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Doctors are raising concerns that the move to delay the hepatitis B shot for newborns upends decades of vaccination policy without evidence and will likely increase risks of chronic conditions for children. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images A CDC advisory committee voted today to alter the hepatitis B childhood vaccine schedule. The vote has upended more than 3 decades of vaccination policy in the United States. Experts claim that the change is not based on scientific evidence and will result in more cases of hepatitis B and downstream effects, including cancer and cirrhosis. A vaccine advisory group to the CDC voted today, in an unprecedented move, to alter the childhood vaccine schedule for hepatitis B. The vote is contrary to evidence that the vaccine is both safe and highly effective, experts say, and would potentially upend decades of progress in eliminating a highly contagious and incurable infection. The vote, initially planned for an ACIP meeting in September, was tabled at that time. It was again delayed on Thursday after committee members stated that they had not been given sufficient time to review the changes made to the language in the recommendation. “I consider that this fourth iteration of votes in 96 hours is still incredibly problematic,” said ACIP member Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, as reported by CNN. “We really need to know what we’re voting on,” a voice could be heard saying over the livestream on Thursday, in a meeting apparently fraught with confusion. On Friday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to no longer recommend universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, reversing its stance on the at-birth hepatitis B vaccine, which had been recommended since 1991. No new evidence, such as updated safety data, was presented to support the decision. No other country in the world with an established birth dose has ever retreated from that recommendation. America is now the first. “There’s no scientific rationale for this,” said Jake Scott, MD, clinical associate professor of infectious diseases at Stanford Medicine. “They are taking away the safety net, guaranteeing that more babies will become chronically infected, and years later, some will die of liver disease that could have been prevented. John Schieffelin, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and section chief of pediatric infectious disease at Tulane University School of Medicine, said the decision “undermines the community’s trust in the scientific process.” “It was based on a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of all the science that’s been put in for over 30 years on how safe this vaccine is and how effective it is giving this dose within the first 24 hours of life,” he said. Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted through bodily fluids that is incurable. It is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. In the United States, up to 2.4 million people are estimated to have hepatitis B, but only half are aware of their infection. Perinatal transmission from mother to infant, which can occur at or around birth, is a major driver of hepatitis B, resulting in up to 50% of all cases, by some estimates. About 90% of newborns infected perinatally will develop a chronic infection, and one in four will die prematurely from liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). A universal birth dose has been one of the great success stories of American public health, William Schaffner, MD, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, told Healthline. “That program has been extraordinarily successful. The success of this program has been beyond what we could’ve imagined at the time.  It essentially eliminated infant, childhood, and adolescent acute hepatitis B,” he said. Schaffner laments that the vote “is turning back the clock to the bad old days.” In the US, hepatitis B cases have fallen by 99% since 1991, when the birth dose was implemented. The vaccine is a three-shot series, with the first dose administered at birth, the second 1-2 months later, and the third between 6 and 18 months of age. The ACIP vote represents a marked shift toward embracing the vaccine skepticism of HHS Secretary RFK Jr., who has consistently and publicly cast doubt on the safety of childhood vaccinations. However, it is not surprising. In June, Kennedy fired all 17 members of ACIP and subsequently hand-picked new members, many of whom have espoused distrust in vaccinations. Public health and infectious disease experts have expressed concerns that the new recommendations will undermine trust in childhood vaccines and create gaps in immunity that will allow for the recurrence of preventable diseases.  “Any alteration, especially delaying of vaccination, really increases the risk that we’re going to see more Hepatitis B infections in children,” said Schieffelin. What the new recommendations say The new ACIP recommendation incorporates language consistent with its shared clinical decision-making framework for vaccinations. The new recommendation states: “For infants born to HBsAg-negative women: ACIP recommends individual-based decision making, in consultation with a health care provider, for parents deciding when or if to give the HBV vaccine, including the birth dose. Parents and health care providers should consider vaccine benefits, vaccine risks, and infection risks. For those not receiving the HBV birth dose, it is suggested that the initial dose is administered no earlier than 2 months of age.” Dr. Cody Meissner, one of the three ACIP members who voted “no,” stated, “We are doing harm by changing the wording.”  The committee also voted in favor (6 yes, 4 no, 1 abstention) of recommending that parents consider using blood tests to check infants’ immunity to hepatitis B before deciding whether additional shots are needed. The recommendations are not yet official, as the CDC director must approve them before they become policy. Questions about vaccine safety  The universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth is considered both safe and effective for infants, even when given within the recommended window of 24 hours after birth.  In the days leading up to the ACIP meeting, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) issued a comprehensive review of the vaccine as part of its Vaccine Integrity Project. The review found that the at birth hepatitis B vaccine “has consistently been demonstrated to be safe” based on consistent, far-reaching evidence from randomized controlled trials, large cohort studies, and safety monitoring systems. Short-term reactions such as localized redness, swelling, and low grade fever have been reported, but not any increased incidence of vaccine-related serious adverse effects. Furthermore, it found no increased risk of adverse events in infants administered the vaccine at birth compared to those receiving a delayed shot. And what about those niggling concerns about thimerosal in childhood vaccines? They just aren’t used anymore. All routinely recommended vaccines for US children ages 6 and younger are available in formulations without thimerosal. Hepatitis B vaccines containing thimerosal were recommended for removal from the market in 1999, following an FDA review. Notably, that review found “no evidence of harm” besides localized reactions.  Thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001. Current hepatitis B vaccines do contain small amounts of aluminum, which is added to boost the immune response. Why hepatitis B testing alone hasn’t worked Proponents for the change in recommendation claim that a birth dose is unnecessary, arguing that it is predominantly spread through sexual activity and drug use. While it is true that the virus can be spread this way, the argument doesn’t sufficiently address perinatal infection. “They underestimate the importance of mother-to-infant transmission,” Schaffner said. In fact, perinatal transmission is the most common way the disease is spread worldwide, with an estimated 50% of cases acquired perinatally or in early childhood. Under RFK Jr., administration officials have pushed for increased hepatitis B screening initiatives for pregnant women, which would support a selective approach to vaccination. The strategy would shift away from universal vaccination to a model in which only high risk infants, such as those born to mothers who are injection drug users or with confirmed hepatitis B. But screening alone is insufficient, according to experts. “We tried that before 1991, and it did not work. Yes, it reduced neonatal transmission a little, but not comprehensively,” said Schaffner. The CIDRAP review came to the same conclusion. After attempting different screening and prevention strategies throughout the 1980s, ACIP eventually settled on the universal model that has existed for more than thirty years. A return to a selective approach through screening alone is fraught with risk and logistical hurdles. “This selective vaccination system sounds sensible, right? But the data are very clear: there are a lot of missed cases,” Scott said. Barriers to an effective and comprehensive screening strategy are diverse, according to Schaffner. Some women simply don’t get tested. Some may get tested early during pregnancy, but not later on, so if an infection occurs after the initial test it can be transmitted. Tests may also produce false negatives.  There may also simply be a disconnect — lost records or miscommunication — between the facility that does the testing and where the mother gives birth. “There is a whole series of very practical, down-to-earth reasons that indicate that if you are really interested in having mother to infant transmission be zero, or as close to it as we can get, you can’t do it on an individual basis,” Schaffner said.

A nationwide recall of shredded cheese products that may contain metal fragments raises concern over the possible risks of intestinal injury or illness. Luciano Spinelli/Stocksy The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for over 1 million bags of shredded cheese due to the possible presence of metal particles or Listeria.  The recalled products were sold at national retailers, including Walmart, Aldi, Publix, Target, and Ambriola, among others.  The recall affects 64 different cheese products and spans 32 states and regions. The Food and Drug Administration issued an active recall for over 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese products due to the potential presence of metal fragments or Listeria contamination. On December 1, the FDA elevated the recall to a Class II, meaning “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” The cheeses affected by the recall may have metal fragments from the suppliers’ raw materials. This may pose a risk of intestinal injury or illness to consumers; however, no illnesses or deaths have been reported to date. According to the FDA, the shredded cheese products were distributed to major retail stores, including Walmart, Aldi, Publix, and Target, as well as other distributors, between November 3 and 20. Great Lakes Cheese issued a recall of roughly half a dozen types of shredded cheeses in early October due to the possibility of containing metal fragments. The Ambriola Company announced a recall on November 25 for some of its products after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria, which can lead to potentially life threatening infections. “We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves,” Ambriola CEO Phil Marfuggi said in a statement. “We are working closely with the FDA and continuing to test our products and facilities to fully understand the situation.” Healthline reached out to various retailers, such as Walmart, Aldi, and Target, but the companies couldn’t be reached for comment.  All affected products can be identified by the UPC and batch code. If you have any shredded cheese that matches this information, it’s recommended that you either dispose of it or return it to the retailer where you purchased it for a potential refund.  Which shredded cheese products are being recalled? The following is a list of the 64 products that are affected by this recall:  Always Save Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Borden Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Borden Thick Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Brookshire’s Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Brookshire’s Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese  Brookshire’s Thick Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Brookshire’s Italian Six-Cheese Finely Shredded Cache Valley Creamery Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Cache Valley Creamery Six-Cheese Italian Finely Shredded Chestnut Hill Fancy Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Coburn Farms Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese  Coburn Farms Italian-Style Finely Shredded Econo Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Econo Pizza Shredded Food Club Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Food Club Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Food Club Finely Shredded Pizza Style Four Cheese Blend Food Club Pizza Style Two Cheese Blend Finely Shredded Food Club Pizza Style Two Cheese Blend Shredded Food Lion Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Freedom’s Choice Pizza Blend Fine-Cut Gold Rush Creamery Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Gold Rush Creamery Pizza Blend Shredded Good & Gather Fine Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Good & Gather Classic Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Good & Gather Mozzarella & Provolone Classic Good & Gather Mozzarella & Parmesan Shredded Cheese Blend Great Lakes Cheese Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Great Lakes Cheese Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Great Lakes Cheese Mozzarella & Provolone Shredded Great Value Italian Style Finely Shredded Great Value Pizza Blend Shredded Great Value Provolone & Mozzarella Blend Shredded Happy Farms by Aldi Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Happy Farms by Aldi Italian-Style Shredded Cheese H-E-B Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese H-E-B Thick Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese H-E-B Shredded/Fancy Finamente Rallado Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Hill Country Fare Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Fine Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Classic Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Thick Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Italian Style Fine Cut Laura Lynn Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Laura Lynn Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Laura Lynn Thick Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Laura Lynn Italian Blend Finely Shredded Laura Lynn Pizza Blend Finely Shredded Lucerne Dairy Farms Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Lucerne Dairy Farms Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Lucerne Dairy Farms Rustic Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Nu Farm Fancy Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Publix Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Publix Italian Six Cheese Blend Fancy Shredded Schuck’s Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Simply Go Classic Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Simply Go Rustic Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Simply Go Italian Style Six Cheese Blend Fine Cut Shredded Simply Go Pizza Blend Two Cheese Mix Classic Cut Shredded Sprouts Farmers Market Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Sprouts Farmers Market Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Stater Bros. Markets Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Stater Bros. Markets Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Sunnyside Farms Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese These products were sold in the following states and regions:  Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Mexico New York North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Virgina Washington Wisconsin Dangers of ingesting metal particles According to the FDA, metal fragments or particles in food can cause injury when ingested. This may include dental damage, lacerations of the mouth or throat, or lacerations or perforation of the intestine.  Michelle Routhenstein, a cardiology dietitian and registered nutritionist with Entirely Nourished, echoed the FDA’s warnings. “Ingesting metal particles can cause immediate physical injury,” she told Healthline. “Larger or sharp fragments may chip teeth, damage dental work, or cut the mouth, throat, esophagus, or gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing pain, bleeding, infection, or even a perforation.” What to know about Listeria Some of the cheese products impacted by the recall may be contaminated with Listeria. Listeria symptoms are generally mild. However, some people with an intestinal illness may develop an invasive form of the disease. This means the infection spreads beyond the gut to other parts of the body. Symptoms of a listeria infection (listeriosis) in the intestine include: diarrhea vomiting If the infection becomes invasive, symptoms may include: fever flu-like symptoms headache stiff neck confusion loss of balance seizures You should speak with a healthcare professional if both of the following apply to you: You have ingested food that has been recalled or linked to an outbreak. You are experiencing fever or other symptoms of listeria infection. Let the healthcare professional know if you have possibly eaten contaminated food. This is especially important if you are pregnant, over 65 years old, or have a weakened immune system. What to do if you purchased recalled cheese? If you have recently purchased shredded cheese products, check if your product has been recalled. If it has, avoid consuming any recalled items and follow the disposal or return instructions.  Routhenstein noted that if you have already consumed the cheese products, the risk from a single small fragment is fairly low. However, you should seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden, sharp pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain.

