Common antibiotic linked to higher risk of death in adults, major study finds

A commonly used drug has been linked to a higher risk of death in a new study.

The antibiotic, cefepime, which is used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, UTIs and skin infections, is typically administered via injection by healthcare providers in a clinical setting.

Severe side effects may include confusion, decreased consciousness or seizures, especially in older patients and those with kidney problems, among many other common symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic.

OLDER ADULTS TAKING 5 OR MORE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FACE HIGHER RISK OF DEATH, STUDY FINDS

New research suggests the medication may be associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality.

The new global study, published in JAMA Network Open, reviewed 110 randomized clinical trials involving more than 22,000 patients who received cefepime or another beta-lactam antibiotic — a class of drugs that includes penicillins and cephalosporins.

The patients included adults and children treated for febrile neutropenia — a medical emergency involving fever and dangerously low infection-fighting white blood cells — as well as pneumonia, severe bacterial infections, UTIs and meningitis.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS LINKED TO HIDDEN SIDE EFFECTS, STUDY FINDS

Across all trials, 778 deaths occurred among 11,726 patients (6.6%) given cefepime, compared to 6.2% of patients given another antibiotic. Researchers evaluated deaths from any cause occurring within about 30 days of treatment.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Using a Bayesian meta-analysis, the researchers found a 94.4% probability that cefepime was associated with higher all-cause mortality compared with other beta-lactam antibiotics.

When the analysis was limited to 73 peer-reviewed published trials, that probability increased to 98.6%.

The association appeared stronger in adults than in children, and was most pronounced among patients treated for febrile neutropenia.

Cefepime remains a commonly used broad-spectrum antibiotic for treating serious bacterial infections in hospitalized patients because it is effective against a wide range of bacteria.

The researchers did not recommend discontinuing cefepime, but called for additional guidance and research to better understand its safety.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The researchers said several factors could potentially explain the observed association between cefepime and higher mortality, although they were unable to identify a single cause.

Possible explanations include drug levels that are too low to effectively treat the infection and neurotoxicity, which can occur when drug levels become too high.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Researchers said finding the right dose of cefepime can be challenging, as higher doses may improve its ability to kill bacteria while also increasing the risk of toxic side effects.

The study had several limitations. It combined clinical trials that differed in design, patient populations, dosing strategies and comparison antibiotics, with some studies dating back decades. The analysis also found an association, not proof that cefepime itself caused the higher mortality.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, said the study demonstrates the importance of re-reviewing and analyzing older studies.

"In this case, it correctly pointed out that febrile neutropenia (low white blood cell count with a fever) is itself a big cause of death in this population, making it often difficult to determine if the treatment (cefepime) decreases or possibly increases this risk," Siegel, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.

A closer review of the data suggests that both underdosing and overdosing — rather than the drug itself — may be more closely linked to poorer outcomes and a higher risk of death, indicating that appropriate dosing may be the key, according to the doctor.

"I also think there may be a role for AI here in determining the exact right dose, as well as assessing outcome," Siegel suggested.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/RB1PhWg

Read More

Mysterious disease sending young, healthy Texas workers into kidney failure

A mysterious form of kidney disease that has devastated young to middle-aged agricultural workers in Central America and South Asia appears to have surfaced in Texas.

Known as chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) — or Mesoamerican nephropathy — the condition continues to baffle researchers, as some otherwise healthy adults develop kidney failure without having any of the traditional risk factors.

Chronic kidney disease can range from mild to severe, potentially causing fluid buildup and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and premature death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CAN ALKALINE WATER ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH? EXPERTS SEPARATE FACT FROM FICTION

But unlike typical cases, CKDu develops without common risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and glomerulonephritis, a disease that inflames and damages the kidneys' filtering units, according to Dr. Gokul Paidi, a family medicine physician at Community Healthcare Network in New York.

