Eating just two cups of mango a day can help lower insulin concentrations and improve insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults with chronic low-grade inflammation, according to new research.

The study, conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology and published in Nutrients, brings a sweet and antioxidant-rich way for individuals to reduce their risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, in under roughly 100 calories. 

The study compared the consumption of fresh mangos to calorie-matched Italian ices in 48 adults aged 20-60, examining their effects on inflammation and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults with low-grade chronic inflammation.

Those who ate mangoes saw a significant reduction in insulin resistance and improved blood sugar levels, and after four weeks, experienced significantly lower insulin concentrations compared to the beginning of the study. Those in the mango grouping also saw stable body composition, while the control group saw a “slight but significant increase in body weight,” researchers noted.

“Managing blood glucose isn’t just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it’s about improving insulin sensitivity,” noted Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition. “Our study suggests that adding fresh mangos to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk.”

Additional findings showed that inflammation markers and glucose levels weren’t significantly different between the two groups, deeming mangos a “heart-healthy swap for calorically comparable sweet treats.” No differences were noted in terms of fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or triglycerides, according to the study.

“The improvement in insulin sensitivity in the mango group, without changes in body weight, is noteworthy – which counters misconceptions about mangos’ natural sugar content and impact on obesity and diabetes,” Edirisinghe added.  “These findings support previous research showing that eating mango does not lead to weight gain, and while the exact mechanism is still unknown, the role of improved antioxidant status from mango consumption may be the mediating factor on blood glucose control.”

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A significant majority of gym members with long-term health conditions rely on their fitness routines not just for physical strength but also for their mental wellbeing, according to a new survey released by ukactive. The research, conducted by Savanta, highlights that 77% of these members work out to improve both their mental and physical health.

The survey, part of a broader engagement study, polled over 8,000 individuals throughout 2024, revealing that fitness centers play a crucial role in managing health conditions recommended by medical professionals. This includes a wide array of ailments from musculoskeletal disorders to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Of the respondents with long-term conditions, 80% joined gyms to maintain or enhance physical fitness, while others cited improvements in mental health (77%), confidence (76%), and sleep (69%) as key motivations. The importance of gym memberships extends across all gym users, with 56% acknowledging its role in adhering to health advice and managing various conditions.

The findings come at a time when the UK faces significant health challenges, including a high number of long-term sickness-related work absences totaling 2.82 million people. Despite these challenges, the survey notes an uptick in gym attendance, especially during January — one of the busiest months for fitness facilities.

Huw Edwards, ukactive’s CEO, emphasized the alignment of these findings with government health goals, advocating for increased support for community fitness facilities. “These findings show more people turning to our sector to support them in managing a variety of physical and mental health conditions,” Edwards said in a press release. He further urged the government to recognize the potential of gyms, pools, and leisure centers in reducing health inequalities.

Supporting this call, recent data from Sport England indicates that regular physical activity can prevent up to 600,000 cases of type 2 diabetes annually, along with significant reductions in dementia and depression cases. This prevention translates into considerable savings for the health system, underscoring the economic benefits of facilitating broader access to fitness services.

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There’s a better way to classify individuals than reducing them to a single Body Mass Index (BMI) number on a color-coded chart, a group of scientists proposes.

In a report published this month in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Journal, a Commission of experts tackled the complex issue of obesity, incorporating insights from emerging schools of thought that could upend BMI as we know it.

The first step, according to the Commission led by Professor Francesco Rubino of King’s College London, is developing a new definition and diagnostic framework – one that is global, as almost an eighth of the world is affected by obesity.

It begins by dividing obesity into two categories: as a risk factor—where an individual may carry excess weight without experiencing organ dysfunction or daily limitations but faces an increased future health risk (referred to as preclinical obesity)—and as a standalone illness (clinical obesity).

It’s a timely topic, considering the fitness and wellness industry continues to advance the conversation around personalization, pivoting from a one-size-fits-all approach. The Commission—announced in 2022 and comprising 56 leading experts—shares a similar perspective.

