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New research suggests that GLP-1 drugs could serve as an effective strategy for breast cancer prevention. ruizluquepaz/Getty Images A new study found that females using GLP-1 drugs had about a 30% lower risk of developing breast cancer. The effect may be related to the metabolic improvements associated with this class of medications . More research is needed before GLP-1 drugs can be recommended for breast cancer prevention. Experts say that regular screening and a healthy lifestyle remain important preventive measures. A new study from the University of Pennsylvania has found that women who take GLP-1 medications are about 30% less likely to develop breast cancer. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy , mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1 medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes , but are also widely prescribed for weight loss. The new research raises hope that GLP-1 drugs could serve as a strategy for breast cancer prevention , especially among higher-risk females with overweight and obesity . The study was presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and published on June 2 in JCO Oncology Practice . The findings come at a moment when scientists are exploring the use of GLP-1 drugs to treat other conditions beyond type 2 diabetes and obesity, such as sleep apnea and addiction . Examining GLP-1 use prior to breast cancer diagnosis The research team conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which includes both academic and community medical sites across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During this process, they identified 217,624 females who underwent breast imaging between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2025. The study focused on 111,646 females ages 45 to 80 who were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25) and had documented breast imaging outcomes. Among these participants, 15,264 (13.7%) had been prescribed GLP-1 medications prior to their imaging exam, while 96,382 (86.3%) had no record of GLP-1 use. To ensure a fair comparison and reduce bias, the researchers performed a one-to-one case-control matching. Each woman taking GLP-1 drugs was matched with a woman not taking the drugs, based on factors such as age, race, ethnicity, BMI, breast density, and diabetes status. This matching process helped control for variables that could independently influence breast cancer risk, independent of GLP-1 use. The primary outcome measured was the diagnosis of new breast cancer during the study period. Statistical modeling was used to analyze the association between GLP-1 exposure and breast cancer incidence. GLP-1s associated with reduced breast cancer risk The researchers’ analysis found a significant association between GLP-1 use and reduced breast cancer risk. Females taking GLP-1 medications had about 35% lower odds of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not use these drugs in the full cohort. In the matched cohort, which controlled for potential confounding factors, GLP-1 use was associated with a 30.5% reduction in breast cancer incidence. Specifically, among the 15,264 females on GLP-1 drugs, 1.62% were diagnosed with breast cancer during the study, compared to 2.47% of the 96,382 females who did not use GLP-1 medications. This translated into an absolute risk reduction of about 0.69%. The protective effect of GLP-1 medications was consistent across racial groups, including Black and white females, and was independent of diabetes status, age, BMI, and breast density. The researchers believe several mechanisms could explain these findings. GLP-1 drugs not only promote weight loss , which is known to reduce breast cancer risk, but they also reduce systemic inflammation , a known contributor to cancer development. Laboratory studies have also shown that GLP-1 agonists may directly inhibit cancer cell growth and alter metabolic pathways essential to tumor survival. While the study was observational and cannot prove causation, its large sample size and rigorous matching lend weight to the results. However, the researchers emphasized that prospective clinical trials are necessary to definitively determine whether GLP-1 medications can prevent breast cancer and to understand the underlying biological mechanisms. This study opens the door to exploring GLP-1 drugs as a potentially safer alternative to existing breast cancer preventive medications, which often have significant side effects. Given the widespread use of GLP-1 medications for weight management and diabetes, the findings could have significant public health implications. Are GLP-1s the future of breast cancer prevention? Monique Gary , DO, a breast surgical oncologist at St. Luke’s University Health Network who wasn’t part of the research team but did attend the conference, said that GLP-1 could be exerting this ...
Researchers say that 90–120 minutes of strength training per week can help reduce the risk of early death. Image Credit: People Images/Getty Images A new study found that 90–120 minutes of strength training each week could help promote longevity. Around 1.5 to 2 hours of weekly strength training lowered the risk of death from cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and death from any cause. The findings add to the known health benefits of strength training, including bone health, improved balance, and weight management. Strength training is heralded as a valuable aspect of an exercise regimen and regular physical activity. Strength and resistance training offer myriad benefits , including improving bone strength and balance, and helping with weight management. A new study found that aiming for 90-120 minutes of strength training each week may help lower your risk of death. The 30-year study, published on June 2 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine , found no additional benefits from more than 120 minutes of strength training. This means for most people, around 1.5 to 2 hours per week is sufficient for overall health and longevity. “It is important to engage in aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate. This new study finds [that] another important aspect of exercise is strength training, including free weights, weight machines, and body weight exercises,” said Clarinda Hougen , MD, a primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopedics in Los Angeles. Hougen wasn’t involved in the study. “By training and growing your muscle mass, you can improve your metabolic health and help reduce cardiovascular risk,” Hougen told Healthline. 1.5 to 2 hours of strength training lowers death risk by 13% The researchers for this study drew on 30 years of data from three large groups of study participants: Health Professionals Follow-up Study, 1992–2022 Nurses’ Health Study, 2002–21 Nurses’ Health Study II, 2003–21 These totaled 147,374 participants, of whom 31,540 were males, and 115,834 were females. The average age at the beginning of the study was 54. Participants were questioned every 2 years about the time they spent on strength training and aerobic exercise each week for up to 30 years. Aerobic exercise included: brisk walking running or jogging swimming cycling tennis and squash, strenuous outdoor work stair climbing Strength training included exercises using weights or body weight, such as push-ups, lunges, and squats. During the course of the study, 35,798 participants died. A higher weekly and long-term level of strength training was associated with a lower risk of death. The researchers found that 90–119 minutes per week of strength training was associated with a 13% lower risk of death from any cause. No further benefits were seen above 120 minutes per week. Lower risk of cardiovascular, neurological deaths The researchers found that 90–120 minutes of weekly strength training was associated with a 19% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The same amount of strength training also lowered the risk of death from neurological disease by 27%. A lower risk of cancer was only seen at lower levels of strength training. A 9% lower risk was observed at 1–29 minutes per week, and an 12% lower risk at 30–59 minutes per week. As this is an observational study, no firm conclusions of cause and effect can be drawn. The researchers also acknowledge the study’s limitations. These limitations include the self-reported nature of the data, the exclusion of strength-training activities such as calisthenics and Pilates, and the lack of information on the duration of each exercise session or the intensity of strength training, any of which might have influenced the findings. However, the findings still show an association between regular strength training and mortality rates and overall health. “This particular study reported an optimal range of 90–120 minutes per week, although benefits may be seen with lower targets. This adds to a growing body of already established evidence touting these benefits,” said Mary Greene , MD, board certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC. Greene wasn’t involved in the study. What counts as strength training? When you think of strength training , you may automatically think of exercising with weights. However, there are other ways to add strength training to your routine, even if you don’t have weights. resistance band training push ups squats lunges gardening yoga Pilates Other benefits of strength training This study focuses on the mortality benefits of strength training. But there are various other benefits of this type of exercise as well. Greene told Healthline some of the other benefits of strength training include: cardiovascular benefits, such as lowered blood pressure , improved cholesterol , improved endothelial function (blood flow, inflammation control, and cardiovascular health) metabolic health, such as a de...
An experimental new pill, daraxonrasib, significantly improved survival rates of participants with pancreatic cancer. Israel Sebastian/Getty Images A new medication performed remarkably well in a phase 3 clinical trial for treating pancreatic cancer. The drug daraxonrasib reduced the risk of death by nearly half, as well as shrank tumors in people who were given the drug. Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers, and early detection is the key to treating the disease. A new type of medication is showing promise in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. In a phase 3 clinical trial, the drug daraxonrasib significantly improved survival rates of participants with pancreatic cancer who had previously been treated with chemotherapy. The researchers found that daraxonrasib reduced the overall risk of death by 60% compared with people with advanced pancreatic cancer who were treated with chemotherapy. The medication also helped shrink or eliminate tumors among participants in the trial. The findings were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2026 annual meeting from May 29 to June 2 in Chicago, IL. Officials at Revolution Medicines , the manufacturer of daraxonrasib, said the clinical trial results are a major breakthrough in pancreatic cancer treatment. “These results represent a potentially transformative advance for patients and underscore daraxonrasib’s potential to redefine the treatment landscape,” said Mark Goldsmith , MD, the chief executive officer and chairman of Revolution Medicines, in a statement . Experimental pancreatic cancer drug shows promise The RASolute 302 clinical trial involved a total of 500 participants with solid tumors and activating RAS mutations , a gene mutation found in the cancer cells of 92% of pancreatic cancer cases. Participants were given doses of between 10 milligrams (mg) and 400 mg of daraxonrasib orally once a day, with 300 mg selected as the phase 3 dose. The researchers focused on 168 participants who had been previously treated with chemotherapy. The researchers reported that participants using daraxonrasib had an average survival rate of 13 months from diagnosis to death compared to 6 months for participants treated with standard chemotherapy. In people with a known RAS mutation called G12, tumors remained under control for a median of about 7 months among participants on daraxonrasib compared to about 3 months for those treated with chemotherapy. The percentage of patients whose cancer shrank or disappeared was about 33% in patients with the G12 mutation compared to about 12% for people given chemotherapy. Overall, about 31% of trial participants saw their tumors shrink or disappear compared with 11% who received chemotherapy. Experts not involved in the trial are very encouraged by the findings. “This is an extraordinarily hopeful moment for the pancreatic cancer field,” said Diane Simeone , MD, the director of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, as well as the founder and chief scientific advisor of the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium ( PRECEDE ), in a statement shared with Healthline. “Pancreatic cancer patients have had far too few effective treatment options,” she added. “The progress around daraxonrasib shows what is possible when long-term scientific investment, academic discovery, and industry innovation come together,” Simeone continued. Christina Annunziata , MD, senior vice president of Extramural Discovery Science at the American Cancer Society (ACS), was also buoyed by the research. “These results are extremely promising since this drug doubled overall survival for patients with relapsed pancreatic cancer,” she told Healthline. Side effects of daraxonrasib Daraxonrasib is the first in a new class of drugs called RAS(ON) inhibitors that target variants of the RAS gene that drive cancer growth. Side effects were reported in 96% of participants who received doses of 300 mg or less. Those included: rash diarrhea nausea stomatitis mucositis vomiting fatigue Side effects were grade 3 or higher in about a third of participants. Annunziata, however, noted that “the side effects were lower compared to standard chemotherapy typically used in this second-line treatment setting.” However, she had concerns about access to the new medication. “The only concern will be the availability of this drug to people who need it. This will depend on the cost and level of insurance coverage,” Annunziata said. Why is pancreatic cancer so deadly? Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that 68,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and roughly 53,000 will die from the disease. Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, an organ that plays an essential role in digestion by producing enzymes that the body needs...
Anne Hathaway recently shared how an early onset cataract left her legally blind in one eye for a decade. Getty images Anne Hathaway recently shared about the early onset cataract that left her legally blind in one eye for 10 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 17.2% of Americans ages 40 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. Cataracts generally begin to occur in people over 40, but they can and often do occur in people younger than this. Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning actor Anne Hathaway recently spoke out about the early onset cataract that left her nearly legally blind for 10 years. “I was half blind for 10 years — age 30 to 40,” Hathaway told the New York Times’ Popcast in an earlier interview. “I had an early onset cataract, and it affected my vision so much that I was basically legally blind out of my left eye.” Hathaway said she underwent surgery to fix her cataract. “I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten until I could finally see the full spectrum,” she told the Popcast. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , around 20.5 million (17.2%) Americans ages 40 and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. While cataracts typically develop after age 40, they can occur in younger people. Cataracts are common among middle-aged and older adults. They affect approximately 94 million people globally and are one of the leading causes of vision impairment. “Everyone will develop at some point in their lifetime, and while they typically begin forming between ages 40 and 50, we do see cases that develop earlier, often referred to as early onset cataracts,” said Ashley Brissette , MD, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon specializing in cataract surgery in New York City. Healthline spoke with Brissette to learn more about early onset cataracts and how they’re treated. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length. What causes early onset cataracts? Brissette: These earlier cases may be influenced by factors such as genetics, certain medical conditions, medications, or environmental exposures. So while early onset cataracts are less typical, they are not uncommon, and they are a reminder to pay attention to changes in your vision at any age. Do early onset cataracts always lead to blindness? Brissette: Cataracts can progress to significantly impact vision if left untreated. As the lens becomes more clouded, patients may experience blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors. The old thinking was to wait until cataracts became advanced before removing them surgically, but a more modern approach is to remove them as soon as they affect your vision and quality of life. We have excellent options for lens implants that are placed inside the eye after cataract surgery. These lenses can provide a range of vision to limit the need for glasses after surgery. The important thing to know is that this kind of vision loss is treatable with modern cataract surgery. What are the signs of early onset cataracts? Brissette: Early signs of cataracts are often subtle and easy to overlook. Patients may notice: blurry or cloudy vision increased sensitivity to light or glare difficulty seeing at night colors appearing faded needing brighter light for everyday tasks Over time, cataracts can also affect independence and quality of life, contributing to reduced mobility and an increased risk of falls. If something feels different with your vision, do not ignore it. Regular eye exams are key because cataracts develop gradually. How are early onset cataracts treated? Brissette: In the early stages, some patients can manage with stronger lighting or updated glasses. But when cataracts begin to interfere with daily life, surgery is the standard, highly effective, and safe treatment. And it can help you see better with less dependence on glasses. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. What’s really exciting today is how much the procedure has evolved. We are not just removing the cataract. We are replacing it with an intraocular lens that can correct vision. With advanced technologies, including some of the latest presbyopia correcting options, I am seeing patients achieve a range of vision that can significantly reduce their need for glasses. In many cases, patients are not just getting back the vision they had before their cataract. They are actually seeing better than they did before it developed. One of the biggest misconceptions is that cataracts are just something you have to live with, but that is not true. Cataracts are highly treatable, and addressing them can make a meaningful difference not just in vision, but in overall quality of life, from maintaining independence to reducing risks like falls and even reducing the risk of dementia. The key takeaway is to stay proactive. The earlier we evaluate changes in vision, the more options we have to deliver t...
BMI measurements may drastically underestimate obesity rates among U.S. adults, new research suggests. Thomas Barwick/Getty Images A growing body of evidence suggests that a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measurement is a better indicator of obesity and health than body mass index (BMI). New research suggests that BMI measurements may be significantly underestimating the number of U.S. adults with obesity, which can lead to other chronic diseases. Experts say obesity misdiagnoses may be preventing people from getting the treatments that they need. New research suggests that body mass index (BMI) may be drastically underestimating the number of people in the United States with obesity. Around a quarter of people considered to have a healthy BMI measurement may actually meet the standard of having obesity, which raises the risk of various chronic health conditions. Researchers say that half of those classified as “overweight” based on their BMI should be reclassified as having obesity. The findings were published on June 1 in the Annals of Internal Medicine . The authors said that measurements of abdominal fat may be better indicators of obesity. They noted that people who are misdiagnosed based on BMI may not be getting the medical intervention they need or qualify for pharmacologic or surgical treatments for obesity. In addition, physicians may not flag these patients as needing lifestyle modifications that could improve their health. “Many people assume that if their BMI says they are not obese, they don’t have to worry about the many health problems linked to obesity,” said Brian P. Lee , MD, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist with Keck Medicine and principal investigator of the study, said in a statement . “Our findings show that millions of Americans may already have obesity-related health impacts and may be missing needed health interventions.” BMI may not accurately measure obesity For their study, researchers from Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) . They included results from more than 5,600 participants, with an average age of 49, who’d been tested for BMI and hip and waist circumferences , such as the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) . They concluded that 26% of people with a “normal” BMI and 50% of people with an “overweight” BMI actually qualified as having obesity. “BMI is problematic because it does not specifically measure body fat and instead reflects total body weight , which includes muscle and bone,” Lee said in a statement. “So, a muscular person can have a very high BMI but not have excess fat, while someone without much muscle can have a normal BMI but have excess fat causing health problems.” David Cutler , MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, who wasn’t involved in the study, said that, based on BMI, some professional athletes might be classified as overweight or obese when, in reality, they are in peak shape. “All you have to do is watch a football game to see that,” he told Healthline. Mir Ali , MD, a bariatric surgeon, bariatric medicine specialist, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, said that while BMI alone isn’t the most accurate measure of obesity, there are reasons for its use. Ali wasn’t involved in the study. “I agree that BMI is not the ideal indicator of obesity and that measuring the waist-to-hip ratio offers certain advantages,” he told Healthline. “However, BMI remains the most widely used measure by providers and insurance companies because it is easier to calculate, whereas waist-to-hip measurements can vary.” Is the waist-to-hip ratio a better indicator of health? In recent years, research has suggested that the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) may be a more accurate measure of overweight and obesity. For instance, a 2023 study found that WHR measurements had the strongest association with all-cause mortality risk regardless of a person’s BMI. The authors suggested that body fat distribution, rather than body weight, should be considered in clinical recommendations. Cutler said he favored waist-to-hip ratio measurements over BMI. “BMI measures weight. The others measure fat. They’re two different things,” Cutler said. Ali noted that WHR, DEXA scans , and body roundness can more accurately determine whether a person has obesity. “However, these methods have not been widely adopted due to drawbacks like cost and complexity,” he said. “While BMI fails to account for body composition — potentially categorizing muscular individuals as overweight — it will likely remain the standard until a more effective, simple calculation is established,” Ali continued. Dan Azagury , MD, an associate professor of surgery at Stanford University and the medical director at the Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Clinic, shared similar thoughts. Azagury wasn’t invo...
Some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others, and scientists may have figured out why. Jaromir/Getty Images Researchers have identified several reasons why mosquitoes are more attracted to some people than others. The scent you give off through carbon dioxide and through your skin can make you more prone to mosquito bites. Mosquitoes may also be more attracted to people who drink beer. While DEET offers protection, research suggests that mosquitoes could evolve to become attracted to it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re a mosquito magnet, you’re not alone. Research shows that mosquitoes may be more attracted to some people than others. A 2026 preprint study found that mosquitoes are also more attracted to those who drink beer compared to those who don’t. Other recent studies have found that mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide (CO2) humans exhale. Older studies suggest that mosquitoes may be attracted to chemical odors emitted by your skin. Regardless of what attracts them, it’s safe to say that no one wants to be their next meal. “Mosquitoes are said to be the most dangerous animals on our planet because they can transmit serious infections, including malaria , yellow fever , Zika , dengue , and chikungunya, among others,” said William Schaffner , MD, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University. Schaffner wasn’t involved in the studies. “Thus, learning how to avoid mosquito bites has long been a public health priority. It is a common experience that mosquitoes seem to have a preference for some persons while avoiding others,” he told Healthline. DEET has long been considered the gold standard repellent for protection against mosquito bites . However, a new study found that mosquitoes may have learned how to associate DEET with food and even become attracted to it. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stop using DEET altogether. Any protection against mosquitoes is better than none at all. Whether you plan to travel this summer or attend World Cup matches, you may need to take extra precautions against mosquitoes, especially if you’re more prone to bites than others. Here’s what you need to know. Why are some people tastier to mosquitoes than others? Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 we exhale. They can fly up a CO2 “plume” that a person creates when they breathe and find a host. However, whether they land or not may depend on other factors. Some studies have pointed to our unique heat signatures as a reason mosquitoes may choose to land and feed on some people rather than others. Mosquitoes may be more attracted to stronger heat signatures. Other studies have found that mosquitoes may be attracted to chemical odors emitted by human skin. People who are more attractive to mosquitoes appear to produce more carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids are naturally occurring compounds. They are found in human sweat and generated by skin microbes. Researchers believe that understanding how mosquitoes are attracted to certain skin odors may help develop more effective repellents. A recent study at a festival also found that what you drink may be more likely to attract mosquitoes. The researchers examined mosquito behavior among 465 participants from the festival. They found that factors such as consuming beer appeared to attract mosquitoes more. The researchers noted that this may be due to the smell of beer attracting mosquitoes rather than blood alcohol levels. However, they also note that further research is needed to verify the findings. “This study, conducted during a music festival in the Netherlands, suggested that mosquitoes were attracted to the skin of persons who had consumed beer,” Schaffner said. “However interesting, the result is inconclusive and must be confirmed by further research. It is unlikely that this study will result in a notable reduction in beer consumption.” DEET: It’s what’s for dinner A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that mosquitoes may begin to associate the smell of DEET with food and even become attracted to it. The researchers trained mosquitoes by gradually introducing DEET and using a bag of warm blood kept just out of reach. As the mosquitoes began feeding on blood, the team introduced DEET into their environment. After repeating this process 4 times, they found that more than 60% of the mosquitoes attempted to feed when presented only with the smell of DEET. The insects were then given a choice of human hands. The “untrained” mosquitoes avoided the DEET-covered hand, while the “trained” ones were drawn to it. “The common assumption has always been that repellents work because of their chemistry — that DEET simply smells bad to mosquitoes and they flee or that its chemistry prevents mosquitoes from smelling us,” Clément Vinauger , associate professor of biochemistry at Virginia Tech, and co-author of the study, said in a press release . “But what we are showing is that the mosquito’s bra...
The EWG reports that only 20% of sunscreens meet safety standards. Image Credit: Ani Dimi/Stocksy Only about 20% of sunscreens meet leading safety and efficacy standards, according to a recent report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Mineral sunscreens are generally considered safer, but the best sunscreen is one you use consistently and reapply regularly. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50, proper application, and regular reapplication are the keys to effective sun protection. Sunscreen is a key aspect of sun protection, especially in the summertime. However, your sunscreen may not be protecting you as well as you think. According to a recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) , only about 20% (550 out of 2,784) of SPF products met its rigorous safety criteria in 2026. The EWG rates products based on five factors that relate to ingredient hazard and efficacy in providing sun protection: health hazards UVB (ultraviolet B) protection UVA (ultraviolet A) protection balance of UVA and UVB protection sunscreen stability, or how quickly ingredients break down in the sun While sunscreen is important, it shouldn’t be the only thing you rely on to protect yourself from the sun. “The recent report from the Environmental Working Group raises some important points about sunscreen formulation, labeling, and regulation, but it is also important to interpret the findings based on what is available,” said Tanya Evans , MD, board certified dermatologist and medical director of the Skin Cancer Program at the Melanoma Clinic at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. Evans wasn’t involved in the report. “Sunscreen is still one of the most effective tools we have to reduce sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer risk, including melanoma. The main message should not be to avoid sunscreen, but instead to choose and use sunscreen wisely,” she told Healthline. Sunscreen regulatory gaps and industry responses There have been no fully approved new UV-blocking ingredients for sunscreen since 1999. For 27 years, Americans have relied on older filters, while products with safer, potentially more effective filters have become standard across Europe and Asia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed classifying bemotrizinol as a safe and effective sunscreen ingredient in late 2025. This would be the first time in decades that a new filter was allowed in U.S. markets. However, this has not yet been fully approved. Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen Paul Banwell , a cosmetic surgeon and skin cancer specialist, said that as awareness of sunscreen ingredients broadens, more people are asking about the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens . Banwell wasn’t involved in the report. “Mineral sunscreens usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and sit on the skin to physically reflect UV rays away, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat,” Banwell told Healthline. “Neither is automatically ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and both can be effective, but certain skin types may tolerate one better than the other. In my clinic, particularly after procedures like laser resurfacing, peels, or surgery, I will often recommend mineral sunscreens because they tend to be gentler on healing or more reactive skin,” he said. Evans agreed and noted that the “best” sunscreen is the one that’s used every day. Protecting yourself from the sun year round It’s important to apply sunscreen properly to get the most protection during sun exposure. Aim to apply 6 to 8 teaspoons of sunscreen to your entire body as an adult. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply sunscreen liberally at least every 2 hours. You should also consider other options besides sunscreen for sun protection : Try to plan outdoor activities outside of the peak hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. Wear a hat and other protective clothing to cover your skin. Try to spend as much time as you can in the shade. Choosing a safe and effective sunscreen With so many options available, choosing the most effective sunscreen may seem daunting. “When choosing a sunscreen, I always tell patients to keep it simple and focus on the basics,” Banwell said. Evans offered the following tips when choosing sunscreen: Look for broad-spectrum protection (covers both UVA and UVB). SPF 30 to 50 is sufficient for most people, but most dermatologists recommend SPF 50 or higher. Use water resistance when swimming or sweating. Remember to reapply regularly. Opt for a texture or formulation you will use consistently. Sensitive skin or rosacea -prone people benefit from zinc oxide-based formulas. “Using extremely high SPFs such as SPF 100+ can create a false sense of security and does not dramatically offer greater protection,” Evans said. “The most important thing is not to abandon sunscreen altogether.” “The risks associated with chronic UV exposure are very real and very we...
A recent study suggests a daily avocado-mango combo may offer heart health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. Nadine Greeff/Stocksy Eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango daily may improve blood vessel function in as little as 8 weeks, according to new research. The avocado-mango combo was linked to better flow-mediated dilation in both men and women, with lower diastolic blood pressure more pronounced in men. Researchers say the benefits likely come from a mix of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and heart-healthy fats. Experts stress that overall diet quality matters most, and mango and avocado work best as part of a balanced eating pattern. Eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango daily may help improve heart health in as little as 8 weeks, according to a recent study. Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology found that adults with prediabetes who followed this combination experienced improved blood vessel function and reductions in diastolic blood pressure. Participants who followed the avocado and mango diet showed a notable improvement in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of blood vessel function. Their FMD rose to 6.7%, whereas it fell to 4.6% in the control group, indicating better vascular health in those consuming the fruit combination. Diastolic blood pressure also improved in males. Those in the control group experienced an average increase in central blood pressure of 5 mmHg, while men in the avocado and mango group saw a reduction of around 1.9 mmHg. Importantly, these benefits were observed without changes in calorie intake or body weight. The results were recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association . The researchers acknowledged that the study was funded by the National Mango Board and the Hass Avocado Board, which is important to consider when interpreting the findings. Avocado-mango combo improves heart health Karen E. Todd , a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Supplement Dietitian, said that while the findings of the new study are promising, it doesn’t mean that a mango-avocado combination is a magic bullet. Todd wasn’t involved in the study. Rather, she said the research highlights how replacing lower-quality foods with nutrient-dense options can improve heart health markers over time. “The study fits with what we already know about diet quality and heart health . In this trial, adults with prediabetes who ate one avocado plus 1 cup of mango daily for 8 weeks had better flow-mediated dilation, a marker of blood vessel function, than the control group,” she told Healthline. “The intervention also increased intake of fruit, fiber , vitamin C, and monounsaturated fat , which are all consistent with a more heart-supportive eating pattern.” Todd noted that certain nutrients in mangos and avocados likely contributed to the positive results. “Mango likely helps heart health through a combination of vitamin C, potassium , and fiber,” she said. “Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and supports blood vessel integrity, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and fiber supports cholesterol and blood sugar control . Together, these nutrients support both vascular function and overall cardiometabolic health .” Todd said the biggest heart-health advantage of avocados is their unsaturated fat profile, especially monounsaturated fats, along with fiber and potassium. “Replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat is associated with improved cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risk ,” she said. “The added fiber and potassium further support heart health through cholesterol management and blood pressure regulation.” Of course, the study looked at the heart health benefits of eating these two foods together, not each food on its own. “Nutritionally, they complement each other well,” Todd said. “Mango provides vitamin C and carbohydrates , while avocado contributes healthy fats and fiber. Together, they create a more balanced, satisfying option that may support heart health more effectively than either food alone, particularly when they replace processed foods,” she explained. Long-term benefits of eating avocado, mango are unclear A significant finding of this study is that participants who added one avocado and 1 cup of mango to their daily diet showed measurable improvements in blood vessel function, along with reductions in diastolic blood pressure. Brett A. Sealove , MD, chair of cardiology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and associate professor and vice chair of cardiology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, said the new study warrants “serious consideration,” but noted some limitations. Sealove wasn’t involved in the research. “The sample size was relatively small, with 82 participants enrolled and 68 completing the protocol. And the study duration was only 8 weeks, which is brief given that vascular and metabolic remodeling typically occurs over several months,” he told Healthline. “The study was also part...
