12/09/25 - #539

Author

Health Horizon. Herald Staff
December 09, 2025

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Precancerous Polyps, Study Finds

  • 5 Things to Know About the New Obesity Pills That Are on the Way

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy Will No Longer Carry a Warning Label, FDA Says

  • Whooping Cough Cases Skyrocket in Texas, Quadrupling Last Year's Numbers

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Precancerous Polyps, Study Finds

A new study shows that eating more ultra-processed foods may raise the risk of getting colon polyps before age 50. These polyps, called adenomas, can turn into cancer over time.

Researchers followed over 29,000 women for 24 years. Every few years, the women reported what they ate and had at least one colon exam before turning 50. Women who got about one-third of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods were 1.5 times more likely to get adenomas than women who ate the least.

Ultra-processed foods include packaged snacks, sweet drinks, sauces, and processed meats. They are often high in sugar, fat, and additives. Diets highest in sugar and artificial sweeteners were linked to the greatest risk.

Doctors think these foods may harm the gut and cause inflammation. This can make it harder for the body to stop polyps from turning into cancer. These foods are also linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, which raise cancer risk too.

Most polyps do not turn into cancer, but almost all colon cancers start as polyps. That’s why doctors remove them during colon exams.

This study only included women, but experts believe the results may also apply to men. With colon cancer rising in younger adults, cutting back on ultra-processed foods could help lower the risk.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your diet, screenings, or cancer risk.

WEIGHT LOSS

5 Things to Know About the New Obesity Pills That Are on the Way

Millions use weekly shots like Wegovy and Zepbound to lose weight, but new daily pills could soon offer an easier option. Here’s what to know:

1. Two pills are likely coming soon Novo Nordisk is developing a pill with the same ingredient as Wegovy, just in a higher dose. Eli Lilly’s pill uses a different ingredient called orforglipron. Both pills are being tested to help treat obesity.

2. Pills are taken daily, not weekly The new pills must be taken every day. Novo’s pill needs an empty stomach and a special coating to help it work. Eli Lilly’s pill doesn’t have food or water rules and is easier to take.

3. Both help with weight loss In studies, Novo’s pill helped people lose about 16.6% of their body weight—similar to Wegovy. Lilly’s pill led to about 12.4% weight loss. Side effects like nausea and diarrhea were common in both.

4. Pills should cost less Pills are usually cheaper than shots. Both companies plan to offer pills for $149/month without insurance if approved. That’s much lower than the $1,000+ list price for injectables. With insurance, costs could be even less.

5. FDA decisions are coming soon Novo’s pill may be approved by the end of the year. Lilly’s pill could follow in 2026. More new drugs are already in development, which could improve options and pricing over time.

HEALTH

Hormone Replacement Therapy Will No Longer Carry a Warning Label, FDA Says

The FDA says hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause will no longer carry a black box warning. That warning used to list serious risks like breast cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. But experts now say the warning was based on old research that doesn’t match how HRT is used today.

HRT helps women manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, poor sleep, vaginal dryness, and bone loss. It replaces hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which drop during menopause. HRT comes as pills, patches, creams, and gels.

Doctors say the black box warning scared many women away from using a treatment that could help them feel better. Newer studies show that today’s HRT is safer, especially when started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause.

The FDA says risk details will still appear in the fine print. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is considered very safe. Systemic estrogen (like pills or patches) may carry small risks, especially with long-term use. That’s why doctors recommend talking with your doctor about the type and dose that’s right for you.

For women who can’t or don’t want to use hormones, there are other options like non-hormonal drugs and talk therapy.

Doctors hope this change will help more women get relief without fear. As one woman shared, “It felt like all the parts of my brain came alive again.”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any treatment.

Whooping Cough Cases Skyrocket in Texas, Quadrupling Last Year's Numbers

Texas is seeing a big jump in whooping cough cases this year. More than 3,500 cases have been reported—four times more than at this point last year, according to state health officials.

This is the second year in a row with a large increase. Across the U.S., cases have also gone up. In 2024, the country saw six times more cases than in 2023. Numbers are still high in 2025, but they’ve started to drop since a peak last winter.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious illness caused by bacteria. It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. At first, it may seem like a cold, but the coughing can last for weeks or even months. Taking antibiotics early can help make the illness less serious.

Health experts say the rise in cases is partly due to falling vaccination rates. About 92.1% of kindergarteners were vaccinated in the 2024–25 school year—down from around 95% before the pandemic.

While Texas has the most cases, other states with high rates include Nebraska, Idaho, Oregon, and Hawaii. Doctor visits and hospital stays are still lower than last winter, but officials are watching closely.

Staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others, especially older adults and young children.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your health and vaccine needs.

✢ 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.