5 reasons Americans are no longer inviting guests into their homes

The dinner party may be dying in America, with hosting at home far less common than it was in past decades, a new analysis found.

Only 67% of Americans said they entertained people in their homes at least once in the past year, down from 88% in 1995, according to an analysis by Data for Progress. 

The think tank compared its own 2026 survey with a similar survey from 1995, noting that the two used different methods and therefore offer an indication of a trend rather than a precise measure of change.

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The share of Americans who host friends or family at home at least once a month, meanwhile, plummeted from 42% in 1975 to 12% in 2026, The Atlantic reported.

Experts point to busier schedules, parenting demands, shrinking friendship networks and the appeal of at-home entertainment as some possible reasons for the decline.

After a long day of work and family responsibilities, hosting can feel like yet another demand. 

And with more women working, the social schedules they traditionally maintained, from parties to potlucks, have frayed, The Atlantic noted.

Working multiple jobs to make ends meet leaves people feeling burned out and without the same level of "social battery," Florida-based psychotherapist John Puls told Fox News Digital.

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"When you’ve spent the day working and taking care of your kids, hosting people can seem like just another task to complete, even though you’d love to see them," added Shebna N. Osanmoh I, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in California.

In an era where every moment might be shared on social media, many feel the need to make their gatherings picture-perfect.

"High expectations may clash with what people can realistically manage, making hosting feel stressful rather than enjoyable," said Wildaliz Caro, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in Puerto Rico. "Trying to plan the perfect gathering can fuel pressure to impress others."

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Accommodating preferences and dietary needs can also feed that pressure, The Atlantic noted.

Experts agree that hosting takes more than just time — it takes money. With grocery prices still climbing, feeding a crowd can make even a casual get-together feel like a luxury.

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"Housing costs and smaller living spaces make hosting feel financially and practically harder," Daniel Schatz, Ph.D., a political scientist and former visiting scholar at Harvard, Stanford and Georgetown, told Fox News Digital.

The share of Americans with five or more close friends dropped from 63% in 1990 to 38% in 2021, according to Data for Progress.

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"Americans spend more time alone, report fewer close friendships and participate less in the kinds of local institutions that once created regular social contact," Schatz said. 

He warns that younger adults, people living alone, lower-income households and those without strong social networks are most affected.

The U.S. surgeon general’s 2023 advisory described loneliness and social isolation in America as an epidemic.

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Declining friendships can contribute to depression, anxiety and social isolation, Puls added, and he sees the trend most often among younger generations, while Gen Xers and baby boomers still commonly gather in person.

Puls said that adults are more inclined to stay home and stream movies and TV shows instead of hosting friends and family or going out.

"A dinner party requires planning, cleaning, coordination and a degree of social energy," Schatz added. "Streaming or scrolling requires none of those things."

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But experts say bringing back casual get-togethers, even in small ways, can help people stay connected.

"The remedy need not be elaborate," Schatz said. "The most realistic response is to lower the threshold for gathering: a simple coffee, takeaway meal, walk or recurring 'come as you are' evening."

He continued, "The point is not to revive the perfect dinner party. It is to rebuild the ordinary habits of seeing one another."

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Leonardo DiCaprio's 'dad bod' puts spotlight on dangerous belly fat — and how to lose it

Recent beach photos of actor Leonardo DiCaprio have reignited the "dad bod" debate — and raised questions about whether carrying a little extra weight around the middle can pose hidden health risks.

The popular term generally describes a softer physique with extra weight around the midsection.

While appearance alone isn’t an indicator of health, excess abdominal fat — particularly visceral fat surrounding the organs — has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions, according to Cleveland Clinic.

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Marfred Suazo, a New York City-based personal trainer known as Fonz the Trainer, spoke with Fox News Digital about the potential risks associated with excess abdominal fat and ways to reduce it.

Suazo, who has not trained DiCaprio, defines a dad bod as a "loss of structure," an increase in waist circumference and a loss of muscle mass.

"Maybe you're losing structure in your day-to-day eating … moving a lot less, taking fewer steps per day," he said of potential causes.

"And typically you're eating and drinking more than you're moving. And the body just starts showcasing that stuff."

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An expanding waistline can be an important indicator of health risk.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men with a waist circumference greater than 40 inches have a higher risk of developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Visceral fat — which lies deep within the abdomen and surrounds internal organs — has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, Cleveland Clinic states.

"We want to try to mitigate these things as best as possible before they become an issue," Suazo said.

Reversing a "dad bod" starts with getting nutrition in check, according to Suazo.

That includes understanding daily calorie intake and getting an appropriate balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats.

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He recommends pairing that strategy with full-body strength training two to three times per week, focusing on compound movements such as squats, stiff-leg deadlifts, back rows, push-ups and chest presses.