The time it takes for stool to transit through your body can affect your health. Image Credit: AUDSHULE/Stocksy Research suggests that the amount of time stool spends in your body may affect your overall health. This may be due to changes in gut microbiomes associated with how quickly or slowly stool moves through the body. An expert explains long-term health issues associated with slow digestion, chronic constipation, and chronic diarrhea. The amount of time it takes for stool to move through your body may impact your health in more ways than you may think. A 2023 study showed that there may be distinct differences in gut microbiomes depending on whether your stool is fast or slow. The human gut microbiome is closely linked to overall health. Slow transit times of stool and constipation have shown associations with metabolic and inflammatory conditions, as well as neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease . This study also looked at previous research on gut transit time. All of the research had the same goal of estimating how long food stays in a person’s colon. The longer it stays, the more time bacteria have to ferment the contents, regulate acidity in the gut, and produce metabolites that can influence the body’s health. The study found that people with faster gut transit times had drastically different microbiomes than those with slower transit times. One approach to estimating the gut transit time was the Bristol Stool Scale . This is a visual tool that classifies stool by consistency. For example, hard, rock-like pellets typically mean a long transit time. Watery, mushy stool often indicates a short transit time. Transit time can also influence how your body responds to probiotics , as well as supplements and medications that interact with the gut. “The gut is far more than a digestive organ — it is a finely tuned ecosystem whose balance underpins everything from immune function and metabolic health to neurological well-being and cancer risk,” said Ketan Thanki , MD, board certified colorectal surgeon who specializes in benign and malignant disease of the colon, rectum, and anus with the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. Healthline spoke with Thanki to learn more about how poop transit time can impact health. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. How does poop transit time affect gut health? Thanki: Gut transit time is a major determinant of microbiome composition, diversity, and metabolism. Slower colonic transit time is consistently associated with a shift away from beneficial sugar fermentation, which produces health-promoting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and toward protein fermentation that generates potentially harmful byproducts like ammonia and phenols. The relationship works both ways: transit time shapes which microbial communities thrive, but microbiota and their metabolites — including SCFAs and secondary bile acids — directly influence gut motility. Why does poop transit time lead to inflammatory and metabolic disorders? Thanki: When transit slows, fermentable carbohydrates become depleted before stool reaches the distal colon, and bacteria switch from fermenting carbohydrates into healthful short-chain fatty acids to fermenting proteins instead ( proteolysis ). This produces metabolites — ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, phenols, indoles, and branched-chain fatty acids — that are directly toxic to colonocytes, damage colonocyte DNA, cause cancer-causing mutations, and promote a leaky gut lining, thereby promoting systemic inflammation. Meanwhile, increased methane production further slows the gut, and increased estrogens in the blood can increase the risk of malignancies like breast cancer and dysregulate levels of other hormones. SCFA depletion affects systemic metabolism. SCFAs are not just local (colonocyte) fuel. They also signal to the liver to regulate glucose production, and influence adipose tissue metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and secretion of appetite hormones (GLP-1, PYY). When prolonged transit time reduces SCFA production, these regulatory signals are diminished. This is particularly relevant in diabetes and obesity , where gastroparesis and altered transit compound glycemic control problems and energy dysregulation. Lastly, gut bacteria convert choline and carnitine from meat and eggs into trimethylamine (TMA), which the liver converts to TMAO , a metabolite linked to cardiovascular disease. The paper notes the transit-TMAO link hasn’t been fully characterized yet, but it’s a plausible pathway to worsened heart disease. What are the long-term health risks of slow digestion and constipation? Thanki: Prolonged gut transit time is associated with a broad range of serious long-term health risks: colorectal cancer breast cancer neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease cardiovascular and kidney disease metabolic dysregulation contributing t...
A new study demonstrates limited protective benefits for daily aspirin use and colorectal cancer risk. Viktoriya Skorikova/Getty Images Research suggests that daily low dose aspirin doesn’t appear to reduce a person’s risk of colorectal cancer. Frequent aspirin use may increase a person’s risk of bleeding in and around the brain. Experts say you can lower your colorectal cancer risk with lifestyle habits such as eating a plant-based diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising daily. A daily regimen of low dose aspirin probably does not significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer but may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain area, according to a large-scale analysis of previous research. Researchers reported that daily aspirin probably does not help in preventing colorectal cancer in the first 15 years of use, although it might have some preventive benefits in the longer term. However, the researchers stated that they are “not confident” in the long-term assessment. They also reported that daily aspirin use may increase deaths from colorectal cancer in the short term but may help reduce deaths after 15 years. Again, the researchers noted they are “not confident” in these conclusions. They did report that daily aspirin use may increase the risk of bleeding outside the skull as well as bleeding in and around the brain. “It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions or outline specific implications for the routine use of aspirin for [colorectal cancer] primary prevention based on the current evidence,” the researchers wrote. “Our findings reveal complex, time‐dependent preventive effects and concerns about potential harms for clinicians and patients to consider.” They published their findings in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews on April 1. They were an update to a previous study they published in February. Ketan Thanki , MD, a colorectal surgeon who specializes in benign and malignant disease of the colon, rectum, and anus at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California, said this latest report provides cautionary advice for anyone considering an aspirin regimen. “This study demonstrates limited (if any) protective benefit from aspirin on risk of developing colorectal cancer in the general population,” Thanki told Healthline. “With the known potential complications of long-term aspirin use, I would recommend that people don’t take daily aspirin solely with the intent of reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer.” Low dose aspirin and colorectal cancer risk To reach their findings, the researchers analyzed data from 10 randomized controlled clinical trials. They compared aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with either no treatment or a different treatment for preventing colorectal cancer or colorectal adenoma in the general population. The studies included more than 120,000 participants. Most of the research was conducted in North America and Europe. Low‐dose aspirin (75-100 mg per day) was typically used, although three studies evaluated higher doses. The researchers said they found that daily aspirin “probably results in little to no difference” in reducing colorectal cancer risks after 5 to 15 years of use. They added that aspirin might slightly reduce colorectal cancer risk after 15 years of use. “I would advise that you only consider daily aspirin for this purpose, either if you have a genetic syndrome that predisposes you to cancer (specifically Lynch Syndrome ) or have had adenomatous polyps removed during a prior colonoscopy ,” Thanki said. “In those populations, there is good evidence that it may decrease risk of cancer and may decrease risk of adenoma recurrence , respectively. Those patients should speak with their doctors.” The researchers also reported that daily aspirin “may increase mortality” from colorectal cancer between 5 and 10 years of use, as well as producing “little to no difference in mortality” between 10 and 15 years, and a possible reduction in mortality after 15 years. They added that aspirin “may result in little to no difference” in colorectal adenoma between 5 and 10 years, but “the evidence is very uncertain.” The researchers also noted that daily aspirin use produced “little to no difference’ in overall serious adverse events, but they said “aspirin does increase the risk of serious extracranial hemorrhage” and “probably increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.” The researchers said their findings should raise concerns for medical professionals and patients alike. “The uncertain and delayed potential for benefit must be weighed against a definite harm,” they wrote. “In light of the mixed evidence, clinical practice should continue to center on an individualized assessment and a shared decision‐making process, carefully balancing a patient’s established cardiovascular risk profile against their risk of bleeding,” the researchers wrote. Benefits, risks of daily as...
Egg coffee is going viral on social media, but experts say the trendy drink may come with food safety risks depending on how it is prepared. VU PHAM VAN/Getty Images Egg coffee, made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, is going viral on social media platforms like TikTok. Experts warn that the drink may increase the risk of Salmonella contamination from raw or undercooked eggs. It can also be high in sugar and saturated fat. Simple swaps can make it safer and healthier. A sweet, creamy twist on your morning cup of coffee is going viral on social media. It’s called egg coffee, and it’s typically made by whisking egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk into a rich, custard-like foam, then layering it over a strong cup of joe or espresso. While the drink is currently trending on TikTok, it isn’t exactly new. Versions of the dessert-like beverage have been around for decades, including Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng), Swedish egg coffee, and Italian egg-based drinks like zabaglione al caffè. But as the drink gains popularity, some experts are warning that it can carry some serious health risks. Raw eggs in egg coffee may raise salmonella risk One of the biggest concerns about egg coffee is how it’s made. Many recipes call for raw or lightly heated egg yolks, which can carry Salmonella bacteria. “Consuming egg coffee using raw or undercooked yolk does carry a salmonella risk that shouldn’t be ignored,” said Michelle Routhenstein , a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished. While some people may assume that hot coffee is enough to make the drink safe, Routhenstein warns that’s usually not the case. “Hot coffee does not typically reach a safe temperature to cook the egg and reduce the potential risk of salmonella contamination,” Routhenstein said. Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea , fever, and stomach cramps , which may begin anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure. While many healthy people recover without treatment, the infection can be more serious for certain groups, including older adults, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems. Although the risk of contamination from any single egg is relatively low, food safety experts generally recommend avoiding raw or undercooked eggs when possible. Egg coffee often high in sugar and saturated fat Beyond food safety concerns, egg coffee may also come with nutritional drawbacks. The drink is typically made with sweetened condensed milk and added sugar , which can significantly increase its overall calorie and sugar content. Combined with egg yolks, it can also contribute a notable amount of saturated fat. “We want to be mindful of the saturated fat content that this can add into your day,” Routhenstein said. “Egg yolks and condensed milk can carry several grams of saturated fat, and depending on what else you are eating, this can raise apoB and LDL cholesterol levels.” Higher levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease over time. While occasional egg coffee consumption is unlikely to have a major impact on health, regularly drinking high-sugar, high–saturated–fat drinks may not be the best choice for long-term health. Safer ways to try egg coffee at home For those who are curious about egg coffee, there are ways to recreate a similar texture and flavor while reducing potential risks. “To lower salmonella risk, we need to eliminate the raw egg yolk ,” Routhenstein said. One option is to swap in steamed milk or barista-style plant-based alternatives, such as oat milk, to create a creamy, foamy texture without using eggs. These options can mimic the drink’s signature richness while avoiding the food-safety concerns associated with raw or undercooked eggs. Another alternative is aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), which can be whipped into a stable foam and used as a coffee topping. Using aquafaba “adds an airy cloud effect to your coffee without the salmonella [risk],” Routhenstein said. For those who still want to incorporate eggs, using pasteurized eggs may help reduce the risk of contamination. However, experts still recommend handling them carefully and avoiding recipes that rely on raw or undercooked eggs whenever possible. Healthier substitutions for egg coffee In addition to food safety concerns, making a few ingredient adjustments can help reduce the drink’s overall sugar and saturated fat content. Traditional recipes often rely on sweetened condensed milk and added sugar, which can quickly increase the calorie load. Swapping in lower-sugar alternatives, such as unsweetened or lightly sweetened milk, may help reduce added sugars while still providing a creamy texture. Using lower-fat dairy or plant-based milk can also help reduce saturated fat intake. For example, oat milk or almond milk can offer a similar richness without contributing as much saturated fat as condensed milk. Adjusting portion sizes or treating egg coffee as an...
The FDA issued a nationwide recall of Xanax XR for failing to meet dissolution specifications. BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The FDA has issued a report regarding the voluntary recall of a single lot of Xanax XR. Viatris has recalled 3-milligram tablets in 60-tablet bottles with the lot number 8177156. The company reports that this lot failed to meet dissolution specifications. Experts say this could cause the pills to not be as effective in controlling symptoms. They advise that you continue taking the pills until your doctor can issue a new prescription. A nationwide recall of Xanax has many people wondering whether their anti-anxiety medication has been affected. According to an Enforcement Report issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , Viatris, Inc., a major pharmaceutical company, has voluntarily recalled a specific lot of Xanax XR (alprazolam extended-release tablets) distributed across the United States. The recall, initiated on March 17, affects 3-milligram tablets packaged in 60-tablet bottles, produced in Ireland and distributed by Viatris Specialty LLC in Morgantown, W.Va. The decision comes after the product failed to meet dissolution specifications, which are critical for ensuring proper drug release and effectiveness. Patients and healthcare providers are urged to check their medication and contact Viatris or their healthcare professional if they have the affected lot, numbered 8177156, with an expiration date of February 28, 2027. No safety concerns over affected Xanax XR pills The issue was identified through quality control testing, which revealed that the tablets failed to meet the FDA dissolution specifications . Dissolution testing measures how quickly and efficiently the active ingredient is released from the tablet into the body. As noted in the Enforcement Report, the formulation of the drug being recalled is Xanax XR, a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. This extended-release formulation is designed to release the medication gradually over time, providing more consistent symptom control. Aleksey Aronov , AGPCNP-BC, a board certified adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner and the founder and CEO of VIPs IV, told Healthline that if the pill does not meet dissolution specifications, it may not break down as it should in the body, which could result in the medicine not working properly. “When a pill does not dissolve the right way, the body may not absorb the correct amount of the medicine, which may result in not treating anxiety or panic symptoms appropriately,” he said. “Pills that fail to dissolve essentially may not be effective.” The Enforcement Report further notes that the recall is classified by the FDA as a Class II recall. Class II indicates that the use of this medication could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” however, there is little risk of serious adverse health consequences, according to the agency. Aronov clarified this description further by explaining that failed dissolution is not a safety hazard, nor will the drug cause harm to your body. “It is just a quality control issue that may result in the patient not benefiting from the medicine when they take it,” he said. What should you do if you take Xanax XR? People taking Xanax should speak with their doctor about getting a replacement prescription, Aronov said. “Patients should not abruptly stop taking Xanax because this medicine requires a very gradual taper in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms,” he said. Roger Flugel , chief scientific officer for Neurogan Health, emphasized that patients using this drug “shouldn’t panic.” Firstly, it’s only the 3-milligram tablets of Xanax XR in 60-tablet bottles identified by the lot number 8177156 that are affected, he said. “It’s important that you know the lot number before anything else, and see to it that you take the necessary steps,” said Flugel. Even if you have this lot number, he explained that you aren’t in any imminent danger since any health effects are temporary and reversible. “My advice is that you shouldn’t abruptly stop taking it, even when the lot number [of the] medication matches the one above, as that can be riskier,” Flugel said. Instead, continue to take your medication as directed and speak with your doctor right away about your concerns. No press release has been issued by the FDA for this recall, and the recall remains ongoing as of the latest available data from April 8, 2026. Consumers and healthcare professionals can stay informed by monitoring the FDA website or contacting Viatris directly.
GLP-1 drugs containing tirzepatide significantly reduce cardiovascular risks in people with serious heart conditions. Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP via Getty Images GLP-1 weight loss medications containing tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) can reduce heart-related health risks for people with serious heart conditions, according to new research. Experts say the heart health benefits are produced by the drugs’ ability to help people lose weight and control blood sugar levels. People using these medications should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, including daily exercise and a balanced diet, to maintain overall health. Weight loss medications containing the active ingredient tirzepatide significantly reduce cardiovascular risks in people with serious heart conditions, according to new research. The results of two studies indicate that GLP-1 drugs containing tirzepatide (i.e., Mounjaro , Zepbound ) may lower heart-related risks for people undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and those with obesity undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) . The researchers presented their findings at the SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions & CAIC-ACCI Summit in Montreal from April 23–25. The two studies have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Tirzepatide medications are usually prescribed to help treat type 2 diabetes . According to a news release for the two studies, tirzepatide’s ability to manage blood sugar levels and promote weight loss delivers “meaningful cardiovascular benefits.” While prior research has established these benefits, their impacts on patients undergoing interventional heart procedures have not yet been extensively evaluated. Notably, the researchers found a 62% lower risk of death among participants receiving tirzepatide who underwent a PCI procedure. “GLP-1 agonists represent an important evolution in cardiometabolic care,” said SCAI President Srihari Naidu , MD, an interventional cardiologist, in the news release. “Clinicians already recognize the benefits of glycemic control and weight reduction, but we are now beginning to understand how these therapies can improve outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter cardiovascular interventions.” Experts not involved in the new studies say the research supports earlier studies on the cardiovascular benefits of weight loss drugs. “These findings are consistent with what we are seeing broadly that medications like tirzepatide are not just weight loss drugs but have meaningful cardiometabolic benefits,” said Kevin Shah , MD, a cardiologist and the program director of Heart Failure Outreach at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at the Long Beach Medical Center. “We do need prospective studies to validate the findings from these analyses.” Tirzepatide lowers stroke, heart attack risk In the first study , researchers from John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, sifted through the TriNetX database . They identified adult participants with type 2 diabetes who received GLP-1 drugs containing tirzepatide or older medications with the active ingredient dulaglutide at the time of their PCI procedure. The researchers did not compare tirzepatide drugs with medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Wegovy . In all, the researchers examined the medical records of 1,281 study participants. One month after PCI, they reported that the participants who used tirzepatide drugs experienced lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as: acute myocardial infarction heart failure ventricular arrhythmias They noted there was no difference in rates of stroke among participants using tirzepatide drugs and those using dulaglutide medications. One year after PCI, researchers observed reductions in MACE, myocardial infarction, and heart failure exacerbation, remaining consistent after one year. There were also further reductions in mortality, stroke, and cardiac arrest at one year. “The study adds on additional data to what we’ve already previously known about GLP-1 containing agents: these drugs hope to reduce risk for cardiovascular complications from obesity,” said Yu-Ming Ni , MD, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ni wasn’t involved in the study. “This patient population in this study is automatically higher risk because they need an intervention for their conditions,” Ni told Healthline. “Consequently, seeing a reduction in risk of cardiovascular events is promising, albeit not surprising.” Jackie DesJardin , MD, a cardiologist and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco’s Division of Cardiology, cautioned that there may be more to these results than simply the medications. DesJardin wasn’t involved in the study. “The dramatic reductions seen here, more than 50% lower heart attack risk within just one ...
Flowers, also known as buds, grow at the top of a mature marijuana plant on a farm owned and operated by Qualla Enterprises, LLC in Cherokee, NC. Image credit: Charlotte Observer/Getty Images An executive order signed by the Trump administration reclassifies medical cannabis as a less dangerous drug. Although this does not legalize cannabis under federal law, it marks a significant shift in policy. The change will provide significant tax breaks for businesses that sell cannabis and ease barriers for researchers who possess the drug in order to study it. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order on April 23 to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This major shift in policy does not legalize cannabis for recreational or medical use under federal law. However, reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug changes how it’s regulated. For instance, licensed medical cannabis businesses will receive tax breaks. Researchers studying the drug’s effects will run into fewer roadblocks. The move aligns with advocates who’ve long said the substance shouldn’t be held in the same regard as drugs like heroin by the federal government. Trump told the press that he had received several phone calls pleading for restrictions to be lifted. In December, he told his administration to move quickly on reclassifying cannabis. “The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options,” Blanche said in a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.” Reclassification of marijuana doesn’t mean legalization The move to reclassify marijuana focuses on medical cannabis and products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Trump administration has scheduled a June hearing that will provide a pathway for evaluating broader changes to cannabis status under federal law. For now, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. Most states allow recreational use, medical use, or both. Only 2 states — Idaho and Kansas — do not have any legal cannabis programs whatsoever. This means that anyone researching or selling cannabis in a state where it was legal was subject to federal prosecution. Currently, cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I drug in the same class as LSD and heroin, which have significant potential for abuse and “no currently accepted medical use.” Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug puts it in the same bracket as Tylenol mixed with codeine : Medically beneficial drugs with low potential for abuse. Although this change will not be welcomed in all quarters, public sentiment is broadly aligned. A 2025 Gallup poll , for instance, showed that support in the United States for cannabis legalization had almost doubled from 36% in 2005 to 64%. What does reclassification mean for the cannabis industry? Currently, businesses in states that allow medical or recreational cannabis use face significant headaches. While their business may be entirely legal in their state, it is illegal at the federal level, making banking and tax compliance challenging. This new legal change will make a significant difference. Terry Mendez , CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, a company that works with the cannabis industry, called the order “the most significant federal action on cannabis policy in more than 50 years.” From a business standpoint, changes in how taxes are collected will have the greatest impact. Now, for the first time, state-licensed medical cannabis companies will be able to deduct business expenses on their federal taxes. On the same point, Anthony Coniglio , CEO at NewLake Capital Partners, Inc , said that this “is a material shift not only for operators and patients, but also for investors, lenders, and real estate partners evaluating the cannabis sector.” Similarly, Nico Richardson, CEO of Texas Original , a provider of medical cannabis, told Healthline that the move is “a significant step for Texans who will benefit from easier access to needed medicine.” A new dawn for cannabis research? Industry aside, scientists will benefit from this shift in cannabis regulation. With easier access to the drug and a significant reduction in red tape, it will be much easier (and cheaper) to investigate cannabis for the treatment of health conditions. Sasha Kalcheff-Korn is the executive director of Realm of Caring, a nonprofit that provides information about cannabinoid therapies, conducts research, and awards research grants. Realm of Caring is currently partnering with the Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit to conduct a national medicinal cannabis use registry. “Rescheduling will make it easier to complete this research and conduct future studies,” Kalcheff-Korn told Healthline. “Helping build th...
Research shows that fructose, especially in ultra-processed foods, may increase the risk of metabolic diseases. Image Credit: Ivan Solis/Stocksy A recent study has shown that fructose plays a role in driving disease. The research shows that the effects fructose can have on the body may be associated with metabolic syndrome. Understanding the effects of fructose on the body may help develop new strategies to prevent and treat metabolic diseases. Fructose is a simple sugar that is found both naturally, in honey and fruits, and in sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose (table sugar). A recent review published in Nature Metabolism highlights the role fructose plays in driving disease. This is separate from its role as a source of calories. Consumption of fructose has grown significantly over the past few centuries, driven by the increased use of sweeteners in the average diet. Fructose can be problematic because it has twice the sweetness of glucose . This may lead to increased cravings for more fructose-containing foods and drinks. “Fructose found in these processed forms is not handled the same way as regular blood sugar,” said Michelle Routhenstein , preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished, who wasn’t involved in the study. “When it is consumed, it goes to the liver, where it easily turns into fat, which can build up in the liver and around the organs and contribute to conditions like fatty liver and metabolic syndrome,” she told Healthline. Effects of fructose on metabolic health Unlike glucose, fructose has unique metabolic effects. These effects may help contribute to obesity and related conditions. “The emerging body of research suggests that fructose is not metabolically identical to all other carbohydrates, especially when it is consumed in excess through sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods,” said Serena Poon , certified nutritionist & longevity wellness advisor. Poon wasn’t involved in the study. “Excess calories still matter, but fructose may affect metabolism differently than other sugars, particularly in the liver … In my view, this supports a more nuanced conversation because it is not just about sugar in the abstract, but also about the form, dose, and dietary context in which fructose is consumed,” Poon told Healthline. The review highlights how the metabolism of fructose bypasses key regulatory steps in the energy processing pathways. This can have various effects, including: increased fat synthesis depletion of cellular energy production of compounds associated with metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that includes obesity , insulin resistance , and cardiovascular risk . Other health impacts of fructose The review points out that fructose metabolism can contribute to more than metabolic syndrome. It has associations with: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) hypertension (high blood pressure) kidney disease gout cancer growth, including breast , lung , pancreatic , and prostate “High intakes of ultra-processed or concentrated fructose can also raise uric acid and increase oxidative stress ,” said Routhenstein. Poon echoed these remarks. “There is also emerging evidence that high fructose exposure may affect appetite regulation , satiety signaling, and gut barrier function, especially when intake is chronic and concentrated in liquid form,” she said. “That said, the strongest concerns are generally tied to patterns of habitual excess intake rather than to modest amounts consumed in whole foods.” Poon cautioned that people should “not turn this into a fear-based conversation about all fructose-containing foods. Whole fruit can absolutely fit into a healthy dietary pattern and is consistently viewed differently from added sugars in the research.” Routhenstein agreed. “The study is really about large amounts of added fructose (like in sodas and ultra‑processed foods), which overload the liver and drive fat buildup and metabolic problems, not the smaller amounts naturally present in whole fruit,” she said. “Whole fruits don’t contain excessive amounts of fructose, and they come packaged with fiber and beneficial plant compounds. These beneficial compounds found in fruit help slow sugar absorption, and help reduce inflammation around the liver and support cholesterol-lowering and metabolic functions,” Routhenstein continued. What foods contain fructose? Fructose is naturally found in foods like fruits and honey. The sweeteners sucrose and high fructose corn syrup are often found in: many baked goods soft drinks sweet teas fruit punches candy processed sauces salad dressings flavored yogurt Tips to limit fructose intake To limit your intake of fructose, Poon recommended reading food and beverage nutrition labels. “Fructose often appears through ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, fruit juice concentrate, and other added sweeteners,” she said. Routhenstein ...
