Certain gut bacteria linked to binge eating, weight gain
There is a microscopic world inside the human body, with trillions of microorganisms living in it and impacting health. Now, a new study is linking a specific type of gut bacteria to binge eating and weight gain.
Everyone has about 200 different species of bacteria, viruses and fungi in their digestive tract. While many are good for what medical experts call a “gut microbiome,” not all are.
Researchers studied mice and humans who tended to binge eat and found similar levels of at least two types of bacteria in their microbiomes: one that is good for the body’s health and another that is not.
The study also found that increasing the amount of the “good” bacteria could prevent compulsive eating in mice. While that element of the study wasn’t conducted with humans, researchers are starting to plan human experiments.
Researchers said this experiment furthers the notion that the gut talks to the brain, but doesn’t explain how bacteria protect against developing compulsive eating habits. Despite these findings, the scientists said several more factors play into binge eating, such as genetics and environment.
House committee approves bill to allow Medicare to cover weight loss drugs
A House panel took the first step to pave the way for Medicare to cover the cost of weight loss drugs on Thursday, June 27. For more than two decades, a law has prohibited Medicare from paying for these medications.
The recent uptick in the use of these drugs – like Wegovy and Zepbound – has renewed calls for that to change.
On Thursday, the House Ways and Means Committee overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow Medicare to cover the popular drugs. However, the new plan is significantly more restrictive than prior proposals.
The bill is primarily targeted at making sure people currently taking weight loss drugs don’t get kicked off when they enter the Medicare program – as long as they’ve been taking them for at least a year.
The coverage would also apply only to people with obesity, not those who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition, which the FDA said is also a viable reason to prescribe these medications.
The bill would also change how intensive behavioral therapy is covered. That’s a treatment approach that offers patients counseling on nutrition and exercise but does not include weight loss drugs.
Some lawmakers are concerned over the cost of these drugs. A monthly supply of Wegovy or Zepboud can cost more than $1,000.
The Congressional Budget Office has already warned that if Medicare were to cover weight loss medications, the cost “would be significant over the next 10 years.”
Here’s some perspective: If half of the adults with obesity in America took Wegovy or another similar weight loss drug, it could cost $411 billion per year. Comparatively, Americans spent $406 billion on all retail prescription drugs in 2022, according to a report released by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in May.
The report also looked at the impact these drugs could have on Medicare, specifically. It said if half of all Medicare and Medicaid patients who are obese took these weight loss drugs, the programs could spend $166 billion per year. That’s nearly as much as the two programs spent on all retail prescriptions drugs in 2022 – $175 billion.
Sanders released a statement on that report saying it makes it, crystal clear that “the outrageously high price of Wegovy and other weight loss drugs have the potential to bankrupt Medicare and our entire health care system.”
The legislation will now make its way to the full House, but it’s unclear whether it can get enough votes to be passed. Even if it did, it would still need to pass the Senate and be endorsed by the president.
The current congressional session will end on Jan. 3 and any bills not signed into law by then need to be reintroduced in the next session, starting the whole process over.
Body roundness index more accurate than BMI to measure obesity: Report
For decades, body mass index has been the standard used to measure obesity — but that could be changing. New research shows the “body roundness index” may be more accurate.
BMI has been around for nearly two centuries, and it gained popularity as the standard way to assess a person’s body fat in the 80s. However, it came under increased scrutiny because experts said it does not look at how much of a person’s weight is fat or where it is distributed.
While BMI estimates a person’s body fat using just two measurements, height and weight, BRI also incorporates hip and waist circumferences.
Those measurements help estimate how much total fat and visceral fat someone has. Visceral fat is a type of deep belly fat that surrounds the organs and can be more harmful to health.
Because muscle is much denser than fat, BMI tends to skew higher in people who are very muscular but have less body fat, like athletes. On the other end of the spectrum, however, BMI can be underestimated in older people with much less muscle mass and more body fat.