Also among his favorite exercises are pull-ups. "It’s a tremendous exercise that targets the stomach, the biceps and the back," he said, noting that working larger muscle groups can help build overall strength.

Suazo also recommends incorporating cardio into a well-rounded routine that includes nutrition, strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Federal physical activity guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercise on at least two days.

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The trainer noted, however, that exercising the abdominal muscles alone won't eliminate belly fat.

"When it comes to belly fat and any fat on the body, we can target our exercises through isolated movements … but we can only reveal it through a loss of body fat throughout the whole body," he said.

Suazo said people who improve their nutrition may begin noticing changes within several weeks, although results can vary based on factors including diet, activity level and starting body composition.

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"Upon four weeks of dialing in your nutrition, you will see a tremendous change in the body," he said.

Nutritional improvements can also boost energy and confidence, the trainer noted, which may help people become more consistent in the gym.

Better nutrition can also support sleep and exercise recovery, he said.

Combining those dietary changes with a smart exercise routine and cardio can create a "recipe for success," according to Suazo.

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Brain-infecting fungus that can kill 7 in 10 patients is on the rise across America

A rare fungal infection that can strike healthy people is rising across the U.S., prompting calls from public health officials for heightened awareness and national tracking.

Cladophialophora bantiana (C. bantiana) is a black yeast-like mold that can infect the brain and contains a dark pigment called melanin, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Data from a microbiology laboratory at the University of Washington shows that detection of the fungus nearly quadrupled between 2023 and 2025.

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Between January 2009 and July 2026, researchers identified 48 confirmed cases and one probable case of C. bantiana in tissue samples from 21 states and the District of Columbia. The median patient age was 68 years old.

Unlike many fungal infections that mainly affect people with weakened immune systems, about half of C. bantiana infections occur in otherwise healthy people.

Researchers believe the mold enters the body when it is inhaled or through a skin wound, then travels through the bloodstream to the brain.

The CDC report states that 88% of cases were detected in brain tissue samples and 12% were identified in lung tissue, supporting the theory that respiratory inhalation is one of the main transmission mechanisms.

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The fungus causes a severe infection associated with a 60% to 70% fatality rate, even with aggressive medical intervention, according to a systematic review published in Medical Mycology.

The pathogen has historically been rare, with the University of Washington laboratory identifying only one to five cases per year between 2009 and 2023. However, the CDC says annual cases surged to eight in 2024 and reached 14 in 2025.

To make sure the increase wasn’t simply due to more testing, researchers compared the number of infections with the total number of brain tissue samples tested for fungi.

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They found that detections rose from 8.4 cases per 1,000 specimens during 2017–2023 to 26 cases per 1,000 specimens in 2025.

"Reasons for the apparent increase are unknown," the CDC report stated, calling for systematic national reporting mechanisms to better track the pathogen.

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Cases were reported across a wide geographic range, with the highest counts originating in California (six), Florida (five), Texas (five) and Pennsylvania (four).

Because C. bantiana typically manifests as a brain abscess without clear external signs of infection, experts say early diagnosis is challenging.

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In one documented fatal case at the University of Washington Medical Center, spinal fluid PCR tests returned negative results both one month prior to and at the time of a brain biopsy, highlighting the difficulty of detecting the mold.

Public health experts advise clinicians to consider C. bantiana when evaluating patients who have signs of a brain abscess.

Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the infected tissue, along with multiple antifungal medications.

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Pope Leo XIV seen for first time since lung cancer surgery amid major recovery milestone

Pope Leo XIV is up and moving after having part of his lung removed.

After undergoing thoracic surgery Tuesday, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung, examination of the tissue confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, or lung cancer, according to the Vatican.

The pope, 71, has spent four days recovering at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, after the successful procedure.

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On Friday, the Vatican released the first photos of Pope Leo after the operation.

The pope is pictured standing at an altar in green vestments, celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel at the hospital where he distributed communion.

According to a Holy See Press Office statement, several members of Gemelli’s medical and nursing staff and members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps attended the service.

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"In his homily, the pope thanked all the staff — doctors, nurses and orderlies — for the work they do every day caring for patients in their frailty and especially for what they have done and continue to do for him," the statement said.

The Vatican also confirmed on Friday that the pope’s recovery continues with "steady improvement in his overall condition."

Dr. Luigi Carbone and professor Stefano Margaritora added that the pope’s "post-operative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently."

Pope Leo plans to make his first public appearance since the procedure on Sunday during the noon Angelus, which he normally leads.

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Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said the pope’s procedure included a small incision with VAT (video-assisted thoracoscopy), which involves less pain and has a quicker recovery.

