Good morning. In today’s edition:

• From Anxiety to Cancer, the Evidence Against Ultra-processed Food Piles Up

• We Live in the Economy of Ozempic

• U.S. Measles Cases This Year Have Already Surpassed the 2023 Total

• Working Outside the Typical 9-5 in Younger Adulthood May Be Linked With Worse Health Decades Later. Employees With Volatile Work Schedules Early in Their Career Had Worse Sleep and More Depressive Symptoms at Age 50

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

From Anxiety to Cancer, the Evidence Against Ultra-processed Food Piles Up

We often eat ultra-processed foods. But, these foods are linked to serious health issues. These issues include anxiety, depression, and cancer. These foods are heavily altered from their natural form. They are full of additives like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. You wouldn't use them at home.

A large study looked at over nine million people's eating habits. It found that those who ate many ultra-processed foods had higher risks. The risks included mood problems, obesity, certain cancers, and early death. In the U.S., more than half of all daily calories come from these kinds of foods.

The research shows a link between eating many ultra-processed foods and health problems. But, it doesn't prove these foods are the direct cause. However, the evidence strongly suggests these foods can hurt our health. For example, another study found that eating many ultra-processed foods could triple the risk of colorectal cancer. This is compared to eating them rarely.

Health guidelines suggest eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They say to eat these instead of processed and refined foods. This advice isn't just about cutting calories. It's also about avoiding harmful substances. These are often found in packaged foods.

Growing evidence indicates that cutting down on ultra-processed foods can improve our health. Making better food choices could greatly enhance our well-being. More research shows that eating less processed food could help us live healthier.

Source: npr.org

WEIGHT LOSS

We Live in the Economy of Ozempic

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They're changing more than just health. They're reshaping the economy. Sales of these drugs shot up by 300% between 2020 and 2022, with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk boosting their popularity. These medications were first made to treat type 2 diabetes but are now often used to help people lose weight by making them feel less hungry.

This drop in hunger is affecting businesses, especially in the food and restaurant industries. For example, Walmart noticed that they were selling less food because more people were using these weight loss drugs. Analysts from Morgan Stanley think that by 2035, there might be a 3% decrease in sales of snacks like soda, cookies, and chips.

People are also changing how they spend their money. Instead of daily snacks at places like Starbucks or Chipotle, those on these drugs might cut back, impacting the economy. The money saved on food is often spent on healthier options like gym memberships or organic groceries.

These drugs help people eat less. They might also cut medical costs linked to obesity and create a healthier workforce. This could help the economy grow.

The use of these drugs is rising. Businesses are adapting, and the economies and health are changing. This "Economy of Ozempic" highlights how closely health and economy are connected.

Source: healthnews.com

HEALTH

U.S. Measles Cases This Year Have Already Surpassed the 2023 Total

This year, the United States has seen more measles cases in just three months than in all of 2023. The spike is mostly due to outbreaks in places like Chicago, Florida, and Philadelphia.

As of late March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted 64 measles cases across 17 states, more than last year's 59. The outbreaks have hit hard. They hit especially hard at a Chicago migrant shelter, a Florida elementary school, and a Philadelphia children's hospital.

Most cases this year came from travel abroad. They affected children who hadn’t received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This vaccine is very effective, preventing the disease 97% of the time after two doses. Yet, the CDC warns that areas with low vaccination rates are more at risk for outbreaks.

Chicago has seen 33 cases, with 22 among children under five. Pennsylvania had nine cases earlier, while Florida now reports 11, though its school outbreak has ended.

Measles spreads very easily; an infected person can pass it to nearly everyone nearby who isn’t immune. Despite a severe increase in 2019, this year’s numbers haven’t reached those levels yet.

Vaccination is crucial. It has kept measles largely under control since it was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Still, vaccination rates have fallen recently. The CDC stresses that staying up to date on vaccinations is the best way to protect ourselves and others from measles.

Source: nbcnews.com

Working Outside the Typical 9-5 in Younger Adulthood May Be Linked With Worse Health Decades Later. Employees With Volatile Work Schedules Early in Their Career Had Worse Sleep and More Depressive Symptoms at Age 50

For many adults, the impact of their early work schedules might come as a surprise. A recent study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979. It has shown how work hours in youth can affect health by age 50. The analysis revealed that people who worked unpredictable hours from ages 22 to 49 had worse sleep. They also had more depressive symptoms later in life.

The study found five main patterns of work hours over these years. They had the most stable, traditional hours. They reported the best health at 50. By contrast, they initially worked standard hours. But, then they shifted to erratic schedules. They reported the worst sleep. They also reported the highest levels of depressive symptoms.

This research highlights the long-term effects of nonstandard work schedules. These schedules include evening and night shifts. They disrupt normal sleep and stress mental health. The study also noted that people from less advantaged social positions were more affected by these irregular work hours. This was particularly true for those with lower education and minorities. They tended to have worse health outcomes. This suggests a compounded disadvantage over their lives.

These findings are crucial. They help us understand how early career choices about work hours can affect long-term health. It emphasizes the need for policies that protect workers from the health impacts of irregular work schedules. They should also support workers who might be more vulnerable due to their social and economic position.

Source: journals.plos.org

✢ 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.