05/05/25 - #383

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Eating More Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Early Death

• US Sees Disproportionate Increase in Body Mass Index Rates of More Than 60. In the Past 20 Years, the Average Rate of Obesity Among Americans Has Risen by Approximately 30%, but the Rate of Those With the Most Severe Forms of Obesity, or Those With a BMI of More Than 60 kg/m2, Increased by 210%

• Vaping Doubles Risk of Serious Lung Disease, Even Without Smoking History - Study

• Stomach Cancer Cases Are Rising Among Younger People, but There is Hope for Early Detection

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Eating More Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Early Death

A new study found that eating more ultra-processed foods may raise the risk of early death. These foods include chips, instant noodles, sweet cereals, and processed meats like sausage. They often have added sugar, salt, unhealthy fat, and artificial flavors.

The study looked at adults ages 30 to 69 from eight countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. It showed that when ultra-processed foods made up just 10% more of someone’s diet, their risk of early death went up by 2.7%.

Ultra-processed foods have been linked to heart disease, digestive problems, and Parkinson’s disease. Experts worry that people in low- and middle-income countries are now eating more of these foods. In high-income countries, these foods are already a large part of most diets.

Some researchers say more studies are needed to know if these foods directly cause early death. It’s possible that other things—like less exercise—may also play a role. But since these results were seen in many different countries, the link seems worth taking seriously.

Experts suggest cutting back on foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt. Most national health guidelines already recommend eating fewer of these foods. Instead, try to eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.

Even small changes to your diet could help improve your health over time.

Source: euronews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

US Sees Disproportionate Increase in Body Mass Index Rates of More Than 60. In the Past 20 Years, the Average Rate of Obesity Among Americans Has Risen by Approximately 30%, but the Rate of Those With the Most Severe Forms of Obesity, or Those With a BMI of More Than 60 kg/m2, Increased by 210%

In the past 20 years, obesity has become more common in the U.S., but a new study shows that the most extreme cases are growing at a much faster rate.

According to research from Pennington Biomedical, the number of Americans with a body mass index (BMI) of 60 or higher has jumped by 210% since 2004. In comparison, the overall obesity rate rose by 30%. A BMI of 60 means a person is usually more than 200 pounds overweight.

This severe level of obesity can cause major health problems. People in this group often have trouble walking, face high medical bills, and are more likely to develop serious diseases. Many also need special equipment for treatment, as standard tools may not support their weight.

The study, published in The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology, is one of the first to focus on this group. It warns that people with BMIs this high face much greater health risks than those with mild or moderate obesity.

While new medications like GLP-1 drugs are being used to treat obesity, most studies on these drugs only include people with BMIs around 37 or 38. It's unclear how well they work for those with a BMI over 60.

Experts say this sharp increase should be a wake-up call. More support, better treatment, and new policies are needed to help this growing group of Americans facing severe obesity.

Source: pbrc.edu

HEALTH

Vaping Doubles Risk of Serious Lung Disease, Even Without Smoking History - Study

A new study from Oxford University has found that vaping can more than double your risk of serious lung disease, even if you’ve never smoked.

Researchers looked at people who only used vapes and had no history of smoking. These people were more than twice as likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. COPD is a serious lung disease that makes it hard to breathe and can cause long-term damage.

Dr. Stuart Jones, a lung expert, said this is one of the first studies to show clear proof that vaping by itself can cause lung disease. Earlier studies were less clear because many people who vaped had also smoked in the past.

This new study focused only on people who vaped but never smoked. While smoking still carries a higher risk of lung disease, vaping is not safe. The study also found that people who both vape and smoke—called dual users—had the highest risk of all. That’s because smoking and vaping hurt the lungs in different ways. When both are used together, the damage can be worse.

Dr. Jones warned, “If you don’t smoke, don’t start vaping. If you vape, don’t keep smoking.”

The main message is simple: Vaping is not harmless. It may be less risky than smoking, but it still puts your lungs in danger—especially if you do both.

Source: rnz.co.nz

Stomach Cancer Cases Are Rising Among Younger People, but There is Hope for Early Detection

Stomach cancer is being found earlier, and that’s good news. New tools now help doctors see small tumors before the cancer spreads. This means more people can get treatment early, when it works best.

From 2004 to 2021, early-stage stomach cancer cases went up. Before, most cases were found too late. Now, doctors use thin tubes with tiny cameras, called endoscopes, to check the stomach. These give a clearer view and help spot cancer sooner.

More people under 50 are being diagnosed. Doctors aren’t sure why, but some tumors are found during tests for other health problems.

Stomach cancer can be hard to notice at first. Warning signs include: heartburn that won’t go away, belly pain, a lot of burping, cramps, weight loss without trying, and anemia (low red blood cells).

Experts think the U.S. should start regular stomach cancer screening, like in Japan and South Korea. There, people over 40 get tested every two years. Early screening could save more lives.

In 2025, about 26,500 people in the U.S. may be diagnosed with stomach cancer, and over 10,000 may die from it. But if found early, the five-year survival rate is 77%. If it’s found late, the survival rate drops to around 36%.

If you have ongoing stomach problems or a family history of cancer, talk to your doctor. Catching stomach cancer early gives you a much better chance of beating it.

Early detection saves lives. Don’t ignore the signs.

Source: nbcnews.com

✢ 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.