. Of all the countries studied, England experienced the biggest slowdown in life expectancy.

Lead researcher Prof Nick Steel said: “From 1990 to 2011, reductions in deaths from cardiovascular diseases and cancers continued to lead to substantial improvements in life expectancy. But decades of steady improvements finally slowed around 2011, with marked international differences. We found that deaths from cardiovascular diseases were the primary driver of the reduction in life expectancy improvements between 2011–19.”

Prof Steel added: “Unsurprisingly, the Covid pandemic was responsible for decreases in life expectancy seen between 2019–21. After 2011, major risks such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol either increased or stopped improving in almost all countries. Better cholesterol and blood pressure treatments have not been enough to offset the harms from obesity and poor diets.”

The researchers say that in order to extend our old age, we need to prioritise healthier lifestyles in our younger years – with governments urged to invest in bold public health initiatives. The findings were published in The Lancet Public Health.

Omega-3s can slow ageing, study shows

A daily intake of 1g of omega-3s can slow down biological ageing by up to four months, a study from the University of Zurich has revealed.

The researchers carried out a three-year study involving nearly 800 people over the age of 70. Eight different treatment combinations were tested during this time. The subjects took 2,000 IU of vitamin D and/or 1g of omega-3 fatty acids (from algae) daily and/or performed 30 minutes of strength training at home three times a week.

When the researchers analysed the participants’ blood samples, they found that taking omega-3 fatty acids slowed down biological ageing by up to four months – regardless of the subjects’ gender, age or body mass index. The combination of omega-3, vitamin D and strength training proved to be even more effective.

Light exercise linked with reduction in dementia risk

Small amounts of exercise could help prevent dementia, even for frail older adults, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, compared to zero minutes per week, was associated with a 41% lower risk of developing dementia over an average four-year follow-up period. Even for frail older adults – those at elevated risk of adverse health outcomes – greater activity was associated with lower dementia risks.

The study, carried out by a team at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, was published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

Study finds link between diet quality and severity of psoriasis

Researchers have found significant associations between the foods that people eat and the severity of their psoriasis symptoms. Psoriasis is a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease which causes flaky patches of skin that form scales. It affects millions worldwide and is believed to be caused by a problem with the immune system.

The research team from King’s College London examined data from 257 adults with psoriasis. They analysed the participants’ adherence to various diets including the Mediterranean Diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Healthy Plant-based Diet. The severity of their psoriasis symptoms was self-assessed using a questionnaire.

The findings showed that the participants who ate more fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats experienced less severe psoriasis symptoms. Those who ate more red and processed meat experienced more severe psoriasis even when body mass index (BMI) was considered. The study was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.