How Discrimination Can Affect the Gut and Increase Obesity Risk

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

admin

Share on Pinterest A new study looks at how racial and ethnic discrimination can affect the gut. nazar_ab/Getty ImagesRacial discrimination increases the risk of poorer mental health, sleep problems, inflammation and obesity in adults and children.The link between racial discrimination and obesity may be due to a stress-related disruption of the communication between the brain and gut microbiome.Coping strategies can help people reduce the impact of racial discrimination on their health, but policy changes are needed to reduce peoples exposure to discrimination.

People who experience frequent racial or ethnic discrimination are more susceptible to obesity and related conditions, with some research showing that these higher risks begin to appear in childhood.

Obesity is a major public health issue in the United States, affecting more than four in 10 American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Black and Hispanic adults face even higher rates of obesity.

Similar patterns are seen in children and teens, with Black and Hispanic youth more likely to be affected by obesity than white youth, CDC data shows. Overall, one in five American youth have obesity.

Some research shows that higher rates of obesity among certain racial and ethnic groups may stem from factors such as genetics; individual physical activity levels; access to healthy, affordable foods; and exposure to unhealthy food product marketing.

Other research has focused on another known stressor racial or ethnic discrimination which increases the risk of poorer mental health, sleep problems, and physical issues such as cardiovascular disease and inflammation.

Discrimination has also been linked to higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and rates of obesity in adults and youth.

A new study suggests that this link to obesity may be partly due to stressful discrimination changing how peoples brains process food cues and disrupting communication between the gut microbiome and the brain.

The gut microbiome, which consists of bacteria and other microbes living in the intestines, plays a role in health and disease, including mental health and may also influence behavior.

Our results show that a persons brain-gut crosstalk may change in response to ongoing experiences of discrimination affecting food choices, cravings, brain function, and contributing to alterations in gut chemistry that have been implicated in stress and inflammation, Arpana Gupta, PhD, a researcher and co-director of the UCLA Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center and the UCLA G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, said in a news release. Discrimination affects food cue responses

The study, published Oct. 2 in Nature Mental Health, included 107 people 87 women and 20 men of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Participants completed a questionnaire that measures chronic experiences of unfair treatment. Based on their responses, researchers divided people into high discrimination exposure and low discrimination exposure groups.

People had MRI brain scans while completing a food-cue task involving looking at pictures of four different types of food two healthy and two unhealthy and one non-food picture as a comparison.

In addition, people provided a stool sample, which researchers used to measure changes in the levels of 12 glutamate metabolites, or breakdown products.

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is linked with inflammation related to conditions such as anxiety and depression. Research also shows that glutamate is involved in the brains reward system and related behaviors like impulsivity.

In the study, people who reported greater levels of discrimination had higher levels of two glutamate breakdown products associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and an increased risk of obesity, researchers found.

People who reported more experiences of discrimination also had greater activation in certain areas of the brain in response to unhealthy food cues. The activated regions are involved in reward processing, motivation, cravings and appetite responses.

Discrimination-related stress was also associated with changes in brain responses involved in self-regulation this occurred only with cues for unhealthy foods, not for healthy foods.

In addition, unhealthy sweet food was involved in changing the two-way communication between the brain and the gut microbiome, the results showed.

Researchers say that the new study and earlier research suggest that racial or ethnic discrimination may lead to changes in communication between the brain and gut microbiome, which shifts people toward unhealthy eating behaviors.

It appears that in response to stressful discrimination experiences, we seek comfort in food, manifested as increased cravings, and increased desire, for highly palatable foods, such as high-calorie foods and, especially, sweet foods, Gupta said in the release.

These alterations may ultimately cause people exposed to discrimination to be more vulnerable to obesity and obesity-related disorders, she added.Impact of discrimination is real

Rebecca Hasson, PhD, associate professor of movement science and director of the Childhood Disparities Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, emphasized that discrimination is one particular form of toxic stress, one that is known to have negative health effects.

Discrimination also comes in many forms, including that based on race or ethnicity, weight, gender or other social identity.

So when you look at discrimination, youre now talking about a specific toxic stressor that can cause both psychological and physiological changes in the human body which leads to a whole host of diseases, she told Healthline.

Studies like the new one, which focus on racial discrimination, provide more evidence that this is a serious stressor that we need to pay attention to, she said.

In a paper published this month in Psychosomatic Medicine, she and her colleagues found that teens who experienced racial discrimination from other teens peer discrimination had unhealthy levels of the stress hormone cortisol throughout the day.

Disruptions in cortisol levels and patterns are connected to chronic health conditions such as depression, fatigue and cardiovascular disease.