The risk of “scromiting” increases with chronic cannabis use, especially daily use. Maskot/Getty Images A vomiting disorder linked to chronic cannabis use, known colloquially as “scromiting,” is rising sharply across the United States. A new national analysis reveals that cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) cases increased fivefold from 2016 to 2022, particularly among young adults. The trend raises urgent questions for patients and caregivers about recognizing early symptoms and reducing risk as cannabis use becomes more common. A serious vomiting disorder associated with chronic cannabis use is on the rise across the United States. In a large, retrospective analysis of emergency department visits, researchers found that cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) rose dramatically between 2016 and 2022, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings were recently published in JAMA Network Open.  CHS is a form of cannabis-induced cyclical vomiting characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, and bouts of recurrent vomiting that can last hours or even days. The disorder has earned the graphic nickname “scromiting,” a portmanteau of “screaming” and “vomiting.” The disorder is also frequently linked to excessive hot bathing and showering, which reportedly eases the symptoms. The risk of CHS diagnosis increases with chronic cannabis use, especially daily use.  Although CHS is uncommon, it appears to be becoming more frequent as cannabis legalization expands in the US. Greater access to cannabis products, an ever-expanding variety of products, and higher-potency all likely play a role. However, experts note that the exact cause of CHS remains unclear. CHS was first documented in Australia in 2004, but has largely remained something of a fringe diagnosis over the past twenty years. Due to this status, its true prevalence is still largely unknown, with the syndrome likely being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. James A. Swartz, PhD, a professor and interim associate dean for research at the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago, and the study’s primary investigator, has been studying the effects of cannabis legalization in Illinois for several years and became interested in CHS after seeing reports of mysterious, uncontrollable vomiting linked to cannabis use. “We wanted to determine how common this is and whether it was changing over time,” he told Healthline. “AND We found that it sharply increased during the COVID epidemic and has declined some since then, but it has remained well elevated above COVID levels.” Sharp increase in cannabis induced vomiting cases The study used a nationally representative sample of emergency department data, analyzing more than 188 million visits and capturing roughly 85% of all U.S. emergency department visits. Since CHS did not have its own ICD code, a system for classifying diseases and symptoms, at that time (it was only granted its own code in 2025), Swartz had to utilize a proxy diagnosis by combining a simultaneous cannabis use disorder (CUD) with cyclical vomiting. “We tried to be as careful as possible to divide out people who likely had CHS from other people who probably didn’t because there was no cannabis use reflected in any of the diagnoses in their record, but they had cyclic vomiting,” Swartz said. Using this proxy definition, the study identified rising rates of CHS in emergency departments, with cases climbing from 4.4 per 100,000 visits in 2016 to 22.3 per 100,000 visits in 2022. Rates of CHS peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 at 33.1 per 100,000 visits, before declining. Swartz told Healthline that the CHS spike during the pandemic is in line with other trends, including increased alcohol use disorder (AUD) and drug overdoses during that time. CHS has predominantly affected young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, with those individuals 3.5 fold more likely to receive a CHS diagnosis than older adults.  “We’ve seen in Illinois that this group has been most affected by legalization in terms of increased use and greater frequency of use. So, it makes sense to me that they would also be the group that would show up as being the most affected in terms of CHS,” Swartz said.  Notably, CHS cases increased while cases of cyclical vomiting declined, suggesting that the CHS reflects cannabis-specific symptoms rather than a general rise in vomiting disorders. One major caveat of the study however is that it does not answer the questions of whether there are in fact more cases of CHS or if healthcare providers have simply gotten better at identifying it. “Either there’s an actual increase in the number of people experiencing this disorder, or there’s just a growing recognition of it,” Swartz said. “I think it’s probably a little bit of both, but we won’t really know that until there are more detailed studies.” How to identify, treat cannabis induced vomiting Before developing CHS, users typically experience what’s known as the prodromal phase, which can last months or even years. During this phase, the user may experience increased nausea, abdominal discomfort, and fear of vomiting, though vomiting itself is absent. “If you are starting to experience more nausea, if it’s becoming more frequent or noticeable, that’s a flashing warning sign that maybe they need to cut back a bit on the cannabis use,” Swartz said. CHS is fully developed in the next phase, known as the hyperemetic phase. At this point, the individual experiences the full range of CHS symptoms, including: recurring bouts of nausea and vomiting compulsive bathing with hot water (to ease symptoms) weight loss abdominal pain While there are ways to treat symptoms of CHS in the short term, the only true cure is to stop using marijuana completely. In an accompanying editorial, Michael Gottlieb, MD, vice chair of research and professor of emergency medicine at Rush University Medical Center, calls quitting marijuana “the cornerstone” of prevention. “We wanted to inform readers, including those who see patients with CHS and those who are experiencing or are at risk for CHS, that reducing or completely stopping use of cannabis is the best option to prevent it before it occurs,” Gottlieb told Healthline. It is unclear if anything less than full cessation of cannabis will prevent a recurrence of CHS. “If a person has developed CHS and they go back to even moderate use, will it recur? I don’t know the answer to that. I don’t know if that’s ever been studied,” Swartz said. “Certainly, if you don’t want to experience CHS again, the safest way is to not use cannabis again.” For individuals who regularly use cannabis but want to cut down their risk, Sherry Yafai, MD, an emergency medicine physician and medical director and founder of The ReLeaf Institute, recommended avoiding high-potency products as a place to start. “Avoid wax, dab, and shatter. Be aware of how much THC is in the product you are using,” Yafai told Healthline. “Most people don’t need more than [around] 25% in a smoked product. Decrease the potency of THC and/or decrease your total daily intake of THC,” she said. Taking a break, especially if nausea or other notable symptoms have begun to appear, is also advisable. “If you’re starting to experience those warning signs, do an easy self-test and cut back to see if the nausea remits some,” Swartz said.

The WHO recommended GLP-1s as a treatment for obesity alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Milles Team/Stocksy New guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend using GLP-1 medications to help manage obesity. The agency said the weight-loss drugs should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Experts say the official recommendation reemphasizes the game-changing ability of GLP-1 medications, but stress that diet and exercise are integral to an effective treatment plan for obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of GLP-1 medications as part of treatment programs to help people manage obesity. In a new guideline published in JAMA, WHO officials said that these weight loss drugs can be part of long-term treatment programs that also include counseling on healthy diets and regular exercise. “Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease affecting over 1 billion people worldwide, driving substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Glucagon-like peptide-1 therapies (GLP-1 therapies) provide clinically meaningful weight loss and broad metabolic benefits,” the WHO officials wrote. WHO encouraged countries to develop comprehensive programs that tackle the obesity crisis in a multi-factorial way. “Medication alone cannot solve the global obesity burden. The availability of GLP-1 therapies should galvanize the global community to build a fair, integrated, and sustainable obesity ecosystem,” the officials wrote. In September, the organization added GLP-1 drugs to its list of essential medications for diabetes treatment. In previous recommendations on obesity treatment, WHO officials had focused on only diet and exercise. The agency’s new guidelines are “conditional,” meaning the benefits likely outweigh the downsides. WHO officials emphasized the need for more long-term data on the drugs’ safety and efficacy, as well as lower prices to facilitate broader access. Obesity recognized as a global health concern Mir Ali, MD, a general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, said that the new guidelines send a strong message. “The WHO announcement is important as it is recognizing obesity as a worldwide health concern and addressing it as a chronic disease with treatment options that include medications,” Ali told Healthline. “The hopes are that this announcement may spur pharmaceutical companies to make this drug less expensive and available to a larger patient population.” Kristin Kirkpatrick, the president of KAK Consulting LLC and a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine in Ohio, said the WHO guidelines bring a noted change in the approach to weight management. “This marks a shift in suggesting that diet/exercise alone is appropriate for everyone who is attempting to lose weight,” she told Healthline. “It recognizes that medication and, in this case, a GLP-1 (alongside dietary and other lifestyle changes) can be a more sustainable solution.” Anil Makam, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, agreed that GLP-1 drugs are game changers. “GLP-1 medications are the first truly effective class of drugs we’ve ever had to treat obesity,” he told Healthline. However, Makam said the WHO guidelines may have actually undersold the benefits of these weight loss drugs. “Clinical trials show GLP-1s produce powerful and consistent weight loss and major improvements in obesity-related illnesses — especially for people at high cardiovascular risk,” he said. “That evidence is strong, not ‘conditional.’” However, Dan Azagury, MD, an associate professor of surgery at Stanford University in California, said the guidelines are useful but not earth-shattering. “Any WHO guideline is important, in particular internationally, and this one is a welcome and important one,” he told Healthline. “That being said, the recommendation itself does not introduce any groundbreaking or substantial new information.” David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, said he feels the most important emphasis from the guidelines is not necessarily the GLP-1 medications. “The most important thing is it sends a message about obesity and its harmful effects on health,” Cutler told Healthline. Access, cost remain barriers to obesity treatment Kirkpatrick says there is no question that GLP-1 drugs can help some people manage their weight. “These drugs are shown to help in reduction of food intake, modification of cravings that may lead to healthier food choices (less sugar, less ultra-processed foods, less alcohol), and what my patients tell me – ‘quieting the food noise,’” she said. Experts, however, say cost and lack of access to these medications are also important topics. “High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints remain major barriers to universal access to GLP-1 therapies,” said Azagury. “Access to treatment is a significant challenge for patients in many countries, constituting the primary obstacle to delivering high-quality care for this underserved condition.” Ali agreed. “Many challenges remain, especially in developing countries where access to care can be even more difficult. Cost, availability, access to counseling and other treatments are still hurdles to overcome,” he said. Makam added that access is a key issue, but he says the potential is enormous if the drugs become more available. “If these medications become affordable and widely available, they can meaningfully reduce obesity rates,” he said. “We’re already seeing obesity rates decline in the U.S. for the first time in decades. These drugs are that effective — if access and cost barriers come down.” What to know about GLP-1 drugs There are two types of medications among the newer GLP-1 drugs. One type is medications that contain the active ingredient tirzepatide. These include drugs with the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. The other type is medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. These include drugs with the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. They all work by mimicking a hormone that sends fullness signals to the brain. Makam said he believes WHO officials made a mistake when they lumped all GLP-1 drugs together in their guidance. “They treated all GLP-1 medications as the same. They’re not. Dual-action drugs like tirzepatide are clearly the most effective — and, yes, also the most expensive. Grouping all GLP-1s together blurs an important difference for policymakers,” he said. Research has shown that the weight loss achieved with these medications, combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can result in a range of health benefits. A 2023 study reported that GLP-1 drugs may help reduce cancer risks. An August study reported that the weight loss medications can reduce the risk of hospitalization as well as early death in people with a common type of heart failure. Other recent research suggests that GLP-1s could potentially be used to even treat addiction and curb alcohol use. Health dangers from obesity The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 40% of adults in the United States can be classified as obese. The CDC states that obesity is a “chronic condition that increases the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.” Obesity is also associated with higher risks of elevated blood pressure, sleep apnea, liver disease, gallbladder disease, pregnancy complications, and depression. One of the primary causes of obesity is an unhealthy diet, specifically consuming more calories than the body burns. Other factors include: genetics lack of sleep stress older age In addition, ultra-processed foods have been linked to the rise in obesity prevalence. Expert advice on weight loss Makam said the foundation of any weight loss program should be a balanced diet with a heavy emphasis on plant-based foods and smaller portions. He added that weight-loss drugs can only do so much. “For people with morbid obesity, GLP-1 medications can be transformative,” he said. “But it’s crucial to know that the weight often comes back when you stop. These medications work with slow and careful dosing adjustments, but they require long-term use.” Cutler noted that although GLP-1 drugs are “the safest and most effective medications available” to treat obesity, they do come with side effects. He said it’s better for people to try to lose weight through diet and exercise and only utilize the medications if those efforts don’t succeed. “You should try to do it without medications and if you can’t do it, then try the medications,” Cutler said. “Losing weight through diet and exercise isn’t easy. It takes some work and it takes some time.” Azagury added that professional help is another important ingredient. “Treatments exist, and multidisciplinary longitudinal care is essential for managing a lifelong chronic condition,” he said. “Being treated in a center that offers multimodal therapy —including behavioral and nutritional therapy, medications, and surgery — is the best way for patients to receive the comprehensive support they need.” Kirkpatrick agreed. “Working with someone can ensure that you are going beyond just taking the drug and working on your dietary pattern, supplements, exercise, etc., as well as monitoring dose and any associated risk factors,” she said. “I tell patients, whether they are having surgical weight loss, medications, counseling or a combination of these therapies, these are all tools to help someone change to a healthier diet and lifestyle,” added Ali. “It does require effort and compliance on the part of the patient. If the patient does not follow diet and lifestyle recommendations, long-term success is typically much lower.” Learn more about how to get GLP-1 medications from vetted and trusted online sources here: Where to Buy Zepbound Online Where to Buy Ozempic Online Where to Buy Ozempic Online How to Get Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Where to Buy Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Online How to Get Wegovy for Weight Loss In Person and Online How to Get a Wegovy Prescription Online How to Get Zepbound: What We Know So Far

