Core Viewpoint - The rising popularity of milk tea among young people has been linked to health risks, particularly concerning elevated uric acid levels and related conditions like gout [1][2]. Group 1: Health Risks Associated with Milk Tea - A case of a 23-year-old male who developed acute gout due to high uric acid levels from daily milk tea consumption highlights the potential health risks [2]. - High fructose content in milk tea and other sugary beverages is identified as a significant contributor to increased uric acid levels, overshadowing the low purine content of these drinks [3][4]. Group 2: Mechanism of Uric Acid Increase - Fructose metabolism occurs primarily in the liver and is not regulated by insulin, leading to direct production of uric acid [5][6]. - Unlike sucrose and glucose, fructose can inhibit the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid, further exacerbating the issue [7]. Group 3: Associated Health Conditions - Chronic high uric acid levels can lead to various health issues, including gout, kidney damage, and metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes [11][13][14]. - A study indicates that consuming sugary drinks more than four times a week is significantly associated with early onset of gout in men under 40 [10]. Group 4: Dietary Recommendations - To manage uric acid levels, individuals are advised to maintain a balanced diet, control caloric intake, limit alcohol consumption, and engage in regular physical activity [15]. - Specific food recommendations include choosing whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy while avoiding high-fructose and high-purine foods [16][18].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in China, particularly among young adults, and highlights the associated health risks and lifestyle factors contributing to this condition [3][4][7]. Group 1: Prevalence and Demographics - NAFLD has overtaken viral hepatitis as the leading chronic liver disease in China, with the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease reaching 21.36% by 2021 [7][10]. - A study from Wuhan University indicates that the overall prevalence of NAFLD in China approached 30% from 1999 to 2018, suggesting that nearly 3 out of 10 individuals may be affected [10]. - The disease disproportionately affects the obese population, with approximately two-thirds of obese individuals diagnosed with NAFLD [11]. - Alarmingly, about 40% of NAFLD patients globally are not obese, and in China, nearly a quarter of non-obese individuals are also affected [12][13]. - The incidence of NAFLD among young adults aged 20-24 increased by 18.34% from 2011 to 2021, the highest growth rate across all age groups [16]. Group 2: Causes and Mechanisms - The root cause of NAFLD is metabolic dysfunction rather than just dietary habits, as the liver becomes overloaded with excess fat due to metabolic disturbances [18][19]. - The latest medical guidelines have redefined NAFLD as "metabolism-related fatty liver disease," emphasizing the connection between metabolic disorders and liver health [20]. - Conditions such as obesity, high blood lipids, and diabetes significantly increase the risk of developing NAFLD, with individuals exhibiting metabolic syndrome having over four times the risk compared to the general population [20][23]. Group 3: Health Risks and Complications - NAFLD is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, with over half of NAFLD patients also facing atherosclerosis [31]. - The risk of extrahepatic malignancies, including thyroid cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers, is significantly elevated in NAFLD patients, with the incidence of non-liver cancers reaching approximately 10.58 cases per 1,000 individuals [37]. - The mortality rates from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer due to NAFLD have been rising, with cirrhosis mortality increasing from 0.36 to 0.45 per 100,000 and liver cancer mortality more than doubling from 0.35 to 0.73 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2021 [25]. Group 4: Lifestyle Interventions - Weight loss of 3% to 5% can effectively reduce liver fat accumulation, while a 5% to 7% reduction can significantly lower liver inflammation [38]. - A combination of dietary changes, such as reducing sugar and fat intake, along with regular physical activity, is essential for managing and potentially reversing NAFLD [39]. - Individuals diagnosed with NAFLD often experience a cycle of anxiety and lifestyle regression, emphasizing the need for sustained lifestyle changes to prevent further health deterioration [39].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) as a therapeutic agent to improve metabolism and promote longevity, particularly in the context of obesity and aging-related metabolic issues [2][5]. Group 1: FGF21 and Aging - Approximately 35% of adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. are classified as obese, highlighting the need for therapies targeting age-related metabolic issues [2][5]. - FGF21 is primarily produced by the liver and acts as an endocrine hormone, responding to various cellular stressors, showing promise in treating metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [5][6]. Group 2: Research Findings - The study published in Cell Metabolism indicates that FGF21 promotes longevity in diet-induced obese mice through metabolic benefits independent of growth suppression [3][8]. - Overexpression of FGF21 in adult mice led to increased lifespan, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced liver fat degeneration, and lower levels of inflammatory immune cells in visceral fat tissue, even without the presence of adiponectin [6][8]. Group 3: Mechanisms of Action - FGF21 overexpression increases energy expenditure in high-fat diet-fed mice without affecting cold tolerance [8]. - The beneficial effects of FGF21 are primarily mediated through adipose tissue, suggesting its potential in treating metabolic syndrome and age-related diseases by promoting healthier metabolic states under dietary stress [9].