Adolfo Cuevas, PhD, assistant professor of social and behavioral sciences at the NYU School of Global Public Health, said the new study also provides some understanding of what connects experiences of discrimination to obesity.

Studies [such as this] are showing us that discrimination has a real impact on our physiology and increases the risk of disease, he told Healthline. In other words, this is not simply happening in someones head.

In fact, these experiences are embodied, and are contributing to poor health outcomes and short life expectancy for a large group of Americans in the United States, he said.

Research by Cuevas and his colleagues found that greater racial discrimination in children and adolescents is associated with higher BMI and waist circumference.

While the results, published earlier this year in JAMA Network Open, showed that the effect of discrimination was small, Cuevas pointed out that the study looked at only a snapshot of these childrens lives.

These experiences of discrimination are not just happening one time, he said. This is happening over and over, at a critical period in these kids lives.

The effects of discrimination accumulate as children move into adulthood, which Cuevas said has huge implications for public health. So we have to find psychological and social resources to help mitigate that, he said.

This might include finding ways for clinicians, teachers, principals and even children to work together to create a greater appreciation of different cultures within the school system, he added, in order to reduce exposure to discrimination. Reducing the effects of discrimination

Hasson said children, teens and adults dont have to be exposed to a lot of racial discrimination to e negatively impacted by it.

So we need to be paying attention to it, in terms of how do we help people build resilience or develop coping strategies? she said.

Some research suggests that exercise may help buffer the stress response, she said, which means having a smaller cortisol response when you encounter a stressor.

Exercise may also act as a coping mechanism, she added, helping people distract themselves from an experience of discrimination or rebalance their system.

Physical activity can also build social relationships and support networks.

A great example of this is GirlTrek, an organization that is using physical activity to help African American women cope with race-related stressors, said Hasson.

Gupta said in the release that the results of the new study may help researchers develop treatments that target the brain or gut in order to reduce the effects of stress and discrimination.

This might involve taking a probiotic supplement or making changes to the diet to reduce inflammation associated with discrimination.

However, Cuevas cautions that the burden for reducing the impacts of these stressors should not fall on the victims of discrimination.

We should begin thinking about ways that we can change social structures to reduce childrens exposure to discrimination and also the risk of obesity, he said.

Hasson agrees that while its important to help individuals learn coping mechanisms for dealing with stressors, she emphasized that policy solutions are needed to eliminate exposure to these stressors in the first place.

For example, how do we create safe environments, through policy, to promote positive relationships that help people see the humanity of every individual? she said.

This approach is not just important to those most affected by racial discrimination but to everyone.

While communities of color experience racial discrimination at a much higher rate, it is important to know that this is a universal problem, said Hasson. So we need to find a universal solution to help all communities combat the negative effects of racism. Takeaway

Black and Hispanic youth and adults are at higher risk of obesity. A new study suggests that racial discrimination may contribute to this health disparity by disrupting the communication between the brain and the gut microbiome.

People who reported higher exposure to racial discrimination had greater activation in certain areas of the brain in response to pictures of unhealthy foods. They also had a decrease in activity in areas of the brain involved in self-regulation, but only for unhealthy food cues.

Exercise programs and other interventions may help people cope with racial discrimination and reduce the negative health effects. But experts say policy changes are needed to reduce peoples exposure to discrimination in the first place.

US

Europeans win in UN clash with US over rival resolutions on Ukraine war

Published

16 mins ago

February 24, 2025

admin

Europeans win in UN clash with US over rival resolutions on Ukraine war

The US has abstained from a UN General Assembly vote on a resolution it drafted on the war in Ukraine after the body approved amendments proposed by European countries.

The vote took place on the same day the 193-member assembly approved a competing European-backed resolution from Ukraine which demanded Russia immediately withdraw from the country.

The duelling proposals reflect the tensions that have emerged between the US and Ukraine after Donald Trump suddenly opened negotiations with Russia in a bid to quickly resolve the conflict.

It also underscores the strain in the US’ relationship with Europe over the Trump administration’s decision to engage with Moscow.

Follow latest: Ukraine war live updates

The US-drafted resolution, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, had called for an end to the conflict but did not mention Moscow’s aggression.

It also made no mention of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

However, it was amended after European nations said that it should include references to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the need for a lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.

It was also amended to include references to Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The amended US-drafted resolution won 93 votes in favour, while 73 states abstained – including the US – and eight – including Russia – voted no.

Meanwhile, there were 93 votes in favour of the Ukraine-backed resolution, while 65 abstained and 18 voted against it.