New research suggests that stopping GLP-1 drugs before pregnancy is linked to complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Tatsiana Volkava/Getty Images A recent study suggests that stopping GLP-1s before pregnancy may be linked to higher rates of complications and excessive gestational weight gain. Experts caution that the findings don’t necessarily prove causation and that underlying obesity and metabolic conditions are likely contributing factors. GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss are not recommended during pregnancy. Experts advise focusing on balanced nutrition, gentle physical activity, and other strategies to support healthy pregnancy weight gain.  New research has found that using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic before pregnancy could influence certain pregnancy outcomes. However, more research is needed.  A recent study published in JAMA reviewed several hundred singleton pregnancies delivered within the Mass General Brigham system from 2016 to 2025.  Within that group, researchers identified roughly 450 pregnancies in which the parent had used a GLP-1 medication at some point between the three years leading up to conception and the first 90 days afterward.  About half of the female participants had their last GLP-1 medication order within six months of conceiving, around one-third had their last order earlier than that, and about 17 percent had their last GLP-1 medication order beyond conception. On average, these participants had a prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) of about 36, which falls in the obesity range.  To assess outcomes, the researchers compared them with a second group of individuals who had never taken a GLP-1 medication but had similar prepregnancy BMIs.  In both groups, BMI values spanned from healthy to severely obese, and the proportion of people in each BMI category was comparable. The analysis showed that people who had previously used and then stopped GLP-1s faced higher rates of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive conditions of pregnancy, including high blood pressure and preeclampsia.  They also gained more weight during pregnancy, averaging about 30 pounds (13.7 kilograms), compared with roughly 23 pounds (10.5 kilograms) in the comparison group. Importantly, a greater share of the GLP-1-exposed group experienced what is considered excessive gestational weight gain, a pattern linked with health risks for both parent and baby. GLP-1 drugs and pregnancy outcomes Andrea Braden MD, board certified OB-GYN, told Healthline it’s important to note the limitations of this research.  “This study raises important questions, but it does not prove that GLP-1 medications directly cause harm in pregnancy. The people who need these drugs often have obesity or diabetes, which already increases the risk of complications,” she explained.  “It’s a classic case of confounding by indication, and we need much better, pregnancy-specific research before drawing firm conclusions.” Shyamala Vishnumohan, PhD, a prenatal dietitian at The Pregnancy Dietitian, told Healthline that the results of this study don’t surprise her.  “Those who need GLP-1s usually have significant obesity and insulin resistance, and when the medication is withdrawn, it’s common to see appetite and blood sugars surge,” she said. “The message is clear: we can’t just pull away a powerful weight-loss tool right before pregnancy without a transition plan.”  Benefits, risks of stopping GLP-1s before pregnancy  If you are planning to get pregnant, weighing the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1s on pregnancy outcomes is essential.  “These medications stay in the body for weeks, which is why current guidance suggests stopping GLP-1s at least two months before trying to conceive,” Braden explained.  “Stopping suddenly can lead to rebound weight gain or worse blood sugar control, both of which matter for pregnancy outcomes.”  In theory, better weight and blood sugar management could improve pregnancy outcomes and lower the risk of problems like preeclampsia, cesarean birth, or very large babies. “GLP-1s clearly help metabolic health outside of pregnancy, and preconception use may set some patients up for a healthier pregnancy,” Braden noted.  “However, we do not have strong, prospective trials of GLP-1 therapy started or continued during pregnancy that show clear benefit and safety,” she warned.  We currently know much more about the potential risks of GLP-1 drugs on pregnancy outcomes.  “Most of our concern comes from animal data, where high-dose GLP-1 exposure has been linked to fetal growth restriction, structural abnormalities, and pregnancy loss, often alongside significant maternal weight loss,” Braden noted.  “That is why the drug labels tell us not to use these medications in pregnancy.” Human data is more limited and mixed. “So far, we do not see a clear pattern of major birth defects, which is somewhat reassuring, but we lack robust information on more subtle outcomes and long-term effects on children,” Braden said.  “The biggest risk in my view is that we simply do not know enough, and families are being asked to make decisions in that uncertainty.”  Vishnumohan added that GLP-1 use could cause side effects like nausea and poor appetite that could drive under-nutrition in a period of higher nutrient needs. Risks of overweight, obesity during pregnancy  Weighing the pros and cons of GLP-1 use before pregnancy can be tricky when you consider that overweight and obesity can also negatively impact pregnancy outcomes.  In this context, do experts believe the benefits of taking GLP-1 drugs outweigh the risks? “I wouldn’t frame this as ‘GLP-1s versus obesity’,” Vishnumohan said. “Obesity and metabolic disease are still the main drivers of pregnancy risk, and GLP-1 use plus abrupt discontinuation may simply add an extra layer of risk or instability on top.”  Vishnumohan said that obesity and metabolic health ought to be treated before pregnancy. She said that better systems are needed to support those stopping these weight loss medications so that one risk is not exchanged for another. In Braden’s view, we currently know far more about the risks of obesity in pregnancy than we do about the risks of GLP-1 exposure. “Prepregnancy obesity and excess gestational weight gain are consistently linked to gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, cesarean birth, and long-term metabolic risks for the child,” she said. GLP-1-related risks are much less defined. “Some of the higher risk seen in recent studies likely reflects the underlying obesity and metabolic disease that led to the medication in the first place, along with rebound weight gain after stopping,” Braden noted.  “I do not think the potential benefits of taking GLP-1 medications during pregnancy outweigh the unknowns right now, especially when we have alternatives like insulin that have a much longer safety track record,” she said.  Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy  GLP-1 drugs are not recommended during pregnancy, and there are other, safer ways to maintain a healthy weight. “When you’re pregnant, the goal is nourishment and to focus on gaining the appropriate amount of weight from your starting BMI, not zero weight gain,” Vishnumohan said. “Focus on regular meals and snacks, building plates with proteins, high fiber carbs, color from vegetables and fruits, and a little healthy fat,” she added. Exercise can be incredibly beneficial, too. “Add ‘movement snacks’ to your day; short bouts of gentle activity like walking after meals, climbing a few stairs, or completing simple resistance moves spread throughout the day, if medically appropriate,” Vishnumohan continued. “Just as important is looking after your stress, sleep, and nausea because they can drive our eating behaviour,” she said. Professional support can also be helpful.  “We have good evidence that structured behavioral counseling in pregnancy, focused on nutrition and physical activity, can reduce excess gestational weight gain and lower the risk of gestational diabetes, emergency cesarean birth, and very large infants,” Braden explained.  Bottom line, Vishnumohan said that there’s no such thing as a “perfect” pregnancy diet or “perfect” exercise routine. Rather, she recommended aiming for nutrition and lifestyle habits that are healthy and practical.

Some experts say that taking an ‘invisible day’ could help us cope with stress during busy periods. Image credit: Jessie Casson/Getty Images An ‘invisible day’ is a new self-care trend that encourages people to take time to destress and decompress.  Some experts suggest that invisible days may have mental health benefits, such as giving your nervous system a break and increasing your self-worth.  Stress levels have been on the rise among adults in the United States.  It’s all too common to feel like you’re being pulled in various directions by texts, emails, and to-do lists, especially during the holiday season. This constant pull, combined with social media feeds and 24-hour news cycles, can increase stress levels and lead to feelings of overwhelm, which can take a toll on your mental health. The long-term effects of stress can contribute to anxiety, rumination, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Surveys conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) have shown that not only are the rates of stress increasing across the United States, but the reasons people feel the most stressed are also changing.  According to its 2024 survey, the APA reported that 84% of people experience stress during the holiday season. Most individuals who do experience stress this time of year have various ways of coping with those feelings.  While the holidays are generally a stressful time, there are other reasons people report feeling stressed in 2025. The APA reports that 76% of people are concerned about the nation’s future and cite this as a source of stress. Another key stressor for many people is the rapid advance of technology. For 69% of these individuals, the spread of inaccurate or misleading information is a major stressor, and 57% stated that the rise of AI causes them stress.  Enter the “invisible day,” a rising self-care trend that can help counteract overwhelming feelings of stress. While the idea of an invisible day has been around for a while, the term is relatively new. An invisible day is a day to unplug, rather than distancing yourself from friends, family, or nonnegotiable obligations, such as parenting or work. Here’s how it works. What is an invisible day? Think of an invisible day as a structured pause that allows the body and mind to reset by reducing the noise of external demands. You can think of it as time spent outside of your typical routine. When taking an invisible day, you set aside as many of your usual roles and responsibilities as possible, acting as though you are invisible.  For many people, it may begin simply by setting boundaries with their smartphones.  “Phones are contributing heavily to the high stress levels… giving each of us more access to information than we need,” said Menije Boduryan-Turner, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and founder of Embracing You Therapy. “Unfortunately, not all information is useful. The underlying issue is access to the information and how that information is landing on us [or is] being processed in our minds,” she told Healthline. Georgina Sturmer, MBACP, a licensed online counsellor in the United Kingdom, agreed, saying: “Our busy, overwhelming lives can often leave us feeling as if we are stuck in a loop, and battling to keep up. Answering messages, responding to requests, working hard, and keeping ourselves up to date with what’s been going on in the world. And that’s all before the endless minutes and hours that we spend mindlessly scrolling.” Sturmer told us that invisible days can be an antidote to this. They are an opportunity to step back from the demands on our lives, allowing us to reset, retreat, and reconnect with what truly matters.   The idea behind an invisible day is to go completely “off grid” for up to 24 hours to help offset some of these symptoms and rest your mind. This means that no one can reach you unless it’s an emergency, and you don’t need to respond to anyone during your pause unless absolutely necessary. You simply “disappear” for a day.  What are the benefits? There are various ways invisible days can be beneficial, including:  giving your nervous system a break resetting your thoughts and identity improving creativity increasing self-worth. “Taking time out like this is likely to help us to feel more grounded, regulated, and content, and less anxious and overwhelmed,” said Sturmer. An invisible day goes beyond setting boundaries in personal and even professional relationships. It’s also about setting boundaries with your devices. “We live in an age where we have to set boundaries with objects, such as phones, tablets, and screen time,” said Boduryan-Turner.   “However, this isn’t about the phone itself. By removing phones or tablets from our day for a few hours or a whole day, we are redirecting our attention to our internal world.” Boduryan-Turner offered a few questions you can ask yourself while practicing an invisible day: “What can I do to be more grounded?” “What can I do to catch my breath? “Do I have needs that aren’t being met? “Is it time to sleep, move my body, be in nature, or laugh with a friend?” Tips for practicing an invisible day  Invisible days may not be suitable or even doable for everyone. For example, people experiencing depression may find invisible days difficult. This is because the concept of being invisible without any connection or support can exacerbate some mental health symptoms.  Other people, such as parents or caregivers, may not have the luxury to go entirely “invisible” for a day, but perhaps they could lean on other loved ones or members of their community for support to go invisible in smaller chunks. Boduryan-Turner said that it may not be about who should or should not take invisible days. Sturmer explained that invisible days may be “particularly helpful for those of us who struggle to put boundaries in place, in particular those with a tendency towards ‘people-pleasing’.”   “On an everyday basis, they might struggle to say no to others and put themselves first. Having a framework like an ‘invisible day’ might be exactly what they need, in order to give themselves permission to take time out,” she added. Boduryan-Turner further noted that individuals should be more intentional by taking a good look at their needs, asking themselves questions like “How many hours do I need off?” and “What should I be doing?” Some people may only need a 2-hour break, while others may require a longer break, even 48 hours.  “I would highly recommend self-compassion because there are many things that are out of our control, and, unfortunately, turning our phone or tablet off doesn’t make them go away,” she said. “They will still be there when you ‘return’ to your phone and/or tablet. Hence, when dealing with stress and overwhelm, the best thing we can do is be kind and graceful to ourselves. It is truly a very powerful mantra to say, ‘I am doing the best I can with what I am going through’.” Mark Hoelterhoff, PhD, a senior lecturer in clinical psychology at the University of Edinburgh, in the U.K. offered the following tips for those considering taking an invisible day: Be clear about what you want the time to serve. Frame the day around a value or strength, such as steadiness or curiosity, to give it direction without turning it into another task. Reduce digital noise and set gentle boundaries to allow the day to feel genuinely autonomous. Small restorative activities tend to work better than long stretches of unstructured time. Even a short walk or a simple routine can support the sense of recharging rather than numbing. Even though the aim is to step back from demands, some light form of connection usually helps, whether through time in nature or a mindful practice. Finally, Helterhoff noted that it can be useful to set a plan for the following day, “Before the day ends, it can be useful to decide on one small action for the following morning, which makes the return to ordinary life feel manageable.”

When consumed in moderation as part of a Mediterranean diet, lean, unprocessed beef may not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. OksanaKiian/Getty Images Previous research has suggested a link between beef consumption and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in Western-style eating plans. A recent study indicates that moderate consumption of lean, unprocessed beef as part of a Mediterranean diet may not worsen risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, health experts note that further research is necessary in older adults or anyone with elevated cardiovascular disease risk. For many years, we’ve heard that eating red meat, particularly beef, might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. But that doesn’t mean all beef has the same effect. Many large-scale studies suggesting a link between beef and heart health often fail to distinguish between fatty cuts and lean ones, or between unprocessed products and processed ones. Lean beef generally refers to cuts under 10% fat, while extra-lean cuts have less than 5%. These leaner options still provide high quality protein and important micronutrients, but with much less saturated fat. When consumed in moderation as part of a nutrient-rich, Mediterranean-style diet, lean, unprocessed beef may not increase cardiovascular disease risk. Now, a recent study has investigated the impact of incorporating lean beef into a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern on specific biomarkers. One of these markers was trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut metabolite linked to cardiovascular risk. The results were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). “This study will contribute to understanding the diet‐related modulation of TMAO and the influence of the gut microbiota composition on interindividual variability in TMAO production,” the study authors wrote. Impacts of lean beef on heart health The randomized controlled trial included 30 healthy adults who followed four different eating plans for four weeks each, with a one-week break in between. One plan reflected the average American or Western diet, with about 2.5 ounces (oz) of non-lean beef daily. The other three dietary patterns were Mediterranean-style, differing in lean beef intake, with either 0.5 oz, 2.5 oz, or 5.5 oz of lean beef per day. The researchers found that blood levels of TMAO were significantly lower with the Mediterranean plans, including the smaller amounts of beef (0.5 oz and 2.5 oz), compared to the Western diet. Urinary TMAO levels also dropped after all the Mediterranean diets, including the highest-beef version. Overall, the results suggest that about 2.5 oz of lean, unprocessed beef per day, as part of a Mediterranean-style dietary plan, does not increase this heart-related marker and may even reduce it compared with a more typical American diet. Lean beef as part of a balanced diet These findings highlight how important overall eating patterns are for heart health. Lean, unprocessed red meat eaten alongside plenty of vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats doesn’t seem to carry the same risks that some past studies imply. An earlier study using the same data also found that including lean beef as part of a Mediterranean-style dietary plan could also help lower blood pressure when compared to a typical Western dietary plan. However, this doesn’t mean unlimited red meat is fine. People should still be mindful of how much they eat. A review of previous studies and trials reveals that TMAO research is mixed, with roughly half of the studies finding that red meat increases TMAO, while the rest show no increase in TMAO associated with beef consumption. Additionally, the trial involved relatively young, healthy adults, so it’s not clear whether the same results would apply to older adults or those with existing cardiovascular disease. Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian and founder of EntirelyNourished, who was not involved in the study, told Healthline that diet is just one factor for managing heart health. “When aiming to reduce the risk of heart disease, it’s important to focus on all aspects of cardiovascular health, including gut health, cardiometabolic markers such as cholesterol, insulin resistance, blood pressure, inflammation, and vascular function, by emphasizing a nutrient-adequate, whole-diet approach along with lifestyle factors like stress management, sleep, and regular exercise,” she said. How to include lean beef in a heart-healthy diet Those interested in incorporating red meat into a heart-healthy diet should choose lean cuts. Usually, food labels indicate whether a product is lean (with less than 10% fat) or extra-lean (with less than 5% fat). It’s also a good idea to limit processed red meats, such as salami, sausage, or cured cuts. It is also important to consider portion sizes. This study suggested that approximately 2.5 oz per day may be an effective amount. However, this doesn’t mean you can eat an entire week’s worth of beef, such as a 17.5-oz steak, in one sitting and expect the same benefits. To replicate a Mediterranean-style pattern, you can try pairing lean beef with other nutrient-dense foods, such as: vegetables whole grains legumes healthy fats Routhenstein suggested a few different ways to add lean beef to your diet. “If you choose to add beef in your diet, choose lean cuts as sirloin tip, tenderloin, eye of round, or 90% lean ground beef, keep portions small (about 2 to 3 oz cooked) and incorporate them into mixed dishes, like stir fries, tacos, grain bowls, or vegetable rich sauces, so the lean beef complements higher-fiber, polyphenol-rich foods,” she said.