"It typically strikes young to middle-aged adults, more often men, who work in agriculture and manual labor in hot, low-resource regions," he told Fox News Digital.

Several regional kidney diseases have been described over the decades, although not all are considered CKDu.

"Balkan endemic nephropathy has been documented since the 1950s, Itai itai disease in Japan was tied to cadmium contaminated rice, and Sri Lanka nephropathy has been studied since the 1990s," said Paidi, who has published a review on the condition.

Mesoamerican nephropathy – which was first described among sugarcane workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua in the late 1990s – is the form now being reported in the U.S., he noted.

Other locations have reported similar types of local epidemics, including Sri Lanka, India, rural Thailand and the Tierra Blanca area in Mexico, according to previous research.

"What’s emerging is that these are likely related conditions, essentially clusters of the same underlying disease process showing up in different farming and industrial regions around the world," Paidi said.

Physicians at Houston safety-net hospitals, including Ben Taub, have treated otherwise healthy men in their 20s and 30s who presented with kidney failure — some with "Coca-Cola-colored urine," according to Texas Monthly.

They reportedly don’t have any of the typical risk factors that cause kidney disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes.

HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES RISING WITH EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

"What’s striking about the Texas cases is how closely they mirror what we saw originally in Central America," Paidi noted.

The patients are largely undocumented laborers from Mexico and Central America working in construction, roofing and outdoor trades in extreme heat – jobs where water breaks are often limited, he added.

According to a review of Harris County hospital records cited by Texas Monthly, roughly one in six emergency dialysis cases in uninsured or undocumented patients had no identifiable cause, "which is consistent with CKDu," Paidi told Fox News Digital.

Some patients are reluctant to seek care or participate in research because of their immigration status, making it harder to track the disease in Texas and detect kidney damage before it becomes irreversible, experts say.

Experts refer to CKDu as a "silent disease" because most patients don’t initially complain of any symptoms.

Most patients – especially those who work in sugarcane fields – learn they have the condition during routine screening blood tests, according to Dr. Richard J. Johnson, a leading expert on kidney diseases and emeritus professor of medicine at the University of Colorado.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Later, it can cause typical signs of severe chronic kidney disease, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, nausea, weakness [and] shortness of breath from anemia," he told Fox News Digital.

By the time symptoms appear, and the disease is diagnosed, many patients are approaching end-stage kidney disease.

Many affected people are located in resource-poor regions where dialysis and transplants are often unaffordable or inaccessible, which can increase the odds of premature death, Paidi noted.

Heat stress is considered one of the leading suspected drivers of the disease, although its exact cause remains unknown, according to Johnson.

Experts believe a combination of occupational and environmental factors may gradually damage the kidneys. Strenuous outdoor labor can lead to repeated heat stress and dehydration, potentially compounded by exposure to crop pesticides and smoke from burning sugarcane.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Workers may also contend with potentially unsafe drinking water and rely on over-the-counter NSAIDs for pain — factors that, combined with repeated dehydration and heat stress, could further strain the kidneys, according to Texas Monthly.

Some experts suggest that improving hydration and shade, reducing work hours, and starting earlier in the day could reduce kidney damage.

There is no specific test for CKDu. Doctors diagnose it by ruling out other causes of chronic kidney disease, along with a patient's occupational and environmental exposures, Paidi said.

"Kidney biopsy is the closest thing to a gold standard, but isn’t practical for widespread screening," he added.

There is no disease-specific treatment for CKDu. Management focuses on controlling blood pressure, avoiding additional kidney injury — including from NSAIDs — and using dialysis or kidney transplantation in advanced disease, according to Paidi.

Some patients receive ACE inhibitors — medications commonly used to treat high blood pressure — but these drugs can sometimes worsen kidney function in people who are dehydrated, Johnson cautioned.

"Disease often progresses rapidly over a few years, and dialysis and transplantation are rarely available, so mortality is high," he added – which highlights the importance of screening for the condition.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

For people living or working in agricultural or outdoor labor jobs, especially in hot climates, Paidi recommends getting kidney function checked with a primary care doctor at least twice a year.