Track and field star Allyson Felix shares rest and recovery tips and explains why motherhood inspired her to advocate for paid leave. Allyson Felix, mom of two and the most decorated track and field athlete in U.S. history, understands the importance of rest and recovery. Photography courtesy of Allyson Felix When it comes to national policies around paid sick or family leave, the United States falls short compared to other developed countries. Around 28 million Americans lack access to paid sick time, which disproportionately affects low-income workers and their families, particularly caregivers. A recent survey from Theraflu and Wakefield Research of more than 1,000 employed U.S. adults who care for someone in their household found that 80% of respondents couldn’t afford to take a sick day. More than half of respondents said they worked while sick because they needed the income, while 28% said that taking a sick day could put their job at risk. Working parents are often obligated to continue their responsibilities even when they’re sick. Mothers are more likely than fathers to bear the brunt of this responsibility , even in the most egalitarian households. Without paid sick leave, burnout is inevitable — whether you’re a caregiver or not. If left unchecked, burnout can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes . That’s why track and field icon Allyson Felix is on a mission to help make paid sick time a fundamental right rather than a privilege. The five-time U.S. Olympian partnered with Theraflu to raise awareness for The Right to Rest & Recover Fund , which has offered microgrants to families that help offset lost income from unpaid sick days. The Fund has distributed more than $1 million in microgrants since 2021. As a mom of two, Felix knows firsthand how physically and emotionally taxing it can be to care for young children when you’re unwell. The elite sprinter specializing in the 200m, 400m, and relay events understands the importance of rest and recovery for the body and mind. At 40, her recent announcement to make a comeback for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles is a testament to this. As the most decorated American track and field athlete in history — with 11 Olympic medals across five Games and a three-time world champion — Felix has her heart set on another goal: Paid sick leave for all. “I don’t think it’s a conversation that we’re having enough of,” Felix told Healthline. “I love that Theraflu is doing something about it for people who are experiencing this hardship.” Rest and recovery prevent burnout Regardless of your parenting or caregiving status or even your fitness level, everyone benefits from rest and recovery — and from sick days when you need them. Clarinda Hougen , MD, primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles, CA, said that from an exercise science standpoint, rest and recovery are fundamental. “When we exercise, we place stress on our muscles, tendons, and other tissues,” she told Healthline. “Healing the microtears that occur in muscle tissues during exercise results in muscle hypertrophy and can only occur during periods of rest. In other words, strength gains and improved endurance occur during recovery rather than during the exercise itself.” Hougen shared a few tips to prioritize rest and recovery: Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Build 1–2 rest days into your weekly exercise regimen. Practice “ active recovery ” (i.e., light walking , cycling, yoga , or other low intensity activities immediately after a high intensity workout). Eat a nutritious diet including protein and carbohydrates. “Athletes who participate in a variety of different activities that involve different types of movement are less likely to experience injury,” she said. I just try to do the best that I can each day Allyson Felix Quality sleep and self-care promote recovery Hougen explained that inadequate sleep can negatively impact performance and raise the risk of injury in athletes and non-athletes. “Rest and recovery should absolutely be considered a core pillar of every individual’s wellness regimen,” Hougen said. “If rest periods are inadequate over many weeks, the body is not able to fully repair and heal damaged tissues, and overtraining syndrome may develop,” she said. “When this occurs, athletes may feel decreased enjoyment in their sport and increased perceived exertion during activity.” From a physical standpoint, recovery practices might include intentional rest, sleep, and other forms of lighter exercise. Taking time to rest can also help reduce stress and improve mood , fostering mental resilience , Hogen said. Felix echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that it’s important to recognize when you need rest and recovery and to carve out time and space for it. “I just try to do the best that I can each day by being intentional and planning out how I’m going to take care of my body,” Felix said. Allyson Felix...
The Trump administration has directed the FDA to fast-track psychedelic therapies like ibogaine to treat PTSD and other mental health disorders. farmer images/Getty Images A sweeping executive order aims to fast-track psychedelic therapies, putting drugs like ibogaine in the national spotlight. The policy expands research funding, accelerates FDA review pathways, and opens access routes for patients with serious mental illness. The executive order explicitly calls out ibogaine therapy, despite limited research and serious questions about its safety profile . The move coincides with Trump’s recent call to reclassify medical cannabis as a less dangerous drug, marking major shifts in national policy around controlled substances. President Trump signed an executive order aimed at expanding research and improving access to psychedelic drug therapies. The April 18 order also aims to streamline and expedite the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process for certain high-priority treatments. The Trump administration has touted the executive order as an important step toward addressing the nation’s mental health crisis , especially among U.S. veterans, who bear an outsized share of that burden. A diverse coalition, including psychedelic research organizations, medical professionals, veterans groups, and podcaster Joe Rogan, has publicly celebrated the decision. The order also allocates $50 million to support state-level psychedelic research. The shift in policy coincides with Trump’s recent move to reclassify medical cannabis as a less dangerous drug. Matthew Johnson , PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University, called the decision “welcome news,” adding that it is “building upon decades of science.” Psychedelics are a class of drugs that act on the body’s serotonin system. They can produce well-known effects, including changes to visual perception, hallucinations , an altered sense of self, and feelings of insight or connection. Primary examples of psychedelics include LSD , psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) , and DMT . Over the past several decades, research into psychedelic therapies has moved from the counterculture fringes to the White House. Today, psychedelics are actively being studied for a number of mental health conditions, including substance misuse , alcohol use disorder , depression , anxiety , and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . The President’s executive order is one of the boldest federal actions on psychedelic drugs to date. However, it is also being met with caution by some experts who expressed concern that expedited FDA approval of experimental therapies could be harmful to patients. “It’s important to explore the use of psychedelics to treat [hard-to-treat] disorders like PTSD, that’s completely reasonable,” said Richard Friedman , MD, psychiatrist and director of the Psychopharmacology Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine. “What we don’t want to do is speed up the testing and evaluation of drugs if it means that we’re giving short shrift to the rigorous analysis of safety,” Friedman told Healthline. Targeting suicide, serious mental illness with psychedelics Trump’s executive order is intended to target “the burden of suicide and serious mental illness rates in Ameica” through a number of levers involving research, access, and FDA review. Here are the main points: The executive order directs the FDA to provide Commissioner’s National Priority Vouchers to eligible psychedelic therapies that have received Breakthrough Therapy designation for serious mental illnesses. Breakthrough Therapy is an expanded Fast Track designation intended to expedite the development of drugs that have shown early clinical evidence of substantial improvement over existing therapies. The voucher program is designed to shorten the FDA’s review period for such drugs; a process that might typically take six months or more could be reduced to 1 or 2 months. Taken together, these two programs could significantly accelerate the development and approval of high-priority psychedelic therapies with promising clinical data. Next, the order seeks to expand psychedelic research by allocating $50 million through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to match state investments in psychedelic research programs. It also requires collaboration among the FDA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the private sector to increase interest and participation in psychedelic research clinical trials. For patients, the executive order emphasizes the use of the Right to Try Act . This federal law allows eligible patients with life-threatening conditions to access investigational drugs outside of clinical trials. A White House fact sheet explicitly includes experimental psychedelic therapies within the scope of the Right to Try Act, so long as they “have met basic safety requirements.” While psychedelic therapy drugs, including...
Research shows that Ozempic may preserve lean body mass better than Mounjaro. Image Credit: Iuliia Burmistrova/Getty Images A recent study found that semaglutide medications, such as Ozempic, may better preserve lean body mass than tirzepatide medications, such as Mounjaro. This may be due in part to tirzepatide leading to more significant weight loss. The findings show that maintaining a strength-training routine may help reduce muscle loss when using GLP-1s. GLP-1 drugs have exploded in popularity due to their ability to promote significant weight loss. This class of medications has helped transform the way healthcare professionals treat obesity. Semaglutide medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy , and tirzepatide medications, such as Mounjaro and Zepbound , are the most popular GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. A study recently published in medRxiv has shown that while tirzepatide appears to lead to greater weight loss, there may be a trade-off of a higher loss of lean body mass than semaglutide. Lean body mass includes muscle, connective tissue, and other essential components that support metabolism, strength, and overall physical function. This study is a preprint and has not yet been peer-reviewed in a scientific journal, but here’s what the researchers found. Mounjaro led to 2% higher loss of lean body mass The study examined 7,965 individuals who were newly initiating a GLP-1 medication . Of these, 6,196 were using semaglutide , and 1,769 were using tirzepatide . The researchers measured each participant’s lean body mass before and after beginning their first prescription of either semaglutide or tirzepatide. They found that those on tirzepatide consistently showed a greater loss of lean body mass. People on tirzepatide lost about 1.1% more lean body mass than those using semaglutide in the first 3 months of using the medications. This increased to 2% more lean body mass loss by 12 months. “This finding is not entirely surprising. Tirzepatide is generally more potent than semaglutide, and with greater overall weight loss, you often see a higher degree of lean mass loss as well,” said Jeffrey Lee , MD, double board certified plastic surgeon and founder of JL Plastic Surgery, who also prescribes GLP-1s. Lee was not involved in the study. “In other words, the more aggressive the weight loss, the greater the likelihood that some of that loss includes muscle, not just fat,” Lee told Healthline. Why does muscle loss matter? With greater weight loss often comes greater muscle loss. This is important because muscle, especially skeletal muscle, helps control mobility and strength, energy expenditure, and metabolism. Excessive muscle loss affects your overall health. It can lead to fatigue, reduced physical performance, and increased risk of injury. Who is at higher risk of muscle loss from GLP-1s? The study highlights certain factors that may increase your risk of losing more lean body mass, including: higher doses and longer treatment duration lower tolerance for exercise during treatment pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions Around 10% of people using trizepatide achieved a 20% weight reduction and a 5% reduction in lean body mass. This type of loss was observed in only about 7% of those using semaglutide. How can you manage lean body mass loss with GLP-1s? The study emphasizes the importance of physical activity while taking GLP-1s. Lee agreed. “Exercise (particularly strength training ) plays a critical role in preserving lean muscle mass while on GLP-1 medications,” he said. “I emphasize to my patients that both adequate protein intake and exercise are essential for preserving muscle. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training are highly beneficial,” added Mir Ali , MD, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ali wasn’t involved in the study. Lee noted that resistance training signals the body to maintain muscle, even in a calorie deficit , and should be a core part of any weight loss plan using GLP-1 drugs. Ali emphasized that adequate protein intake is also an important factor in supporting muscle preservation. “Just as important is the pace of weight loss — slower, more gradual weight reduction tends to better preserve lean mass compared to rapid weight loss. This is why careful dose titration and ongoing monitoring are key when using GLP-1s,” Ali told Healthline.
A recent study found that your midlife fitness can affect your life span and health span. Image Credit: Emilija Manevska/Getty Images Recent research has shown that adults with higher levels of midlife cardiorespiratory fitness may live longer, healthier lives. The study found that people with higher fitness levels not only lived longer but also developed chronic conditions later than those with lower fitness levels. Experts share tips to help improve your cardiorespiratory fitness. Regular physical activity and fitness levels are important for overall health and well-being. According to a recent study, your level of cardiorespiratory fitness in midlife can not only help determine how long you live, but also how many of those years you spend in good health. Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to how well your heart and lungs supply oxygen during physical activity. The study showed that adults with higher midlife cardiorespiratory fitness lived longer, developed fewer chronic diseases, and spent more years free from serious illness than those with lower fitness. The results were recently published in the JACC , the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology. “People with higher fitness may also have had other health advantages, such as better diet, less smoking, or more consistent access to care,” said Robert Glatter , MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and assistant professor of emergency medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Glatter wasn’t involved in the study. “The findings are very much in line with decades of research showing that cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the strongest markers of long-term health,” Glatter told Healthline. Higher midlife fitness prolongs life span by 3% Life span refers to how long you live. Health span refers to how long you live free of any major chronic diseases. The study results showed that cardiorespiratory fitness can not only affect life span but also health span. It followed 24,576 adults, 25% of whom were females, from the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study (CCLS). The participants were healthy individuals ages 65 or younger. The researchers later tracked their health outcomes using Medicare data. Participants’ fitness was measured before age 65 using a treadmill test. During the study, the researchers used Medicare data to identify major chronic diseases for each participant. They defined major diseases using 11 chronic conditions: heart failure ischemic heart disease stroke chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) chronic kidney disease (CKD) diabetes Alzheimer’s disease and dementia colorectal cancer lung cancer breast cancer (females) prostate cancer (males) The results showed that males with higher fitness levels had a 2% longer health span, 9% fewer diseases, and a 3% longer life span than those with lower fitness levels. The results showed similar patterns among females. “This study confirms our understanding of cardiorespiratory fitness as a marker of future health outcomes, and should encourage all of us to make physical activity a part of our daily lives,” Cheng-Han Chen , MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, told Healthline. Chen wasn’t involved in the study. Mary Greene , MD, a board certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC, wasn’t involved in the study but noted a “dose-response benefit” in the findings. “Even modest increases in cardiovascular fitness can lead to a 10–25% improvement in survival,” said Greene. Still, Glatter said the findings should be interpreted with caution. “The study does not prove cause and effect. It was an observational study, so it cannot prove that higher fitness directly caused the better outcomes,” he said. Why is cardiorespiratory fitness important? Strong cardiorespiratory fitness can help lower your risk of heart disease. Improving your cardiorespiratory fitness can also: decrease cardiovascular and all-cause mortality decrease the incidence of heart failure decrease the risk of cardiometabolic diseases (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease) Tips to improve cardiorespiratory fitness The main way to improve your cardiorespiratory fitness is to maintain regular physical activity. “The encouraging answer is that improvement does not require becoming an athlete,” said Glatter. “For most adults, the target is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening exercise at least twice a week.” Examples include: brisk walking cycling jogging swimming water aerobics “A useful rule of thumb is this: during moderate exercise, you can talk but not sing; during vigorous exercise, you can only say a few words before needing a breath,” Glatter said. Chen agreed. “I would encour...
Coffee, even without caffeine, can reduce stress, improve learning, and boost mood by influencing your gut-brain axis. Oleg Breslavtsev/Getty Images New research suggests both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can improve mood and reduce stress by influencing the gut–brain axis. Coffee may alter the gut microbiome, increasing bacteria linked to digestion, immunity, and emotional regulation. Decaf coffee was associated with improved learning and memory, while caffeinated coffee enhanced attention and reduced anxiety and inflammation. Experts say coffee’s polyphenols and other compounds may support mental well-being by lowering inflammation and strengthening communication between the gut and brain. Your morning cup of coffee may be more than just an energizing ritual. New research from APC Microbiome Ireland suggests that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can improve mood and reduce stress by acting on the gut–brain axis. Researchers analyzed 62 adults, including 31 regular coffee drinkers and 31 non-drinkers, using psychological assessments, diet tracking, and stool and urine samples to examine changes in the gut microbiome and mood. Coffee drinkers, defined as those consuming 3 to 5 cups daily, first abstained for two weeks, which led to notable shifts in gut metabolite profiles. When coffee was reintroduced in a blinded trial, half consumed caffeinated and half decaffeinated. Both groups reported reduced stress, depression, and impulsivity, suggesting benefits beyond caffeine. Researchers also observed increases in specific gut bacteria linked to digestion and immune function. Decaffeinated coffee was associated with improved learning and memory, while caffeinated coffee was linked to reduced anxiety, better attention, and lower inflammation, highlighting distinct but complementary effects. How coffee affects the gut-brain axis Coco Pierrel , is a certified integrative nutritionist and founder of Eat Shed Glow, who was not involved in the research. She told Healthline that this study is the first to confirm what gut health specialists have seen in clinical practice for years: that coffee is a functional beverage. “Coffee feeds your gut microbes through plant compounds called polyphenols and fiber-like molecules called melanoidins,” Pierrel explained. “Your gut bacteria ferment these into short-chain fatty acids, which send signals directly to the brain through the vagus nerve.” Pierrel recommended thinking of your gut as a second brain that is in constant communication with your first brain, and coffee is one of the loudest messages you send it every morning. “Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain to sharpen alertness, while stimulating gastric acid and motility in the gut,” she explained. “Coffee is one of the few daily habits that synchronizes your metabolism with your mental clarity, which is exactly what makes it such a powerful player on the gut-brain axis.” Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have health benefits People often associate the mental benefits of coffee with caffeine. However, this study shows that when it comes to lowering stress, boosting learning, and improving memory, decaf coffee has merit too. “The polyphenols in coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, lower inflammation, and chronic low-grade inflammation is one of the most underrated drivers of low mood and anxiety ,” Pierrel pointed out. “Those same polyphenols get fermented by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which strengthens the gut barrier and quiets inflammatory signaling to the brain.” Coffee polyphenols also help regulate the HPA axis, the body’s central stress response system, which is likely why both caffeinated and decaf drinkers in this study reported feeling less stressed. “A healthy brain is often the byproduct of a healthy gut ,” Pierrel said. Caffeine can boost mental health Still, the study noted some differences between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Caffeinated coffee, in particular, was associated with reduced anxiety and improved vigilance and attention. Why is this the case? “Caffeine blocks adenosine, the molecule that tells your brain it is tired, which is why you feel sharper within 30 minutes of your first cup,” Pierrel explained. “What most people miss is that habitual coffee drinkers develop a blunted cortisol response over time, meaning daily coffee may actually train your nervous system to handle pressure with less reactivity,” she noted. The study also found caffeine specifically reduced inflammation. “When you lower the noise of inflammation in the brain, you naturally raise the signal of focus and vigilance. That is why moderate daily coffee tends to leave habitual drinkers composed rather than just jittery,” Pierrel pointed out. Ways to optimize your coffee intake Of course, you can have too much of a good thing, and how you take your coffee matters, too. “Two to three cups a day is the sweet spot for gut and brain...
Research shows a possible association between male infertility and the risk of certain cancers. Image Credit: Fiordaliso/Getty Images A recent study has found a possible association between severe male infertility and an increased risk of thyroid and colorectal cancers. The study notes that this association may be due to genetic factors. Certain lifestyle factors may also increase the risk of developing these cancers, such as obesity and diabetes. Around 1 in 6 people will experience infertility at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) . Previous research has linked male infertility to greater risks of adverse health outcomes, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Research has also found associations with infertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer and prostate cancer. A recent study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology showed that there may be an association between severe male infertility and non-reproductive cancers, namely thyroid cancer and colorectal cancer. “The study found that men with severe cases of infertility run a higher risk of developing colon cancer and thyroid cancer,” said S. Adam Ramin , MD, board certified urologist, urologic oncologist, and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, CA. Ramin wasn’t involved in the study. “The proposed relationship may be genetic mutations that predispose to cancer but also cause infertility,” he told Healthline. While the study notes the association may be due in part to genetic factors, lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and physical inactivity, may also increase a person’s risk of cancer. Severe infertility and non-reproductive cancer risk The study used registry data to analyze more than 1.1 million Swedish males who had children between 1994 and 2014. Of these, 14,450 became fathers through the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) . ICSI is an assisted reproduction technique that is typically used in cases of severe male infertility. The researchers cross-referenced all of the males against the national cancer registry . This revealed a significantly increased risk of thyroid and colorectal cancer among males who had become fathers using ICSI. “This research does not show that use of ICSI causes infertility,” Ramin said. “It merely indicates that men who have very severe infertility, meaning those who need ICSI rather than in vitro fertilization (IVF) , are at higher risk of these cancers.” The researchers also emphasized that the assisted reproductive intervention itself does not cause cancer. The study notes that more than 2,300 genes are involved in reproductive function. This means that it is plausible that genetic mutations that both impair male reproductive function and increase the risk of cancer may at least partly explain the higher risk of colorectal cancer. Certain lifestyle factors can also increase your risk for various cancers, including colorectal cancer. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity, which can all also be associated with low semen quality. The study considered the age at which males became parents and their educational level. However, the data used did not include lifestyle factors. Despite this, males with severe infertility appear to be at an increased risk for both reproductive and non-reproductive cancers. “It is important to understand that when an association is found between two medical conditions, it does not mean that the treatment for one of these conditions or the medical condition itself is for sure the reason for [the] development of the secondary condition,” said Ramin. The research team notes that this study should inform future disease prevention initiatives for males seeking care for fertility issues. Screening these men for potential colorectal and thyroid cancer, as well as testicular cancer during treatment and in follow-ups, is one of their suggestions. “Most men who undergo fertility testing are between 30 and 35 years old,” study author Angel Elenkov , docent and researcher at Lund University and consultant physician at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Region Skåne, said in a press release . “The aim is to help them become fathers, and there is no subsequent follow-up on their health. These findings are important from a public health perspective, given that cancers of the colon and rectum, as well as thyroid cancer, are on the rise among younger people. These cancers could be prevented through early screening,” Elenkov continued. Lifestyle factors that help lower cancer risk Ramin recommended adhering to an overall healthy lifestyle to help reduce cancer risk, such as: avoiding processed foods maintaining a moderate weight and managing obesity limiting alcohol intake quitting or avoiding smoking “It is important to note that a genetic predisposition to [the] development of a certain condition, such as cancer, does not m...
Nicole Kidman’s recent announcement that she’s training to become a death doula is increasing visibility for the profession and the need to improve how end-of-life care is approached. Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images Nicole Kidman says she’s training to become a death doula following her mother’s death in 2024. Death doulas provide non-medical support to people nearing the end of life, focusing on emotional, practical, and spiritual care. Experts say growing awareness is helping spark conversations about end-of-life care. Nicole Kidman is drawing new attention to end-of-life care after revealing she’s begun training to become a death doula. The Oscar-winning actor first shared the news during an appearance at the University of San Francisco, where she sat down for a conversation with journalist Vicky Nguyen as part of the university’s Silk Speaker Series, according to the San Francisco Chronicle . Kidman said she was inspired to explore becoming a death doula following the passing of her mother in 2024, an experience that shifted how she thinks about support in a person’s final days. “As my mother was passing, she was lonely and there was only so much the family could provide,” Kidman told attendees, per the Chronicle. “And that’s when I went, ‘I wish there was these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care.’” “So that’s part of my expansion and one of the things I will be learning,” she added. Kidman later expanded on her decision and the public’s reaction to it during a HISTORYTalks event in Philadelphia. “I did this talk recently where I said I’m expanding into learning to be a death doula, which seemed to have people confused or intrigued,” she said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Kidman explained that she finds the work of death doulas “fascinating” and “beautiful,” noting that “you have to be a certain personality to be able to do it. But I found out that I’m actually that personality.” “It’s very important to me,” she continued. “There is always suffering, but if there are people there who can help with that, help those final stages be less painful — if you feel the connection in your heart, then that’s lovely. So that’s what I’m exploring.” Kidman’s announcement is bringing increased visibility to the need for death doulas and how they can improve end-of-life care. What is a death doula? According to The International End of Life Doula Association , a death doula — sometimes referred to as an end-of-life doula — is “a nonmedical companion who provides personalized and compassionate support to individuals, families, and their circles of care as they encounter and navigate death, loss, and mortality.” They also advocate self-determination and impart “psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and practical care to empower dignity throughout the dying process.” Unlike doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals, death doulas do not provide medical treatment. Instead, they often work alongside existing healthcare teams to offer a wide range of additional support. This support can include sitting with someone in their final days, helping facilitate difficult conversations, or assisting with end-of-life planning, such as advance directives. Raising awareness about death doulas, end-of-life care In addition to Kidman’s announcement, portrayals of death doulas in popular media are also bringing new attention to their role in healthcare. A recent episode of the popular medical drama “The Pitt” featured a nurse acting as a death doula for a terminal patient as she navigated end-of-life care in the emergency department. In a recent interview with Healthgrades , physician and death doula Shoshana Ungerleider , MD, said portrayals like those seen in “The Pitt” can have a real-world impact by helping people better understand end-of-life care and prompting them to think about their own wishes. Ungerleider is also the founder of End Well , a nonprofit focused on improving end-of-life care, and has worked to educate the writers of “The Pitt,” helping guide the show’s depiction of end-of-life moments. That growing awareness, she said, also highlights a deeper issue in how end-of-life care is delivered, and why she founded End Well. “I saw a gap between how we die and how most of us say we want to die,” Ungerleider said. “Over and over, I witnessed patients spending their final days in environments that felt impersonal and overly medicalized. Conversations about what truly mattered were happening too late, or not happening at all.” “I came to understand that dying is not primarily a medical issue. It is a human one,” she added. More research on the impacts of death doulas needed Experts like Ungerleider applaud the increased visibility death doulas have been receiving, hoping it will lead more people to become interested in the field. “I think we need more people who feel called to care for the dying and their loved ones. Death doulas play an important ro...
Eccentric exercise may help build muscle strength with less strain on the body, which may benefit older individuals. DragonImages/Getty Images A lesser-known type of exercise can build strength and improve fitness while remaining accessible to less active individuals. Eccentric exercises like lowering weights or walking downhill can generate more force with less energy while supporting muscle, heart, and even brain health. Whether you’re an advanced athlete or just beginning, eccentric exercise can offer unique benefits to your training regimen. When people think about exercise or weight training , they tend to focus on concentric exercises : those powerful movements that shorten muscles, like curling a dumbbell or powering upward in a squat. Concentric exercise is a well-established way to build muscle and improve fitness, but eccentric exercise , the portion of a movement that lengthens the muscle, may offer additional benefits. Eccentric training, an often-overlooked form of exercise, can help build strength with less perceived effort. Eccentric exercise may help build muscle strength with less strain on the body, according to an article recently published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science . It may also offer specific advantages over concentric exercise for muscle rehabilitation and even brain health. These benefits may be particularly meaningful for certain groups. For older adults and those who are less physically active , eccentric exercise may provide an accessible, low impact form of training that can improve fitness. Study author Kazunori (Ken) Nosaka , PhD, director of Exercise and Sports Science at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, said he aims to help normalize eccentric exercise. “Every eccentric contraction counts. People may be discouraged by thinking they have to do lots of exercise to get fitter and healthier. But people can do a small amount of these exercises and still benefit,” Nosaka told Healthline. What is eccentric exercise? Muscles have three fundamental types of contraction : Concentric — muscle shortening, such as lifting a dumbbell. Eccentric — muscle lengthening, such as lowering a dumbbell. Isometric — a static muscle contraction without a change in length, such as holding a plank. In physiology and exercise science, eccentric contractions were not well understood until the mid-20th century. “The word eccentric literally means something that’s odd or peculiar. This type of contraction was given that term because for a long time, scientists weren’t able to explain it. How muscle produces force while it is being lengthened was a big question mark,” said Lindsey Lepley , PhD, associate professor of athletic training, director of the Comparative Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Laboratory (CORL), and co-director of the Orthopedic Rehabilitation & Biomechanics Laboratory (ORB) at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. Lepley wasn’t involved in the study. In simpler terms, what puzzled scientists was how a muscle could generate force while being stretched. The concept of a concentric contraction feels intuitive because the muscle is visibly doing the work. However, research into muscle biomechanics has shown that muscles can also produce substantial force during eccentric movements. Even more unintuitive, muscles may be capable of generating significantly more force — more than 20%, according to Nosaka — than during concentric or isometric contractions , while requiring less metabolic energy. Benefits and risks of eccentric exercise The biomechanics of eccentric exercise mean it offers unique benefits, but also some drawbacks, compared with more common concentric exercise. For athletes and weightlifters, eccentrics allow for greater mechanical loading: you can literally handle heavier weight during an eccentric than during a concentric, which can aid both strength development and muscle growth . At the same time, eccentric movements tend to be less fatiguing, allowing people to achieve greater training volume through additional repetitions. Research suggests that eccentric exercise may also benefit the brain through neural adaptations related to motor control and coordination. Even for people who are not athletes, eccentric exercise can be a low-friction way to improve fitness. Eccentric exercise is more than just weightlifting: walking downhill and going down stairs are both forms of eccentric exercise — and they both have demonstrated health benefits. A 2017 study found significant multisystemic benefits in older women with obesity after a 12-week program emphasizing eccentric contractions during downhill walking and stair descent. At the end of the program, participants showed improvements in heart rate, systolic blood pressure , oral glucose tolerance , and lipids . “You don’t have to be super fit to walk down a flight of steps. This is helpful to get people who are potentially less fit to be able to see that they can be doing eccentric-b...
