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.
A new study published in The BMJ found that restricting sugar intake during early life is associated with lower risks of heart conditions in adulthood. People exposed to sugar rationing in utero and during their first two years had a 20% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as slower onset of heart problems.
Only a third of children with a food allergy in England have been prescribed repeat adrenaline devices, highlighting the need for better accessibility and safety measures. Providing spare devices to all schools could save millions of pounds and improve emergency access to life-saving medication.
A large prospective study found that achieving at least 4000 steps per day on 1-2 days per week is associated with a significantly lower risk of death and lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This study suggests that frequency of meeting daily step thresholds is not critical, but rather the volume of steps taken.
Regular aerobic exercise improves pain, function, gait performance, and quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Alternative forms of structured physical activity may still be beneficial when aerobic exercise is not possible.
Imposter participants pose a systemic threat to health research, threatening the integrity of studies and clinical decisions. Safeguards such as identity verification and CAPTCHA tests can help detect and prevent imposter participants.
Researchers found SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce autoimmune rheumatic diseases by 11% compared to sulfonylureas. The study analyzed over 2 million adults with type 2 diabetes and suggests these drugs may contribute to a lower risk of autoimmune diseases.
Loneliness and social isolation are linked to a heightened risk of death from cancer as well as from all causes among those with the disease. Pooled data analysis found that these conditions were associated with an 11% increased risk of death from cancer, after adjusting for small study sizes.
The analysis of 2024 English voting patterns suggests that poorer health is associated with higher proportions of votes for Reform UK. This finding highlights the need for policymakers to address health inequalities and improve public health.
A study finds that women runners prioritize comfort, injury prevention, and performance when choosing running shoes, highlighting a need for sex- and gender-specific designs that accommodate female foot morphology across the lifespan. The researchers recommend moving beyond scaling down men's shoes to fit women's feet.
A UK study of 10 million men found that prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing may not effectively target those most likely to benefit from the test. Many patients are being retested more frequently than recommended, even without symptoms or previous low PSA values.
A pooled data analysis found tramadol to be ineffective in easing chronic pain, with a small and clinically insignificant effect. The use of tramadol was also associated with an increased risk of serious side effects, including heart disease and certain cancers.
Researchers found a 2% average reduction in energy content after calorie labelling regulations were introduced, primarily due to swapping in lower-calorie items. Chain types with significant reductions included pubs, bars, and inns, as well as restaurants and sports venues.
A systematic review found exercise snacking significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness in adults, with high compliance rates. However, its impact on muscular endurance and cardiometabolic factors was limited.
The study found that countries with the highest reported prevalence of hearing loss, such as China and South Korea, also had the lowest levels of hearing aid use. Conversely, adults in Northern Europe, USA, and Western Europe were most likely to report using a hearing aid. Men were generally more likely than women to report difficultie...
A study of 14,458 abortions in Scotland found that early medical abortion at home between 10-12 weeks of pregnancy is safe and effective, with a similar success rate to hospital procedures. However, women who had medical abortion at home were more likely to contact the abortion service for questions or concerns.
Executions rose to a record high of at least 1518 globally in 2024, with most taking place in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Medical opposition is needed to stop the practice, which is antithetical to healthcare professionals' commitment to promote health and wellbeing.
Commercial sunbeds are being touted as integral to wellness by social media, despite causing melanoma and other skin cancers. Experts argue that a ban is necessary to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the national skin cancer burden.
A study published in The BMJ found that Medicaid expansion with work requirements did not increase health insurance coverage or employment among working-age adults with low incomes. In fact, Medicaid coverage decreased in Georgia by almost 12 percentage points compared to a state without work requirements.
The study, published in The BMJ, provides detailed data on traumatic injuries and medical conditions seen by healthcare workers in Gaza. It highlights the urgent need for resilient surveillance systems to inform tailored interventions.
Women who don't attend their first mammogram screening face a 40% higher long-term risk of dying from breast cancer. Targeted interventions are needed to boost adherence and reduce mortality risk among initial non-attenders.
A study on apple cider vinegar's effectiveness in weight loss was retracted by BMJ Group due to significant methodological flaws, including implausible statistical values and inadequate reporting. The retraction was prompted by concerns raised by statisticians and experts who were unable to replicate the results.
In the past 5 years, there has been a significant increase in the use of low and alcohol-free drinks among 'risky' UK drinkers to cut down on their alcohol intake. The proportion of those using these alternatives rose from 35% in 2020 to 44% in 2024, particularly among older adults and women.
A large observational study found a U-shaped association between alcohol consumption and dementia risk, with non-drinkers and heavy drinkers at higher risk. Genetic analyses also showed that increased genetic risk for all three exposure levels was associated with an increased risk of dementia.
A survey of 1091 US music fans found that 6 in 10 have experienced inappropriate sexual behavior at a live gig, with women more than twice as likely to be affected. The most common barriers to reporting incidents were feeling the incident wouldn't be taken seriously or knowing who to report it to.
Experts argue that the current process for managing sexual misconduct by doctors in the UK is inconsistent and relies too heavily on subjective evidence. This can lead to varying sanctions being imposed on doctors found guilty, with some cases receiving lenient punishments compared to those proposed by the General Medical Council.
A study by the BMJ Group found that one in three GPs with a license to practise in England are not working in NHS general practice. The number of patients for each full time equivalent GP has risen by 15% since 2015, while the number of patients for each full time equivalent NHS consultant fell by 18%. This imbalance threatens governme...
A lack of soap is the most often reported barrier to effective hand hygiene—key to curbing the spread of infection—in shared community spaces. The barriers most often reported concerned physical opportunity and motivation.
Middle-aged adults diagnosed with acute cystitis are at higher risk of urogenital cancer, particularly prostate and bladder cancers. The risks persist for several years after infection, especially within 3 months of symptoms, with men being more likely to develop the condition.
A new AI algorithm using routine mammogram images and age can predict major cardiovascular disease risk as accurately as standard methods. The study suggests that mammography may offer a cost-effective 'two for one' effective screening option for women, leveraging existing health infrastructure.
An AI algorithm based on routine mammogram images plus age can predict a woman's risk of major cardiovascular disease with high accuracy. The algorithm leverages existing health infrastructure and offers a cost-effective 'two for one' screening option.
Research published in BMJ Mental Health found a strong association between the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from 3688 patients with one or more psychiatric disorders, finding that those with four or more disorders were 11 times as likely to develop dementia.