The study found that medical tourism postoperative complications may cost the NHS up to £20,000 per patient. The analysis of existing data revealed that patients who underwent surgery abroad were more likely to experience moderate to severe complications, with treatment costs ranging from £1058 to £19,549.
Smartphone apps based on psychological theories are 3 times more effective than minimal support in helping people quit smoking long-term. The apps improve sustained abstinence rates when combined with traditional interventions or pharmacotherapy.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Africa has surged, with a significant increase in obesity over the past two decades. Women are nearly five times more likely to be obese than men, while those with tertiary-level education are three times more likely. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted public health interven...
A study analyzing personal injury claims data for England and Wales found that mental trauma succeeds 1 in 7 dog-related injuries, resulting in the need for time off work and/or loss of earnings. Most incidents occurred in public spaces, with unrestrained dogs being a common cause.
A study of 168 second-time mothers found that those who breastfed were less likely to experience depression and anxiety 10 years after pregnancy. Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of reporting depression and anxiety, after accounting for influential factors.
A systematic review finds that stopping weight loss drugs leads to rapid weight regain, reversing heart health markers in under two years. Average monthly weight gain is 0.4kg, with all cardiometabolic risk markers projected to return to pre-treatment levels within 1.4 years.
A study of 105,260 adults found associations between higher intakes of certain preservatives and increased risks of breast, prostate, and other cancers. Researchers call for re-evaluation of regulations governing food industry use of additives to protect consumer health.
A large comparative study found that even low daily alcohol intake increases mouth cancer risk by 50% in India, with locally brewed drinks posing the greatest threat. Chewing tobacco use is also a major contributor to this risk, accounting for up to 62% of cases.
A small analysis found AI-generated images of doctors exaggerate and reinforce existing stereotypes on sex, gender, race, and ethnicity. This contradicts recent medical workforce statistics, which show a more diverse range of doctors in the UK and US.
A study found that the week after the autumn clock change is associated with a reduction in demand for NHS services for anxiety, cardiovascular disease, depression, and psychiatric conditions. However, there is little evidence to suggest that the spring clock change has any short-term effect on health conditions.
Playing soothing live music in NICUs helps babies lower heart rate and respiratory rate while increasing feeding volume. Music sessions also provide a moment's respite for parents, allowing them to bond with their baby.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children living in poor quality housing missed more school days and achieved worse test scores than their peers. Improving housing conditions, especially reducing damp and overcrowding, may have significant benefits for child health and school outcomes.
A BMJ investigation found that over half a million patients are being cared for in temporary spaces in English hospitals, with some trusts installing permanent facilities like portable sinks and toilets. The practice is causing harm to patient care and staff, with senior doctors describing it as 'heartbreaking' and 'undignified',
A large international study of 220,947 participants found that concurrent physical frailty and depression significantly increase the risk of dementia. The interaction between these two factors contributes approximately 17% to the overall risk, while individual associations were found for frailty (2.5 times higher risk) and depression (...
A study reports on the underdiagnosis of 'topical steroid withdrawal syndrome' (TSW), a condition triggered by sudden or tapered use of steroid creams for inflammatory skin conditions. TSW can lead to severe symptoms, including skin reddening, burning, itching, and systemic problems like insomnia and depression.
A study published in The BMJ found a 25% decline in diversity language in NIH grants from January 2024 to June 2025. Researchers analyzed 17,701 grants and found that words related to diversity, equity, and politics were deleted at a 10-fold higher rate in 2025.
A third of teenagers use AI companions for social interaction, with some reporting more satisfying conversations than humans. Experts caution against problematic chatbot use as a new environmental risk factor, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study analyzing 1000 biomedical articles found that almost 1 in 5 'recent' references are at least 10 years old, suggesting the term is used more as a narrative device than a measure of time. Citation patterns varied across medical specialties, with some fields citing older references than others.
A case report warns that heavy energy drink consumption may pose a serious stroke risk due to high caffeine and sugar content. The study highlights the potential cardiovascular risks associated with energy drinks and proposes increased regulation of sales and advertising campaigns to protect public health.
The study found that escalation area care is widespread and routine, compromising patient safety and generating substandard experiences. The highest proportion of patients were treated in waiting rooms and corridors, with children and mental health patients also being cared for in these spaces.
Researchers found that women notified of their dense breasts felt more anxious and confused about their breast health, with increased intentions to talk to their GP. The study suggests that population breast density notification should be carefully considered due to potential adverse outcomes.
Social media influencers share biased or misleading medical advice, causing harm, experts argue. Strategies include effective regulation, stronger accountability, and user empowerment through targeted education.
GenAI tools risk eroding medical students' critical thinking skills while reinforcing data bias and inequity. Medical educators must adjust curricula to mitigate these risks, warns an editorial in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.
Creating a safe space free from body shaming is key to minimising female athletes' future risks of injury and protecting their health. The FAIR Consensus Statement provides practical recommendations for promoting gender-specific supportive environments in sports.
Research found a heightened risk of preschool wheeze and school age asthma associated with maternal eating disorders. The study suggests including dedicated support for these disorders in maternal healthcare to improve respiratory health.
