We’ve said, experts have said it, but we are not afraid to say it again and again: you cannot outrun a poor diet. A recent groundbreaking study lays out all the evidence, confirming what wellness experts already suspected. 

The study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the summer of 2025. Researchers examined energy use across lifestyles, from hunter-gatherers to industrialized urbanites. It is not the lack of movement that is driving weight gain; rather, it is the food that people are putting on their plates. Let’s explore what science found out. 

Study: Diet vs. Exercise In Obesity

Is weight gain more about sedentary lifestyles, or eating too much? Most people are of the mind that if they exercise more, they can balance the effects of poor eating. This recent study is changing that narrative in a big way. The study looked at data from 4,213 adults across 34 global populations, including hunter-gatherers, pastoralists, farmers and modern city dwellers. Using the gold-standard doubly labeled water method, researchers measured energy expenditure to track real calorie burn (total, basal, and activity-related). Researchers then compared those results against body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI). 

This was the largest study of its kind, using the doubly labeled water method to track actual amount of calories burned per day. Basically, the method involves participants drinking water that contains stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen. That allows scientists to accurately measure carbon dioxide production and total energy use over time. But researchers didn’t just look exercise; rather, they broke energy expenditure into three components:

• Basal energy expenditure (BEE): the calories burned at rest to maintain basic bodily functions
• Activity energy expenditure (AEE): the calories burned via movement and physical activity
• Total energy expenditure (TEE): overall amount of daily calories burned combining both BEE and AEE

What Did Researchers Find?

Researchers gathered numbers from BEE, AEE, and TEE and compared these measurements to participants’ BMI, body fat percentage, and dietary intake. The researchers noted the following:

• TEE generally increased with economic development, but that was because people were physically bigger (more lean mass and less fat). 
• After adjusting for body size, researchers found that BEE and TEE dropped roughly 6 to 11% in more developed populations. AEE did not vary that much in this group. 
• What was surprising was that energy expenditure only explained about 10% of the increase in body fat and BMI observed in wealthier populations. 
• As expected, bigger bodies burn more energy. Individuals in wealthier countries had higher TEE, but that was because they were bigger (more lean mass and body size), not because they were more active. 
• Activity levels were not super different, and AEE was pretty consistent across various populations. That means that hunter-gatherers did not burn a lot more calories than office workers. 
• The food people eat, especially ultra-processed foods, was linked to higher body fat percentages in populations in which dietary data was available. 
• Energy expenditure revealed very little about obesity. In fact, differences in energy expenditure only accounted for 10% of the increased BMI and body fat percentages in developed countries. 
• Diet quality, however, explained a lot more. Researchers noted that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was strongly linked to increased body fat. Populations relying on traditional diets (fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins) displayed lower obesity rates, despite varying activity levels. 

After researchers analyzed data across dozens of populations, they concluded that diet, especially the rise in ultra-processed foods, is the primary driver of obesity. Although exercise remains beneficial for overall health, it matters less than diet when it comes to preventing or reversing obesity.

How To Help Prevent Obesity

This study reframes the way we think about weight management. For years, public health messages have focused on exercise. While movement is essential for optimal cardiovascular health, mood, longevity, and muscle strength, this study confirms that exercise alone is not a reliable tool to prevent obesity. 

Researchers suggest people limit their consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are rich in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives. What’s worse is that they are low in fiber. These foods are fueling obesity rates, even in populations that remain active. If you want to maintain a healthy weight, diet is the key to success.

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If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), management is key in order to minimize your risk of heart attack or stroke. In order to manage high blood pressure, you have to avoid or limit certain foods, in addition to supplements, as they can affect blood pressure, or make matters worse. 

High blood pressure is characterized by a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Older adults have a higher risk of the condition, due to large arteries getting stiffer with age. If you cannot control blood pressure on your own with lifestyle changes, medication may be necessary. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimated that 46% of American adults have high blood pressure. Should you have the condition, avoid the supplements in this article. 

Licorice Root

Licorice root is not solely used as a flavoring in food, candy, and even tobacco products. In fact, it has a long history of use in folk medicine, treating wounds and relieving symptoms of lung disease and liver disease. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid (GA), which can elevate blood pressure. Researchers note that doses as low as 100 milligrams (mg) can raise blood pressure. Other supplements with GA can also interact with diuretics and blood pressure meds. It may affect how well blood pressure meds work and increase the risk of side effects. If you have high blood pressure, it is best to avoid products that contain licorice root. 