"A simple blood test for creatinine (a waste product normally filtered from the blood by the kidneys) and a urine test for protein can catch early changes long before symptoms appear," he advised.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/geZH3lq

Read More

Common bedroom mistake could be quietly taking a toll on your health, experts say

A new study from Tulane University is raising fresh concerns about sleeping with a light on, linking nighttime light exposure to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers found that exposure to more than 3 lux of light — roughly the brightness of moonlight — was associated with increased risks of heart failure, atrial fibrillation (irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm), heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death.

Experts spoke with Fox News Digital about the potential risks associated with sleeping with a nightlight.

THE DAYTIME HABIT THAT COULD TRANSFORM YOUR SLEEP, ACCORDING TO NEW STUDY

Sleep is partially controlled by the circadian rhythm, the brain’s internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness, according to sleep expert and neuroscientist Chelsie Rohrscheib, Ph.D., a sleep expert and neuroscientist based in Michigan.

"The circadian rhythm is strongly influenced by light entering the eyes – light exposure signals the brain to suppress melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate the timing of sleep, while low light levels signal the brain to produce more melatonin," she told Fox News Digital.

DIETITIAN REVEALS SIMPLE EATING STRATEGY FOR BETTER SLEEP — AND ONE HABIT TO AVOID

"As melatonin levels rise in the evening, they help prepare the brain and body for sleep. Light pollution from various sources in our bedroom can trick the brain into producing less melatonin, which can negatively impact sleep quality."

Consistent light exposure will chronically reduce overall sleep quality, Rohrscheib warned.

"Sleep plays an essential role in many biological processes, including body and brain restoration, hormone release, immune system functioning, cognitive processes such as memory consolidation, brain waste clearance and metabolic regulation," she said.

FINDING THE SLEEP 'SWEET SPOT' COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, STUDY SUGGESTS

"When sleep is consistently poor, these processes do not function optimally, which in turn elevates the risk for many chronic health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, certain cancers and mood disorders."

A 2022 Northwestern Medicine study found that just one night of sleeping with moderate light exposure (100 lux) disrupted glucose regulation while increasing heart rate and sympathetic nervous system activity, as reflected by reduced heart rate variability (HRV), Rohrscheib noted.

MORE NAPS, HIGHER RISK? RESEARCH LINKS DAYTIME SLEEP TO HEALTH WARNINGS IN AGING ADULTS

Sleep impairment is also linked to increased risk of mortality, according to Ashley Curtis, PhD, sleep researcher and assistant professor at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

"Emerging evidence even suggests that it affects the gut microbiome, everything from digestion to immunity," she told Fox News Digital. "While the immediate evidence is strongest for disrupted sleep health, the downstream risks to your long-term health are substantial."

Certain groups may be more sensitive to nighttime light than others, experts agree.

"Shift workers, children, older adults and individuals with insomnia or mood disorders are especially vulnerable to the effects of light on sleep depth," Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified sleep medicine doctor and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Curtis noted that older adults often become less sensitive to light, meaning bright or short-wavelength light has a weaker effect on suppressing melatonin than it does in younger adults.

"The caveat, however, is that older adults also experience a higher baseline prevalence of sleep disruption, which can bidirectionally impact the circadian system," she added.

There is also some evidence showing that bright light has a more pronounced impact on melatonin suppression in men, the expert noted.

For people with insomnia, who already experience chronic sleep disruption, bright light exposure before bedtime can make these underlying problems worse, as it further interferes with the biological circadian rhythm, Curtis warned.

Blue wavelength light from TVs and phones is the most disruptive because people’s retinas are most sensitive to it, and it maximally suppresses melatonin, according to Dimitriu.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Dim, warm, red-toned night lights cause far less circadian impact – these are natural sunset colors one would see in the evenings," he told Fox News Digital.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Curtis agreed that warmer, dimmer light, which has a longer wavelength, doesn't have as much impact on melatonin production.