The UK, France and Germany were among the countries that voted in favour of the Ukraine-backed resolution, which called for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.

The US, Russia, Belarus and North Korea were among those that opposed it.

The outcome marks a setback for the Trump administration in the UN General Assembly, whose resolutions are not legally binding but are seen as a barometer of world opinion.

However, the result also shows some diminished support for Ukraine – as more than 140 nations had voted to condemn Russia’s aggression in previous votes.

The United States had tried to pressure the Ukrainians to withdraw their resolution in favour of its proposal, according to a US official and a European diplomat.

US deputy ambassador Dorothy Shea, meanwhile, said multiple previous UN resolutions condemning Russia and demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops “have failed to stop the war,” which “has now dragged on for far too long and at far too terrible a cost to the people in Ukraine and Russia and beyond”.

“What we need is a resolution marking the commitment from all UN member states to bring a durable end to the war,” Ms Shea said.

The world is marking the third anniversary of Russia’s war in Ukraine as America’s allies try to navigate a new reality as Washington’s stance appears to favour Moscow.

European leaders were dismayed last week when they and Ukraine were left out of preliminary talks on ending the conflict.

Mr Trump has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator,” falsely accused Kyiv of starting the war and warned that he “better move fast or he is not going to have a country left”.

Mr Zelenskyy responded by saying the US president was living in a Russian-made “disinformation space”.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is at the White House holding talks with Mr Trump to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine.

At the start of the meeting, Mr Trump told reporters Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential deal to end the war in the country.

Mr Trump and Mr Macron have been meeting after the pair had earlier joined a call between G7 leaders.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who will meet with Mr Trump at the White House on Thursday, appeared virtually and said G7 nations should be ready to “take on more risk”.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was in Kyiv, called Russia’s aggression a war on “our way of life”.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Europe’s “first priority” is to strengthen Ukraine’s resistance.

She said this includes speeding up the delivery of weapons and increasing investment, announcing a further €3.5bn (about £3bn) in aid for Ukraine.

UK

Luton teenager who murdered family was planning school shooting

Published

16 mins ago

February 24, 2025

admin

Luton teenager who murdered family was planning school shooting

A teenager who admitted killing his mother and two younger siblings was plotting a school shooting, it can now be reported.

Nicholas Prosper, 19, appeared at Luton Crown Court over the deaths of Juliana Falcon, 48, Giselle Prosper, 13, and Kyle Prosper, 16.

Their bodies were found at a flat in Leabank, off Wauluds Bank Drive, Luton, in September.

He was also planning a shooting at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Luton, where he and his siblings had all been pupils.

Headteacher Maureen Murphy said staff were “very shocked” to learn of the plot, but that there is no threat to the school.

Prosper’s harrowing plan, said to have left investigators “in shock and disbelief”, was foiled by police who spotted him in the street immediately after the murders.

He was stopped in nearby Bramingham Road, and a loaded shotgun was found hidden in bushes nearby, along with more than 30 cartridges.

As he appeared in court on Monday, Prosper spoke to confirm his identity and to plead guilty to three charges of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Khanna, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “In all my years working on murder investigations, I have never known a case quite like this.

“Not only were three innocent lives taken in such brutal circumstances, but we then learnt of Prosper’s plans to carry out a shooting at a school, something which left our whole investigation team in shock and disbelief.

“We cannot even begin to comprehend why someone would plan to kill innocent children and are so grateful to those arresting officers who helped prevent this from taking place.”

Leader of Luton Council, Hazel Simmons MBE, branded the murders as “senseless” and said their thoughts were with the victims, their family and friends.

The councillor sought to reassure parents by saying “our schools have robust systems in place to keep children safe and security is constantly reviewed and monitored”.

After recently asking schools to review their security, Ms Simmons said schools will be asked to further review their measures in light of what emerged from court on Monday.

“On behalf of the town I would like to thank and praise the excellent work of Bedfordshire Police for apprehending the perpetrator before he attempted to cause more harm.

“However, we know this case will be unsettling for parents which is why the council is working with schools to put support in place in our schools to anyone who needs it.”

Prosper also admitted a number of other offences, including purchasing a shotgun without a certificate, possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life and possession of a kitchen knife in a public place.

He will be sentenced on 5 March and has been remanded in custody.

‘A cold-blooded attack’

Chris Derrick, a deputy chief crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said the victims’ lives “were stolen in a cold-blooded attack”.

Mr Derrick said in a statement “the full extent of Prosper’s actions will be laid bare when he is sentenced, and he can expect to face a very long time behind bars”.

He added: “We hope today’s conviction offers some solace to those who loved and cared for them, as they mourn their loss.”

