Toxic ties

Welcome back to Wellworthy. Here’s what’s on tap this week:

• The Athletic Clubs’ Dane McCarthy shares his go-to wellness stack

• Why toxic relationships speed up aging

• How ultra-processed foods derail weight loss

• New launches from AG1, Outdoor Voices, Ritual, and more

— Let’s go!
 Ash Read, co-founder, Wellworthy

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Health Stack: Dane McCarthy

Each week, we tap our network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

This week: Dane McCarthy, founder of The Athletic Clubs. 

For Dane, achieving his goals is all about structure, performance, and longevity. He’s currently training for the NYC Marathon while prioritizing recovery and mobility, anchoring his week with group strength on Monday/Wednesday and run squads on Tuesday/Thursday.

Here’s what’s in his stack:

• On Running Shoes: “Essential for comfortable and supportive runs, ideal for RunSquad sessions and everyday use.”

• BPN Whey Protein: “Convenient, tasty, and perfect for quickly meeting protein goals post-workout.”

• Superpower Diagnostics: “Tracks important health biomarkers, guiding my marathon training and optimizing recovery.”

• Habits App: “Keeps me accountable by ensuring I consistently complete daily priorities, like steps, strength training, focused work, and nutrition.”

• Sweefeet: “Performance socks designed to enhance running comfort, support, and overall performance.”

On Our Radar 

Interesting stories we spotted this week → 

Real food FTW. In a new study, participants lost 2x more weight eating minimally processed meals (overnight oats or homemade pasta) versus ultra-processed options that met nutrition guidelines (whole grain cereals, frozen meals). The takeaway? Your body responds differently to factory formulations than real food.

Bad vibes. Researchers analyzing DNA methylation patterns in 2,200+ adults uncovered that negative relationships accelerate biological aging by 0.5%, a similar effect to smoking. Emotional stress doesn’t just hurt our feelings; it takes a biological toll.

Unfiltered benefits. A 12-week trial found that cafestol, a compound in unfiltered coffee, reduced visceral fat by 400mL and body weight by 2% compared to placebo. The cafestol group–consuming the equivalent of four cups of French press coffee daily — also saw liver enzymes linked to diabetes risk drop 15%.

Carb biology. In a recent study, 55 people ate identical portions of rice, bread, and grapes, but their blood sugar responses varied widely. The results underscore a simple truth: It’s not just what you eat — it’s how your body responds. Personalized nutrition matters more than one-size-fits-all advice.

Just Dropped

New products and launches spotted this week → 

AG1 launched its Next Gen blend in three new flavors: Tropical (papaya and passionfruit), Citrus (lemon-orange), and Berry (blueberry-strawberry), alongside the original blend. Try them here.

Ritual unveiled Magnesium+, a berry-flavored powder supplement combining gentle Magnesium Bisglycinate with clinically-studied Tart Cherry to ease fatigue, support recovery, and help you unwind. Order here.

Daye debuted its at-home Hormone Test, using a pain-free device to collect blood samples timed to your cycle for insights into fertility, PCOS, thyroid issues, and perimenopause. Get the details here.

Outdoor Voices is back with its first collection since founder Ty Haney rejoined the brand. There’s both men’s and women’s classics, along with new styles and OV’s proprietary CloudKnit fabric. Shop here.

Noom rolled out its Microdose GLP-1 Program, delivering weight loss benefits with 70% of users reporting zero side effects through personalized low-dose medication paired with behavioral coaching. Check it out.

CUCU released its clean hydration drinks with just three ingredients: cucumber, Vitamin C, and electrolytes in Original and Watermelon flavors with no added sugars or sweeteners. Shop on Amazon.

Salomon launched Orava, a city sneaker built on trail running tech. It features a breathable Matryx® upper and race-grade midsole that diffuses pressure while delivering versatile design for a high-performance feel. Pick up a pair. 

Spanx teamed up with Bala for a limited-edition capsule featuring custom resistance bands, 2-lb bangles, and yoga mats in rich autumn hues like Plum Berry, perfectly matched to complement Spanx's buttery-soft SPANXsmooth OnForm activewear. Shop the collection here.

Transparent Labs dropped ready-to-drink protein shakes, packing 30g of grass-fed milk protein into just 130-150 calories, available in Vanilla, Salted Caramel, and Chocolate with zero artificial preservatives or sketchy fillers. Get them here.

Vital Proteins introduced its Collagen & Protein Shake, with 30g protein plus 10g collagen peptides in a silky chocolate shake with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or controversial Carrageenan. Find a store here.

Midi Health, the women's health platform focused on midlife, launched its supplement line featuring Daily Cortisol Support, Daily Brain Boost, and Daily Fiber+. Shop here.