The conference tackles topics such as the benefits of plant-based diets, the role of nutrition in cancer prevention, and the impact of weight loss drugs. Experts share new research and insights to inform everyday practice.
The AMA has adopted a new policy aiming to educate women on lifestyle changes that may reduce breast cancer risk, including regular physical activity, healthy eating and limiting alcohol intake. The policy also encourages physicians to discuss these changes with patients.
The U.S. Senate has taken action to expand access to nondairy milk options in schools, removing barriers that prevented students with lactose intolerance from receiving nutritionally appropriate beverages. The changes aim to provide healthier choices for students and align school meals with dietary science.
A plant-based diet with soybeans can significantly reduce severe hot flashes by 92% and promote weight loss of approximately 8 pounds. The level of food processing does not affect these benefits, suggesting that increasing plant foods is independent of processing level.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed a complaint with the National Institutes of Health and USDA, requesting an investigation into decades-long alcohol-related experiments on nonhuman primates at Oregon Health & Science University. The ongoing experiments have cost over $70 million and involve inducing binge-drin...
A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that participants following a vegan diet lost an average of 11 pounds, compared to no significant weight loss for those on a portion-controlled diet. The study suggests that replacing animal products with plant-based foods, even those considered unhealthy, can be an...
A group of national scientists filed a complaint with the National Institutes of Health's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare requesting an investigation into a study on the effects of ginger root extract on pain in rats that resulted in the deaths of 100 animals. The researchers claimed to assess 'emotional pain' by interpreting vocal...
A group of doctors has filed a complaint with the National Institutes of Health's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, alleging that Arizona State University used mice in a study on dietary supplements and adults with Down syndrome. The experiment involved invasive procedures and was deemed scientifically unjustifiable by experts.
Limited effectiveness and high prevalence of adverse events are the key limitations of semaglutide. Plant-based dietary interventions have led to long-term, significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
A new survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reveals that half of U.S. adults believe a plant-based diet improves their health and prevents chronic diseases. Only 20% of primary care practitioners discuss this with patients, highlighting a missed opportunity to turn interest into action and reduce disease risk.
A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that an online physician-led plant-based nutrition intervention program is practical, cost-effective, and successful at improving patient health. The program led to reductions in diabetes medications, body weight, A1C, and total and LDL cholesterol levels.
The NIH's new initiative prioritizes innovative human-centered methods like organoids, tissue chips, and real-world data analyses. This shift aims to replace animal use in medical research, reducing high failure rates in the drug development pipeline and promoting more ethical science.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed complaints with OHSU, the USDA, and NIH, asking for an invasive reproductive experiment on nonhuman primates to be shut down due to cruelty and scientific unnecessaryness. The experiment aims to investigate how chronic THC use affects fertility in primates.
A new survey reveals that 46% of Americans would consider eating a plant-based diet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting diets from meat and other animal products to plant-based diets has a high potential for reducing carbon footprints and mitigating climate change, as well as improving human health.
The FDA plans to phase out animal testing in favor of human-relevant methods, reducing the need for painful and deadly experiments. The agency's announcement marks a significant shift towards safer, effective, and cost-effective drugs.
The Community Review Board voted unanimously to reject the merger, citing OHSU's history of federal Animal Welfare Act violations and unnecessary experiments on monkeys. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has been calling for the closure of OHSU's primate research facility, which houses over 5,000 monkeys.
A new survey finds that eating hot dogs at baseball stadiums is common, but many people are unaware of the health risks associated with consuming processed meat. The survey found that tens of millions of Americans could eat hot dogs this baseball season, increasing their risk of colorectal cancer and other diseases.
A nonprofit science advocacy group is requesting the retraction of a research study that used traumatic brain injuries and non-fatal strangulation on young female rats. The study's methods are deemed unethical and fail to produce scientifically valid insights relevant to human health, with proponents advocating for human-specific model...
Replacing animal products with plant-based foods, even highly processed ones, can lead to substantial weight loss due to reduced calorie and fat intake and increased fiber consumption. This is according to a new analysis of a randomized clinical trial published in Nutrition & Metabolism.
A new survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 US adults incorrectly assume they need to eat meat and dairy to get enough protein. Research supports the use of plant-based diets, with studies showing equal effectiveness in building muscle mass and containing fewer artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fat.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is urging lawmakers to phase out federal support for animal research and reinvest funds into human-based models. Over 80% of respondents agree that animal-based research should be phased out in favor of more effective approaches.
A recent survey found that nearly half of U.S. adults plan to start a new diet in 2025, with the most common diets being low-calorie and low-carbohydrate options. However, plant-based diets have been shown to be effective for weight loss without restricting or counting calories, and also reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.
A survey of over 2,200 people found that more than half have struggled to find healthy food in airports, with frequent travelers eager for plant-based options. Experts recommend customizable meals, grab-and-go options, and research before trips to make airport dining easier.
Despite survey findings, US adults trust store-bought turkey to be contaminant-free, but more than half test positive for fecal bacteria. Experts recommend avoiding potentially contaminated turkey and opting for plant-based alternatives.