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Research shows that your dreams may affect your morning mood. Image Credit: Studio Firma/Stocksy A recent study has found that your dreams can affect your mood in the morning. The study showed that those who experienced fear in their dreams were more likely to have a low mood upon waking. The researchers suggest that dreams may help you process emotions. Sleep is an important part of overall health, but the impacts of your dreams are less well understood. A study recently published in Sleep suggests that the type of dreams you have may influence your morning mood. While the study does not suggest that bad dreams can cause your mood in the morning to be lower, it does show that fear or joy in dreams may play a role in your psychological function. The researchers emphasize the need for further research. “Dreams are such a popular topic in therapy. I find that clients often ask about dream interpretation and trying to understand their meaning, or link their significance to daily life,” said Nicole Andreoli , PhD, licensed psychologist and author of “ Mindfulness & the ADHD Parent .” Andreoli wasn’t involved in the study. “This is especially true for the more emotionally charged dreams because they do tend to influence morning mood. Many of my clients talk about subsequently waking up experiencing anxiety or depressed mood due to the content of their dreams,” she told Healthline. Fear-based dreams linked to low morning mood The study used data from the Boston College Daily Sleep and Well-Being survey . The researchers analyzed 1,518 participants ages 18 or older. Participants were sent a survey that included a brief sleep diary and a morning mood report. Over the year-and-a-half study, participants completed a maximum of 55 surveys. The surveys included factors like: bed time time they tried to sleep sleep latency (how long it took to fall asleep) how much time they spent awake after falling asleep and getting up in the morning time of last awakening how long they had been out of bed in the morning The participants were also asked about their dreams and how well they could recall them. They were also given a survey to record how they were feeling and their overall mood in the morning. The researchers found that those who experienced fear in their dreams were 7% more likely to have a lower mood in the morning. Those who experienced a combination of joy and fear in their dreams were around 20% more likely to wake up in a placid mood. Meanwhile, individuals who experienced a high level of joy in their dreams were 9% more likely to wake up in a positive mood. “It has been proposed that REM sleep, in which dreaming occurs, is almost a virtual therapy or sandbox environment,” said Alex Dimitriu , MD, double board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Dimitriu wasn’t involved in the study. “In the dream state, and absent any norepinephrine (adrenaline), the brain replays emotional experiences to plans for future ones. Dream sleep is like an emotional playground for the mind. Building on this, people who have more active dream lives may enjoy the benefit of better emotional regulation. Their sleeping brains have had more time in the sandbox. Fear, primal as it is, may be the emotion that requires the most processing in our dreams,” Dimitriu told Healthline. The researchers also found that people who had higher adaptive emotional regulation were over 3% more likely to be negatively affected by fearful dreams the next day. However, people with higher-than-average dream fear were also more likely to have higher adaptive emotional regulation. “Those who more actively suppress or avoid emotion may experience less emotionally intense or vivid dreams, and therefore, remember them less,” said Andreoli. “[However], those who use healthier strategies to cope with fear, such as acceptance, are less avoidant of negative emotional experiences. They are more open to engaging with negative emotions, such as fear, making it more likely to show up in dreams,” she explained. These findings show a nuanced relationship between dreams and waking psychological function. While fear in dreams is linked to lower mood the next day, the interplay between adaptive emotional regulation and mixed dream emotions suggests that your dream emotions may play a dynamic and functional role in psychological regulation. How to start your day with a positive mindset It may be harder to start your day if you wake up in a low mood. However, there are some ways you can shift your mindset toward the positive. “A clean break from sleep to wake helps. Get out of bed, get outdoors in the sunshine, and get moving. Music also moves our emotions deeply — for that drive to the office after a rough night,” Dimitriu said. Andreoli suggested avoiding analyzing your dreams. “Instead, orient to the present moment by naming what’s happening, ‘that dream is still with me’; or narrating what yo...
Daniel Phan was in heart failure and days from undergoing lifesaving surgery when he and his girlfriend, Julia, decided to get married — in the ICU. Daniel and Julia Phan on their wedding day in the ICU. Daniel Phan Daniel and Julia Phan met when they were kids after Daniel’s parents hired Julia’s mom to work at their nail salon. “We were the same age. I went to her house when I was, like, eight years old, not knowing she was going to be my future wife,” Daniel told Healthline. While the two drifted apart for several years, they reconnected on Facebook after college in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2023, when they were both in their early 30s, that they began dating. “I reached out because I saw [on Facebook] that she was at a concert and I love concerts, so I asked her if she wanted to go to a concert with me,” said Daniel. “And that’s how it started.” About a year into dating, the couple discussed marriage; however, their path to tying the knot took a turn when Daniel became ill. Living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy When Daniel was 11 years old, he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart disease in which the heart muscle becomes too thick, making it harder to pump blood. Daniel’s older sister also has the condition, and their mom carried the genetic mutation that causes HCM. Shortly after his diagnosis, he got a pacemaker. “I was excluded from many activities like sports,” he said. “It was a very sad, traumatic time.” Playing guitar and drums became his outlet, and he went through high school without any major health incidents. However, in his early 20s, he had a few occurrences where he over-exerted himself exercising, causing him to pass out and end up in the emergency room. Then in 2024, he began having arrhythmias without exerting himself. On January 15, 2025, he was sitting on his couch watching TV and experienced an intense arrhythmia. “It was the worst one. I was super dizzy, threw up everywhere, my heart wouldn’t calm down…so I called 911, and they showed up, and I ended up in the ER for a week in Gainesville Northeast Georgia,” said Daniel. Because Daniel was in heart failure, he was transferred to Piedmont Heart in Atlanta, where he originally hoped to receive a heart transplant. Turning to LVAD when a heart transplant isn’t an option Circumstances didn’t allow Daniel to receive a heart transplant, and he ended up getting a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). LVADs are recommended when patients have heart failure that has become refractory to medical therapy, said Sagar Damle, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at Piedmont Heart. “In this situation, the heart is too weak to adequately pump blood to the entire body, and patients have worsening heart failure. They usually have significant symptoms, such as shortness of breath with activity, fatigue, and tiredness,” he told Healthline. “When medications are no longer effective, LVADs, and sometimes transplant, are the next steps.” The LVAD works like a water pump, taking blood from the left ventricle and sending it to the body through the aorta. “In a nutshell, it effectively functions as the patient’s own left ventricle,” said Damle. “Since most patients who have heart failure have predominantly left ventricular failure, LVADs work very well in that scenario.” A heartfelt moment after heart failure Before undergoing the LVAD surgery, Daniel felt compelled to ask Julia to marry him. “While I was in the hospital, I said, ‘Do you want to marry me?’ She was there every day. It was a huge commitment for her, and we already knew we wanted to be married,” he said. Julia said, “Yes.” “He handed me his mother’s ring, and it fits perfectly,” she told Healthline. The next day, on January 29, 2025, the couple married in the ICU, with their uncle officiating and some of their closest family members and friends in attendance. “We had like 12 or 13 people surrounding Daniel’s bed and around the machines too,” said Julia. “We always joke about how our wedding costs the most, surrounded by expensive machines.” The next day, Julia hustled to the courthouse to get their marriage license and make it official. This meant Daniel could get coverage for the LVAD surgery under Julia’s insurance. “Time was ticking. Daniel was on life support, and the doctors were telling us, ‘the longer you are on life support, the worse you’re going to get,’ and we had to come to a decision,” she said. A few days later, on February 5, 2025, Daniel underwent surgery to receive the Abbott HeartMate 3 LVAD . Married and thriving with an LVAD Recovery was tough for Daniel at first. Being on life support required an extra surgery to repair a damaged vein. “I was super fatigued, still recovering, I could barely walk to my driveway without being out of breath,” he said. Several months of physical therapy got him back to feeling about 80-85% better. “Going up the stairs before the LVAD, I’d need to stop and take a breath,” said Daniel. “Now I can go upstairs, and I’m a...
A new GLP-1 drug shows promise for improving metabolic health and treating obesity-related diseases like liver disease. camacho9999/Getty Images A new weight loss drug called survodutide has shown promising results in a phase 3 clinical trial. The drug, which stimulates GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, led to a 16.6% drop in body weight. Survodutide also reduced waist circumference, an indicator of metabolic health. Experts hope the drug will be useful for both obesity and liver disease; however, it is not yet approved for use . Boehringer Ingelheim, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, has announced promising results from its Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1 clinical trial testing survodutide. Survodutide is a novel dual-action drug designed to treat obesity and related metabolic conditions. The trial, conducted across multiple international sites and involving 725 adults living with obesity or overweight but without type 2 diabetes, concluded in April 2026 after 76 weeks of treatment. Survodutide, which activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors, demonstrated significant and sustained weight loss. Participants lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight, a significant improvement compared to just 3.2% in the placebo group. Treatment with survodutide also showed meaningful metabolic improvements, including reductions in waist circumference, a key predictor of cardiometabolic risk . These findings demonstrate the drug’s potential to improve overall metabolic health and address obesity-related diseases such as liver dysfunction and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) . Is survodutide safe and effective for weight loss? Survodutide (BI 456906) is similar to the active ingredient tirzepatide ( Mounjaro , Zepbound ) in that it combines two mechanisms of action. However, it acts on a different combination of hormone receptors. While GLP-1 receptor agonists can aid weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing fullness and satiety, survodutide goes a step further by activating glucagon receptors, which are believed to help regulate metabolic functions in the liver. This is significant because it may allow an additional reduction in liver fat, potentially helping to reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, two causes of obesity-related complications. The SYNCHRONIZE-1 trial evaluated survodutide’s safety and efficacy in adults with overweight or obesity , excluding those with type 2 diabetes. Participants received weekly injections of survodutide at doses of 3.6 milligrams or 6.0 milligrams, or a placebo, over nearly a year and a half. The primary goals of the study were to assess the percentage change in body weight and the proportion of participants achieving at least a 5% reduction in body weight from baseline after 76 weeks of treatment. According to the researchers, up to 85.1% of those treated with survodutide achieved at least a 5% reduction in their weight, contrasting with only 38.8% in the placebo group who reached this goal. On average, people lost 16.6% of their weight, which was equivalent to about 39.2 pounds. The researchers further noted that this was mainly composed of fat rather than lean muscle tissue. Another positive indicator was a significant decrease in waist circumference among the participants. Waist circumference is associated with visceral abdominal fat , which is linked to metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular risk . The researchers further reported that common GLP-1 gastrointestinal side effects , such as nausea and vomiting , were mostly mild to moderate and temporary. These events occurred mainly during the early phase of treatment when the dose was being titrated up. No new safety concerns emerged during the trial. Full data from the study will be presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Scientific Sessions in June 2026. How does survodutide compare to other GLP-1s? Hector Perez , MD, lead bariatric surgeon at Renew Bariatrics and an advisor at Bariatric Reports, told Healthline that when it comes to weight loss, it’s too early to call survodutide a “game-changer.” “[W]hile the reported weight loss number is impressive, we already have very strong performers in this category,” he said. Perez, who was not involved in the SYNCHRONIZE-1 trial, cautioned that the full data should be made available before any claims are made about its side effects. “In real life, the best drug is often the one patients can actually stay on,” he said. However, survodutide acts on multiple metabolic pathways, so it could be useful beyond its appetite-suppressing effects, Perez noted. “I’m personally most interested [in] liver disease because a lot of my patients don’t just have obesity, they have fatty liver , elevated liver enzymes, insulin resistance , and visceral fat,” he said. Survodutide may treat liver disease by addressing the underlying metabolic problems that cause fatty liver, such as excess body fat , ...
Three passengers have died and several others have fallen ill aboard a cruise ship in a deadly hantavirus outbreak. AFP via Getty Images A cluster of three deaths among passengers aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has been linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is rare, but it appears to have spread among passengers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A suspected total of 7 cases has been identified, and investigators are working to manage the outbreak. As the ship prepares to dock in the Canary Islands in Spain, the WHO maintains that the risk to the general public is low. Three people have died and several others have fallen ill aboard a Dutch cruise ship in a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Hantavirus , which typically spreads after exposure to rodent urine, feces, or saliva, may have spread between passengers on a cruise ship, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a briefing on May 6. The specific hantavirus associated with human-to-human transmission, known as Andes Virus , is present in Argentina, where the MV Hondius, a cruise liner operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, began its voyage. The MV Hondius, currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, is expected to dock in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the coming days, sowing fear around the risk of further transmission among locals. Roughly 150 people, including passengers and crew, from more than 20 nations, still remain aboard the ship. The WHO reports that seven cases of hantavirus have been identified — two confirmed “laboratory cases” and five suspected cases. At this time, two of the three deaths have been linked to hantavirus. A married Dutch couple and a German national who were passengers on the ship have died. A British national aboard the ship was evacuated and is being treated in South Africa. That passenger was the first to be diagnosed with hantavirus infection. According to Oceanwide Expeditions, evacuations of sick passengers requiring medical assistance began on May 5. “[We are] working closely with local and international authorities,” said Oceanwide Expeditions in a statement on May 4 . “Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. All passengers have been informed and are being supported. Oceanwide Expeditions is in close contact with those directly involved and their families, and is providing support where possible.” Human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is exceptionally rare. The WHO, which is managing the outbreak, maintains that the risk to the general public is low. “It’s possible someone got the infection in Argentina, got on the boat, and it spread from person to person. It’s also possible that passengers on the boat got it from the rodents that were already present on the ship,” said Steven Bradfute , PhD, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center who specializes in hantavirus research. Bradfute described the situation aboard the cruise ship as unusual. “Usually you have isolated cases, so to hear about a cruise ship with multiple people being infected was definitely not something on our radar,” he told Healthline. Timeline of the hantavirus outbreak at sea The incubation period for hantavirus ranges from 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. This may have complicated investigations aboard the ship and public health risk assessments. The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, left Ushuaia, southern Argentina, in March, roughly three weeks ago, on a long expedition cruise. Its route included several stops in the Atlantic Ocean, including Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and Cape Verde. A 70-year-old Dutch man died on April 11 after reportedly developing fever, headache, and abdominal pain . On April 24, his body was removed in Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic. His wife, a 69-year-old Dutch woman, also disembarked, accompanying his body for repatriation. After disembarking, the woman began showing signs of illness during her journey home. She later died in South Africa at O. R. Tambo International Airport while attempting to return to the Netherlands. On April 27, the same day that the Dutch woman died, a British national aboard the MV Hondius became seriously ill after the ship left St. Helena. The passenger was subsequently transferred to South Africa and treated in Johannesburg. The patient is in critical but stable condition. This case was the first laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infection linked to the incident. Onboard the ship, the situation continued to escalate. A German national died on May 2; details are sparse and the cause of death has not yet been established by Oceanwide Expeditions or the World Health Organization (WHO). Two crew members, one British and one Dutch, have also reported symptoms consistent with possible hantavirus illness. One was described as mild, and the other as...
Ozempic is now available as a reformulated oral tablet for people with type 2 diabetes. Image courtesy of Novo Nordisk The GLP-1 medication Ozempic is now available in pill form for people with type 2 diabetes. The oral tablet is a reformulated version of the current Rybelsus pill but comes in smaller doses. Experts say the pill may be a better alternative for people who don’t want to administer weekly injections of Ozempic. A pill form of the widely prescribed GLP-1 medication Ozempic is now available in the United States. Officials at Novo Nordisk have announced that an oral tablet version of the GLP-1 drug became available on May 4 for adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes . The Ozempic pill is replacing Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus daily oral medication, which was approved in 2019 for type 2 diabetes by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 3 milligram (mg), 7 mg, and 14 mg doses. The Ozempic daily pill is a reformulation of Rybelsus and comes in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg doses. Novo Nordisk officials say the new formulation delivers the same efficacy and safety profile as the originally approved formulation, but at a lower dose. Ozempic will also remain available as a weekly injection for diabetes treatment. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss. This is the third GLP-1 medication to be approved in pill form this year. In January, FDA regulators gave the OK for another Novo Nordisk product, Wegovy, to be sold as an oral tablet. Wegovy is approved for use for weight management. In April, the FDA also approved the Eli Lilly medication Foundayo in pill form, but the agency ordered the company to study the heart, liver, and other potential risks associated with this new pill. Foundayo has been approved for use in weight management . Novo Nordisk officials say they expect a decision from federal regulators on a 25-mg Ozempic tablet dose by the end of 2026. They add that the new pill provides more options for patients. “With an updated formulation and new branding, oral semaglutide, now under the Ozempic name, helps patients and healthcare professionals more easily recognize the available FDA-approved treatment options for type 2 diabetes that contain the semaglutide molecule,” said Michael Radin , MD, the executive medical director for Novo Nordisk. “By offering Ozempic in both a pill and injection form, patients can work with their healthcare professional to pick the option that best fits their lives and daily routines,” Radin told Healthline. Pouya Shafipour , MD, a family and obesity medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, said a pill form of Ozempic will likely be more appealing to many people than an injection. “A lot of people are needle-averse,” Shafipour told Healthine. “Over the long term, a lot of people get tired of poking themselves.” Mir Ali , MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, said the significance of the new Ozempic-branded pill is that it “carries greater name recognition.” Who’s eligible for the new Ozempic pill? A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and a prescription are needed for a person to obtain the new Ozempic pill. Novo Nordisk officials say the oral tablet will be available in more than 70,000 pharmacies in the United States. They add that the Ozempic pill will be covered by insurance for most patients with type 2 diabetes, at as little as $25 for a 3-month prescription. People who don’t want to use insurance can purchase the tablets through the NovoCare Pharmacy or certain telehealth providers for $149 for the starting dose of 1.5 mg, $199 per month for the 4 mg pills, and $299 per month for the 9 mg pills. Company officials say the Ozempic pill is effective in improving blood sugar levels when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and daily exercise. They add that the pill has also proven effective in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in those who are also at high risk for these events. Radin said it’s important for people to know that the Ozempic pill is not the same as the injection. “Oral and injectable Ozempic are not interchangeable. Before a patient considers any transition between formulations, they should consult a healthcare professional,” he said. Ozempic, whether in a pill or an injection, can produce side effects in some people. Some of the common side effects are: abdominal pain constipation diarrhea nausea Shafipour said more GLP-1 medications may be offered in pill form in the near future, as scientists appear to be solving the “absorption issue.” Shafipour explained that injections go directly into the bloodstream, so they are absorbed quickly by the body. He said that pills take longer to be absorbed, so a higher dose has been necessary to achieve the same effectiveness. He said higher doses can lead to more side effects and le...
A new viral theory circulating on social media platforms claims ‘office air’ can negatively affect the health and appearance of your skin and hair. Mihajlo Ckovric/Stocksy “ Office Air Theory” is trending on social media, with claims that office environments can negatively impact skin and hair throughout the day. Experts say there is some truth to the trend, as low humidity and dry indoor air can dehydrate skin. Stress, screen time, hormones, and hygiene habits can also play a role. Staying hydrated, moisturizing, and avoiding touching your face throughout the day can also help. A new theory about skin and hair health has been gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok. Known as the “office air theory,” proponents claim that indoor environments, such as offices, can negatively affect the appearance and health of skin and hair. In one now-viral TikTok video, creator Noa Donlan attempted to document the effects of “office air,” showing how , at 9 am, her hair appears “clean, skin clear,” and “face not puffy.” However, by 1 pm the same day, her hair is “oily, eye bags dark,” and her face looks “puffy.” In other videos she has shared, Donlan suggests that air quality and other factors in an office environment can contribute to a variety of dermatological issues, including dry or greasy skin and frizzy hair. The comment sections of these videos are full of people sharing similar experiences, which may seem to lend credibility to the claims. But can “office air” really affect the health of your skin and hair, or is it just another overhyped social media trend? How office environments can affect skin and hair Brendan Camp , MD, a double board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said the “office air theory” straddles the line between fact and fiction. He explained that when people say “office air” is affecting their skin or hair, they’re usually referring to factors like air conditioning, heating, and ventilation, all of which can contribute to low humidity in a workspace. “A lot of offices do have low humidity levels,” he told Healthline. “The low humidity in offices can pull water from the skin, leading to dehydration.” A little dehydration may not seem like a big issue, but Camp noted that even a small change can make skin look dull and feel dry, which explains why your face may not appear as perky as it did in the early morning. “When the skin is dehydrated , it can sometimes overcompensate by producing more oil,” he said, pointing out that dehydration can also alter your skin barrier. “When you have an altered skin barrier, your skin can be more prone to inflammation, which may present as eczema or even acne.” Other factors can contribute to changing appearance throughout the day Camp said the biggest misconception about the viral “theory” is that “office air” is the primary cause of changes in skin and hair appearance throughout the day. In reality, he said it may be due to other factors. “Beyond air quality, stress is a big one and impacts a lot more than people think,” he said. “Stress causes inflammation, which can impact the skin. On top of that, it can also cause hormonal imbalances , which can further affect your skin.” He noted that screen time can also be a factor. “After a long day of staring at the screen, the eyes may feel strained and can appear more tired looking,” Camp said. Camp also pointed out that shared office environments can harbor a surprising amount of bacteria. Frequently touched surfaces like keyboards, desks, phones, and door handles can transfer germs to your hands and, ultimately, your face. Touching your face throughout the day can introduce germs to your skin, potentially causing irritation, breakouts , or, in some cases, infections. How to protect your skin while at work “Some easy ways to help protect the skin daily are to use a moisturizer to support the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated,” Camp said. Other helpful habits include using a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove buildup, avoiding touching your face, and keeping items like your phone and keyboard clean. You may also benefit from using a hydrating facial mist during the day, and choosing lightweight, noncomedogenic skin care and makeup products that won’t clog pores. “Don’t forget your daily SPF either,” Camp added. Camp also suggests incorporating a humidifier into your workspace, if possible. “Other things that may help include blue light glasses to reduce eyestrain ,” he said. “It’s also important to manage stress levels , prioritize good sleep, and stay hydrated by drinking water , since dehydration can contribute to dry skin , too.” “Office air theory” is overhyped online Ultimately, while the “office air theory” may be overblown on social media, the underlying factors behind it are real. However, small, consistent habits can make a noticeable difference in maintaining how your skin and hair look and feel throughout the workday.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 06: Dolly Parton speaks onstage during Kicking Off CMA Fest: A Special Conversation With Dolly Parton Hosted By Rachel Smith at Music City Center on June 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage) Dolly Parton shared a new health update with fans in an Instagram video. Though she didn’t specify exactly what health issues she’s facing, Parton noted previous challenges with her kidney health as well as weakened immune and digestive systems. The country music legend also revealed that medication side effects forced her to cancel her upcoming Las Vegas shows. Dolly Parton shared “some good news, and a little bad news,” about her health in an Instagram reel posted across her various social media accounts on May 4. “The good news is, I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day,” the country music icon said. Parton, 80, didn’t specify exactly what she’s being treated for, but she noted that she’s “always had problems with my kidney stones ,” joking that “they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee.” She further elaborated that her immune and digestive systems “got all out of whack over the past three years,” and that her care team is “working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those.” She also apologized to fans for needing to cancel her previously postponed Las Vegas shows “because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed … and of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels.” The new update comes only eight months after Parton originally announced on Instagram that she needed to postpone her Las Vegas concerts due to “health challenges” she was facing that would require “a few procedures.” However, despite the “serious business” of her current health, Parton assured fans that she is “doing really well” and has “great doctors” who told her “everything I have is treatable.” Though Parton said “it’s going to take me a little while before I’m up to stage-performance level,” she hopes to be “up to snuff again soon” and intends to continue working during her recovery. “The truth is, I am still working. I still do videos. I still record. I run up and down to Dollywood now and then,” Parton said. She also noted that she’s “working hard on getting my museum and my hotel open in Nashville later this year,” as well as “spending a lot of time writing and reworking” her upcoming Broadway musical, Dolly: A True Original Musical , which is set to open in “fall or early winter” of 2026. Thank you for standing by me and showing me so much love and support over the past year. I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way! See you soon. 💖 🦋 pic.twitter.com/HXpJqTUJXZ — Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) May 4, 2026 Parton thanks fans for support after husband’s death Parton also thanked fans for the outpouring of love and support she received following the death of her husband, Carl Dean. Dean, who married Parton in 1966 and largely stayed out of the public spotlight throughout their decades-long marriage, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. “A lot of you’ve been concerned about me and Carl, and you were so great about that,” she said in the video. “I will always love him, and I will always miss him, but you would be surprised at how much your love and concern meant to me during that time.” “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you,” she continued. “You have been a big part of my healing.” Despite the challenges she’s faced, Parton told fans she remains optimistic about the future and grateful for the support she continues to receive, noting in the video’s caption, “I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way!” This is a developing story. Check back soon for more updates.