Researchers found BRI did a better job calculating a person’s body composition. When researchers graphed the data, it showed a curve. That meant those whose BRI was too high or too low were at a greater risk for death.
While the data does the same using BMI, the variation in the middle of the curve is much flatter, which can mask the risk for those who are close to the too high or too low range, but not quite there.
Senate investigates cost of weight loss drugs, impact to US health system
Weight loss drugs have risen in popularity. In the past three years, the number of young people taking the drugs increased by 594.4%. A new study suggests that the drugs could profoundly impact the U.S. health care system if they become widely covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, is leading an investigation into Novo Nordisk, the parent company of Ozempic and Wegovy. The investigation focuses on how the company prices its weight loss medication.
Novo Nordisk responded to the investigation in a letter, emphasizing its willingness to work with lawmakers to lower prices.
Unless they can get it covered by insurance, customers can expect to shell out a pretty penny for the medication. The sticker price for a year’s supply of Ozempic is more than $12,600. Meanwhile, Wegovy retails for almost $17,600 per year.
Zepbound and Mounjaro, weight loss drugs owned by Eli Lilly and Company, go for a little less than $14,000 per year.
If someone qualifies to have the medications covered by Medicare or Medicaid, the price burden falls on federal and state programs to cover the cost. Researchers estimate that providing Wegovy to all 19.7 million Medicare beneficiaries with obesity could cost $268 billion. If the drugs were to be given to patients who are clinically diagnosed with obesity, the cost would still exceed $135 billion.
The total would be more than what Medicare spends in an entire year on retail prescription drugs.
The Senate committee found major disparities in the price that Americans pay for the drugs compared to other countries.
According to the committee’s report, the same drugs can each be purchased in Denmark, Germany and the U.K. for less than $200.
“If the prices for these products are not substantially reduced they also have the potential to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and our entire health care system,” Sanders said in a letter to Novo Nordisk. “The prices for these drugs are so high in the United States that everyone — regardless of whether they use the products — will likely be forced to bear the burden of Novo Nordisk’s profit maximizing strategy through higher insurance premiums and taxes.”
In response to the report, Novo Nordisk disclosed that it retains approximately 60% of the list price of Ozempic and Wegovy in the U.S. The rest of the total is paid to the “middlemen involved in a complex U.S. healthcare system,” according to the company. Additionally, the company highlighted its $10 billion investment into the drugs over the span of a decade, but maintain that it will work with lawmakers on pricing to tackle “systemic issues.”
Demand for the drug isn’t dwindling, with 42% of Americans classified as obese.
The drugs’ prices are pushing the issue of drug pricing into the spotlight as Congress and Novo Nordisk weigh whether or not to make them affordable.
These products will be under a new brand called “Vital Pursuits,” described as “food solutions” complementing the eating habits of millions of Americans prescribed a weight loss drug.
The products are high in protein, a good source of fiber and contain essential nutrients. They are portioned to match the appetite of weight loss medication users and support a balanced diet for anyone managing their weight. Vital Pursuit is Nestlé’s first food brand designed for GLP-1 users, aimed at those on weight loss medication or working on weight management.
“At Nestlé we want to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives — today and in the future,” Steve Presley, CEO of Nestlé North America, said. “As the use of medications to support weight loss continues to rise, we see an opportunity to serve those consumers. Vital Pursuit provides accessible, great-tasting food options that support the needs of consumers in this emerging category. We’re leveraging our deep understanding of consumers and nutritional science to stay ahead of the trends that are shaping consumer behaviors, and innovating across our portfolio to deliver products people will love.”
The products are set to hit store shelves in October.
