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Lauren Ball

Lauren Ball

The Conversation

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What is lipoprotein(a) cholesterol, or Lp(a)? And can you lower yours?

What is lipoprotein(a) cholesterol, or Lp(a)? And can you lower yours?

Lp(a) isn’t included in routine cholesterol tests but it can affect your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.

previous day 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Will retatrutide help me lose weight or look ‘shredded’?

Yet another weight loss drug is causing a stir online. But health authorities and experts say it may bring more risks than rewards.

17.04.2026 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Money’s tight but food prices are up. Here’s how to save on your grocery bill

You don’t need to go without meat or dairy to afford your weekly shop. Here’s how to choose lower-cost items and spot bargains.

08.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Is dark chocolate healthier than milk chocolate? 2 dietitians explain

Dark chocolate has a reputation for being healthier, but is that true? Here’s how to choose between dark and milk chocolate this Easter.

27.03.2026 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Which nut butter is healthiest – peanut, almond or cashew?

Almond or cashew butter might sound fancier than plain old peanut butter. But you might be surprised to find which one’s better for you.

12.03.2026 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Will drinking hot water help me lose weight, clear my skin or treat cramps?

Go on, drink hot water if it makes you feel good. But don’t expect it to have magical properties beyond staying hydrated.

11.02.2026 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Prioritising protein? What the new US dietary guidelines get right – and wrong – according to 2 nutrition experts

Meat and full-fat dairy are in. Ultra-processed foods are out. And there’s a new, inverted food pyramid.

14.01.2026 30

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

What is ‘oatzempic’? Does it actually work for weight loss?

Feeling full isn’t the same as losing weight.

04.01.2026 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Should I kick my diet soft-drink habit? Where do I start?

Your diet soft drink habit may not be as healthy as you think. Here are three ways to cut back.

12.11.2025 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Yes, you can be intolerant to fruit and veg

This rare genetic condition isn’t a fruit allergy or sensitivity. Could it explain your symptoms?

04.11.2025 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Why do doctors run late?

Here’s what’s really going on while you’re in the waiting room.

07.10.2025 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Do TikTok ‘anti-inflammatory diets’ really work?

Influencers claim you’ll lose weight, banish bloating and transform your health. Here’s what the science says.

22.09.2025 9

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

What is the Coalition’s most pressing issue?

09.09.2025 20

The Guardian

Lauren Ball

Australia may be losing its sweet tooth – but sugar is only part of our health story

09.09.2025 20

The Guardian

Lauren Ball

Latest data suggests Australia is overcoming its sugar addiction

Almost three in four Australian children drank sugar drinks every day in 1995. Now, it’s just one in four.

08.09.2025 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Matcha latte for the likes: how ‘performative eating’ is changing our relationship with food

Most of us will, at some point, eat and drink certain things to impress others. This is usually fine, but in some cases can become a problem.

20.08.2025 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Can I eat instant noodles every day? What does it do to my health?

While instant noodles offer comfort and familiarity, their nutritional profile has room for improvement. You can upgrade your bowl with a few easy...

07.08.2025 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

‘Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber’: nutrition experts on the viral TikTok trend

What’s actually happening in your body when you eat an entire cucumber? Two dietitians explain.

07.04.2025 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Are eggs good or bad for our health?

You might have heart that eating too many eggs will cause high cholesterol levels, leading to poor health. But what does the latest science say?

07.02.2025 10

The Conversation

Lauren Ball

Some vegetables are pretty low in fibre. So which veggies are high-fibre  heroes?

Fibre can help prevent overeating and lower your type 2 diabetes risk. But even if you think you eat lots of veggies, you might still not be getting...

05.02.2025 20

The Conversation

Lauren Ball