This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being.

This review examines the transformation of educational practices to online and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically focuses on the challenges, innovative approaches, and successes of this transition, emphasizing the integration of educational technology, student well-being, and teacher development. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the educational landscape, necessitating a rapid shift to online and distance learning. This review has highlighted key strategies and innovations in online teaching, emphasizing the importance of engaging, adaptable, and inclusive educational practices. It underscores the need for continuous professional development for educators, the integration of advanced technological tools, and the importance of prioritizing student well-being and academic success in digital environments. As we move forward, the insights gathered from this experience will be invaluable in shaping a resilient and dynamic educational framework that is well suited for the post-pandemic era, focusing on inclusivity, engagement, and the effective use of technology to enhance learning experiences.

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes’ dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue.

One of the common traits found in cancer patients is malnutrition and cachexia, which affects between 25% to 60% of the patients, depending on the type of cancer, diagnosis, and treatment. Given the lack of current effective pharmacological solutions for low muscle mass and sarcopenia, holistic interventions are essential to patient care, as well as exercise and nutrition. Thus, the present narrative review aimed to analyze the nutritional, pharmacological, ergonutritional, and physical exercise strategies in cancer-related cachexia. The integration of multidisciplinary interventions could help to improve the final intervention in patients, improving their prognosis, quality of life, and life expectancy. To reach these aims, an extensive narrative review was conducted. The databases used were MedLine (PubMed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, PsychINFO, and CinAhl. Cancer-related cachexia is a complex multifactorial phenomenon in which systemic inflammation plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the symptomatology. Pharmacological interventions seem to produce a positive effect on inflammatory state and cachexia. Nutritional interventions are focused on a high-energy diet with high-density foods and the supplementation with antioxidants, while physical activity is focused on strength-based training. The implementation of multidisciplinary non-pharmacological interventions in cancer-related cachexia could be an important tool to improve traditional treatments and improve patients’ quality of life.

This comprehensive review article delves into the critical role of the human microbiota in the development and management of endocrine-related diseases. We explore the complex interactions between the microbiota and the endocrine system, emphasizing the implications of microbiota dysbiosis for the onset and progression of various endocrine disorders. The review aims to synthesize current knowledge, highlighting recent advancements and the potential of novel therapeutic approaches targeting microbiota-endocrine interactions. Key topics include the impact of microbiota on hormone regulation, its role in endocrine pathologies, and the promising avenues of microbiota modulation through diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. We underscore the importance of this research in advancing personalized medicine, offering insights for more tailored and effective treatments for endocrine-related diseases.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance and long-term complications. Dietary antioxidants from plant sources, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, have been increasingly studied for their potential to modulate these pathophysiological mechanisms. Objective: This review aims to summarize and critically analyze the current evidence on the biological effects, therapeutic potential, and translational challenges of plant-derived antioxidants in the prevention and management of T2DM. Methods: This narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Emphasis was placed on mechanistic studies, clinical trials, bioavailability data, and advances in formulation technologies related to antioxidant compounds in the context of T2DM. Results: Plant antioxidants exert beneficial effects by modulating oxidative stress, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving insulin signaling pathways. However, their clinical application is limited by low bioavailability, chemical instability, and high interindividual variability. Recent developments, such as nanoencapsulation, synergistic functional food formulations, and microbiome-targeted strategies, have shown promise in enhancing efficacy. Additionally, personalized nutrition approaches and regulatory advances are emerging to support the integration of antioxidant-based interventions into diabetes care. Conclusions: Plant-derived antioxidants represent a promising complementary tool for T2DM management. Nonetheless, their effective clinical use depends on overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations and validating their long-term efficacy in well-designed trials. Integrating food technology, microbiome science, and precision nutrition will be crucial to translate these compounds into safe, scalable, and personalized therapeutic options for individuals with or at risk of T2DM.