A new study finds that replacing meat and dairy products with plant-based foods leads to a 92% reduction in hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The study also shows weight loss in both healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets, suggesting even 'unhealthy' plant-based foods can be beneficial.
A low-fat vegan diet cuts food costs by 19% or $1.80 per day, saving consumers over $650 a year on groceries. The study also found that a Mediterranean diet cost 60 cents more per day compared to the standard American diet.
A new survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that 69.2% of U.S. hospitals affiliated with a medical school host at least one fast-food restaurant. The most common fast-food chains include Starbucks, Subway, Chick-fil-A, Au Bon Pain, and McDonald's.
A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a low-fat vegan diet reduces advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 73%, associated with an average weight loss of 13 pounds. The reduction came mainly from excluding meat, added fats, and dairy products.
A low-fat vegan diet was found to reduce insulin needs by 28% and improve insulin sensitivity by 127% in people with type 1 diabetes, according to a groundbreaking new study. The diet also led to improvements in cholesterol levels, kidney function, and weight.
Replacing animal products with plant-based foods leads to significant weight loss, reduced cholesterol and fat intake, and increased fiber consumption among overweight adults. A new analysis found that a vegan diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans results in an average weight loss of about 13 pounds.
A low-fat vegan diet with soy significantly decreases postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, eliminating severe hot flashes and reducing moderate-to-severe hot flashes by 96%. The study also found weight loss and protection against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A low-fat vegan diet results in cost savings of 16%, primarily due to reduced spending on meat and dairy products. The study also found significant weight loss and improved body composition among overweight adults.
A plant-based diet significantly reduced advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 79%, associated with weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. The reduction in AGEs was largely attributed to decreased meat and dairy consumption, leading to a 14-pound weight loss.
A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that a vegan diet rich in legumes is associated with decreased weight and improved insulin sensitivity. The 16-week study involved 244 overweight adults who followed either a low-fat vegan diet or made no changes, resulting in an average weight loss of 13 pounds.
A new commentary emphasizes the importance of plant-based diets for six health conditions: weight loss, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and COVID-19. Physicians should have basic knowledge of diet's benefits to improve patient outcomes.
A new article explores how plant-based diets can support immunity and decrease the risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Studies have shown that plant-based foods rich in nitrates and antioxidants can improve heart health and respiratory immunity.
A low-fat vegan diet has been shown to improve joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as reduce inflammation. The study found that participants who followed a vegan diet experienced significant reductions in disease activity scores, swelling, and cholesterol levels.
A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.
A new study suggests that a plant-based diet can improve vaccine efficacy and reduce COVID-related health issues. Studies have shown that healthcare workers with lower waist circumferences had better immune responses to the Pfizer vaccine.
A comprehensive review of keto diets found potential health risks, including increased heart disease risk, cancer risk, and adverse effects on pregnant women and kidney patients. For most people, the possible long-term benefits of a keto diet are outweighed by its potential drawbacks.
The American Academy of Family Physicians is investigating an 'educational' session promoting dairy products linked to increased risk of prostate cancer and other diseases disproportionately affecting African Americans. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine filed a complaint, citing standards set by the Accreditation Counci...
A new study published in the North American Menopause Society's journal Menopause found that a plant-based diet rich in soy reduces moderate-to-severe hot flashes by 84%, with nearly 60% of women becoming free of these symptoms. The study also showed improvements in sexual symptoms, mood, and overall energy.
A new study found that a vegan diet is more effective than the Mediterranean diet for improving health markers and boosting weight loss. Participants who followed a low-fat vegan diet lost an average of 6 kg and had significant reductions in visceral fat, total and LDL cholesterol levels.
A randomized control trial of 16 weeks showed that a low-fat, plant-based diet increased metabolism and reduced body weight in overweight participants regardless of their ABO blood type. The study found no association between blood type and the effects of the diet on body fat, plasma lipids, or glycemic control.
The FDA's ISTAND program aims to qualify human biology-based drug testing methods, reducing the need for animal testing. Pharmaceutical companies can now use these approaches with confidence, as they will be reviewed and accepted by the FDA.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that a plant-based diet increased after-meal calorie burn by 18.7% in overweight participants, leading to significant weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits. The study also showed reductions in fat mass, visceral fat volume, and liver and muscle cell lipid levels.
A majority of hospitalized patients support eliminating processed meats from hospital menus to reduce cancer risk. Processed meat is linked to various health issues, including colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Case studies published by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that plant-based diets rich in whole carbohydrates improved health markers in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The diets led to decreased insulin needs, stabilized blood sugar control, and reduced cholesterol levels.
A plant-based diet can help promote healthful aging and mitigate the global burden of disease. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease by almost 50%. Plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes have also been tied to increased life expectancy.
A new review published in Nutrition Reviews suggests that a plant-based diet can help prevent and manage asthma. The study found that consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods can be beneficial for asthma patients, whereas dairy products and high-fat foods can exacerbate symptoms.