Weight loss and muscle protein synthesis in obese older adults
Physicians are often reluctant to prescribe weight loss in obese, older individuals because of the fear that it will cause debilitating loss of muscle mass and impair physical function. However, the mechanisms responsible for the weight-loss-induced changes in muscle mass are not known. This study examined the rate of muscle protein synthesis during basal, post-absorptive conditions and during mixed-meal ingestion in obese, older adults before and after weight loss. The researchers found that during dietary calorie restriction and weight loss in older adults, the rate of muscle protein synthesis is not impaired.

Organic food vs. conventional food
Researchers from Stanford University analyzed 237 studies of organic produce, meats and dairy foods to determine the nutritional differences between organic food and conventionally produced food. They found no evidence to suggest that organic foods have marked health benefits compared to conventional foods; however, organic produce may reduce exposure to pesticide residues, and organic chicken and pork may reduce exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Middle-life fitness and chronic disease in old age
The association between cardiorespiratory fitness and mortality is well described. However, the association between midlife fitness and the development of nonfatal chronic conditions in older age has not been studied. Researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the Cooper Institute in Dallas found that better midlife fitness was associated with a lower risk of developing chronic disease outcomes during 26 years of follow-up. These findings suggest that being or becoming fit in middle age, even if you have not previously exercised consistently, appears to reshape the landscape of aging.