Arnica

Some people use arnica ointment to reduce swelling and bruising, while others take it orally as a supplement. Arnica belongs to the sunflower family and is usually taken by mouth homeopathically. There are typically no. active ingredients in homeopathic products, so side effects are unlikely. That said, taking arnica by mouth can increase blood pressure or potentially damage some organs, including the heart. This is not for certain, but if you have high blood pressure, avoid arnica supplements. 

Bitter Orange

Taken from the fruit or peel of a bitter orange, this supplement is typically used to aid weight loss or improve athletic performance. The fruit and peel of bitter orange can also be used to flavor drinks or in perfumes and other beauty products for aromatic purposes. Bitter orange does contain p-Synephrine, which is a type of stimulant similar to ephedrine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedrine stimulants because they can cause health issues, such as heart attack and stroke. Although bitter orange is not on a banned list, use it with caution, especially if you have high blood pressure. Studies show that this supplement can not only raise heart rate and blood pressure, but also increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Bitter orange found in food and drinks is not likely to cause these issues, though. 

Vitamin D (In High Doses)

The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Vitamin D is necessary for optimal bone health, inflammation reduction, and other bodily functions. It is naturally available in foods and supplement form. Some research indicates that vitamin D may play a role in treating high blood pressure, specifically in doses of 200 – 8,000 International Units (IU) per day. Doses larger than 10,000 IU per day can lead to dangerous side effects, such as high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Over time, hypercalcemia can cause high blood pressure. High doses of vitamin D can also interact with certain diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. The body may not get rid of enough calcium, raising calcium and blood pressure in the process. 

St. John’s Wort

This plant is often used to treat symptoms of menopause and depression. Despite its longstanding use in traditional medicine, this plant may negatively interact with a variety of medications. St John’s wort weakens the efficacy of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Some of the blood pressure meds that St. John’s wort interacts with include Talinolol, Verelan, and Procardia. The interactions are likely due to the fact that St. John’s wort blocks the medication from being absorbed by the body.

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Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, and countless other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are intended to help lower blood sugar levels. They work to trigger insulin release from the pancreas. Insulin lowers the amount of glucose in the blood, and insufficient insulin levels can cause blood sugar to increase and increase the risk of diabetes. That is not really why GLP-1 medications are so popular these days, though. People use these drugs to promote weight loss and control obesity. 

Glucagon is a hormone that the body uses to elevate blood sugar levels when necessary. GLP-1 actually prevents glucose from entering the bloodstream. It also slows stomach emptying, which ultimately releases less glucose from the food you eat into the bloodstream. GLP-1 medications also affect the area of the brain that processes hunger and satiety. You basically feel full quicker after eating a smaller amount. 

Given the popularity of these drugs, scientists question whether or not there is a natural way to tap into those same hunger- and fullness-pathways without drugs. A new review pulled emerging evidence on foods and plant compounds that may help support the body’s own GLP-1 activity. Just to be clear, though, these natural options are not replacements for medications. Early science does suggest that they may play a meaningful role in supporting appetite regulation and blood sugar balance. 

The Science Behind Natural GLP-1 Modulation

The review was recently published in Toxicology Reports and included decades of data on how foods, herbs, and bioactive compounds influence GLP-1, the hormone that GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic. The gut produces GLP-1 and it has several jobs, such as:

• Stimulating insulin release
• Slowing digestion so you can stay fuller for longer
• Signaling fullness to the brain
• Reducing blood sugar after meals

GLP-1 medications work so well, so is it even possible for natural substances to gently support similar pathways? In order to figure this out, researchers looked at the combined research of studies on spices, teas, plant polyphenols, and fermented foods to see which compounds consistently influenced GLP-1 release or activity. As of now, nothing works as powerfully as prescribed medications; however, some ingredients triggered increases in GLP-1 release, or at least improved the body’s sensitivity to it. 

What The Researchers Found

According to the studies that researchers examined, the most natural GLP-1 supporters are as follows:

• Cinnamon extract
• Curcumin (from turmeric)
• Berberine
• Green tea and post-fermented tea compounds
• Wheat protein
• Ginger and gingerol
• Quercetin-rich plant foods (including apples, berries, cherries, onions, leafy greens, and grapes)

Researchers note that these natural GLP-1 modulators are not replacing existing medications. Instead, they want people to know that natural options exist. That helps because GLP-1 medications are not affordable or available to everyone. Some people also cannot tolerate the medications and experience intense side effects. Lastly, many people prefer nutrition-forward approaches to things. If you are looking to naturally support metabolic pathways, consider the ingredients we detailed. When paired with balanced nutrition and regular exercise, they may do wonders for your body.

