07/29/25 - #444

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Popular Sugar Substitute (Erythritol) Linked to Brain Cell Damage and Stroke Risk

  • World-first Obesity Pill Reprograms Fat Cells in Mice to Burn Calories With Zero Effort | the First Human-tested Weight-loss Drug That Burns Calories Through Creatine-based Heat Generation, Without Reducing Appetite, Has Successfully Completed Its Phase I Trial

  • A Meta-analysis Shows That Even Taking 7,000 Steps Per Day Can Lower a Person’s Risk of Disease | Hitting a 7,000-step Target Was Linked With a 25 Percent Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease, a 37 Percent Lower Risk of Dying From Cancer, and a 38 Percent Lower Risk of Dementia

  • Future Doctors in Crisis: Inside Rising Anxiety, Depression & Suicidal Thoughts Among US Medical Students While Support Lags Behind

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Popular Sugar Substitute (Erythritol) Linked to Brain Cell Damage and Stroke Risk

Erythritol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free and low-carb foods. It’s in things like diet sodas, keto snacks, and protein bars. Many people use it because it has almost no calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar. It’s often used by people with diabetes or those trying to lose weight.

But new research from the University of Colorado Boulder says erythritol may not be as safe as people think. In a lab study, scientists found that even small amounts of erythritol can hurt the cells that line blood vessels in the brain. This can cause the vessels to tighten, form clots, and become inflamed. These changes could raise the risk of having a stroke.

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, showed that the cells made less of a chemical that relaxes blood vessels and more of one that makes them tighten. The cells also had a harder time breaking down clots and made more harmful molecules called free radicals.

Erythritol was approved by the FDA in 2001 and is still used in many foods today. But this new research suggests that people should be careful. The scientists say more research is needed, especially in real people, not just in labs.

Until then, it may be smart to check food labels. Look for “erythritol” or “sugar alcohol” in the ingredients. If you eat a lot of these products, it might be worth cutting back to help lower any possible risk.

WEIGHT LOSS

World-first Obesity Pill Reprograms Fat Cells in Mice to Burn Calories With Zero Effort | the First Human-tested Weight-loss Drug That Burns Calories Through Creatine-based Heat Generation, Without Reducing Appetite, Has Successfully Completed Its Phase I Trial

A new pill called SANA may help people lose weight by making their fat cells burn more calories—even while resting. This drug does not work by cutting appetite like other weight-loss drugs. Instead, it heats up fat cells and boosts how the body uses energy.

Scientists in Uruguay created SANA. In a recent human trial with 44 people, those who took the highest dose lost about 3% of their body weight in just two weeks. Their blood sugar also improved. People did not lose muscle, and their appetite stayed the same.

The pill works by turning on a part of the body’s energy system called the creatine cycle. This system usually helps muscles, but SANA uses it to make fat cells burn more energy. It even works on white fat—the kind most adults have.

In mouse studies, the drug helped mice lose weight without changing their food or activity. It also kept their muscles strong. The drug forms a strong bond in the body that may last longer than other pills, meaning fewer doses could be needed.

SANA is different from drugs like Ozempic. It doesn’t change hormones. Instead, it changes how fat cells work. That could help people with slow metabolisms.

There were no serious side effects in the trial, but more testing is needed. A larger study will start later in 2025 and include people with type 2 diabetes.

SANA may become a new option for people who need help losing weight.

HEALTH

A Meta-analysis Shows That Even Taking 7,000 Steps Per Day Can Lower a Person’s Risk of Disease | Hitting a 7,000-step Target Was Linked With a 25 Percent Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease, a 37 Percent Lower Risk of Dying From Cancer, and a 38 Percent Lower Risk of Dementia

You don’t need 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy. A new study shows that just 7,000 steps can still make a big difference.

Researchers looked at results from 57 different studies. They found that people who walked 7,000 steps a day had much lower health risks than those who only walked 2,000 steps. The 7,000-step group had:

  • 25% lower risk of heart disease

  • 37% lower risk of dying from cancer

  • 38% lower risk of dementia

Even walking 4,000 steps a day showed a 36% lower risk of death from any cause. That means small changes still help.

Many people aim for 10,000 steps, but experts say that number isn’t based on science. In fact, 7,000 steps may be easier for older adults and still give major benefits. Walking more than 7,000 steps can help even more, but the extra benefit is smaller.

You don’t need a gym or fancy workout. Just moving more each day can help. Try walking after meals, parking farther away, or taking the stairs. These small actions add up.

The most important thing is to move more than you do now. Every step counts. Even starting from a low number of steps can lower your chances of serious health problems.

So don’t stress about hitting 10,000. Set a goal you can stick to. Walking 7,000 steps a day is a strong start to a healthier life.

Future Doctors in Crisis: Inside Rising Anxiety, Depression & Suicidal Thoughts Among US Medical Students While Support Lags Behind

The mental health of U.S. medical students is getting worse. A new study looked at over 5,000 medical students from 2018 to 2023 and found sharp increases in anxiety and depression.

In 2018, about 1 in 5 students showed signs of anxiety. By 2023, that number had grown to 1 in 3. Depression rates nearly doubled during the same period. More students are also seeking counseling—jumping from just under 7% in 2018 to nearly 24% in 2023.

Medical students face unique stress. Long hours, heavy workloads, and pressure to perform well all take a toll. On top of that, events like the COVID-19 pandemic have added even more strain. While more students are reaching out for help, many still don’t. Barriers like stigma, time, cost, and fear of judgment may stop them from getting the care they need.

Suicidal thoughts remained steady at around 7%, which is still deeply concerning. Medical students are at higher risk because they often have the skills and access to follow through.

Experts say it’s time for medical schools to do more. Support programs shouldn’t just be short-term fixes—they should be built into the school system for the long run. Creating a safe and supportive environment could protect future doctors and the patients they care for.

Medical students are the future of healthcare. It’s time we take better care of them.

✢ 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.