Ireland, Norway, Spain recognizing a Palestinian state; Israel responds
Three European nations make a historic announcement: They will be recognizing a Palestinian state. And, a passenger describes what it was like on the Singapore Airlines flight hit by turbulence that resulted in one death and multiple injuries. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Ireland, Norway, Spain recognize a Palestinian state; Israel responds
Simon Harris, the Irish prime minister, announced Wednesday, May 22, that Ireland, Norway and Spain are recognizing the state of Palestine. This declaration comes amid Israel’s ongoing seven-month conflict with Hamas. Harris expressed confidence that more countries will soon join these three European nations in recognizing Palestine.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Get The Morning RundownTM newsletter straight to your inbox!
In response, Israel has ordered its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway to return immediately, with similar actions planned for Spain. Despite these diplomatic tensions, Harris reiterated Ireland’s recognition of Israel’s right to exist, condemned Hamas’ actions in October and called for the immediate release of all hostages.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of pursuing a two-state solution, “living side-by-side in peace,” as the only viable political solution for both Israelis and Palestinians. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the Spanish Parliament that recognizing Palestine grants the Palestinian people “dignity and hope.”
The move was welcomed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized the recognition, stating that it sends a message that “terrorism pays.”
Currently, over 140 United Nations member-states recognize a Palestinian state. The Biden administration supports a two-state solution but insists it should be achieved through negotiations.
Severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight; 1 dead, multiple injured
A 73-year-old British passenger died of a suspected heart attack and at least 30 people were injured when a flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence Tuesday, May 21. The Boeing 777, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok after a sudden descent of 6,000 feet, likely caused by clear air turbulence.
Most passengers continued to Singapore on a relief flight, while 79 remained in Bangkok, including those who were hospitalized.
“I saw people from across the aisle just going completely horizontal, hitting the ceiling and landing back down in really awkward positions,” Dzafran Azmir, a passenger on Flight SQ321, said. “People, like, getting massive gashes in the head, concussions.”
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau are investigating the turbulence.
Deadly tornado leaves trail of destruction in Greenfield, Iowa
Multiple tornadoes swept through the Midwest, Tuesday May 21, causing extensive destruction, especially in Greenfield, Iowa, where police confirmed several fatalities and numerous injuries.
The powerful storm system left a trail of devastation, flattening homes and businesses, uprooting trees and scattering debris across the town of about 2,000 residents.
The severe weather disrupted power to more than 34,000 homes in Iowa. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, R, has declared a disaster emergency for 15 counties.
Emergency services are actively conducting search and rescue operations, and authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing situation while beginning to assess the scale of the damage. The same storms also wreaked havoc across Nebraska, unleashing torrential rains, high winds and large hail.
Closing arguments set for Tuesday after defense rests in Trump trial
The defense rested on the 20th day of the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump after calling two witnesses and opting not to have Trump testify in his own defense.
The witnesses, paralegal Daniel Sitko and attorney Robert Costello, testified before a hearing was held to debate the exact instructions the judge will present to the jury.
The trial will resume on Tuesday, May 28, delayed by jurors’ schedules and the Memorial Day holiday. Both the defense and prosecution will make their closing arguments, then the case will be handed over to the 12-person jury.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen.
Biden administration to forgive $7.7 billion in student loan debt
The Biden administration announced Wednesday morning that it will forgive $7.7 billion in student loans for more than 160,000 borrowers.
The relief is categorized into three groups: those receiving Public Service Loan Forgiveness, those enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education plan (SAVE) and those receiving forgiveness through income-driven repayment plans.
As of this announcement, the Department of Education reports that the total loan forgiveness approved by the administration amounts to $167 billion for more than 4.5 million Americans.
Nestle releasing line of food targeting shoppers using weight loss drugs
Nestle, the world’s largest food company known for brands like DiGiorno Pizza, Hot Pockets and Stouffer’s, is launching a new line of frozen food products targeted specifically at people using weight loss drugs.
The company announced it will begin marketing $5 pizzas and protein-enriched pastas to American shoppers who use weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. These products will be under a new brand called “Vital Pursuits,” described as “food solutions” complementing the eating habits of millions of Americans prescribed a weight loss drug.
The products are set to hit store shelves in October.
