Fat but Fit, EVOO vs Inflammation, Biobreak Scrolling Risks

BMI and mortality, EVOO’s impact on inflammation, uric acid’s hidden role, and how scrolling on the toilet raises so many health risks.

Author

Tash Jamieson
September 26, 2025

Superpower Signals — 29 September, 2025

Hi readers! Welcome to Signals. New data on “fat but fit,” diets rich in EVOO lower inflammation, and the story of the enzyme we lost about 20 million years ago 🦖

This week:
• 3 new science and health discoveries
• Superpowered by You: Locale meals that lower inflammation
• The Lab Note: uric acid, protecting joints, kidneys, heart
• Special: RSVP for SF Run Club

One number:

Uricase breaks down uric acid. Humans lost this enzyme millions of years ago, so our levels run higher. But most other mammals still have it, which helps lower gout risk, conserve water and more. [pnas.1320393111]

Latest news:

⚖️ ‘Fat but fit’?

A recent Danish study of ~85,000 adults found that being underweight (BMI < 18.5) was associated with nearly triple the risk of early death compared to those in the upper end of the ‘normal’ BMI range, while people in the overweight categories (BMI 25–35) had no higher mortality in that timeframe [the study].

Our take: Being underweight often means loss of muscle and fat reserves, disrupting hormones, immunity, and resilience. Extra weight isn’t always harmful - subcutaneous fat can provide reserve, especially with age. Biomarkers like insulin sensitivity, inflammation, lipid particle size, kidney function, and nutrient status give a far clearer picture of health than BMI.

Julija R (Clinical Strategy, Superpower)

🧵#NaturalFibers on the rise

TikTok posts tagged with #NaturalFibers jumped 230% in the first half of 2025, as more shoppers swap synthetics for cotton, linen, wool, and silk [the industry report].

Our take: Polyester might be cheap and stretchy, but it also sheds microplastics into your food, water and body [the research]. Natural fibers last longer, feel better, and don’t scream “landfill in three years.” If you’ve ever been disappointed by a half-poly sweater after two washes—you get it. You won’t get that with the Worlds Healthiest Hoodie, though [the hoodie].

Kathryn L (Content & Media, Superpower)

👕 Want the World’s Healthiest Hoodie? Just hit reply with your best health hack. We’ll pick our favorite, feature you in Superpowered by You, and send you some fresh threads as thanks.

🚽 Toilet time and your phone

People who use smartphones on the toilet have a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids. The main factor isn’t straining or constipation — it’s sitting too long (more than five minutes per visit) [the study].

Our take: Screenshotting this study and sending it straight to my husband, who loves a good “scroll and poop” break. Not only does extra toilet time raise hemorrhoid risk, but anal fissures, fainting, and ulcers [the risks] - not to mention it’s straight-up unhygienic! After you flush, your phone ends up carrying fecal bacteria. One study found phones can harbor 10x more bacteria than toilet seats themselves [more research]. Gross.

Tash J (Newsletter Nerd, Superpower)

“Our take” is a quick, off-the-cuff perspective on the health trends catching our eye this week. It might be a personal anecdote, a gut-check, or a philosophical lens. It’s not medical advice, just our two cents. Read with nuance.

Superpowered by You: Nutrition improves biomarkers.

Peptides, NAD, red-light therapy get the hype when it comes to longevity. But the biggest wins still come from the basics, like good nutrition.

Better eating moves your biomarkers in the right direction. Quick example:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common marker your liver makes when inflammation flares up. In a 2021 systematic review of randomized trials, improved nutrition patterns lowered CRP by about 1.0 mg/L on average (a clinically meaningful shift), with the strongest effects seen in diets rich in vegetables, quality protein, and extra-virgin olive oil [the meta-analysis].

Left to right: Prab (36) likes Locale for the convenience and omega-3s for brain health, Aidan (24) our resident HYROX athlete digs the high protein, and Tash (34) and Baby V (10M) are here for the organic produce.

But the hard part with nutrition is the day-to-day. Cooking takes time. Groceries add up.

That is why almost all our team at Superpower uses Locale. It is a clean, high-protein meal service built for performance, recovery, and longevity. It makes the healthy choice the easy default. And Superpower members get a $50 gift card for their first order.

Every meal includes:

  • 40+ grams of organic protein to build and maintain lean muscle

  • Organic produce carefully selected to close micronutrient gaps

  • Cooked only in EVOO or avocado oil for a healthier omega 6:3 balance

  • Packaged in glass to keep your food free from toxic plastic chemicals

Use code SPRW50 or click here to redeem $50 off your first order.

P.S. Locale is San Francisco Bay Area only for now 🥲 If you’re outside, the principle still applies: aim for 1.6–2.2 g/kg ideal body weight per day for protein, source organic when you can, minimize plastic packaging and add a good splash of EVOO to move the needle.

Superpower members have the best life hacks and health stacks. Got one? Reply and we might feature it in the newsletter 🔦

The lab note:

Optimal range: Female: ~3.2 - 4.2 mg/dL | Male: ~3.5 - 5.5 mg/dL

What it tests for: The amount of uric acid in blood, a byproduct of purine breakdown. In plasma Uric Acid has antioxidant activity, but at higher levels it can drive inflammation and vascular stress.

What it tells you about your health: Joint comfort, kidney stone risk, cardiovascular health and metabolic health balance.

Superpower Run Club

Come join us for a jog and a cold brew (while the weather is still glorious). We’re hosting the next Superpower Run Club on Sunday 5 October in San Francisco!

☕️ Post-run coffee at the Superpower X Anecdote pop-up cafe, plus a special membership giveaway 🎁 +1’s welcome!

Give Superpower Signals a read and hit reply to let me know what you think. Your feedback shapes where we go next.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.