01/20/26 - #569

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Fish-oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

  • People Who Stop Taking GLP-1 Drugs Regain Weight Faster, Review Finds

  • Flu Surges in 45 States as Doctor Visits Reach Highest Level in Nearly 30 Years

  • Common Food Preservatives Linked to Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Fish-oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

A new study shows that fish oil supplements may lower the risk of heart problems in people who get dialysis. Heart disease is the main cause of death in people on dialysis, and there are not many treatments that help prevent it.

In this study, over 1,200 adults on dialysis were given either fish oil or a corn oil placebo every day. The fish oil group took 4 grams per day, with healthy omega-3 fats called EPA and DHA. The study lasted 3.5 years.

People who took fish oil had fewer serious heart problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and sudden death. The risk of these events was 43% lower in the fish oil group than in the placebo group. Fish oil also seemed to lower the chance of needing an amputation due to poor blood flow. Even the overall risk of death was lower in people taking fish oil.

There were no major differences in side effects between the two groups. Most people followed the treatment plan well.

These results suggest that fish oil may be a safe and helpful way to support heart health in people on dialysis. But more research is needed. If you or someone you know is on dialysis, ask your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not take the place of medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement.

WEIGHT LOSS

People Who Stop Taking GLP-1 Drugs Regain Weight Faster, Review Finds

A new study shows that people who stop taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs—like Ozempic and Wegovy—often regain the weight they lost, and they do so quickly.

Researchers looked at over 6,000 adults who used GLP-1 medications. On average, people gained back nearly one pound per month after stopping the drug. Most regained about 10 pounds in just one year. The study also found that heart and diabetes risk markers, like blood pressure and cholesterol, returned to their old levels in less than two years.

Why do people stop taking these drugs? High costs and stomach problems are common reasons. About half of the people on these medications stop within a year.

Compared to people who stop diet or exercise programs, those who quit GLP-1 drugs gain weight back nearly four times faster. Experts say that’s because diet programs often teach skills to manage hunger—something medications don’t do.

Doctors warn that these drugs aren’t a “quick fix.” Obesity is a long-term health condition, and stopping treatment too early can undo the progress. Support like healthy eating habits, behavioral coaching, and affordable access to care may help people stay on track.

While these drugs are helpful, experts agree we also need to make our food environment healthier—especially with so many tempting processed foods around.

If you're thinking about stopping a GLP-1 medication, talk to your doctor first. Having a plan can make a big difference in keeping the weight off and protecting your health.

HEALTH

Flu Surges in 45 States as Doctor Visits Reach Highest Level in Nearly 30 Years

The flu is spreading fast across the U.S. This season, 45 states are seeing high or very high flu activity. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 10 doctor visits in late December were for flu-like symptoms — the most since tracking began in 1997.

So far, over 11 million people have gotten sick, 120,000 have been hospitalized, and around 5,000 have died, including 9 children. Doctors say many people are coming in with fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Some are also battling COVID or RSV at the same time.

Hospitals are busier than usual. In Chicago, doctors report more patients needing oxygen and being admitted with low oxygen levels. At Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, flu-related hospital stays have more than doubled in just two weeks.

Adding to the concern, the government has removed the flu vaccine from the official childhood vaccine schedule. This change comes after last year’s deadly flu season for kids. Many doctors are worried this may put more children at risk.

Three-year-old Naya Kessler is one of the sick children hospitalized with the flu. Her mom says Naya had a flu shot, and she believes it helped prevent the illness from being even worse.

Experts say flu cases may rise even more after holiday travel. It's not too late to get a flu shot. Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself and your family.

Stay alert. The flu season isn’t over yet.

Common Food Preservatives Linked to Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes

Some preservatives used to keep food fresh may raise the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes, according to two new studies from France.

Researchers looked at the diets and health of over 100,000 adults for up to 14 years. They found that people who ate more foods with certain preservatives had a higher risk of getting cancer or diabetes.

In one study, six preservatives were linked to higher cancer risk:

  • Sodium nitrite, found in bacon and deli meats, was linked to a 32% higher risk of prostate cancer.

  • Potassium nitrate was tied to a 22% higher risk of breast cancer.

  • Potassium sorbate, acetates, acetic acid, and potassium metabisulfite (found in sauces, wine, baked goods, and cheese) also raised the risk of several cancers.

A second study looked at the risk of type 2 diabetes. It found that 12 preservatives raised the risk by up to 49%. These included many of the same ones linked to cancer, along with others like calcium propionate, citric acid, and phosphoric acid, which are used in soft drinks and processed foods.

Some of these preservatives come from natural sources like vitamin C or vinegar. But when used in processed foods, they may affect the body differently.

Experts say more research is needed. Still, they recommend eating more fresh, whole foods and fewer processed products.

Choosing fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals may help lower your risk.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.