European scientists are advocating for more education on the health harms of ultra-processed foods. Trinette Reed/Stocksy European scientists say ultra-processed foods increase the risks of a variety of health ailments, particularly heart disease. They recommend that medical professionals discuss the health dangers of ultra-processed foods with their patients. Experts agree that doctors should advise their patients on how to identify ultra-processed foods and reduce them in their daily diets. European scientists say that medical professionals aren’t doing enough to warn the public about the health dangers of ultra-processed foods . The scientists are urging doctors to talk with their patients about the amount of ultra-processed foods they eat and how to reduce them in their daily diets. They said those discussions should include an explanation that many foods marketed as “healthier” are often ultra-processed. The scientists said this guidance is particularly important for people at risk for heart disease. They further noted that most dietary guidelines prioritize nutrient-centered recommendations but don’t address food processing. The scientists recommended that medical professionals promote better public understanding of food labeling , food regulation, and updated guidelines. They reached their conclusions by reviewing all published research on ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular health. The findings were published in a clinical consensus statement in the European Heart Journal on May 6. The scientists are from the European Society of Cardiology’s Council for Cardiology Practice and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology , along with a group of topic experts. “[Ultra-processed foods], made from industrial ingredients and additives, have largely replaced traditional diets,” Luigina Guasti , MD, an associate professor at the University of Insubria in Italy and a co-author of the statement, said in a press release . “Research suggests these foods are linked to several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity , diabetes, and high blood pressure, and to the risk of developing and dying from heart disease . However, this evidence has not yet made its way into the advice we give to patients on healthy eating,” Guasti continued. Health dangers of ultra-processed foods Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been altered from their original form and contain additives such as sugar and salt, as well as substances that aren’t typically used in culinary preparations. Those additional substances add flavor and texture to foods but can also increase the risk of several diseases. A 2023 research review and analysis reported that there are associations between ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of several diseases. These include: hypertension diabetes obesity dyslipidemia A 2025 study concluded that ultra-processed foods are tied to more than 120,000 preventable deaths in the United States every year. Recent research has also linked ultra-processed foods to worse muscle health, weakened bones, and fertility issues in females. Further, research has linked ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of cancer mortality as well as a higher risk of cognitive decline . The European scientists reported that adults with a high consumption of ultra-processed foods have a 19% higher risk of coronary artery disease , a 13% higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) , and as much as a 65% higher risk of cardiovascular-related death compared with adults with a lower consumption of ultra-processed foods. They added that ultra-processed foods also worsen key risk factors for conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes , high blood pressure, and the buildup of unhealthy fats in the bloodstream. They reported that the risk from ultra-processed foods seems to be consistent across large, diverse populations. Cheng-Han Chen , MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, wasn’t involved in the study, but agreed with the scientists’ recommendations. “This review of the current evidence regarding the health effects of ultra-processed foods makes it clear that consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” Chen told Healthline. “We need to better educate the public on the risks of these foods and on the need to prioritize eating whole foods.” Jennifer Wong , MD, a cardiologist and medical director of Non-Invasive Cardiology at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, echoed this sentiment. Wong wasn’t involved in the study. “This [paper] highlights an important and increasingly relevant issue — the impact of ultra-processed foods on cardiovascular health,” she told Healthline. “Bringing attention to this topic is critical given how prevalent these foods are in modern diets.” ...
The FDA has blocked the publication of COVID-19 and shingles vaccine safety studies. What does this mean for public health? Image credit: Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has blocked the publication of COVID-19 and shingles vaccine safety studies, citing concerns over their conclusions. Experts question the decision to withdraw the studies, since both vaccines have substantial evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. Some experts say the decision may be influenced by HHS Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine agenda. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pulled back the publication of several studies on the safety and efficacy of broadly used COVID-19 and shingles vaccines. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the FDA, confirmed the decision, which was first reported by The New York Times . The studies, which involved millions of patient records and taxpayer dollars, were conducted by FDA scientists and data contractors before they were blocked from publication. Two studies on COVID-19 vaccines that were accepted by medical journals were withdrawn in October 2025 before they were published. The FDA also failed to sign off on two safety studies on the shingles vaccine, Shingrex, which required the federal agency’s approval prior to their submission to a drug safety conference. The Department of Health and Human Services couldn’t be reached for comment, but an HHS spokesperson told The New York Times that the studies were blocked due to concerns about their conclusions. “Scientists and physicians aren’t buying that explanation,” said Robert Glatter , MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell. “The public health implications of blocking such studies are serious … secrecy can backfire. People who are already distrustful may see suppression where officials see caution,” Glatter told Healthline. A robust body of evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of both COVID-19 and shingles vaccines, which has experts concerned about the FDA’s decision to pull the recent studies. Monica Gandhi , MD, MPH, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, echoed Glatter’s remarks. “The COVID-19 vaccine safety studies had been peer reviewed and would have been extremely important to be published for reassurance of the public of the safety of these vaccines,” she said. William Schaffner , MD, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases in the Department of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, agreed. “Both vaccines are in widespread use, not only here in the United States, but around the world. Having these data available so that professional people can look at them and make their own assessments when they see the data is very important.” We spoke with infectious disease experts unaffiliated with the studies to find out why scientific research might be barred from publication, and why it’s potentially problematic to block it from public view. These interviews have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity and length. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Healthline Media. Why is the FDA’s decision to pull the publication of two studies a concern? Gandhi: I am extremely concerned about the FDA’s decision to pull publications of well-conducted studies documenting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as a study showing the effectiveness of the Shingrix vaccine in preventing shingles. The COVID-19 safety studies reviewed side effects of these vaccines among millions of people with data collected by FDA scientists from Medicare and other insurance databases, and found the vaccine to be safe among those who are 65 and older and those between the ages of 6 and 64 years. The FDA’s decision suggests a political rather than a scientific motivation and aligns with the anti-vaccine views of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Glatter: The broad reaction from my colleagues and myself is skepticism and outrage toward the decision itself, not because every study is beyond criticism, but more to the point that withholding research is viewed as unethical and irresponsible. In science, disagreement is normally handled through peer review, editorial commentary, replication, and publication of rebuttals, not by stopping publication of a research paper altogether. That is especially true for vaccines, where confidence depends on showing the public both the evidence and the process. Federal health agencies themselves routinely argue that transparency is essential to trust, and the FDA has recently emphasized the importance of making trial results public to avoid distorted perceptions of safety and efficacy. W...
New research found that the drug endoxifen reduced mammographic breast density with fewer side effects. praetorianphoto/Getty Images A study has found promising results with the breast cancer prevention drug (Z)-endoxifen. The drug reduced breast density safely and with fewer side effects than tamoxifen . It also had fewer troublesome side effects than this standard preventive treatmen t. Experts say that if further research confirms these findings, the endoxifen could help increase compliance and improve outcomes. Nearly half of all females ages 40 and older have dense breasts , which can impact breast cancer risk . A clinical trial published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on April 27 revealed promising results for a new breast cancer prevention approach targeting breast density. The protocol involves low doses of (Z)-endoxifen, a metabolite of the well-known drug tamoxifen . The study, known as the KARISMA Endoxifen trial, tested the effects of two daily doses of (Z)-endoxifen on mammographic breast density , a known marker of breast cancer risk and treatment response. Researchers examined whether (Z)-endoxifen could reduce breast density safely and with fewer side effects than tamoxifen, potentially offering a new option for breast cancer prevention. Here’s what they found. Studying the effects of endoxifen on breast density The KARISMA Endoxifen trial was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II study that enrolled premenopausal women ages 40 to 55. Researchers recruited 240 healthy participants from Sweden’s national breast cancer screening program between December 2021 and November 2023. To be eligible, participants needed to have regular menstrual cycles or confirm premenopausal status via blood tests, and to have a baseline mammogram showing measurable breast density. Women taking medications that could interfere with endoxifen metabolism were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving daily oral capsules for six months: a placebo, 1 milligram (mg) of (Z)-endoxifen, or 2 mg of (Z)-endoxifen. The study was “double-blinded,” meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving which treatment until the trial was completed, ensuring unbiased results. Mammographic breast density was measured from full-field digital mammograms obtained at the start, 3 months, 6 months, or upon early discontinuation. A specialized automated method, STRATUS, assessed breast density area in square centimeters, and images were aligned to reduce measurement errors. Safety and tolerability were evaluated throughout the study by monitoring vital signs and blood chemistry, and by assessing participant-reported side effects via a digital application and questionnaires. Tolerability was assessed using the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Eight Symptom Scale (BESS Plus), a validated symptom questionnaire, supplemented with questions specific to tamoxifen-related symptoms based on previous research. The trial’s main goal was to determine whether either dose of (Z)-endoxifen was better than placebo at reducing mammographic breast density, a proxy for breast cancer risk reduction. Statistical analysis focused on relative changes in breast density adjusted for baseline values and compared the results between placebo and active treatment groups. Endoxifen reduced breast density with fewer side effects Of the over 126,000 females invited to participate, 240 were enrolled and randomly assigned to the three treatment groups, with 75 females in each group completing baseline and end-of-treatment mammograms for analysis. The groups were balanced in terms of age, body mass index (BMI) , smoking status, and family history of breast cancer. The key finding was that both doses of (Z)-endoxifen significantly reduced mammographic breast density compared to placebo. Females receiving 1 mg of (Z)-endoxifen showed a 19.3% reduction in breast density, while those on 2 mg experienced a 26.5% reduction. In contrast, the placebo group showed virtually no change. These reductions are comparable to those previously seen with the standard 20 mg dose of tamoxifen used for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Blood tests confirmed that (Z)-endoxifen levels in the blood corresponded with the doses given, with average plasma concentrations of 4.75 ng/mL in the 1 mg group and 9.69 ng/mL in the 2 mg group. However, breast density reduction plateaued at concentrations of 3-4 ng/mL, suggesting that higher doses may not provide additional benefit. Regarding safety, the overall number of adverse events (AEs) reported was similar across all groups; however, more women in the (Z)-endoxifen groups reported side effects related to the study drug. The most frequently reported side effects in the treatment groups included: irregular menstrual cycles night sweats hot flashes Additionally, the 1 mg dose had fewer participants discontinue treatment due to side effects than ...
Barbara Roberts has lived with HIV for 30 years. Now, a new FDA-approved medication is changing how she manages it at the age of 74. Barbara Roberts (pictured above) was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 44. Today, at 74, she continues thriving with the help of a new FDA-approved medication. In 1996, Barbara Roberts thought she had a bad case of the flu that wouldn’t go away. After several days of experiencing a high fever and sweating, she decided to go to the emergency room, where she was sent home with antibiotics. “I just still didn’t feel well,” Roberts told Healthline. “And I remember going back to the emergency room.” She stayed in the hospital for three days while doctors ran tests. On December 21, 1996, Roberts was diagnosed with HIV . She was 44 years old. “It surprised me because it never occurred to me that that’s what was going wrong with me,” she said. “I was in total shock, disarray, scared to death because back then, it was like a death sentence.” In fact, in 1996, the total life expectancy for a 20-year-old person with HIV was 39 years. In 2011, the total life expectancy jumped to about 70 years. Roberts left the hospital with a medication regimen and visited an HIV clinic for guidance. “Everyone was so nice to me there. They were so kind and calmed all my fears; they tried to at least,” said Roberts. Initially, her medications helped ease symptoms, and she felt better. However, a year after her diagnosis, Roberts became extremely tired and experienced shortness of breath and nosebleeds. She also noticed that the skin on her hands and the bottom of her feet darkened. An intense nosebleed led her back to the ER, where doctors discovered she had significantly low blood platelets. For 25 days straight, she received blood and platelet transfusions in the hospital. During this time, doctors determined that one of her medications caused her symptoms, and they adjusted accordingly. “After that, I have never gone back to the hospital or had any problems with my medications, and I’ve had different ones over the years,” said Roberts. Participating in a clinical trial changed how she manages HIV In 2021, Roberts’ primary care physician, Debbie Hagins , MD, medical director of the Coastal CARE Centers in southeast Georgia, asked if she would like to participate in a clinical trial for try Idvynso , a daily two-drug single-tablet treatment for people with HIV who are virally suppressed. “She explained the medication to me and asked if I would like to be in a study,” said Roberts. “I felt it was a privilege for her to ask me to be in this study.” She decided to enroll in the clinical trial because she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take only one medication a day. “The only thing I remember from initially taking the medication was I had really vivid dreams for about two weeks, and it’s been smooth sailing [since],” said Roberts. On April 21, 2026, the FDA approved Idvynso. Roberts continues to participate in the clinical trial as part of an open-label extension, in which additional data are collected to better understand the drug’s long-term safety profile. Idvynso is the only medication she now takes, aside from Vitamin D and folic acid supplements . While she lives with age-related back pain and arthritis , at 74 years old, she said she’s grateful she doesn’t live with any other chronic conditions that require medication. “I hear of people [having to take] many different medications in a day because their HIV had caused them so many other problems like organs breaking down and skin tissue issues, so that was a reason that I decided to get in the study…if this could help me, why shouldn’t I be able to help someone else?” HIV is a manageable chronic disease, but it is associated with additional increased health risks Hagins said that although HIV is a chronic and manageable disease, it is associated with increased risks of bone, cardiovascular, and renal diseases, and accelerated aging. “Prescribing the least amount of medication and at the lowest dose possible to achieve the desired goal is always the objective,” Hagins told Healthline. An HIV provider since 1989, Hagins said she witnessed treatment undergo revolutionary advances. She remembers patients who felt that the treatment was worse than the disease and whose quality of life was reduced. “They gave up their dreams of having a family, of traveling, of pursuing a career, and the like,” she said. “Today, with HIV medications like Idvynso, persons living with HIV no longer embrace those limitations.” However, she said more treatment options are needed, especially because those living with HIV require lifelong treatment, which can cause unwanted side effects that may not appear until several years into treatment. “And though our currently FDA-approved medications have not changed in their efficacy, people change. As we age, our bodies respond and react to illnesses and their treatments differently with each decade of life,” said Hagins. “It i...
The number of people getting bariatric surgery for weight loss has declined, partly due to the rise of GLP-1 medications. KARRASTOCK/Getty Images A new study has found a decline in the number of people getting bariatric surgery for weight loss. The widespread availability of GLP-1 medications and weight management programs is likely contributing to this trend. Experts say that bariatric surgery has been shown to be an effective long-term strategy for weight loss . Bariatric surgery also has quick recovery times due to procedural advancements, such as laparoscopic techniques. Your doctor can help you decide whether weight loss surgery or weight loss drugs are best for you. Until recently, bariatric surgery was considered a first-line treatment for weight loss. Now, a recent study from Loyola University Chicago researchers has uncovered a significant shift in the bariatric surgery landscape. The study’s authors aimed to understand how the types and numbers of bariatric surgeries have changed in response to the growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs and other weight loss treatments . After examining data from 2020 to 2024, the researchers observed a decline in the number of bariatric surgeries performed across the United States. The findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, but were presented during the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Annual Meeting from May 3–7 in San Antonio, TX. The study highlights how patients and doctors are increasingly opting for surgery alternatives, reflecting evolving attitudes and options to treat obesity. Bariatric surgeries decline in recent years Bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass , has long been considered an effective solution for severe obesity. However, as noninvasive therapies advance, it’s important to track how these shifts affect surgical practices and patient choices. To investigate these trends, the researchers analyzed a large national database called the ACS-MBSAQIP, which tracks bariatric surgeries performed in the United States. They focused on surgeries performed from the beginning of 2020 through 2024, including both initial weight loss surgeries and follow-up revision or conversion procedures — procedures performed to modify or adjust earlier operations. The data revealed that the overall number of bariatric surgeries reached its highest level in 2022, then declined in the following years. This drop reflects a growing preference for nonsurgical options among patients and healthcare professionals. Alongside this reduction, the study found that the types of surgeries being performed have also shifted. One key finding is a decrease in the frequency of sleeve gastrectomy , a common procedure in which a portion of the stomach is removed to reduce its size. While still the most popular surgery, its share of total procedures has steadily decreased since 2020. In contrast, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries — which create a small stomach pouch and reroute the intestines — have become more common, particularly as conversion surgeries. Many people who initially had a sleeve gastrectomy later undergo a gastric bypass to further aid weight loss or address complications. Additionally, the study noted an overall increase in other bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and lap-band surgeries . This suggests that surgeons and patients are exploring a wider variety of surgical options tailored to individual needs. By examining these trends, the study sheds light on how the field of weight loss treatment is evolving. It underscores the importance of ongoing research and adaptation in medical practice as new therapies emerge and patient preferences evolve. Bariatric surgery vs. GLP-1s: Which is best for weight loss? John DeBarros , MD, Chief Medical Officer at Pivot Weight Loss Center, said he doesn’t necessarily feel this trend is either positive or negative for those seeking help with weight loss. DeBarros wasn’t involved in research. “The honest answer would be it depends,” he told Healthline. “It depends on the reason why patients are making that choice.” If they have researched their options and discussed their decision with a qualified surgeon before making their decision, and they still feel that a GLP-1 medication is best for them, that’s patient-centered care, according to DeBarros. “What very much concerns me deeply, however, is when patients bypass surgery simply because GLP-1 feels easier or the less intimidating choice,” he said. “I think the decline in bariatric surgery becomes a grave problem when patients with severe obesity, those with a BMI of 35+ with serious comorbidities , without understanding that surgery may be infinitely more effective for them,” said DeBarros. Sergey Terushkin, MD, a bariatric surgeon with ThinEra, added that he thinks the conversation around GLP-1 medications has become too extreme on both sides...
As passengers aboard a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak return to their home countries, experts say the risk of another pandemic remains low. Chris McGrath/Getty Images 18 American passengers have been airlifted home to the U.S. after a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard an Antarctic expedition cruise ship. Investigators believe the rare Andes virus strain may have spread among passengers in the ship’s close quarters. Experts say the outbreak highlights the severity of hantavirus, but stress that the broader risk of a COVID-like pandemic remains low. Health officials say that 18 Americans have returned safely to the United States after traveling on a cruise ship in the Atlantic linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak. The U.S. State Department airlifted the passengers from the Spanish island of Tenerife on May 10. Two of those passengers are being treated in biocontainment units “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the Health and Human Services X account . One passenger tested positive for hantavirus, while the other developed mild symptoms, officials said. Of the repatriated Americans, 16 are being treated at an ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center in Omaha, NE. Two others are being treated at a RESPTC in Atlanta, GA. The Americans are among dozens of passengers monitored as international health officials continue investigating the outbreak aboard the ship. The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius departed from southern Argentina on April 1 with roughly 150 passengers and crew aboard for an expedition cruise through the Atlantic Ocean. Just 11 days into the voyage, a 70-year-old man died after developing fever, headaches, and abdominal pain. After several additional passengers became ill, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified the ship as the site of a hantavirus outbreak . As of May 12, the number of confirmed hantavirus cases linked to the ship rose to 11 , according to the WHO. Three deaths have also been confirmed: a Dutch married couple and a German national. All remaining passengers have disembarked and are being repatriated to their home countries, according to the latest statement from Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship’s operator. The WHO stated that while it expects to see more hantavirus cases, the broader public risk remains low. “We expect more cases given the dynamics of spread on a ship and the virus’ incubation period,” the agency wrote on X on May 12. “At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak.” Still, repatriation efforts of cruise ship passengers have fueled fears of another pandemic — concerns that experts say are overstated. “I think we’re actually in very good shape,” said Lina Moses , PhD, an epidemiologist and disease ecologist at Tulane University’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, who specializes in rodent-borne diseases. “It’s not surprising we’re starting to see more suspected cases. That means that the process is working right. They are monitoring people effectively and identifying people as they become ill,” Moses told Healthline. Could hantavirus cause the next pandemic? Pandemic fears have largely been driven by what is believed to be human-to-human transmission of hantavirus aboard the Hondius, a rare but documented phenomenon. Hantavirus is typically transmitted through exposure to the urine or droppings of infected mice and rats. The virus can survive in dust and debris, and when that dust is inhaled, infection can occur. However, one strain of hantavirus endemic to South America, the Andes virus , has been linked to cases of human-to-human transmission. It is the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person. The leading theory on the outbreak aboard the Hondius is that an individual carrying the Andes virus boarded the ship and subsequently passed it on to other passengers. Experts say that the level of transmission aboard the ship is reasonable given the circumstances and does not indicate anything out of the ordinary. “Previously, we’ve seen person-to-person spread with Andes virus in situations such as close household contacts or at a large social gathering. There’s nothing here that is remarkably different from what we’ve seen in the past,” said Steven Bradfute , PhD, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center who specializes in hantavirus research. Researchers have documented this transmission in Argentina , including “super spreader” events that resulted in numerous infections at once. Cruise ships can be the perfect environment for disease outbreaks, such as norovirus, which have been documented regularly . “The most plausible explanation is that the passengers of the cruise ship likely became infected before boarding the cruise, then human-to-human transmission occurred among close contacts,” said Robert Glatter , MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hos...
Healthgrades has announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Awards. Healthgrades recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Awards . The awards recognize hospitals that excel at delivering top-quality care while ensuring a positive patient experienc e. The 2026 recipients include 373 hospitals from 46 states and represent the top 15% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience. Healthgrades has announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Awards , which recognize “hospitals that excel at delivering top-quality care while ensuring a positive patient experience.” The recipients for this year represent the top 15% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience and include 373 hospitals from 46 states. Texas is home to the most 2026 award-winners, with 31 hospitals recognized, followed by Wisconsin with 28, Pennsylvania with 25, and California and Ohio with 23 each. Of this year’s winners, only 16 hospitals were triple recipients, earning the Outstanding Patient Experience, Patient Safety Excellence, and America’s Best Hospitals distinctions. However, 80 hospitals were dual recipients, earning both the Outstanding Patient Experience Award and the Patient Safety Excellence Award. “Better patient experiences are correlated with better health outcomes, which is why patients should always consider patient experience during the care search,” Alana Biggers , MPH, medical advisor at Healthgrades, said in a press release . “Healthgrades’ Outstanding Patient Experience Award recognizes hospitals that prioritize high-quality, patient-centered care and ensure that patients feel heard, empowered, and confident throughout the care journey.” How the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award recipients were evaluated To determine the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Awards, Healthgrades analyzed Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey data collected from patients and submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The surveys ask patients about multiple aspects of their hospital experience, including: communication with doctors and nurses staff responsiveness discharge information room cleanliness hospital quietness Hospitals were required to submit at least 100 surveys to be considered for the awards. Healthgrades evaluated hospitals across 10 patient experience measures to identify facilities with the highest overall patient experience scores nationwide. According to the organization, doctor communication, nurse communication, and clear communication during discharge were the factors most strongly associated with whether patients would recommend a hospital to friends and family. Healthgrades also noted that the findings highlight the important role communication and patient-centered care can play in how patients perceive their hospital experience. How awards like these can help patients make better decisions about their care While awards like these recognize hospitals for high quality performance, experts say they can also help patients make more informed choices about where they receive care. “These insights give individuals and families the information they need to make confident and better-informed healthcare decisions,” Biggers said in a previous press release announcing its 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Awards . However, Healthgrades also notes that these awards are not recommendations or endorsements for particular hospitals, and patient experience scores should not be used alone to determine a hospital’s quality of care. Patients should consider multiple factors when making healthcare decisions, including their own medical needs, physician recommendations, insurance coverage, and access to specialty care. The full 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Awards recipient list and methodology are available on the Healthgrades website. *Healthgrades and Healthline are part of the RVO Health portfolio of brands.
After years of debate, global experts announced that PCOS will now be called PMOS to better reflect the multisystem effects it has on the body. Image Credit: ruizluquepaz/GettyImages Global experts have officially announced a change in name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The condition will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This name change was made to reflect the multisystem effects the condition has on the body. In a culmination of more than 10 years of global consultation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This hormonal disorder affects an estimated 1 in 8 females worldwide. The name change was announced at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Prague and was published in The Lancet on May 12. “Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS has long been a confusing and misleading diagnosis for women that has not properly described this underdiagnosed medical condition,” said Sherry Ross , MD, board certified OB-GYN and Women’s Health Expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “Using the updated name of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, gives a more accurate and inclusive name to this medical condition, which affects women far beyond the ovaries,” she told Healthline. PCOS name change: PMOS reflects multisystem disease Over the past 14 years, 56 academic, clinical, and patient organizations have been campaigning to change the name of PCOS. The aim was to prioritize a new, accurate name rather than retaining the PCOS acronym or a generic name. The preferred terms to focus on were ovarian, metabolic, and polyendocrine in order to reflect the condition’s multisystem effects. This led to a consensus for the new name, PMOS. “By putting ‘endocrine’ and ‘metabolic’ in the name, PMOS tells clinicians this is a whole-body condition, not just a gynecologic diagnosis,” said Steven Vasilev , MD, gynecologic oncologist specializing in endometriosis and founder of the Lotus Endometriosis Institute in Santa Monica, CA. The accuracy of the name was improved by omitting cysts and emphasizing metabolic, endocrine , and ovarian dysfunction. It was important to omit “ cysts ” because not everyone with PCOS will experience ovarian cysts . “PCOS has long been linked to polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound, which is misleading, since [the] ovaries of affected patients can be completely normal. Having normal ovaries does not mean you do not have PCOS, and here lies the confusion,” Ross said. “Renaming PCOS to PMOS creates a better backdrop to really understanding this multisystem endocrine condition. PMOS better identifies the patient experience of those who are suffering from the complex symptoms associated with this condition,” Ross continued. “PMOS provides more transparency and less confusion for those experiencing symptoms associated with this condition,” she said. Why did PCOS’s name change? The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” has long been recognized as a limiting and inaccurate name. This misrepresentation has led to various consequences, including: diagnosis delays fragmentation in care stigma missed opportunities regarding early intervention for metabolic and cardiovascular risks The new name, PMOS, addresses these issues in a few different ways: reflects the hormonal complexity acknowledges the condition’s strong metabolic and cardiometabolic effects continues to focus on the role of ovaries in the condition without overemphasizing the reproductive aspects The experts who were part of the renaming effort noted that this change may help to reshape how the condition is diagnosed, treated, and researched globally. “The new name should help push research toward the metabolic and hormonal roots of the disease — insulin resistance, androgen excess, and chronic inflammation — rather than focusing on ovarian cysts,” said Vasilev. Ross agreed and added, “Even though this new name for a long-standing condition affecting women may take some time to associate with PCOS, it is worth the time and patience to better diagnose this whole-body medical phenomenon.”
