A large study published in The BMJ found that people with a heavy body shape from childhood to middle age have the highest mortality rate. Those who remained lean throughout life had the lowest mortality risk, with a 15-year risk of death being 11.8% in women and 20.3% in men.
A leading public health expert argues that the NHS is safer within the European Union due to international trade agreements protecting public services. The UK's withdrawal from the EU threatens the NHS more than the EU itself, according to Professor Martin McKee.
Medical errors are a leading cause of death in the US, with estimates suggesting 210,000 to 400,000 deaths per year among hospital patients. Experts call for better reporting and strategies to reduce medical errors, including making errors more visible and having remedies at hand.
Research reviewing 434 patients with metal on metal total hip replacements found a revision rate of 16.4%, significantly higher than expected. The study suggests that manufacturing issues, particularly with the taper surface and liner thickness, may be to blame for early failure.
Research found that hospital self-harm cases increased among men in England between 2000 and 2012. The study also revealed that nearly half of those who went to the hospital for self-inflicted harm did not receive a specialist mental health assessment, despite national guidelines recommending it.
E-cigarettes offer potential to radically reduce harm from smoking in UK society, with benefits found at individual and population levels. The Royal College of Physicians report finds that e-cigarette use is primarily among smokers seeking to cut down or quit, and no grounds to suspect renormalization of smoking habits.
A study published in The BMJ found that hip fracture surgery is inconsistent and inequitable, with patients from higher socioeconomic backgrounds more likely to receive it. The use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) also varies by day of week, with weekends seeing lower rates.
Leading experts argue that food industry funding can support health research, but only if safeguards are in place to prevent bias. Anna B Gilmore and Simon Capewell suggest that industry funding distorts the research agenda and produces biased results. In contrast, Paul Aveyard and Derek Yach recommend co-funding with clear guidelines.
An estimated 140,000 women die in conflict every year, with many more expected to die in pregnancy and childbirth due to inadequate protection and medical care. Doctors argue that a focus on women's health could provide an area of common interest between warring parties seeking political solutions.
Experts say pre-participation screening should be abandoned due to the lack of evidence confirming it saves lives. The harms of overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and false positives far outweigh any potential benefits in preventing sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes.
Research analysis found a 29% increased risk of heart or angina attack and a 32% heightened risk of stroke associated with loneliness and social isolation. The effect size was comparable to that of other recognized psychosocial risk factors, highlighting the importance of addressing loneliness for public health.
Despite concerns, leading eye specialists find no evidence to suggest lasers pointed at airplane cockpits damage pilots' eyesight. However, the dazzle and distraction from such incidents could prove disastrous during critical moments like landing.
A team of doctors analyzed brain scans of 23 babies born with microcephaly associated with Zika, revealing severe brain damage and abnormalities. The study found extremely severe brain calcification, malformations of cortical development, and delayed myelination in most cases.
A doctor warns that many Europeans are denied access to healthcare, with two-thirds of migrants having no access and four in five unable to see a GP. The doctor calls for governments to honour their humanitarian obligations and provide care to those in need.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that replacing saturated fats with vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid does not curb heart disease risk or help people live longer. Despite lowering cholesterol levels, participants who had greater reductions in blood cholesterol actually had higher risks of death.
A Lothian improvement project has seen a 13% increase in eligible women receiving food and vitamin vouchers compared to an 8% decline across Scotland. The scheme has also boosted family budgets by £4,500 on average.
A review of 20 studies found little evidence that co-located primary care services can curb patient demand or improve emergency department throughput. In fact, set-up costs often outweigh marginal savings, and diverting patients to primary care may not be cost-effective.
The international blueprint for action emphasizes the enormous human and economic cost of neglecting surgical conditions, which far exceeds investment required. Investing in safe surgery and anaesthesia is extremely cost-effective, with a fraction of the estimated US$12.3 trillion lost in economic productivity.
The Royal Society of Public Health advocates for introducing activity equivalent calorie labelling on food packaging to prompt people to be more mindful of their energy consumption and encourage physical activity. Public polling shows that almost half of people find current front-of-pack information confusing, but 53% would positively ...
Experts predict a rise in alcohol-related deaths in England due to income growth outpacing tax increases, but Scotland's minimum unit pricing law may lead to a decrease. In contrast, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are likely to follow Scotland's lead, resulting in lower death rates.
Two studies published in The BMJ question the effectiveness of delaying second heart shocks in hospital patients with cardiac arrest. Deferred second defibrillation attempts were not associated with improved survival rates.
Research found that the death of a partner is linked to an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The risk is highest among people under 60 and when the loss is least expected.
Research links cannabis use during pregnancy to increased risk of low birthweight and need for intensive care. Infants exposed to cannabis in the womb are 77% more likely to be underweight at birth.
Asthma diagnosis has swung too far in the opposite direction, with inhalers prescribed for unnecessary reasons due to side effects such as growth suppression and increased risk of respiratory infections. Key findings highlight the need for accurate diagnosis using breathing tests and objective documentation.
A landmark report has called for radical reform of the Medical Council of India to address corruption, lack of uniform standards, and quality issues in healthcare. The report highlights the need for a rigorous transparent system for accrediting medical colleges and creating a robust regulatory framework.
