The Livelong Newsletter

Happy Friday,

🔥The Olympic torch will be lit tonight, initiating the Paris Games.

In an AI-centered turn of events, athletes can now use digital twin technology to create an avatar of themselves. They have the ability to run simulations of the competition and analyze their performance. Some speculate this technology could be used in the personalized health setting.

The week is July 22. In today’s issue:

• Weight loss drugs can be better.

• The paleo diet is not without problems.

• Investigational drug boosts lifespan by 25% in mice.

• What’s the new heart-healthy smart ring feature?

• And more.

We love to hear from you—our community. Please share your feedback, stories, questions, testimonials, ideas, and more with us at [email protected].

👁️‍🗨️ SPOTLIGHT

Weight-loss drugs could be 5x more effective

Certain weight-loss drugs could be 5x more effective at reducing weight when paired with drugs that alter protein activity in the central nervous system, according to results from a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

During the study, researchers altered activity in the melanocortin 3 (MC3R) and melanocortin 4 (MC4R) proteins.

They wanted to see how altering protein function would impact the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, which are a class of weight-loss/diabetes drugs (Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist).

Specifically, researchers inhibited MC3R activity and increased MC4R activity in the mouse-model study.

The results:

• Mice experienced 5x greater weight loss after receiving a combination of a GLP-1 drug and MC4R agonist (or MC3R antagonist), compared with a GLP-1 alone.

• The mice became hypersensitized to anti-feeding hormones as well, according to study lead Roger Cone, a professor at the research institution.

🦉WISDOM FOR LIFE

🥩DIET

The possible danger of paleo

As more people look to the past for a longer future, the paleolithic diet has experienced a resurgence in popularity. 

The paleo diet is often used to treat chronic diseases and metabolic diseases; however, the characteristically high-protein diet may increase risk of neurological disorder—and even coma—according to a recent study published by researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE).

Why can too much protein be dangerous?  

• Ammonium is naturally released when we break down protein, but the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GHD)—found in the liver—helps to eliminate it. 

• When the GHD is overwhelmed (or it is not active enough), the body is left with excess ammonium. This can cause a cascade of neurological issues, researchers say.

The study: Investigators studied the neurological effects of a high-protein diet in healthy mice and mice without GDH liver enzymes. Risk of neurological disorder was exacerbated in the GDH-deficient group.

Big picture: Blood tests can ensure sufficient GDH activity, although most people are cautioned to be well-informed before consuming too much protein.

THE MORE YOU KNOW

The paleo diet

What is it? An eating lifestyle that mimics our hunter-gatherer ancestors; it follows the theory that the agricultural revolution is the root cause of modern chronic diseases.

• What is included? Fruit, vegetables, lean meat and fish, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and spices. 

• What is NOT included: Grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, processed foods, added salt, or starchy vegetables.

Health benefits: It is high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. It emphasizes grass-fed meats and local, sustainable foods. It meets most nutrient requirements, and it may promote weight loss and improve short-term blood sugar and lipid profiles.

📰 IN OTHER NEWS

Blocking “evolutionary hangover” increases lifespan by 25% in mice

A new drug boosts healthy lifespan by 25% in mice, according to an article discussing results from the study published in Nature.

The drug blocks what some scientists call an “evolutionary hangover,” or better known as interleukin 11 (IL-11), authors write.

• The IL-11 treatment reduced cancer risk and signs of aging in the mice. The drug also reduced frailty, muscle wasting, and improved muscle strength.

These are powerful findings, and anti-IL-11-compounds could be a prospective treatment for lifespan and healthspan in humans. More clinical trials are certainly needed, authors write.

Other stories:

1. Is a ‘brain blackout’ causing your migraine? A new study suggests that these blackouts can change the composition of cerebrospinal fluid, which goes on to activate pain and inflammatory receptors in the skull. Read more.

2. Studying obesity in cats could be a great way to understand obesity and treatment options for humans, according to Ohio State University researchers. Read more.

3. The Ring AIR smart ring (Ultrahuman) has a feature to detect atrial fibrillation, marking a first-of-its-kind advancement in smart rings. Read more.

4. Light physical activity before sleep can promote longer and better sleep, according to a study in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. Read more.

5. Would you join a membership club to slow aging? What is this trend that the rich are hopping on? Read more.

📊POLL RESULTS

Last week, we asked how you felt about biohacker Kayla Barnes’ unconventional request to see the health labs of a potential partner before meeting him.

The results:

• 🥇It’s a lot to ask of someone else.

• 🥈I appreciate that she knows what she wants.

• 🥉Dating someone should not be based on lab results.

Let us know what type of poll you’d like to see next by emailing [email protected].

🤗LONG-LEVITY

Less loneliness in passing

Less loneliness contributes to a good life, and it may contribute to a better death too, one without suffering feeling alone.

This is a blessing that most wish for, and it is the mission of the No One Dies Alone (NODA) movement, which trains volunteers to be companions to those who would otherwise be alone when they pass.

• “Our very ethos is about being kind, and how ordinary people can make a difference together,” said Alison Bunce, a nurse in Scotland who helped start the concept in the UK.

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🔔 One more thing: Don’t forget to catch up on the last newsletter

Check out last week’s feature to see how we debunk the myth that aging clocks can predict your biological age.

About Livelong

Our goal is to provide you with credible and actionable information about health and longevity so you can live a longer and healthier life and guide you toward making insightful decisions that support you during your health and longevity journey. 

Have feedback for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional before starting any exercise, wellness, or health program. Nothing in our content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Livelong is a media company and not a medical provider. We try to give the most accurate possible, but sometimes information is subject to change.