New research suggests that a plant-based diet can offer similar nutritional benefits to the Mediterranean diet. Nadine Greeff/Stocksy A new study suggests that well-designed plant-based dietary plans could match the nutritional quality of a Mediterranean-style omnivorous dietary pattern. Researchers compared four 7-day meal plans for different dietary plans, which offered similar amounts of macronutrients. The findings suggest that adopting a plant-forward lifestyle can help maintain optimal nutrition while reducing environmental impact. Health experts often praise the Mediterranean diet as one of the healthiest ways to eat, thanks to its focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and its limit on processed foods. However, a recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that plant-based eating can offer similar nutritional benefits. As a bonus, the findings suggest that plant-based eating can also help reduce a person’s environmental footprint. Researchers from the University of Granada and the Spanish National Research Council modeled four different week-long menus, each providing about 2,000 calories a day. These included a Mediterranean omnivorous diet, a pesco-vegetarian diet (which includes fish), a lacto-ovo–vegetarian diet (with eggs and dairy), and a fully vegan diet. Although the menus were theoretical and didn’t account for real-life variables such as personal food choices or cooking habits, the study demonstrates that plant-based diets can be nutritionally adequate and environmentally conscious. Still, the researchers emphasize that anyone choosing a plant-based approach should be strategic to ensure they’re getting enough key nutrients. Plant-based, Mediterranean diets have similar nutritional profiles The study found that carefully designed plant-based dietary plans could meet most of the same nutritional targets as a typical Mediterranean-style omnivorous diet. All four menus offered similar macronutrient profiles (proteins, carbs, and fats), staying within nutritional guidelines, such as the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges. Macronutrients play major roles in energy levels, hormone production, and overall body function, which is why getting the right balance is so important. However, the study also acknowledges some gaps in meeting micronutrient targets. These refer to vitamins and minerals, where a deficiency could cause severe and even life threatening conditions. All four diets fell short on vitamin D and iodine, and the vegan dietary plan was particularly low in vitamin B12. None of the dietary patterns met the recommended levels of omega-3. This means that people following a plant-based dietary pattern may need to pay special to certain nutrients. For example, those considering a vegan dietary plan may need to supplement their diet with fortified foods or supplements and periodically monitor their vitamin B12 levels. Noelia Rodríguez, PhD, a researcher at the Spanish National Research Council, who was involved in the study, advised “sun, salt, and supplements” to help meet these nutritional needs. This refers to getting safe amounts of sunshine and using iodized salt, fortified foods, and a vitamin B12 supplement. Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian and founder of Entirely Nourished, said that it’s essential to examine your overall diet and lifestyle comprehensively to address potential nutritional gaps. Routhenstein wasn’t involved in the study. “Careful planning is important to identify alternative sources that provide the key nutrients found in the foods they avoid. Working with a registered dietitian can make this process easier and more reliable, so you can confidently maintain nutritional adequacy while aligning with your dietary choices,” Routhenstein told Healthline. On the other hand, the vegan menu provided more vitamin B1 and iron than the eating plans that included animal products. Environmental benefits of plant-based eating Beyond nutrition, the study highlights how shifting from a typical Western dietary plan to a plant-based one could significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by 54 to 87%. Making this switch also supports global sustainability goals tied to well-being and responsible food consumption. Using a life cycle assessment, the researchers estimate that a vegan dietary plan could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46%, use 33% less land, and decrease water deprivation by approximately 6.6% compared to the omnivorous Mediterranean diet. Plant-based dietary patterns may also benefits other environmental areas, like ecosystem health and reductions in human-related toxic impacts. Interestingly, the study even suggests that the vegan model could lower daily disease incidence by 56% compared with the omnivorous baseline. Even plant-forward ‘flexitarian’ diets benefit health It’s important to remember that this was a modeling study, not a trial involving real people. That means the results show what could work under ideal conditions, not necessarily what will happen in everyday life. Factors such as cost, taste preferences, cooking skills, and access to fortified foods can influence these eating plans. The study also assumes that people can consistently make careful food substitutions, which can be tough without guidance or planning. Still, the findings provide encouraging evidence for those considering a shift toward a plant-based diet. With some planning, it’s possible to maintain good nutrition while also making choices that benefit the planet. Rodríguez suggested making small and easy changes to include more plant-based foods. “Start small and make it tasty,” she told Healthline. “Swap half the meat in bolognese for lentils, try a quick tofu or tempeh stir-fry, keep canned beans, frozen veggies, and pre-cooked grains on hand, top meals with nuts and seeds, aim for half the plate fruit/veg, and batch-cook once a week so the plant-rich choice is the easy choice.” However, it’s also worth noting that plant-based meat alternatives can vary widely in their nutritional quality, so they’re not always healthier by default. The key takeaway is that you do not need to go fully plant-based to make a difference. Making small changes that incorporate more plant-based meals can help you maintain optimal nutrition and still reduce your carbon footprint.

How do ultra-processed foods affect diabetes? Here’s the latest evidence. Image credit: Maskot/Getty Images Research shows that around 70% of the food supply chain in the United States consists of ultra-processed foods.  A recent study shows that around one in 10 new cases of type 2 diabetes and around 3% of new cardiovascular disease cases could be linked back to sugary drinks.  A 2024 study found an association between eating processed red meats and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  Another study from 2024 found that replacing ultra-processed foods in your diet can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.  Research published in Nature Communications in 2023 estimates that around 70% of the food supply chain in the United States consists of ultra-processed foods.  While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are working together to officially define ultra-processed foods, many other experts and agencies commonly use the definition set out by NOVA.  NOVA defines ultra-processed foods as those that contain “formulations of ingredients, mostly of exclusive industrial use, typically created by a series of industrial techniques and processes.” Another way of thinking about ultra-processed foods is foods that contain ingredients that are generally not found in a kitchen cupboard, such as types of additives, emulsifiers, or stabilizers.  Researchers have been studying the health risks of consuming ultra-processed foods. A study published in Nutrition & Metabolism in November 2025 looked at a potential association between ultra-processed foods and prediabetes in young adults. The researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC studied a group of 85 young adults ages 17 to 22 over a 4-year period. They found that an increased intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to a higher risk of prediabetes.   Yiping Li, one of the study authors and a doctoral researcher in quantitative biomedical sciences at Dartmouth College, stated in a press release that: “These findings indicate that ultra-processed food consumption increases the risk for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes among young adults—and that limiting consumption of those foods can help prevent disease.” Sodas may increase diabetes risk A study published in Nature Medicine in January 2025 charted the metabolic and cardiovascular complications that may be associated with sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda. The researchers found that around one in 10 new cases of type 2 diabetes and over 3% of cardiovascular disease cases are associated with sugary drinks.  The researchers also estimated that sugary drinks were linked to 80,278 deaths from type 2 diabetes and 257,962 deaths from cardiovascular disease.  Maddie Gallivan, a registered dietitian who was not involved in the study, said that “there is really no benefit to drinking sugary drinks.” She advised that swapping sugary drinks for healthier options can make a difference to sugar intake while also offering additional benefits like probiotics and polyphenols. Some health swaps include:  fruit-infused water herbal tea low-sugar kombucha. Processed and red meat can affect type 2 diabetes risk Research published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in September 2024 found that eating red meat and processed meat can lead to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  This research found that people who ate around 50 grams (g) of processed meat (the equivalent of 2 slices of ham) each day were at a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years. Eating 100 g of unprocessed red meat (the equivalent of a small steak) every day can increase the risk by 10%.  There are various reasons these meats may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Silvana Obici, MD, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at Stony Brook Medicine, not involved in this study, cautioned that statistical association does not necessarily imply causation.  “Also, the cooking methods such as frying in fat/oil or charring meats at high temperature can generate byproducts well known to affect glucose metabolism (e.g., advanced glycation end products),” she added. Jennifer Pallian, a registered dietitian and owner of Foodess, not involved in the study, noted that there are various substitutes for red and processed meats that may help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. These substitutes include plant-based proteins and fish, especially salmon, mackerel, and sardines.  Most dangerous ultra-processed foods and how to replace them A study published in The Lancet Regional Health: Europe in November 2024 examined the relationship between the degree of food processing and type 2 diabetes risk. This included which ultra-processed foods were the highest risk.  The researchers of this study found that for every 10% increase in the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet, your risk of type 2 diabetes increases by 17%. However, this risk can be lowered by consuming fewer ultra-processed foods and replacing them with healthier options.  The highest risk groups of ultra-processed foods were:  artificially-sweetened beverages savory snacks ready meals animal-based products, such as processed meats. Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a specialist dietitian and the author of How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed, who was not involved in the study, noted that “replacing UPFs with whole, minimally processed foods can help with weight management, stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and provide more nutrients and fiber, which are protective against type 2 diabetes.” Ludlam-Raine also stated that small swaps are the way to go. She gave the following tips for swapping ultra-processed foods for healthier options:  replace sugary snacks with whole fruits or nuts instead of sweetened yogurt, opt for plain yogurt and add your own fruit and honey for sweetness cooking from scratch is a great way to limit ultra-processed foods in your diet.

A new study found that smoking cannabis before drinking led participants to drink less. Aaron McCoy/Getty Images Smoking cannabis before drinking can significantly curb how much people choose to drink, according to new research. It’s unclear how the findings would translate to real-world scenarios outside of a lab environment. The long-term risks and benefits of replacing alcohol with cannabis, a trend known as “California sober,” are not yet clear. Can smoking weed help you cut down on drinking alcohol? A new study say yes — at least within the rigorous confines of a laboratory experiment. While it remains to be seen how those findings apply to people who use cannabis and alcohol in everyday life, another question looms: Is replacing one intoxicating substance with another even a good idea? The answer isn’t clear, not yet, anyway, but the timing of the question is relevant as more Americans experiment with being “California sober,” replacing alcohol with cannabis. While the harmful effects of alcohol are well established — about 178,000 people in the U.S. die each year from excessive consumption — the risks associated with rising cannabis use in the era of legalization are less well understood. The study, which used a simulated bar environment as its laboratory, examined how smoking cannabis before drinking alcohol affected participants’ alcohol consumption. Researchers found that, compared with a placebo, smoking a joint before drinking led participants to drink less and, in some cases, to report less desire to drink. The findings were published on November 18 in The American Journal of Psychiatry. “Cannabis can reduce drinking in the short term, but it also carries its own risks. Our study is a first step, and we need more long-term research before drawing conclusions for public health,” said Jane Metrik, PhD, a professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Psychiatry at Brown University, and first author of the study. “We do not yet know whether cannabis reduces drinking in daily life, where people encounter stress, social pressures, and varied environments,” she told Healthline. Metrik and her coauthors are careful to point out that their study does not provide evidence that substituting marijuana for alcohol is good for your health.  Still, some experts not involved in the study worry that findings like these could encourage such behavior. “I’d hate to see these findings interpreted as getting intoxicated on cannabis is better than getting intoxicated on alcohol,” said George Singletary, MD, an assistant professor of addiction medicine at the Tulane University School of Medicine. Smoking cannabis lowered alcohol use by 27% The study employed an intricate experimental design designed to simulate a setting where people would be more likely to drink. The bar lab at Brown University includes beers on tap, a selection of spirits, playful lighting, and a couch to lounge on. .The study participants included 138 subjects, most of whom were non-Hispanic white and in their mid-20s. They were also already regular consumers of both cannabis and alcohol. Roughly 3 in 4 participants met the criteria for cannabis use disorder, and just under half (43%) had alcohol use disorder. Participants smoked cannabis with three different potencies during three separate visits: 7.2% THC, 3.1% THC, and 0.03% THC (the placebo). They then spent two hours in the bar lab with the option of consuming up to eight “mini-drinks” of their choice that would raise blood alcohol levels to 0.10g/dL in total. For every drink they did not consume, they would receive $3 as a monetary incentive.  Compared with the placebo joint, participants who smoked the higher-THC marijuana consumed 27% less alcohol. The lower-THC marijuana led to a smaller but still meaningful reduction of 19%. Participants also tended to wait longer before having their first drink after smoking. The higher-THC marijuana produced a 48% longer wait — about 11 minutes — before the first drink, while the lower-THC marijuana did not differ significantly from the placebo. Results were less clear when it came to how cannabis affected alcohol cravings. The higher-THC marijuana appeared to suppress cravings immediately after smoking, but the lower dose did not. And when participants were shown visual cues intended to trigger cravings, such as a glass of water followed by their preferred alcoholic drink, marijuana did not appear to have an effect. The findings are generally consistent with a similar study published earlier this month that also investigated how cannabis affected alcohol consumption, though with a slightly different experimental design. Participants drank about 25% less alcohol and also reported lower levels of alcohol cravings after smoking cannabis, compared to when they solely consumed alcohol. “The fact that both studies converged on basically the same finding (that cannabis is associated with reduced alcohol self-administration in the laboratory) is encouraging,” said Hollis Karoly, PhD, an associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and senior author of that study. Still, experts remain cautious about overinterpreting the results. “We still don’t have sufficient data to fully understand the long-term effects of using cannabis as an alcohol substitute. The relationship between alcohol and cannabis may be different for different people and in different contexts, and much more research on this topic is necessary,” Karoly told Healthline. Is ‘California Sober’ a better alternative to alcohol? For people who are trying to cut down on their drinking, is going “California sober” a better option? Cannabis may seem, at least anecdotally, as the “lesser of two evils.” “Given the well-established first-hand and even second-hand harms associated with alcohol intoxication and dependence, it is hardly surprising that a growing number of consumers are gravitating toward an objectively less harmful alternative,” Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). However, there’s little in the way of hard evidence to support substituting cannabis for alcohol, especially in individuals who are attempting to treat alcohol use disorder. In fact, observational studies have found that cannabis usage is frequently associated with alcohol consumption and worse treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorder. Co-use of the two substances is also linked with heavy drinking, impaired driving, and greater intoxication. In other words, cannabis may reduce alcohol consumption in a lab environment, but in the real world, the interconnected usage patterns of cannabis and alcohol are far more complex.  “I would not recommend using cannabis to cut down on alcohol use. That type of recommendation would be premature and potentially risky,” said Metrik. Singletary also points out that “California sober” is a vague term that may simply help conceal cannabis use disorder under the guise of a supposedly healthier lifestyle. “The definition of sobriety is getting used in so many different ways, it muddies the water,” Singletary said. “‘California sober’ might apply to someone who drinks a single low-THC beverage per day or someone that’s smoking a high-potency marijuana cigarette five times per day. Those aren’t going to be the same type of patient.” Whether being “California sober” is the right choice will likely depend on the individual. “It does seem that cannabis can help some people to reduce their alcohol consumption, [but] cannabis is by no means a ‘risk-free’ substitute for alcohol,” Karoly said. “There is currently very little scientific evidence to speak to whether the ‘California sober’ approach is likely to be helpful or harmful in the long run.”