WeightWatchers shares drop after Oprah Winfrey announces board departure
WeightWatchers is experiencing a significant downturn, with shares dropping over 25% following the announcement that Oprah Winfrey will be stepping down from the company’s board of directors. Since investing $43 million in the company and joining the board in 2015, Winfrey has been a prominent figure in Weight Watchers’ brand and marketing strategies.
“I look forward to continuing to advise and collaborate with WeightWatchers and CEO Sima Sistani in elevating the conversation around recognizing obesity as a chronic condition, working to reduce stigma, and advocating for health equity,” said Oprah Winfrey.
The news arrives months after Winfrey disclosed her use of weight loss drugs, describing them as “a maintenance tool.” In a move reflecting her ongoing philanthropic efforts, the former talk show host has announced her intention to donate all of her Weight Watchers stock to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Data shows Winfrey owned 1.13 million shares worth $6.34 million.
Congress reaches short-term deal to avoid government shutdown: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 29, 2024
Congressional leaders strike a deal to avoid a partial government shutdown before Friday night’s deadline. And Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to face questions from Congress over keeping his health a secret. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024
Congress reaches short-term deal to avoid government shutdown
A looming partial government shutdown set for this weekend has been temporarily dodged, thanks to a bipartisan deal struck by leaders in both the House and Senate on Wednesday, Feb, 29. The agreement introduces two new deadlines for funding government agencies, ensuring operations continue without interruption for now.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Get The Morning RundownTM newsletter straight to your inbox!
Under the terms of the deal, the 20% of government operations at risk of shutting down by Friday will now receive funding through March 8. This extension covers the Departments of Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and Agriculture. The remaining 80% of the government, which includes the State and Defense Departments, faces a March 22 deadline.
Congressional leaders emphasized the necessity of bipartisan cooperation in a joint statement, declaring, “We are in agreement that Congress must work in a bipartisan manner to fund our government.”
The House is slated to vote today on the temporary funding bill, with the Senate expected to follow suit shortly afterward.
Supreme Court to decide on Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity
The Supreme Court will review former President Donald Trump’s assertion of presidential immunity in response to federal charges of election interference. In a move to expedite the case, the Court announced it will hear arguments during the week of April 22, with an intention to issue a ruling before the end of its current term in June.
If Trump’s appeal fails, the trial may be delayed until deep into the election season, casting doubt on whether it will occur before November’s Election Day. Conversely, a victory in his appeal would result in the dismissal of the charges.
With the justices addressing this significant legal question, the trial concerning these allegations is currently paused. After the Supreme Court’s announcement, Trump echoed his argument on Truth Social, stating that without immunity, “a President will not be able to properly function, or make decisions, in the best interest of the United States of America.”
Trump faces three additional criminal cases, including one in New York state court related to hush money payments to a porn star, scheduled to start on March 25. He has pleaded not guilty in all cases, claiming they are politically motivated.
Illinois judge removes Donald Trump from primary ballot
Just weeks after the Supreme Court heard arguments in a Colorado case seeking to bar Donald Trump from running for president again, Illinois has moved to exclude the former president from its primary ballot. On Wednesday, Feb. 28, an Illinois judge ruled Trump ineligible based on the 14th Amendment’s “Insurrection Clause” and his actions related to January 6th.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign criticized the judge’s decision as “unconstitutional,” and the ruling is temporarily on hold, allowing time for an appeal.
Illinois is now the third state to attempt to remove Trump from the ballot, joining Colorado and Maine. Both states are awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision, which has put similar rulings on hold.
LLoyd Austin to face questions from Congress over secret hospitalization
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will be questioned by Congress Thursday, Feb. 29, regarding the secrecy of his prostate cancer surgery and hospitalization. This session marks the first occasion for lawmakers to address Austin directly about his management of the situation.
Austin has expressed regret for not disclosing his condition to President Biden and others. Following scrutiny, the Pentagon released findings from an internal 30-day review earlier this week.