"Research shows that even if dim light impacts melatonin initially, it allows time for the body to recover," she said. "Therefore, it doesn't disrupt your sleep to the degree that brighter light does."

"While blackout curtains are recommended for optimal sleep, you don't need to have absolute darkness to maintain a healthy sleep environment," Curtis said.

The experts recommend implementing the following changes to cultivate a healthy sleep environment – even if it’s not pitch black.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/rJUfa7L

Read More

Deadly bacteria detected as NYC orders emergency cleaning of cooling towers

Health officials ordered the immediate remediation of 10 rooftop cooling towers in the South Bronx after preliminary testing detected Legionella bacteria amid a growing Legionnaires’ disease cluster that has sickened nine people and left one dead.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued orders to clean and disinfect the sites. Among the affected structures are cooling towers at major hubs, including Yankee Stadium and Lincoln Hospital.

As public health workers work to clean the equipment, experts note that recurring outbreaks in these neighborhoods highlight deeper systemic vulnerabilities.

NYC LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK KILLS FOURTH VICTIM, 76 CASES REPORTED

"When we look at outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease, in New York City, we almost always see it in the Bronx or Harlem," Dr. Tyler Evans, CEO of the Wellness Equity Alliance and former first chief medical officer for New York City, told Fox News Digital.

"A lot of times, we see risk of infections taking place in historically marginalized communities."

The department identified the cluster following a surge in cases dating back to late August. Tests confirmed traces of Legionella in 10 of 24 sampled towers, according to city health officials.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests return results quickly, but cannot distinguish between live and dead bacteria. Culture tests to confirm live bacteria can take up to two weeks, prompting city health officials to order immediate cleaning out of caution.

Late-summer weather has compounded the issue. High temperatures create ideal breeding grounds for bacteria inside industrial air-conditioning systems, which add water to the surrounding air, Evans noted.

HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES RISING WITH EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

"Record-breaking temperatures lead to accelerating the risk of the bacteria basically cooking, getting out to become vaporized, and then producing exposure to other people," he said.

Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, cannot be spread between people, nor is it contracted by drinking tap water, the expert noted. Most healthy individuals are not sickened by exposure, but high-risk populations can face severe health consequences.

"In terms of people ... to be concerned about, it's really older adults — typically 65 and older — or people living with comorbid conditions," Evans said, pointing to underlying factors like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or compromised immune systems.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Health officials urge anyone who has lived in, worked in or visited ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 since late August to monitor their health.

Key symptoms to watch for include high fevers, severe shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up bloody mucus.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Evans noted that early medical care is crucial, as the illness responds well to standard antibiotic treatments when caught early.

"Infections fall into different buckets — bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites," he said. "Bacteria are alive. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria because you can kill them, which makes it very treatable."

While city officials have taken quick action to inspect and clean the structures, Evans emphasized that long-term prevention requires sustained public investment.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Could we test all cooling towers across New York City on a regular basis during times of risk when it's hotter? Yes," Evans said.

"City health officials do an amazing job, but it costs money. When federal funds are removed from public health, it's very hard to do more when you have less."

Fox News Digital reached out to Yankee Stadium and Lincoln Hospital requesting comment.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/eru1Fwf

Read More

Woman loses best friend to ovarian cancer, then receives same devastating diagnosis months later

A Minnesota woman whose best friend died from ovarian cancer was stunned when she was diagnosed with the same disease less than a year later.

Becky Drexler was there to support her best friend, Connie Dahl, when she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in April 2015 at age 51. After a courageous battle, Dahl passed away in September 2017.

During her friend's cancer fight, Drexler began volunteering with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA).

