A disease defined by BMI, with broad health impacts
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns that child health outcomes across 12 indicators have worsened or stalled in England. The report highlights persistent inequality, with deprivation and ethnicity shaping outcomes. Officials urge explicit targets, better data and long-term investment to improve child health and reduce disparities.
Novo Nordisk has filed a US lawsuit accusing Eli Lilly of false advertising over weight‑loss and diabetes drugs, arguing Lilly used outdated trial data to claim superiority. Lilly defends its campaigns, citing SURMOUNT‑5 results. The case centers on GLP-1 treatments and the race for market dominance, with potential damages and corrective advertising at stake.
Federal SNAP reform has tightened eligibility and shifted costs to states, triggering a sharp drop in participation and putting pressure on food banks. Arizona records the largest decline, with state processes becoming more burdensome and delivery times longer as programs adjust. Projections warn of continued reductions without congressional action.
Barron’s reports Lilly’s plan to seek approval for its newest weight‑loss drug in 2027, signaling a potential pipeline expansion. The move follows a mixed earnings season for Danaher, with investors weighing the timing and impact on long‑term growth.
Cambridge and ICR researchers show NICE criteria miss up to 95% of women under 50 who will develop breast cancer within 10 years. A new model called Boadicea identifies eight times as many high-risk women, prompting calls for review and investment to implement multifactorial risk assessment across the NHS.
Northern Ireland is considering measures to curb obesity by restricting where unhealthy foods are placed in shops and online, mirroring policies in England and Wales. The Department of Health and the FSA have launched a consultation, arguing that price, placement and marketing influence purchases and contribute to obesity. Critics warn about effects on low-income families.
A wave of studies finds that AI analysis of mammograms can identify cardiovascular risks in women, including hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke, alongside breast cancer screening. Researchers say mammograms could become a dual-purpose tool for early cardiovascular risk detection, prompting earlier intervention.
A Berlin-led study presented at the ESC Congress finds higher blood levels of xylitol are associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events. The association is dose-dependent and persists across age and risk factors, prompting calls for further research.
A study from Anglia Ruskin University finds traditional dieting is less effective for men, who view dieting as restrictive and feminine. Partners often support men, while male-focused programmes that emphasize quick wins, social competition and strength may boost engagement. Researchers advocate practical, non-dieting strategies and sport-related challenges.
England expands a seven-minute cholesterol test to 100 pharmacies as part of a national push to spot heart-disease risk early. Patients aged 40-84 without recent tests can get a fingertip cholesterol reading, a blood pressure check, and tailored lifestyle advice. Early detection aims to reduce heart attacks, strokes, and NHS pressure.
A new analysis shows a rise in cancers among people under 50 across England, the US and the Netherlands, driven by obesity, diet and lifestyle factors, with bowel, kidney and uterine cancers among the fastest-growing. Experts urge research and prevention as diagnosis at younger ages becomes more common.