A regular bedtime may be a simple, low risk, adjunctive strategy for blood pressure management. DragonImages/Getty Images Researchers report that a regular bedtime schedule can help lower a person’s blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, vision loss, and kidney disease. Quality sleep can be attained with a consistent bedtime, avoidance of caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and increasing exposure to sunlight during the day. Going to bed at the same time every night can help lower your blood pressure, a new study suggests. Researchers report that participants in a small study experienced significant decreases in their overall blood pressure, as well as their nighttime readings, after adjusting their schedules to go to bed at approximately the same time every evening. “This [regular bedtime] may be a simple, yet low-risk, adjunctive strategy to control [blood pressure] in many people with hypertension,” the study authors wrote. The researchers recently published their findings in the journal Sleep Advances. The researchers noted their study involved only 11 people and was done over a two-week period with no control group as a contrast. They acknowledged their hypothesis needs to be tested in larger randomized controlled trials. Experts not involved in the study say that despite the limited size of this study, the results were significant enough to warrant attention. “This is a useful study in that such a simple intervention can have such a significant impact,” said Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. “While limited by its non-randomized design and small study cohort, the trial’s results highlight potential for improving hypertension control through a low-cost, easily scalable intervention, and should encourage further investigation through randomized clinical trials,” added Brian Brady, MD, a nephrologist and a clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University. Quality sleep may lower blood pressure To reach their conclusions, the researchers recruited 11 people with hypertension to participate in their study. Seven of the subjects were female, and four were male. Their age range was 45 to 62 years, with a mean age of 53 years. The participants all had body mass index (BMI) readings that classified them as obese. They had no other chronic health issues. Before the study, the participants’ bedtimes varied nightly by an average of 30 minutes. During the two-week study, that variability decreased to seven minutes. Participants were instructed to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, sleeping for approximately the same amount of time each evening, without taking any daytime naps. Their blood pressure was constantly measured for 48 hours in a process known as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The researchers reported that the regular bedtime schedule reduced the participants’ 24-hour systolic blood pressure reading (the top number) by an average of 4 points. Their diastolic blood pressure reading (the bottom number) dropped by an average of 3 points. The researchers said the decreases were mainly due to lower nighttime systolic blood pressure readings and overall diastolic blood pressure measurements. They added that more than half of the participants recorded significant reductions in blood pressure readings. The researchers noted that a 5-point reduction in nighttime blood pressure can lower cardiovascular event risks by more than 10%. The researchers theorize that irregular bedtimes disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates both sleep-wake cycles and cardiovascular function. They explained that blood pressure normally decreases during nighttime sleep, and people whose blood pressure doesn’t dip adequately face higher cardiovascular risks. “This is a good proof-of-concept study… [but] for it to be validated it will need to be tested out in larger randomized control studies and for longer periods of time to gauge the true effects on blood pressure reduction,” Nissi Suppogu, MD, a cardiologist and the medical director of the Women’s Heart Center at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California. Kin Yuen, MD, a sleep medicine specialist at the University of California San Francisco, expressed some caution about the study. “It is an interesting concept. However, blood pressure is affected by so many factors such as evening activities, care-giving responsibilities, medications and biological rhythm proclivities, it is hard to generalize,” she told Healthline. “For those with insomnia tendencies, the heightened awareness of ‘sleep schedule’ may actually worsen blood pressure due to bedtime anxieties.” How high blood pressure affects your health The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 48% of adults in the United States (nearly 120 million people) have high blood pressure, which is described as a blood pressure reading of higher than 130 on the top number or higher than 80 on the lower number. The agency notes that high blood pressure was a contributing factor in more than 660,000 deaths in the United States in 2023. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can develop over several years before symptoms emerge. It occurs when the force of blood pushing through vessels is consistently too high. Many times, this is caused because arteries have narrowed. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of hypertension. Here are some of them. Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to high blood pressure. Age: People more than 65 years old are more at risk for hypertension. Race: Black people have a higher incidence of hypertension in the United States. Weight:  Obesity can lead to a few cardiovascular issues, including hypertension. Alcohol: Research concludes that even one drink per day can increase your risk of hypertension. Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of exercise has been linked to several cardiovascular issues, including hypertension. Sodium: There’s a close link between daily high sodium intake (more than 5 grams a day) and hypertension. Since high blood pressure can go undetected for years, it can cause serious complications if left untreated. Among the potential issues: stroke heart failure arrhythmia kidney disease or failure vision loss cognitive issues, including dementia “High blood pressure is known to cause many serious complications,” Chen told Healthline. Suppogu emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure, which cannot be overstated. “High blood pressure is one of the important modifiable risk factors for cardiac outcomes,” she told Healthline. “It is important to understand that hypertension can damage the arteries and if untreated causes a lot of end organ damage including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney failure.” Certain lifestyle factors can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. These include: Eating 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables each day Limiting your amount of refined sugar Reducing your daily sodium intake Setting weight loss goals if you have weight management issues “Blood pressure control is among the most well-accepted strategies for reducing patients’ risk of developing kidney disease, heart disease, or suffering a stroke,” Brady told Healthline. Health benefits of quality sleep The American Heart Association (AHA) now includes quality sleep as one of the components in its Life’s Essential 8 health guide. There are various ways that consistent quality sleep can improve your health. Among them: improve heart health help maintain or lose weight improve concentration and productivity maximize athletic performance help manage emotions “The quality and quantity of sleep impact not only one’s mental health through mood regulation and cognitive function, but also one’s physical health through cardiovascular and metabolic disease pathways,” said Brady. How to get a good night’s sleep It’s recommended that adults obtain between 7–9 hours of sleep each night. However, it’s estimated that 50 to 70 million people in the United States have some sort of sleep disorder. In addition, surveys indicate that 1 in 3 U.S. adults doesn’t get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep on a regular basis. There are a variety of methods you can employ to help you sleep more soundly at night. Here are some of recommendations: increase sunlight exposure during the day reduce blue light exposure during the evening hours no caffeine late in the day avoid alcohol in the evening go to sleep and wake up at about the same time each day avoid long naps have a comfortable bed and pillow The darkness of your sleeping quarters can also be a factor. A study published earlier this month reported that sleeping in total darkness can improve the quality of your slumber. “There are simple things you can do that can likely be quite helpful for sleep,” said Chen. “Sleep experts recommend simple steps to improving sleep quality, such as getting regular exercise, establishing a regular bedtime routine that emphasizes calm, and putting electronic screens away at least 30 minutes before falling asleep,” added Brady. Suppogu agreed with this advice and offered additional tips. “It is very important to have good sleep hygiene to achieve good sleep,” she said. “You can start off by having set routines. Have alarms to remind you to start winding down to go to bed 20–30 minutes before having to sleep. Going to bed at the same time every day and waking up at the same time also helps train your circadian rhythm,” Suppogu said. Yuen noted that everyone’s body clock is different. “Be mindful of the individual’s internal clock preference, such as morning or evening tendencies, and rest and sleep consistent to that preference,” she said.

Even occasional smoking can significantly raise heart disease risk. Mal de Ojo Studio/Stocksy Researchers say that smoking as few as two cigarettes a day can significantly increase a person’s risk of heart disease. Experts say there is no safe level of smoking, and the best preventive strategy is to never start the unhealthy habit. They say quitting smoking can be a challenge, but medical aids such as nicotine patches, as well as support from friends, can help. Even an occasional cigarette can endanger a person’s health and increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. Researchers report that people who smoke as few as two cigarettes per day have a 57% higher risk of heart failure and a 60% higher risk of death from any cause. They add that a person’s health risks decline significantly in the decade after quitting smoking. However, the researchers note that a former smoker can still have increased health risks three decades after giving up tobacco. They say the main message from their research is for people to quit smoking as early as possible. “Lower-intensity smoking is associated with cardiovascular risk and the primary public health message for current smokers should be early cessation, rather than reducing the amount of smoking,” the study authors wrote. The researchers published their findings on November 18 in PLOS Medicine. Experts not involved in the study say the research spotlights an important health issue facing the United States. “This is a robust and important study,” said Kevin Shah, MD, a cardiologist and program director of Heart Failure Outreach at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California. “It provides compelling evidence that cigarette smoking — even at low levels — substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death,” Shah told Healthline. “These results highlight the tremendous continued negative impact that smoking has on public health,” added Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. How cigarettes impact heart health To reach their findings, the researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland analyzed data from more than 300,000 adults who participated in 22 longitudinal studies. Some of the study participants were followed for almost 20 years. During that time, the researchers documented 125,000 deaths and 54,000 cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. The researchers defined “low-intensity smoking” as two to five cigarettes per day. They reported that this level of smoking was associated with a 57% higher risk of heart failure and a 60% higher risk of death from any cause when compared to people who have never smoked. They noted that a person’s risk of cardiovascular events drops substantially in the first decade after quitting smoking and continues to decrease over time. However, they said that even after three decades, former smokers can still exhibit higher risk than people who have never smoked. The researchers said they embarked on this study because of a trend of people smoking fewer cigarettes rather than quitting. The American Lung Association reports that adult smoking in the United States decreased from about 42% in 1965 to 12% in 2022. That’s a decline of more than 70%. However, the association states that the number of people smoking fewer than 15 cigarettes per day increased 85% during the same period.  “In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people who still smoke, but smoke less,” said Michael Blaha, MD, MPH, a study author and a lead investigator for the American Heart Association’s Tobacco Center for Regulatory Science grant-funded research initiatives, in a statement. “As smoking patterns shift with more people smoking fewer cigarettes, it’s important to understand the cardiovascular risks of low-intensity smoking and the long-term benefits of quitting,” Blaha continued. Experts say this message is important for occasional smokers to understand. “This [study] reinforces the message that there is no safe level of smoking. Cutting down is not enough,” said Shah. Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart who specializes in women’s health and cardiovascular research, said the first few cigarettes can in fact do the most damage. “There is no safe level of smoking for the cardiovascular system and the risk is not linear. The first few cigarettes cause a disproportionately large amount of damage,” Morgan told Healthline. “This is because cardiovascular risk from smoking is driven by platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and vasospasm, which occur even at very low exposure, i.e., just one to two cigarettes,” she explained. Chen said this message is particularly important for younger people. “Younger adults need to understand that no amount of smoking is safe and that even occasional smoking will greatly increase your risk of death or heart disease,” he told Healthline. “The most important thing [young adults] can do for their health at that stage is to quit smoking,” Chen added. Other health effects from smoking The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can affect every organ in the body as well as causing inflammation and weakening the immune system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 16 million people in the United States have a smoking-related disease. Besides affecting heart health, smoking can also cause other diseases and conditions. They include: more than 10 types of cancer lung disease COPD asthma type 2 diabetes eye-related diseases The CDC notes that cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure cause more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. This accounts for nearly one in five deaths. “Cigarette smoking is well known to harm almost every part of the body,” said Chen. “This study makes it clear that even as ‘few’ as two cigarettes a day can significantly increase your risk of death or disease.” Effective ways to quit smoking The CDC reports that nearly 50 million adults in the United States use tobacco products. The agency notes that despite the decline in use, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. In addition, there are groups where cigarette smoking is higher than the rest of the population. They include: people 45 years to 64 years old non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native adults. people with disabilities. people with severe generalized anxiety disorder. people with severe depression Adults 18 years to 24 years of age have the highest prevalence of e-cigarette use. A 2022 survey reported that about two-thirds of people who smoke want to quit. More than half of smokers said they had tried to quit during the previous year. The American Lung Association lists a number of effective ways to quit smoking. They include: focus on your motivation build up confidence in quitting stress management medications such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, and nasal spray don’t try to do it alone Morgan said it’s also helpful for a person to set a “quit date,” identify their triggers for smoking, create a replacement plan, and clean up their home and work environments to remove any traces of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Chen added that seeking outside professional help is also crucial. “To help you quit smoking, you should talk to your doctor about medications that can reduce the craving for nicotine,” he said. “You can also talk to a therapist or counselor about behavioral strategies that can help.” Shah said the most effective strategies usually combine behavioral support with medical aids such as nicotine gum. He added that this is a tough road that people should realize may take a long time. “What’s important to emphasize is that quitting often takes multiple attempts and relapse is not failure — it’s part of the journey toward success,” Shah said. “People who use a combination of approaches, tailored to their own needs, are the most likely to quit for good.” There are a number of ways a person can help a family member or friend quit smoking. They include: being patient with a person trying to quit understanding their triggers for smoking coming up with distractions finding the appropriate level of encouragement Resources to help you quit Quitlines like 1-800-QUIT-NOW can help you quit smoking and vaping for good. Other quit resources include: Quit For Life Smokefree.gov We Are Truth Become an Ex Live Vape Free

