06/20/25 - #417

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • UK Government Dropped Health Push After Lobbying by Ultra-processed Food Firms | Ultra-processed Foods

  • Real-world Results for GLP-1 Drugs Underwhelm, Study Says

  • Measles Vaccination Rates in Children Have Declined in Most U.S. Counties, Study Finds

  • Vegetarian or Vegan Diets Could Reduce Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Type A1C (HbA1c) 36%, Low-density-lipoprotein Cholesterol 0.16 mmol/L, and Body Mass Index 0.94 kg/m2 in a Population With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Finds

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

UK Government Dropped Health Push After Lobbying by Ultra-processed Food Firms | Ultra-processed Foods

In 2023, the UK government changed its advice to stores about promoting healthy food. The original plan encouraged stores to offer deals on healthy, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fresh meat, and fish. These discounts were meant to help families eat better and improve public health.

But large food companies, including Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Mars, didn’t like this plan. Their group, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), sent many emails to government officials. They asked the government to remove the advice about promoting minimally processed foods. The companies said it made processed foods sound unhealthy.

After months of pressure, the government gave in. In June 2023, it removed the advice. Now, the rules only mention promoting “healthier options,” which can include some ultra-processed foods like energy drinks, cereal bars, and frozen meals. Experts say this change is a problem because these foods are still high in sugar, salt, and fat.

Many health groups are upset. They say this decision helps food companies make more money instead of helping people stay healthy. In the UK, about half of the average person’s diet is made up of ultra-processed foods. For poorer people, it can be as high as 80%.

Studies show that eating a lot of ultra-processed food can raise the risk of obesity, heart disease, and early death. Health experts say promoting real, whole foods is key to building a healthier nation.

WEIGHT LOSS

Real-world Results for GLP-1 Drugs Underwhelm, Study Says

A new study shows that weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound may not work as well in real life as they did in early trials.

Researchers looked at almost 7,900 patients with obesity at the Cleveland Clinic. About 6,100 took semaglutide (like Ozempic or Wegovy) and the rest took tirzepatide (Zepbound). After one year, the average weight loss was just under 9%.

That’s much lower than the 15% to 21% weight loss seen in earlier clinical trials.

Why the difference? Many people stopped taking the medicine early or were given lower doses. Those who quit early lost less than 4% of their weight. People who stayed on the drug lost about 12%. Those who stayed on high doses lost the most—up to 14% with semaglutide and 18% with tirzepatide.

The study also showed that more than 80% of patients were given lower maintenance doses, which led to less weight loss.

Cost, side effects, insurance problems, and drug shortages were common reasons for stopping treatment.

The drugs also helped people with prediabetes. About 68% of patients who stayed on their medicine had normal blood sugar after a year. Only 33% of early stoppers saw that result.

Doctors say these drugs can work, but staying on them and getting the right dose is key.

A new study is being planned to find out more about why people stop taking GLP-1 drugs. Talk to your doctor to see if these medicines are right for you.

HEALTH

Measles Vaccination Rates in Children Have Declined in Most U.S. Counties, Study Finds

A new study shows that childhood measles vaccination rates have gone down in most U.S. counties since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University looked at data from 33 states and found that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine rate dropped from 93.9% in the 2017–2018 school year to 91.3% in 2023–2024.

Out of 2,066 counties studied, 78% showed a decrease in vaccination rates. Only four states—California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York—saw an increase. Experts say these drops make some areas more at risk for measles outbreaks.

Measles is a very contagious disease that can cause serious health problems or even death. The MMR vaccine is safe and works well to protect against it. To stop measles from spreading, health experts say at least 95% of people in a community need to be vaccinated. Many counties now fall below this level.

The CDC says that 96% of people who got measles in 2024 were either not vaccinated or their vaccine status was unknown. In West Texas, where vaccination rates in some counties are just over 80%, the largest outbreak is happening.

Health officials warn that low vaccination levels can lead to more cases in the future. They are urging parents and communities to make sure children are up to date on their vaccines to help protect everyone.

Vegetarian or Vegan Diets Could Reduce Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Type A1C (HbA1c) 36%, Low-density-lipoprotein Cholesterol 0.16 mmol/L, and Body Mass Index 0.94 kg/m2 in a Population With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Finds

A new study shows that vegetarian and vegan diets may help people with type 2 diabetes improve their health. These diets focus on eating mostly plant foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Vegetarian diets may include eggs and dairy, while vegan diets do not include any animal products.

Researchers looked at nine studies with 681 adults who have type 2 diabetes. They found that people who followed a vegetarian or vegan diet had lower A1C levels. A1C is a blood test that shows average blood sugar levels over the past few months. The diets helped lower A1C by 0.36%, which can help with better blood sugar control.

People on these diets also lowered their LDL cholesterol, known as “bad” cholesterol, by 0.16 mmol/L. They also lost some weight, with a drop of 0.94 points in their body mass index (BMI).

The most benefit was seen in people who followed the diet for at least 12 weeks. Vegan diets showed slightly better results than vegetarian diets.

However, the diets did not lead to big changes in blood pressure or fasting blood sugar.

This study suggests that plant-based diets may be a good way to help manage type 2 diabetes. These diets can help lower blood sugar, improve cholesterol, and support weight loss.

Before making any major diet changes, it’s important to talk with your doctor or a dietitian. A healthy eating plan can be a key part of managing diabetes.

✢ 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.