Whole body electrical stimulation has emerged as a popular fitness trend, but several cases of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis have been reported. Doctors argue that the technology needs to be regulated due to limited scientific evidence on its safety and effectiveness.
A leading doctor argues that doctors are failing to treat people with gender dysphoria, with one in five GPs refusing hormone prescriptions. The need for treatment is high, with a combined waiting list of over 5,000 people worldwide.
A recent study published in The BMJ has confirmed the association between diabetes drug pioglitazone and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study analyzed data from over 145,000 patients treated with diabetics drugs between 2000 and 2013, finding a 63% increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone use.
A study published in The BMJ found that adherence to Japanese dietary guidelines is associated with a lower risk of death. Balanced consumption of grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat contributes to longevity in the Japanese population.
A new study published in The BMJ found no evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes in people under 65. In fact, SSRIs may reduce the risk of heart attacks, particularly with fluoxetine use.
Experts call for legislative action to reduce food waste, citing 7% global emissions contribution and need for sustainable food system. Voluntary agreements deemed insufficient, smaller portions and healthier diets proposed as complementary measures.
Two experts argue over whether doctors should boycott working in Australia's immigration detention centers, with one advocating for a firm stance against supporting torture and the other suggesting that physicians should focus on providing adequate care while promoting redress through other means.
A study published in The BMJ found that refugees have a substantially higher risk of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Refugees were up to 3.6 times more likely to develop psychosis than the Swedish-born population, with incidence rates of 1264 per million.
A study published in The BMJ found that communicating genetic disease risk estimates has no significant effect on behavior change, including smoking cessation and physical activity. Despite high interest in personalized medicine, the research suggests that genetic testing may not motivate people to adopt healthier behaviors.
Experts warn that the UK government's new anti-lobbying clause could limit the ability of researchers funded by taxpayer money to influence policy and improve public health. The clause prioritizes private sector views over public health goals, potentially jeopardizing efforts to promote evidence-based decision-making.
A global review of 58 studies involving over 77,000 E. coli samples found a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in children's urinary tract infections, particularly in non-OECD countries. Previous antibiotic use increased the risk of resistance for up to six months after treatment.
Researchers found that difficult patients distract doctors from processing clinical information correctly, leading to higher misdiagnosis rates. The study showed that even with more time spent on diagnosis, doctors were still more likely to misdiagnose difficult patients than neutral ones.
BMJ Best Practice features a continuing medical education (CME/CPD) tracking tool, allowing doctors to earn credits while using the platform as part of their working day. The new tool collates time spent learning and enables users to reflect on their impact on practice, supporting appraisal and revalidation.
The Royal College of General Practitioners has accredited BMJ Best Practice, a healthcare knowledge provider that offers high-quality clinical decision support to GPs. The tool features continuing professional development tracking and accreditation, allowing GPs to earn credits while using it in their working day.
Ultra-processed foods contribute nearly 90% of all dietary added sugar intake, making up over half of the US calorie consumption. Research found a strong linear association between ultra-processed food intake and overall added sugar consumption.
Research reveals widespread use of meldonium among elite athletes, with up to 490 athletes taking the substance during the Baku 2015 European Games. The study highlights that meldonium was detected in athletes competing in 15 out of 21 sports and that its use was significantly underreported.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 intervention trials found no consistent evidence that partially or extensively hydrolysed milk formula prevents allergic or autoimmune diseases in infants. Current guidelines recommending these formulas may be misguided, experts say.
A study by the BMJ found that shorter height and higher BMI are associated with lower levels of education, job status, and income, particularly among men and women. The research suggests that taller stature is linked to higher social position, while being overweight or short can lead to socioeconomic disadvantages.
Researchers report unusual rugby injuries, including acetabular fractures and hip dislocations in young players. A man also developed distorted vision after inhaling poppers for the first time. Additionally, a patient developed a rare liver abscess after routine dental cleaning.
A study of 300 women with early stage breast cancer found that a high white blood cell ratio is associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence. Women with low NLR fared better at subsequent check-ups, with higher survival rates compared to those with high NLR.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that high daily coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis. The study, based on data from two population studies, suggests that caffeine's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in this link.
A BMJ investigation reveals Jeremy Hunt's public use of seven-day NHS data without clear attribution, potentially breaching the ministerial code. The authors' findings were shared with colleagues before publication, but not in a way that influenced the editorial process.
A study of 2026 individuals with a first episode of psychosis found that cannabis use was associated with a 50% increased risk of hospital admissions, including compulsory detention. Cannabis use was also linked to higher numbers of antipsychotic prescriptions, suggesting treatment failure.
Reported dog attacks on guide dogs in the UK rose from an average of three per month in 2010 to eleven attacks per month in 2015. Guide Dogs' stock were injured in 43% of attacks, with veterinary costs estimated at £34,514.30.
Researchers are being called upon to share data from a landmark trial that raised concerns about the use of starch solutions in critically ill patients. The CHEST trial, published in 2012, led to regulators suspending use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products worldwide.