Advocates for the cannabis and hemp industries say regulation is preferable to an outright ban. Image credit: Robert Alexander/Getty Images A provision in the recent federal spending bill would ban a wide range of hemp-derived cannabinoid products starting in November 2026. The proposal closes the hemp “loophole,” stemming from the 2018 Farm Bill, and potentially reshapes a $28 billion industry. Advocates warn that the ban could limit access and push many toward riskier, unregulated alternatives. A provision in the spending bill that ended the federal government shutdown earlier this month would ban hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The surprise inclusion has sent the sector scrambling, as industry groups warn it could derail a $28 billion industry and put an estimated 300,000 jobs at risk. The ban would take effect one year after the bill’s passage, in November 2026. As currently worded, thousands of products, from gummies to lotions, could be affected. These products contain hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and THCA. States with established recreational and medical cannabis regulations are expected to be less affected by the ban. Meanwhile, states like Texas and Kentucky, which have robust hemp industries but no recreational cannabis programs and only limited medical cannabis access, may bear the brunt. Advocates for the cannabis and hemp industries say regulation is preferable to an outright ban. “By seeking to recriminalize this market rather than regulate it, lawmakers chose to utilize a sledgehammer when they should have used a scalpel,” Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), told Healthline. “Banning the hemp-derived products market will not decrease consumers’ demand for these products, nor will it increase consumers’ safety. Instead, it will deny many consumers who previously relied on these products, including those who did so for therapeutic purposes, from legally accessing them in the future.” Those sentiments were echoed by Matt Kennicott, executive director of the Cannabis Association of New Mexico, who told Healthline, “Banning things really ends up sending consumers back to the black market. Regulating is a much safer option.” Closing the hemp ‘loophole’ The bill effectively closes the hemp “loophole” stemming from the 2018 Farm Bill. That piece of legislation crafted a definition for hemp separate from cannabis. The bill defined hemp as any cannabis plant or its derivatives containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight. Delta-9 THC is the most abundant, intoxicating chemical compound found in cannabis. Marijuana and hemp are both varieties of the cannabis plant, but they are chemically different. While hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, marijuana contains much more. The designation outlined in the Farm Bill reclassified hemp as an agricultural product; meanwhile, marijuana remains an illegal Schedule 1 drug. The broad definition allowed for shrewd businesspeople to craft and sell cannabis-adjacent products legally. “That created this massive market for products like CBD and then delta-8 based on this definition,” said  Daniel Kruger, PhD, a research associate professor at the University at Buffalo, who specializes in medical cannabis. “These are products that you can often get at smoke shops or at gas stations. You can order them online. They’re most popular in states that don’t have a legalized pathway to cannabis, so people are using them as a workaround,” said Kruger. With an updated definition to what constitutes hemp and broad language targeting intoxicating cannabinoids, lawmakers have effectively closed the hemp loophole. How the new bill redefines hemp The spending bill provision makes radical changes to how hemp is defined at the federal level. The new definition states that hemp may contain no more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. A “container” is defined as the “innermost wrapping, packaging or vessel in direct contact with a final hemp-derived cannabinoid product.” Additionally, cannabinoids that are synthesized or manufactured outside of the plant will be banned. Delta-8 THC, for example, does naturally occur in cannabis, but in small quantities. In order to commercialize it, delta-8 THC producers utilize a form of chemical synthesis, during which it is converted from CBD. One section of the bill that has drawn significant scrutiny is the provision banning cannabinoids with “similar effects” to THC. The vague language could give lawmakers wide latitude to regulate a broad range of compounds. The FDA must issue clarifying guidance within 90 days, including a list of cannabinoids that fall under the “similar effects” clause. Will the bill restrict access to CBD products? Many people rely on CBD for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. CBD is non-intoxicating and should, hypothetically, be free of THC, though that isn’t always the case. Some forms of CBD products, known as “full-spectrum,” typically include a small amount of THC and other cannabinoids. Such products could be banned. The bill’s updated definition of hemp and its broad limits on total THC would sweep up many CBD products from the legal market, especially full-spectrum formulations that contain other cannabinoids, often THC. Even products labeled “THC-free” could be impacted if testing reveals minimal amounts of THC or synthesized cannabinoids, making their future availability uncertain.  These products may not be safe due to a lack of regulation and poor quality control. “There’s some products that may have a minimal amount of THC and it turns out that they actually have a lot more than that,” said Kruger. A 2023 study found that CBD products frequently contained small amounts of THC, even when they explicitly claimed the opposite. Impacts to medical marijuana, delta-8 products Recreational and medical cannabis will only be affected by the ban in states that have not made recreational or medical cannabis legal. Experts say the availability of affected products could potentially be impacted. “Anytime you do something that restricts the medicine that’s helping someone, there’s always a concern there,” said Kennicott. For those without access to medical marijuana, hemp-derived delta-8 and delta-9 THC products are a likely alternative. While there isn’t much research on delta-8 THC products, Kruger has found that individuals who use it frequently do so for medical reasons. Delta-8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoid products are not without criticism either. The FDA has reported an increase in adverse events related to the products and warned consumers about the use of harmful chemicals during processing. A 2022 study found that tested delta-8 THC contained numerous chemical impurities “with unknown effects on the human body.” However, advocates argue that regulating, rather than banning, these products will bring greater clarity to the industry and safety to consumers. “Regulation equals a safer and probably more enjoyable experience for consumers and patients alike. We would much rather see these products regulated than outlawed,” said Kennicott.

Experts say there is no credible scientific evidence that aluminum in vaccines causes peanut or other food allergies. heather diehl/Getty Images HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. says aluminum in vaccines may be a factor in a child developing a peanut allergy. Experts say Kennedy’s comments are not based on credible scientific evidence. Children are exposed to more aluminum throughout daily life than in vaccines. Experts say there is no scientific proof to back up Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.’s assertion that aluminum in childhood vaccines is linked to peanut allergies in children. At a leadership forum this week sponsored by the Food Allergy Fund, Kennedy said he didn’t believe that a lack of early exposure to peanuts was the cause of peanut allergies. Instead, the Health Secretary suggested, aluminum in vaccines could be a potential factor. He stated that aluminum was introduced into vaccines about the same time as the increase in peanut allergies began, a claim disputed by experts. Kennedy said his federal health agency is planning to conduct research into food allergies and its causes. However, experts say Kennedy’s remarks are off base and could discourage parents from vaccinating their children. “Aluminum has been made a villain for many years. There’s no science behind it,” said Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “You eat and breathe more aluminum in a day than you get in a vaccine.” “There is no credible scientific evidence that aluminum in vaccines causes peanut or other food allergies,” added Inderpal Randhawa, MD, an allergist, immunologist, pediatrician, and the founder and chief executive officer of the Food Allergy Institute in Long Beach, CA. “Aluminum has been part of the majority of pediatric and adult vaccines for more than eight decades,” Randhawa told Healthline. “If aluminum were the cause, food allergies should have been on a continuous rise for eight decades.” Anne Liu, MD, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford University in California, noted that there has been extensive research indicating that vaccines aren’t a factor in food allergies. “There have been large studies on the topic of vaccinations and allergies, and none have found a credible association between vaccinations and increased risk of allergies, including food allergies,” she told Healthline. Aluminum and childhood vaccines Aluminum was first introduced into vaccines in 1926, more than 70 years before any increase in peanut allergies was detected. The metal is used in vaccines as an adjuvant, a component that enhances the immune response to the vaccine. Adjuvants enable the use of smaller quantities of a vaccine and fewer doses. Aluminum is the third most abundant element, after oxygen and silicon, on Earth. It is found in food, beverages, soil, health products, and various manufactured products, including airplanes. It’s estimated that people typically ingest 7 to 9 milligrams (mg) of aluminum per day, a substance that the kidneys filter out. By comparison, an infant will receive slightly more than 4 mg of aluminum from vaccines during their first six months of life. Breast milk and formula also contain trace amounts of aluminum. “Aluminum is in our food, our soil. It’s everywhere,” Fisher told Healthline. In fact, a study published in July, which included 1.2 million children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2018, concluded that exposure to aluminum through vaccines during the first two years of life was not associated with increased rates of any of the 50 disorders studied, including food allergies. What to know about peanut allergies An estimated 33 million people in the United States have a food allergy. That includes about 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children. About half of U.S. adults with food allergies report having had a severe reaction. Slightly more than 40% of children with food allergies have had severe reactions. Reactions, which can include life threatening anaphylaxis attacks, occur when the body sees an allergen in a food as an intruder and attacks it. Peanuts are one of the nine most common food allergies in the United States. It’s estimated that approximately 2% of U.S. children may have a peanut allergy. As many as 20% of them outgrow the allergy as adults. About 20 years ago, concerns were raised over a steady increase in peanut allergies. A 2010 report revealed that the rate of peanut allergies in U.S. children had tripled between 1997 and 2008. Due to these types of concerns, medical professionals have been advising parents to avoid giving infants foods that could cause an allergic reaction. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported in 2008 that there was no convincing evidence that delaying food introductions to infants older than 6 months could prevent food allergies. In 2015, a study from the LEAP clinical trial concluded that giving children foods containing peanuts before their first birthday significantly reduced their risk of developing a peanut allergy by the time they were 5 years old. That research led to a reversal of the advice medical professionals had been giving parents in regards to food allergies. Starting in 2017, the medical community began advising parents to gradually introduce peanuts into their infants’ diets. Researchers say the strategy is working. An October study found that childhood peanut allergies in the United States have declined since the implementation of early introduction strategies. The researchers reported that during a two-year observation period, peanut allergy rates decreased from 0.92% before the guidelines to 0.67% afterward, representing a 27% reduction. Liu said the results from this guidance change have been remarkable. “We don’t often see such clear-cut results in clinical trials these days,” she said. “It is really incredible to see the fruits of that change in practice.” Randhawa, however, cautions that early introduction isn’t a solution for all children. He noted that children without allergies don’t need to be given peanut products at an early age. He added that children with allergies are usually allergic to three or four foods, so peanut introduction doesn’t completely solve the problem. “Attempting to solve for peanut alone does not mitigate the disease enough,” Randhawa said. Potential causes of peanut allergies Scientists aren’t certain what causes peanut allergies to develop. There are several theories, however. Among them: having other allergies a family history of peanut allergies an underdeveloped immune system a lack of vitamin D Fisher agreed that the development of peanut allergies is complex, and it is often due to a variety of factors. “It’s never as simple as A causes B,” she said. “Peanut allergy is multifactorial,” added Randhawa. “Genetics, family history, skin factors such as eczema, and environmental factors such as pollen allergies all play a role in developing peanut allergy.” Childhood vaccinations remain important Fisher said she has counseled many parents on food allergies during her 24 years of practicing as a pediatrician. She stresses the importance of vaccines in helping prevent the spread of deadly diseases such as measles. “If parents stop vaccinating their children, we are going to see a return of these diseases that we have the ability to protect our children from,” she said. Randhawa and Liu agreed. “Children who are not getting routine childhood immunizations are at risk for infections that should be preventable or at least made much milder with effective vaccinations,” Liu said. “We will see a resurgence of serious infections if vaccination rates decline significantly,” added Randhawa. “Vaccines that contain aluminum protect against diseases like hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, pneumococcal disease, and HPV.” “These infections are most dangerous for babies, pregnant people, the elderly, and those with immune problems,” Randhawa added. “When vaccination rates fall, we lose ‘community protection’ and these vulnerable groups pay the highest price.”

Sleeping in total darkness may help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. d3sign/Getty Images A recent study reports that exposure to light during sleep is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. During sleep, ambient light contributes to brain stress that can cause arterial inflammation, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. For an optimal sleeping environment, darker is better — but complete darkness is best. A new study builds on existing evidence that sleeping in less than complete darkness can be detrimental to health, specifically damaging the cardiovascular system. Sleeping while exposed to higher levels of light was associated with stress-related brain activity known to cause arterial inflammation throughout the body. Such inflammation raises the likelihood of a heart attack and stroke. After 10 years, 17% of the study participants had developed major cardiovascular issues. The authors found that as the amount of artificial light at night (LAN) exposure increased, so did the risk of eventual heart disease. Each standard deviation upward in light was associated with a 35% increased likelihood of a heart attack over the following five years and a 22% increased risk over the next 10 years. People who lived in areas characterized by elevated environmental or social stressors — including noise from traffic and lower neighborhood income levels — were at an even greater risk from LAN. The study was presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2025, held from November 7 to 10 in New Orleans, LA. The findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Artificial light drives inflammation, cardiovascular disease The study involved 466 adults who had received PET/CT brain imaging scans at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston between 2005 and 2008. Participants’ median age was 55, and 43% were male. Nearly 90% of the participants were white, and just over 10% were non-white. The scans were performed as routine imaging at the hospital. The CT scans revealed the anatomical details of the participants’ brains, while the PET scans recorded metabolic activity in their tissues. None of the participants had heart disease or cancer at the time of their scans. To measure the lighting conditions in each of the homes where participants had been sleeping, the study authors used data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Day/Night Band aboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite. Radiative transfer modeling provided highly localized estimates of ground-level sky brightness based on the satellite data. (The modeling did not include natural starlight and moonlight.) The new study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that sleeping in a dark environment is the healthiest way to sleep, said Jonathan Cedernaes, PhD, a sleep expert at Uppsala Universitet in Sweden, who wasn’t involved in the study. “Both animal and human intervention studies have demonstrated that LAN can disrupt multiple neurophysiological systems, disrupting both metabolism and inflammation,” he told Healthline. For instance, a 2022 study in which one group of participants slept in a typical room with light at around 100 lux (lx) — considered to be at the low end of average bedroom lighting — while another group slept in an even dimmer light of less than 3 lux. The first group exhibited an increased heart rate, reduced deep sleep, and impaired insulin sensitivity, Cedernaes noted. In a recent cohort study, he said, the same typical level of room light “was prospectively linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction, underscoring the real-world relevance of such adverse exposures.” How sleep quality affects heart health Blue light from mobile screens is a well-known obstacle to sound sleep, but ambient light is also a contributor. A 2022 meta-analysis of seven cross-sectional studies found that those with greater levels of LAN exposure — especially indoor — had a 22% greater risk of sleep problems. Additionally, a 2014 study of 700 older individuals found a direct association between LAN and atherosclerosis, specifically increased intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery. “Inflammation is a result of stress, and inflammation is a primary driver of atherosclerosis, and therefore heart disease and stroke,” said Jayne Morgan, MD, cardiologist and vice president of Medical Affairs for Hello Heart. Morgan wasn’t involved in the study. “The heart and brain are interconnected, as what happens to the arteries of the heart is also occurring in the vessels of the brain,” she told Healthline. “Those with brighter bedrooms (meaning more lights on at night) have shown higher rates of heart disease,” she said. “Darkness signals the body to produce melatonin and decreases the body’s processes, including lowering blood pressure. The longer the lights are on at night, the more delayed is this healthy nighttime drop in blood pressure,” she said. “Additionally, your morning hormones spike later (cortisol, etc.),” Morgan continued. Sleep quality duration is important for heart health. “Less than six hours of sleep has demonstrated a higher risk of heart disease,” Morgan said. Tips for creating an optimal sleep environment Here are a few ideas for creating an optimal darker sleeping environment: Cover your windows — If you have curtains or shades, close them tightly. If they do not block out external light, consider acquiring blackout curtains. A lower-cost alternative is to cover windows with aluminum foil to block light. Close the gap — The gap between your bedroom door and the rest of your home can leak considerable light into your sleeping area. Try turning out other lights beyond the door, or push a rolled-up towel against the gap to block unwanted light. Wear a sleep mask — Some people find sleeping with an eye mask comfortable, and, if the mask fits well, this can be an effective way to keep out light. Lastly, since always-on nightlights increase unwanted light exposure, consider motion-sensing nightlights that turn on only as needed in your dark home.