The pope has been in good health "to begin with" and is highly active, which plays a "major role in recovery," Siegel told Fox News Digital.

"Since he wasn’t a smoker and likely had very good underlying lung function, loss of a lobe, when there are three total on the right, shouldn’t have a major impact on daily activity, especially with pain controlled," the doctor added.

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In a separate Fox News Digital interview, Lary Robinson, an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, shared his surprise regarding the pope’s health status.

About 80% of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or have smoked, said Robinson, who has not treated the pope. However, he noted that lung cancer also occurs among never-smokers, including an estimated 10% of male patients and 25% of female patients.

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"But [the pope] had surgery and had a lobectomy, so this is usually only done with people who have localized disease, and presumably he had localized disease. And hopefully that's a Stage 1 cancer," the doctor added.

If the pope’s cancer is Stage 1, there is a "high chance" of cure — about 90% — depending on the size of the tumor, the oncologist said. The fact that he went straight to surgery suggests there was likely no evidence that the cancer had spread.

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"We'll have to wait for the pathology to determine … whether he needs any additional treatment afterward," Robinson said.

The pope’s anticipated trip to South America in November is reportedly still on schedule, though his participation remains in question based on recovery.

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Pope Leo's lung tumor raises questions about cancer risk for nonsmokers

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after a scheduled surgery, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

After undergoing thoracic surgery, where surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung, examination of the tissue confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

The diagnosis had been suspected based on testing conducted before the procedure, according to the Holy See Press Office.

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The Pope reportedly does not smoke and does not have a known history of smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that most lung cancer deaths (80%) are caused by smoking.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, representing about 40% of all lung cancers in the U.S., according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. It is also the most common type among non-smokers.

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In an interview with Fox News Digital, Lary Robinson, M.D., an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, shared his surprise regarding the Pope’s health status, as the lung nodule was "felt to be malignant."

About 80% of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or have smoked, said Robinson, who has not treated the Pope. However, he noted that lung cancer also occurs among never-smokers — including an estimated 10% of male patients and 25% of female patients.

"But [the Pope] had surgery and had a lobectomy, so this is usually only done with people who have localized disease, and presumably he had localized disease. And hopefully that's a stage 1 cancer," the doctor added.

If the Pope’s cancer is stage 1, there is a "high chance" of cure — about 90%, depending on the size of the tumor, the oncologist said. The fact that he went straight to surgery suggests there was likely no evidence that the cancer had spread.

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"We'll have to wait for the pathology to determine … whether he had a stage 1 cancer and whether he needs any additional treatment afterward," Robinson said.

"Size matters in lung nodules and lung cancer – the larger the cancer, the worse outlook it is, because it's more likely to be advanced and have spread."

Not all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Other factors like family history and genetic predisposition can play a role, experts say.

Recent research discovered that a rare genetic mutation in the gene EGFR T790M increased lung cancer risk by 25 times compared with people who did not have the mutation, according to findings published in the journal Science.

Among people who had never smoked, carriers of the mutation had about 62 times the odds of lung cancer compared with never-smokers who were not carriers.

Robinson added that other types of smoking, like pipes and cigars, can increase the risk of lung cancer, as well as heavy use of marijuana.

Another risk factor is exposure to environmental toxins, such as diesel exhaust and radon, according to the oncologist.

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"Unfortunately, probably over half of the people who are never-smokers with lung cancer come into stage 4 disease," Robinson said. "And that's higher than people who are smokers or former smokers, so they start out at a worse stage in general."

In most cases, early-stage lung cancer will not come with any symptoms, according to Robinson. In those who do have symptoms, however, the most common are related to the lungs, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

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Unexplained weight loss can result from any form of cancer, the oncologist noted. Neurological symptoms, like persistent headaches, may also warrant seeing a doctor.

Lung cancer is rare in younger adults, which is why annual CT screening is generally recommended starting at age 50 for those at high risk, the doctor said.

People considered at high risk include current smokers with at least a 20 pack-year history, as well as former smokers who quit within the past 15 years.

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"Only about 15% of the people who are eligible get screened, unfortunately," Robinson said.

"I'm hoping that within four or five years, a screening CT scan will only be confirmatory after they have a positive blood test done at your doctor's office." That approach could make screening easier and potentially help detect more lung cancers, according to the doctor.

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Experimental skin cream linked to 2-year drop in biological age in early study

An experimental skin cream altered molecular markers associated with aging and inflammation in an early human trial, according to preliminary data released by its developer this week.

Rubedo Life Sciences, a biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California, tested its investigational treatment, RLS-1496, in patients with eczema and other skin conditions.

