In a guest essay the former boss of the pharmaceutical giant explains why—despite the huge challenge ahead—he is “filled with hope rather than despair” for world’s the battle against obesity https://t.co/CRzb1ehHnw ...

In order to avoid a health and economic catastrophe, “obesity must be universally recognised and addressed as a multi-faceted societal responsibility rather than an individual one”, argues Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen https://t.co/WjUb21IHzv ...

New Drug Development - Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 drug trial shows potential for a pill form of GLP-1 medication, offering an alternative to injectables [1] - The oral GLP-1 drug is a small molecule absorbed in the stomach, allowing for daily intake instead of weekly injections [3] - Clinical trials indicate that approximately 40% of patients at the highest dose experienced weight loss greater than 15% [5] - The most significant side effect observed with the pill is nausea, similar to other GLP-1 medications [4] - The industry hopes the pill's easier manufacturing and lack of refrigeration needs will lead to significantly lower costs [12] - The industry anticipates potential FDA fast-track approval, possibly leading to market availability sometime next year [15][16] Obesity and GLP-1 - The medical community is shifting away from viewing obesity as a moral failing towards recognizing it as a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment [7][8][9] - GLP-1 medications can help patients overcome the body's natural resistance to weight loss by influencing hormones and reducing the urge to overeat [10][11] - GLP-1 activation may have anti-inflammatory benefits and could potentially improve conditions like autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, and potentially reduce the risk of dementia [13][14] - Over 50% of Americans are considered in the obese range, highlighting the potential impact of accessible treatments on cardiovascular disease and related health issues [12]

Government Policy & Public Health - The U S government has reinstated the presidential fitness test via executive order [1] - The test aims to address obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition, which are claimed to weaken the economy, academic performance, military readiness, and national morale [3] - Past versions of the test included push-ups, sit-ups, sit and reach, and pull-ups, with the top 15% receiving recognition [2] Health & Fitness Trends - Obesity rates experienced a dip last year for the first time in a decade [4] - The importance of getting kids active is emphasized for their health [4][5] - The effectiveness of the presidential physical fitness test in making a significant difference is questioned [4]

Healthcare Innovation & Trends - Culinary medicine classes are emerging nationwide, integrating cooking skills into healthcare for chronic conditions [4][5] - These classes aim to empower patients to manage their health through diet and lifestyle changes [1][2] - The classes are free, removing financial barriers to access [5] Patient Outcomes & Benefits - Patients with chronic conditions like obesity, pre-diabetes, and heart disease have experienced improved health outcomes [2][4] - Benefits include reduced chronic pain, increased physical activity, and improved quality of life [3][6] - Some patients have been able to reduce or eliminate medications [4][9] Implementation & Accessibility - Programs are being implemented at medical centers across the country, including Yale, Boston Medical Center, and others [1][4] - Primary care physicians are encouraged to discuss culinary medicine options with patients [7][8] - Insurance coverage may be available for some programs, but patients should proactively inquire [9]

[Applause] [Music] [Applause] You would be surprised of some of the experiences that my patients have had in healthcare. I had a patient who went to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. We'll call her Amy.Now, typically imaging is done to figure out the cause of abdominal pain, but Amy, she didn't have any imaging done, and she was discharged home. She followed up with me the next day, and after reviewing her blood work, I ordered a CT scan, which should have been done in the emergency room, and I ...

Health & Nutrition Concerns - Obesity affected 390 million teens and adolescents in 2022 [1][2][3] - Processed foods lead to increased calories, chemicals, and added sugars, resulting in calorie-rich but nutritionally-starved diets for teens [2][3] - Minimizing added sugar can remove much junk and processed food from diets, leading to healthier lifestyles [15] Benefits of Good Nutrition for Teens - Good nutrition promotes physical fitness, which benefits teens both now and in the long run [8] - Good nutrition leads to higher energy levels, which is beneficial for teens juggling multiple activities [9] - Good nutrition enhances clarity of thought, aiding teens in remembering and retaining information [9][10] Practical Steps for Teens to Improve Nutrition - Teens should educate themselves about nutrition through available resources like articles, videos, and documentaries [12][13] - Teens should learn how to read nutrition labels to minimize the damage from eating packaged foods [13][14] - Teens should prioritize eating whole foods from nature, which do not require nutrition labels [14][15]

Self-employment, especially for women, is linked to significantly lower rates of obesity, inactivity and poor sleep, three of the biggest drivers of heart trouble, according to a new analysis of 20,000 working adults. https://t.co/3gbdf94dhY https://t.co/3gbdf94dhY ...