Most Americans would try a plant-based diet to prevent diabetes, a recent poll shows. Image credit: Maria Korneeva/Getty Images New research says people are willing to make dietary changes to help with diabetes. However, they don’t always understand which type of diet is best for diabetes. Research indicates that a plant-based diet is better for diabetes than a low-carb diet. The best way to get started is with small changes, such as Meatless Mondays. Experts say it’s not necessary to be vegan to reap the benefits. November is National Diabetes Month, and new research suggests that most Americans are open to making big dietary changes if it could help prevent or control this condition.  A national poll conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult found that 65% of U.S. adults would consider adopting a low-fat, plant-based diet if their doctor recommended it. While many people know that eating more vegetables and fruits can lower diabetes risk, far fewer are aware that a low fat, plant-based eating pattern — rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans — can help prevent or even reverse the disease.  In fact, only about 1 in 5 respondents recognized this connection. People open to diet change but may not know what’s best The poll surveyed 2,203 U.S. adults, aiming to assess awareness of dietary approaches to type 2 diabetes prevention and management, as well as openness to trying plant-based eating patterns.  Respondents were asked about their knowledge of the role of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based diets in reducing diabetes risk, and about their willingness to adopt such diets if recommended by their physicians. Among respondents whose healthcare providers had discussed type 2 diabetes with them, 57% knew that high vegetable intake can lower their risk, and 34% were aware that high fruit intake can do the same.  However, only 21% recognized that a low-fat, plant-based diet could help prevent or improve type 2 diabetes. The poll also revealed a striking misconception: half of the adults who had spoken with their doctors about diabetes believed that a low-carbohydrate diet is the best approach.  Plant-based diet helps lower diabetes risk Research cited by the Physicians Committee indicates that low-carb diets based on animal products are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.  Specifically, diets emphasizing animal protein and saturated and trans fats were linked to a 35% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and that risk rose to 39% if the diet also minimized whole grain intake. Physicians Committee experts explain that eating less of certain types of fat — especially from animal products, fried foods, and oils — allows insulin to work more effectively.  In type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance occurs when fat accumulates inside muscle and liver cells, preventing glucose from moving out of the bloodstream and into cells where it is used for energy. This fat buildup is a key driver of elevated blood sugar levels. Blood sugar spikes cause insulin surges and high insulin (hyperinsulinemia) over time, which can make cells more insulin-resistant and drive up high blood sugar even more. Decades of clinical research show that low-fat, plant-based diets that do not restrict healthy carbohydrates can be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes. However, for the reasons outlined above, refined and processed carbs can actually have the opposite effect, and should be avoided. In one 22-week study, 99 participants followed either a low-fat vegan diet without calorie or unprocessed carbohydrate limits, or the American Diabetes Association’s standard recommended diet.  Results showed that 43% of the vegan group were able to reduce or discontinue their diabetes medications, compared with only 26% of the ADA group.  The vegan group also experienced greater improvements in body weight, HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control), and LDL cholesterol. Another study by the Physicians Committee measured intracellular fat levels in liver and muscle cells.  After 16 weeks on a low-fat vegan diet, liver cell fat dropped by 34.4%, and muscle cell fat decreased by 10.4%.  These reductions corresponded with improved insulin sensitivity, suggesting that this dietary approach can address the root cause of type 2 diabetes. How to get started with a plant-based diet The poll also looked at what resources people would need to succeed with a plant-based diet. Nearly half of respondents said having access to an online recipe hub or regular guidance from a dietitian would be “very helpful.” To meet this need, the Physicians Committee offers the National Diabetes Program, a free online support group that provides education from doctors and dietitians on foods to focus on and avoid, meal ideas, grocery tips, dining out strategies, and answers to common nutrition questions. Additionally, the organization’s Food for Life plant-based nutrition and cooking classes — developed by physicians and dietitians — are available nationwide to teach people how to prevent, improve, and in some cases, reverse type 2 diabetes through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. However, you don’t have to join a support group or attend a class to get started on a plant-based diet, says Dawn Menning, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with Nutu, a healthy lifestyle app. A simple way to add more plant-based foods into your life is by trying Meatless Monday once a week, and then gradually adding in more days. “Search for vegetarian recipes that are easy to prepare and sound appealing to you and others in your household,” she said. Menning suggested choosing ingredients and flavors that you already know you enjoy. “Vegetables don’t have to be boring!” she emphasized. You also ease into a plant-based lifestyle by replacing one animal product at a time. For example, try soy or almond milk as a simple substitute for cow’s milk. And, of course, you want to add more plants to your meals, such as vegetables, legumes, and nuts. “Gradually shift away from animal foods and make plants the star of the meal,” said Menning. OK to have animal protein in moderation When many people think of plant-based diets, their mind automatically goes to a vegan diet, which is 100% free of any animal products. However, Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian nutritionist with L-Nutra, said that it’s not necessary to go vegan to reap the benefits of a plant-based diet. Eating too much animal protein, especially red and processed meats, can elevate IGF-1, a growth factor linked with accelerated cellular aging and higher diabetes risk, she explained. “At the same time, protein itself is metabolically important because it supports satiety and helps stabilize blood glucose when consumed in appropriate amounts,” said Richter. “Finding the right balance by prioritizing plant proteins like beans, lentils, or nuts, and using smaller portions of high-quality animal sources such as fish and sustainably grown, lean meats, can help protect both metabolic and hormonal health,” she concluded.

Ultra-processed foods may contribute to the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer in women, study warns. A new study reports that there is an association between ultra-processed foods and the risk of developing polyps that could progress into colorectal cancer in women under the age of 50. Experts say these findings back up previous research on unhealthy diets and colorectal cancer, but they said the risks also apply to men. They recommend a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods that includes whole grains and fruits and vegetables of various colors. A new study found an association between ultra-processed foods and the risk of polyps that may grow into colorectal cancer — or “colorectal cancer precursors” — in women under the age of 50. Female participants who had the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 45% higher risk of developing precancerous colon polyps than participants with a lower intake of ultra-processed foods. The report was published on November 13, 2025, in JAMA Oncology. “These data highlight the important role of [ultra-processed foods] in early-onset colorectal tumorigenesis and support improving dietary quality as a strategy to mitigate the increasing burden of [early onset colorectal cancer],” the study authors wrote. Report backs up previous findings on early onset colorectal cancer Experts not involved in the study told Healthline that the findings back up previous research on colorectal cancer risk in younger adults. “There is a global epidemic with rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults,” said Katherine Van Loon, MD, a specialist in gastrointestinal cancer at the University of California San Francisco. “Up to this point, there has not been a clear explanation for the rising numbers, although we have a growing body of literature that diet, obesity, and other environmental exposures may contribute to the increased risks.” “This study elucidates another potential contributing risk factor for the development of precancerous lesions in young woman,” Van Loon noted. “This study is in line with previous data showing a link between early onset of [colorectal cancer] and the lifestyle connections associated with this risk,” added Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, the president of KAK Consulting and a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine in Ohio. “This is also consistent with previous data showing the general adverse impact of a high consumption of [ultra-processed foods].” “Overall, this study adds to the growing evidence that high consumption of ultra-processed foods may play a role in early colorectal cancer development,” said Caroline Um, PhD, MPH, a principal scientist in epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society. “Although further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand underlying mechanisms, limiting ultra-processed foods and emphasizing whole, nutrient-rich options align with current cancer prevention guidelines,” Um said. However, Tracey Childs, MD, a specialist in general and colorectal surgery and chief of surgery at Providence Saint John’s Health Center and an adjunct associate professor of surgery at Saint John’s Cancer Institute in California, noted these findings should be expanded to include males. “One cannot make the assessment that women are higher risk than men in developing colorectal cancer from ultra-processed foods as this study was only done in women and did not look at men at all,” Childs said. Ultra-processed food linked to 45% higher risk of precancerous polyps For the current study, the researchers analyzed the medical records of more than 29,000 female nurses under the age of 50 who had participated in the Nurses Health Study II. The study participants provided baseline data in 1991. They had follow-up check-ins between June 1991 and June 2015. The median follow-up period was 13 years. The nurses reported on their food intake the previous 12 months via questionnaires they received every 4 years. The nurses in the study had an average age of 45 during the 24-year follow-up period. They had undergone at least one lower endoscopy before age 50 years after baseline and had no history of cancer — except for nonmelanoma skin cancer — before their endoscopy. The researchers examined the data thus gathered between October 2024 and July 2025. For this study, ultra-processed food intake was primarily from processed breads, breakfast foods, sauces, spreads, condiments, and sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages. The researchers reported there were 1,189 study participants who were documented as having early-onset conventional adenomas and another 1,598 who had serrated lesions during the follow-up check-ins. Noncancerous colorectal adenomas are growths or polyps in the colon and rectum that can lead to cancer. Serrated lesions are a type of precancerous polyp in the colon that are characterized by a serrated architecture and can be a pathway to the development of cancer. In their study, the researchers reported that participants with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods, which was described as about 10 servings per day, had a 45% higher risk of developing adenomas by age 50 when compared with those with the lowest consumption, which was classified as about three servings per day. There was no association observed between ultra-processed foods and serrated lesions. Experts noted some limitations to this particular research besides the fact it only involved women. They pointed out that the information was gathered by questionnaire and that the definition of “ultra-processed” was somewhat general in nature. Um said that alcohol was included as an ultra-processed food in this study. “Because alcohol independently raises cancer risk, it would be helpful for future studies to examine ultra-processed food intake with and without alcohol,” she noted. Colorectal cancer deaths rising in younger adults The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report there were nearly 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer in the United States in 2022, the latest year for which statistics are available. The agency adds that more than 50,000 people died from the disease in 2023. Men had a higher incidence and death rate than women from colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that the incidence of colorectal cancer has been declining in people 65 years and older. The incidence rate has remained stable for people ages 50 to 64. However, the organization notes that colorectal cancer cases have been rising about 2% per year for U.S. adults ages 50 to 54 as well as those under the age of 50. Previous research has concluded the obesity and diabetes are high risk factors for colorectal cancer in younger adults. However, a December 2024 study linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to colorectal cancer risk in men and women. So did an August 2022 study. In addition, an April 2025 study reported that ultra-processed foods were linked to more than 120,000 preventable deaths per year in the United States. The organization Food Tank estimates that 73% of the food supply in the United States consists of ultra-processed foods. In addition, a 2022 study reported that almost 60% of the caloric intake of U.S. adults is ultra-processed foods. How to reduce your colorectal cancer risk Ultra-processed foods are described as mass-produced foods with a high level of industrially processed ingredients that are designed to ensure longer shelf lives. Examples include commercially produced breads, most breakfast cereals, flavored yogurts, hot dogs, frozen meals, potato chips, soft drinks, and candy bars. The study authors said that “ultra-processed foods are typically low in bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols, and high in unhealthy fats, refined starches, and food additives such as emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners.” They said these ingredients “could disrupt gut microbiota, increase intestinal inflammation, and contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis.” Experts agreed. “The concept is that ultra-processed foods change the intestinal microbiome as well as enhance a pro-inflammatory environment, increasing the risk of pre-cancerous changes, which then can lead to early onset colon cancer,” said Childs. “It’s also important to note that many ultra-processed foods contain a wide variety of additives, and we do not fully understand their effects on long-term health,” said Um. Van Loon added that ultra-processed foods can lead to weight gain, which can also raise the risk of colorectal cancer. “There is evidence from other research that ultra-processed foods promote excess energy intake, which can result in rapid weight gain,” she said. A healthy, balanced diet is a key factor in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides dietary recommendations for all adults to reduce their cancer risk. These include consuming: nutrient-rich foods that help you maintain a healthy body weight a variety of vegetables and fruits in different colors whole grains. The ACS also recommends the avoidance of: red and processed meats sugar-sweetened beverages highly processed foods and refined grain products alcohol. Beyond diet, ACS recommends: maintaining a healthy body weight throughout life being physically active reducing sedentary time. Other experts are in agreement with these guidelines. “I recommend a diet that is low in processed meats, low in red meat, low in processed grains, and low in sugar,” said Van Loon. “Choose whole grain breads and brown rice, and try to consume sugars from healthy sources such as fruits and vegetables.” Kirkpatrick recommended a goal of eating healthy foods 90% of the time and indulging in less healthy foods 10% of the time. “It’s not the frozen pizza that we may have once a month that does great harm. It’s when the frozen pizza becomes dinner three times a week. The greater the frequency of consumption of [ultra-processed foods], the greater the risk,” she said.