“Individuals living with obesity have different health profiles and needs, but are often discussed as a single entity, defined by one single parameter (BMI), or not discussed at all,” the Commission wrote.

In addition to a new definition, the group advises using other body size measurements—such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or waist-to-height ratio—alongside BMI to define obesity status.

While the Commission points out that overhauling procedures may increase the workload of healthcare workers, it points out that failure to invest the time and resources into additional measurements could lead to “greater burden and costs, both to health systems and to individuals living with obesity.”

“Adopting a new and more precise approach to obesity identification and shifting societal perceptions will take time and effort, but at the heart of these proposals is the aim to improve the lives of people living with obesity,” the Commission noted. “We now have the opportunity to transform obesity care, moving away from a system in which individuals are seen under one single label toward a system that recognises the unique health and needs of each person.”

Although the group’s recommendations can help advance patients within the healthcare system, they could also serve as a valuable guide for personal trainers and health coaches to consider implementing measurement tracking for their clients if they aren’t already.

The tech space, as usual, is already moving full steam ahead. Fit:match, a tech company specializing in 3D body scanning and analysis, has recently partnered with Intel Corporation’s RealSense division to launch Reflect.

The freestanding body scanning system provides precise measurements and insights, such as body metrics and circumference measurements, in just seconds. Gym members can use Reflect to scan themselves regularly to track changes, while trainers can use the data to customize fitness programs. Additionally, Reflect users can receive personalized size recommendations from retail brands such as Lululemon, Skims and Vuori.

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As 2025 approaches and many Americans set intentions and resolutions for the new year, their weight is undeniably on their minds, according to Hims & Hers. 

While this may not seem like a stunning revelation—especially since a new year often prompts consumers to head to the gym and/or fill their grocery carts with healthier options, at least for a few weeks—a new report from the health and wellness platform highlights just how significant the issue of weight is for Americans.

The report, The Shape of America, is based on an online survey of 5,000 respondents aged 18 and older and demonstrates how the desire for weight loss has permeated all aspects of life, from household economics to self-worth.

Underscoring that weight is indeed a top concern for Americans, Hims & Hers reveals that 75% of Americans think about their weight every day, with 14% admitting it is a constant concern. 

Other findings from the report reveal that 85% of Americans believe at least one major area of their life would improve if they lost weight, while 83% acknowledge they are not at their desired weight. Over half (59%) agree or somewhat agree that their entire life would improve with weight loss, and 54% say their mood fluctuates based on the number on the scale.

On average, Americans would like to lose 42 pounds, and 77% are open to trying a weight loss method they haven’t yet explored. The desire to lose weight also has an economic impact: 81% of Americans say they would save money on household expenses if they lost weight.

The report also explores the connection between mental health and excess weight, revealing that 85% of individuals with obesity say their weight has negatively impacted their daily lives, making them more likely to skip work or withdraw from activities and goals.

Hims & Hers’ findings contrast with the body positivity movement (a point it acknowledges) and show that Gen Z survey participants report experiencing more body stigma, shame and trauma than older generations. Over half (54%) of Gen Z respondents admit to feeling, or having felt, inferior to others because of their weight.

The statistics from the Gen Z cohort could help explain why young consumers are seemingly more invested in health, fitness and wellness than older generations.  

Weight Loss Medication Market Continues to Surge

The results of the report stand out against the backdrop of rising weight loss medications—industry-disrupting drugs that are helping Americans to slim down, despite their often high costs.

It’s an area that Hims & Hers is now invested in, having ventured into the weight loss medication arena this year with compounded GLP-1 injections and weight loss pills. Last month, the platform issued a white paper demonstrating that its program has been successful, with 87% of its customers working toward, nearing or have already met their weight loss goal. 

It’s undoubtedly been a money-maker for Hims & Hers, as well. The company revealed in May that its weight loss offering is tracking to surpass $100 million in revenue by the end of 2025 and is growing faster than any specialty in its history. For the third quarter of 2024, Hims & Hers reported revenue of $401.6 million, a remarkable 77% increase year-over-year, and revealed that its subscriber base grew to 2 million, marking a 44% rise.

