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UT Nutritional Sciences

Premier education in Nutritional Sciences from the world renowned University of Texas at Austin. UT

UT Nutrition offers BS, MS (100% online or in residence), and PhD degrees in Nutritional Science through innovative learning, collaboration, and research.

05/18/2026

Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in pregnancy risk is increased 6 times for obese women and consistent exercise adherence may improve outcomes.

A 2025 meta-analysis found consistent adherence to exercise programs, rather than a specific exercise program in obese women, reduced risk of GDM and fetal macrosomia. GDM can increase risk of serious pregnancy and birth complications such as preeclampsia, induction, and cesarean. Infants born to GDM mothers are at higher risk of fetal macrosomia, blood sugar instability, and future T2DM. This article concludes there is not a specific exercise program that lowers GDM risk, however high adherence to regular exercise decreases instances of GDM and fetal macrosomia.

Practical implications you can try:
● Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly broken into shorter intervals to fit your schedule
● Set a daily step count to aim for and incorporate walks into daily routine.
● Include 2-3 30 minute strength or resistance training weekly
● Most importantly do exercise you enjoy that you will stick with. Consider walking, cycling, pilates, or dance. If you like the exercise you commit to, you are more likely to have greater adherence.

The studies in this review were on overweight and obese women. Results may vary based on personal health conditions and any change in activity should be discussed with your healthcare provider before implementation

Next Steps: Commit to one lifestyle change to increase physical activity this week. Like and share this post to encourage other mothers to be moving with you.

Created by: Allison Mathiason

Reference: Santa Cruz, T.E., Sarasqueta, C., Muruzábal, J.C. et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise-based intervention to prevent gestational diabetes in women with overweight or obesity. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 25, 5 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-07021-w

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12884-024-07021-w

05/15/2026

The Master of Science in Nutritional Science online degree program at the University of Texas at Austin welcomes its new Graduate Coordinator, Michael Naidus! Michael is a recent transplant from the East Coast and already proudly wearing his new Longhorns gear. Hook 'em!

05/13/2026

Dr. Molly Bray is our featured professor this month in the online MSNS program. She teaches Nutrigenomics in the Biochemical and Functional Nutrition concentration.

05/11/2026

Millions of people across the world are affected by type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle changes may help support better blood sugar control.

A randomized controlled trial published in 2024 tested an intensive lifestyle program with a whole-food plant-based diet and moderate exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found participants had improved glycemic control (blood sugar levels), reduced diabetes medications, and some achieved remission during the study.

This study suggests that eating more whole plant foods and staying active may support diabetes management.

Try starting with small steps, such as:

- Pairing food with movement: even moderate exercise can improve blood sugar
levels

- Try Meatless Mondays! Swap one animal protein meal on Mondays with plant
protein (beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh)

- Batch cook beans or lentils for easy swaps throughout the week

Created by: Sydney Stirling

Save this post if you want simple food ideas that support metabolic health!
Educational content; not medical advice.

Study link:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-024-06272-8

Citation: Hanick, C. J., Peterson, C. M., Davis, B. C., Sabaté, J., & Kelly, J. H. (2025). A
whole-food, plant-based intensive lifestyle intervention improves glycaemic control and reduces medications in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial.Diabetologia, 68, 308–319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-024-06272-8

05/04/2026

Ever wonder why fiber is the talk of the town recently? Well, your gut microbiota, which is the community of bacteria living in your intestines, may be one reason why.

This review suggests that dietary fiber may help support weight management by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. In turn, those bacteria can produce helpful compounds like short-chain fatty acids, which are substances made when gut bacteria break down fiber. These compounds may help support gut barrier health, reduce inflammation, and influence appetite and metabolism.

Want to try it in real life?
• Add one more high-fiber food to your day, like beans, oats, berries, or vegetables.

• Swap some refined grains for whole grains, such as brown rice or whole wheat bread.

• Build meals that include a mix of fiber sources instead of relying on one “superfood.”

Important note: this was a review article, meaning it summarized existing research rather than testing one new intervention. The authors also noted that fiber’s effects can vary by fiber type, dose, and a person’s existing gut microbiota, and that more human studies are still needed.