CANCER SURVIVORS MAY SEE SURPRISING BENEFITS FROM ONE SPECIFIC EXERCISE, STUDY SAYS

After retiring in 2017, Drexler was making plans to travel, garden, volunteer and spend more time with family and friends – but those plans were interrupted by her own diagnosis in July 2018.

"I was diagnosed with stage 3B high-grade serous ovarian cancer," Drexler, now 65, told Fox News Digital.

Like her best friend, Drexler dismissed her own symptoms – including frequent urination, constipation, bloating and hip pain – as common signs of aging. She put off seeing a doctor at first.

"By early summer, I felt I was getting signs from Connie to nudge me along," she wrote in an essay sent to Fox News Digital. "Dragonflies represent Connie to me since she passed, and I saw them everywhere. I recall one afternoon being on my patio thinking, ‘Should I go see the doctor?’ when a couple dragonflies in my flower garden just wouldn’t leave me alone. I said out loud, ‘OK, Connie, I’ll go in and talk to the doctor.’"

ALCOHOL TIED TO SURPRISING CANCER DEATH PATTERN IN ADULTS UNDER 55, RESEARCHERS FIND

On Drexler's 57th birthday, her doctor called to say a CT scan had detected masses on both ovaries. After meeting with an oncologist, she had surgery four days later.

Drexler underwent six chemotherapy treatments (carboplatin and taxol) from September 2018 to January 2019.

"Those months were difficult but also filled with the support, love and laughter of family, friends, care team and MOCA," she said. "I knew Connie was part of my team as well – just in a different way."

Throughout Drexler’s cancer fight, she drew inspiration from her friend’s vow to "be positive, and to live, laugh and love to the fullest every day."

"This helped me greatly, as did attending MOCA support group meetings and talking to women who had or were experiencing the same things I was," she said. "There were times I wished Connie was still here so I could talk to her about what I was feeling physically and emotionally."

CURE FOR CERTAIN CANCERS IS ‘REALISTIC’ GOAL IN NEXT DECADE, PHARMA LEAD SAYS

In August 2020, Drexler’s cancer returned. She had surgery to remove the new tumor from her pelvic area.

"We discussed treatment options with my oncologist – she provided the pros and cons of standard chemotherapy, radiation, and no treatment, only monitoring," she shared.

Ultimately, Drexler decided on targeted radiation, with chemotherapy as a backup option if radiation did not work or if there was another recurrence. After radiation was completed in January 2021, Drexler was again considered to have "no evidence of disease" (NED).

"I then began taking Lynparza, a PARP inhibitor maintenance treatment – something that was not even available for ovarian cancer patients when Connie was dealing with her cancer," she said.

From January 2021 until February 2026, while taking Lynparza, Drexler remained in NED status – "although there was always the concern in the back of my mind about when I would recur again."

VISION PROBLEM LEADS TO MAN'S STAGE 4 LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS, NEW DRUG EXTENDS SURVIVAL

In winter 2026, after experiencing gastric symptoms, Drexler underwent a PET scan. The scan revealed a tumor around her small intestine that had grown large enough to require surgery.

"Once the tumor was removed, it was confirmed to be a recurrence of my ovarian cancer," she said. "After recovering from surgery, I had another PET scan, which indicated a couple of spots were still present."

In May 2026, Drexler began an 18-week treatment cycle including carboplatin, taxol and avastin, which is expected to be completed at the end of September.

"I had a PET scan halfway through (late July), which indicated the treatment is working," she shared. "We were happy to learn that the spots were no longer visible and no new spots had appeared."

FDA APPROVES ONCE-DAILY PILL FOR DEADLY CANCER AFTER PATIENTS' SURVIVAL RATES NEARLY DOUBLE

Depending on the results of her next PET scan, Drexler said her next treatment will likely be an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) maintenance plan, a recently-approved targeted cancer therapy that has shown "exceptional results."