In an analysis of 11 paired skin samples from patients with atopic dermatitis, researchers reported that four weeks of treatment was associated with an average 2.1-year decrease in measured epigenetic skin age — an estimate based on age-related changes in DNA.

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Rubedo CEO Dr. Frederick Beddingfield said the "significant" early findings warrant further investigation.

"This is one of the few drugs developed for aging in general and with AI to show positive data in humans in multiple indications and to show a reduction in skin age," Beddingfield told Fox News Digital.

He believes the early results will translate into "clinical improvements with longer-term treatment."

The latest skin-aging findings have been presented at a scientific conference, but have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.

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RLS-1496 is designed to target senescent cells — aging or damaged cells that have stopped dividing, but can release substances that promote inflammation.

The drug targets a protein called GPX4, which helps cells respond to stress. Researchers are studying whether blocking it can clear away damaged, aging cells while helping healthier cells survive.

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Beddingfield described the approach as targeting cellular aging rather than simply treating its outward effects.

"It's a bit like 'what does not kill you makes you stronger' for those surviving cells," he added.

Skin samples showed a 10% increase in a type of collagen that helps support the skin, according to the company. Blood tests also showed lower levels of several markers linked to inflammation, although it is not yet clear what those changes mean for patients' health.

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The preliminary findings come with several limitations. The skin-aging analysis included just 11 paired samples and measured biological signs of aging in the skin rather than whether the skin actually looked younger or functioned better.

Treatment lasted only four weeks, so it is not known whether the changes will persist. The studies were sponsored by Rubedo, and the latest skin-aging findings have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.

"Our next trial will treat for several months," Beddingfield said.

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The treatment is also being tested for other skin issues. In a separate early-stage study of 22 patients with actinic keratosis — rough, precancerous skin patches caused by sun exposure — the company reported a 49% average reduction in lesions after 28 days of treatment.

The open-label study compared treated forearms with untreated forearms rather than a placebo cream.

The cream caused minimal skin irritation, and the drug was detected in the blood of very few participants, according to the company.

"With topical application, we have seen very little risk," Beddingfield said. "Local irritation is rarely seen and generally mild when it occurs, and no one has discontinued treatment to date. Very few subjects show any drug in their blood after skin application."

Rubedo is also beginning an early-stage trial of RLS-1496 for androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss.

Beddingfield estimated that potential FDA approval remains three to four years away, pending larger clinical trials.

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Weight-loss drugs may fight 7 serious health problems before the pounds even come off

GLP-1 medications may provide health benefits that extend beyond weight loss, according to a growing body of research.

From reducing cardiovascular risks to potentially easing joint pain and inflammation, studies suggest these drugs may affect multiple systems throughout the body.

Here are seven potential benefits beyond shedding pounds.

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Research suggests semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — may provide cardiovascular benefits beyond those associated with weight loss.

A major study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death among people with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity. The benefits were observed across different body weights and were not fully explained by weight loss.

GLP-1 medications have been linked to reduced joint pain, although researchers are still investigating how much of the benefit comes from weight loss versus other effects.

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The STEP 9 clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that semaglutide significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis pain and improved physical function among adults with obesity.

GLP-1 medications may help protect kidney function through several mechanisms, including improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation.

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In the landmark FLOW trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney-related complications and cardiovascular death by 24% among patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

MASH, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is a more severe form of fatty liver disease involving inflammation and liver cell damage.

Research suggests GLP-1 medications may help improve liver health, although the extent to which these benefits occur independently of weight loss remains under investigation.

A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide improved liver tissue findings among patients with MASH, including reductions in inflammation and liver scarring.

Researchers found that 62.9% of semaglutide recipients experienced resolution of MASH without worsening liver fibrosis, compared with 34.3% receiving placebo.

Real-world research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress has linked GLP-1 medications to fewer asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.

Researchers believe the drugs' potential anti-inflammatory effects may play a role, although additional studies are needed to determine whether the medications directly improve respiratory health.

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The brain contains GLP-1 receptors in regions involved in regulating appetite, emotions, motivation and responses to rewards.

Emerging research suggests semaglutide may have potential benefits for mental health and addiction.

An observational study published on the preprint server medRxiv linked semaglutide use to lower rates of substance-related and mood disorders. However, the findings have not been peer-reviewed and do not establish that the medication caused the reductions.

GLP-1-based medications are also being investigated for their potential benefits in inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis.

A clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology found that adding tirzepatide to an existing psoriasis treatment improved skin clearance among adults with moderate to severe psoriasis and overweight or obesity.

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Researchers are continuing to investigate whether these benefits result from weight loss, reduced inflammation or a combination of factors.

The effects of GLP-1 medications can vary by drug and individual, and patients should consult a healthcare provider about potential risks and benefits.

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