A new study demonstrates that 8,500 daily steps is the sweet spot for weight management. Stewart Cohen/Getty Images Walking 8,500 steps per day can help people maintain weight loss after an initial lifestyle modification program that includes dietary intervention. The authors of a research analysis say that walking is a simple, attainable activity for most people. Experts emphasize that exercise and diet are the foundations of any successful weight loss strategy. Walking 8,500 steps per day is a simple, effective way to help lose weight and keep it off, according to a new research analysis. Participants who followed an exercise regimen of 8,500 steps a day lost an average of 4.4% of their body weight or nearly 9 pounds during an initial 8-month weight loss phase that included a dietary intervention. During a 10-month follow-up period, participants only regained an average of about 2 pounds. “The findings suggest that higher daily step counts may be associated with improved outcomes in obesity treatment , highlighting a simple and feasible behavior that could be considered within lifestyle interventions,” the researchers wrote. They are presenting their findings at the European Congress on Obesity ECO 2026 conference in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 12–15. The research was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health . Experts not involved in the analysis say the findings reaffirm that exercise is a key component of weight management. “This systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that higher daily step counts are associated with improved outcomes in obesity treatment,” said Michael Fredericson , MD, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford University. “These findings support the current recommendations to combine weight loss with exercise for optimal results.” “I believe this is a strong study that highlights the critical role regular exercise plays in both achieving and maintaining a healthy weight ,” added Mir Ali , MD, a bariatric surgeon, bariatric medicine specialist, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California. You don’t need 10,000 daily steps for weight loss For their report, researchers analyzed the results of 14 previous studies that included 3,758 adults. The participants had an average age of 53 years and were from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. In those studies, a total of 1,987 participants were enrolled in lifestyle modification programs. The remaining 1,771 participants were in control groups: either on diet-only regimens or given no weight management plan. The lifestyle modification programs combined dietary guidance with recommendations to walk more and track daily steps. Both groups began the study periods walking an average of about 7,200 steps per day. The researchers reported that people in the control group did not increase their daily walking and did not experience weight loss during the initial 8-month phase. The group with life modification programs increased their walking to an average of almost 8,500 steps per day and achieved an average weight loss of nearly 9 pounds during that period. Researchers, however, cautioned that modifications such as calorie reduction were probably the main factor in this short-term weight loss. They said the more significant result was that participants in the life modification programs maintained their higher activity levels, averaging more than 8,200 steps per day during 10-month follow-up periods. Those participants still had an overall average weight loss of about 7 pounds from the start of the study period to the end of the follow-up phase. “On a general level, the significance of this work to public health lies in assessing the association between lifestyle modification programs and weight-related outcomes, given their potential as an affordable way for obesity management,” the researchers wrote. They added that their findings provide evidence for medical professionals to recommend increased daily walking for people trying to lose weight. “During lifestyle modification programs for obesity, practitioners may encourage patients to increase their average daily steps, as this appears to be associated with better clinical outcome,” the researchers wrote. Role of diet and exercise in weight loss Experts say they agreed with the researchers’ conclusions. “Regular exercise, such as walking, helps maintain metabolic rate and burn calories. However, diet remains the most significant component of a healthy lifestyle,” Ali told Healthline. “If an individual consumes excessive calories or poor-quality food, they will likely experience weight gain despite walking 8,500 or more steps per day.” “I emphasize to my patients that the majority of weight loss results from a proper diet , specifically by reducing carbohydrates and sugars while focusing on proteins and vegetables,” he added. ...
Experts say that “ballmaxxing” may lead to permanent damage to male genitalia. Image Credit: Heathline/Paloma Rincon Studio/GettyImages “Ballmaxxing” is a viral social media phenomenon in which fluids are injected into the testicles to increase their size. Some men are injecting fluids until their testicles become the size of grapefruits. Experts caution that ballmaxxing could cause infection and may result in long-term damage to male genitalia. There is no shortage of “maxxing” trends on social media, from “ looksmaxxing ” to “ fibermaxxing ” to “ sleepmaxxing .” The latest, known as “ballmaxxing,” has men injecting fluids like saline or Surgilube into their testicles to increase their size. Some proponents say that ballmaxxing helped inflate their testicles to the size of grapefruits. But the question on everyone’s mind is, “Why?” Some say that increasing their scrotum size makes them feel more masculine and confident, while others claim they believe women prefer larger testicles. Some have also suggested that ballmaxxing can enhance sexual pleasure and performance. However, saline and Surgilube were not intended for these purposes. Saline is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water used for medical and health reasons. Surgilube is a sterile, water-soluble surgical lubricant used clinically to facilitate the insertion of medical instruments, catheters, and endoscopes. Both fluids are intended for external medical use and instrument lubrication. Why they’ve been repurposed for ballmaxxing is unclear. Whatever the reason, experts warn that ballmaxxing may cause more harm than good. “Physicians have called ballmaxxing one of the most reckless body modification trends to emerge from male online communities, warning that the temporary size increase often leads to permanent damage,” said Robert Glatter , MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell. Healthline spoke with Glatter to learn more about this potentially dangerous trend. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Is ballmaxxing safe? Glatter: The short answer: The scrotum was not built for this. The area is extremely sensitive and contains delicate structures — including the testicles, blood vessels, and nerves — that are simply not designed to accommodate fluid distension. Specific risks include infection , abscess formation, and cellulitis from the introduction of unregulated fluid outside a medical setting. Pressure from fluid accumulation may also impair blood flow, potentially affecting testicular function — in other words, the very organs someone is trying to “enhance” can be permanently damaged in the process. Most ballmaxxing happens at home with kits bought online, with no sterile field and no trained operator, making sepsis a potential and serious outcome. Others may purchase materials from underground sources, which may contain toxic materials that are not only harmful but also unsterile, increasing the risk of severe infection, sepsis, and the need for surgical intervention with potential permanent disfigurement. Can saline injections cause permanent damage? Glatter: Even medical-grade saline, when injected outside a clinical setting by an untrained individual, carries serious risks. Without proper sterile technique, you are essentially introducing bacteria directly into a warm, enclosed anatomical space — ideal conditions for a rapidly spreading infection, death of tissue, requiring surgical debridement and potentially scrotal removal or resection in the setting of impending necrotizing fasciitis , a potentially fatal condition if not recognized and treated immediately with surgical intervention and aggressive IV antibiotics. Surgilube compounds this further: it is not bioabsorbable, meaning the body cannot break it down and eliminate it, unlike saline, which it can eventually reabsorb. The result can be persistent foreign body reactions, disfigurement, and the need for surgical intervention to remove embedded material. Simply put, it is not intended for injection into body tissue. Injecting a viscous lubricant into scrotal tissue introduces a foreign substance that the body has no mechanism to absorb or clear, raising the risk of granuloma formation (localized area of inflammation), chronic inflammation, and necrosis (tissue destruction) on top of all the infection risks saline alone already poses. What are some proven ways to help enlarge testicles? Glatter: [Safer strategies] involve going to see a board certified urologist for evaluation. Testicular atrophy is a real phenomenon that can accompany aging, low testosterone levels, or certain medical conditions. Evaluation often begins with a testicular ultrasound to check for anatomical issues that could contribute to a smaller testicular size. Next, evaluation of testosterone, FSH (follic...
A recent study shows that GLP-1 drugs may help improve survival rates in people with breast cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Image Credit: Tatsiana Volkava/Getty Images A recent study found that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may improve breast cancer survival and recurrence in those with obesity and related health conditions. The findings suggest that GLP-1 medications were associated with a lower risk of mortality in those with type 2 diabetes than insulin or metformin alone. Experts say that while the findings are promising, more research is still needed. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for 30% of all new female cancers each year. Individuals with breast cancer that co-occurs with obesity or type 2 diabetes may experience lower survival rates . As GLP-1 medications become a widespread option for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, a recent study examined their effects on breast cancer outcomes. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open , show that for those with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or both, the use of GLP-1 drugs helped improve breast cancer survival rates and lower the odds of recurrence. “[Breast cancer] patients with obesity or pre-existing type 2 diabetes often face more complex breast cancer journeys, ” said lead study author Kristina L. Tatum , PsyD, MS, an instructor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University. “ Our findings are encouraging because they suggest that GLP-1RA use may be associated with improved survival and lower recurrence among these patients ,” Tatum told Healthline. “While causation cannot be confirmed from this observational study, the findings provide important data for clinicians and patients with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes to consider as we continue to learn more about the possibilities of GLP-1RA therapies in breast cancer survivorship,” she said. Role of obesity in breast cancer With around 1 in 8 U.S. adults having used a GLP-1, like Ozempic , Wegovy , and Mounjaro , at some point, including 40% with diabetes and 25% with heart disease, the broader health implications of this class of drugs are of increasing interest to researchers. While the effects of GLP-1 drugs on breast cancer warrant further investigation, the relationship between obesity and cancer may play a role. In fact, overweight and obesity are known risk factors for breast cancer . Having excess weight also increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence. GLP-1 medications, which are highly effective for weight loss, could therefore help lower these risks, as the new study suggests. Amy Bremner , MD, breast surgical oncologist and medical director of breast surgical oncology at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who wasn’t involved in the study, said the findings were promising. “We know that obesity is well-established as an obesity-associated cancer risk factor. Fat produces estrogen, which promotes certain breast cancer subtypes. By reducing body weight and fat mass, this could potentially reduce recurrence risk,” Bremner told Healthline. Study co-author Bernard F. Fuemmeler , PhD, MPH, professor and Gordon D. Ginder, MD Chair in Cancer Research, said they were encouraged by the findings. “They tell us there is a story here with GLP1 RAs and cancer survivor outcomes that deserves more attention,” he told Healthline. “We plan to continue this work to help build a clearer understanding of these therapies and support providers and cancer survivors as the science continues to evolve,” he said. GLP-1s improve 5- and 10-year breast cancer survival rates The recent study included 841,831 participants with breast cancer and an average age of 69. After taking into account any exclusions, the researchers identified three cohorts: GLP-1 use vs. non-use in people with obesity (BMI of 30 or more) GLP-1 use vs. insulin or metformin in people with type 2 diabetes GLP-1 use vs. sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) in people with type 2 diabetes The 5-year survival probability for those with obesity and breast cancer using a GLP-1 was 97.4%, with the 10-year survival being 96%. This compares to a 5-year survival rate of 93.2% for those not using a GLP-1 and a 10-year survival rate of 88.6%. GLP-1 use was also associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in the 10-year follow-up period. “This paper adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists may have an oncologic impact by improving metabolic health,” said Paunel Vukasinov , MD, a dual board certified internist and obesity medicine specialist at Medical Offices of Manhattan. Vukasinov wasn’t involved in the study. “We should use appropriate caution when interpreting these results. This is an observational, retrospective study, not a prospective randomized trial,” Bremner said. “Problems with this type of study include selection bias and confounding variable...
A large study found no link between SSRI use before or during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Ekaterina Goncharova/Getty Images A comprehensive review found no causal link between antidepressant use before or during pregnancy and ADHD or autism . Any association of neurodevelopmental disorders appears to be linked to genetic or environmental factors. While antidepressants do have potential risks, it’s important to weigh them against the benefits. Untreated depression is associated with serious risks to both the pregnant person and their baby. Antidepressants have recently come under scrutiny by top U.S. health officials despite their well-established safety and efficacy profiles. A large international study investigated whether antidepressant use before or during pregnancy is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and several global institutions aimed to clarify concerns about whether prenatal exposure to antidepressants raises the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. The comprehensive review, published online in The Lancet Psychiatry on May 14, found no such association. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), around 10% of pregnant people experience depression. Untreated mental illness can lead to risks for both the pregnant person and their baby. Antidepressants, therefore, are commonly prescribed during and after pregnancy. Despite this, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discourages the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. These new findings could help dispel misinformation around antidepressant use during pregnancy. Massive study examines SSRI use during pregnancy The researchers reviewed dozens of previous studies to better understand whether antidepressant use before or during pregnancy was linked to neurodevelopmental conditions in children. They examined outcomes including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities , motor disorders, and speech or language delays. To do this, they searched several major medical research databases and screened nearly 2,000 studies before selecting 37 high quality studies to include in their final analysis. Altogether, the research covered more than 648,000 pregnancies involving antidepressant exposure and nearly 25 million pregnancies without exposure. The researchers combined the findings from these studies and adjusted for factors that could affect the results, such as maternal mental illness, family genetics, and differences in how antidepressant exposure was measured. They also looked at different types of antidepressants , when they were used during pregnancy, dosage levels, and even paternal antidepressant use to help determine whether other underlying factors could explain the findings. To improve transparency and research quality, the study plan was registered in advance through PROSPERO, an international database for systematic reviews. No link between SSRIs and autism, ADHD The analysis found that when mothers used antidepressants during pregnancy, there was a small increase in the chance of their children developing certain neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism. This increased risk was seen whether the antidepressants were used before or during pregnancy. However, the researchers also found that when they carefully considered other factors — like the pregnant person’s mental health history or comparisons between siblings — the link between antidepressant use and these disorders became much weaker or disappeared entirely. The researchers suggest that the underlying mental health of the parents and other family factors might explain most of the risk, rather than the antidepressant use itself. Further bolstering the idea of the role of genetic or environmental factors, the team also found that the fathers’ antidepressant use during their partner’s pregnancy was linked to a greater chance of ADHD or ASD in children. The study, however, did not find increased risks for other developmental issues , such as intellectual disabilities or speech and language problems. Also, taking higher doses of antidepressants did not appear to increase the risk. Among the different types of antidepressants, only two older medications, amitriptyline and nortriptyline , were consistently linked with higher risks. However, these drugs are less commonly prescribed and often reserved for severe depression. More commonly prescribed antidepressants, like the SSRIs fluoxetine and sertraline , did not show a clear increased risk once the pregnant person’s mental health was taken into account. Overall, the evidence was not strong and was limited by differences in study methods and remaining uncertainties. The authors also emphasize that untreated depression during pregnancy c...
Recent research has found an association between sleep duration and biological aging. Image Credit: ArtistGNDphotography/Getty Images A recent study found that too little or too much sleep may speed aging in the brain and other organs. The study used aging clocks to examine associations between sleep and various mental health and medical conditions. The researchers also found a direct link between sleep and late-life depression. Sleep is an important aspect of overall health and emotional well-being. The amount and quality of sleep you get can affect your body in various ways. A recent study published in Nature found that getting too little or too much sleep may speed aging in the brain and other areas of the body. Previous research has linked low sleep to faster brain aging. This study, however, takes that further and shows an association between the amount of sleep you get and the aging of nearly every organ. “Sleep is fundamental for healthy aging and longevity. More importantly, it is potentially modifiable,” said lead study author Junhao Wen , PhD, assistant professor of radiological sciences at Columbia University. “In this study, we measure biological aging clocks across organs to link these clocks with sleep duration,” Wen told Healthline. Sleep duration may speed up aging in brain, organs Chronological age is the number of years you have been alive. Biological age measures how quickly your cells and tissues are aging. Studies like this examine biological aging and the various factors that can affect it. Aging clocks have become increasingly popular in these types of studies. These clocks are scientific, computational models that estimate a person’s biological age and how they are aging faster or slower than their chronological age. These estimates are based on biological data from the individual. Most aging clocks measure age across the whole body. However, organs may age at different rates. The research team behind the study has been instrumental in developing aging clocks for specific organs. These clocks can provide more specific and personalized information to individuals. The study used data from half a million participants in the UK Biobank and machine learning to identify signatures of aging in the organs. The researchers then assessed the relationship between a person’s self-reported sleep duration and their biological age, using 23 aging clocks across 17 organs. The study defined too little sleep as less than 6 hours and too much sleep as more than 8 hours. They found that, in general, people who slept too little or too much showed signs of faster biological aging than those who reported sleeping between 6.4 and 7.8 hours each day. It is important to note that this doesn’t mean that your sleep duration alone causes organs to age faster or slower. However, it does suggest that both too little or too much sleep may play a role in poorer overall health across your body. “Short sleep duration is associated with immune dysregulation and increased systemic inflammation , impairing tissue repair and metabolic homeostasis. It also disrupts glucose regulation and overall energy balance,” said Sarathi Bhattacharyya , MD, pulmonologist, sleep medicine specialist, and medical director of MemorialCare Sleep Disorders Center at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. Bhattacharyya wasn’t involved in the study. “Additionally, insufficient sleep increases sympathetic nervous system activity, which may contribute to accelerated cellular aging across multiple organ systems,” he told Healthline. Bhattacharyya noted that too much sleep can have adverse effects. “Prolonged sleep duration may be associated with similar adverse aging outcomes,” he said. “In many cases, longer sleep may reflect underlying or subclinical pathology that itself contributes to accelerated aging.” How sleep duration affects chronic disease risk The study showed a relationship between sleep and chronic diseases. This suggests that a connection exists beyond brain influence. Too little sleep was associated with brain disorders like depression and anxiety disorders . An association was also found between short sleep and medical conditions, such as: obesity type 2 diabetes hypertension ischemic heart disease heart arrhythmias “Short sleep is often more associated with stress of a busy lifestyle, and anxiety. It can lead to elevated blood pressure , cortisol , and blood glucose levels, which all have detrimental effects over time,” said Alex Dimitriu , MD, a double board certified psychiatry and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. Dimitriu wasn’t involved in the study. Too little and too much sleep were also found to be associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , asthma , and various gastrointestinal disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis . “Longer sleep is associated with depression, but more so [with...
Real Housewives of Miami star Guerdy Abraira says her breast cancer journey has given her a “different type of strength and confidence.” Real Housewives of Miami star Guerdy Abraira. Photos courtesy of Guerdy Abraira\ In March 2023, Real Housewives of Miami star Guerdy Abraira planned to undergo breast augmentation surgery . “My breast was very dense to the point where [my doctor said], ‘We’re not touching anything until you get a mammogram,’” she told Healthline. The mammogram led to a diagnosis of stage 1B estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer in her left breast. This type of cancer feeds on estrogen to grow. “You feel such a helplessness,” Abraira said. “[There’s] a disbelief that you cannot get over for the first few months, you know? And then … you have to face the reality of it and then figure it out.” In June 2023, Abraira had surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. She then chose to have tissue from the tumor tested with the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score to determine the likelihood that the cancer would return, and whether having chemotherapy would benefit her. The results helped her and her doctor determine that 12 weeks of chemotherapy was appropriate. “[I’m] thankful that I was able to actually utilize this test and be able to see the mathematics of it all,” said Abraira. She also received radiation. “Radiation therapy is typically given to the remaining breast tissue after lumpectomy,” Doreen Agnese , MD, a surgical oncologist, clinical geneticist, and professor at The Ohio State University, told Healthline. Agnese said radiation to the lymph nodes that are not removed in the armpit, above the collarbone, and along the breastbone is also recommended when lymph node involvement is identified, whether after a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Decisions about chemotherapy and targeted therapies are typically based on the size of the tumor, the status of the lymph nodes, and the receptor status of the tumor. “These factors also help to determine sequencing of therapy. For certain types of tumors (ER positive tumors), genomic testing assays such as Oncotype or Mammaprint can help determine appropriate systemic therapy,” said Agnese. The road to recovery was filled with tough days, but family support helped Abraira recovered from treatment as expected. There were tough days along the way, though. In fact, she recalled not wanting to get chemo on the first day of treatment. “I said, ‘I am not doing this.’ And Russell looked at me, he goes, ‘Oh, yes, you are baby girl; you’re going to do this for me, and you’re going to do this for those boys right outside that door,’” she said. “And that broke me to reset.” She decided to take each moment one at a time. “[If] every morning I wake up, and I feel sluggish, or you know, I’m achy, I’m like, okay, close your eyes…you’re gonna get through this tunnel,” said Abraira. “And that’s how visually I was able to say focus, focus, focus, look, the light is getting brighter.” Breast cancer journey gave her a “different type of strength” “I am very much in the ‘I don’t have time for this phase,’” she said. As a party planning extraordinaire, she said her mentality was always to drop everything and do whatever people needed. “And then came cancer knocking on the door and says, ‘Sweetheart, have a seat and stay humble. It’s time…to test you,’” Abraira said. “[I] definitely feel that it gave me this different type of strength and confidence.” Thinking of herself in two versions—before cancer and after cancer—has also helped her cope. “[Just] now is when I’m starting to post again, old photos of [me] with hair,” she said. “I could not look at those photos of me in the past, cause it just kind of broke me.” She is embracing the new version of herself now. “The new me is actually the person I like better…because I don’t need all the fluff. I don’t need a wig,” she said. She puts more focus on her health post cancer. “My health is of utmost importance. The way I eat is different. I don’t drink the way I used to drink at all…there needs to be a really good reason why I’m drinking at this point,” she said. “[I] really focus on my health and being the best version I can be.” Abraira hopes sharing her story will help others prioritize breast health Using her popularity and platform to spread awareness is rewarding for Abraira “I pick partnerships that make sense for me,” she said. Teaming up with Abbott to share her experience with the Oncotype DX test felt natural to her. “[It] was kind of like, yes, this is amazing cause I can speak on it without looking at notes…It’s coming from [my heart] because I lived it, I experienced it, so I want to help,” Abraira said. The fact that the test applies to women of all cultural backgrounds who qualify to take it makes the partnership even more special to Abraira. “[When] you’re talking about people like my grandmother who’s so superstitious and who just wants to pray the cancer away; ‘No, no, grandma, we’re going to listen to the...
Research shows that GLP-1s may help lower blood pressure levels. Image Credit: Tatiana Maksimova/Getty Images A recent study found that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may significantly reduce blood pressure. The positive results were observed alongside weight loss and independently of it. The findings add to growing evidence to support the meaningful health benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss. Obesity and high blood pressure are closely related chronic health conditions that are of growing concern globally. The two conditions have an interlinking web of causation, where obesity can play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of high blood pressure (hypertension). A new meta-analysis shows that GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic , Wegovy , and Mounjaro , can help significantly reduce blood pressure. The findings indicate that the reduction in blood pressure was both weight-dependent and independent of weight loss. The study, recently presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 12–15, has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. “Given that obesity and hypertension frequently coexist and together substantially increase cardiovascular and kidney risk, these findings support obesity treatment as an important component of blood pressure management and cardiovascular risk reduction,” said lead researcher Marcel Muskiet , MD, PhD, an internist, endocrinologist, and vascular medicine specialist in the Department of Medicine at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands. “Our analyses suggest that the blood pressure benefits of GLP-1 -based therapies are not exclusively driven by weight loss. While weight reduction appears to be the dominant mechanism, these agents may also exert direct renal, vascular, and neurohormonal effects that contribute independently to blood pressure lowering,” Muskiet told Healthline. GLP-1s significantly lower blood pressure The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of phase 3 clinical trials. They were examining the relationship between weight loss and reduced blood pressure with GLP-1s and multi-hormone receptor modulators (MHRMs). This analysis included 32 phase 3 trials that included 43,618 adults with overweight or obesity . The average age was 54, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 35.5. Around 50% of individuals were female, and 9.2% had type 2 diabetes . Around 59% of participants were living with high blood pressure , and the average treatment period was 66 weeks. After placebo adjustments were taken into account, the average weight loss was around 10.9%. This was accompanied by a 5.2 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure . The analysis showed that 77% of the variance in blood pressure could be explained by weight loss associated with GLP-1 drugs and MHRMs. This corresponded to a 0.34 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure for every 1% of weight loss. “These findings showed an improvement in hypertension in direct correlation to the amount of weight loss,” said Mir Ali , MD, a bariatric surgeon, bariatric medicine specialist, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ali wasn’t involved in the research. “This reinforces the role that obesity plays in hypertension as well as many other health conditions,” Ali told Healthline. The researchers noted that even without weight loss, GLP-1 drugs and MHRMs may help lower blood pressure. This may be due to their ability to relax blood vessels, improve kidney salt handling, and reduce stress signals. “Though more research is definitely warranted to look at the mechanisms by which GLP-1 medications may work, I have seen some studies indicating that it may be a reduction in chronic inflammation ,” said Ali. “Chronic inflammation can contribute to many health conditions, and obesity is a leading cause of chronic inflammation.” Muskiet explained that the GLP-1 therapies may have various effects independent of weight loss. He said that potential mechanisms include: increased kidney sodium excretion improved endothelial and vascular function reduced arterial stiffness modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity The researchers further noted that their meta-analysis had limitations and that more studies are needed. “The main message is that obesity treatment and blood pressure management should increasingly be viewed as interconnected rather than separate therapeutic goals,” said Muskiet. “Modern obesity pharmacotherapies are not simply weight-loss agents; they may become an important component of integrated cardiovascular risk reduction strategies in people living with overweight or obesity.” Other health benefits of GLP-1 medications GLP-1 medications were originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. They have also become popular tools for weight loss and weight management. A growing body of evidence suggests that this class of medi...
