12/02/25 - #534

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Ultra-processed Food Linked to Harm in Every Major Human Organ, Study Finds. World’s Largest Scientific Review Warns Consumption of UPFs Poses Seismic Threat to Global Health and Wellbeing

• New Clinical Trial Involving More Than 1,600 People With Type 2 Diabetes Has Found That a GLP-1 Pill Form of the Drug Orforglipron is Similarly Effective for Weight Loss as Injectable Semaglutide Such as Ozempic

• 'California Sober' Strategy --smoking Weed -- Might Reduce Drinking. Smoking Marijuana Might Lead People to Drink Less, at Least in the Short Term. Exposure to THC Caused People to Imbibe Fewer Drinks and Delay Their Alcohol Intake, Researchers Found in a Series of Laboratory Experiments

• Root Canal Treatment Could Significantly Lower Blood Sugar Levels, Suggesting It Could Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes. Dentists Also Saw Improvements in Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Levels. Given Broader Health Impact of Tooth Infections, Oral Health Should Be Integrated Into General Healthcare

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Ultra-processed Food Linked to Harm in Every Major Human Organ, Study Finds. World’s Largest Scientific Review Warns Consumption of UPFs Poses Seismic Threat to Global Health and Wellbeing

A large scientific review has found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may harm every major organ in the human body. Researchers looked at 104 long-term studies. Of these, 92 found that UPFs were linked to a higher risk of diseases like heart problems, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, and early death.

UPFs include foods like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, and fast food. These foods are made using artificial colors, flavors, and additives. They are often high in calories but low in nutrients.

In countries like the U.S. and U.K., more than half of the average person’s diet now comes from UPFs. For some people—especially those who are younger or have lower incomes—UPFs make up as much as 80% of what they eat.

Experts say UPFs are designed to replace fresh, healthy foods. Big companies push these products through heavy advertising and try to block rules that would limit their sale.

The authors of the study say action is needed now. They suggest warning labels on packages, limits on advertising to children, and banning UPFs from schools and hospitals. Brazil’s school food program has already removed most UPFs and plans to require 90% fresh or minimally processed foods by 2026.

While some scientists want more research, the authors argue the current evidence is strong.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

Source: theguardian.com

WEIGHT LOSS

New Clinical Trial Involving More Than 1,600 People With Type 2 Diabetes Has Found That a GLP-1 Pill Form of the Drug Orforglipron is Similarly Effective for Weight Loss as Injectable Semaglutide Such as Ozempic

A new study found that a weight-loss pill called orforglipron works about as well as shots like Ozempic. The pill was tested in over 1,600 people with type 2 diabetes. People in the study took the pill every day for 72 weeks.

Those who took the highest dose lost about 9.6% of their body weight—around 23 pounds. That’s close to the weight loss seen with injectable drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic). People also saw better blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart health. Common side effects were mild and included nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic copy a natural hormone your body makes after eating. This hormone helps you feel full, lowers blood sugar, and slows digestion. Until now, these drugs had to be injected because they break down in the stomach.

Orforglipron is different. It’s not a peptide, so it can be taken by mouth as a pill. In an earlier study, people without diabetes lost over 12% of their body weight with this pill.

Doctors say this pill could be a good option for people who don’t like shots. It may also cost less and be easier to get through insurance.

The pill could be available by 2026 if approved by the FDA.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not offer medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making changes to your medications or health routine.

Source: sciencealert.com

HEALTH

'California Sober' Strategy --smoking Weed -- Might Reduce Drinking. Smoking Marijuana Might Lead People to Drink Less, at Least in the Short Term. Exposure to THC Caused People to Imbibe Fewer Drinks and Delay Their Alcohol Intake, Researchers Found in a Series of Laboratory Experiments

A new study shows that smoking marijuana might help people drink less alcohol—at least for a short time.

This idea is called being “California sober.” It means avoiding alcohol and hard drugs but still using marijuana. Some people say this helps them stay more in control.

In the study, 157 adults ages 21 to 44 who drank a lot and used weed often went to a lab three times. Each time, they smoked a different kind of joint—one with strong THC, one with weak THC, and one with no THC.

After smoking, they could drink their favorite alcohol for two hours. Or, they could earn $3 for every drink they turned down.

People who smoked THC weed drank less than when they smoked fake weed. Those who smoked stronger weed (7.2% THC) drank about 27% less. They also waited longer to take their first sip.

The study suggests that THC might lower the urge to drink in the moment. But it’s still not clear what happens over time.

Researchers warn that this isn’t a green light to swap weed for alcohol. Marijuana can also be addictive. And for some people, using both weed and alcohol together may increase the risk of harm.

The team is now studying what happens when weed and alcohol are used at the same time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always talk to a doctor before making changes to your health or habits.

Source: upi.com

Root Canal Treatment Could Significantly Lower Blood Sugar Levels, Suggesting It Could Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes. Dentists Also Saw Improvements in Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Levels. Given Broader Health Impact of Tooth Infections, Oral Health Should Be Integrated Into General Healthcare

A new study found that getting a root canal may help more than just your teeth. It could improve your overall health too.

Researchers followed 65 people for two years after they had root canal treatment. They found that many people had lower blood sugar levels. This could mean a lower risk for type 2 diabetes. The study also showed better cholesterol and fatty acid levels, which are linked to heart health. Inflammation in the body also went down.

Infected teeth can let bacteria into the blood. This can cause inflammation and make it harder for the body to control sugar and fat. A root canal clears the infection, which may help stop this problem.

Dr. Sadia Niazi, a dental expert in London, said, “It’s not just about fixing a tooth. Taking care of your mouth helps protect your whole body.”

Root canals are common. About 15 million are done each year in the U.S. In England, half of adults aged 55 to 74 have had one. Still, many people around the world live with untreated tooth problems. Experts say that mouth health should be part of regular medical care.

The study shows how important it is to visit your dentist and treat problems early. A healthy mouth may help protect you from serious illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Talk to your doctor or dentist before making any health decisions.

Source: theguardian.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.