Created by: Mehwish Shaikh |

Save and share this with someone trying to eat more fiber in a realistic way.
Educational content; not medical advice.

Citation: Tian S, Chu Q, Ma S, Ma H, Song H. Dietary Fiber and Its Potential Role in Obesity: A Focus on Modulating the Gut Microbiota. J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(41):14853-14869.
doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03923

URL to article: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03923

04/29/2026

Join us for an online info session on May 12th to learn more about the online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences program. Scan the QR code to RSVP or use the link in our bio!

04/27/2026

Losing weight is one of the top recommended ways to treat both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Intermittent fasting is a popular diet that restricts the number of hours in the day you eat. But how long do you need to fast in order for it to work for weight loss and diabetes?

That’s what the investigators in a recent study published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation set out to determine. The randomized, controlled trial split 99 participants who were obese and diabetic into three groups: 16:8 (fast for 16 hours, eat during 8 hours), 14:10 (fast 14, eat 10), and a control group (no fasting).

It found that both the 16:8 and 14:10 methods (used 3 days per week for 3 months) were effective for weight loss and improved participants’ blood glucose, HbA1C, and lipid profiles. However, there was significantly more weight loss in the 16:8 group.
Curious to give intermittent fasting a try to reduce weight and improve diabetes?
Follow these tips:

1. Pick your window: Which 14- to 16-hour fasting range and days of the week work
best for your life?
2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Black coffee and plain tea are also fine
to have during fasting periods.
3. Focus on balanced, moderate meals during the time window. (Don’t use that time
to binge.)
4. Eat nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains,
and healthy fats during your eating window to keep up your energy.

Read the full study: https://onlinelibrary-wiley-
com.ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/doi/10.1111/jdi.14186

Educational content; not medical advice.

Citation: Sukkriang N, Buranapin S. Effect of intermittent fasting 16:8 and 14:10
compared with control-group on weight reduction and metabolic outcomes in obesity with type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized controlled trial. J Diabetes Investig. 2024;15(9):1297-1305. doi:10.1111/jdi.14186

04/23/2026

Professor Monica Milonovich is our featured professor this month in the online MSNS program. She teaches Nutrition and Disease Prevention in the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention concentration.

04/20/2026

Research Monday | Student Spotlight

💡 This week: Omega-3 & Exercise Recovery
🎓 Student: Lilian Kim

Are you looking for diet tips on how to recover better from your workout? Omega-3s may be able to help.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat that promote heart health. They may also help prevent inflammation that happens naturally after exercise (ex. muscle soreness and oxidative stress). A 2024 research study suggests that including omega-3s such as EPA and DHA could reduce inflammation and promote faster recovery.

Try the below tips to incorporate more omega-3 into your diet:
• Include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines or tuna into your meals
• Explore plant sources of omega-3 such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or walnuts
• Consider discussing an omega-3 supplement with your healthcare provider

Educational content; not medical advice.

Source:
Fernández-Lázaro, D., Arribalzaga, S., Gutiérrez-Abejón, E., Azarbayjani, M. A., Mielgo-Ayuso, J., & Roche, E. (2024). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on post-exercise inflammation, muscle damage, oxidative response, and sports performance in physically healthy adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 16(13), 2044. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132044

04/13/2026

Research Monday | Student Spotlight

💡 This week: Omega-3 & Inflammation
🎓 Student: Jessica Bonilla

Did you know that the types of fats we eat can influence inflammation in the body?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat found in foods such as salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Research suggests that omega-3 fats play an important role in regulating inflammatory pathways and supporting immune function.

Omega-3 fatty acids influence signaling molecules involved in inflammation, including cytokines and lipid mediators that help the body regulate immune responses. Because of this, including foods rich in omega-3 fats may help support a healthier inflammatory response.

Simple ways to include omega-3 foods in your diet include eating fatty fish such as salmon one to two times per week, adding chia or flax seeds to oatmeal or smoothies, or choosing walnuts as a snack.

While omega-3 foods may support a healthy inflammatory response, they work best when included as part of an overall balanced dietary pattern that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Educational content only, not medical advice.

Hashtags:

Source:
Mugo, M. H. (2024). The role of omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and immune function. IDOSR Journal of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, 9(3), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JBCP/24/93.1400

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