The Lancet predicts devastating trends at the population level, with 43.1 million US children and adolescents and 213 million adults expected to have overweight or obesity by 2050. Without significant reform, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is set to continue and even increase in some states.
A global study found that diabetes rates have more than doubled since 1990, reaching 828 million adults worldwide. However, many low- and middle-income countries struggle to provide adequate treatment, resulting in a staggering 59% of adults with diabetes not receiving the care they need.
The Lancet's Countdown report reveals record-breaking human costs of climate change, including heat-related deaths increasing by 167% globally in 2023. The report calls for trillions of dollars spent on fossil fuels to be redirected towards protecting people's health and lives.
Commercial gambling poses a threat to public health, with 448.7 million adults worldwide experiencing risk gambling and 80 million experiencing gambling disorder. The new Commission report calls for increased regulation to tackle these harms, particularly among children and adolescents.
A modelling study suggests that reducing tobacco smoking globally to 5% by 2050 could increase life expectancy and prevent millions of premature deaths. Accelerating actions to eliminate tobacco smoking could result in up to 1.5 additional years of life expectancy among males and 0.4 years among females.
A new study suggests that banning the purchase of cigarettes and other tobacco products among people born between 2006 and 2010 could prevent an estimated 1.2 million lung cancer deaths in 185 countries by 2095. This could reduce the impact of smoking on lung cancer deaths in future generations.
A survey of 4,426 LGBTQ+ adults in the USA found that those who underwent conversion practice experience poor mental health, including depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Transgender participants reported greater mental health symptoms overall.
A modelling study suggests that slow waning of MMR vaccine-induced immunity may contribute to rising measles cases in double-vaccinated people. However, the MMR vaccine remains the most effective measure to prevent measles infection, and community vaccination levels above 95% are essential to prevent outbreaks.
The global stroke burden has increased significantly over the past three decades, driven by rising levels of air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors. The study found that the number of people experiencing new strokes rose to 11.9 million in 2021, with an additional 93.8 million survivors and 7.3 million deaths.
A new study estimates that more than 1 million people died each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections between 1990 and 2021. The study predicts that this number could increase to nearly 2 million by 2050, with a significant age-related shift in the impact of AMR on children under five years old.
A randomized controlled trial found that administering the first dose of misoprostol at home reduces hospital stay time by 71% and improves patient satisfaction. Women who took misoprostol at home also reported feeling more autonomous during a stressful process.
A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention recommends addressing 14 modifiable risk factors to prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases. The report identifies two new risks: high LDL cholesterol and vision loss, which are associated with 9% of all dementia cases.
A shift in testing for and managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) to much earlier in pregnancy may prevent health complications for both the mother and baby. GDM, a type of diabetes found during pregnancy, affects one in seven pregnancies worldwide.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients found that one in six to seven patients will experience discontinuation symptoms directly caused by stopping the medication. Severe symptoms occurred in about 3% of patients, with certain antidepressants increasing the risk.
A new Lancet Series estimates that over 750,000 deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could be prevented annually through improved prevention methods. AMR poses significant threats to newborns, elderly individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, causing nearly 5 million deaths globally each year.
A new study examining disparities in the 20 leading causes of disease burden between females and males found that non-fatal conditions like musculoskeletal conditions and mental health conditions disproportionately affect females globally. In contrast, males are disproportionately affected by conditions leading to premature death, such...
A new Lancet Commission reveals that many people with breast cancer are being systematically left behind due to inaction on inequities and hidden suffering. The commission highlights the need for better patient support, including improved communication between patients and healthcare professionals.
Global prostate cancer cases are projected to double from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040, with low- and middle-income countries seeing the highest increases. The number of annual deaths is predicted to rise by 85%, mainly in LMICs due to under-diagnosis.
By 2100, over 97% of countries will have fertility rates below replacement level, leading to huge shifts in global livebirths and significant challenges for economies. Low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to continue driving population increases despite declining fertility rates globally.
The study reveals that neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, with 3.4 billion people affected in 2021. The analysis shows a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by these conditions over the past three decades.
A new approach to menopause is needed, focusing on empowering women with high-quality information and empathic clinical care. The experience of menopause varies for each person, and an individualised approach can help women navigate this life stage.
The study highlights the urgent need to tackle obesity and underweight globally, particularly in poor countries. Obesity rates have surpassed one billion, with combined rates of underweight and obesity being more common than malnutrition in many countries.
A modelling study suggests that mandatory menu calorie labelling in England could prevent approximately 730 deaths from cardiovascular disease between 2022 and 2041. If extended to all food businesses, this number could increase to around 9,200 deaths.
A recent analysis found that Black women in the USA have significantly higher homicide rates compared to their White peers, with disparities increasing from 1999 to 2020. Gun deaths among Black and White women also increased, with Black women being more likely to be killed by firearms.
A recent English study found that transgender men and women are at a higher risk of long-term mental health conditions (16.4% and 15.9%, respectively), while non-binary individuals face an even higher risk (47.2%). The study also highlights the need for improved support systems and staff training to address these disparities.