The TrumpRx prescription drug savings program is expected to be available by early 2026. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have agreed to sell their weight-loss drugs, Wegovy and Zepbound, through the new TrumpRx program. The portal site is expected to launch in early 2026 and will provide consumers the ability to buy prescription drugs directly from manufacturers at reduced prices. Experts say that most prescription medications will likely remain more affordable to consumers through traditional health insurance plans. TrumpRx, the White House’s new prescription drug pricing program, will connect consumers to pharmaceutical companies that will sell certain prescription medications at significantly reduced prices. Consumers who don’t have or don’t want to use health insurance to pay for these prescription drugs can purchase them directly from the pharmaceutical companies. The White House has already signed deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk to sell medications at reduced prices. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will make their weight loss drugs Zepbound and Wegovy available through the TrumpRx platform. TrumpRx is expected to launch in early 2026; however, experts say that most Americans will likely not benefit from the prescription drug cost-reduction program. Here’s what you need to know. Will TrumpRx lower out-of-pocket costs? Trump’s prescription drug pricing program may provide some benefits, particularly that weight-loss drugs will be available to people whose health insurance doesn’t cover these medications. “These medications are usually costly to pay for out of pocket, so any savings passed on to patients are beneficial,” said Kanwar Kelley, MD, a specialist in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine, and co-founder and chief executive officer of Side Health in Orinda, CA. “This new program lays out a pathway for both medical use of these therapies and lower costs for patients seeking more general weight loss,” added Kevin Schulman, MD, a professor of medicine at Stanford University. Nevertheless, experts suggest that most consumers will likely find it more cost-effective to purchase prescription medications through traditional health insurance plans. “Though prices may be lowered for Americans who do not use insurance, the TrumpRx program likely will not influence most Americans,” Kelley told Healthline. “The TrumpRx platform focuses on cash-pay deals that can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Although organizing the information may make the public more aware of better prices, most will likely default to using their insurance to pay for the medication.” “Most people with insurance are likely to continue to pay lower out-of-pocket costs getting their drugs under their insurance than buying directly from a manufacturer,” added Juliette Cubanski, PhD, MPH, the deputy director of the Program on Medicare Policy for the research organization KFF. “Some people without insurance, or who don’t have coverage for specific medications, might be able to secure lower pricing on certain medications, but for most Americans, it’s probably not a long-term solution to the affordability challenges they face when it comes to prescription drugs,” Cubanski told Healthline.   Experts also point out that, at least initially, a limited number of prescription medications will be available through TrumpRx. “It’s highly doubtful that all of the drugs people take will be for sale through this channel,” Cubanski said. “TrumpRx focuses on select medications from specific manufacturers, rather than all pharmaceuticals,” Kelley said. Kelley added that other issues, including the duration of medication availability through TrumpRx, need to be resolved. He said that medications purchased through the White House website are unlikely to be counted toward deductibles or out-of-pocket payment limits. “Overall, the plan is ambitious, but most, if any, benefits will have to be determined after it is functioning,” Kelley said. Savings expected from Pfizer, other pharmaceuticals The TrumpRx program will essentially serve as a portal connecting consumers with the websites of pharmaceutical companies. Consumers will be able to log into the site and search for prescription medications that are available under the program. The doctor’s prescription would need to be verified through the site. The website is part of a broader initiative the Trump administration says is aimed at bringing prices paid by U.S. consumers more in line with those paid in other developed countries. They include this endeavor under their most-favored-nation pricing programs. In exchange, pharmaceutical companies get access to a wider audience for their products. They are also exempt for three years from tariffs that the White House plans to levy against pharmaceutical companies. At least four pharmaceutical companies have agreed to participate so far. In September, White House officials announced that Pfizer had signed a contract to sell its medications directly to consumers at reduced prices through the TrumpRx portal. In a statement, Pfizer officials said “primary care treatments and some select specialty brands will be offered at savings that will range as high as 85% and on average 50%.” They added that specific terms of the agreement remain confidential. “By working closely with the administration, we are lowering costs for patients and enabling greater investment in the U.S. biopharmaceutical ecosystem by ending the days when American families alone carried the global burden of paying for innovation,” said Albert Bourla, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer, in the statement. Weight loss drugs at discounted prices In October, AstraZeneca reached a similar agreement to sell prescription medications through TrumpRx. In a statement, officials at AstraZeneca, which is based in the United Kingdom, said their prescription medication prices on TrumpRx will be reduced by as much as 80%. They said their drugs for sale via TrumpRx will include inhalers such as Bevespi Aerosphere for people with COPD and Airsupra for people with asthma. AstraZeneca officials also announced plans to expand drug manufacturing and research in the United States. Last week, President Donald Trump announced that his administration had also reached an agreement with Eli Lilly to sell its weight-loss drug, Zepbound, as well as an arrangement with Novo Nordisk to sell its weight-loss medication Wegovy. In a statement, White House officials said the price for Wegovy will fall from between $1,000 and $1,350 per month to $350 for purchases through TrumpRx. They said the price for Zepbound would drop from $1,086 per month to $346 per month. In addition, the White House said that under this deal: Eli Lilly will offer Emgality — a treatment for migraine — at $299 per pen, a discount of $443 off the list price. Eli Lilly will offer Trulicity, a commonly used diabetes medication, at $389 per month, a discount of $598 off the list price. Novo Nordisk will offer widely used insulin products, including NovoLog and Tresiba, at a monthly supply cost of $35. The White House added that “the agreement also provides that Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will guarantee [most favored nation] prices on all new medicines that they bring to market.” Experts said that while lower prices might bring relief to some consumers, many people may still be unable to afford these medications. “These drugs have high price tags and, for many people, the cost has placed them out of reach,” Cubanski said. “Even at discounted prices of $150 or $250 or $350 through the TrumpRx website, these drugs will remain unaffordable for many people without insurance coverage.” Experts noted that the TrumpRx deals may encourage pharmaceutical companies to continue negotiating lower drug prices. “Hopefully, this negotiation will be a step in addressing the larger issue of the pharmaceutical prices in the U.S. market,” Schulman told Healthline. “Targeting high-profile medications may signal that pharmaceutical companies are willing to discuss other medications for significant price reductions,” Kelley said. TrumpRx not a solution to high drug prices Pharmaceutical companies have been entering into agreements with retailers to sell prescription drugs through their pharmacies. In early October, Costco signed a pact with Novo Nordisk to offer Wegovy and its other weight loss drug, Ozempic, to consumers. A few weeks later, Walmart announced an arrangement with Eli Lilly to sell Zepbound to its customers. The TrumpRx plan is separate from a program initiated by the Biden Administration in 2022 to allow Medicare officials to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. It also differs from the Cost Plus website launched in 2022 by entrepreneur Mark Cuban. That site sells generic prescription drugs at discounted prices. Consumers buy products from Cost Plus, not the pharmaceutical companies. The prices have been negotiated by Cost Plus with those companies. However, experts say these programs and the TrumpRx plan still aren’t enough to address the overall problem in the United States of high prescription drug prices. “Direct-to-consumer drug sales are not likely to be the solution to high drug prices for most patients in the U.S.,” said Cubanski. “For most Americans, [the TrumpRx program] is probably not a long-term solution to the affordability challenges they face when it comes to prescription drugs.” Officials at America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a national trade association representing 1,300 health insurance companies, are particularly critical of prescription drug prices. “As drug makers relentlessly lobby for a blank check to keep overcharging Americans, continued bipartisan action to lower drug prices is critical — including common sense reforms to stop drugmakers’ abuse of the patent system, restore competition, and move toward pricing based on clinical value and not on the lavish tax-deductible marketing campaigns brand drug makers use to drive up consumer demand for high-priced drugs and raise costs for everyone,” an AHIP spokesperson said in a statement shared with Healthline.

The FDA will remove black box warning labels on HRT products, which the agency states has sown confusion around hormone therapy for menopause. Lupe Rodriguez/Stocksy The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the removal of black box warnings on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatments for menopause.  The federal agency has requested that HRT manufacturers update wording regarding various risks, such as cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and dementia. Experts say removing the warnings could help reduce stigma around HRT and facilitate a dialogue between individuals and healthcare professionals.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday that it will remove the strictest black box warning labels for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products used to treat menopause symptoms. Black box warnings are issued by the FDA to highlight serious risks of major injury or death associated with a medication.  Black box warning labels have been included on HRT products for more than two decades, which the agency said has sown fear and confusion around hormone therapy, the FDA stated in a news release. “For more than two decades, bad science and bureaucratic inertia have resulted in women and physicians having an incomplete view of HRT,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “We are returning to evidence-based medicine and giving women control over their health again.” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH, said that millions of women have been denied the potential health benefits of HRT during menopause due to “distorted” risk factors included on the warning labels. “For too long, issues of women’s health have been underrecognized. Women and their physicians should make decisions based on data, not fear,” Makary said in a statement. The FDA is requesting that HRT manufacturers update the language on black box warnings pertaining to cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and dementia risks. However, the FDA is not seeking to remove the warnings regarding endometrial cancer on systemic estrogen-alone products.  This decision is based on an FDA assessment of current literature and a comprehensive review by a panel of experts, which includes a reanalysis of data from younger cohorts who began HRT treatment within 10 years of entering menopause. Here’s what you need to know. Black warning labels and hormone therapy stigma HHS states that removing black box warnings from HRT products could help address the underutilization of these products to treat menopause symptoms. Experts are in agreement. “The FDA removal of the black box warning for HRT will increase clinician awareness and education across all fields of medicine, and will ultimately expand access to appropriate, individualized treatment for those experiencing menopause,” said Nataki Douglas, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and chief scientific officer at Extend Fertility. HRT was first approved by the FDA to treat certain menopause symptoms in 1941. However, studies conducted in the 1990s by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) found that there were potential risks of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and pulmonary embolism. Following these studies, the use of HRT fell by 45%.  “Initially, the ‘black box’ warning cautioned women and healthcare providers that hormone therapy would increase their risks of blood clots, breast cancer and strokes, which was based on the notorious and faulty WHI study done in 2002,” said Sherly Ross, MD, a board certified OB-GYN and women’s health expert noted this about the initial use of the black box warning and what the removal means. “After over 20 years of waiting, we now have a restored trust and confidence in safely using hormone therapy for menopausal women as a recommended medication for quality of life and healthy aging,” Ross told Healthline. Future of menopause treatment Experts say that removing the black box warnings from HRT products will improve menopause treatment outcomes for symptoms ranging from hot flashes to night sweats and sleep issues. “For the 6,000 [U.S.] women entering menopause every day, they will not only get relief from the disruptive symptoms of menopause, but will also have a reduced risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, and bone fractures,” Ross said. She said the benefits of hormone therapy become even more pronounced when the medication is prescribed within the first 10 years of menopause onset. “Starting hormone therapy is an individualized process that should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider, weighing the benefits versus the risks,” Ross said. Douglas echoed these remarks, calling the black box removal an “important first step” that raises awareness among clinicians and patients alike about the evidence-based benefits and risks of HRT. “It will encourage more open and informed patient–provider discussions and lead to increased referrals of perimenopausal and postmenopausal individuals to specialists who provide menopause-focused care,” Douglas told Healthline.

Acetaminophen is the safest option for pain relief and lowering fever during pregnancy. Anfisa&friends/Stocksy A new research review disputes claims made by the Trump administration that Tylenol use during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism and ADHD in children. The researchers claim that recent studies cited by the White House are flawed. Tylenol remains safe to use during pregnancy and can help relieve pain as well as reduce high fever, both of which can be harmful to an unborn child. In a new study, researchers concluded that pregnant people can safely take acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to treat pain and high fever. The analysis of recent studies shows there is insufficient evidence linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The researchers said that previous studies suggesting a slight association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and ADHD and autism were flawed. The findings were published on November 10 in The BMJ. “Existing evidence does not clearly link maternal [Tylenol] use during pregnancy with autism or ADHD in offspring,” the researchers wrote. Experts not involved in the study said the researchers’ conclusions are well-founded. “The high-quality methodology used in this new umbrella review confirms what experts around the globe have been saying,” said Dimitrios Siassakos, a professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the University College London in England, in a statement posted on the Science Media Centre. “The evidence that links [acetaminophen] use in pregnancy to autism is tenuous and those studies which do report an association are confounded by the association of autism or ADHD with factors shared by families such as genetics, lifestyle etc.” The review comes less than two months after President Donald Trump and members of his administration made statements that linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism risk. A key member of the Trump administration, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., had already softened his stance about Tylenol. Kennedy recently said there was no “sufficient” evidence that Tylenol is a definitive cause of autism, but reiterated that women should only use Tylenol during pregnancy when “absolutely necessary.” Here’s what you need to know about Tylenol use during pregnancy, and why experts continue to assert that it’s safe. Research on Tylenol and autism risk The large review involved an umbrella analysis of nine systematic reviews that included 40 studies conducted over the past decade. Each study had investigated the potential link between acetaminophen and the risk of a child developing autism or ADHD. The researchers reported that some of those studies concluded there was a “strong association” between maternal acetaminophen use and autism and ADHD risks. However, the researchers said those studies were flawed and confidence in the findings was “low to critically low.” Among other issues, the researchers said those studies did not make adjustments for familial factors that could have increased the risk of autism or ADHD in some children. “Primary studies that do not adjust for key confounders such as familial genetic and environmental factors, maternal health, indications for [acetaminophen] use, and potential unmeasured confounders cannot accurately estimate the effects of in utero exposure to [acetaminophen] on neurodevelopment in children,” the study authors wrote. They added that none of the research they reviewed established any biological mechanism between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD. “The results from this extensive study looking at the potential link between acetaminophen during pregnancy and the risk of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were not surprising,” said Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California. Ross wasn’t involved in the study. “This study confirmed there was no association between taking Tylenol during pregnancy increasing the risk of autism in the baby. The exaggerated hype and misrepresentation about acetaminophen increasing the risk of autism and ADHD during pregnancy has been exploited, harmful to pregnant women, and causing unnecessary confusion,” Ross told Healthline. A 2024 study published in JAMA reached similar conclusions. “Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analyses. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to confounding,” the study authors wrote. Tylenol a safe option for pregnancy pain relief Acetaminophen is the safest option for pain relief and lowering fever during pregnancy. For example, fever during pregnancy carries heightened risks of neural tube defects. G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, an OB-GYN and the lead OB/GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California, explained that acetaminophen does not cross from the mother’s bloodstream into the placenta. Other pain medications, such as ibuprofen, do cross that threshold and can endanger the health of a developing fetus. “Most pain relievers are medications you shouldn’t take while pregnant,” Ruiz told Healthline. He added that pain during pregnancy can cause stress, which can cause harm to both the unborn child and the mother. “Undue stress is not going to be good for the baby or mom,” Ruiz said. Ross agreed. “The risks of untreated fevers, headaches, and pain during pregnancy may be dangerous for mother and baby and do outweigh the unsupported risks of using Tylenol to treat these harmful symptoms,” she said. Trump administration’s stance on Tylenol In late September, President Trump stated that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy was associated with a “very increased risk of autism.” “[Federal officials] are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary,” the president said. His remarks were followed by an announcement from officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that they were initiating a change in Tylenol labels to include a mention of a potential association between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism and ADHD. In a statement, HHS officials stated that autism cases among children in the United States have risen 400% since 2000. White House officials cited an August 2025 study from Harvard as well as an October 2019 study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health among their references. They also noted that a 2021 consensus statement called for “precautionary action” and recommended that women “minimize exposure” to acetaminophen and use “the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.” In response, the makers of Tylenol issued a statement on their website asserting that rigorous research has confirmed “there is no credible science that shows taking acetaminophen causes autism.” In late October, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturers of Tylenol, accusing the pharmaceutical company of failing to warn consumers about the risk of taking Tylenol during pregnancy. Despite HHS Health Secretary Kennedy walking back part of the White House’s stance on maternal Tylenol use and autism, he said there should be “a cautious approach to it.” What to know about autism, ADHD The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 3% of children in the United States are diagnosed with autism by the age of 8. They note that autism is three times more common in boys than it is in girls. CDC officials also report that about 11% of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point. The condition is also more common in boys than in girls. Autism is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental conditions. People with autism commonly exhibit problems with communication and social interaction as well as restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. The exact cause of autism remains unknown. Suspected risk factors include: having an immediate family member who has autism having certain genetic mutations being born to older parents low birth weight exposure to heavy metals and other environmental toxins A July 2025 study involving more than 1 million children determined there was no link between vaccines and the development of autism. ADHD is a condition that can cause people to have difficulty focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time. People with the condition may experience difficulty completing tasks, become easily distracted, and interrupt others while they’re talking. ADHD can have a significant impact on school, work, relationships, and lifestyle. Like autism, the causes of ADHD aren’t entirely understood. Possible explanations include genetic factors, certain neurotoxins, and smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Ruiz said autism is likely caused by a number of factors, not a single contributor. “We don’t really have a good handle on [the causes],” he said. “It’s likely multiple variables.” “The exact cause(s) of autism is still to be determined,” added Ross. “Credible medical studies suggest autism is thought to be due to genetic and environmental factors. What is known about the cause of autism is it results from a combination of influences.”