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For hundreds of years, different civilizations used their own versions of fire cider or herbal tonics to promote general well-being. These days, you can see people and “wellness gurus” alike making spicy fire cider on TikTok or Instagram. The claim is that it not only enhances immune function, but it is also a natural cold killer. 

What Is Fire Cider?

Fire cider is a spicy, homemade drink made with all-natural ingredients that help optimize immunity. The proponents of fire cider claim that when all of the ingredients work in unison, they create a super beverage that can help prevent you from getting sick. The term “fire cider” was coined by Rosemary Gladstar in 1970, when she published a recipe that used: 

• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Honey
• Horseradish root
• Onion
• Cayenne pepper

Since then, many people have published variations of the drink, with some including ingredients like:

• Elderberry
• Rosemary
• Turmeric
• Orange or lemon zest
• Jalapeño or habanero peppers

Once you have your recipe of choice, combine all of the ingredients (except honey) in a glass jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place. After the ingredients steep for one month, you strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and add honey to taste. That liquid is the fire cider, which sounds interesting, but how effective is it?

Are There Benefits? 

The predominant claims from people who love fire cider are that it helps fend off sickness and builds a healthy immune system. The unfortunate reality is that there is no scientifically-backed evidence stating that fire cider actually works. What is true is that the ingredients offer beneficial nutrients that can encourage healthy immune function. They do not, however, possess the abilities to prevent or cure illness. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of some of the ingredients. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Since the times of the Ancient Greeks, vinegar has been used to help treat sores and clean wounds. In recent years, apple cider vinegar has received a lot of attention because people claim that it can aid weight loss, improve digestion, enhance immunity, and more. Test tube studies found that apple cider vinegar effectively killed certain disease-causing yeast and bacteria. Other studies found that consuming apple cider vinegar can help lower total blood cholesterol and blood sugar. More research is needed in both regards, though. 

Ginger

This is a common spice used to help soothe a sore throat and an upset stomach. Researchers have studied ginger extensively because it is effective at relieving nausea, easing period cramps, relieving muscle and arthritis pain, and reducing inflammation. Although ginger is thought to enhance immune function, there is no scientific evidence that supports that. Some people also claim that it aids weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness. There is no evidence that supports that either. 

Hot Peppers

You can include cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or other spicy peppers in fire cider. Peppers are naturally rich in vitamin C and contain active compounds that may help you live longer, according to some research studies. Capsaicin is the active compound that is responsible for the heat in peppers, but it also exhibits impressive antimicrobial activity. Capsaicin can irritate the skin, so make sure to wash your hands after handling hot peppers, as you don’t want to touch your eyes or other sensitive areas. 

Garlic

If you know anything about garlic, you know that it has a lot of “antis,” such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. Garlic can be hard to digest for certain people because it contains fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). For this reason, garlic can occasionally cause cramping, bloating, and diarrhea in certain people.

Honey

Many people celebrate honey for its antimicrobial properties, and it has been used in healing practices since ancient times. Medical grade honey may help remedy minor wounds, diabetic ulcers, and burns. You do not find medical grade honey on your average grocery store shelf, though. The honey you have in your pantry will not kill or prevent the common cold. It is possible for honey to soothe a sore throat and ease some symptoms of respiratory infection.

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For many people, constipation and digestive troubles are not comfortable topics to discuss in public. We do not believe in talking about such topics in private because they affect millions of people worldwide. Nobody wants to struggle on the toilet, especially when eliminating with ease is very attainable. All you have to do is give the body the right foods, engage in some light physical activity, and make a few other small adjustments.

When you maintain a fiber-rich diet and drink a lot of water, you can help prevent constipation. You can increase your fiber intake and enhance hydration efforts by drinking certain smoothies, such as this recipe for constipation relief. This smoothie is the perfect blend of liquid and fiber. Plus, it is pre-digested, meaning the body does not have to work hard to break down the food to absorb nutrients.

One of the ingredients that benefits digestion is pineapple, which contains the enzyme bromelain, which works to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain works to break down protein in the body, and some studies indicate that it may support weight loss because bromelain can increase the speed at which the body digests fats. Additionally, bromelain exhibits anticancer effects, but this research was limited to in vivo and in vitro studies. More research is still necessary to confirm these results in adults.

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