A new study found that women using semaglutide had a reduction in their use of triptans, a drug commonly prescribed for migraine. Victor Bordera/Stocksy A study has found that treatment with semaglutide led to reduced triptan usage in women. However, no significant effect was observed in men with overweight or obesity. Experts say reductions in inflammation or intracranial pressure could play a role. Sex-related differences in how the body handles semaglutide also appear to be important. More research is needed before semaglutide can be recommended as a migraine treatment. A recent nationwide study in Denmark has revealed that women who start using semaglutide, a popular medication prescribed for weight loss, may experience a decrease in the need for standard migraine treatments. The researchers found that females using semaglutide had a noticeable reduction in their use of a class of drugs called triptans . The study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, but was presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO2026) from May 12–15. The findings add to a growing interest in the potential benefits of semaglutide for migraine. Another recent study found that GLP-1 medications like semaglutide may help reduce migraine severity . Studying the effects of triptan use after semaglutide Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark collaborated with Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for diabetes control), to analyze data from Danish health registries. These registers contain comprehensive health information on the entire population, enabling a detailed examination of medication use patterns. The study focused on adults who began semaglutide treatment for weight management between December 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024. It included nearly 150,000 people who started semaglutide during the study period, of whom about two-thirds were females. For each individual, the researchers tracked their use of triptans — the drugs commonly taken for acute migraine relief — for two years before starting semaglutide and for one year afterward. This approach enabled the researchers to observe changes over time and to compare triptan use before and after semaglutide initiation. The team used statistical models to examine monthly triptan consumption, measured in defined daily doses, among the participants. They also looked at the number of new triptan users during the study and analyzed differences among people who had already been using triptans before starting semaglutide. To better understand who was most affected, the researchers broke down the data by sex, age groups, how consistently people remained on semaglutide, and whether they had previously used preventive migraine medications. Reduced need for migraine drug after starting Wegovy Overall, around 4.6% of the individuals used triptans during the study period. Before beginning semaglutide, it was found that triptan use was on the rise among participants. However, after starting the medication, this trend reversed, and triptan use began to decline gradually over the following year. At the one-year mark, there was a modest but clear reduction in triptan consumption compared to what would have been expected based on previous trends. This decrease was mainly seen in people who were already using triptans before starting semaglutide, suggesting that the drug might reduce the need for migraine relief in those with a history of migraine. There was no significant change in the number of new triptan users, however, indicating that semaglutide does not appear to prevent new cases of migraine from developing. When comparing males and females, the study also found that females experienced an 8% reduction in triptan use after starting semaglutide, whereas males showed no significant change. This sex-specific effect may be linked to differences in how males and females respond to semaglutide, including typically greater weight loss among females. Age also played a role, with the largest reductions in triptan use seen in younger adults aged 18 to 35. Additionally, people who had previously taken preventive migraine medications saw a more pronounced decrease in their need for triptans. The researchers further observed that the changes in triptan use happened gradually rather than immediately after starting semaglutide, suggesting a slow but steady improvement in migraine symptoms over time. Semaglutide may influence factors driving migraine While the exact reasons for these findings are not fully understood, several factors might contribute. Tom Lavin, MD, a board certified surgeon and founder of the telehealth company yourEra , said that inflammation and intracranial pressure may play a role, given how GLP-1 medications function in the body and brain. Lavin wasn’t involved in the study. “GLP‑1 medications like semaglutide reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the brai...
GLP-1 drugs may help reduce food cravings, leading to healthier eating habits that contribute to weight loss. Image Credit: Juan Moyano/Stocksy A recent study found that using GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, can help reduce food cravings. The researchers found that GLP-1 medications can reduce “food noise” better than behavioral therapy alone. Food noise refers to persistent and intrusive thoughts about food that make healthy eating habits difficult. The concept of “food noise” has garnered attention since the introduction of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic , Wegovy , and Mounjaro for weight management. Food noise is defined as intrusive and persistent thoughts about food that can interfere with daily life and make healthy behaviors more difficult. Most of the evidence suggesting that GLP-1 medications helped quiet food noise was anecdotal — until recently. A new study examined short-term changes in food noise in a digital behavioral weight management program both with and without GLP-1 drugs . The findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, but were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 12–15. “Food noise is powerful, so when the noise is less, and the environment is more ‘quiet,’ the individual is less likely to consume foods that may contribute to weight gain,” said Kristin Kirkpatrick , president of KAK Consulting and dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Kirkpatrick wasn’t involved in the study. “Typically, food noise is the loudest for foods that are often additive in nature, such as ultra-processed foods ,” she told Healthline. “Think candy, cookies, bread-based snacks and meals, snack foods, pizzas, etc. Food noise is not the same as hunger. It’s instead tied to powerful, often intrusive cravings.” GLP-1 drugs help quiet food noise This observational study included 417 adults who were participating in a digital behavioral weight management program. The researchers evaluated a one-month change in food noise using the Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ) . They then compared outcomes between participants who used GLP-1 medications and those who did not. The FNQ asks five questions and scores each answer on a scale of 0 to 4, for a maximum total score of 20. Users rate the questions on a scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. FNQ Questions I find myself constantly thinking about food throughout the day. My thoughts about food feel uncontrollable. I spend too much time thinking about food. My thoughts about food have negative effects on me and/or my life. My thoughts about food distract me from what I need to do. Each participant completed a questionnaire as a baseline, then another at a one-month follow-up. The participants were categorized into two groups: those who began a GLP-1 medication at baseline and those who used only the behavioral weight management program . The results showed that those who used a GLP-1 drug alongside the weight management program saw a more significant decrease in food noise at the follow-up than those who did not. “The freedom from food noise is a common benefit I hear from my patients on GLP-1s,” Kirkpatrick said. “In fact, it’s often mentioned to be as impactful as weight loss and blood sugar benefits. I am not surprised by this data as GLP-1 use and reduction of food noise seem to go hand in hand.” Michelle Routhenstein , a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished, said that quieting food noise can lead to healthier habits that extend beyond meals and snacks. Routhenstein wasn’t involved in the study. “Many of my clients also notice a reduced desire for alcohol and smoking, likely because GLP-1s act on the brain’s reward pathways, not just on appetite,” she told Healthline. Other tips for quieting food noise There are other ways to help reduce food noise besides GLP-1 medications. “One of the most important things I encourage my clients to focus on is creating a consistent meal timing pattern with nourishment so the body feels adequately fueled throughout the day,” said Routhenstein. “When the body is deprived of food, food noise can become louder because the body is biologically driven to seek out food and protect against perceived starvation,” she added. Kirkpatrick said that using distraction methods can also help. She gave the following examples: going for a walk leaving an area that has food present performing another task, such as folding laundry, talking with a friend, or building Legos Other strategies can include getting adequate sleep , avoiding overly strict diets, and increasing your physical activity . Routhenstein said that minimizing ultraprocessed and refined foods, which can drive cravings and reward-seeking behavior, may also help. “Reducing food noise is often about helping the person become adequately nourished rather than relying solely on willpower,” said Routhenstein.
Eating more plants and fewer processed foods can help with weight management during menopause. Viktoriya Skorikova/Getty Images A new study found that diets rich in plant foods and low in processed meats and salt may help with menopause weight gain. Plant foods have nutrients linked with better metabolic health and a healthy gut microbiome. Experts recommend starting a plant-forward diet with foods you already enjoy. Weight gain is common during menopause, a life stage accompanied by significant changes in the body. New research sheds light on how diet can influence weight gain and obesity risk during menopause . The study, conducted by researchers from Harvard and the National University of Singapore, tracked eating habits and weight changes during the time surrounding menopause. The findings suggest that adopting certain healthy dietary patterns, especially those rich in plant foods and low in processed meats and salty snacks, may help females better manage their weight during this transition. The study was published on May 20 in JAMA Network Open . The research offers important insights for women and healthcare providers seeking effective strategies to support metabolic health during midlife and beyond. Examining dietary patterns around menopause The study was based on the Nurses’ Health Study II, a large ongoing research project that began in 1989 and includes female nurses from across the United States. For this particular investigation, the researchers focused on females going through menopause and followed them for about 12 years: six years before and six years after their reported menopause. Over 38,000 females took part. Menopause was defined as the point at which females stopped menstruating for at least one year. Every four years, participants completed detailed food questionnaires that captured their usual intake of various foods. The research team then analyzed these responses to calculate scores for 11 different dietary patterns. These patterns included well-known diets like the Mediterranean diet , the DASH diet (designed to lower blood pressure), and plant-based diets, as well as newer approaches like the Planetary Health Diet , which emphasizes sustainability and heart health. They also looked at diets categorized by their effects on insulin and inflammation, as well as the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Participants self-reported their weight every 2 years, and the team calculated the annual weight gain or loss for each woman during the study. They also tracked which females developed obesity during the follow-up period. To ensure accurate results, the researchers accounted for factors like age, race, income, physical activity, smoking, hormone therapy use, and baseline body weight. Plant-forward diets linked to less menopause weight gain The study found that participants’ diets were strongly associated with differences in weight gain and obesity risk during menopause. Those who followed healthier eating patterns — such as plant-based diets, the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and especially the Planetary Health Diet — tended to gain less weight over time compared to those with less healthy diets. Overall, these healthy diets were generally rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, and lower in red and processed meats, salty foods, potatoes, and fried snacks like french fries, according to the authors. One particularly important finding was the role of diets that keep insulin levels steady. The researchers used a score called the Empirical Dietary Index for Hyperinsulinemia (EDIH) to assess how different diets might affect insulin in the body, finding that diets with a low insulin-boosting potential were linked to the smallest weight gain and lowest risk of obesity. On the other hand, foods that tended to increase insulin levels, such as red and processed meats, salty snacks, and fried potatoes, were associated with more weight gain. Planetary Health Diet best defense against obesity They further noted that the Planetary Health Diet stood out as offering the greatest protection against obesity. This diet emphasizes sustainable eating by focusing on plant proteins like nuts and legumes, healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, while limiting red meat and refined carbohydrates. Females who scored high on the Planetary Health Diet had the lowest risk of obesity throughout the study. Ultra-processed foods led to weight gain The team also observed that consuming ultra-processed foods — like packaged snacks and sugary drinks — was linked to more weight gain and higher obesity risk . This supports previous studies suggesting that limiting heavily processed foods is beneficial for weight management. Additionally, the research highlighted that not all low-carbohydrate diets are equal. Those that relied on healthier sources of fats and proteins, such as vegetable proteins and unsaturated fats, seemed to protect against weight gain...
Researchers say current aerobic exercise recommendations may not be sufficient to reduce cardiovascular risk. MoMo Productions/Getty Images Researchers say adults may need to quadruple the current weekly exercise recommendations to achieve substantial heart health benefits. Those with lower levels of fitness may need as much as 600 minutes of weekly aerobic activity to lower the risks of heart attack and stroke. Experts say the current recommendation of 150 minutes of exercise per week is a solid baseline, but higher levels of activity may yield greater benefits. A new study suggests that adults should aim for up to 4 times the current recommended amount of aerobic exercise per week for optimal heart health. The researchers say that adults should engage in aerobic exercise for 560–610 minutes per week to achieve a significant reduction in the risk of heart attack and stroke. They note that less fit adults may need to exercise more to achieve the same cardiovascular benefits. The results of the study were published on May 19 in published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine . The American Heart Association (AHA) currently recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — exercise that gets you breathing harder and raises your heart rate but still allows you to carry on a conversation — such as walking, cycling, and running. The study authors say the standard exercise advice may need to shift and be replaced with personalized targets geared toward an individual’s fitness level. “Current [moderate exercise] guidelines provide a universal but modest safety margin, whereas optimal cardiovascular protection may require substantially higher activity volumes,” the researchers wrote. Experts said the research reaffirms the importance of regular exercise for heart health, but were skeptical about the high weekly targets. “This study reinforces what a large body of prior research has already shown: higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease,” said Keith Diaz , PhD, a professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, a certified exercise physiologist, and a volunteer member of the AHA’s Physical Activity Science Committee. Diaz wasn’t involved in the study. “However, I would urge caution in interpreting the specific recommendation that people may need three to four times the current physical activity guidelines to substantially reduce heart disease risk,” Diaz told Healthline. 600 minutes of weekly exercise lowers heart risks by more than 30% To reach their findings, researchers at Macao Polytechnic University in China analyzed data from slightly more than 17,000 participants in the UK Biobank study from 2013 to 2015. The average age of the participants was 57 years. About 96% were white, and 56% were female. The subjects wore a device on their wrist for 7 consecutive days to record their typical exercise levels. They also completed a cycle test to measure their estimated maximum oxygen consumption ( VO2 max ). Data on smoking status, alcohol intake , diet, body mass index (BMI) , resting heart rate , and blood pressure were also factored in. The researchers reported that over a follow-up period of almost 8 years, 1,233 cardiovascular events were reported among participants. These included 874 atrial fibrillation, 156 myocardial infarction , 111 heart failure, and 92 stroke events. The researchers stated that adults who met the 150 minutes per week exercise guideline experienced a 8% to 9% reduction in cardiovascular risk. They added that 370 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week was needed for those at the lowest fitness level to achieve a 20% reduction in cardiovascular event risk. Those at the highest fitness level needed 340 minutes per week to achieve the same results. To reduce cardiovascular risk by more than 30%, participants needed to engage in 560 to 610 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week. The researchers suggest that the current 150 minutes of exercise per week recommendation provides some protection for heart health, but a higher volume of aerobic activity yields greater benefits. “Collectively, these findings confirm that current guidelines provide a robust universal minimum threshold for cardiovascular protection while offering a quantifiable fitness-stratified prescription matrix as a complementary clinical tool to guide motivated patients from baseline adherence toward greater cardiovascular resilience,” the study authors wrote. Kevin Shah , MD, a cardiologist and program director of Heart Failure Outreach at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California, wasn’t involved in the study but agreed with the researchers’ conclusions. “The standard recommendation — 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week — is a solid baseline. But ...
Research shows that perimenopause may be the ideal time to adopt lifestyle changes to help lower cardiovascular risks. Image Credit: Aleksandar Nakic/Getty Images A recent study suggests that perimenopause offers a “window of opportunity” for females to reassess cardiovascular risk and prompt lifestyle changes. The findings show that perimenopausal females may be two times more likely to have lower cardiovascular health scores. According to the study authors, lower cardiovascular health scores may be largely due to high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Perimenopause is considered the transitional period leading up to menopause. During this time, the ovaries begin to gradually produce fewer hormones, particularly estrogen. According to a nationwide analysis, U.S. females experiencing perimenopause are twice as likely to have a low cardiovascular health score than those who are still regularly menstruating. The findings of this study were recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). “From a cardiovascular standpoint, perimenopause is a very important time in which there are changing hormone levels, specifically with a declining estrogen level, which can have not only an impact on how one may feel but also on how one’s cardiovascular system is impacted and responds,” said Jossef Amirian , MD, a board certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in New York. Amirian wasn’t involved in the study. “The end result is potentially a change in body fat distribution, cholesterol and blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and this can all have an impact on blood flow and circulation as well,” he told Healthline. How perimenopause impacts cardiovascular health The analysis included data from 9,248 females ages 18 to 80 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2020. The researchers used the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) metrics to measure participants’ cardiovascular health scores, along with other factors. The LE8 scores are scientifically based measures of cardiovascular health as defined by the AHA. The recommendations comprise health behaviors and health factors, including: diet physical activity tobacco use sleep blood pressure blood sugar levels cholesterol levels body weight Using the LE8 scores, an average of all eight factors on a 100-point scale, the researchers assessed participants’ heart health. The average LE8 score among the participants declined with menopausal status: Premenopausal females (average age of 34): average score of 73.3 Perimenopausal females (average age of 50.5) : average score of 69.1 Postmenopausal females (average age of 60): average score of 63.9. After taking into account the effects of aging, the results showed that perimenopausal females were 76% more likely to have a low cholesterol score, meaning they had higher cholesterol levels. Perimenopausal females were also 83% more likely to have a low score for blood sugar, meaning they had higher glucose levels, when compared to premenopausal females. “During perimenopause, women commonly experience adverse metabolic changes, including worsening lipid profiles, increased insulin resistance , and greater accumulation of visceral adiposity,” said Jennifer Wong , MD, a board certified cardiologist and medical director of noninvasive cardiology at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Wong wasn’t involved in the study. “These physiologic shifts contribute to an elevated cardiovascular risk profile and may partially explain the higher prevalence of low cardiovascular health scores in this population,” she told Healthline. Perimenopause: A ‘window of opportunity’ for heart health The transitional period of perimenopause marks the beginning of many changes in the female body. It’s also an opportunity to focus on assessment, intervention, and prevention of cardiovascular risk factors. “Perimenopause is considered a ‘window of opportunity’ because during this time of changing hormones and a changing body, we have an opportunity such that if we reverse modifiable risk factors and improve our blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol panels, we have an opportunity to lower our risk of cardiovascular disease and as such, mitigate our risk of heart attack and stroke ,” said Amirian. Adapting heart-healthy behaviors during perimenopause can significantly improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes and overall health. “Proper and adequate sleep , heart-healthy eating habits , and an exercise regimen focused on aerobic activity and strength training are key, especially at this time in one’s life,” said Amirian.
When dairy farmer Brie Hyde began experiencing chronic fatigue and joint pain, doctors treated her for Lyme disease. After years of worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with Lupus. Photography courtesy of Brie Hyde As a child, Brie Hyde dreamed of being a veterinarian. “I’ve always been an outdoorsy person, very animal fascinated,” she told Healthline. While attending the University of Vermont, she fell in love with dairy farming and started her own farm in Connecticut in 2004. “I was a first-generation female farmer,” she said. “Farming is crazy active and very strenuous on your body and time, and that’s what completed me. That’s what makes me whole.” However, early on during her farming days, she began experiencing intense hand pain that she initially attributed to the physical demands of her job. “There’s pictures and videos and things that I look back at now, and I was constantly rubbing my hands,” said Hyde. The pain eventually spread to her feet, ankles, knees, and hips, and during the summertime, she developed fevers. At first, doctors attributed her symptoms to Lyme disease , a bacterial infection transmitted from ticks. “So they’d put me on prednisone and antibiotics, and 10 days on prednisone, you’re feeling better. So then it would go away, and I would push through,” she said. Signs and symptoms that lead to a lupus diagnosis Hyde’s symptoms persisted and progressed. “I’d be in the shower, and my feet would be purple,” she said. She also noticed a lacy pattern appearing under her skin and a strange reaction to sunlight. “I would go out in the sun, and it would feel like I was burning from the outside in,” said Hyde. She also experienced extreme fatigue . “The crazy fatigue that I was getting and the pain in my hands had gotten to the point where I was like, ‘This is not right. There’s something not right,’” she said. She went back to her primary care physician, who ordered blood tests. Her doctor noticed Hyde had a high Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test result and suggested she see a rheumatologist to screen for lupus . “I honestly remember, I said, ‘What the hell is lupus?’” she said. “I had no clue. Not on my radar. No idea what it was.” Her rheumatologist diagnosed her with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus that affects about 200,000 Americans . Of those 200,000, about 184,000 are females . Hyde’s challenging journey to diagnosis isn’t unique. In fact, research indicates that it takes an average of nearly 6 years for a person to receive an accurate lupus diagnosis. “Symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions and are often present at onset. Combined with test results that vary from person to person, this can make the path to diagnosis complex and far from straightforward,” Susan Manzi, MD, Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Medicine Institute, told Healthline. Even after diagnosis, finding effective treatment can be challenging Hyde’s treatment journey involved a long process of trial and error. Doctors first prescribed prednisone and hydroxychloroquine , a common medication used to treat lupus, but she developed a severe allergic reaction. The next medication made her “violently ill,” while another biologic treatment did nothing to improve her symptoms. As she tried different treatments, lupus slowly altered her daily life and that of her husband and children. “My husband was taking on more, and the kids were taking on more,” Hyde said. “There were definitely changes. I couldn’t be outside in the sun as much as I used to.” At one point, the emotional and physical exhaustion became overwhelming and she hesitated to try more treatment. “I was like, ‘I don’t want to take anything anymore,’” she said. “Either I’m taking too many medications to take the side effects away, or these medications are making me sick and I’m not getting any better.” But her doctor urged her not to stop treatment. “One of the things that’s crazy about lupus is as bad as you feel on the outside, my doctor said, ‘You have to realize what it’s doing inside. You’re trying to save your organs for the long haul,’” said Hyde. That perspective changed how Hyde viewed the disease. In March 2023, her rheumatologist suggested she try Saphnelo infusion. “That was a monumental moment in our lives,” said Hyde. “I remember I called my husband and I was like, ‘I didn’t realize how sick I was until now because I feel better.’” Today, she has regained parts of her old life. She works on the farm, vacations with her children, and participates in the life she once feared she might lose. “I’m able to be a normal person,” Hyde said. How lupus care and management is improving Manzi said newer options like the recently FDA-approved Saphnelo Pen , a self-administered, once-weekly treatment for SLE, bring hope to patients like Hyde. Although she is not currently taking this. On top of standard therapy, Manzi said self-administered biologics will help improve access and convenience of treatment while of...
Watermelon contains powerful nutrients that may offer protection against cardiovascular disease. Image Credit: J. Anthony/Stocksy Research shows that watermelon may help improve heart health and lower your risk of heart disease. It also shows that this fruit may aid in overall nutrient intake for both adults and children. Individuals who consume more watermelon may have a greater intake of essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Watermelon may also help improve hydration. Nothing says summertime like biting into a cold, juicy slice of watermelon — and turns out it’s actually really good for you. Earlier research found the summer staple may help increase your overall nutrient intake and diet quality. The study authors found that people who consumed watermelon had a higher intake of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber , magnesium , potassium , vitamin C , vitamin A , lycopene , and other carotenoids . This suggests that watermelon can increase nutrient intake and diet quality in both children and adults, the study authors say. Research from 2025 also found that watermelon may have cardioprotective health effects. This aligns with 2022 research showing that watermelon may help lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health. “Watermelon is a great addition to an overall healthy dietary eating pattern because it provides potassium, lycopene, and citrulline, which synergistically can help support blood pressure and blood flow,” said Michelle Routhenstein , preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished. Routhenstein wasn’t involved in any of the studies. Surprising heart health benefits of watermelon The 2025 narrative review noted that watermelon is high in the amino acid L-citrulline . L-citrulline may help lower blood pressure and aid in heart health. While the review notes that the exact cardiovascular benefits of L-citrulline are not fully clear, the authors state that it appears consuming watermelon may aid in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease . “Watermelon’s impact on blood vessel health appears to be beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. This may be based on compounds that impact nitric oxide production, impacting overall blood vessel health,” said Kristin Kirkpatrick , president of KAK, Consulting, LLC, and a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Kirkpatrick wasn’t involved in the studies. The 2022 research also showed that L-citrulline can help lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness, especially in those with cardiometabolic risk factors. These include traits and lifestyle behaviors that combine to increase your likelihood of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. “While watermelon is a heart-healthy addition, in order to truly reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, it needs to be included within a complete heart-healthy diet,” said Routhenstein. Watermelon nutrition facts Watermelon is high in water, nearly fat-free, and a source of essential vitamins and minerals. Eating watermelon is associated with the following health benefits : lower blood pressure reduced insulin resistance reduced muscle soreness Watermelon is also linked to better digestion, improved skin health, and reduced inflammation. The nutrients in 2/3 cup (100 grams) of raw watermelon, according to the USDA , are: Fat: 0.2 grams Calories: 30 Water: 91.4 grams Protein: 0.61 grams Carbs: 7.55 grams Sugar: 6.2 grams Fiber: 0.4 grams Tips for adding watermelon to your diet For watermelon lovers, a simple slice will do the trick. However, there are other nutritious ways to enjoy this tasty summer treat. Routhenstein shared the following suggestions for maximizing the health benefits of watermelon: blend into smoothies add to a salad (a feta-and-mint classic) make a watermelon gazpacho pair with nuts or Greek yogurt Kirkpatrick added, “Juice it, add it to cottage cheese, make skewers, grill and serve as a side, or even freeze and make watermelon pops.”
A new experimental weight loss drug from Eli Lilly shows dramatic results that rival current GLP-1 drugs and bariatric surgery. Image Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images Eli Lilly recently announced phase 3 trial results for a promising new weight loss drug retatrutide. The dramatic results from the TRIUMPH-1 trial represent the greatest weight loss observed in a medication trial, rivaling current GLP-1 drugs and bariatric surgery. Retatrutide is a triple hormone receptor agonist that activates receptors for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucagon. Retatrutide led to significant improvements across various cardiovascular risk factors, including waist circumference, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Eli Lilly’s new experimental weight loss drug retatrutide showed the greatest weight loss in a medication trial to date. The phase 3 results of the TRIUMPH-1 trial showed the drug yielded up to 28% weight loss, with some participants losing up to 85 pounds. Retatrutide is a triple hormone agonist administered by once-weekly injection. The drug activates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucagon, whereas weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy activate only the GLP-1 receptor. Lilly noted in a press release that at 80 weeks, all the doses of retatrutide “met the primary and key secondary endpoints for obesity, delivering clinically meaningful weight loss.” “TRIUMPH-1 highlights the importance of options and the potential for retatrutide to help people across various stages of their obesity journey,” Kenneth Custer , PhD, executive vice president and president, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, said in a press release . “Together with Zepbound and Foundayo, retatrutide could build on Lilly’s commitment to match treatments to the needs and preferences of patients.” Experts agreed that retatrutide shows promise as a highly effective first-in-class treatment for obesity. “These results indicate that retatrutide is a promising new drug that appears more effective than currently available medications,” said Mir Ali , MD, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ali wasn’t involved in the trial. Lilly’s new drug yields up to 85 pounds weight loss In the TRIUMPH-1 trial, participants were given either 4 mg, 9 mg, or 12 mg of retatrutide. At the end of 80 weeks, participants on each dose lost the following amount of weight on average: 4 mg: 19% or around 47 lbs 9 mg: 25.9% or about 64 lbs 12 mg: 28.3% or around 70 lbs These numbers compare to participants who received a placebo and lost an average of 2.2%, or about 5.5 lbs. At 104 weeks, participants with a baseline body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 achieved an average weight loss of 30.3% (85 lbs) . “It was impressive to see that every dose of retatrutide resulted in clinically meaningful weight reduction for nearly all participants, and people with severe obesity on the highest dose lost on average 30% of their body weight over two years,” lead investigator Ania Jastreboff , MD, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine and director of the Yale Obesity Research Center, said in a press release . “Importantly, treatment with retatrutide not only resulted in robust weight reduction, but also in clear improvements in assessed cardiometabolic health measures. For patients I see in [the] clinic, retatrutide may potentially be a highly impactful future tool to treat their obesity and transform their health trajectory.” Participants also saw significant improvements to certain cardiovascular risk factors, including: waist circumference non-HDL cholesterol triglycerides blood pressure high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) “While this medication has the potential to be the most effective option, long-term studies are not yet available,” Ali told Healthline. “Side-by-side comparisons with currently available medications have yet to be determined. Like all weight loss medications, this drug will require long-term use as obesity is a chronic medical condition. At this point, the biggest hurdles for widespread implementation will be availability and insurance coverage,” he said. Side effects of Lilly’s new weight loss drug The most common side effects of retatrutide among participants were similar to those of other GLP-1 medications : nausea diarrhea constipation vomiting upper respiratory tract infection A small number of participants also experienced dysesthesia and urinary tract infections (UTIs) . Incidents of dysesthesia and UTIs were generally mild to moderate. The majority of them resolved during treatment, and most participants continued taking retatrutide.