Impressive numbers, considering that access to branded GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic) remains a struggle for many Americans due to shortages, particularly in states where obesity rates are higher. That’s a secondary area Hims & Hers is trying to correct, having introduced a GLP-1 Supply Tracker for individuals to share their experience and provide a clear picture to the Food and Drug Administration of the demand for the popular medications. 

“Our customers have demonstrated a clear gap in supply and demand, so we’re making it easy for everyone to share their experience and be a part of advocating for better access to the medications they need,” Hims & Hers CEO and co-founder Andrew Dudum said. “Part of our responsibility to the millions of customers who trust us with their healthcare is to understand the scale of the challenges they face and use our platform to combat them.”

More recently, Hims & Hers launched high-protein meal replacement bars and shakes for customers either on GLP-1 medications or looking to manage their weight. 

Experts agree that relying solely on weight loss medication without correcting lifestyle habits may limit success long-term, opening the door for fitness and wellness companies to meet new needs. In the meantime, leading brands such as Life Time, Xponential’s Lindora, Equinox, Noom and Echelon are gearing up, as JP Morgan projects that around 9% of the U.S. population (30 million) will eventually become a GLP-1 user in just six short years.

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A recent study from the University of Michigan has found that individuals with obesity who engage in long-term exercise have healthier belly fat tissue, allowing for more effective fat storage compared to their non-exercising counterparts.

This finding supports the importance of regular physical activity for metabolic health and offers encouragement for clients who aren’t able to shed fat despite a regular exercise routine.

Study Highlights

The research team wanted to explore the impact of years of exercise on fat tissue. They compared two groups of adults with obesity: 16 participants who reported exercising at least four times a week for an average of 11 years, and 16 individuals who had never exercised regularly but were matched in terms of body fat mass, weight and sex.

Researchers took samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue—fat located just beneath the skin—from both groups. The results showed that the exercisers had distinct structural and biological differences in their fat tissue, including increased blood vessel density, more mitochondria and higher levels of beneficial proteins. They also had lower amounts of collagen that could interfere with metabolism and fewer inflammation-causing cells.

“Our findings indicate that regular exercise not only helps expend calories but also modifies fat tissue in ways that allow for healthier fat storage during weight gain, which many people experience as they age,” said Jeffrey Horowitz, a professor of movement science at the U-M School of Kinesiology.

The implications of these findings are important. Storing fat in subcutaneous adipose tissue, the type sampled in this study, is considered healthier than fat accumulation around vital organs, which can lead to serious health issues.

Horowitz noted, “Increasing the capacity to store fat here reduces the likelihood of storing fat in unhealthy areas, such as visceral fat around the organs or in the organs themselves.”

This research builds on earlier studies that observed changes in fat tissue after shorter exercise periods. Horowitz emphasized the need for further investigation into how long-term exercise influences fat tissue health and whether specific types or intensities of exercise yield better results.

Personal Trainers & Programming

This study provides insights for personal trainers, emphasizing the importance of long-term exercise for metabolic health and fat tissue management. Trainers can leverage these findings to educate clients about the broader health impacts of consistent physical activity beyond just weight loss.

Moreover, fitness professionals can design sustainable long-term exercise programs that promote adherence and highlight the health benefits of regular activity, as opposed to pure aesthetics. Understanding that exercise can lead to healthier fat storage may also help address common client concerns about weight gain as they age, fostering a more positive mindset towards fitness.

While the study findings are positive, there are several limitations. The study involved only 32 participants, which may restrict the generalizability of the results. Also, the reliance on self-reported exercise data could introduce bias and inaccuracies in actual activity levels. The research compared current fat tissue characteristics rather than tracking changes over time, limiting insights into how exercise impacts fat tissue development.

The participants were matched based on specific characteristics, which may overlook other influential factors such as genetics and lifestyle. Also of note: the focus on subcutaneous abdominal fat may not capture the full spectrum of fat distribution and health implications, and the controlled setting may not reflect real-world conditions affecting exercise adherence.

Continued research in this area will further clarify the relationship between exercise, fat storage and overall health, informing best practices in the fitness industry.

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