A trial from Hong Kong found that tai chi is comparable to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of chronic insomnia. The study showed that tai chi was non-inferior to CBT at the 12-month follow-up, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment approach for middle-aged and older adults.
Researchers found that famous singers in the UK/Europe and North America died an average of 4 years earlier than those not in the spotlight. The effects of fame are comparable to other known health risks, such as smoking, which confers a heightened risk of death.
Drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day may slow the biological ageing of people with severe mental illness by lengthening their telomeres, equivalent to 5 extra biological years. However, no such effects were observed beyond this daily amount.
A Nigerian survey found that 80% of children exposed to skin bleaching products were under 2 years old, with mothers citing aesthetic preferences and social benefits as primary reasons for use. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to safeguard children's health from the risks associated with skin lightening products.
A review of 1.6 million women found that two-thirds experience excessive or inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, associated with complications such as preterm birth and large birth weight. The study supports the development of global healthy growth and weight gain standards to improve outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.
An investigation by The BMJ reveals that almost 9 in 10 UK acute trusts use locally employed doctor (LED) contracts without safeguards on pay, hours, teaching, or supervision. Doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to be trapped in these unsuitable contracts for over 2 years.
A large tracking study found that eating disorders are associated with higher risks of poor physical and mental health, as well as premature death, persisting for years after diagnosis. The risks are highest within the first 12 months, but these heightened risks remain high for years afterwards.
Experts argue that e-cigarette regulation should prioritize children's best interests, citing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The authors recommend strict measures to reduce e-cigarette appeal, availability, and affordability among children.
A US study found that extending anti-clotting treatment beyond 90 days reduces recurrent VTE rates by 81% and death rates by 26%, while increasing major bleeding risk. The overall 'net clinical benefit' persists even after three years of treatment.
A clinical trial published by The BMJ raised concerns over data irregularities, age criteria violations, and undeclared conflicts of interest. The BMJ has placed an expression of concern on the paper and will investigate fully with institutions and regulatory authorities as necessary.
The 15% expansion of food stamp payments during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced child food insufficiency among SNAP participants compared to eligible non-participants. In Hispanic-American households, odds were 39% lower, while in large households (6+ people), they were 33% lower.
Research finds existing evidence on paracetamol use during pregnancy does not clearly link it to autism or ADHD in children; studies suggest shared genetic and environmental factors within families may explain the observed risk. Women can be advised to take paracetamol when needed for pain and fever during pregnancy.
A recent analysis of data from seven countries found that higher levels of greenness are associated with a 7% reduction in hospital admissions for all cause mental disorders. The protective effect increases with greater exposure to greenness, suggesting that urban design and health policy can be improved to protect mental health.
Risks of death from kidney diseases and injuries are substantially higher in communities with greater levels of deprivation. Disrupted healthcare systems, environmental contamination, and prolonged stress contribute to elevated mortality risks from tropical cyclones.
The proliferation of SUVs poses significant risks to health and the environment, with taller vehicles increasing the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities. Higher parking fees and reforms to vehicle tax are proposed as measures to curb sales and reduce air pollution.
Experts warn that climate change and conflict have synergistic effects, leading to more severe and complex outcomes. Strengthening health systems is key to reducing vulnerability and supporting climate adaptation.
Recent court cases use medical and scientific evidence to defend human rights to health, attributing health impacts to climate change. Health professionals can help characterize cause of deaths and disease resulting from climate change impacts, and drive action by supporting legal interventions against big polluters.
A study of 12,490 dementia cases found significant variations in survival times among early onset dementia patients by clinical subtype. The study revealed that those with frontotemporal dementia or Lewy body dementia had the shortest survival time, while Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment had longer average survival...
Research suggests that voting participation is strongly associated with reduced mortality risk compared to non-voter status. This association holds true even after adjusting for education level, indicating that voting may be a stronger predictor of future death risk than education.
A clinical trial found that antibiotics within 24 hours of an obstetric tear can significantly reduce the risk of clinically relevant wound complications. The treatment group experienced fewer complications and reported better wellbeing compared to the placebo group. This finding supports the use of prophylactic antibiotics in routine ...
Patients with weak heart function who receive stem cell therapy shortly after a heart attack have lower rates of heart failure and hospital stays. The technique may be a valuable add-on procedure for patients with weakened heart function after a heart attack to prevent subsequent heart failure.
A new report warns of a severe consultant recruitment crisis in the NHS, with 1 in 3 consultant posts vacant in some parts of the UK. The shortage is costing the health service £674m on locum consultants, negatively impacting staff morale and patient care.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) priorities are skewed by its reliance on donations from the Gates Foundation, which has directed over half of its $5.5 billion in grants towards vaccine-related projects and polio. In contrast, non-communicable diseases and health systems strengthening remain underfunded.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that non-coeliac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGWS) affects approximately 10.3% of the global population, with distinct variations in prevalence across countries. Symptoms often improve when gluten or wheat is avoided, but diagnosis remains challenging due to unclear disease process.
A US study found that teenagers who use cannabis are more likely to become regular tobacco users, with 32.7% of those aged 12-17 progressing to regular tobacco use four years later. The study estimates that around 13% of new regular tobacco use is attributable to cannabis.