BMJ pushes evidence in health policy and practice; current focus spans NHS funding impact, GLP-1 therapy debates, and US-UK trade effects on care.
A collection of studies finds that while GLP-1 weight-loss drugs improve health metrics, they offer limited, inconsistent gains in quality of life and social outcomes. Some analyses report no lasting employment, marriage, or mental-health benefits beyond initial improvements; others note potential cardiovascular advantages for certain drugs. Researchers call for individualized decisions and longer follow-up.
A UN independent commission has found evidence that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank, with about 20,179 children killed in Gaza between Oct 2023 and Oct 2025, constituting roughly 30% of child fatalities. Israel rejects the report, while UNICEF notes ongoing child casualties since the ceasefire. The commission says the attacks amount to genocide and crimes against humanity.
Australia is updating its approach to under-16 social media restrictions as evidence shows the current ban is not fully stopping underage use. The government is considering stronger enforcement powers and new digital duty-of-care legislation to hold platforms accountable for harmful content and algorithm-driven harms. Several sources report on the latest statements by Prime Minister Albanese and the eSafety Commissioner as debates continue in Parliament.
Consultant doctors in England have a mandate to consider industrial action while a government pay deal has ended a year-long disruption. The agreement includes a 6.6% uplift by 2027 and a 35.2% rise relative to four years ago, with 4,500 training places and exam-fee funding. The dispute has affected NHS services and could influence future talks.
The UK–US pharmaceutical deal has led to a BMJ analysis predicting the NHS will divert billions to fund new medicines, risking hundreds of thousands of excess deaths by 2036, with the toll higher if social care funding is included.