A friend of Ms Falcon previously described her as someone who “lived for her children” and said she was “a positive person who will be so terribly missed”.

A previous statement on X from the headteacher at Lea Manor High School said they were “deeply shocked” by the death of Giselle.

“Giselle was a beautiful soul and a model pupil, she excelled in all her subjects and will be sorely missed, particularly by her friends in Year 9.”

Kyle’s school described the incident as “devastating” and offered “heartfelt condolences” to his family.

A previous statement issued by Cardinal Newman Catholic School said: “This is devastating news to all those who knew and loved Kyle and it will take some time to come to terms with the profound sense of loss.

“We know this will be a difficult time for students and staff and we will do all we can to support them with love and compassion.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kyle’s family on their immeasurable loss, to his friends and to all those in neighbouring schools who are coming to terms with their own loss.”

Environment

Here’s why Rivian’s (RIVN) stock is down today even after its big Q4 milestone

Published

27 mins ago

February 24, 2025

admin

Here's why Rivian's (RIVN) stock is down today even after its big Q4 milestone

Rivian (RIVN) shares hit a new yearly low on Monday, dropping nearly 10%. Despite achieving its first gross profit in Q4, Rivian’s stock is taking a beating due to mixed analyst opinions. Here’s what they’re saying.

Last week, Rivian released its fourth quarter 2024 earnings, announcing a gross profit of $170 million. Although still a relatively small number, it’s a massive $776 million improvement from Q4 2023 and Rivian’s first positive gross profit.

After shutting down its manufacturing plant in Normal, IL, last April for upgrades and launching its second-generation R1 vehicles, CEO RJ Scaringe said the company is seeing “meaningful” cost reductions.

“This quarter, we achieved positive gross profit and removed $31,000 in automotive cost of goods sold per vehicle delivered in Q4 2024 relative to Q4 2023,” Scaringe explained last week after releasing fourth-quarter earnings.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Rivian built 49,476 vehicles last year and delivered 51,579. In 2025, the company expects slightly fewer deliveries, projecting between 46,000 and 51,000 due to external factors, including changing government policies. It also expects lower EDV deliveries for Amazon after higher output in Q4.

	Q1 2024	Q2 2024	Q3 2024	Q4 2024	Full-Year 2024	2025 guidance
Deliveries	13,588	13,790	10,018	14,183	51,579	46,000 – 51,000
Production	13,980	9,612	13,157	12,727	49,476	N/A

Rivian EV deliveries and production by quarter in 2024

Some Wall St analysts are also concerned about policy changes under the Trump Administration. On Monday, Bank of America analysts downgraded Rivian stock to an Underperform rating from Neutral following its Q4 results.

The analysts also cut Rivian’s stock price target to $10 from $13, saying the 2025 delivery forecast was “softer than expected” and “there could be more downside risk if policy changes are enacted.”

Rivian-stock-Q4-2024-earnings — Production at Rivian’s Normal, IL plant (Source: Rivian)

Rivian stock hit with a downgrade after Q4 earnings

Bank of America warned that new competition from Lucid (LCID), GM’s Chevy, and VW’s Scout could impact sales projections over the next few years.

Meanwhile, the memo did say Rivian is still “one of the most viable” EV startups and the joint venture with Volkswagen is “complicating earnings forecasts for at least the next four years” for forecasting. Rivian finalized its EV joint venture with VW in the fourth quarter, worth up to $5.8 billion, of which Rivian will get $3.5 billion over the next few years.

Part of Rivian’s lower 2025 delivery forecast is due to plant upgrades coming at the end of the year for its more affordable R2 SUV. Starting at $45,000, the R2 will be nearly half the cost of the current R1S and R1T.

Rivian plans to begin R2 production early next year in Normal but expects output to significantly ramp up at its new EV plant in Georgia.

Rivian-stock-Q4-profit — Rivian EV production plans (Source: Rivian)

Despite closing on its loan agreement for the US DOE for up to $6.6 billion last month, the funding is up in the air with Trump threatening to freeze federal loans.

“Given the Trump Administration’s focus on cost-cutting, we believe there could be a risk to RIVN’s $6.6 billion Department of Energy loan closed by the Biden Administration on Jan 16,” Bank of America analysts said.

Despite the downgrade, several analysts upgraded the stock. Needham raised its price target from $14 to $17, while Wells Fargo bumped theirs up to $14 from $11 with an “Equal-Weight” rating.

Rivian’s stock was down over 8% on Monday following the downgrade. At around $11.90, however, Rivian shares are still up 11% over the past year.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.