The review acknowledged that while there was “no ill intent” behind Austin’s decision to keep his condition private, it highlighted that the procedures for transferring authority could be enhanced.
Anheuser-Busch reaches tentative agreement with Teamsters Union
Anheuser-Busch, the company behind Budweiser, and the Teamsters Union have announced a tentative labor agreement, averting potential strikes at 12 U.S. plants. The union, representing about 5,000 workers, had set a deadline for reaching a deal by 11:59 p.m. Thursday.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien stated, “Teamsters make the beer, Teamsters make Anheuser-Busch successful, and our members deserve the best contract. That is what we fought for and won today.”
The agreement proposes an $8 per hour wage increase over the next five years, with an immediate $4 raise in the first year. Anheuser-Busch’s CEO Brendan Whitworth expressed being “incredibly pleased” with the arrangement.
Union members are scheduled to vote on ratifying the deal next week.
WeightWatchers shares drop after Oprah Winfrey announces board departure
Since investing $43 million in the company and joining the board in 2015, Winfrey has been a prominent figure in WeightWatchers’ brand and marketing strategies.
The news arrives months after Winfrey disclosed her use of weight loss drugs, describing them as “a maintenance tool.” In a move reflecting her ongoing philanthropic efforts, the former talk show host has announced her intention to donate all of her WeightWatchers stock to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Eli Lilly allows direct sales of weight loss drug Zepbound, an industry first
The pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company’s new website “LillyDirect” is a one-stop shop to find a doctor or telehealth provider, with some prescriptions able to be filled online and sent straight to a consumer. Now, Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug can be mailed to patients — the first pharmaceutical company to allow direct sales of weight loss drugs.
Eli Lilly’s new direct-to-consumer service has raised concerns. The focus is on whether it’s a profit-driven tactic rather than a solution for improving accessibility for those who require the medication.
The weight loss drug is called Zepbound, and it is similar to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
These drugs have spiked in popularity, leading to a $6 billion industry. Drugmakers expect to profit $100 billion by the year 2030, however, Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said the new direct-to-consumer option isn’t about boosting sales.
“This is about patient success,” Ricks said. “Our sales will be the same whether we sell it to CVS or Walgreens or sell it on our website.”
Some observers are skeptical.
“They’re trying hard to make sure you can find a path to something they absolutely want to sell you,” New York University Head of Medical Ethics Art Caplan said. “That creates at least the appearance of conflict of interest.”
LillyDirect will also offer insulin drugs for people with diabetes as well as migraine medication.
Weight loss drug Wegovy can reduce heart attack risk, study says
The weight loss drug Wegovy has become wildly popular, and the health benefits go beyond just dropping pounds, according to new data released by the drugmaker. Results of the clinical trial released on Tuesday, Aug. 8, suggests the supplement, used for quickly losing weight, directly coincides with a lower risk of heart disease by as much as 20%.
The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, suggests people taking Wegovy have cut their risk of experiencing a heart attack or a stroke by one-fifth. That’s a higher reduction than what many health experts had originally predicted.
The clinical trials lasted more than five years and studied more than 17,000 patients who were overweight or obese with heart disease taking Wegovy or a placebo.
Now that the results are in, the Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk wants to capitalize on the results by looking to add cardiovascular benefits to the drug’s prescribing label. If that happens, there’s a higher chance insurance companies would provide more coverage for the weight loss pills that typically cost more than $1,300 a month.
Ozempic, the Type 2 diabetes injection that has become a popular weight loss drug lowered cardiovascular risk by 26%, according to a clinical trial solely for diabetics. Ozempic has not been approved by the FDA as a weight loss drug.
While the Wegovy clinical trial points to promising results of lowering heart disease, the No. 1 killer in the U.S., there have also been health concerns posed by the government over taking the pills.
Straight Arrow News reported in July about an investigation into the potential link between the drug and stomach paralysis.