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch recently died from sepsis, a deadly condition that may begin with “silent symptoms.” Image credit: Sean Gardner/Getty Images NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died on May 21, 2026, from a severe case of pneumonia that progressed to sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme and potentially life threatening response to an infection. Sepsis is both common and unpredictable, meaning it can be easily missed. Knowing the “silent signs” of sepsis can lead to earlier intervention that may be lifesaving. NASCAR fans were shocked to learn that famed driver Kyle Busch died suddenly and tragically on May 21. He was 41. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died of severe pneumonia that progressed to sepsis , the Busch family announced on May 23. NASCAR described Busch as “a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans,” NASCAR said in a statement . Sepsis is a severe and potentially life threatening illness that can develop when an existing infection triggers an extreme immune system response. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , approximately 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis each year. About 350,000 of these cases lead to hospital death or discharge to a hospice. “Reports indicate that Kyle Busch appeared to be struggling with what seemed like a sinus infection or a cold just two weeks before his death, and had even won a race the weekend prior,” Robert Glatter , MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell, told Healthline. “That rapid reversal — from competing to a fatal crisis — is exactly what makes this progression so dangerous,” he said. Sepsis accounts for over one-third of all hospital deaths. Sepsis can be treated if caught early. Knowing the signs of sepsis can help you advocate for yourself or loved ones. Healthline spoke with Glatter to learn more. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. How can pneumonia progress into sepsis? Glatter: Pneumonia begins as a localized infection. Bacteria, a virus, or fungi take hold in the lung tissue, and the immune system responds with targeted inflammation — swelling, fluid accumulation in tiny air sacs, along with the onset of fever. In most cases, such a response is sufficient, and patients can recover with appropriate therapy. In severe pneumonia, however — particularly when the pathogen is aggressive, or the infectious burden is high — the immune response can escape its local boundaries and spill into the bloodstream. At that moment, the body stops fighting an infection in the lungs and begins mounting a systemic war against itself — inflammatory chemicals flood every organ system, blood vessels leak, microscopic clots form throughout the circulation, and blood pressure collapses. The kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart also begin to fail — not because the infection has physically spread to each organ, but because the immune system’s runaway cascade is damaging them all simultaneously. When blood pressure fails to respond to treatment, it becomes septic shock , which carries mortality rates exceeding 40% . What kind of infections cause sepsis? Glatter: Any infection, anywhere in the body, can trigger sepsis if the immune response becomes dysregulated. The most common sources include: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — these are among the most frequent causes, particularly in older adults, where a UTI dismissed as minor can escalate with alarming speed. Abdominal infections — perforated bowel , appendicitis , or gallbladder infection, allowing gut bacteria direct access to the bloodstream. Skin and soft-tissue infections — cellulitis , infected wounds , or pressure ulcers (bedsores) , especially in people with diabetes or poor circulation . Bloodstream infections — often linked to IV lines, urinary catheters , or surgical procedures that create a direct bacterial route into the blood. Meningitis — an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain, which can trigger rapid septic deterioration. Influenza and COVID-19 — these respiratory infections are capable of causing severe immune dysregulation directly or setting the stage for secondary bacterial pneumonia. Dental abscesses — untreated dental infections have caused fatal sepsis. What are the signs of sepsis? Glatter: Sepsis can mimic many other conditions, which contribute to its lethality. The following signs — especially in combination, and in the context of a known or suspected infection — should prompt immediate emergency evaluation: fever above 38.3°C (101°F) or an abnormally low temperature below 36°C (96.8°F) rapid heart rate (above 90 bpm) or rapid breathing (above 20 breaths per minute) sudden confusion, disorientation, or unusual behavior...
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CDC data show that more people are seeking emergency room treatment for tick bites, which can lead to Lyme disease. Image Credit: Iryna Shepetko/Stocksy Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that a rise in tick bites is causing higher-than-usual emergency room (ER) visits. Tick bites can lead to Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Climate change may be partially responsible for the higher tick populations in many regions of the United States. Growing tick populations across the United States are leading to more tick bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , tick bites are causing a higher-than-usual number of emergency room (ER) visits. As of April, the Northeast saw the largest increase in tick-related ER visits. These rates are far higher than in other parts of the United States. The Midwest is the second-most-affected region. Tick bites can cause Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. “This trend is consistent with a broader pattern of increasing tick-borne disease burden in the United States,” said Robert Glatter , MD, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital and assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell. “An estimated 400,000–470,000 cases of Lyme disease are now diagnosed annually in the U.S., and this number has been rising over the past two decades. Higher ER visits for tick bites likely reflect both a true increase in tick encounters and growing public awareness of tick-borne illness,” Glatter told Healthline. Tick bites drive rise in ER visits Around 31 million people in the United States are bitten by a tick each year. According to the CDC’s Tick Bite Tracker , visits to the emergency room in many parts of the country are currently higher than usual. All regions, except the South Central areas, reported the highest weekly number of tick bite ER visits since 2017. “Emergency departments in endemic areas should be prepared for a corresponding rise in patients presenting with early Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections during peak season (May through August),” said Glatter. Tick bites can lead to various illnesses, including: Lyme disease Rocky Mountain spotted fever alpha-gal syndrome Lyme disease, in particular, is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. Symptoms of Lyme disease Lyme disease symptoms can begin 3 to 30 days after a tick bite, making the infection difficult to detect. One of the earliest signs of Lyme disease is a “bull’s-eye” rash known as erythema migrans. This rash occurs at the site of the tick bite. It usually has a central red spot surrounded by a clear area, with a red edge. People with lighter skin may have a rash that’s solid red, while people with darker skin may have a rash that resembles a bruise. It may be warm to the touch, but it’s not painful and doesn’t itch. Other symptoms of stage 1 Lyme disease include: vision changes chills fever sore throat enlarged lymph nodes fatigue muscle aches headaches Causes of shifting Lyme disease cases According to a media briefing by the Bloomberg School of Public Health , one of the main reasons for the growing shift in Lyme disease cases and ER visits due to tick bites is climate change. “There has been a rise in tick activity believed to be related to rising temperatures, resulting in shorter and milder winters. Ticks and the animals they thrive on flourish in these conditions,” said Jonathan Jennings , MD, a board certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan. “Naturally, since there is increased tick activity, the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases increases proportionally,” he told Healthline. During this briefing, Nicole Baumgarth , DVM, PhD, director of the Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, explained that climate change contributes to the expansion of tick populations. “A changing climate, a warming climate is expanding, the ticks northwards who are now able to overwinter in areas further north and at higher altitudes,” she told Healthline. Glatter agreed, noting that several factors are driving the expansion of tick populations. “Climate change — particularly warming temperatures — accelerates tick development, improves overwinter survival, and extends the geographic range of Ixodes scapularis into previously unaffected northern regions,” he said. Glatter added that other drivers of shifts in tick populations, tick bites, and Lyme disease cases may be due to the recovery of white-tailed deer populations. He described white-tailed deer as “critical hosts” for adult ticks, thereby fueling tick abundance and population growth. “Additionally, suburban development encroaching into wooded areas, habitat fragmentation, and urban greening initiatives...
ASU scientists found that people whose gut microbes make more methane extract more calories from fiber-rich foods. Methanogens help the microbiome turn fiber into energy by consuming hydrogen and producing methane. Using advanced metabolic chambers, researchers measured how diet and gut chemistry interact, showing that methane may signal efficient digestion. The work could lead to personalized diets based on individual microbiomes.
More screen time among children and teens is linked to higher risks of heart and metabolic problems, particularly when combined with insufficient sleep. Danish researchers discovered a measurable rise in cardiometabolic risk scores and a metabolic “fingerprint” in frequent screen users. Experts say better sleep and balanced daily routines can help offset these effects and safeguard lifelong health.
Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide 25 mg achieved up to 16.6% weight loss in a landmark study, rivaling injectable Wegovy. The pill also improved cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity levels. With a safety profile consistent with existing treatments, experts see it as a breakthrough for patients preferring oral options.
Almost 20% of packaged foods and beverages in the US contain synthetic dyes, often paired with excessive sugar to attract children. These additives have been linked to behavioral issues, yet remain widespread among major brands like Mars and PepsiCo. Experts criticize the FDA for relying on voluntary reform, contrasting it with Europe’s stricter labeling laws. Growing state-level action offers hope for meaningful change.
An extract from a desert berry used in traditional Chinese medicine restored insulin function and stabilized metabolism in diabetic mice. The findings hint at a powerful natural alternative for holistic diabetes treatment.
Ultra-processed foods, already known for their links to health problems in adults, are now shown to harm young adults too, disrupting blood sugar regulation long before illness appears. A four-year USC study following 85 participants found that even modest increases in UPF consumption drove up the risk of prediabetes and insulin resistance, two early markers that pave the way for type 2 diabetes.
Ultra-processed foods are rapidly becoming a global dietary staple, and new research links them to worsening health outcomes around the world. Scientists say only bold, coordinated policy action can counter corporate influence and shift food systems toward healthier options.
Participants lost more weight on a low-fat vegan diet than on the Mediterranean diet, largely due to eliminating animal foods and reducing oils and nuts. Increased intake of plant foods, even “unhealthy” ones, was strongly associated with greater weight loss.
Scientists studying young adults with obesity discovered early indicators of brain stress that resemble patterns seen in cognitive impairment. The group showed higher inflammation, signs of liver strain and elevated neurofilament light chain, a marker of neuron injury. Low choline levels appeared closely tied to these changes. The results hint that early metabolic disruptions may quietly influence the brain long before symptoms emerge.
Millions face Medicare decisions each year, but many don’t take advantage of tools that can save them money and stress. Insurance marketing often overshadows unbiased options like SHIP, leaving people unaware of better choices. Comparing real costs—not just premiums—can prevent unpleasant surprises, especially when provider networks or drug rules change. New assistance programs for low-income adults offer valuable help for 2026.
Most people worldwide aren’t getting enough omega-3, leaving a major gap between scientific recommendations and daily diets. Researchers emphasize the critical role of EPA and DHA across all life stages and point out that food alone often can’t meet needs. The review calls for clearer global guidelines and easier access to sustainable omega-3 sources. It also highlights the challenges different populations face in reaching healthy intake levels.
Deep-brain recordings showed that Mounjaro and Zepbound briefly shut down the craving circuits linked to food noise in a patient with severe obesity. Her obsessive thoughts about food disappeared as the medication quieted the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s reward hub.
Microscopic fibers secretly shape how every organ in the body works, yet they’ve been notoriously hard to study—until now. A new imaging technique called ComSLI reveals hidden fiber orientations in stunning detail using only a rotating LED light and simple microscopy equipment. It works on any tissue slide, from fresh samples to those more than a century old, allowing scientists to uncover microstructural changes in disorders like Alzheimer’s and even explore the architecture of muscle, bone, and blood vessels.
A Virginia Tech study shows that ultra-processed foods may influence adolescents differently from slightly older young adults. Participants aged 18 to 21 ate more at a buffet and snacked even when not hungry after two weeks on an ultra-processed diet. Because eating without hunger predicts future weight gain, these findings hint at a heightened vulnerability during late adolescence.
Researchers tracking over 63,000 adults found that high-quality, minimally processed plant foods significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. But when those plant foods are ultra-processed, the advantage disappears—and can even backfire. Some ultra-processed plant diets increased risk by 40%. The study urges a shift toward whole, naturally nutrient-rich plant foods.
Sorbitol, a popular sugar-free sweetener, may not be as harmless as its label suggests. Researchers found it can be turned into fructose in the liver, triggering effects similar to regular sugar. Gut bacteria can neutralize some of it—but too much sorbitol or glucose can overwhelm that defense. The result: yet another “healthy” sweetener that may stress the liver.
A major new meta-analysis finds that vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children when properly planned. Kids on plant-based diets often had better heart health markers, including lower “bad” cholesterol, and consumed more fiber and vitamins. But the study also flagged common nutrient gaps—especially vitamin B12 and calcium—without supplementation. Experts say plant-based eating is achievable for kids, but only with careful planning.
Time-restricted eating has been widely promoted as a simple way to boost metabolic health, but new research paints a more complicated picture. When calorie intake stayed the same, an eight-hour eating window did not improve insulin sensitivity or cardiovascular markers. What did change was the body’s internal clock, which shifted based on meal timing and altered sleep patterns. The results suggest calorie reduction, not the eating window itself, may be the real driver of health benefits.
Researchers compared a traditional Chinese medicine, Yueju Pill, with a standard antidepressant and found both reduced depression symptoms. However, only Yueju Pill increased a brain-supporting protein associated with mood improvement. Brain imaging showed that unique network patterns—especially in visual regions—could predict who benefited most from Yueju Pill. This opens the door to more personalized depression treatments guided by brain scans.
Bariatric surgery far outperformed GLP-1 weight loss drugs in a new real-world comparison of more than 50,000 patients. Two years after treatment, surgery patients lost about 58 pounds on average, while those using semaglutide or tirzepatide lost roughly 12 pounds. Even patients who stayed on GLP-1 drugs for a full year saw much smaller results than surgical patients. High dropout rates and real-world challenges appear to blunt the drugs’ effectiveness.
Global cancer cases have surged dramatically, doubling since 1990 and reaching 18.5 million new diagnoses in 2023. Deaths have also climbed to over 10 million a year, with the steepest increases hitting low- and middle-income countries. Without urgent action, researchers project more than 30 million new cases annually by 2050. Alarmingly, around four in ten cancer deaths are tied to preventable risks such as smoking, poor diet, and high blood sugar.
MIT engineers have developed a pill that can wirelessly report when it’s been swallowed. Inside the capsule is a biodegradable antenna that sends a signal within minutes of ingestion, then safely dissolves. The system is designed to work with existing medications and could help doctors track adherence for high-risk patients. Researchers hope it will prevent missed doses that can lead to serious health consequences.
Scientists at Tufts have found a way to turn common glucose into a rare sugar that tastes almost exactly like table sugar—but with far fewer downsides. Using engineered bacteria as microscopic factories, the team can now produce tagatose efficiently and cheaply, achieving yields far higher than current methods. Tagatose delivers nearly the same sweetness as sugar with significantly fewer calories, minimal impact on blood sugar, and even potential benefits for oral and gut health.
A long-term study found that while a ketogenic diet prevented weight gain, it also triggered major metabolic problems. Mice developed fatty liver disease, abnormal blood fats, and an impaired ability to control blood sugar—especially after reintroducing carbohydrates. Male mice were hit hardest, showing severe liver damage. The results suggest keto’s benefits may come with hidden risks over time.
A large French study tracking more than 100,000 people over a decade has found that higher consumption of certain food preservatives—commonly found in processed foods and drinks—is linked to a modestly higher cancer risk. While many preservatives showed no association, several widely used ones, including potassium sorbate, sulfites, sodium nitrite, and potassium nitrate, were tied to increased risks of overall cancer and specific types such as breast and prostate cancer.
Carbohydrates don’t just fuel the body—they may also influence how the brain ages. A large long-term study found that diets high in fast-acting carbs that rapidly raise blood sugar were linked to a higher risk of dementia. People who ate more low-glycemic foods like fruit, legumes, and whole grains had a noticeably lower risk of Alzheimer’s. The quality of carbs, not just the amount, appears to matter for brain health.
A sweeping scientific review highlights wild blueberries as a standout food for cardiometabolic health. The strongest evidence shows improvements in blood vessel function, with encouraging signs for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, gut health, and cognition. Researchers suggest these benefits may kick in within hours—or build over weeks—thanks to the berries’ unique mix of polyphenols and fiber.
Lowering salt in everyday foods could quietly save lives. Researchers found that modest sodium reductions in bread, packaged foods, and takeout meals could significantly reduce heart disease and stroke rates in France and the U.K. The key advantage is that people would not need to alter their eating habits at all. Small changes to the food supply could deliver large, long-term health benefits.
Popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can dramatically curb appetite, but experts warn many users are flying blind when it comes to nutrition. New research suggests people taking these medications may not be getting enough guidance on protein, vitamins, and overall diet quality, increasing the risk of muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies.
People who switch to a fully unprocessed diet don’t just eat differently—they eat smarter. Research from the University of Bristol shows that when people avoid ultra-processed foods, they naturally pile their plates with fruits and vegetables, eating over 50% more food by weight while still consuming hundreds fewer calories each day. This happens because whole foods trigger a kind of built-in “nutritional intelligence,” nudging people toward nutrient-rich, lower-calorie options.
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere in the American diet, and researchers are finding alarming consequences. Using national health data, scientists found that adults with the highest intake of these foods had a 47% higher risk of heart attack or stroke. The results held even after accounting for age, smoking, and income. Experts say reducing ultra-processed foods could become as important to public health as cutting back on tobacco once was.
A decades-long study of nearly 200,000 adults challenges the low-carb versus low-fat debate. Both eating patterns were tied to lower heart disease risk when they emphasized whole grains, plant-based foods, and healthy fats. Versions filled with refined carbs and animal fats increased risk instead. Quality, not just quantity, appears to make the difference.
A sweeping new scientific review suggests that pecans — America’s native nut — may pack more heart power than many people realize. After analyzing over 20 years of research, scientists found consistent evidence that eating pecans can improve key markers of cardiovascular health, including total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, while also supporting antioxidant defenses.
Living at high altitude appears to protect against diabetes, and scientists have finally discovered the reason. When oxygen levels drop, red blood cells switch into a new metabolic mode and absorb large amounts of glucose from the blood. This helps the body cope with thin air while also reducing blood sugar levels. A drug that recreates this effect reversed diabetes in mice, hinting at a powerful new treatment strategy.
People whose sugar intake was restricted before birth and in early childhood had markedly lower rates of heart disease later in life. Compared to those never exposed to rationing, their risks of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death were cut by roughly 20–30%.
Eating nothing but oatmeal for just two days might sound extreme, but it delivered a striking payoff in a new clinical trial. People with metabolic syndrome who followed a short, calorie-reduced oat-based plan saw their harmful LDL cholesterol drop by 10%, along with modest weight loss and lower blood pressure. Even more surprising, the cholesterol benefits were still visible six weeks later.
Heart disease is on track to tighten its grip on American women. New projections from the American Heart Association warn that over the next 25 years, cardiovascular disease will rise sharply, driven largely by a surge in high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. By 2050, nearly 60% of women in the U.S. could have high blood pressure, and close to one in three women ages 22 to 44 may already be living with some form of heart disease.
A Yale study found that lowering parent stress can help protect young children from obesity. When parents practiced mindfulness and stress-management skills, their kids showed healthier eating patterns and avoided the weight gain seen in families that only focused on diet and exercise.
A growing trend called “fibermaxxing” is putting dietary fiber in the spotlight—and for good reason. Fiber plays a powerful role in keeping the body healthy, from supporting digestion and feeding beneficial gut microbes to helping regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Researchers say getting enough fiber may even lower the risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Exercise normally boosts the body’s ability to use oxygen, a key marker of health and longevity — but high blood sugar can block that benefit. Researchers found that a ketogenic diet helped mice normalize blood sugar and dramatically improved how their muscles responded to exercise. Their muscles became better at using oxygen and built more endurance fibers. The results suggest diet and exercise may work together in surprising ways to improve metabolic health.
A new study suggests that eating less sweet food doesn’t make people crave it any less—or improve their health markers. Participants who increased or decreased sweetness in their diets showed no changes in preferences, weight, or disease risk. Many even returned to their old eating habits over time. Researchers say it may be time to rethink guidelines that focus on cutting sweetness instead of reducing sugar and calories.
For years, people with prediabetes have been told the same thing: lose weight or risk developing diabetes. But new research flips that idea on its head, showing that blood sugar can return to normal even without shedding pounds. The key isn’t just how much fat you carry—it’s where it’s stored. Harmful fat deep in the abdomen fuels inflammation and disrupts insulin, while fat under the skin can actually support healthier metabolism.
Eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods like chips, frozen meals, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks may significantly raise the risk of serious heart problems. In a major U.S. study, people consuming around nine servings per day had a 67% higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death from heart disease compared to those eating about one serving. The risk didn’t just jump at high levels either. Each additional daily serving increased the likelihood of these events by more than 5%, even after accounting for calories, overall diet quality, and common health conditions.
A new pill, enlicitide, reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by about 60% in a large clinical trial, matching the power of injectable therapies. Because it’s taken orally, it could overcome one of the biggest barriers keeping patients from using current treatments. Researchers say many people still don’t reach safe cholesterol levels—even on statins—highlighting the need for better options.
A new study suggests that simplifying your diet by eating the same meals and keeping your calorie intake consistent could help you lose more weight. Researchers found that people who followed predictable eating routines during a 12-week program lost more weight than those who constantly changed what they ate. By reducing daily food decisions, routines may make it easier to stick with healthy habits in a world full of tempting options.
Salt substitutes offer a simple, low-cost way to reduce sodium intake and improve blood pressure, yet very few Americans actually use them—even among those who need them most. A large national analysis spanning nearly two decades found that usage remains surprisingly low and has not improved over time. Researchers say this gap represents a major missed opportunity for preventing heart disease and stroke.
Hara hachi bu, a traditional Japanese practice of eating until you’re about 80% full, is gaining attention as a simple yet powerful way to improve health and reshape our relationship with food. Rather than promoting strict dieting, it encourages slowing down, tuning into hunger cues, and eating with awareness and gratitude. Research suggests it may help reduce calorie intake, support healthier food choices, and prevent long-term weight gain.
A major study suggests that when you eat could play a key role in staying lean. People who fast longer overnight and start their day with an early breakfast were more likely to have a lower BMI years later. Scientists think this is because eating earlier aligns better with the body’s internal clock. But skipping breakfast as part of intermittent fasting didn’t offer the same advantage—and may even be tied to unhealthy habits.
New research reveals that obesity affects men and women in surprisingly different ways. Men are more likely to develop harmful abdominal fat and signs of liver stress, while women show higher inflammation and cholesterol levels. These differences could help explain why health risks vary between sexes. Scientists say this could lead to more tailored treatments for obesity.
Bread and other carbohydrate staples may be doing more than just filling plates—they could be quietly reshaping metabolism. In a surprising twist, researchers found that mice strongly preferred carbs like bread, rice, and wheat, abandoning their regular diet entirely. Even without eating more calories, they gained weight and body fat, not because they overate, but because their bodies burned less energy.
Sparkling water is often seen as a simple, healthy drink—but could it also help with weight loss? New research suggests it may slightly boost how the body processes blood sugar and energy. However, the effect is very small, meaning it’s no substitute for diet and exercise.
Some people taking Ozempic-like diabetes drugs may be getting dramatically better results for a surprising reason: why they overeat in the first place. A year-long study in Japan found that people who tend to eat because tempting food looks or smells irresistible were much more likely to lose weight and improve blood sugar levels on GLP-1 medications. But people who eat mainly in response to stress, sadness, or emotional struggles didn’t see the same long-term benefits.
Scientists have uncovered a surprising secret hidden inside fat cells that could reshape how we think about obesity and metabolic disease. A protein called HSL, long believed to simply release stored fat when the body needs energy, turns out to have a second job deep inside the nucleus of fat cells—helping keep those cells healthy and balanced. Even more surprising, people and mice missing this protein don’t become obese as expected; instead, they lose fat tissue in a dangerous condition called lipodystrophy.
Scientists are uncovering a surprising link between hidden tooth infections and blood sugar problems. Deep infections around tooth roots can create chronic inflammation that spreads through the body and may interfere with insulin function. Studies found that people who underwent root canal treatment often experienced better blood sugar control and reduced inflammation afterward. The research suggests that treating an infected tooth could have benefits far beyond the mouth.
Cell-cultured coffee and chocolate reached commercial scale, using bioreactor-grown plant cells to produce flavor-identical beans without deforestation.
Health Facts for Men NEWSBITES: Extra protein and aging muscles; muscle strength and longevity The Hidden Toll of Chronic Stress SPECIAL REPORT: Functional Fitness for Everyday Life Tomato Time! FEATURED RECIPE: Classic Bruschetta Ask Tufts Experts: What is kombucha? Myth of the Month: Shop only the perimeter The post Download The Full June 2026 Issue PDF appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
When it comes to health, men face some distinct risks—and often take fewer preventive steps to address them. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men (as well as women), men are more likely to get—and die from—cancer than women, and they are four times more likely than women to die by suicide. […] The post Health Facts for Men appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
Steps: 1. Toss together all ingredients and let stand for 30 minutes. 2. Serve at room temperature as an accompaniment for toasted bread (or veggie burgers or pasta). To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in Subscribe Subscribe to Tufts Health & Nutrition Get the next year of […] The post Classic Bruschetta appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
Nearly half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure (hypertension). This puts them at increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. But lifestyle modification may reduce this risk. To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in Subscribe Subscribe to Tufts Health & […] The post High Blood Pressure? Healthy Lifestyle May Lower Cardiometabolic Disease Risk appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
As we age, our bodies get less efficient at replacing tissue lost during normal wear and tear. This is especially true for muscle protein, which results in a loss of muscle mass. A randomized placebo-controlled trial published in May of 2026 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition set out to see if increasing protein […] The post Extra Protein Does Not Preserve Muscle Size or Function with Age appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
While stressful situations are a regular part of most people’s lives, chronic or long-term stress can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in Subscribe Subscribe to Tufts Health & Nutrition Get the next year of Tufts Health & […] The post The Hidden Toll of Chronic Stress appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
While they’re available all year long, prime tomato season is from July through September. There are more than a thousand tomato varieties in a rainbow of colors and a wide range of shapes and sizes. Tomato 101. Though we eat tomatoes as a vegetable, they are, botanically, a berry! Native to South America, tomatoes were […] The post Tomato Time! appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
Staying strong as you age is important for maintaining independence and overall health. A study published in February of 2026 in the journal JAMA Network Open looked at how muscle strength was associated with longevity in older women. To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in Subscribe Subscribe […] The post Maintenance of Muscle Strength is Associated with Longer Life for Women appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
Q: Your article on fermented foods (April, 2026) recommended a drink called kombucha. I’ve never heard of it. Can you tell me what it is and where I can find it? A: Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, LDN, executive editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, answers: “Kombucha (kuhm-BOO-chuh) is fermented tea that originated as early […] The post Kombucha—The Fizzy, Fermented Tea appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can negatively affect strength, flexibility, mobility, and power. Muscle loss, minor injuries that don’t fully go away, and declining balance, for example, can make everyday tasks more challenging, whether it’s carrying groceries or getting up off the floor. To continue reading this article or issue you must […] The post Functional Fitness for Everyday Life appeared first on Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter .
Direct-to-consumer gut microbiome testing and personalized meal plans reached 10M users, with clinical studies showing 3x better outcomes than generic diet advice.