Ask the Doctor

Some people may feel like it's pointless to exercise if they're not losing weight as a result. But there are many reasons to exercise beyond weight loss. Regular exercise has a long list of health benefits, including an energy boost, better sleep, and reduced risks for addictive behaviors as well as many chronic diseases such as heart disease, strokes, many cancers, dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), diabetes, depression, anxiety, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and kidney problems.

Studies have shown that both coffee and tea drinkers may experience health benefits compared to people who don't consume these beverages. Experts point to the high amounts of caffeine and inflammation-fighting polyphenols in these drinks as possible reasons.

The two main side effects caused by statins are muscle aches (which disappear once the drug is stopped) and a higher risk of diabetes (which is most common in people with obesity and prediabetes).

Treatments for severe carotid stenosis include a catheter-based procedure to insert a stent inside the carotid (carotid artery stenting) or surgery to remove the plaque inside the artery (carotid endarterectomy).

There are no health benefits to taking a daily calcium supplement in addition to the amount of calcium a person gets from a regular well-balanced diet. Too much calcium from supplements can lead to problems, like a higher risk of kidney stones and poor absorption of micronutrients.

Of the cancer screening tests for men, tests for colon cancer has the strongest evidence for benefit. Men who opt in for prostate cancer screening may have more options beyond PSA blood testing to more accurately identify aggressive cancers. Other screening tests such as full body scans have not been shown to improve outcomes.

Abnormal Pap test results don't always indicate cervical cancer. Most abnormal findings result from the presence of human papillomavirus, or HPV. Typically, the next step is a colposcopy, a test that enables the doctor to look closely at areas that appear abnormal.

A 2024 study suggests that for people with atrial fibrillation (afib), heart failure may be a more common complication than stroke. People with afib should be vigilant for the early warning signs of heart failure, such as feeling tired and winded.

Osteoarthritis affects more women than men. Risk factors include earlier joint injuries, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, or family history. People can try to prevent arthritis by staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in low-impact exercise.

There are many varieties of low-carb diets.  Each has its unique approach and some may help jump-start a weight-loss program, But long-term use of very low-carb diets can lack essential micronutrients and may raise the risk of health problems.