Inequities in pediatric care span broad specialties and systems, including neonatal, emergency, palliative, and mental health care. Policy reforms are crucial to address deep-rooted structural racism and disparities in housing, employment, insurance, and the criminal justice system.
Research highlights the role of racism in producing mental health disparities among Black Americans, calling for community-driven action to reduce inequitable care. The study's findings emphasize the need to address systemic racism as a root cause of poor mental health outcomes.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that the risk of dying from cancer in some poorer districts of England is over 70% higher than in wealthier areas. The study used death records to estimate the risk of dying from various cancers in each district, highlighting significant inequalities in cancer mortality across diffe...
The Lancet's 2023 report highlights the catastrophic threat to human health and survival due to climate change inaction, with severe heat-related deaths increasing by 85% among people over 65. Climate inaction is estimated to result in $264 billion in economic losses annually.
Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by at least two minutes can reduce the risk of death in premature babies. The studies included over 10,000 babies from 60 studies and showed a significant reduction in mortality rates for deferred clamping compared to immediate clamping.
A new report from The Lancet Commission highlights the importance of understanding medicine's role under Nazism to strengthen medical education and ethics. The study aims to empower health professionals to face moral and ethical dilemmas, stand up to power, and protect vulnerable populations.
The number of people who die from stroke globally is projected to increase by 50% to 9.7 million deaths per year by 2050, mainly affecting Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). The annual costs are estimated to reach up to US$2.3 trillion, with a disproportionate impact on LMICs.
A new report highlights the significant impact of gender inequality on women's experiences with cancer, including unequal access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The Commission calls for a more inclusive and responsive health system to address these disparities.
A global study estimates that lead exposure causes 5.5 million cardiovascular deaths and loses 765 million IQ points in children under five years old annually. The economic cost of lead exposure is estimated to be $6 trillion, with the majority attributed to cardiovascular disease deaths.
A study found that high-income countries' emission reductions fall short of Paris Agreement targets, with many needing to reduce emissions by 30 times faster than achieved. Experts call for a post-growth approach to decarbonize and achieve urgent social and ecological goals.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that taking levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills with an anti-inflammatory medication called piroxicam significantly prevents more pregnancies compared to taking levonorgestrel alone. The co-treatment increased the pill's efficacy by up to 32%.
A new study suggests that controlling air pollution could reduce antibiotic resistance, which is responsible for 480,000 premature deaths annually. The analysis indicates a significant link between PM2.5 levels and antibiotic resistance globally.
A randomized trial involving over 80,000 Swedish women found AI-supported mammography analysis to be as accurate as two breast radiologists working together in detecting breast cancer. The technology also reduced the screen-reading workload by nearly half without increasing false positives.
A systematic review of eight studies found that people living with HIV and maintaining low viral loads have almost zero risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners. The findings support the use of simpler testing approaches and promote the expansion of alternative viral load testing modalities in resource-limited settings.
A group of global oncologists and patient advocates argue that cancer care is driven by commercial interests, not patient needs. The 'Common Sense Oncology' movement aims to prioritize patient outcomes over profit-driven research and treatment development.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal found that superagers, individuals with razor-sharp memory function, have faster movement speed and better mental health compared to typical older adults. They also tend to have lower rates of anxiety and depression.
A recent study suggests that the global mortality burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is approximately 11 times higher than previously recorded, with an estimated 376,000 deaths in 2021. The Commission highlights the need for increased funding and access to treatments such as hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and malaria prevention meth...
A randomised controlled trial published in The Lancet found no significant difference in pain levels among patients with lower back or neck pain who received opioid pain relievers compared to those given a placebo. The study also showed an increased risk of opioid misuse in the long term.
The global diabetes crisis is accelerating due to widening inequity, with structural racism and geographic disparities exacerbating the problem. The new Series projects that over 1.3 billion people will live with diabetes by 2050, with marginalized communities facing reduced access to care and worse health outcomes.
A nationwide study in the UK found a significant rise in eating disorders and self-harm among adolescent girls between March 2020 and March 2022. The rate of eating disorder diagnoses was 42% higher than expected, with 3,862 observed cases compared to 2,713 projected cases.
This systematic analysis reports a significant global increase in sickle cell disease prevalence and mortality. The study reveals that sickle cell disease affects millions worldwide, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries.
A phase 3 trial found that the VLA1553 vaccine candidate produced an immune response in 99% of participants, inducing protection against disease. The study also showed that the vaccine was generally safe and well-tolerated across all age groups, with most adverse events being mild or moderate.
A new randomized controlled trial found that taking metformin after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of developing long COVID by 40%. The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, involved over 1,100 patients and showed metformin prevented over 40% of cases of long COVID over a 10-month follow-up period.
A US-based clinical trial found that mailing high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) sampling kits to low-income, under-screened women increased cervical cancer screening uptake by nearly double. The study used intensive community outreach campaigns and mailed HPV kits with effective help scheduling in-person appointments.