The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the nation’s first over-the-counter birth control pill, a move that will likely pave the way for far greater access to contraception for Americans. Women will be able to buy the progestin-only oral contraceptive at drug stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, the FDA said. There is… read on > read on >
A bunch of healthy fruits and vegetables could be just what the doctor ordered. Nonprofit groups and public health agencies have experimented with the idea of a produce prescription over the years. Now, a new study simulates what would happen if patients with diabetes and diet-related conditions were given free or discounted produce and nutrition… read on > read on >
Water fasting has become one of the trendiest new weight-loss sensations, touted by former athletes and wellness gurus. But whatever weight is lost during a water fast can come back quickly, while other health benefits fade fast, according to a new review of the available scientific evidence. “I personally wouldn’t really recommend this diet,” said… read on > read on >
A growing obesity epidemic may affect the outcome of treatment for those dealing with cancer, according to a new study of adults and teens being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Researchers called for further study of how weight affects the response to different chemotherapy regimens for ALL. “We have known for roughly 15 years… read on > read on >
The European Medicines Agency is investigating concerns that popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Saxenda may be linked to suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm. Three case reports from Iceland spurred the agency’s safety committee to conduct a medication review, CNN reported Monday. The EMA is Europe’s equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.… read on > read on >
The drugs Wegovy and Ozempic are all the rage for weight loss these days, and now a new study shows these injections may be game-changers for obese teenagers, too. This trial, funded by drug maker Novo Nordisk, found that nearly half of all adolescents on semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) were able to achieve a healthy weight in… read on > read on >
Certain foods are key to reducing heart disease risk, so it’s important to eat them to stay healthy. A globally focused study looked at foods commonly considered to be healthy to better understand this. Consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish and whole-fat dairy products is key to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including… read on > read on >
The use of antipsychotic medication in children is continuing to plummet, likely because of better policies and education, new research shows. The study found a 43% drop in antipsychotic prescriptions for Medicaid-enrolled children in 45 states, a stark contrast from the sharp rise in the 2000s. “The decline we observed likely reflects the convergence of… read on > read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday gave full approval to the Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, clearing the way for insurance coverage of the pricey drug. “The full FDA approval will open the floodgates for people with early Alzheimer’s to get this drug. It’s a big deal because it’s very expensive at $26,500 per year,”… read on > read on >
Add risk of developing memory problems later in life to the list of consequences linked to poor oral health. Not taking care of your mouth and teeth has already been associated with heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and preterm birth. Now, a new study finds that folks with gum disease or tooth loss have evidence… read on > read on >