Throughout her cancer journey, Drexler has continued volunteering with MOCA, serving on its board of directors, participating on committees and reviewing grants for ovarian cancer research.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"It does make me think back to when Connie was dealing with her cancer and the treatments that were not available to her but are now available for me and other women," Drexler said.

"I believe I am still here because of the advancements in treatments. Developing a reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer remains one of the most critical research goals."

Ovarian cancer was once known as the "silent killer," meaning that women would get it and not know anything until the disease was in advanced, more aggressive stages, according to Brian M. Slomovitz, M.D., director of gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

About 75% of women are diagnosed with stage 3 or stage 4 disease, according to the doctor.

In recent years, researchers have identified that ovarian cancer actually does have symptoms, noted Slomovitz, who is also deputy director of the Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"The problem is they are sort of non-specific symptoms, things that could occur in everyday life – stomach pains, abdominal bloating, things like that."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"There may be an increase in abdominal girth, meaning patients complain that their pants are too tight or they're noticing something different in the way their body's shaped," the doctor said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Those symptoms can also come with weight loss and decreased appetite, he noted: "They could oftentimes mimic gastroenteritis or eating a bad meal."

Any symptoms that persist or worsen over a period of one or two weeks should be checked out, the doctor advised.

To other women who may be experiencing worrisome symptoms, Drexler urges them to listen to their bodies.

"The early symptoms both Connie and I had were vague, like they are for most women," she said. "They seem like normal things that we can excuse away – we are aging, we are just stressed, we just need to eat better or lose weight."

"If something isn’t feeling right or a seemingly minor issue persists, and you think you might be concerned, see your doctor. Advocate for yourself."

For those who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Drexler emphasized that it’s important to see a gynecologic oncologist, as they have additional training in diagnosing and treating cancers.

Researchers have spent decades studying early detection and screening for ovarian cancer, Slomovitz said – "but unfortunately, no reliable method has been identified to diagnose women at an earlier stage."

There is currently no recommended routine screening test for ovarian cancer in women at average risk, because available tests have not been shown to reliably detect the disease early enough to improve outcomes.

When ovarian cancer is detected at stage 1, the cure rate approaches 90%, Slomovitz said, underscoring the need for continued research into earlier detection.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/dmRiv8t

Read More

Popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs linked to potentially deadly brain disorder

Researchers are warning about a rare but potentially life-threatening brain condition that may be linked to popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

A new study, published in Clinical Nutrition, identified 15 reported cases of Wernicke encephalopathy, a neurological disorder caused by severe vitamin B1 deficiency, in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Most of the reported cases involved semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, or tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

DOCTORS REVEAL HIDDEN DANGER FOR SOME OZEMPIC, WEGOVY USERS WITH BRAIN DISORDERS

Researchers found 15 cases through the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), published medical literature and their own medical center.

Most patients reported gastrointestinal symptoms or nutritional issues, including weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite or malnutrition, the study noted.

Reports of the disorder appeared more often among people taking GLP-1 medications than among those taking other drugs, the researchers found. They emphasized, however, that the study cannot prove the medications caused the condition.

Vitamin B1 plays an important role in brain function, the researchers said. Severe deficiencies can cause confusion, trouble walking, balance problems and vision changes. If left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Karthik Achari, a Chicago-based clinician and founder of PepMD who was not involved in the study, said the findings should be viewed in perspective.

"Researchers went through adverse event reports and the medical literature and found a small number of cases, 15, of Wernicke encephalopathy in people taking GLP-1 drugs," Achari told Fox News Digital. "That's out of millions of people on these medications. So this is rare."

"But it's real, it's serious, and the mechanism makes sense," he added.

GLP-1 medications can reduce appetite while also causing nausea and vomiting, making it easier for some people to become deficient in vitamin B1, Achari said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"The drug shrinks your appetite. It doesn't shrink your body's requirements," he said. "You can now eat very little without feeling it, which is the point of the medication, but your need for protein, vitamins, and fluids didn't go anywhere."

