12/16/25 - #544

Author

Health Horizon. Herald Staff
December 16, 2025

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • San Francisco Sues Nation's Top Food Manufacturers Over Ultraprocessed Foods

  • WHO Backs Use of GLP-1 Therapies for Obesity, Warns Access Will Remain Limited

  • People Worldwide Don’t Know Enough About Menopause. Here’s Why That’s Dangerous

  • If You Sleep In This 1 Position, Doctors Say You Need To Stop Immediately

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

San Francisco Sues Nation's Top Food Manufacturers Over Ultraprocessed Foods

San Francisco is suing some of the biggest food companies in the country. The city says ultraprocessed foods are making people sick and causing a public health crisis. The lawsuit names companies like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills. These brands make popular products like Oreo cookies, Cheerios, and Lunchables.

City Attorney David Chiu says these foods are made to make people overeat. “They changed food into something harmful,” Chiu said. “Now they must take responsibility.”

Ultraprocessed foods include chips, candy, sodas, energy drinks, and some cereals. These items often use cheap ingredients that are changed in labs. Many do not contain real whole foods.

Studies link these foods to serious diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, and even some cancers. A recent report from the CDC says most Americans now get over half their calories from ultraprocessed foods.

The lawsuit says the companies broke California laws by using misleading ads and making the health crisis worse. San Francisco wants the court to stop companies from targeting children with ads. The city also wants them to teach people about the health risks and help pay for health care costs caused by their products.

Some experts agree with the lawsuit. Dr. Kim Newell-Green from UCSF says the research is clear: these foods are linked to many health problems.

This lawsuit follows California’s new law to remove some of these foods from school meals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not give medical advice.

WEIGHT LOSS

WHO Backs Use of GLP-1 Therapies for Obesity, Warns Access Will Remain Limited

The World Health Organization (WHO) now supports the use of GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity. These medicines—like semaglutide (Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and liraglutide—help people feel full longer and eat less. WHO says they can be part of long-term care for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

However, these drugs are not for pregnant women. And even though they work best when paired with healthy eating and regular activity, access to them is still very limited. WHO warns that by 2030, fewer than 10% of the people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs will be able to get them.

Obesity affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. WHO says the total cost of obesity may reach $3 trillion per year by 2030. That’s why they want governments to help make these treatments available to those most at risk.

In September, WHO also added semaglutide and tirzepatide to its list of essential medicines for treating type 2 diabetes. Now, with this new guideline, the agency is pushing to use these same drugs to help with weight loss too.

WHO plans to work with countries and health groups in 2026 to improve access for those in greatest need.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medicine or treatment.

HEALTH

People Worldwide Don’t Know Enough About Menopause. Here’s Why That’s Dangerous

Menopause is a normal part of aging, but many people don’t understand it—and that can lead to serious problems.

Menopause usually happens between ages 45 and 55, when a woman’s period stops for good. It can also happen earlier due to surgery or illness. Before menopause, women go through perimenopause, when hormones start to change. This can cause hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and irregular periods.

Most women say they were never taught about menopause in school. Many also say their doctors didn’t give them enough help. Because of this, they often feel confused and alone.

While hot flashes and night sweats are common, other symptoms are less known. Women may have joint pain, chest pain, memory problems, hair loss, or weight gain. These can be scary if you don’t know they’re linked to menopause.

Menopause also raises the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, bone loss, and depression. That’s why it's important to understand what’s happening and make healthy changes—like eating well, moving more, and getting good sleep.

Hormone therapy (HRT) can help some women, but it’s not available or affordable for everyone. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising, and managing stress can also ease symptoms.

Experts say we need better education for both women and doctors. Learning about menopause early can help women feel more prepared and supported.

Menopause isn’t the end—it’s a new chapter. Women deserve to go through it with knowledge and care.

If You Sleep In This 1 Position, Doctors Say You Need To Stop Immediately

Do you wake up with numb hands, stiff shoulders, or tingling in your arms? It might be from the way you sleep.

Doctors warn about a common sleep position where people curl their arms up to their chest. Some call it the “T. rex” position. It may feel cozy, but it can hurt your nerves over time.

When your arms stay bent all night, it puts pressure on the nerves in your elbows and wrists. This can slow blood flow and cause numbness, tingling, or pain. If this happens often, it may lead to long-term nerve damage.

Warning signs include:

  • Numb or tingly hands

  • Weak grip

  • Dropping things often

  • Shoulder or arm pain in the morning

Stress or poor sleep can also make your body curl up while sleeping. Your nervous system may feel like it needs to protect you, even during rest.

You can’t control how you move while asleep, but you can make small changes to help. Try wrapping a towel around your elbow to stop it from bending too much. Use a wrist brace if needed. Hug a body pillow or place a small pillow between your arms and chest.

Sleeping with your arms straight or slightly bent by your side is best. It helps blood flow and protects your nerves.

You don’t need a full sleep makeover. Just a few small changes can help your body feel better in the morning—and prevent bigger problems later.

✢ 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.