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.
A study of 10 years of UK Labour Force Survey data shows that those from professional backgrounds are 6 times more likely to become doctors than those from working class backgrounds. The researchers call for greater efforts to boost social mobility and understand the impact on patient care.
Despite the NHS roll-out of Mounjaro officially starting in June 2025, less than half of England has access to the weight-loss jab. An estimated 3.4 million people could benefit from tirzepatide, but only 18 out of 42 commissioning bodies have started prescribing it, leaving many patients without treatment.
Research published in Thorax found that a father's exposure to passive smoking as a child may impair the lifelong lung function of his children, putting them at risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study included over 9,000 child participants and found that fathers' childhood passive smoke exposure was associated w...
Research found that people with learning disabilities in the UK have a faster progression to severe type 2 diabetes and are at higher risk of dying from the condition. They also tend to have better overall blood glucose control compared to those without learning disabilities.
A new series published in The BMJ highlights the role of the arms industry in perpetuating conflict, injuries, and death, and argues that it should be seen as a commercial determinant of health. Health professionals are urged to advocate for a reorientation away from profit-driven design and deployment towards global priorities of heal...
A study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with early breast cancer have a low long-term risk of developing a second primary cancer, with risks varying by age and treatment. Researchers used data from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service to estimate these risks.
A study of Medicare database payments found that nearly 80% of US neurologists prescribing multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs received industry payments, with higher volume prescribers more likely to be beneficiaries. Recipients were also more likely to prescribe the company's drugs, especially if payments were larger and sustained.
Several companies in the UK are promoting tooth stem cell banking as a treatment for autism, type 1 diabetes, and other conditions, despite a lack of evidence. Experts say these claims are 'outrageous' and risk exploiting vulnerable parents.
The international community is building momentum to establish ecocide as a new international crime, allowing individuals to be held accountable for serious environmental destruction. The UK has an opportunity to take on a leadership role by adopting its own legislation to criminalize ecocide.
Many commercial services for women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms are unnecessary and do not improve care, according to experts. Symptoms should be prioritized ahead of testing, with clinical history and treatment decisions guided by patient preferences.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of myopia in children, according to the Hong Kong Children Eye Study. Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids was linked to shorter axial length and less refractive error.
A review of systematic reviews finds a consistent association between youth vaping and subsequent smoking, marijuana, and alcohol use. Vaping is also linked to various respiratory and mental health issues, including asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and suicidal outcomes.
Patients are nearly 4 times more likely to recall being told of short-term memory loss and 6 times more likely to recall being told ECT can be life-saving rather than about potential heart problems. The study suggests that the medical pros of ECT are being exaggerated while the cons are downplayed.
Experts recommend SGLT-2 and GLP-1 diabetes drugs for adults with high cardiovascular and kidney risk, but not those at low risk. The guidelines emphasize weight loss alongside medication for adults with obesity.
A study published by The BMJ found that ADHD medication is associated with reduced rates of suicidal behaviors, substance misuse, and transport accidents. The study used data from Swedish national registers to examine the effects of ADHD drug treatment on five outcomes over two years after diagnosis.
A new study suggests that certain groups of gut bacteria may boost or lower the risk of insomnia, while insomnia itself alters the abundance of certain bacterial types. The findings indicate a complex bidirectional relationship involving immune regulation, inflammatory response, and neurotransmitter release.
A survey of 1040 adult takeaway consumers in England found that taste and price are the primary considerations for ordering takeaways online, rather than calorie content. The study also revealed limited impact of calorie labelling on consumer choices, highlighting the need for additional strategies to promote healthier food options.
A review of research found that patients prefer male doctors to wear suits and accessories like watches and glasses for enhanced perceived professionalism. However, female doctors in white coats are often misidentified as nurses or medical assistants. Patients generally favor white coats over business or casual attire.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that consuming three weekly servings of French fries is associated with a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In contrast, eating similar amounts of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes does not substantially increase the risk. Replacing potatoes with whole grains was also linked to ...