People with persistent nausea and vomiting, those losing weight very quickly while eating little, people with a history of bariatric surgery and those who use alcohol heavily may face a higher risk, Achari said.

Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based nutritionist and author of "The Sleepdemic Solution," said proper nutrition and hydration should be considered part of treatment while taking GLP-1 medications.

"GLP-1 medications can dramatically reduce appetite, but that also means people may unintentionally under-eat the very things their bodies need most, especially protein, fiber and fluids," she told Fox News Digital.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Palinski-Wade said ongoing vomiting or diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration and kidney problems. She urged patients to seek medical guidance if those symptoms continue for roughly 24 hours.

"Don't assume every side effect is just part of being on a GLP-1," Palinski-Wade said. "Severe or persistent symptoms deserve attention."

The researchers acknowledged that the study relied largely on reports submitted to the FDA and cannot prove GLP-1 medications caused the condition. They called for additional research, and experts said patients should not stop taking prescribed GLP-1 medications based on these findings alone.

Fox News Digital reached out to Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and the researchers for comment.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/BzjrqSL

Read More

‘Food divorce’ trend among couples could drive them apart, experts warn

Between differing diet plans, food intolerances and conflicting work schedules, some couples are choosing "food divorce" — a term circulating on social media for partners who intentionally cook, order and eat their meals separately.

While taking separate paths at mealtime might solve logistical headaches, experts warn that splitting up at the dinner table can come at a cost to the relationship.

According to health institutions like Mayo Clinic, shared family meals can help people reconnect, build stronger emotional bonds and reduce stress. For couples, experts say regularly eating apart could become a concern if it reflects broader emotional distance or reduces opportunities to spend meaningful time together.

‘QUIET QUITTING’ IN MARRIAGE: THE SUBTLE SIGNS A SPOUSE HAS EMOTIONALLY CHECKED OUT

Nutrition experts emphasize that the issue is often less about the food itself and more about the lost opportunity for a built-in daily checkpoint.

"I think it reflects many people's very busy schedules," Tanya Freirich, a North Carolina-based registered dietitian nutritionist, told Fox News Digital.

"Mealtime can be a time to unite, to communicate, to build social relationships and foster a connection," she went on. "If we're eating completely alone or at different times than important people in our lives, it may foster a little bit of disconnection."

DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE

Experts say that eating separately can contribute to a "roommate dynamic." Without regular time to reconnect and discuss the day, couples may have fewer opportunities for communication.

The practice can also contribute to isolation, according to Freirich.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Communities all around the world for thousands of years have come together around mealtimes," she said. "If so many Americans are eating every meal alone for many days or most of their days, that certainly can't be great for mental health or well-being."

There can also be practical drawbacks, as preparing separate meals or ordering from different restaurants may increase grocery costs, preparation time and kitchen cleanup.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Additionally, eating solo can impact individual dietary habits. Studies show people dining alone are more likely to eat quickly, mindlessly scroll on their phones, or settle for heavily processed convenience foods compared to when they share meals with others.

Couples can accommodate different dietary needs without preparing entirely separate meals. 

For those navigating specific calorie targets, plant-based diets or medical restrictions, Freirich recommends building "modular" or "choose your own adventure" meals as a more efficient method.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Something like a deconstructed taco night, grain bowls, a pasta or noodle night, or even a sheet pan meal where you're creating each food on its own," the expert suggested.

"So the protein, the carb, the veggies are being cooked separately. And then you get to decide your portions and make your own meal from those ingredients that can meet everyone's needs."

When conflicting schedules or caregiving duties make daily dinners impossible, experts recommend prioritizing quality over frequency. Even sharing a quick weekend breakfast or setting aside one designated night a week can help maintain connection.

"Be very intentional to connect when you can," Freirich suggested.

"Make that a really special meal. Be intentional with your connection. Put the phone away and actually enjoy the other person's company."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/O7qvyfM

Read More